Tangi Lifestyles Oct/Nov 2021

Frances Chauvin

“Amerson White will always be my first choice in Court Reporting. In a high-paced litigation practice, the ability to have a dependable and professional Court Reporter with excellent customer service is a necessity. Amerson White understands what’s important to their clients – and they never fail to deliver.” ~ Jamie Gomez, Attorney, Cashe, Coudrain & Bass

Belinda Amerson / Cherie White

Members of LCRA, NCRA, and the Tangipahoa Chamber.

WE LIVE IN A GREAT COMMUNITY!! Once again, we have stepped up and persevered! Just as we were improving from the largest pandemic “surge” to date, we found ourselves 10 miles from the eyewall of what may be the strongest hurricane to have ever hit Louisiana. The devastation in Tangipahoa was unmatched by any combination of hurricanes or floods that have ever affected our parish. A few folks only had a tree down, many more had structural damage which will make life very inconvenient for a while. Sadly, many have lost their homes. Not one of our neighbors was spared damage.

Without blinking an eye, we all immediately took action to help ourselves and our neighbors. Those with less damage helped those in need of help. We were all cutting trees, gutting sheetrock, tarping roofs, fixing generators, sitting in line for ice and gas all while waiting for the power to come back on. We fed our first responders, neighbors and the all-important linemen who came from practically every state in the nation to help us recover. Our community came together and within weeks, the majority of our power was on, our businesses were open, and our kids were back in school. It may have seemed like it took forever, but considering the power of this devistating storm, we have made a heroic recovery of which we should be proud.

Very importantly, please join us in extending special appreciation to our sheriff’s office, local fire and police departments, paramedics as well as our parish and city workers and government officials. The work they did to maintain order, provide protection, and expedite our recovery is immeasurable. Thank you all!

In closing, IT’S FALL!! We still have a lot of local high school and SLU football to play (which you can follow on TANGI 96.5, KAJUN 107.1 and BOSS 103.7). We’re also approaching holiday season. Before you decide to shop online, we hope you’ll first give one of our awesome local businesses the opportunity to earn your business! When they are strong our community is strong.

Buy local. Be local. Promote local. We do it every day. We hope you will too!

PUBLISHER

Northshore Media Group

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS

Johnny Chauvin

Phillip Colwart

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Erin Bolton

Eloise Cottrell

Charles Dowdy

Nick Gagliano

Debi Menasco

Brian Shirey

Amber Narro

ADVERTISING (985) 345-0060

CORRESPONDENCE

200 East Thomas St. Hammond LA 70401

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

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

October/November 2021 Volume 15, Issue 5

Northshore Media Group

200 East Thomas St. Hammond, LA 70401

985.345.0060

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.

What started as a small healthcare company in Monroe quickly grew into one of the leading healthcare companies across the state. Vantage Health Plan was founded in 1994 by a group of physicians who wanted to improve the quality of healthcare while lowering the cost of that care. Vantage opened its Hammond office in 2017, making it Vantage’s eighth corporate location.

Learn more about them on page 6.

Cover photo by Hannah Branson

Committed to ensuring quality healthcare is available to everyone!

Story by Allison Nunnelee

by Hannah Branson

What makes the Vantage Health Plan office in Hammond unique? Our friendly staff, commitment to quality healthcare, and the only physical office location in town!

What started as a small healthcare company in Monroe quickly grew into one of the leading healthcare companies across the state. Vantage Health Plan was founded in 1994 by a group of physicians who wanted to improve the quality of healthcare while lowering the cost of that care. Vantage opened its Hammond office in 2017, making it Vantage’s eighth corporate location.

There are many choices for health insurance on the market. Why choose Vantage? Besides the commitment we made 25 years ago to be a driving force in the market for affordable insurance, Vantage believes in quality -- quality in the products we offer and the employees who make our mission possible. Vantage strives to give members the most benefits for their investment, the best customer service in the industry, and the highest level of care.  Vantage offers Individual Health Insurance Plans, Commercial Health insurance Plans, Vantage Medicare Advantage, and Office of Group Benefits (OGB) Plans for State employees and retirees.

We know health insurance can be confusing. That’s why Vantage’s Hammond team is here for you! Our Hammond office is staffed by Cherish Daughdrill, Lindsey Lloyd, Nikki Smith, and Garrin Pellegrin. The team is dedicated to serving the Tangipahoa community and building a positive future for healthcare.

Cherish Daughdrill advances the Vantage experience for local members and providers. She works as a provider relations representative for the Northshore and New Orleans areas. Cherish attended Southeastern Louisiana University and has lived in Hammond for eleven years. She has been with Vantage for four years and looks forward to growing Vantage’s provider network to give members more options for their favorite doctors. In her free time, Cherish enjoys spending time with her husband, Thomas Daughdrill, and three children Tatum, Steele, and Dani.

