St. Bernard Magazine January 2020

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 - PUBLISHED QUARTERLY

— 2020 OUTLOOK —

“Here we grow again!”

St. Bernard’s booming population leads to diversity, progress, and prosperity

Population Trends 13-20 FREE!

Take One

Housing Sales & Forecast 22-28

Schools & Festival & Jobs & Training Community Fiesta 44-58 38-42 32-35

SPECIAL EDITION

Experience our southern charm and hospitality. From a feast of festivals to parades, St. Bernard Parish has everything you need to celebrate this Spring. After the hustle and bustle of New Orleans, stroll on down the road where adventure begins!

APRIL

JANUARY 25

Nunez Community College Pelicans & Pearls

FEBRUARY 8

Cookoff for the Coast

8

Krewe of Lourdes Ball

15

Knights of Nemesis Parade

MARCH

3

BPW Fashion Show

4

Irish, Italian, Isleños Parade

5

First Lady Easter Egg Hunt

8

Wind down wednesday

M AY 1-2

birding festival

2-3

tomato festival

7-8

Los Isleños Fiesta

SIPPIN’ IN the sunset

11

7

Wind down wednesday

9

ag magic

19

SIPPIN’ IN the sunset

13

Wind down wednesday

26-29 LA Crawfish Festival

Only 5 miles from the Historic French Quarter For more information on events, attractions, and lodging visit www.visitstbernard.com or call (504) 278.4242 tourist commission

Follow St. Bernard Tourism on

2 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

Whether you need a new home or a lower rate, We are here to open the door.

Call today or visit us online for a free consultation.

Andrew Hunt Jr

504-400-0293

Apply now at www.performanceisthekey.com andy@performancemtg.com NMLS# 148241 | Corporate NMLS# 1537121 1000 E Judge Perez Dr Chalmeee, LA 70043 www.performancemtg.com

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

3

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 - PUBLISHED QUARTERLY

— 2020 OUTLOOK —

“Here we grow again!”

What's Inside

St. Bernard’s booming population leads to diversity, progress, and prosperity

FREE! Take One

Population Trends 10–20

Housing Sales 22-28

Festivals 32–36

Jobs Community 37–42 43–60

SPECIAL EDITION

On The Cover: The lone live oak in Meraux’s Sinclair Tract has stood the test of time.

Photo by Corinne Barreca

People & Places P. 13-20 TRACKING 10-YEAR GROWTH & 200-YEAR PATTERNS P. 22-25 HOUSING FORECAST & THROUGHTHE-ROOF SALES P. 26-28 FAMILIES FLOCKING TO ARABI & MERAUX

March Madness P. 32 CRAWFISH FESTIVAL ROCKS 45TH YEAR P. 34 ISLENOS FIESTA MAKING 45 P. 38 & 42 NUNEZ TRAINS FOR EMERGING JOBS

February Features P. 44 SCHOOLS SHOWCASE CULTURES P. 48 MEME’S SMALL BUSINESS PROFILE P. 54 COMMUNITY & ENTERTAINMENT P. 56 BLACK HISTORY MONTH: “ SELF-MADE MAN” P. 59 STYLISTSINGER LIVES HER DREAMS

4 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

5

Barker's DOZEN 7801 East St. Bernard Hwy. Suite B • Violet, LA 70092

504.682.7801

Publishe r and Editor-in-Chief

Charles D. Jackson, President JPR (Jackson Public Relations) Enterprises, LLC Office - Chalmette, LA Mail - P.O. Box 57801, New Orleans, LA 70157 Email: stbernardmagazine@yahoo.com Website: stbernardmagazine.com (504) 609-7509

Consultants

Greg &; Suzanne Fox, Owners, Fox Print & Creative Services, Mandeville, LA Greg Fox, Jr., Owner, Fox Litho Graphics Harry &; Herbie Fisher, Owners, Southern Silk Screening, Chalmette Desiree’ Hebert, Owner, Local Flair Beryl DeLuniz, Owner, Renaissance Gardens Landscaping, Chalmette

Creative Consultant

Lee Domingue, SouthPaw Creative Services, New Orleans

Aaron's

2545 Paris Road • Chalmette, LA 70043

504.276.1009

ParisNails_qtrpg.pdf

1

12/10/19

Proofreader Edward Doley

Contributing Writers Cisco Gonzales, Jr. Jari C. Honora Bill Hyland Charles D. Jackson Dr. Roger Habans Barry Lemoine Dr. Allison Plyer Courtney Mpagi

8:11 PM

Photographers

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

1102 FRISCOVILLE AVENUE, ARABI, LA 70032 504-267-4777 WWW.PARISSPALA.COM HOURS: Monday-Saturday – 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. SUNDAY CLOSED

• MANICURE & PEDICURE • ACRYLIC SET & GEL POLISH • DIP POWDER & SOLAR SET • WOMEN & MEN HAIRCUTS • HAIR COLOR & HAIR STYLES • WAXING & EYELASHES • UPDO & MAKEUP

Family Friendly Smoke Free

15

% OFF 10% OFF ALL SERVICES

WITH THISThis COUPON With

Coupon

»

$

3 OFF

Art Director Keith Hogan

Designers

«

NewMANICURE Menu & PEDICURE for 2019PACKAGE

10OFF

504-682-6199 %

701 W. Judge Perez Dr. FOOD ONLY Chalmette, LA DISCOUNT FOR TEACHERS, MILITARY & LAW ENFORCEMENT ONLY 1 COUPON PER VISITwww.lacyscue.com

6 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

The Data Center, New Orleans Jacque Alfonso Angela Bernard Troy Barrios Corinne Barreca Lenor Duplessis Harry Fisher Barry Lemoine Charles D. Jackson Maryam Uloho Kathy Ziegler

Lee Domingue Herbie Fisher Sharon Geeck Brionna Palmer

Cover Photo Corinne Barreca (gettyimages/corinnebarreca)

Contact Us

Email comments, suggestions: stbernardmagazine@yahoo.com or call 504-609-7509 © 2020 JPR Enterprises, LLC, New Orleans, LA. All rights reserved.

Printed in the USA.The information contained in St. Bernard Magazine is intended for educational purposes only. JPR Enterprises, LLC, publisher of St. Bernard Magazine, does not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of St. Bernard Magazine and the publisher does not verify the accuracy of any claims made in advertisements contained.

4018 Magazine St., NOLA 70115

504-338-2587 c 504-799-1702 o A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC Each office is independently owned and operated

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

7

8 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

The FIRST Credit Union to SERVE St. Bernard Parish!

And we’re pretty proud of that!

Bank local where you literally own your financial institution and we’re in your neighborhood.

Everything you need from affordable banking to convenient access!

As part of CO-OP Shared Branching, our members have nationwide account access at over 5,600 locations & we serve other CO-OP credit union members, as well.

JOIN

UNOFCU WORD Search See Find What what You've you’veBeen beenMissing! missing!

TODAY

Stop in our Chalmette branch with your completed

F

L

O W R

A

T

E

S

P

F

V

R

U M A

D

G

B N

T

E

P

E

I

F

F M X

Z

P

N O W E

G C

E

Z

I

G

F

N

V

O

R

H W V

E

B

Z

J

L W G

E

I

I

A

G

L

S

P

O

Q

G

S

Y

R

I

N H

X

C

F

K

A

U N H C

P

V

E

Word Search puzzle.*

C

F

I

Z

H O C

F

A

C

Q

R

O

J

H N

We will open your account

L

D M W N

I

E

K N N

T

T

Q

E

F

Y

A

for FREE & deposit $20.00

E

H

E

B

V

Z

A

C

A

L

U

C

U

A

E

N

L

L

I

L

F

V

A

E

R

K

P

D

S

X

Z

F

U

L

O O O

B

V

V

B

G

V

I

D

J

U

X M R

O

A

K

A

O

L

D

J

F

L

J

N

T

H

S

V

J

A

www.unofcu.org

N

J

N

R

E

R

E

T

X N W G

Z

U

L

X N

S

I

S

R W F

B

R

S

A

St. Bernard Parish Government Complex

N

P

A

O

8201 W. Judge Perez, Chalmette M-F 9AM-4PM 504.280.6496

compliments of UNOFCU,

The ONE for YOU!

Federally insured

by NCUA

J

U

L

R

T

P

S

R

E

N W O

R

E

B M E M M

O H H W O

E

Y

C M J

V

V

G

P

G D

T

S

X

Q O

G N

I

V

A

S

Q

K

S

E

E

H

F

N

T

I

V

T

N

E

C

R

E

P

O

eligible for Free NEW Membership with complimentary $20.00 deposit.

S

C H A

S

Free Checking

Low Rates

Member-Owners

Borrow

Home Loans

Personal Loans

Savings

O Percent Visa

P

Vehicle Loans

S

Refinance HELOC

* Return completed puzzle by 3.30.20 to be

O

Shared Branching

Share with family & friends! Everyone is WELCOME!

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

9

About the Publisher

Charles D. Jackson

SHOWCASING

The magazine highlights the rich history, people, progress, traditions, culture, resilience, diversity, civic, small business, schools, organizers and the extraordinarily welcoming community atmosphere of St. Bernard Parish.

This mixture makes ‘Da Parish, “The Most Unique County in the Country.”

A

'Da Parish

n award-winning Florida veteran journalist, Charles D. Jackson answered God’s call to “Go help people recover,” and moved to New Orleans late-March 2006, seven months after Hurricane Katrina.

Seven days later, he was named National Communications Coordinator for ACORN, a prominent organization leading the fight to return and rebuild. He was promoted Communications Director in 2007, and retired in 2009.

In 2012, Jackson moved to Chalmette from New Orleans East, working as Housing Case Manager for social service agencies in Orleans and Jefferson parishes until 2016.

A freelance writer/consultant at Fox Print & Creatives Services, Jackson launched St. Bernard Moments & Memories holiday guide in November 2017.

After successfully publishing Home/Garden Decorator magazine, named co-Publisher of St. Bernard Magazine

by Executive Publishers/Owners Greg & Suzanne Fox in 2018. Incorporated JPR (Jackson Public Relations) Enterprises, LLC March 8, 2018; became principal Publisher of St. Bernard Magazine Nov. 1, 2019.

Jackson is active with Kiwanis Club and Chamber; organist Historic First Baptist-Verette, and Greater Asia Baptist-New Orleans; and permitted tour guide-City of New Orleans.

The magazine highlights the rich history, culture, people, traditions, resilience, civic, small business, schools, progress, organizers and exceptionally welcoming community atmosphere of St. Bernard Parish.

Jackson fell in love with local people and places -- particularly Par 3, daily breakfast hole; and Parish Historian Bill Hyland, source of intriguing San Bernando facts, fiction and lore.

This gumbo/caldo soup mixture of people, places and culture serves St. Bernard as “The Most Unique County in the Country.”

Charles is a native of Sanford, Fla., Jackson earned a bachelor’s Mass Communications (Journalism/Public Relations) from Florida State University 1981. Graduated Fellow of the Institute for Journalism Education-Management Training Center, Northwestern University-Chicago J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management & Medill School of Journalism 1991.

Between 1982-2002: sports editor, copy editor, assistant features editor, business editor, and city editor at five newspapers, and Sports Information Director at Bethune-Cookman University-Daytona Beach, Fla. Won awards from Florida and Central Florida press clubs. Researcher, festival organizer, and designer of an elementary school newspaper writing program.

August 2002, enrolled M.Div. candidate Emory University Candler School of Theology, Atlanta. Initiated program, “Driving the Homeless,” church van rides to social service agencies. Returned home April 2003 for family, launched civic clubs column, and continued theological studies related to “call” to New Orleans September 2005.

EMAIL COMMENTS: stbernardmagazine@yahoo.com

ADVERTISE: 504-609-7509

SPRING ISSUE DEADLINE: MARCH 1, 2020

10 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

Photo by Corinne Barreca

A MESSAGE ON GROWTH FROM ST. BERNARD PARISH PRESIDENT GUY McINNIS

“

We’re Pleased We’re Prepared And We’re Working Together to be Bigger and Better Than Before

“

President Guy McInnis St. Bernard Parish Historic Past, Promising Future

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

11

Your Local St. Bernard Home Loans Lender Purchase, refinance, renovation & construction Pat Callaghan

Pam McLaurin Lee

Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS# 129310

Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS# 624456

O: 504.544.6302 1801 E. Judge Perez Dr Chalmette, LA 70043

O: 504.561.1307 8216 W. Judge Perez Dr Chalmette, LA 70043

E: PatCallaghan@gulfbank.com

E: PamMcLaurinLee@gulfbank.com

Contact a lender today to discuss your options: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, FHA 203K, Bond Programs, First Time Homebuyer, Jumbo, Investment Property, One-Time Close Construction, & Renovation.

