Tangi Lifestyles Dec 2022 / Jan 2023

December 2022/ January 2023 | Volume 16, Issue 6

TANGI lifestyles TANGI lifestyles

Rebecca Davis Lee Attorney

Britney R. Duke Attorney

Eric Liddell Attorney

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. With supply chain still a bit of an issue, 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 arts venue like the Columbia Theatre. Our community’s self-supportive habits are what makes us a great community. Thanks to all who have chosen to shop locally rather than simply clicking a website from another state.“Shop Local”is the message we hear every year at 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 all call home.

We hope you’ll enjoy this issue as we celebrate some of our local business success stories, cutting-edge programs at SLU, and other fun and inspiring stories, including some of our neighbors’most memorable Christmas gifts. Our next issue 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. Northshore Media Group

PUBLISHER

Northshore Media Group

Angela Blake

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS

Johnny Chauvin

Phillip Colwart

Riyen Helg

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Erin Bolton

Eloise Cottrell

Charles Dowdy

Debi Menasco

Brian Shirey

Betsy O'Leary

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

DECEMBER'22 /JANUARY '23 Volume 16, Issue 6

On

the Cover:

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.

Dr. Megan Currier, DDS and her dental team will soon move into their new dental studio located at 908 West Morris Avenue in the Hammond Historic District. Currier is one of those fortunate few who has known since high school that her destiny was dentistry, and her dedication to detail can be seen in every aspect of the new location. Learn more about Currier Dental Studio on page 8.

Cover photo by Johnny Chauvin

Photo

2023

DECEMBER

12/1 - 12/16

Fine & Functional

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays Noon to 6 p.m.

Hammond Regional Arts Center www.hammondarts.org

12/3

ARTisTRY Classes (kids)

Hammond Regional Arts Center 10 AM to Noon www.hammondarts.org

12/3 • 6 PM

Independence Christmas Parade

Downtown Independence

12/3 • 8:30 - 11 AM

Storytime with Santa PARD — JA of Tangipahoa

12/3 • 6 - 8 PM

Sitting with Santa Collingswood Museum Ponchatoula

Treatment

Tinnitus

12/3, 4, 10, & 11

Renaissance Festival

46468 River Rd, Hammond www.larf2022.org

12/10 • 3 PM

Ponchatoula Christmas Parade Downtown Ponchatoula

12/14 - 11:30 am to 1pm

Holiday Social & Market

Hammond Event CenterUniversity Avenue tangipw.org

12/16 • 5:30 PM

Hammond's Lion Up Christmas Parade Downtown Hammond 12/17

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

JANUARY

1/21 • 7 - 11 PM

Italian Festival Ball Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church www.theitalianfestival.org

1/25 - 11:30 am to 1 pm

TPW Monthly Luncheon

Hammond Event CenterUniversity Avenue Tangipahoa Professional Women tangipw.org

ON-GOING

FIRST FRIDAY OF MONTH

Gospel Music Fest 13101 Hwy, 442 W., Tickfaw 985.974.0507, mvmgoodnews.com

EVERY SATURDAY

Hammond Farmers Market

Hammond Railroad Park 8 am-12 pm • Facebook.com/hammondmarket

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

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

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

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

2ND TUESDAY Grief Support Group

LN Hughes Funeral Services • lnhughes.com

Amite Chamber Monthly Luncheon Mike’s

NEW PLACE IN A GREEN SPACE

Soon, patients of Dr. Megan Currier at Currier Dental Studio will see her and her team in a beautiful new environment. Their new dental studio is located at 908 West Morris Avenue in the Hammond’s HyerCate Preservation district.

As a mixed-code neighborhood, Dr. Currier wants her dental studio to blend in architecturally with her neighbors’ historic homes and businesses. Designing the office herself, she draws inspiration from the stately homes along Hammond’s treelined neighborhoods in the Historic District. Using arches, mixed materials, and even window color, Dr. Currier’s Dental Studio has many home-like features. The wall art and inner décor will reflect a calm, hometown vibe. The music is relaxing and inspirationally designed to put patients at ease before and during their dental procedures. Dr. Currier commented, “When patients walk in, I want them to feel like they’ve left the hustle and bustle of daily life and entered a welcoming home.”

