TerraBella Living

terrabella iving L

Publisher from the

As a lifelong resident of the Northshore area I am pleased to offer the inaugural magazine, TerraBella Living Summer issue. As the Publisher and owner of JBL Publishing LLC. I am thrilled to create my vision for this beautiful reader-friendly neighborhood magazine.

Whether you are a long-time resident or new to the neighborhood I want TerraBella Living Magazine to become your community hub. TerraBella Living Magazine wants to support local businesses that serve and positively impact your community. We promote the most positive aspect of living in Terrabella Village and Covington area from local-owned businesses to inspirational residents, these pages will be your

Sincerely,

Jonee Daigle-Ferrand Publisher/Owner of The TerraBella Living Magazine

If you would like any information to advertise or include your family in Terrabella Living Magazine please email me at TerrabellaLivingMagazine@gmail.com or call me at 504-251-4818

FROM

THE

Editor LETTER

Dear TerraBella Residents,

It is with great excitement that we bring you Terrabella Living’s inaugural Issue! As you read this first issue, look for spotlights on two businesses in TerraBella Village: The Rusty Pelican and Thibaut Financial Strategies. Find out how these businesses came to be in your backyard.

Also, in this issue, you will find contributions from your neighbors who generously share their expertise in various fields. These include valuable insights on home construction, legal matters, real estate, and pet care, providing helpful tips and advice.

We have the privilege of featuring an interview with TerraBella’s own photographer Hope Richard, where she discusses her art, her relentless pursuit of creativity, and her passion for sharing it with others. Additionally, we have the inspiring story of a TerraBella daughter who embarks on her career as a speech-language pathologist, shedding light on her promising future in helping others through her profession.

It has been such a pleasure meeting so many people who were enthusiastic about this magazine and helping us bring it to fruition. I can’t wait to see what is to come for Terrabella Living and the wonderful community of TerraBella Village.

All the Best!

GRETA HONSBERGER Editor The TerraBella Living terrabellalivingeditor@gmail.com

terrabella iving L

Publisher

Jonée Daigle-Ferrand

Editor

Greta Honsberger

Art Director

Laurie M Jones

Terrabella Residents Contributors

Jason Hand, Jared Miguez, Annette Dowdle, Donna Naquin and Rusty Maher

Account Executives

Stacey Lala

Emily Schneider

Gina Castelluccio Vick

Executive Assistant

Summer Tallant

Advertise

Phone (504) 251-4818

Email: terrebellalivingmagazine@gmail.com

Contribute

Please send photos, calendar of events or editorial submission terrebellalivingmagazine@gmail.com

For Subscription Email SummerINOLA@gmail.com

FinancialStrategies

Growing up, Bo Thibaut dreamed of being an engineer because he wanted to spend his life designing, building, and constructing. When the time came, he chose Auburn University to begin pursuing his dream. In 2001, Bo graduated from Auburn with a degree in mechanical engineering, focusing on economics and in heat transfer and stress analysis on semiconductor chips. Thereafter, he began his career at his family’s energy equipment and solutions business. He found great success as the CEO, growing the company revenue from 10 million annually to 100 million while managing 850 employees. His position allowed him to travel the world building power plants. As he grew in his career, his desire to help people personally and financially also grew.

As the leader of his company, Bo spent a lot of time with wealth advisers and insurance agents, all the while growing frustrated with what he was witnessing. He was disappointed with the lack of genuine assistance and concluded that the retirement plan for him and his employees was lacking. He knew there had to be a better way to serve people in their retirement needs. When his company was sold, Bo saw an opportunity to use his passion and experience in running a company to help people. He chose a new career path in financial planning.

He began his career as a financial planner at Northwestern Mutual, where he successfully earned the New Advisor of the Year award after finishing 5th in the Southeast. His success at Northwestern Mutual eventually motivated Bo to move to an independent firm. Thibaut Financial Strategies was established five years ago, and his company’s goal remains “[to] focus on helping high net worth and high income earners who are fed up with the status quo in the financial industry.”

