The St. Tammany Advocate 04-16-2015

Chefs jazz up the bayou and more in Tammany Scene ä 3G

THE ST.TAMMANY

ADVOCATE

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WEDNESDAY APRIL 15, 2015

COVINGTON • FOLSOM • LACOMBE • MADISONVILLE • MANDEVILLE • SLIDELL

WELCOME! Welcome to the St. Tammany Advocate.

The St.Tammany Advocate is a weekly publication brought to you by The New Orleans Advocate, our city’s only home-delivered daily newspaper.

Every week, the St.Tammany Advocate will feature stories and photos highlighting all the good things going on in Slidell, Mandeville, Covington and the rest of the north shore. Check out Sharon Edwards’Tammany Times column, plus all our news about schools and clubs and churches in our communities.

The St.Tammany Advocate will arrive on your lawn by Wednesday.

In addition to news about the people and institutions that make the north shore such a great place to live, check out the ads from local merchants. Inside, you’ll find valuable coupons from Louisiana’s leading locally-owned grocer, Rouse’s.

The St.Tammany Advocate is owned and printed in Louisiana and published for the people of the north shore.We hope you’re as excited as we are about this new newspaper.

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Taking service to New Heights Therapeutic equestrian center plans polo event

ing disabilities and military veterans.

Chukkers for Children will New Heights is a thera- be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and afternoon of local polo playBY ANDREW CANULETTE ers matched into competing peutic equestrian center gates open at 11:30 a.m. at Special to The Advocate teams, food and drinks, mini that serves individuals with 82302 Holliday Drive, just off Chukkers for Children, an ponies, face painting, a Pony disabilities or special needs. La. 40, east of Folsom.

“We’re expecting about April 19 event in Folsom to and Me tea party, an art mar- Annually, New Heights probenefit New Heights Therapy ket and open house tours of vides services to more than 300 people this year, and we 70 youths, adults with learn- can fit more,” said Stephen Center, promises an exciting New Heights.

J. Engro, executive director of New Heights. “This will be our third time to hold the event.”

According to Engro, therapeutic riding is “an emerging field in which horses are used as a tool for physical äSee NEW HEIGHTS, page 8G

Sharon Edwards TAMMANY TIMES SEDWARDS@THEADVOCATE.COM

Youth host green-fest on Saturday Young people have a lot to teach us.

They are learning about a world we never dreamed of and aspire to change that world in new ways.

To demonstrate their vision, students from five local schools will host the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Festival from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday on the field at Bayou Lacombe Middle School, 27527 St. Joseph St., Lacombe.

Students from Bayou Lacombe Middle, Mayfield Elementary, Chahta-Ima Elementary, Monteleone Junior and Lakeshore High School will present the festival as part of Global Youth Service Day. Booths will be set up to provide fun and games, as well as art and educational opportunities. Many of the activities also will benefit local nonprofit organizations.

Admission is free.

An organic farmers market will feature the sale of heirloom plants from Bayou Lacombe Middle School’s garden program, as well as herbal soaps, pestos, salsa, strawberry pepper jelly, hummus, herb-infused oils and vinegars.

The school recently funded the purchase of a dehydrator through donorschoose.org, according to the project leader, Rebekah Ellis. Students will sell their dehydrated herbs and have samples of the okra and kale chips they have been making.

The festival is interactive, and the community is invited to bring items to recycle, sign up to get involved with Keep Lacombe Beautiful, buy snacks to help end world hunger, and donate clothes äSee TAMMANY, page 8G

Photo provided by New Heights

Rider Jordan Landry works on her balance, strength and dexterity while riding Kit Kat at the new New Heights Therapeutic Riding program in Folsom.

Family Promise Day Center opens Friday Project aims to help homeless families

BY KAREN BAKER

Special to The Advocate Family Promise of St. Tammany will mark a milestone Friday when the new Day Center opens for business.

After almost two years of planning by a team of volunteers and with a new executive director on board, the non-

profit interfaith organization is ready to help homeless families transition into permanent housing and financial security.

A key part of that effort is the Day Center at Christ Episcopal’s Wheeler House, 1534 Seventh St., Slidell.

The public is invited to attend and tour the newly renovated home that Christ Episcopal donated to Family Promise as well as the blessing, ribboncutting and open house at 11 a.m. Friday.

Special guests include the Rev. Harry Jenkins, rector of Christ Episcopal; Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond, of New Orleans; the Rev. Morris Thompson Jr., bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana; Parish President Pat Brister; St. Tammany Parish schools Superintendent Trey Folse; and clergy of participating churches.

“The Day Center will be the place where families find assistance in job searches, do

laundry and take showers,” said Melissa Landrum, who recently was hired as executive director of Family Promise. “It will have all they need to help them search for jobs. I want this to feel like their home.”

The center will have laptops, volunteers on hand to help and everything the families need to be comfortable.

“The great thing about the Wheeler House is the central äSee DAY CENTER, page 8G

Free concerts at CovingtonTrailhead Advocate staff report Gal Holiday and The Honky Tonk Revue were “Rockin’ the Rails,” at the Covington Trailhead.

The free concerts are held from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays in April and October at the Covington Trailhead.

The Yat Pack will be featured on April 16; Luther Kent on April 23; and James Andrews and the Crescent City All-Stars on April 30. ä For more events information, see Tammany To Do, page 2G.

Advocate staff photos by SCOTT THRELKELD

Mark Maginnis, of Covington, chows down on boiled crawfish April 9 during a ‘Rockin’ the Rails,’ concert at the Covington Trailhead.

ABOVE: Vanessa Niemann, of Gal Holiday and The Honky Tonk Revue, belts out a tune April 9. LEFT: Cliff Doescher, right, and his wife, Laura Jensen, both of Metairie, dance to the music of Gal Holiday and The Honky Tonk Revue.

Registration held for annual youth fishing event Fishing has been one of south Louisiana’s favorite pastimes since long before anyone can remember.

To that end, the local arm of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is holding registration for one of the north shore’s most-anticipated fishing events of the year.

I’m talking REC & about the 22nd LEISURE annual Youth ANDREW Fishing Event CANULETTE at Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge. This year’s derby will be June 6 at the publicuse area just off Interstate 59 (Exit 11) north of Pearl River and Slidell. The popular event can accommodate 175 children ages 4-12 and will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. that day.

So how popular is this youth fishing event? Well, considering it’s been around for 22 years, “that’s an accomplishment in itself,” said David Stoughton, the supervisory park ranger of Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges.

“The fishing event is a great way to build strong relationships between young people and the outdoors,” he said.

