They are the people who serve quietly,without fanfare. Theyget things doneoutside thespotlight.Their work isas important as that of elected officials and non-profit leaders.
They are the foot soldiers in the armies of compassion, empathy,grace.
The St. Tammany Farmer sought out six of these people and will feature one each week through the remainder of 2024. We think these people, their stories, are reminders of the good things people do for one another
We’re calling them “Unsung Heroes.” Butnow is time to sing theirpraises.
Jack Terry describes himself as an analyst.
“You look at information and data and try to make it all make sense,” said Terry simply
But in Covington, Terry,84, isaliving, breathingrepository of historical knowledge. He’sanintegralpartofthe
“I am so thankful that the city supports these kind of researchprojects. It’snot like‘oh yeah’(whatever) when Iask these questions.”
JACK TERRY Covington resident, researcher and sharer of local history
city’sHeritageFoundation and thepopular History and Holly Homes tour.He’slargely responsible for the historical marker at Rutlandand Columbia that notes Andrew Jackson’sstop in Covington before theBattle of New Orleans, and hesaysmore historical markersare in the works.
Terry has seemingly researched every home and name in Covington (like the Claiborne Courthouse) and loved every minute.
“I am so thankful that the city supports these kind of research projects,” said Terry “It’snot like‘oh yeah’ (whatever) when Iask these questions.”
The Covington City Council honored Terry for his tireless efforts at arecentmeeting,
bestowing aplaque of appreciation.
“Jack has not only apassion for history but also apassion for the truth,” Covington Mayor Mark Johnson said. “He uses persistent and tenacious research to prove or un-prove oral legends. His historical research on the Christmas home tour homes has been awonderful gift for the city and for the homeowners.”
Terry was born in New Orleans and attended St. Aloysius (now Brother Martin), graduating in 1958. He attended Tulane and got his master’s in nuclear engineering, then joined the Air Force and later went to work as acivil servant in Washington, D.C., for 30 years. After retiring, he and his beloved wife, Sandra, another New Orleans native, wanted to come back home, so they bought ahouse in Covington in 2009, then moved closer inside the city limits two years later
“I can remember when the only way to get here was over the five-mile bridge,” said Terry.“It would take half aday to
Proposal to build 80 homesalong BayouLiberty denied
ThePlanning Commission recommendation nowheads to theSlidell City Council
BY WILLIESWETT Staff writer
The Slidell Planning Commission has voted down adeveloper’s request forthe city to annex a33acre parcel for80new houses.
At the commission’smeeting on Nov.18, neighbors of the proposed development, which would border the eastern bank of Bayou Liberty on one side and astrip shopping center along Northshore Boulevard on the other, spoke against the project, citing flooding andtrafficconcerns.
The Planning Commission’s recommendation now goes to the Slidell City Council.
Paul Mayronne, alawyer for
the developer,meanwhile, argued the proposed development, which would be amix of preserved land and homes, met city flooding and trafficrequirements andwould suit the area. The wooded property is under thejurisdictionofthe St.Tammany Parish Council.
Parish Council member Arthur Laughlin had encouraged residents near the proposed development to speak out against it, even if they were notresidentsofthe city of Slidell. Laughlin told the Planning Commission that he had placed a moratorium on development in the area to study floodingrisk.
community
BY JESSICA SAGGIO Contributing writer
When it comes to Christmas in Louisiana, having just “12 days” isn’tquite enough. This is astate that loves agood party,and Christmastime is no exception to that. The calendar is practically bursting with options when it comes to fillingupthe season with holiday events. Each corner of the parish is readyto rock around the Christmas tree —oreven the menorah if you’re in Mandeville. Butwhatare this season’sbest options? Here’sour top 12 picks to fill those days preceding the 12 days of Christmas. And don’tworry,none of these involve geese, or swans or French hens. We think.