So dedicated was she to maintaining adequate greenspace on the property that she named the created LLC “Green Spaces.” These carefully preserved green spaces include an outdoor courtyard shaded by large live oak and crepe myrtle branches. Patients and their families or friends accompanying them to their appointments can sit outdoors sipping coffee they brewed themselves at the indoor coffee nook.

That’s right – a full-service coffee bar is just one of the amenities Dr. Currier offers. Espresso, regular drip, and even cold brew coffees are available for patients, guests, and dental team members to enjoy. Megan jokes, “My patients have commented that we are as serious about our coffee as we are about our dental care.”

A Dream Fulfilled

Currier is one of those fortunate few who knew since high school that her destiny was dentistry. “Dentistry is a lovely combination of art, science, engineering, and sometimes creativity!” The Kentwood native graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University before earning her doctorate at LSU School of Dentistry. After taking over Dr. Kenneth Sherman’s practice, she began to create lasting relationships with the wonderful patients and staff already there. Since then, she has made many connections with new patients as well.

Written by Betsy O'Leary |

Megan and husband Ross, Jewel Sumner’s high school football coach, have two young sons, Vincent, 2 and Gabe, 6 months. Being a family-oriented individual, she wants patients to value their appointment and feel safe within her space. She shared that her dream

Photos by Johnny Chauvin

has always been to create a space where she could build a lifetime of relationships with her patients and team. Now that her dream is becoming a reality, she is most excited about her team being able to enjoy the new space with her.

An Unexpectedly Wonderful Family Experience

Dr. Currier has a gentle bedside manner and genuinely cares about the health and well-being of her patients and their families. She caters to and cares for each patient and strives to meet their unique dental needs. As she says, “Overall health begins in the mouth!”

She caters to those suffering with dental anxiety. Heated blankets, sedation, and even a private treatment room that filters out the sounds from other

operatories are available. Dr. Currier enjoys singing and joking with her patients while working, creating some fun during the visit.

Dr. Currier realizes hardworking patients may have difficulty getting off work for dental appointments. To accommodate them, she offers nontraditional office hours -- 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday. Fridays are saved for office duties and the occasional dental emergency.

Prioritizing Good Dental Health & Family

When asked what her goal was, Megan replied, “my goal is to always spread joy and kindness to others, while restoring their smiles and improving their health.”

Organizing each patient’s treatment plan to prioritize treatment of “sick” teeth results in fewer dental procedures over a lifetime, Dr. Currier states. This conservative approach is a natural lead-in to maintenance and cosmetic improvements so patients “smile with confidence.” Dr. Currier understands the importance of feeling comfortable and invites you to stop by and let her team bring a smile to your face.

TIM BOWLIN, M.D.

Elbow, Hand, & Wrist Specialist

CRAIG GREENE, M.D.

Hip, Knee, Shoulder, Sports Medicine, & Trauma Specialist

DAVID FERACHI, M.D.

Spine Specialist

TAKING SLU TAILGATING TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL

Steven Poche and Harris Beall are two former Southeastern athletes and alumni who love to have fun while supporting SLU’s athletic programs. Poche pitched for the Lions baseball team and Hammond native Beall punted and kicked For SLU’s football team.

The friends found homes within blocks of each other, the campus, and stadium. Over chilled adult beverages on hot summer nights, they pondered why so many students, alumni, and residents didn’t take advantage of the many university-sponsored opportunities to support the Lions.

During one of those nights of drinking and musing, the men had their epiphany -- tailgating to support the team. The humble origins of their first tailgate efforts included only a barbecue grill, TV, and a cooler of cold ones to share with friends. But that was all they needed to generate enthusiasm among friends. The guys decided that their group now needed a name.

That’s how their rapidly expanding group of ragtag tailgaters became locally known as the infamous ...

Written by Betsy O'Leary | Photos by Chloe Burkett

“Dukes of Hammond, Lion Nation’s Rowdiest Tailgate Krewe."

After a graphic designer friend contributed a logo, it was official.