“For a lot of the kids out there, this is there first catch. It can begin a lifelong love of the outäSee CANULETTE, page 7G

community

2G F Wednesday, April 15, 2015 F theneworleansadvocate.com F The Advocate

TAMMANY TO DO

Photo provided by Slidell Ministerial Alliance

Day of Prayer Committee members are shown with Mayor Freddy Drennan after the signing of a proclamation of the Day of Prayer in Slidell. They are, front from left, Missionary Bob Ryals, the Rev. Donald Bryan, Mayor Freddy Drennan, Day of Prayer Director Caroline Lewis; and back, the Rev. Morris St Angelo, the Rev. Ray Larry and the Rev. Gary Wood.

FAITH NOTES FAMILY FUN DAY: There will be a family fun day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Christ Episcopal Church, 1534 Seventh St., Slidell. There will be indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, such as games, crafts, a cake walk, inflatables and an obstacle course. Although the event is not a fundraiser, there will be a plant sale, and refreshments will be sold. For information, contact the church office at (985) 643-4531 or office@christchurchslidell.org.

ST. TAMMANY CHAPLAINS: St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Charles Preston has launched a program to send trained chaplains to help grieving family members when someone has died traumatically.

Recently, 23 clergy members from all faiths underwent two days of training in critical incident stress management. Two of the chaplains are non-clergy/laity counselors. They were sworn in by retired Judge Patricia Hedges, and will begin rotating in on-call duty May 1.

“Our investigators respond around the clock to deaths, both sudden and expected, where bereaved family members are in need of immediate counseling and comfort,” Preston said.

“Whether a family embraces a

particular faith or none at all, our chaplains are trained to assist with immediate and shortterm emotional needs.

“Clergy in all faiths are trained to provide short-term grief counseling to people of all backgrounds, and they can fill a void as volunteers that our investigators cannot. As I’ve said before, while our office takes care of the dead, we also serve the living, and I’m proud to launch this program.”

DAY OF PRAYER OBSERVANCE: The annual observance of May 7 as the 64th National Day of Prayer will be at noon on May 7 in Slidell. The Slidell Ministerial Alliance and others will hold a Day of Prayer event from noon to 1 p.m. in Heritage Park. The community is invited to pray for the nation and the community.

Music will be provided by Row Dietrich.

According to the proclamation, a National Day of Prayer was first proclaimed by the Continental Congress in 1775.

Congress ratified legislation in 1988 that sets the first Thursday of May as a National Day of Prayer for the nation.

For information, contact the Rev. Morris St. Angelo at (985) 788-6312 or email pastormorris@nbcofslidell.org.

SLIDELL BEATLES SIGN HABITAT AUCTION ITEM: An upright piano signed by the two remaining Beatles, Ringo Starr and Sir Paul McCartney, is heating up the Charity Buzz auction block in a fundraiser to support the East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity’s Veteran’s Build.

Bidding has topped $30,000 and the estimated value of the fully restored 1908 Kingsbury piano, painted by St. Tammany artist Lori Gomez, is $100,000. Starr inscribed “Peace and Love/ Ringo” and McCartney inscribed “Cheers Paul McCartney ’14.”

The community is invited to a countdown as the auction closes at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 16 at Carrettas, 137 Taos St. in Slidell. For bidding, visit www. charitybuzz.com/catalog_ items/774800 “GOING TO THE CHAPEL”: 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, Cutting Edge Theater, 767 Robert Blvd., Slidell. The 1960s musical of Betty and her bridesmaids a week before the big day, suitable for all ages. Tickets $22 to $25 for adults and $16.50 for children at www.cuttingedgetheater.com or call (985) 649-3727.

“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 wine and cheese reception for “Curtain Call” is free to the public. On display through May 22, the invitational exhibit features work by Jessie Hornbrook, Martin Needom, Ben Netterville, Rosa Sand and Barbara Shaw.

More than 22 artists have exhibited with OTAC at OFFstage Gallery throughout the course of the community theatre’s 2014-15 season. For information, email info@otacenter.com.

TREASURES FROM NOMA: Through Saturday, Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall, 2055 Second St. Louisiana artists from the New Orleans Museum of Art, including Slidell artist George Dunbar.

“STRONG YET FRIENDLY”: Through April, Cutting Edge Center for the Arts, 767 Robert Blvd. The Rough Edges gallery at CECA presents a display of art by Jean Flint. For information, visit www.cecaslidell.com or call (985) 649-3727 or (504) 579-2474.

ABITA SPRINGS ABITA SPRINGS OPRY: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161

Photos provided by KIM BERGERON

Beatle Ringo Starr plays a ditty on the piano he and Sir Paul McCartney signed that will be auctioned to benefit East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity.

Level St. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

Performers include Chris Talley and Friends, Cassie Krebs and Dave Easley, Nola Bluegrass Band and Wasted Lives. Tickets are $18. For reserved seating, call Kathy at (985) 892-0711.

Closed circuit TV available outside with free seating in the event of a sell-out.

BUSKERS FESTIVAL: Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Abita Springs Trail Head Museum Stage. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the fifth annual Abita Springs Busker Festival. The free event include six one-hour acts featuring the Good Gollies, the Smoking Time Jazz Club, Wasted Lives, the Shotgun Jazz Band with singer Marla Dixon, The Deslondes and Tuba Skinny with Erika Lewis on vocals. Arts, crafts and food will be available, provided by the Abita Springs Museum Committee. Music provided by the Abita Springs Opry in partnership with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Foundation.

COVINGTON ROCKIN’ THE RAILS: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St. The Yat Pack plays the free outdoor concert.

For information, call (985) 8921873 or visit www.covla.com.

OLD FEED STORE MUSIC SERIES: Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Marsolan’s Feed and Seed Store, 316 E.

Gibson St. Jemini Venture plays a free concert, followed by an open jam.

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 her approach to composition, form, and line and figurative in referencing non-linear stories.

THIRD SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES: 5 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington.

The Southeastern Women’s Chorale and Concert Choir conducted by Alissa Mercurio Rowe will perform as part of the Third Sunday Concert Series. All concerts in the Third Sunday Concert Series are free and open to the public, and are followed by a reception where the audience may meet the performers.

“THE ODD COUPLE”: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m.

Sundays, May 8-24 (except May 10), at Playmakers Theater, 19106 Playmakers Road. The cast has been chosen for the female version of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple,” directed by Anne Pourciau. The players are Stephanie Smith as Sylvie, Jenny Killeen as Mickey, Kayt-

lynn Eddleman as Renee, Anysia Genre as Vera, Jill McGuire as Olive Madison, Megan Eddy as Florence Unger, Earl Mylie as Manolo Costazuela, and Ros Pogue as Jesus Costazuela.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. To reserve a seat, call (985) 893-1671 or visit www.playmakersinc.com.