Beginning as an administrative assistant at Vantage, Lindsey Lloyd quickly made it known she has a knack for Vantage’s renowned customer service. She is now working for Vantage as a provider relations representative for Terrebonne and Jefferson Parish. Born and raised in Hammond, Lindsey has worked for Vantage for four years with many more to go. Her favorite aspect of working for Vantage is that Vantage has a physical office in downtown Hammond to talk with community members and answer questions about choosing the health insurance plan that is right for them. Lindsey is married to her husband Dallas, and they have two little girls, Emma and Ellie.

You can find Nikki Smith at the front desk, assisting with office administration and working as a provider relations networking administrative assistant. Nikki coordinates and schedules provider appointments and meetings. She is happy to answer questions for members and providers. After retiring from Louisiana State Police Troop F in Monroe, she started working for Vantage in 2017 at the Monroe Corporate Office. She relocated to the Hammond office in 2019 to return home to be with family. Nikki appreciates the family atmosphere Vantage provides for members and coworkers.

Photos

Cherish Daughdrill Provider Relations Representative

Health insurance can be confusing. That's why Vantage's Hammond team is here for you!

Vantage’s newest face in the Hammond office is Garrin Pellegrin. Garrin works as a provider relations representative for Mississippi, networking to new clinics in the state. His favorite part of the job is assisting providers with any needs they may have, as well as helping members in the area. On days off Garrin spends his time with his fiancé and daughter. His hobbies include fitness, traveling, fishing, and home projects.

Vantage is committed to ensuring quality healthcare is available to our members. That’s why we created the DeSiard Pharmacy Network (DPN). The DPN is Vantage Health Plan’s new preferred network of independent pharmacies. DPN pharmacies will work closely with providers in caring for our members. Together they will make sure members are taking their medications correctly and refilling them appropriately. Vantage members will have $0 cost share, when filling most formulary Tier 1 medications at pharmacies in DPN. We encourage 100-day supply prescriptions for maintenance medications, when possible, to further improve medication adherence and member satisfaction. Visit VantageHealthPlan.com/dpn to see a list of pharmacies participating in DPN. You may also call (888) 823-1910 for more information.

Over the next few years, Vantage hopes to increase its presence in the underserved parishes and metro areas around New Orleans to provide trustworthy plans for those seeking high-quality health insurance options. Vantage thanks the Hammond community for allowing them the great honor of working with and getting to know the wonderful people of Southeast Louisiana. When it comes to your insurance, choose a physician-led health insurance plan that has invested in our community, our people, and you. For more information, visit VantageMedicare.com or call 985-402-7000.

Garrin Pellegrin Provider Relations Representative

Nikki Smith Office Administrative Assistant

Lindsey Lloyd Provider Relations Representative

Monroe headquarters

Magnolia OB/GYN at North Oaks welcomes Dr. Matthew Mason and Dr. Marylynn Nguyen to the family.

As women’s health experts, Dr. Mason and Dr. Nguyen specialize in providing exceptional care for women in all stages of life.

Marylynn Nguyen, MD

MD

Schedule an appointment.

Call: (985) 205-8989

Visit: www.northoaks.org/realtalk OR:

Matthew Mason,

Your choice for local, realtime coverage before, during, and after the storm.

"I don't know what Tangipahoa Parish would have done without Northshore Media. They were always providing the most up-to-date information, constantly, around the clock. Basically, because they focus on us, they are NORTH SHORE.

~ Robbie Miller, Tangipahoa Parish President

Ida was a strong storm, but Tangipahoa is stronger. We emerged from the storm and began to show our strength in many ways. Our men took up chainsaws and cleared the roads, our women fed everyone with delicious cajun cooking, our children smiled through the chaos. Tangi radio became the homing beacon for locals to find the answers they needed in real time, and the parish government continues to lead the way back to normalcy with a confidence and grace born only in Louisiana. Together we are TANGI STRONG.

We’re your local neighborhood experts and are proud to be backed by the #1 provider of custom window coverings in North America. And we do it all for you. We expertly measure your space, install beautiful window treatments, and back it up with the best warranty in the business so you can sit back and relax.

Wood Shutters

All are welcome here Downtown YOGA

Written by Debi Menasco

Their mantra is “All are welcome here!” As you enter the studio, the atmosphere is always welcoming, never intimidating or competitive. Barbara Tardo’s original artwork adorns the walls, adding to the unique “vibe” of their space. Britni Serou and Brenna Barzenick, owners of Downtown Yoga, recently celebrated their 6-year anniversary together at their downtown location just above The Steakhouse. Their mission is to help others on the never-ending journey of self-discovery. They are grateful for the opportunity to serve the community they dearly love.

