Tangi Lifestyles Oct/Nov 2022

Tony Dennis

Pics | Ryan Barker and Scott Eyster

Rebecca Davis Lee Attorney

Britney R. Duke Attorney Eric Liddell Attorney

WE LIVE IN A GREAT COMMUNITY!! This time three years ago we were living our best “normal” lives. Two years ago, our community worked together as we eased into pandemic recovery. One year ago, we were helping our neighbors as we recovered from hurricane Ida. Well, now we find ourselves starting to live our best “normal” lives again AMEN! We truly do live in a great place.

Now it’s FALL!! Kids are in school and local high school and SLU football are in full effect. We hope you’ll support our student athletes by attending a few games, and when you can’t attend, tune into TANGI 96.5, KAJUN 107.1 and BOSS 103.7. We’re also gearing up for holiday season. Before you decide to shop online, we hope you’ll first give one of our awesome local businesses the opportunity to earn your business! When they are strong our community is strong.

Buy local. Be local. Promote local. We do it every day. We hope you will too!

PUBLISHER

Northshore Media Group

Angela Blake

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS

Johnny Chauvin

Phillip Colwart

Riyen Helg

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Erin Bolton

Eloise Cottrell

Charles Dowdy

Nick Gagliano

Debi Menasco

Brian Shirey

Betsy O'Leary Kiyomi Appleton Gaines

ADVERTISING (985) 345-0060

CORRESPONDENCE

200 East Thomas St. Hammond LA 70401

For advertising rates, call (985) 345-0060 info@tangilifestyles.com

Calendar submissions and “Seen and Heard” pictures may be emailed to events@tangilifestyles.com

Northshore

Group 200 East Thomas St. Hammond, LA 70401 985.345.0060

October/November 2022 Volume 16, Issue 5

Tangi Lifestyles is a bi-monthly publication produced by Northshore Broadcasting, 200 East Thomas Street, Hammond, LA 70401. All rights reserved. Tangi Lifestyles is staffproduced and cannot be held responsible for any unsolicited materials. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork.

On the Cover:

Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage-inspired indoor open-air market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more. Learn more about them on page 8.

Cover photo by Johnny Chauvin

Photo by Riyen Helg

NOV

OCTOBER

Sep 28 – Oct 2, 2022

Tangipahoa Parish Fair Fairgrounds, 400 Reid Ave, Amite City

Sep 30 – Oct 1, 2022

Twin Steeples Village Arts Market

Twin Steeples Creative Arts Center, 220 E Oak St, Ponchatoula

Friday, Oct 7, 2022 — Live After 5 W Hickory St, Ponchatoula

Friday, Oct 7, 2022 —Craft Expo

Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community 1702 Pecan Ct | 11 am - 7 pm K.C. Hall - Ponchatoula

October 11 Ponchatoula Chamber Business Expo • 6-8 P Strawberry ManorChamber of Commerce Ponchatoula

Friday, Oct 14, 2022 — Brews Arts Festival

Hammond Regional Arts Center, 217 E Thomas St, Hammond

Saturday, Oct 15, 2022

Pine Street Wine & Crime Murder Mystery

113 S Pine St, Hammond, LA

Event Time: 7pm-10pm

Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa (985)662-5557 • tangimurdermystery. com

Oct 15 – 16, 2022 — Old Farmers Day 56136 Loranger Rd, Loranger

Oct. 15 - 31

Grace Memorial Church's Annual Pumpkin Patch

Open everyday from noon til 5 p.m.

October 19 - Noon til 1:15

Amite Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon

Florida Parishes Arena 985-748-5537 for more info

October 26

Tangipahoa Professional Women Monthly Luncheon

11:30 to 1:00 – The Event Center, University Blvd, Hammond LA tangipw.org

October 27 – November 6

Greater Baton Rouge State Fair gbrsf.com

Oct 28 – 30, 2022 —

Toula Que & Fall Fest Memorial Park, N 6th St, Ponchatoula

Saturday, Oct 29 — Art and Wine Stroll 5:00pm-8:00pm. Chamber of Commerce Ponchatoula

Saturday, Oct 29

Hammond Airshow Foundation Fundraiser

Hammond North Shore Regional Airport, 600 Judge Leon Ford Dr, hammondairshow.com

NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER 4 - 6, 2022

Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days — Art & Crafts Fair

Downtown Commuter Parking Lot S.E. Railroad Ave. Ponchatoula

NOVEMBER 5-6, 12-13, 20, 25-27, AND DECEMBER 3-4, 10-11, 2022 Louisiana Renaissance Festival 46468 River Rd. Hammond

November 9 - Noon til 1:15

Amite Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon

Mike's Catfish, Hwy 16 985-748-5537 for more info or register

Saturday, Nov 5, 2022 — 15 Mile Yard Sale Hwy 16/ Hwy 445 — 15 MILES of fun!

