Tangi Lifestyles April/May 2023

Festivals! Parties! Vacations! Everywhere we look there’s activity and something to do right here in our backyard. Our Tangi Lifestyles team loves to celebrate the best things our community offers. In this issue we feature the inspiring stories of families, businesses, and organizations which all contribute to make the place we call home a great place. We also salute our Southeastern basketball teams and local high school basketball teams who have represented our area so well in their conference and state championship runs – we have so much to be proud of.

As we get out and enjoy all that our parish has to offer, please remember our local businesses. Through the trials of the pandemic, we all gained a new appreciation of the importance of local businesses and what they provide to our community and way of life. We hope that lesson won’t be lost as our area continues to thrive. Please buy local, be local, and always promote local. That is what we try to do every day at Northshore Media Group through Tangi Lifestyles Magazine, Lucky Bucks and our radio stations, TANGI 96.5, Kajun 107.1 and the Boss 103.7fm/1400am. In addition to shopping local, we hope you will listen local.

Finally, we encourage our readers to always send us ideas for local stories. The mission of this magazine is to celebrate our parish, and we consider all suggestions. Share with us what you think is great about our parish so we can share with our neighbors. Send your ideas to publisher@tangilifestyles.com. We also encourage readers to send us pictures to be included in our “Seen and Heard” section to events@tangilifestyles.com. We hope you’ll enjoy this issue, and we hope you have a great Spring 2023!

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

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

Northshore Media Group

200 East Thomas St. Hammond, LA 70401 985.345.0060

One block south of Pine Street in Ponchatoula there is a modest office that is home to an extraordinary family who have followed the call to help and serve sailors who have been injured or killed at sea. Learn more about Captain Robert and Claire Lansden on page 8.

April/May 2023

Volume 17, Issue 2

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 Johnny Chauvin

Photo by Riyen Helg

Photo by Riyen Helg

APRIL

3/27 - 4/1

Bill Evans Jazz Festival Columbia Theater • columbiatheater.org

4/7-9

Easter LaPOP festival

10 A - 6 P

Louisiana Renaissance Festival Grounds lapop.net

4/14

*Playing the Staircase*

Hammond Regional Arts Center

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Hammond Regional Arts Center www.hammondarts.org

4/14-16

Strawberry Festival Memorial Park, Ponchatoula lastrawberryfestival.com

4/15

ARTisTRY Classes (Kids)

Hammond Regional Arts Center

4/28-30

Italian Festival

Tickfaw Festival Grounds theitalianfestivalorg.com

4/28-30

Northshore Arts in Bloom Downtown Hammond northshoreartsfoundation.com

4/21- 6/2

*Life, Growth, & Wisdom featuring Paulo Dufour, Erica Larkin Gaudet, & Mitchell Gaudet* Opening reception: Friday, April 21 from 5-8 p.m. Hammond Regional Arts Center www.hammondarts.org

4/26

Tangipahoa Professional Women Luncheon Hammond Event Center • tangipw.org

4/29

*ARTisTRY Classes (teens/adults)* Hammond Regional Arts Center 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.hammondarts.org

4/29

Tickfaw River Regatta livingstontourism.com

4/29

Denham Springs Spring Festival livingstontourism.com

MAY

Through June 2, 2023

*Life, Growth, & Wisdom featuring Paulo Dufour, Erica Larkin Gaudet, & Mitchell Gaudet* Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays Noon to 6 p.m.

Hammond Regional Arts Center www.hammondarts.org

MAY

5/4-6

Tickfaw 200 Power Boat Poker Run livingstontourism.com

5/5-7

Joseph’s Catholic School Fair Ponchatoula

5/6 — ARTisTRY Classes (kids)

Hammond Regional Arts Center

10 - Noon • www.hammondarts.org

5/13

Night to Shine/Challenger’s Dance livingstontourism.com

5/20

Riff Ridgel Crawfish Cook-off 11 - 4 • Tickfaw Festival Grounds

5/20

ARTisTRY Classes (teens/adults)

Hammond Regional Arts Center

10 - Noon • www.hammondarts.org

5/20

8 A — Oak Knoll Country Club

100th Anniversary Centennial Golf Tournament

5 - 9 P — 100 Years Gala

5/24 — Tangipahoa Professional Women Luncheon

Hammond Event Center tangipw.org

5/25

STA Football Golf Fundraiser

Oak Knoll LUNCH AT NOON, TEE OFF AT 1. For entry or sponsorship details, shane.mulhern@stafalcons.org.

