June/July 2025 | Volume 19, Issue 3
TANGI lifestyles TANGI lifestyles
IT’S SUMMERTIME!! We love the excitement of summer, and as is our tradition, we’ll kick it off with our June/July issue of Tangi Lifestyles featuring the Tangipahoa Parish Chamber of Commerce’s Annie Awards’ recipients. In this issue we also feature an inspiring story of a family hobby turned to local cheese-maker, local businesses making their mark, a local amateur polo winner, the impact CAS has on our youth, fun Father’s Day quotes, and more. Each issue of Tangi Lifestyles is just a small sample of the great things here in Tangipahoa. Thank you for joining us as we appreciate and celebrate the place we all choose to call home!
We encourage our readers to remember Summer is often a slower time for local businesses. With many folks traveling for vacation or to visit family, our local businesses miss your business. Remember to shop and eat locally whenever you can this summer. Amazon is easy, but local businesses keep our community vibrant. Northshore Media Group will always use our platforms to support local everything. Please promote local with us.
Finally, it’s hurricane season. None of us want a storm, but should one be served to us, know that our Northshore Media Group radio stations are the only broadcast media dedicated to our area. We dedicate 4 of our 13 stations to cover Tangipahoa – KAJUN 107.1, TANGI 96.5 and BOSS 97.7fm/1400am. In the crucial 48-72 hours after an extreme weather event, electricity, cell phones and internet are typically inoperable.
Our radio stations have backup power and provide constant live updates on resources and recovery efforts here at home. We encourage everyone to have a battery or hand-crank radio for their hurricane preparedness kit (make sure you have good batteries). We have served the residents of Tangipahoa and the surrounding parishes for decades and are proud to continue that legacy. Thank you for your support.
PUBLISHER
Northshore Media Group
Angela Blake
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS
Johnny Chauvin
Riyen Helg
Gabby Acosta
Danielle Wilkinson
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Eloise Cottrell
Charles Dowdy
Nick Gagliano
Dayne Commander
Drew Barzenick
Brian Shirey
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Erin Bolton
Debi Menasco
Bethany Beougher
Cindy Nichols Hayley Perez
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
Media Group
200 East Thomas St. Hammond, LA 70401 985.345.0060
June/July 2025 Volume 19, Issue 3 On the Cover:
Sherman Mack and his team at Mack Law Firm celebrate a twenty-five year milestone with a bright future ahead. Mack Law Firm has a solid reputation and is one of the largest law firms in the Twenty First Judicial District which covers Tangipahoa, Livingston and St. Helena Parishes. Read more on page 8.
Tangi Lifestyles is a bi-monthly publication produced by Northshore Broadcasting, 200 East Thomas Street, Hammond, LA 70401. All rights reserved. Tangi Lifestyles is staffproduced and cannot be held responsible for any unsolicited materials. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork.
Cover photo by Riyen Helg
Northshore
Photo by Gabby Acosta
8. Cover Feature
Mack Law Firm State Representative Sherman Mack
13. 2025 Annie Honorees By Tangipahoa Chamber
22. Berry Hill Farm Will & Sandy Fleenor Farm-to-Table
26. Oasis Point Rehabilitation Hospital
30. StaleKracker Justin Chiasson Cajun Two Step
34. St. Tammany Hospital Cancer Research
38. Child Advocacy Services Searching for Local Volunteers
42.Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Always in Person
46.Air Products Keeping the Northshore Beautiful
50.Pastor Samuel C. Brown
Greater Mount Vernon Baptist Church
54.Savannah Watkins Rising Polo Star
56.5 Favorite Things Cally Berner
60.Father’s Day Favorite Memories
62. Seen & Heard
by
Photo
Danielle Wilkinson
JULY
2025 JUNE JUNE
6/23-27 — Painting With a Twist Art Camp 1-4 PM • paintingwithatwist.com/studio/hammond
ON-GOING EVENTS
6/6 — Annie Awards Luncheon SLU Student Union Ballroom 11AM • tangipahoachamber.org
6/7 — Planet in the Park - Free to Public 11A - 6P • Cate Square Park • Hammond
6/7 — Ponchatoula City-Wide Yardsale
6/9-13 — ARTisTRY Kids Summer Visual Arts Camp Hammond Regional Arts Center • hammondarts.org
6/9-13 — Painting With a Twist Art Camp 1-4PM • paintingwithatwist.com/studio/hammond
6/13 — Hammond Live Concert Series 5-8 PM • Cate Square Park • Hammond downtownhammondla.com
6/10 — Frances Chauvin Day Oak Knoll Country Club • 4:30-6:30 PM tangipahoachamber.org
6/12 — Tangipahoa Chamber Leads for Lunch 11:30-1 PM • tangipahoachamber.org
6/12 — Ponchatoula Chamber After Hours 5:30 PM • ponchatoulachamber.com
6/13-6/14 — Tangipahoa Parish Pro Rodeo & Music Fest Florida Parishes Arena • 7:30 PM • tangitourism.com
6/14 — Springfield Fireman’s Poker Run livingstontourism.com
6/16-20 — ARTisTRY Kids Summer Dance Camp Hammond Regional Arts Center • hammondarts.org
6/19 — Silent Book Club Bayou Booksellers & Gift Shoppe • 6-7 PM downtownhammondla.com
6/21 — TARC 1st Annual Cast Iron Cook-Off Southern Boys Outdoors • tarchammond.com
6/23-27 — ARTisTRY Kids Young Actors Camp Hammond Regional Arts Center • hammondarts.org
6/25 — Tangipahoa Professional Women’s Organization Luncheon SLU Alumni Center • 11:30-1 PM • tangipwo.org
6/26 — Open Mic Night Twin Steeples • 6-7 PM • twinsteeples.org
JULY
7/7-11 — Painting With a Twist Art Camp - 1-4 PM paintingwithatwist.com/studio/hammond
7/7-11 — Hammond Art Guild Summer Adult Art Camp Hammond Regional Arts Center hammondarts.org
7/10 — Tangipahoa Chamber Leads for Lunch 11:30-1PM • tangipahoachamber.org
7/10 — Ponchatoula Chamber After Hours 5:30 PM • Ponchatoula Rotary ponchatoulachamber.com
7/12 — Beast Trail Race Tickfaw State Park 6 AM - 10 PM livingstontourism.com
7/14-18 — Hammond Art Guild Summer Adult Art Camp Hammond Regional Arts Center hammondarts.org
7/17 — Silent Book Club Bayou Bayou Booksellers & Gift Shoppe 6-7 PM • downtownhammondla.com
7/18 — Hammond Live Concert Series 5-8 PM • Cate Square Park, Hammond downtownhammondla.com
7/21-25 — Painting With a Twist Art Camp • 1-4PM paintingwithatwist.com/studio/hammond
7/23 — Tangipahoa Professional Women’s Organization Luncheon The Oaks • 11:30-1PM • tangipwo.org
EVERY WEDNESDAY OF MONTH BINGO!
