READY, SET, GO: THIN MINT SPRINT AND DAISY DASH ON SATURDAY
THE ST.TAMMANY
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THURSDAY APRIL 9, 2015 H
COVINGTON • FOLSOM • LACOMBE • MADISONVILLE • MANDEVILLE • SLIDELL THENEWORLEANSADVOCATE.COM
Sharon Edwards TAMMANY TIMES SEDWARDS@THEADVOCATE.COM
Relay for Life events scheduled
Operation: BLOCKS FOR THE BRAVE
The American Cancer Society’s fundraising efforts in St. Tammany are gearing up. The annual Covington event was held in March. Called a Festival With the Stars, the Relay for Life of Northwest St. Tammany rolled out the red carpet to honor cancer survivors. With 13 teams, they raised more than $18,000. But there are still more opportunities to join in the fight against cancer. There are four community events planned to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those lost to the disease and help raise funds to find a cure.
Slidell
Relay for Life of St. Tammany East will be held beginning at noon Saturday, April 25, at Slidell High School, 1 Tiger Drive in Slidell. With 30 teams and more than 225 participants registered, the event has already raised more than $34,000 in donations. During the annual event, teams of individuals keep at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the evening. Top teams include the Slidell Postal Team, which has raised more than $17,000. Honey Island Elementary is second, with more than $3,000 raised. Top participant is Melinda Champaign, with more than $5,000 raised, and Top Company is Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, with more than $400 in pledges. The public is invited to turn out the day of the relay for the opening ceremony at noon, the Survivors Lap at 4:30 p.m. and Caregivers Lap at 5 p.m. A luminaria ceremony will light flames around the track to remember those lost to cancer at 8 p.m. Closing ceremonies are at 11 p.m. Pledge donations can be mailed to: American Cancer Society, ATTN: Relay for Life of St. Tammany East, 2605 River Road, New Orleans, LA 70121.
Mandeville
Relay for Life St. Tammany West has planned a Hope Fest with a survivor luncheon at 11:30 a.m. and opening ceremony at noon Saturday, May 9. It continues through 9 p.m. on the Mandeville lakefront at Lakeshore Drive and Lafayette Street. There will be live music, food and fun for the whole family. Admission is free and there’s still time to join the 13 teams signed up. Gleaux Run on Sept. 11 also will be held at the Mandeville lakefront to light up the night in the fight against cancer. Dates for the Bra-ctober event will be announced. Visit relayforlife.org/East StTammanyLA or relayfor life.org/WestStTammany LA; or contact Nicole Smith at (985) 640-1552 for additional information. Sharon Edwards is community news editor for The New Orleans Advocate.
Photos provided by Bright Hopes Quilting Shop
Quiltmakers with Operation: Blocks for the Brave-South present 168 red, white and blue quilts to soldiers with the Louisiana National Guard 1021st Vertical Engineer Company, 205th Engineer Battalion unit, based in Covington, following their deployment to Kuwait.
Soldiers draped in quilt ‘capes’ from grateful crafters
BY SHARON EDWARDS
tion at the National Guard Armory in Covington. There, they met a line of It was just another drill women assembled to presweekend for members of the ent quilts that had been hand Louisiana National Guard’s sewn for each soldier through1021st Vertical Engineer out the year of their recent deCompany, 205th Engineer Bat- ployment. It was then that Carol Miller talion. No one suspected anything out of the ordinary when they were called into formaäSee BLOCKS, page 6G
sedwards@theadvocate.com
A soldier, draped with a handmade quilt made for them by Operation: Blocks for the Brave-South, hugs one of the quiltmakers.
‘Know Your Child’ to meet needs of youth in trouble
Artist ties life to helping wildlife
BY ANDREW CANLUETTE Special to The Advocate
One of the many organizations that donates thousands of volunteer hours to benefit the people of St. Tammany has founded a new program to help parents help their children. The Junior Auxiliary of Slidell organized a breakfast for community leaders last year, to learn more about the needs of people on the north shore. The women of JA heard from elected officials, and from leaders in both business and charity. One such briefing became a project that the entire civic group has embraced. The idea for “Know Your Child” was launched that day, after St. Tammany Parish Fire District No. 1 Chief Chris Kaufmann said he yearned for more of a proactive effort to assist troubled adolescents and teenagers in the area. Kaufmann remarked on the number of calls to which his department responds that involve young adults who are mired in depression, substance abuse, and even are contemplating suicide. Now, “Know Your Child” is about to be fully introduced to the people of east St. Tammany Parish. Its äSee KNOW, page 3G
Advocate photo by DEBORAH BURST
Anne London uses charcoal and coffee in a unique blend of artistry for her collection of wild animals from Africa. Her work can be seen in galleries across the country and used to help raise awareness on preservation and endangered species.
Wildlife artist and Mandeville resident, Anne London, has entered her fourth decade as an artist, but her journey is far from over. Her work and travels are dedicated to raising money and awareness for endangered animals and wildlife preservation. Inside her studio, dressed in a jean shirt and bandana, traces of charcoal cover her hands and chest as she sketches two female lions. So fluid, they almost seem to jump off the canvas. She shares her first trip to Africa 15 years ago and the magic that keeps calling her back. “The first time you feel a free lion’s roar in your ribcage, the first time you make IN eye contact with an elephant, it’s hard not PROFILE to be hooked,” London said staring at a DEBORAH canvas etched with a life size lion. “They BURST are a compelling group, winners of millions of years of life and death decisions.” She and her husband Jim Hart, started “Arts for Animals” two years ago educating a new generation of African children by teaching drawing skills and conservation. A nonprofit, it received a grant recently from the Krewe of Awe funded through the Northshore Community Foundation. “It’s obvious these are intelligent, emotional beings,” she said admitting the first time she saw a wild elephant äSee WILDLIFE, page 3G
Tourney encourages new doctors in pediatric cancer work
REC & LEISURE ANDREW CANULETTE
St. Tammany Parish has no short supply of charity sporting events. Just about every weekend, there is a road race or a tournament of sorts that aims to aid a local cause. One such event that I keep an eye on each year is the Cool Doctor Classic Tennis Tournament. That’s in part because the Christopher Condon Cool Doctor Foundation organizes the event, and also in part because young Christopher
was a friend of my family before he lost his battle with cancer. This year, the tournament will be April 16-19 at the Henry J. Calamari Tennis Center in Olde Towne Slidell, as well as the courts at Pinewood Country Club. Adult doubles brackets will be played in 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, and open divisions. A singles bracket for junior players is also available. As many as 60 doubles teams can
be accommodated. This will be the fourth year the tennis tournament will be held. Proceeds will benefit local students via scholarships who choose to study medicine with a focus on pediatric oncology in college. Matches will take place from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on April 16-17, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 1819. Cost is $40 for adults, and $30 for children and can be paid with
cash, credit, or check.) That registration fee covers a cochon de lait lunch, door prizes, drinks (including beer), tennis balls and a tournament T-shirt. A raffle will have tennis-related items up for grabs. Christopher’s mom, Alison, said this year’s tournament carries special significance. äSee TOURNEY, page 2G
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Abney Elementary students take second place at meet