Britni and Brenna want to emphasize yoga isn’t just for the young, thin person; it’s for all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are a college student needing some stress relief from your grueling class schedule, or a 70-year-old man needing to gain lost mobility and strength, Downtown Yoga is the place for that.

Photos by Johnny Chauvin

Exercise at your own pace. “I love people discovering themselves again, creating that connection between mind, body and spirit,” Britni emphasized. Choose from an assortment of classes geared to different strengths and abilities, including yoga classes that emphasize strength and mobility like Flow, Kettlebell, and Chair Yoga, or gentle stretching in Yin, and mindfulness in Meditation. They welcome all ages, backgrounds, and body types.

Yoga is all about attention to the body by way of the breath. The typical mix of group classes range from teens to 80s, from women, men, athletes, college students, and the occasional traveler passing through town. They are also available for private sessions for individuals, couples, or small groups. Their twoweek, $20 new client special is a perfect way to try out their yoga classes. You can buy session packages with no contract, or an annual membership, whatever works within your budget and schedule. Check out Downtown Yoga on Facebook for class information and special events. You will also find their Facebook community, Downtown Yoga Community Group, which they started during Covid for those wishing to exercise at home to be able to do so.

Britni has been teaching yoga for 18 years! She is one of only five trainers in the world that is certified to teach the Annie Carpenter's globally-renowned SmartFLOW® method. The SmartFLOW® method is an alignment-based practice that allows yoga to be accessible for all body types. SmartFLOW®connects breath with movement while building strength and flexibility with a strong focus on intelligent class sequences. You learn to let go of outside distractions as you take your focus inward and you leave feeling calmer and more balanced, physically and mentally.

Brenna has been a Physical Therapist for 27 years and has taught yoga for 9 years. She said, “Britni was my teacher and mentor. I was attracted to the SmartFLOW® method because it makes sense anatomically. Yoga is a great tool to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility, and it can help with a variety of physical ailments.” If you follow Brenna on Facebook, you will enjoy her many “punny” quips and quotes that she regularly posts to lighten everyone’s day! Plus, you will see photos of her other talent, repairing generators!

If you are looking for the ideal gift for someone this year, consider a gift certificate to Downtown Yoga.

LOCAL STUDENTS SHARE THEIR PASSIONS

Story by Amy Schneida | Photos by Phillip Colwart

Typical thoughts of high school extracurricular activities include sports — basketball, baseball and maybe even gymnastics. Local Tangipahoa Parish students would like to change that attitude, and they’re winning awards to back up their claim that there’s more to student engagement than traditional athletics.

JAYDEN HAUCK

Hammond native Jayden Hauck, 16, has been bowling at her family’s bowling alley since she was 13. In those three short years, she's also bowled for Hammond High Magnet School, where she has accumulated a laundry list of awards.

In 2018, Hauck bowled her first perfect 300 game — yes, 13 strikes in a row. All this when she couldn’t yet drive herself to the bowling alley. She has won the U15 Grand Prix two years in a row (2018-2019), and she won the Pepsi State Championship in 2019.

She has even represented Hammond on a global stage. Earlier this year, Hauck placed 60th out of 560 girls from around the world at the Junior Gold U18 Championship in Indianapolis.

Hauck plans on continuing her bowling career through the end of high school and allowing her sport to pave the way to college. Multiple schools around the country have extended scholarship opportunities to Hauck, including schools in Florida and Ohio.

COURTNEY WILSON JR.

For Courtney Wilson Jr., 17, boxing is a family affair. His parents, Courtney and Shannon Wilson, met while both served in the U.S. Army. As locals in southeast Louisiana, the couple decided to settle and raise a family in the Hammond area.

Drawing from his experience boxing in the military, Courtney Sr. passed his love for the sport down to his two sons, Courtney Wilson Jr. and Shane Crawford. Thus began the Hammond

Boxing Club in early 2020, where Courtney Sr. mentors local boxers as young as six years old.

Recently, Courtney Jr. won the Louisiana State Golden Glove Championship in the 123-pound weight class. He then traveled to Tennessee, where he also won the Regional Golden Glove Championship. He plans on competing in the USA Boxing Nationals in Shreveport this December.

ELISKA TROBONA

Eliska Trobona, 17, doesn’t need any sporting equipment for her extracurricular activities. As a member of the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Club at Independence High School, she says she was inspired to make a difference after watching struggles in her own family. Trobona and SADD work with the State of Louisiana to design campaigns to deter students from underage drinking, drug use, and other destructive decisions.

