Tangi Lifestyles Dec. 2021 / Jan 2022

As we all prepare to enjoy the Christmas season, our Northshore Media team hopes you’ll all remember to give one of our many local businesses the chance to earn your holiday spending. They’re owned by our neighbors and support local families. Considering supply chain issues, you may consider purchasing art from one of our many talented local artists, or maybe gift cards from a local restaurant or possibly season passes for a performing art venue like the Columbia Theatre. Our community’s self-supportive habits have allowed us to recover incredibly quickly both from Ida and from the pandemic. Thanks to all who have chosen to shop locally rather than simply clicking a website from another state. We hear the same “Shop Local” message every year at about this time. It may sound trite, but shopping locally, especially during the holiday season will set us up to continue growing this wonderful place we call home.

We hope you’ll enjoy this issue, as we celebrate local rising talent, other inspiring stories, and some of our readers’ favorite Christmas foods. Our next issues will feature the winners of our 2022 Tangi Lifestyles Readers’ Choice awards. Please take a minute to vote at tangilifestyles.com. It’s simple and quick. The last day to vote is December 10th.

From all of us at Northshore Media, we hope you will join us in GIVING THE GIFT OF LOCAL this year and most importantly, we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

PUBLISHER

Northshore Media Group

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS

Johnny Chauvin

Phillip Colwart

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Erin Bolton

Eloise Cottrell

Charles Dowdy

Nick Gagliano

Debi Menasco

Amber Narro

Brian Shirey

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

Dec. 2021/Jan. 2022 Volume 15, Issue 6

LA 70401

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.

Gulf Coast Bank has managed to combine the best of both worlds — outstanding personal service with a full suite of banking products. Hart Bordelon and his team at Gulf Coast Bank make it possible to get the personal service of a community bank with all of the products a large commercial bank could offer. Learn more about them on page 8.

Cover photo by Johnny Chauvin

Photo by Johnny Chauvin

2022

DECEMBER

NOW thru 12/16

The BROADS Bayou Regional Order of Art Dames

Hammond Regional Arts Center hammondarts.org

12/1 - 11

Amite Shop & Dine Details TBD

12/3 Christmas Lighting

Downtown Ponchatoula — 5:30 PM

12/3 - 12/25

Christmas Lights at Zemurray Park

Zemurray Park, Hammond

12/4

ARTisTRY Classes (kids)

Downtown Hammond

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

12/4&5

Louisiana Renaissance Festival

9:45 AM to 6 PM

46468 River Rd Hammond LA www.renfest.net

12/5

Christmas Candlelight Memorial Service

LN Hughes Funeral

2-4 PM

LN Hughes Funeral Services

21400 S I - 12 Service Rd Ponchatoula

12/7

Ponchatoula Chamber Business Expo 6 - 8 PM Ponchatoula Lions Club

12/11

3rd Annual Sweet Treats on Main Street

10:00 AM 3:00 PM Downtown Ponchatoula Revitalization Program

12/11

Ponchatoula Christmas Parade Downtown Ponchatoula — 10 AM Revitalization Program

12/11

ARTisTRY Classes (teens/adults)

Downtown Hammond

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

12/11

Amite Christmas Parade Downtown Amite — 6 PM

12/11&12

Louisiana Renaissance Festival 9:45 AM to 6 PM 46468 River Rd Hammond LA www.renfest.net

12/12

Loranger Christmas Parade Downtown Loranger — 2 PM

12/17

63rd Annual Hammond Rotary Club's Christmas Parade Downtown Hammond — 5:30 PM

12/21 & 22 — TPSO Rodeo Florida Parish Arena tangipahoa.org

12/25

Mystic Crusin' Auto

Downtown Ponchatoula 8 AM - Noon

1/8

ARTisTRY Classes (kids)

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

1/22

ARTisTRY Classes (teens/adults)

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

1/22 - FEB 17

Marjorie Morrison Sculpture Biennial Opening reception: Friday, January 22 from 5-8 p.m. Hammond Regional Arts Center www.hammondarts.org

Happy Holidays! Each of us at Northshore Media Group wish you and your families all the joys of the season and continued success throughout the upcoming year!

Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Co.

Written by Nick Gagliano |

THE FEEL OF A COMMUNITY BANK WITH THE OPTIONS OF A COMMERCIAL BANK.

Gulf Coast Bank has managed to combine the best of both worlds, outstanding personal service with a full suite of banking products. Hart Bordelon and his team at Gulf Coast Bank make it possible to get the personal service of a community bank with all of the products a large commercial bank could offer.

“We are committed to providing personal service to our customers with large variety of banking products and services to meet their financial needs,” said Bordelon.

During the current banking trend of less person-to-person service, Bordelon is proud Gulf Coast Bank still has a full staff of loan officers and customer service representatives in house to sit down and find solutions to customers’ financial needs. “All of our loan officers are Southeastern Louisiana University graduates. We know the area and the community.”

“That is what makes us different. We enjoy spending the time with our friends and helping them make wise and sound decisions. When they feel good about banking with us, we feel we have accomplished our job.”

Local mortgage lenders, Amanda Germany and Hillory Hracek, offer a wide array of mortgage products. Whether you need a construction loan to build your dream home or you simply want to refinance your current home, they have you covered. Gulf Coast Bank also offers FHA, RD and VA mortgage options.

Above (L - R)Hillary Hracek, Joyce Hambrick, Jeff Dameron, Wendy Henry, Hart Bordelon, JenniferRousseau, Melissa Nuccio, Carolyn Giannobile, Amanda Prokop Germany

Photos by Johnny Chauvin

Gulf Coast Trust Department: Back: Alfred Liggans Jr., Dondrack Smith, Front: Cheryl Braud, Suzanne Hebert

"At Gulf Coast Bank & Trust, we understand that the same mortgage structure will not fit every client. We listen to our customers’ desires and needs to build multiple scenarios and options. It is important to us that our families’ make the best informed decision for their household. Whether it is purchasing, refinancing or building your dream home, we are honored to take part in your homeownership," said Amanda Prokop Germany, Sr. Mortgage Originator

In addition to its core banking services, Gulf Coast Bank has full service wealth management and trust divisions. Gulf Coast Bank’s Wealth Management team is available to help both individuals and businesses with investments, insurance, and financial planning. The advisors work closely with their clients to fully understand their needs and goals and to tailor a plan for their unique situation.

“Gulf Coast Bank has made a commitment to our Wealth Management Division and we’ve invested in the tools and technology to manage assets and deliver financial plans in today’s increasing complicated and

fast moving world. Even more importantly, we have attracted a world class team of advisors to work with our clients,” said Jason King, Wealth Management Director

As Tangipahoa Parish and Southeastern continue to grow, Bordelon sees the role of local community banks playing a larger role in the economic success of the region. Community banks like Gulf Coast Bank are more flexible and can get their customers answers quickly. This is especially true during the Hurricane Ida recovery.

“Gulf Coast Bank has played a large role in the local Hurricane Ida recovery. We are able to help our customers with their specific needs on a case-by-case basis. Our community was hit hard by Ida, so we want customers to recover and not add an extra burden when it comes to their banking,” Carolyn Giannobile, Branch Manager said.

Bordelon brags on his team like a proud coach. He said many days, customers visit to ask advice on a number of subjects. It may not be about a specific banking question, but it may be wanting to bounce ideas about expanding their business or adding a room or pool on their house.

You are welcome to visit with Hart and his team at Gulf Coast Bank in Hammond or visit gulfbank.com

(L - R)Hillary Hracek, Jeff Dameron, Carolyn Giannobile, Hart Bordelon, Amanda Prokop Germany

C o m i n g S o o n t o

C o m i n g S o o n t o

D o w n t o w n H a m m o n d

D o w n t o w n H a m m o n d

R a i l r o a d P a r k

R a i l r o a d P a r k

H e l p b u i l d h a m m o n d ' s h i s t o r y .

H e l p b u i l d h a m m o n d ' s h i s t o r y .