SPORTS BRIEFS MAD HATTER RESULTS: The Junior Auxiliary of Slidell recently held its second annual Mad Hatter 5K and Fun Run. Families and friends enjoyed exercising together in a fun environment with food, music, a bounce house and prizes. The run had more than 150 participants of all ages. Overall first place 5K finishers were Joseph White and Lori Gaston. Overall 1-mile finishers were Laynie Hope, Drew Prude and Ronald Newson. Best hat contest winners included best group ensemble winners Adam, Tracey and Trish Hellmers. GREAT LOUISIANA BIRDFEST APRIL 10-12: Birdfest includes birding trips, workshops, photo opportunities and hospitality. Northlake Nature Center organizes the annual outings for birders at a time when hundreds of thousands of migratory birds are arriving at Louisiana’s coast from Mexico and South America. BirdFest trips will visit varied habitat including swamps, wetlands, pine savanna and hardwoods of southeast Louisiana. In past years, birders have spotted between 125 and 150 species during BirdFest. For a birding checklist, visit losbird.org/ checklist.htm. To register, visit northlakenature.org. NORTHLAKE NATURE CENTER: 23135 U.S. 190, Mandeville. For information and to register for programs at the center, call (985) 626-1238 or email Rue@northlakenature.org. Upcoming programs include: n KUNDALINI YOGA: Sally Dunn will lead a Kundalini yoga class at 1 p.m. Tuesday under the pavilion. Kundalini Yoga is an active form of meditation using postures, breath and mantras. Free for members; $5 for others. n NATURE WALK: A two-hour walk among the swamps, ponds, bayous, hardwood forest and pineland habitats of the Northlake Nature Center will begin at 1 p.m. April 15 and April 22. Participants are encouraged to reserve loppers to help improve the trails as they go. For details or to reserve loppers, call (985) 626-1238. n KAYAKING THE BAYOU: David Woodard will lead introductory kayak trips down Bayou Castine at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. April 26, beginning at the canoe launch at the center. Participants must weigh at least 50 pounds for life jackets; and must be 13 to kayak without an adult. Free for members; $5 for others. n STORYWALK: The St. Tammany Parish Library shares in presenting an interactive story on the trails at Northlake Nature Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. May 22. The story will be “Officer Buckle and Gloria” by Peggy Rathman. The storywalk is free and no reservations are required. The path is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Participants are encouraged to bring a snack or lunch to enjoy a picnic before or after. SENIOR OLYMPICS: The St. Tammany Parish Senior Olympic Games will take place from April 12 to June 27 and are open to everyone 50 and older. St. Tammany Senior Olympics has an opening ceremony before each event for the participating athletes. For information or to obtain a registration form, call the St. Tammany Council on Aging at (985) 892-0377 or email events@coastseniors.org or visit coastseniors.org. Events include: n WEIGHTLIFTING: 8 a.m. April 12, Cross Gates Family Fitness (CrossFit Building), 200 N. Military Road, Slidell n TENNIS (MIXED): 12:30 p.m. April 18, Franco’s, 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville n TRACK AND FIELD: 9 a.m. April 25, Fontainebleau High School, 100 Bulldog Drive, Mandeville n TENNIS (SINGLES, DOUBLES): 8:30 a.m. May 2, Cross Gates Family Fitness, 200 N. Military Road, Slidell n PICKLEBALL: 8 a.m. May 9, Pelican Park Castine Center, 63350 Pelican Park, Mandeville n CYCLING: 7 a.m. May 16, La. 36, Abita Springs (across from UCM Museum) n VOLLEYBALL: June 27, Coquille Park and Recreation, 13505 La. 1085, Covington. Captains will notify players. GET LUCKY! GOLF TOURNAMENT: The St. Tammany Hospital Foundation’s fourth annual Get Lucky! golf tournament will be held April 17 at Tchefuncta Country Club in Covington. Sign up by Friday to compete with 25 teams of corporate foursomes and individual players. Contact Nicole Suhre at (985) 898-4171 or nsuhre@stph.org, or visit sthfoundation.org/golf. AUTISM AWARENESS WALK: Lakeview Regional Medical Center is sponsoring an Autism Awareness Walk and Family Fun
TOURNEY
Continued from page 1G “This is the year that Christopher would have been graduating high school,” she said. “It’s important to us to be able to foster a love in our kids who want to study pediatric oncology and beat this disease.” Sponsorships to help fund scholarships are being accepted. Tournament registration is
Photos provided by Junior Auxiliary
Father and daughter duo Mark and Grace Enright enjoy the Junior Auxiliary of Slidell second annual Mad Hatter 5K and Fun Run. Winners of the Best Group Ensemble at the second annual Mad Hatter 5K and Fun Run are, from left, Tracey, Adam and Trish Hellmers.
Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18 on the green and pond at the hospital, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington. Proceeds will benefit Strengthening Outcomes with Autism Resources. There will be food and music, a raffle and a silent auction. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-12. For information and to register, visit soarwithautism.org. MONK RUN: The annual Joseph Abbey Monk Run on the grounds of the abbey and seminary college will be held April 25 at 75376 River Road in St. Benedict, north of Covington. There will be both a 5K trail run and a 1-mile race. Registration will be limited to the first 600 participants. The races are organized by the 15th Street Flyers with the 1-mile run beginning at 8 a.m. and the 5K starting at 8:30 a.m. Racewalkers will start one minute later. Awards will be made and presented by the St. Joseph Abbey monks to the top men and women in both races and in a host of age groups. T-shirts also will be given to all preregistered entrants. A post-race picnic includes local food and beverages to all registered participants. Preregistration is available via USPS if postmarked by April 17. Cost is $25 for persons 17 and older, and $10 for youths 16 and younger. Seminarians can run for $10 if preregistered. Online registration will continue until April 17 at getmeregistered.com/ monkrun2015. Race packets and race day registration will be available beginning at 7 a.m. on April 25 and is $30 per person 17 and older and $15 for youths and seminarians. A no-T-shirt option is $25. Proceeds will go to care for the monks living on-site as well as ongoing activities at the abbey. Race applications are available online at 15thstreetflyers.org and sjasc.edu; or call Diane Weiss at (985) 893-3684. PADDLE FOR A PURPOSE: Teams of 20 are forming for the Paddle for a Purpose fundraiser for the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. Each team will participate in three 500-meter races in the Walgreens Greater New Orleans Dragon Boat Races & Festival on May 9 at 403 St. Francis St. on the Tchefuncte River in Madisonville. Teams will be supplied with a 10-by-10-foot team tent, a practice session with a Dragon Boat coach and all equipment necessary to race. No experience is necessary, and individual paddler seats are available. Team registration fee is $1,395. For information, contact Leslie Landry at (985) 276-6845 or llandry@marybird.com, or visit gwndragonboat.com/new orleans. BRITISH SOCCER CAMP: A weeklong British soccer camp will take place the week of May 25-29 at Charlie Finn Memorial Park, 22517 La. 36, Abita Springs. The soccer camp is sponsored by St. Tammany Recreation District 11 and conducted by Challenger Sports, which will hold more than 4,000 soccer programs this year involving more than 225,000
ongoing, as well. For information on sponsoring the Christopher Condon Cool Doctor Foundation, call (985) 640-3587 or email robalimcm@bellsouth.net. Additional information is available online at www.cooldoctorfoundation.com. Andrew Canulette covers recreation and leisure activities for the St. Tammany Advocate. To reach him, email acanulette@charter.net.
players between the ages of 3 and 19. Each child will be coached by a member of Challenger’s team of 1,200 British soccer coaches. A daily tournament, the Camp World Cup, will teach the players about life, customs and traditions of other countries. First Kicks programs for children ages 3 and 4 will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at a cost of $83. Mini Soccer for children ages 5 and 6 will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon and from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. for $97. A half-day program for children ages 7 to 10 will be from 9 a.m. to noon for $130. A half-day program for ages 11 to 16 will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for $130. For team camp rates, contact Nick Rundell at (469) 713-2737 or nrundell@ challengersports.com. To register, visit challengersports.com. RACQUETS FOR REAGAN: The St. Jude Racquets for Reagan tennis tournament will be held June 4-7 at Franco’s Athletic Club, 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville. It will be a first-match losers consolation tournament, in which those who lose the first match will go on to a consolation event. The fee to participate is $90 per player. For information, contact Shelley Sisson at (985) 237-0384 or shelleyjsisson@yahoo.com. A RUN TO REMEMBER 5K: The Wounded Warrior Project will be the beneficiary of the Run to Remember 1-mile and 5K run/walk at 7:30 a.m. June 13 at TerraBella Village, 100 TerraBella Blvd., Covington. Dynamic Physical Therapy is sponsoring the event, with a goal of raising $15,000. The cost to register for the run/ walk is $25 through June 5, when it will increase to $30. Preregistered participants will receive a race T-shirt. To register, sponsor or volunteer, or to make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, visit getwellatdynamic. com/run. For questions about the race or becoming a sponsor, contact Patrick Sellen at patrick@getwellatdynamic.com. FISHING PIER HOURS: St. Tammany Fishing Pier will open daily at 7 a.m. and remain open until 7 p.m. at 54001 E. Howze Beach Road near Slidell. This is on the east side of Interstate 10, exit 261, by the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. The pier is free for children under 12. For those 12 and older, the fee is $1 to sightsee and $3 to fish. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Payment is accepted in cash, credit or debit. Anyone wishing to fish must have a valid Louisiana fishing license. A fishing license can be purchased at a local bait and tackle shop, sporting goods store or from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Send sports and recreation news to sttammany @theadvocate.com.
