Tangi Lifestyles Feb/Mar 2023

lifestyles

Its only February, but its already feeling a bit like Spring! Our calendar of events is bursting at the seams and life in Tangipahoa Parish is bustling! All our area’s fairs, festivals, and events are scheduled and ready for another spectacular year. Practically all these events benefit our local non-profit organizations which operate on very limited budgets. Your attendance and participation at these events allow them to serve our community so well. We hope you join us in attending and supporting these great events which bring our community together in fun fellowship with a charitable benefit.

In this issue of Tangi Lifestyles, we’re excited to celebrate this year’s Tangi Lifestyles Readers’ Choice Winners! Every issue of Tangi Lifestyles highlights some of the best that our area has to offer. The first issue of each year we reveal the local businesses that our readers choose as best of the best. We thank the thousands of you who took time to vote.

On behalf of our fellow business owners, we thank the residents of our parish for shopping locally, not only this past holiday season, but for all of 2022. When local businesses do well, they invest right back into our community. We hope you will all continue to promote local, as we at Northshore Media Group do in this magazine, and our local radio stations, Tangi 96.5, Kajun 107.1, and Boss 103.7/1400 AM.

Finally, with each new issue of Tangi Lifestyles, we receive wonderful feedback and appreciation from readers. The input we get from readers shapes our content. Please share your thoughts for stories at info@ tangilifestyles.com and send your pictures for our SEEN & HEARD section and your events for our calendar to events@ tangilifestyles.com. This magazine exists to celebrate what is great in the community we all choose to call home. Cheers to a strong start to 2023!!

On the Cover:

North Cypress Fitness Center's owners Dion Grossnickle and Rick Henry know the importantance of investing in the communities of Tangipahoa Parish. Giving back is an integral part of the Center and everyone benefits in the process. Learn more about North Cypress Fitness on page 8.

PUBLISHER

Northshore Media Group

Angela Blake

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS

Johnny Chauvin

Phillip Colwart

Riyen Helg

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Erin Bolton

Eloise Cottrell

Charles Dowdy

Nick Gagliano

Brian Shirey

Tara Bennett

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Erin Bolton

Debi Menasco

Rebecca Blossman-Ferran

Stephanie Miller

ADVERTISING

For advertising rates, call (985) 345-0060 info@tangilifestyles.com

CORRESPONDENCE

200 East Thomas St. Hammond LA 70401

Calendar submissions and “Seen and Heard” pictures may be emailed to events@tangilifestyles.com

February / March 2023 Volume 17, Issue 1

Tangi Lifestyles is a bi-monthly publication produced by Northshore Broadcasting, 200 East Thomas Street, Hammond, LA 70401. All rights reserved. Tangi Lifestyles is staffproduced and cannot be held responsible for any unsolicited materials. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork.

Cover photo by Riyen Helg

Photo by Riyen Helg

by Riyen

Photo

Helg

FEBRUARY

Now through 2/16

L.A. to LA: A Robby Klein Photography Exhibition

Hammond Regional Arts Center Noon to 6 p.m. W-F www.hammondarts.org

2/4 Art of the Cocktail Hammond Regional Arts Center 6-10 p.m. www.hammondarts.org

2/5 — Evening of Jazz • 5-7 p Michabelle Inn • Hammond Rotary

2/10 – 8pm

Krewe of Omega Parade Hammond Kreweofomega.org

2/11 - 3 PM

Krewe of Denham Springs Downtown Denham Springs

2/11 V. Watts Trade Mart All Day

2/11 - 3rd Annual Chili Cookoff

Hammond DDD 2 W Thomas St., Hammond rotarycookoff.com

2/11 — ARTisTRY Classes (kids)

Downtown Hammond

Hammond Regional Arts Center 10 a.m. to Noon Saturday hammondarts.org

2/11 - 3 PM

Krewe of Denham Springs Downtown Denham Springs

2/11

Krewe of Barkus Livingstontourism.com

2/18

ARTisTRY Classes (teens/adults)

Hammond Regional Arts Center 10 a.m. to Noon Saturday www.hammondarts.org

2/18 10 am - 3 pm Mardi Gras Scavenger Hunt Downtown Ponchatoula

2/18 - 7 PM — Strawberry Ball Chesterton Square 143 NW Railroad Ave Ponchatoula lastrawberryfestival.com

2/19 - 12 PM — Krewe of Diversion Amite River livingstontourism.com

2/19 - Krewe of Tchefuncte Boat Parade - 1 PM

2/19 - 2 PM Krewe of Tickfaw Tickfaw River, Springfield livingstontourism.com

2/22 - Tangipahoa Professional Women’s Monthly Luncheon 11:30a to 1p • The Event Center, University Blvd, Hammond tangipw.org

Participants can create their own team and fundraise for their own organization via donations allocated to that charity.