Nov. 12, 2022 — Merry Market Southeastern, southeastern.edu/recovery

November 16 — Tangipahoa Professional Women Luncheon 11:30 to 1:00 – The Event Center, University Blvd, Hammond LA tangipw.org

ON-GOING

FIRST FRIDAY OF MONTH

Gospel Music Fest 13101 Hwy, 442 W., Tickfaw 985.974.0507, mvmgoodnews.com

EVERY SATURDAY

Hammond Farmers Market 103 E. Robert St. Hammond 8 am-12 pm • Facebook.com/hammondmarket

Independence Craft & Farmers’ Market 750 E. Railroad Ave., Independence, 8.30 am-1 pm • Facebook.com/Independence

Denham Springs Farmers’ Market

FINE & FUNCTIONAL

A HOLIDAY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

SUPPORTING LOCAL ART

NOVEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 15

Opening Reception on Friday, November 11 from 5 pm to 8 pm

217 East Thomas Street, Downtown Hammond | www.hammondarts.org | (985) 542-7113

Meet Me at the Market...

On a warm day in August we had the opportunity to sit down and speak with Michele Carlton, co-owner of Vintage Market Days. It was with a look of awe that Michele confided, “I can’t believe we are seven years old and going on our 13th event at the Florida Parishes Arena!”

Vintage Market Days® of Southeast Louisiana was a dream come true for her, creating a one-of-a-kind vintage event for the residents of south Louisiana. And, by the crowds of customers that have been visiting since 2016, it would appear they love it as much as she does!

Vintage Market Days® is an upscale, vintageinspired, covered open-air market featuring

Ooriginal art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings, and a little more.

It is so much more than your typical craft fair or flea market! Each market is created as a unique event, and there will be a “Harvest Ball” event October 14 -16. Each offers a carefully-selected group of vendors from all over the United States with a large selection of local Louisiana vendors. Michelle commented, “I love watching the arena transform from a horse arena into small shops that vendors create just for you and to watch your smiling,

Photos by Johnny Chauvin

excited faces as you come through the door to see all that we have to offer you.” She was also quick to point out the amazing live music lineup and delicious food trucks! “There are visitors who attend all three days of the event just to eat and listen to the music!”

This fall they’ll be celebrating the Vintage Market Days® franchise turning 10 years old and Michelle couldn’t be more excited. When asked if they had anything special planned, she smiled and divulged, “ A little birdie told me that on Saturday, October 15th vendors will be dressed up in their favorite Halloween costumes and will be handing out candy to our smallest customers! Dress up your children in their Halloween costumes and grab their treat bags so they can enjoy trick-or-treating throughout our two arenas with great photo opportunities!”

Michelle is also excited to partner with TARC of Hammond as their non-profit benefactor. The mission of TARC is to provide opportunities for children and adults

with disabilities to realize their full potential and to become self-directed and contributing citizens. “We are honored to have them join us in October!"

Tickets for the event can be purchased online through Eventbrite at https://vintagemarketdays. com/market/se-louisiana/tickets.php and Tangi Lifestyle’s readers can save an additional 20% off tickets with the code VMD. Friday’s ticket is $15, Saturday’s ticket is $10, and Sunday’s ticket is $5, and tickets are good for all weekend! Children 12 and under are free and parking at the arena is free! You can also pay at the door all three days of the event, and they accept cash or cards at the entrance.

VMD™ is a small business who supports nearly a hundred small business owners at each event. During this crazy economic time, they need local support to continue to bring the vintage experience to you! Mark your calendar and plan to attend their “Harvest Ball” on October 14 -16 at the Florida Parishes Arena in Amite. Can’t wait to see you there!

“I can’t believe we are seven-years-old and going on our 13th event at the Florida Parishes Arena!”

- Michele Carlton, co-owner of Vintage Market Days

FOR HUNTER BANKSTON, CONTENT IS KING

Written by Betsy O'Leary | Photos by Riyen Helg

CEO Hunter Bankston is the inspiration behind the mixed media services company, ecko360. An entrepreneur at heart, Bankston always knew he wanted to develop his own successful company.

By age 27, he had risen through the ranks of the tech industry to become the business development manager for four separate start-ups. He knew how to hustle when it came to making impossible deadlines and bringing projects in on time.

Inspiration can strike any time, but idea guys like Bankston know when to act. While working in the oil and gas transfer sector as project manager for TransCanada Corporation (now TC Energy), Bankston had his lightbulb moment.

Back then, few companies utilized technology to produce three-dimensional virtual tours of properties they owned and managed. Some California realtors were using these tours for their clients, but Bankston’s vision reached farther than that.

From his roles as project manager, Bankston realized the expense of flying workers and company executives to far-flung locations for pre-project walk-throughs. There were also per diems, hotel and rental car costs that cost companies far more than his virtual representations of the same environments.

Latter & Blum was the first real estate company in Louisiana to see the potential ecko360 offered. They eagerly contracted with Bankston’s media content company. From there, business exploded in multiple industries.

As Louisiana’s first Matterport service partner, ecko360 produced digital twin virtual 3D models that are now widely used in industries like insurance, hospitality, construction, and real estate to enhance security and simplify surveillance.