P u r c h a s e a P u r c h a s e a c u s t o m i z e d b r i c k c u s t o m i z e d b r i c k

t h a t w i l l b e i n s t a l l e d i n D o w n t o w n ' s t h a t w i l l b e i n s t a l l e d i n D o w n t o w n ' s

n e w n e w r a i l r o a d p a r k . r a i l r o a d p a r k . LL o c a t e d i n t h e o c a t e d i n t h e

h e a r t o f d o w n t o w n a c r o s s

h e a r t o f d o w n t o w n a c r o s s

f r o m t h e p o s t o f f i c e .

f r o m t h e p o s t o f f i c e .

d d d h a m m o n d . c o m / b u y a b r i c k

t e x t - o n l y b r i c k s c o s t

b r i c k s w i t h l o g o s c o s t

Erica D. Williams

Proudly Serves Tangipahoa Parish

Local public defender Erica Denae Williams has decided to serve her South Tangipahoa roots and run for the newly vacant position of Hammond City Court Judge.

The Ponchatoula native received her bachelor’s in political science from Grambling State University in 1997 and continued on to receive her Juris Doctorate from Southern University in 2000. In 2004, Williams began her own private practice.

In addition to private practice, Williams served as a public defender in criminal misdemeanor court for both the City Court of Hammond and all eight divisions of the 21st Judicial District Court in Amite, LA. She continued to work for Hammond City Court until 2017, when Williams began to work exclusively in felony court for Amite.

Williams said that early in her career, she became closely familiar with not only the Hammond City Court system, but also the people that were a part of it. After serving for 12 years, she feels a deep connection with the court. Following the passing of Judge Grace Gasaway, Williams felt a calling to step up to serve.

“You start to see the same clients. You form relationships and you start to see not only the charge on the docket, but their individual backstories,” expressed Williams.

Leading community service has been a cornerstone of Williams’ life since grade school. In addition to serving the community as a public defender, she also was a former member and past president of the Hammond-Ponchatoula Sunrise Rotary Club and volunteers as an advisory board member of the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center. She also has maintained membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. since the spring of 1998 and serves as immediate past-president of the organization.

" Service isn't what you do, it's who you are."

- Erica D. Williams

“I don’t ever remember a time in my life when I wasn’t in some kind of service organization. Not only being in them, but being an officer or active leadership,” said Williams.

Besides her work in the courts and the community, Williams is a wife and proud mother of Shania and Shantavia and grandmother to Wayne, Jr. She and her husband Rick have been happily married for 11 years. Rick is the owner and operator of Switch Hitters Hobbies, a car restoration shop out of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Election for Hammond City Court Judge will be held on March 26, 2022. Voters can check sos.la.gov for further details and voting locations and connect with Erica at ericawilliamsforjudge.com

Business is Blooming

Written by Nick Gagliano | Photos by Johnny Chauvin

We’ve heard the story so many times — A great business decision is hatched over cocktails. That’s exactly where the story of Yellow Van Farms is rooted.

Destin Sims and Traci Wolfe were with their husbands, William and David, at a bourbon tasting. Destin mentioned to Traci that she and William were starting a fresh cut flower farm. That’s all it took for Traci to simply say, “I’m in. When do we start?”

Since then Destin and Traci have grown Yellow Van Farms into a thriving fresh cut flower subscription-based business.

“It has been amazing,” said Destin. “Our first planting was 1,000 tulip bulbs and our first delivery customer was Cassie Ragan with Ruby. We recently planted 10,200 tulip bulbs with seventeen varieties which should be ready for Valentine’s Day.”

Like so many successful small businesses, Yellow Van Farms has two committed proprietors who love what they do and find the time to do it. Destin Sims is a corporate attorney and Hammond City Court Public Defender. Traci Wolfe is an Operations Control Center Supervisor for Entergy.

“Our schedule is crazy, but we love it,” said Traci. “We cut and arrange all of the flowers before and after our regular jobs. We call it Dirt Therapy.”

