St. Bernard Magazine Spring 2023

Our Guy

President McInnis Reflects on Journey to Gain Respect for St. Bernard Parish

See your community’s feedback in action.

In March 2023, the Port of New Orleans will host three open houses about the Louisiana International Terminal. The container terminal project in Violet will enhance Louisiana’s position as a global shipping destination and strengthen the St. Bernard Parish economy for generations.

Our team wants to share how we’ve incorporated community feedback into the project and continue collecting your input. We believe a project designed with the community in mind is better for everyone, and we look forward to connecting with you at these events.

Join us for the latest information on:

The environmental permitting process

The terminal’s updated layout

The private terminal operators

The economic impacts and benefits

Can't make the open houses?

Workforce development opportunities and jobreadiness help

Our community commitments

The St. Bernard Transportation Corridor

All meeting materials will be available online at LouisianaInternationalTerminal.com from March 7-31, 2023.

Or visit our Community Connection Office located at 6201A East St. Bernard Hwy. Open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 AM4:30 PM and by appointment on Tuesday and Thursday.

The project is currently in the design and permitting phase of the environmental review process overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers which is required to receive construction permits.

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, March 7 4:00 - 7:00 PM

Corinne Missionary Baptist Church Reception Hall

5620 E. Judge Perez Drive Violet, LA 70092

Wednesday, March 8 4:00 - 7:00 PM

The Frederick Sigur Center

8245 E. Judge Perez Drive Chalmette, LA 70043

Thursday, March 8 4:00 - 7:00 PM

St. Bernard Historic Courthouse

1201 Bayou Road St. Bernard, LA 70085

in Historic St. Bernard Parish

Celebrate our rich history while you explore Spanish St. Bernard at Los Isleños Museum Complex and historic village during our Isleños Festival. Connect with our coastal communities in Eastern St. Bernard, and experience world class fishing. For a natural encounter, the St. Bernard State Park is an ideal spot for camping and hiking located along the Mississippi River. Take a road trip down the San Bernardo Scenic By-way, and enjoy local restaurants, shopping and culture. Live like a local and Stay in St. Bernard Parish.

Phantasmagoria

THE ARTISTIC WORLD OF SOHR

PAMELA REED PHOTOGRAPHY

©

JIM SOHR , whose work has been exhibited in Uptown and Warehouse District galleries, as well as at NOMA and the CAC, has been painting in his Chalmette home studio since 2007. Now, he is launching a new book, Phantasmagoria, a retrospective of 50 years as an artist.

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Charles D. Jackson, President

JPR (Jackson Public Relations) Enterprises, LLC

Office - 2429 Octavia Drive, Chalmette, LA

Mail - P.O. Box 57801, New Orleans, LA 70157

Email - stbernardmagazine@yahoo.com

Website - stbernardmagazine.com

Phone - (504) 609-7509

Copy Editor

Faith Dawson Designer

Brionna Palmer

Ads Designer

Sharon Hueschen

Contributing Writers

Ryan Boehm, M.D.

Cover Photo Farrah Ross Appleman

AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM AND BOOKBABY.COM

Brogan Burns

Ron Chapman

William “Bill” Hyland

Charles Jackson

Barry Lemoine

Robby Showalter

Anna Timmerman

Jeanne Wehlen

Photographers

Charlene Abadie

Farrah Ross Appleman

Dawn Carl

Tony Fernandez

Charles Jackson

Maureen Theriot

Vol. 5, Issue 1 - Spring 2023

St. Bernard Magazine, a subsidiary of JPR EnterprisesChalmette, is printed by Fox Press in Hammond, LA. JPR Enterprises, LLC, Chalmette, registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State on 2/23/18, Charter No. 42965547K. Member, New Orleans Press Club; St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce

Publisher Charles D. Jackson, (504) 609-7509

jacksonprnola@yahoo.com

2429 Octavia Drive, Chalmette, LA 70043

© 2023 JPR Enterprises, LLC, New Orleans, LA. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. The information contained in St. Bernard Magazine is intended for educational purposes only. JPR Enterprises, LLC, publisher of St. Bernard Magazine, does not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of St. Bernard Magazine, and the publisher does not verify the accuracy of any claims made in advertisements contained.

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JIM FOR A BOOK SIGNING & CELEBRATION!

by Charles D. Jackson

by Charles D. Jackson

My 25+ Favorite Places to Eat

Yum yum! Food is sooo good; it tastes like I’m in my Aunt Pearl’s kitchen. That’s why I dine regularly at Family Cajun Kitchen and Par3 Restaurant (and brag about them when asked about local eateries)!

I dine out for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Over the years, I have enjoyed eating at many St. Bernard Parish restaurants. I am delighted to give shoutouts and offer recommendations on all the eating places where I order “the usual” on a daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly basis.

My Weekly Calendar (not necessarily all on the same day):

Sunday, Breakfast at Par3 or Aaron’s Donuts (hot coffee and donut holes on my way to play organ at church in New Orleans), Penny’s Cafe (chicken, fries and iced tea on my way home from First Baptist in Verrette), Today’s Ketch (crawfish fettuccine, grilled chicken breast and veggies), Charlie’s (loaded baked potato), Parish Diner (Mama’s rump roast), Cafe Roma (grilled chicken salad), and Dickey's BBQ (just opened).

Monday, Par3 (call ahead so my breakfast is ready upon arrival), Family Cajun Kitchen (red beans and white beans day), WOW Wingery (Southwest egg rolls and mango tea), Jeanfreau’s Meats & Grill (any sandwich and corn nuggets), El Paso Grill (chicken quesadilla), Meraux Food Store/QC Discount (Bill’s fried chicken).

Tuesday, Rocky & Carlo’s (Kiwanis Club weekly meeting with Mr. Tommy’s famous mac and cheese), Family Cajun Kitchen (Taco Tuesday), MeMe’s (grilled oysters), Crave (the day’s special), B&G Fresh Market (meats and veggies), Penny’s Cafe (liver day), Brewster’s (grilled chicken, salmon).

Wednesday, Breakfast at Two Sisters Cafe & Donuts next to Bradley’s Pharmacy in Poydras (which opened mid-January with the now-closed Barker’s Donuts’ equipment, and the same crew making the awardwinning king cakes), Rotolo’s Pizzeria (chicken wrap with salad), Tag’s Meat Market & Grill (hamburger).

Thursday, Par3 for breakfast (co-owner Ms. Dottie and her crew – especially Head Chef Sharon, Susan, CJ and all the wait staff – have me spoiled rotten), Canseco’s Market (steak night every week), Crave (Sierra Madre pork chop), Cafe Roma (pasta and breadsticks), MeMe’s (to impress out-of-town guests), Simply Marvelous Nutrition (when feeling guilty about my weight), Deuce’ Boy’z (soul food).