1.Olde Towne Slidell Christmas Golf CartParade,Nov.30 Fun fact. Santa aisman of many vehicles, and in Slidell, he is expected to be rocking the golf cart this year in his special Krewe of Kringle. The Olde Towne Slidell Christmas Golf Cart parade returns at 5p.m. and features ahost of decked out golf carts. Theroute begins on Carey Streetand travels through Olde
Towne down First, Robert and Cousin streets, then to Erlanger Avenue before looping back down Second Street where it concludes at Guzman Street. This year’sparade will not coincide with Christmas Under the Stars. However that event will still take place Dec. 6through Jan. 2nightly at Griffith Park from 6to9 p.m. For those who want to snag aphoto with Santa, visit from 6to8 p.m. Dec. 6or7
2.Senior Citizen HolidayLuncheon, Dec. 2 The St. Tammany Parish Deputy Sheriffs Association will host atraditional holiday meal for senior citizens at the Castine Center near Mandeville. Doors open at 8a.m., with aceremony beginning at 10 a.m. and lunch at 10:30 a.m.The event will feature food, music and dancing for any senior in thecommunity.Reservations are not needed, and the meal is free.
3. HolidayofLights at Koop Drive, Mandeville, Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14
The 25th annual Holiday of Lights will again brighten up the
PHOTO BY BOBBY GILBOY
Jack Terry
PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN Acart filled with Christmas elvesinFolsom might makeanother appearance at thisyear’straditional parade through the village.
get to Covingtonfrom New Orleans because there was only one way around.”
The town of Covington, originally called Wharton was settled in 1813. During the bicentennial year in 2013, Terry started historicalresearch on the town, specifically the age and backgrounds of the houses.
“I started aprogram where you’d go down one street and then the other and look at every house,” Terry said. “Weused Sanborn maps to identify houses that existed before1927; that’sthe cutoff before you have acertified historic home.”
He enlisted the services of his sister,Jill, living in Virginia to help him find some documents and noticesonline.
“My brother lovestodo
HOMES
Continued from page1A
“These are real people all up and down the bayou that are hurt by aneighborhood that is way too dense for this area,” said JenniferBesh, aresident of Slidell who attended the meeting.
The developer,Jeff Vallee of H1 Associates, had asked the city of Slidell to annex the area and zone it as ahigh-density urban area. In addition to the existingmoratorium,the parish’scurrent zoning at the site would only allow Vallee to build one home per acre.
“The market’svery starved right now for new homes,” Vallee said by phone later.The starting price for the homes would be around $300,000, he said.
Mayronne said they planned to leave the areas of the site prone to flooding largely undeveloped, with 90% of the homes built outside the 100-year floodplain.
Laughlin, in an earlier interview,said he also is looking into prohibiting in some areas the construction of “slab-on-grade” homes, in which an aboveground concrete slab serves as the foundation, because of their susceptibility to flooding. The homes in the proposed development would be slab on grade, Vallee said.
But despite the extensive testimony about floodingrisks and traffic concernsfrom residents and some current and former Parish Councilmembers, the Slidell Planning DirectorDaniel W. McElmurray said the reason his department recommended the Planning Commissiondenythe annexation was because the city’s“2040 Plan” calls for that area, if it is ever annexed, to be commercial with some conservation areas included.
“Wemake all of our decisions based on the Slidell 2040 Plan, McElmurraysaid, referring to thecity’sfuture land-use map. Mayronne argued the developmentcould serve as a“transition” location betweenthe commercial area of the shopping area nearby and the existing residential area on the othersideofBayou Liberty McElmurray said he was not involved in the process of creating the 2040 plan butpointed to the parcel’sproximity to existing commercial as an explanation for why the plan calls for the 33 acres to be used for commercial purposes
Jack Terry, third from right,ispictured withthe CovingtonCityCouncil on Nov. 12. Terry, a longtime volunteer historian in the city,was presented aproclamation that evening,thanking himfor thewealthofwork he’sfreely giventothe city to help preserve its rich history.
this kindofstuff, and I don’t mindbeingincahoots with him,becauseit’slike he has asecretary. Why have ayoungersisterifyou can’t use her?” laughed Jill. Between the two of them, they worked on deciphering thecursive scriptsonall of theoriginal Covington City Council meetingsdat-
PLANS
Continued from page 1A
ing back to 1813 and typing up the minutes.They discovered that the first law passed in Covington banned pigs from running wild in the street, and asecond early law prohibited building new chimneys of wood. Jill jokes that she has subscriptions to all sorts of websites to help her broth-
TammanyTrace on Koop Drive near Mandeville.