MANDEVILLE MANDEVILLE LIVE: 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St. Enjoy John Boutte 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.

FESTIVAL OF HOMES: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, Lakeside Village, 1 Sanctuary Blvd. The Lakeside Village Cottages Festival of Homes will benefit Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West. 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.

Tickets are $20 at habitatstw. org/donate/lsvcottages.

LIFE ON PAPER: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18, Northlake Nature Center, 23135 U.S. 190. Mia Kaplan will lead a creative workshop for young artists ages 9 to 12. Working from the environment of the Northlake Nature Center, participants will develop their own point of view while learning different ways of documenting the world around them. The workshop is free, and materials are included. To register, call (985) 626-1238 or email rue@northlakenature.org.

BITES AND BREWS: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Old Rail Brewing Co., 639 Girod St. Bites and Brews, an event to benefit Mercy Family Center, will feature Lagniappe Brass Band and a silent auction. Tickets are $50 and include food, beer, wine and soft drinks. Funds from this event will go towards behavioral health and educational services for children, youth and adults. For information, visit www.mercy.net/bitesandbrews Mercy Family Center offers compassionate outpatient counseling, psychiatry, educational services, and school based mental health programs to children, youth and adults in Mandeville.

Send news for listing in Tammany To Do to sttammany @theadvocate.com.

Slidell fire district earns international accreditation Advocate staff report

Pelican Park free classes focus on painting, crafts Advocate staff report A free class in “Sassy Crabs” painting on crab shells will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, at Pelican Park, 63350 Pelican Drive, Mandeville. To register, call (985) 6267997. The April 15 class will feature a crab pot design.

Classes at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 14, and 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, will feature a beach scene or magnolia flower design.

Mother’s Day is the inspiration for programs of stamping Mother’s Day cards at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, and making Mother’s Day tea tow-

els at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 16. The program on stamping Mother’s Day cards will be repeated at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 30.

Classes on painting wine glasses will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, and at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 16.

For information about these classes and others offered at Pelican Park, visit www.pelicanpark.com. To register for any of these free classes, call (985) 626-7997.

If a class is full, place your name on a waiting list, and the park staff will make every attempt to add a class or call you if someone cancels.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at 6:30pm

Nancy Gravel, D.C., B.S., BCIA

St. Tammany Fire District No. 1 recently received accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International through its participation in the commission’s voluntary selfassessment and accreditation program.

St. Tammany Fire District No. 1 is one of 200 agencies to achieve Internationally Accredited Agency status with the CFAI and the Center for Public Safety Excellence Inc. It is the only municipal or volunteer fire agency in Louisiana holding this status.

The CFAI process is voluntary, and provides an agency with an improvement model to assess its service delivery and performance internally. Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann said that the agency’s accreditation “demonstrates the commitment of our Fire Department to provide the highest quality of ser-

Photo provided by St. Tammany Fire District No. 1

St. Tammany Fire District No. 1 recently received accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. From left, at the CFAI conference in Orlando, Fla., in March, are Billy Dekemel, president of the Slidell Fire Fighters Association; Mark Waniewski, CEO of PMI Resource LLC; Dan Crowley, chairman of the Fire District No. 1 board; Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann; accreditation manager Michael Thiel; CFAI Chairman Steven Westermann; Chief of Administration Bobby Worchel; and Mike Stallings of CFAI. vice to our community.”

St. Tammany Fire District No. 1 started this process in 2007.

Accreditation manager Mi-

For information about St. chael Thiel spent more than 2,000 hours preparing the docu- Tammany Fire Protection Dismentation to complete the ac- trict No. 1, visit www.slidellfire. org. creditation process.

The Advocate F theneworleansadvocate.com F Wednesday, April 15, 2015 F 3G

Advocate photos by MISSIE NOEL

Hosts for the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s Northshore Allegro Society were Lorraine and Scott Chotin.

A quintet from the symphony entertained at the Allegro event, including Matt Eckenhoff, Stephanie Thompson, Jane Gabkd, Heather Yarmel and Michael Matushek.

Kathy Cain and Mimi Kruger

Orchestra funding group holds appreciation lunch The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, under the guidance of CEO James Boyd and Music Director Carlos Miguel Prieto, has a long relationship with patrons on the north shore.

One of the annual fund societTAMMANY ies for the orchesSCENE tra is the Allegro MISSIE Society. The north NOEL shore chapter of that group recently held an appreciation luncheon at the beautiful, historic home of Scott and Lorraine Chotin in Lacombe.

The home faces lovely Bayou

Lacombe, and the weather was perfect for the outdoor wine tasting and social. Patrons were treated to fine food and hors d’oeuvres on the porch and lush grounds of the home, while a quintet from the orchestra entertained in the rear of the house.

Upcoming events for the orchestra include the “Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3” on Friday in New Orleans; the “Family Concert: Peter and the Wolf” on Sunday at Roussel Hall in New Orleans; and “Verdi Requiem” at 7:30 p.m. May 22 at First Baptist Church in Covington.

For information on the Allegro Society or the philharmonic, contact Louise Rusch at (985) 8454113 or visit www.lpomusic.com.

Jazz on the Bayou

Beautiful Bayou Liberty was the setting for the weekend festivities of the annual “Jazz on the Bayou” event benefitting Easter Seals of Louisiana, STARC and several other charities. This was the 23rd anniversary of the event, and Jazz on the Bayou raised more than $1 million for local charities.

Hosted at the beautiful home of Ronnie and Gardner Kole, guests were welcomed with music by the Storyville Stompers and handed Champagne and second-line cloths upon entering the grounds. Large tents provided covered access to a large beverage station, silent auction, dance floor and eating areas.

Young girls dressed in pastelcovered hoops skirts perused the crowds, selling raffle tickets and door prize chances along with posing for pictures among the azaleas.

Additional musical entertainment was provided by Bobby Ohler and the Harbor Band, as well as a special performance by Kole. Both Gardner and Ronnie serve on the state board of Easter Seals, and both have served as president of Easter Seals of Louisiana.

Missie Arata Noel is the society and features writer for the St. Tammany Advocate. She can be contacted by email at jrnoel@ bellsouth.net.

Celebrating ‘Allegro’ are Richard and Louise Rusch with Ed and Michelle Biggs.

Hosts for Jazz on the Bayou, Landon Loomis, Ann Menge Loomis and CEO of the Louisiana Chef Andrea Apuzzo on the Ronnie and Garner Kole with Philharmonic Orchestra. bayou.

Pete Schneider.

