Edge of the Lake Magazine August | September 2021

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What a difference a year makes! Last year in our High School Football Preview issue we didn’t know if the games were going to be played and if supporters were going to be able to watch if they were played. As we start a new season, there is a renewed energy and excitement surrounding high school football. We asked Northshore Media Group’s Roger Gill to share his thoughts with us on how he thought the season would go. You can find his preview on page 17.

We are enjoying being out and about again, going to events and seeing people, some for the first time in months. One activity that was curtailed during the pandemic restrictions was eating out. Most restaurants are now fully open again and locals are rediscovering all of their favorite hangouts. This makes August a perfect time for the St Tammany Tourist Commission to launch its Taste of Tammany, a month-long event that offers special deals to dinners at restaurants, attractions and hotels around the parish. I know I am excited to check out all the deals that they will be offering.

In this issue we also take a trip around our local area to visit some very unique places, delve into the history of the Dew Drop Inn, get some beauty trips from our Beauty Editor Caitlin Picou, and learn more about the economic impact of tourism in our area. So there is definitely something for everyone in this issue.

Happy reading and feel free to share your thoughts, ideas or photos with us at edgepublisher@yahoo.com

PUBLISHER Sarah Cottrell EDITOR Sheldon Marcone ART DIRECTOR Erich Belk STYLE DIRECTOR Patty Beal BEAUTY EDITOR Caitlin Picou COPY EDITOR Mary-Brent Brown CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Liv Butera Nick Gagliano Chris Massengill Liz Smith Julia Watson STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jerry Cottrell

PUBLISHER

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Pedro Jimenez Antenucci Tom Ballantine Angie Feemster Abby Sands Sawyer Smith Joel Treadwell

KEY ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE Eloise Cottrell SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Rebecca Blossman-Ferran ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Erin Bolton Debi Menasco Stephanie Miller INTERN Julia Watson

Cover Photo The Lakehouse - Mandeville Photo by Jerry Cottrell

The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted

by EDGE Publishing. @ 2021 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

EDGE August | September 2021

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

054

WATERWAYS MARITIME MUSEUM

TOURISM

017

064

SPORTS FOOTBALL

ROAD TRIPS

040

072

AIR SHOW

MAKE-UP

FESTIVAL

044

UNIQUE PLACES

BEAUTY

078

HEALTH

RESTAURANT REVIEW

050

080

CANCER CENTER

HISTORY DEW DROP INN

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Louisiana Northshore Indulge Your Sense of Adventure Explore your natural side with a bike ride along the 31-mile Tammany Trace or a hike at one of our two waterfront state parks. Find treasures at local boutiques and antique shops.

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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, illustrating the opportunities to diversify and fortify our economy. In this issue we are focusing on the hospitality and tourism industry. It is our pleasure to feature insights from our partner Donna O’Daniels, President and CEO of the St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission, as we explore the interconnectivity of tourism and economic development here in St. Tammany.

Tourism is a facet of the practice of economic development and a valuable industry sector for our community.

“Tourism plays a crucial role in the economic development cycle because everything starts with a visit,” said O’Daniels. “Before someone moves here, retires here, or locates their business here, they visit first. The work that the Tourist Commission does in branding St. Tammany Parish as a great place to live, work and play complements the objectives of St. Tammany Corporation and the THRIVE2023 strategic plan.”

The food, culture, and hospitality industry is an important part of our local economy. The industry employs more than 10,500 workers, which is 37% above the national average. Over the past decade, jobs in the Accommodations & Food Services industry has grown more than 18% since 2010, more than twice the national and state rates, and over the next decade, will increase by another 24%, four times the national growth rate and three times the state growth rate. This rapid growth over the coming decade will earn

PHOTO BY LOUISIANA NORTHSHORE

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Chris Masingill Chief Executive Officer St. Tammany Corporation

+18.6% Growth 2010-2021

10,556 Jobs

TOTAL SIZE OF ST. TAMMANY PARISH 2019 DOMESTIC TRAVEL MARKET

700

Businesses

34% 0.9M

67% 1.7M the hospitality industry a spot as one of the top three fastest growing industries in St. Tammany. The number of people the hospitality industry employs, the industry’s potential for growth, and the cultural enhancement that it provides for our community make it a critical component of our local and regional economy.

Film and television production represent another key component of tourism. According to O’Daniels, thus far in 2021, the St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission has worked with 11 different film projects including productions from HGTV, Netflix, Apple, and Bravo. These projects represent multiple millions of dollars in direct spending right here in St. Tammany.

As travelers, each of us make decisions on where to visit for any number of reasons. The data showing who visits St. Tammany, and why, is fascinating.

“Of the 2.63 million visitors who came to St. Tammany Parish in 2019, 67% were here on a day trip and 34% were here on an overnight trip. Most of St. Tammany Parish visitors are leisure visitors (77% of overnight trips, 93% of day trips),” said O’Daniels. “These visitors come to enjoy our outdoor attractions, vibrant arts scene, local shopping, and restaurants. About 12% of overnight visitors are business travelers, while 7% of day trippers are business travelers. The remainder are here mixing business with pleasure. The average day trip lasts 6.1 hours, overnight trips are 74 hours.”

Day Trip

Overnight Trip

2.63 MILLION VISITORS CAME TO ST. TAMMANY PARISH IN 2019 Or, roughly the population of the city of Chicago.

AVERAGE LENGTH OF TRIP TO ST. TAMMANY PARISH

6.1

74.0

Day Trip

Overnight Trip

hours

hours

EDGE August | September 2021

011

There truly are activities for every lifestyle and interest to enjoy in St. Tammany, from the Tammany Trace, a 31mile hike and bike trail, to the St. Tammany Fishing Pier in Slidell, to enjoying a meal at a lakefront restaurant in Mandeville, kayaking on the bayou in Lacombe, shopping in downtown Covington, visiting a farmer’s market in Abita Springs, riding horses in Folsom, and boating on the Tchefuncte River in Madisonville.

Although tourism and hospitality were two of the industries most impacted by the pandemic, there have already been signs of improvement.

“COVID-19 has presented serious challenges for the tourism industry, and St. Tammany was no exception. Visitor spending was down by about 32% in 2020, but we are starting to see an uptick in travel and are very encouraged by recent growth in hotel stays,” said O’Daniels.

As the economic development organization for St.

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Tammany, St. Tammany Corporation harnesses the natural assets and attributes of the parish to increase opportunities for business, industry, and talent to further diversify and enhance our economy. Quality of life attributes such as our education system, parks, recreational assets, tourism, and culture enrich our community. These are crucial characteristics that our residents value, visitors enjoy, and businesses and talent look for when making location decisions for their companies and their families. In our practice of economic development, quality of life is a key component of both our work and our competitive advantage.

The strength and engagement of our institutions, the impact of our partnerships, and the vitality of our business community are each foundational to the quality of life that we all cherish, and we are grateful for the strong partnerships we have with many organizations in our community, especially those with missions complementary to ours, such

PHOTO BY CONSTANCE HIGLEY

PHOTO BY LAURA GRIER

PHOTO BY CHELSY WILEY

EDGE August | September 2021

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PHOTO BY LOUISIANANORTHSHORE.COM

as the Tourist Commission. These types of collaborative relationships are linked to the health and sustainability of the local economy. Strategic and holistic economic development is critical to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life we value in St. Tammany.

As we enter the late summer season, make plans to visit a local restaurant, bike the Trace, or enjoy a sunset over Lake Pontchartrain. Be sure to visit www.

LouisianaNorthshore.com for the latest information on events, restaurants, and attractions.

“If you are a member of a group that holds annual meetings, suggest that the next one be held in St. Tammany,”

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said O’Daniels. Stay in touch with the St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission on Facebook at @ExploreLouisianaNorthshore, on Twitter and Instagram at @LANorthshore, and on YouTube at @LouisianaNorthshore.

Stay connected with St. Tammany Corporation on Facebook at @StTammanyCorporation, Twitter at @StTammanyCorp, our website at StTammanyCorp. org, and our data and research platform at StTammanyStats.com.

Ashley Llewellyn and Elizabeth Lee are the lead staff contributors to this article.

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STORY ROGER GILL NORTHSHORE MEDIA GROUP

Hello everybody! After 30 seasons covering high school football in Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes, I am excited to be expanding to St. Tammany this season on behalf of EDGE of the Lake. I also serve as the morning show host on Highway 104.7, which has already given me a great opportunity to see all the great student athletes this area has to offer. As we head toward a new season, I have to take a moment to commend all the area coaches, faculty and staff for last year’s phenomenal season under extremely trying circumstances. Getting back to a season that should be much more normal, let’s tip our hats to those who made last year possible. Now let’s get started with 2021.

* Schedules subject to change

Roger Gill photo by Phillip Colwart Photography

ARCHBISHOP HANNAN HAWKS

“Roger Says”

BOGALUSA LUMBERJACKS

“Roger Says”

For the Hawks, second year Head Coach Corey Bordelon, who stepped in for Scott Wattigny, is ready to get his players on the gridiron. This is his second time with the program. The Hawks play in District 8-3A, another great local district, posted an impressive 6 and 3 record last year. They got a first round win over St. Michael before falling to ED White in a close one in the quarters. A strong slate of returning players has many locals talking about a title run for the Hawks this season.

After Adam Bumfield punched his ticket to Varnado, the Lumberjacks bring in new Head Coach Cyril Crutchfield, whose resume boasts plenty of success, having guided no less than three teams to state championships in the past.