When it comes to the mixed media services ecko360 offers its clients, there is no limit. In addition to traditional photography and videography, Bankston is a licensed thermographer who does thermal imaging. Another hi-tech, popular feature the company offers is aerial light detection and ranging (LIDAR). A new way of obtaining elevation data, it creates precisely detailed realistic models using laser pulses and sensors.

Bankston is proud of his company’s Telly Award for video services. These national awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens. Their winning entry was a video resume for a New Orleans client looking to broaden their employment horizons.

Now, video resumes are becoming more mainstream. But then, they were an applicant’s cutting-edge way to stand out from the crowd. ecko360 took the client’s concept and ran with it, writing the perfect script using both humor and creativity.

The client got the job and gave ecko360 permission to submit it in the competition. It won.

When they needed a high-quality video, the Tangipahoa Parish Economic Development Foundation turned to Bankston and his highly qualified tech crew to create the perfect media content they sought. ecko360 also produced media content for national companies DSLD and Jani-King.

As Bankston looks to the future of ecko360, he reflects on his company’s motto, “Content is King." He and his team will continue creating beautiful content for clients both locally and around the globe.

After Hurricane Ida, Seth Murray and Ty Kinchen wanted to do something. They saw a need to sup port their friends and neighbors through the storm recovery. “We want to do as much as we can to please the community and to help out because of the storm,” Murray says of launch ing SGS gutters a year ago. “That was one reason why we started the company. We wanted to help people out because there was a lot of damage. And then, too, it's a bad time for everybody. You know, everybody lost houses, pets, other things. Anything that we can help with, that's what we tried to do. That's why we started.”

“We’re local, we both graduated from Albany. We're trying to build something sustainable within our community. Anything that we can do to help the community as far as sponsorships and stuff like that, we're always open for. What it comes down to is being hometown. We want to build something that we can grow up and look back on in 25-30 years and say, Hey, we've done that in Hammond. You know, that's where we grew up. And we try and help our community as much as possible,” Murray says. “What we spe cialize in is customer service.”

“We have servants' hearts,” Kinchen adds, “And this was our vessel to be able to serve the com munity.”

What it boiled down to, they say, was identifying what they could do that would grow over time if done right. A lot of people don’t think about gutters until it’s an emergency, they say. But SGS

Written by Kiyomi Appleton-Gaines | Photos by Johnny Chauvin

Gutters focuses on meeting customer needs whatever the situation may be.

The pair, with a team of seven employees, strives to keep the process to only two weeks from start to finish.

Murray explains the process, “Once we come out, take a look at your home, we'll go over the bidding process, we'll explain everything that we're offering. You can pick and choose what you want, there are a lot of customizable options and a lot of different colors. Then once that's approved and the contract signed within seven days, we'll get your material and within another seven days, we'll be at your front door. In stalling takes about eight hours for an av erage job.”

“We also do lifetime leak-free warranty,” Kinchen says. “Gutters are gonna leak. People have said they don't, well, they do at some point. So, all our warranty says is throughout the life of your gutters, give us a call, and we'll come back and reseal them.”

“Your average home on a foundation re pair will cost anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000,” Murray says. “And once it is not a repair anymore, because the founda tion needs to be replaced, then it goes up. And gutters, they can go anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500. That's the average go-to job. It's $1500 to $2,500 for 10-20 years. If this is your home, I would recommend that as a preventative measure.”

“The foundation of your home is the groundwork of it. If it cracks, you're look ing at $20,000 to start re-leveling the foun dation. All it would take is a small gutter job to save that foundation,” Murray says.

Seamless gutters come in various sizes, styles, and color options and can be cus tomized to suit the needs of any home. The team at SGS Gutters can be reached at 985415-4166 by phone, on Facebook at SGS Gutters, or online at SGSgutters.com.

OUR MISSION AT H.A.R.D. #1

100% of the students currently enrolled in the public-school system qualify for free and reduced lunch. Several of these children are in foster care or live with extended family members because their birth parents are unable to care for them. Transportation is often an issue. Even getting students to school can be a challenge, so getting them to a recreational facility for participation in an after-school sports program is almost impossible. With the lack of positive extracurricular opportunities available, many of these youth end up hanging out in the streets and eventually fall prey to drug use and/or participation in criminal activity. This adds to the prison pipeline. Our goal is to stop this pipeline, starting in our own community.

“We are proud to join forces with TPSS & level the playing field for the children in our community by providing quality positive educational & sports programs.”

Ryan Barker

Through Thick and Thin, from Boys to Men

Ryan Barker, director of Chappapeela Sports Park and the man behind the revivification of CP Mitchell Memorial Park, recently spoke fondly about his childhood buddies.

Barker and lifelong friends Scott Eyster and Pete Golding met at age 4 while attending MerryLand Preschool. All three then went to Holy Ghost Catholic School and then Hammond High.