Ponchatoula Lions Club 5:30 - 9:30 PM • PonchatoulaChamber.com
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
Your Passport to Summer Reading Fun
A TWENTY-FIVE YEAR MILESTONE WITH A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD
Written by Nick Gagliano
On October 1, 2000, a young, 28-year-old lawyer decided to go into private practice, and Sherman Mack opened the Mack Law Firm in Albany, Louisiana.
“There were many who were skeptical and worried about my decision. My wife was pregnant, we were building a house, I was leaving my job at the Judge's Chambers, and renovating the office building all at the same time. It was definitely a Leap of Faith,” said Mack, “but I prayed about it, and with the help of my wife, we painted walls and laid carpet ourselves to get the office ready to open.”
Photos by Riyen Helg
Twenty-five years later, the original 900 square foot office with one lawyer has grown to over 4,000 square feet with seven lawyers. Mack Law Firm has a solid reputation and is one of the largest law firms in the Twenty First Judicial District which covers Tangipahoa, Livingston, and St. Helena Parishes.
“Our scope of practice has grown ranging from civil, business, and criminal litigation. With all clients we try to be a voice of reason and walk them through the process with realistic expectations,” said Mack.
Sherman Mack and his team of attorneys understand clients’ emotions when it comes to legal matters. It is very personal to each client, so the goal is to help them solve their problems and move forward with a fair and equitable resolution.
Outside of his law practice. Sherman Mack has a career in public service. He was elected in 2011 and served three terms in the Louisiana House of Representatives before being termed out. He was a Chairman of the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee during his second term in the legislature and led the fight to stop New Orleans from being declared a sanctuary city, and authored legislation strengthening our criminal justice system.
After his third term, Sherman was heavily pressured by Republican leadership to run for the state senate. “I respectfully declined as I wanted to spend some time with my family and in my law practice before running for another office.”
As the Mack Law Firm moves into the next 25 years, Sherman Mack feels the future is very bright. “I’m looking forward to practicing law and serving Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes in the public and private sectors. We live in a great community, and I want to make it even better for our local families and businesses.”
God and FamilyFirst
Even with a hugely successful law firm, Sherman Mack has always put God and family first.
“I know I am truly blessed, and there have been many times when I felt the Holy Spirit guiding me to make the right decision. There is a peace to knowing a power greater than any of us is directing our paths.”
Sherman and his wife, Angie, are parents to three sons. Chris is the Chief Deputy Marshal for the Seventh Ward Marshal’s Office. His son Chase is a recent graduate from SLU and will be a Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Agency Officer when he completes the academy this year. Their youngest son, Connor, is a student at St. Joseph Catholic School in Ponchatoula and can be found playing baseball and basketball throughout the year.
“My family has always been my source of strength. This past October, I lost my mother, Anne Berthelot Mack. It was a devastating blow. My mother was my rock. I miss her every day. Learning to cope with the grief of her passing has helped me understand others’ perspective, and I believe it has made me a better person.”
As time marches on, Sherman Mack is more determined to keep his family close while realizing a calling to make our community safer for all our families in the future.
Annie Award Honorees
The Tangipahoa Chamber of Commerce Annie Awards, established in 1998 in honor of the late Southeastern Louisiana Administrator Dr. Anne Ferguson, honor women who work in excellence and have a true servant’s heart for the community.
Proud to feature the Annie Award Honorees each year.
Photos by Riyen Helg
Since the inception of the Annie Awards, the Tangipahoa Chamber has honored over 80 women who excel in their respective realms of expertise and are shaping the future for our region.
Annie Award honorees are transformational leaders who embrace bold ideas, lead with gratitude, and invest in the next generation. Their community ties are strong, and their voices carry purpose, encouragement, and lasting influence.
The 2025 honorees will be recognized at the Tangipahoa Chamber Annie Awards Luncheon on Friday, June 6, at the Southeastern Louisiana University Student Union Grand Ballroom. North Oaks Health System serves as Presenting Sponsor for this popular luncheon that is open to business leaders and the community. Call the Tangipahoa Chamber at 985-345-4457 or visit Tangipahoachamber.org for ticket availability.
Glenda Ernest Dufreche
Glenda Ernest Dufreche, a lifelong resident of Tangipahoa Parish, graduated from Ponchatoula High School in 1963 and went on to earn multiple degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University. She received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1967, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in 1969, completed a Master’s +30 in 1971, and earned an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in 1982.
Mrs. Dufreche has devoted 57 years to the Tangipahoa Parish School System. She began teaching at Champ Cooper Elementary in 1967 and served as Supervisor of Elementary Grades and Kindergarten and Director of Special Education from 1974 until her retirement in 2006. After caring for her late mother, she returned to the classroom at Ponchatoula High School—what began as one day of substituting has turned into 17 years of continued service.
A dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities, she leads service-learning projects funded by the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation. Since 2017, her students have participated in beautification efforts and partnered with the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home to support residents through engaging activities. For eight years, she has successfully secured and implemented this grant to expand her students’ impact.
Through the Community-Based Vocational Instruction Program, students gain job experience at local businesses and practice vital life skills, such as shopping and mailing letters, throughout the parish. These initiatives reinforce their value and capabilities within the broader community.
Mrs. Dufreche’s exceptional service has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Outstanding Elementary of America Award, ARC Professional of the Year, and the 2025 Junior Auxiliary Woman of the Year.
She and her husband of 55 years, William S. Dufreche, former Tangipahoa Parish Assessor, treasure time with their extended family. Their home, especially during Christmas, reflects a life rooted in faith, family, and community.
Carlee White Gonzales
A lifelong resident of Hammond, Louisiana, Carlee White Gonzales, Esq., is deeply rooted in the values of community, service, and family legacy. A 2000 graduate of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, Carlee balanced academic excellence with athletic achievement, lettering in bask etball, volleyball, and track. She continued her education and athletic car eer at Loyola University New Orleans, earning a Bachelo r of Arts in Political Science in 2004 while competin g as a student-athlete on a basketball scholarship. Driven by her early ambition to practice law, she remained at Loyola to complete her Juris Doctorate in 2009.
Returning home to Tangipahoa Parish, Carlee reconnected with fellow STA graduate Ryan Gonzales. The couple married in 2013 and now enjoy life with their son, Frederic, a student at Southeastern’s Lab School.
In 2015, Carlee opened her private law practice, where she specializes in estate planning, trusts, a nd successions—guiding families through some of life’s most important transitions. Her entrepreneurial spi rit follows a proud family tradition, with ties to loca l landmarks such as the Toggery Shop, Magnolia Inn & Restaurant, and Whitmar Acres.