Bo is uniquely positioned because of his experience in running a 110-million-dollar business. Not only does he work well with business owners but also with individuals who have a high net worth and income. His knowledge and experience earned him the number two spot on the Forbes List of Financial Planners for Louisiana. Based on his experience and expertise as a business owner and financial planner, Bo notes, “Wealth accumulation is easy; tax planning and how to live off of your wealth are the most complicated aspects. That is where a financial planner earns his keep.”

This aspect of his career is what he loves the most. A great day for Bo is assisting clients in getting 6-7 figure deductions on their tax returns. Whatever the case, Bo sincerely gives his time and attention to the financial needs of all who seek his help.

THE HAND FAMILY

By Greta Honsberger

In 2018, drawn to its architecture and desiring the vibrant and community-oriented environment, the Hand Family: Jason, Cristin, Max, and Dean, established their residence in TerraBella, making it their home. They were no strangers to the quaint Traditional Neighborhood Development because Jason has been building custom homes for TerraBella residents since 2014. Building a home for his family in the meticulously planned neighborhood was only natural for Jason.

For the past five years, the Hands have come to love and appreciate the unique characteristics and design principles of TerraBella, including walkability, connectivity, and a sense of community. “The Traditional Neighborhood Development concept is amazing. We enjoy getting to know our neighbors and spending time with friends at all of the TerraBella

concerts and events each year,” adds Cristin. The parks, town square, and green spaces placed strategically throughout give the Hands ample opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation, which is essential for this active family of four.

Cristin is a busy wife and mom; as Director of Business Development for Bienville Capital Group, she is in charge of new client relations and marketing. Starting his company in 2014, Jason, owner of J Hand Homes, is an established luxury home-builder. Passionate about his work, he gives time and attention to each project he approaches. Jason maintains, “We make it our mission to help each client design and build a home that harmonizes with their families’ lifestyle, fits their financial guidelines, and enriches their daily life. We take a partnership approach to building beautiful homes with no quality spared.”

Jason and his team have built over thirty homes in TerraBella and countless properties on the Northshore. The success of J Hand Homes is due in large part to the focus on its objective,which is to make the custom home-building process “engaging, simple, and as hassle-free as possible.”

Cristin and Jason are the proud parents of Max and Dean. Their oldest son Max, thirteen, is looking forward to starting high school at Archbishop Hannan as he begins his 8th-grade year this fall. Football is a favorite of Max’s, and he is excited about being a Hannan Hawk. An additional pastime of Max is researching, buying, and selling sneakers. The youngest Hand is Dean, who is nine. Going into 4th grade at Lancaster Elementary, his favorite sport is soccer. He likes playing flag football, painting, and playing with friends. For the active Hand brothers,

TerraBella is the perfect home, given the parks and open spaces, nature preserve, pool, and proximity to friends. Being able to put together a last-minute ball game, explore, hike, or fish by the lake, Max and Dean’s home community is any kid’s dream playground.

When the day is done and the Hands collect at home, the open floor concept of their home allows them to easily interact and engage with one another, whether in the kitchen, dining area, or living room. This inclusive layout provides a space for working in the kitchen or participating in activities in the common area, but mostly, it gives them a place for daily family togetherness. Jason’s favorite room is the living room because of the large windows. Not only do the windows let in natural light, but they offer a view of their courtyard, complete with outdoor fireplace, comfortable seating, and outdoor kitchen.

The Hand family thoroughly enjoys spending quality time together, whether dining at the Rusty Pelican or date night for Jason and Cristin at Gallagher’s. Vacations and outdoor activities are an important part of being together, evident in their shared interests, particularly boating on the Tchefuncte, and fishing in the Rigolets. This family’s passion for adventure and the great outdoors is the foundation for their memorable experiences.

