Slidell Magazine, March 2020

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SLIDELL

Vol. 116 March 2020

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Editor’s Letter

Kendra Maness Editor/Publisher Slidell Magazine

My favorite of these festivals is Arts Evening in Olde Towne Slidell. It’s actually my favorite single day on the calendar, and that’s pretty significant because I usually attend 100+ events a year.

Arts Evening is the absolute BEST of all the things Slidell, Louisiana has to offer. I fall in love with my city again and again each time.

Welcome to my favorite time of year, SPRING! I get giddy thinking about all the good stuff that comes with the end of winter: longer days (when it gets dark at 5:30, it makes me feel like an old person - does it do that to you too?), warmer temps (I’m a Southern girl, anything below 65 degrees has me shivering), fresh grass and new blooms, and festivals, festivals, festivals!

The picture to the left is me and this month’s cover artist, Matt Litchliter, at Arts Evening last year. I met Matt during this event five years ago. Since then, we’ve collaborated numerous times, produced 7 beautiful Slidell Magazine covers, and helped raise lots of money for charity.

Here’s a not-so-well-kept-secret --artists are usually pretty shy. It seems like the more amazing the art, the more introverted the artist.

Cover: “The Good Doctor” by Matt Litchliter Slidell Magazine PO Box 4147 Slidell, LA 70459 www.slidellmag.com 985-789-0687 Kendra Maness, Editor/Publisher Editor@slidellmag.com Shane Wheeler, Graphic Designer Graphics@slidellmag.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS The Storyteller - John Case Pet Points - Jeff Perret, DVM Kill Devil Hills - Story by Donna Bush Crimmi-Mommly Insane - Leslie Gates Honey Island Swamp King - Ted Lewis Legal-Ease - Ronda M. Gabb Making Cents of Your Money - Mike Rich Cuba - Katie Clark Stage Fright - Rose Marie Sand

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I think it’s because creating beautiful art usually means hundreds of hours of concentration, and that tends to make artists more comfortable in solitude.

Arts Evening is the one night each year when most of the artists in our area emerge from their creative coccoons and reveal themselves to the public.

For accomplished artists, it’s affirmation of a job well done. For newer artists, it’s an opportunity to meet their peers, share ideas and become plugged into the vibrant and eclectic arts community.

I’ve met almost every one of my cover artists at Arts Evening, and I’m honored to say that many of them are now my friends.

This year, I look forward to meeting more, and showcasing their talents to the readers of Slidell Magazine!

Cover Artist matt litchliter CONGRATULATIONS MATT - SEVEN COVERS! Portrait paintings are just one of the many art forms Matt enjoys. While attending Southeastern Louisiana University under the Fine Arts program, Matt expanded his notions of creative design and worked to challenge his conceptual processes by experimenting with mixed media, assemblage and found object wall sculpture. “I love working with different textural mediums that alter the experience of my work…plywood, fabric, paper and canvas, each conveys its own set of principles and adds flavor to my creative process.”

His portraits of Rockin’ Dopsie Jr., Morgus the Magnificent, and Drew Brees were some of our most popular covers; and we’re sure “The Good Doctor” will join that list! We love his use of hyper-bold colors to create an almost surreal feel in his paintings.

Since his first cover in October 2015, Matt has been a part of the Slidell Magazine family and a dear friend, volunteering his creative talents and ideas whenever asked.

He dreams of painting a mural in his hometown of Slidell and is available for commissions. You can reach Matt at: mlitchliter@gmail.com

The Golden Legend of the Honey Island Swamp King

By Ted Lewis

The domain of the king of Honey Island has been until recently a hideout for fugitives from the law. Few know what its depths contain. A man who wished to disappear could lose himself in the Honey Island Swamp as completely as if he had journeyed to the Brazilian jungle. With a gun, a fishing pole, a pirogue and a dog, he could lead a primitive existence and be able to protect himself from the panther, bobcat, wild hog, Louisiana brown bear and snakes which inhabit this great swamp.

But the swamp awakens at nightfall, and the fear-ridden man who seeks concealment there will wish himself back in his prison cell or even stretched at the end of a rope. Strange cries will assail his ears - the screech owl, the specter-like query of the hoot owl, the croak of the bullfrog and tree frog and the blood-chilling scream of the panther.

Now, as in the old days, sections along the river and certain spots of high land are inhabited, but with this difference: The inhabitants of today are industrious and honest folk who fish, hunt and raise livestock for a living.