Friday, Par3 (hamburger special or grilled fish), Smoothie King (Angel Food), The Palms Too (chicken and ambiance), Family Cajun Kitchen (seafood), The Fish Shack (gotta have fish on Friday), and Rocky and Carlo’s (baked chicken with potatoes and carrots).

Sometimes it’s late-night breakfast on weekdays and weekends at Gerald’s Donuts in Chalmette, where owner Richie Lewis (“Richie Rich”) doesn’t know his retired mom is moonlighting to keep his sister company while she works the graveyard shift (now, don’t tell him, ’cause I’ll get in trouble, big-mouth me!).

Saturday, Par3 for breakfast (If I’m a no-show, I’ll have to face gleeful grilling from longtime waitress Wendy when I return the following Saturday), Family Cajun Kitchen (another place I’d better show up couple times a week or risk calls from co-owner Crystal – that’s just like family), Desi’s (wings and waffle fries), Cafe Aquarius (brunch), The Kitchen Table (pork chops), and Palms Too (Karen’s salad bar).

Bon appetit everyone! Now you can help me spread the word! (just not to “Richie Rich,” remember?)

The magazine highlights the rich history, people, progress, traditions, culture, resilience, diversity, civics, small business, schools, organizers, and the extraordinarily welcoming community atmosphere of St. Bernard Parish. This mixture makes ‘Da Parish “The Most Unique County (Parish) in the Country.”

Tomato Festival Staged in April

Celebrate the Creole tomato season at the 72nd Our Lady of Prompt Succor Parish Tomato Festival, Friday, April 21 through Sunday, April 23, on the school/church grounds, 2320 Paris Road, Chalmette. The event is filled with good food, local entertainment, games and rides.

Festival goers can sample delicious food, including raw and grilled oysters, Tomato-a-la-Chalmette, pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, and more. The Children's Pageant will be staged on Saturday, and the Miss, Teen & Junior pageants are set for Sunday.

Entertainment features students from Prompt Succor performing on Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Local bands will follow. The Crowe Boys will perform on Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with Tongue and Groove taking the stage from 8 to 11 p.m. Music and entertainment on Saturday will include Jason Dorcey from 3 to 5 p.m., La. Strip from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Category 6 from 8 to 11 p.m.

On Sunday, to close out the festival, Rhythm Chasers will perform from 3 to 5 p.m., Cypress Pop Trio from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and The Topcats from 8 to 10 p.m.

The gate fee is $5 with one entrance located on Trist Place. Our Lady of Prompt Succor students and any children younger than 10 years old are admitted free.

The festival opens on Friday from 5:30 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pay-one-price ride tickets will be available. Visit the festival website at www. olpstomatofest.com.

For information, contact tomatofest@olpsschool. org or call 504-271-3441, extension 7.

Crawfish Festival March 23-26

From a mom-and-pop festival in 1975 to a fourday internationally attended event, the Louisiana Crawfish Festival celebrates its 47th year on March 23-26.

In 2021, the festival implemented online ticketing. People travel from three different countries and 41 states, with the highest outside of Louisiana being Texas.

Admission is $8 online tickets, $10 at the gate, $21 three-day pass (online only) $14 two-day pass (online only). Individual ride bands sell for $20 on Thursday, and $30 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Go to louisianacrawfishfestival.com for more information.

Jordyn Hollingsworth, left, is the 2022 Tomato Queen and Riley Moran reigns as the 2022 Teen Tomato Queen.

Photo by Charles Jackson

Remembering St. Bernard

by Ron Chapman

The Drive-In

In bygone days, before the internet, cable television, and streaming, there were only three means of enjoying film entertainment: Your home television that was likely a small screen in black and white, the movie theater, and the local drive-in theater.

Practically every locality had a drive-in. “There’s one in your neighborhood,” boasted a 1960s newspaper advertisement showing what was playing at eight locations in the New Orleans area. For those not familiar with one, the large screen stood tall in front. Behind this was located a concession stand that served everything from hotdogs, popcorn and drinks to every sort of candy available along with restrooms. The views were arrayed in a series of arcs around the screen on elevated mounds of dirt to raise the front of the vehicle making viewing better. A small speaker on a cable was mounted on your lowered driver’s window for a tinny sound. Stereo was not known there.

“Bride Goes Wild”

The St. Bernard Drive-In opened on July 1, 1949, located on 8 acres on St. Bernard Highway across from the railroad tracks between St. Bernard Highway and a cow pasture. The first movie shown was “The Bride Goes Wild” starring Van Johnson. This outside theater became the gathering place for young people and families.

Generally, admission was $2 per person and children got in free, so whole families could enjoy an inexpensive evening out in the open air enjoying a movie. Since these were neighborhood attractions, more often than not groups of families would share the experience. Families sometimes brought picnic lunches, spread a blanket on the hood of the car and sprawled on top to see the film while leaning against the windshield.

Alan Abadie, Sr., provides a photo of a speaker he collected that was once used at St. Bernard Drive-In.

Drive-ins also provided an opportunity for privacy. Like Las Vegas, what transpired in a car stayed in a car. Young people soon discovered that the drive-in provided a safe environment for “getting to know one another,” so to speak. Many teens' first brush with young love took place at the drive-in –preferably in the back seat! The memories.

Using the “Pick”

There was a downside. This was before airconditioning; one can only imagine how hot and humid it was in summer. Adding to the experience was the menace of mosquitoes. These pesky little

critters seemed to know the availability of a regular smorgasbord of fresh blood awaiting them. To combat this invasion, viewers resorted to using a “pick.” This was simply a coil of some sort of burning material placed on the dashboard that filled the car with smoke, drove the vampires away, and stained the windshield with soot. The smell of the “pick” also betrayed to parents where their dear children had escaped that evening.

Ah, the pleasures of the drive-in – so many fond memories. At times teens arrived with girls in one car and boys in another. They would meet there simply to socialize and enjoy one another’s company. On those occasions, having limited budgets, boys would crowd into the trunk to avoid the entrance fee. Teen pay back then was $1.25 an hour.

This opened the door to typical male malice. Since I owned a black 1958 Chevy Impala convertible at that time, it had a large trunk. Thus, when entering the drive-in one merely had to start at the screen then drive over the humps built for the cars to the back of the show, turn around and do it again until finding a place to park. This bouncing caused all sorts of chaos in the trunk – boys will be boys.

After the Flick

From the drive-in teens traveled to the Frost-Top for sodas, burgers, and malts. Those were simpler days when young people took full advantage of what little we had but relished every moment.

In December 1981, the St. Bernard Drive-In closed. “You are not going to see a drive-in theater any more in New Orleans,” said owner George Wiltse of Dallas. The last film shown was “All the Marbles” with Peter Falk and “The Idolmaker.” The increase of television channels and the advent of video tapes marked the end of the drive-In.

In October 1993, the final vestiges of the St. Bernard Drive-In fell under the push of a bulldozer. The property remained abandoned for many years until purchased by the Palms Truck Stop. Today, the St. Bernard Drive-In is nothing but a fading memory.

