Tangi Lifestyles October/November 2023 by Northshore Media Group

TANGI October/November 2023 | Volume 17, Issue 5

lifestyles

Bella's Bracelets | 5 Favorite Things - Kim Cutrer-Ragusa | The New Octavians | Stanton White October/November 2023 | 1

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October/November 2023 | 3

WELCOME TO FALL!! After a summer of record heat and practically no rainfall, we’re all looking forward to cooler temperatures and fun fall activities. Just a few of our local options for fall fun are the Tangipahoa Parish Fair, Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow, Louisiana Renaissance Festival, Brews Arts Festival, Vintage Market Days, and SO MUCH MORE. Check out our calendar of events page! This issue is full of great local stories including two Southeastern students on a mission to Kenya, a local artist who has improved the façade of downtown Independence and a young lady with grit and determination who has overcome many obstacles. We truly hope you’ll enjoy! Local high school and SLU football and other fall sports are in full effect. We hope you’ll support our student athletes by attending a few games, and when you can’t attend, tune into TANGI 96.5, KAJUN 107.1 and BOSS 103.7. Finally, we’re all gearing up for 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! Northshore Media Group 200 East Thomas St. Hammond, LA 70401 985.345.0060

PUBLISHER Northshore Media Group Angela Blake PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS Johnny Chauvin Phillip Colwart Riyen Helg EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Erin Bolton Eloise Cottrell Charles Dowdy Nick Gagliano Debi Menasco Betsy O'Leary Brian Shirey Abigail Fischer ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Erin Bolton Debi Menasco Rebecca Blossman-Ferran 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

October/November 2023 Volume 17, Issue 5

Cover photo by Johnny Chauvin

On the Cover:

4 | TangiLifestyles.com

Connie Thomas, the owner of Victory Home Center, believes her business is one of the state’s most successful manufactured home dealerships through the power of faith in God and a team ready to lay it all on the line to secure success. Learn more about Connie and her team on page 8.

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.

Table of

Contents 8. Cover Feature

Connie Thomas Victory Home Center

11. Tangi Faith

Hallie Kent and Maddie Grippi Mission Trip to Kenya

16. Tangi Neighbors Stanton White of Independence

20. Tangi Community

Beautiful Bella Cervantes

24. Tangi Theatre

The New Octavians Brent Alan Goodrich

28. Tangi Neighbors Dr. Bill Wheat for Senate District #37

32. Tangi Business

The Spine Center at The Bone and Joint Center of Baton Rouge

36. Tangi Art

Watercolor Society of Louisiana's 13 on the 13th Art & Wine Event

56. 5 Favorite Things of Kim Cutrer-Ragusa

62. Seen & Heard Photo by Riyen Helg

October/November 2023 | 55

October/November 2023 |

Experience the fun, food, sights & sounds of the Village of Albright!

Every weekend in November – First two weekends in December in Hammond

www.larf.org 6 | TangiLifestyles.com

NOV

OCT

2023

OCTOBER

10/4 – 10/8 Tangipahoa Parish Fair Florida Parishes Arena, 1301 NW Central Ave, Amite tangifair.org

10/6 Live After 5 Concert Series W Hickory St, Ponchatoula downtownponchatoula.com. 10/7 Brews Arts Festival Hammond Regional Arts Center 5-9 p.m. www.hammondarts.org 10/7 Denham Springs Fall Festival Downtown Denham Springs livingstontourism.com 10/7 Hungarian Harvest Dance livingstontourism.com 10/7 - 10/8 Twin Steeples Village Arts Market 220 East Oak Street, Ponchatoula twinsteeples.org 10/9-15 Livingston Parish Fair Parade October 7th livingstontourism.com 10/12 Bling a Pair to Save a Pair 6:30 - 9:30 PM Chappapeala Sports Park facebook/krewe da cha chas 10/13 - 11/9 Vanishing Pages, An Exhibition of Artwork by Amy Neill, Amy Schwartzmann Harvie & Diana Clements Opening reception: 10/13 • 5-8 p.m. Hammond Regional Arts Center hammondarts.org 10/14 ARTisTRY Classes (Fiber Arts) Hammond Regional Arts Center 10 a.m. to Noon hammondarts.org 10/20 - 10/22 Vintage Market Days Florida Parishes Arena, 1301 NW Central Ave, Amite vintagemarketdays.com/market/ se-louisiana

10/21 - 10/22 Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow 600 Judge Leon Ford Dr, Hammond hammondairshow.com 10/21 — Night at the Grand Ole Opry Grand Country Junction livingstontourism.com 10/25 Tangipahoa Professional Women Luncheon 11:30 - 1 PM • The Depeaux, Independence tangipw.org 10/27 - 10/29 — Toula Que & Fall Fest Memorial Park, Ponchatoula lastrawberryfestival.com 10/28 ARTisTRY Classes (Special FX Makeup) Hammond Regional Arts Center 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. • www.hammondarts.org 10/28 Walker Fall Fest Downtown Walker • livingstontourism.com 10/30 — BOO at the Rec Hammond Recreation 601 W Coleman Ave, Hammond 5 - 7 PM • 985-277-5905

NOVEMBER

11/4&5, 11/11&12, 11/18&19, 11/25&26 12/2&3, 12/9&10 — LA Renaissance Festival www.larf.org 11/4 - ARTisTRY Classes (Fall Collage) Hammond Regional Arts Center 10 a.m. to Noon • www.hammondarts.org 11/3 - 11/5 Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days-Arts & Crafts Fair Downtown Ponchatoula ponchatoulachamber.com • 985-351-4029 11/10 — Playing the Staircase Hammond Regional Arts Center 6-8 p.m. • www.hammondarts.org 11/10 — Hood Memorial Health Fair 9 A - 1 P • Florida Parish Arena