When choosing a vacation destination, the Hands gravitate to Rosemary Beach, Florida. They enjoy the pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and all the popular destination offers. Soaking up the warm Florida sunshine, no trip would be complete without long walks along the shoreline, collecting seashells and hermit crabs while enjoying the serenity of the k

rolling waves. Additionally, Cristin, Jason, and their boys look forward to riding bikes along 30A and stopping to dine at the charming restaurants. They enjoy savoring local seafood dishes and flavorful cuisine with a coastal twist. The opportunity to unwind and relax while creating unforgettable family memories in a beachfront setting is a treasure for this busy family.

Cristin likes to help maintain the vitality of her community and does so by shopping locally. She enjoys area boutiques such as Niche, Hazel Lane, and Posh. Keeping it close to home is one way Cristin contributes to the Northshore business community.

When talking about the Hands, no one can forget Duke, their Boston Terrier. Duke is a crucial member of their family and the TerraBella community. His favorite pastime is sitting in the foyer and watching all who pass. He has a reputation in TerraBella as the dog who jumps straight up like a rabbit while barking when people pass his porch. Cristin says of his little performance, “It’s quite a sight!”

The Traditional Neighborhood Development has proved to be a wonderful experience for the Hand family. As TerraBella residents, they are immersed in a vibrant community where they have strong connections with their neighbors, a sense of belonging, and enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle.

DESIGNS BY JENNIFER PACIONE

Photo Credits to hr collective Photography

By Arena

THE INS AND OUTS OF ESTATE PLANNING

Estate planning is making arrangements and legally documenting how an individual’s assets, properties, and responsibilities will be managed, protected, and distributed upon their incapacity or death. Making an estate plan or changing a current estate plan should be considered at various stages of life, depending on individual circumstances. While it’s never too early to start planning, some key milestones or life events often prompt individuals to begin the process.

Arena Collective has compiled a list of ten milestones and life events that prompt the creation of an estate plan or consideration of having a current estate plan reviewed. Additionally, Arena Collective lists the key elements often found in an estate plan.

Ten Reasons to Consider Estate Planning

Marriage

Retirement

Children

Death of a family member

Divorce

Opening a business

Selling a business

Empty Nest

Grandchildren

Buying a home or investment property

Elements of Estate Planning

*Where applicable

Will and/or Trust

Medical Power of Attorney Medical Directive

General Power of Attorney

*Revocable Living Trust

*Special Needs Trust

Creating a comprehensive estate plan ensures that a person’s wishes are carried out regarding their finances, healthcare decisions, guardianship of minor children, and the transfer of assets to beneficiaries. It is never too soon to evaluate and make important life decisions for the future. Whether creating a new estate plan or reviewing an existing one, Arena Law Firm can provide comprehensive assistance to fulfill all your estate planning requirements.

As I approached Hope Richard’s front door, I could hear the barks of Golden Retrievers, London and Bondi welcoming me, adding warmth and happiness to her home. I immediately felt a vacation-like atmosphere upon entering. Hope pointed out that was the effect she sought to achieve when she and her husband David built their TerraBella home. The Richard home evokes a sense of relaxation and an atmosphere within the house that makes one feel like they have traveled and are somewhere unique and different.

As we sat down to chat that afternoon, I quickly discovered that her artistry was not merely a skill but an extension of her very being. Hope emphasizes that she “needs to create.” Her artistry allows her to connect and share her unique perspective, most often involving the two things to which she is most drawn: animals and nature.

With an inherent love for animals and a creative spirit that drives her to create, Hope has discovered a delightful niche in capturing pets’ innate essence and charming personalities. Three years after settling in TerraBella, Hope’s creative spirit found inspiration from the TerraBella dogs she observed on their porches during her daily strolls with her Golden Retrievers. She recognized the pups’ bond with their beloved porch spaces: some barking, some watching the world go by, and some napping. In a moment of artistic inspiration, she envisioned capturing these porch-dwelling dogs through the lens of her camera. Thus, in 2016, Hope published Porch Dogs of TerraBella. Two years later, with a request to include cats, she set out to create a little different spin on the original, and in 2018, Tails of TerraBella came to fruition. Each book celebrates TerraBella dogs and several cats, with photographs uniquely expressing their personalities and tails for a bit of whimsy and individuality. Hope’s talent behind the lens and her love for animals resulted in an adorable portrayal of her neighbors’ pets.