Normal credit qualifications and other terms & conditions apply. See lender for complete details.

CJCabinets_qtrpg.pdf 1 12/19/19 9:04 PM 833.578. (HOME) • GULFBANK.COM/HOMELOANS • Co. NMLS# 450086

Celebrating 29 Years

J ABINETS C CUSTOM

Thanks for your support

30 Years & Experience

CARPENTRY

Specializing in: C

M

Y

CM

MY

LOUISIANA NOTARY & INSURANCE INC. Betty Marchand, Notary

★ Driver’s License Renewal ★ ★ Reinstatement ★

504.277.6622

318 W. Judge Perez Dr. • Chalmette

12 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

CY

CMY

K

• Carpentry • Repair Work • Doors • Cabinets • Furniture • Face Lifts • Entertainment Centers • Windows • Shutters • Milwork • Mix & Match Custom Cabinets NEW CUSTOMER DISCOUNT WITH THIS AD

INTERESTED?

CHARLES JONES ANYTIME FOR ESTIMATE

CALL 504•401•1308

WHAT STANDS OUT ABOUT POPULATION BOOM? Photo by Lenoir Duplesis

From 2010-2018, Parish Grows 30.2% 46,721 in St. Bernard 35,897 residents in 2010 21st Fastest-Growing Parish in U.S. 25th Most-Populated Parish in Louisiana $46,265 Median Income and 33.6 Median Age 5,234 Babies born to residents in Parish since 2010 Strongest growth in Arabi, Chalmette, and Meraux Only Parish Metro-wide no population decrease in 2018 Highest-Ever Sales Prices for new construction, resold homes 50% Poverty Rate in Violet for Black Males 15 and Non-Family Men 30.2% Population Increase since 2010 tops ALL Parishes in Southeast LA 23% Black 10% Hisp. 2% Asian = largest diverse population in modern history This data is compiled from Allison Plyer, The Data Center’s analysis of 2010 U.S. Census; American Community Survery 2017 5-year Estimates; Census 2018 Population Estimates; U.S. Postal Service Demographic ProďŹ les; St. Bernard Parish Government Permits & Sales Records by Community Development Director Jason Stopa; U.S. Census Archives; Southeast Louisiana Regional Planning Commission Reports; CitiData.com; and Historical Documents researched by Charles D. Jackson, Publisher, St. Bernard Magazine, Chalmette

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

13

St. Bernard Growth Seed

BY DR. ALLISON PLYER Chief Demographer, The Data Center

S

t. Bernard has experienced strong population growth since the last once-every-10year Census. The parish has grown 30.2 percent—from 35,897 in 2010 to 46,721 in 2018—making it the 21st fastest growing county in the U.S. since 2010.

To be sure, St. Bernard has taken important steps toward attracting newcomers with programs such as “Sold on St. Bernard.”

These efforts have borne fruit, with 8,153 net new residents moving into the parish since 2010.

Neighborhood level population data won’t be available until after the 2020 Census. But USPS data on households receiving mail indicate that the strongest growth since 2010 has been in ZIP codes 70032, 70043, and 70075, which encompass Arabi, Chalmette, and Meraux.

As the metro area has grown increasingly more diverse, St. Bernard has successfully attracted a diverse set of new residents. Of the nearly 47,000 residents in the parish, 2 percent are now Asian, 10 percent are Hispanic, and 23 percent are black.

These are significant changes from before Katrina when only 1

Longtime and new residents get a taste of satsumas from Gallo Farms

14 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

percent of St. Bernard residents were Asian, 5 percent were Hispanic, and 8 percent were black in 2000.

St. Bernard is bucking metro-wide trends when it comes to children and young people. While the metro area as a whole has seen a sharp decline in the share of its total population that is under 20 years old—from 30 percent in 2000 down to 24 percent in 2018—St. Bernard’s youth population has ticked upward from 28 percent in 2000 to 29 percent by 2018.

Among the young people in St. Bernard, 5,234 babies were born in the parish since 2010. Yet with a smaller population overall, the 2018 number of children and youth (at

13,428) is smaller than pre-Katrina when 18,898 youth under 20 years old were counted by the 2000 Census.

Transportation Key to Cutting Poverty Poverty in St. Bernard is now on par with the Louisiana average at 20 percent but above the U.S. average of 15 percent according to a fiveyear average from 2013 to 2017.

High poverty rates in suburbs are not unique to St. Bernard.

However, Violet has a greater concentration of poor people.

Some studies show 50 to 80 percent poverty rates for black males 15 and older/ single men not living with family, and for both genders not employed.

Almost every single major metro area in the U.S. has experienced

Photo by Harry Fisher

significant growth in suburban poverty since 2000. Among several drivers is the growing prevalence of low-wage occupations such as home health aides, retail salespersons, and restaurant cooks which are more likely to locate in the suburbs.

Critical to alleviating poverty in the suburbs is not only good education and job training, but also transportation to high-wage job centers in other parts of the metro.

Census Input Can Boost Services As St. Bernard looks ahead to the 2020 Census, outreach to poorer communities and those less likely to have internet access at home will be essential. The results

of the 2020 Census will determine how much federal funding St. Bernard gets for roads, schools, health care, childcare, housing, food assistance, and so much more. It’s estimated that Louisiana gets some $2,000 per year for every resident counted.

The Census is also the basis for a myriad of business decisions.

It drives decisions about where businesses open stores, where housing is built, and much more.

If St. Bernard is not fully counted, business investment will be dampened. Altogether, this means local officials, nonprofits, and civic leaders get a huge return on their investment when they encourage all residents to participate in the 2020 Census.

Photo b Desireé Hebert.

ds Bearing Fruit

Brinley Nicole Masson, a morning with mandarins at Mimi’s

Diversity Biggest Change 2000: Parish population lacks diversity White: 88.3% Black 8.0% Hispanic 5.0% Asian 1.0% Includes Middle Easterners

Photo by Charles Jackson 2018: Parish population is more diverse White: 62.1% Black 23.7% Hispanic 10.0% Asian 2.0% Includes Middle Easterners

Children gathering near canal on Palmisano Boulevard in Chalmette Sunday after Thanksgiving ABOUT THE WRITER

Dr. Allison Plyer is Chief Demographer of The Data Center New Orleans, a private nonprofit organization devoted to independent research. She's chairperson of the U.S. Census Bureau's Scientific Advisory Committee, and Metro New Orleans point-person for the 2020 Census.

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

15

Faces of The Parish Newcomers and Longtime Residents

BY CHARLES D. JACKSON St. Bernard Magazine-Chalmette

Gladys and Garland Sanchez grew up in Historic Veretteville on Bayou Road, married, spent professional careers in Minnesota before returning home in 2011 to take care of aging parents.

The Garcia family, newcomers to Chalmette, enjoys Santa on the Bayou toy giveaway Saturday Dec. 14 at historic St. Bernard Catholic Church, “Down the Road.”

Madison Yilek moved from Iowa in 2018. “I left school and wanted to get a job in the art field. I didn’t want to be in the cold anymore. I got a job at Southern Silk Screening in Chalmette and love the small-town feel.”

Tara and Eddie operate a bee farm in their spare time, and while not shopping for handmade pottery.

16 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

“The community feel is something I like.”

— Nujoud Aziz, 20-year resident

Candace Robinson, patient register at Oschner-Napoleon, moved from N.O. East to Chalmette with her 2 sons 3 years ago.

Willie Deano, a lifelong resident, reflects on growth. “It’s great the community has multicultures. We’ve always been a community that takes care of its own.”

Regarding growth of the Parish, Yvonne Spicuzza, a resident since 1960, said: “We’re coming back from Katrina. It’s a lot different.

St. Bernard is a wonderful place to live and raise a family.”

Travis Moore, Branch Manager/Vice President at Hancock Whitney, moved from New Orleans to Meraux “to be close to the city, but still on the outskirts. St. Bernard is the safest and best community to raise kids.”

Darryl and wife Emily Manning, empty nesters, moved from Algiers to Violet in 2019 because “it’s far from the city and it’s quiet.”

Jamie and her husband accepted positions at Nunez, moved from Mississippi, and added 2 to their family since then.

Jennifer Heinz, St. Bernard Woman of the Year

Longtime residents and community volunteers Mike and Shirley Pechon enjoy St. Bernard-Arabi Kiwanis Club Thanksgiving Tuesday meeting at famed Rocky & Carlos Restaurant.

PARISH POPULATION PAST 240 YEARS

BY CHARLES D. JACKSON St. Bernard Magazine–Chalmette

I

n what is now St. Bernard Parish, a small cadre of French noblemen were awarded vast land grants from the monarchy around the founding of New Orleans by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne sieur Bienville in 1718.

The families were occupying and operating large plantations along the high ground east of New Orleans by the time King Louis XVI “gifted” his vast Louisiana territory to first-cousin, King Charles of Spain in 1763 as compensation for war support.

Spanish Gov. Bernardo Galvez settled colonists from the Canary Island, called Islenos or Islanders, in three areas of lower Louisiana between 1779-1783 to halt British

This history and cultural legacies of St. Bernard Parish are profoundly rooted in diversity.

—St. Bernard Parish Historian William (Bill) Hyland

colonial encroachment west of the Mississippi River.

Between 1780 and 1784, the New Orleans settlement was known as Tierra de Bueyes (land of oxen -steer in French), La Concepcion (in Spanish), San Bernardo de Nueva Galvez and San Bernardo. This linguistically

St. Bernard Home to First Filipino Community in the Country Saint Malo, a small fishing village on the shore of Lake Borgne, is the country’s first Filipino settlement, and quite possibly the first Asian settlement in today’s United States.

Saint Malo existed from the mid-18th century colonial period into the early 20th century, when it was destroyed by the New Orleans Hurricane of 1915. It was established by deserters from Spanish ships during the Manila Galleon. St. Malo is named after Jean Saint Malo, leader of the enslaved maroons: Africans who occupied land.

isolated group eventually developed its own dialect. The Isleños settled along Bayou Terre aux Boeufs, a relict distributary bayou of the Mississippi River.

San Bernardo was named in honor of colonial Gov. Bernardo de Galvez and his patron saint, Bernard de Clairvaux.

Early Settlers Islenos (Spanish Canary Islanders) Filipino (Spanish Deserted from Trade Ships) Cajuns (French-Canadian Descendants) Africans (Free People and Formerly Enslaved) Other Western Europeans

The Lovinsky Nunez family on porch of their home in St. Bernard Village, today Los Islenos Museum, circa 1906.

Nunez served as a member of the St. Bernard Parish Police Jury and was an authority on the construction and proper maintenance of levees along the Mississippi River.

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

17

POP CHART: 200+ YEARS

BY DECADES

BY CHARLES D. JACKSON St. Bernard Magazine–Chalmette YEAR

POP.

GROWTH

GROWTH RATE

EXPLANATION

1721

Part of Orleans Parish; French Government Rule; Henri Le Blanc de La Croix receives land grant from (Arabi) Mehle Avenue to the Chalmette Slip.

1779

Spanish Government Rule

1801

700

Islenos, Runaway Slaves, Filipinos, Amerindians reside in lower parts.

St. Bernard Catholic Church serves Los Islenos St. Bernard Village along Bayou Road. In 1799, Pierre Denis de La Ronde purchases property for plantation built in 1805.

1803

Louisiana Purchased by the United States On March 31 of this year, St. Bernard Parish (county) seat created at St. Bernard Catholic Church, in the heart of Los Islenos San Bernardo Village.

1807 1810

1,020

First U.S. Census

1817

Riverfront from Poydras to Aycock St. (Arabi) annexed into St. Bernard Parish

1820

2,635

1,615

158.33%

Immigrants settle here: French, Spanish, British and Acadian, along with Americans who buy Islenos land for sugar plantations. Many Islenos families move near Lake Borgne for thriving fishing industry, others remain in St. Bernard Village. In 1816, Hilaire and Michel St. Amand (Free People of Color) purchase Chalmette Plantation where Battle of New Orleans fought.

1830

3.356

721

27.36%

Slave-driven economy, Versailles Plantation, land speculators and sugar industry boom.