Trobona worked on one such campaign to make

corsages for last year’s homecoming and prom that included written messages such as “Don’t Drink and Drive.”

Her future plans also include serving her community, with career goals that hit particularly close to home. Trobona struggles with Type 1 Diabetes and hopes to continue serving her community after graduation by going to school to become a dietician— teaching others with similar struggles to better their quality of life

Students interested in extracurricular activities beyond the traditional sports or clubs should reach out to guidance counselors and even their favorite teachers.

Charles A Lanaux, ca 1950, (George S Kausler, LTD)

The citizens of Tangipahoa Parish have all felt the impact of Hurricane Ida. We at the Sheriff’s office would like to assure our friends and neighbors that we are here to keep our community safe as we begin to rebuild. Together we will make Tangipahoa stronger, safer and better than ever before.

The Tangipahoa Parish SHERIFF’S OFFICE

DANIEL EDWARDS, SHERIFF

PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Hammond offers a comprehensive, holistic Wound Medicine program directed by a wound care physician, designed for patients requiring extensive treatment interventions by experienced, specially trained professionals who evaluate and treat acute, chronic and complex, non-healing wounds in medically complex patients.

Pictured are Darlene, LaQuanda, Christy (Director) and Tenisha

Royale The

Oak

Written by Amber Narro | Photos by Phillip Colwart

How do you stay in business for 30 years? You offer a quality product at a fair price, have a courteous, friendly, and professional sales staff, and last but not least, offer superior service. Owner David Albin began working at The Royale Oak in 1986 and bought the business from Joe Buddy Anderson in 1993. Anderson, who in 1968 established The Royale Oak in Amite moved the business to Hammond in 1971 but the location the locals now know and love has been operating in Seville Plaza since 1991.

Now running The Royale Oak with his daughter Hayley Toups who manages the business truly makes it a family affair. Albin says he loves working with his daughter who began working there officially when she was a teenager, but her experience started many years prior. “Hayley sold her first tie when she was three years old” Albin said.

The Royale Oak is a men’s clothing, tuxedo rental and occasion dress store. Albin says “We can special order suits and sportscoats with several different price points. With new merchandise arriving every 30 to 40 days we are able to keep a good selection of new inventory in the store.” On the casual and fashion side The Royale Oak offers Southern Marsh, Greg Nor-

mal, Marcello, Lucky Jeans and Johnston and Murphy shoes.

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 to 28.

Since 1968, The Royale Oak has serviced the Hammond, Tangi, and Livingston area. “We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all our loyal customers for choosing The Royale Oak. You are the reason our business continues to grow and we pledge to make continued efforts to merit your confidence. We will keep bringing you the very best in quality, value, and service,” Albin says.

Gift certificates are available and The Royale Oak offers free gift wrap with your purchase. Christmas shopping is just around the corner!

The Royale Oak 1905 West Thomas Street in Seville Plaza in Hammond. Hours are 9:30 to 6 Monday through Friday and 9:30 to 3 on Saturday.

MEET YOUR STYLISTS AT

MASTER STYLISTS — Experienced Stylists and Mentors

SENIOR STYLISTS — Experienced and Established Stylists

JUNIOR STYLISTS — Mentoring Under Our Master Stylists

Hattie's Heartfelt Message

Story by Claire Cuccia | Photos by Phillip Colwart

During the more challenging seasons for the Davis family, the hospital sometimes becomes more of a home than their actual home. Some would say that Hattie suffers from spina bifida, but through the support of her family and hospital staff, this little fighter thrives regardless of her tough circumstances.

Hattie has had about 35 surgeries, and she looks at each as a new challenge to get stronger and overcome spina bifida. At one point of Hattie's journey, she was in the hospital for 71 days straight. Despite her circumstances of being connected to a ventilator because of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, as well as having a tracheostomy tube, she continues to have a positive attitude.

"The doctors and the nurses feel like your family," said her mom Amy Davis. She considered herself thankful for all those around her pulling together to take care of them during this critical time.

"We have had nothing but good experiences,” says Amy. Amy said Hattie has to have surgery once again in November. She will be in the hospital for three days, and Haittie is actually excited because she gets to catch up with the doctors and nurses.

“She is treated like a celebrity when she goes to the hospital," Amy said. “The Lake is easier for us because all the doctors are in the same system. All of the specialists are in the same system too, and the doctors can coordinate with one another better."

In November, the Davis family faced another scare when Hattie started to experience face paralysis. Amy said, "Even in the midst of Hattie having face paralysis, she had excitement to go to the hospital because she is comforted by going there."

