Edge of the Lake Magazine April | May 2022

B U S I N E S S •

P E O P L E

•

F O O D

APRIL | MAY 2022

•

A R T

•

H I S T O R Y

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT • Charming senior living community offering residents a • All apartment homes offer indoor front porches that can warm and inviting atmosphere, along with personalized be decorated to a reflect a resident’s personal style WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT care • One-story building with interior gardens • Purpose-built apartment homes offering floor plans designed for seniors

• Location is central to local amenities, medical professionals and hospitals • On Site Therapy

RENT

985.345.8787 TODAY! CALL 985.345.8787 TODAY! Prioritylc.com CALL

SPECIALS

AT HAMMOND

17010 Old Covington Hwy Hammond, La 70403

By Pr ior it y L ife C are ASSISTED LIVING I MEMORY CARE LET’S CONNECT! COVID FREE since the Pandemic started!!!

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Prices, plans and programs are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Owned and operated

by Priority Life Care. Void where prohibited by law. ©2021 Priority Life Care. |

EDGE April

May 2022

LET’S CONNECT!

PUBLISHER Sarah Cottrell

It is so easy to take things for granted. I think the one good thing that came out of the lockdown was a renewed appreciation for even the smallest things. I recently returned to England where I was able to spend time with my family and enjoy the stunning landscapes, art and architecture. Growing up there we thought nothing of hiking to Stonehenge and climbing over it, not something that you are even allowed to do today. Visiting this time after so long, I had a new appreciation for the history and scenery. It helped that the weather was glorious. Catching up with family and embracing all things British was good for the soul.

Festivals are back in full force this spring, and always looking for any excuse to do some shopping, we asked your favorite women’s clothing stores for some new spring looks.

You can see them on page x. Summer Camps are also back, and we have an extensive guide for parents that are looking for a camp this summer. We also have a wonderful Mother’s Day Gift Guide for those in need of a little inspiration this year, and we meet a local boy who is making it big in Hollywood.

As always, I hope you enjoy the issue, and don’t forget to tune into our morning shows to get current information about what is going on locally. Please send ideas for stories or pictures of you out and about to edgepublisher@yahoo.com

PUBLISHER

EDITOR Catherine Tramell ART DIRECTOR Erich Belk STYLE DIRECTOR Patty Beal BEAUTY EDITOR Caitlin Picou CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Liv Butera Nick Gagliano Chris Massengill Liz Smith Erica Sweeney Glory STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jerry Cottrell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Tom Ballantine Johnny Chauvin Joel Treadwell KEY ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE Eloise Cottrell SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Rebecca Blossman-Ferran ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Erin Bolton Debi Menasco Stephanie Miller

Cover Photo Photo by Jerry Cottrell

The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted

by EDGE Publishing. @ 2022 with all rights reserved.

Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Please email comments or story ideas to edgepublisher@yahoo.com.

EDGE PUBLISHING • 69170 HWY 190 SERVICE RD. SUITE 1 COVINGTON, LA 70433 • 985.867.5990

AMERICA’S TOP 100 HOSPITALS

What was founded in 1954 as a small, rural hospital has grown to become a regional health system with talented and experienced specialists, world-class technology and all the accolades that go with it. This year alone, St. Tammany Health System has received a raft of recognitions, including Women’s Choice Awards for cancer care, breast care, heart care, stroke care, orthopedics, minimally invasive surgery and obstetrics. What’s more, we’re the only hospital in the Greater New Orleans area to receive a five-star rating from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

MANY stars. MANY innovations. MANY reasons to choose St. Tammany. *Among the Best 100 Hospitals for Patient Experience in 2021 for medium-sized hospitals, as ranked by Women’s Choice Award.

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Before You Find Your Dream Home, Lock In Your Rate Now. The Metairie Bank team believes every dream home should come with a dream rate.

When you go with the Bank of Personal Service, you can lock in a mortgage rate while you’re still shopping. That means if rates go up, you’ll still get the better rate!

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EDGEatorial

The Backcountry Beauty of Whitetail Properties

“Beautiful is the land, with its prairies and forests of fruit-trees; Under the feet a garden of flowers, and the bluest of heavens Bending above, and resting its dome on the walls of the forest.

They who dwell there have named it the Eden of Louisiana.”

STORY BY LIZ GENEST SMITH PHOTOS JOEL TREADWELL

F

rom trappers and hunters to poets and artists, people throughout the centuries have celebrated the wild beauty and bounty of our state. Like the excerpt above, much of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem, “Evangeline,” reads like a love letter to Louisiana.

Along with its tragic story of a young woman’s search for her lost love, the legendary saga also speaks of “the roar of the grim alligator,” “herons roosting in cypress trees at sunset,” and “trailing mosses that wave like banner on the walls of ancient cathedrals.” Considering his vivid descriptions, it’s hard to believe Longfellow never actually set foot in Louisiana. Even in 1847, this region’s reputation as a natural wonder clearly reached far and wide.

Some sources estimate that these days, about 900,000 hunters and anglers take to our forests and wetlands every year to fish and hunt both big game and small. This figure doesn’t even include those who seek out access to these areas for recreational camping, hiking and boating. Anyone looking to claim or sell their own slice of heaven in Southeast Louisiana’s revered sportsman’s paradise needs to look no further than the husband-and-wife team, Brittany and Cade Taylor, of Whitetail Properties Real Estate.

The Taylors met 17 years ago, when Brittany was working with Cade’s dad at the Livingston Parish Assessor’s Office.

They soon married and started a family, which includes daughter Presley, 12, son Sawyer, 9, and niece Chesli, 13. Six years ago, Brittany left her former job to focus on family and help Cade build and run the real estate business. These days, she handles the administrative side of things, while Cade works in the field, listing and showing properties, taking pictures, and flying the drone.

It takes a deep respect and appreciation for our natural resources to do this job justice, and as Cade explains, he comes by these honestly.

“The outdoors has always been a big part of my life,” he proudly admits. “I grew up hunting and fishing with my dad. We were a part of every season - deer, turkey, squirrel, fishing and diving for catfish in Lakes Maurepas and Pontchartrain.”

Of course, it takes a little more than that to run a real estate company. Cade adds, “I am constantly taking courses for continuing education and gaining accreditations. I just

225.719.0495 cade.taylor@whitetailproperties.com whitetailproperties.com

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EDGE April | May 2022

recently received my Accredited Land Consultants (ALC).

This is for agents who are considered land professionals who are the most accomplished, most experienced, highestperforming land experts.

Becoming an ALC requires successful completion of a rigorous education program, Cade Taylor a proven track record of Salesperson, Land Specialist transaction performance and Licensed in LA, MS a commitment to professional growth. I also have my remote pilot license, which allows me to fly a drone to get the best shots for properties I am listing.”

Let’s talk about those properties. Whitetail Properties focuses on 20+-acre tracts of hunting, timber, recreational and farm land, many of which their clients use as their weekend getaways or homesites. One recent prized property that Cade sold in Folsom was a gorgeous 265+/- acre tract that is now providing its new owner with an enviable diversity of pasture, timber, river frontage and ponds, plus a great layout and location.

Lucky for interested buyers, there’s no shortage of opportunities like this around here, as Cade points out.

“I currently have a 1675-acre tract located in Washington Parish, just northeast of Bogalusa, that is amazing for hunting or recreation. Beautiful bottomland hardwoods along with Big Cypress are all over this tract. The internal road system is second to none, with great Pearl River and Pushepatapa Creek frontage that give you the ability to fish, duck hunt and engage in any other water recreation you enjoy. The hunting is also fantastic, with a great deer population, as well as turkey, hogs and other small game.”

Their clientele represents all walks of life, and Cade is dedicated to tailoring his approach to suit each individual.

“Every client is different. I listen to what the buyers are looking for and try to find those unique properties that check most of the boxes for what they desire.”

This husband and wife team clearly knows what they’re doing, as they’ve sold 60 tracts in the last two years, totaling approximately $25 million in sales. Their passion for and knowledge of our region’s rural land and culture make them the go-to source for buying or selling your own piece of “the Eden of Louisiana.”

To list or browse property, visit whitetailproperties.com

2022 CHEVY SILVERADO LTD

BIGGER. BETTER. BOLDER. 985.892.4663

|

W W W . H O O D C H E V Y. C O M

PERSONAL INSURANCE • MARINE INSURANCE • COMMERCIAL INSURANCE Charles A Lanaux, ca 1950, (George S Kausler, LTD)

George C Lanaux, SR ca 1850, (Royal Globe Insurance) George C Lanaux, JR ca 1900, (New Orleans Insurance Association)

Gaston L Lanaux, ca 1920, (Royal Insurance Company) Left: Hynson Lanaux, ca 2020, North American Insurance Agency Center: Robert W Lanaux, ca 2020, North American Insurance Agency Right: Merrick Lanaux, ca 2020, North American Insurance Agency

PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR SIX GENERATIONS! NORTH AMERICAN INSURANCE AGENCY of Louisiana, LLC 2255 North Highway 190 | Covington | 985.871.5480 | naiala.com

EDGE April | May 2022

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CAMP NORTHLAKE

E ING GRAD ENTER H T 6 RTEN ERGA

ays d s e u T tasty s y a d s e n ed ys wild W a d s r u h p T i r t d l ays d fie i r F ide l s r e t a w

KIND

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C A M P N O R T H L A K E . O R G

The creators of Camp Kaleidoscope & MADD Camp present A creative arts and experience camp for Ages 2-9 Session Dates:

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June 6-17 June 20-July 1 July 11-22 July 25-29 68031 Capital Trace Row | Mandeville, La Register online at cedarwoodschool.com

EDGE April | May 2022

Summer camp guide

EDGE April | May 2022

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Bogalusa Believe Summer Camp Bogalusa High School, 100 M.J. Israel Drive, 985.516.1758, believecamp.com

Bush Splendor Farms- Horse Camp for Girls 27329 Mill Creek Road 985.886.3747, splendorfarms.com.

Covi ngton Archbishop Hannan High School Little Hawk Day Camp- Sports Camps Archbishop Hannan High School 71324 Hwy 1077 985.249.6363 / Hannanhigh.org Camp Abbey Catholic Sleep Away Camp at Abbey Retreat Center 77002 K C Camp Rd. 985.327.7240 / campabbey.org Camp Old Hickory Summer Day Camp 73234 Louisiana Ave. rscafidel@live.com 985.892.4788 / campoldhickory.com Christ Episcopal School Creative Cats – Summer Drama – Wildcat Sports Sports, Drama and traditional camps, Pre- K through teens, Sessions June and July 80 Christwood Blvd., 985.871.9902, kpousson@christepiscopalschool.org, christepiscopalschool.org Creating U Academy Acting & Modeling Camp 69154 Hwy 190, E. Service Rd. creatingu@att.net 985.893.2218 / creatingu.com Kehoe-France Northshore Camp 25 Patricia Dr. 985.892.4415 / kehoe-francens.com Kidcam Summer Camps Coquille Park, 13505 LA-1085 877-4KIDCAM / kidcamcamp.com

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Northlake Christian School Camp Northlake 70104 Wolverine Dr. 985.635.0400 / campnorthlake.org Northshore Humane Society Summer Camp for Animal Lovers Fun interactive games and activities centered around animals Boys and Girls ages 6-13, June and July Monday Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Before care (7:30 am - 9:00 am) and after care (4:00 pm - 5:30 pm) available.