MARCH

3/3-30 — Young Artists Exhibition

Opening reception: Friday, March 3 from 5-8 p.m. Hammond Regional Arts Center www.hammondarts.org

3/3-5 — Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days Art & Crafts Fair Ponchatoula - 9 AM - 5 PM 985.386.2536 PonchatoulaChamber.com

3/4 — Sicilian Festival Spaghetti Cook-Off Independence

3/4 — 39th Annual Krewe of Erin St. Patrick's Day Parade Downtown Ponchatoula 10:30 AM - www.kreweoferin.org

3/10-18 — Romeo & Juliet Columbia Theatre 220 E Thomas St, Hammond

3/10-12 — Independence Sicilian Heritage Festival Downtown Independence indysicilianfest.com

3/10-12 - Vintage Market Days Florida Parishes Arena, Amite vintagemarketdays.com

3/11 - ARTisTRY Classes (kids) Hammond Regional Arts Center 10 - Noon | hammondarts.org

3/11 - V. Watts Trade Mart All Day

3/16 - Geaux Jobs Spring Job Fair 9 a - 2 p • Chappapeela Sports Park

3/17 - Livingston Chamber Gala Livingstonparishchamber.com

3/17 – 3/19 - Amite Oyster Festival Downtown Amite amiteoysterfestival.com

3/18 - Luck of the Irish 5-K Downtown Ponchatoula 985-386-2536

3/23 8:30a to 3p Women Mean Business Conference Southeastern Ballroom, SLU tangipw.org

3/24 – 3/25 - Hammond Blues & BBQ Downtown Hammond hammondbbq.com

3/25 - Hammond Rotary Club Shamrock Charity Run

Louisiana Renaissance Festival 46468 River Rd. Hammond Hammondrotary.com

FIRST FRIDAY OF MONTH

Gospel Music Fest 13101 Hwy, 442 W., Tickfaw 985 974 0507, mvmgoodnews.com

EVERY SATURDAY

Hammond Farmers’ Market 2 West Thomas St., 8 am-12 pm

Independence Craft & Farmers’ Market 750 E. Railroad Ave., Independence, 8.30 am-1 pm • Facebook.com/Independence

Denham Springs Farmers’ Market Historical District, 8 am-12 pm

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

Ponchatoula Farmers’ Arts & Crafts Market 10 E. Pine, Ponchatoula • 985.386.9580 ponchatoulacountrymarket.org Fri. 9 am - 5 pm • Sat. 10 am - 5 pm

3/25 — ARTisTRY Classes (teens/adults) Hammond Regional Arts Center 10 a.m. to Noon • www.hammondarts.org

3/26 - Chef's Evening / 5:30 - 8:30 PM Pennington Center • Southeastern.edu

3/26 - Oak Knoll Country Club's Bridal Expo Oak Knoll Country Club • 985-320-2639

3/29 - 4/1 - Bill Evans Jazz Festival Columbia Theatre 220 E Thomas St, Hammond

Moving forward by Giving Back

Written by Nick Gagliano

by Johnny Chauvin & Riyen Helg

Profit and Loss Statements. Return on Investments.

Assets vs. Liabilities. These are the types of financial statements businesses normally review annually. For North Cypress Fitness, there’s one more statement owners Dion Grossnickle and Rick Henry review that’s not part of the usual business statements.

“One of our most important statements we review is our Investment in our Community,” said Grossnickle. “We know it’s important for our company to be in good financial shape. It’s also important to us that we are the catalyst for community investment in Tangipahoa Parish.”

The notion of investment in the community started in 2011 when one of Grossnickle and Henry’s goal was to be one of the largest private employer's in Tangipahoa Parish.

“By being one of the largest employers, we knew this would be a significant impact for economic and community growth in Tangipahoa Parish. The more local people employed would mean more money in the local economy with employees spending money in local stores, churches, schools, and community sponsored events.”

