Don’t get overwhelmed after the holidays — get organized ä 7G
THE ST.TAMMANY
ADVOCATE
1G
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2015 H
COVINGTON • FOLSOM • LACOMBE • MADISONVILLE • MANDEVILLE • SLIDELL THENEWORLEANSADVOCATE.COM
Sharon Edwards TAMMANY TIMES
Looking back on a year of highlights It’s been a big year in St. Tammany for the many volunteers, organizations and groups that make up this vibrant parish. Some highlights of their activities in 2015: DECEMBER: Christ Church in Covington marked the 25th anniversary of its free “Third Sunday Concert Series.” Also, the service organization Junior Auxiliary of Slidell celebrated its 50th anniversary. NOVEMBER: The two-day Three Rivers Art Festival in Covington attracted visitors and residents alike. OCTOBER: The 18th annual Wild Things celebration was held at Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife headquarters. Also, the President’s Cup fishing competition raised $8,500, which was donated to the Covington Food Bank and St. Tammany Christmas Project. SEPTEMBER: The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation held the 26th annual Beach Sweep, coordinating cleanup activities in seven parishes around the lake, including St. Tammany. AUGUST: The St. Tammany Parish School Board, parish government and Slidell hosted a commemoration of community resilience, pride and progress on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. äSee EDWARDS, page 2G
Iceman event for those who won’t fold in the cold People will start the new year in different ways. Some will watch the marathon of college football bowl games. Some will prepare and consume a big meal of black-eyed peas, ham, cabbage and cornbread. Others will make a resolution to live happier and healthier lives in 2016. Some will do all three. REC & A few people, LEISURE though, will do ANDREW something that CANULETTE is outside the ordinary. And it’s safe to say those who brave the oftentimes frigid weather on New Year’s Day and jump into the Tchefuncte River are decidedly extraordinary. Since 1988, a group of dedicated locals has participated in the Franco’s Athletic Club Iceman Dip and Dash. It’s a challenging event, and äSee CANULETTE, page 2G
Advocate staff photos by SCOTT THRELKELD
Instructor Heidi Heyns, second from left, leads a laughter yoga class Dec. 21 at the Northlake Nature Center in Mandeville.
Exercising your options
Mix a little fun into your workouts to stay healthy in the new year Advocate staff report
Laughter Yoga
For a healthful good time, you can’t beat laughter yoga. The concept, developed in India, is that easy and fun exercises reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, oxygenate the brain and make you feel more energetic. Heidi Heyns, an internationally certified laughter yoga instructor, teaches the classes. The next one is at 2 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Northlake Nature Center, 23135 U.S. 190, Mandeville. Free for members, $5 donation for nonmembers. Call (985) 6261238.
Barbara Maheu has some silly fun during laughter yoga.
weight machines, you likely won’t
If your New Year’s resolution is
need our suggestions. But if, like
to get up, get going and get fit (and
most of us, you need a little more
whose isn’t?), there are plenty of
entertainment or the pleasures of
ways to do so in St. Tammany. If
the great outdoors for motivation
you have enough willpower to sweat
to stick with your exercise routine,
to the clank and swoosh of gym
check out these options.
Outdoor benefits
St. Tammany residents have a leg up on biking, walking and running thanks to the Tammany Trace trailhead paths that offer natural beauty along with the opportunity for physical activity. There’s also beauty in the schedule: Go any time that you can take what Mother Nature is offering.
David Lind returns the ball over the net during a Just for Fun adult volleyball league game on Dec. 20 at Pelican Park in Mandeville. Registration is beginning for a new season.
Co-ed volleyball
A nice day brings out runners to the Tammany Trace trailhead in Mandeville.
The Just for Fun co-ed volleyball league at Pelican Park is a low-pressure way to score some exercise in a social environment: no officials, no score-keeping, no tournaments. There’s also a more competitive volleyball league, as well as several softball leagues. Registration dates are being set for the next session. Call (985) 626-7997 for more information. Pelican Park is at 63350 Pelican Drive, Mandeville. See more photos from all activities ä 2G