He’s been involved in five title games in all and says he is rejuvenated and excited about the prospects for the Lumberjacks this season. LW Higgens will be the first test for Bogalusa.

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

Sept. 03

7 PM

Chalmette (A)

Aug. 27

7 PM

L.W. Higgins (A)

Sept. 10

7 PM

E.D. White (H)

Sept. 03

7 PM

Franklinton (A)

Sept. 16

7 PM

Ascension Catholic (A)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Pine (H)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Pearl River (H)

Sept. 17

7 PM

Salmen (A)

Oct. 01

7 PM

St. Thomas Aquinas (H)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Lakeshore (A)

Oct. 08

7 PM

Northlake Christian (H)

Oct. 01

7 PM

Varnado (A)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Bogalusa (A)

Oct. 08

7 PM

Albany (A)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Sumner (H)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Archbishop Hannan (H)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Loranger (A)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Mandeville (H)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Sumner (A)

Nov. 05

7PM

Loranger (H)

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EDGE August | September 2021

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BOWLING GREEN ACADEMY BUCCANEERS

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COVINGTON LIONS

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The only local member of the private school MAIS, Mississippi Association of Independent Schools, in which the Franklinton based school has done quite well. They’ll get an early start and test in this season against Centreville Academy, August 20th on the road, which has the Buccaneers’ coaching staff eager to get started.

Renovations at famed Jack Salter Stadium have the Lion faithful turning back the clocks a little and thinking about the roots of their storied program.

Such thoughts couldn’t pop up at a better time as Head Coach Greg Salter expects to field a squad returning six starters on both sides of the ball. He calls it a good mix of youth and veterans.

Wide receiver Dekenzie James, Justin Chapman, and running back Quentin Laurent should make moving the ball a fun and easy task for new Offensive Coordinator Burt Peneira, who comes from St. Paul after eight seasons. A three year starter at safety who is rising up the recruiting charts, Ian Goodley anchors what should be a tough defense. Hosting Broadmoor, Franklinton, then a road test at Dutchtown before they even get into district play, the faithful at Covington High should quickly know if their historic program is turning back the hands of time.

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

Aug. 20

7 PM

Centreville Academy (A)

Sept. 03

7 PM

Broadmoor (H)

Sept. 03

7 PM

Brookhaven Academy (H)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Franklinton (H)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Wayne Academy (A)

Sept. 17

7 PM

Dutchtown (A)

Sept. 17

7 PM

Sylva Bay Academy (H)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Ponchatoula (A)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Silliman Institute (A)

Sept. 30

7 PM

Fontainebleau (H)

Oct. 01

7 PM

Presbyterian Christian (H)

Oct. 08

7 PM

St. Paul’s (A)

Oct. 08

7 PM

Parklane Academy (A)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Hammond (H)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Oak Forest Academy (A)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Slidell (H)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Columbia Academy (H)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Northshore (A)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Ponchatoula (A)

Nov. 05

7 PM

Mandeville (H)

Nov. 05

7 PM

Fontainebleau (H)

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EDGE August | September 2021

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FRANKLINTON DEMONS

“Roger Says”

Coming in to his seventh season at the Bulldog helm, after several seasons as an assistant, Head Coach Chris Blocker looks to turn things around after last year’s rough season. There are plenty of empty jerseys to fill, and a quick early test hosting Lakeshore has added urgency to the Bulldogs’ training. Finding someone to replace all everything running back Iverson Celestine, who will be toting the rock for Tulane this season, will be the biggest question mark for the Bulldogs going into the campaign. Blocker says they have a good group of eager young men ready to step up for their team.

District 9-4A, along with most of the districts in our area, is traditionally very competitive. That was proven more in last year’s COVID stricken season than in any other time in the recent past.

A winless season for the usually stout Demons has the hometown fans, players and coaches all looking forward to getting a new campaign underway. Head Coach Jonathon Barber says they had a great spring and believes he has a good group coming back. With plenty of leadership and a strong offensive backfield, look for the Demons to be much improved.

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

Sept. 03

7 PM

Lakeshore (H)

Sept. 03

7 PM

Bogalusa (H)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Walker (H)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Covington (A)

Sept. 17

7 PM

Franklinton (A)

Sept. 17

7 PM

Fontainebleau (H)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Hammond (H)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Denham Springs (A)

Oct. 01

7 PM

Covington (A)

Oct. 01

7 PM

Belle Chasse (H)

Oct. 08

7 PM

Northshore (H)

Oct. 08

7 PM

Tylertown (H)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Mandeville (A)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Pope John Paul (A)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Ponchatoula (A)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Lakeshore (A)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Slidell (A)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Salmen (H)

Nov. 05

7 PM

St. Paul’s (A)

Nov. 05

7 PM

Pearl River (A)

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EDGE August | September 2021

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HAMMOND TORS

LAKESHORE TITANS

“Roger Says”

“Roger Says”

Tradition and family, those will be the main focus of second year coach Dorsett Buckles, who already made an impact during the shortened season a year ago. The Amite High standout and LSU linebacker knows all too well that a cohesive unit playing as one with a single common goal can make Hammond a dangerous opponent for any team in the region. Buckles started early this year, trying to bring back that Tor tradition with great participation in off-season weights, family style cookouts, and some 7 on 7 showings that displayed a lot of promise, including being named champs of the 7 on 7 LSU Line-up Camp held in early June. District 6-5A will be as tough as always, the Tors will tune up with Tara, Dunham and LW Higgins before the district battle begins.

After going 25 and 2 in the two previous seasons, the Titans found it tough sledding during the COVID campaign of last year. They had a 4 and 5 finish, but were 3 and 0 in district. They fell in their first-round playoff game at DeRidder.

Head Coach Craig Jones is entering his ninth season and says he is looking very forward to the upcoming season and winning a 4th straight district title. Feeling like you had an off year even though you made the playoffs says something about the tradition the Titans have built. Look out for this Mandeville based program to emerge as a frontrunner on their way toward a possible 5th straight 9-4A title.

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

Sept. 03

7 PM

Tara (H)

Aug. 27

7 PM

Slidell (H)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Dunham (H)

Sept. 03

7 PM

Fontainebleau (A)

Sept. 16

7 PM

LW Higgens (A)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Chalmette (H)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Fontainebleau (A)

Sept. 17

7 PM

Northshore (H)

Oct. 01

7 PM

St. Paul’s (A)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Bogalusa (H)

Oct. 08

7 PM

Slidell (H)

Oct. 1

7 PM

Amite (A)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Covington (A)

Oct. 08

7 PM

St. Charles Catholic (H)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Northshore (H)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Belle Chasse (A)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Mandeville (A)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Franklinton (H)

Nov. 05

7 PM

Ponchatoula (A)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Pearl River (H)

Nov. 5

7 PM

Salmen (A)

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EDGE August | September 2021

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MANDEVILLE SKIPPERS

“Roger Says”

NORTHLAKE CHRISTIAN WOLVERINES

“Roger Says”

Eighteen starters must be replaced from last year’s quarterfinals squad for the Skippers, many of whom you can now watch on Saturdays at the next level. Senior wide receiver Landen Ibieta, an early University of Miami commitment, leads a young team that is getting better daily, according to Head Coach Hutch Gonzales, entering his fourth year at the Skipper helm. The all conference wide receiver from Southeastern gets no time to look back. “The last two seasons have been great in the win loss column”, the coach says. He added, “we’ll be young, but we’ll be ready.” Denham Springs will be the first test for the Skippers after the jamboree.

Another District 10-2A competitor, the Wolverines only managed two district games during last year’s COVID wracked season, splitting the pair on the way to a 3 and 5 overall record and having to forfeit their last game due to virus issues. A favorable schedule could help this young squad return to the type of winning record that is expected on the Northlake campus. Ex Pro-Bowl linebacker James Willis will probably find things more comfortable in his second full season as head coach. Again, with an even playing field in their district, the Wolverines should be close to closing the gap and getting into the playoffs.

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

Sept. 03

7 PM

Denham Springs (H)

Aug. 28

7 PM

Pope John Paul (H)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Hahnville (H)

Sept. 03

7 PM

Metairie Park Country Day (A)

Sept. 17

7 PM

Walker (A)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Pine (H)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Northshore (H)

Sept. 30

7 PM

Independence (A)

Oct. 08

7 PM

Pochatoula (A)

Oct. 08

7 PM

Archbishop Hannan (A)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Fontainebleau (H)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Haynes Academy (A)

Oct. 22

7 PM

St. Paul’s (A)

Oct. 22

7 PM

St. Thomas Acquinas (A)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Hammond (H)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Pope John Paul (A)

Nov. 05

7 PM

Covington (A)

Nov. 05

7 PM

Springfield (H)

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PEARL RIVER REBELS

“Roger Says”

The Panthers promoted Bobby Sanders last off season to lead their program into the future. Without a winning season or post season appearance in many years, Sanders is searching for players with talent and will to win. He says a culture of winning and tradition are lacking in the program right now. The coach says they have to establish their own identity for the program at Northshore, before they can build any tradition of success. Sanders says they want to build a tradition. They want to specialize on the little things that make a program successful. He added that he’s in it for the long haul. DJ Carbo leads the defense. A win against a team like Dutchtown early will hopefully start this process.

If anything has been a constant theme this off season, it has to be coaching moves. This will be the second stint in the head coaching position of the Raiders for Mike Labourdette.