Ron Chapman, professor of history at Nunez Community College, is author of "The Battle of New Orleans: But for a Piece of Wood." He’s also an award-winning amateur artist, and longtime columnist for The St. Bernard Voice. He has been president of Ron Chapman-Shipwright, Inc. for 46 years.

Through "Divine Intervention," St. Bernard Parish Becomes A Leader in the Region

By Charles D. Jackson

When Guy McInnis started his campaign for St. Bernard Parish president in 2015, he kept seeing the number 555 pop up. Curious, he researched it.

“The number 555 is often seen as a symbol of positive change and new beginnings, as well as a message of encouragement and support from your angels,’’ according to culture.org. “It can serve as a reminder to trust in the journey and know that you are being guided and supported on your path. In addition to its associations with change and creativity, 555 is also believed to symbolize growth and development, both personally and spiritually.“

Guy’s Accomplishments

• Rebranded St. Bernard Parish

• Gained control of local drainage system from state

• Secured more than $600 million for coastal projects

• Connected sewage facility in Eastern St. Bernard to state-of-the-art treatment plant in Violet

• Represented parish on various state committees

• Beautified neutral grounds

• 7 straight years of clean audits (no findings)

• Governmental agencies working as a team

• Numerous streetscape and park initiatives

• Sold on St. Bernard

• Christmas at The Complex

• Delacroix Boatlift and Pier

• Return of Seafood Market to Eastern St. Bernard

• And many more…..

McInnis took note. A staffer had 555 (in the style of New Orleans 1870’s ceramic street tiles) printed on the bottom of McInnis' personal letterhead, and placed a ceramic tile of the numbers in a prominent spot behind McInnis' desk.

“555 just reinforces my connection to my faith, and my cup runneth over with confidence that we are doing the right things for the right reasons,” said McInnis, who credits his mother’s “angel” for guiding him (story, page 16). His goal upon entering office in January 2016 was to “bring respect back to the parish” by way of “family, community and change.”

“We were definitely better than what people thought of us,” McInnis said. “We made a conscious effort that we would change that. We’re prideful. We’re now respected. We got to the table on statewide boards: CPRA (Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority), the first chairman of PACE (Parishes Against Coastal Erosion), vice president, Parish Presidents of Louisiana Association, chairman of the Regional Planning Commission (one year).

“We can credit divine intervention for these and so many other things, including when I told the new fire chief (Earl Borden) of his responsibilities in case of a natural disaster the day before the first tornado hit our parish. Faith is a big part of who we are.

“Anything we did, we tried to portray respect to other parishes, and from others we gained respect,” McInnis said. “We were professional, passionate and knew what we were talking about. For us to do what we did, we couldn’t have done it without divine intervention. We’re not the brunt of jokes anymore. We’re a leader in the region.”

by Barry Lemoine

A Journey To Gain Respect

Guy’s Fight for The Parish

President McInnis Reflects on Days

Growing Up, Serving 2 Terms in Office

Parish Pride

Whether it was as a fiery competitor on the basketball court as a high school All-American or as a tenacious political leader of St. Bernard Parish, Guy McInnis has always worked to earn respect – for himself and his hometown.

This focus was instilled in him by his mother, Vickie. “My mom was tough,” he said. “She grew up in the country (Kentwood) and always told me to stand up and fight for myself.”

McInnis relied on toughness after his mom passed away. The oldest of three, he was forced to grow up quickly. “I was 11 when my mom died,’’ he reflected. “So that obviously had a huge impact on my life. I know that she was proud of me. That's what I remember. It really shaped me, and the things that I valued.”

McInnis said that loss and the challenges of growing up without a mom and then with a step mother, affected him. “I was an angry kid growing up. And I used that as a chip on my shoulder.”

Trip to Baton Rouge

McInnis said another moment changed the trajectory of his life — when his anger and fears collided. “I was in eighth grade (13 years old), and I was invited to go play in an

AAU basketball tournament in Baton Rouge that weekend,” McInnis recalls, his voice choking with emotion.

“My dad puts me on a Greyhound bus by myself and I can't tell you how scared I was. I wanted to leave.” He sat behind the driver with his small travel bag in tow and felt panicked throughout the whole trip. “I didn't really know where I was going or who I was going to meet. And I'm in this bus, angry and scared, wanting to get off at every stop.”

When he finally arrived in Baton Rouge, McInnis said a coach and his son were there to pick him up. “I’ll never forget this. This guy has on a black shirt, black pants, black hat, and cowboy boots. His name was James McKay and he said, ‘Get in the car; we're going to the gym.’ ”

At the gym, he saw some familiar faces – players he had competed against in the New Orleans-based Biddy Youth All-Stars. But he said that relief was short-lived as some other players began snickering. “They said something like, ‘I guess Coach had to get somebody to sit next to his son on the bench,’ ” McInnis said. He was devastated.

“I thought, ‘I’m going to show these guys where I’m at.’ My mission that weekend was to show these guys that I was as good as them and that they're not going to talk bad about me. At practice, during the scrimmage, I didn’t care. I was coming at them all.”

Photos by Farrah Ross Appleman

Throughout the tournament his anger fueled his attitude and tenacity. At the end, McInnis was named Most Valuable Player. “I got the MVP trophy, and it was as big as me,” he remembers. “But it didn’t come home with me because the trophy wouldn’t fit on the bus.” Yet, he brought back home something even more valuable – confidence. “That’s when I knew I was good.”

High School Coach Cedatol

That confidence carried over to Chalmette High School where he lettered in basketball and track. He said competing against teams such as Brother Martin and St. Augustine motivated him. “Chalmette was always looked down upon – like we were the butt of everyone's joke, and that really got us going. We weren't backing down. And when teams left, they might have beat us, but they knew we were there.”

Coach Art Cedatol taught him the importance of leadership and teamwork, McInnis said. Cedatol also offered him a sanctuary on campus. “I remember he gave me the key to the gym. I know you could never do that today; but if I was having problems at home and needed a place to go, I would walk up the street and spend all night in the gym.”

Although they never spoke about it, McInnis believes the coach understood his struggles. “You know he’s gone now, but I always think about him. This man guided me and gave me the key to a safe place to go.” McInnis is grateful for that influence, and for the support of other mentors such as Wayne Warner, Cookie Mundt, and Doris Voitier. “My time in high school combined with my time playing AAU was just wonderful and afforded me opportunities to be where I'm at today.”

College Roommate Joe Dumars

After high school graduation, McInnis had numerous scholarship offers but enrolled at McNeese State University in Southwest Louisiana for two reasons – the opportunity to play right away and more time to be with his high school sweetheart, Laurie, who was pursuing her nursing degree.

McInnis loved his time in Lake Charles, being reunited with one of his AAU teammates, Joe Dumars. They started their first Cowboys game together as freshmen and played their last game together as seniors. “It was a great experience. I met great people, had great teammates, and had a wonderful time at McNeese.”