ON-GOING

FIRST FRIDAY OF MONTH Gospel Music Fest 13101 Hwy, 442 W., Tickfaw 985.974.0507, mvmgoodnews.com

EVERY SATURDAY

Hammond Farmers & Artisans Market 106 NW Railroad Ave., 8 am-12 pm Independence Craft & Farmers’ Market - 8.30 am-1 pm 750 E. Railroad Ave., Independence, 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 11/15 Tangipahoa Professional Women Luncheon 11:30 - 1 PM The Oaks Event Center, Ponchatoula • tangipw.org 11/18 ARTisTRY Classes (Squeegee Painting) Hammond Regional Arts Center 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. • hammondarts.org 11/17 - 12/21 Exhibition of Work by Members of the Contemporary Fiber Artists of LA Opening reception: November 17 from 5-8 p.m. Hammond Regional Arts Center • hammondarts.org 11/18 The Fabulous Grand Country Junction livingstontourism.com 11/24 Lighting of the Old City Hall livingstontourism.com

11/11 — Walker Veteran's Parade livingstontourism.com

11/24 Christmas in Denham Springs Village livingstontourism.com

11/11 Denham Springs Veterans Appreciation livingstontourism.com

11/25 Christmas Holiday Open House livingstontourism.com

October/November 2023 | 7

tangiFeature

Faith & Faith & Teamwork Teamwork Lead to Success at Lead to Home Success at The Victory Center Written by Nick Gagliano | Photos by Johnny Chauvin The Victory Home Center

Some of the great victories Some of the great victories are well known: are well known: David vs Goliath David vs Goliath Joshua vs Jericho Joshua vs Jericho The US Hockey The US Men’sMen’s Hockey Team Team vs Russia vs Russia TheLady LSU Tigers Lady Tigers The LSU National Championship National Championship Each of these victories had two Each of these victories had two important elements. It was the power important elements. It was the power of faith Godinand a team ofin faith God and aready teamto ready to lay it all line toline secure success.success. layon it the all on the to secure

TangiLifestyles.com 8 8 | |TangiLifestyles.com

Connie Thomas, the owner of Victory Connie Thomas, the owner of Victory HomeHome Center, has achieved such a such a Center, has achieved victory as heras business is one of victory her business is the one of the state’sstate’s most successful manufactured most successful manufactured home dealerships. The fact that she home dealerships. The fact that she was told in 2018 she would not was told in 2018 she would not succeed is not lost on her. succeed is not lost on her.

“I am in a male-dominated industry, and I was given zero chance for success,” said Thomas. “But like David and Joshua, God was by their side, and like the Men’s Hockey Team and the LSU Lady Tigers, I had the right team dedicated to being successful and working in tandem for the win.” Known in the community for being Sassy, Classy and a Little Smart A$$y, Connie Thomas is quick to give her Glory to God and credit to her team. “I need to give a special shout-out to Walter, Jorvis and Maurice who are the best team in the state for me. They all enjoy helping the people of our community purchase their first home and showing them the best options for their budget. They’ll even go so far as coaching them on how to get their finances in order so they can purchase a new home in the future.” The Victory Home Center team’s approach of looking out for their customers is quite different than their competitors. All the homes on the lot are unlocked and families are encouraged to wander through the homes without the pressure of a salesman on their heels. The total price for each home is listed on the refrigerator which includes a total package of the home, delivery, set-up, A/C installation, skirting and two sets of temporary steps.

“This is a really good program, and we are fortunate and blessed to be able to help many families. I invite anyone to stop by and talk about the particulars for the RESTORE Program. As always, my team and I love to help answer questions,” said Thomas.

The Art of Minimalist Fashion

The last five years have journey with Lorem ipsum dolor sit been amet,aconsectetur many ups and downs businesses face, but adipiscing elit. Etiam viverra malesuada Connie Thomas has a spirit and drive that lobortis. Fusce tincidunt magna nunc, overcomes these bumps in the road. tempor molestie purus accumsan vel. Mauris

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“I believe God has been by my side since I sollicitudin Quisque aliquam first started tempor. five years ago. Heet gave me the mi. Aliquam imperdiettorutrum strength and blessings put me neque. in a poMorbitovolutpat eratHe eualso enim sition succeed. ledultrices, otherssed like Walter, Jorvis, est andvenenatis. Maruice to join me in condimentum helping our community with Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur home ownership.” adipiscing elit. Etiam viverra malesuada

“Transparency is the key, and without high pressure tactics. I enjoy knowing that when our friends shop with us first and then go to another dealership, 90% return and purchase from us. Our goal is making the buying experience as pleasant and fun as possible.”

The futureFusce continues to look very bright lobortis. tincidunt magna nunc, for Victory Home Center. Connie Thomas’ tempor molestie purus accumsan vel. daughter, is now a partnon of thetellus team Mauris Angel, placerat quam learning the business from the ground up.

With interest rates rising, Connie Thomas and her team at Victory Home Center have taken advantage of the RESTORE Louisiana Program that was launched in January to help more people obtain their home.

“Angel such adolor people and she Loremisipsum sit person, amet, consectetur loves kids, ” Connie says with a smile. adipiscing elit. Etiam viverra malesuada “Maybe she’ll take over for me one day!”