The trio first showed their considerable gridiron skills playing fifth grade football under then-coach Junior Mathieu. It was their performance on Hammond High’s football team with Ryan at center, Scott as quarterback, and Pete as receiver and defensive back that drew college recruiters to assess their potential.

Written by Betsy O'Leary | Photos submitted by Ryan Barker

While Ryan maintains that Scott and Pete were “way better athletes,” it was he who was recruited first by former coach Steve Campbell to play Division II college football for Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi.

Initially, it appeared the guys would head their separate ways in college. Ryan was locked in at Delta State. Scott made a verbal commitment to the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM). Pete was headed to Milsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, as a walkon. But Ryan had a plan in his back pocket...

Ryan visited Delta and spoke with Coach Mike Kershaw (now a coach at Rice University). While Ryan and his father toured the campus, Kershaw and another coach advocated for Scott to also come aboard as a Delta Statesmen. Ryan boasted that he could make it happen.

He didn’t overpromise. On signing day, the two gathered at Carmen Moore’s house. There, Scott also signed on with Delta State. After a rocky freshman year, Scott set passing records and became both a Division II and 2022 Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame inductee.

Ryan stated that it was Scott’s clean snaps that led to those deserved accolades, and that he “never fudged a snap.”

But What About Pete?

In April of their senior year, Ryan urged Pete to visit Delta State for a tryout with Coach Rick Rhodes. Golding stunned the coach after twice completing the shuttle run in approximately 4.27 time and catching each pass from Rhodes. By the end of the visit, Pete earned a full scholarship at Delta alongside his two best friends.

The trio went on to produce winning seasons for the Statesmen. After the three graduated from Delta, the momentum they created among the team was enough to propel them to the top of the conference and then the nationals.

Where Are They Now?

All three men stuck close to the values they learned on and off the sports field. Ryan Barker continues to provide opportunities for children to advance in life through participation in sports and other recreational activities in his role as director at Chappapeela and other area parks.

Pete Golding was named Defensive Coordinator at the University of Alabama by Head Coach Nick Saban.

Scott Eyster is a school principal in Amite County in Mississippi. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Chappapeela Sports Park.

Decades after first meeting as preschoolers, the trio of men remain the best of friends today.

Taking HAMMOND to the NEXT LEVEL

Whenmaking the deci sion to run for Mayor, Johnny Pecoraro’s friends questioned if he had lost his mind, to which he re plied “That may be the case, but I’m not going to stop until I have given it my best run because I know I will make a difference for the good of Hammond!”

Regarding Johnny’s Mayoral goals, he has vision for the City of Hammond which will bring the city to the next level. Johnny explains “Crime is a major concern we must address uti lizing experienced leadership which I will hire on day one of my adminis tration. Additionally, crime cameras,

proper lighting, and state-of-the-art equipment to combat our crime is sues. We must not be held hostage in a town of 22,000 people by even one so-called gang.”

Johnny has operated a business in downtown Hammond for 18 years and states, “Love for retail has always been my passion. One of my priorities is to attract both the retail and com mercial businesses that are the best fit for our community’s needs. I also be lieve in the respect of neighborhoods when commercial buildings are brought here. For instance, Medline is great for the city, but I would have ‘respected the community’ with a dif ferent look of the building on the vis ible sides that face the neighborhood.”

Having traveled extensively, John ny appreciates when towns and cities prioritize and take pride in their assets. “I want Hammond to be a destination city with improved lighting like Fairhope, Alabama, and Natchitoches. We are an oasis of a city just two touchdowns be hind, and I will put us on the map even better than before.”

Taking Hammond to the next level doesn’t only apply to safety, aesthet ics, and business growth. He states “I am a firm believer in term limits. ‘Time for Change’ has been one of the strongest issues I campaign on. I would work to change the city charter back to 8-year limits for any Mayor,

including myself. I believe that change brings success with new ideas and cre ativity within a city.”

“This election is not about my oppo nents, this election is about YOU; my fellow citizens and neighbors, and your confidence in the goals and visions I believe our city needs now. I also be lieve the most underappreciated assets in town are our airport and Southeast ern Louisiana University. I have a great relationship with SLU, and I under stand the importance they have to the success of our city.”

When Johnny first considered run ning for mayor, his mother was his first champion. “My mom as many of you know died the night I announced my candidacy for Mayor. We had great talks the week before she died, and she said it best. ‘Do what you have always done and show your love for the city you love by making it better and more beautiful than it is now. You have been blessed your whole life with making things better and more beautiful. Don’t stop now’.”

"My roots run as deep as the Oak tree roots, which I stand on today. I am fortunate to know what family means, and I am so thankful that my grandmother understood the value of “Red Gravy Sundays” which held our family together. Family is everything, and I hope to work with our local churches and local organizations to keep this tradition alive.

So, here’s to you mom, we are doing our best to do exactly that. My love for Hammond is why I am in this race to prove to everyone that I can and will achieve all my visions and goals for the city I call home -- Hammond, America.