5/28-29

Memorial Weekend Music Festival

North Park – Denham Springs livingstontourism.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

Lansden Law

A Maritime Lawyer Serving our Community on the Sea and on the Land

Writer: Nick Gagliano

Photographer: Johnny Chauvin

One block south of Pine Street in Ponchatoula there is a modest office that is home to an extraordinary family who have followed the call to help and serve sailors who have been injured or killed at sea.

That extraordinary family is maritime attorneys Captain Robert and Claire Lansden.

“As a maritime attorney and active deep sea vessel captain, I bring a unique and complete understanding of maritime law to the clients we serve, ” said Capt. Lansden. “I still work as a captain or master of a deep-sea vessel, so I know the current rules and regulations for maritime cases. ”

Having successfully represented sailors and their families in New York, Seattle, San Diego, Los Angeles, Hawaii and Florida, Captain Robert and Claire were called to remain in Ponchatoula to open and operate their Maritime Injury Law Office.

“Most people don’t realize it, but there are a large number of sailors who live in Tangipahoa Parish, the Northshore, and southeast Louisiana.

Our mission is to help make whole the men and women when they have been injured or killed while working at sea or on the waterways ”

Captain Lansden was lured to the love of the sea by his Father, who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War as a member of the U.S. Navy.

“My father was my guide to serving our country An early example was the role he and his friends played in getting the USS Ponchatoula named after Ponchatoula When the US entered the war, he was at Ponchatoula High School It was announced by the War Department that any town that raised the most scrap metal would have a ship named after it. He and others in the community gathered enough scrap metal to fill three football fields. As a result, the USS Ponchatoula was commissioned. Thanks to veterans of the vessel, we are blessed to have the anchor and other parts of the ship permanently displayed in the center of our town It’s a special place for me and for us to bring our children ”

A humble man and active member of Wellspring Church, Captain Lansden received the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq and was commended for being the Officer in Charge of the USNS Pollux during Hurricane Katrina which survived the storm and was able to provide their excess diesel for emergency vehicles, hospitals, evacuation vehicles, and even dairies in Tangipahoa Parish

Captain Lansden graduated in 1986 from the US Merchant Marine Academy with a double Bachelor of Science degree in Maritime Transportation and Maritime Engineering. Since then, he has served in the U.S. Navy and Merchant Marine, and today he captains vessels with military defense supplies to ports around the word

Captain Lansden received his Law Degree from Tulane University School of Law in 1994 while Claire received her law degree from Loyola University of New Orleans College of Law. Claire joined the firm immediately upon graduation and they have practiced law together ever since.

Both Captain Robert and Claire have seen and agree that maritime law is heavily fact-based When a client meets with either one, they immediately know which documents are needed which can lead to a faster case resolution.

“We see horrific and tragic injuries and death. We treat our sailors and their families with dignity and compassion while trying to make them whole It’s not about the money, it’s about doing the right thing legally and morally as we are called by God to serve our maritime brothers and sisters ”

As a final thought, Captain Lansden summed up his view on his career by simply saying, “I always say I may be a ship’s captain, but God is my captain ”

If you or someone you love has been injured on the water, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone Lansden Law can be reached at 985-3709006 or captainlansden.com.

Keeping A Light

Tragic Journey Leads to Path for Helping Others

Written by Betsy O'Leary

Photos by Riyen Helg

Back in June of 2021, life was good for Hayley Dickens and her husband, Justin. Hayley worked as a nurse at North Oaks Medical Center, and Justin was the logistics coordinator/ warehouse manager for Gnarly Barley Brewing. After years of infertility, they had two daughters, Kallie, 3, and Kora, 1.

When Kallie first fell ill with the sniffles and fatigue, the parents figured she had picked up a bug. When she got sick to her stomach, that reinforced their belief. When her condition worsened, they hustled her to North Oaks Medical Center.

Kallie was transferred to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans and diagnosed with Grade 4 Diffuse Midline Glioma one of a group of mainly pediatric cancers known collectively as “DIPG/DMG.” From the beginning, the news was grim. Kallie’s

surgeon excised a “large part” of the malignancy, but deep tendrils grew aggressively in vital brain tissue.