The idea of starting a fresh flower farm came to Destin when she and William were attending a wedding in Wyoming and saw a fresh flower farm. She saw the potential for their 650-acre farm which has been in the Sims family since the 1940’s.

“For eighteen months, William and I would go to the old timber farm with our children and wondered what to do with the land. After our Wyoming trip, we knew we had the answer.”

While clearing the land for the farm, they found an abandoned yellow Volkswagen van. They cleaned it up and brought the van to the front of the property. Destin planted flowers around the van and the name Yellow Van Farms was created. Destin and Traci’s work has paid off.

Destin has become a Louisiana Licensed Florist and their subscriptions for once, twice, or fours time a month delivery has increased each month.

“This has exceeded beyond our expectations. We are happy to announce our flowers will be in all four Bohning's Supermarkets.”

As with every business in southeast Louisiana, the question is how did the farm fare with Hurricane Ida.

Sims said they had just planted many of their flowers before the storm. Over 300 trees fell on the property, but none hit the flower farm area. Their converted milking barn which they use for arranging the flowers was damaged but that was the only damage to their farm. The rains helped with the growing cycle and all of the newly planted flowers are growing very nicely.

Giving back to the community is a key component for Yellow Van Farms. Their

Instagram and Facebook sites always have givea-way opportunities.

During the COVID-19 Delta variant surge, Jani-King’s Chance Enmon saw their site and decided he wanted to give ten bouquets every day for four weeks to healthcare workers at North Oaks Medical Center, Hood Memorial Hospital, and Lallie Kemp Charity Hospital.

“We met the challenge, and this was probably the best four weeks for us. To be able to provide happiness for workers who were dealing with so much pain and suffering was a beautiful thing.”

According to both Destin Sims and Traci Wolfe, “This has been a true labor of love. Being able to grow flowers and help people smile and feel good makes the early morning, and long hours worthwhile.”

For more information on Yellow Van Farms, please visit yellowvanfarms.com

KASIA TREPAGNIER

TANGIPAHOA’S NEWEST CELEBRITY IS TURNING HEADS AS ACTRESS AND MODEL.

Kasia Trepagnier is the daughter of Ponchatoula’s Belinda and Andrew Trepagnier. Not long after graduating Ponchatoula High School in 2015, Kasia landed her first acting role as background talent in the movie Underground. Soon acting and modeling became her passion and her career.

Since 2016 Kasia has appeared in 27 films including NCIS, Queen Sugar, Girl’s Trip, Palmer and even one of Tyler Perry’s Madea films just to name a few.

When asked what she considered her most memorable role she laughingly replied, “Definitely The Purge. I played a killer bridesmaid and spent twelve hours on top of a bus wielding a machete.”

Although her acting career is moving right along, Kasia also loves modeling. In fact, she was recognized as the Bonner Brother’s 2021 Top Model and participated this year in New York’s Fashion Week. The fast-paced show required five costume changes in less than an hour, all while running up and down two flights of stairs to avoid the audience. Kasia admitted it was surreal to see her face on the Fashion Week billboards in Times Square.

Recently Ms. Trepagnier was recognized at the Essence Festival in New Orleans. From rubbing elbows with other celebrities to walking the red carpet, the experience made a lasting impression.

In fact, the Essence festival was the first time she came face-to-face with the darker side of stardom. Kasia found herself being trampled by overzealous fans who recognized her from Queen Sugar resulting in some minor injuries and the realization that she will need to have personal security at future events.

Kasia has a large fan base and is easily recognized in major cities such as Atlanta and across the ocean in Japan.

When asked what she thought her most memorable trait was Kasia replied, “When people see me, the first thing they comment on is my hair. I’d say that is my most memorable trait.”

Kasia is currently working on a Will Smith film titled Emancipation which is filming locally in St. Francisville. She has worked directly with Mr. Smith, and when asked what her impression of him, she was quick to say, “He’s kind, and he offered to look out for me.”

Kasia is excited at what the future holds, both on the movie screen and the fashion runway. One event she is looking forward to is serving as Queen of Ponchatoula’s Krewe of Soul. Kasia can be followed @kasiamae on all social media platforms.