With a versatile range of crafts at her fingertips, Hope channels her love of creating with a diverse array of handmade masterpieces. Her artistic flair knows no bounds, from playful pet-related ornaments to delectable pet-inspired ice cream treats to endearing notecards.

Equally important is her desire to share her creations, motivating her to set up her studio and gallery a few years ago in TerraBella Village. Unfortunately, the setback of the pandemic forced Hope to pivot and find alternative ways to share her artistry with the world. She soon began searching for a way to do that and found something pretty spectacular in a multi-purpose

customized pop-up camper called Happier Camper. A Happier Camper is a recreational vehicle brand known for its unique, retro-inspired designs. Still, more importantly, it went perfectly with the vision that Hope envisioned for her art and designs.

Now, embracing a new chapter in her artistic journey, she can share her art and designs from the hatch-like shop of her very own Happier Camper, appropriately named the Hatch and Hound. Her ‘pop-up’ shop is adorable mixed with practicality. The mobile boutique lets her bring her creative offerings to different locations and events, specifically to her TerraBella neighbors.

When I inquired about Hope’s desire to create and share her artistic talents with others, she explained that her greatest fulfillment is “creating something meaningful, preserving memories, joy, and happiness.” Hope’s words resonated deeply with me as she summarized what many of us aspire to achieve in our own pursuits: impact and leave a lasting imprint on the world.

Indeed, Hope has truly achieved her goal of creating something meaningful with her art. Our visit was short but

truly special, as I enjoyed connecting with Hope over our shared deep appreciation for animals. Beyond their role as the Golden Retriever ambassadors, Bondi, named after the famed Australian beach, and London, after the bridge, joined by their kitty brother, Franklin August de la Rue, which appropriately translates to “free man of the street,” from whence he came, were also on hand to give love and affection. The intertwining of her pets’ affection and the vacation-inspired home created an ambiance that filled her house and my visit with a beautiful and happy feeling.

Hope’s artistic mission goes beyond her personal journey; it extends to touching the lives of others and creating an enduring impact through her creations.

TerraBella Group

The developer of TerraBella Village, the Terra Bella Group, is instrumental in handling many of the behind-the-scenes aspects of the TerraBella community. To truly understand the role of the Terra Bella Group, it is important to go back in time: figuratively and literally.

Before the inception of the Traditional Neighborhood Development (“TND”), the Terra Bella Group was formed to plan and develop the unique neighborhood. The TerraBella Village concept incorporates the principles of New Urbanism. It is a nod to days when people’s lives were rooted in their community, and the village center was the heart of the neighborhood. It was a time when there were sidewalks, neighbors visited neighbors on front porches, children played together in community parks, and almost everything a person would need was within walking distance to their home. Creating a model such as this in modern times while adhering to those principles was and is the objective of the Terra Bella Group.

This success of the community is apparent when one looks at the neighborhood’s operations and development. From creating the lots and managing sales and marketing to coordinating design and materials with architects and builders, the Terra Bella Group is responsible for the day-to-day operations that contribute to the overall success and livability of the neighborhood. They ensure smooth effectiveness in the neighborhood’s infrastructure, amenities, and services within the community while preserving the deeply rooted origins of a village community.

Maintaining the integrity of TerraBella Village also falls on the Terra Bella Group. As such, to build a home in the development, the Terra Bella Group office would be your first stop. A Terra Bella Group Representative assists clients in choosing a property and an architect and provides contractors from an approved list. Specific guidelines must be met to maintain the charm and originality of the development, including the materials used for the project and the

building professionals involved in the project. Seamus Loman, Developer Representative, explains it pretty simply when he says, “We are committed to honoring the vision.” Regardless of what might be more accessible, trendy, or even less expensive, the success of TerraBella Village lies in preserving the old-fashioned village community concept in every way.