Very few manufactured home companies can take advantage of the program because the dealership has to absorb all of the upfront costs. This means once a family is qualified for the RESTORE Program, Victory Home Center has to pay for the home, the pad, delivery, skirting, AC, and electrical hookups. Then Victory has to document everything with photographs and send the documentation to the state of Louisiana. Four to six weeks later, Victory is reimbursed by the program.

victoryhomecenter.com, and via phone at (985) 542-5420. APRIL/MAY 9 October/November 2023 | 9 9 October/November

sollicitudin tempor.

lobortis. Fusce tincidunt magna nunc, tempor molestie vel. Until then, Conniepurus and heraccumsan team can be Mauris placerat quam non tellus found in person at Victory Home Center, sollicitudin tempor. 2005 S Morrison Blvd, Hammond, online at

FALL IN LOVE WITH

DOWNTOWN HAMMOND

20+ RETAIL SHOPS 30+ RESTAURANTS & BARS DOZENS OF SALONS & SPAS ENDLESS EXPERIENCES | TangiLifestyles.com 10 DDDHAMMOND.COM

UPCOMING EVENTS: OCT. 10TH | SOUTHEASTERN HOMECOMING NOV. 18TH | STARRY SATURDAY NOV. 25TH | SHOP SMALL SATURDAY EVERY SATURDAY 8AM-NOON | HAMMOND FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

tangiFaith

TWO WOMEN Written by Betsy O'Leary

Photo by Riyen Helg

Two seniors at Southeastern Louisiana University, Hallie Kent and Maddie Grippi, have an incredible story to tell. Hallie, the daughter of Douglas and Amy Kent of Amite, is a Health Sciences major, and member of Phi Mu sorority, and Maddie is majoring in Health Systems Management and is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. They recently returned from a life-changing trip to Kenya where they shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the Kenyan people. This opportunity of a lifetime arose from the students’ affiliation with Greek InterVarsity, a Christian-based group that addresses the intersection of faith and Greek life. Members since their freshman year, they met another InterVarsity student from LSU who told them about the opportunity for select students to travel to Kenya over Christmas break. Both applied, never dreaming they would be accepted. But they learned they were chosen to partner with the Kenyan group Focus, the African counterpart to InterVarsity.

We’re Going to Africa! The students then informed their parents they would be traveling halfway around the world. Hallie’s parents had trepidations about their only daughter going to Kenya for six weeks. But they respected her faith and believed God led her to this opportunity. Maddie admitted her own parents didn’t think that she would really go. But once she got her travel visa and vaccinations, they knew Maddie was fully committed to the trip.

October/November 2023 | 11 October/November 11

TangiLifestyles.com 12 | | TangiLifestyles.com

Both girls had concerns over the language barrier and how they would be received as White foreigners in Africa. While they had participated in Bible studies, neither had experience actually preaching the Gospel. Both girls lived with Kenyan pastors and their families in Africa and felt an overwhelming peace they were where they were supposed to be. Maddie stayed in Nairobi the entire time, living in the slums where extreme poverty, drugs, prostitution, and violence were commonplace. She noted that the people she encountered were very open to learning more about the Lord. One man called her “mzungu,” which is Swahili for “white visitor.” He said if a mzungu came all the way to Kenya to preach to him, that must be God.

She vowed to make more time to talk and interact meaningfully with others. She loved the Swahili greetings Kenyans share with one another to begin conversations —

“Bwana Asifiwe!” That means “Praise the Lord,” and exemplifies the Kenyans’ complete devotion to and reliance on God. Their main takeaway was to continue to incorporate gratitude and trust in God in their daily lives here in Louisiana — and wherever their futures may lead.

Hallie stayed with a pastor’s family near the country’s Ugandan border. She went door-to-door seeking people with whom she could pray. She also preached in marketplaces and churches alongside Kenyan university ministries.

Culture Shock Upon Coming Home Neither was prepared to experience culture shock upon returning to the USA. Yet, they found returning to the fastpaced American lifestyle took some adjustment. They brought some Kenyan practices home with them. Hallie appreciated the way Kenyans value their relationships rather than the timeline. APRIL/MAY

October/November 2023 | 13 October/November 13

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October/November 2023 | 15

tangiNeighbors

NEVER NEVER TOO TOO LATE LATE Written by Betsy O'Leary | Photos by Riyen Helg

| TangiLifestyles.com

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Stanton White had a successful career, a beautiful family, and a vision of an unfulfilled future. This led him to hang up his suits and pick up a paint brush. The results are a stunning reminder that it is never too late to follow your dreams.

The journey to his Independence art studio was far from a direct route. Instead, the Hartselle, Alabama native meandered here after spending time in big cities like Philadelphia and New York City. In fact, he originally discovered the area while making frequent car trips from his Atlanta base to Houston, choosing Hammond as the perfect halfway stop on his jaunts. Stanton found that he enjoyed the atmosphere of local hotspots like Benny’s, Mariners Inn, and the Crescent Bar so much that he and his partner Mary chose to settle on Black Cat Road in Independence where they raised their two children. He reports that they still proudly call their little corner of the boot “home.”