Carlee’s dedication to her community is evident in her public service and civic engagement. Elected to the Hammond City Council in 2019, she is now serving her second term. She also presides as president of the Tangipahoa Industrial Development Board. An active member of the Tangipahoa Chamber, Hammond Rotary, Kiwanis Club, SLU FeLions, and Tangipahoa Professional Women, she exemplifies community leadership.
Her contributions have earned her numerous honors, including the Junior Auxiliary Woman of the Year, Saint Thomas Aquinas Distinguished Alumna, and Northshore’s Forty Under 40.
Carlee remains a passionate supporter of Southeastern Louisiana University and is committed to advancing the prosperity of the Hammond community through her legal practice, public service, and civic involvement.
Stephanie Kropog
Stephanie Kropog’s love for Hammond began during her time as an Accounting major at Southeastern Louisiana University, where she graduated in 1986. After graduating, she spent 11 years commuting to Maison Blanche’s buying office in Baton Rouge, where she and her team made national headlines with the development of electronic gift cards. While based in Baton Rouge, her work frequently took her across the country for store openings and credit conversions.
While retail was fulfilling, Stephanie was drawn back to Hammond after learning of a job opportunity with the North Oaks Health System Marketing team. With 25 years in healthcare, she has been a steadfast leader in improving the lives of residents throughout Tangipahoa Parish. As Director of Provider Services, she recruits medical providers to serve the community and has earned recognition as Employee of the Month in 2009 and Leader of the Year in 2011.
Stephanie’s commitment to community extends to her work with Hammond Kiwanis, where she has served in various board roles since 2004. She has been honored as New Kiwanian of the Year, Kiwanian of the Year, and a Hixson Fellow for her service. She has also served on the Southeastern Alumni Association Board, including as both Secretary and President, and in 2023 received the Kathy L. Pittman Distinguished Service Award. Stephanie will begin her term with the Southeastern Foundation Board in July 2025.
Family is at the heart of Stephanie’s life. She and her husband of 37 years, Kenny, are the proud parents of Lane and Maddi, and grandparents to Edie, Sonny, and Birdie Jo.
Tina Roper
Tina Roper, Director of Workforce Development for Tangipahoa Parish, is committed to enhancing workforce engagement across the Geaux Jobs network in ten parish es. As President of the Louisiana Workforce Association, Tina has dedicated her career to public service, with a focus on ensuring those in need receive the services they deserve. Raised in a military family, Tina made Tangipahoa Parish her home after coming to Hammond for college. She earned a B.S. in Social Work from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1989 and a Master’s in Social Work from LSU in 1993.
She began her career in public service with the State of Louisiana’s Department of Health and Hospitals, later moving to St. Helena Parish Schools and the Recovery School District before returning home to serve as Workforce Director for Tangipahoa Parish.
Tina’s commitment extends to community service. In 2014, she helped establish the Hammond Youth Education Alliance to create afterschool and summer programs for local youth. She has coached youth sports, advocated for STEM education, and contributed to the Top 28 Marsh Madness Committee. Tina serves on several boards, including the Hammond Housing Authority, Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission, State Workforce Investment Council, and the Louisiana Rehabilitation Council. She is also a Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) Volleyball Official.
In her free time, Tina enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband, Chris Reed, have three children—Raymone, Cadyn, and Cace—as well as two granddaughters, Morgan and Harper, and their beloved Grand Angel, Emma Louise. Tina is an active member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church.
Donna F. Smith
With four decades of experience in commercial real estate, Donna F. Smith serves as Partner and Executive Vice President at Stirling, where her leadership and dedication have shaped the firm’s long-term success. As Asset Manager for a thirdparty property portfolio, she oversees leasing, financial reporting, construction management, and budgeting, bringing a strategic and hands-on approach to every project. Her role on the Stirling Stewardship Committee, the Southeastern Louisiana University College of Business Advisory Board, and the Holy Ghost Bereavement Committee reflects her deep commitment to her profession and the broader community.
A proud alumna of Southeastern Louisiana University, Donna earned her Master of Business Administration in 1994 and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.
Her early professional path included work as a paralegal at Seale, Macaluso, Ross & Daigle and as a Leasing Executive at Woodmont Development. She holds numerous professional designations, including Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), Certified Retail Real Estate Professional (CRRP), and is a graduate of the Louisiana Realtors Leadership Program. She also serves as a Notary Public across multiple parishes and maintains real estate licenses in both Louisian a and Mississippi.
Donn a’s impact extends far beyond the boardroom. She has held leadership roles on various boards, including the Southeastern Accounting Advisory Board, New Orleans C.R.E.W., and the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation. She has also served as Chair of the Hammond Chamber of Commerce and President of the Southeastern Alumni Association. In 2004, New Orleans City Business honored her as a Woman of the Year.
Outside of her professional life, Donna enjoys traveling, sailing, beach trips, and camping. She stays active at Evolve and North Cypress Fitness Gyms. She and her husband, Reggie, cherish time with their blended family and three grandsons, who lovingly call her “Sassy.” Her life is a reflection of purpose, connection, and enduring service.
Be
Hill r Clean Food, Deep Roots
There’s a breeze that drifts through the hayloft at Berry Hill Farm, carrying with it the sweet, earthy scent of dried hay and the warmth of memories. Step into that space— weathered boards beneath your feet, sunlight cutting through the slats—and you're transported. It feels like childhood, like summer, like something sacred and steady in a world that often forgets to slow down.
This is Berry Hill Farm, nestled in the quiet stretch of Loranger, Louisiana. It’s a place where the land is lovingly tended, the animals are part of the family, and the people greet you like kin. Will and Sandy Fleenor, the heart and hands behind it all, welcomed us into their living room on a breezy afternoon. Their grandson played nearby, adding a chorus of laughter to a house already full of warmth. Hospitality here isn’t a gesture—it’s a way of life.
Will, a retired CPA and educator, had always dreamed of becoming a cheese maker. While most people tuck dreams like that away, Will rolled up his sleeves and made it real.
The Cheese That Dreams Built
Will walked us out to the pasture, where the cows—grass-fed and farm-raised, never bought since the 0s—greeted him like old friends. These animals are clearly loved, and that care shows in the rich, high-quality milk they produce.
When I asked Will what time he wakes up to milk, I expected the usual “before dawn” reply. Instead, he smiled and said, “Well—I wake up at 6:00, but Sandy likes me to hold her for half an hour, so I get up to milk around 6: 0.” It was so nonchalant—and so beautiful.
Inside the farmhouse, Will and his son Jessee have transformed part of the space into a fully functioning creamery. quipment hums quietly—keeping milk cold, churning cheese, fermenting yogurt. From here come the farm's rich, handcrafted dairy products, proudly labeled with a small green heart and the words Clean Food.
Written by ayne ommander
Photos by anielle Wilkinson
“That label means the average adult can read and understand every ingredient,” Will explained, “and that all of those ingredients are natural.” For the Fleenors, it’s not a marketing slogan—it’s a mission.