A white ribbon of concrete highway cuts through the center of the swamp, further violating one of the last great havens for wildlife still existing in Louisiana. Motorists, hurrying to and from the Gulf Coast along this highway, give scarcely a thought to the mystery that lies beyond their vision, and few realize that within this swamp once flourished one of the most daring and successful robber bands that ever operated in America. ~ Pierre Rameau "The King of Honey Island" Emerges from the Dim Past by Edwina Fredricks

T

hey were called the “Chats-huantes” or “Screech Owls” for the sounds of their piercing signals to each other in their Honey Island Swamp hideout.

And for those unwary travelers who dared to invade the domain of the Pearl River estuary that pirates and other brigands called home in the early 19th century, it served as a warning to stay away if you valued your belongings, much less your life.

The leader of the Screech Owls was "Pierre Rameau" and he had the well-earned reputation of being a merciless killer who would torture his victims to reveal where their gold and other valuables were hidden.

Certainly it was easy to lose yourself – or your life – in the swamp which was accessible from the Gulf of Mexico off Lake Borgne up the Pearl River. There was something called the Blackwolf Trail, leading from Bay St. Louis to the northwest, but it was full of danger.

Today, the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte and his brother are exalted for aiding Andrew Jackson in the Battle of New Orleans (just how much has been inflated over the years). However, Pierre Rameau has been all but forgotten. This is due, in large part, because of a supposed fatal misjudgment born of a spurned offer of assistance to Old Hickory himself.

It turns out, as the story goes, that Pierre Rameau’s real name was the less-flamboyant Kirk McCullough, a native of Scotland.

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Just how McCullough got to America is lost in the mist of history. But, by the time he got to New Orleans around 1810, he was passing himself off as “Colonel Phillip Loring,” a blonde-bearded, sophisticated and educated man who resided in a mansion in the best part of town – when he wasn’t off on frequent trips attending to his “mining interests” in then-Spanish Mexico.

Col. Loring also was a member of an exclusive club, called, appropriately enough, “The Chatshuante,” whose members shared in Pierre Rameau’s profits.

And while some of Pierre Rameau’s men reportedly helped Jackson transport his cannon across the Pearl River, when Col. Loring showed up at Jackson’s headquarters seeking a commission for the upcoming battle against the British, he was welcome to join the fight, but not as an officer. "I do not need more staff officers or more officers of any kind," said General Jackson. "If 'Colonel Loring' desires to fight for New Orleans, let him report to me at once with a gun."

Not even the support of some of Col. Loring’s politically powerful friends could sway Jackson’s judgement.

Remember, Andrew Jackson had accepted an offer of aid from Jean Lafitte after Lafitte had rejected a British offer of $30,000 to lead an attacking force against the Americans.

Supposedly retaining his manners despite being rebuffed, Col. Loring lingered behind the American lines long enough to survey the defenses.

Figuring that the British had superior forces and would prevail, Loring slipped away and found Sir Edward Pakenham, commander of the invaders.

He found no difficulty in obtaining the favor of General Pakenham, who recognized him as one who had done him a great and dangerous service years before. Moreover, Rameau brought with him perfect maps and drawing of all American defenses and full descriptions and reports of all the troops under Jackson and the probable order of their distribution. He told the general about the defenses and his offer to join the British forces was accepted.

Every Louisiana schoolchild knows what happened next – the British made a disastrous attack on the main American works on the Chalmette Plain, and upwards of 3,000 Redcoats died, including Pakenham, whose body was shipped back to England in a barrel of rum to preserve it.

According to a 1930s paper written by Edwina Fredricks, a man named McCullough/Loring/ Rameau was also among the casualties. However, even his death was not without a larger-than-life tale: It was recorded that Rameau sought refuge after being wounded in the body and both arms in a home owned by a Creole family. While there, and despite his mortal wounds, Rameau was visited by a former associate named Vasseur with whom he’d had a falling out (it’s unclear whose side Vasseur was on, if any). Rameau somehow mustered the strength to kill the former associate with a kick to his chest before stumbling into the woods to die himself.

He was buried, the story concludes, somewhere in New Orleans beneath a since-disappeared tablet that read, “The King of Honey Island.”

Most other accounts of the battle make no mention of Col. Loring, so his story has evolved into folklore. Whatever the truth may be, Pierre Rameau was dispatched, but his associates remained in the Honey Island Swamp, at least for a few more years.

How do you want to spend your retirement?

In 1907, more than $1,000 in gold coins, most of them dated 1827, twelve years after the Battle of New Orleans, were dug up in Honey Island Swamp.