Photo provided by Abney Elementary
Abney Elementary recently participated in the St. Tammany Parish Public School Elementary Fitness Meet, placing second overall in its best showing. Fifth-grader Maya Calloway scored the highest number of points, while fourth-grader Bryce Bell placed second overall in the boy’s division. Shown are, from left, Bell, Calloway, Ethan Ricks, Khailee Calloway and coach Brian Donnelly.
Photo provided Girls Scout Council
Girl Scouts and members of the community line up at the start of the 2014 Thin Mint Sprint and Daisy Dash. The third annual Thin Mint Sprint 5K and 1-mile Daisy Dash fun run is Saturday at the Tammany Trace Trailhead on Koop Drive in Mandeville.
Thin Mint Sprint and Daisy Dash is Saturday
Advocate staff report The third annual Thin Mint Sprint 5K and 1-mile Daisy Dash fun run is a noncompetitive event to be held Saturday at the Tammany Trace Trailhead, 21490 Koop Drive, Mandeville. According to race coordinator Kari Volz, this will be the first year the races are being held on the north shore; its first two years were held in New Orleans’ City Park. “In the short time we’ve held the race, it’s become very popular with families from across our council’s 23-parish jurisdiction,” Volz said. Open to the public, the races are held to encourage Girl Scouts and their families to lead more active lives, make smarter food choices and build self-confidence. The event is for runners and walkers of all ages, with the 1-mile Daisy Dash a per-
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fect opportunity for those who might not be ready for the 5K. “We don’t care who can run the fastest; we just want girls and their families to be more active,” Volz said. The Thin Mint Sprint 5K entry fee is $25 per person in advance and $35 the day of the race. The Daisy Dash 1-mile fun run is $15 when preregistering and $35 the day of the race. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.gsle. org/thin-mint-sprint. A limited number of T-shirts will be
available at the race for $10. Packet pickup and on-site registration opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. A welcoming and opening ceremony is planned for 8:50 a.m. The Daisy Dash fun run begins at 9 a.m., and the Thin Mint Sprint will begin at 9:20 a.m. Post-race festivities will take place at the Caboose Kids Connection Playground. For information, call Volz at (800) 644-7571, ext. 1224, or email kvolz@gsle.org.
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WILDLIFE
KNOW
she cried. “To be on the same turf that these animals have lived and loved for millennia, it’s humbling and elevating at the same time. She added, “Modern life has separated us from the authentic experience, clutters our thinking with fluff. Ten minutes of breathing that ancient air clears that out.” Her parents moved to America from England via a cargo boat with $35 in their pocket and a sense of adventure. Born in Wisconsin, London found her own adventure and destiny in life at an early age. “I was 10 when I saw the movie ‘Born Free,’ and I immediately dedicated myself to lions,” she said with a smile thinking back when she first told her mother. “They bought me more art supplies, thinking that might keep me busy long enough to change my mind.” While attending Cal State University, London took a job drawing storyboards with Tippi Hedren and her company, The Film Consortium. Bored with the drawing, she learned Hedren had a reserve dedicated to saving wild animals called Shambala. “I was 19, drove my beater car into the desert to find this place,” she explained, recalling what happened when she rang the bell at the gate. “Tippi answered the bell, placed two lion cubs in my arms and told me to help her feed them. Pure bliss.” She began working there with full-grown lions and tigers, and knew she had found her calling but was not sure
early popularity appears to have piqued the interest of many in western St. Tammany, where the project could expand in coming months. With JA spearheading the project, members raised $1,000 to produce several thousand informative brochures which explain to parents the potential warning signs for dangerous behavior. Also listed in the brochures is information on local resources available to parents should they believe or confirm that a problem exists. A news conference to announce the new program was hosted recently and included members of JA and Fire District 1; as well as representatives from the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office, the St. Tammany Parish Public School System, the National Alliance on Mental Illness-St. Tammany, the Youth Service Bureau, and more. Each group was asked to participate as they work with young people often, and are among the first line of responders concerning mental health issues. JA members Sharon Hewitt and Loretta Duckett are cochairwomen of the Know Your Child initiative. Hewitt said the first Know Your Child flyers were distributed at a recent event promoting girls’ health at Slidell Memorial Hospital. She said the entire program, which included guest speakers touting the brochures and speaking to parents about the warning signs to identify in children, was met with “overwhelming response.” “The feedback was amazing,” she said. “Mental health issues occur in every community. It
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Advocate photo by DEBORAH BURST
Anne London, artist, wildlife preservationist and co-founder of Art For Animals, works on a new piece in her Mandeville studio. how to combine her passions for art and animals. “I started drawing while I was there and gave Tippi a drawing of a lioness and a cub as my way of saying thanks,” she said. “I said goodbye to commercial work that day, and never looked back.” London met her husband in Zanzibar, each were working on separate projects in the conservation field and married last year in Africa. They are working with four schools in Zimbabwe and Zambia with the Art for Animals project. “Our first class was under a tree in the Kalahari, Botswana, using an interpreter to show the children of nomadic hunter-gatherers how to draw and
appreciate their wild world,” London said. “When the elders gave me a ‘thumbs up,’ Jim and I knew we were onto something.” London believes educating children is the key to the future of animal conservation. She hopes art may lead to making better choices and positive policy changes as many countries are seeing the benefits of eco-tourism. “I use art as a door to a kid’s imagination,” she said, commenting her students take school very seriously. “Their parents are at the leading edge of changing thoughts about trophy hunting and habitat destruction.” Both her home and studio is
just a stone’s throw from Lake Pontchartrain. She and her husband share the home with three dogs. “Wildlife regularly stops by, and we both love to kayak in the bayous,” she said. “Its a great place for an artist to find peace.” To view more work by Anne London, visit www.aelondonstudio.com. For information about Arts For Animals, visit www.aelondonstudio.com/ArtsForAnimals.
Blvd., Slidell. For information, call Anne Galiano at (985) 7180432. GIRL TALK: Pre-teen and teen girls will learn about the physical, social and emotional changes of puberty during the Girl Talk session from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, in the first-floor conference room of the Slidell Memorial Hospital Founders Building, 1150 Robert Blvd., Slidell. Teens must be accompanied by an adult. The fee is $10 per family. To register, call (985) 280-2657 or visit slidellmemorial.org. CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: The Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital will host a cancer connection support group from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, 1203 S. Tyler St., Covington. Family members and friends challenged by cancer diagnosis are invited to share experiences and quality of life after a cancer diagnosis. For information, contact Jane Freudenberger at jfreudenberger@marybird.com or (985) 276-6832. ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: Caregivers will receive emotional, educational and social support, and develop methods and skills for solving problems, through the Alzheimer’s caregiver support group. The group meets at 2 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month in the second-floor conference room of the Slidell Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center, 1120 Robert Blvd., Slidell. The next meeting will be April 14. For information, call Audrey Baker at (985) 960-1964. ZUMBA CLASSES FOR CANCER PATIENTS: Free low-impact,
Latin-inspired dance-fitness classes will meet at 5 p.m. Tuesdays, April 14, 21 and 28, on the second floor of the Slidell Memorial Hospital Community Outreach Center, Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd., Slidell. PLAY AND LEARN: Parents and their children, 16 months to 4 years, play and learn together through music and movement, arts and crafts, and storytime at the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Suite B, Covington. “Spring has Sprung” will be the theme for the classes on April 14, 21 and 28. Class size is limited to 12 parent/child couples. The cost is $15 per child for member, $24 for nonmembers. For information, contact ksupan@stph.org or (985) 898-4435. ME & MY TOT TIME: Parents will discuss child development issues and parenting tips while their children enjoy playtime with other little ones on Wednesdays, April 15, 22 and 29, on the second floor of the Slidell Memorial Hospital Community Outreach Center, Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd., Slidell. The hour beginning at 9:30 a.m. is for toddlers who have just begun walking to 30 months; the hour beginning at 11 a.m. is for ages 31 months to preschool. For in-
formation, call (985) 280-8529. HEARTSAVER: Ideal for teachers, child-care providers and others who need a certification card, the Heartsaver course teaches the basic techniques of adult and pediatric CPR, use of an automated external defibrillator, and first aid for choking (all age groups, from infant to adult). It will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, in the firstfloor conference room of the Slidell Memorial Hospital Founders Building, 1150 Robert Blvd., Slidell. The cost is $40. CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: People living with cancer, and their caregivers, will meet at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at the Slidell Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center, 1120 Robert Blvd., Slidell. Remote participation is possible by calling (985) 280-8958 at 1 p.m. on group day. COMMUNITY CPR CLASS: A class covering adult, pediatric and infant CPR will be presented from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 16, in the Pelican Room at Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington. Participants will view a DVD and a demonstration on a manikin. To register, call (985) 867-3900.