From Commercial Design to Portraiture White graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Illustration and Design. He first earned a living as a layout artist for advertising agencies but quickly advanced to creative director in the entertainment industry dealing with merchandising licensing rights for celebrities. Yet, his creative drive remained unfulfilled, until he finally quit the rat race. He took a series of jobs in the service industry, bartending and waiting tables, to keep the wolf from the door and to afford an easel and paints. Eventually, his efforts paid off. Word spread about the talented artist’s celebrity portraits that are so realistic that they look like photographs. He sunk the profits from his portraits into an old building in downtown Independence. Originally erected in 1869, the building was in bad shape. With the roof missing, and trees growing up through the floor, it required gutting and structural supports to become the modern portrait studio where he creates his stunning art. During renovations his good friend and general contractor passed away and White took on the renovation project himself without using any architectural drawings. He called upon his technical background to sketch it out, using chalk to freestyle the clean design lines he wanted. His incredible vision can be seen in the details like metal ceiling tiles and exposed brick walls.

Realism and Abstract Impressionism For the past 20 years, White has painted oil portraits on commission. Most are commissioned by private clients who want to gift a spouse or loved one with a portrait to hang in their home or office. His attention to detail makes the portraits highly representative of the subject. He good-naturedly pointed out that he still dabbles in mass appeal celebrity portraits such as The Beatles and Willie Nelson. “I actually don’t have many of the originals”, he shared with a smile. “I sold them to buy materials and I have the prints hanging in my studio. The prints are so good people really can’t tell the difference anyway.” He likes the old-school style of using oils on canvas. White prefers sessions with live models but can also work from a photograph if necessary. He takes his time to get the composition just right, making sur e to allow sufficient time for the oils to dry before varnishing. Stanton White is the go-to guy in Tangipahoa Parish to paint a timeless, heirloom-quality portrait for any occasion. Check out some of his stunning works on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. October/November 2023 | 17 October/November 17

HEALTHY, BEAUTIFUL SKIN BEGINS HERE

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TEXT “APPOINTMENT” TO (985) 202-9995 TO RESERVE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TODAY.

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INJURY RECOVERY | STRENGTH TRAINING

Ponchatoula | Prairieville 3539 Hwy 22, Ste. F • Ponchatoula • 985-467-0347

18 | TangiLifestyles.com

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

NOV 03

STARTUP SLAM

Join us on Friday, November 3rd to witness Louisiana's most promising entrepreneurs compete live for

$ 50,000 in Cash and In-Kind Services

www.startupnorthshore.com/nspire For more information contact vcaronna@sttammanycorp.org | 985-590-0045 Shark-tank style pitch competition open to the public, local entrepreneurs, startup innovators, investors, and creatives with a passion for business.

RSVP

October/November 2023 | 19

tangi Community

tos by Riyen Helg Written by Betsy O’Leary | Pho

magine learning that your beautiful two-year-old daughter was blind in her right eye from cancer. Parents Alex and Robin Cervantes faced that grim reality on February 13, 2015, when their beloved daughter was diagnosed with unilateral retinoblastoma — a rare, fast-growing childhood cancer formed when retina nerve cells mutate. Robin first noticed something unusual when she saw her daughter’s first birthday pictures. The familiar “red-eye” phenomenon from the camera flash instead made the child’s right eye appear unusually white, as if she had cataracts.

“This Was All the Lord” Robin attributes Bella’s diagnosis in time to save the cancer from spreading to divine intervention. One Friday night she mindlessly scrolled through her Facebook feed and discovered a story about an Australian girl with the same symptoms as her daughter. She had been diagnosed with this deadly cancer, causing Robin’s “mom instinct” to kick in. As it was the weekend, no pediatrician or ophthalmologist would see the seriously-ill

Photo submitted by Anntoine Marketing | TangiLifestyles.com 20 20 | TangiLifestyles.com

child. At a local emergency room, an ultrasound examination revealed multiple tumors in the toddler’s right eye. The ER physician told the parents they would need to travel to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, to “get them out,” the parents didn’t immediately understand that instead of removing tumors, the doctor meant that the eye itself had to go.

A Happy Place of HOPE! Unsure what the future held for their precious daughter, the family headed for Memphis. Fortunately, St. Jude’s was, and remains, a positive place for the family. Arriving in Memphis at midnight, in the middle of a snowstorm, they were met at the door with a “happy cart” full of children’s eye-shades, a coloring book, and stickers which brought a small bit of joy into a time of great anxiety. Ultimately, the doctors there were able to remove the cancerous eye and fit Bella with a prosthetic eye that her parents called her “princess” eye when she was younger. Bella remains cancer-free and can by the Jimmyeven Travisswapping for Sheriff campaign. care for her Paid ownfor prostheses, out

her customized eye for a soccer ball eye that she wears at practices and games. She must travel to St. Jude’s every few months to be sure the cancer has not returned. Surprisingly, Bella looks forward to the visits. For her, the hospital is still a place of joy. She also has two momentos given to her from St. Jude that have followed her throughout her journey. She has an elephant with an eye that can be removed just like her’s, and she has a stuffy that she calls “Bravery Buddy.” At each hospital visit and procedure Bella is given a bead to put inside Buddy to remind her how brave she has been during the whole process. This summer Bella will be there on her birthday so she will receive an extra-special bead given only to patients who happen to be at the hospital on their birthday.

custom bracelets, eventually evolving her passion into “Brave Bella’s Bead Co.” Bella also gives back by donating a portion of all bracelet sales to St. Jude’s to help other children diagnosed with cancer. The support for Bella from the Hammond community has been amazing. Many local businesses, including Chickie Collective, Hernandez Ice Cream, LION Nutrition, The Wooden Grove Co., and The Rind Cheese and Sandwich Shop, have allowed Bella to sell her bracelets in their shops. She’s had so much success that Bella now does pop-up shops around town. She can also be found on Facebook by searching for Brave Bella’s Bead Co.