1840

3,237

-119

-3.55%

Depression panic of 1837

1850

3,802

565

17.45%

Sugar industry rebounds, Irish and German immigrants, growing Islenos/Filipino fishermen, and trappers, timber industry

1860

4,076

274

7.21%

Elite families move into Creole architecture homes and plantations along river to Plaquemine Parish.

1870

3,553

-523

-12.83%

Coupled with sugar economy collapse, yellow fever epidemic and “St. Bernard Massacre of 1868,” it’s the largest percentage drop..

1880

4,405

852

23.98%

Small village of Arabi, originally named Stock Landing, evolves alongside slaughterhouse industry. Sicilian farmers arrive, and growth of African Americans communities of Fazendeville, Veretteville, Walker’s Lane, Goodwill and Violet.

1890

4,326

-79

-1.79%

In 1890 Census, 55% “Negroes.” African Americans move to New Orleans (highest increase of black population than any Louisiana city), others migrate to agricultural and industrial states.

18 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

POP CHART: 200+ YEARS

BY DECADES

YEAR

POP.

GROWTH

GROWTH RATE

EXPLANATION

1900

5,031

705

16.30%

Arabi, Irish, Sicilian and African American communities grow.

1910

5,227

246

4.89%

St. Bernard Bank led by Joseph Maumus founded in 1905. Meraux community established. Chalmette Refinery opens.

1920

4,968

-309

-5.86%

Spanish influenza of 1918, migration of African Americans to west coast and northern/midwestern industrial cities.

1930

6,512

1,544

31.08%

Sinclair Oil Refinery and American Sugar Refinery open.

1940

7,280

768

11.79%

Boom in industrial, manufacturing, farming and service-related jobs.

1950

11,087

3,807

52.29%

Arabi & Chalmette growing suburbs.

1960

32,186

21,099

190.30%

Kaiser Aluminum opens and “White Flight” moves from NOLA 9th and 7th Wards (Largest % increase in New Orleans vicinity since city’s “American, Jewish & West Indies Influx” of 1830–1840, 121.8% in “Booming” Mid-1800s).

1970

51,185

18,999

59.0%

Black township of Fazendeville seized by Parish and U.S. government in 1963 to expand Chalmette Battlefield site.

1980

64,097

12,912

25.23%

21,453 housing units in St. Bernard Parish, 73.47% owner occupied.

1990

66,631

2,534

3.95%

Kaiser Plant closes

2000

67,229

598

0.89%

Highest population in Parish history

2005

Hurricane Katrina: floodwaters swamp nearly all homes. Parish declared only county in U.S. history “Completely Destroyed by Natural Disaster”

2010

36,824

-29,807

-44.73%

Despite drop in percentage, St. Bernard had highest five-year population increase since Katrina, rising from roughly 1,500 people in October 2005.

2011

39,515

2,691

7.31%

As population grows, businesses move in.

2012

41,485

1,970

4.99%

More New Orleanians relocate, St. Bernard young families return.

2013

43,434

1,949

4.70%

Residents return, renters move into new apartment complexes.

2014

44,441

1,007

2.32%

Trend continues.

2015

45,425

984

2.21%

Parish increases marketing plan, incentives.

2016

45,775

333

0.77%

2017

46,108

333

0.73%

New Orleans Advocate reports “St. Bernard welcomes new homebuyers priced out of New Orleans.” Town Charts report 16,925 housing units, sixth out of 10 parishes in area. Renter percent (32.4%) is third-most. Owner housing is 67.6%, fifth in area.

2018

46,721

613

1.33%

Housing and planning initiatives continue success.

SOURCES: U.S. Census Archives, St. Bernard Parish Historian Bill Hyland, Researcher Charles D. Jackson

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

19

FAMILY FOLLOWS THE LEADER

Photo by Charles D. Jackson Relatives James Clarkston Jr., Ronald LaBranch Jr., Amaya Mitchell, Iyanna Dunbar, Justin Williams, Eartha Taplin and Pamela Williams Clarkston live within blocks of each other in Arabi.

BY CHARLES D. JACKSON St. Bernard Magazine-Chalmette

W

hen James and Pamela Williams-Clarkston moved from New Orleans East to Arabi in 2011, their youngest son, Ronald, Jr., was 14 years old. Now 22, Junior is building his first home next door to his parents in the Carolyn Park/Heights neighborhood.

Junior isn't the only sibling staying close to mom and dad. Justin was the first to build and move directly behind them in February 2014. Sister Iyanna built next door to Justin in December 2014 and Brother Tyrone has purchased a double lot next door to Iyanna.

Not to be left out, Pamela's sister, Eartha Taplin, built a new home four blocks away in January 2015.

Family members buying houses next door or within the same block has been a longtime St. Bernard population trend. Throughout the parish, generations have lived within walking distance.

After Katrina, St. Bernardians who moved to the Northshore purchased homes close to family and friends. In some parts of St. Tammany Parish, entire enclaves are saturated with St. Bernard transplants now living on higher ground.

As the population swings upward again in St. Bernard, the Clarkston clan epitomizes the continuance of the staying-close-to-family trend -- with a different demographic profile.

20 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

Prior to Katrina, St. Bernard's population was 85 percent white, 8 percent black. Now blacks make up 23 percent of the population, the largest increase in African American populations in the metro area.

Photo by George Ricks For the first time since Katrina, New Orleans’ African American population dropped in 2018 by more than 600 people. Many new parish residents moved from Uptown, New Orleans East, the 9th Ward and the West Bank. St. Bernard Parish leaders welcome the newcomers.

“It’s been a long fight to turn our image around, and we’re attracting new people,” said Drew Heaphy, lifelong resident and executive director of the St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District. “We’ve always been a community where people get to know you. Knowing your neighbor for 40-something years – that’s part of St. Bernard Parish.”

SHIFT IN DEMOGRAPHICS

St. Bernard has the highest percentage growth (15%) of African Americans than any Metro-Area Parish.

Helping You Make the Right Mortgage Decisions Regions Mortgage knows the needs of homebuyers are as different as the homes they are buying. What works for one buyer may not work for you.

With your specific needs in mind, Regions offers loans that include: • Fixed- and Adjustable-Rate Mortgages • Affordable Housing Products • FHA/VA Loans • Jumbo and Conforming Loans • Construction-to and Renovation-to-Permanent Loans Contact me for information on home financing. It would be a pleasure to help.

Nicole Cossé Dupre

Mortgage Loan Originator | NMLS# 1191770 c - (504) 258-7392 nicole.dupre@regions.com regionsmortgage.com/NicoleDupre

© 2020 Regions Bank. Member FDIC. NMLS# 174490. All loans subject to qualification, required documentation and credit approval. Certain exclusions may apply. Loan terms and availability subject to change. The Annual Percentage Rate on all adjustable rate mortgages is subject to change after consummation period. Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.

(01/20)

www.SellingStBernard.com

St. Bernard’s Realtor E-mail: DanaArcement@gmail.com

Dana Arcement

Broker/Owner, Realtor Licensed in Louisiana, since 1998

5 0 4

-277-4487

Buying & Selling

9000 W. Judge Perez Dr., Suite 201, Chalmette, La. 70043 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

21

HOUSING SALES - CHALMETTE

“The average $174,000 house price is attractive to first-time homebuyers” -- New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors

BUILDER BUNDLE DRIVES

Photo by Jacques Alfonso

NEW CONSTRUCTION

New construction at 3405 Volpe Drive in Chalmette sold in September by realtor/broker Jacques Alfonso.

BY CHARLES D. JACKSON

St. Bernard Magazine-Chalmette

P

rices of new homes have skyrocketed in the past four years, led by the Builder Bundle Program.

“This program gave other builders confidence that they can sell new homes in St. Bernard Parish,” said Jason Stopa, Director of Community Development.

Builder Bundle is a growth initiative of St. Bernard Parish Government to offer quality-minded builders discounted rates for “bundles” of former Louisiana Land Trust properties that the parish inherited after the Road Home Program ended.

Qualified contractors build affordable, custom homes while passing the savings to buyers.

The Builder Bundle program is marketed through Community Development’s Sold on St. Bernard program, which has purchased billboard, television and radio ads to attract homebuyers to the Parish.

22 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

PERMITS FOR RESIDENTIAL NEW CONSTRUCTION

YEAR

NUMBER

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

55 95 113 119 195 187 TOTAL : 764

Though Prices Rise, Families Still Flock Two separate Realtor reports say lower home prices in St. Bernard Parish make this a great market for first-time homebuyers.

“The average home sale price is significantly lower than the surrounding parishes,” according to the 2019 fourth-quarter report released by Mirambell Realty, which gathers housing data from several sources.

The average house price rose by 10.6% to $107 per foot in 2019, according to the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors.

“Young households willing to engage in redevelopment are being attracted to Arabi and to the nearly fully redeveloped areas of Chalmette,” states the June 2019 report on housing price trends. “Housing volume unit sales reached 214 units in the first half of 2019.This is more demand than in either St. John or Plaquemines, but less than all the other parishes of Metro New Orleans.

“Fewer houses are still being sold for redevelopment,” the NOMAR report states. “These are still being priced near $50 per foot (still damaged), which allows a $50 or more per foot renovation cost and final price of $110 per foot for a renovated house. Substantial further development is likely.The $174,000 average house price is attractive to first-time buyers.”

FASTEST-GROWING PLACES ARABI - 4,479 Growth Rate 2010-2019 – 2.05%

CHALMETTE – 19,183

Housing

Growth Rate 2010-2019 - 1.5%

Housing Units – 8,966 Owner – 47.4% Rent – 32.9% Vacant – 19.7% Value - $140,987 Income

Units – 2,282 Owner – 53.2% Renter – 24.8% Vacant – 22% Value - $142,578

Income Median Household - $40,268 Avg. Household - $57,372 Per Capita - $22,861

Median Household - $44,243 Avg. Household - $58,764 Per Capita - $22,060

MERAUX – 5,242 Growth Rate 2010-2019 – 1.9%

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

$350,000 $300,000 $250,000 $200,000

$217,000 $172,000

$150,000

$143,000

$127,000

$253,000

$234,000

$151,000

$150,000

$100,000 $50,000 $-

Income of Top 3: $23,493

Units – 2,084 Owner – 71.1% Renter – 13.2% Vacant – 15.6% Value -- $178,038 Income Median Household - $65,598 HomeMortgage_hlfpg.pdf Average - $76,213 Per Capita - $25,560

M

Average Sales Price

Avg. Annual Per Capita

Housing

C

New Construction Prices Rise 38% in 4 Years after Builder Bundle Program Hits Market. Resale Homes Rose 17% in Same Period

2015

2016

New Construction

2017

2018 Resale

Source: St. Bernard Parish Government

Source: LA Hometown Locator as of July 2019

1

1/12/20

4:00 PM

FREE Down Payment Assistance To Buy A House Visit http://www.SoldOnStBernard.com

Free Home Buying Seminars Offered Quarterly For Details Visit

www.Facebook.com/STBHomeMortgageAuthority

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

23

24 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

HOUSING SALES - ARABI

From the Bywater

Photo

by Corrine Barreca PHOTOS BY CORRINE BARRECA

BY CHARLES D. JACKSON

M

St. Bernard Magazine-Chalmette

eghan Akenson's family loves her new home in Arabi so much, her mom is thinking about moving from Braithwaite to The Heights neighborhood.

"Wouldn't it be nice to have grandma living right down the street for the kids to visit?" she said.

That would be nice for Meghan -- a stay-at-home mom rearing 8-month-old Alice and 3-year-old Jack.

Husband Andy works in the CBD as partner of a direct-mail marketing firm serving car dealerships nationwide.

The couple moved into their 2-story, 4-bedroom Farmhouse in November 2018, after paying “outrageous” rent in the Bywater neighborhood for five years.

With a growing family, the Akensons needed greater living space, without sinking in debt.

"To stay in the Bywater neighborhood would have cost $600,000 for a house of similar size, and that didn’t include off-street parking or a yard,” Meghan said. “It's not a spot you can raise children.”

She was quite familiar with St. Bernard, having lived next door.

"One day while at my parents' house in Braithwaite,

my sister said we should look at Arabi," Meghan said.

"We went online (Sold on St. Bernard), pulled up Arabi and this is the exact house we looked up. On the way home, we drove around the neighborhood and said, 'Oh, it's a ton of them!'

"We saw Lara’s (Schulz) name on the house and called her that night," Meghan said. "It went quickly after that."

They purchased the 2,600-square-foot house with a sizeable yard much less than buying in Orleans.

Moving from the cramped, gentrifying Bywater neighborhood, Meghan and Andy gained a spacious, family-and-friends gathering place on Rose Street.