North Cypress Fitness grew from 43 employees in 2011 to over 210 employees during the peak summer season. The Center is also expanding on the services they provide their members.

While many business owners would be satisfied with their financial success, Dion and Rick wanted to do more.

Photos

“We knew our members are very generous. When we had small fundraising or community donations, they always responded. Then two years ago I saw the potential for something even bigger—a community bicycle giveaway for Christmas.”

Grossnickle contacted Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron and pitched the idea to him. It took Chief Bergeron five seconds to say yes and let’s get moving with Spokes & Hopes. The idea was a win-win for the community. At the time police nationwide were under attack and Spokes & Hopes could help improve their already positive image in the community. The other win is that children would receive a new bicycle for Christmas.

The first year, staff and members of the North Cypress Fitness and the community donated over 140 bicycles to Spokes & Hopes and this past Christmas, the Hammond Police Department were able to distribute over 120 bicycles.

While this was happening, Dion and Rick met in 2020 for their annual review which was during the COVID period. “We were shut down because of government regulations but we knew our young people and adults had to keep moving and exercising. Since outdoor activities were becoming available, we made the commitment

to partner with Chappapeela Sports Park to help fund some of their projects. That was a good move for us, the park, and the community.”

Since then, North Cypress Fitness has supported Chappapeela Sports Park as a sponsor and are involved with their TOPS program which provides opportunities for special needs children to participate in sports while being guided by volunteer athletes from the community, and the weekly Options dance class is a highlight for the North Cypress staff and the participants alike.

The generosity continues at the health club throughout the year as staff and members donate for Options, TARC and recently, the New Orleans Mission at LynHaven in Hammond with the "Shoe us some LOVE" promotion that is collecting gently-used athletic shoes for the women being helped by those organizations.

“I tell anyone who will listen that Tangipahoa Parish has the most generous people in our state. You can always count on our North Cypress Fitness family to happily donate their time, talent, and treasures to help others,” said Grossnickle.

Now that’s an Investment in the Community Statement and that is the most important statement a business can have.

EVENT VENUEStrawberry Manor

16+ acres of rolling hills and gardens

1100sqft. indoor ballroom w/ seating

2500sqft. courtyard for outdoor events

Multiple rooms for event use

Indoor and outdoor bar service

Dance floor

Large public bathrooms

Oversized bridal suite/dressing space

Overnight lodging with queen bed and oversized bathroom

Multiple outdoor balconies

Wheelchair friendly for up to 120 guests

Located in the heart of Ponchatoula, Strawberry Manor honors the legacy and charm of the original building in the beautifully updated interior. With multiple areas for gatherings, we are able to accommodate a variety of events of all sizes.

GUTTER INSTALLATION

We offer a variety of sizes and profiles to fit every need From K-style & Half-Round to custom commercial, we have the solutions for you!

GUTTER CLEANING

Stay off the ladder this year and allow SGS Gutters to clean, re-align and re-seal your existing gutters to ensure proper function for the rainy season *Includes a free gutter inspection

LEAF PROTECTION

Looking for a permanent solution to gutter cleaning? We offer a variety of Leaf Filtering Guards to ensure a maintenance free gutter system

FREE ESTIMATES

Gasaway Gasaway Bankston Architects

50 years of building a legacy

Written by Betsy O'Leary

Spring 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of downtown Hammond’s premier architectural firm, Gasaway Gasaway Bankston Architects. Back in 1973, Andrew Gasaway, Jr., hung out his architectural shingle as “Gossen Gasaway & Associates,” the first iteration of what would become various professional collaborations with peers, proteges, offspring, and office manager of 33 years, Tonya Busch.

Recently, Andrew Gasaway, Jr., son Bret Gasaway, and Chris Bankston got together to share their stories of how it all came together.

A random girl in a café next to the Crescent Bar linked Andrew to the man who would literally shape his life. She worked for famed Louisiana architect John Desmond, whose wife had taught Art to her best student, Andrew Gasaway.

Soon, Andrew was earning fifty cents an hour as a draftsman for John Desmond. Andrew and his wife, the former Jeannette Verburg, and their three-month old son, headed west to what’s now ULL where Andrew studied architecture. He was earning a dollar an hour when he transferred to Tulane on a full scholarship. Post-

Photos by Johnny Chauvin

graduation, Andrew’s first job was with a Thibodaux architectural firm.