Johnny is dedicating this run for mayor to his mom, who said, “I will always be by your side in spirit.” Johnny states, "I won’t disappoint you or her, and you have my promise and commitment to 'Taking Hammond to The Next Level.'”

I'm blessed to remember downtown Hammond when the Christmas parade came all the way downtown. I remember working at Ferrara Shoe Store while attending college and shopping downtown every Saturday at J.C. Penney’s, FW Woolworth, TG&Y, Sears Roebuck and so many more great stores. I remember the Ritz and Columbia Theaters and leaving my bike unchained and leaving my front door open all the time. I can promise you the Christmas parade will come back down the main street the entire route. There will be another Italian grocery store and a downtown bakery. I owe this to my ancestors to finish the dream or maintain the dream they came here for. Together, we will make a difference and take Hammond to the NEXT LEVEL. The time for CHANGE is here…!

I ask for your vote this November the 8th to “Take Hammond to The Next Level” and remember to plant trees. They create roots that hold life together that we all can appreciate and stand proud upon as I do here today."

Paid for by the committee to elect Johnny Pecoraro.

CRYSTAL BONEY

Lead Pastor

The Mission Church

Grief, it's universal. It crosses all boundaries and is something that we will all share. It's a natural response you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. The loss of a loved one, a divorce, the end of a relationship, loss of health... all can trigger a sense of grief.

Lately it feels as though we've been surrounded by loss and pain. When it feels as though we are starting to catch our breath, we are seemingly blindsided by more heartache. The pain of loss can feel overwhelming. You experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt and profound sadness. All are emotions that are very common as we walk out our pain. I've come to realize that coping with the loss of someone or something that you love is one of life's biggest challenges. It effects you on every level... physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally.

Grief is very personal. It's not neat or linear. It doesn't follow a schedule or time line, and it looks different for everyone. Inevitably, the grieving process takes time. Healing happens gradually and can't be forced or hurried. My best friend, Crystal Sparks, who has been grieving a great loss, said it best: "You don't just grieve once. You grieve as many times as you come into contact with the loss. The void can resurface in endless ways, bringing you closer to both the pain and your healing." We assume that the pain will go away faster if we ignore it, but true healing only happens when we choose to face our grief despite the pain, however frequent that may be. It's not a question of if the emotions will hit you, it's a matter of when.

If you find yourself in a season of grief, know that you are not alone. The season may feel lonely, but God is always with you. Acknowledge your pain and know that grief can trigger many different and unexpected emotions. Surround your self with community and be willing to continuously bring your pain before the Lord. Pray always. There will be moments you don't feel like praying, but push through, knowing it's the ship that will carry you to victory. Charles Spurgeon said, "In all states of dilemma or of difficulty, prayer is an available source. The ship of prayer may sail through all temptations, doubts and fears, straight up to the throne of God; and though she may be outward bound with only griefs, and groans, and sighs, she shall return freighted with a wealth of blessings!"

themission.org

Sundays 8:00 | 9:30 | 11:00

The Mission Church

41347 W I-55 Service Rd

Hammond, LA 70403

I've experienced great loss in my life, but what I know is that there isn't any amount of pain that Jesus can't heal as long as I'm willing to give it to Him time and time again. I love you, friend, and I'm with you heart and soul.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

Locally Owned community

Focused

Written by Nick Gagliano | Photos by Johnny Chauvin

Checking Accounts. Online Banking. Drive Thrus. Business Loans. Re mote Deposits. Every bank has them but there is only one bank that offers all of these PLUS the most important service--service to the community they serve.

First Guaranty Bank, the only locally-owned bank in Tangipahoa Parish, is committed to their customers and communities where their 36 locations are located in four different states.

“We firmly believe that as a banking leader we have to be invested in the communities we serve,” said President and Chief Executive Of ficer Alton Lewis. “This is true in Tangipahoa Parish and it’s true in all the other parishes and counties where we have a branch. When you are invested in a community, you get to the know the families and businesses. Then you have a personal interest in helping everyone succeed and meet their goals.”

This community spirit is spread throughout the bank, and it encom pass-es the bank’s goal to be more than a financial institution. First Guaranty Bank is a community institution.

“As a local bank we can make decisions locally. This means decisions are based on what is best for our customers and not necessarily what’s best for the bank’s bottom line.," stated Randy Vicknair, Chief Lending Of ficer at First Guaranty Bank.

Lewis said the bank’s customers appreciate decisions based on the local market, business climate, and personal relationships as well as the fact First Guaranty Bank is an active part of the community.

“Community participation is more than overused statement,” said Chief Administrative Officer De si re e Si mm ons. “We practice what we preach. While we do provide financial support to many local orga nizations, we also encourage our employees to volunteer their time and talents to the many non-profit and school organizations.”

First Guaranty Bank requests each employee to volunteer a minimum of four hours per year. On a day when a staff me mb er is scheduled to volunteer, they wear jeans and a bright yellow FGB Gives Back shirt that highlights the fact they will be helping others in the area. This also

lets the rest of the staff, as well as customers, know there is a volunteer in their midst.