"This is like living in the country but 10 minutes from downtown," Meghan said. "Here the schools are really great, and I really like the open space."

Andy likes the lower utility costs, and the new water lines recently installed in The Heights. “In New Orleans, we were always getting boiled water advisories.”

Now, the only thing – or family member – missing is Meghan’s mom living down the street. Dad can’t move yet cause he’s the on-site manager of St. Bernard State Park in Braithwaite, but he can surely visit!

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

25

Parish Pride

Barry Lemoine

So Much More in Arabi, A True Community

Barry Lemoine is an award-winning writer and educator. His commitment and passion for the parish and its performing arts has earned him the moniker as “The Bard of St. Bernard.”

F

or the last several years, people have been building, buying, and moving into Arabi at a record pace. In fact, Realtor.com named Arabi as one of the fastest-growing suburbs in America, ranking it sixth out of the more than 7,000 communities in its study.

Patrick and Julie Raymond with Julia.

~ Newcomers

“We have great neighbors, and people wave as they drive by on the street. We like to take walks in the evening to see all the houses being built in Carolyn Park.”

Patrick said they also enjoy the diverse dining options.

Old Arabi Residents Troy and Alison Barrios also moved to Arabi because of its strong sense of community. For years, the couple lived in New Orleans’ Irish Channel. Alison said Arabi is actually more convenient to many parts of the city than Uptown and has many other advantages.

“Buying a home in Arabi allowed us to have a big yard and a driveway, which were both very important, as well as an incredibly strong community of neighbors, lower utilities and taxes, safe neighborhoods, and the opportunity to invest in an area where property values will continue to improve.”

Troy and Alison run the Barrios Real Estate Group and have enjoyed seeing the area prosper. Troy also appreciates the relationships they developed with community leaders and how these partnerships create tangible change in the neighborhood.

Alison likes Arabi because “it has that small-town, everybody knows your name feeling while being 10 minutes away from downtown New Orleans.”

The neighborhood has gained momentum for several reasons: a growing arts and entertainment district, improved infrastructure, and a bevy of new construction.

But those are just some of the factors that attract new residents.

“We chose Arabi because we wanted to grow our family in a safe and familyoriented community that was close to New Orleans,” Julie said.

They enjoy local events like the Old Arabi Sugar Fest and Sippin into Sunset, but Patrick also appreciates Arabi’s affordability and proximity to the city.

“We love Arabi because it is close enough to the city that we can use Uber or Lyft for a date night out,” he said.

“And when we were looking to buy a house, we could get so much more in St.Bernard compared to Orleans.”

Before they were married, Patrick lived in the warehouse District while Julie was in Los Angeles. Patrick said they appreciate the small Troy and Alison Barrios and their dog, Chancey. The couple said they town feel of the neighborare glad they took a “Chancey” on moving to Arabi. hood.

26 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

say

BarriosRealEstateGroup_qtrpg.pdf

For Angela Seibert, moving to Arabi was part of coming home. “Coming back from Slidell after all the post-Katrina years would have been wonderful anywhere in the parish – really – but Arabi is so pretty and so close to the city. Plus it’s growing so fast! Not to mention the fact that my parents grew up in Arabi.”

Anglea, her husband Charles, and their daughter Carman recently moved into their “gorgeous, forever home” in Brittany Place. Angela said she loves everything about the area. “I love the canals around it, the train tracks, the river, the levee. Plus, historic Angela and Charles Seibert with Arabi is just beautiful. daughter, Carman.

And of course, I love The Coffeehouse.” Angela said the family feel is one of the reasons she returned.

“It’s so familiar,” she said. “The last time we voted, my family and I spent almost an hour at the polls. Why? Because I saw my godfather, multiple neighbors, and even chatted up our Friday night cabbage ball league umpire. It’s such a true community!”

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Got Parish Pride? Email Barry Lemoine at Barrylemoine@gmail.com or follow barrylemoine on Instagram, Barry Lemoine on Facebook.

1

12/18/19

7:54 PM

Alison Grice Barrios 504-628-2373 alison@barriosrealestate.com Troy Barrios 504-628-4387 troy@barriosrealestate.com

Serving your real estate needs throughout the New Orleans metro area including • Residential and Commercial Sales • Investment and Wealth Building • Distressed Sales and Foreclosures • Property Management Alison Grice Barrios • Broker/Owner 504-628-2373 cell • 504-579-2677 office BarriosRealEstate.com

2018 New Business of the Year - St. Bernard Chamber 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year - Women's Council of Realtors BARRIOS Real Estate Group Your NOLA Neighborhoods Real Estate Experts

Licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission McKay & Associates, L.L.C.

Surveying:

•FEMA Elevation Certificates •Boundary Surveys •ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys •Construction Layout •Topographic Surveys •Re-Subdivisions

Engineering:

•Drainage Studies •Civil Site Design •House Plans With 3-D Rendering Views •Coastal Use Drawings & Permitting •Building Permits 208 W. Judge Perez Drive, Suite No. 2 Chalmette, LA 70043 • Phone: (504) 509-7603 Email: Charlie@mckayassociatesllc.com

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

27

HOUSING SALES - MERAUX HOUSING SALES - MERAUX

New Orleans New Orleans Teacher Teacher Gives “Team” Gives Grades “Team” High High Grades

BY CHARLES D. JACKSON

St. Bernard Magazine - Chalmette

F F

or more than a year, thirdgrade teacher Stella Reynolds St. Bernard Magazine-Chalmette and her youngest son shared the same or more bed than ina her year,godparthirdents’ house as she searched for a grade teacher Stella Reynolds home. and She her moved from her Chalyoungest son shared mette apartment because of godparchronic the same bed in her mold that made her 8-year-old sick.a ents’ house as she searched for She felt “homeless” having to live home. She moved from her Chalwith others. mette apartment because of chronic “I was feeling demold that always made crying, her 8-year-old sick. pressed, ” said Reynolds.

“My She felt “homeless” having realtor to live kept showing me properties I didn’t with others. like.“II drove around this neighborwas always crying, feeling dehood, saw Southern Builders’ sign pressed,” said Reynolds.

“My realtor and called.

They introduced me kept showing me properties I didn’t to At the like.another I drove realtor, aroundJennifer. this neighbormeeting, I cried and they assured hood, saw Southern Builders’ sign me I would be happier.”me and that called.

They introduced Within five months, sheAtwas to another realtor, Jennifer. theall smiles.

Reynolds and her two sons meeting, I cried and they assured moved theirbe new three-bedme thatinto I would happier. ” room home on Munster Boulevard Within five months, she was all in Meraux October smiles.

Reynolds and2019. her two sons “Once the lot, it moved intothey theirobtained new three-bedwas smooth sailing, ” Reynolds said. room home on Munster Boulevard in Meraux October 2019.

“Once they obtained the lot, it was smooth sailing,” Reynolds said.

BY CHARLES D. JACKSON

28 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

Stella Reynolds receives ceremonial key to her custom-built home in

October after her realtor, “Along with 2019, Jennifer andgaining Melanie“creative” financing “I movedhelp herefrom because I Jennifer, it and mortgage banker.

Boudreaux, was a complete thought life would be quieter, the cohesive team and they got the job crime rate lower and my children done first inand mind. ” could play outside, she said.I“I’m “Alongwith withme Jennifer Melanie “I moved here”because Autin said theyaworked “in cremuch happier nowbe with my new Boudreaux, it was complete thought life would quieter, the ative waysteam for her get got a first-time home fromlower Southern Builders, cohesive andtothey the job crime rate and my children homebuyers knowing are a” phone done with meloan, firstcoming in mind.out ” of could playthey outside, she said.call “I’m pocket with money. ” “in creaway.

Autin saidless they worked much” happier now with my new teacher OrativeReynolds, ways foraher to getinaNew first-time home from Southern Builders, leans for 15 years, said sheout moved homebuyers loan, coming of knowing they are a phone call in 2012with fromless New Orleans pocket money. ” East to away.”

Chalmette, one of the first resi- OrReynolds, a teacher in New dents of a15new apartment leans for years, said she complex. moved After herfrom landlord to repair in 2012 Newfailed Orleans East to the leaking A/C causing mold, Chalmette, one unit of the first resiOnce they her Section 8 housing case complex. managdents of a new apartment er stressed she leave theto unit.

After her landlord failed repair obtained the lot, it wasunit determined to the Reynolds leaking A/C causing mold, was smooth sailing" stay in St. Bernard Parish. her Section 8 housing case manager stressed she leave the unit. ~ Stella Reynolds Reynolds was determined to stay in St. Bernard Parish.

Reinvesting in the Fut�re of St Ber�ard: - Southern Builders

Have you ever thought about your hometown and noticed how much it’s grown?

That’s St, Bernard, says David Boihem, owner of Southern Builders of Louisiana, Inc, a native, born and raised in Chalmette. When he was a kid everyone knew everybody. The same can be said about today. The difference he sees is that there’s a new atmosphere. Everything is wellmaintained, new playgrounds, new schools, some even the best in the state. “I see a lot of potential in St, Bernard. Even after Katrina, the community still stayed together and that’s what I love about it.”

Will Cummings, co-owner of Southern Builders, goes on to say he believes people are moving back to St Bernard due to the rich, diverse community and the local government doing their best to hear the people’s voices by committing to keep their city safe from crime, access to great education, and truly caring about the individual.

“People from all walks of life are looking for a g�eat place to raise their family” “We’ve built around 25 homes in St, Bernard, this year alone. The demand will certainly be met for future generations”. The availability and low costs of land, city infrastructure, and new levysystem makes it a jewel to call home. “People from all walks of life are looking for a great place to raise their family”, says Will and David.

They believe that people are reinvesting their future by upgrading their old homes for new ones because the current generation has kept the St, Bernard pride by continuing to call it home. “Behind every gray cloud - Hurricane Katrina - there’s a silver lining. But thanks to all those who put St, Bernard back together, the community is thriving and continues to be a safe place for those who call it home.

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

29

Parades and Knights of Nemesis Feb. 15 The 15th annual Knights of Nemesis Parade takes place on Saturday, Feb. 15, starting at 1 p.m. from the St. Bernard Civic Center, following the traditional parade route on Judge Perez Drive. Nemesis features 27-plus floats and 50-plus marching units.

Irish-Italian-Islenos April 4 The parade starts Saturday, April 4, at 12 noon along the W. Judge Perez route in Chalmette from Meraux Drive down to Ventura and back. It consists of 53-plus floats, 35-plus marching groups 1,500-plus members and 350,000 pounds of produce: cabbage, potatoes, onions, carrots, etc.

TimelineAd.qxp_Layout 1 1/17/20 11:03 PM Page 1

30 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

Holy Celebrations GETHSEMANE LUTHERAN CHURCH 2825 Paris Road, Chalmette 504-271-4254 • February 16,11 a.m. – 6 p. m.

Ashes to Go – drive up ashes and communion on Ash Wednesday • March 7, 5 p.m. – Lutheran Rosary Prayer service –receive homemade crocheted rosary beads in prayer • March 14, 10 a.m. – Easter celebration for the children – holiday pictures, lessons, crafts, snacks, and Easter egg hunt

• March 21, 10 a.m. at Audubon Park’s Labyrinth -- Prayer and meditation walk Holy Week worship services: • April 5, 10 a.m. – Palm Sunday worship with communion, receive a palm cross for your home • April 9, 7 p.m. – Maundy Thursday worship with communion • April 10, 7 p.m. – Good Friday Stations of the Cross • April 12, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Easter Sunday worship with communion

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

31

Voodoo Gumbo Band mesmerizes thousands during the fair-fun weekend at Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette.

Photos by Cisco Gonzales, Jr.

Festival STILL HOT at 45

BY CISCO GONZALES JR.

Crawfish Festival Public Relations Director 5 tons, 4 days, homemade boiling pots of various sizes!

Where might you ask?

At the Louisiana Crawfish Festival, celebrating 45 years March 26-29 in Chalmette.

S

species, which is unique because of its red color. Crawfish season varies from year to year depending on rainfall and winter.

Normally, crawfish season (spring) lasts from mid/late January until June/July with peak season being from March through May. The cost of crawfish varies dependent upon the production, weather, and season.

In February 2018, the average cost for live crawfish was $3.12 per pound and boiled was $4.46 per pound.

Jeff and Teri Pohlmann, owners of Today’s Ketch Seafood, have been responsible for boiling the crawfish at our festival for three years since Hurricane Katrina.

t. Bernard Parish is the annual home to this once Mom and Pop celebration, now one of the largest festivals in Louisiana.