The story about the discovery in the New Orleans Item said, “Mystery attaches to the hiding of the coins….Most of them are in an excellent state of preservation.” There was no speculation about Pierre Rameau, Lafitte or anyone else.

There have been no further reports of coin discoveries in the Honey Island Swamp, but tour guides make sure to mention to tourists that they might want to keep an eye out.

They’ve been advised to be listening for pirates, er, screech owls, too.

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The 8th annual Bayou Clean Up Saturday, March 7, 2020 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Please bring your Flatboats, canoes, pirogues & kayaks, along with life vests & paddles!

heritage park marina 8AM - 12NOON

Gloves, bags & trash grabbers will be provided by Keep Slidell Beautiful

For more info: Zane Galbert 985-640-3672 zgalbert@yahoo.com

BAYOU CLEANUP SLIDELL LA www.keepslidellbeautiful.org

Food & Drinks available after cleanup at Heritage Park Marina

SLIDELL ANTIQUE ASSOCIATION’S 39TH ANNUAL SPRING

ANTIQUES, CRAFTS & ARTS STREET FAIR

MARCH 28 & 29 • 10AM - 5PM

VINTAGE RETRO ANTIQUES COLLECTIBLES JEWELRY ANTIQUE & REPURPOSED FURNITURE ART CRAFTS FOOD MUSIC

First, Second & Erlanger Streets OLDE TOWNE SLIDELL, LA For more info, contact: 985-710-9122

slidellantiques.com

may

1 - 16

22 - 23

767 Robert Blvd. Slidell

may

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5 - 15

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september

FRI - SAT 8PM

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FEB MAR

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april

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20 - 28

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Here Comes The Bride Expo Harbor Center • 10AM - 4PM

MARCH

SUN

Freezin for a Reason Pinewood • 2PM - 5PM

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Business & Government Update Slidell Auditorium • 8AM

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TUE

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Ribbon Cutting CommCare Corporation Trinity Trace Community Care Center Covington • 1PM - 2PM

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25

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$25 Cat Spay & Neuters Northshore Humane Society MUST RESERVE SPOT! clinic@nshumane.org

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April Fool's Day!

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"The Storyteller" John S. Case Free Greenwood Cemetery Tours Tuesdays-Thursdays • 12-1 PM By appointment • 985-707-8727

Member Orientation Chamber • Covington 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

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Slidell Cultural Center Viewing Hours: Wed & Fri 12-4 PM, Thurs 12-6 PM Show runs thru 3/13

Salad Days Juried Exhibition of Student Art

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MON

Lobby Lounge Concert Wildeyes Harbor Center 7 PM

4:30 - 6:30 PM

Business After Hours In-Telecom Slidell

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Bayou Clean Up Heritage Park • 8 AM

7 Food Truck Fest Harbor Center • 11AM - 3PM

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S.T.E.A.M in the Park Heritage Park • 11AM - 4PM

Tiger Rock Tae Kwon Do National Tournament Harbor Center • 7AM - 5PM

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Good People • Cutting Edge Theater • 8 PM BTS Dance Competition 21 Arts Evening Harbor Center Olde Towne • 4-10PM Fri - Sun • 9AM - 5PM

The Miss Firecracker Contest • Slidell Little Theatre • 8 PM

Revenge of the Red Feather Ladies • Dinner Theater Village Lutheran, Lacombe

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Good People • Cutting Edge Theater • 8 PM

The Miss Firecracker Contest • Slidell Little Theatre • 8 PM

Guided Canoe Tours at Big Branch Marsh NWR Bayou Lacombe Center 9AM - 12:30PM

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FRI

Tri-Parish Works 2020 Spring Job Fair Harbor Center 1PM - 4PM

Ribbon Cutting PJ's Coffee House Mandeville • 11:15 AM

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STREET FAIR OLDE TOWNE SLIDELL SAT-SUN • 10AM-5PM 28

4

SMH ROOFTOP 7-11 PM

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Gulf States Quilting Association Biennial Quilt Show The Harbor Center • 10AM - 5PM

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival 4/3 - 4/5

Limited Number of Booths Available!

Contact 985-273-3007 or info@sttammanychamber.org for more information.