The Terra Bella Group also partners with the Terra Bella Institute. The Institute, a non-profit organization located in the village, was created to support the arts and nature within the community. They host the annual calendar of events, including Friday Nites on the Square, Classics on the Boulevard, and Christmas at TerraBella. The Terra Bella Institute demonstrates its commitment to nurturing a thriving community as it celebrates its mission of art and nature, synonymous

with TerraBella Village.

Through their expertise and supervision in approving builders, governing materials, designs, and all aspects of infrastructure, the Terra Bella Group has ensured that every part of the Traditional Neighborhood Development aligns with the vision of a vibrant community. About what lies ahead, Seamus Loman notes, “We’re very excited to deliver a project on the Northshore that has already received many accolades and will be a destination for years to come.”

The Terra Bella Group’s instrumental role in TerraBella Village is an invaluable contribution to shaping the fabric of the community in every aspect. Their commitment to “honor the vision” is commendable as they continue to build a better future for residents to enjoy for generations to come.

PlacesSHADING

Years ago, TerraBella resident and Shading Places owner Jennifer Pacione, witnessed firsthand the challenges of balancing her demanding work schedule as a labor and delivery nurse with her desire to spend more time with her family. As a result, Jennifer embarked on a new journey and started her own business to be more present for her family.

Creating window treatment designs was a personal evolution. In the beginning, Jennifer made everything herself. Self-taught, she learned about different fabrics, materials, and window treatment hardware. Her knowledge has served her well as Shading Places continues to thrive.

Shading Places provides full-service window treatment design, including meeting clients to understand their style preferences and requirements and discussing factors such as privacy, light control, energy efficiency, and the desired ambiance. Jennifer enjoys helping clients choose the right draperies, shades, woven wood, or blinds and suggests suitable fabrics and trims for draperies. Her favorite part of the job is the installation of her design. She adds, “I love to see my designs come to life.” Just as gratifying, seeing her client’s reaction to her work is pretty awesome as well. She emphasizes, “It’s so fun to see their reactions when they get excited seeing their beautiful window treatments.”

Enhancing the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and overall atmosphere of a space is what Shading Places does best. Jennifer develops design concepts based on the client’s input and the alignment of the room’s

overall design scheme. Since every window is different and challenges often ensue, Jennifer stays up-to-date with the latest industry trends, styles, and technological advancements to offer her clients the best solutions.

No matter what window design job she approaches, Jennifer is happy to have her own business that allows her the luxury of being home and spending precious time with her husband, and two daughters.

By Jason Hand BUILDER

BUILDING A DREAM TEAM TO CREATE YOUR PERFECT CUSTOM HOME

Building a custom home can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to! Here are a few tips to follow if you are looking to start the process

• You should first meet with your builder to discuss the budget and architectural style.

• A good builder should be able to get you a realistic budget and present options on house plan designers or architects to achieve your desired style.

• Your builder can guide you through the design process with your architect to keep you on budget and identify design opportunities.

• One of the most overwhelming parts of the process is selecting the many finishes for your home. There are so many choices! Your builder can help partner you with an interior designer to help with the selection process. Interior designers can also help with home furnishings and décor to achieve your desired outcome.

At J Hand Homes, we will make a complicated process easy while creating a truly custom home. We work with a number of experienced architects and interior designers, and we can help you build your dream team! For more information go to jhandhomes.com or call 504-905-2760

Graduate

Daughter of TerraBella residents Tracy and Brian, Ali Laiche is a young woman who followed her passion for helping others and has turned that passion into a fulfilling career in speech-language pathology. Always driven and hard-working, Ali graduated from Mandeville High School in 2017, where she was on the Spinnaker Varsity Dance Team all four years of high school. With an innate willingness to help others, Ali also worked with the special education population at MHS as a Skipper Buddy, an organization established to foster relationships between regular education students and those with special needs. She is proud of her commitment to this life-changing group, and devoted her time to Buddies throughout high school, even taking on the role of president her senior year.