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Slidell Elks Auxiliary installs 2015-16 officers

NEIGHBORHOOD BRIEFS

Photo provided by Slidell Elks Auxiliary

The Slidell Elks Auxiliary installed its 2015-16 officers recently during a dinner at Young’s Steak House in Slidell. From left are Johnnie Verrette, past president and installing officer; Cathy Neight, president; Mary Clark, vice president; Judy Sandifer, recording secretary; Tina Guillory, treasurer; Janet Lacombe, corresponding secretary; and Lynn Bergeron, sergeant at arms.

Exchange Club launches child abuse prevention initiative Advocate staff report The West St. Tammany Exchange Club announced a number of activities planned in connection with National Child Abuse Prevention Month during a community awareness luncheon March 12 at the Tchefuncta Country Club in Covington.

There will be two free CAP concerts in April, and printed materials and Child Abuse Prevention caps will be distributed.

The Exchange Club intends to focus its efforts on education of parents and caregivers to raise awareness of physical, mental and sexual abuse and neglect of children in West St. Tammany.

Speakers at the luncheon included Dr. Barbara Hebert, of the Children’s Advocacy Center (Hope House); Lori Cage, of the Parenting Center at St.

Photo provided by West St. Tammany Exchange Club

From left, Amanda Brunson, Lori Cage, Larry Ward, Kim Kirby, Tracy Desselles, Clay Madden and Dr. Barbara Hebert at the West St. Tammany Exchange Club luncheon.

Tammany Parish Hospital; Amanda Brunson, of Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana; Tracey Desselles, of Children and Family Services; and Kim Kirby, ofSafe Harbor.

Exchange Club President

Larry Ward welcomed the luncheon guests, and Clay Madden, CAP chairman for 2015, was master of ceremonies.

For information on the child abuse prevention campaign, visit sttammanyexchange.org.

FOOD VOUCHERS FOR SENIORS: Low-income senior citizens can receive vouchers for the purchase of fresh produce at the farmers market through the Seniors Farms Market Nutrition Program, a project of the Abita Grows Initiative, the Abita Springs Farmers Market and Stoney Point Farm. Senior citizens may apply to the program through the Council on Aging St. Tammany in Covington at (985) 892-0377.

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 at Live Oak Village, 2200 Gause Blvd., Slidell.

The meeting will be open to the public. The alliance addresses homeowner and community issues affecting 13 subdivisions in eastern Slidell, within the general area of North and South Military Road and East Gause Boulevard. The subdivisions are 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.

PLANT SALE: The Slidell Garden Club will hold a plant sale and bazaar from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday at 434 Florida Ave., Slidell.

MANDEVILLE BINGO: The Mandeville New Image Senior Club has a bingo game every Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 3090 E. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, across from Mandeville City Hall. The group meets at 1 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month at the same loca-

tion. For information, call (504) 442-1644.

E N V I R O N M E N TA L E D U CATION: Teaching Responsible Earth Education will hold a B’Earthday Party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at TREE’s outdoor classroom at 14029 U.S. 190, Covington.

There will be hands-on forest activities, food, crafts and woodlands walks in piney woods along the Little Tchefuncte River. Admission is free.

Education staff and volunteers will lead activities and crafts for children and adults for fees ranging from $1 to $5 per activity. Picnic foods will be sold for prices ranging from $1 to $10.

Sue Brown, a New Orleans public school teacher, founded TREE to engage students in science by exposing them to natural spaces outside and within the landscape of metro New Orleans. It is a nonprofit organization and sustains its programs through donations, fees and grants.

WE HEART VETERANS: The second annual “Helping Heroes” fundraiser will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore Drive, Mandeville.

Musical entertainment will be provided by The Rick Samson Project. There will be “swag bags” for the first 50 guests, auction items, prizes, chef presentations and more.

The event benefits the local nonprofit We Heart Veterans, whose mission is to help provide essential nonmedical home care services, as well as wheelchair ramps and handrails to aging veterans and their widows in need.

Cost is $50 per adult or $75 per couple, with tickets available online at www.wehrtvets. org.

JEWELRY SALE: The volunteer auxiliary at Lakeview Regional

Medical Center will hold a jewelry sale Wednesday through Friday, April 22-24, in the front hallway of the hospital, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington. The sale will operate from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 22 and 23, and from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

April 24. Jewelry, scarves, wallets, purses and accessories will be available for $5 per item.

SLIDELL REPUBLICAN WOMEN: Slidell Mayor Freddy Drennan will present his State of the City address and take questions when the Slidell Republican Women’s Club meets at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 23, at Pinewood Country Club, Slidell. The cost is $18, and the deadline to make a reservation is Tuesday. To make a reservation, email Betty Hooper at bettysuew@bellsouth.net.

SRWC officers for 2015 are Peggy Seeley, president; Tiffany Parker, vice president and scholarship chairwoman; Chris Koviach, secretary; Karen Fandal, treasurer; Charlene Stein, program chairwoman; Lynn Walker St. Jean, campaign chairwoman; Heidi Crouch, newsletter chairwoman; Wanda Ricau, membership chairwoman; Betty Hooper, hospitality chairwoman; and Dee Webb, member outreach and ways and means chairwoman.

For information about joining the Slidell Republican Women’s Club, contact Ricau at ricau@ bellsouth.net.

CAMP BEARABLE: Hospice Foundation of the South presents Camp Bearable, a weekendlong camp May 15-17. It is in Mandeville and will feature music, art and pet therapy.

Children ages 7 to 12 who have suffered the loss of a loved one are invited to attend.

Registration fee is $20 per camper. For information, call the office at (985) 643-5470.

Slidell Garden Club enjoys Art in Bloom, fellowship

Fit as a Firefighter camp returns Advocate staff report The Fit as a Firefighter Summer Camp for children ages 8 to 12 will be held June 1-5 at the St. Tammany Fire District 1 Fire Training Academy/Camp Villere in Slidell. The cost is $75.

Registration will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Slidell Memorial Hospital Community Outreach Center on the second floor of the Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd.

Before registering, parents must pick up registration packets with details on what to do before registration and forms their pediatrician must complete. Registration packets for the Fit as a Firefighter Summer Camp can be picked up at Cross Gates Family Fitness Center, 200 N. Military Road; at the Slidell Memorial Hospital information desk; at the SMH Community Outreach Center; and at pediatrician offices.

Fit as a Firefighter Summer Camp is a joint project

of Slidell Memorial Hospital and St. Tammany Fire Protection District 1. It aims to build self-esteem and teach nutrition and exercise skills to children who struggle with their weight and to all children who want to learn how to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle.

Camp hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After-care until 5:30 p.m. is available for an additional $25.

For information on the camp, call the SMH Community Outreach Center at (985) 280-8529.