According to Christy Wells, Regional Manager and Executive Vice President, the bank’s efforts are the same in each and every community where First Guaranty Bank is located.

“Many people in Tangipahoa Parish know of our sponsorships with Southeastern Louisiana University, North Oaks Medical Center, the Hammond Air Show and the LHSAA Basketball and Soccer Championships, but I am proud that we are just as active for many, many smaller organizations. With nearly 500 employ-ees bank-wide and 200 employees in Tangipahoa Par ish, that’s a large number of people who can make a meaningful impact on our cities and towns.”

For example, First Guaranty Bank as even paid for a few high school team's state championship rings.

“The championship ring ceremony is a very big deal for these schools and when we present these students their rings, we feel

like we have made a friend for life while recognizing their accomplishments,” said Lewis.

For the employees of First Guaranty Bank, the bank is just as committed to ensuring their staff has the opportunity to continue to grow and prosper within the bank.

“We certainly have a promote from within policy,” said Simmons. “We want our staff to realize they have a career with First Guaranty Bank. Our officers an d bo ar d of directors kn ow to ke ep a local staff with a high rate of job satisfaction is a great investment for the future of the bank.”

Chief Lending Officer Randy Vicknair is the perfect example of a staff member rising through the ranks. Vicknair started with the bank as an intern and set a career course through the bank’s lending department. Today, he oversees all the bank’s lenders.

“First Guaranty Bank certainly believes in their employees. Each year we employ interns to work in our auditing, lending, and credit departments with the hope we find future employees w ho like working here and want to make a career here.”

Simmons echoed Randy Vicknair’s comments. “We like working with ambitious young people who want to learn and then we can teach and educate them on banking in today’s world. It is very satisfying.”

For all their work in the community and with employee relationships, First Guaranty Bank has been recognized by Newsweek Magazine as The Best Small Bank in Louisiana and the US for the past two years.

“This is recognition we did not seek but we certainly are proud to be recognized as The Best Small Bank in Louisiana and the US,” said Lewis.

The future looks very promising for First Guaranty Bank and the communities they serve. With the bank being guided by local de cision makers who know the value of the people and businesses in their community, First Guaranty Bank will remain committed to being a leader inside and outside of the bank’s walls, working for the people, organizations, and businesses in the local area.

HERE TO HELP

Too many Louisiana children experience traumatic events and dysfunctional lifestyles causing mental illness and behavioral problems that can derail their lives.

Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services

Written by Nick Gagliano | Photos by Johnny Chauvin

Recently, Sarah Head, Director of Development and Public Relations for Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services (LUMCFS), discussed the organization’s progress creating resources for at-risk kids across the state.

The Methodist Children’s Home of Southeast Louisiana (MCHSELA) in Loranger is their current project.

Still a work in progress, it’s their third children’s home. Two others are in Ruston and Sulphur, providing them a foothold in the North, Southwest, and now, Southeast regions of the state.

The three facilities are psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF) for children with severe emotional and behavioral needs not being met elsewhere. To grow and thrive, they need intensive residential care. PRTFs are kids’ last line of defense when lesser services prove insufficient. With this intensive level of care, children can learn to thrive in normal community environments.

After Katrina decimated New Orleans, the original home of this residential facility, the program found temporary housing at a Mandeville campus. Finally, they found their new 126-acre location in Loranger, and in autumn of 2018, LUMCFS launched their $10 million capital campaign for Phase 1 and 2 of the five-phased build. They built roads and put infrastructure in place for the two now-operational buildings, plus a playground and basketball court. A final $1.5 million is needed by next fall to complete funding for the first two phases.

The first building holds administrative and therapists’ offices and a clinic operated 24/7 by a nursing staff. There are two traditional classrooms and a smaller, more intimate setting for special education needs, art therapy and other services.

The dormitory is divided into four eight-bed wings for children aged 7 to 14. Each wing has an indoor and outdoor recreation area. The dormitory is centered around a large dining area, which also serves as a multipurpose space for training, educational and recreational activities for the staff and youth.

Residential care provides needed structure. Children arise, dress, and eat nutritional breakfasts before heading off to class as they would at home. Classes are punctuated by morning and afternoon snacks and lunch. After school, kids play pickup basketball games outside, video games in the dayroom, or read in their rooms until dinnertime.

Referrals for services come from many sources including doctors, social workers, judges, teachers, community members, and church leaders. Funds are needed for day-to-day operations and facility expansion. While big donors are always welcome, Head stressed that individuals, families, and church and community organizations can contribute money or donate school supplies, arts and crafts, toys, clothing, and duffle bags. Some kids arrive with nothing but the clothes they’re wearing.

In addition to finishing the current phase, LUMCFS is beginning to seek donors for Phase 3. Slated at $4 million, this next phase will see construction of a Methodist Foster Care and Like Skills Training Center, providing a new space for two of the organization’s largest community-based programs. Future phases include buildings for an equine therapy program and family lodges for visitation.