Crawfish, the official crustacean of Louisiana, is celebrated with more than 10,000 pounds boiled and ready to be served along with over 30 food booths Boiling the with numerous crawfish Jeff and Terri Pohlmann crawfish for this dishes. festival gets our Crawfish (Crayfish, Mudbugs, or Crawdads) can be found in name out in the local most fresh water bayous and swamps community. Being throughout Louisiana. In fact, crawfish in business for 35 years in St. became such a demand that rice farmers Bernard Parish, we are in Louisiana began to create crawfish helping our home team, which ponds to grow and sell crawfish nationally.

The most common Louisiana crawfish people from down here belongs to the Procambarus clarkii appreciate.”

32 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

Pohlmann emphasizes that the crawfish and all the seafood from Today’s Ketch is exclusively from Louisiana.

In fact, the crawfish boiled at the festival is from the ponds of Western Louisiana (Acadiana area).

Let the peeling and sucking begin!

It’s crawfish season!

www.louisianacrawfishf estival. com

March 26, 27, 28, 29 Thursday – Sunday

Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, LA

“We’re here to help the community. Our first priority is charity. St. Bernard has a lot of needs.”

- Cisco Gonzales, Sr.

H

ow the Festival Started?

“Members of the Knights of Columbus Rummel Council were trying to figure out how to raise money for the charities we support. A member of the Knights had the idea of hosting a festival. We started in 1975 and have been successful ever since.”

What Happened After Katrina?

“The 2007 Crawfish Fest totally brought the Parish back together. We got a phone call 30 days before the fest that the old Walmart parking lot next to Home Depot was available free of charge. On the Sunday of the festival, a lady gave me a big hug. She was in tears. She said, “I want to thank you for bringing this festival home. This is the first time my husband and I have come back since Katrina, and after being here, we have decided we are going to CRAWFISH CHARITIES rebuild.” It was very emotional. I saw more shaking hands and hugging than I’ve ever seen in St. Bernard Council on Aging my life. It felt like homecoming.”

Relay for Life Children’s Hospital New Orleans Ochsner Neonatal Care St. Bernard Public Schools Lynn Oaks School Our Lady of Prompt Succor School Catholic Churches St. Bernard Recreation Department Battered Women’s Shelter Rummel Council Food Baskets Rummel Council Toy Giveaway Emergency Funds for Utilities Giving Hope and more!

What’s Your Role?

“I book the music, advertisments, and sponsorships. My goal is to bring people here to see St. Bernard Parish.”

How Many Attend?

It has grown from a Mom & Pop festival to a nationwide festival. We’ve had up to 120,000 to 130,000 people in four days. People come from all over the world. UNO survey. We’re 5 miles from the French Quarter. People can take Uber, Lift or taxis, get dropped off and picked up. It’s convenient.

Thursday - St. Bernard Nigh FREE ADMISSION - $15 arm bands DAYS/HOURS Thursday, 5 – 10 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m. Midnight; Saturday, 12 p.m. - Midnight, Sunday, 12 - 9p.m.

Admission: $5 a day Fair: $25 armbands for 29 Rides Entertainment: 1 stage - Regional, Local Bands Other Activities: Crawfish races, rides, games Food Booths: 39 - Crawfish dishes, Boiled Crawfish Free: Anyone under 4-foot, Military Expected Attendance: 140,000 in four days Economic Impact: More than $1 million ARMBANDS Ride Bands during the fair cost $25.

(This does not include the cost of admission.) Ride bands $15 on Thursday. Be on the lookout for people attempting to sell fraudulent armbands.

What’s the National Exposure?

The festival has been featured on the Weather Channel, Food Channel, Carnival Eats and Snapchat.

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

33

LOS ISLEñOS Photos by Kathy Serpas Ziegler

BY BILL HYLAND

William (Bill) Hyland of Isleños-Creole descent is the distinguished St. Bernard Parish Historian who has authored publications on Isleños, Creole, African, Irish, Italian, Filipino Asian, German and American influences on Southeast Louisiana.

Los Majuelos, a folkloric group from La Laguna in Tenerife Island, performs at Los Isleños Heritage & Cultural Complex on Bayou Road.

Celebrating Cultural Heritage of San Bernardo

D

espite natural catastrophes and other challenges, Los Isleños Heritage and Cultural Society has celebrated its annual Los Isleños Fiesta uninterruptedly since 1976! The Society will sponsor its 45th annual fiesta March 7-8, 2020, at its complex on Bayou Road.

The fiesta has evolved more than four decades into the preeminent cultural festival in St. Bernard Parish and continues to lead the way in recognizing the presence of Spain and her Canary Islands in the culturally diverse heritage of Louisiana.

The first festival was staged at the former Delacroix Island Elementary School in a traditional Isleños fishing village populat-

The late Jerry Alfonso, a founding member of Los Isleños Society

34 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

ed after the Civil War in the Catholic Church-Kenilworth 1860s. Held during the AmeriPark (1979-1980), San Pedro can Bicentennial anniversary, it Pescador Church (1981-1983) was a memorable celebration. and Los Isleños Museum ComThousands from throughout St. plex (1983–2005). Hurricane Bernard Parish and the region Katrina destroyed the museum came to renew friendships and complex and the remainder of family ties. Popular music, dancSt. Bernard Parish Aug. 29, 2005. ing and food made it a joyful Back from the Brink occasion.

Los Isleños Society initiHenry “Junior” Rodriguez, ated and reviewed plans for then newly elected to the St. rebuilding in October 2005, Bertin Esteves and Bernard Parish Police Jury, and Society benefactress meeting aboard the Scotia a committee of more than 10 Dorothy “Dot” Benge Prince docked in Violet. It was men, including Louis “Glen” determined that Los Isleños FiMenesses and Morris Morales, esta must be celebrated in 2006. The party cooked 100 gallons of seafood gumbo and happened in the midst of community ruins. boiled several thousand pounds of shrimp Los Artesanos, a folkloric group from the and crabs! By the end of the 1976 festival, municipality Ingenio in Gran Canaria, highnot a drop of gumbo or morsel of food lighted Fiesta 2006, staged in the temporary remained. trailer park surrounding St. Bernard Parish Automobiles were parked along Bayou Government Complex and Torres Park.

Terre-aux-Boeufs Road from Woodlake to In 2008, Councilman Fred Everhardt El fin del Mundo (The End of the World). removed the dangerous structural ruins of During the years, fiestas have been celthe Isleno Museum and the festival reebrated in Yscloskey (1977), St. Bernard turned home.

FIESTA 2020 The FEMA-funded rebuilding/restoration of the complex was largely completed just before the 2010 fiesta.

The project was hampered by relentless rainstorms from September 2009 to early March 2010. Indeed, torrential rains dampened the Saturday night of the festival, but the party continued the next day.

development, and public outreach programs of the complex and society.

Come to Los Isleños Fiesta 2020 and experience the living culture of the Isleños, and the living vestige of Spanish colonial Louisiana!

Los Isleños Cultural Complex 1357 Bayou Road, St. Bernard, LA 70085

Tickets: $3 • Children 12 & Under FREE RIDES * MUSIC LIVING HISTORY * FOLK CRAFTS

2020 Performances The folkloric group Maxorata from Fuerteventura Island in the Canaries will headline the cultural centerpiece this year.

Folk art, such as duck decoy carving, pirogue construction, quilting, Teneriffe Lace making, and pottery, will be displayed.

Visitors can learn genealogical and historical information about the Canarian colonists, and their families who colonized 18th century Louisiana. They can taste traditional Isleno food, tapas, and Spanish wine.

Filipino folk dancing (Filipinos settled in St. Bernard in the 18th century), and Native American displays are also among the attractions.

Funds raised support the maintenance,

THE 45TH ANNUAL FIESTA March 7-8, 2020

Saturday 11 a.m. – Opening Ceremony 11:30 a.m. – Heritage Program 12:30 p.m. – Filipino Cultural Group 1 p.m.- Javier Gutierrez and Vivaz 3 p.m. – Maxorata Canary Island Group 5 p.m. – Topcats 7:30 p.m. – Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition

Sunday

Andres Rodriguez cooking the tortilla Espanola or Spanish omelet.

11 a.m. – Invocation 11:30 a.m. – Filipino Cultural Group 1 p.m. – Javier Olondo & Asheson 3 p.m. – Maxorata Canary Island Group 5 p.m. – Junior & Sumtin’ Sneaky 7 p.m. – Faith Becnel & Music Krewe

FREE PARKING & SHUTTLE

HAPPY HOUR! Monday - Friday | 2 - 6pm

HALF PRICE

starters, drafts, & glasses of wine

FREE STARTER!

with the purchase of any large pizza

No cash value. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Must present coupon at time of purchase.

Limit one coupon per table. Valid at the Chalmette, LA Rotolo’s location only. EXPIRES: 3/31/20 CODE: Start20

8109 W. Judge Perez Dr. | Chalmette, LA 70043 | 504.279.5500 | rotolos.com

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

35

36 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

Tina M. Tinney, Ed. D.

A note from the Nunez Community College Chancellor: Nunez Community College proudly announces a new academic program in Coastal Studies and GIS Technology. This innovative program was made possible through a partnership with the St. Bernard Parish Government Coastal Division.

The program delivers skills and competencies in coastal studies that utilize the latest, cutting-edge technologies such as drones and Geographic Information Systems.

With multiple exit points, students can earn either a certificate, a diploma or an Associate degree that offers employment opportunities in coastal occupations.

This new program was designed to open the door to new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) opportunities and training that lead to high demand, high wage jobs. This is just one example of the exciting opportunities that exist as a result of partnerships and industry input to develop a program that directly impacts our community, our region and our state! There’s a warm welcome waiting

when you call or visit our campus in Chalmette, Louisiana to experience

Chancellor of Nunez Community College for yourself what’s “new at Nunez”!

3 SUCCESS LEVELS OF COASTAL STUDIES & GIS TECHNOLOGY 1. Certificate of Technical Studies in Coastal Geospacial Information Science focuses on GIS

technology and the ability to apply it in coastal related jobs.

Students completing this certificate have an in-demand skill and are employable as survey and mapping technicians.

2. Technical Diploma in Coastal Studies and GIS Technology includes coursework in coastal science and

regulation to understand the permitting process. A block of approved electives allows students to choose training in both technical and construction skills.

3. Associate of Applied Science Degree in Coastal Studies and GIS Technology adds 15 hours of related general education courses in Math, Composition, History and Social Sciences.

These courses include: Survey of Microcomputer Applications, Computer Graphs and Maps, Fundamentals of Mapping and GIS, Remote Sensing, GIS Theories and Concepts and Louisiana Wetland Ecology.

Apply for a Coastal Scholarship to help you earn a GIS Technician Certificate in 1 year, a Technical Diploma in Coastal Studies and GIS Technology in 3 semesters or continue one more semester to complete your Associate’s Degree!

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT NUNEZ.EDU OR CALL (504) 278.6467

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

37

Career Training

A NEW GENERATION

SAVING THE COAST

BY CHARLES D. JACKSON

St. Bernard Magazine-Chalmette

H

annah Robin is on a mission to maintain her family’s fishing heritage – and livelihood. It’s through technology.

The 18-year-old has enrolled in the Coastal Studies & GIS Technology program at Nunez Community College in Chalmette. Geospatial Information Science (GIS) Technology is the wave of the future for coastal restoration.

And coastal restoration is the emerging industry for long-lost, middle-wage jobs in St. Bernard, economists and researcers say.

“Our recent research finds that St. Bernard residents used to have access to many middle-wage jobs with good upward mobility but many of those jobs have disappeared in recent decades,” said Dr. Allison Plyer, chief demographer for The Data Center in New Orleans. “We identify the coastal restoration industry as an emerging source of such jobs.”

In 1984, St. Bernard Parish’s largest high-and-middle-wage employer — Kaiser Aluminium — closed, leaving more than 2,500 jobless who earned between $25K-$50K. In Southeast Louisiana, coastal restoration jobs start between $35-$45K and increase with level of skills, according to reports from GNO, Inc. Certificates, Technical Diplomas and Associate Degrees are paths to higher salaries in related coastal and maritime industries.

Parish Government Launches Trainings

Crane Operators, Water and Wastewater Treatment Operators, Surveying and Mapping Technicians, and Environmental

38 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

Nunez Equipping for Emerging Jobs

Photo by Charles D. Jackson Hannah Robin of Delacroix studies mapping at Nunez coastal studies lab.