20384 Harrison Ave 985.892.7387, Northshorehumane.org Playmaker’s Sports Sports Camp for Kids 800 Winward Dr. 985.898.2809, playmakersindoor.com Playmakers Theatre Theater Camps 19106 Playmakers Rd. 985.893.1671 / playmakersinc.com St. Paul’s Camps Theatre Camps Ages 9 - 13 Boys and Girls Drama Camp: June 6-10, 9AM-1:00PM Musical Camp: June 13-17, 9AM-1:00PM For more information, contact Gordon Carmadelle at g.carmadelle@stpauls.com Stem Camp Entering Grades 4th - 6th Boys and Girls June 6-10, 9AM-12PM For more information, contact Julie Beck at j.beck@ stpauls.com Sports Camp Boys Ages 8-14 Baseball: June 6 – 10, Football: June 13 – 17, Basketball: June 20 – 24, Soccer: June 27 - July 1, Powerlifting: June 27 - July 1, Speed, Agility, Strength: July 11 – 15, Wrestling: July 18 – 22, Lacrosse: July 18 – 22, Rugby: July 18 - 22 Specialty Sports Camps Football - Offensive Line/Defensive Line: June 9 - 11 Boys Ages 8-14 Football - Evaluation Camp: July 14 Boys Ages 8-14 Contact: sportscamps@stpauls.com or (985)7789166 Registration for all Saint Paul’s summer camps: www.stpauls.com/student-life/summer-camp St Paul’s School, 917 South Jahncke Ave, 985.892.3200 / stpauls.com

June

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RESORT STYLE SUMMER FUN Call Today! 792.0200

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Live Music & poolsode movies!

100 BON TEMPS ROULE, MANDEVILLE

EDGE April | May 2022

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St. Scholastica Academy 122 S. Massachusetts St. 985.892.2540 ext.129, ssacad.com St Tammany Art Association Art and Theater Camps 985 892 8650 sttammany.art

Madisonville Madisonville Equestrian Center Riding Camp 135 Vista St. Mandeville 985.778.6981 / madisonvilleequestriancenter.com

YMCA - Summer Camp 71256 Francis Rd. 985.893.9622 / www.ymcaneworleans.org

Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum Aquatic Robotics Camp 133 Mabel Drive, Madisonville 985.845.9200, lpbmm.org

Folsom

Mandeville

Big Sky Ranch- Farm Camp 15442 Jack Fork Rd. 985.276.0270 / bigskyranch.org

Art Time Art Camp 705 Asbury Drive 985.674.2023 / arttime.biz

Zoo 2 U & Ponies 2 82089 Hwy. 25 985.769.8444, zoo2uparties.com.

Hammond and Ponchatou l a Camp Rec Center Michael J. Kenney Center, 602 West Coleman Ave, Hammond, 985.277.5903 Sunshine Studio Art camps Sunshine Studio, 234 S.E. Railroad, Ponchatoula 985.373.0468 / sunshinestudioarts.com Kidcam Summer Camps Chappapeela Sports Park, 19325 Hipark Blvd, Hammond 887-4KIDCAM, kidcamcamp.com Southeastern University Roomies REC Camp Student Activity Center 1850 N. General Pershing St., Southeastern University 985.549.5591 / Southeastern.edu

Camp Girl Biz 5200 Hwy. 22, Suite 6 and 7 campgirlbiz@aol.com 985.705.9288 / campgirlbiz.com Culinary Kids Cooking, science experiments indoor and outdoor games 915 Marigny Ave. 985.727.5553 / culinarykidsns.com Cedarwood School Summer Camps and Aquatics Creative arts and experience camps July 6th – 17th, June 20th – July 1st ,July 11th – 22ndand July 25th – 29th 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Ages: 2 – 9 , 607 Heavens Dr., Mandeville, 985.845.7111, cedarwoodschool.com.

Franco’s Summer Camp Athletics, Swimming, Arts, Weekly Field Trips, Water Slide, Games and Activities 11 sessions, Weeks May 23rd – August 5th 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Ages: 4–13 (Before & Aftercare), 100 Bon Temps Roulé, Mandeville, 985.792.0200 francosmandeville.com/summer-camp Kidcam Summer Camps Pelican Park, 63350 Pelican Drive, 985. 237.1616, kidcamcamp.com

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EDGE April | May 2022

2022 SAINT PAUL’S SUMMER CAMPS SPORTS CAMPS BOYS (Ages 8-14 | Fee $220) Baseball: June 6 - 10 Football: June 13 - 17 Basketball: June 20 - 24 Soccer: June 27 - July 1 Powerlifting: June 27 - July 1 Speed, Agility, Strength: July 11 - 15 Wrestling: July 18 - 22 Lacrosse: July 18 - 22 Rugby: July 18 - 22

STEM CAMP

(Entering Grades 4th - 6th Boys and Girls | Fee: $160 (includes t-shirt and snacks) June 6-10, 9AM-12PM For more information, contact Julie Beck at j.beck@stpauls.com

THEATER CAMP

SPECIALTY SPORTS CAMPS Football - Offensive Line/Defensive Line: June 9 - 11 Boys Ages 8-14 / Fee $220 Football - Evaluation Camp: July 14 Boys Ages 8-14 / Fee $40

(Ages 9 - 13 Boys and Girls Fee $170 (includes t-shirt)

PROOF SHEET

Drama Camp: June 6-10, 9AM-1:00PM

Musical Camp: June 13-17, 9AM-1:00PM For more information,

r ad that will run in the February/March issue Attached of EDGE is a proof of the of Lake your magazine. ad that will This run in adthe February/March issue of EDGE of the Lake contact Gordon Carmadelle Contact: sportscamps@stpauls.com at g.carmadelle@stpauls.com ceive changes by ( 3 . 1 . 2 0 2 2 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please will run make as is unless any changes we receive or approve changes viaby email. ( 3 . 1 . 2 0 2 2 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or (985)778-9166

REGISTRATION FOR ALL SAINT PAUL’S SUMMER CAMPS

WWW.STPAULS.COM/STUDENT-LIFE/SUMMER-CAMP

CONGRATULATIONS RACHEL JACOBS

for being voted Favorite Physical Therapist in East St. Tammany Readers Choice.

Rachel Jacobs, Doctor of Physical Therapy

985.661.1000 STARPTCLINICS.COM

2306 Front Street, Ste 27, Slidell

Covington, Folsom, Mandeville, Slidell, New Orleans East, Lakefront/Gentilly, Algiers

EDGE April | May 2022

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Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts Music Camp Mandeville School of Music 105 Campbell Ave., #3 985-674-2992 / laapa.com Mandeville Sports Complex Summer Camp 23052 Hwy 1088 985.727.7277 / mandevillesportscomplex.com Northlake Academy of Music Music Camps Princess, June 6-10, 9.30 – Noon Disney Dynamics July 11th - 15th, 9.30 – Noon Rhythms of the Rainforest August 1st -5t, 9.30 – Noon 375 Asbury Dr., 985.630.8112 / northlakeacademyofmusic.net.

Northshore Gymnastics Tiny Tumblers Summer Jamboree 1973 6th Street 985.624.8310 / northshoregymnastics.net Pelican Athletic Club Summer Camps 1170 Meadowbrook Blvd.

985.626.3706 / thepac.com PRIDE, Youth and Community Resources Overnight Camps Positive Action Camp/ Positive Attitude Camp Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville 985.727.7710 / prideresources.org 30 by Ninety Theatre Theater Camps 880 Lafayette 844.843.3090 / 30byninety.com Pontchartrain Yacht Club Learn to Sail 140 Jackson Ave. 985 626.3192 / pontyc.com

Slidell Creative Dance Dance Camps 58485 Pearl Acres Rd, Slidell 985.646.0171, creativedanceslidell.com Cross Gates Family Fitness Cub Camp Weekly Sessions: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8.30am – 1 pm,

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EDGE April | May 2022

Ages 3-4 200 Military Rd, Slidell Pre-K Camp Weekly Sessions: Monday – Friday, 9am- 4pm, Ages 4-5 200 Military Rd and 1311 Gause Blvd, Slidell Traditional Camp Includes fun activities, splash park, swimming and field trips.

Ages 3 - 13 Weekly Sessions: Monday – Friday, 9am- 4pm, 200 Military Rd and 1311 Gause Blvd, Slidell Tennis Camp: Tennis training, beginners welcome Ages 5 - 17 Non- Members welcome Before and Aftercare Available, Signature Camps Available, check website for details.

200 Military Rd and 1311 Gause Blvd, Slidell 985 .643.3500 / Crossgatesclub.com Kidcam Summer Camps First Christian Church, 102 Christian Lane, Slidell 985.237.1616 / kidcamcamp.com Pope John Paul II Summer Camps Baseball, June 13th -16th, 9am – Noon, Ages 5 – 12 Softball, June 14th -16t , 9am- Noon, Ages 8-14 Football, June 27th – 30th 5.30 – 7.30, Ages 8-14 Soccer, June 13th – 16th, Ages 4-7, 9-10.30, Ages 8-12, 11-12.30, Ages 13-18, 6 – 7.30 Volleyball, June 6th – 8th, Ages 5-14 Cheer, June 27th – 30th, 9 – 11, Ages 5-12 Dance, June 27th – 30Th 5 – 12, Ages 5-12 Band, June 6th – 10th, 9 – Noon, 5t_ 7th STEMS, June 13- 17th, 8.30 – 2.30, 4th–7th Grades 1901 Jaguar Drive, 985 649 0914, pjp.org Gymnastic Plus Fun & Fitness 58445 Pearl Acres Rd. 985.643.0914 / gymplus.net Slidell Memorial Hospital and St. Tammany Fire Protection District No.1 Fit as a Firefighter Summer Camp Fun activities teach children and their families to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle.

June 6th -10th, 8am – 3pm Mon – Thurs and 8am – Noon on Friday , Boys and Girls, Ages 7-13 STFPD No.1 Training Academy, Camp Villere, 34780 South Range Rd, Slidell.

985.280.8529 / slidellmemorial.org

Favorite Health Club, Summer Camp & Tennis Courts For over 40 years we have helped Slidell families, Live Fit. Live Better.

200 N. Military Road 1311 Gause Boulevard 4038 Pontchartrain Drive CrossGatesClub.com/GetStarted

985.643.3500

Summer Camp 2022 Kids 6 - 13

Fun & educational animal activities Learn from animal Experts Interact with animals

Sponsored by:

985.892.7387 • northshorehumane.org/summercamp EDGE April | May 2022

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Kidcam Summer Camps First Christian Church 102 Christian Lane, Slidell 985.237.1616, kidcamcamp.com

Tammany Yacht Club 1196 Harbor Drive Slidell 985.649.5222 / tammanyyachtclub.org

Rembrandt Studio 1118 Brownswitch Road Slidell 985.645.9565 / Rembrandtstudio.com

*Camp dates, times & activities are subject to change.