Back in Hammond with Gossen Gasaway, Andrew’s work included his award-winning design of the two-story Sunday school building at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church. His design of the D. C. Reeves School won national architectural awards and helped launch the firm as the go-to architects for school design.

But that was just one of their niche markets, as they also designed parish jails, fire stations, the Ponchatoula Community Center, Jacmel Inn, Brady’s, First Guaranty Bank, and many other iconic buildings here and around the state.

Bret jumped in to interject how his father, together with Paul Murphy and a few others inspired Hammond’s annual Hot August Night celebration. What began as a few guys cooking hot dogs and hamburgers on a grill outside the Crescent turned into one of the summer’s hottest hits.

They were also instrumental in creating and funding both the DDD and the Hammond Historic District by actively seeking grants for architectural restoration and building improvements.

Bret worked construction for Ragusa Brothers building the Pittman Matheny building across from the Hammond jail. There, he met his future wife, Grace Bennett Gasaway. She would go on to serve as City Judge across from the building Bret built until losing her battle with cancer in 2021.

Bret followed his father’s footsteps into architecture. His first major contribution was designing the “new” Hammond High School. He’s worked as lead architect or consultant on projects including downtown’s Central Progressive Bank, the NOMC’s Women’s Pavilion, Diagnostic Center, and NOMC's Livingston Parish Medical Complex.

Just when Andrew was reducing his architectural presence, Chris Bankston was looking to grow his own. Thus, Gasaway Gasaway Bankston Architects emerged.

Bankston’s background in school design in surrounding parishes was well-established. He took over the school board work Andrew previously did. His biggest school project to date is Live Oak High School – a 205,000 square-foot campus.

In addition to school designs, Bankston was heavily involved in recovery projects after Hurricanes Katrina and Ida. He is married to the former Pam Cali. They have a son, Brennan, 16, and are members of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

Andrew Gasaway started with a strong foundation, and together the partners have built a legacy. From the new FGB Center in downtown Hammond, to NOMC's Livingston Parish Medical Complex in Satsuma, evidence of their commitment to quality craftmenship can be seen throughout the community.

More than 6800 votes cast. And the results are...

A/C & Heating

Professional Heating & Air

Accountant

BRS Tax and Bookeeping

Aesthetician

Soine Dermatology & Aesthetics

Apartment Complex The Waters

Attorney

Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys

Auto Collision Repair Eastside Collision

Auto Dealer - New Bill Hood

Auto Dealer - Used

Ross Downing Auto Group

Auto Parts Store NAPA

Auto Service/ Mechanic Dave's Full Service

Bakery Batter

Bank

First Guaranty Bank

Banker Hart Bordelon

Bar

Crescent Bar

Bar Food Mariner's Inn

Barber

Bearded Barber

Bartender Claude Hooks

Bed & Breakfast

Bienvenue Mon Ami Bed & Breakfast

Best Place to Work stoa group

Blinds/Window Coverings Budget Blinds

Building Materials Gabriel Building Supply

Car Wash

Rocky's Premier Auto Wash

CBD Shop 420 Smoke and Vape

Charity Event Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation Gala

Charity Organization TARC

Childcare/Daycare

Strawberry Castle

Church The Mission

Church Pastor The Boneys

Cleaning/Custodial Service

Jani King

Clothing Boutique Obsession

Coffee Shop

PJ's Coffee

Computer / IT Service RAM Computers

Consignment Store The Estate Center

Contractor - Commercial JWS Construction

Contractor - Fencing Milton Fencing

Contractor - Plumber JJ's Plumbing

Contractor - Remodeling / Handyman JWS Construction

Contractor - Residential Dupont Construction

Contractor - Roofing Pride Roofing

Credit Union

Louisiana Federal Credit Union

Dance Studio

SOAR Creative Arts Center

Donuts

Doughlicious Donuts

Drinks - Bloody Mary Stray Cats

Drinks - Cold Beer

Benny's Place

Drinks - Daiquiri

Rainbow Daiquiris

Drinks - Margarita

Tacos and Beer

Landscape

Lawn

Southern Magnolia

Lawn

Michael

If it is an occasion dress you are looking for, The Royale Oak has got you covered. “From Homecomings, proms, cocktail events, and formals, we want to be your store. Jovani, JVN and Faviana are just a few of the brands we carry,” says Toups. Their dress sizes range in size from 00

Local

when she was a teenager, experience started many years prior. “Hayley sold when she was three years old” Albin said.