Technicians are some of the in-demand positions on the horizon in coastal restoration.

St. Bernard Parish Government four years ago made large-scale coastal restoration projects a top priority. The coastal strategy leveraged more than $39 million for completed and ongoing projects, and another $383 million in projects in engineering/design phases.

To help St. Bernard residents take

advantage of coming higher-wage coastal projects, the government used economic development funds to launch the Nunez program August 2019, under the school’s workforce development division.

“St. Bernard has leveraged a lot and invested our money in engineering in hopes of finding coastal dollars to bring these projects to fruition,” said John Lane, director of the Parish’s Coastal

Dr. Robert Habans, economist at The Data Center who authored the report, “Reworking the Coast,” suggests that improving connections between specialized fields in the Southeast Louisiana region, such as heavy construction and civil engineering, “will be crucial to the cluster’s longterm development.”Habans, said community colleges play a central role in making the skills that employers need more accessible.

“Well-designed programs tend to encourage the filling of new job opportunities by local workers, which amplifies the impacts of new job creation,” Habans said.

In Demand Jobs

Courtesy of Greater New Orleans, Inc.

comfortable with technology, computers, software, networking, outdoor environments, algebra and statistics, Mantz said. New courses include survey and lab, hydrographic surveying, and drone surveying and lab.

Nunez Recruits High School Students One-of-A-Kind Targets In-Demand Positions

Nunez Coastal Studies Director Martin Mantz said the training is one-of-a-kind — leading to entry-level employment within weeks.

The program offers non-credit and credit options at three levels: One-year Certificate in Coastal Studies and GIS Technology (Surveying and Mapping Technician), Technical Diploma, and Associate Degree in Coastal Studies & GIS Technology for career as Environmental Technician.

Mantz said the new program is evolving to meet critical employment needs.

“We’re able to offer in-demand training and quick turnaround through workforce development,” Mantz said.

“We focus on what employers want and what students want.”

The course is taught by Richard Poche, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture and serves as GIS manager for St. Bernard Parish Government, contracted through Doyle Land Services in the CBD. Students interested should be

Mantz said the college recruits from Chalmette High School’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program, encouraging students to dual enroll and graduate high school ready to work — with a diploma and college technology certification.

Within three months of the program, two first-year Nunez students landed deckhand jobs at Associated Terminals in Arabi, while continuing classes at night.

Mantz said students gaining on-thejob experience while earning college certifications climb the pay ladder much quicker.

While coastal restoration/marine careers may conjure images of a male-

dominated workforce, that picture is far from perfect at Nunez. Women make up six of seven students taking classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights in the computer lab of Kane Technology Center.

Hannah Robin, who grew up in a sixgeneration commercial fishing family on Bayou Delacroix, has watched coastal erosion, and the loss of natural habitat.

“Our seafood industry is a big part of our economy. I love being on the water, and I’m here to see what I can learn to help.”

Now, she’s adding to her knowledge of the waterways: technology surveying, soil sampling and systematic strategies to help grow her home turf — and to get a nice paycheck to boot.

Four of seven students arrive early for a Thursday night GIS Technology Class in computer lab of Kane Technology Center at Nunez.

Photo by Charles D. Jackson

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

39

Jobs

Port Authority Sustains Growth Ecotourism Coming

S

ince the St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District acquired the closed Kaiser Plant and the Chalmette slip in 1992, the Port’s board has targeted industrial development to replace some of the 2,500-plus lost jobs.

Corporations along the Parish riverfront are steadily growing.

Combined, Boasso and Associated Terminals marine operations offer about 1,500 direct jobs.

“Both are major employers hiring people from the St. Bernard community,” said Drew Heaphy,

Executive Director of the Port District.

“We have a strong relationship with ASR (Domino’s Sugar) in Arabi to help consolidate their logistics in coordinating to build warehouse space.

RAINCII is going through an expansion to create $150 million in projects.

Additionally, Ecotourism, along with coastal restoration, are key components to the Parish’s continued economic growth, Heapy said.

“The port is working with a company called Eco Tourism, LLC to develop property on Paris Road for ecotourism,” he said.

Drew Heaphy

“Reworking the Working Coast”

Coastal and Water Infrastructure Create Good-Paying Jobs

BY DR. ROBERT HABANS

The Data Center he scope of coastal challenges facing Southeast Louisiana is vast. However, the design, construction, and maintenance of coastal and water infrastructure create good-paying, accessible jobs and contracting opportunities for local businesses. Such emerging, sustainable industries provide the kind of opportunities that are increasingly critical to the regional economy as it adjusts to both environmental and economic change. That’s the conclusion of two recent publications

by The Data Center that explore the water management economy and the shifting landscape of opportunity in coastal parishes.

Billions of dollars slated for coastal restoration, protection, and adaptation may already be contributing to economic development.

T

40 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

The heavy civil construction industry most directly related to water management infrastructure accounts for 10,000 jobs in Southeast Louisiana, roughly double its employment before the 2005 hurricanes and over 10 times higher than what would be expected based on a comparison with national employment.

Emerging industries are especially important to St. Bernard and other coastal parishes. Employment trends over the last two decades suggest that several of the cornerstone industries that have long defined the economy of Southeast Louisiana – oil and gas, port activities, and fishing – are providing narrower job opportunities.

Though region-wide employment since the recession has increased, these industries – and many coastal ZIP codes – have shed jobs.

The occupations associated with key water management industries tend to pay relatively well. Many of these jobs

are in middle-wage occupations, which help to broaden the options available to workers of various skill levels.

Other high-paying jobs in engineering and sciences are critical to the region’s deep bench of coastal expertise.

Over the longer term, a thriving regional industry “cluster” anchored by infrastructure spending, coastal expertise, and specialized construction contractors could position Southeast Louisiana as a national leader in adapting to coastal change that can export its knowledge to communities facing similar challenges.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Dr. Robert Habans is The Data Center’s economist primarily responsible for developing and conducting research projects on economic/workforce development, water management/coastal resilience, and inclusive economic growth.

The St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District is strategically located on the lower Mississippi River, connected to the nation by the Mississippi River and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway System, all six Class 1 Railroads and interstate highways. Globally importing and exporting raw materials, the St. Bernard Port is truly multimodal. The Port is home to the only calm-water, deep-draft slip on the lower Mississippi River, with four separate mid-stream buoys, located at four different Sites. The buoys service both bulk and break-bulk cargos, with the loading and unloading of ships, ranging in sizes up to 1,000-foot cape-sized vessels. More than twenty-two million short tons of cargo was handled in St. Bernard Parish in 2018.

As a landlord port, there are 48 different businesses located at the St. Bernard Port, creating an additional 1,200 jobs, and employing over 800 full-time employees in St. Bernard Parish.

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

41

Nunez News

Courtney Mpagi

Courtney Mpagi is the CTE Advisor and Adjunct Writing Professor at Nunez Community College.

M

AEROSPACE PROGRAM FEEDS MICHOUD’S APPETITE

eet Andreas Pashos. A fun-loving guy, with an infectious smile, snazzy dress shirts, and a palpable love for space.

Pashos is the program manager for the Aerospace Manufacturing Technology (AMT) program at Nunez Community College, launched in fall 2018. Pashos’ goal is to grow a thriving aerospace workforce in the region, training locals to fill voids at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans East.

There’s just a large number of people needed out there in the Michoud facility. Michoud has touched every component of aerospace assembly since the ’60’s, and no other school besides Nunez has a program to feed it.” ~ Pashos, who worked for Textron after earning a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering.

TRAINING PAYING OFF

Meet Cherie Pierce, 43, of Old Arabi.

She’s one of the first five graduates of the Nunez Aerospace Certificate Program.

Pierce immediately landed a part-time job at Michoud with a Boeing contractor.

She’s continuing at Nunez, studying for a two-year A.A. degree in Electrical Technician. Her goal is earning a Bachelor’s in Engineering, somewhat following her father’s footsteps, who was an Aeronautical Engineer at Martin Lockheed in Orlando.

42 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

That’s right. Nunez is the ONLY community college in Louisiana offering a two-year Associate of Arts Degree in Applied Science in AMT. The Nunez program targets students who enjoy hands-on activities, from blueprint to design; someone who is precise, and at the end of the day, wants to build a rocket!

The growth does not stop there.

From assembly, a worker could move into supervisory roles and even use the credits earned at Nunez toward a four-year engineering degree.

Pashos envisions the program becoming the most influential, and largest degree program Nunez offers. The administration seemingly agrees. Nunez has acquired a building exclusively for the aerospace program – with hallways decked out with space-related artwork

by Fine Arts students and a rocket visible from the highway.

Andreas Pashos

On incorporating students from other disciplines, Pashos said, “Getting everyone involved will be integral to the future of the program. I want everyone to be excited about this.”

No one could be more excited – or passionate about possibilities — than Pashos. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.

Expires 3/15/20

Expires 3/15/20

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

43

School News

Learning Culture First Hand

Photo by Barry Lemoine A student maps her family’s country of origin as part of the school’s Multi-Cultural Night

BY BARRY LEMOINE

I

St. Bernard Magazine-Chalmette

n addition to being one of the fastestgrowing areas in the region, Arabi is also home to one of the most culturally rich public schools in metro New Orleans.

Arabi Elementary School Principal Carla Carollo said students hail from 15 different countries and speak several languages, including Spanish, Urdu, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Arabic and Tagalog.

The school celebrates diversity at its annual Multi-Cultural Night on Feb. 12, and throughout the year in its music and arts programs.

Music teacher Sarah Stephens, the school’s 2020 Teacher of the Year, uses music to bridge differences between students.

“Every concert represents a chance to teach students music from around the

Arabi music teacher Sarah Stevens uses funding from the Jazz and Heritage Grant to bring in performers and musicians from various cultures to broaden student horizons.

Arabi Elementary is a place where students from all backgrounds can find friends and receive a high-quality education.”

- Music Teacher Sarah Stephens, School’s 2020 Teacher of the Year

world and then to be able to share with an audience,” Stephens said. “We have performed songs from Mexico, Japan, West Africa, and for this upcoming concert, a song with a Russian tune.”

Maps and other resources help students appreciate and understand what they are singing, Stephens said.

Thanks to an annual grant from the Jazz and Heritage Foundation, Arabi students are exposed to performers and musicians from various cultures.

Guests have included singers and dancers representing the Canary Islands, musicians from the Houma and Choctaw Native American tribes, as well as N’Fungola Sibo (West African Drum and Dance company from New Orleans),

and members of various Mardi Gras Indian tribes.

“We were also very fortunate to have Opera Creole perform and teach about the rich history of Creole musicians in our region,” Stephens said.

Like Arabi, schools throughout St. Bernard are becoming increasingly diverse as the population grows.

“Part of any education is learning about different cultures and customs and what better way to do that than celebrating the uniqueness of our own students,’’ Carollo said. “At Arabi, we truly learn from each other and grow together. I think embracing that helps foster school spirit and pride.”

Staging Music Genres on Black History

Danae Meyer

Students of W. Smith Jr. Elementary School will perform various genres of music during the school’s annual Black History Month Program, Friday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m., in the gymnasium, 6701 E.

44 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

St. Bernard Highway, Violet.

The program showcases contributions African Americans made in Gospel, Jazz, Rap, Reggae, Country, Rhythm & Blues and Classical music.

“People will be informed, inspired and entertained by African-American culture,” said program coordinator Cherlyn Luna, the school’s drama and arts teacher.

Longtime music teacher Gregory Patterson will present all grade levels.

Danae Meyer, 2020 Student of the Year, is a featured singer who also plays trumpet in the school band.

The public is invited. For more information, call Luna at 504-302-1000.

-BY CHARLES D. JACKSON

ST. BERNARD PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS

OUR TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE CONTINUES Academic Excellence | Extracurricular Achievements | State-0f-the-Art Facilities

Sarah Turnbull St. Bernard Parish Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Chelsea Easterling St. Bernard Parish Middle School Teacher of the Year

Chris Dier National Teacher of the Year Finalist Louisiana Teacher of the Year St. Bernard Parish High School Teacher of the Year

Cody Jackson St. Bernard Parish High School Teacher of the Year

WANT TO BE THE BEST? COME JOIN THE BEST! From academic achievements to our athletic and art programs, the St. Bernard Parish School System is recognized as a premier school district.

Our educators have garnered national acclaim with three Milken Educator Award winners, a Kennedy Profile in Courage recipient, and most recently, a National Teacher of the Year finalist.