McInnis said he learned a lot from future NBA Hall of Famer Joe Dumars and from Dumars’ father while at McNeese State. They are lifelong friends.

McInnis earned his degree in accounting and learned many basketball skills from his roommate, Dumars, a top college recruit who later became an NBA Hall of Famer and a basketball executive at the highest level. Dumars demonstrated quiet strength and dignity throughout their time together – traits Dumars got from his father, McInnis said.

“Joe’s dad instilled discipline, compassion, and forgiveness,” McInnis said. “Despite the racism and discrimination prevalent at the time, the Dumars family was always positive. To raise your child not to have hate for people because of what happened to you is amazing. And look at Joe today. It really is inspiring.” McInnis said those lessons would impact his next journey in life – as a working adult and a young father.

Love and Laurie

Guy and Laurie got married in college, and after graduation, returned to St. Bernard to begin their careers, and more importantly, to begin their family. McInnis had an opportunity to play basketball overseas, but “Laurie didn't want to have her first born in Spain.” They had “real jobs” waiting for them at home, so he turned down this athletic opportunity.

“Looking at it now, it was the best decision ever because it was a mature decision.”

The McInnis family, from back left, Ben and Carley Martin, Carson Chiappetta, Guy, Laurie (holding newborn Benny), Brayden, Brad and Vicki Nuccio, Mallory and Ross Chiappetta; sitting, Collin C., Blair N., Emrie M., and Blakely N.

Working & Family Man

After college, McInnis gained accounting experience and grew his family. He began working at a regional CPA firm and learned the intricacies of governmental auditing, thus enhancing his financial acumen. He then served as the chief financial officer for the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office before accepting a job at the National Finance Center.

Although he enjoyed these positions, McInnis said he didn’t feel challenged or satisfied. “So I went into teaching and coaching, which I should've done from the beginning.” His teacher at Chalmette High, Frank Auderer, advised him at that time to “Do what you like doing, and the money is going to follow;” he was right, McInnis said. “My time at CHS was so rewarding.”

By this time, McInnis' family had grown to three daughters: Mallory, Vicki, and Carley.

Foray Into Politics

McInnis served a six-year term as a Justice of the Peace, and enjoyed several years as a teacher and coach at Chalmette High. He then set his sights on a higher office – council-at-large. He believed the parish was lagging in its post-Katrina recovery and felt a calling to help and serve.

McInnis won the at-large seat in 2012, and immediately focused on dealing with the vast swaths of empty or abandoned lots blighting neighborhoods. He initiated the Sold on St. Bernard

program to sell former Road Home properties to developers who built modern, unique, affordable homes, many designed to reflect the parish’s centuries-old housing history.

Although he worked hard to move the parish forward, McInnis said his years as an at-large council member were some of the worst and most challenging times of his life. In addition to a number of controversies swirling around thenPresident Dave Peralta, there was infighting between the administration and the council. McInnis said he was committed to leading St. Bernard into a “full and final recovery.”

The President’s Team

In 2015, McInnis took leave from CHS and began campaigning for parish president. After a hardfought race, he took office in 2016 with the No. 1 goal of improving the image of St. Bernard. “I wanted to make this parish a better place for our families and communities and was tired of feeling like we were being looked down on. We didn't want to embarrass our parish.”

His background as an athlete immediately kicked in. He instilled in his administration the importance of teamwork – local, regional and statewide. The support of Gov. John Bel Edwards was instrumental, he said. “I knew that we were going to have to try to bring everybody together. And we did.”

McInnis said other local leaders were also appointed to positions of influence because of the governor: “Doris Voitier on BESE (Board of Education and Secondary Education), Sheriff Jimmy Pohlmann on the Safety Commission, and me with the CPRA (Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority). And within a year, we had people calling us for help.”

McInnis, Gov. Edwards, parish and state homeland security team in the Sheriff's command center, getting an assessment on the damage of the first tornado to hit St. Bernard.

Unopposed Second Term

McInnis is only the second president in parish history to serve two terms in office under the president-council format, which replaced the century-old police jury system in 1992. The first president to serve consecutive terms was Charles Ponstein (1996-2004). McInnis said running unopposed spoke volumes for the trust the community had in the administration.

McInnis cited increased property values, the rapid growth of Arabi and the parish’s improved image as some of the “wins” of the administration. He credits John Lane for the success of the coastal programs ($600 million investment), and Chief Administrative Officer Ronnie Alonzo for his guidance in helping achieve the parish's goals.

McInnis gave kudos to members of the council for the unified approach. “We were all on the same page. And almost all of us went unopposed four years later.

I’m really proud of that. It was like the community saying if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Proud of Family, Community

McInnis is thankful for all the people that helped him along the way. “There’s no way I can thank everyone, but I just try to show it by what I do –everyday.” He’s most proud of his family – his three daughters are all educators and have blessed him with seven grandchildren. He said he sees his mom in each of them.

“Everything that I live for – my kids and grandkids – I'm living it through my mom's eyes,” he said. McInnis believes divine intervention shaped his life. “I think my mom's up there, and she put a nurse (Laurie) in my life because she wanted to make sure I had someone to take care of me. I really do think my mom is an angel looking after me. I’ve really been blessed by her and Laurie and all of my family.”

As his term winds down (leaving Dec. 31), McInnis said he’s pleased with what has been

accomplished. “You know now we are respected in Baton Rouge, Washington, D.C., and throughout the region. I’m really very proud of that. The people of St. Bernard are our biggest asset. I think their expectations have risen for what they deserve, and what they expect out of their parish government. I think they are proud, too.”

Moving Forward, Exploring Options

Before leaving office, McInnis wants to complete several projects, including the bike and pedestrian path from Arabi to Violet. “It's a huge project. I think that's going to connect people together and it's going to connect people to the wetlands. People don't realize what's on the other side of that levee. It's beautiful. It's gorgeous. And people need to see that.”

McInnis has dealt with Covid, tornadoes, and multiple hurricanes under his watch, and the way he has handled things has instilled confidence in the community. His future in politics, while bright, is so far undecided. “You know, there are going to be plenty of opportunities for me and people are reaching out to me now, so I’m exploring all of the options.”

No matter what path he chooses or what person succeeds him as parish president, McInnis said it's important to remember the advice given to him by his dear friend, Kenny Armstrong.

“When I first took office, Kenny pulled me to the side and said, ‘No matter where you go or what you do, when you pull that lever, you pull that lever for St. Bernard Parish.’ That's the kind of pressure and responsibility that comes with these leadership positions. No matter what people are saying, if you do that – if what you do is for what’s best for St. Bernard, you're going to be alright!”

Guy, thank you for being the right guy at the right time to lead our community. Your commitment and vision have truly brought the people of St. Bernard together and that truly exemplifies Parish Pride.

We the People of Rocky & Carlo’s would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Guy McInnis during Love you guys, Rocky

Barry Lemoine is an award-winning writer and educator. His commitment to and passion for the Parish and its performing arts have earned him the moniker of “The Bard of St. Bernard.”