Oak is a men’s clothing, tuxedo rental and ocstore. Albin says “We can special order suits with several different price points. With merchandise arriving every 30 to 40 days we are able selection of new inventory in the store.”

Since 1968, The Royale Oak has serviced the Hammond, Tangi, and Livingston area. “We would like to

Local

Manufactured/

Massage Therapist Lauren Fannaly

Smart window treatments make life easy

Premium home automation solutions from Budget Blinds and Somfy mean it’s easier than ever to adjust your window treatments without getting up. Plus, you can pre-program your blinds and shades to close at set times or adjust automatically based on light.

Title

Veterinary

Wine

Yoga

Discover Discover

Art will blossom again during the annual Northshore Arts in Bloom event this spring as the non-profit organization celebrates its second year.

Presented by the Northshore Arts Foundation, Northshore Arts in Bloom will take place from April 28-30, 2023, in Downtown Hammond. The exhibit will feature 30+ floral artworks by local and regional floral designers, ranging from professional to enthusiastic hobbyists. This year’s festivities, led by chair Colleen Scarle, include programming and partnerships with local businesses and organizations, such as the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, the Hammond Regional Arts Center and the Hammond Downtown Development District.

“Northshore Arts in Bloom is a wonderful occasion to celebrate springtime in Hammond through the intersection of floral design with artwork,” Scarle said. “We’re looking forward to showcasing these incredible works by our area’s most accomplished florists and artists.”

Written by Tara Bennett

Photos by Phillip Colwart and Brooke Watson Presented by the Northshore Arts Foundation

All floral entries will be modeled after art pieces from an open artist call held earlier this year. Each floral designer is assigned a specific painting as a reference to create their corresponding arrangement. Using live flowers, they build their interpretation and create an opportunity for visitors to see art from a new frame of mind. The floral arrangements will be beside their painted counterparts, allowing guests to see the two perspectives.

Full Bouquet ticket holders will be among the first to see these fantastic floral works and paired artworks during the Patron Party on April 28, which kicks off the weekend. Patron Party participants can vote on their favorite floral arrangement for the Viewer’s Choice award while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, an open bar and live music.

In addition to the floral art competition, three professional floral designers will be invited to create spectacular floral installations on a grand scale. Visitors can view these indoor installations at the Columbia Theatre throughout the weekend.

In addition to viewing the featured floral arrangements, visitors may enjoy a variety of performances and activities throughout the weekend. Other events include staged readings of winners from an international playwriting contest featuring three categories of competitors: Adult, Collegiate and Teen. Professionals in landscaping, horticulture and flowers will speak on various subjects during the lecture series.

Concurrently, the Hammond Regional Arts Center will display glass & sculpture works of artists Paulo Dufour, Erica Larkin Gaudet and Mitchell Gaudet. A special Art and Flower Market will be held in conjunction with the regular Saturday Hammond Farmers’ Market. There will be a variety of fun activities, such as a children’s chalk walk, unique art, along with plants and cut flowers to jumpstart one’s spring gardening.

Northshore Arts in Bloom puts an emphasis on giving back by selecting a local charity each year to donate a portion of the weekend’s proceeds. Last year, the Hammond Regional Arts Center and the Hammond Garden Club were chosen as organizations to fund.

“We think of others in need and come together in support of our communities to give from the heart,” Scarle said. More information on sponsorships, participation and tickets can be found at the Northshore Arts Foundation website at northshoreartsfoundation.com.

SPIRIT

CRYSTAL BONEY

Lead Pastor

The Mission Church

themission.org

Sundays 8:00 | 9:30 | 11:00

The Mission Church

41347 W I-55 Service Rd Hammond, LA 70403

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Galatians 5:22-25

If you’re like a lot of people you may not like the words discipline or self-control. They are often viewed as a restriction, having to do with going without, but that’s just simply not the case. We live in a culture that encourages us to believe that we can have it all and do whatever we want. Paul explained to the Galatians that one of the fruits of having the Holy Spirit living within us was self-control.