To buy more time with Kallie, the Dickens tried 33 rounds of radiation interspersed with oral chemotherapy approved only for adults diagnosed with glioma. There is currently no approved pediatric treatment for the approximately 300-400 children diagnosed annually in the USA

Kallie lived 10 months post-diagnosis. Six of those were mostly highquality days. After Christmas 2021, she suffered a decline even while receiving three bi-weekly chemotherapies.

Justin described that time as living “in denial waiting for the outlier statistic . . . you have to live there.”

Kallie Dickens passed away on May 7, 2022.

From the Ashes, Hope Rises.

While Kallie was still in her initial 10-hour brain surgery, Justin needed an action plan. He decided to begin a non-profit, although they had to pump the brakes on that project to focus on their own family.

First Hayley, then more reluctantly Justin, began sharing their process of living with Kallie’s terminal diagnosis on Facebook. This brought them in touch with other families who were going through the same nightmare. They started a Facebook page, and their raw musings became the book, “The Optimistic Angel,” published by Bell Asteri Publishing & Enterprises, LLC.

They have been busy in these eight short months since their loss. Hayley is now a first-year teacher with the Tangipahoa Parish School System. They incorporated their 501(c)3 nonprofit, Keeping A Light For Kallie, and began reaching out to families living with childhood cancer.

In January, Gnarly Barley owners Zac and Cari Caramonta sponsored the second annual “Fight Like the Dickens” brain tumor and childhood cancer fundraiser. The brewery raised over $10,500 in one day. Because “Kalliegator” was their light, the Dickens now send out “Bright Boxes” to children and their families. Some contents include stuffed alligators wearing a pink bow, Visa gift cards for restaurant meals during hospital stays or for family meals at home, speakers, Spotify gift cards, a Firestick for family movie nights, string lights, and toys to keep little hands busy.

The non-profit seeks individual and corporate donations to continue their outreach. Their 2023 goal is a modest $50,000, but the bigger focus is funding research for a cure for childhood cancers. To find out more about the Dickens and to donate, go to keepingalight.org

Endless Opportunities J &

M Industries

As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, we want to thank our loyal customers for providing us with opportunities to succeed over the years.

We also want to thank both local and parish governments for their continued support of our family business helping us to grow and prosper in Tangipahoa Parish. In addition, we want to particularly thank Tangipahoa Parish Economic Development for their strong support of the entire business community. They work tirelessly for all of us.

Finally, I want to recognize our employees, who through their hard work and dedication to outstanding customer service, have been the true catalyst of our growth over the years.

As we celebrate, our 50th year in business, we will continue to proudly maintain our traditions of excellence and look forward to a bright future as a Tangipahoa Parish headquartered Company.

Maurice Gaudet, IV President

Maurice Gaudet

Telling Tangipahoa's Story for more than 17 years.

Local because it matters.

Making Memorable

While Tangipahoa Parish has many lovely event facilities, there is only one venue in our area with on-site overnight accommodations for the wedding party and friends and relatives from out of town. In a recent conversation with Hammond Holiday Inn’s Jamie Reynolds, she revealed what has been our town’s best-kept secret. Recently, our local Holiday Inn expanded its services by offering all types of event planning under one roof.

The Holiday Inn, which is located on Southwest Railroad Avenue across from Hammond Square Mall, has enjoyed a stellar reputation in Hammond for years. But the recent additions of catering services and the expansion of their beautiful patio area enhance their appeal for those seeking the perfect venue for weddings, receptions, reunions, birthdays, and bridal and baby showers.

One local partner in their recent expansion was Décor on a Dime. These design professionals are available to assist clients with choosing their event décor elements. Experienced professionals can

Making Memorable Events

While Tangipahoa Parish has many lovely event facilities, there is only one venue in our area with on-site overnight accommodations for the wedding party and friends and relatives from out of town. In a recent conversation with Hammond Holiday Inn’s Jamie Reynolds, she revealed what has been our town’s best-kept secret. Recently, our local Holiday Inn expanded its services by offering all types of event planning under one roof.

town’s best kept secret. Holiday Inn, located on Southwest Railroad Avenue across from Hammond Square Mall, has enjoyed a stellar reputation in Hammond for years. In addition to overnight accommodations, this beautiful property also offers full catering services for various social events and corporate meetings. The expansion of their beautiful patio area enhances their appeal for those seeking the perfect venue for weddings, cocktail parties, reunions, birthdays, and bridal and baby showers.