Community Comes Together The Cervantes remember how the Hammond community and St. Thomas Aquinas, Bella’s parents’ alma mater, rallied around the family with financial support that allowed Alex to stay and support Bella at St. Jude’s. Because of this Bella has found a way to give back in her own small way. Bella’s parents have discovered that their homeschooled sixth-grader has an entrepreneurial spirit. When Bella decided that she wanted to get braces, she earned the money herself by making and selling beaded bracelets. Even after she eclipsed her original goal, she continued selling her

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HOLIDAY 2023

Give Joy! THE

As the holiday season approaches, we want to take a moment to remind you of the immense impact of corporate gifting on your clients and employees. Thoughtful and well-crafted gifts not only express gratitude but also reinforce brand loyalty and strengthen business relationships. Join us on a journey of meaningful gestures and discover how to leave an unforgettable mark on those who matter most.

coconut .

Kits

Apparel

Tech

NORTHE E S T .

Home

RN CO. 1 9 8 7

Coolers/ Ice Chest

Drinkware

HO ME R E A L

E S T A

T E

A G E N

C Y

HOME R E A L

Treats

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E S T A T E

A G E N C Y

Travel

romanopromo.com

Blankets

www.chrisgideon4sheriff.com facebook.com/chrisgideon4sheriff Paid for by Chris Gideon Campaign

October/November 2023 | 23

tangiTheatre Written by Betsy O’Leary

NEW S N A I V A T OC .

E IN H S G IN IT A W T S U J T N E L TA EVERYONE HAS A

It’s always fun to learn what The New Octavians are doing. This local theatre group is led by Brent Alan Goodrich, the CEO of Octavian Foundation for the Arts. This past summer the group put on their own production of “Mean Girls.” Hammond is lucky to have this community theater and youth performing arts academy here in our city, and Brent was eager to chat about this expanding group of youth thespians. The group first came together in 2012 under Anna Pfeil’s leadership, but by 2018 the studio was dormant. Then, Brent was asked to take the helm and revivify the theatrical production group with theater students eager to join. When the baton was passed to Brent, he decided on a rebrand to alert the community to the changes in the original group. He dubbed the 501 (c) (3) nonprofit’s latest iteration “The New Octavians.”

Help From the Team Brent stressed that “it takes a village to make a community theater work,” and he should know. In addition to running The New Octavians, he also teaches music and theater at TangiLifestyles.com 24 | TangiLifestyles.com

St. Thomas Aquinas and the studio facilitator for the high school. Here at The New Octavians, Brent relies on his brother, Steven, to manage the business side of the organization. The group’s dance instructors are the talented Olivia Lowentritt and Shala Waguespack, and the team is complemented by the eminently qualified Margaret Dorignac, a theater intern from Southeastern Louisiana University.

In addition to dance, The New Octavians offer private lessons in acting, piano, and voice, focusing on different musical genres that include country, pop, and musical theater. They also do an annual adult production to give members of the community a chance to show off their acting chops. Brent and his team are quick to ensure everyone who wants the opportunity to participate is able, even offering scholarships when needed.

award-winning Performances While the group of students enrolled in private lessons range from a dozen to 20, when they put on a production they often have as many as 30 all working cohesively to ensure its success. But The New Octavians also have a junior theater competition team of 25 talented actors that attended a musical theater festival in Atlanta where they made their mark. This talented group won awards for best in ensemble, Brent encourages interested parties to follow them on acting, music, and Facebook and Instagram to learn about upcoming shows overall production. like “Southern Fried Funeral” which will run November 2nd -5th, and the Christmas show later this season. There are many ways for parents and community Along with their home studio in Hammond at 1905 members to get involved with the group. They W. Thomas St., Suite K, The New Octavians perform at welcome tax-deductible donations from all, but also popular local venues like the Columbia Theater, Reimer’s need hands-on involvement in the six shows they produce every year. Students, parents, and volunteers Memorial Auditorium, and Covington’s Fuhrmann’s Auditorium. Parents with children eager to learn more work backstage building sets, and the group can always use wood, costume pieces, unique props, and about performing on stage can email The New Octavians at admin@theoctavians.org. help with building maintenance.

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Let’s talk

PETS & POLITICS

Written by Betsy O'Leary Photos by Johnny Chauvin

If you are a pet owner in Tangipahoa or Livingston Parish, you may already know Dr. Bill Wheat, DVM. As an area veterinarian for over 40 years, he has provided a high level of commitment and compassion when treating his animal patients. As the State Representative for District 73 in Southern Tangipahoa Parish, he has shown those same values when representing his constituents in Baton Rouge.

Representative Wheat has now set his sights on the newly created Senate District 37, the result of a burgeoning population shift to three parishes — Livingston, Tangipahoa, and St. Tammany. Wheat notes that District 37 is large and fully-encompasses the entire House District 73, so once elected, he will still serve all his current constituents.

GIVING A VOICE TO THE NORTHSHORE IN BATON ROUGE As the new district has no incumbent, Wheat looks forward to becoming the voice in the Baton Rouge Senate to those living in the region, sharing their unique concerns. For instance, many residents of Livingston Parish and southern Tangipahoa expressed their unease with the carbon dioxide capture and sequestration beneath Lake Maurepas. Representative Wheat urged caution to slow the process until more can be learned about the long-term effects. Infrastructure improvements for roads and bridges, drainage, traffic congestion, along with the rising crime rates are some of the other concerns that Dr. Wheat is committed to work on within the new Senate District.