Photo provided by Slidell Garden Club

Members of the Slidell Garden Club who recently enjoyed the Art in Bloom exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Art are, seated from left, Lucy Band, Ladonna Crow, Rebecca Whittington, Rita Faulkner, and standing, Cheryl Duthu, Betsy Johnson, Charlotte Elias, Amber Thomas, Maralyn Stiegler, Inge Crow and Linda Carbo. Also attending was Pat Dalton.

Chahta-Ima students take Rotary Club Reading Challenge to distribute recognition certificates for most reports subEach year, the Northlake mitted during each nine-week Mandeville Rotary Club chal- period.

A final grand presentation lenges the third-grade students at Chahta-Ima School awards ceremony rounds out in Lacombe to read books the challenge in May where and submit book reports on the children are recognized the books they’ve chosen as a for their accomplishments club project called the Rotary with grand prizes and raffles.

Reading Challenge. Rotarians The reports are reviewed and host bimonthly pizza parties tabulated by their teachers.

Hospital official addresses Kiwanis

Advocate staff report

Photo provided by Northlake-Mandeville Rotary

Shown at Chahta-Ima School are, from left, Rotarians Nelson Rivers, Toni Barth and Ann James, with Chahta-Ima thirdgrade teacher Lucinda Roberts, Chahta-Ima Principal Gary Marlbrough and Ben Motion, project leader.

Northlake Mandeville Rotary welcomes new members

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Advocate staff report The Northlake Mandeville Rotary recently welcomed three new members.

For information on becoming a Northlake Mandeville Rotarian, contact Mike Bradley at 504-616-5946 or visit www.mandevillerotary.org.

Photo provided by the Kiwanis Club of the Northshore, Mandeville

The Northshore Kiwanis Club recently hosted guest speaker Kevin Samrow, administrative director at Lakeview Regional Medical Center. He discussed the status of the health care industry in Louisiana. With Samrow, center, is Kiwanis members Moses Swent, left, and Tom Roan. The Northshore Kiwanis Mandeville is a community service organization that meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Mandeville Community Center, 3090 East Causeway Approach. Visitors are welcome. For information, contact Doug Ferrer at dferrer@ bankoneresource.com or call (985) 640-7260.

Photo provided by Rotary

Shown at a recent installation of new members are, from left, Northlake Mandeville Rotary President President Bill Allin, newly installed member John Allan, newly installed Mike McCall, Rotarian Leslie Ackel, newly installed member Laura Cressy and Membership Chairman Mike Bradley.

CHAMBER EXPO: The St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce will bring together more than 100 businesses and more than a thousand attendees at Expo 2015 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at Coquille Parks and Recreation, 13505 La. 1085, Covington. To register for a booth or become a sponsor, visit sttammanychamber.org.

LEADERCAST: A simulcast of

a Leadercast event in Atlanta will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, at the Movie Tavern Northshore, 201 N. U.S. 190, Covington. Speakers at the event will include Rudy Giuliani, Seth Godin, Malala Yousfzai and more discussing the importance of being a leader worth following.

Tickets are $120. To register, call (985) 892-3216, ext. 1.

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Luncheon held at Lacombe VFW Post

Slidell Rotarians induct new members

Advocate staff report

Photo provided by Rotary

The Rotary Club of Slidell recently inducted five new Rotarians at their noon luncheon held Fridays at Pinewood Country Club. Pictured are, from left, sponsor Patricia Brown, Tana Stevenson, John Redmond, Cherelle Fakruddin, sponsor Vicky Megas, sponsor Andy Prude, Jason Butler and Kathy Lowery.

Patrick Dempsey, post commander, and Ed Mohr, a member of VFW Post 8290 in Lacombe, hosted a “Thank You Luncheon” for members of Village Lutheran Church and St. John of the Cross Church for their assistance in fundraising for the post during the past year. Lunch included speckled trout, red fish, rump roast, white beans and rice, tossed salad, Ed “Mr. Ed” Mohr’s specialty crawfish salad on spinach leaves, as well as various desserts.

Photo provided by VFW

At the recent Lacombe VFW Post 8290 luncheon are, front from left, Pat Burke, Ed ‘Mr. Ed’ Mohr, Sherman Elfert, Terry Sauls, Emile Meilleur; second row, George Reyes, Bob Chestnut, Joseph Williams, Merlin Schwab, Dan Dashner, Tom Miller, Russell Tobin; and back, Armando Taleveras, Mark Moody, Patrick ‘Pat’ Dempsey, L.S. Boudreaux and Joe Coco.

HEALTH BRIEFS BABY & ME: Parents of babies who are not yet walking will share issues and insights about parenting at 10 a.m. Thursdays, April 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) 2808529.

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 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.

ZUMBA CLASSES FOR CANCER PATIENTS: Free low-impact, Latininspired dance-fitness classes will meet at 5 p.m. Tuesdays, April 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 21 and 28. Class size is limited to 12 parent/child couples. The cost is $15 per child for members, $24 for nonmembers. For information, contact ksupan@ stph.org or (985) 898-4435.

TAI CHI CLASS: The Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital offers free tai chi classes at 9 a.m. every Thursday at the Paul D. Cordes Outpatient Pavilion, 16300 La. 1085, Covington. The classes, led by yoga and tai chi instructor Erlinda R. Nye, are free and open to the public.

MEDITATION CLASS: The Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital offers free meditation classes at 10 a.m. every Thursday at the Paul D. Cordes Outpatient Pavilion, 16300 La. 1085, Covington. The classes, led by Ellen LaRocca, are free and open to the public.

NEW BABY SUPPORT GROUP: Mothers gather with their little ones, from birth to 7 months, to discuss child development and parenting tips with other par-

ents as well as professionals at 11:15 a.m. every Thursday at the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Suite B, Covington.

Free. To register or for information, contact ksupan@stph. org or (985) 898-4435.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: A support group for parents who have experienced the loss of a child, from infant to adult, will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at the St. Tammany Hospital Hospice office, 725 W. 11th Ave., Covington. For information, contact Ada Marion (985) 871-5974 or amarion@stph.org.

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 information, 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 first-floor conference room of the Slidell Memorial Hospital Founders Building, 1150 Robert Blvd., Slidell. The cost is $40.

BABY CARE BASICS: Helpful hints on caring for a new baby will be shared from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Wednesdays, April 15 and 22, at the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Conference Center, 1202 S. Tyler St., Covington. Free. For information, call (985) 898-4083.

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.

BALLET: Kristen Zornman will teach a three-week series of ballet classes for children ages 2 and up at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, April 15, 22 and 29, at the St. Tammany Parish Parenting

Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Suite B, Covington. The class costs $21 for members and $30 for others. To register or for information, contact ksupan@stph. org or (985) 898-4435.