The Holiday Inn, which is located on Southwest Railroad Avenue across from Hammond Square Mall, has enjoyed a stellar reputation in Hammond for years. But the recent additions of catering services and the expansion of their beautiful patio area enhance their appeal for those seeking the perfect venue for weddings, receptions, reunions, birthdays, and bridal and baby showers.

Guests often comment on how impressed they are when entering this beautiful and welcoming lobby, and are greeted by the hotel’s warm and friendly staff. Providing great service is the top priority for the staff at Holiday Inn Hammond, whether it’s an out of town guest or guests attending a local meeting or event. The hotel’s amazing staff is led by General Manager Jamie Reynolds, Assistant General Manager Staci Cali, Food & Beverage Director April Sepulvado, Food & Beverage Supervisor Trey Sciortino, Front Office Manager Jacob Poole, Assistant Front Office Manager Matina Chester, Executive Housekeeper Olevia Watts, Maintenance Chief Meche Collier, Director of Sales Stacy Agnew, and Sales Coordinator Jillian Kentner.

One local partner in their recent expansion was Décor on a Dime. These design professionals are available to assist clients with choosing their event décor elements. Experienced professionals can plan stunning and unique weddings, showers, banquets, and more. The Holiday Inn event planning team has a host of local design talents they can recommend making your event fun and memorable. With 3,400 square feet of meeting space, Hammond Holiday Inn is the top choice when scheduling social events, banquets, and corporate functions. Group rates can be arranged by blocking out a section of rooms for the hosts and their guests.

From concierge-style weddings and receptions to reasonably-priced birthday and baby shower packages, booked guest is invited to enjoy the facility’s amenities. The on-site restaurant, Kern, features many Louisiana specialties on the menu, along with exceptional service. Hammond Holiday Inn is the perfect venue for weddings, guests can attend the rehearsal dinner, reconvene at the wake up for breakfast, and the main event.

going, and then return safely to their rooms. The hotel also features an onsite restaurant and Bar. Kem’s is serving up local cuisine and amazing specialty cocktails! You will be greeted with a warm smile as lead Bartender Trey Sciortino serves you one of his signature cocktails. In addition, the cocktail of your choice can be paired with anything off the wonderful dinner menu created by Director of Food and Beverage April Sepulvado.

Don’t Know Where to Start?

Guests love the outdoor patio area that is lush year-round with Louisiana’s greenery and bounteous blooms. Best of it’s adjacent to the bar, so guests can bring their drinks outside to enjoy the atmosphere.

After the reception, convivial guests can continue the afterparty at the bar. When the festivities end, everyone safely returns to their rooms.

Don’t Know Where to Start?

The Sales team at Holiday Inn Hammond offers event planning assistance to help with menu selections, room setup, and all of the ‘little details’ that are vital for a seamless event! Stacy Agnew has 20 years of experience in Sales & Catering and can really help to take care of everything! She can take care of room blocks, she can help with room set up and decorating ideas, and provide guidance during menu selections.

That’s OK because these professional event planners just how to pull it together to make it appear seamless despite all the activity taking place behind the scenes. event catering is left in the capable hands of Stacy Agnew.

Written by Betsy O'Leary

Photos by Johnny Chauvin

Everything you need, all in one place

Agnew can also refer other vendors to assist in making each event special and unique. Recently, Décor on a Dime was hired to beautifully decorate a room and create the exact ambiance the client wished for. In addition to the fixtures and linens that are included in meeting and event packages, Stacy can also offer additional rental items such as chair covers, sashes, table runners, chargers.

Our Experts Cater to You!

No matter the event, the staff at Holiday Inn Hammond is there to help! The Sales team will help to coordinate all details during the planning phase, and also touch base closer to your event to be sure that everything is still accurate, reconfirm any early access time that was discussed so that your event coordinator / decorator has appropriate early access, etc... to ensure a stress-free event day.