Christmas Memories FAVORITE HOLIDAY

FOODS

Each year, I look forward to the traditional turkey at the holidays, but it’s the desserts that I get excited about. My mom always does special holiday treats like rum balls, chocolate pecan delights, and of course there’s always Italian cookies! Last year my son and I made anise cookies as a special tribute in memory of my grandmother who always made sure our very large extended family had delightful meals--and desserts--at the holidays. - Melissa Griffin

I have many favorite holiday foods, but for the last few years, I'd have to say that holiday cookies made by my grandkids have moved to the top of my list!

- Terri Chaucer Shaffett

I’d have to say my favorite holiday food is chicken and sausage gumbo. I love cooking all year long, but there’s nothing like gumbo during the holidays! - Jamie Flanagan

Our family has a tradition of making a food theme each year for Christmas. We have done hors d’oeuvres only, Italian food, Cajun food, just to name a few. Each family makes a dish and it must be homemade. It’s a lot of fun and bragging rights to which family has the best dish that year. If I had to pick one favorite holiday dish, it would have to be gumbo and potato salad, of course. - Rick Sedberry

My favorite holiday food is my Aunt Kelly’s “spaghetti and cheese,” which isn’t really spaghetti at all. It’s macaroni and cheese but with spaghetti noodles. It’s a baked, gooey delicious mess of Velveeta cheese and pasta, and it’s what dreams are made of. She eventually started making a separate “mini pan” for me, and I look forward to it every year. The people who love you the most give you cheese! - Kati Morse LeBreton

Not only is the turkey and dressing and homemade pumpkin pie my favorite parts of the holidays, but the decorating and tablescapes are, too!

- Jody Schaff

My favorite holiday meal is my mom’s lasagna. She originally got the recipe from my godmother, but has changed it over the years, adding cream cheese to make it extra rich and delicious! We look forward to enjoying her lasagna every year at Christmas!

- Alonna Forrest

Aunt Carmelite’s Italian cookies... Some of my favorite childhood memories were time spent in the kitchen with Grandma Mamie. But it was my Aunt Carmelite who passed on this treasured gift of making Italian cookies. Every year when I bake, I can’t help but enjoy the Christmas spirit that surrounds me with their presence.

- Micah Ragusa Bujol

Spending time with family and friends during the holidays is my favorite time of the year, and turkey and dressing, without a doubt, is my favorite holiday food. - Stacie Gabriel

We don't agree on a favorite holiday food... gumbo for him and cornbread dressing for me.

- Natalie Watson and Donald Lanier

One of our favorite dishes around the holidays is Oysters Bienville prepared in The Oyster Bed. It brings the family together, young and old. The flavors are delicious and everyone loves dipping their bread in the au jus!! - Adam Waller

Every year my brothers and I look forward to my mom’s sweet potato crunch... its more crunch than sweet potato. My other holiday favorite is my mother-in-law Lucinda’s fried cabbage patties made from fresh cabbage from our farm.

- Nichole Liuzza

I would have to say my favorite Thanksgiving food would be my grandmother-in-law’s sweet potato pie. Ever since I was first introduced to it when my husband and I started dating, it is something I look forward to ever year. She puts so much heart and soul into it knowing it will just be devoured in mere seconds. And not only is it delicious, but it is also a reminder to me of the love I have for my husband and our family. So with every single bite, I give thanks to the Lord above for my many blessings. Even if I get one slice a year before it is gone, it is worth counting down the days before the next slice.

- April Hayden

Christmas is our favorite time of the year. Besides spending quality time together and celebrating my wife’s Christmas Eve birthday. Our favorite meal is cornbread dressing, beef chuck roast with gravy, macaroni and cheese, baked ham, green beans and potato salad. And to top it all off ... chocolate cake for dessert - Morris Evans

My favorite holiday dish will always be my dad's homemade italian sausage. Anyone that knew Mark Tallo knew he could cook! Besides watching us open gifts, this was his favorite Christmas tradition and he was very serious about it! I laugh at the thought of him cringing in Heaven watching us try to recreate his recipe! Miss him and his cooking every day!