March 19, 2020 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Castine Center

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Jazz on the Bayou Chateau Kole Sat - Sun • 3 PM - 7 PM Divas Live • Cutting Edge Theater • 8 PM

TOMORROW! Kids Fun Fest Heritage Park 10AM-6PM

Sweet Potato Queen, the Musical • Cutting Edge Theater • 8 PM

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Explore Northshore Business & Community Expo Revenge of the Red Feather Ladies • Dinner Theater Castine Center • 4 PM - 8 PM Village Lutheran, Lacombe The Miss Firecracker Contest • Slidell Little Theatre • 8 PM Spring Begins Divas Live • Cutting Edge Theater • 8 PM

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B2B Networking St. Tammany Chamber 8AM - 9AM

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Look for the St. Tammany Chamber emblem to see all of the local Chamber Events!

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Jazz on the Bayou Chateau Kole Sat - Sun • 3 PM - 7 PM

STREET FAIR OLDE TOWNE SLIDELL SAT-SUN • 10AM-5PM

The Miss Firecracker Contest • Slidell Little Theatre • 2PM

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The Miss Firecracker Contest • Slidell Little Theatre • 2PM

Revenge of the Red Feather Ladies Village Lutheran, Lacombe

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Bubbly on the Bayou Patton’s • 11AM

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DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

St. Patrick's Day Parade Olde Towne • 1PM

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Fontainebleau State Park Educational Programs

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2 0 2 0

M A r C H

The

Storyteller

THE HOODOO MAN The fact that he was born during the Great Depression had no bearing on Dolphus’s poverty, disposition or talent. He was a black sharecropper’s son, on a poor white farmer’s land. As to situations, that was the worst kind of sharecropping. There were some sharecroppers that lived on wealthy plantations where just the trickle down would have been a luxury compared to Dolphus’s situation.

On some of those farms, the owner would distribute the unwanted goodies to the class in servitude. Tripe, beef tongue, pigs’ feet, and oxtail were all

too vile for the sophisticated palate of the landowner, but the caviar of the farm for the struggling underclass.

This type of employment was next to slavery, maybe worse. They were free, free to starve on any farm they wanted, unless they were indebted to the landowner. Then it is said they owed their soul to the big man’s store. They could not move. This poor landowner, however, was not a lot better off than Dolphus and his father, and there was no company store. So, in retrospect, he and his father were lucky.

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Maybe he saw the white kids. He may have specifically related to three boys who lived at the top of the hill, sons of the landowner. Why couldn’t he do the same things they did? Why couldn’t he play ball in that field just next to his house? They played there. It was closer to his house than it was to theirs. He was too young to understand, but then he was told, “That’s white man’s land.”

One of the sons was fat. They called him Chunky. Occasionally, Chunky would play with him. He was the only one though, as he was an outcast too.

His size made him too slow to play ball.

Dolphus could hit farther and run faster than any of the white boys.

He was a better athlete than those white kids and he knew it. Why didn’t they know it? He reasoned, I can run faster, hit farther, sing better, dance smoother and fish better than any one of them. He knew the spot on the creek where the white perch bit. He knew the time of day and the kind of bait to use.

He also knew that when those boys came, he had to leave, and he may be ordered to catch grasshoppers for their bait. Even the creek appeared to be white-owned.

That was then. Time passed. Things had not changed significantly. Chunky was now thinner, but they still played together. Chunky’s brothers teased him for having Dolphus as a friend. They said he was slow because he had rather plow a mule than study a book. They said he was weird because he talked about the beauty of the land.

Chunky, both his brothers, and Dolphus were grown now. One brother went to the University and became a doctor. The other worked for the railroad. Other than Chunky, the brothers wanted nothing to do with the farm. They agreed to let Chunky have the land in exchange for the mineral rights.

Dolphus still lived with his aged father in the tenant farmer’s house and he now

worked for Chunky, just as his father had worked for Chunky’s father before his passing.

percent of his crop and held the deed to his land. Chunky continued under the same arrangement.

The old black man was still living and would have been at the complete mercy of the son except for one thing. The old man was said to have Indian blood. He proved it and was given some money. It was a meager amount, but $400 was big money during the Depression. Wages were $.50 per day.

Dolphus’s father was now deceased; but his father had been frugal and so was Dolphus. They did not have much, but they did not need much. They didn't have, nor needed, electricity, a phone, an auto or the like. They never touched the $400, and even added to it out of the proceeds from their share of the crop and the money Dolphus got from his headless chicken.

It was early April, planting time. Dolphus knew more about most things farm-related than Chunky. He had learned from his father when to plant crops by looking at the moon. He knew phrases that he would say when each seed was planted that would aid the seed in germinating.

He got the name Hoodoo Man when he was seven years old. His father sent him to the barn to kill a chicken for supper.

He wrung the chicken’s neck and to his surprise, the headless chicken continued to live and walk around. People came from miles around to see the headless chicken and Dolphus charged them fifty cents each. The bird lived for five days.