Slidell Little Theatre Theatre Camp 2024 Nellie Drive 985.643.0556 / Slidelllittletheatre.org

ow!

rn Registe

Summer camp at

Christ Episcopal School • Sports, drama, and

traditional summer camp options • Pre-k through teens, depending on camp • Sessions in June and July christepiscopalschool.org Fit As A Firefighter Edge 7.6111x4.9022 031122.pdf

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3/11/22

12:50 PM

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WE ARE THE VOICE OF THE NORTHSHORE

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— DRIVETIME SHOWS — LIVE INTERVIEWS — LOCAL NEWS St. Tammany 985-867-5990 Tangipahoa: 985-345-0060 — LOCAL WEATHER PARTNERED WITH — LOCAL TRAFFIC — SPORTS — NORTHSHORE NEW ORLEAN’S

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COMMUNITY LEADER A Time of Reflection

Mike Cooper St. Tammany Parish President

Randy Smith St. Tammany Sheriff

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Looking back on the successful return of Mardi Gras to the Northshore, it was great seeing our communities come together to celebrate and support local businesses in St. Tammany Parish.

With the Carnival season behind us, Spring festivities are just getting started. Pretty soon our weekends will be filled with festivals, sporting events and other outdoor activities. Our website, www. stpgov.org, will serve as a great resource to stay up to date with events taking place around the Parish.

At the March 3rd Parish Council Meeting, my proposed Moratorium on Zoning Density was introduced. The moratorium, should it be adopted, will restrict applications for rezoning properties for high-density residential development. It does not apply to commercial or industrial properties, and it does not apply to building permits. To be clear, any and all properties may be developed under their current zoning. The moratorium will only suspend zoning changes that will result in highdensity residential.

My goal is to provide the Parish with an opportunity to plan for future growth. While growth is good, rapid development has been outpacing infrastructure for years. We need to take an in-depth look at how our Parish is developing and create effective plans for the future. We are doing just that!

We are investing in long-overdue infrastructure improvements and have much-needed comprehensive studies underway that will help guide our future.

We value our quality of life in St. Tammany Parish, and it is my top priority as Parish President to make sure that it is preserved for years to come.

I would like to thank the hundreds of people who have supported my endeavor to ensure mindful, planned and appropriate development of our parish. It is an honor to serve as your Parish President.

There has been a lot of progress going on at the Sheriff’s Office, and I want to highlight some of that progress as we continue to move forward.

This past Mardi Gras season we unveiled our new mobile command center and drone, both tools that will help us to do our job more efficiently.

Our job is keeping you – the people of St. Tammany – safe, and we take that job very seriously, which is why I am dedicated to making sure the men and women of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office have the best training and best resources available to do their job.

The new command center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology in which personnel can utilize map overlays and satellite overheads to mark deputies’ positions during a standoff, search and rescue scenario, a manhunt or a pursuit.

The drone system, which replaced the aged helicopter, has cost the agency a fraction of what the helicopter once did. The new drone is equipped with a spotlight, and daylight or nighttime (FLIR) camera capabilities, making it a much more useful tool during search operations.

We also recently announced the creation of a fourth patrol district on the western side of the parish.

The new district stretches from the Tchefuncte River west to the Tangipahoa Parish line and will increase the number of patrol districts in the unincorporated parts of the parish from three to four, adding to the number of deputies patrolling our streets.

Shortly after taking office, I recognized the growth in the western part of the parish and the creation of the new district reinforces my promise to improve response times, centralize manpower and increase visibility in our community.

With the creation of another patrol district, we relocated our Fourth District Station to our property at 81635 Louisiana Highway 41 in Bush, which was once a substation but is now the main offices for our Fourth District. This move increases our visibility in the northern end of our parish.

The citizens of St. Tammany Parish deserve the very best when it comes to public safety, and I will continue to provide them with that while still being a good steward of our tax-payer dollars.

EDGE April | May 2022

A Team Approach to Care Our team of healthcare professionals takes a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer to create custom treatment plans for each of our newly diagnosed patients to ensure coordinated, seamless care. The care team can include surgeons, medical and/or radiation oncology and other cancer specialists. This team approach means that our patients have a whole network to lean on and each member of the team knows what the other is thinking and doing.

Our team’s multidisciplinary approach to care provides numerous benefits to our patients, including: • Genetic risk assessment and counseling for patients with a cancer diagnosis or at high risk of cancer development • Oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons and allied health support meet regularly to proactively discuss patient care plans and ensure continuity of care throughout a patient’s journey • Patient-centered services including psychosocial oncology support, patient navigation process, and survivorship care • Integrative oncology lagniappe services such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and physical therapy • State-of-the-art healing environment for clinic visits and treatment in a commission on cancer accredited facility • Access to information on clinical trials and new treatments

Multidisciplinary Gastrointestinal Team

Dr. John Bolton

Surgical Oncology

Nathan Ranney

Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Suma Satti

Hematology Oncology

For more information go to northshorecancercare.org or call 985-249-2383.

St. Tammany Cancer Center – A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center 900 Ochsner Blvd. | Covington, LA 70433

Gordon Wadge Hematology Oncology

Florence Wright

Radiation Oncology

P S O R E T T I S R B AR O V A F R E A D E R S ’

C H O I C E

A W A R D S

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985.639.9891

EDGE April | May 2022

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SOUTHERN AVENUE

PROOF SHEET

r ad that will run in the February/March Attached issue of EDGE is a proof of the of Lake your ad magazine. that will This run in adthe February/March issue of EDGE of the Lake ceive changes by ( 3 . 1 . 2 0 2 2 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please will run make as is unless any changes we receive or approve changes viaby email. ( 3 . 1 . 2 0 2 2 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes

MOTHER’S DAY EXTRAVAGANZA

SOUTHERN AVENUE • SATURDAY MAY 7th • 10 to 5 • COCKTAILS • TREATS • DOOR PRIZES 70488 HWY 21 • COVINGTON • 985.871.1466 • WWW.SHOPSOUTHERNAVENUE.COM

Celebrating 22 years in business!

1 281 N . C a u s e wa y B l v d .

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EDGE April | May 2022

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985.626.97 97

MOTHER’S DAY

Gift Guide 1

RESORT WEAR Franco’s Lifestyle Boutique 100 Bon Temps Roule Mandeville 985.792.0200

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PANDORA CHARM Carter’s Diamond Jewelers 230 B. Frontage Rd. Picayune, MS cartersdiamondjewelers.com

EDGE April | May 2022

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NECKLACE Once In Awhile 226 E Lockwood St. Covington 985.900.2227

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VIRGIN MARY MEDAL SET IN PEARL DECORATIVE SETTING The Villa 1281 N Causeway Blvd #1 Mandeville 985.626.9797

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EDGE April | May 2022

DRAGONFLY FRAGRANCES Spa & Lifestyle Store at Cross Gates Family Fitness 200 N Military Rd, Slidell 985.214.2922

6

GOLD VELVET EVENING BAG WITH BEADED DAISIES Niche Modern Home 1901 Hwy 190, Suite 3 Covington 985.624.4045

7

PLATTER

by Craig Mcmillin Far Horizons Art Gallery 82286 Hwy 25 Folsom farhorizonsart.com

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EARRINGS SOUTHERN AVENUE 70488 HWY 21 Suite 400 Covington 985.871.1466 shopsouthernavenue.com

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A LITTLE BUBBLY FOR YOUR MOM DeCoeur 228 N Columbia St. Covington 985.809.3244

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LANTERN Gulf Coast Lanterns 401 NColumbia St Covington 800.910.3275

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PISTACHIO & CASHEW BAKLAVA Nur’s Kitchen 100 S Tyler St., Suite 9A Covington 985.249.6431

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EDGE April | May 2022

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SPRING IS HERE BANTING’S NURSERY NORTHSHORE 26300 U.S. Hwy 190 Lacombe 985.882.5550

(601) 749 2009 | CARTERSDIAMONDJEWELERS.COM 230 Frontage Rd. B, Picayune, MS 39466

Unique gifts, jewelry, home decor, baby, bath, wedding, outdoor gifts, Coffee Shop, and Event Space.

Covington | 985.900.2227 | 226 E Lockwood St. EDGE April | May 2022

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COMMUNITY LEADERS

Mark Johnson City of Covington Mayor

Clay MŸden City of Mandeville Mayor

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EDGE April | May 2022

As most of us know, Covington is one of the coolest cities in America. Part of that is the centuries of wonderful history. Born out of the Bicentennial Celebration Committee of 2013 was the Covington Heritage Foundation (CHF), an organization dedicated to sharing and celebrating our history. And boy, do they!

On April 3rd, the CHF will host an outdoor Farm to Table dinner at our Trailhead. Great local chefs using local produce as an acknowledgment to St. Tammany Parish’s long history as a rural and farming community. Limited tickets available to CHF members only at Bon Temps Tix. The Covington Antiques and Uniques Festival 2022 will be on April 23rd – 24th. This free event brings scores of vendors and booths from across the country selling a myriad of antiques and unique items. Pass by for a good time!

For Memorial Day, the CHF hosts a luncheon of gratitude for our veterans and their families.

Held at Bogue Falaya Hall, the event is sponsored by generous businesses across the community.

Besides the delicious food, the Covington High School Talented Musicians will fill the room with patriotic tunes. Good for the heart.

July 16th will bring the return of Characters of Covington, where several of our older folks will share stories of the mid-20th century Covington in which they grew up … always a fascinating evening. Set at the Fuhrmann Auditorium, this free event will simply require registration.

October 30th brings Whisperings, the portrayal of individuals now interred in Covington Cemetery #1 (ca 1828). Actors in costume share the stories of days gone by. Free, this event is limited to CHF members (www.covingtonheritagefoundation.com).

On December 4th, the CHF presents one of Covington’s signature events: The History and Holly Home Tour. Members of our community open their homes, decorated for Christmas, to the viewing public. The Knights of Columbus men’s choir share carols, music fills the air and visitors inevitably bump into old friends. Look for ticket availability on the website this Fall.

Coolest cities in America? Actually, great food, wonderful history and a plethora of live music make Covington one of the coolest cities in the world: Vienna – Paris – Covington : )

Spring is here and in Mandeville it marks the return of our popular “Mandeville Live” concerts, held at the Trailhead amphitheater. Three concerts are scheduled for April and two for May: April 1/Sugar Shakers, April 8/Witness, April 22/The Mystics, May 6/Greg Martinez, and May 13/Amanda Shaw. These free concerts begin at 6:30 pm and there will be concessions available for purchase. In addition to “Mandeville Live,” the historical Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall on Lamarque Street has announced their spring concert series: April 2/Camile Baudoin & Friends, April 16/Gregg Stafford & His Jazz Hounds, May 14/Sarah Quintana & Friends, and May 21/ Doucet Freres & Lacher Prise Trio. The Dew Drop is the oldest Jazz Social Hall in America, built in 1895. It is operated by the nonprofit Friends of the Dew Drop. The simplistic beauty and acoustics of the primitive building are amazing. Concerts begin at 6:30 pm and tickets are $10 at the door, free for children and high school students.

The citizens of Mandeville have long appreciated that trees are an essential part of our environment. Special thanks to our Parks and Parkways Commission, and city landscape inspector, Catherine Casanova, for the awesome job they have done with our ramped-up Re-Leaf Mandeville tree program. Through the program, Mandeville residents have been able to sign up for free trees to restore the tree canopy in Mandeville. Thanks to our city council for funding the enhanced program following the devastation caused by hurricane Ida. As a result, our tree canopy will increase by over 1200 new trees planted. Additionally, the seedling giveaway at the Trailhead in January was a huge success with over 1,800 seedlings given away.