- Chelsea Tallo Little

Nothing says holidays like my mom’s cornbread dressing. She makes it for Thanksgiving and freezes some for Christmas because it’s just that good. It’s impossible to duplicate because it’s a lot of “pinches of this,” “a little of that to taste,” and “stick it in the oven for awhile but don’t let it brown too much and dry out!” A recipe-less masterpiece. - Caitlin Scates

Picking a favorite holiday dish is nearly impossible because the holidays are a very special time with my family filled with many delicious, traditional dishes. But if I have to pick one, our homemade mac and cheese is at the top of my list.

- Kim Ridgell

Our Christmas meal always includes turkey stuffed with ole fashioned cornbread dressing/cranberry sauce, yams topped with marshmallows, cauliflower in a creamy cheese sauce, corn pudding, Stephanie Salad, and dinner rolls with Sweet tea!! My favorite dessert is Wanda’s Strawberry Trifle!

- Peanut Miller

"In my house we’re a bunch of carnivores, so we loveee the turkey and ham! For the past few years, I've gotten a smoked turkey from Salty Joes. It makes this mama crazy chaotic life a little easier"

- Tara Williams

My favorite food during the holidays is turtle soup!

- Jan Songy

Papap Moore always made “snick snack” for my Nana with an extra dash of Worchestershire and plenty of peanuts. Eliza Kate and I carry on the tradition with a batch every Christmas. - Erin Cowser

My Daddy’s (Vernon Foster) southern homemade tomato gravy and biscuits on Christmas morning has always been my favorite - Sonya Lauderdale

One of my favorite holiday desserts are our traditional Italian cookies. Especially the fig cookies(cucidati). Every year my parents and I enjoy making these cookies for our family and friends. - Sandee Hinton

Expert Advice When You Need It Most—

Hurricane Ida has left its mark on the area. Many have questions regarding insurance claims and their rights.

Q: Will hiring an attorney give me less to repair my home?

A: No. What we are seeing is that insurance companies are only offering a small fraction of what claims are worth. Insurance companies may also be made to pay attorney fees.

Q: Will my insurance company drop me for filing a claim or retaining an attorney?

A: It is illegal for an insurance company to drop you based on you making a claim for a natural disaster. Plus, do you really want that insurance company anymore?

Q: What am I entitled to from my insurance company?

A: Likely, better treatment than what you have been receiving. Call us for a free consultation.

Q: Are insurance companies punished for treating insureds badly?

A: State laws dictate that insurance companies may have to pay penalties due to their actions and inactions.

Q: Why am I getting new adjusters and getting the run around?

A: Insurance companies will delay and try to wear you down in hopes of you giving up. There are laws meant to protect you from this type of behavior.

Q: How do I determine my loss of business revenue?

A: Business losses are an accumulation of not only physical damage but also business interruption and/or relocation. All areas of the business should be considered when making an assessment of loss.

When it comes to deciding on the safest choice in window coverings for a home with children or pets, why take chances? Fortunately, with Budget Blinds you don’t have to. From cordless child-safe blinds and cordless shades with retractable lifts, to motorized shades, we have the safe solutions that minimize the risk of accidents or injury.

If you have ever been to the Hammond Farmers' Market or Antique Trade Days in Ponchatoula, you have witnessed Kathleen Elstrott Achord with Kat Vet Spay Neuter & Rescue doing what she loves best, showing off the cutest foster cats and dogs! Though the journey each animal has made to her is always unique, her mission remains to find each of them a permanent or foster home, reducing the overpopulation of unwanted cats and dogs by educating communities on spay and neuter benefits. She encourages everyone to Adopt Don’t Shop when choosing your pet. She also emphasizes the importance of microchipping your pet and rabies prevention. If you aren’t in the position to adopt, fostering saves lives and is a very rewarding experience.