He’s returning to the position after three seasons as an assistant under Joe Harris. Harris left some pretty good options for the new coach, with quarterback Austin Wadsworth and running back Brian Jenkins, so a bright future might be on the horizon for the Rebels offensively, with a chance to build on their 5 and 2 record from last season.

Labourdette called the defensive scheme under Harris so he feels like they are ready to make a statement on that side of the ball.

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

Sept. 03

7 PM

Dutchtown (A)

Sept. 03

7 PM

Pope John Paul ll (H)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Salmen (H)

Sept. 17

7 PM

Pine (H)

Sept. 17

7 PM

Lakeshore (A)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Archbishop Hannan (A)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Mandeville (A)

Oct. 01

7 PM

Newman (A)

Oct. 01

7 PM

Ponchatoula (H)

Oct. 07

7 PM

Springfield (H)

Oct. 08

7 PM

Fontainbleau (A)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Ben Franklin (H)

Oct. 15

7 PM

St. Paul’s (H)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Salmen (A)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Hammond (A)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Lakeshore (A)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Covington (H)

Nov. 05

7 PM

Franklinton (H)

Nov. 05

7 PM

Slidell (H)

028

EDGE August | September 2021

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PINE RAIDERS

PONCHATOULA GREEN WAVE

“Roger Says”

“Roger Says”

With all the coaching changes swirling around him in the off season, steady-as-always at Pine is Bradley Seal, a great mentor and coach, continues his term as the Raider leader. Another District 9-2A member, Coach Seal’s squad always big and physical up front and strong on the fundamentals of defense. Uncharacteristically 2 and 8 last season, the Raiders still landed in the playoffs. But an early exit has Seal ready to make a run.

Head Coach Hank Tierney, the 10th most winningest coach in state history, enters his 34th season as the coach of a high school program, with tenures at Arch Bishop Shaw, West Jefferson and, most recently, Ponchatoula. After a quarterfinals appearance in 2015, the Green Wave has not been up to the level or championship material, but the 2021-2022 school year might just be different. A talented group led by Jacoby Matthews, an early LSU signee, has Coach Tierney excited. Again, District 6-5A will be competitive. A quick start, hosting Walker out of Livingston Parish, should provide an early indication of how far the Green Wave can go.

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

Sept. 03

7 PM

Varnado (H)

Sept. 03

7 PM

Walker (H)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Bogalusa (A)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Bourgeois (H)

Sept. 17

7 PM

Pearl River (A)

Sept. 17

7 PM

Brother Martin (H)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Northlake Christian (A)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Covington (H)

Oct. 08

7 PM

St Helena (H)

Sept. 30

7 PM

Northshore (A)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Independence (H)

Oct. 08

7 PM

Mandeville (H)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Kentwood (A)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Slidell (H)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Amite (A)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Fontainebleau (H)

Nov. 05

7 PM

Varnado (A)

Oct. 29

7 PM

St. Paul’s (H)

Nov. 05

7 PM

Hammond (H)

030

EDGE August | September 2021

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031

POPE JOHN PAUL II

“Roger Says”

SALMEN SPARTANS

“Roger Says”

With another off-season coaching change on the Northshore, PJP announced alum Phillip Pigott to serve as the next Jaguar head coach.

With a great resume, a member of LSU’s National Championship team, Pigott understands the dedication it takes to find success on the football field. He brings a winning mindset to a program that needs it right now. He feels like District 102A is ready for the taking. Dressing out about 40 players should give the head coach some needed depth. A tough opener with 4A Pearl River will give the Jags a quick marker on where they stand with their program and new coach before heading into district play.

Another District 9-4A local Eric Chuter says the Spartans are ready to start the 2021 season.

Finishing last year with a 5 and 3 record, and a hard fought playoff loss to North Desoto, now the Spartan faithful are dreaming of bigger things.

Returning senior quarterback Jack Gillikan has a lot of heart, playing bigger than his frame and he makes great decisions with the football. Salmen hosts Amite to start this season off with a bang.

“We will have a much better idea of where we really stand after jamboree and facing a quality program like Amite,” the coach said.

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

Aug. 28

7 PM

Northlake Christian (H)

Sept. 03

7 PM

Amite (H)

Sept. 3

7 PM

Pearl River (A)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Northshore (A)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Houma Christian (H)

Sept. 17

7 PM

Bogalusa (H)

Sept. 18

7 PM

Thomas Jefferson (A)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Belle Chasse (H)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Episcopal (H)

Oct. 01

7 PM

Loranger (A)

Oct. 1

7 PM

Central Private (A)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Eleanor McMain (H)

Oct. 08

7 PM

Haynes Academy (A)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Pearl River (H)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Franklinton (H)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Franklinton (A)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Springfield (A)

Nov. 05

7 PM

Lakeshore (H)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Northlake Christian (H)

Nov. 5

7 PM

St. Thomas Acquinas (H)

032

EDGE August | September 2021

PROOF SHEET

ur 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 willFebruary/March issue of EDGE of the Lak ve changes by ( 7 . 1 0 . 2 0 2 1 )a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please run asmake is unless any changes we receive or approve changes via by (email.

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EDGE August | September 2021

033

SLIDELL TIGERS

“Roger Says”

ST. PAUL’S WOLVES

“Roger Says”

The Tigers took a big hit this year before the pads were even put on, when Slidell Head Coach Larry Farve announced his decision to become assistant principal at Covington High, leaving the Tigers without a leader. Defensive Coordinator Malter Scobel was named the interim replacement. A perfect fit, since offseason conditioning was just beginning. Already with head coaching experience at Hammond High and Covington, Scobel, at the age of 52, says he would coach the team as if he is already the permanent guy. When the decision is made in the winter, Scobel says, we have to be ready. Ryan Dieck will continue to call the offensive plays, while the head coach will handle the defensive side. An early contest at Lakeshore will be a great litmus test for this team.

Head Coach Kenny Sears lost his offensive coordinator of eight years, who took the same position at Covington High. Big senior quarterback Grant Bilson, at 6’2 and 200 pounds, will help ease the loss. An even 4 and 4 record in last year’s season landed the Wolves as an eight seed in the Select Division 1 bracket. An early exit from the playoffs thanks to Jesuit can only help to fuel the program as they go into the 2021 season. Home opener versus Landry Walker, then a rematch at Jesuit, makes for an exciting start to this campaign for the Wolves.

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

Aug. 27

7 PM

Lakeshore (A)

Sept. 03

7 PM

Landry-Walker (H)

Sept. 17

7 PM

Archbishop Rummel (H)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Jesuit (A)

Sept. 24

7 PM

St. Paul’s (A)

Sept. 17

7 PM

Catholic (H)

Oct. 8

7 PM

Hammond (A)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Slidell (H)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Ponchatoula (A)

Oct. 01

7 PM

Hammond (A)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Covington (A)

Oct. 8

7 PM

Covington (H)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Fontainebleau (H)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Northshore (A)

Nov. 5

7 PM

Northshore (A)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Mandeville (H)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Ponchatoula (A)

Nov. 05

7 PM

Fontainebleau (H)

034

EDGE August | September 2021

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EDGE August | September 2021

035

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS FALCONS

“Roger Says”

VARNADO WILDCATS

“Roger Says”

Head Coach Randall Legette is coming off his 2nd straight Coach of the Year honors for District 10-2A after leading the Falcons to an overall 5 and 2 record, and 2 and 0 in the shortened district schedule. A few coaches around him will be different this year, including new Offensive Coordinator David Maryland Jr., who joins an already talented staff. This season Legette also gets the services of District 10-2A MVP QB Drew Milton at the helm of his offense. Look for the Falcon faithful to pack Pete Valente stadium in week 2 when they host rival Episcopal, an early test that will show just how far the Falcons will fly this season.

The Wildcats compete in District 9-2A, perennially one of the strongest in the state.

Finishing fourth last year and earning a first-round playoff game, it had to be forfeited to eventual 2A State Champion Many. A district contest at Pine will crank things up for the Wildcats. First year Coach Adam Brumfield takes over after a year at Bogalusa. He’s got history with this team.

He was an assistant under Scott Shaffett at Varnado when Scott led that program.

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

DATE

TIME

OPPONENT

Sept. 03

7 PM

Hamilton Christian (A)

Sept. 03

7 PM

Pine (A)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Episcopal (H)

Sept. 10

7 PM

Slaughter Charter (A)

Sept. 17

7 PM

Loranger (A)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Northeast (A)

Sept. 24

7 PM

Independence (A)

Oct. 01

7 PM

Bogalusa (H)

Oct. 01

7 PM

Archbishop Hannan (H)

Oct. 14

7 PM

Kentwood (A)

Oct. 08

7 PM

West Feliciana (H)

Oct. 22

7 PM

St. Helena (A)

Oct. 15

7 PM

Riverside Academy (H)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Independence (H)

Oct. 22

7 PM

Northlake Christian (H)

Nov. 05

7 PM

Pine (H)

Oct. 29

7 PM

Springfield (A)

Nov. 05

7 PM

Pope John Paul (A)

036

EDGE August | September 2021

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037

COMMUNITY LEADERS

Mike Cooper St. Tammany Parish President

Randy Smith St. Tammany Sheriff

038

Throughout 2021, as we return to normalcy, we have been committed to finding ways to improve the day-to-day lives of all of our St. Tammany Parish residents. While many of those ways include upgrading infrastructure and promoting the health of our economy, we also want to prioritize the quality of life that we all know and love on the Northshore.