Our Monroe Street @ East Causeway Approach Intersection Improvements Project has begun.

The scope consists of roadway widening with the addition of a left turn lane and a right turn lane on the southbound side of the East Causeway Approach at the Monroe Street intersection. The project also includes traffic signal modifications. Motorists should expect intermittent lane closures on East Causeway Approach during the project.

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PRESIDENT’S AWARDS 6 consecutive years!

HONDAOFCOVINGTON.COM

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100 HOLIDAY SQUARE BLVD., COVINGTON, LA 70433

Are You Experiencing the First Signs of a Hearing Loss?

We often have our teeth checked, our eyes checked and our blood-pressure tested, but when was the last time you had a hearing test?

Hearing loss doesn’t happen overnight. It is a gradual process over the years, so it isn’t noticeable at first. But at some point, things will start to change. A few common signs of hearing loss include finding conversations hard to follow, turning the TV’s volume up louder than usual, and asking people to repeat themselves.

Dr. JJ Martinez, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA Doctor of Audiology, Board Certified Audiologist

You might not think too much of it at first, or, despite any frustrations it is causing you, you might decide to put treatment off for “another day.” Often friends and family are the first to notice one’s hearing loss before it becomes a real challenge for the sufferer.

Slidell | Hammond | Mandeville

Sound familiar?

If so, then SLENT Hearing & Balance Center encourages you to visit one of our hearing centers in Hammond, Slidell or Mandeville, LA for a hearing test. We’ll test your hearing, and identify if a hearing loss is at play, and if so, provide you with some treatment options.

A recent worldwide study* confirmed that eight out of ten hearing aid users reported they had a profound positive impact on their quality of life, including improved relationships at home and work and a better sense of safety and independence.

Download Our Free Guide “The Early Symptoms of a Hearing Loss to Look Out For” Written by Dr. JJ Martinez Visit slenthearing.com/free-guide *Source: Findings of EuroTrak 2015 (ET 2015) and MarkeTrak 9 (MT9) worldwide studies about hearing loss and hearing aids.

Call 985-273-5795 Visit www.slenthearing.com EDGE April | May 2022

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1-800-917-7045 Largest Free Festival in the State!

PONCHATOULA STRAWBERRY Friday, April 8, 2022 FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL OPENS Rides, Food, & Game Booths Open Clay Cormier – South Stage Royalty Introductions – North Stage Chase Tyler – North Stage Souled Out – South Stage Category 6 – North Stage FESTIVAL CLOSES

Saturday, 9, 2022 Friday, AprilApril 8, 2022

Friday, April 8, 2022 12:00 12:00 5:00-7:00 5:15 5:30-7:30 7:45-9:45 8:15-10:15 10:30

Saturday, April 9, 2022 9:00 9:00 9:30 11:00 11:30-11:45 11:45-1:45 12:30-2:30 1:45

Sunday, April 10, 2022

6:30 Strawberry Strut Registration 7:30 Strawberry Strut 9:00 Church Service – North Stage 10:00 FESTIVAL OPENS 10:00 Rides, Food, & Games Booths Open 10:30 Strawberry Strut Awards – North Stage 11:00-11:15 Egg Toss – North Stage 11:00-1:00 Katie Kenney – South Stage 11:30-12:45 Will Vance – North Stage 12:45-1:30 Strawberry Eating Contest – North Stage 1:00-3:00 Ryan Foret – South Stage 6:30 Strawberry Strut Registration FESTIVAL 12:00 9:00 FESTIVAL OPENSOPENS 1:30-3:30 Amanda Shaw – North Stage 7:30 Strawberry Strut Food, & Games 12:00 9:00 Rides, Rides, Food, & Game Booths Booths Open Open 3:30-5:30 Tyler Kinchen – South Stage 9:00 Church Service – North Stage Parade –Starts SouthDowntown Stage 5:00-7:00 9:30 Clay Cormier 4:00-6:00 Phunkey Monkeys – North Stage 10:00 FESTIVAL OPENS Introductions – Both 5:15 11:00 RoyaltyRoyalty Introductions – North StageStages 6:00 FESTIVAL CLOSES 10:00 Rides, Food, & Games Booths Open 11:30-11:45 – North Stage 5:30-7:30 Chase Egg TylerToss – North Stage 10:30 Strawberry Strut Awards – North Stage 11:45-1:45 North Stage 7:45-9:45 SouledDirty Out –Works South– Stage 11:00-11:15 Egg Toss – North Stage 12:30-2:30 Lindsey Cardinale 8:15-10:15 Category 6 – North Stage– South Stage 11:00-1:00 Katie Kenney – South Stage Parade Winner Announced –North Stage 10:30 1:45 FESTIVAL CLOSES 6:30 Strawberry Strut Registration 11:30-12:45 Will Vance – North Stage FESTIVAL OPENS 1:45-2:15 Strawberry Eating Contest – North Stage 7:30 Strawberry Strut 12:45-1:30 Strawberry Eating Contest – North Stage Rides, Food, & Game Booths Open 2:15-4:15 Nashville South – North Stage 9:00 Church Service – North Stage 1:00-3:00 Ryan Foret – South Stage Clay Cormier – South Stage 3:00-5:00 Waylon Thibodeaux – South Stage 10:00 FESTIVAL OPENS FESTIVAL OPENS 1:30-3:30 Amanda Shaw – North Stage Royalty Introductions – North Stage 9:00 5:45-7:15 Peyton Falgout Band – South Stage 10:00 Rides, Food, Open & Games Booths Open3:30-5:30 Tyler Kinchen – South Stage 9:00 Rides, Food, & Games Booths Chase Tyler – North Stage 5:30-8:00 The Dominos – North Stage 10:30 Strawberry Strut Awards – North Stage 9:30 Parade Starts Downtown 4:00-6:00 Phunkey Monkeys – North Stage Souled Out – South Stage 8:00-10:00 Parish County Line – South Stage 11:00-11:15 Egg Toss – North StagesStage 11:00 Royalty Introductions – Both 6:00 FESTIVAL CLOSES Category 6 – North Stage 8:30-10:30 Louisiana Spice– North Stage 11:00-1:00 Katie Kenney – South Stage 11:30-11:45 Egg Toss – North Stage FESTIVAL CLOSES 11:00 FESTIVAL CLOSES 11:30-12:45 WillStage Vance – North Stage 11:45-1:45 Dirty Works – North *Schedule times 12:45-1:30 and events are subject to change.

Eating Contest – North Stage 12:30-2:30 Lindsey CardinaleStrawberry – South Stage Ryan Foret – South Stage 1:45 Parade1:00-3:00 Winner Announced –North Stage FESTIVAL OPENS 1:30-3:30 North Stage 1:45-2:15 Strawberry Eating Amanda Contest –Shaw North–Stage Rides, Food, & Games Booths Open2:15-4:15 Nashville 3:30-5:30 South – Tyler NorthKinchen Stage – South Stage Parade Starts Downtown 4:00-6:00 Phunkey 3:00-5:00 Waylon Thibodeaux – SouthMonkeys Stage – North Stage Royalty Introductions – Both Stages 6:00Band FESTIVAL CLOSES 5:45-7:15 Peyton Falgout – South Stage Egg Toss – North Stage 5:30-8:00 The Dominos – North Stage Dirty Works – North Stage 8:00-10:00 Parish County Line – South Stage Lindsey Cardinale – South Stage 8:30-10:30 Louisiana Spice– North Stage Parade Winner Announced –North Stage 12:00 12:00 5:00-7:00 5:15 5:30-7:30 7:45-9:45 8:15-10:15 10:30

Sunday, April 10, 2022

Saturday, April 9, 2022

Sunday, April 10, 2022

FESTIVALS ARE BACK!

FESTIVAL

The Villa Mandeville

FASHION

We asked our three Woman’s Boutiques Readers’ Choice Winners for their ideas for some fun fashion ideas.

FASHION

FESTIVAL

Cody Kate Boutique Slidell

APRIL 3 Abita Springs Buskers Festival Free admission, food, drinks and music at the Abita Springs Trail Head Stage featuring Slick Skillet Serenaders, Sister Street Aces, Ferd Moyse Band, Sunny Side Jazz Band, James McKlaskey Rhythm Band and Tuba Skinny. Abita Springs Trailhead Museum, Abita Springs, trailheadmuseum.org

APRIL 8-10 50th Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Rides, Entertainment, Food, Music by Category 8, Chase Tyler, Parish County Line, Will Vance, Beaucoup Boogie, Nashville South, Souled Out and more, Memorial Park, Ponchatoula,lastrawberryfestival.com

MAY 20,21 AND 22 St. Tammany Hamburger Festival Carnival Rides, Baby Crawling, Burger Eating and Burger Cook Off Contests, Music by Sam Warren, Tommie G, Connie G, Sweet Southern Heat Band and more. St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds, Covington, sttammanyhamburgerfestival.com

MAY 21 Fools Fest Free admission, Food Trucks, Drinks and Music by Drivin’ n’ Cryin’, Magnolia Bayou, Dash Rip Rock, Cypress Creek, Abita Blues Band and Three Rivers Cooperative, Covington Trailhead, Covington Foolsofmisrule.com

JULY 2 The Slidell Heritage Festival

The Chiffarobe Franklinton

A full day of family fun celebrating heritage and independence with food, music, children’s activities and a fantastic fireworks display. Heritage Park, Slidell, slidellheritagefest.org

THE CITY OF SLIDELL’S

CONCERT SERIES IN HERITAGE PARK

Pearl River Northshore Salmen Slidell High

Saturday, March 26

Saturday, April 9

Saturday, April 23

Band & cHoir SHowcaSe

Soul Revival

Witness

H igH ScHool

Sunday, May 22 Northshore Community Orchestra 5-7

pm

• Heritage Park • Free Admission • (985) 646-4375 Renaissance • $5,000 Sponsors: Plus + Publications

Baroque • $2,500 Sponsors: In Memory of Ronnie Kole • Silver Slipper Casino Neoclassical • $1,000 Sponsors: Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert • Home Instead Lori’s Art Depot • Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance • Purple Armadillo Again Impressionism • $500 Sponsors: David Carollo, Attorney-at-Law • CiCi’s Pizza • Mayor Greg Cromer State Representative Mary DuBuisson, District 90 • Dr. David Hildebrandt - Slidell Family Dentistry Old School Eats Food Truck • Pizza Platoon • Pontchartrain Investment Management Roberta’s Cleaners • Slidell Historic Antique Association • Tanya Witchen - Engel & Völkers Real Estate

BENEFITING

BENEFITING

The

ING IPP SH Post

Kurzweg Dominguez R E A L T O R

P A R T N E R S

EDGE April | May 2022

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A Taste of Covington.com

JUNE 2022

GET MORE INFO & TICKETS ONLINE

Tuesdays through Fridays in the Month of June Vintner Dinner Line Up Online

Saturday, June 18th - 7:00pm - 9:30pm Festa del Vino Wine Tasting at the Covington Firehouse Sponsored by Parish President Mike Cooper Saturday, June 25th - 7:00pm - 9:30pm A Grand Toga Wine Tasting Sponsored by Southern Hotel Toga Attire Optional

Sunday Champagne Jazz Brunch Series Brunch Line Up Online Attached is a proof of your ad that will run in the February/March issue of EDGE of the Lake Sponsored by Senator Patrick McMath will run as is unless we receive changes by ( 3 . 1 . 2 0 2 2 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes

Free Friday

One area, three amazing shops!