The foundation for her future in helping others was laid early on. She always knew she wanted to work with children with special needs in some capacity. An introduction from her mom to the speech-language pathology field was the spark she needed to light her passion. About her introduction to the field, she emphasizes, “I fell in love with it instantly!” With this plan firmly in place, as she began LSU her freshman year, she knew she wanted to major in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Although focused on her goal, she did enjoy her undergraduate years at LSU and served as vice president of her sorority, Kappa Delta.

After graduating from LSU in 2021, Ali, driven by her desire to help others and intrigued by the medical side of speech-language pathology, continued her studies in graduate school in New Orleans at the LSU Health Sciences Center. One of the main reasons she chose this particular program was because it allows graduate students to participate in the cadaver lab in their first semester. Ali wanted to glean all she could from the medical aspect of her field and knew this would be an incredible way to do so.

Ali was motivated by the desire to help others in her chosen specialty, adding, “I find so much joy in treating others and making a difference in their lives.” With unwavering determination, Ali immersed herself in coursework, research, and clinicals, excelling academically. Grateful for each program component, she maintains, “My previous clinical experiences have provided me with the knowledge and insight I need to provide the best care I can for future patients.” She also appreciated the opportunity to work with diverse age groups and at different kinds of facilities, including clinical experiences at Children’s Hospital, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, and University Medical Center. Each of these placements offered her distinct experiences and aided her in choosing where she could best give back in her career.

On May 19th, Ali and eighteen other graduate students in her study area received their Master of Communication Disorders. Equipped with advanced knowledge and expertise, she embarked on her professional career, eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing communication challenges.

Currently, Ali is at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, working with adults and children in the inpatient and outpatient settings. She embraces every day and accepts whatever challenges she encounters with enthusiasm. Her favorite thing about being a speech-language pathologist is, without a doubt, her connection with her patients. “I absolutely love establishing rapport with them and creating such great relationships. Whether my patients are infants in the NICU or adults in the acute care, they are the reason I love what I do.” Witnessing her patients’ progress and their confidence grow as they achieve their communication goals fuels her dedication and inspires her to continue making a difference.

For Ali, it is the joy of helping others that is the ultimate reward. She has followed her calling and made a career by assisting people to overcome communication challenges. Ali is creating a better life for all those she helps through her expertise, compassion, and genuine commitment to her patients.

Finally, it is important to Ali to note her tremendous gratitude. She humbly attributes her success to her family, friends, professors, and supervisors. She maintains, “I wouldn’t be the SLP that I am today if it wasn’t for them.” Her drive and sincerity inspire all those who strive to make a difference through their chosen path. May Ali Laiche’s career be filled with success and fulfillment as she compassionately supports and uplifts all those who seek her assistance.

Let’s talk about ALLERGIES!

By Maher Animal

Hospital

Allergies in animals can be complicated. Let’s break down the components...

The three main underlying allergens are fleas, food, and the environment (atopy).

1) An ounce of prevention...

If you live in Louisiana, you probably have fleas. Oral flea prevention is the way to go, you can’t bathe it off, and our favorite product is only given four times a year.

2) Splish-Splash

Recent studies have found that disruption of the skin barrier can allow for increased environmental allergen exposure. Specific medicated baths can help repair the epidermis to decrease these allergens, provide itch relief, and combat secondary infections like bacteria and yeast from taking advantage.

3) Food for thought

Choosing the proper diet for your itchy pet may impact their skin and GI systems. Talk to your vet before switching the diet several times. A detailed history of what they’ve eaten can dictate what we choose for their future diet. However, when in doubt, keep it simple. Choose one protein source (salmon is always a good start) with one bag of “matching” treats. Be strict and stick with it for at least four weeks!

4) Scratch that itch

Our goal is to provide RELIEF! Thankfully, we have several tools in our toolbox for this.

• Apoquel is an oral pill that relieves itching within four hours.

• Once the intense itching is more controlled, we use Cytopoint, a long-acting and incredibly safe injection, to provide long term itch control. Itch control is essential to treating these dermatology cases because “the more they itch, the faster the secondary infection will spread!”