What was once a “two-man show” with friends popping in and out quickly grew legs. A social media campaign and the “blasts” both men sent out from their Dukes of Hammond Twitter and Instagram accounts created excitement about SLU’s sports teams. But Poche and Beall also intend to produce plenty of fun in the process.

Beall said of their tailgating, which soon migrated from their driveways to the stadium side of Friendship Circle, “Come out! Come have fun!” Their ultimate goal is to get tailgaters into the stadium seats as committed Lion supporters. Tailgating is as good a way as any to start.

Due to the ravages of Hurricane Ida in 2021, SLU’s first game was held in northern Alabama. It was the first of five “away” games in a row during the tailgating pair’s first trialand-error season. When homecoming arrived in mid-October last year, they pulled out all

the stops for fans and friends. As the duo noted, “pictures prove” a good time was indeed had.

Football coach Frank Scelfo noted their efforts and gave the Dukes a shoutout on the radio. Their reputation spread, and soon they were cooking for the baseball team – including the Lions’ opponents. Their krewe was behind the massive block party extending along General Pershing to the stadium.

Now, each tailgating event is catered. They put on a spread for the soccer and volleyball teams and wowed SLU’s Murray State rivals with their excellent alligator sauce piquante.

The men turned their tailgating krewe into a nonprofit. A website is in the pipeline, along with a membership drive. The plan is to honor their first patrons and then expand membership to other interested fans.

Join in the fun, food, drinks, and even competitive cornhole. Lion-up with the Dukes of Hammond at slot 36. Just look for their green couch, black camper, contagious enthusiasm, and delicious food!

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.

ChristmasMEMORIES

What is the BEST GIFT you've ever

received?

Best (early) Christmas present I ever got was when my now husband, Braie Peterson, proposed to me at my FIRST big event working for the City of Ponchatoula! I got engaged in the middle of our “berry” sweet downtown! Best memory I’ve ever made while in Downtown Ponchatoula! - Faith Allen

When I was young I remember wanting a toy red Corvette. I'll never forget opening that gift on Christmas Morning. Best gift ever. - Randell Legette

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that it’s not about the “things” you receive, but more importantly the people you get to make the memories and share life with! The greatest gift I’ve ever received are the blessings pictured here. My husband,kids, and parents are what makes the Holi

Knowing my love for film photography and vintage cameras, my husband bought me a 1970's era vintage Polaroid 420 Land Camera--that still worked--and the film to go with it. This camera gave me the instant enjoyment of a Polaroid with the old film grain look as well!

- Melissa Griffin

My favorite Christmas gift when I was a little girl was my dollhouse my daddy made. The best ones this year is the birth of my first grandchild with the second one coming real soon. Two new bundles of Christmas joy.

- Cherie Mowen

“When I was 11 my Grandpa who just passed away in September, bought me plane tickets to London. I had dreamed of going to Europe from the time I could talk. I had always looked at his and my Grammy’s photo albums and asked them when they’d take me to their worlds. I was so excited that Christmas morning when I opened a big box with a tiny travel book on London with my paper printed plane tickets inside!” - Brittany Marino

My mother collected fine porcelain for years (Capodimonte). She gave me this porcelain floral arrangement for Christmas the year she passed away 1989. It's priceless to me. Best gift ever!

- Belinda Vining

The best Christmas gift I have gotten is the times when our family is together on Christmas morning.....life seems to get so fast at times and as your family grows up, you tend to take for granted little moments..... looking back, Christmas morning, with the kids.... even today, as my children are grown,is my most favorite gift.

The best gift I ever got for the holidays were my kids. Both of them were born just before Christmas and of course were the two most memorable Christmases yet!

- Tracey DeSoto

"The best gift I've ever received was a locket with each of my kids' birthstone inside. I absolutely love it!"

- KeAndrea Anderson

When I was 8 years old I was told Santa was bringing me one special big gift. I was somewhat disappointed to find out Christmas morning it was a unicycle. I never did learn to ride it, but boy was I surprised! - Merrick Lanaux

Best Christmas gift--One year I got a nice, big digital camera with extra lenses as a double master's graduation and Christmas gift while we waited for our baby boy to be born. It was perfect timing before he was born on Valentine's Day!Stacey Lindsey

The best gift I ever received was in 2014 when I was asked to spend forever with my best friend! Now, we enjoy teaching “The Reason for the Season” and seeing Christmas Magic through the eyes of our little one!