ROOTS RUN DEEP IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA Dr. Wheat is a lifelong resident and native son of Ponchatoula. He was born and raised on a small farm on the east side of Ponchatoula where the core values of community involvement, helping neighbors and human kindness were instilled in his character. He built his thriving veterinarian practice on the west side of the city. Before becoming a public servant, Representative Wheat was always active in identifying a need in the community and working on a solution for it. He was involved with establishing the Ponchatoula Area Recreational District (PARD)

DEDICATED TO SERVICE 28 | TangiLifestyles.com

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and was its commissioner for a decade, developing programs for youth activities. Dr. Wheat has chaired Ponchatoula Youth Baseball and Softball programs, served on the Strawberry Festival Board as well as its king, and was Ponchatoula Citizen of the Year in 2011. As a veterinarian, Dr. Wheat realized the need to establish an animal shelter in the parish and was instrumental in lobbying extensively to develop the animal control program.

A LEADER WITH PASSION, EXCELLENCE, AND EXPERIENCE

While wearing his legislator hat, Representitive Wheat pushed state leaders to address the long-delayed 1983 flood settlement. Thanks to his diligence, some people in the hardest hit areas are now receiving their award letters 40 years after the disaster. He has served on multiple legislative committees, including the House Committees on Appropriations, Natural Resources, Agriculture, School Safety, and Joint Medicaid Oversight. He believes his past speaks to his commitment to bringing the area a successful future. When asked why do you want to become the State Senator for District 37? Dr. Wheat is quick to point to his family. His wife, Andrea Hebert Wheat, four children; Derek Wheat, Dana Daigle, Kristen King, Kellie Turnage, along with their spouses and his seven beautiful grandchildren are the best reason to want to help with solutions for Louisiana. “I want every family to have the resources and opportunities to succeed in our area.”

ALWAYS ACCESSIBLE TO THOSE IN NEED Dr. Wheat wants everyone to know he is totally accessible to the public and readily communicates with his constituents. He’s easily reached at his Legislative office number (985) 386-7844, on his Facebook campaign page, and at drbillwheatstatesenate@gmail. com. He can also be found at his vet clinic, Animal Care Center in Hammond and Pet Care Center in Ponchatoula, where he proudly talks “Pets and Politics” with everyone who has the time and inclination to do so.

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Dr. Nathaniel Rawicki Joins The Spine Center at

Photos by Johnny Chauvin

We are able to tailor everything to the patient based on their needs. We have the freedom to personalize each treatment to get the best possible outcome, and we offer all our services at every location ... Our partnerships with the local hospitals enable our patients to travel less than five minutes from the clinic to have surgery.” — Dr. Nathaniel Rawicki

32 | TangiLifestyles.com

The Spine Center at Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge is pleased to welcome Dr. Nathaniel Rawicki to its team of medical professionals. Dr. Rawicki graduated with honors from Pepperdine University and received his Medical Degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. He most recently served as an Orthopedic Fellow at Twin Cities Spine Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota before joining the team. Dr. Rawicki has been married to his wife, Theresa, for nine years, and together they have two sons Levi, five and James, two. "We are delighted to welcome Dr. Nathaniel Rawicki to our team,” said Trent Holmes, CEO of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge. “His impressive credentials and dedication to patient care align perfectly with our mission of providing high-quality orthopedic treatment and personalized care to our patients, especially those seeking advanced spine care.”

BATON ROUGE 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Suite 200

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HAMMOND 19065 Dr. John Lambert Dr. Suite 2100 Dr. Rawicki specializes in the treatment of all spinal disorders, with a particular interest in minimally-invasive spine surgery. He is committed to finding the root cause of the pain and eliminating it at the source through surgery or other available avenues. He is also fluent in both English and Spanish enabling him to communicate with his patients more easily.

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“My goal is to provide relief for my patients,” said Dr. Rawicki. “The best way to do that is to use the least invasive procedure to alleviate a patient’s spinal condition while also promoting quick recovery and rehabilitation.”

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Although he will primarily serve patients from the clinic’s Hammond location, Dr. Rawicki also offers visits in both Covington and Walker. At the Hammond clinic, Dr. Rawicki, together with two senior spine doctors, Dr. Kevin McCarthy and Dr. Chambliss Harrod, as well as interventional pain doctor, Dr. Matthew Neumann, are extending the same level of service and quality of care found in Baton Rouge to Tangipahoa and the entire Northshore. “What people may not understand about our location and our ability to work with Cypress Pointe Hospital is that we are able to tailor everything to the patient based on their needs. We have the freedom to personalize the treatment to get the best possible outcome. We can offer all of our services at every location,” says Rawicki, “Our partnerships with the local hospitals enable our patients to travel less than five minutes from the clinic to have surgery.” Dr. Rawicki wants his patients to know that they are being heard. His goal is to ensure that no one walks out of the office without a true understanding of their condition. Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge is proudly celebrating their 75th anniversary of serving the region. The clinic’s highly skilled and experienced orthopedic surgeons offer a comprehensive range of services, including joint replacements, sports medicine, and specialized spine care. By merging state-ofthe-art technology with personalized care, Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge aims to improve patients’ quality of life, restore mobility, and alleviate spinal pain. Dr. Rawicki receives patients at the Hammond office Monday through Wednesday 8 AM - 5 PM and Thursdays 8 - 11 AM. He sees patients at Southern Pain and Neurological in Covington every other Friday and in Walker on Thursday afternoons. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website at bjcbr.com.