The free event glows with thousands of festive lights and displays. It kicks offwitha parade down Koop Driveat6 p.m. on Dec. 6. Carnival ridesand performancesfrom localschools and organizations will headline the event on the weekends. Andyes, thecarnival rides are free, too. There will also be photos with the Big Guy,arts and craftstations and amystical ride through Santa’sYuletide Forest. After the weekend festivities, adrive-throughexperience will open up nightly fromDec. 15 to Dec. 31.
4. Winter on the Water Parade,Mandeville, Dec. 7 Mandeville is gettingmerry again this yearwith its annual parade and festival on the lakefront beginning at 4p.m.Itincludes aparade along Lakeshore to Girod Street and endingatthe Mandeville Trailhead, whichwill be lit up for performances fromthe Mandeville Elementary School Bell Chorus, Jordan Blue and Arabesque Ballet Theater.The free festival will also include akidstent, face painting, caroling, games, vendors andpictures with Santa.
5.Christmas in CovingtonParadeand Tree Lighting, Dec. 7
It won’tjust be just sugar plumsdancing in heads this year,asthe Lollipops will take the reins in the ChristmasinCovington parade and festival. The marching group will kickoff the 4p.m. paradethat starts at theSt. Tammany Justice Center and follows aroute along Columbia Street,TheardStreet andN.Jefferson Avenue backtothe JusticeCenter. Santawillarrive at theCovington Trailhead at 5p.m., where the free celebration continues with kids’ crafts, the lightingofthe Christmastreeand Christmaskaraoke And to get spirits rolling the evening before, on Dec. 6, thesingalongevent CovingtonbyCandlelight will takeplace at the Trailhead from 6p.m. to 7:30 p.m
6.Historyand Holly Tour, Covington, Dec. 8
Theghost of Christmas past isn’tjust forScrooge, but for those history buffs
er along. He will call with aquestion like ‘Why is this street named this?’ and she will dive in.
“These are the kinds of things that interest him, and he knows how to take the information, analyze it, decide what is useful and what doesn’tmean anything,” said Jill. “Some
people would want to go sit at abar and talk football, but he would want to talk about something that happened 200 years ago and go over every detail.”
The desire to learn more and study more grows. Jack is now “deep in the weeds” researching Covington founder John Wharton Collins, trying to ascertain his exact birth spot and roots.
All of this history —who slept where, what wild pigs could and couldn’tdo, and who crossed the lake may sound boring to some, but not on the northshore.
Here, this type of knowledge is cultivated.
“There is agreat appreciation for our history and the inclination to preserve it,” Covington Council President Mark Verret said. “I think at the end of the day, the whole idea of knowing our roots and keeping our cultural heritage resounds with the people who live here, and Jack is instru-
as well. Get afill of Covington’suniquehistory this yearwiththe Covington Heritage Foundation’sannual History and Holly Tour.The tourisa short walk in the area of S. America Street and S. Jahncke Avenue, featuring atour of homes from the early 1900s and later.Ticketsare $22, and the event runs from 2p.m. to 5p.m. Tickets must be ordered online in advance and can be picked up at 202 W. 23rd Ave. Get tickets at bontempstix.com/ organizations/covington-heritage-foundation.
7.Slidell’sBayou Christmas,Dec. 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23 Support the Boys &Girls Club of Southeast Louisianaand visit Slidell’sBayou Christmas at Heritage Park. The event runs throughout the weekends of the holidayseason from6 p.m. to 9p.m. It features free kiddie rides, Santa pictures and ahost of food and arts and craft vendors.
8.Wreaths Across America,Dec. 14
On amore solemn note, Wreaths Across America will remember and honor fallen military members by placing Christmas wreaths on the many veterans’ graves at local cemeter-
mental in keeping that alive.”
Terry was as surprised as anyone to receive a proclamation from the city.Helaughs that he was just told to show up at the meeting.