- Jeni Dunnington

Keep your team cozy and on trend with our

Merry Christmas

21ST

JUDICIAL DISTRICT

VETERANS COURT

Serving those who have served.

By Betsy O'Leary

Photographs by Johnny Chauvin

Veterans returning from overseas or stateside service face unique hurdles reintegrating into society after serving our country. Those problems, coupled with diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often lead to self-medication with drugs and alcohol. These poor decisions can land honorably-discharged vets in legal trouble.

The Chief Judge of the 21st Judicial District, the Honorable Brenda Bedsole Ricks, proposed a Veterans Court – one of few in the state – to her colleagues. Bringing Judge Ricks’ dream to fruition required extraordinary coordination and cooperation among judges with already bursting caseloads. As judges don’t get overtime, the time for this labor of love is culled from the personal hours of both Judge William Dykes and Judge Brian Abels.

Veterans returning from overseas or stateside service face unique hurdles reintegrating into society after serving our country. Those problems, coupled with diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often lead to self-medication with drugs and alcohol. These poor decisions can land honorably discharged vets in legal trouble.

The chief judge of the 21st Judicial District, the Honorable Brenda Ricks, proposed a Veterans Court one of few in the state – to her colleagues. Bringing Judge Ricks’ dream to fruition required extraordinary coordination and cooperation among judges with already bursting caseloads. As judges don’t get overtime, the time for this labor of love is culled from the personal hours of both Judge William Dykes and Judge Brian Abels.

Judge Dykes presides over the combined Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes Veterans’ Court. Judge Abels oversees the Livingston Parish Veterans Court. The Vets Courts meet once a week between 8-9 a.m. before the judges’ regular judicial courtroom duties begin. Judge Oglesbee is taking the pre-requisite courses so he will be available to pinch-hit as needed.

Judge Dykes presides over the combined Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes Veterans Court, because St. Helena is too small for its own court. Judge Abels oversees the Livingston Parish Veterans Court. The Vets Courts meet once a week between 8-9 a.m. before the judges’ regular judicial courtroom duties begin. Judge Oglesbee is taking the requisite courses so he will be available to pinch-hit as needed.

Judge William Dykes

Judge Dykes noted that veterans have already given so much. When they return from multiple tours, they find society is different from the military environments where they are ordered when to work, eat, and sleep. PTSD and other life stressors in the home and workplace complicate the veterans’ return to society. Inevitably, some wind up in trouble with the law.

Judge Dykes noted that veterans have already given so much. When they return from multiple tours, they find society is different from the military environments where they are ordered when to work, eat, and sleep. PTSD and other life stressors in the home and workplace complicate the veterans’ return to society. Inevitably, some wind up in trouble with the law. But this newly implemented program can help them turn their lives around.

This newly implemented program can help Veterans turn their lives around.

Only honorably discharged service members facing nonviolent, nonsexual offenses qualify for Veterans Court, Judge Dykes stressed. Most defendant veterans they see struggle simultaneously with substance abuse and mental health issues. The short-term goal for these defendants is to get them out of jail and into vital treatment for both drug and alcohol abuse and mental health care.

Only honorably-discharged service members facing nonviolent, nonsexual offenses qualify for Veterans Court, Judge Dykes stressed. Most defendant veterans they see struggle simultaneously with substance abuse and mental health issues. The short-term goal for these defendants is to get them out of jail and into vital treatment for both drug and alcohol abuse and mental health care.

Judge Dykes states the court’s long-term goal is to expunge the veterans’ criminal records that can stymie their employment efforts. Doing so once their treatment needs have been met allows them to once again become productive members of society.

Judge Dykes states the court’s long-term goal is to expunge the veterans’ criminal records that can stymie their employment efforts. Doing so once their treatment needs have been met allows them to once again become productive members of society.

Judges Abels and Dykes have already begun the programs in their respective parishes. Public Defender Allen Harvey also enthusiastically signed on. Now, the group seeks probation officers and case managers who have also been honorably-discharged from their service branches and who understand the challenges many defendants face.