COMMUNITY CPR CLASS: A class covering adult, pediatric and infant CPR will be presented from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday in the Pelican Room at Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington. Participants will view a DVD and a demonstration on a mannequin. To register, phone Nurses on Call at (985) 867-3900.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: A grief recovery support group will meet at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at the Slidell Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center, 1120 Robert Blvd. For information, call (985) 280-6612.

SURVIVE DAT!: A breast cancer support group for young survivors will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, 1203 S. Tyler St., Covington. All are welcome regardless of where treatment was received. For information, contact jfreudenberger@marybird.com or (985) 276-6832.

1, 2, 3, 4 PARENTS: Positive discipline skills will be taught, in the context of the social and behavioral stages of children ages 1 through 4, during the 1, 2, 3, 4 Parents class from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Suite B, Covington. The cost is $25 for members, $35 for nonmembers and $15 per spouse and includes the book “Parenting Your 1-to 4-Year-Old.” Couples will share a book. To register or for information, contact ksupan@stph. org or (985) 898-4435.

SIBLING CLASS: A class for children ages 3 to 12 will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in the Pelican Room at Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington. Big brothers and big sisters to be will watch a video about what it will be like to have a new baby at home and practice with a doll or stuffed animal how to hold the baby. To register, phone Nurses on Call at (985) 867-3900.

CO-PARENTING CLASSES: A series of two classes for divorcing parents who want to keep their children from becoming children in the middle will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, April 20 and 27. There’s also a children’s version for ages 6 to

12, held at the same times, to provide children help with issues they may confront as their parents go through a divorce.

Register no later than 1 p.m. on the Friday prior to the first session. To register or for information, contact ksupan@stph.org or (985) 898-4435.

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP: Adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes and their family members may benefit from a diabetes support group at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the cardiac rehab gym education room of the Slidell Memorial Hospital Medical Office Building, 1051 Gause Blvd., Slidell.

No registration is required. Call (985) 280-1554 or send email to paula.brown@slidellmemorial. org for a list of monthly topics and information.

SUN SAFETY: Representatives of the St. Tammany Parish Communication District will present a 45-minute workshop on keeping yourself safe in the sun and at home at 4:30 p.m. Monday at Lyon Elementary School, 1615 N. Florida St., Covington, For information, contact ksupan@ stph.org or (985) 898-4435.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: A support group for parents who have experienced the loss of a child, from infant to adult, will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at the St. Tammany Hospital Hospice of-

fice, 725 W. 11th Ave., Covington. For information, contact Ada Marion at (985) 871-5974 or amarion@stph.org.

TOTAL JOINT CLASS: A physical therapist, surgical nurse, case manager and orthopedic nurse will discuss preoperative and postoperative care for patients undergoing total joint replacement surgery at 1 p.m. April 22 in the Magnolia Room of Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington.

To reserve a spot, phone Nurses on Call at (985) 867-3900.

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS: Caregivers in a wide variety of settings may benefit from a basic life support course being given from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 29 in the Pelican Room of Lakeview Regional Medical Center,

95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington. The course is designed to teach the skills of CPR for victims of all ages, including use of an automated external defibrillator and relief of foreign-body airway obstruction. For registration information, call (985) 867-3967.

HELP FOR PTSD: Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder may benefit from a variety of treatments offered by the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System. For information, call (800) 935-8387 or visit ptsd.va.gov. For veterans in crisis, call (800) 273-8255 and press 1, chat online at veteranscrisisline.net or send a text message to 838255. Confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Latest Styles for Weddings and Prom 1357 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, LA 70471

985-674-0611

tophatmandeville.com • Hours: M-F 10-5, Sat. 10-4

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schools

St. Tammany schools win at Foreign Language Festival

Slidell school food service technician gets district recognition

Advocate staff report The 33rd annual Foreign Language Festival at Southeastern Louisiana University drew schools from across the state to compete in Spanish and French poetry, prose, and extemporaneous speaking categories and as groups in music and plays.

In the Spanish play category, Northlake Christian School was first; The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, second; and Pope John Paul II, third.

In the French play category, winners were Mount Carmel Academy, first; and St. Scholastica Academy, second.

Individual winners from Christ Episcopal School were: Eleonor Miles, Spanish Prose III, second; Martha Ann Croxton, Spanish Prose IV, second; Cove Geary, Spanish Poetry IV, second; and Emmett McComiskey, Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking III; second.

Christina Ryan of Fontainebleau Junior High School placed first in the category of Spanish poetry–native speaker.

Individual winners from Northlake Christian School were Courtney Mongrue, Spanish Prose I, first; Gabe Sigl, Spanish Prose II, first; Hannah Watts, Spanish Poetry II, first; Andrea Davie, Spanish prose–native speaker, second; and Maegan Golenor, Spanish Poetry I, third.

Individual winners from Pope John Paul II were: Hope Bruster, French music, third; and Aixa Crespo, Spanish prose–native speaker, first, and Spanish Poetry I, first.

Individual winners from St. Paul’s School were: Alex-

Photo provided by Abney Elementary School Photo provided by Southeastern Louisiana University

Students from St. Tammany Parish were among the winners at the Foreign Language Festival held at Southeastern Louisiana University in March. From left are Aixa Crespo, of Pope John Paul II; Alex Oliveri and Andrew Norlin, of St. Paul’s School; Hannah Watts, Courtney Mongrue, and Gave Sigl, of Northlake Christian School; Emily Ruli, of St. Scholastica Academy; and Christina Ryan, of Fontainebleau Junior High School. ander Oliveri, Spanish Poetry III, first; Andrew Norlin, Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking III, first; Nicholas Woodman, Spanish Poetry I, second; Matthew Borgatti, Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking II, second; Ethan Desforges, Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking IV, second; Stephan Van Zant, Spanish Prose IV, third; Ealon Boudreaux, Spanish Poetry II, third; Patrick Stewart, Spanish Poetry IV, third; and Adrian Miller, Spanish extemporaneous speaking–native speaker, third.

Individual winners from St. Scholastica Academy were: Sara Breaux, French Prose IV, second; Grace Dumdaw, French Poetry I, second; Morgan Ducorbier, French Poetry III, second; Veronica Jimenez, French Extemporaneous Speaking I, second; Blaze D’Amico, French Extemporaneous Speaking IV, second; Emily Gaffney,

French Prose I, third; Alexa McMullen, French Prose II, third; Isabelle Pellegrini, French Prose III, third; Samantha Vogt, French Poetry IV, third; Alison Curl, French Extemporaneous Speaking II, third; Grace Galeziewski, French Extemporaneous Speaking III, third; Emily Ruli, Spanish music, first; Alex Amadeo, Spanish prose– native speaker, third; and Mary Margaret Crawford, Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking I, third.