Kathleen is a veterinarian, a veteran, and she love cats and volunteering. Kathleen is a shelter veterinarian for Terrebonne Parish Animal Shelter (yes, it is worth the drive from Ponchatoula), offering relief veterinary services to other shelters and hospitals. She’s an active member of the Ponchatoula Rotary Club, the Ponchatoula American Legion Post, she serves as the veterinary advisor for Tangi Animal Friends, and is President-Elect for the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association. Kathleen is married to Jason Achord.

What began in May 2019 as Kathleen and one to two other fosters, has morphed into the good work she does today. Stephanie and Hannah are veterinary technicians who regularly help her along with another 20 active volunteers who rotate through daily as their schedules permit. When asked how many animals are under KatVet’s care on any given day, Kathleen replied, “The number will suprise people. We have nearly 50 cats and at least a dozen dogs in our care at any given time.”

Adoption events are held each Saturday at the Hammond Farmer's Market and any events happening locally like Hot August Nights and Ponchatoula Trade Days. Information about Kat Vet can be found @katvet2 on Facebook.

KatVet has a new storefront located at 158 West Pine Street in downtown Ponchatoula next door to the Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce. She can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/katvet2. Or give her a call at 985-401-2537 to see how you can help.

Story by Debi Menasco | Photos by Phillip Colwart

Trust

Proverbs 3:5-6

With nearly 35 years experience as a mariner, Captain Lansden understands the unique challenges his clients face on the job. Whether addressing a mariner’s on-the-job injury or representing a family suffering the loss of a loved one in a marine disaster, he serves his clients the way he would serve his own family- with Christ always at the center and guiding every step he takes.

Things Do Matter!

Story by Johnny Pecoraro | Photos by Phillip Colwart

People often tell me it’s just an object that can be replaced, but not every object or historical decorative thing in your home can be replaced. Many items in your home have a purpose, a meaning, and often an emotional attachment. As I walk the halls of my home, each item is alive. With every glance and touch, it has a purpose and an emotional attachment. When I was an interior decorator, I would tell my clients, “When we are done with your home, if you can’t walk through it and aren’t moved by the design, then I have not achieved my goal as your decorator.”

My love for antiques, from Meissen to Dresden porcelain, whose factories date back to the early 1700’s when Germany began making fine porcelains for the world markets and collectors of fine porcelains, no longer exist. European markets learned much about the production of fine world porcelains from the Chinese. I research the history behind most pieces in my collection including the manufacturer, many of which survived bombings during World War II. Many items came from Jewish-

owned antique stores in Germany before the stores were looted, burned and destroyed.

As I wander through the antique shops along Royal Street in New Orleans, I am amazed to hear the stories of each treasures’ history. Chips and dings, often adorning the surfaces, add to the character and enhance my appreciation that the treasure survived so I can give it new life in a home that will love and treasure the craftsmanship for years to come.

My favorite collection is the vintage lusters I own. Lusters are glass prisms, given their name from the colors they produce when struck by sunlight. Mantels in plantation homes and elaborate homes in the northern part of the country are adorned with lusters, a sign of opulence. I know the origin and the history of each pair I own. And unfortunately, once they are broken, they can’t be replaced.

Giving new life to old things and things forgotten by others in today’s homes are the best feeling. My mother says I live in a glorified antique storage home. When I walk the halls of my home and touch an item or admire it, each piece has a specific meaning, and I appreciate having them throughout my home. What an amazing feeling to know it is alive! The art I choose in my home must spark a feeling. Is that not what art is all about? Each antique work of art on canvas or tapestry captures the moment in life it was created and, once it’s gone, it can’t be replaced. If Michelangelo’s art on the Sistine Chapel ceilings, dating back to 1508 doesn’t invoke awe, then you are missing the real meaning of life and living art still alive today. Life is not just about buying an accessory for your home; it’s about feeling its existence to survive in your heart and soul throughout your home. Giving life to antique collections should always matter….!

Don’t Be SPOTTED With Pigmentation

Freckles, lentigines, liver blotches, ephelides, melasma. No matter what name you give these dark spots, they are all brought on by UV rays and the sun. These lesions are easily acquired by our outdoor-loving South Louisiana lifestyle but can be challenging to erase, leaving unappealing hyperpigmentation and irregular skin coloration.