Judges Abel and Dykes have already begun the programs in their respective parishes. Public defender Allen Harvey also enthusiastically signed on. Now, the group seeks probation officers and case managers who have also been honorably discharged from their service branches and who understand the challenges many defendants face.

Qualified mentors are always in high demand. Veterans frequently have difficulty opening up to non-vets and reaching out for the help they need. Here, veteran mentors can make a remarkable difference. The mentors guide defendants through the shoals at their initial weekly court appearances. These appearances are gradually reduced in frequency as defendants progress through an 18-month treatment plan.

Qualified mentors are always in high demand. Veterans frequently have difficulty opening up to non-vets and reaching out for the help they need. Here, veteran mentors can make a remarkable difference.

Qualified mentors are always in high demand. Veterans frequently have difficulty opening up to non-vets and reaching out for the help they need. Here, veteran mentors can make a remarkable difference. The mentors guide defendants through the shoals at their initial weekly court appearances. These appearances are gradually reduced in frequency as defendants progress through an 18-month treatment plan.

A lot is asked of the mentors because veterans’ crises don’t always occur from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. These brothers-in-arms are available to vets in crisis 24/7. Judge Ricks turns to local veterans’ groups and community organizations for recommendations for qualified mentors to join the program.

A lot is asked of the mentors because veterans’ crises don’t always occur from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. These brothers-in-arms are available to vets in crisis 24/7. Judge Ricks turns to local veterans’ groups and community organizations for recommendations for qualified mentors to join the program.

Anyone interested in becoming a mentor should go to: 21stjdc.org, then to Court Services, then VTC - Veterans Treatment Court. When scrolling down there is a section "Want to become a volunteer veteran mentor?" Interested veterans may fill out an application and email it, or they may complete an online application and submit it.

Judge Brenda Bedsole Ricks

Judge Brian Abels

Judge Jeff Oglesbee

Downtown Downtown Hammond Hammond

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Home Standby Generators

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MASTERING EDUCATION

Written by Betsy O’Leary | Photos by Riyen Helg

Southeastern

Louisiana

University’s Athletic Training Program Expands Degree to Master's

athletic training program. It now includes a Master of Science degree. A recent interview with Dr. Ryan Green, department head of Kinesiology and Health Studies, and his two colleagues, Dr. Charity Bryan, program director for the athletic training program, and Dr. Kirsten Cunha, the clinical education coordinator for the newly expanded athletic training program, discussed the department’s expansion.

Green stated that the master’s program has been in the pipeline since 2015. Then, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), the national accrediting body for athletic training, began the process of transitioning all undergrad athletic training programs to master’s degree programs.

This was done to align athletic trainers (ATs) with other allied health professionals like physical and occupational therapists. Having the same level of education and training as other qualified health care professionals allows athletic trainers to integrate further into their career fields.

According to Bryan, there once were approximately 10 athletic trainer programs in Louisiana. Of that total, only three transitioned to the

Louisiana in Lafayette.

Back in the 90s, under the direction of Dr. Ronnie Harper, Southeastern became the first university in Louisiana to host an accredited undergraduate AT program. Green noted that two other long-term athletic trainers at the university were Doc Goodwin and Grady Morgan, both of whom remain great mentors to the athletic training community. It made perfect sense to keep the momentum going by transitioning to a master’s program.

Cunha was quick to point out that ATs do far more than tend to football players’ injuries. Her own background in performing arts medicine made her the perfect candidate for her position. She states that ATs are injury prevention specialists, but not just for collegiate or professional athletes. ATs work in various settings alongside other allied health care professionals.

Students can find jobs working across a wide spectrum of settings – the performing arts, industrial environments, military settings, warehouses, physician’s offices, and orthopedic clinics. One of SLU’s AT students worked at the Saint’s training camp this summer.

Green added that ATs pair with and work in lockstep providing care for active individuals from

preschool through their golden years. Anyone who remains physically active and seeks to avoid or treat injuries can benefit from ATs in therapeutic settings offering wellness promotion, injury evaluation and patient treatment and rehabilitation.