Sheriff Jimmy Pohlmann and Guy McInnis work as a team in protecting the parish.

St. Bernard Council Members

Give Hats Off to President McInnis

(From Left to Right)

Howard Luna - I appreciate you projecting a positive image of our community.

Wanda Alcon - It has been an honor to serve as council member with your administration. Thank you for always representing our parish with pride, integrity and professionalism.

Josh Moran - President McInnis thank you for your unwavering leadership.

May the rest of your life be as blessed as St. Bernard was to have you leading the way.

Gillis McCloskey - It has been an honor to serve with President McInnis. His leadership has taken St. Bernard to new heights, and we thank him. God Bless.

Richie Lewis - It has been a pleasure working side by side with you for the last 12 years. Your leadership as Council-at-Large and Parish President has truly benefited the residents of St. Bernard Parish. I am very proud to have been given the opportunity to work closely with you. Your unique ability to bring people together to work toward a common goal has been unmatched. I wish you well in the future and only the best for you and your family.

Kerri Callais - Guy’s leadership over the last eight years has resulted in a unified government team, and the quality of life improvements that we have seen because of it cannot be denied.

I am thankful for all he has done to restore faith in parish government, and for his continuing commitment to St. Bernard Parish.

Fred Everhardt -Thank you for your service. I wish you all the best in your next endeavor.

Serving 32 Years

Old School Constables

By Brogan Burns and Charles Jackson

They say age is just a number. Case in point: Constables Hillary Miller, 80, and Billy Cure, 84, who are the longest-serving constables in St. Bernard Parish. Elected in 1990, both have served 32 years in St. Bernard’s Justice of the Peace Courts – Miller, Ward F; and Cure, Ward D.

"I think 70 is the new 40," Miller told Fox8 in September 2014 at age 71, after winning her agediscrimination lawsuit against a recently passed state law preventing incumbent constables and justices of the peace who are age 70 and older from seeking re-election.

'It’s Miller Time’

When Miller ran for constable, no woman had ever been elected to that office. “Another lady served her husband's unexpired term, but in 1990, I was the first woman ever elected,” Miller said, indicating her race was difficult and long, going to a runoff. She wouldn’t accept campaign contributions. She went door-to-door in Ward F (Chalmette), often encountering families she had served driving a school bus or coaching youth softball, volleyball and track. The night of the runoff election, Miller said her campaigners (including youths and parents) shocked her by showing up at the courthouse wearing “It’s Miller Time” T-shirts to celebrate the victory.

Known for being straightforward, Miller said her policy has always been to be fair, firm and honest. Once she had to evict a man who was living in a commercial building with his family. After

deputies had been trying to get the man to leave, Miller stepped in. She told him, “Pack your stuff, and you have 15 minutes to get out.” Before Miller left his door she said, “I don’t like doing this, but I have to do it, it’s my job.” The man, in the end, left the apartment and gave the keys to Miller.

As a school bus driver for 43 years, Miller would sometimes give toys, candy and king cake to students as they exited the bus. In the latter days of her career, she said a young girl came on the bus and said, “You drove my mawmaw.” Miller responded, “I might have driven your mom, but not your mawmaw.” The girl then stepped aside and pointed to her grandmother. Miller looked and said, “Oh my God, I drove your mawmaw.’’

Cure Carries History

Cure started public service at an early age. As a teenager, he had a paper route in the neighborhoods of Tiger Town and Fazendeville. Starting in 1972, he drove school buses for 27 years. In 1990, the same year he was elected constable, he joined the Sheriff’s Office, working part-time in the traffic division, riding a three-wheel scooter. He’s since been promoted to lieutenant in the

Constables Billy Cure and Hillary Miller were softball coaches and school bus drivers, and elected the same year.

Glenn Landry

Served 37 Years in Office

Judge Glenn Landry, 70, retired as Justice of the Peace for Ward I (Meraux/parts of Violet) on December 31, 2020. He served the civil court for 37 years, 18 as JP and 19 as constable. He succeeded his father, who was constable for 19 years.

The Beginning

community relations office, and drives a black Ford police cruiser with the Sheriff’s emblem emblazoned “Constable.”

"Billy Cure has spent more than three decades serving the people of St. Bernard Parish. He has been instrumental in the success of our Business Watch program,” Sheriff Jimmy Pohlmann said. Like Miller, Cure coached softball. Many of the girls he tutored later played at Andrew Jackson High School and won state championships, including his daughter, Debbie, who was athlete of the year as a senior at the all-girls magnet school. A.J. was a softball powerhouse, winning eight Division I-4A state trophies from 1968 to 1984 before becoming coed in 1989.

A history buff and lifelong resident, Cure knows quite a bit about the parish. He enjoys talking about his father’s 1950 Ford truck, the 1947 hurricane, the creation of Chalmette Vista, and Kaiser Aluminum coming to St. Bernard. “Billy embodies all that is St. Bernard Parish,” Pohlmann said. “He carries with him a wealth of knowledge about our parish’s rich history."

“I’ve been in politics since I was 10 years old, putting out paperwork for my father – Lenies Landry – who was elected constable in 1963-64. I don’t feel like a politician. I’m just a regular ‘Joe Blow’ trying to help people. In 1983, my dad died and I was asked to fulfill the duties of constable until a special election could be held. I ran for election and won.

Holding Court

“I’ve averaged 60-70 cases a year, mainly evictions and small claims. With small claims, I would sometimes make the decision at the end of the hearing, or sometimes take it under advisement because of complications of the case. I tell them if you don’t like my decision, you can appeal. Small claims cases have 10 days to appeal at the District Court; evictions have 24 hours to appeal.

Making Judgments

“My parents taught me to treat everybody with respect. I would write down questions in some cases, always look at both sides and make judgments, using the rule of law and common sense.”

-By Charles D. Jackson

The Yb zabal Family Celebrates

Customers and Friends invited to attend celebration on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 111 E. St. Bernard Highway, Chalmette (504) 494-1363

Nemesis Royalty

Since a group of one-time members of the Krewe of Gladiators and several longtime carnival parade riders came together and formed the Knights of Nemesis Social Club and Parade on May 17, 2004, it remains the only active Mardi Gras Parade in St. Bernard Parish.

Goddess Nemesis XVII

This year’s Goddess Nemesis XVII is Natalie Fernandez Blum, wife of Kevin Blum and mother of Benjamin Parker Blum. She is the daughter of Richard “Ricky” Fernandez and Karen Buras Westcott, granddaughter of Linda LaFrance Fernandez and the late Martin “Ronnie” Fernandez, Sr. and Joyce and Richard “Dicky” Buras.

Blum is a lifelong resident of St. Bernard Parish and is a 2012 graduate of Chalmette High School. She is also an alumnae of the University of New Orleans, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2019.