Self-control is a vital attribute to have because it keeps us anchored. It enables our roots to keep growing in Christ, so that all the other fruit can flourish. Self-control helps us to express kindness, goodness, love and peace patiently. It will determine what comes out of our life and also what we allow into it. It holds us back from speaking destructive words over ourselves and others.

When Paul wrote to the believers in Rome (Romans 7), he spoke about his own struggles with self-control and recognized that in the battle the answer is always Jesus. Self-control is the only way to character development. It isn’t something to despise, it something to fully embrace. It’s never about the temporary feelings, but rather the permanent fruit that’s produced. Self-control is never out of reach when the Holy Spirit dwells within you. Look to Him, the answer is always, Jesus.

A Tasty Good Time for Charity

Story by Nick Gagliano

When it comes to civic groups stepping up to the plate to help the local non-profits in Tangipahoa Parish, we are blessed to have a number of civic groups with a long tradition of service to the community.

The “new kid” in this tradition is the HammondPonchatoula Sunriserr Rotary Club. Since their inception the Hammond-Ponchatoula Sunriserr Rotary Club has volunteered and raised funds to support a number of community non-profits.

“Our membership is engaged and always looking for ways to be of service,” said Club President Camilla Dufour. “We serve with a smile and a commitment to make our community better.”

While the Sunriser Rotary Club has some smaller fundraisers throughout the year, the annual Chili Cookoff is by far the largest for the club.

In Louisiana cooking is a part of life. But to put your culinary skills to the test, a competition makes cooking that much more important.

As a member of the Sunriser Rotary Club, Deek DeBlieux brought his expertise from the Hammond BBQ

Challenge to organize the club’s first Chili Cookoff three years ago.

“The first Chili Cookoff was good. Then we had to wait two years because of COVID, but last February we had our Second Chili Cookoff, and it was a huge hit,” said DeBlieux.

There were a record number of chili cookers and a record number of chili tasters. All indications are this year’s Chili Cookoff will be even bigger.

“We make it fun for the competing chili cooks and the general public who want to come out and taste a wide variety of chili,” said club committee member John Daniel Guerin.

For the general public, the club sells wristbands for $10. There are ten voting tickets that come with each wristband for the public to vote for a People’s Choice first, second and third place winner. Chili tasters receive a small bowl, and they can go to as many chili cooks as they want to sample the chili. Then they use their tickets for their vote. They can use all ten tickets for one chili or divide their tickets for several chili cooks.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award wins the highly coveted Chili Paddle. Additionally, the club has several “professional judges” to sample everyone’s chili to award the Judge’s Choice Award. The firstplace winner receives $500; second place, $300; and third place $200.

This year’s Chili Cookoff will be Saturday, February 11 in the south parking mall in downtown Hammond.

“We chose February because chili is a cold-weather dish,” said DeBlieux. “Plus, February is the month prior to the Tangipahoa Parish Festival Season. It is the perfect time for Tangipahoa Parish.”

Proceeds from the Chili Cookoff are presented to several local non-profit organizations. To purchase your wristbands online and to get more information for the Rotary Chili Cookoff, please visit www.rotarycookoff.com

ATulane University student thinking she wanted a business degree is where it all began. But little did she know that after taking several business classes, she was enjoying her English classes a lot more and decided on concentrating on English Literature instead. "When I got out of college, I had no idea what I was going to do with an English Literature degree when a friend convinced me to go to work for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. "

Although she never imagined she would be renting cars for a living, Alexis soon learned that it was a great way for her to learn business management the practical way. And she loved it! "I became manager of several branches including Hammond, The Enterprise location I managed was right next to where the DMV is, and I loved it here. Being from New Orleans, I really got used to the quaint, quiet little town of Hammond 25 years ago."

Following Enterprise, Alexis moved on to a different industry in sales management when a family member who works for State Farm mentioned to her that there was a position in life insurance sales that was available and that she should apply. With some reluctance on Alexis’ part and some persistence from family, Alexis applied and got the job. "I started working with agents in their offices selling life insurance which turned out to be the pathway to me becoming a State Farm agent," states Ducorbier.