Concert Series

Food

March 25

B STREET BENNY

Live!

April 1

Live Mu sic The Paddock market every Thursday

SUGAR SHAKER April 8

WITNESS April 22

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

675 Lafitte Street

kets

Mar

THE MYSTICS May 6

GREGG MARTINEZ May 13

AMANDA SHAW

Easter at the Market Saturday, April 9 10:00a - 12:30p

Pictures with the Easter Bunny Face Painting Games Chocolates Music on Stage: 90+Artisan Vendors The Brasshearts

Market Every Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm

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EDGE April | May 2022

Worksho

ps

985.260.5060 | giddyupfolsom.com 82292 Hwy 25, Folsom, La

APRIL 8 - 9

MAY 6 - 14

JUNE 2 - 12

The world of musical theatre lost a leading light when the renowned composer, Stephen Sondheim, died suddenly at the age of 91. Join us for a weekend of remembrance and stunning music from his incredible career,featuring songs from West Side Story, Company, Into The Woods, Sweeney Todd and more! The cast features a powerhouse of Cutting Edge performers and singers, coming together for one unforgettable weekend. You don’t want to miss this group of performers putting it together for the legendary Stephen Sondheim.

The Foreigner is a fun, two-act comedy by American

In a magical kingdom, fathoms below, the beautiful

young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to playwright Larry Shue. The story takes place in live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her a fishing lodge in rural Tilghman County, Georgia father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch where two Englishmen, Froggy and Charlie, arrive Ursula, and convince Prince Eric that she is the girl as guests. The shy Charlie agreed to accompany with the enchanting voice .Adapted from Disney’s 2008 Froggy on the trip after his sick wife begged him Broadway production, Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID to go. When people at the lodge try to talk to JR features the hit songs “Part of Your World,” “She’s in Charlie, however, he remains silent: he is terribly Love,” and the Oscar-winning “Under the Sea.” shy, depressed about his wife’s illness, and cannot find the words to reply. Froggy claims that Charlie cannot talk because he is a “foreigner” from an exotic country, and does not understand English. the explanation thatad he’sthat a non-English Attached isTaking a proof of your will run in the February/March issue of EDGE of the Lake speaker as fact, the lodge’s guests quickly begin revealing their secrets, and Charlie soon discovers will run as is unless we receive changes by ( 3 . 1 . 2 0 2 2 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes scandals amongst some of the residents of the lodge.

Cutting Edge Theater 767 ROBERT BLVD. SLIDELL

202

2

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE cuttingedgetheater.com PHONE 985.649.3727 TEXTING 985.285.6666

FREE EVENT

April 23 & 24, 2022

SATURDAY & SUNDAY • 10 AM TO 5 PM ANTIQUES | VINTAGE COLLECTIBLES & CRAFTS ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE | COVINGTON ART MARKET FOOD | MUSIC & MORE For more information, visit www.covingtonheritagefoundation.com or email sbonnett@covla.com Covington Trailhead • 419 N. New Hampshire Street Covington, Louisiana • 985.892.1873

EDGE April | May 2022

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NORTHSHORE

OUTDOOR CON STORY BY ERICA SWEENEY GLORY, ST. TAMMANY TOURIST COMMISSION TEAM PHOTOS LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

Live music lovers are in for a treat this spring

sun shining through the trees as you listen to

on the Northshore. All across the parish, you

covers of hits, or maybe, a songwriter with a

can catch outdoor music through multiple

diamond-in-the-rough single.

Below are some of the Northshore’s most

concert series.

Enjoy the fair spring weather sprawled on a blanket, as you take in the show on the lawn.

popular outdoor concert series. But believe us when we say, there are many more!

Listen in peace or grab a partner and dance.

Some locations even allow pets and drinks (but be sure to check with the show before you go.)

The blend of genres at these concerts offers something for every music fan, young and old. There’s nothing better than sounds and

Sunset at the Landing Every third Friday from March to October at 6 p.m., this free concert takes place at the Columbia Street Landing at the foot of Columbia Street in downtown Covington (100 North Columbia Street.) Here you can listen to local artists play alongside the beautiful Bogue Falaya River at sunset.

The first of the season kicks off with: The Davis Rogan Band The Boston Street Céilí Band www.facebook.com/SunsetConcertSeries

NCERT SERIES Dew Drop Jazz and Social Hall The historic Dew Drop is more than a music venue, it is an experience. If you’ve been, you know exactly what we mean.

You can feel the history and magic inside. The quaint space fills up quickly, but large crowds overflow in the nearby greenspaces to hear the show through open windows.

Dr. Redwine’s Grape Stompers March 5

Gregg Stafford & His Jazz Hounds April 16

Ingrid Lucia March 19

Sarah Quintana & Friends May 14

Camile Baudoin & Friends (with Reggie Scanlan Frank Bua and John Fohl) April 2

Doucet Frères and Lâcher Prise Trio May 21

Mandeville Live!

Mandeville Live! is a collection of free concerts on Fridays from March through May at the Mandeville Trailhead, starting at 6:30 p.m. The launch point along the Tammany Trace (675 Lafitte Street) is a hub for special events, live concerts and seasonal activities throughout the year.

B Street Benny March 25

Gregg Martinez May 6

Sugar Shakers April 1

Amanda Shaw May 13

The Mystics April 22

Concessions are available for purchase.

Rockin’ the Rails Rockin’ the Rails is the concert series at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. Hampshire St., on Thursdays each April. This free concert is rockin’!

Kevin & The Blues Groovers, March 31 (Rev. Peter Atkins Park) Where Y’acht April 7

New Suit April 14 Big Daddy “O” April 21 Christian Serpas & Ghost Town April 28

Concerts are 5:30-7 p.m., giving you plenty of time to explore downtown restaurants and shops after the show.

Bayou Jam Concerts at Heritage Park Saturdays at 5 p.m. at Slidell’s Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Lane, you can enjoy this three-part concert series presented by the city. Be sure to bring your chair, picnics and ice chests, too, to this great event!

High School Band & Choir Showcase March 26 Soul Revival Band April 9 Witness April 23

NOLA CLASSIC BOURBON COCKTAILS LIGHT TASTING PLATES LIVE MUSIC ORIGINAL ART

1703 N. Causeway Blvd. Mandeville 985.778.2231 | ZENJAPANESEBISTRO.COM EDGE April | May 2022

045

LOCAL EDUCATORS AND B THEIR BOOTS FOR A THRILLI

BUSINESS PEOPLE LACE UP ING HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

M

id-January of this year, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, hosted a group of 34 educators and media from Louisiana and the Miami, Florida area to participate in an Educator’s Workshop. Locally, counselors and teachers from Ponchatoula High School and Covington High School participated as well as Northshore Media Group’s Brian Shirey. The experience provided the attendees with an in-depth snapshot of what life is like for a Marine Corps recruit, and what an experience it was!

Normal Marine Corps boot camp is 13 weeks of intense warrior training. For purposes of this workshop, teachers and media were exposed to a two day sample of the life of a Marine recruit and culminated with viewing the graduation of 6 recruit classes.

Brian Shirey recounts, “The first morning began at 5a.m. with breakfast. Then after a short bus ride we were ‘greeted’ in traditional recruit fashion by a DI (Drill Instructor)

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EDGE April | May 2022

storming onto the bus (just like in the movies), ordering us to proceed to the infamous ‘yellow footprints’ which every enlisted Marine has lined up on since the 1960s. Once we were lined up, we were further ‘welcomed’ with the traditional inspirational ‘greeting’ of a Marine Corps Drill Instructor (just like in the movies).”

Participants spent the next two days, learning to march in formation and “sounding off” as their DIs escorted them across Parris Island. The days were jammed packed with activities which included touring the Squad Bays (barracks), chow (eating) with recruits, IT (exercise), viewing recruits’ morning exercise regimen, touring the Parris Island Museum, experiencing the Confidence Course, walking through the gas chamber, firing M16s, touring the air base, climbing the repelling tower, observing the traditional Family Day Ceremony, and touring the infamous Crucible! They also spent time with the Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Brigadier General

Julie L. Nethercot and her staff to discuss the operation of Parris Island and its role in the Marine Corps as a whole.

The General’s presentation was very interactional with the teachers. Many questions were answered about how young men and women can serve and participate in the many short and long term benefits offered through service in the Marine Corps.

The experience culminated on Day 3 with the observation of a formal Colors Ceremony before the awe-inspiring graduation ceremony where the group had the honor of observing six recruit classes celebrate their transformation into United States Marines. In three short days, this group of educators and media gained an awesome experience which could never be booked through a travel agent. Additionally, they brought back to their community first-hand information to help our young men and women make informed decisions as they consider service to our country.

“The Marine Educators workshop was an eye-opening

experience that allowed teachers to directly participate in some of the same challenging activities that transform young inexperienced recruits into well-trained interdependent Marines in just 13 weeks!” Daniel Scheer Ed.S., Secondary Science, Covington High School.

“This was an awesome experience that provided a better understanding of what it takes to be a Marine Corps recruit.

I am now much better prepared to guide my students in their post-secondary pursuits. I highly recommend this experience to any high school educator” Denise Latour, NCSC, School Counselor Ponchatoula High School.

For more information about becoming an influencer for the Marine Corps or the Marine Corps Educators Workshop, visit https://rmi.marines.com/influence or www.mcrc.marines. mil/Outreach/Workshop-Home/. You can also contact Sgt. Danielle R. Prentice, RS BTR MAC, Danielle.prentice@ marines.usmc.mil

EDGE April | May 2022

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Treat Mom to sunday

brunch!

BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS & BLOODY MARYS

2891 US 190 | MANDEVILLE | 11-3PM | 985.778.2176 | FELIXS.COM

Art That Tugs At Your Heart

985.773.2227 joeltreadwell.com

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EDGE April | May 2022

E B R AT I

N G

C

EL

at Niche Modern Home

Find Your Niche...

10

YEARS 1901 Hwy 190, Suite 3, Mandeville • 985-624-4045 Monday - Saturday 10am-6pm

www.nichemodernhome.com

Milling Benson Woodward congratulates our partner, Andrew Capitelli, on his selection as Favorite Attorney for the Edge of the Lake Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award!

Andrew Capitelli

Admiralty & Maritime Injury Law Defense Banking & Corporate Law

Eminent Domain Representation for Landowners Governmental Relations & Regulatory Matters

985.292.2000 | millinglaw.com

Healthcare Insurance Coverage & Defense Intellectual Property Labor & Employment Law

Litigation Natural Resource Law Taxation & Estates Toxic Torts

68031 Capital Trace Row | Mandeville, La LA-22-12768

EDGE April | May 2022

051

A PUZZLE OF PIECES STORY NICK GAGLIANO PHOTOS JOHNNY CHAUVIN

“This is clean compared to how it normally is,” Tommy Chauvin said, digging through a pile of cypress.

Like a mad scientist, somewhere among the wood, he plucked the perfect piece from a stack, inspected it closely, then set it aside as he continued explaining his wood working.