Deborah Burst writes about people behind-the-scenes of organizations and events in St. Tammany Parish. To reach her, email deborahburst@ gmail.com.
doesn’t matter how much money you have or where you live. That’s why it’s important for us to be proactive; to get in front of this thing.” Know Your Child committee members are planning where to place brochures. Committee members have identified doctors’ offices, schools, and other spots where adults congregate as sites where they’d like to see the fliers. Martha Benson, the NAMI-St. Tammany Program Coordinator, said the number of mental health issues across the U.S. remains reason for concern. One in four adults will deal with a mental health issue each year, and 1 in 10 children will experience a similar health problem that necessitates treatment each year. She also noted that 75 percent of mental health issues begin in adolescence. St. Tammany is among the Louisiana parishes that have the highest rate of mental health issues. Benson said there were 12 suicides in the parish in the first 10 weeks of 2015. “That’s why it’s so important to identify early problems that may go unrecognized by parents,” Benson said. “It could be a young person’s activity on social media or being bullied. Those are things that parents may not know about. All the statistics show that the earlier you can have intervention, the better things can be. If ignored, the long-term consequences can be devastating. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Benson said. For information on the Know Your Child program and local mental health resources for children and adults, go to the project’s Facebook page at www. facebook.com/knowyourchild sttammany.
HEALTH BRIEFS BABY & ME: Parents of babies not yet walking will share issues and insights about parenting at 10 a.m. Thursdays, April 9, 16, 23 and 30, on the second floor of the Slidell Memorial Hospital Community Outreach Center, Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd., Slidell. Registration is not required. For information, call (985) 280-8529. CHILD SEAT INSPECTIONS: Free child safety seat inspections will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, April 9, at the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Suite B, Covington. Call (985) 898-4435 to schedule an appointment. BREASTFEEDING CLINIC: Lactation consultants will offer support and encouragement at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11, in the Florida Avenue conference room at Slidell Memorial Hospital, 1025 Florida Ave., Slidell. The fee is $25 if not preregistered at SMH. To register, call (985) 2808585 or visit slidellmemorial.org. FREE YOGA IN SLIDELL: A yoga class is offered for cancer patients and caregivers from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, April 13, 20 and 27, on the second floor of the Slidell Memorial Hospital Community Outreach Center, SMH Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd., Slidell. There is no charge for the classes, but registration and medical release are required. For information, call (985) 280-6600. SLIDELL AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP: Strengthening Outcomes with Autism Resources will meet at 9 a.m. Monday, April 13, and at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, on the second floor of the Slidell Memorial Hospital Community Outreach Center, Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert
NAMI conference on mental illness slated in N.O. Advocate staff report The Louisiana conference of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will take place Friday and Saturday, April 17 and 18, at the Lakeview Christian Center, 5885 Fleur de Lis Drive, New Orleans. The conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. Friday and at 9 a.m. Saturday. Admission is $80, with discounts for NAMI members, consumers and students. To register, visit namilouisiana. org. The keynote speaker Friday will be Joshua Rivedal with “Kicking My Blue Genes in the Butt.” Friday’s agenda includes a discussion of the Louisiana primary care and behavioral health integration strategy with Dr. Rochelle Head-Dunham; a discussion of the Louisiana behavioral health partnership with Foley Nash and Margaret Mitchell; and a discussion of trauma informed care with Dr. Maxine Campbell-Flint. Also, Dr. James Hussey and Dr. Kris Kaliebe will discuss ways to take control of mental
health through mindfulness, meditation, exercise and nutrition. Dr. George Schreiner and Tracy Boudreaux will discuss early identification of mental illness in children and adolescents. On Friday afternoon, Blake LeVine will discuss maintaining a positive attitude during treatment for mental illness, and Cecile Tebo will discuss mental health crisis intervention for professionals. Alma Stewart will discuss taking a public health approach to preventing youth violence, and Tai Venuti will discuss mental illness and Social Security insurance. Saturday morning, Tebo will discuss crisis intervention for families, and Dr. Leanne Truehart will discuss firearms access and mental health. Rivedal will discuss how to support friends and relatives after a suicide loss. On Saturday afternoon, Rivedal will discuss the role of storytelling in suicide prevention, and Melanie Mann will discuss help-seeking behaviors in depressed college students.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 6:30pm
Nancy Gravel, D.C., B.S., BCIA
4G F Thursday, April 9, 2015 F theneworleansadvocate.com F The Advocate
Advocate photos by MISSIE NOEL
Bogalusa City Councilwoman Gloria Kates, Thomas Kates and Gloria Quillin
Candace and Lacey Douglas
Delta Sigma Theta promotes wellness at Founders’ Day event
TAMMANY SCENE MISSIE NOEL
The Slidell Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta recently held its annual Founders’ Day event at Trinity Banquet and Reception Hall. The theme for this year’s event was “A Journey to Wellness: Getting Healthy, Fit and Lean in 2015.” The guest speaker for the event was best-selling novelist JJ Smith, author of the New York Times best-selling book “The 10day Green Smoothie Cleanse.” Smith shared 10 tips to “stop dieting and get healthy” and had the guests enthralled with her personable antidotes and life lessons.
VIP guests at the anniversary affair were treated to a preevent reception before the celebration. More than 200 guests and sorority sisters, many in the signature red color of the Deltas, networked and socialized throughout the day, sharing stories of college days and memories of sisterhood. The tables at the venue were covered with white linens and featured scattered red glass beads and vases filled with red roses and white winterberries, highlighting the crimson and cream colors of Delta Sigma Theta.
Shenicka Varnado, JJ Smith and Dorable Dangerfield at the Delta Sigma Theta sister Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s ‘Founders’ Day Celebration’ Bernice Leggett
St. Paul’s Celebrity Waiters
St. Paul’s School in Covington recently held its 15th annual Celebrity Waiters’ Dinner in the Briggs Assembly Center on campus. The annual event is a spring social sponsored by the St. Paul’s Renaissance Advisory Board, which is a business-education partnership. This year’s theme was “The Swing Era.” The gourmet meal for the night was served by “celebrities” who raise money from their table guests with tips and donations. Guests dined on hors d’oeuvres, salad and grilled center cut pork chops at thematic tables spread throughout the center. Musical entertainment was provided by The Victory Jazz Band from the DDay Museum and Saint Paul’s Jazz Band. Master of ceremonies for the event was Preston Hammons, and the auctioneer was Jay Jay Richardson. One of the coveted items for the
night was an autographed soccer ball from the St. Paul’s state champion soccer team, which recently was ranked No. 1 in the nation. The Renaissance Program at St. Paul’s provides life skills for seniors, student financial aid, financial support for faculty members attending professional and continuing education workshops, student field trips and tours of select colleges for high-achieving students. The Renaissance Advisory Board includes David Briggs Jr., Al Nastasi III, Lisa Barnett, Miles Biggs, Paul Campo, John Dubreuil, Eric Dunavant, Rick Flick, Hammons, Liz Healy, Craig Paretti, Kevin Parkins, Paul van Deventer and Ricky Walmsley. Missie Arata Noel is the society and features writer for the St. Tammany Advocate. She can be contacted by email at jrnoel@bellsouth.net.