We are seeking passionate, driven individuals to join our team. If you are a certified teacher or are looking to make a career change, visit:

WWW.SBPSB.ORG/CAREERS St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

45

Education

Growing Pains Lead to Lasting Connections Palestinian-born student credits Chalmette High teachers and students for feelings of comfort in America.

BY COURTNEY MPAGI

semester.

At the encouragement of reading teacher Tony Austin, she enrolled into English as Second Language (ESL) classes.

With pictures, CDs, and English dictionaries, Kahla began to understand.

Her biggest growth was landing a job in Student Affairs where speaking to people was a daily task. Not only did

Nunez Community College

C

oming to America was tough for Assalah Kahla.

For 13 years, members of her Palestinian family remained separated as each was processed to enter the United States, arriving years apart.

“The paperwork to come to America doesn’t happen for everyone at the same time,” said Kahla, a nursing student at Nunez Community College.

Her mother and sister were the first to arrive. Soon afterward, another sister’s paperwork went through and she left. It was just Assalah, her father and brothers waiting to move.

Eventually, the entire family settled in America, moving to St. Bernard Parish.

Although the journey was tough, Kahla said she wouldn’t change a thing. The family’s goal was to find a better life in America.

“I was always ambitious and knew I wanted to be a nurse, but there were not a lot of opportunities in my country,” she said. “Now I feel empowered.”

Kahla credits Chalmette High School and its teachers

46 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

and students for the first feeling of comfort she felt in America.

Not knowing any English, and attending a school where no one spoke Arabic was scary for the 16-year-old. She said she felt insecure most of the time.

The first phrase she successfully learned was “what did you say?”

That was the most common sentence she heard while attempting to say anything in English.

She matured most at Nunez, from struggling to put sentences together, to being fully conversational in one

Choosing Nunez was the best thing I’ve done. It is a family. Everyone is so close." ~ Assalah Kahla

she grasp the language, she gained confidence and made lasting connections with people she met.

“Choosing Nunez was the best thing I’ve done,” Kahla said.

“It is a family. Everyone is so close.”

For more information about Nunez Community College,visit www.nunez.edu.

GitaPita_FullPg.pdf

1

12/29/19

11:45 AM

Mediterranean Restaurant

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

% 10

Special Discount on All Meals with This Coupon

Expires April 1, 2020

1200 E. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette (near High School)

504-582-9061

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

47

.59¢ Raw Oysters 1.09¢ Chargrilled Oysters

Small Business Profile 712 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette

RAE ANN (MEME): After four years of serving guests in a 45-seat capacity restaurant, with a nine-seat bar, we knew the only way to succeed was to expand. We doubled our capacity. Chuck had the idea of an addition that included more dining area, a much larger bar with a raw oyster bar with chargrilling out in the open.

Celebrating 8 Years Of growth!

RAE ANN AND CHUCK WILLIAMS EXPAND THEIR RESTAURANT AS THE PARISH GROWS

Their story:

CHUCK: The growth of St. Bernard has been great from the new homes being built and the influx of new people.

Our family has been living in St. Bernard since 1957, so we’ve been here to live through Betsey and Katrina where we lost everything twice.

This is home to us and we are so proud to offer superior service, atmosphere, and most importantly, great food to the people of St. Bernard as well as surrounding parishes.

Like the Parish, we’ve grown, too, in the past eight years. We had our soft opening in December 2011, and served our first full day of lunch and dinner on Jan. 3, 2012.

DINING AREA AND BAR AREA WITH MULTIPLE TV SCREENS

48 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

CHUCK: MeMe’s eight years ago is much different than today. Being new to the restaurant business, we were just hoping to bring a great atmosphere, good service and the best food you could get in St. Bernard -- not realizing that a 50-seat restaurant wasn’t going to cut it in the financial world.

We went from turning away 20-30 people a night to now having 100 seats and 25 bar seats, filling those seats on a regular basis. The addition to the restaurant opened in June of 2016 and has proven to be the best thing we did for MeMe’s as well as St. Bernard.

RAE ANN: As hard as this business is, when a customer calls you over to their table to compliment you on their food and the service they received, it seems to rejuvenate the feeling of why you started this business to begin with.

I can’t tell you how many customers want to meet the owners and the chef to say how much they loved their dining experience. We are fortunate to have our Executive Chef Lincoln Owens with us since day one. As we have said on numerous occasions, “Lincoln is our Main Ingredient to our Success.’’

CHEF-INSPIRED DELICIOUS DAILY SPECIALS

MULTI-AWARD-WINNING CHEF LINCOLN OWENS

MeMe’s Key Ingredients • The only white-linen tablecloth

in inSt. Parish restaurant St.Bernard Bernard Parish

• • • •

Features 125 different wines Raw oyster bar with chargrilling Daily food and drink specials Happy Hour Tuesday – Friday 4:30 – 6: 30 p.m.

"Locals are heart & Soul of our Success"

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

49

Proudly serving St. Bernard Since 1981

ING H S FI EAR G

504-407-0575

BOA SUP T PLIE S

ETHANOL FREE FUEL

913 E. JUDGE PEREZ HWY 50 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

3124 E Judge Perez Dr. Meraux, La, 70075

PUMPS OPEN 24 HOURS

FUELED BY

COMMUNITY OUR MISSION Valero collaborates with non-profit partners across the United States to foster improved quality of life and create measurable impact where unmet needs exist in communities.

OUR PRIORITIES Education We believe that education creates a necessary foundation for all children to thrive and for adults to lead productive lives. Investment in education is also the key to ending the cycle of poverty and dependency for future generations.

Basic Needs and Social Services We believe in providing for basic needs such as food, shelter and safety for the working poor, elderly and those struck by unexpected life circumstances or natural disasters.

Health Care We seek opportunities to support the development of strategic community health resources, facilities and services that will serve the current and long term needs of all.

OUR EMPLOYEES Our employees raise millions of dollars and volunteer thousands of hours every year to worthy projects in their communities. It is a commitment that has been part of our culture since the beginning.

valero.com

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

51

CRAVE 613 W. Saint Bernard Highway Chalmette, LA 70043

504-279-8323 Fax: 504-279-1331

www.rockyandcarlosrestaurant.com

52 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

TAX TIME TAX TIME

2020 2020

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TAX TIME SAVINGS! TAX TIME SAVINGS!

BAD CREDIT, BANKRUPTCY, DIVORCE, REPOS, 1st TIME BUYER BAD CREDIT, BANKRUPTCY, DIVORCE, REPOS, 1st TIME BUYER

WE WANT TO HELP! WE WANT TO WE’LL HELP! BUY YOUR VEHICLE

FOR SALES REPRESENTATIVES! FOR SALES REPRESENTATIVES!

EXCELLENT BENEFITS, VACATION & SICK TIME REWARDED! EXCELLENT BENEFITS, VACATION & SICK TIME REWARDED!

WE’LL BUYDON’T YOUR EVEN IF YOU BUYVEHICLE FROM US! WE BUY VEHICLES FROM PRIVATE OWNERS DAILY! COME IN FOR A FREE PROFESSIONAL EVEN IF OUTYOU FROMNECESSARY! US! APPRAISAL, WALK WITH A DON’T CHECK THE SAMEBUY DAY! NO PURCHASE WE BUY VEHICLES FROM PRIVATE OWNERS DAILY! COME IN FOR A FREE PROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL, WALKPremierBuysCars.com OUT WITH A CHECK THE SAME DAY! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY!

PremierBuysCars.com

ASK LARRY MORGAN or FOR DONALDMORGAN “RED” LAWSON ASK LARRY or FOR DONALD “RED” LAWSON

8621 West Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, LA 70043 LA West Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, LA 70043 SE HAB 8621 O ESPAÑ LAL www.PremierCertifiedOutlet.com HAB SE MONEY BACK GUARANTEE LIMITED TO 24 HOURS OR 100 MILES. ALL CREDIT OFFERS REQUIRE APPROVED CREDIT. PLUS TAX, TITLE AND LICENSE. SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS. L O Ñ ESPA www.PremierCertifiedOutlet.com

504-291-3300 504-291-3300

MONEY BACK GUARANTEE LIMITED TO 24 HOURS OR 100 MILES. ALL CREDIT OFFERS REQUIRE APPROVED CREDIT. PLUS TAX, TITLE AND LICENSE. SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS.

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

53

Community

DISCOVER ST. BERNARD

Screening of The Emmy-Award-Winning series at Zeitgeist Theatre in Arabi

S

t. Bernard Parish is a hit on the big screen.

A free preview party celebrating the Emmy-AwardWinning series, GO COAST, will be staged at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 at Zeitgeist Theatre & Lounge on St. Claude Ave in Old Arabi.

Enjoy a live performance by Christian Serpas & Ghost Town, whose “Hoot and Holler”, is GO Coast’s theme song. The party is co-presented by the Meraux Foundation.

In the three-part series, GO Coast: Louisiana’s host Tom Gregory discovers why the arts and entertainment community, the culinary scene and the parish’s population itself is enjoying such a boom.

In an attempt to experience all the rich heritage, outdoor

adventures, and cultural treasures of St. Bernard, Gregory and crew spent a year playing in the parish.

“Getting to St. Bernard from the studios in New Orleans was the easy part—15 minutes top,” Gregory said. “Getting to do everything we wanted to do was impossible—a year wasn’t enough time.”

GO Coast airs on WLAE-TV in New Orleans on Fridays at 9:30 p.m. and Sunday at 8:30 p.m.

Produced by WLAE-TV/LAE Productions, GO Coast has won two Emmy Awards and has been honored with multiple Excellence in Journalism Awards from the Press Club of New Orleans, including for GO Coast’s last trip to St. Bernard Parish back in 2013.

Photo courtesy of Tom Gregory

Oldest Duathlon Still Running St. Bernard. It’s a sprint distance of 2-mile run, 10-mile bike ride, and 2-mile run.

The post-race party includes an awards ceremony, homefood, “DOWN THE ROAD” cooked soft drinks and adult beverages. oung athletes, think you’re It’s fun for the entire family. fast?

Chalmette Track Club heavily Try racing the oldestdiscounts entry fees for young running duathlon in the state. athletes, and offers discounts to The Chalmette Track Club is hosting club members. its 61st Pelicanman Duathlon, For more information, contact Sunday, April 19, “Down the Road.”

Janel Mumme, 504-452-1276, email Twice a year, this small, low-key, philjanel@yahoo.com. dual-sport race takes place in lower

Y

54 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

Organizer Janel Mumme invites athletes young and old to compete in 5K, bicycle,10K race on Sunday, April 19, “Down the Road.”

JOIN THE RACE Chalmette Track Club P.O. Box 802 Chalmette La 70044 504-452-1276

Smitty's Tire No Waits No Appointments Needed Walk Ins Welcome Monday-Friday 9am-8 pm Saturday 10am-6pm

CHALMETTE • MERAUX

Monday-Friday: 8a.m.-5p.m. • Saturday: 8a.m.-2p.m.

4333 E. Judge Perez Dr., Meraux • 504.279.2770 2615 Buffon St., Chalmette • 504.271.5821

"We Specialize in Hard-to-Find Tire Sizes"

Convenience Compassion Community

Visit our NEW Chalmette Location!

• • • • • •

901 W. Judge Perez Dr • Chalmette 504-309-9805 • www.bayouurgentcare.com

Tires Brakes Shocks Front End Alignments Oil Changes Tire Pressure Monitor System & Programming

Louisiana Brake Tag Inspections Tony & Scott Cuccia Owners

"We Carry All Major & Private Brands"

Where Personal Service is the Most Powerful Medicine!

(504) 279-6312

1021 W Judge Perez Dr. •WE DELIVER•

@MUMFREYSPHARMACY • mumfreyspharmacy.com

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

55

FAZENDEVILLE

St. Bernard Milestones - Black History Month Profile Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps

HOMER CHARLES HOMERM. M. CHARLES “SELF-MADE” BUSINESSMAN OF ST. BERNARD 1900’S

Homer M. Charles, highly successful St.Bernard businessman who gained national attention.

BY JARI C. HONORA

A

fter the Civil War, a community of free and freed people grew up on a portion of land upon which the Battle of New Orleans was fought.This small linear community was called Fazendeville, in as much as the land was sold to its initial settlers by Jean-Pierre Fazende, a Creole free man of color, who had inherited the land from his father.

The self-reliant community began

56 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

in 1867, and eventually included its own schoolhouse, stores, benevolent society halls, and a church. The Fazendeville Road ran in a straight line from the river levee to St. Bernard Highway and existed until the 1960s when outmigration and pressure from the National Park Service brought an end to the community.