I know firsthand how important our infrastructure is to our community. Recently, we completed many local projects, including the I-10 Service Road improvements in Slidell, which replaced two vital bridges and upgraded the roadway. In the Mandeville area, we recently started improving Sharp Road and Soult Street, and we are working diligently to get started the Mandeville Bypass Road, which connects LA 1088 and U.S. 190.

I am excited about charitable events, annual get-togethers, business performances and our normal lives returning to normal. Vaccinations and other COVID-19 preventative measures have allowed events, like the Kokomo Stroll in Covington and the Independence Day celebration at Heritage Park in Slidell, to return. Soon, we hope to be able to join together for festivals and under the Friday night lights as high school football resumes.

My administration is focused on giving our residents an opportunity to enjoy all that we have to offer. In the coming weeks, the St. Tammany Parish Fishing Pier will re-open, with an additional 2,500 feet of fishing space, bathrooms, shelters and other amenities. The Tammany Trace into Camp Salmen was also recently completed and we are working to extend the Trace to Heritage Park, making the path continuous from downtown Covington to Olde Towne Slidell.

Despite the challenges of 2020, we have had so many achievements, and I am elated about where we are headed in 2021. My goal is to give every citizen of St. Tammany Parish a place to live where they can learn, work and retire in a high-spirited, well-connected, healthy community.

As summer comes to an end and the school year begins, I want to take this opportunity to remind our residents to remember to obey the speed limits in school zones, put down your handheld devices and follow the directions given by deputies and crossing guards in school zones and crosswalks.

All school zones are “hands free” zones.

According to state law the use of wireless telecommunications devices in school zones is prohibited. This means it is illegal to use your cellphone while driving through a school zone.

This includes talking on the phone, texting, checking your email and accessing, posting or reading from social media sites.

The fine for violating this law, is $500 for the first offense. The fine increases for subsequent offenses and may result in a suspension of driving privileges.

Please for the safety of our children, leave your phone alone and pay attention to your surroundings.

Please watch for children walking to and from schools and bus stops. The law requires drivers to stop and allow pedestrians to cross when they are using a marked crosswalk unless a signally device or crossing guard is present. In which case, the motorist must follow the directions of the signally device or crossing guard. It is illegal to pass a school bus with the stop signs and flashing lights activated. If you are caught passing a school bus while it is loading or unloading children, you stand to lose your driver’s license for six months and may face a hefty fine. You must stop at least 30 feet from the bus and may not proceed until the bus resumes motion and the visual signals are no longer activated.

Thank you to all of our motorist for helping us have a safe start this school year. And a special thank you to our crossing guards, who work very hard every morning and afternoon to keep our precious children safe. We ask that you continue to be patient with these hardworking individuals, as their utmost concern is getting our children to and from school safely and be sure to give yourself a few extra minutes of travel time as everyone adjusts back to their school year schedules.

EDGE August | September 2021

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039

EDGEatorial

Hammond northshore Airshow Looking Up

The Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow is getting ready to take off with two days of extraordinary performances from some of the top airshow acts in the country.

“WE CAN’T WAIT FOR OCTOBER 16 AND 17,” SAID HAMMOND MAYOR PETE PANEPINTO. “People are still talking about our first Airshow in 2018, and now the excitement grows

Story by Nick Gagliano

daily for this year’s event.”

O

riginally scheduled for October 2020, the Airshow was cancelled like everything else.

“Of course, we were disappointed, but this extra time has allowed us to prepare for an even better show in 2021.

I am encouraging everyone to get their tickets to spend two great days at the Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow presented by First Guaranty Bank on October 16 and 17,” said Mayor Panepinto.

Featuring some of the best high-flying acts in the country, this year’s scheduled list of performers is a who’s who on the airshow circuit.

The AeroShell Aerobatic Team has been performing for over twenty-five years, amassing thousands of hours in front of airshow fans all over North America. The team flys the North American AT-6 Texan, nicknamed "The Pilot Maker," which first appeared in 1938.

This year's show will feature Skip Stewart's Prometheus BiPlane.

This flying machine looks like a good old American hot rod and Skip Stewart has proven to be one of the most entertaining airshow pilots in the world today.

There are approximately 35,000 active skydivers in North America, and only 15% are women! The Misty Blues Jump, affectionately known as the "Mistys Team", is 100% women and will be performing this year at the Hammond Airshow.

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EDGE August | September 2021

Greg Shelton Airshows features pilot, Greg Shelton, and wing walker, Ashley Shelton. Greg has been performing an aerobatic air show routine in the Wildcat since 2007 and was awarded the 2016 ICAS Platinum Pinnacle Award for Innovation and the 2018 Bill Barber Award for Showmanship.

Drag Racing excitement is here! Hammond will host the world's fastest semi, the one and only Shockwafe Jet Truck. Get ready for more fire, more smoke, more speed, and more fun!

While these are just some of the highlighted performers for the Airshow, there is so much more for families on the Airshow grounds.

There will be a number of food and beverage options being sold by local non-profit organizations.

“This is truly a family affair,” said Airshow Foundation President Guy Recotta. “In addition to the great airshow acts and wonderful food, we will have a Kid’s Village with special event fun and unlike most airshows, admission to the Kid’s Village will be completely free.”

Mayor Panepinto also knows and recognizes that such a massive event takes sponsors committed to the community and many community volunteers.

“Once again when we asked for help to get the Airshow back in the air, our generous community responded. A special thank you to First Guaranty Bank for being our presenting sponsor again this year. I continue to be amazed at the number of great people and businesses we have in our community.”

For tickets and current information on the Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow visit hammondairshow.com

EDGE August | September 2021

041

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EDGE August | September 2021

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EDGE August | September 2021

043

EDGEatorial

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF

CANCER CARE

STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH

T

here are many advantages to living on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain versus New Orleans – from affordable housing to less traffic and crime to enviable proximity to wildlife and nature – but one aspect that used to give people considerable pause was access to quality healthcare.

The prospect of having to make the long journey across the Causeway for the best physicians and the latest technology and treatments was a daunting one, but thanks to the strategic partnership between Ochsner Health and St. Tammany Health System (STHS), launched in 2014, high quality, comprehensive care is now mere minutes away. The

044

EDGE August | September 2021

latest – and most significant – benefit of this partnership is the brand new St. Tammany Cancer Center, A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center .

Located at the intersection of Ochsner Boulevard and Highway 21, just off I-12 in Covington, the 75,000-squarefoot, $50 million facility – designed by the same architect responsible for the recent Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center expansion – offers unprecedented Northshore access to cancer care through screening and prevention, a wide array of cutting edge treatments and technology, and expanded opportunities to participate in clinical trials. All of this, plus doctors, clinicians, and support specialists are all conveniently housed under one roof to treat all aspects of even the most complex cancers, and to streamline care for the patient.

According to Dr. Brian Moore, Director of the Ochsner Cancer Institute, “This facility provides a space for the teams of experts to evaluate patients and work together to deliver a treatment plan, and then work very closely together to execute that treatment plan. They come from various disciplines right next to each other, or right around the hall from one another, so that they can ask questions, address issues in a timely fashion, and deliver contemporary cancer care to their patients.”

Along with more familiar procedures like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, St. Tammany Cancer Center, A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center also offers options like hyperthermia, photodynamic therapy, and laser treatment. Plus, its association with the largest clinical trials network in Louisiana will allow qualifying patients to receive some of the very latest drugs and procedures.

“Within the Ochsner Cancer Institute, we have a broader array of clinical trials that go beyond those that exist in our shared national clinical oncology research program portfolio,” Dr. Moore explains. “In many cases, it offers drugs in national clinical trials, or even international clinical trials, that have shown great capability in the lab and the patients on some of the phase one trials have seen some amazing responses over the years. St. Tammany Cancer Center, A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center directly connects those trial offerings to patients on the Northshore.”

St. Tammany Cancer Center, A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center also boasts some of the latest, most innovative technology, like the Vision RT system in its radiation therapy center. This advanced technology allows for adjustments and more accurate targeting of the radiation beams, allowing a more precise delivery of those beams to the cancer, while protecting the surrounding tissue and structures.

As Western medicine has embraced a more holistic philosophy in recent years, conventional and alternative treatments have begun to converge. Incorporating “healing arts” has been a longtime priority for both STHS and Ochsner, and this facility takes it to the next level. Much like the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center in New Orleans, and other acclaimed institutions, like M.D. Anderson in Texas and Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York, this facility offers complementary cancer therapies that consider the entire patient, administered by individuals who have advanced training in each discipline.

St. Tammany Cancer Center, A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center ’s “Lagniappe Services” wing houses a whole range of offerings that go beyond standard cancer care, including a therapeutic food pantry filled with fresh produce and other healthy choices, and a spa-like boutique with a selection of wigs, cosmetics and prostheses for patients undergoing cancer treatment. There are also dedicated spaces for yoga, acupuncture, physical therapy, nutritionistled cooking classes and peer/support group meetings.

EDGE August | September 2021

045

“With a cancer diagnosis, you need to move at an efficient, quick pace to get the appropriate answers, complete the workup, develop and initiate the treatment plan and potentially lead to a cure,” Dr. Moore continues. “Having multidisciplinary teams work together ensures that patients receive a truly balanced, contemporary recommendation, a well-executed treatment plan and support. We want our patients to return to a post-treatment life that’s close to, if not better than, life prior to their diagnosis.”