SSA administrators Carol Poole, Mary Beth Willem, Jennifer Grimley and Mary Kathryn Villere
Falaya Fling Co-Chairwomen Lynda Baldwin and Beth Chascin
Fling volunteers Bobbie Landry and Peggy Robichaux
Student volunteers for the St. Paul’s ‘Celebrity Waiter’ event included Stephen Hammond, Zach Hagan, Faiz Salam and Jacob Authement. Shellie Campo, David Briggs and Danielle Lavie at St. Paul’s Karen Bucksbarg and Alicia Byrne
Kevin and Susan Power at the Fling
Falaya Fling
Saint Scholastica Academy in Covington celebrated its 31st annual Falaya Fling at the Castine Center in Mandeville on March 21. The dinner, dance and auction brought out the bling with a special auction for a ladies white gold, sapphire and diamond necklace valued at $13,900. Other items highlighting the auction included vacation packages in the Smoky Mountains, Florida and Mexico as well as restaurant certificates and sports memorabilia. Guests were dancing into the night to the magical tunes of Five Finger Discount, with the patron party music by Peace of Cake. Food was provided by various local restaurants, with an ice sculpture in the center of the venue dedicated to the “blingtini” merriment. There were 65 martini glasses, hand-painted by SSA alumnae, available for purchase. Each contained either a cubic zirconia or genuine .51-carat diamond valued at nearly $2,000. Another popular area at the event was the student art selections. Students spent countless hours this year working on sculptures, paintings and unique pieces for the benefit of the school. Funds from the Falaya Fling benefit the 111-year-old, historical school, as well as the Covington Food Bank and the Samaritan Center Food Bank. Chairwomen for the fabulous evening were Lynda Baldwin and Beth Chascin. SSA will present the musical “Cinderella” on April 23-26 in the school gym. For information on St. Scholastica Academy or the upcoming spring musical visit www.ssacad.com or phone (985) 892-2540.
Marguerite and Richard Celestin
Karen Edwards and Lisa Anzalone
Susan Williams and Kathy Zenor at the Falaya Fling
John and Debbie Carambat
The Advocate F theneworleansadvocate.com F Thursday, April 9, 2015 F 5G
Exchange Club welcomes new members New members were welcomed to the Exchange Club at a recent meeting. From left are new members Neal Clark and Children’s Advocacy Center Executive Director Barbara Hebert, with Exchange Club President Larry Ward. For information on the local chapter, visit www. sttammanyexchange. org. Photo provided by the Exchange Club
TAMMANY TO DO COVINGTON
ROCKIN’ THE RAILS: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St. Gal Holiday and The Honky Tonk Revue play the free outdoor concert. For information, call (985) 892-1873 or visit www.covla.com. TIM LAUGHLIN TRIO AT COPA: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Covington Performing Arts, 201 N. Columbia St. The Friday Night Music Club at COPA presents the Tim Laughlin Trio with Laughlin on clarinet, plus Hal Smith and David Boddinghaus. The event includes a meetand-greet with the artists. Tickets, $25. For information, call (985) 727-4638 or visit www. centerofperformingarts.net. LIONS CLUB CAR & BIKE SHOW: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire. The Seventh Annual Covington Lions Club Car and Bike Show will benefit the Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation and Handicapped Children’s Camp. Awards for top 10 pre-1975 vehicles, plus Best of Show and Mayor’s Award. Registration is $25. Free to the public. Rain date is April 25. For information, call Lee Roy Jenkins, (985) 966-3786 or email mccaite1943@yahoo. com. OLD FEED STORE MUSIC SERIES: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Marsonlan’s Feed and Seed Store, 316 E. Gibson St. Last Chance Bluegrass Band plays a free concert, followed by an open jam. ‘9-5’ AUDITIONS: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Playmakers Theater, 19106 Playmakers Road, Covington. Auditions will be held to fill the roles of five women and one man in the musical “9-5,� with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. The show will run weekends July 10-26. Those auditioning should prepare 15 bars of music to sing and should be prepared to read script. For information, visit www. playmakersinc.com. SPRING FOR ART: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Downtown Covington. Shops, galleries and restaurants present Spring for Art which features live music indoors and out throughout the walkable, historic St. John district and new work by dozens of artists from across the southeast at participating galleries and shops. There will be art demonstrations and an outdoor movie screening, couture and fine gifts, a mixologists’ cocktail contest, and cuisine at dining establishments throughout Covington. Spring for Art is held in conjunction with the third night of the annual A Taste of Covington Wine & Food Festival. Walking maps with a schedule of performers and artists are available at www.sttammanyartassociation. org; call (985) 892-8650 or email info@sttammanyartassociation. org. CONVERGING STATES: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday through April 27, Atrium Gallery at Christwood, 100 Christwood Blvd. “Converging States: Paintings by Linda Dautreuil� is a collection of paintings selected from several series that are both abstract in
BUSINESS BRIEFS A TASTE OF COVINGTON: The Covington Business Association, a nonprofit organization representing local businesses in Historic Downtown Covington, presents the Fourth Annual A Taste of Covington April 9 through April 12. The schedule includes: THURSDAY, APRIL 9: 6:30 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. seating for the Vintner’s Dinners, by reservation at local restaurants with wine pairings FRIDAY, APRIL 10: Grand Tasting Under Two Tents at Acquistapace’s Wine Warehouse SATURDAY, APRIL 11: Festa del Vino Wine Tasting at the Southern Hotel SATURDAY, APRIL 11: St. Tammany Art Association’s Annual Spring for Art The Sunday Champagne Jazz Brunch is sold out. For tickets and information, visit www.atasteofcovington.com or contact Cliff Bergeron of the Covington Business Association at (504) 439-2543. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The finance and operations manager for the St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation has recently earned two certificates in human resource management. Tracy Clanton has been certified as a senior professional in human resources by the Human Resources Certification Institute, and as a senior certified professional by the Society for Human Resource Clanton Management. Brenda Bertus, CEO of STEDF, said, “We are proud to have one of the best educated and most capable staffs in economic development. Tracy’s latest certifications, combined with her Certified Louisiana Economic Developer certification and more than a decade of experience, make her a valuable asset to our organization.� For more information about the STEDF staff, visit
Lump crabmeat and brie soup from The Dakota Restaurant in Covington won the Celebration’s Choice award. From left are chef Kim Kringlie and assistant Molly Photo provided Sansovich.
by FRANK AYMAMI
www.stedf.org/contact.htm. CELEBRATION’S CHOICE: About 40 restaurants participated in the culinary showcase at “Celebration: A Treasure Odyssey,� a fundraiser for the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany. The winner of the Celebration’s Choice award, voted on by about 1,300 patrons, was The Dakota Restaurant in Covington, which served lump crabmeat and brie soup. Previous winners include DiCristina’s Italian & Seafood Restaurant and Liz’s Where Y’at Diner. Money raised at the March 8 event will support the building and development of the future Children’s Museum of St. Tammany, which will be located in St. Tammany Parish’s planned Cultural Arts District in Covington. The Children’s Museum of St. Tammany is the signature project of the Junior League of Greater Covington and is a community partner of St. Tammany Parish and the St. Tammany Parish Public School System. For more information about the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany, visit cmstkids.org.
BIRTHS Photo provided by the city of Slidell
The Band of Brothers play Sunday at the Bayou Jam at Heritage Park in Slidell. her approach to composition, form, and line and figurative in referencing non-linear stories.
ABITA SPRINGS
WOMEN’S CENTER GALA: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St. Chef Nancy Berg will prepare dinner and the Jemini Venture string band will perform during the “Evening of Country Elegance� fundraiser for the Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation. Tickets, $45, are available at www.womenscentergala. ticketleap.com or call Renee Hall at (985) 966-5251.