Among the members of the Fazendeville community was the Charles Family, an industrious and knowledgeable family headed by businessman Homer Milton Charles. For decades, he ran a grocery business, bar, and several pieces of property in the upper section of St. Bernard Parish.

Charles also owned stock in the Friscoville Realty Company Bank of St. Bernard, and the World Bottling Company of New Orleans. He received accolades

from blacks and whites for his business acumen.

His success gained national attention through his active membership in the National Negro Business League, founded in 1900 by Booker T. Washington. He traveled each year to its annual convention, throughout the nation.

Homer Charles embodied the spirit of the “self-made man,” which was highly regarded in that Industrial Age. He was lauded as a civic-minded businessman who sought the uplift of his community. In 1902, he was active and presided over the initial meetings of the Fazendeville Educational Association, which supported the establishment of a public school in that community. At that time he was described as “one of the most intelligent and public-spirited colored businessmen”in St. Bernard Parish.

Regarding fraternal interests, he was a member of the Felicity Lodge No.199, Knights of Pythias; Daughters of Crescent Tabernacle No. 27 and the Progressive Aid Mutual Benefit Association. Charles and his family were devoted members of the Catholic Church.

As a teenager, he worked various positions on a sugar farm, and later began truck farming with his father.

Phot

ABOUT THE WRITER He was determined to provide as good a product and as dependable service as his competitors.

He furthered the business by making visits from house to house, until he had gained such success and a patronage to purchase a onehorse wagon, followed quickly by two horses and a wagon to meet his demands.

His partner in life and business was wife, the former Miss Hester Anderson, worked for private families, helping to maintain the family household and sometimes providing capital for the family business.

The couple had four well-educated daughters: Augusta, Mary, Sadie and Clara. Sadie died not long before she was to graduate from the New Orleans University. Augusta taught for years at the Fazendeville School, which her father was active

in getting established. Charles also had a son, Homer Milton Charles, Jr., born to Clarisse Vienne, and reared in Fazendeville.

Charles invested in a great deal of rental property besides his store and home. He lived on North Peters Street at the edge of the Arabi community.

He was born July 4, 1861 in St. Martin Parish, one of 13 children to Tre’ville Charles and Pamelia Francois. In 1863, the family moved to St. Bernard Parish.

Charles died on Sunday, Aug. 21, 1921 at age 60, thus bringing to an end a life spent building upon “such a reputation of integrity and honesty as to be considered the most responsible Negro citizen in his community by both his people and the white authorities,” according to published reports.

JUNE 39, 1900: Photos by Lenor Duplessis COLORED GIRL HONORED

Among the graduates of St. Mary’s Academy, an institution for colored girls, was Mary Charles, daughter of Homer M. Charles, who enjoys the respect of the white people of the parish because he lives peacefully, honestly and minds his own affairs. Mary is a studious girl and the honors she received werejustly hers. She was valedictorian, besides receiving a number of premiums.

MAY 8, 1922: EDITOR, ST. BERNARD VOICE

Dear Sir: We, the people of Fazendeville, through the auspices of Rev. Lenard Smith, do willingly contribute twenty-five dollars to the destitute ones of the flood area in the lower coast. Yours Respectfully, Rev. Lenard Smith, Pastor, Battleground Baptist Church; Frederick Lindsey, David Thomas,Committee; Homer Charles, Jr., Clerk.

Jari C. Honora is a New Orleans native and member of the Louisiana Creole Research Association, and other various organizations.

Jental Labz

Blood Draw & Drug Screening Center DNA Testing & Phlebotomy Courses Available We'll Also Come to YOU!

• Walk-ins Welcomed•

Rosetta M. Gabriel 504.377.3276 418 Judge Perez Dr. Chalmette

jentallabz.com

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

57

CELEBRATING HER STORY A Generation of Believing in Yourself

, n a m o W m "I A " r a o R e M Hear

Salon 360's Owner Sings and SelfStyles Message of Iconic 1980's Empowerment Anthem

BY CHARLES D. JACKSON

G

St. Bernard Magazine-Chalmette

rowing up in Chalmette in the '80s, Trisha Diaz loved singing and styling hair.

During bus trips to perform with the all-girls dance team —The Chalmette Strutters — Trisha would braid her friends' hair to accent their Mardi Gras outfits.

To test her vocal skills, the seventh-grader entered a Gong Show at Trist Middle School, singing Helen Reddy's 1983 hit tune, "I Am Woman."

Perhaps the song's lyrics of "I am tough, I am invincible, I can do anything" — and a sensational voice — saved little Miss Diaz from the embarrassingly loud "gong" that silenced sour acts.

She survived the show, became "captivated" by classmates' approval, and went on to unknowingly embody the song's message in her own life.

"It's a general empowerment song about feeling good about yourself, believing in yourself — both male and female," said Reddy, whose Grammy-winning song became the iconic ballad of the emerging Women's Movement in the 1980's.

58 St.Bernard

"I had no idea what the song meant when I sang it, I just liked the lyrics," Diaz said.

At age 18, while singing Karaoke, Diaz realized her love for music and singing was as strong as ever. So was her longtime flair with styling hair.

She pursued both.

As a senior at Andrew Jackson High School, Diaz dual-enrolled at the Hair Tech and graduated with her high school diploma and professional hair stylist certification.

"I went right to work in Kenner at SuperCuts when the Esplanade Mall first opened," she said.

Now, 34 years later, the 52-year-old is still styling hair, and singing ballads.

"I'm blessed to do things I Iove to do and get paid for it," Diaz said.

"Really, it's not work for me."

Diaz has owned and operated Salon 360 in Chalmette for 10 years.

She worked in her longtime friend Dorene’s shop in Chalmette before launching her own business. After Katrina, she opened a shop on the Westbank, but a tornado wiped it out two years

MAGAZINE

Grammy-winner Helen Reddy says her song's message reaches beyond feminism. "It's a general empowerment song (for all genders) about feeling good about yourself, believing in yourself."

later. "After the tornado, I took it as a sign that I should come back to Chalmette."

After Katrina, Diaz sat-in with numerous bands at a Westbank bar.

"Paul Detillier heard me singing and I tried out for his band, and after that it was history," Diaz said.

"I was hired and I've been a member of at least four bands since then."

Diaz is the lead singer for Rock Kandy, a band she founded with Joey Timmons- Lead Guitar/Vocals. Other Band members of Rock Kandy include Donald Foster- Bass and Gary “Duece” Cooper- Drums The band is named after the Ronnie Montrose Song from the 70’s: “Rock Kandy Keeps it real with all the rock you

want and more." A full-variety band, check it out here: www.rockkandybaby.com Diaz has sung lead with Sugar House, Limited Edition, and the Blenderz. She filled-in with The Soul Express at Gretna Heritage Fest and many other bands at fairs and festivals, including The Tower of Lights Concert in 2010 where she met Chubby Checker and Al Carnival Time Johnson, whom she remains friends.

On stage, she "dresses to the 9's to dress the part", she says, in bell-bottoms, or whatever fits the scene of the Classic Rock and Rock & Roll tunes she's belting out.

She credits her mother, 82-year-old Marlene, a

regular visitor at her shop, for instilling a hard work ethic.

"Mom raised five kids by herself," Diaz said.

"We struggled, but she made sure we had what we needed. She showed me what a hard work ethic should be. She's my role model, and I always try to do my best job."

It appears Diaz is tough, invincible, and can truly say, "I Am Woman."

"Today, as women continue to stand up for equality in the workplace and beyond, "I Am Woman Hear Me Roar" is as relevant a message as ever," Diaz said.

Trisha Diaz is the lead singer of Rock Kandy.

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

59

RenisanceGardens_FullPg.pdf

1

1/15/20

8:36 PM

has

Apple Trees, Roses, Pecan Trees & Cherry Trees we also have, Daisies, Strawberries, Plants, Flowers and all kinda things!

C

M

Y

CM

MY

say T hey ke a s li Life i herries . . . of C ore l ike l w o B k it ’s m der an n i h t I g un n i g n i Sw Tree! e l p p A

CY

CMY

K

RENAISSANCEGARDENS

We Do Landscaping ...

9123 W. JUDGE PEREZ

RENAISSANCEGARDENS.COM 60 St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

682-9911

Crave_qtrpg.pdf

1

12/15/19

1:40 PM

DINE IN CATERING TAKE OUT C

M

Y

"We're Growing, Too!"

Family Friendly Smoke Free

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Call us for Catering

504-676-3697 3201 E. Judge Perez Dr. Meraux, LA

10% OFF With This Coupon

»

New Menu for 2019

«

504-682-6199

701 W. Judge Perez Dr. FOOD ONLY Chalmette, LA QC Discount_qtrpg_Ad.pdf 1 1/15/20 8:14 PM www.lacyscue.com

CONVENIENCE STORES Locally Owned & Operated Since 1985

a n i Ch Moon

Chinese & Thai Food

2714 Paris Road Chalmette, LA 70043 (504)-271-Moon(6666) Open 7 Days a Week & All Holidays Hours- 10a.m. - 10:30p.m.

Daily Lunch Specials Starting at $7.25 (Monday-Saturday 11a.m. - 3p.m. only)

5 LOCATIONS IN

C

ST. BERNARD PARISH

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

617 Bayou Rd. Saint Bernard, LA 70085 (504) 272-0661 2004 Paris Rd. Chalmette, LA 70043 (504) 277-5573

3225 E. Judge Perez Dr. Meraux, LA 70075 (504) 276-4643

4725 E. Judge Perez Dr. Meraux, LA 70075 (504) 278-1799

5815 E. Judge Perez Dr. Violet, LA 70092 (504) 682-4990

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

61

Community

RESOURCE DIRECTORY ✸ All Beauty Services including Tanning Salon • Massage Therapy

Trisha Diaz Owner/Stylist

Shop: 504.234.2012 • Cell: 504.267.3921 2909 Paris Rd. • Chalmette, LA 70043

5OFF

$

Any Service

WITH COUPON

Chalmette Bicycle Store

ECOR LOGO HERE SON ON TOP OF RD

Party Supplies • 5-10% OFF (With coupon • Expires: 3/1/2020)

Karen N. Jackson

Drive

@yahoo.com

southernsouldecor17@yahoo.com

SALES • SERVICE • REPAIRS • BICYCLES LAWN MOWERS • CHAIN SAWS

Alterations • Wash & Fold Hand-Finishing • Upholstery Cleaning

271-8260 ••• 271-3665 111 E. St. Bernard Hwy., Chalmette 70043

Call for an Appointment 504-277-8607

115 W. Morales St. Chalmette, LA 70043

Holiday Gift Cards Available

MAGAZINE

Cleaners

Covering ALL Your CLEANING Needs

Hair Gallery

62 St.Bernard

Realkleen

Celebrating 56 Years of Bicycle & Lawn Mower Experience!

504.682.4744 9013 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, LA 70043

Formerly EVERKLEEN on St. Claude Ave.

Dry

Exp. 5/1/19

504.451.5792

9029 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, Village Square

#1 Service Center SPECIALS

$17.99 Oil change

New Tires AC/Service Used Tires Maintenance $69.99 Brake job Repairs Brakes $99.99 Tune ups

504-289-7318 1700 E. Judge Perez, Chalmette La, 70043

NOTO LAW FIRM Call Me Day Or Night

279-NOTO

Criminal Defense

6 6 8 6

Arrested?

Jail?

Call me before you talk to the police.

FREE PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION ANYTIME

• Auto Accidents • Injury Claims • Wrongful Death

LET ME HELP YOU

Gregory J. Noto Attorney at Law Trial Lawyer • Notary 35 Years Trial Experience

We Are Not Afraid of Trial!

532 East Judge Perez Drive • Suite 102 • Chalmette • greg@notolawfirm.com

notolawfirm.com

St.Bernard

MAGAZINE

63

45th Annual

Louisiana Crawfish Festival

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM: CYPRESS POP TRIO 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM: ZITA FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: RICK MOCKLIN 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM: KARMA SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM: BRUCE DAIGREPONT 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM: FAITH BECNEL AND THE MUSIC KREWE 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM: VOODOO GUMBO 9:00 PM – 11:30 PM: NO IDEA SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 12:00 PM – 1:45 PM: JOEY THOMAS BAND 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: JUNIOR AND SUMTIN' SNEAKY 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM: ROCKIN DOPSIE JR 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: MOJEAUX

louisianacrawfishfestival.com