October/November 2023 | 33

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Endless Opportunities Rocky’s Premier Auto Wash As a family-owned tunnel car wash located in Hammond, Ponchatoula, and Amite, Rocky’s Premier Auto Wash is a great asset to the economic development landscape in Tangipahoa Parish. Rocky’s Premier Auto Wash was developed by the George Smith family who realized Tangipahoa Parish needed an automotive cleaning service that provides unbeatable service by using the latest technologies and industry innovations. Tangipahoa Parish Economic Development is proud to be of service for advice and guidance to large and small businesses looking to move or expand in Tangipahoa Parish.

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Written by: Abigail Fischer

Cork And Creations Louisiana Watercolor Society will

host an evening of Art and Wine at Hammond’s Jacmel Inn

n October 13, 2023, at 4:00 p.m., the Louisiana Watercolor Society will benefit from the first ever “13 For the 13th”, event at Jacmel Inn in Hammond. Wine and art enthusiasts are invited to enjoy an evening filled with creativity, community, and indulgence. Founded in 1968, LWS is a close, uplifting art group focused on supporting current and future visual artists. 13 for the 13th will showcase various Louisiana artists, their art, and there will be a plethora of wines to sample.

Owner of Jacmel Inn, Alfonso Flores, is hosting the to-do and has curated wine vendors as well as providing the food and hors d’oeuvres, giving guests the opportunity to journey simultaneously through the culinary and visual arts. In recent years, the group has extended “watercolor” to include various water-based media: this now includes 36 | TangiLifestyles.com

watercolor paints, acrylics, gouache, egg tempera, and ink. One of the artists occasionally uses coffee for paintings. Organizer, Master Gardener, retired photographer (and she says ‘sometime’ artist) Margaret Hawkins shared her fondness for her fellow artists. “This group is so interesting. You get to know them and realize how broad their backgrounds are. I hope the people who come to this event will chat with them and get to know some of their history.” Two of the artists have Ph.D. degrees related to math and computer science, one was the pilot of Marine One for President Ronald Reagan, a retired architect, a New Orleans Art Academy faculty member, a wildlife artist, teachers, and all participating have won numerous awards, including international. The group’s president recently won the prestigious River Road Show in Baton Rouge, and several members received ribbons. Having the fundraiser will hopefully expand the workshops and classes the LWS supports as well as a new website, and

help create a scholarship for visual artists. LWS hosts four annual shows: a spring show in the Louisiana State Archives building; a summer show at Oak Knoll Country Club in Hammond; the winter show at Christwood in Covington (this year from November 4 – January 3); and the International Exhibition held at Place St. Charles in New Orleans. All are open to the public. From 4 PM until the auction, guests will have time to visit the artists and the wine vendors who will have neighboring spaces. Starting at 6 PM, there will be a live auction of art donated by well-known artists across the state. The thrill of the auction will add an element of excitement to the event. “The bidding for the art should be robust and competitive,” Hawkins said. “None of that silent auction stuff! This will be a FUNd-raiser.” Prices? That always varies, but pieces will range from Christmas cards to affordable prints in mattes to high-end original framed artworks. Auction items are expected to start at $100.

A Sampling of Auction Items:

Ripples, Pass Christian | Cassa , Chryl 10 x 12 Framed from original egg tempera

Guests will pay a $20 entry fee and participants over 21 will receive a Jacmel bracelet that covers the wine and food. The artful affair promises to be an unforgettable event where art enthusiasts and wine lovers can be together to celebrate “the good things.” Mark your calendar for Friday the 13th of October and prepare to indulge in fine art, fine wines, and a warm community celebrating good things in Jacmel Inn’s intimate courtyard. For information about the LWS, to join or donate, contact louisianawatercolorsociety.org. or hawkinsemgee@gmail.com.

Great Blue Herons | Vizina, Jonathan 24x18 watercolor

Vieux Carre View | Lyons, Pio 18 x 24 watercolor

View from a Bee | Hawkins, Margaret Framed watercolor October/November 2023 | 37

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4th Saturday Cleanup Pledge The fourth Saturday of every month in 2022 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.

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October/November 2023 | 55

tangi 5 FAV O R I T E T HI NG S

56 || TangiLifestyles.com Tangilifestyles.com

Kim was raised on the outskirts of Independence in an area most call “Sweetwater”. She’s a 2003 graduate of Loranger High where she played softball and was a two-time national ranked cheerleader. Kim was the 2004 Tangipahoa Farm Bureau Queen and then served as Tangipahoa Parish Fair Queen in 2005. She’s a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University (’06) and has been married to Hunt Ragusa for 18 years. They have 2 daughters, Charlee Grace (15) and Colbee Faith (10) as well as a Cockapoo puppy named River. Kim is the proud Godmother to Brianna, Sidney, Parker and Taysen and an active member of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church. She’s the Project Administrator and Manager of her family-owned commercial construction company, Brunt Construction, Inc.. Family and friends describe her as optimistic, witty, compassionate, Christian, genuine, loyal, and graceful, and these are her 5 Favorite Things…

Being on the Water Kim’s absolute favorite place to slip away to for a weekend of tranquility is her parents’ camp on the Jourdan River in Kiln, Mississippi. Grand Isle is a favorite family destination to fish, catch fresh crabs, and absorb the beauty of our state.

Holidays

Decorating her home, painting pumpkins with the kids, and baking homemade Italian cookies. Her most cherished holiday memories were spent the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve in the kitchen cooking with her Mom and Grandmother Faye. Since her Grandmother’s passing, Kim and her mother have kept the tradition by using family recipes and cooking together as they continue to build memories.