Mount Carmel took top honors in Tier 1, the division for magnet schools and schools with more than 600 students, while The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts garnered the highest award for Tier 2, schools with fewer than 600 students.

The best school in Spanish was The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, and best school in French was Mount Carmel Academy.

Fontainebleau Junior High School honors Heroes of the Month

Photo provided by Fontainebleau Junior High School

The February Heroes of the Month at Fontainebleau Junior High School in Mandeville are, from left, Davin Gardner, Angelle Martin, Samantha Mitchell and Connor McCormick.

Kehoe-France Northshore channels Wild,WildWest

Photo provided by Kehoe-France Northshore

The annual math fair at Kehoe-France Northshore had a ‘Wild, Wild West’ theme. In the front row, from left, are Jordan Martin, Cayden Cameron, Seth Crowton, Maggie Guidry and Bobbi Sampson. In the second row are Ainsley Smith, Victoria Hickey, Christopher Pierson, Alex Klocek, Joshua Aufrecht, Mason Vencil and Skylar Knaak. In the third row are Louis Marion, Lori Foreman, Ben Bobrowski, Christian Ham, Justin Mouledous, Dom Galliano, Rannie Walker, Nick Verret, Walker Hebert, Mac Woods and Harrison Elliott.

Sandra Donnow, from Abney Elementary School in Slidell, has won the Heart of the Program Award presented annually to a school food service technician by the St. Tammany Parish School Board. From left are cafeteria manager Debra Davis, food service field manager Angela Jackson, Donnow, principal Robert Alford and Pat Farris, supervisor of child nutrition services.

SCHOOL BRIEFS “BIG FISH”: Five students from St. Tammany Parish are part of the cast of the Broadway hit “Big Fish,” which the musical theater division of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts will present April 15-18 in Lupin Hall at NOCCA, 2800 Chartres St., New Orleans.

They are Nichola Dayton, of Slidell, an 11th-grade homeschooler; Madison Kerth, of Mandeville, an 11th-grader in the NOCCA Academic Studio; Ashley Krieger of Slidell, a 12th-grader in the NOCCA Academic Studio; Madison Weathersby, of Mandeville, a 12th-grader at Fontainebleau High School; and Jake Weaver, of Slidell, an 11th-grader at Slidell High School. Performances will be at 7 p.m. April 15-18 and at 2 p.m. April 18.

Tickets may be purchased at www.nocca.com.

Lake Harbor is top performing school

Photos provided by NOCCA

Above, Mandeville residents Madison Weathersby, left, and Madison Kerth, and below, Slidell residents Ashley Krieger, left, and Jake Weaver are on the cast of ‘Big Fish,’ which will be presented April 15-18 at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.

Photo provided by Lake Harbor Middle School

Lake Harbor Middle School in Mandeville was recently recognized as St. Tammany’s highest performing school. Pictured is Assistant Superintendent Cheryl Arabie, Assistant Principal Nicolle Balser, Principal Susan Patin and Superintendent Trey Folse.

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Third-graders explore Louisiana leaders

Photo provided by Bay Oaks Quilt Guild

JOY Quilt Auction volunteers, standing from left, Pat Vickers and Gerri Martin, accept 15 quilts donated by Bay Oaks Quilt Guild members, seated, Sue Rountree, Bill Bodine and Cathy O’Flynn.

Quilt Guild donates to JOY Fellowship charity auction the Lamb of God Lutheran Church.

Last year’s event raised Bay Oaks Quilt Guild, based in Diamondhead, Mississippi, $16,200. This year, funds donated 15 charity quilts to raised will be donated to the JOY Quilt Auction recent- STARC, Community Christian Concern, Mount Olive Feeding ly held in Slidell.

This is the 35th year for Ministry, NAMI-St. Tammany the auction, which is held at and the Caring Center.

Advocate staff report

Photo provided by Mandeville Elementary

Mandeville Elementary School third-graders, in Marlene Markel’s class, dressed up as famous Louisiana leaders and gave oral presentations on their leaders lives and accomplishments. They are shown, seated from left, Ava Gonzales, Matthew Corbit, Reed Rafferty, Ella Mutter, and Christopher Weilbaecher. Standing are Madeleine Ebert, Emily Albert, Andrew Miles, Carley Lister, Ander Ellis, Daron Hoshman, Jasper Wintz, Kevin Tovrea and Brooklynn Stock.

SPORTS BRIEFS 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: 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.

Wednesday, 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.

SPRING SPRINT 5K AND FUN RUN: Northshore Families Helping Families will be the beneficiary of the Spring Sprint 5K and Fun Run to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, April 25, at Trainer’s Choice, 1321 Gause Blvd., Slidell.

Registration is $10 through April 15, when the fee will increase to $15. Kids 12 and under run free.

For information, contact Trainer’s Choice at (985) 641-6696 or TrainersChoice@yahoo.com.

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. Saturday, 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.

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. Friday, 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 infor-

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doors, for sure.”

Stoughton said he’s seen that much firsthand.

“Whenever we go into the public and talk about the youth fishing event … more and more people tell us ‘I did that when I was a kid.’ Now, 22 years later, they’re wanting to be involved as sponsors or volunteers. And in some cases, they’re bringing their own kids out there. That’s a special relationship.”

The pond fished during the event is stocked each year with at least 1,000 fish of different species, Stoughton said.

That way, just about everyone is assured to catch something.

Prizes will be awarded in several different categories, and the catches will be measured on site.

Cost is $15 per child, which is a bargain, considering that each child receives a rodeo T-shirt, a rod and reel to keep, tackle and bait. Throw in a complimentary lunch, which the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges does each year,

Photo provided by Mandeville Middle School

Caitlyn Sinon, second from right, finished second overall among the girls when Mandeville Middle School participated in the St. Tammany Middle School Fitness Meet held March 7 at Lakeshore High School. From left are coach Scott Gaines; student athletes Grant Cogan, Ryan Jarvis, Claire Rush and Caitlyn Sinon; and coach Julie Champagne. mation or to obtain a registration form, call the St. Tammany Council on Aging at (985) 892-0377 or email events@coastseniors.org or visit www.coastseniors.org.

Events include: TENNIS (MIXED): 12:30 p.m. April 18, Franco’s, 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville TRACK AND FIELD: 9 a.m. April 25, Fontainebleau High School, 100 Bulldog Drive, Mandeville TENNIS (SINGLES, DOUBLES): 8:30 a.m.

May 2, Cross Gates Family Fitness, 200 N. Military Road, Slidell PICKLEBALL: 8 a.m. May 9, Pelican Park Castine Center, 63350 Pelican Park, Mandeville CYCLING: 7 a.m. May 16, La. 36, Abita Springs (across from UCM Museum) VOLLEYBALL: June 27, Coquille Park and Recreation, 13505 La. 1085, Covington. Captains will notify players.