“That label means the average adult can read and understand every ingredient,” Will explained, “and that all of those ingredients are natural.” For the Fleenors, it’s not a marketing slogan—it’s a mission.
A Living Farm, A Living Legacy
A Living Farm, A Living Legacy
Walk the land with Will or Jessee, and you’ll find far more than ust dairy. There are rows of thriving crops, beds of vibrant blueberries, and a flock of charismatic chickens— some of them award winners with ribbons to prove it.
Walk the land with Will or Jessee, and you’ll find far more than ust dairy. There are rows of thriving crops, beds of vibrant blueberries, and a flock of charismatic chickens— some of them award winners with ribbons to prove it.
Behind the fields, a nature preserve unfolds. Untouched, quiet, and full of life, it's a peaceful refuge the Fleenors maintain as part of their commitment to caring for the land. Sustainability isn’t a trend here. It’s tradition.
Behind the fields, a nature preserve unfolds. Untouched, quiet, and full of life, it's a peaceful refuge the Fleenors maintain as part of their commitment to caring for the land. Sustainability isn’t a trend here. It’s tradition.
The farm follows organic growing methods and uses only OMRI-certified products—no toxic herbicides or shortcuts. verything from the eggs to the produce to the dairy is part of their larger mission to nourish people with honesty, transparency, and care. ven their produce delivery program honors that promise: every item dropped off on a doorstep was picked within hours.
The farm follows organic growing methods and uses only OMRI-certified products—no toxic herbicides or shortcuts. verything from the eggs to the produce to the dairy is part of their larger mission to nourish people with honesty, transparency, and care. ven their produce delivery program honors that promise: every item dropped off on a doorstep was picked within hours.
d to Table—and Mind
From Field to Table—and Mind
Berry Hill isn’t ust a place to buy food—it’s a place to learn. Will and Sandy open the gates regularly to school groups and field trips, offering hands-on education in where food comes from, how animals are cared for, and why clean growing practices matter. It’s part of the Fleenors’ long-standing belief that knowledge empowers people to make better choices—and that good farming should always go hand in hand with good teaching.
Berry Hill isn’t ust a place to buy food—it’s a place to learn. Will and Sandy open the gates regularly to school groups and field trips, offering hands-on education in where food comes from, how animals are cared for, and why clean growing practices matter. It’s part of the Fleenors’ long-standing belief that knowledge empowers people to make better choices—and that good farming should always go hand in hand with good teaching.
Come Visit
You can find Berry Hill Farm products at the Hammond and Covington Farmers Markets, or stop by the farm store every Saturday from : 0 :00 PM at 6 Highway 0 in Loranger. To learn more about their products or farm-to-table program, visit
You can find Berry Hill Farm products at the Hammond and Covington Farmers Markets, or stop by the farm store every Saturday from : 0 :00 PM at 6 Highway 0 in Loranger. To learn more about their products or farm-to-table program, visit berryhillfarm.us
If you're looking for a place that grows more than just food a place where dreams become cheese, cows come when they're called, and the bree e through the hayloft carries your heart back home— you'll find it at Berry Hill Farm.
re looking for a place that grows more than just food a place where dreams become cheese, cows come when re called, and the bree e through the hayloft carries your heart back home ll find it at Berry Hill Farm.
- Mike Brandner
Beyond
(available
Enrolling Studies:
• Contraception (Birth Control)
• Heart Health
• Immunizations for Adults and Seniors
• Obesity
• UTI Vaccine
Upcoming Studies:
• Maternal GBS Vaccine
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• COVID-19 Vaccine
• Flu vaccine 65+
The beating heart of Oasis Point Rehabilitation Hospital is their mission: Providing all encompassing care with the goal of healing, comfort, and motivation. President and Founder John Mills created a unique hotel-stay experience within a hospital environment. The word “patient” is not in Oasis Point’s vocabulary- their guests are treated with the same care the staff would provide to their very own family. Not only are the staff caregivers, they are hosts striving to provide a recovery journey of comfort, dignity, and transformation.
Located in Hammond, Louisiana, Oasis Point provides specialized rehabilitation services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, and neurological rehabilitation. Their additional specialized services include speech therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, work conditioning, and group therapy. The cost? Well, most major insurance providers, including medicare, are accepted as well as private pay options. The mission remains the same where everyone is welcome to receive their services regardless of their insurance provider.
Not only are the rehabilitation services state-of-the art; the facility and hospital rooms are outfitted to provide a luxurious feel to their guests’ rehabilitation experience. With a variety of room options, guests and their families can select the space that best suits their recovery needs. Unlike a traditional clinical experience, Oasis Point’s rooms include amenities to meet any need: relaxation, privacy, comfort, and entertainment. Suites include mood lighting, oversized TVs where you can control room settings, and premium entertainment. Select suites offer a mini kitchen and additional space to accommodate those with large families and extra care personnel. Oasis Point’s facility is a beautifully designed space with thoughtfully enhanced amenities such as a private movie theatre, private chapel, wellness center, chef-curated dining, and childcare center for employees.
Warren Swenson and John Mills
Healing is rarely a straight path-it’s a journey that requires support, guidance, and care across many areas. At Oasis Point Rehabilitation Hospital, helping guests heal isn’t just
“Anything you do that helps humankind is your ministry,” says Founder John Mills, “At Oasis Point, our ministry is rooted in compassion.”
a goal, it’s their mission. They embrace a holistic approach, treating each individual as a whole person, not a checklist of tasks. Their dedicated team is here to care not only for guests, but also for their families, every step of the way.
One guest shared his unexpected journey following what was meant to be a routine neck surgery. Instead, he awoke to find scars running down his spine, a turn that changed the course of his recovery. Fortunately, the compassionate care and unwavering support at Oasis Point played a vital role in his healing. The environment and staff gave him not only the care he needed, but also the motivation and strength to truly want to heal.
“Anything you do that helps humankind is your ministry,” says Founder John Mills. At Oasis Point, their ministry is rooted in compassion. Whether someone is with them for ten days or forty, they are met with dignity, empathy, and personalized care. The goal is for every guest to leave not only healthier, but with a renewed sense of hope and a brighter outlook on their journey ahead.
Oasis Point Rehabilitation Hospital offers a new standard for rehabilitation care. Visit ophospital.com for more information.
Story by Drew Barzenick | Photos by Johnny Chauvin
When Justin Chiasson posted his very first TikTok video, he didn’t expect to become Louisiana’s favorite internet chef. But after waking up to over 2 million views on a shrimp-peeling hack he learned as a teenager on a shrimp boat, the man now known as Stalekracker realized he’d struck something spicier than gold—viral magic.