Royal Knight XVII

Louis Pomes is a lifelong resident of St. Bernard Parish and has worked in public service for more than 40 years. Most of his career has been with St. Bernard Parish Government. Presently, he administers and oversees the daily operations of the public works division-road yard as the chief of operations. He has served under six parish presidents.

Known for wearing his signature white cowboy hat, Pomes owns the largest commercial cattle business in St. Bernard Parish, raising more than 300 head of cattle and harvesting over 700 rolls of hay annually. He was the president of the Southeast Cattlemen's Association 2006-2010.

-By Robby Showalter

Small Business Profile

by Jeanne Wehlen

Family Ties

When choosing a location for our appliance showroom, St. Bernard Parish was on the top of our list. My family hails from St. Bernard, and it is where I spent summers and weekends growing up. In fact, our spot feels like home since I spent a lot of my high school years in the same plaza where my cousin Tammy worked at Mid-China, a popular Chinese takeout restaurant. I would hang out there with her, even making a few deliveries to help when Mark (owner's son) had to hop in the kitchen to cook.

The idea for DTS was conceived in November 2018 at Ochsner-Baptist Hospital. We were killing time after the birth of our twins. My husband, Chris, had a “Price Is Right” moment and was showcasing the hospital cubicle curtains. This was part of his pitch for a specialty construction material company. Chris knew there was a demand for these items and considered them “low hanging fruit.”

The goal was to help support our growing family by earning supplemental income while keeping our “day jobs.” The twins had made us a family of six. While on maternity leave, I did all the things

Celebrating 3 Years

to start a business on paper: registering a name, acquiring insurance, and countless other tasks. We immediately started quoting everything we could. Chris’ background was in multi-family appliance sales and mine in commercial appliances, so appliances were always the end goal if we were able to make DTS lucrative.

In 2019, after successfully delivering some small projects, DTS was asked to supply appliances for a 70-unit condominium. I quit my job at the end of 2019, and we went all in. We invested our earnings into a box truck and a storage container. Over the next 12 months, we continued to earn small to midsized projects throughout the New Orleans metro

Photos by Farrah Ross Appleman

The Wehlens, from left, Vivi, Chris, Ernie, Alice, Jeanne and Eleanor

area. I ran the office while Chris and his dad, Jerry, ran deliveries and installs. Fast forward to April 2020, we signed the lease on 3240 Paris Road in Chalmette, next to Winn-Dixie.

The St. Bernard community is truly unique, and we are so fortunate to be a part of it.

- Jeanne Wehlen

Everyone has been so helpful and welcoming, making us feel like family. The St. Bernard Chamber, especially the Women’s Professional Network, has allowed me to meet so many amazing and truly inspiring women. It is wonderful to be able to be part of a group full of such supportive individuals who are all championing one another’s success!

Small Business Profile

by Charles D. Jackson

Chalmette Bicycle & Lawn Mowers

The Landmark

The Same Spot & Same Family for 60 Years

Location, location, location. That’s the decadesold real estate buzz word for growing a small business. The best locations, they say, are those in high-traffic areas. Perhaps that’s why Chalmette Bicycle and Lawn Mowers – famously noted by a bicycle hanging from its signage on busy East St. Bernard Highway at Paris Road – has been in business for 60 years, making it the oldest small business in St. Bernard that’s owned and operated by the same family (the Ybarzabals) at the same location.

(For folks wondering, Rocky & Carlo's Restaurant & Bar – owned and operated by the Gioe and Tommaseo families – is 57 years old. The parish’s oldest small business, 133-year-old St. Bernard Voice, was sold in 2009 by Publisher/Editor Edwin Roy, whose grandfather founded the newspaper.)

Catherine Serpas (the second oldest of founders William, Sr. and Annie Ybarzabal) and her younger sister Melanie Koons are continuing their parents’ legacy of serving and helping people. Two other siblings – William, Jr. and Patricia – were

committed to operating the store until they passed away a couple years ago. Another sibling, Mary, lives in the Cayman Islands.

Before William, Sr. and Annie (who moved to Chalmette in 1956) relocated their business in 1963, they owned and operated Triangle Bicycle and Lawn Mowers on St. Bernard Avenue in New Orleans for 25 years. All total, the family has been in the bicycle/lawn mower business for 85 years. “At least five generations of the family members have either worked for or learned from my father,” Serpas said.

What’s the secret to family’s success?

“Honesty and respect,” the 80-year-old Serpas said. “We were raised to treat people the way you want to be treated. We have customers who come here and say, ‘So-and-so sent us here ‘cause they said you all are gonna treat us right.’ We are still doing our best to carry on my mama and daddy’s vision. All they were satisfied with was making enough money to raise their children. My daddy gave so much away. My parents stressed that, ‘Not only do we want to make money, but we want to help people.’ We want to carry on what they did for people.”

“After Katrina hit, we didn’t know if we would make it or not,” Koons said. “We were eventually able to reopen in January 2006.” The sisters said the store lost some old customers, and gained new ones.

Tyrone Williams, who lives in Gentilly, and a customer since Katrina, learned about the store via his job as a freight-truck driver making deliveries

there. “I’ve been coming here ever since. I like how Ms. Catherine gives hands-on customer service. If she can’t find it, she’ll take me to the back and we’ll search for parts from old lawn mowers.”

“It was so important for us to come back soon after Katrina – just as it was to reopen quickly with proper social-distancing and mask-wearing during the pandemic – because people needed our services,” Serpas said.

Besides St. Bernard, regular/loyal customers travel from New Orleans East, Gentilly, the Bywater, Metairie, Mississippi and Slidell, including generational St. Bernard families who moved to the Northshore after Katrina.

“I guess they come here because we treat them so well,’’ Serpas said. “At least three generations of families have asked about the bicycle hanging high on the sign at the front of the store. There’s been a bicycle in that position since we opened here 60 years ago. The current bicycle has been up there since Katrina.’’

The bicycle is the family’s landmark.

When I think of repairing my lawn mower, this is the only shop that comes to mind, even though there are lawn mower shops all around my house.

- Tyrone Williams, Gentilly

Catherine Serpas has the part in stock that Tyrone Williams needs.

Cemetery Culture

Burial Grounds Embody A Legacy of Faith, Commitment to Community 2nd of 3-Part Series

By William de Marigny Hyland, St. Bernard Parish Historian

Photos

by Farrah Ross

Appleman

Chalmette National Cemetery, Freedmen’s Cemetery, Reggio Baptist Cemetery, Ellen Cemetery - P. 38

St. Bernard Memorial Gardens

Following World War II and suburban development occurring throughout the United States, the population of St. Bernard Parish steadily expanded. Many families moved to Arabi and Chalmette to live in subdivisions such as Arabi Park, St. Claude Heights, Chalmette Vista and other developments. These families had previously laid loved ones to rest in cemeteries located in New Orleans, but were establishing new community identities in St. Bernard. Cemetery and mausoleum developers E.J. “Gabby” and Lucille Mittelbronn Jr. seized the opportunity and opened St. Bernard Memorial Gardens in 1965.