In addition to its modern medical innovations, St. Tammany Cancer Center, A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center is designed to create a less clinical, more welcoming, healing aesthetic with its clean architectural lines, calming blue and green hues and natural wood accents, plus plenty of windows and skylights that provide an abundance of natural light. To further enhance the overall experience for patients, visitors and colleagues of the center, its walls are adorned with $75,000 worth of original local art, procured by St. Tammany Hospital Foundation’s Healing Arts Initiative committee.

Of these efforts, Dr. Moore says, “We wanted to make this terrible experience a little less so for our cancer patients. We looked nationwide to try to bring in some of the best design principles of recent construction projects, while at the same time preserving some of the uniqueness of St. Tammany Parish.”

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Community outreach has long been a priority for both Ochsner and STHS. Together, they have declared a goal to exponentially increase cancer screenings and early intervention through screening events and education. One significant step towards this objective is the purchase and outfitting of a mobile screening vehicle, which currently contains the latest mammography capabilities, but will eventually be used to screen for other cancers, as well.

The shared investment in the community, healthcare, and now, specifically in cancer care, demonstrates that this partnership between Ochsner and STHS is dedicated to improving health and wellbeing on the Northshore. The ongoing growth and evolution of their tandem efforts, through ever-expanding services and technology, and the recruitment of more and more highly qualified specialists to this region, are sure to continue enhancing the lives of local citizens for decades to come.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: St. Tammany Cancer Center, A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center 900 Ochsner Blvd., Covington, LA 70433 985-249-2383

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.

JJ Martinez, AuD., CCC-A, FAAA Board Certified in Audiology

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

What’s Your Story?

985.773.2227 joeltreadwell.com

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DEW DROP SOCIAL

AND BENEVOLENT HALL: If yoU know, yoU know

STORY JULIA WATSON PHOTOS ABBY SANDS

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n the heart of Mandeville one might stumble across the Dew Drop Social and Benevolent Hall, a hidden gem filled with history. Many are unaware of this priceless wooden building which houses an immense amount of culture. This discreet venue is more than just a place where visitors and locals can enjoy good tunes, it has a personality of its own.

It all started in 1895 when a group of African Americans opened the Dew Drop. Its purpose was to raise funds for needy individuals amongst their community, but it soon became a popular destination for all lovers of jazz music.

As New Orleans jazz music spread like wildfire, the Dew Drop Jazz Hall became more popular. It became a meeting place for people both within and outside of the community to enjoy dancing and live music. Jazz musicians and bands would ride the ferry from New Orleans on Friday nights and perform all night long not only to raise money, but to appreciate this amazing new music genre.

In its heyday, artists such as Kid Ory, Papa Celestin, Bunk Johnson, Buddy Petit, Andy Anderson and a young Louis Armstrong all spent time at the Dew Drop. In fact, the green shotgun house across from the Dew Drop was the Anderson summer cottage, where musicians would go to get ready before performing.

The steps taken to create the magic behind the Dew Drop make it even more special. If it weren’t for a community coming together to help one another, we wouldn’t have the pleasure of appreciating its history. What was once a safe haven for the community has morphed into a mark in history that continues to celebrate its cultural background and the growth of New Orleans jazz.

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PHOTO BY ANGIE FEEMSTER

Today, the Dew Drop is operated by the non-profit organization Friends of the Dew Drop. Its mission is to preserve the Dew Drop Jazz Hall whilst continuing its legacy through promoting its importance in the culture of Mandeville. The mystique feelings that run through the building intrigue artists from all over to come perform.

“There’s a very palpable spirit within that building that you feel when you’re there; the musicians feel it too.” said Dennis Schaibly, Vice Chairman of Friends of the Dew Drop. Schaibly recalled an instance where the spirit within the Dew Drop truly showed its colors. He began by discussing many attempts at getting famous blues artist Chris Thomas King to perform at the Dew. After a while, the award-winning artist finally agreed to a show right here in Mandeville.

However, neither Schaibly nor King’s knew how impactful his visit to the Dew Drop would be. After the magnificent performance ended and the crowd dwindled, Lynn Mitchell, Dennis Schaibly and Chris Thomas King were the last people remaining. King was taking his time in packing up while simultaneously embracing the ambience within the building until he took a moment to sit down in the far back corner of the room. After moments of soaking it all in, he approached the stage and said, “When you asked me to perform here, I was sure I’d never heard of this place.

But the longer I stand in this room, I can remember sitting

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in that back corner listening to my dad play here.” This was a full circle moment and confirmed the liveliness and impact this old wooden building continues to have not only on the audience but also the musicians.

To support the Dew Drop Jazz Hall is to support the preservation of this historic music venue as well as emerging jazz artists and music education as 100% of proceeds go toward these causes. The Dew Drop has flourished into a place where all people can congregate to appreciate live music as well as fresh food from the Mission Baptist Church.

Whether you prefer sitting inside for an intimate show or congregating outside for more social interaction, the Dew Drop offers both as it includes a listening room with windows that carry the music outside.

Northshore native and Dew Drop regular Pier Faget Jenkins bragged about the intimacy that lies within the venue. “When we are lucky enough to get seats inside the building, it feels like a private concert. Once the music begins, within a moment or two, friends and strangers are swaying to the rhythm in unison. It’s a really special experience and a treasure to our community.” She later explained her gratitude for the Dew Drop and how important it is to visit when given the opportunity.

The Dew Drop performances are typically on an “if you know, you know” basis, but it truly is a treat if you stumble across this diamond in the rough. This rustic building is an extraordinary place for reasons beyond the unique concerts held within. While participating in a performance at the Dew Drop, musicians, jazz music fans and preservationists grow a new appreciation for this historical venue and its impact on the growth of New Orleans jazz music. Every experience at the Dew Drop is incomparable, you can

only get an experience like this right here in the heart of Mandeville.

However, the Dew Drop is recognized as the world’s oldest unaltered rural jazz hall and landed a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. It reaches a much farther audience than one might think. In fact, people outside of the United States are usually more familiar with the Dew Drop. So much so that every year a large group of people from the United Kingdom travel across the globe specifically to attend French Quarter Fest and a show at the Dew Drop Jazz Hall.

After taking a year-long break from holding lively Jazz concerts, the Dew Drop is finally getting back to the basics.

People can expect live music at the Dew Drop to return this September! This world-renowned music venue is right at our fingertips and its presence should not go unnoticed.

Whether you live on the Northshore or have traveled from another country, everyone should experience the unmatched performances that happen within that century old building.

Like I said before, the Dew Drop is an “if you know you know” place. If you didn’t know before, now you know.

PHOTO BY ANGIE FEEMSTER

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COMMUNITY LEADERS

Mark Johnson City of Covington Mayor

Clay Madden City of Mandeville Mayor

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John Wharton Collins laid out the streets of downtown Covington almost one hundred years before the invention of the automobile. Most of our residential streets and avenues were also laid out before the invention of the automobile. In the 19th century, the center of commerce was the Landing at the foot of Columbia Street. As a bustling port city in 1816, Covington shipped, “cotton, beef, neat, pork, hides, cheese, lumber, pitch, tar, lime … and all kinds of poultry.”

In 1887 the center of commerce moved to Gibson Street with the arrival of the train. The original depot was located on the corner of Gibson and New Hampshire, slightly askew but in front of Brook’s Bike Shop.

All of this growth made sewer treatment necessary. In the early days, there was none. As of 1905 the Council passed an ordinance requiring all cesspools and stockyards in downtown be disinfected every 7 days – either drained or covered with coal oil. It was then forbidden to drain cesspools into the streets. This was a good thing.

At some unknown point in time, the Division of Spring (think near St. Paul’s) began the installation of sewer pipe. This pipe was made from layers of ground wood pulp fibers compressed with and bound by a water resistant adhesive then impregnated with liquefied coal tar pitch. It was invented in the 1860’s and was widely installed in the 20th century until the advent of PVC in the 1970’s. It is called orangeburg pipe because it was made in Orangeburg, New York.

Today, we the City of Covington, still have areas serviced by orangeburg. One might say we’ve gotten our money’s worth out of it. It is also why, as with other cities our age, replacing aging sewer lines remains a priority.

As I present my budget for the upcoming 2021/22 fiscal year, I want to share with you that my vision as mayor is for Mandeville to always be the best place to live and raise a family; to preserve, protect, and enhance of our quality of life through public safety, a strong financial position, ease of access and travel, beautiful environmental landscapes, adequately funded and maintained infrastructure, recreational opportunities, and cultural activities for all. Below are some budget highlights.

Sales tax accounts for approximately 71% of budget revenues. As of May, those revenues are 15.5% higher than last year. Property tax revenues are a smaller portion of budget, at $1.9 million.

The City’s total assessed value increased by almost 11% between 2019 and 2020.

To the credit of the Mandeville Police Department, we live in one of the safest cities in the Gulf South. This budget will provide for upgrades to our police fleet, equipment, and technology. We also welcome our new police chief, Mr. Todd Schliem.

Infrastructure projects of note include the Highway 190/Highway 22 interchange improvements, Highway 190 median project study, Monroe Street/East Approach intersection improvements, design of a Highway 22 drainage improvement project, and a citywide culvert evaluation/replacement project. A capital roadway maintenance contract will allow the City to be more proactive in addressing ditch work. This budget will also fund upgrades to technology in the Public Works Department to greatly improve our work order system and communications between Public Works and our citizens.