Like most of the family, Tommy started his career in broadcasting. Some choice comments from an associate at work got his mind moving. This new opportunity led him away from radio and into business for himself. Years of hard work and smart choices eventually led to financial success.

Successful businessman he might have been, but his artistic side was always around. He had taken some classes in high school and later Tommy kept eyeing his father’s shop of rarely used woodworking equipment. It wasn’t until his father passed that Tommy went and got the woodworking equipment and taught himself how to use it.

He looks at a chunk of cypress and sees something no one else sees.

“See, doesn’t this look like an alligator?” He finds the other piece of wood he had been looking for and sets it beside the block that will one day be an alligator. Clearly at some point he intends to marry the pieces together.

His artistic vision is incredible. His work is art. But it is technical, too, and very intense.

One of his current projects is a cypress pelican about to take flight. The wingspan is huge.

He has designed the body to house a weight to give the project equilibrium.

It is a start and stop process. His work is layer upon layer of chiseled wood. Sometimes halfway through a tedious project he will stop and tear it apart if something does not look perfect.

Tommy hides his artistic intensity well. He’s got a friendly gaze. He’s usually smiling and he’s always ready to zing anyone with his quick, dry wit.

Exploring his artistic side began as a hobby, one that has careened toward a healthy obsession. Most days after work Tommy finds himself in his shop, lost in what he is trying to do until his wife, Vikki, insists that he quit for the day and come inside.

But inside his home, Vikki had decided she needed a new entertainment center. Tommy built one. His daughter wanted a new bunkbed. He built that, too. There are tables all over the house he created over the years. He also is doing oyster beds, trays, and so much more.

And just when you think it is all about wood with Tommy, you inquire about a painting that catches your eye. Tommy did that, too. He did quite a few of the pieces that hang on his walls.

His subjects are random and varied, from their first home, to city skylines, to Willie Nelson.

From animal carvings to furniture and more, Tommy takes little more than cypress scraps and turns it into breathtaking art.

EDGE April | May 2022

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COMMUNITY LEADERS

Robby Miller Tangipahoa Parish President

Tangipahoa Parish is celebrating a “berry” special anniversary this year, and we really hope you will join us!

This April marks the 50th anniversary of our Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Second only to Mardi Gras in size and scope, this event is the biggest festival you’ll find in all of Louisiana— and it’s the sweetest, too!

Celebrating our parish’s strawberry industry and the farmers who bring this crop to your table, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival offers three full days of fun, great food, and worldclass entertainment in a family-friendly, hometown environment. What makes this event even more special is that the festival grounds are filled with vendors who represent local non-profits, student groups, and community organizations, who spend this weekend raising funds for the many activities and programs they sponsor all year long.

Of course, the Strawberry Festival is just one event out of two full months of spring festivals on our activities calendar. By the time you read this, our Independence Sicilian Heritage Festival, the Amite Oyster Festival, the Krewe of Erin, and the Hammond BBQ Challenge have kicked off a spring to celebrate in Tangipahoa. In April, we welcome Northshore Arts in Bloom, the Pirates of the Pontchartrain, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, and The Italian Festival, so there’s still plenty of time to join in the fun and excitement happening each and every weekend in Tangipahoa Parish.

Want to learn more? Check out the full calendar of events at tangitourism.com/Events/ Community-Calendar.

We have a lot to celebrate this spring. Join us and pass a good time here in Tangipahoa Parish!

Dear Citizens,

Greg Cromer City of Slidell Mayor

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EDGE April | May 2022

Spring has finally arrived which means that there will be plenty of festivals and events happening in Slidell!

Slidell recently celebrated the return of Arts Evening cultural festival in Olde Towne with over 100 artists, 10 bands, and great shopping, dining and celebrating in Olde Towne. It was a great evening in Slidell!

The City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Spring Concert Series continues on Saturday, April 9, with a performance by Soul Revival and Witness on Saturday, April 23 starting at 5 p.m. in Heritage Park. Admission is free.

And don’t forget about the City of Slidell’s Some Enchanted Evening! The Northshore Community Orchestra will perform on Sunday, May 22, at 5 p.m. in Heritage Park. Be sure to pack a picnic and enjoy great music on Bayou Bonfouca!

For more information about these events, please visit our website at MySlidell.com.

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HONEY, I fed the cows!”

STORY LIV BUTERA PHOTOS JERRY COTTRELL

H

oney, I fed the cows!”

In the uppermost part of what is considered the Louisiana Northshore, there is a large farm of the name Bird & Sons Farm. Arden Bird and his family run the 850-acre Franklinton farm, which is used for raising commercial cattle. We first heard the story of Bird & Sons Farm this past Valentine’s Day on the radio. Arden called into the Highway 104.7 radio station to respond to a “How do you say ‘I love you?’” segment. Arden quipped that the ultimate way to say “I love you” in his family is to declare “Honey I fed the cows!” When I chatted with Arden recently, I had him expand on this charming moment.

“On cold mornings, especially when it is 20 degrees outside and raining, how you tell your family you love them is to say, ‘cows are fed.’” “We don’t have any regular employees. We keep it all in the family, and it is a constant labor of love.”

Arden’s parents started the enterprise when they still lived in Covington with four bottled calves. The official Bird & Sons Farm was established in 1998. “Dad bought 20 acres in Franklinton. We ended up moving here. 20 acres turned to 120 acres. 120 acres turned to 220. We now have 850 acres.”

Bird & Sons Farm primarily raises Black Angus, Red Angus, Brangus, and SimAngus cattle. The farm sells direct to customers offering free delivery to a local processor. I asked Arden how long one animal would feed a family such as my own with a carnivorous husband and a growing toddler. “10 months to a year, easily.”

Most of the farm’s customers are locals, especially large families looking to feed their families healthily and affordably.

Arden explained that most, if not all the meat, you buy at the grocery store is modified in some way. Many commercial cattle operations use corn or other products to help calves grow large enough for processing. “These animals are not created to take all these supplements. This is why we focus on a grass-fed, all-natural product,” says Arden.

Arden Bird, 23, has a degree in Animal Science from Jones Jr. College. He explained that the farm, which has several registered bulls, does all of its own artificial inseminations. The farm also raises their own replacement females to add back to the herd. “My brother and I also pull the calves ourselves when necessary.” This means that Arden and his brother are ready to assist if the cow or calf ’s health is at risk; however, most cows can give birth on their own. “Calving season is our favorite time on the farm. New life!”

This five-person operation focuses on grass-fed cows free of growth hormones or implants. “Our cows are raised on their mama and grass,” boasts Arden. This natural process takes a little longer than if they used corn to fatten the cows, but the end product, otherwise known as “carcass quality,” is far better. “Carcass quality” refers to the basis for judging the commercial value of the livestock for various end uses, including retail cut and processed meat. Carcass quality includes tenderness, cut size, fat cover, marbling, meat, and fat color.

“We only corn upon requests which happen from time to time,” clarifies Arden. “We will get custom orders for a 60-day corn order to add fat to the animal fast.” The Bird & Sons Farm does not participate in the processing of the animals other than delivering the animal for their customers.

Arden takes the liberty of reserving slots for prospective customers at the processor to minimize their time on what could be an 18-month waitlist. “We sell to mostly locals and friends. It is all word-of-mouth too, but that word spreads fast. I reserve booking at our processors throughout the year, and folks choose the schedule that works for them. We try to make it easy and affordable.”

I asked Arden how long he has been doing this work.

“My whole life! It has always been a family effort. For as long as I can remember, I have been out on the farm. We also do all our hay work.” Focusing on fine Bermuda grass, “hay season” for the Bird family starts in April and extends well through November. They bail over 10,000 squares in a season and sell to many horse farms in the area. This is the busiest time on the farm. The Bird family celebrates the end of hay season with a big family dinner. Arden explained that it is very hard to raise a family on a ranch in our current economic climate. There are about a dozen farms in the area surrounding Bird & Sons Farm. These farms have been EDGE April | May 2022

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Is your system operating

no exception to the hard punches doled out by the COVID-19 pandemic. Inflation has affected everything from fertilizer costs to any feed the farms have to import. “It has to be a zero-waste enterprise,” explains Arden. “We recycle as much as we can.”

Bird & Sons Farm also has horses and free-range chickens.

“We have 30 free-range hens. They have an automatic door, so the birds can go into their coop at night. During the day, the hens roam as they please.” Arden also explained that nothing goes to waste. “We rarely have to buy commercial fertilizer,” he laughed. Apparently, that is what the chickens are for! They also sell eggs to their local customers. These ladies, i.e. the hens, are well cared for! The happiest of chickens, so to speak.

“Mama has names for all of them too.” Understandably, the family does not have the habit of naming many of their animals.

“All our bulls have names too as well as some of the ladies that we take a special liking to,” informs Arden. The bulls are often named based on their sire’s, or father, names. Midland, Chief, and, of course, Chief the bull, can all be found on the Bird farm. I finished my conversation with Mr. Bird with a short lightning round of questions just thrown in there for fun.

Me: “Favorite breed to raise?” Arden: “Black Angus. They are my favorite mothers, and the carcass quality of the animal is just excellent.”

Me: “Favorite cut of steak?” Arden: “Ribeye.”

Me: “Bone-in?” Arden: “Of course!”

Me: “How do you like your steak?” Arden: “Medium-rare is the only acceptable answer.”

Call 985.467.0114 today Me: “Final message to our readers?” Arden: “Eat beef ! If you cannot raise your own cattle, support your local rancher.”

and ask about our performance and safety inspection specials!

You can support Bird & Sons Farm by following the farm on Facebook.

AIRPRO.ME

g as efficiently as it should be?

Sum mer is al most here.

Is your system operating as efficiently as it should be?

Call 985.467.0114 today and ask about our performance and safety inspection specials!

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Brush Cleaning Recipe STORY BY CAITLIN PICOU PHOTOS JOEL TREDWELL

F

Here it the dirty secret to makeup brush cleaning, it is quicker and less painful than you think AND you most likely have all these items in your home already.

So go grab those dirty makeup brushes, get to your nearest sink and let’s give them a good cleaning!

1 small glass bowl 1/2 teaspoon of professional shampoo 7 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil 2 Hand Towels

STEP 1

put 1/2 teaspoon of professional shampoo into a glass bowl.

STEP 2

Add 7 drops of the Tea Tree Oil to the bowl with shampoo

STEP 3

grab your first brush and rinse the bristles underneath running water to get the damp.

STEP 4

lightly dip your brush into the shampoo/Tea Tree mixture.

Then using the palm of your hand, gently rub the brush in a circular motion on your palm. You will start to see your old makeup coming off into your palm.

STEP 5

continue to swirl the brush on your palm, while running under water. Do this until the water and your palm are clear.

STEP 7

to dry, simple place the brush handle in-between the palms of your hands, bristles down, and vigorously rub the handle in-between your two palms, back and forth. Reshape your brush.

STEP 8

to dry, place one hand towel on a flat surface. Take the second hand towel and fold it into a third. Place the folded hand-towel on one side of the flat hand towel. Place the handle of your brush onto the folded towel, and the bristles on the flat towel, creating a slant. This allows the water to run out of the bristles and not into the head of the brush.

For the smaller brushes that you use around your eyes, nose and mouth, you need to go the extra mile to get that bacteria out of there. Once a month it is a good idea to soak these brushes in a small cup of 70% rubbing alcohol. Do this just for 10 minutes maximum. Then dry like normal.