After spending so much time at Our Lady of the Lake, Jeremiah and Amy Davis were invited to be on the Family Advisory Council for Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Taking on this role, they were able to help make decisions for the new hospital, as Amy said the insight of parents is one of the most important aspects to making the hospital the best it can be.

While Hattie’s healthcare journey isn’t over, the Davis family says her attitude is strong, and she has learned to embrace the opportunities that come with fighting her condition.

RESILIENCE in the face of SUFFERING

SISTER RENÉE DAIGLE,

Congregational Assistant - Marianites of Holy Cross Assistant Director - St. Albert Catholic Student Center

409 West Dakota St., Hammond, 70401 stalbertselu.org | (985) 345-7206

I just received a diagnosis of cancer. A tree fell on my house during the hurricane. My child was born with a disease or birth defect. It is often in times like these when we ask ourselves, How could God do this to me? or How could God allow this to happen to me? The age-old question, Why do bad things happen to good people? just does not seem to have an acceptable answer for those of us who consider ourselves people of faith.

A line in a podcast a few years ago has given me lots to reflect upon and to hold on to in times of disaster, grief, suffering, crisis situations – the absolute love of God protects us from nothing even as it sustains us in all things (James Finley).

Think about it . . . if God is love, then God would not deliberately afflict any piece of creation with suffering. God promised that all would be well in the end - if all is not yet well, it is not the end. Ours is not to know all things or be able to answer all questions. Ours is to practice our faith, and to hold on to our belief that our loving God does indeed sustain us through the most challenging of situations.

How do I know God sustains me?

FR. BRAD DOYLE

· I wake up each day.

Parochial Vicar - St. Margaret (Albany) & St. Thomas (Springfield) Chaplain - St. Thomas Aquinas High School

· I sense glimpses of God’s presence in nature and animals.

· The right person comes along just when I need a helping hand, a listening ear, a suggestion, a hug, a meal, or whatever, at that very moment.

· A certain Bible verse speaks directly to my heart.

· The perfect song comes on at the perfect time.

We are guaranteed absolutely nothing in this life – everything is a gift from God. If we choose to look for ways God sustains us amid feeling beaten down, we will surely find them. That does not make the suffering go away, but it assures us that the end is not now, so we move forward . . . together.

MRS. FRANCES CHAUVIN Tangipahoa Chamber's best of the best.

Photos by Johnny Chauvin

If you grew up in Tangipahoa parish, you may have met Frances Chauvin through she and her husband John’s past ownership of WFPR/WHMD, worshipping at Holy Ghost and St Albert Catholic Churches, or various civic organizations. On top of all of that, the pies she bakes to sell at the Baton Rouge’s Red Stick Farmers’ Market are famous. Even former President George Bush has enjoyed her pies! Frances Chauvin is 89 years old and shows no sign of slowing. Her legacy includes 7 children, 17 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren whom she adores.

“Mrs. Frances has always been a worker bee from her early days with the Holy Ghost Mother’s Club through her long-term commitment to the Hammond Chamber of Commerce Depot Building fund! No one can tell her no! Love that Lady!”  7th Ward Clerk Guy Recotta.

“Mrs. Frances is one of a kind! No other organization has benefited more from her direct efforts than the Tangipahoa Chamber. The Chamber’s highest volunteer honor, the Frances Chauvin Volunteer of the Year award, recognizes the best of the best of our business leaders.  Winners of this award always share that having their name associated with hers is a true honor.

As the #1 Ticket Seller for the annual Chillin’ with the Chamber fundraiser, she has single-handedly raised more than $300,000 to help maintain the historic depot which the Chamber owns, and to support business programs. In

2019, the Chamber honored her long-standing commitment by naming their board room – Frances Chauvin Board Room.

Mrs. Frances is a Tangipahoa Chamber Annie Award and Annie Legacy Honoree.  She epitomizes the awards’ purpose of honoring women in Tangipahoa who work in excellence and have a true heart for our community.”  Tangipahoa Chamber’s Melissa Bordelon

“I have known Mrs. Chauvin for almost 40 years. She is wonderful, spectacular, delightful, loyal, and the loving matriarch of a fabulous Hammond family. She is also the toughest patient I’ve ever had!! A few years ago, she developed abdominal pain but continued working on a special project and only came to see me when her work was done. I took her to surgery and found a ruptured appendix!! She is truly a remarkable woman and I consider her a part of my family!”