The budget will include funds for the design of two shoreline protection projects, one for each side of the City, and a resiliency plan that will provide a starting point for long term water management.

Code enforcement is essential to our quality of life. The operating budget will add a new police officer to aid in more proactive code enforcement initiatives and priorities.

There is a new line item in the budget: $3 million requested for land acquisition, as we return to annually budgeting funds for land acquisition for water management, greenspace, and parks.

Beautification remains a top priority and we will continue to provide our citizens with additional beautification projects in the coming year.

Please visit the cityofmandeville.com for additional information on the budget and upcoming budget meetings.

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TICKETS

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Water 056

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rways

PHOTO BY JERRY COTTRELL EDGE August | September 2021

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Note from the ganizers: The exhibition is part of Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. To learn more about Water/Ways and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions, visit www.museumonmainstreet.org.

Support for MoMS has been provided by the U.S. Congress. This Smithsonian Institution Museum on Main Street (MoMs) Water/Ways tour is part of the BHP-funded project, Coastal Impacts: An Integrated Approach for Community Adaptation, Understanding, and Planning, which assists local communities to build intergenerational coastal literacy through community conversations around books, film, and exhibitions, fostering greater understanding of and support for coastal restoration projects. SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for 65 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science and history, which

STORY LIVE BUTERA PHOTOS LOUISIANA PONTCHARTRAIN BASIN MARITIME MUSEUM

“I

say water, you say _____” I recently asked twenty or so people this question. Most of the responses ranged from “life”, “calm”, “history” to “destruction” and “turmoil.” I sat down with the director of the Louisiana Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum and asked the same question. “For me? Enjoyment,” said Jim MacPherson, an answer you would expect to hear from someone who runs the state’s only maritime museum.

Water is the subject at hand in the upcoming Smithsonian exhibition coming to Louisiana Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum. Water/Ways, a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street (MoMS) program, will be on view August 28th through October 9th.

“The Smithsonian’s Water/Ways exhibition dives into water–an essential component of life on our planet, environmentally, culturally, and historically. In societies across the globe, water serves as a source of peace and contemplation. Many faiths revere water as a sacred symbol.

Authors and artists are inspired by the complex character of water – a substance that is seemingly soft and graceful that is yet a powerful and nearly unstoppable force. Water/ Ways explores the endless motion of the water cycle, water’s effect on landscape, settlement and migration, and its

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are shown wherever people live, work and play. For exhibition description and tour schedules, visit www.sites.si.edu.

impact on culture and spirituality. It looks at how political and economic planning have long been affected by access to water and control of water resources. Human creativity and resourcefulness provide new ways of protecting water resources and renewing respect for the natural environment.”

– Smithsonian Institution Museum on Main Street The Louisiana Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum was chosen to host Water/Ways by the exhibition sponsor Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. “We are honored and excited for this opportunity. We are a small town museum, so to be selected for a Smithsonian exhibit is pretty important to us.” – Jim MacPherson. The exhibit will be running at the same time as the museum’s annual Wooden Boat Festival which was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. The museum hopes this serendipitous timing will draw new crowds to the museum and bring exposure to all the institution has to offer.

The Madisonville museum is stop number two out of five for Water/Ways in the state of Louisiana. The exhibition, which will run for six weeks, will focus on a variety of themes including: “A Water Planet,” “Where is Our Water?,”“What’s a Watershed?,” “Water and Humanity,” “Availability of Water,” “Water as a Critical Resource,” “Harnessing the Power of Water,” and “Climate and Water.” The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, in cooperation with Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, will examine water as an environmental necessity and an important cultural element. The exhibit will be heavily interactive

allowing for rumination and personal reflection for the audience. In other words, it is going to hit home for us.

Louisiana is one of the top ten states for the highest percentage of water. With over 17% of our state’s total area covered by water, Louisianians have a multifaceted relationship with it. Many of us live near or on the water. We boast the catchphrase “Sportsman’s Paradise.”

Louisiana residents enjoy all the sports and activities that come with coastal living. Louisiana is the second largest seafood producer with more than 850 million pounds of seafood each year. Water in our state produces jobs, entices tourism, and feeds our families. But as we know all too well, water can bring destruction and loss. “Water affects everyone’s personalities in different ways, especially here on the Northshore. This exhibit delves into all those aspects,” noted MacPherson.

Water/Ways is a core component of the Smithsonian’s thinkWater project. “thinkWater offers an opportunity to explore water from both scientific and cultural perspectives through a variety of programmatic opportunities. The project offers the Smithsonian’s state partners an opportunity to feature not just a traveling exhibition, but also a wide array of programs to maximize interest in water.” – Smithsonian Institution Museum on Main Street The Maritime Museum will be working with the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Museum on Main Street, and the St. Tammany Library to produce a wide array of public programming to coincide with the exhibit.

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COMMUNITY LEADERS

Greg Cromer City of Slidell Mayor

Robby Miller Tangipahoa Parish President

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Another hurricane season is upon us and I encourage everyone to start making preparations now. One of the most important things you can do is stay informed. As in years past, we will post all emergency information to our city website, Facebook and Twitter SOS account.

One of the easiest ways to stay updated is by signing up for email notifications on our website, MySlidell.com. It’s as easy as clicking on “Suscribe” at the top of the page and entering your email address.

Information is also posted on our social media pages. General news and emergency news is posted at the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” Facebook page and emergency news can be found at @SlidellSOS on Twitter. To be notified via text or email when something is posted on the @SlidellSOS page, visit Enabling Mobile Notifications under the Twitter Help Center for more information.

All of these services can be accessed from virtually anywhere, whether it’s a cell phone, desktop, laptop or tablet. Even if you evacuate, you can still get continuous updates about Slidell. I encourage you to take advantage of these useful capabilities.

Great things are happening here in Tangipahoa Parish!

As we head into the late summer/early fall months, the optimism is contagious because we can see progress everywhere we turn!

School is back in session, and our students are returning to in-person classes. Classes are back at Southeastern Louisiana University, and the hustle and bustle of all of that traffic is a welcome sign of “normal” in our parish.

Speaking of “welcome signs,” everywhere we turn we see building and additional investments in our community. The Medline project on the east side of Hammond is progressing nicely. Once online, that facility will mean hundreds of jobs for our region. We recently celebrated the opening of several medical/healthcare facilities in our parish. Retail investment continues to be a strong economic driver in Tangipahoa, and we are excited to see several new restaurants and shopping opportunities opening their doors in the next several weeks.

This progress points to many new opportunities for our residents and future residents.

If you are looking for work, we have some great job openings here in Tangipahoa. Reach out to our Geaux Jobs office in Hammond if you are looking for work, or speak with our job counselors about how you can better market yourself for a great position in the local workforce. You can also reach out to them online at http://geauxjobs.org.

Like I always say, great things are happening in Tangipahoa! If you want to learn more, check out our website at www.Tangipahoa.org.

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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

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We are looking for local business and professional leaders who have achieved success and excellence in their field or shown amazing potential at an early stage of their career. Nominees must be under 40 on December 1, 2021 and live and work on the Northshore. Beginning on August 1st, EDGE of the Lake will be accepting nominations for our 2021 Forty under 40 awards. To nominate someone go to edgeofthelake.com and fill out the nomination form.

Nominations end September 15th. Winners will be notified in early October

DECEMBER 2020 | JANUARY 2021

and the winners will be featured in our December/January issue.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS We were pleased to partner with Edge of Lake magazine in recognition of the first formally recognized Forty under 40 honorees in 2020, and look forward to celebrating with both the 2020 and 2021 classes of honorees at a live and in-person celebration later this year. Who are the emerging, rising professionals that you have the privilege to work with in building the future economy and quality of life on the north shore? Now is your chance to nominate one or more of them for this honor.

- Lacey Osborne President and CEO

The Franklnton Chamber is proud to be part of the business community in Washington Parish. We are excited to sponsor Northshore Media’s Northshore Forty Under 40 awards.

The Tangipahoa Chamber welcomes the opportunity to partner with Edge of the Lake magazine to recognize the achievements of the next class of Forty under 40 honorees.

We encourage our members and the community to nominate young professionals in our area. Go to edgeofthelake.com and fill out the application.

So many young people come to Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, fall in love with our community and stay here! We love that they choose to make Tangipahoa Parish the place to live, work, play and raise a family.

- Seth Descant President

Help us cheer them on by nominating leaders who are making a difference in their professional field and in our community.

- Melissa T. Bordelon President and CEO

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HOME ✔ In-Home Care ✔ Elder Care ✔ Respite Care ✔ Special Need Care ✔ Emergency Response

WITH AGE COMES WISDOM, WITH CARE, INC. COMES SECURITY!

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Odd &

Obscure

5 NORTHSHORE ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS

PHOTO BY JERRY COTTRELL

STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH PHOTOS SAWYER SMITH

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h, the old family road trip of yesteryear. People still take them, of course, but in our fast-paced world, we often opt for the fastest route to our final destination, skipping over some of the unusual roadside gems that dot the American landscape. Much like Clark Griswold’s fascination with the world’s “second largest ball of twine” from the classic summer movie Vacation, sometimes you’ve got to make a point to seek out lesser-known, unconventional points of interest.

Luckily, you don’t have to drive across the country, or even across the state, to do this. I’ve visited and mapped out some interesting attractions right here in the Northshore region. You can visit them individually at random, or follow this geographical clockwise order that starts in Covington and ends in Slidell. But, be sure to take some fun, picture-postcard snapshots for posterity!