Holiday Inn’s knowledgeable event staff is also present on-site during your event to be sure it proceeds smoothly. This property is also a perfect location for both large and small corporate meetings and events. Flexible space allows for meetings small and large all with the convenience of a short commute from one of our comfortable guest rooms. With experienced and creative banquet staff, the Holiday Inn can provide delicious and timely meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Their knowledgeable team is equipped to handle all of the details so that you can take care of the business that is important to you.

Please reach out to Stacy for information regarding your next event at Sales@holidayinnhamond.com, or by phone at 985-662-3877.

April 28, 29, & 30 Tickfaw, Louisiana

The Italian Festival began as “The Little Italy Festival” in 1973 in Independence. Its name was later changed to the Italian Festival and in 2009 the festival’s location was moved to Tickfaw where it remains today. We invite you to join us for some wholesome, family fun!

SLU LAB SCHOOL JUNIOR BETA CLUB

A PASSION TO SERVE

Written by Nick Gagliano

FROM AN EARLY AGE, CHRIS GIDEON HAD A SPECIAL PASSION TO SERVE

With a father who served as Mayor of Ponchatoula and a major force in naming Ponchatoula the Strawberry Capital of the World, and a mother who volunteered countless hours on community projects, it is only natural that Chris Gideon has lived with a passion to serve.

Photos by Johnny Chauvin

“Serving the community was always part of my family’s everyday life. I watched my parents work to make our parish a better place to live for all families. Today, I’m ready to continue the tradition of serving the community as Sheriff of Tangipahoa Parish.”

School safety has been a passion of Chris Gideon since the Columbine tragedy as it changed the way law enforcement responded to active shooters in the school.

“In 2011, the Louisiana Attorney General contacted me to build and oversee a team to re-write the School Crisis Plan offered by the AG’s Office. Our team created an All Hazards School Safety Initiative which covers all aspects of active shooters as well as safety audits, anti-bullying, severe weather threats, hazardous materials threats, suspicious packages, and protocols for IED’s. These plans are still available today to schools and churches at no charge.”

Personal Safety and Firearms Safety are also part of every presentation by Chris Gideon. He is a certified concealed carry firearms trainer and conducts a monthly training session.

“I emphasize to my class that using a firearm should be a last resort because the only fight you are guaranteed to win is the one you avoid. As a firm believer in the Second Amendment, I make sure my class knows their rights regarding self-defense, justifiable use of force, firearms safety, and how not to become a victim.”

Late last year, because of Chris Gideon’s affiliation with law enforcement in Tangipahoa Parish, he was approached to run for sheriff. Gideon said he was flattered, but that was never part of his current plans.

“All of a sudden, I had more people calling me and my wife, Laurie, and we realized we had to take this idea of running for Sheriff seriously. Laurie and I talked about it, prayed about it and met with our family, and it was then that I made the decision to run for Sheriff of Tangipahoa Parish.”

Gideon said he is running for sheriff as an outsider who will bring a proactive approach to law enforcement in Tangipahoa Parish. He said his main goals are to put more patrol deputies on the roads, increase deputy and staff pay and training, and proactively attack the increase in violent crimes, narcotics, juvenile, gang, and property crimes.

“I realize there will be challenges, but I also know there will be opportunities to better serve the families and businesses in Tangipahoa Parish.”

“We live in a great parish and as Sheriff, I will use my passion to serve as the cornerstone for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. I have the experience, commitment, and support to pay and train our deputies, increase patrols, and proactively fight juvenile, gang, and property crimes.”

Preparedness is Key

Chris Gideon carries a trauma bag in his vehicle in the event of a critical incident. “I want everyone and every classroom to have a trauma kit along with the training to save the life of a child, a teacher, a loved one, yourself, or even a stranger. As your sheriff, I will make this type of training available to the public. Critical blood loss is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the U.S.

CRYSTAL BONEY

Lead Pastor

The Mission Church

While the word revival is exciting it’s often times misunderstood. Though revival impacts the masses, it starts with the individual. It’s easy to overlook the former and go straight to the latter, but one doesn’t happen without the other. The Holy Spirit ministers specifically to the heart of the individual, that produces a change on the inside, that impacts and affects those around. We want revival in our country, but we must be willing to ask ourselves, am I personally revived? It’s far more exciting to think about the masses, but it’s imperative to understand revival begins with the individual. God is the One who brings revival, not you, but it is through you that He brings revival.