The need is critical for southeast Louisiana, a region where half of the state’s children and families reside. Without services, children will fall through the cracks. Investing in this project is an investment in Louisiana’s future.

WHO

Key Early Detection is

Skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States, is preventable and easier to detect than other cancers because it can be seen on the skin and caught early with visual skin examination.

Prevention and early detection are key. Protecting yourself from overexposure to ultraviolet light, be it the sun or a tanning bed, is crucial.Things to look for on your skin that may be concerning for skin cancer include the following: pink to red, scaly or bleeding spots/ growths that don’t resolve in weeks to months, and new or changing moles with irregular shapes or colors.

The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. They can usually be cured without risk to your overall health if treated expeditiously. The gold standard treatment for these common skin cancers, especially if they occur in cosmetically sensitive areas, is called Mohs micrographic surgery. This is an outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia. All performed in one day, this surgical technique allows precise removal of the skin cancer, along with rapid evaluation under the microscope, to ensure complete removal of the cancer and repair of the skin while minimizing scarring.

Since not all Mohs surgeons have equivalent training and level of skill, make sure to ask if your Mohs surgeon is fellowship trained. Mohs fellowships are highly selective programs, include 1-2 years additional post-dermatology residency training, and require a minimum of 500 post-residency surgical cases, especially the most difficult cancers.

Be diligent to avoid overexposure to ultraviolet light even in the cooler months, and give Benson Dermatology a call if you see a changing or suspicious lesion on your skin.

Nick Frank, MD

Board Certified Dermatology

Board Certified Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery

Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology

Associate member of the American College of Mohs Surgery

Member of American Society of Dermatologic Surgery

ACMS Trained Fellow in Dermatologic Oncology & Micrographic Surgery

985.370.7546

Lallie

Serving the Community –Recognizing our Veterans

There is an acute care critical access medical center just south of Independence on Highway 51 that many people have passed by hundreds of times without realizing the tremendous service they provide for families in Tangipahoa Parish and southeast Louisiana.

That facility is Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center and did you know:

• Lallie Kemp Hospital opened in 1954 making it the oldest continual service hospital in Tangipahoa Parish.

• Lallie Kemp is the only state-owned hospital in Louisiana.

• Lallie Kemp has 24 beds and an Emergency Room that's open 24-7.

• Lallie Kemp is mistakenly known as a “charity hospital,” but today, a vast majority of their patients have some type of health care insurance.

Now that you know, it’s time to realize what Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Office Lisa Bruhl tells everyone. “Lallie Kemp is a hidden jewel in Tangipahoa Parish.”

With that in mind, the Lallie Kemp Foundation will be sponsoring a Veterans Day Appreciation and Health Fair on the campus of Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, November 16.

The Veterans Appreciation Program will begin at 10:30 am in front of the hospital where the hospital employee veterans and community veterans will be recognized. Louisiana Secretary of Veterans Affairs Col. Joey Strickland will be the keynote speaker.

Following the program, the Foundation will provide a veterans health fair that is free and open to all the veterans in the community.

There will be blood pressure screenings, diabetes screenings, Adult Protection information from the Louisiana Department of Hospitals, Foundation information, organ donation information, and one of the most important tables will be hospital pharmacists providing information about the hospital’s participation with medications on the 340B List.

“As a patient of Lallie Kemp Hospital, we can provide substantial medication savings to the community with drugs on the 340 List,” said Thompson. “We know it works and we have saved the community millions of dollars on drug costs. In fact, we had one patient spending $700 a month for their medication, and after joining our program, that patient now spends $8.00 every three months for the same medication.”

This vital information is being provided to all the veterans and the community with the help from the Lallie Kemp Foundation.

“Our veterans and our community are very important to everyone at Lallie Kemp,” said Bruhl, “And with the continued support of our Foundation, I know we will be able to provide ongoing and critical medical services to the community we love and serve.”

Over the years, the hospital has grown and evolved to be a major access point for thousands of patients for outpatient and diagnostic services.

“One of our major focuses is outpatient services,” said Chief Financial Officer Chad Thompson. “We serve so many people on a daily basis with access to healthcare that helps our community be a healthier community.”

Bruhl and Thompson both agree that in order to continue to provide these services, it is important to have a foundation to help with acquisitions and employee-related services the hospital cannot purchase as a stateowned facility.

“The Lallie Kemp Foundation is extremely important to our hospital,” said Bruhl. “They are able to fill in the gaps during tough economic times when our budget is tight.”

The Lallie Kemp Foundation is comprised of twelve volunteers who realize the importance of having a fully functioning and fully staffed hospital in the community.

Foundation Board Member Cheryl Brumfield said the entire Foundation Board is proud to work with such a dedicated and committed staff.

“We are happy to provide funding for special events, special purchases, and special employee recognition that the administration would like to provide but cannot due to the state regulations since the hospital is owned by the state.”

Endless

Oppor tunities

Ponchatoula Pepper Company

“As our new business continues to expand, we know Ginger Cangelosi with Tangipahoa Economic Development will be able to give us the guidance needed to bring Ponchatoula Pepper Company to the next level.