It all started during the pandemic when his daughter Karlee introduced him to TikTok. His feed was full of "Cajun" cooking, but Justin could tell most of it wasn’t the real deal. So, with a little push from his wife and kids, he filmed a quick how-to video in his backyard, hit “post,” and went to bed. The rest? Let’s just say it peeled off like a shrimp shell in one of his famous boils.
What makes Stalekracker stand out isn’t just his authenticity—though he’s got plenty of that, dripping with that unmistakable Louisiana flavor. It’s his energy, his humor, and that classic line: “Put it on a cracka, dude!” His content is a rolling boil of crowd-pleasers, from crawfish and jambalaya to gator wings and bayou banter. It’s backyard cooking with a big personality—and people can’t get enough.
Behind the apron and the internet stardom is a devoted family man. Married since 2003, Justin is all about creating a legacy for his children, Karlee and Hoyt. “I never want to look back and realize if I had done a little bit more, I could’ve made it to the next level,” he says. That drive, fueled by family, and a love for life on the bayou, keeps him pushing forward.
One of those dreams is his booming seasoning line, Da Cajun Two Step—a nod to his Paw Donald, who used to do a little dance in the kitchen every time he threw his signature spice blend into the pot. “He didn’t need a recipe. He cooked by feel, and put cayenne pepper in everything; Cajun Two Step is his own seasoning blend,” Justin laughs. That same spirit is now bottled and shipped across the country, with Justin working hard to get it into even bigger grocery chains.
But it’s not just about seasoning—it’s about connection. For Justin, the best part of this unexpected journey is meeting people. “Every time someone says I helped them through something or that they relate to me—that I’m authentic—that keeps me going,” he says. His relatability, his joy, and his roots run deep—and his fans feel it.
And now, he’s giving back the only way a true Cajun knows how: with a festival. Hosted right in Kentwood, where Justin and his family currently live, the Cajun Two Step Fest is a celebration of Louisiana food, music, and culture. With live bands, mouth-watering eats, and good vibes all around, it’s quickly becoming a must-visit for fans from all over. You can stay tuned for next year’s festival dates at cajuntwostep.com—just be sure to bring your appetite and your dancing shoes. From a shrimp boat to the digital spotlight, Stalekracker has proved that with a little spice, a lot of heat, and the right people in your corner, you can cook up something truly special.
“Put it on a Cracka, dude!"
When I was growin’ up, I’d watch my Paw Donald do a little dance as he tossed spices into the pot and called it the Cajun Two Step. To honor his memory, we’ve created a whole line of spices that can be used on anything and everything!
Cancer center team members staff a table at one of the center’s quarterly expos for cancer patients, survivors and families.
STHS, cancer cen er STHS, cancer center reaccredited by the reaccredited by the Commission on C n Commission on Cancer
Recognition highlights health system’s commitment to quality, multidisciplinary cancer care
COVINGTON – St. Tammany Health System, in collaboration with its partners at St. Tammany Cancer Center – A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center, has been re-accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons. This voluntary re-accreditation, which requires adherence to 35 quality care standards, is valid for three years.
“St. Tammany Health System is proud to have been recognized as an accredited ACS Commission on Cancer program since 1 5, STHS President and C O Joan Coffman said. “From the recognized excellence of our Breast Disease and High-Risk Clinic to our adoption of groundbreaking detection technologies to the central role we play at St. Tammany Cancer Center, our team of medical and radiation oncologists, diagnosticians, medical subspecialists, surgeons and other cancer-care experts have come together in a multidisciplinary fashion to build what is truly one of the most trusted and advanced cancer programs in the region, and this recognition underscores that.
Regular art classes are among the myriad enrichment activities offered at the cancer center.
Opened in 2021, St. Tammany Cancer Center is a joint venture between St. Tammany Health System and partner Ochsner Health. In 2023, Ochsner and MD Anderson announced a separate partnership bringing the latter’s expertise to seven Ochsner cancer centers, including St. Tammany Cancer Center.
In addition, St. Tammany Health System’s Women’s Pavilion is one of five Louisiana centers accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), and the health system’s flagship St. Tammany Parish Hospital has been recognized as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Cancer for seven consecutive years by Women’s Choice.
To earn voluntary CoC accreditation, a cancer program must be evaluated every three years through a survey process and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care.
Central to the CoC accreditation is St. Tammany Cancer Center’s multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer as a complex group of diseases that requires consultation and coordination among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists and other cancer specialists. This multidisciplinary partnership results in improved patient care.
Currently, the cancer center is home to more than 60 physicians representing 20 medical and surgical subspecialties. This broad specialization is key to providing a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals who, along with a strong support team, work collaboratively on improving diagnosis to treatment times and improved patient outcomes.
Among the cancer center’s on site amenities is a therapeutic food pantry staffed by registered dietitians.
The cancer center is additionally home to a robust integrative oncology program that offers patients a broad slate of support services, including acupuncture, social services, tai chi and yoga classes, music and art therapy, meditation, rehab services, boutique services, and a therapeutic food pantry.
The CoC Accreditation Program provides the framework for St. Tammany Health System to improve its quality of patient care through various cancer-related programs that focus on the full spectrum of cancer care, including prevention, early diagnosis, cancer staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, life-long follow-up for recurrent disease, and end-of-life care
When patients receive care at a CoC facility, they also have access to information on clinical trials and new treatments, genetic counseling, and patient-centered services including psycho-social support, a patient navigation process, and a survivorship care plan that documents the care each patient receives and seeks to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life.
A cancer center team member loads up a box of food for a patient as part of a Thanksgiving food distribution.
little hearts little hearts big heroes big heroes
The Business The Business of Hope at of Hope at
Written
I’m embarrassed to admit that although the Child Advocacy Services (CAS) House is right in my backyard, I had never stepped inside. But what I found there changed everything. Behind its modest exterior is a hub of hope—an entire network of professionals and volunteers dedicated to walking children through some of the darkest chapters of their lives.
Child Advocacy Services exists to provide trained Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to speak for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. It’s not glamorous work —but it’s urgent. There are currently 285 children being served, and 5 were served last year. ore than 100 children are still waiting for an advocate.
“Our communities are smaller and are in need of a bigger voice,” says Chief xecutive Officer Rob Carlisle. “We need our children to be served in our local communities.”
CASA volunteers are not lawyers or social workers—they’re everyday citi ens who are trained to step into the courtroom and into the lives of vulnerable children as a consistent, compassionate presence. Rob explains it best: “CASA is one of the only programs that still invites community members to be a part of the solution, to work in a positive, solutionfocused way to help children in a courtroom that can be so intimidating. It’s an injustice not to.”
Rob is quick to point out that the reasons many people feel disqualified from volunteering are often exactly what makes them a great fit. “I’m passionate... I might be too emotional... Well, that’s who we want. If you didn’t care, you wouldn’t be great at this.”