The first group of student cohorts began their programs this summer. They’ll continue during the fall and spring semesters. Then, Green encourages them to intern with facilities that complement their programs. After completing two additional fall and spring semesters, they’ll graduate with a master’s in athletic training. That prepares them to pass the national certification test and become credentialed as licensed athletic trainers in Louisiana.

As news of the program spreads throughout the local community, the program will expand organically. Students interested in allied health care professions can contact the university for more information about this innovative new program.

Attorney Mike Brandner— Setting Roots in Tangipahoa

Mike Brandner grew up in Southeastern Louisiana. He played high school football as a defensive lineman and spent as much time as possible hunting or fishing. He graduated from LSU, Loyola University Law School, and earned a Master’s in Tax Law (LL.M.) from Boston University Law School. He’s been practicing law in Louisiana and specifically in T angipahoa Parish since 2002.

Mike started Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys immediately following Hurricane Katrina because he saw how Katrina victims were quickly becoming the victims of insurance companies’ claims processes. He started successfully fighting “big insurance” and helping “regular folks” not fall prey to the insurance companies’ lawyers. Katrina gave Mike a crash course in how insurance companies operate. He learned how to play their game and win on behalf of his clients. Katrina claims evolved into claims for people injured in car wrecks and since Mike knew how to fight and win against insurance companies, Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys grew to become the law firm it is today.

Mike’s an aggressive attorney and states, “I use my football defensive lineman mentality when representing clients. The insurance company needs to be sacked so my clients get that touchdown ” As an attorney he’s learned that he can’t just read the law, he needs to find the root of the problem – the insurance companies’ claims

" I want people to know that I'm here to help. When you're in a difficult situation it is good to have someone in your corner that really cares ."

— Attorney Mike Brandner

manuals. “The insurance companies’ claims manuals are their playbooks. These manuals instruct adjusters how to minimize the value of an insurance claim.” In every claims manual Mike sees the insurance companies’ underlying theme –Delay, Deny, Defend. When they do that to Mike’s clients, Mike goes to war. When an insurance defense attorney wants to challenge him to a jury trial, he responds “Bring it on.”

Mike’s fearlessness in taking a case to trial stems from his endless desire to learn from the best trial attorneys in the country. He constantly works to enhance his education and experience. Not only through traditional seminars and continuing education, but also through more progressive and innovative means. As an example of his nontraditional training, he recently attended a 30day retreat in remote Wyoming, where he spent time with some of the best trial attorneys in the country. “We were in the middle of the Shoshone Indian Nation. We camped in an old barn. It was not the typical seminar. While learning from one

another’s work experiences, we simultaneously trained to be hyperaware of our environment. We had to keep our head on a swivel because we were surrounded by grizzly bears, and bison, plus there was a forest fire creeping towards us. It was an awesome experience”.

Mike admits he does not come across as the stereotypical attorney. You’ll see him walking around Downtown Hammond wearing jeans and cowboy boots. He jokes, “I look more like a construction worker than an attorney.” And when his attorney friends give him grief about driving a big truck, he replies, “I can’t haul 2500 lbs. of corn and hunting dogs in a sports car.”

Mike has three children and three dogs. Dixie and Jax are his “beer dogs” and Winston has become the mascot for the Downtown Hammond office. When Mike’s not attending his children’s activities, his favorite places are in the woods hunting or in a duck blind. He says, “I believe hunting builds character. I want my kids to learn to hunt and spend a lot of time in the woods because I believe it makes us well-grounded. We need to enjoy all that God gave us.”

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RATINGS MATTER

Written by Betsy O’Leary | Photos by Johnny Chauvin

We who live in Gulf Coast states like Louisiana appreciate the value of a solid insurance policy issued by reputable insurance companies. The owner of Allstate Insurance: Colby McCurdy offers Louisiana residents and homeowners some good advice regarding their insurance policies.

McCurdy and his wife of nine years, the former Blair Abene, are parents of son Hugh (6) and daughter Hayden (2). They understand that once children enter the picture, having sufficient insurance coverage is even more important. That's why McCurdy advises people to thoroughly review their home, auto, and other insurance policy coverage so that they are clear about any exclusions and policy limitations. He describes current insurance market conditions to be in a state of flux in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida last summer.