.

themission.org

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

The Mission Church

41347 W I-55 Service Rd

Hammond, LA 70403

He’s ready to do something different in your life, He just needs an open heart and a hungry spirit. Lean into the person of Jesus, stay in His presence and He will finish what He started in you that will affect those around you. Revival is more than an emotional experience, it’s meant to have a lasting impact in your life that in turn affects a church, a community, a city, a nation, and the nations of the world.

The day of Pentecost when the disciples received the Holy Spirit, one message converted three thousand people and soon after that, Peter preached another sermon that converted five thousand people. True revival will always have ripple effects.

Tangipahoa Regional Black Business Chamber of Commerce

During Paulette Walker’s 37 years in the Orleans, St John the Baptist, and Tangipahoa Parish schools, she was frequently approached by African American women selling their handmade soaps, crafts, and fashions.

“I met some really talented women, and I have always tried to support them by purchasing their items,” said Walker.

While working in Tangipahoa Parish in 2020, she realized these women did not have a peer business network to help mentor, grow, and promote their small businesses.

It was then that she created the Tangipahoa African American Women’s Network. Walker’s first project for the newly formed group was to organize a Business Expo at the Tangipahoa Parish African American Heritage Center.

“I was amazed we had over 50 womanowned vendors at the Expo at the Heritage Center. I knew we could help women, but I suddenly realized other businesses owned by African American men needed the same type of networking and support system.”

Written by Nick Gagliano

Photo by Johnny Chauvin

It was then that the African American Women’s Network morphed into the Tangipahoa Regional Black Business Chamber of Commerce.

Today the Black Chamber of Commerce is growing with a base of 25 active members. The Chamber is a network that offers services, resources, and events that assist business owners. Additionally, the Black Chamber is an organization investing their time and money in a community development program working together to improve the economic, civic, and cultural well-being of the region.

As part of their mission, the Black Chamber of Commerce sponsors four events each year to promote their businesses and support the African American Heritage Center.

The Boss Women Big Hat Tea was held on March 12, and it was a huge success. Women from all over the community proudly modeled their big, exquisite hats and fashion accessories.

In June, the Black Chamber of Commerce will host Men in Black for the first time. The objective of this gathering is to have Black men present several topics to Black teenage boys on the importance of social skills, appropriate business dress and interpersonal relationships.

A Winter Formal is again scheduled for later in the year. This black-tie event was a success last year, and Walker is looking for an even better event this year.

The Chamber’s largest event is the Krewe of Nizhoni Mardi Gras Parade in Ponchatoula, with this year's being the biggest one yet.

“Our goal with the parade is to have Black businesses in the parade so the general public is exposed to their businesses and later visit that business to support them by buying their products.”

As the Black Chamber continues to grow, Walker invites everyone to join them and actively participate in the Chamber.

“In just two short years, we have accomplished quite a bit. The future for black-owned businesses in our community looks very bright. We will continue to support, promote, and showcase the talented women and men who have the entrepreneurial spirit in our region.”

For more information on the Tangipahoa Regional Black Business Chamber of Commerce, please visit their website at www.trbchamber.org.

TRACC TAKES HONORS Top

Written by Betsy O'Leary | Photos submitted by TRACC

When it comes to making a measurable difference in the community, Tangipahoa Reshaping Attitudes for Community Change (TRACC) coalition ranks high on any list Having begun 15 years ago in conjunction with Tangipahoa Parish government, TRACC’s focus is the impact of substance abuse on the parish and its residents Their goals include decreasing harmful risks while improving community residents’ quality of life

Their dedication and hard work to prevent and eradicate substance abuse in Tangipahoa Parish earned the coalition a prestigious national award Bridget Bailey, TRACC Community Development Director, relayed that, back in January TRACC coalition members traveled to Washington, D.C., to accept the Major General Arthur T. Dean Chairman’s Award at the annual National Leadership Forum sponsored by the national Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)

CADCA recognizes and awards this honor only to coalitions that have proven their outstanding achievements in community campaigns designed to reduce substance abuse The Tangi team bested all other national coalitions by earning the highest score for the tools they created for making positive, impactful, and lasting changes for residents living in the communities of Tangipahoa Parish.