Physician Jeff Liner

“I can’t remember when Kim and I first met Mrs. Frances, but we became fast friends. We immediately realized that tradition and family were important to us. What a treasure and more important, a dear friend!” Ponchatoula Mayor Bob Zabbia

“In high school, Tim Chauvin and I were best friends so I spent a lot of time at the Chauvin Ranch. The best part of hanging out there was the food. Mrs. Chauvin is a great cook and whether it was oyster gumbo for their famous Super Bowl Parties or a Sunday family meal, the food was always delicious, abundant, and memorable as everyone laughed and shared stories.” Businessman Nick Gagliano

“Some kids show up at home with a dog or cat, well the seven Chauvin kids think nothing of bringing people home. One guest from another country enjoyed his stay so much that he invited his sisters’ family of five to live with us for six months! Here is the short list, twins from Ponchatoula, the tennis player from Columbia, three students from Southeastern, three DJ’s from California, the family of five from Columbia, a girl from Germany (who was hitchhiking across the US), not to mention the guest who showed up with no claim to a sibling. Then there’s an even longer list of dinner guests ranging from a young couple with twelve kids, Morton Anderson for Thanksgiving dinner, Terry Bradshaw who took a nap on the floor after a meal, and her self-professed, all-time favorite guest, Robin Roberts.” Son Tommy Chauvin.

A secret gem of Hammond, Holiday Inn may not be a secret for much longer. With a spirited team of individuals that seek to provide comfort in this beautiful and clean environment, local organizations are starting to pay attention-and book events.

“A lot of people don’t know we have all this,” says General Manager Jamie Reynolds. “Our ballroom can host 200 people … and we cater.”

A Beautiful Place to Stay or Play!

Written by Amber Narro | Photos by Johnny Chauvin

The Holiday Inn Hammond has a restaurant and bar that provides local dishes and specialty cocktails. Kem's Restaurant and Bar has seating for up to 60 people and operates seven days a week. "Some of our regular guests rave about the Trolley Car Fries, Bourbon Street Burger, and Who Dat Loaded Queso. We also offer a wide variety of specialty drinks and cocktails for everyone," stated Reynolds.

Reynolds says that it is her team of hospitality professionals that make Holiday Inn Hammond a success. (Staci Cali-Assistant General Manager, Josh Holland-Front Office Manager, April Sepulvado-F&B Director, Olevia Watts-Director of Housekeeping, Blake Scott-Director of Maintenance, Christina NortonDirector of Sales, & Jacob Poole-Assistant Front Office Manager).

April Sepulvado joined Reynolds' team last year and has worked hard to ensure the restaurant provides a great experience for the hotel guests and local patrons. "She is a go-getter who is doing an amazing job."

Reynolds also gives Sepulvado credit for encouraging her lead bartender/supervisor, local Instagram personality Tre Sciortino (trey_spartan_aroo), who has had experience working in local establishments as well as in New Orleans. “Tre is so creative,” said Reynolds. “He makes every guest feel like they are the only one staying, and his drinks are beautiful and delicious.”

With 30 employees, there is room for growth at the Holiday Inn. In addition to employment opportunities, Reynolds said she works with local organizations and schools to ensure those who want experience in the hospitality industry gain it while they are working on their education.

“We provide internships as well as part-time employment,” she said. “Our experienced staff is helping to train future hospitality professionals.”

The Holiday Inn Hammond has 97 beautiful rooms and 3000 square foot of meeting space, and has a long list of regular guests from local businesses and universities.

"When I came aboard last year, the restaurant was opening back up after its initial COVID shutdown," she said. "Along with my AGM Staci Cali, we rebuilt the management team, and we started getting busy. We are now booking groups and events and the growth is really exciting."

The restaurant is open for breakfast seven days a week and dinner Monday through Saturday. At the bar, there are happy hour and event specials. Both are open to the public.

"We have really nice rooms, a great restaurant & bar, and a fantastic staff that takes pride in their work," she said. 'We invite you to visit or stay."

Written by Zachary Pocheo

A fitness resort for the entire family

In the 20 years of its existence, North Cypress Fitness has grown into a local, family-friendly experience. With locations in both Hammond and Ponchatoula, North Cypress Fitness Fitness has a helpful staff ready to provide an ideal health club experience.

Dr. Rick Henry and Dion Grossnickle built North Cypress Fitness on the foundation of health and wellness for the entire family. Dr. Henry works tirelessly as a single dad who is also dedicated to meeting the needs of North Cypress Fitness patrons and his staff. He has recently retired from his dentistry practice in Ponchatoula and is looking forward to spending more time with his children Ricky, Regan and Mattie and at North Cypress Fitness.