For beauty blenders, grab a bar of sunlight laundry detergent soap. Rinse your beauty blender under the water, then rub it back and forth on the detergent soap. Rinse under the water, squeezing periodically. Repeat until clean.

It is hard to find time to properly clean your makeup brushes.

But your really should clean them once a week to prevent any infections or breakouts caused from using a dirty brush. If you can’t find the time, look for a brush cleaning service, like the one Kismet offers.

Check out our menu @ doyoulalou.com Hours: Everyday 7:30am till 2:00pm 200 Girod St., Mandeville 985.231.7125

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e r i s e D Hart’s s for the Starss

he c a e R r o t c A l a c o L

STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH

W

hat were you like in seventh grade? Did you know what you wanted to do with your life? In Mrs. Hoffman’s social studies class, we had to write an essay describing our dream career. I didn’t just struggle, I was completely stumped. I dreamed of driving a bus when I was five. I sort of wanted to be a veterinarian at ten. But I was frustratingly without clear aspirations at 12.

I plucked computer programmer out of thin air, only because I loved video arcades and my family’s Atari gaming console, but I wound up majoring in journalism and minoring in literature, if that tells you how clueless I was. This vivid memory came back to me after I met my new hero, a young, local actor named Beau Hart. He took up acting at age five, and now, at the ripe old age of 12, he has an established career after appearing in over 20 commercials and several movies and television series.

So, how in the world does a kid from little ol’ St. Tammany Parish wind up hobnobbing with celebs and walking a red carpet at Hollywood’s legendary Chinese Theater?

It certainly helps if your family owns an acting and modeling studio, and you inherited your mom’s strikingly attractive dark hair and eyes, and refined features, but that’s no guarantee you’ll have what it takes to actually make it in the business.

I recently sat down with Beau and his mom Celeste at the aforementioned facility, Creating U - Acting, Modeling & Life Etiquette Academy in Covington, to get the story.

“Beau has always been mature for his age,” Celeste explained. “I used to only do classes for ages nine and older, but a lady came in wanting to put her five year old in classes, so I decided to pair him with Beau and another boy, and that was our new five-year-old class. We did one of our showcases, where students can perform for agents and managers from California and around the south, and Beau memorized all these lines, performed in front of everybody without hesitation, then he interviewed afterwards and talked to everyone with no problem. That’s when I realized, I have to take him a little more seriously.”

It didn’t take long for Hollywood to take notice. The very next year, Beau was summoned to California for some auditions, and they went so well, they wound up staying for two months.

His school back home wasn’t keen on the disruption, so that’s when they switched to home school.

It sounds like a pretty big commitment, so I had to ask Beau, what’s so great about acting?

“I like how you get to be a different person,” he replied coolly. “And every time you finish a project, you get to look at what you’ve done, and feel proud of yourself.”

Just like countless other industries that had to rely on virtual meeting formats during the pandemic, the entertainment industry made the switch for the auditioning process. Not only does it save on travel expenses, but it means Beau can stay right here at home on the Northshore, and audition in a much more relaxed setting with the support of family and coaching from his mom.

Of course, shooting still requires travel, as does attending a huge premiere and walking the red carpet, which Beau and Celeste got to do for “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story.” As someone who has watched a million red carpet events on tv, but never actually walked one, I had some questions.

First of all, do you have a signature pose? It seems sort of essential. I was thrilled when Beau playfully demonstrated his for me, and joked about practicing in his room.

Next question, was it fun or intimidating to have so many people staring, yelling, and asking questions? He prefaced his answer by telling me how they endured a series of horrendous, stressful layovers and flight delays that threatened to make them miss the big event, but they ultimately made it just in the nick of time.

“I barely had any sleep, but the nervous energy boosted me, and I enjoyed it.”

So, the scrutiny wasn’t daunting? “Well, when I was getting interviewed, I tried not to focus on the 50 cameras behind them, but I think I did a good job.”

Following the premiere, they attended an after-party that gave Beau a glimpse into the world of a Hollywood celebrity, where people he’d never met were clamoring to meet him. Some of these people included sports commentator and former Dallas Cowboy wide receiver, Michael Irvin, and tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. Not too shabby.

Executives at major studios have told them that Beau could become a household name, if he wants it. But is he ready for fame?

“I dream of it, but I hear so many famous people say they wish people didn’t just come up to them. Lots of people wanted to take a picture with me at the after party, and that’s never happened before. It was really cool.”

But, Beau admitted that it’s definitely not all glitz and glamor, “Acting’s hard because it’s a waiting game. You have to have patience, and do a lot of auditions.”

And, Celeste added, you have to learn how to cope with disappointment. When I asked Beau about his favorite role, so far, he didn’t hesitate to tell me “American Underdog,” but Celeste was quick to clarify.

“That was Beau’s favorite experience because he did some amazing work that ranged from comedy to anger to an emotional crying scene. But, all his lines were cut, which

is really tough. And about three years ago, he got a contract for a lead role in a TV show, but then they decided to go with a blonde-haired, blue-eyed kid, instead. That’s the only time I’ve ever seen him really upset. But he’s been in five movies since then. Imagine if we’d just quit after that.

He’s doing so well.”

How well, you might ask?

A few years ago, before the switch to virtual auditions, they decided to shell out travel expenses to audition for a small, low-paying television role, and the risk paid off.

Beau wound up getting booked on the popular sitcom, “The Middle,” starring Patricia Heaton, and it turned into a recurring role.

“He’ll get residuals for the rest of his life,” Celeste said proudly. “He’s made good money from that, but only because we took a chance on a small role. He’s 12 years old, and he’s already set himself up financially.”

“There’s another reason it was a good thing,” Beau interjected. “The set food. Oh, it was the best!”

Beau is definitely mature for his age. Cool, calm, and completely likable, he gamefully endured my barrage of questions and supplied me with many very polished and articulate answers. But I enjoyed moments like these the best, when he gave me glimpses of the typical kid behind the seasoned pro, who enjoys simply playing video games with his friends when he’s not working.

Case in point, when Celeste mentioned that Beau has supporting roles in two feature films that are currently in post-production, including “Ready to Rumble,” where he plays a bully alongside star, Aaron Eckhart, Beau’s face lit up.

“That one was cool, because I got to learn stage combat.

At one point, this kid with scars and black-eye makeup comes running at me while it’s raining. They use fake rain, and oh my gosh, the water got in my mouth sometimes, and I don’t know what it was, but it tasted so bad. Anyway, he tackled me, and slammed me into some padding. He was beating me up, so they put fake blood on my face. But the blood tasted like jelly, so that was good.”

Throughout the interview, I was keenly aware of Celeste’s

body language and general reaction as Beau spoke with me, and she was completely at ease, only interjecting if he couldn’t recall specific details. Far from any preconceived image of the stereotypical overbearing Hollywood stage mom, she sat back and enjoyed letting her son freely express himself. And Beau credited her with his healthy attitude.

“She’ll tell me, ‘There’s a really cool audition you could book, but let’s not get our hopes up.’ And she’s always saying, ‘When you do an audition, leave it there. Don’t think about it again.’”

So, let’s talk about Beau’s super momager. Celeste was an athlete in her youth, so at first, she resisted when her mother suggested enrolling in an acting and modeling school to become more polished. But despite her disinterest in learning to do hair and makeup, and to walk in heels, she took to acting right away, and she dreamed of opening her own school someday.

“I built this school so students can learn to be confident in themselves, and get up in front of people and be able to speak, or if they want, to actually pursue acting or modeling. I believe that anybody can act, you just have to be trained. With some, you can tell they will do well quickly.

Others will take more time, but it doesn’t mean they can’t

be successful.”

Of course, not every kid will experience Beau’s level of success, but Celeste has advice for parents who see potential in their kids.

“Start an acting class, and see how they like it. Worst case scenario, they’re going to build confidence and make some friends. But for those who are serious, they have to train every week. They have to study their lines, come prepared, listen, take direction and get headshots every year. Then, when you start booking, you have to go to set and be disciplined and prepared. It is work. Nobody takes off just like that, you have to build towards it. It’s a marathon not a sprint.”

For those of us who have no dreams of stardom, but simply can’t take a decent selfie, group photo, or corporate headshot to save our lives, Celeste offers training for that, too. Her Posing Print class teaches students to discover their best angles and features, learn how to properly pose for the camera and overcome camera shyness.

Beau has clearly mastered all of that, and is looking toward the future. When I asked about his dream role, he told me, “When I was younger, I used to always want to be in a horror movie, but now, I want to do comedy. I’d really like to work with Will Ferrell. And John C. Reilly. I really

like him, too.”

As to whether or not he’s going to be an actor for the rest of his life, Beau had a very casual, self-assured response. ”I’m just taking it year by year. Right now, I’m really happy acting, so I think I’ll be doing it for a while and see how it goes.”

We should all be as carpe diem as Beau!

If you want to check out his latest work, you can see Beau play a Young Kurt Warner on the big screen in “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story” alongside stars Zachary Levi (Shazaam), Anna Paquin (True Blood) and Dennis Quaid. If you have Amazon Prime, you can watch him play a young Harvey Keitel in “Lanksy” and Peter Facinelli’s (The Twilight Saga) son in “The Ravine.” His television roles have included “The Middle,” “Teachers,” “Stuck in the Middle,” “Doom Patrol,” “Scream Queens” and “Paradise Lost.”

What’s next for Beau? He’s in a new comedy series written

by Bonnie Hunt called “Amber Brown,” which is scheduled to premiere in May on Apple TV. And there’s another project on the horizon. It’s a great, big, splashy, exciting movie, but I was sworn to secrecy, darn it. You’ll just have to follow Beau’s career to watch him skyrocket to stardom.

St. Tammany NOW

St.

Tammany NOW is a curated collection of the latest economic development information and business and industry insight in our community directly from St. Tammany Corporation, the economic development organization for St. Tammany. St. Tammany NOW highlights what and who makes the St. Tammany business community thrive and illustrates the opportunities to diversify and fortify our economy.

In this issue, we share insights on the Information Technology (IT) industry in St. Tammany Parish. The IT sector is a burgeoning industry in our community and across the Greater New Orleans region. Jobs in the IT family of occupations have demonstrated growth across the board over the past decade, with pay that is competitive with the regional, state, and national rates. There are around 1,100 IT and technology-related jobs in St. Tammany, and the industry contributes more than $100 million to our local economy. These are well-paying jobs, with salaries well above the average annual earnings for other jobs in St. Tammany.

One of the fastest growing community colleges in the nation, Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) proves year after year to be a nimble and supportive partner to businesses across the region. The college provides training at all levels including customized training options, dual enrollment, certificate programs, and associate degrees in specialties within the IT sector. Students in the IT Program earn credentials in Networking, IT Support, Cybersecurity Support, Fiber Optics Support, Cloud Computing Support, Linux Systems Support, and Servers Support.