Last year, TRACC members committed themselves to an intensive, three-week-long National Coalition Academy training to learn effective tactics shown to deter tobacco-vaping in youths The surveys they conducted of community members became the genesis of their winning video documentary about the hazards of tobaccovaping among young people

This recent accolade did not go unnoticed by Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller, who previously expressed his pride at TRACC’s award Miller noted that "receiving the Major General Arthur T. Dean Chairman’s Award is such an honor, and it means so much to not only our team but for everyone who advocates for a better quality of life for our people here in Tangipahoa Parish ”

Bailey stressed that it is only because TRACC provides quantifiable results that the organization can continue to receive funding

The money they receive is then used to establish additional drug-free programs in Tangipahoa Parish

In addition to the monetary support provided by the Tangipahoa Parish Government, TRACC qualifies for and receives other funding from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and from safety grants provided by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (LHSC)

CADCA was first established over 30 years ago to stem the tide of substance abuse and its ill effects on communities here in the United States and worldwide. Their outreach includes all community sectors like health care professionals, law enforcement groups, schools, children and their parents, and media partners

All these different groups collaborate to achieve their common goals -- eradicating substance abuse and misuse while reducing the adverse societal and financial scourge the pall of addiction casts on oncevibrant communities.

Bailey hopes their award spotlights the organization so more civic groups and individuals will share its mission To get more information, call the parish's Office of Community Development at (985) 542-7138 or email TRACC at tracc@tangipahoa.org.

Calling all Tangipahoa citizens to join Love the Boot!

Governor John Bel Edwards and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser are working in unity with Keep Louisiana Beautiful to address the litter problems in Louisiana. But, we need your help and the help of all citizens.

Two ways to Love The Boot —

Love The Boot Week

April 17-23, 2023

During the week of April 17-23, 2023, Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) will present the 2nd Annual Love the Boot Week. Locally there will be events in Amite, Kentwood, Ponchatoula, and Hammond.

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/

Treasures TASTES &

Hammond Florist

115 W. Thomas St. Downtown Hammond 985.345.1313

The Royale Oak 1905 W Thomas St Suite L Hammond 985.345.9542

Crescent Bar 110 W. Thomas St. Downtown Hammond 985.345.7636

Commodore’s Pizza 2008 Demarco Blvd. Hammond 985.345.9726

Bear Creek Western Store 35999 LA-16 Montpelier 225.777.4578

Make

thing

Trusted Protection During Unpredictable Weather

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Members of the Tunnel to Towers committee: (L to R) Joe Yargo, Larry Byers , Braville LeBlanc, Jody Borne, Donald Lanier, Benton Thames, Ruben Auter (not present).

s we head out this month to attend the annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, view the 9/11 NEVER FORGET mobile exhibit that will be on display during the

Jody Borne, co-chairman of the Tunnel to Towers committee, was the driving force behind getting this special memorial here. It honors the men and women in uniform who died that horrific day back in 2001. But the movement goes much farther than that.

342 of his FDNY brothers and sisters died in the fiery inferno that engulfed lower Manhattan.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a non-profit that works with the families of fallen officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty. They pay off the mortgages on these families’ homes. They also work with disabled American veterans by revamping and building smart houses designed for the ease of disabled vets.

Thus far, the foundation has helped the families of seven Louisiana officers who were killed in action, including Vincent Loberto of the Mandeville Police Department, whose son attended Ponchatoula High School.

The committee has organized a procession for the Tunnel to Towers exhibit on Wednesday, April 11. Firefighters, police officers and other officials will convene in Kentwood and lead the exhibit down 55 and into the main street of Ponchatoula. An opening ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, April 12, followed by private tours for invited attendees. Four of the firefighters who fought the death and destruction on 9/11 will accompany the exhibit. They and other firefighters and first responders will be honored guests of our famous Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival parade. They will lead the parade while riding on the Spirit of Louisiana firetruck. The Spirit of Louisiana was built in Holden and donated to NYFD. They then donated it back after Katrina when NOLA lost their trucks in the flood. It now sits in Baton Rouge and is used in visiting schools.