MANDEVILLE
MANDEVILLE LIVE: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St. Enjoy the band Mojeaux at the free outdoor concert. Gates open at 6 p.m. No outside food or drinks. Restaurant partners and the city of Mandeville will provide food and drinks. Call (985) 624-3147. SUMMER MUSICAL AUDITIONS: 3 p.m. Sunday, 30 by Ninety Theater, 880 Lafayette St., Mandeville. “The Great American Trailer Park Musical� will be directed by Jason Leader, with musical direction by Thomas Braud, and will run June 12-28. There are roles for five women and two men. Those auditioning must prepare one show tune and one country music selection. To register for auditions, email Leader at 30byNinety@gmail.com. FESTIVAL OF HOMES: Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West will be the beneficiary of the Lakeside Village Cottages Festival of Homes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 16-19. Participants will tour three new homes decorated by local interior designers Georgian Furnishing and Berger Home, St. Romain Interiors and The French Mix Interior Design. The main office of Lakeside Village is at 1 Sanctuary Blvd., Mandeville. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at habitatstw.org/donate/ lsvcottages.
MADISONVILLE
MADISONVILLE ART MARKET: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Water Street. The monthly Madisonville Arts and Craft Market along the Tchefuncte River features
fine arts and crafts from local artists including painting, mixed media, photography, jewelry, wood carving, sculpture and stained glass. For information, call (985) 502-4774.
SLIDELL
‘GOING TO THE CHAPEL’: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through April 18, Cutting Edge Theater, 767 Robert Blvd., Slidell. The 1960s musical tells the story of Betty and her bridesmaids a week before the big day and is suitable for all ages. Tickets range in price from $22 to $25 for adults, and are $16.50 for children. They may be purchased by visiting www. cuttingedgetheater.com or calling (985) 649-3727. BAYOU JAM: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sunday, Heritage Park, Bayou Lane. The Band of Brothers plays a free concert in the park. They play classic rock, blues, southern rock, and great New Orleans’ classics. Originally from New Orleans, the band now lives in St. Tammany Parish. They play on both the north and south shores and at local festivals such as the Slidell Crawfish Cook off, Mayor Drennan’s Wild Game Cook-off, and the Pirogue Races. ‘CURTAIN CALL’ OPENING: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17, OFFstage Gallery at Slidell Little Theater, 2024 Nellie Drive. The Olde Towne Arts Center’s opening reception for the “Curtain Call� invitational art exhibition at the OFFstage Gallery. On display through May 22, the exhibit allows a final look at the works by the more than 22 artists who have exhibited with OTAC at OFFstage Gallery throughout the course of the community theatre’s 2014-15 season. For information, email info@otacenter. com. ‘STRONG YET FRIENDLY’: Through April, Cutting Edge Center for the Arts, 767 Robert Blvd., Slidell. The Rough Edges gallery at CECA presents a display of art by Jean Flint. For information, visit www. cecaslidell.com or call (985) 6493727 or (504) 579-2474.
Recent births at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington include: n Skyler Shae Wilkerson, born March 9, daughter of Kristyn Lynnette Hansen and Dale Allen Wilkerson Jr., of Franklinton. She weighed 4 pounds, 10.6 ounces. n Naomi Christine Wheelock, born March 10, daughter of Christine Anselmo Wheelock and Alex Paul Wheelock, of Covington. She weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces. n Alice Catherine Duplantier, born March 11, daughter of Amanda Scobel Duplantier and Aaron Matthew Duplantier, of Covington. She weighed 7 pounds. n Jimmy Lee Floyd, born March 12, son of Bertha L. Trotter and Jimmy Lee Floyd, of Kentwood. He weighed 6 pounds. n Emma Rae Jeffirs, born March 12, daughter of Alexis Cherie Harris and Joshua James Jeffirs, of Mandeville. She weighed 6 pounds, 5.5 ounces. n Noah Jakhi Taylor, born March 12, son of Tabitha Nicole Taylor and Robert Victral Taylor, of Ponchatoula. n Madison Marie Wallace, born March 12, daughter of Sarah Sisco Wallace and Lawrence Floyd Wallace III, of Madisonville. She weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces. n Joshua David Allison Jr., born March 13, son of Yvonne Nicole Bergeron Allison and Joshua David Allison, of Covington. He weighed 9 pounds, 13 ounces.
n Sadie Anna Sanders, born March 13, daughter of
Lindsay Kay Sanders and Samuel Joseph Sanders, of Madisonville. She weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces. n Jackson Brody Robinson, born March 14, son of Candice M. Robinson and John C. Robinson, of Covington. He weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces. n Charles Hobbs Sclafani III, born March 15, son of Lauren Forjet Sclafani and Charles Hobbs Sclafani Jr., of Covington. He weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces. n Liam Jay Leblanc, born March 17, son of Krystal Rose Folse and Devin Jay Leblanc, of Hammond. He weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces. n Kinley Jo Bennett, born March 18, daughter of Jennifer S. Bennett and Cody E. Bennett, of Mandeville. She weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces. n Jaxlyn Olivia Barrois, born March 19, daughter of Ashley Kelly Barrois and Joshua Allen Barrois, of Covington. She weighed 6 pounds, 3.6 ounces. n Emery Patrick Holden, born March 23, son of Caitlen Green Holden and Chase Richard Holden, of Mandeville. He weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces. n Maison Lane McLain, born March 23, daughter of Taylor Ann Smith and Nicholas Dalton McLain, of Mandeville. She weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces. n Kyndall Bernadette Scott, born March 23, daughter of Candice Xavier Scott and Woodrow Wilson Scott III, of Covington. She weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces. n Sebastian Andrew Bowser, born March 24, son of Seana Nicole Simmons and Joshua Andrew Bowser, of Folsom. He weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces.
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BRIEFS ADVOCATE STAFF REPORTS
NEIGHBORHOOD BRIEFS
Boating safety classes planned in Slidell
BOOK SALE: Newer fiction for adults will be featured when the Friends of the Slidell Library holds its Second Saturday Special Sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Slidell Branch Library, 555 Robert Blvd., Slidell. Hardbacks are $3, soft covers are $2, and paperbacks are $1. The Friends of the Slidell Library helps support the Slidell, Pearl River, and Lacombe branch libraries; for information, send email to fsl70458@ yahoo.com. DRINKING LIBERALLY: The monthly gathering of “like-minded people for conversation,” 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9 at The Beach House Bar & Grill, 124 Girod St., Mandeville. PLANT SWAP: Anyone looking for new plants to plant in their garden or who have plants to share can attend the free Spring Plant Swap from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, at the Bush Branch, 81597 Highway 41. Free to the public, no money will exchange hands, and the Swap is rain or shine. Master Gardeners will be
The Slidell Flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer a boating safety class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at First United Methodist Church, 433 Erlanger St., Slidell. The fee is $20. The class will be repeated May 16 and June 20. For information or to register, contact Donna Fishback at (985) 774-6541 or Donn. Fishback62@gmail.com. This beginner boating class includes the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in Louisiana. Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete the About Boating Safely class. Topics include boating law, boat safety equipment, navigation, boating problems, trailering, hunting and fishing, water-skiing and river boating.
there to answer questions and there are books to check out of the library branch on gardening and landscape projects. Children and pets are allowed, but must be closely supervised. ”This is an opportunity to find new plants to replace those you might have lost during our recent freezes,” said branch manager Marjie Jahncke. For information, call the library at (985) 886-3588 or visit www.sttammanylibrary.org. FREE BOX FANS FOR SENIORS: The Council on Aging St. Tammany is providing free box fans to area seniors who have difficulty keeping their homes a comfortable temperature in warmer months. COAST has a limited number of 20-inch, three-speed box fans. Interested seniors must be at least 60 years old and St. Tammany Parish residents, and must register as COAST members if not already on the rolls. Recipients must also be able to pick up their fans from a COAST facility, or have a friend or family member do
St. Patrick’s Parade float winners chosen Floats in the Olde Towne Slidell St. Patrick’s Day Parade were judged on the basis of theme, showmanship, design and originality. The winner of the Stanley Samrow Memorial Award was Unit 55, “Bonfouca Pirates.” The President’s Choice Award went to Unit 40, “Leprechaun Moonshiners.” The Captains’ Choice was Unit 33, “Krewe of Temp Irish Royalty,” and the Merchants’ Choice was Unit 19, “Sister City Roller Derby League.” Other parade float winners were: n Best regular float, Unit 30, “50 Shades of Green” n Best mini float, Unit 8, Slidell Womens Civic Club n Best marchers, Unit 21, Slidell Mascots n Best truck, Unit 25, “Happy Birthday to Dave” n Best car, Unit 17, Williams family n Best costume, Unit 52, Pirates of Pontchartrain, “Erin Goes to Honey Island” n Best horse group, Unit 38, West Pearl Riding Club n Best dance group, Unit 15, Maureen Bersuder Academy of Dance Arts.