AUTISM AWARENESS WALK: Lakeview Regional Medical Center is sponsoring an Autism Awareness Walk and Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, on the green and pond at the hospital, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd.,

and you have the makings of a great morning with the kids.

“We couldn’t even think of doing something like this without the help of tremendous sponsors and our Friends group,” Stoughton said. “It’s so encouraging to have the kind of opportunity to work with them all and do something to help people connect with the outdoors.”

Because only 175 young anglers can participate, it’s imperative to register for the event now if you are interested. Registration closes May 1 and usually is filled by that date.

Forms can be picked up and completed at Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Headquarters, 61389 La. 434, in Lacombe. Registration may be paid in cash, check or money order. No phone reservations will be accepted.

Call the SELA NWR Headquarters at (985) 882-2000 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays for information.

Andrew Canulette covers recreation and leisure activities for the St. Tammany Advocate. To reach him, email acanulette@charter.net.

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 www.soarwithautism.org.

MONK RUN: The annual Joseph Abbey Monk Run on the grounds of the abbey and seminary college will be April 25 at 75376 River Road in St. Benedict, north of Covington. There will be both a 5-kilometer 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 pre-registered entrants. A post-race picnic includes local food and beverages to all registered participants.

Pre-registration 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 pre-registered. 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 noT-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 www.15thstreetflyers.org and www.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/neworleans.

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 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 www.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 I-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.

8G F Wednesday, April 15, 2015 F theneworleansadvocate.com F The Advocate

Mandeville Middle School highlights local flavors during Louisiana School LunchWeek During Louisiana School Lunch Week, the menu at Mandeville Middle School was given over to Louisiana flavors. Lunch offerings included red beans and rice, catfish, gumbo and po-boys. Here, fifth-grader Luke McCann finishes a beignet breakfast.

Mandeville students participate in regional spelling bee

Photo provided by Mandeville Junior High School

These students from Mandeville Junior High School competed in a regional spelling bee held recently at Xavier University in New Orleans. The bee was a preliminary round of the 2015 Scripps National Spelling Bee. Seen here, from left, are Sean Noel, Brianne Li, Gus Kitchens, William Tusa, Matthew Larsen and Jaden Picone. Justin Trammell also participated in the bee. Sharon Bennett is the faculty sponsor of the school spelling bee.

Photo provided by Mandeville Middle School

TAMMANY

houses, and the opportunity to purchase hand-painted bird Continued from page 1G houses and garden kits.

Other booths include an Earth and nonperishable food items. Day game booth, presented by Lakeshore High students will Monteleone Middle School, and present Trash to Treasure and face painting with creative inshow how to turn recycled spiration from local artist Mia Kaplan. items into art.

Mayfield Elementary stuVisitors also can bring gloves to work with students in the dents have plans to sell snacks Garden Club who will be plant- to benefit animal shelters. St. ing in the bird and butterfly Tammany Parish Animal Shelgarden. There will be walking ter will be on-site with adopttours of the gardens and green- able pets.

Mayfield also will hold a Bake Sale for World Hunger to help purchase livestock to go to impoverished villages.

Keep Lacombe Beautiful and Chahta-Ima Elementary students will be collecting donations of clothing for Goodwill, and nonperishable food donations for the Samaritan Center in Mandeville and Mount Olive Feeding Ministry in Slidell.

Students will also demonstrate how to use worms to turn egg shells, coffee grinds, fruit

and vegetable scraps and oak leaves into usable compost.

With so much to teach and share, this annual festival has developed into an important way for the youths to demonstrate their knowledge.

To learn more about the Lacombe festival, contact Ellis at (985) 882-5416 or email Rebekah.Ellis@stpsb.org.

Catholic Church in Slidell will be the first host congregation, starting the first week in May, said Landrum, who said she has always been drawn to help the homeless.

“When I heard Family Promise was looking for an executive director,” she said, “I thought, ‘Maybe this is the plan.’ ” For Landrum, the plan is to help the more than 1,000 homeless children in St. Tammany and their families stay together and find a better future. “The Christian motto is to be of service to others in need. It is something I live by,” she said.

“We want to make sure these children have a place to rest their heads at night.”

Landrum, a Slidell native

and nonprofit veteran, is not surprised that the people of St. Tammany have come together to help others. “With what happened with (Hurricane) Katrina, everyone can relate to unexpected devastation,” she said. “We know what it is like to lose everything.”

The purpose of Family Promise is to help those who have lost so much find their way back, Landrum said. The nationwide program has a 80 percent success rate, she added; it is a highly structured program, with families screened and selected to take part.

Starting with St. Luke on May 3, host congregations will house up to three to four families, or a maximum of 14 people,

each week. Volunteers at the host congregation will provide meals and fellowship.

“What a blessing it will be for these churches to come together for one purpose — to serve others,” Landrum said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

“I know these families will fall in love with the host congregations,” she said. There are many volunteer opportunities available for those who want to help, from volunteering at the day center to providing needed items. “There are many ways people can help,” Landrum said. “The sky is the limit.”

For information, email familypromisesttammany@gmail. com or visit www.facebook. com/familypromisesttammany.

DAY CENTER

Continued from page 1G

location,” said Diana Booren, who is on the board of directors of Family Promise. “It’s a wonderful opportunity. It’s really exciting to see the pieces coming together.”

While the Day Center will act as a permanent base for families Landrum accepted into the program, they will spend their nights at one of 18 host congregations across St. Tammany. St. Luke

Sharon Edwards is community news editor of The New Orleans Advocate.

Photo provided by New Heights

Rider Jonathan O’Neil is lowered onto the saddle to ride at the New Heights Therapeutic Riding program in Folsom.

NEW HEIGHTS Continued from page 1G

therapy, emotional growth and learning.” The program works in four ways: strengthens muscles and stamina, increases muscle memory and concentration, teaches respect between horse and rider and replaces therapy burnout with an enthusiastic program.

Engro said approximately 70 percent of New Heights’ revenue comes from its three annual events: Chukkers for Children, a golf classic each June and a garden party in October.

Chukkers for Children costs $20 for anyone 12 and older and $5 for children under 12.

That price includes a food ticket, unlimited soft drinks and access to the children’s area. The Pony and Me portion of the event is an additional $10.

A VIP tent will include company signage, reserved seating, field-side seating for the polo match, a full bar of specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and unlimited food from the food tent. Eight VIP tickets cost $500.

All proceeds will benefit New Heights and the Louisiana Coalition Against Human Trafficking.

For information on New Heights Therapy Center and for tickets, call (985) 769-4600 or visit www.newheightstherapy.org.

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