We appreciate our customers, the parish and community, and the other business owners that have helped us along the way.

We also appreciate Ginger and the attention and interest she’s shown to our growing company. This proves to us that she truly cares for all businesses in the parish whether they are a new, emerging business like ours or a Fortune 500 company. We matter.”

Kevin and Stacy McKlveen Business Owner

TASTES &

Treasures

MORE THAN GREAT WINGS!

Coop DeVille Hammond & Amite 985.419.2667

SPOOKY GREAT TASTE

Commodore’s Pizza 2008 Demarco Blvd. Hammond 985.345.9726

GROOM GREATNESS

The Royale Oak 1905 W Thomas St Suite L Hammond 985.345.9542

GET YOUR FALL FILL

2008DemarcoBlvd. Hammond 985.345.9726

Crescent Bar 110 W. Thomas St. Downtown Hammond 985.345.7636

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOUR RIP!

Bear Creek Western Store 35999 LA-16 Montpelier 225.777.4578

985-386-3874

985-386-5541

985-386-5541

Hurricanes and tropical storms can leave you powerless. But when

standby generator

most.

D R . T O M H A N DWelcome

Cate Street Optical welcomes our newest addition, Dr. Tom Hand! Dr. Hand is originally from Solon, IA. He obtained his undergraduate degree at Iowa State University and finished at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN He looks forward to working within our community and enhancing his skills in all areas of optometry. Dr. Hand enjoys any and all things outdoors, traveling, and cooking.

Dr. Tony Dennis'

from LSU Medical School (’08). After completing his residency at LSU Medical Center in New Orleans (’13), he moved to Hammond to join North Oaks Health System’s ENT Clinic where he still practices today. Tony and his wife Shantelle have shared this entire journey, as she was his high school sweetheart. They’re raising their children, Kaiden (14), Kacie (10) and Landon (6) in Hammond where they’re active in sports and the community in general. His dedication to family and service to community are evident in his 5 favorite things…

Family Trips to the Beach

The beach provides an escape from the busy and hectic daily schedule and creates wonderful memories with his family. Orange Beach, AL is their favorite beach destination for praying and playing together.

2Dad Jokes

3Gym Time

He loves to get his morning started hitting the gym or taking a jog in the neighborhood before work. Best days are when his wife, Shantelle, can be his workout partner.

Simple, yet funny one liners and dad jokes are Tony’s favorite. His wife and kids can’t help but laugh with his silly deliveries and his daughter, Kacie, enjoys them almost as much as he does.

Cooking

One of his favorite past times is firing up his grill, making some drinks, grabbing the cast iron skillet, or a large pot and prepare dinner for family and friends. Here he’s preparing Snow and Dungeness crabs along with his special sauce!

Coaching Youth Sports

Tony enjoys coaching youth flag foot ball and basketball in our community. He loves the opportunity to volunteer his time and even mentors some of the young athletes outside of their sports endeavors.

Of School

All Saints Cleaning services are designed to give you the peace of mind you deserve and the time you need to enjoy your life and loved ones. With over 15 years of cleaning experience, All Saints Cleaning has the dedication and knowledge to clean efficiently and affordably. Jenna Meeks is a Northshore native and has a passion for her work that is unmatched. Unlike many other cleaning services Jenna is the primary service provider running the show at every job her company takes on. “I am a perfectionist.

I have always enjoyed my job. I put my heart into every job. I have developed a skill, and I have choreographed what I do the way you would a work-out routine. This provides a consistent clean which keeps me efficient… It is the work that I love!” While many other cleaning services in the area charge by the hour, Jenna’s website spells out her prices very clearly so you know how much things will cost before the job is over. If you are interested in booking with All Saints Cleaning, you can check out Jenna’s pricing guide, request an exact quote and appointment on her website allsaintscleaning.com.

Jenna Meeks

OWNER ALL SAINTS CLEANING AT A GLANCE

•DETAIL ORIENTED

We’re committed to delivering dependable service. We guarantee that you will be satisfied with your cleaning.

•AFFORDABLE RATES

Unlike most cleaning services, our rates are customized for your service. So you get a higher level of service at a lower rate.

•FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES

We work around your busy life to conveniently schedule your routine house or office cleaning service.

•EXPERIENCED STAFF

Every professional team member is highly trained and experienced in residential and commercial cleaning.

•ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY

Our services are completely environment friendly. We use Enviro-Safe cleaning products with no harsh chemicals.

•FAST & FRIENDLY

We pride ourselves on quick response, fast service, and friendly, professional cleaning. Request a cleaning on line.

• ROUTINE CLEANING SERVICES

• WEEKLY CLEANING

• MONTHLY CLEANING

• ONE - TIME CLEANING

MOVE IN - MOVE OUT

RESIDENTIAL- COMMERCIAL

POST CONSTRUCTION

Jenna Meeks

ALL SAINTS CLEANING

CALL : (985)-276-0039

EMAIL: jenna@allsaintscleaning.com