Junior Auxiliary recaps recent service During National Junior Auxiliary Week on April 5-11, the Junior Auxiliary of Slidell is giving recognition to the individuals and businesses that have supported its service projects. JA of Slidell has about 50 active members who each donate a minimum of 60 service hours every year to the chapter’s projects. The 201415 projects included Backpacks4Kids, A Day for Girls’ Health, Hearts United, Know Your Child, Happy Feet, Juniors in Service, Literacy Liaisons, Spelling Bee and Groovin’ Snacks and Movin’ Kids. The chapter raises money each year through events including its Holiday Tour of Homes and Mad Hatter 5K and Fun Run. “JA Week is such an exciting week for us and our community, because it gives us a chance to thank all of the citizens of Slidell for supporting us in our work, and to recognize our wonderful corporate sponsors who finance our projects,” Slidell chapter President Mary Gilmore said. “The families and children that we serve are so deserving and thankful for our assistance, and none of our work would be possible without the support of the entire community. For information, visit www. jasllidell.org or call (985) 2657111.
so. COAST membership is free. Qualified seniors should call COAST at (985) 892-0377. NORTHLAKE NEWCOMERS: The club’s April luncheon is its annual White Elephant Bingo and Charity Raffle. Proceeds will go to the Safe Harbor for survivors of domestic abuse and their children. The event begins at 10 a.m. Friday at the Fleur De Lis Event Center, 1645 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. Cost is $27, members, $30, guests. For information, call (985) 234-9649, email newcomersinfo211@gmail.com or visit www. northlakenewcomers.com ROOFTOP RENDEZVOUS: The annual gala to benefit the Slidell Memorial Hospital Foundation is held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 11, on the fifth floor rooftop of the SMH Parking Garage, 1001 Gause Blvd. in Slidell. Enjoy food from local restaurants, dance to the music of Mojeaux, and enjoy the view under the stars while helping to raise money to fund programs, technology
for monthly email reminders at (985) 626-6538 or at info@ namisttammany.org; or visit www.namisttammany.org. MILITARY ROAD ALLIANCE: St. Tammany Parish Assessor Louis Fitzmorris will be the guest speaker when the Military Road Alliance meets at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, in the cafeteria of Live Oak Village of Slidell, 2200 Gause Blvd. East, Slidell. Fitzmorris will discuss property evaluations, millages and the proposed repeal of the inventory tax. The Military Road Alliance is an organization of homeowner associations representing these subdivisions: Breckenridge, Cross Gates, Doubloon Bayou Estates, French Branch Estates, Frenchmens Estates, Lake Village, Landings, Magnolia Forest, Meadow Lake, Old River Road Association (including Quail Ridge, Quail Valley, Bay Ridge, Paradise Point, and The Settlement), Park Condo Association, River Oaks, Stonebridge and Turtle Creek.
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Photo provided by Magnolia Forest Garden Club
Art in Bloom Blue Ribbon winner
The Magnolia Forest Garden Club recently participated in Art in Bloom at the New Orleans Museum of Art. The arrangement was awarded Best in Show and received a first-place Blue Ribbon in the competitive/interpretive class and listed as an unusual design. The arrangement is made of Bromeliad blooms and leaves and was designed by Lynell Braun and Nancy O’Bryan.
finally came face to face with the men and women who she calls heroes. “You put your feet in those boots to serve our country,” she told the members of the 1021st. “We want to wrap a quilt around you like a superhero cape.” Miller is a founder of Operation: Blocks for the BraveSouth, a group that made the red, white and blue quilts for the returning solders. She credits Pearl Squires, owner of Bright Hopes Quilting shop in Mandeville, and her staff with being the driving force behind the project. They spread the word via their email newsletter and word of mouth to local quilters and their customers across the country. Bright Hopes served as the drop-off point for the quilts, and each month of the unit’s deployment, it posted a “thermometer” that showed the progress made toward having 168 quilts ready for the returning soldiers. Quilts were donated from as far as Texas and Illinois, Miller said. Miller said it was an honor and a privilege for the quilters to wrap each soldier in a quilt to welcome them home and thank them for their service. After the initial astonishment of the soldiers, some of them had a few questions. Being an engineering brigade, many of them looked at the
Photo provided by Bright Hopes Quilting Shop
Operation: Blocks for the Brave-South presented 168 red, white and blue quilts to soldiers with the Louisiana National Guard 1021st Vertical Engineer Company, 205th Engineer Battalion unit, based in Covington, following their deployment to Kuwait. quilt in terms of the work involved. “I was asked more than once, ‘How many man hours do you think this took?’ ” she said. “We don’t think about it in those terms. It took a whole lot of love” to make the quilts, she said. Miller said there are more than 24,000 soldiers in Louisiana. “We can’t do enough” for them, she said. This is the second project for Operation: Blocks for the Brave-South to make
red,white and blue quilts for a deployed unit. In December 2010, they presented and wrapped 132 soldiers from the Mississippi National Guard Bravo Company 155th in Poplarville, Mississippi. She hopes decades from now, “The quilts may be worn and faded, but it will be a reminder to each soldier that they were heroes and will always be a hero to us.” For information, email Miller at carolmill123@yahoo. com or Bright Hopes at brighthopes1@bellsouth.net.