Dr. Rick Henry graduated from LSU School of Dentistry in 1984 and opened his practice in Ponchatoula on Halloween day in 1992. He said instead of candy that year they handed out toothbrushes to the local children! Dr. Henry boasts that he has had most of his staff for over 20 years, one beginning with him when she was just 16. He loves Ponchatoula and it’s small town atmosphere. He prides himself on treating his patients as individuals, each like a member of his own family. He explained that it has been extremely hard to walk away from the practice because of that. However, after 27 years he has decided to free himself up to spend time with other projects that he holds dear. This year he and his daughter, Reagan, will be traveling to Peru to provide dentistry services there. Over the years he has made 27 different trips to Central & South America on these missions. He explained helping them helps him and the love we share and have for one another.

facility tailored toward meeting the needs of its patrons, hosting classes that interest the community, and forming a safe health club for friends and families to enjoy.”

With programming for every age group, this facility is no traditional “gym.” Among its many amenities, the facility offers a heated family pool facility, an outdoor track, rowing studio and four professional, lighted tennis courts. There are even special areas for children to exercise and play in the children’s water park, the splash pool and the indoor kids’ corner.

Speaking of children, childcare is available, and the resort has plenty of room for birthday parties and events.

Growth is in their DNA as neither Henry nor Grossnickle has plans to stop. “We want to continue to grow North Cypress Fitness,” says Grossnickle. “We are adding features to the facility to improve the overall quality of the workout.”

“We have one common goal,” says Grossnickle. “We want to provide the residents of the Tangipahoa area with a fitness

North Cypress Fitness has three facilities – the flagship Hammond fitness resort located near Hammond Square Mall at 1606 South Magnolia Street and two, 24/7 health and fitness clubs located at 2108 West Thomas Street in Hammond and at 530 West Pine Street in Ponchatoula. Each facility has accommodations for all ages. For more information, call North Cypress Fitness at 985-542-3121 or visit northcypress.com.

Photos by Johnny Chauvin

Means Business

Twin Steeples

Story by Amber Narro

by Phillip Colwart

Ponchatoula is undergoing a city-wide makeover, welcoming an explosion of the arts to its walkable downtown area. Twin Steeples is further extending the original path to include 220 East Oak Street where two historic church buildings are situated to become pillars for the Strawberry Capital’s arts awakening. Located just a short distance from plenty to see, do and eat, this non-profit has potential beyond what’s inside and may soon invite other businesses to locate across the traditional downtown borders.

Organized and operated under the direction of a dynamic board of directors, Twin Steeples Creative Arts Center is poised for year-round celebrations of the arts including weekly music/theatrical performances and classes. Plans are also in the works for Living History weekends, writing panel discussions, rotating art exhibits and monthly children’s activities.

Established in 2020, Twin Steeples was founded by the late Harry J. Gabriel. Designed by Harry’s older brother, architect John Gabriel, Twin Steeples Creative Arts Center will become a multidisciplinary arts organization, says President of the Board Kim Zabbia.

Photos

“This was Harry’s vision,” Zabbia said. “And he’s still working on it.”

Gabriel lost his battle with cancer in March, but he left money to match every dollar donated for the project – finding a way to give even after his death.

“He gave his entire life to the community,” says Zabbia. “We have gotten donations from around the country due to people knowing Harry through association with his mission trips. He started this non-profit for all artists. Aaron, Harry and I met several times and gathered ideas from other people to make sure this would involve the entire community.”

Aaron Gordon is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Ponchatoula, and Zabbia said he was integral in ensuring Twin Steeples could become a reality. But Gordon credits his congregation for realizing Gabriel’s vision and supporting it through the $1 sale of the wooden church building and the property.

“Harry and I first got together and were doing creative gatherings,” says Gordon. “As an artist himself, Harry wanted an arts center. He called me one day and said he bought a church and wanted to explore getting the Presbyrterian Church to sell their property to him as well.”

Gordon says the conversation wasn’t difficult. He said the congregation wanted to put the church back into community use and be good stewards of what God had given them. Only months later, the buildings would be moved to face each other and begin breathing a constant airflow of creativity across the way.

Gabriel saw the buildings turn from his hospital bed via Facebook Live. And he had more to share with this new organization. Twin Steeples is an umbrella organization that includes Gabriel’s home and botanical gardens in River Ranch. It will become an artist’s retreat for creativity. “Big name artists can work or record out there and come into the Center to perform, give a talk or teach. It will be a wonderful asset, but it will be a couple of years before it’s ready,” Zabbia added.

While the buildings are historical churches, one Lutheran and one Presbyterian, the non-profit is secular and invites all artists to share their work.

Pictured L toR:

Stephen Emmons

Erin Wallace

Kim Zabbia

Aaron Gordon

“Harry’s vision was for it to be open to the public,” says Gordon. “On the board, we don’t decide what is art and what isn’t art. We know there may be some art that is not traditional, and we don’t want to censor it. We want Twin Steeples to belong to the community.”