"When the office of the late Mr. Henry Lavigne became available in 2003, I told my husband on a Saturday, let's go to Hammond. Let's go see it, and when we got to Hammond, it just felt right and where I felt I needed to be. Then Katrina hit. Katrina was a very hard time for so many but was a blessing in disguise for our new agency. Our office was located just off I-12 on Railroad Avenue, which happened to be the first exit off contra flow." As a new agent in Hammond trying to build her business, she never realized how beneficial the radio hurricane package that her radio advertising rep, the late Sally Carlisle, sold her for Hurricane Katrina would become. She said, "My name was heard over the airwaves so much that we had lines of people from Chalmette and the south shore waiting to get in to get helped." Although those were some of the darkest days that she and her team, witnessed, they understood firsthand that the State Farm promise that they sell is so meaningful. "We help people recover from the unexpected," she reiterated.

Alexis Ducorbier

Written by Erin Bolton | Photos by Johnny Chauvin

With the growth came the need to expand into their building on Old Covington Highway. Alexis stated that multiple locations for their agents is a relatively new concept for State Farm, but she was fortunate enough to be at the forefront of their multi-location discussions and become one of a select group of agents that added additional agencies. In January of 2020 the Juban Crossing in Denham Springs location opened and December of 2022 came her third location in the Town of Livingston when Agent Barbara Smith retired after nearly 40 years.

Alexis says helping to protect customers in the communities they serve is their most important work. "Whether we're helping them protect against the risks of everyday life, helping them recover from the unexpected, or helping them realize their dreams," Alexis says, "it's the State Farm mission that she and her team lives by every day. I want our customers to know that they can reach us, find us, and get help when they need us 24/7. Award winning customer service is what we strive for every single day!”

"Giving back to the communities we serve is a vital part of our mission and is super important to me, as is mentorship and development.” Alexis volunteers her time with several organizations to make our community a better place to live, work and play! Alexis spends a great deal of her time in and outside of the office helping people make their futures bigger! As a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach and as a Certified Kolbe Consultant, she helps people increase their productivity and career growth. Additionally, Alexis holds a Chartered Financial Consultant designation through The American College.

Alexis gives credit to her family for the support they have given her through the years. "They are why I do it, she said. "My husband, Todd, is an integral part of my success. Not only is he my sounding board, the one I go to for input, and support, but he is the one responsible for our beautiful three locations -- whether remodeled or built from the ground up, Todd is instrumental in the buildouts of all three. Additionally, their children understand what it means to own a small business. They have been called on to answer phones on school holidays, assist customers and even clean the baseboards.

"Serving my customers is an honor and a privilege and has been for the past 20 years. It's not only my job, it's my hobby and I never see myself retiring! Thank you to all who voted Alexis Ducorbier State Farm for Tangi Lifestyles BEST Insurance Agent/Agency."

4th Saturday Cleanup Pledge

The fourth Saturday of every month in 2023 is “Love the Boot. Don’t Pollute Day.” Pledge to participate on a monthly basis and clean up your neighborhood. After each cleanup, please submit a Cleanup Pledge Report so we can track your progress.

For more info and to register visit keeplouisianabeautiful.org/love-the-boot/

Award-Winning Program:

Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller said Tangipahoa Parish Government was recognized as one of the state’s 2022 Environmental Leadership Program award winners. Tangipahoa Parish was recognized with the ELP Achievement Award, saluting the Litter Gitter initiative on parish waterways and the many established anti-litter programs.

“Our goal is to eliminate the litter issue that challenges our parish by changing attitudes through education, beautification, and strict enforcement,” — Robby Miller, Parish President

TO THE TEAM TO THE TEAMWelcome

Rebecca Davis Lee Attorney

Britney R. Duke Attorney

Eric Liddell Attorney

TIME TO SOAR

Up Your Small Business Game by Sponsoring the Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow

Lacy Landrum, Chairperson of the 2023 Airshow, recently addressed the opportunity for local small businesses to add sponsorship of the Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow to their advertising budgets for 2023.

The Airshow will be held October 21-22, 2023. This year, sponsors can attend a special night show included with their sponsorship. Learn how becoming a small business sponsor offers next-level fun and entertainment.

Landrum stressed that sponsorship packages are available in a range of pricing options that make it possible for even small businesses to enhance their community presence. The 2023 sponsors get close-up views of the airplanes and a chance to interact with the pilots after watching the show from frontrow seats.

Small business sponsorship packages begin at the $2,500 range. That reasonable price includes two tickets to the night show, plus six general admission tickets they can share with friends, family, or clients for the daytime Airshow events.

The $2,500 sponsorship tier also includes their business logo on the Airshow page and community announcements about their company’s sponsorship of one of the most unique outdoor events in the state.