One such example is Nyjyrus Gurley—a pastor, teacher, husband, and father. With a full plate, he still finds time to serve. “The most rewarding thing is being the child’s friend,” he shared. “I love walking up the driveway and seeing them peek through the blinds with excitement.”
by Dayne Commander | Photos by Danielle Wilkinson
His visits are simple—playing games, talking, showing up— but they’re powerful. “I don’t feel like another professional to them,” Nyjyrus said. “I became part of their life, the family.”
His comfort and confidence in the role, he says, come from the outstanding training led by Tanya Warren and the unwavering support of the CAS staff. “ rs. Jerri helps me with guidance, scheduling, and preparing a plan—and she does it effortlessly.”
Jerri Pevey, Lead Advocate Supervisor, brings decades of experience to her role leading the supervisor team. She, along with Rob and others, worked years ago under the mentorship of the late Judge Grace Gasaway. Her influence still echoes through the halls of the CAS House today.
It’s a team of extraordinary people with over 1 0 years of combined experience, many of whom started their professional journeys together at City Court in Hammond. Today, they’ve extended their professional callings into a deeply personal mission—one rooted in compassion and justice.
Advocate Supervisor Stacy Ashmore summed it up best: “The life of our work is our advocates. It’s my job to make sure they have the tools they need to work their cases successfully.” When asked what a day in her life is like, she said, “It’s rich. I don’t feel like a supervisor—we just walk this path together.”
That path begins with training—just six weeks online from home through oodle. Once trained, advocates are never alone. Supervisors like Stacy, Jerri, and the team walk side by side with volunteers through every court date and case plan. Their understanding of the complex system is a gift passed down through mentors like Judge Gasaway.
Currently, 1 active CASA volunteers serve across 10 parishes. Program irector LaKisha Penn, who started at CAS as an intern, has seen the program grow from a grassroots effort in just three parishes in 1 to a CASA program in every parish in Louisiana by 202 .
“We built this by sitting with judges, with the who s who in the community, just telling them what we did—and it resonated because this wasn’t big business coming in. It was about empowering everyday citi ens to do something about the things that made them nervous and giving them a way to speak life into little children.”
A CASA volunteer’s role is different from any other in the courtroom. While an attorney is legally bound to advocate for what the child wants, a CASA is able to advocate for what is truly best for the child. They respect and share the child’s voice but ultimately provide the court with an unbiased, thoughtful perspective that puts the child’s wellbeing first.
LaKisha said it plainly: “These kids love with an undying love. But when it comes to what’s next, the #1 goal is reunification—rehabilitated families are always the priority. If that’s not possible, we look to relative resources. If that doesn’t work, then foster care. But if family is possible, that’s ideal.”
As for the time commitment One visit a month can change everything. “ ou’d think it would take a lot of time to make a big impact,” Nyjyrus said, “but it doesn’t.”
And the impact is undeniable.
LaKisha brought it home in a room full of staff and volunteers—none of whom could hold back tears.
“Life happens. ou will not be able to prevent the bad things from happening, but you can walk through that curtain and walk through the darkest point of a child’s life and be that person. And that’s what these volunteers represent to me. That’s why I can do this kind of work for 2 years.”
She added, “I want people to never forget—there are children in foster care. No, it’s not always pretty. The budget situation is scary. But they still need services.”
If you feel that tug in your childadv.net and fill out the volunteer application. The children are waiting. And they are more than worth the effort.
SLENT offers the most advanced diagnostic tools, custom hearing aid molds, and in-house specialty referrals, while providing seamless, patient-centere care without unnecessary delays or hurdles.
Pictured from left to right: Alicia Sharp, RN, Jeanie Lieser, RN, Cedric Vick, RN, Annette Baudoin, RN, and Rochelle Nicholas, RN.
4th Saturday Cleanup Pledge
The fourth Saturday of every month in 2022 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/
Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company
Written by Dayne Commander
In the heart of Hammond, there’s a bank that still does things the old-fashioned way—by putting people first.
At Gulf Coast Bank & Trust’s Hammond branch, customer service begins when you walk through the door. No waiting in a digital queue. No talking to machines. Just a friendly, familiar face welcoming you with a smile.
“We greet you like a neighbor, not a number,” says Market President Hart Bordelon . “Because that’s exactly what you are.”
Photos by Danielle Wilkinson
Pictured (L to R): Carolyn Giannobile, Hillory Hracek, Jeff Dameron, Kaci Vojtaskovic, Hart Bordelon, Jennifer Rousseau, Amanda Germany
In a world that’s increasingly impersonal, the Hammond branch of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust remains a place where genuine connection still matters. Whether it’s your first savings account, your next home loan, or just a quick question, you’re met with care, kindness, and attention to detail.
And it’s not just what they do—it’s who they are. Many of the team members at the Hammond branch are locals themselves, raising families here, volunteering with area nonprofits, attending church nearby, and cheering from the bleachers at high school football games. They don’t just serve the community—they’re part of it.
“We believe in giving back to the people who trust us with their business,” said Commercial Lender Jeff Dameron.
“Because this community is what makes us who we are.”
“We love this town,” longtime employee Carolyn Giannobile shared. “We’ve grown up with our customers. We know their kids, their stories, and their goals. It’s more than banking—it’s building relationships that last.”
Those relationships go far beyond the teller window. Gulf Coast Bank & Trust is deeply involved in supporting Tangipahoa Parish through charitable giving, volunteerism, and local sponsorships. From backing youth sports teams to donating to school programs and community fundraisers, their impact can be felt in every corner of Hammond.
While the bank has grown across Louisiana—and even recently opened its first out-of-state branch in Florida— the Hammond branch embodies the spirit of Gulf Coast Bank & Trust best. Here, you’ll find a blend of dependable service, community pride, and heartfelt hospitality.
And while technology is available to those who want it, it doesn’t come at the expense of human connection. Customers aren’t pushed toward self-service or brushed off to automation. Instead, they get the best of both worlds—convenient tools when needed and real conversations when it matters most.
“We’re proud to be a place where you can still walk in and talk to someone who knows your name and remembers your story,” says Hart Borderlon.
It’s that approach—steady, sincere, and communityfocused—that has earned the Hammond branch the trust of generations of families. And the team doesn’t take that trust for granted.
As Hammond grows, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust remains grounded in its mission: to serve its neighbors with heart, integrity, and authentic human connection.
So the next time you need a bank—or want to talk to someone who truly listens—call them at 985-249-7272 or drop by in person at 300 W. Morris Ave., Hammond. You may also find them online at gulfbank.com. Gulf Coast Bank & Trust — where customer service still means something, and community comes first.
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.
together together
Aluminum cans, plastic bottles, abandoned tires, food wrappers, and cigarettes. On any given day, these items can be found on the side of Highway 51 in the Manchac area, disturbing the beauty of this Louisiana waterway and Wildlife Management Area.