• Antibiotics and Antifungals may be necessary to control the secondary infections, as well as itching.

5)

Allergy Testing/ Immunotherapy

Once we have exhausted all options for underlying conditions that may affect your pet’s skin (bloodwork, food trial, flea prevention), the next thing out of your vet’s mouth may be about allergy testing. This can be done in two ways- intradermal or blood testing. This will lead to a list of allergens that your pet is sensitive to and then personalized treatment options to help desensitize your pet from these allergens.

Maher Animal Hospital has been serving St Tammany Parish for 41 years!

We take pride in striving to be the “One Day Doctor.” We value our client’s intuition and relationship with their pet. We try to see sick patients immediately. We run comprehensive blood tests in house, with same day results, and use digital radiogrophy and ultrsound to help us reach a fast and accurate diagnosis, allowing us to start treating and relieving symptoms immediately. We are a family owned business and we treat our patients like our own pets.

Katie Maher, DVM • Dr. Rusty Maher, DVM

By Donna

Essential Tips for Selling Your Home in a Residential Real Estate Transaction

Selling a home is a significant milestone that requires careful planning, preparation, and market knowledge. The process can be exciting and overwhelming in a residential real estate transaction. However, with the right approach and a few essential tips, you can navigate the selling process smoothly and maximize your chances of a successful sale. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selling your home.

1. Price it Right: Setting the right price is crucial to attracting potential buyers. Conduct a comparative market analysis to determine a competitive and realistic asking price based on similar properties in your area. Overpricing can deter buyers, while underpricing may lead to missed opportunities.

2. Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Boost your home’s curb appeal by ensuring the exterior is well-maintained, tidy, and inviting. Simple tasks like repainting the front door, mowing the lawn, and adding potted plants can create a positive impact.

3. Stage for Success: Consider staging your home to showcase its potential. Declutter, depersonalize, and arrange furniture and decor in a way that highlights the home’s best features. A well-staged home can help buyers envision themselves living there, leading to quicker and more favorable offers.

4. Effective Marketing: Utilize various marketing channels to reach a wider audience. Professional photographs, virtual tours, and compelling descriptions can generate interest. Leverage online listings, social media, and collaboration with a real estate agent to market your property effectively.

5. Work with a Real Estate Agent: Enlist the expertise of a reputable real estate agent specializing in residential sales. They can provide valuable insights, negotiate on your behalf, and handle the complex paperwork involved in the transaction. Selling a home in a residential real estate transaction requires careful planning, preparation, and strategic execution. Following these essential tips can increase your chances of attracting potential buyers, achieving a successful sale, and transitioning smoothly to the next chapter of your life. Remember, each step in the process should be approached with diligence and patience, ensuring a rewarding and positive experience for you and the buyer.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT TIPS

By Hub International

Improving Employee Benefits Engagement Through Communications

A robust communications strategy is essential to ensure the full utilization of employee benefits. Without it, even the most exceptional benefits may go unnoticed or underutilized. The following are some factors that need to play into the communications strategy:

Improving Employee Benefits Engagement through Insights

• Because employees are often segmented into large categories, an organization’s ability to target communications is inhibited. For instance, dividing employees by age does not mean each person in a given age group will respond to a certain message or type of communication.

• Such segmentation does not account for a person’s lifestyle, motivations, or where they are in their career that influences their preferences on benefits.

• Generational segmentation is one, of course. But not every Millennial has the same hot buttons or interests, and not every Boomer is a technological laggard. Understanding employees’ needs at any time through personalized employee engagement analysis helps identify the right benefits and communication opportunities to generate engagement.

Access On-demand and Related Issues

• Good communication creates trust, but what exactly is “good?” Good starts with delivering information on employees’ terms, making information easy to find

HUB

and in a format that suits them. Service portals and web guides will have higher usage if the portals have mobile components that appeal to certain workers.

• Organizations need a multi-channel communications strategy to boost employee benefits engagement aligned with the employee population’s interests and preferences. Choosing the right channels is important: 75% of employees would rather view a video explaining benefits than read an email or text.