The fun times only get better for small business sponsorships of $5,000. That donation includes a photo opportunity holding a large replica of your sponsorship check, your company’s logo posted on the Airshow website, access to the sponsor entrance, four tickets to the night show, six tickets to the Sponsor Hangar for food and drinks for two days, four parking passes for two days, and 10 tickets to the general admission shows.

These sponsors can continue the fun at the after party held in the Sponsor’s Hangar. There, they can mingle and nosh on

delicious food and libations. Another perk is the preferred parking access that brings them close to the action without having far to walk.

Small business sponsorships of $10,000 will receive all the benefits enjoyed by lower-tier sponsors, plus more business visibility during the sponsorship year.

Their companies get listed on both the Airshow website and program, and there will be announcements of their business sponsorships made during the Airshow. This group also gets 10 tickets to the Sponsor Hangar for two days, six tickets to the night show, six parking passes for both days, and 20 general admission tickets good for either day of the Airshow.

Packages are structured to fit the goals of sponsoring companies. Employees are welcome to volunteer wearing shirts that enhance their business presence. They can assist nonprofits operating food booths, volunteer at the gate as the initial contact for more than 40,000 visitors expected this year. Your employees can volunteer at the Kid Zone or choose other opportunities that align with your company’s values.

Interested in small business sponsorships at the Airshow? Call Melissa Bordelon with the Hammond Chamber of Commerce at (985) 345-4457. You can also visit HammondAirshow.com or contact Guy Recotta, Foundation chairman.

- Mike Brandner

Thank You to our loyal shoppers for choosing Bohning’s Supermarkets as the Best Supermarket/Grocery Store

Power

So sure, keep the candles and flash lights, but it’s time to get serious about preparing for power outages.

Join us as we raise money for children and adults within our community that live with developmental disabilities.

THINGS 5 Judge Jeff Cashe's

A native of Hammond, LA, Judge Jeff Cashe is an alumnus of Saint Thomas Aquinas and SLU. He received his Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio, Texas, where he began his legal practice. In 2004, he returned to Louisiana and joined the firm of Cashe, Lewis, Coudrain and Sandage, a firm founded by his late father, Rodney Cashe. In 2015, Judge Cashe was elected to the 21st Judicial District Court in the Division ‘J’ Family Court.

Throughout his 21 years practicing law, Judge Cashe has held several leadership positions in the legal arena and his community including service as President of the 21st JDC Bar Association, Board Member and former pro bono counsel for the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation, Board Member of the Hammond Downtown Development District and Chamber of Commerce, and former Board Member of the Home Mortgage Authority. Jeff and his wife, Sandra live in Hammond and their daughter, Isabelle, is a Junior at Stanford. His wife and daughter are his favorite things, but here are his next 5 favorite things:

Family Trips

Jeff loves to travel with his family and annual family trips are always a priority. Jeff’s wife, Sandra, handles planning and coordinates time when Jeff is out of court and their daughter is back from college.

Cole and Duke

The Cashes have several pets and Jeff is particularly fond of his two-year old labs. Having the two labs at once was not planned- Jeff received one puppy from his family for Christmas and another from a close friendbut the two labs quickly bonded and are inseparable.

Hawaiian shirt collection

Maybe a fashion faux-pas but it’s one he’s proud of- Jeff inherited quite a few Hawaiian shirts from his late father, Rodney Cashe, and has continued growing his collection.

Motorcycles and Tinkering in the Garage:

Once a year, Jeff goes on a motorcycle trip with friends. Riding motorcycles and tinkering with cars have been longstanding hobbies. If Jeff is missing from the house, Sandra can usually find him in the garage working on an old car or watching an episode of Wheeler Dealers.

Adoption Day

Since taking the bench in 2015 Jeff’s favorite Court day is Adoption Day. While touring a school in Plaquemines, a friend spotted and sent a photo of Jeff in his Judge’s robe that was hanging in the school hallway. Underneath was a child’s essay about their most special day- the day they joined a family.

Treasures TASTES

TRACC COALITION

Tangipahoa- Reshaping Attitudes for Community Change

Upcoming Events

Mardi Gras "In The Zone"

February 10th

5:00 - 6:30

Pennington Center

Parking Lot - Hammond, LA

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TJ Maggio of Kajun 107.1

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