Tangipahoa Fair & Festivals As a former Tangipahoa Parish pageant queen, pageant director, and trainer, Kim has also judged pageants across South Louisiana. She’s a founding member of the Independence Sicilian Heritage Festival and she’s a Queen Mom, as her daughters have held titles across the parish.

Creativity Kim really enjoys photography, digital design, costume design and collaborations. She loves party decorating, planning and hosting.

Cruising It can be ATV riding on family trails or in the mountains of Mena, Arkansas; it can be cruising on one of her husband’s hot rods or Harley Davidson, or it can be as simple as a golf cart trip around her property. Cruising around rounds out the top 5. October/November 2023 | 57

TRACC COALITION

Tangipahoa - Reshaping Attitudes for Community Change TRACC's Mission is to create healthy attitudes for community wellness by addressing alcohol, tobacco and other drug use as a serious safety concern, public health issue and social problem in Tangipahoa Parish.

TRACC Meetings

October 20 12:00 PM Clausen Building Large Conference Room

November 17 12:00 PM Clausen Building Large Conference Room

KEYS Alliance Youth Leadership October 17 5:00 PM Clausen Building Large Conference Room

November 21 5:00 PM Clausen Building Large Conference Room

Prevention Awareness Campaigns

Be Part of the Solution!

October:

Scan below to learn how to get involved, find meeting dates, & more!

-National Bullying Prevention Month -10: World Mental Health Day -15-21: National Teen Driver Safety Week -23-31: Red Ribbon Week

November: -Lung Cancer Awareness Month -16: Great American Smokeout

For more information, contact us at: 985-542-7138 • Email: tracc@tangipahoa.org 15485 West Club Deluxe Road Hammond, LA (Clausen Building) 58 | TangiLifestyles.com

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Sonic Celebration in Hammond

Keep Your Home Secure: Tips to Prevent Break-Ins and Theft Home security should be a top priority. Implementing these easy safety measures can help. 1. Lock up your home every time you go out.

2. Keep landscaping trimmed. Bushes can obscure your front door and give places for thieves to hide. 3. Put your mail on hold while on vacation. 4. Hide new, expensive items.

5. Keep valuables like power tools in a locked garage. 6. Get an alarm system.

7. Invest in a solid front door. A good deadbolt is also key.

8. Get to know your neighbors. They can keep an eye on things when you’re away. 9. Don’t broadcast details about upcoming trips on social networks.

62 | TangiLifestyles.com

Tangilifestyles.com

tpso.org

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Dr. William Wainwright welcome ceremony at SLU

Continued on next page

Now open at our NEW LOCATION!

Specializing in:

General Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry Botox Custom Bleaching Invisalign implant restorations

Before

After

Hours: M-W 1- 8 pm Th 8 am-3 pm

(985) 345-1180

908 W. Morris Ave. | Hammond currierdentalstudio.com

October/November 2023 | 63

Tangipahoa Chamber ribbon cuttings at Pull Clip Cafe and Latter & Blum in Hammond

LET OUR FAMILY CARE FOR YOURS.

WE ARE ALWAYS ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Dental Services Available:

Call Us: 985.345.2285

Veneers Botox Dental Bridges Oral Sedation Fillings Teeth Cleaning IV Sedation Dental Crowns

Restorative Dentistry General Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry Dental Implants Emergency Dentistry Orthodontics Dentures Sealants

Pediatric Dentistry Root Canal Treatment Wisdom Teeth Extractions Gum Therapy Clear Aligners

Affordable options + BIG Savings Ask about our Membership Plan!

www.concorddentaldds.com 64 | TangiLifestyles.com

| Tangilifestyles.com

Northshore Media Group welcomes 2023 Wimbledon Doubles Champion Neal Skupski to Hammond, America

If you would like to be

SEEN & HEARD please email photos to events@tangilifestyles.com

slobbering sweeties bed & biscuit

ssbb voted best of tangi pet boarding for 4 years! (2020-2023)

Pet boarding and daycare For small to giant breed pups Separate pet resorts for littles and bigs Indoor climate controlled suites Fenced acreage play Water play

SCHEDULE PUPCATION THROUGH FB MESSENGER OR 985-268-0055 October/November 2023 2023 October/November

|| 65 65

WE LIVE LOCAL

SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

CALL FOR YOUR HOLIDAY ADVERTISING NOW

66 | TangiLifestyles.com

NORTHSHORE MEDIA GROUP

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THE CHOICE BELONGS TO YOU

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CHOICE WARD A

Make your favorite business #1 in the parish

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CAST YOUR VOTE AT

TANGILIFESTYLES.COM Tell us what you LOVE about living in Tangipahoa. From shopping to restaurants to festivals... VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE! Winners will be announced in the February/March issue of Tangi Lifestyles. October/November 2023 | 67

30 YEARS OF PROTECTING, SERVING, AND LEADING IN TANGIPAHOA I LOVE TANGIPAHOA PARISH. I’ve spent decades helping to make our parish a safe and beautiful place to raise a family. I’ve been on the front lines of local disaster response operations, volunteered with multiple community organizations, and served in the sheriff’s office protecting our citizens. I have a vision for a SECURE TOMORROW and it begins with you!

VOTE #75 ON OCT 14, 2023

68 | TangiLifestyles.com

Tangi Lifestyles October/November 2023

Articles inside

Dr. Nathaniel Rawicki Joins the Bone and Joint Clinic Team

13 for the 13th

Kim Cutrer Ragusa’s 5 Favorite Things

Pets and Politics

Never Too Late

Two Women on a Mission

Faith & Teamwork

NEW OCTAVIANS EVERYONE HAS A TALENT JUST WAITING SHINE.