To encourage the industry’s connection to local IT talent,

NTCC Career Center Staff Representing the school at their Inaugural IT Summit

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EDGE April | May 2022

Local Students Networking with Area Businesses

NTCC facilitated its inaugural IT Summit in February. The event was an opportunity for networking among regional employers and connecting job seekers, including area high school seniors earning industry-based credentials through dual enrollment programs at NTCC, as well as current NTCC students and alumni, to opportunities to launch their careers in IT. Local company BridgeNet and Amazon AWS representatives were on hand to give insights on IT industry trends and opportunities. Hornbeck Offshore, CDIT, North Oaks Health Systems, SYGNVS Integrated Solutions, St. Tammany Parish Government, LED FastStart, and Ochsner Health were career fair exhibitors where they met directly with job seekers.

Workforce and education partnerships are essential for supporting individuals throughout their lifelong learning experiences. In addition to the dual enrollment programs with area high schools, NTCC also has transfer pathways to other higher education institutions, including Southeastern Louisiana University. With over 500 students and enrollment that has more than doubled over the past decade, Southeastern Louisiana University’s highly regarded Computer Science and Information Technology programs are recognized as a leader among (and one of the state’s fastest-growing) computing and information technology programs. The college’s Department of Computer Science is committed to preparing students to be nationally competitive both in the workforce and in graduate studies. Students are provided with the skills and experience to prepare them for a career in technology.

The IT sector is about more than just helping you get your personal computer up and running. The industry spans a wide variety of products and services, many of which you might run across in your everyday life. Below are a few highlights of St. Tammany companies that utilize information technology to provide unique solutions and services.

Netchex is a cloud-based payroll and human capital management system designed to help businesses of all sizes manage the entire employee lifecycle—from recruitment to retirement. Founded in 2003, Netchex payroll software has become one of the industry’s fastest-growing payroll and HR service providers, empowering employees to access realtime information through dedicated individualized portals.

“I can tell you that growing a company only happens with a great team in place. The amount of talent (both in tech and related roles) in St. Tammany is key to our success in scaling and competing nationally. Most people in this area do not realize the amount of great tech being delivered by companies here in St. Tammany that is leveraged by many organizations nationally. Netchex, for example, supports 6,000 businesses nationally utilizing our tech and services from our corporate offices here in Covington,” said Will Boudreaux, Netchex founder.

Since 2000, OffenderWatch has partnered with law enforcement agencies across the nation to develop solutions for sex offender registration, verification, and community notification. Working with more than 3,500 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in 38 states and Canada and the Caribbean, OffenderWatch enables users to

Chris Masingill Chief Executive Officer St. Tammany Corporation

Current Students and Alumni Attending NTCC’s Inaugural IT Summit

Group of Presenters at the Inaugural NTCC IT Summit EDGE April | May 2022

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Area Students Networking with St. Tammany Parish IT Staff

efficiently monitor, report, and collaborate on the offenders within their specific jurisdictions.

For more than two decades, Microchip ID Systems has been a trusted manufacturer and retailer of microchip ID devices for pets and wildlife animals across the nation and world. Their kits employ a proprietary system that uses a less painful insertion process for all animals, especially domesticated pets. A registered microchip can reunite pets and families separated by natural disasters and help monitor the habits of endangered species across the globe.

Technology is revolutionizing the direction of preconstruction and a local company, BIM Solutions, LLC, is on the cutting edge of this transformation. BIM, Building Information Modeling, provides 3D models to analyze the constructability of a project prior to field installation.

BIM Solutions, located in Mandeville, uses software to assist general contractors and mechanical contractors with virtually modeling their projects across seven states, reducing costs and delays. “Our team has doubled since partnering with regional partners at Tri-Parish Works and Northshore Technical Community College. Local organizations like St. Tammany Corporation have been so supportive and truly want to see our business grow. We get to work in big cities like Atlanta, Tampa, and Denver, but continue to enjoy all the benefits of living on the Northshore!” shared Amy Verges of BIM Solutions.

Globalstar is one of the world’s largest providers of mobile satellite voice and data services. One of a few publicly traded companies in St. Tammany, the company serves more than 325,000 subscribers in over 120 countries, globally exporting products and all its integrated services from its headquarters in our parish. “As a satellite technology business with roots in Louisiana, we are proud to call St. Tammany Parish home. Our location on the Northshore has provided us with a great talent pool and opportunity for expansion in a central location with many amenities for

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our employees. In fact, even our employees whom we’ve relocated to Covington tell us how much they enjoy the area!

On the business development side, our neighboring partners like St. Tammany Corporation have created an ecosystem of support that not only elevates each individual business, but shares opportunities throughout the Parish. That spirit and culture is truly what sets St. Tammany apart from other locations,” said Denise Davila, Corporate Communications Manager at Globalstar. Globalstar provides technology solutions across a broad range of industries including government and public safety, transportation, energy, construction, commercial marine, agriculture, and forestry.

We hope you found this overview of the IT industry enlightening. Whether providing HR solutions for your business, helping keep animals safe, or advancements in construction technology, the IT sector in St. Tammany is a diverse and vital part of our local economy. St. Tammany Corporation is proud to support IT companies and businesses of all sizes and sectors in our mission to position St. Tammany to be the destination of choice for highly skilled talent and business formation, attraction, expansion, and retention.

St. Tammany Corporation continues to be a resource hub for businesses and consistently shares timely, relevant information related to our economic landscape and upcoming business resource programming on our online platforms. Stay connected with St. Tammany Corporation on Facebook at @StTammanyCorporation, Twitter at @StTammanyCorp, our website at StTammanyCorp. org, our data and research platform at StTammanyStats. com, and our digital comprehensive resource center at www.RESTOREStTammany.com.

Kate Moore is the lead staff contributor to this article. All photos are courtesy of Northshore Technical Community College.

Local Students Participating in NTCC’s Inaugural IT Summit

Ain’t Dere No More Northshore Edition STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH

Chinchuba Oak Is there anything more majestic than Louisiana’s mighty live oaks? We protect them fiercely nowadays, but the 1970s was a ruthless time period when it came to historical preservation. This sad truth was especially apparent in one tragic incident in Mandeville in 1978.

Once upon a time, there was a grove of live oaks that included the 300-year-old Chinchuba Oak, which is believed to have sheltered Kildara, the cabin/chapel of Father Adrien Rouquette who famously befriended and ministered to the local Native American tribes in the 1800s. Local citizens grew alarmed by the possibility that the expansion of Highway 190 could spell disaster for the beloved trees, so they took action.

They organized a campaign involving petitions, the lobbying of state politicians, t-shirts, media coverage, and even restraining orders.

But, despite their efforts and what turned out to be the false promises from mucketymucks, bulldozers rolled in and decimated the sacred trees on Mardi Gras Day, when everyone was off enjoying the festivities. Naturally, people were outraged, but the damage was done.

Perhaps the public devastation over this loss was the impetus for adopting stricter city ordinances. Nowadays, a permit for the removal of a live oak is tougher to come by, and is only issued if doing so will “enhance the health, safety and welfare of the public,” or otherwise benefit the public interest.

With the help of Ron Barthet, the local historian who helms the highly informative Tammany Family blog, I was able to compare new and old maps to pinpoint the location of the ancient oaks. I will forevermore get a little misty whenever I drive on eastbound Highway 190 where it passes between Chili’s Grill & Bar and Firestone Complete Auto Care. What an absolute heartbreak. If only they had slightly nudged the highway a few yards towards the north to avoid the senseless massacre!

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My turn:

by Noah Maran

ABOUT NOAH MARAN In every issue, EDGE of the Lake invites a local chef or restauranteur to visit another eatery on the Northshore.

Born in Myanmar, Chef Noah’s menu reflects his personal biography and influences. In his early twenties, he decided that he wanted to expand beyond being a sushi-maker and train to become an actual Itamae, a highly-revered profession in Japanese culinary culture. He trained under several Japanese master Itamaes during a 15-year stage, where he learned the craft of maximizing flavor from the highest-grade ingredients of the sea and land. For 17+ years, Noah has been serving thoughtfullycrafted sushi with American influences. High-grade seafood is carefully complemented with ingredients that are rare in traditional Japanese food. Lime, cilantro, or jalapeno, common for Southwest/Latin-American cultures, are beautiful additions to the technical finesse that characterizes Japanese culinary arts. In 2019, Noah decided to open his own restaurant. Zen Japanese Bistro opened in 2020 in the heart of Mandeville. For its creativity and craftsmanship, Zen has been awarded ‘Best Sushi On the Northshore’ and ‘EDGE of the Lake Reader’s Choice Award’ 2022.

One Friday night, my son and I visited That’s Amore Pizzeria in Mandeville.

The restaurant serves Chicago and New York-style pizza. My son and I were very excited. The pizzeria is charming and casual like stepping into a New York pizza joint. There is a very long bar with seating, high-top tables, and booths. We were seated immediately, and our server was very informative about the menu and attentive all evening. That’s Amore has more on its menu than just pizza. They offer a large selection of pasta and other Italian dishes.

They also serve po’boys and have many beers on tap. I knew I wanted to order the Chicago-style pizza which is a deep-dish pizza with the red sauce on the top. Our server told us that the deep dish pizzas are made to order and that the pie would take 45 minutes to prepare. We started with a New York-style pizza while we waited on the deep dish. We loved it, and it was a great contrast to what was coming up next. The Chicago-style pizza came out much quicker than what we were originally told. My son, who is eight years old, can usually eat two or three pieces of regular pizza by himself. He barely got through one of the thick pieces of the deep dish! It was a lot of food, but excellent. I pride myself, in my own restaurant, about using the highest quality ingredients, and I can tell the owners at That’s Amore feel the same.

Each layer of the pizza could be detected in a single bite without sacrificing flavor or depth; a hard goal to achieve.

I plan on visiting again soon, and I am tempted to order the same dishes again. I really enjoyed our overall experience at That’s Amore. All the food was wonderful, and the restaurant felt very welcoming and offered great service. That’s Amore also hosts a regular happy hour, a Sunday brunch, and they offer gluten-free options. Plan ahead when you visit if you want to try the Chicago-style pizza to account for the wait. It is well worth it.

THAT’S AMORE PIZZERIA MANDEVILLE thatsamore985.com 985.778.2371

You Night Empowering Events Class of 2021 and Alumni were joined by family and friends for an evening of fashion shows modeling three clothing collections. The Theme for the evening was Dreamgirls - You’ve Got the Best of Our Love.

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Habitat St Tammany West gathered with staff, supporters and partners to raise the first wall of the Levin family home.

Northshore High School’s Gabe Fatta signed his National Letter of Intent to play soccer at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on National Signing Day.

The Louisiana Mental Health Counselors Association ,a member division of the Louisiana Counseling Association , awarded Children’s Advocacy Center - Hope House’s Clinical Director, Stacy Faulkner, LPC, NCC, the distinguished statewide award of 2021 Louisiana Mental Health Counselor of the Year during a special ceremony at Hope House on Tuesday.

Christine Foster and Randy Ponthieux have been recognized as Alumni of the Year by the Leadership St. Tammany Alumni Foundation. Two honorees were named at this time because COVID prevented the presentation of an award in 2020.

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The Old Mandeville Business Association held their Krewe Du Pouch parade along the Mandeville Lakefront

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The Covington Celtic Club enjoyed their annual parade through the streets of Covington.

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Youth Service Bureau celebrated it’s 38th Chef Soirée

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AVALA Ortho Clinic

Magnolia Soap and Bath Company

Green Light Urgent Care

Urgent Care for Children Title Plus, LLC

Slidell Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center

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