Located in Versailles Subdivision close to Paris Road in Chalmette, the cemetery developed quickly and today is the burial place of many St. Bernard families. St. Bernard Memorial Gardens offers a full range of burial and cremation options, including indoor crypts, private bench and tomb estates, mausoleums, glass-front niches, columbaria, and monuments in

a serene setting with Southern appeal. Its mission is to provide a variety of personalized interment options so families have an array of choices about the final resting place of a loved one.

Deeply rooted in the Chalmette community for over 50 years, St. Bernard Memorial Gardens places a high importance on community involvement.

Every year on All Saints’ Day, the cemetery holds a public mass with a local priest in St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, which opened on the cemetery property in 1997. The following day, All Souls’ Day, the St. Bernard community is invited to a mass on the cemetery grounds. This day holds great importance in Vietnamese culture and local Vietnamese clergy perform the service for nearly 1,000 guests. The cemetery also holds a Memorial Day Celebration, a Holiday Candlelight Remembrance Service and has cemetery representatives available on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

Chalmette National Cemetery

Occupying part of the land which was once the sugar plantation of Ignace Francois Martin Delino de Chalmet is the Chalmette National Cemetery, established in 1864 to inter soldiers and veterans of the Union Army. The cemetery adjoins the Chalmette Battlefield and was almost adjacent to Fazendeville, the settlement established to house freed and formerly enslaved Africans.

There was a superintendent’s lodge and other outbuildings on the property. There are many known and unknown soldiers buried in the cemetery. Later, veterans of the War of 1812, including the Battle of New Orleans, were reinterred in Chalmette National Cemetery. The cemetery looks like other national cemeteries throughout the United States.

Many gravestones bear the inscription U.S.C.T., denoting United States Colored Troops. One of the organizers of a unit of former enslaved people fighting in the Union Army during the Civil War was Col. Edwin Main, later superintendent of the Chalmette Cemetery where he was interred. Main purchased the former Villere Plantation and resided there at the time of his death.

An important focal point of Chalmette National Cemetery is the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) granite monument bearing the haunting inscription at its base Dum Tacent Clamant –“They cry out in their sleep!” The cemetery has veterans of the Civil War, Spanish American War and every conflict through Vietnam. The cemetery is managed and maintained by the National Park Service, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

Freedmen’s Cemetery

Freedmen's Cemetery, open from 1867 to 1876, adjacent to Chalmette National Cemetery, is listed in national publications under “Historic Cemeteries of New Orleans.”

The Freedmen's Bureau, formally the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, was established in 1865 as a U.S. government agency to help people with the transition from enslaved to free. New burials were mainly from the Freedmen's Hospital. The cemetery was well maintained and new burials were marked with wooden headboards. There were approximately 716 burials from 1867 to 1869 and most of the names and causes of death were recorded.

In 1869, Freedmen's Hospital was shuttered and

by 1872 the entire agency was disabled. By 1873, a memo from the Quartermaster's Office noted the cemetery was abandoned. Today, only a marker exists to recognize the cemetery.

Reggio Baptist Cemetery

Until Hurricane Katrina destroyed eastern St. Bernard Parish in 2005, there was a cemetery adjacent to a Baptist mission church near the junction of Florissant Highway and Bayou Road. There were several coping graves always neatly kept surrounded by oak trees. Regretfully, the site has become overgrown with brush and cannot be seen clearly. The youth in the community surrounding the chapel were intrigued by visions of the small congregation speaking in tongues during extended Sunday religious services.

Ellen Cemetery (Fazendeville)

Ellen Cemetery is a private burial ground located in the middle of a Chalmette neighborhood at Tournefort and Prosper streets in the Versailles Subdivision. It was developed as the burial ground for Fazendeville, the settlement founded by Jean Pierre Fazende to provide a transition from the culture of plantation life to freedom for formerly enslaved and freed people following the Civil War in the late 1860s. The first lot was purchased for $150 from George Doescher in 1898. Two other lots were purchased in 1950 for $250.

Fazendeville, once considered a township with a school, stores, churches and recreation hall, was razed by the U.S. government in the 1960s under the guise of expanding Chalmette National Battlefield. The site still sits vacant with markers noting the former existence of Fazendeville.

Ellen Cemetery is named after the first person buried there. Two private benevolent associations – Silver Star (women) and Progressive (men) –own the property. Freed enslaved people and their descendants who resided in Fazendeville are interred in the cemetery with burials beginning in the late 19th century. Elois Cager-Brooks, caretaker who represents the Silver Star Association, is researching ways to preserve the cemetery after her demise.

Series Continues: Part 3

Summer Issue: Merrick Cemetery, Creedmoor Plantation Cemetery, Sebastopol Cemetery, First Baptist-Verrette Cemetery.

by Ryan Boehm

What Is Interventional Cardiology?

Interventional Cardiology is an area of medicine that uses specialized imaging and other diagnostic techniques to evaluate the blood flow and pressure in coronary arteries and chambers of the heart. It is a subspecialty of cardiology and deals specifically with catheter-based and stenting treatment of heart and peripheral vascular disease.

It is a non-surgical option that uses catheters and wires to repair damaged or weakened vessels, narrowed arteries, or other damaged structural parts of the heart. Common conditions treated include coronary artery disease, heart valve disease and peripheral vascular disease.

Coronary artery disease develops when the major blood vessels that supply the heart with blood, oxygen and nutrients become damaged or diseased. Cholesterol-containing deposits, also known as plaque, are usually blamed for this disease. The buildup of plaque causes coronary arteries to narrow, which decreases the blood flow to the heart, eventually, causing chest pain, known as angina, and shortness of breath. A complete blockage can cause a heart attack. This disease builds up over decades, and you may not notice a problem until you have a significant blockage or a heart attack.

Your heart has four valves that help the blood flow in the right direction. Heart valve disease occurs if one or more of these valves doesn’t open or close properly, and the blood flow gets disrupted. Some people may not experience symptoms for years, including heart murmurs, fatigue, fainting, swelling of ankles or feet, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeats

Peripheral vascular disease is a common circulatory problem in which the narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs, usually your legs. This can cause leg pain when walking. This disease also signifies a more widespread accumulation of fatty deposits or plaque. This disease is often treated by exercising and eating a healthier diet.

If you have risk factors for coronary artery disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco use, diabetes or a family history of heart disease, talk with your doctor. If you have signs or symptoms, your doctor may want to have you tested.

If you suspect you’re having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

Dr. Ryan Boehm earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Boehm at Ochsner Specialty Health Center – St. Bernard, call 504-4932200 or visit www.ochsner.org.

1207 E. Judge Perez Dr. Chalmette, LA 70043

5-6

Capturing Nature St. Bernard Bird Festival May

These birds are known for their beautiful coloring – a “must see” for every nature lover.