Bringing this exhibit here to Ponchatoula was three years in the making, due to the COVID pandemic. Even after the festival

resumed, Borne spoke with local business owners hard hit by the pandemic and decided to give everyone another year in recovery mode before attempting to raise the funds to bring Tunnel to Towers here to our community.

Raising Funds and Awareness

Borne continues the goal of raising money to support Tunnel to Towers’ financial goals. The money raised is used to not only provide care for the families of the fallen, it also ensures the exhibit is offered free to the public so everyone has the opportunity to walk through the experience They are very close to achieving their stated goal this year and encourage anyone who wants to get involved or donate to visit their Facebook page to learn how their funds and efforts can best be directed.

This year, as you walk along the festival grounds and enjoy the strawberry daiquiris, flats of fresh, sweet berries, carnival rides, and live music coming from several different stages, we encourage you to take a moment to visit Veterans’ Square. There you will find the traveling exhibit as well as booths from several local military branches and other civic groups.

When we speak of American exceptionalism, there can be no finer example than the brave men and women who put their lives on the line when duty called one day in New York City.

FAVORITE THINGS 5

Wife to Brett and mother to Davis (9) and Flynn (4), Ponchatoula native Leslie Fontenot Settoon finds herself busier than ever since the sale of her development company in February. These days, Leslie enjoys running her Subway restaurant in Covington, serving as Chief Scheduling and Chauffer Officer for her children’s activities, and giving of her time by serving as President of the SJS Home & School Association, Sponsorship chair for the SJS Spring Fair, and President of the Louisiana Strawberry Preserve Society. An alumnus of St. Joseph Catholic School and Ponchatoula High School, Leslie regards her biggest accomplishments (next to her family) to be her reign as Louisiana Strawberry Queen XXXI in 2002 and serving as Chairman of the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival in 2011. While it may seem the agenda is full, fitting in the time for her 5 favorite things never seems to be all that challenging.

Music - Growing up, Leslie was exposed to many different genres and generations of music. She particularly loves listening to music while cooking, getting ready to go somewhere and while driving. She loves when a song brings back a great memory.

Drinks with Friends

- Whether it’s morning coffee or late afternoon cocktails, she loves being with friends. Leslie treasures her daily coffee sessions at Paul’s Cafe as well as less frequent happy hours and wine nights with her closest friends.

Baseball Season

Her oldest son discovered his passion for playing baseball, particularly catcher, a few years ago, and she has loved watching him grow as a teammate and competitor. Sitting in that ballpark chair on a cool Spring evening watching him play is one of her favorite ways to close out the day.

Strawberry Festival

While this favorite thing only comes around once a year, all of the events leading up to the big event are equally as fun and strawberry is in her blood. Leslie served as a festival board member for 10 years before leaving to start her family. Now, she enjoys the festival in a different way. Her husband’s family has ridden in the parade for the last 30+ years, and every year they can’t wait to get their annual fix of all the amazing food only available at the Strawberry Festival.

Her porch - When the weather is just right, and even when it isn’t, she loves to sit on her screened porch with a glass of wine or in her front porch rockers and watch the day wind down. She may be recapping the day with her husband or catching up with friends, and in rare times, alone. It’s always time well spent, and this is probably her most favorite thing.

Meet our Medical Director

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Medicine

A comprehensive, holistic program directed by a Pulmonologist. This individualized plan is implemented by experienced, specially-trained professionals who evaluate and treat both acute and chronic conditions in medically-complex patients.

Continuous assessment of respiratory status with highly-trained Respiratory Therapists on site, 24/7, for all patients with an artificial airway for breathing.

Weaning protocols that range from full ventilator settings for breathing through decannulation, with the goal of getting the patients back to their pre-hospitalization oxygen dependency.

Physician rounding with the treatment team. With the patient and family, we set goals to wean per evidence-based standards, individualizing plans based on patient progress.

June 5 – to –July 28

For more information or to register online: southeastern.edu/roomiesreccamp

June 5 – to –

July 28

8 AM - 4 PM

Includes breakfast, lunch, snack, crafts, games, culinary opportunities, and a T-shirt! to register online: southeastern.edu/roomiesreccamp

$150 Weekly Fee

Extended Care Available

For more information or to register online: southeastern.edu/roomiesreccamp

Includes breakfast, lunch, snack, crafts, games, culinary opportunities, and a T-shirt!