“He has the zest and zeal to do what others find tedious,” said Verret. “He is a gem for our community.” When not figuring out the architectural ancestry of an old Covington home, Terry spends time with his wife or with his woodworking. He used to help make hundreds of boats for the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival.
“It’snice to have acity that appreciates the research, and second, supports it,” Terry said. “The city supports the research into the history,it’snot just something they tolerate.” Jack says he’sjust an analyst, but in the final analysis, his contributions to Covington are immeasurable.
ies. The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell will host aceremony at 11 a.m.,and wreaths will be laid on each grave as volunteers read the names of each veteran aloud. Covington CemeteryNo. 1and the historic Mandeville Cemetery will do the same. Covington’sceremony begins at 11 a.m. and Mandeville’sisatnoon.
9.Cajun Christmas, Lacombe,Dec. 14 Santa will be stopping by the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge in Lacombe this year,and he’s bringing aparty filled with nature-theme crafts and cookies. He’ll also be available for photos. Thefree event runs from 3p.m. to 5p.m. at the Refuge headquarters at 61839 LA-424.
10.
Folsom Horse &Wagon Parade,Dec. 14
Giddy-up up to “horse country” for an old-fashioned horse and wagon parade in Folsom featuring all types of dressed-up horses and decorated wagons. The parade starts rolling at 1p.m. on La. 40, heads west to Austin Street, then Railroad Avenue, Rosa Cryer,Wes Burris Street and Broadway streets. AChristmas in the Country Craft Fair will take place in conjunction with the event from 10 a.m. to 4p.m.in Moise Square behind Town Hall.
11.Nutcracker performances, Dec. 14-15
The Nutcracker returns to the Northshore with two opportunities to see the classic show with performances hosted by Ballet Apetrei and another by Southern Youth Ballet. Ballet Apetrei’sshow takes place at the Furhmann Auditorium in Covington, with performances at 7p.m.onDec. 14 and 2p.m. on Dec. 15.Ticketsrangefrom $20to$30.The Southern Youth Ballet will host its performances at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Slidell at 7p.m. on Dec. 14 and at 2p.m. Dec. 15. SYB’sevent will also feature caroling and areading of “The Night Before Christmas.” Tickets are $30.
Mandeville Lighting of the Menorah,Dec. 27
12.
For those of the Jewish faith, there’ssomething for you, too, this holiday season. The Northshore Jewish Congregation will welcome this year’sHanukkah festivities with amenorah lighting at the Mandeville Trailhead. The event is free and will take place at 6p.m.
St.Tammany hadbetterwatch outfor allthisfun
BY JESSICA SAGGIO Contributing writer
Here’saquick reference to the many other events happening this holidayseason:
Music, theater& more
n Christmas on the Northshore at St. Timothy’s, Dec. 8, Mandeville concert at 3p.m. and 7p.m., featuring the St. Timothy Choir,children’s choir, soloistsand NorthshoreOrchestra in the main sanctuary
n Inspirational message and Christmas music Dec. 10, First Baptist Church Covington’sYoung at Heart 55+inCentral Hall with$15 lunch. Registration required by noon Dec. 16at fbccov.org/adults-55.
n Creole Christmas with (Don) Vappie and (Ben) Redwine, Dec. 12, Covington Trailhead, 7p.m. to 8:30 p.m n Bayou Jam Christmas Spectacularwith Vince Vance and the Valiants, Heritage Park,Slidell, Dec. 13, 6p.m.8 p.m., free.
n Community Caroling with the Slidell Women’s Civic Club, Dec. 14, 6:45 p.m., Heritage Park.
n AJazzy Creole Christmas with Ben Redwine and Friends, The Grovesstage at Pelican Park, Dec. 15, 2p.m. to 4p.m., free.
n Holiday Concert with the Northshore Community Orchestra, Dec. 19, 7p.m., Slidell Auditorium, free.
n ANorthshore Christmas Celebration, presented by Northshore Music Alliance,Pelican ParkCastine Center,
Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.,free.
n Northlake Performing Arts Society,Voices of Christmas,Dec.20at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 22 at 3p.m., Covington High School Theater.Tickets are $15 for ages 13 and up.