The office will be located in the Lutheran Church, and the schedule is already crystallizing with the grand opening scheduled for October 28 hopefully.

“This is going to be a great celebration,” Zabbia said. “These are the two oldest churches and only completely wooden ones in Ponchatoula, and they have lived on the same block since they were constructed over 100 years ago. Now we are restoring them while respecting their original architecture.”

As in real estate, the key is location, location, location, and its position close to restaurants, museums, and shopping screams for local, local, local attention. That’s exactly what Zabbia and the Board of Directors hopes to do.

In order to raise money for this new footprint in the community, the Board of Directors has membership levels that start at $50 as well as merchandise that marks the beginning of this new tradition in Ponchatoula. Visit twinsteeples.org for more information.

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Leigh Anne DOODY'S FAVORITE THINGS 5

Leigh Anne Doody is a Hammond native who still calls Tangipahoa home! She is a proud alumnus of Holy Ghost Catholic School, Hammond High School (’91), SLU (’95) and Leadership Tangipahoa (’16). Immediately after college she began working with Neill Corporation where over the past 21 years, she has prospered in practically every division of one of our parish’s most successful companies. Her career has brought her to salons from New York to Beverly Hills where she consulted with our country’s best salons. She is currently the Operations Director of the Neill’s Salon Division where she oversees 8 Paris Parker Salon & Spas and 2 Parker Barbershops. Leigh Anne and her husband Roger have twin boys, Cameron and Connor, as well as a 14-yearold black lab named Bullet. We are happy she allowed us to share her 5 Favorite Things…

Colorado Girls Trip

This trip started several years ago with 4 close friends. I look forward to this week together where we dance, hike, horseback ride, ride bikes, shop and visit a local spa to relax. We always end the evening with a nice meal and great wine. The weather is always so nice; just sitting outside visiting and watching the stars is so peaceful. A lot of laughter and great memories are made on this trip.

Boots, Boots and More Boots!

Shoes in general are my thing; but when I see a nice-looking pair of boots I must Buy! There is nothing better than getting dressed, putting on jewelry; and a fine pair of boots to head to a George Strait, Alan Jackson or any country music concert. Most days you will see my outfit is complete with a pair of Boots.

Teaching Swimming Lessons

After working each day I come home, jump in a swimsuit to teach swimming lessons in my back yard. I love to see the excitement on the kids’ faces when they learn how to swim. This is very fulfilling for me to see their accomplishment.

Walking

Over the last year Roger and I have made a daily routine; we walk in the evenings. It’s been great exercise for us but the best thing about it is the time we spend together. This is where our best conversation happens!

Family Beach Trips

Always My Happy Place! A tradition started many years ago with our family. When our kids were little, we would prepare to stay out on the beach all day; packed an ice chest with snacks, drinks and lunch; many naps have taken place on a towel under an umbrella. As the kids have gotten older, days at the beach look a little different; fishing trips are a must! It’s always fun being with our family!

A true celebration of what makes Louisiana home

Story by Amber Narro | Photos by Phillip Colwart and Kate Fischer

For the second year, the Exnicios Group hosted an art exhibition at John's home in Hammond. Ponchatoula’s Mandy Mae Mongrue, this year’s featured artist, brought a celebration of color and creativity to his home, a joy Exnicios says he will invite for years to come.

On Aug. 27, as many Tangipahoa residents were readying for Hurricane Ida, this party provided a

“The Exnicios group is dedicated to offering opportunities for our clients to come together and have a good time,” says John Exnicios, the party’s host. “I come from a big New Orleans family that met every Sunday for dinner, and I want to extend that to my clients and friends here in Hammond.”

~ John Exnicios

welcomed distraction. The Rind Cheese Shop and Blackened Brew provided food and drinks for the party.

Exnicios says Mongrue was the perfect artist for this year’s event. Mongrue’s work features Louisiana’s beloved wildlife, its finest seafood, beautiful landscapes and vibrant architecture.

This event showcased Mongrue’s true appreciation for the state and the magic that brings people here and invites them to stay, mimicking what Exnicios wishes for his real estate clients. He said he also likes to offer them opportunities to enjoy what makes Louisiana such a special place to live.

John Exnicios is part owner of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Preferred Realtors serving Tangipahoa Parish. He has the ideal backdrop for celebrations such as these in his beautiful downtown home.

“Hammond has a history of celebrating local artists, and I want to be part of that tradition,” he says. “These celebrations will certainly continue.”

Whether it’s a pandemic, a natural disaster or just business as usual, FGB is here for you every step of the way.

As a community, we have overcome adversity in waves, we are proud to be part of Tangipahoa Parish.