Thanks to Osprey Initiative, which is funded by a $160,000 grant to the Tangipahoa Economic Development Foundation from the Air Products Lake Maurepas Community Fund, field crews are providing tailored environmental solutions to help Tangipahoa Parish address this litter challenge.
“Even before Osprey Initiative existed as a company, members of our team were out in the waters of Tangipahoa Parish picking up litter,” said Don Bates, owner and founder of Osprey Initiative. “But for the past eight years, we’ve been working toward a greater vision of cleaner, healthier waterways. And partnerships with organizations like Air Products allow us to do the work and expand our impact throughout the parish. We’re excited to be able to move forward and make an even greater difference with this grant.”
“
The Air Products grant is funding several projects that are tailored to address litter problems impacting the Lake Maurepas waterways and surrounding Tangipahoa
An Osprey Initiative team member uses a net to capture trash and debris located in the Yellow Water River, near Adams Road.
The Osprey Initiative has placed specialized equipment and buoys in Ponchatoula Creek to capture trash and debris that has entered the waterway from nearby passing cars. By capturing the debris early in its release, less damage occurs downstream and into Lake Maurepas.
Other projects include water-based tactical cleanup efforts, the development of a litter education program for the Tangipahoa Parish School System, and sponsored litter rodeos. One such project is the Manchac Litter Rodeo, which works with residents who live along the lake’s tributaries and waterways to dispose of larger household items, such as furniture, electronics, and small appliances. Such items may be too difficult to relocate to appropriate disposal sites, causing them to be left along the shorelines or sunken in the water.
“As we’re developing a project in Louisiana, we’re also pouring resources into bettering the environment here in Tangipahoa Parish so everyone who uses this area for fishing and boating can enjoy it. This goes beyond being a good patron of the lake – we want to support community efforts to enhance its beauty,” said Danna Leblanc, Commercial Executive Director of the Louisiana Clean Energy Complex.
Air Products’ Employees Join the Effort
As part of Louisiana’s annual “Love the Boot Week,” which is the state’s largest litter removal and beautification initiative, Air Products’ Louisiana team members spent a morning with the Osprey crew collecting litter, including recyclables, abandoned along a five-mile stretch of Highway 51. Over the course of several hours, team members collected 1,430 pounds of trash, including recyclables, non-recyclables, and non-organic debris, for proper disposal.
“It is deeply important to us as Air Products’ team members that we volunteer in our community. Partnering with the Tangipahoa Economic Development Foundation and Osprey was a perfect way for our employees to be a part of beautifying the Manchac area,” Leblanc said. “We were proud to be one of more than 1,000 litter pick up events in Louisiana during Love the Boot Week.”
To learn more about Air Products’ work in Louisiana, visit CleanEnergyLouisiana.com.
Representatives from Air Products recently presented the Tangipahoa Economic Development Foundation with a $160,000 grant to fund the Osprey Initiative’s litter cleanup and prevention efforts.
Several Air Products employees volunteer for Tangipahoa’s Love the Boot litter-cleanup effort by picking up litter along Highway 51 between Ponchatoula and Manchac.
Endless Oppor tunities
FLO & GLO
IV-WELLNESS LOUNGE
Looking to improve the quality of life for Tangipahoa Parish residents, Cragg and Jansen Fitz along with Nurse Practitioner Amy Knight researched and founded the Flo & Glo IV-Wellness Lounge in Amite in 2023.
With their local business flourishing, Cragg started receiving calls from interested parties across the country who wanted to bring the Flo & Glo concept to their community.
The Fitzes along with Knight created a franchise model to expand their business. Today, Flo & Glo has twenty-six franchises in six states and eleven wellness centers now open and doing quite well.
Tangipahoa Economic Development Director
Ginger Cangelosi has supported Flo & Glo in their franchise expansion. She looks forward to continuing to work with them to grow their brand in the future and emphasizes another Tangipahoa Parish business is making a mark in the franchise world.
Cragg and Jansen Fitz, Amy Knight Flo & Glo IV-Wellness Lounge Owners
Greater Mount Vernon Baptist Church
Written by Dayne Commander
Photos by Johnny Chauvin
At 86 years old, Pastor Samuel C. Brown, a native of Independence, has dedicated his life to both his faith and his family. With eight children and over 40 grandchildren, his legacy extends far beyond his own life to the generations he’s mentored—both in his family and at Greater Mount Vernon Baptist Church.
Located on LaVanner Brown Drive in Hammond, Greater Mount Vernon has long been a spiritual anchor for the community. Pastor Brown’s leadership continues to guide the church with the mission: “To spiritually impact our families, neighborhoods, cities, and world by exalting the Savior, equipping the saints, and evangelizing the sinners.” Whether through weekly services, special ministries, or new initiatives, the church’s commitment to service remains strong.
Greater Mount Vernon is home to a variety of ministries, including the Senior Choir, Marriage Ministry, and Sunday School, all designed to enrich the lives of members in meaningful ways. Pastor Brown’s influence can be felt throughout these programs, and his words have left a lasting impact on many individuals.
With tears in his eyes, a member shared, “His words placed something inside me, and he changed my life through the word. And God has been so great in my life.” This heartfelt testimony exemplifies the deep spiritual transformation Pastor Brown fosters in his congregation.
One of the most exciting developments at Greater Mount Vernon is the church’s vision to develop a charter school on its campus. Though still in the planning stages, the school is intended to offer a Christ-centered education for the youth of Hammond, with a boulevard leading to Magazine Street to provide access to the new campus. This vision reflects Pastor Brown’s commitment to impacting not just the spiritual lives of his congregation but also the educational future of the next generation.
“We want to raise up leaders who not only excel in the classroom but carry a strong sense of character and faith into the world,” said a church representative. The charter school will represent a significant step toward that goal, and the church community is eagerly anticipating its realization.
The legacy of Pastor John Jones, who served as the church’s leader before Pastor Brown, is honored in many ways, including the photo that Pastor Brown keeps by his desk. The image of the two pastors together serves as a reminder of the foundation upon which Greater Mount Vernon was built. Pastor Brown has carried that legacy forward, honoring Pastor Jones’s work while charting his own path with new and exciting initiatives for the future.
Beyond its spiritual impact, Greater Mount Vernon also maintains a strong digital presence through its website, greatermtvernon.org, where members and visitors can stay connected and informed about church activities, sermons, and events. Pastor Brown’s teachings, which blend biblical wisdom with practical advice, continue to guide the community through life’s challenges, providing a sense of hope and purpose.
As the church moves into the future—with a potential charter school and ongoing outreach projects—Greater Mount Vernon Baptist Church stands as a testament to the power of faith, community, and vision. For the people of Hammond, it remains a place of spiritual transformation, a place where both personal and communal growth flourish.