n The Charitable Sisterhood Christmas Spectacular,Playmakers Theater,Covington, weekends Dec. 5-15. Tickets $15-$20, more at playmakerstheater-05.webself.net.
n Scrooge!, Slidell Little Theatre, Weekends Dec. 6-22. Tickets $25-$35, more at SlidellLittleTheatre.org.
n AVeryMerry Christmas Spectacular,30byNinety Theatre, Mandeville, weekends Dec. 6-15. Tickets $14-$22, more at 30byninety.com Somber traditions
n Live Nativity at First Baptist Church of Mandeville, Dec. 14-15, 6p.m. to 8p.m., free.
n Hundreds of luminaries will be placed on the St. Paul’sSchool campus in Covington Dec. 5at6 p.m., to include caroling, aprayer service, music by the St. Paul’s Jazz Band and areception. Festivalsand more
n Mayor Cromer’sUgly Sweater Gala, Nov.30, 7p.m., Slidell City Auditorium, $50.
n Old Mandeville Turkey Ride, hostedbythe Old Mandeville Historic Association, Dec. 1, 12 p.m. The slow-paced ride is 6-miles long andbegins at theMandevilleTrailhead. The bike ride is free and fam-
ily-friendly.Registerinadvance by contactingoldmandevillehistory@ gmail.com.
n Santa on Trails 5K run/walk and toy drive, Fontainebleau State Park, Dec. 7, park admission is $3 for spectators; register for race at q50races. com. Runners to wear Santa suits.
n Christmas at TerraBella Tree Lighting &Holiday Marketplace, Dec. 13 6p.m. to 9p.m. Will also feature musical performances, caroling, crafts, holiday train rides, cookie decorating and ahot chocolate bar in Covington.
n Old Mandeville Business AssociationChristmas Past Festival, OldMandeville, Dec. 14,10a.m.to 4p.m., event features vendors,pictureswithSanta, arts andcrafts, train rides and live music. Admission is free.
Santavisits
n Merry Madisonville Parade, Dec. 1at2 p.m. at Main Streetand Mabel Drive; ends up at Pine and Jahncke. At Madisonville Park & Playground, enjoy food, music,The Market Munchkins and, from 4p.m. to 6p.m., photos with Santa.
n Mandeville Kiwanis Club Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 7, Fontainebleau High School, 8a.m. to 11 a.m., $7. Max of 4tickets needed per family
n Christ EpiscopalChurch Men’s Club in Slidell, 1534 Seventh St., will cook Santa pancake breakfasts, also on Dec. 7, from 9a.m. til 10:30 a.m.
for $10; tickets available now at https://shorturl.at/2ozP8 and online registration strongly encouraged. Families may also bring children and pets for Santa photos from 11 a.m. to noon, also for $10.
n Santa at the Historic Lang House, Mandeville, Dec. 7, 3p.m. to 5p.m., free.
n Youth Service Bureau Breakfast with Santa at Lakeview Regional Medical Center,Dec. 7, 9a.m. to 12 p.m., tickets $20.
n Abita Springshosts annualFête de Noël Christmas Market and tree lighting ceremony,Dec. 8from 2p.m. to 7p.m., Abita Springs Trailhead Park; also includes market vendors with food, crafts, and festive holiday drinks.
Shopping
n Olde Towne Slidell Christmas Market, Nov.30-Dec.1, 10 a.m. to 5p.m., First and Erlanger streets in Olde Towne Slidell.
n Fête De Noël Christmas Market and Tree Lighting, Springs Trailhead Park, Dec. 8, 2p.m. to 7p.m. Event includes live music, vendors, food anddrinks. Admission is free.
n ChristmasExtravaganzaArts &Crafts Expo, Dec. 6-8, 9a.m. to 5p.m St.Tammany Parish Fairgrounds. Admission is $8 for ages 13 and up.
n Mandeville Trailhead Holiday Market, Mandeville Trailhead, Dec. 14, 9a.m. to 3p.m.
FILEPHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD
Lucy Straight and brother Linus, then 4and 7, tell Santa what theywant for Christmas. Perhaps the twowill be back for this year’sCajun Christmas in St. Tammany.