These changes will continue, and the added instability of new inflationary pressures contributes to the uptick in coverage costs. McCurdy emphasized that it is not just about the cost. Availability of coverage can also be a real challenge to overcome due to market disruption and policy exclusions.

The main goal of the Allstate office McCurdy owns and operates with three full-time staffers and a remote, parttime employee is to deliver on their promises to their clients. That means providing valuable insurance coverage, but also being willing to give good advice even when that means having a difficult conversation.

McCurdy’s Allstate office writes policies on everything from the basics of auto, home, and life insurance to coverage for all those expensive “toys” grown-ups love so much. They cover the popular slingshot vehicles, ATVs, boats and all varieties of watercraft, and even Segways. If you need insurance for camps, landlord properties, vacant dwellings, commercial business policies, general liability, and employee benefits, they have you covered.

Allstate and other national insurance companies tend to offer better coverage and maintain higher financial stability ratings than smaller, independent companies. McCurdy

stresses that the Gold Standard of insurance company ratings is given by AM Best. If a company claims to be "A" rated, customers should be sure that the rating was given by AM Best.

The most valuable piece of advice that McCurdy gives is that you should seek coverage from a local agent whom you trust to work with you through some of your worst days. Because of the unique risks Gulf Coast residents face with storm damage and flooding, you want to be able to reach your agent right after the adverse event.

That’s the purpose of their secure, compliant texting platform. On Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., calling (985) 386-3538 will connect you with a seasoned agent. But that number also accepts text messages, which is often the only means of communication after a catastrophic storm blows through southeast Louisiana.

If you have questions about your own policy or are considering switching companies, Colby McCurdy wants to meet with you and discuss your insurance coverage needs. His office is located in Ponchatoula next to the Car Wash Depot at 760 West Pine St.

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Childcare/Daycare

Coffee Shop

Computer / IT Service

Consignment Store

Contractor - Commercial

Contractor - Residential

Contractor - Roofing

Contractor - Remodeling / Handyman

Credit Union

Dance Studio

Donuts

Drinks - Bloody Mary

Drinks - Cold Beer

Drinks - Daiquiri

Drinks - Margarita

Dry Cleaner

Event Catering

Event Planner/ Coordinator

Event Venue

Festival

Financial Advisor

Fitness Center

Flooring Sales

Florist

Funeral Home

Gift Shop

Golf Cart Sales

Hair Salon

Hair Stylist

Hardware Store

Heating & A/C Hotel

Insurance Agent / Agency

Jewelry Store

Kids' Party Venue

Lawn / Landscape Service

Landscape / Garden Supplies

Lawn Equipment Sales / Service

Live Entertainment Venue

Local Artist Local Band

Local Radio Station

Local Newspaper

Local News Source

Massage Therapist

Meat Market/ Butcher Shop

Medical - Assisted Living/

Nursing Home

Medical - Chiropractor

Medical - Clinic

Medical - Doctor

Medical - Dentist

Medical - Dermatologist

Medical - Nurse

Medical - Pediatrician

Medical - Pharmacy

Medical - Physical Therapy

Medical - Skilled Nursing Facility

Medical - Walk In / Urgent Care

Modular/Mobile Homes

Mortgage Lender

Nail Salon

Pawn Shop

Pet Boarding Service

Photographer

Paint Supply

Pool Sales / Supply

Plumbing

Print Services

Local Radio Personality

Real Estate Agency

Real Estate Agent

Restaurant - Asian

Restaurant - BBQ

Restaurant - Breakfast/Brunch

Restaurant - Burger

Restaurant - Date Night

Restaurant - Fine Dining

Restaurant - Healthy Options

Restaurant - Ice Cream

Restaurant - Italian

Restaurant - Kid Friendly

Restaurant - Lunch

Restaurant - Mexican

Restaurant - Pizza

Restaurant - Patio / Outdoor Dining

Restaurant - Po-Boy

Restaurant - Salad

Restaurant - Seafood

Restaurant - Steak

Restaurant - Sushi

Restaurant - Takeout

Restaurant - Wings

RV Sales/Service

Screen Printing

Seafood Market

Snowball Stand Spa

Supermarket/Grocery Store

Tanning Salon

Tire Service

Title Service/ Company

Veterinary Service/ Veterinarian

Yoga Studio

• Walk in. Walk out.