Lanaux, Merrick Lanaux
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At Benson Dermatology, we’re proud to offer in-house Mohs surgery performed by our skilled specialist Dr. Nick Frank. As a member of the American College of Mohs Surgeons, Dr. Frank is board certified in both Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery (aka Mohs surgery) as well as Dermatology, with fellowship training in cutaneous oncology.
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The equestrian world is a small one, and Savannah Watkins is a rising star in the male-dominated world of polo. The synergy between Savannah, the horses, and her teammates led to an unexpected victory at the USPA Women’s Pacific Coast Open at the Eldorado Polo Club in California back in December. This achievement paved the way for her future in polo.
Savannah was born and raised in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and works as an Environmental Scientist for ELOS Environmental Consulting Firm in Hammond, Louisiana. She graduated from Ponchatoula High School and earned her bachelor’s degree at Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU). Her schedule remains active between playing polo, working, and earning her Master’s Degree in Business Administration at SLU. She also manages the social media pages for the Polo Club located in Folsom, Louisiana.
She has lived more than half of her life riding horses. Her competitive nature began when she became a barrel racer during her childhood. Barrel racing is a rodeo sport that consists of a horse and rider attempting to execute a pattern around barrels in the fastest time. Polo is an entirely different discipline that she wanted to give a go; she fell in love with the sport. With a smile followed by a chuckle, Savannah said, “I will continue playing polo until death or bankruptcy!”
Now, what is polo, you might ask? Savannah best described the sport as a combination of soccer, hockey, and horseback riding. The players are on a horse with a stick, also known as a mallet, trying to score a goal at the end of the field.
Horses are incredibly powerful and fast. Their top speed of 40 miles per hour accommodates what equates to nine football fields worth of distance on the polo field. A team consists of four players, each on their own horse.
The four quarters are referred to as “chukkers,” which last seven and a half minutes each. At the beginning of each chukker, players are allotted five minutes to change horses. Players should come prepared with a minimum of four to six horses; some players bring as many as eleven horses. Only recently did the United States Polo Association (USPA) create the space for womenonly polo matches.
Polo in California is much more intense, competitive, and fast-paced than the polo Savannah typically plays back home in Louisiana. The teams in California have played together for years, along with contributing up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in training their horses. When she was invited to play in the California big leagues, her competitive spirit could not resist putting a team together. She rented a string of horses out of California and made her way west. Three days before the tournament, she received the devastating news that her teammate’s horse fell during a practice, and her teammate had broken her leg. Time was of the essence, and Savannah had to scramble to find a new teammate to fill the vacant spot on their team. Despite these four women never having played together and using rented horses, the stars aligned; they beat some of the most wellpracticed teams in the country and won the tournament. Only two years into her polo career, this is an unheard-of feat.
If one is successful in the realm of polo, it can be said that “playing polo is the passport to the world.” Savannah’s victory at the Women’s Pacific Coast Open granted the much sought-after opportunities of traveling the world to play polo. After this tournament, she was invited to play at the Houston Polo Club, La Conner Polo Club in the United Kingdom, the Jamaica Polo Club, and the Seattle Polo Club.
It is truly a fascinating and exhilarating sport to watch. Our community is lucky to have the New Orleans Polo Club located so close by in St. Tammany Parish, because its the only polo club in the state of Louisiana.
Be sure to add the AUTUMN POLO CLASSIC to your calendar. It’s the NOPC's most exciting tournament that also serves as an annual fundraiser for a great cause! Bring the whole family and wear your Sunday best to come enjoy live music and great food. There is even a Big Hat Contest, although fancy hats are not required to attend.
Learn more about their fall 2025 calendar and the Autumn Polo Classic by visiting neworleanspoloclub.com.
Cally Berner is a Thibodaux native who has called Tangipahoa Parish home for 25 years. She met her husband Corey, who is a Ponchatoula native, when they were in school at Nicholls State University, where she graduated with a degree in Marketing. Cally and Corey have lived in Ponchatoula since 2000 and since then, she has earned her MBA from Southeastern Louisiana University, worked in the marketing department at North Oaks Health System, been Events Director at SLU, and now works as a Marketing Instructor in the College of Business. Cally is the proud mother of Jake (21) and Carly (17). Aside from her family, here are Cally’s 5 Favorite Things…
1
Champagne Bingo
Champagne Bingo is something Cally looks forward to with friends every year. She’s been to almost all of them over the past 20 years. This event helps to keep them all in touch and have a blast together!
2
Decorating
4
3
She loves change, and that’s why she loves to decorate. More wall space in her home and an unlimited budget would be ideal, but instead she enjoys helping others change up their spaces to make them feel new!
Traveling
Cally loves to travel, and her favorite place on earth is Hawaii. She’s been to Maui once and Oahu twice. Other than the beautiful landscape and endless outdoor activities, what she loves most is the slower pace of life in their culture. Drivers in Hawaii will stop mid-traffic for people to cross the street even without a crosswalk.
Cooking
She loves to cook and experiment with food. Each time she travels, she comes home and tries to recreate a dish that she found. Her favorite thing to cook is breakfast, but she has mastered a few family recipes like her grandmother’s peanut butter fudge and the family’s chicken and sausage gumbo.
5
Live Music
Outdoor music festivals are the best, and Cally and her family try to go to Jazz Fest every year; never knowing who she’ll run into - like her favorite neighbor, Heather Perrin!
STEP INTO LOVE IN STYLE
The Royale Oak 1905 W Thomas St Suite L Hammond 985.345.9542
Treasures TASTES &
LOCAL FATHERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE PART OF BEING A
Derrick Baham
The most fun part about being a dad…Is being the highlight of their favorite moment & putting a smile on their face
The best part about being a dad is always having people to remind me, no matter what anyone says, I am not, nor have I ever been, or will ever be, cool. Will Johnson
Fatherhood is the most humbling and rewarding role I have. s a father of si , it’s not just about providing it’s about being present in every way. I strive to lead with love and faith in od. My children are my why... my legacy... my inspiration.
Being a dad to three kids is wild—in the best way! They are growing up so differently, each with their own style and personality. My favorite part of being a father to JD, Coco, and Eddie is seeing little pieces of myself and their mom showing up in what they love and in their sense of humor. The stuff they say keeps me laughing every day. I'm so proud of all of them, all for such different reasons.
My favorite thing about being a dad is how e cited my kids get to see me and do things together. eeing the world through their eyes as they grow and learn has been awesome. They are my biggest blessing.
Josh Atkinson
“My kids bring more purpose and joy to my life than I ever could have imagined. I’m privileged to be their dad.”
Terrick Johnson
Donnie ha cer
John Daniel erin
chauvinphotography@gmail.com
johnnychauvinphotography.com
— Sheriff Gerald Sticker
For 65 years, North Oaks has been more than a hospital— we’ve been a part of your family, milestones and community. We’ve delivered generations of care, comfort and innovation—because your health is our greatest legacy. Thank you for trusting us for 65 incredible years.