WORLD’S LARGEST REAGAN STATUE COVINGTON

If you’ve ever been to the Covington Trailhead, you may have noticed an almost ten-foot-tall statue of a man atop a pedestal that towers over the greenspace. The gentleman, clad in a business suit and giving a dignified military salute, is none other than our 40th president, Ronald Reagan. He was born in IIllinois, and other than his double stint in the White House from 1981-1989, he was a lifelong Californian, where he was a movie star, governor, and finally, a retired resident. So, why is the world’s largest statue of him located in Covington, Louisiana?

Taylor Energy Company was also an incredibly generous philanthropist. His foundation continues to donate to a dizzying array of causes – from supporting the military and law enforcement to promoting the arts to addressing diversity and poverty issues. But his greatest passion was education – which is why he developed a statewide tuition assistance program, now known as the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, or TOPS. Yes, that TOPS! If you read up on Mr. Taylor, his enormous contributions to the state of Louisiana, and his foundation’s continued philanthropic endeavors, you’ll wonder if someone is ever going to erect a statue of him, as well!

OLD HARDHIDE PONCHATOULA

It’s unclear exactly what prompted city officials to build an alligator cage in the middle of downtown Ponchatoula in 1975, but apparently, the original resident, nicknamed Old Hardhide, was a 12-foot beast that either the police chief or mayor had pulled from the swamp. It’s said that he was so popular that his funeral drew thousands of mourners and gained national and international attention. Back then, the cage was awfully sparse and tiny, but today’s facility has had considerable expansions and upgrades, and now suprasses federal recommendations.

Since the passing of the original Old Hardhide, the Kliebert family, of Kliebert and Sons Gator Tours in Ponchatoula, has been in charge of supplying and caring for the succession of new gators, and they have prompted the improvements to the habitat, located at 114 NE Railroad Avenue. It’s considerably larger and features a gator den for protection from the cold water supplied by a spring well that remains between 68-74 degrees, plus carefully chosen local flora and tropical plants to give the place a homey feel.

–

My quest to get to the bottom of this led to an unexpected discovery that lends even more importance to this particular structure. The story goes that at the ceremony that officially changed the name of a stretch of Highway 190 in St. Tammany Parish to Ronald Reagan Highway, a wealthy gentleman named Patrick F. Taylor (1937-2004) showed up and mentioned his desire to build the largest memorial to President Reagan, whom he both knew and revered. A local official suggested Covington.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t blown away by that anticlimactic story, until I learned more about Mr. Taylor. He wasn’t just any wealthy gentleman – he was a self-made oil tycoon who was on the “Forbes 400” list of the wealthiest Americans.

While this was quite an accomplishment in and of itself, the LSU graduate and chairman, president, and CEO of

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Much like LSU’s “Mike the Tiger,” each new gator just adopts the original name. In 2012, T-Mike Kliebert chose a female from the family alligator farm to take up the mantle. Hatched by his grandpa back in 1957, this first ever lady Hardhide was chosen because she won’t outgrow the enclosure. Plus, as a former “performer” whose many scars prove she endured the rigors of mating and dealing with other surly gators, she now gets her own retirement home, complete with regular checkups and special food delivery, courtesy of T-Mike.

In recent years, a few people voiced their concerns for Old Hardhide, and wondered if it was time to release her.

T-Mike personally met with some of these individuals, and explained to them – and to me, recently – that when it comes to gators, “Once they’re captive, they have to stay captive. They lose their natural fear of humans. She’s now accustomed to not only people, but traffic noises and even trains.”

T-Mike says he understands people’s concern, but insists he has their best interests at heart, adding, “I love my gators like you love your dog or cat. She’s very happy where she is.”

Plans are underway to not only further upgrade the habitat, but T-Mike hopes to start hosting Q&A sessions during Old Hardhide’s feedings to educate and engage the community.

BRITNEY SPEARS MUSEUM KENTWOOD

No matter your opinion of Britney Spears, her music, or the controversy surrounding her conservatorship, there’s no denying that this little Louisiana girl pretty much set the pop music world on fire as a teen, and has reached icon status in

the ensuing decades. It’s no wonder her hometown honors her with a museum.

Okay, so it’s a bit inaccurate to call it the Britney Spears Museum. Technically, it’s the Kentwood Historical and Cultural Museum, located at 204 Avenue E, mere blocks off the Kentwood exit on I-55. But, while it also pays homage EDGE August | September 2021

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to the town’s history, culture, and less famous local residents – the main attraction is definitely the four-room quadrant that honors Britney.

The slightly shabby interior of this “vintage” building requires a hardy, dedicated curator who’s willing to lovingly maintain it – and do the occasional battle with spiders and fire ants. Fay Gehringer fits the bill perfectly, and she graciously conducted our little tour, injecting warmth, familiarity, and little tidbits of trivia that only an old Spears family friend could provide.

The museum houses an impressive array of awards and other career achievements – like iconic MTV surfboards and framed gold records – plus famous, well-worn tour props, including her enormous angel wings from the 2011 Femme Fatale tour and the giant bejeweld umbrella, upon which she descended from the rafters during her 2009 Circus tour.

Most endearing, however, are the recreation of the

childhood bedroom where her first Rolling Stone magazine shoot took place, and the plethora of fan-donated memorabilia. One fan built and shipped an elaborate, dollsized replica of a stage from her 2001 tour, complete with working lights and sound. Another, who was nearing the end of his life, donated his lovingly amassed, sizable collection of keepsakes. Fans are welcome – and in fact, encouraged – to donate any items they would like to become a permanent part of the exhibit.

Official hours are supposed to be Monday-Friday, 10am3pm, but be sure to call ahead and confirm with Mrs. Fay at (985) 229-4656, and visit kentwoodmuseum.tripod.com for details and directions. And just FYI, if you feel like making a day of it, a quick Google search can yield an entire tour map of various other local points of interest – from Britney’s childhood home, current family estate, and even her favorite Sonic.

LOUISIANA CASTLE FRANKLINTON

A medieval castle in the woods of Louisiana? Sure, why not? But, then again -- why?

It all started when, as a young man, Dr. Mark Belcher watched the old Charlton Heston movie, The War Lord, then toured Europe. He became enthralled with majestic ancient fortified structures and, upon returning home, he drew up some sketches and rudimentary blueprints, but he was not content to simply daydream about such a project.

In 1983, he bought a 10-acre property in Franklinton, and after six years of clearing the land, and two additional years of construction, he turned that dream into a reality. He and his new bride finally moved in, and became king and queen of the castle. Their reign ended when they sold it to its current owners in 1999, however, and it’s now open for mere peasants like us to host weddings or other special events, or to tour upon request.

While some indoor and outdoor event spaces have been altered or added to accommodate up to 350 guests at the 100-125 annual weddings held here, the castle itself remains dedicated to its original purpose -- replicating the real thing.

Full of dramatic archways and curved brick walls (some of which are two-and-a-half feet thick), there’s also a dungeon, drawbridge, and authentic-looking custom doors at the front entrance and study -- weighing 350 and 200 pounds, respectively -- made from reclaimed wood from old New Orleans buildings that were torn down for the 1984 World’s Fair.

Some of the other interior highlights include a hisand-hers throne, full-sized knight’s armor, custom spiral staircase, lighting fixtures and chandeliers from real-live English castles, a replica of Queen Elizabeth’s bedroom, and a Juliet suite, complete with a balcony, fit for star-crossed Shakepearean lovers. (As a cool bonus, some packages allow the bride and groom to stay in this suite and reign in the castle for the night.)

No weddings or special events on your calendar? If the iron gates at 47168 Highway 10 are open and no function is in progress, curious tourists are welcome to pull in to view and take pictures of the Castle and its gorgeous outdoor features, including waterfall, lily pond, and al fresco chapel.

The saying at the Castle is “if the gates are open, they will come” -- and they do. Proprietors ask that you please just make sure no function is happening. To schedule a tour of the inside -- or to discuss hosting an event -- call (985) 839-9988, email Castleinfo@aol.com, or visit www.

LouisianaCastle.com.

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JAYNE MANSFIELD CRASH SITE SLIDELL (ADJACENT)

This next stop feeds into my affinity for both old Hollywood and the macabre, so reader, beware!

If you’re not “of a certain age” or into pop culture of yesteryear, you may not know who Jayne Mansfield was, so let’s review. This stunningly buxom blonde bombshell made a name for herself as an actress, Playboy Playmate, and all around sex symbol in the 1950s and 60s. Her platinum hair, plunging necklines, and infamous Pink Palace -- her garishly decorated Hollywood home -- all helped to establish her over-the-top persona. Though she was a classically trained pianist and reportedly had an IQ of 163, she was primarily known for her sex kitten image and 40-22-35 physique, which earned her the rather crude moniker, “poor man’s Marilyn Monroe.”

When film roles grew scarce, the 34-year-old hit the road with a cabaret act, and in late June of 1967, while in the middle of a 12-day engagement at Gus Stevens’ Seafood Restaurant and Buccaneer Lounge in Biloxi, she decided to make a post-show, late night drive to New Orleans in advance of an appearance on WDSU the next day. Jayne, her boyfriend/attorney, a 20-year-old driver, and three of her young children -- including Law & Order SVU’s Mariska Hargitay -- headed west on Highway 90 in a Buick Electra. After crossing the Rigolets bridge and rounding

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a curve, they encountered a tractor trailer truck that had slowed down behind a mosquito spraying truck. Because of the fog from the insecticide and their alarming speed (80 miles per hour on the dark, twisting road!), they crashed with such force that the car went partially beneath the semi.