• Local anesthesia through tiny needle-stick incisions

• Gentle, fat-melting laser and extraction using spaghetti-sized tubes

• Targets double chins, pooches, love handles, bingo arms, man boobs, back boobs, thunder thighs, cankles

• Treats all skin types

• Return to work the next day

• Results are fast and permanent

• More affordable than you think

• All in 1-2 hours

The GREATEST Gift of ALL

CRYSTAL BONEY

Lead Pastor

The Mission Church

themission.org

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

The Mission Church 41347 W I-55 Service Rd Hammond, LA 70403

The greatest, most loving thing I can do for my husband is love God more than I love him. If I love God most, I will love him best.

To some this may sound ludicrous. How can you love someone best by loving someone else most? When you encounter Jesus and begin to truly experience His love, with it comes a revelation that will forever change your life. You begin to understand the depth of love and breadth of grace that flows out from Him towards you, that in turn changes the way you love those around you.

“Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39

There’s a reason why Jesus said the second greatest commandment is like the first: If I love God with all of my heart, I will love my neighbor, my husband and those around me as myself. It functions like faith and works; if I truly have the first, the second naturally follows. But if God is not the love of my life, there is no way I will truly love my husband or others the way I was created to. Without the revelation of God’s great love, I will undoubtedly love myself supremely.

I will love my husband best when I love God most because love in its truest, purest form only comes from God, because God is love (1 John 4:7–8). Love is a fundamental part of His nature. We are only able to love Him or anyone else because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). We are only able to give freely to others what we have received freely from Him. It’s because of Jesus we are able to love others well. It doesn’t mean we are perfect and always get it right, it means we always have a perfect example to come back to.--

In January 2022, after nine years in law enforcement and 14 years in the Louisiana National Guard, Matt DePhillips founded Ground Level Stump Removal with the goal of helping his neighbors and restoring surrounding communities after Hurricane Ida while creating the opportunity for himself to spend more time with his family. Being no stranger to hard work, Matt takes pride and finds fulfillment in serving his customers.

8 5 - 3 5 1 - 3 1 3 8 SPECIALIZING IN: • STUMP GRINDING • SHRUB REMOVAL • DEBRIS REMOVAL

MORGAN SEALE

BLAKE HEBERT

JACOB STEIB

BRANDI STEVENS

— Photos by Joel Treadwell —

JUSTIN ARCHOTE

ALFONSO FLORES

RYAN BARKER

CADE TAYLOR

KYLE TALLEY

KATI MORSE LEBRETON

Tangi Taste

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Building Supply, where she and her sister are being groomed to take the reins. She serves on the Tangipahoa Chamber of Commerce and is heavily involved with the Hammond Regional Northshore Air Show. Jasmin’s husband JD, daughter Lily, and Boston terrier Daisy are her absolute favorite things. Here are her next 5 favorite things…

1

3

Woodworking / DIY

Jasmin grew up in a lumberyard and loves being able to make what she wants out of wood. When she couldn’t find a dress up station she liked for her daughter, she built one. Having a good set of the right power tools is a must!

2

Weekends around the hood

With tight group of friends living within a mile of her home, a Sunday Funday just golf carting around the neighborhood and hanging out with them is a weekly occurrence.

4

SHOES!

Being on the river

Her camp in Manchac is her happy place. Half of the roof came off during Hurricane Ida, so repairs were a priority and were thankfully completed in time for this past summer’s enjoyment.

5 Reading

A self-proclaimed SUCKER FOR A NEW PAIR OF SHOES, her new rule is that she must give a pair away before she can buy a new pair!

After working full time, and raising a 7-year-old, it is nice to just get lost in a good book. Murder mystery and fantasy are her go to when she’s ready to relax her mind, but she also reads a lot of personal and work development books.

Lucky Dog & Bayou Boudin

Monster Truck Show