Enjoy the St. Bernard Bird Festival on Friday, May 5, and Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Los Islenos Museum Complex, 1357 Bayou Road, St. Bernard, LA.

Erik Johnson, Ph.D., from Audubon Louisiana, will lead a group of specialists capturing and banding birds daily. “Integrating science, education and policy, Audubon Louisiana's mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity,” its website states.

Many of these birds will be neotropical migrants flying back to North America from their winter vacation in Central and South America. These birds are known for their beautiful coloring and are a “must see” for every nature lover.

Glenn Ousset, who has worldwide birding experience, is the chief guide for all birding tours. During last year’s festival, Ousset spotted the firstever limpkin in St. Bernard. The limpkin eats apple snails, which is an invasive species that devastates vegetation in our drainage canals and wetlands in Louisiana.

Nature’s Newcomer:

Last year, the Limpkin – which eats apple snails (an invasive species that devastates vegetation in our drainage canals and wetlands) – was spotted for the first time in St. Bernard Parish.

Photo by Maureen Theriot

Northern Cardinal on bird feeder

Limpkin

Photo Provided by Tony Fernandez

Krista Adams, one of Louisiana’s leading experts on purple martins, will be present at the purple martin tent. She is an expert on the migration of these insect-eating birds from the Amazon River Valley to North America. She can also guide visitors on how to erect a purple martin house on their own property so they can enjoy having their own small colony of insect eaters.

Linda Van Aman will guide the Native Plant Walking Tour along the Nature Trail at the Islenos Complex and by the exhibit of the 2,000-year-old cypress log.

Charlotte Clark will represent the Common Ground Relief organization, which spearheads planting wetlands vegetation and reforestation in Southeast Louisiana. She will show various species of trees that they have successfully used in their projects.

Wood carvers and the St. Bernard Art Guild will display their beautiful work depicting local birds and scenes. The event is organized by retired attorney Tony Fernandez. For more information, call 504-278-4242.

Los

Islenos Fiesta 2023

March 4 & 5

A Celebration of Louisiana's Spanish Heritage

Saturday 11 am - 10 pm and Sunday 11 am - 9 pm.

Entrance Fee $5.00

Children 12 and under FREE 1357 Bayou Road, St. Bernard, La.

http://www.losislenos.org

Come and enjoy Great food, Living History, Crafts, Rides, and Much More.

Music by the Canary Island group Joapira from El Hierro Island, Rockin Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters, Cypress Pop Trio and More.

Cal Kingsmill (above) and Robert Smith (below) demonstrate wood carving last year at the River House at Crevasse 22. They will display artwork at the bird festival.

Photos by Charles Jackson

Diggin in the Garden

by Anna Timmerman

Gardening For The Birds Can Be Easy And Fun

Gardening and bird watching are two of the top ways that Americans enjoy the great outdoors. Combining the two can bring even more enjoyment to your yard and gardens. Our area is home to many resident birds, but we also have the opportunity to enjoy many colorful seasonal visitors that pass through on their migratory routes each year. Putting out a bird feeder and a birdbath can be a good first step, but there are some additional strategies gardeners can tap into to make sure the trees are full of song and that there are plenty of birds to enjoy.

Here are my top five tips for gardening for birds:

1. Reduce Pesticide Use

Many songbird species utilize insects with soft bodies, such as caterpillars, as food for their young. A single pair of chickadees raising a nest of young needs somewhere between 60,000 and 90,000 caterpillars to raise their fledglings to maturity. Most insect damage in our gardens is superficial. If you can’t see the nibbled edges of leaves from 15 feet away, and the health of the plant is not declining, treatment is not usually needed. When an infestation of pests does occur, such as on a valuable plant or in the kitchen garden, choose OMRI certified organic products for a gentler solution. Birds are sensitive to many pesticides.

2. Include Native Plants

Native plants are important to a garden setting. Many of the showier cultivars of garden plants have been bred by horticulturalists to be pleasing to humans and have lost the ability to produce the ample pollen, nectar, or viable seeds that nourish birds along the way.

Over the years it has become easier to find Louisiana native plants at local garden centers. Wildflowers, native shrubs and trees all produce

Photos by Maureen Theriot

Ruby Throated Hummingbird on native Turk’s Cap Hibiscus

Scarlet Tanager on Black Cherry Tree

Peewee on Southern Magnolia

seeds, nuts, fruit, nectar or host insects that birds need to feed upon. Native plants can work even in the most formal of gardens.

Birds are more likely to get the calories that they need from plants that they co-evolved alongside. To find a list of native plants for your garden, visit www.homegrownnationalpark.org and use their handy “Native Plant Finder” tool.

3. Create Habitat

Birds like to have the option of being out in the open, and quickly retreating to covered, protected areas as needed. Having a variety of heights and

thick vegetation in areas in the landscape can help achieve this. This is called “layering habitat.” Large canopy trees provide shade, nesting sites and roosting spots. Shrubs and small trees provide additional nesting sites and cover closer to the ground. Herbaceous plants, such as those in our flower beds, provide sources of food and habitat.

Even the ground surface itself, with mulch, leaves, decaying branches and composting organic matter provides a valuable habitat layer for birds, rich in insect life, which baby birds need to thrive. If at all possible, leave the leaves where they fall and allow them to naturally compost and provide food for birds, or gently rake or blow them into an unused corner of your property so they can contribute to the habitat.

4. Add A Water Source

Birds appreciate a fresh drink of water and a cool place to safely splash and bathe. A birdbath works well but must be regularly cleaned to avoid algae build up. Birds are attracted to the sound of running or dripping water. Add a small solar powered fountain or birdbath dripping tool to any water features in your landscape; this is a sure strategy to increase the number of birds visiting the area

5. Leave The Seeds

Many gardeners are accustomed to tidying up the garden between seasons. It’s a good idea to either leave seed heads on your plants, even when they die back for the year, or clip them and bundle them on the ground in the bed or an unused corner of

the yard so that birds can eat the seeds. This latter method is called “chop and drop.” The seed heads and spent flowers no longer stand upright in the garden but are tucked away at the base of the plants after clipping them back so that birds can still access them.

The presence of songbirds and other feathered visitors in the garden adds a sense of life and purpose to the landscape. If you enjoy seeing birds in your yard, give one or all these strategies a try in the coming year. You may just see an increase in the number of visiting birds in your yard and perched on your feeders.

Anna Timmerman is an LSU AgCenter horticulture agent working in the Greater New Orleans area. Email her: atimmerman@agcenter.lsu.edu

Sparrow on bird house

All Hail Krewe of Majestic Miracles

Scenes from St. Bernard Parish's first special needs Mardi Gras Ball on Jan. 28 at Val Riess Complex Gymnasium. Mr. Mardi Gras Arthur Hardy crowned Queen Violette Gilmore and King Draven Cline, whose names were drawn from among the 50 participants.

Presented by Kiwanis Club of St. Bernard-Arabi