Sun protection is key to preventing the development of these sun spots, limiting the worsening of the lesions and protecting the skin from collateral damage. Beyond that, dermatologists employ an arsenal of medications and techniques to improve their appearance. These include prescription creams, peels, microneedling, and laser technologies (including LimeLight IPL), often used in combination with each other.

Although many types of sun spots are not dangerous in and of themselves, they do signify exposure to harmful UV radiation, which is a potent carcinogen that drives the development of melanoma and other types of skin cancer. It is critical to accurately characterize these spots and determine if medical procedures are necessary before undergoing aesthetic treatments. This will also optimize results, as some treatments can actually worsen certain lesions. The first step is always a skin evaluation at Benson Dermatology to determine the best treatment for you. We look forward to scheduling yours today!

“Thank you again for your continued vote of confidence in me and our entire staff whose dedication and compassion sustain our quest for excellence .” ~ Dr. Robert Benson

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” -Luke 2:8-11

PASTOR JOSHUA DAY

Millville Baptist Church 621 W McClellan St. Ponchatoula

The world that we live in today is full of sickness, hurt, tragedy, division, fear, and the list continues on and on. These things fight for our attention and focus on a daily basis. As we celebrate one of the most wonderful times of the year, Christmas, let us reflect on the greatest news of all time: Christ the Lord has come as Savior for all. Let us crowd out the noise of the world around us and focus on the reason that we have this season.

some time to read the Gospel accounts of Jesus with an open heart. Jesus came not just to be an example of how to live but came as a substitute that we might move from darkness to light, from death to life.

Meet the Pastor: I have been married to Christy for 20 years. We have 7 kiddos: Caleb, Emma, Noah, Micah, Ava Grace, Ellie, and Everly. I have been the Pastor of Millville Baptist Church in Ponchatoula since Feb. 2008.

As we spend this season with gatherings, goodies, and gifts, let us remember to stand in awe of Christ the Lord, Christ the Savior, and Christ the man. Take

This season, we celebrate the Son of God coming in human form. He lived in full obedience to God and died on the cross in our place. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and no man comes to the Father except by Him. Let this be a season in which we say no to fear, turmoil, division, and say yes to God’s grace and mercy through the One born in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

LOUISIANA

Tangi Taste

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Jeff LeSaicherre's FAVORITE THINGS 5

Jeff LeSaicherre is a proud son of Tangipahoa Parish! After graduating Ponchatoula High School (’97) and earning his undergraduate degree from SLU, he completed Loyola Law School (’05) and returned home to build his practice. After cutting his teeth as associate attorney with a title company, Jeff went out on his own in 2011. Since that time, his Fleur De Lis Law & Title Company has grown from one attorney and one office to over 80 employees with 14 offices across Louisiana and Mississippi. The hard work that grew his company has been supported by his wife Martha and their children Ella (16), Noah (12), and Adyn (10). Aside from his family and business these are his 5 favorite things:

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Wine

Learning about and enjoying wine is a relaxing hobby. After a few tips to Napa Valley and a few more trips to Red White and Brew, Jeff has begun his journey to become a sommelier.

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Travel

At least once each year, Jeff and his family take a nice trip. They’ve traveled to the mountains of Colorado and Texas, to California, to the Bahamas and to Mexico. But his favorite trip was to New York City. His kids had a blast and the memory of that trip and the joy it brought the family really stands out!

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Time on the water

Being around the water brings a sense of calm and peace for Jeff. Whether its spending time at the camp on the Tickfaw River or a long weekend in Perdido Key, being around the water is certainly on his list of favorite things.

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Office

Christmas Party

Inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Jeff emulates the revelry of Mr. Fezziwig’s Christmas party with a party for his own employees. He pulls out all stops and creates a memorable Christmas party every year!

Comfortable Clothes

Suit and tie are not a staple in Jeff’s wardrobe. When he’s comfortable he thinks and works better. He cherishes comfortable clothes and encourages his employees to do the same!

& HE ARD ARD

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