FAITH NOTES PRAYER BREAKFAST: Astronaut Charles Duke will be the guest speaker during a prayer breakfast sponsored by Christian Business Men’s Connection and Life Resources, Inc., at 7 a.m. Friday at the Fleur De Lis Event Center, 1645 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. The master of ceremonies will be St. Tammany Parish District Attorney Warren Montgomery. Tickets are $25 per person or $190 for a table of eight and are available by calling (985) 6269582, or email liferesources1@ gmail.com. To pay online, go to liferesources.net. DOCTRINE, DOGMA, & DRAFT: Young adults ages 21 to 35 are invited to Doctrine, Dogma & Draft with guest speakers, dialogue and fellowship at 7:30 p.m. every second Friday of the month at NOLA Southern Grille balcony, 1375 Gause Blvd., Slidell. Hosted by St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, upcoming speakers include Paul George on Friday and Father Andre Melancon on May 8. For information, visit saintlukeslidell.org/doctrinedogmaanddraft. DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY: Divine Mercy Sunday will be observed at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 28088 Main St., Lacombe. The exposition of the most blessed sacrament will be followed by the recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 p.m., Benedic-
tion and Mass. For information, call the church office at (985) 882-5229. FEAST OF DIVINE MERCY: The Feast of Divine Mercy will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Peter Catholic Church, 125 E. 19th Ave., Covington. The exposition of the blessed sacrament will be at 2:30 p.m., followed by a reflection offered by James Seghers on the mission and message of mercy given to St. Faustina by Jesus. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be prayed on the halfhour from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Silent prayer time also will be available during adoration of the blessed sacrament. Benediction is at 4:30 p.m. The regularly scheduled Sunday Mass begins at 5 p.m. For information, call the St. Peter rectory at (985) 892-2422. HELP FOR THE SANDWICH GENERATION: Members of the sandwich generation, who are caring for aging parents while still caring for their own children, will get advice on legal issues from lawyer Lydia Alford at 7 p.m. April 16 in Genesis Hall at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 360 Robert Blvd., Slidell. Among the topics to be addressed are wills, powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney, do not resuscitate orders, living wills and basic Medicaid funding. The session is free, but participants are asked to register by April 15 by sending email to Mary Stokes,
director of adult ministries, at mary@aldersgate-slidell.org or calling the church office at (985) 641-5829. LIVING GENEROUSLY: Bethany Lutheran Church will present the five short films of the Living Generously stewardship campaign at 9 a.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. Sundays from April 19 through May 17 at the church, 1340 Eighth St., Slidell. The films tell the story of the Donovan family as they seek to understand what it means to live the words of Jesus. The nursery will be open during both services, and there will be Children’s Church during the 10:30 a.m. service. For information, send email to bethanyslidell@charter.net. WOMEN OF HOPE CONFERENCE: St. Timothy United Methodist Church will host the 15th annual “Women of Hope” Conference, April 24 and April 25, at 335 Asbury Drive, Mandeville. Featured speaker is Jennie Allen, Bible teacher and author. She will speak at three sessions about “God’s vision for our lives: What is holding us back and what does it look like to fully live out our purpose.” The opening reception begins at 6:15 p.m. April 24, and the conference begins at 7 p.m. The conference continues from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 25, with brunch included. Worship Leader Ginny Owens has excellent credentials in the Gospel Music As-
Humane Society seeks help with surgery expenses for golden retriever owners couldn’t afford the surgery she needed. “The operation was perThe St. Tammany Humane Society has set up a Second formed as soon as she entered Chance fund to help cover the our protection, because Koda’s cost of surgery for Koda, an excruciating and crippling pain 8-month-old golden retriever made it impossible to wait any longer,” said Dr. Michelle Newwith severe hip dysplasia. Koda was turned over to the field, interim director of the St. Humane Society because her Tammany Humane Society. Advocate staff report
and capital equipment that will improve the lives of people in the community. Ticket are $100 and available at www.smhfdn. org. NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY SUPPORT: The National Association for Mental Illness — St. Tammany, presents the NAMI Family-ToFamily Support Program from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Lakeview Regional Medical Center’s Pelican Room, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington. Open to family members and family caregivers of individuals living with serious mental illness, the program will be facilitated by trained family members and family caregivers. The NAMI Support Group Model offers a set of key structures and processes that encourage full group participation in a supportive setting. No registration is required and this group is provided free of charge. All groups are confidential and participants are welcomed to share as much or as little information as they wish. For information, contact NAMI St. Tammany or sign up
The St. Tammany Humane Society is Louisiana’s largest nonprofit (501)(c), no-kill animal welfare organization and shelter. Donations may be mailed to STHS, 20384 Harrison Ave., Photo provided by St. Tammany Covington, LA 70433 or made Humane Society online at www.sthumane.org. For information, contact Janie Koda, an 8-month-old golden retriever Valle at (985) 892-7387.
sociation and is a winner of three Dove awards. Tickets are on sale at WomenOfHopeConference. com. Child care is available for $10 per family with advance registration. For information, call the church office at (985) 626-3307. SLIDELL FAITH MUSIC FESTIVAL: Bethany Lutheran Church will hold its Slidell Faith Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 25 at Slidell Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell. There will be continuous live Christian music from local bands. Admission is free, and visitors are invited
to bring a picnic or purchase food and drinks at the park. For information, visit slidellfaithmusicfest.com. TABERNACLE ANNIVERSARY: Pastor Elijah McCarty, of Friendship Baptist Church, New Orleans, will be the speaker when Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church celebrates its 113th anniversary at 3 p.m. April 26 at the church, 2445 Fourth St., Slidell. The theme will be “Tabernacle: The building, the body and the belief.”
The Advocate F theneworleansadvocate.com F Thursday, April 9, 2015 F 7G
SCHOOL BRIEFS LITTLE OAK SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK: Throughout Louisiana School Lunch Week, Little Oak students took part in many activities to go along with the theme of ‘Louisiana Lunch.’ Cafeteria manager Janet Farrell led the students in a Louisiana estimating contest. Students were to guess the amount of red beans in a container without going over. Prizes were awarded to the students who came the closest to guessing the number of beans. Students also earned prizes when they found a sticker under their lunch trays. Students enjoyed Louisiana meals throughout the week such as red beans, gumbo, ham and cheese po-boys and fried catfish. WOMEN’S CLUB SCHOLARSHIP: The Slidell Republican Women’s Club’s scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior girl attend-
St. Tammany Parish School Board member Peggy Seeley enjoyed lunch at Little Oak Middle School during Louisiana School Lunch Week. Shown are, back from left, Peyton Chaisson, Barbara Bacon, Little Oak Assistant Principal Michael VanderVelde, Ramie Gunn, Little Oak Principal Kim Vanderklis, Peggy Seeley, Madison Warner, Assistant Principal Amie Guttuso, lunch technician Connie Brown, Joe Seeley; and front, cafeteria manager Janet Farrell, Kristina Corcoran, Ina Pegues, Gabrielle Nipper, Emilea Wilcox and Austin Lacoste.
ing a high school in the Slidell/ Pearl River area. The deadline for the scholarship application’s postmark is April 15; the winning student is required to attend the Awards Night dinner on May 28. The Pearl Williams/Cecelia Drennan Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of two past SRWC members who were outstanding community leaders. The $1,000 award will be made to a female student who has demonstrated good moral character, leadership skills and an interest and concern for the local community. Application forms are available from school counselors in east St. Tammany Parish. For information, contact SRWC Vice President Tiffany Parker, (985) 788-7783 or SRWC President Peggy Seeley, (985) 863-9099.
Photo provided by Little Oak Elementary
Covington first-graders take field trip
Photo provided by Lee Road Junior High School
First-graders from Lee Road Junior High School in Covington go on a field trip to Covington High School to see the play ‘Mulan Jr.’ From left are Sam Day, Greyson Frederick and Kaisyn Shubert.
Mandeville students show appreciation for school maintenance workers
Guest readers visit Slidell students
Photo provided by Abney Elementary School
Guests read stories to children recently during Read Across Abney Day at Abney Elementary School and the Abney Elementary Early Childhood Center in Slidell. One of the guests was St. Tammany Parish Public Schools Superintendent Trey Folse, who read to kindergartners in Stacy Lagarde’s class. In the front row, from left, are Demi Williams, Drew Mason, Ehmyri Brown, Estrella Stephens, Damian Romero, Joshua Whitmore, Joshua Laureano, Christopher Dupuy, Brielle Petrie and Martaysjah Guild. In the back row are Stacy Lagarde, Alexis Dahm, Samiah James, Ariela Cloud, Xander Bethe, Braylon Blanchard, Karriona Oliver, Folse and Lilly Travis.
Florida Avenue students celebrate Seuss
Photo provided by Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic School
During Maintenance Staff Appreciation Week, students at Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic School in Mandeville present staff members with plants, gift cards and greeting cards. The recognition was organized by the school’s Parent Teacher Cooperative Club. In the front row, from left, are Emily Vanderbrook, Emily Whitehurst and Kallan Bourgeois. Behind them are Joe Crovetto and Jean Miller.
Students in Danielle Fontenot’s class celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with several thematic activities. The boys and girls created striped hats similar to the one worn by the cat in ‘The Cat in the Hat.’ They also read several Dr. Seuss books during their independent reading time. From left, firstgraders Christina Vu, Anthony DiMarco, Triston Ebey, Hailey Oliver and Jacob Stovall enjoy the Dr. Seuss books while wearing their hats.
Students enjoy St. Patrick’s Day Photo provided by Florida Avenue
Photo provided by STARC
Children at STARC’s Noah’s ARC enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. From left, are David Stanbro, Riley Jones, Alexis Adams, Laci Stalworth, Kaidyn Roberts and Hannah Smith.
Fontainebleau Junior’s Middle School Champion
Fontainebleau Junior High seventhgrader Nick Kaushal won the Regional History Bee in Baton Rouge. Nick advanced through several rounds that included close to 200 students before entering the group of 10 semifinalists and finally beating out four finalists in the championship round to become the 2015 Middle School Champion. He will represent the Southeast region at nationals at Louisville, Ky., in May. Nick is the son of Smriti and Deepak Kaushal.
Photo provided by Fontainebleau Junior High
8G F Thursday, April 9, 2015 F theneworleansadvocate.com F The Advocate
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