At around 2:25am, the three adults in the front seat were killed instantly. Luckily, all three children, who had been sleeping in the back seat, escaped with relatively minor injuries, but the horrific head trauma suffered by their mother dislodged her wig, leading first responders to erroneously report that she was decapitated. She met a tragic and gruesome end, but in addition to her enduring iconic image and her daughter’s success, Mansfield’s legacy stretches even further. Ever since her accident, semi-trucks are required to have a “Mansfield bar” -- the reflector-tapeadorned steel bar below their rear bumpers -- to prevent similar tragedies.

If you’d like to pay your respects -- we left a bouquet of “prima donna pink” flowers -- the memorial typically shows up on GPS maps, or just head for the Island Marina at 26204 Chef Menteur Highway, and look for it right across the road. Yes, it’s technically in New Orleans, contrary to many reports, but at a mere seven miles outside the St. Tammany Parish line, we’ll just call it Northshore adjacent!

Lagn appe White Linen and l

“Anticipation”

by Keith Dellsperger 2021 Poster Artist

Saturday, August 14, 2021 ◆ Olde Towne Slidell 6-9 pm ◆ Free Admission! ◆ (985) 646-4375 Slidell Historic Antique Association

Olde Towne Slidell Merchants Association

MAKEUP BY KISMET’S ARTIST HOPE HANSON MODELS EMILY, ELIZABETH & AVA CERAVOLO

Introducing Your

Daughter to Makeup

STORY CAITLAN PICOU PHOTOS JOEL TREADWELL

D

o you remember your first makeup purchase with your mother? I bet you do. I do. My mom took me to the Clinique counter at the Lakeside Mall. I was entering 7th grade and about 13 years old, going on 30. I’m sure my mom was thrilled.

We walked out of there with two things: a lightweight powder foundation and a dual eyeshadow of a light and dark purple. We had no idea what we were doing. Not a clue.

Like with every new generation, trends change and what is ‘cool’ to the teenagers of today isn’t what we can begin to understand. But one thing I do know as a mom, is that passing on these fun beauty traditions is a right of passage. I just began taking my four year old daughter, Ruby, with me to get our nails done.

I do not know who enjoys it more, me or her. Just seeing the smile on her face and getting some precious one-on-one time with her is something I will always cherish. Ruby gets to feel grown-up for a moment with Mommy, while I get to take mental snapshots to store away forever.

As she grows older, I know alone time will be harder to come by. Now, I do not pretend to know what it is like to have a teenager, God Bless all of you out there raising them. But as a Makeup Artist, I do have advice for making the introduction to makeup a memorable one. Make it an educational event. Don’t let her discover makeup on YouTube. Make an experience for you both.

Find a local makeup artist and ask them to spend time with you and your daughter to educate y’all on the proper makeup techniques. Find a place that sells makeup so you can not only learn about it, but make that very first makeup purchase together. Your daughter will remember this moment forever. Make it a true mother/daughter bonding experience you will never forget. Because whether you like it or not, she is growing up fast. But you taking the time to show her something new in her little world will do wonders.

If you are looking to setup a makeup party for your daughter, Kismet is happy to help!

In March of 2020, when COVID-19 brought the world to a halt, artists and arts organizations found a way to bring people together through the arts. “Reinvention: Creative Pivots in the Pandemic” presents an exploration of the resilience of the arts community. Creators embraced the opportunity to experiment with new media, techniques, styles and content, and they found innovative new ways to share their talents.

Through the madness of the pandemic shutdowns, the arts brought much-needed joy and hope. These are the artists. These are their stories.

SLIDELL CULTURAL CENTER AT CITY HALL 1055 Second St. in Olde Towne · On view through Friday, August 27 Gallery hours Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 2 pm and by appointment

MEET THE ARTISTS Wednesday, August 11, 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the Slidell Cultural Center

EXTENDED HOURS DURING WHITE LINEN AND LAGNIAPPE NIGHT Saturday, August 14, 5 to 9 pm with time capsule submissions at St. Tammany Chamber, 2220 Carey Street The community is invited to share notes for inclusion in a Covid 19 time capsule, documenting these unprecedented times for future generations.

All events are free and open to the public.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS Connie Born · Mary Christopher · Charlotte Lowry Collins · Robert Dutruch Vanessa Hock · Kelly Landrum-Hammell · Matt Litchliter · Mandie Manzano Al Reisz · Rose Marie Sand · Abby Sands · Kim Bergeron, Curator Plus a 3-D animated music video featuring local musician Savej and Austrian artist TAS This event is supported by a grant from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation.

Funding for the event time capsule is provided by St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs.

We are grateful for the support of these event sponsors:

Featured artwork: Sims’ Grace, Charlotte Lowry-Collins; Kintsugi Art, Pandemic Redemption, Al Reisz; Family, Mary Christopher; Still Above Water, Vanessa Hock

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My turn:

by Brent Belsom

ABOUT BRENT BELSOM In every issue, EDGE of the Lake invites a local chef or Restaurateur to visit another eatery on the Northshore. Brent Belsom is a restaurateur with multiple locations on the Northshore. He started in the restaurant industry in high school where he bused tables, then worked his way to bartender. He went to Southern Miss, and got a degree in hospitality management. Even in school he kept one hand in the restaurant industry, becoming a sous chef, and then taking a management position in a local eatery almost as soon as he graduated. In 2005 he left restaurants to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry. He could not quite get away from the food industry though, and opened his first restaurant in 2009, even though he was still working in oil and gas. He admits his first restaurant did not do so good, but he flipped that into another concept that he ran successfully for eight years and sold it. He says he really began to find success in 2012 when he took over the Abita Springs Café. They renovated, refined the menu to a “made from scratch” breakfast, and it took off immediately. Along with a business partner, he opened the Abita Roasting Company in Covington in in 2015. Now he is exploring a quick service, drive through concept called Abita Coffee Works.

I took Kyle, my business partner and my dad to eat lunch at Cucina Cangemi in Mandeville. I come from an Italian family, so I was curious to try an Italian inspired restaurant.

The décor inside was cool, hip and not what I expected. There is a bar area, a private dining room along with the traditional dining room. The menu was extensive, you could tell that they had a lot of old world influences. They mixed their food with modern flavors and definitely some Creole and Louisiana flavors. So, I would not describe them as authentic Italian, even though they have a lot of traditional Italian dishes, they also offer Mediterranean inspired dishes like Baba Ghanoush, Tabbouleh and Roasted Beet Hummus.

As we were eating lunch, we didn’t order cocktails but I noticed a full wine list along with a number of drink specials. For an appetizer, the first thing we got was a crab cake with a crawfish cream sauce. The crab cake was deep fried, and the batter came out perfect. It was thin and crunchy and loaded with crab. The sauce complimented the crab cakes without overpowering them. This was a hit around the table, we all enjoyed the crab cakes. We also got fried calamari. Same thing, thin, crispy batter perfectly cooked. As far as I was concerned, those two dishes were perfection.

For my entrée I got the spaghetti and meatballs with a side salad. The meatball was very flavorful, very good. The red gravy definitely had plenty of fresh herbs and fresh veggies. The sauce tasted homemade and sat on top of that spaghetti, which is good because I like a thicker sauce.

My business partner got the lasagna. I did not taste it, but he cleaned his plate. The presentation was beautiful. It came on this little oval platter, with melted cheese on top and covered with some red gravy.

My dad got a shrimp calzone and he loved it. I did get to taste that, and it was very good. The bread with the calzone and the bread they served at the table was this golden brown, garlicky bread that was tender in the middle and fluffy. I do not know if they are making that bread in-house, but it was really excellent.

Since this meal was for a review, I felt like I had to try to stuff down some dessert. They had cannolis. They came two to a plate.

I took one bite of it and I knew I had to box the other one up for my Italian mom. Her dad was always cooking at the house and I knew she needed to taste this cannoli. So, I brought it to her and she said it was the best cannoli she had tasted in a while.

She thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a restaurant I will go back to, everything we ate was delicious and the service was excellent. I think these guys went in there and said they were going to be a Louisiana influenced Italian restaurant and that’s what they are doing, and it works, and I would go back again and again.

Ashton Bedford, the junior high award winner, and Rhett Barker, the senior high award winner, both received the The District Attorney’s Award for the 2020-21 school year from Brother Raymond Bulliard, FSC President of Saint Paul’s School.

Global Wildlife recently celebrated their 30th anniversary and introduced their new president, Shelby Lacey, L-R Luibov Monada, Shelby Lacey and Taylor Hotop

Riley Kramer, pictured with Sheriff Randy Smith and Mark Baham, Executive Director of STARC, got to be Sheriff for the Day.

The St. Tammany Quality Network (STQN) presented its 2021 secondquarter Medical Director’s Award to Dr. Angela Buonagura.

Jeremiah Ice ribbon cutting.

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Sheriff Randy Smith, his wife Adele Bruce-Smith, Nick Richard and members of The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office participated in the 5th annual NAMIWalks.

Justin Clemmons ribbon cutting.

The St. John Fools of Misrule held their inaugural Fools Fest in downtown Covington.

EDGE August | September 2021

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Youth Service Bureau returned to Bogue Falaya Park for their annual Chef Soirée benefit.

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