Language and Tone are Important

• Finally, language is important. People want information on their terms that doesn’t stereotype or make assumptions about them.

• It usually entails straightforward and short sentence structure and verbiage; simplicity is best. Communications that seemingly embrace a stereotype (“You will like these benefits because you’re in XYZ group”) or that are too general (“Employees in your age group”) are less likely to resonate. Thus, clear and concise language is key when presenting employees with benefit options.

Annette consults with business owners and HR staff on employee benefit strategies and advises on how to confidently navigate a changing market. She can help develop a strategy to both reduce claims and support and engage your people by promoting a workplace culture of holistic health and dynamic performance.

International’s employee benefits specialist

Annette Dowdle consults with employers of all sizes and industries on every aspect of employee benefits program planning and management.

Rusty Pelican

It is widely known that embarking on the task of running a restaurant can be daunting, even for experienced professionals. Despite this, when Daniel Hamauei and business partner Tony Salvaggio bought the Rusty Pelican, they didn’t let their lack of experience in the field deter them from maintaining the success of the Old Mandeville restaurant. When the opportunity came to make the restaurant their own, the two partners didn’t balk. They liked the look and style the original owner had created and knew they could “figure it out.” So, armed with a passion for food and an unyielding determination to succeed, they did figure it out.

The Old Mandeville restaurant continued to thrive under new ownership, with Daniel and Tony at the helm. In time, patrons would tell them that they wished there was a location closer to them in Covington and Madisonville. They loved the restaurant’s food, ambiance, and overall vibe but did not love the traffic to get there. This was information that they took to heart. Soon they began to look for a suitable space for a second Rusty Pelican location. There were a few options, but nothing was quite right for a second location when someone approached the partners from TerraBella. Tony and Daniel soon found that the quaint neighborhood in Covington was the fit they had been looking for. In September 2020, the Rusty Pelican opened its second location on Myrtle Drive, next to TerraBella Village.

Though the prodigious menu offers local favorites such as seafood and chicken served in original and tasty ways, the

most popular item, says Daniel, “[is] burgers for sure.” The patrons of the Rusty Pelican have come to expect far more than just cheese on their burgers. The Rusty Pelican has taken the beloved classic and elevated it to new heights by creating a selection of unique toppings that will tantalize your senses and redefine your burger expectations. The Shack Burger is paired with barbeque sauce, bacon, and cheddar or modified with pepper jack and grilled onions, called the 5th Beach. If you are a fan of fried pickles, you have come to the right place. The Ponchartrain Pickle burger has you covered, or if you prefer a bit more spice, the pickles can be replaced with fried jalapenos to create the Hotsy Totsy. Finally, add Southern tradition to your burger and order the Southern Comfort. Topped with pimento cheese and fried green onions, you only need a glass of sweet iced tea with this burger for the perfect meal. Each of these outstanding burgers is a testament to the chefs’ creativity. The carefully crafted combinations of unique toppings bring the humble burger to an extraordinary level.

When asked about his favorite aspect of day-to-day, Daniel, the now-seasoned restaurateur, noted, “You get to know great people and make lots of friends.” Daniel and Tony are grateful for their happy customers and the support of the many who dine at the Rusty Pelican. “We couldn’t do it without them. We are a local company [that] tries to do our best every day to make your meal perfect.” For that perfect meal in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, the Rusty Pelican will never disappoint.

Sip and Stroll

It was a beautiful evening in TerraBella Village for the Sip and Stroll! TerraBella Blvd. was lined with food, wine, art, music, and residents enjoying the fun! Email TerraBellaLivingMagazine@gmail.com to submit your photos for TerraBella Living Magazine resident photos.

tERRABELLA

Residents

When you live at TerraBella, you’ll be part of the daily moments, seasonal events, and annual traditions that make living here so special. Email TerraBellaLivingMagazine@gmail.com to submit your photos for TerraBella Living Magazine resident photos. Photos by Hope Richard, HR Collective Photography

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