It was rumored he was magic or maybe a witch, thus the name Hoodoo Man was attached. His ability to predict the cycles of the moon only enhanced the meaning of the name.

He became rather popular among most of the black citizens and a surprising number of white ones. The local ministers preached sermons denouncing him and his type as satanic activity. Chucky always defended Dolphus as he knew people get frightened when they don’t understand something.

Chunky continued to run the farm much as his father had. His father was not much of a businessman and struggled to get by. He always had to borrow from the merchants to plant his crop and they charged him extra interest because he was deemed a bad risk. In addition to cash interest, they took ten

It was the spring and summer of '57 that broke Chunky. It was a dry spring and then it was a wet summer that flooded his fields and washed much of his plantings away. In '58, the merchants refused him credit. He had been able to pay the merchants, but no one else. It was a small town and word got around.

He was a bad risk.

Dolphus asked Chunky about the supplies needed to plant; after all, it was late March. Chunky told him they were coming soon. They never came.

Dolphus had enough magic in him, maybe Hoodoo powers or maybe Indian blood, that he could see something was wrong. He confronted Chunky.

“Mr. Chunky, you ain't got no money do ya? Them folks in town not give you no credit are they?"

Chunky resented having to share his plight with Dolphus, but he had no choice. He admitted there would be no crop planted that year.

“You can’t do that to me. That my livin you foolin with too.”

“I’ve got no choice. I can’t get the supplies on credit.”

“You don’t need no credit. I bez all you need.”

“Dolphus. don’t let that Hoodoo stuff go to your head. You can’t make a crop grow without planting a seed.”

15

“If you listen to me, we have the best crop we ever had.

You don’t listen, that be why you in the shape you in.”

Dolphus had never been this direct when talking to a white man and Chunky had never been talked to like that. For a few moments the situation was tense if not frightening.

“Look hear, don’t get uppity with me. Dolphus, I’m all you got. If you don’t show respect, I’ll put you off this place. Then I could rent some of it to someone else and get a little income."

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“Ok, Hoodoo Man, let me see you wave your magic wand and watch that corn sprout up.”

“Don’t have to wave no wand. Got to buy seed and fertilize.”

“With what, hot air?”

“I makes you a deal. You see, I got money. I make you a better deal than them town men did.”

“What you have in mind?”

“Ten percent of the crop and another acre for my own needs."

“That’s more than the merchants charge.”

“You don’t listen. I didn’t say anything about interest.

Just what I loan you and ten percent of the crop.”

“Is that all?"

“No, that ain't all. We gone farm it my way.”

“How’s that?”

“We gone plant all the land. You gone sell all the cows except a milk cow. Cows have to eat, and in the winter, you have to feed them. We need that land.

“We gone rotate our crops. Last year, where we planted corn, we gone plant cotton. And where we planted cotton, we gone plant beans and so on. It makes better crops.”

It was an arrangement Chunky could not turn down.

After he sold the cows, it was the first time he ever had two cents in the bank.

The two worked side by side that spring and summer.

Chunky had renewed energy and, for the first time, Dolphus had a real motivation to work.

16

In late September, all the crops were harvested and sent to market. Never had that piece of land produced so much income. The ten percent paid to Dolphus padded his account. Late in the afternoon, on an early-October day, the two childhood acquaintances sat side by side and enjoyed a beer. A friendship was recognized and social barriers were dissolved.

The unlikely friendship between the two did not go unnoticed in town. The merchants questioned where Chunky got the proceeds to plant the crop, but neither friend ever told. The next year, the success was even greater.

With the newly recognized friendship, Mr. Chunky was now just Chunky. The success the two farmers were experiencing was beyond what either had ever dreamed of. After the third year, Dolphus told Chunky it was time to expand. He heard that the adjacent land could be purchased. Two hundred acres. The asking price was high, but not too high. Due to it being adjacent to Chunky’s land, they could afford to pay a little more than market value. An agreement was reached.

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At the property transfer, the attorney called Chunky aside. “Is it your intention for Dolphus to have an interest in the ownership of this property?”

“Yes, that is my intention and his interest will be 50%.”

More land was acquired under the same name and, by 1968, D&C Agriculture was one of the largest producing non-cattle farms in the county. It was also a model of modern techniques and advanced farming systems.

A small branch ran through the center of the property.

It was dammed to make a small lake. This was their insurance policy. Pumps and piping ran to a good percentage of the cultivatable land, assuring water when needed.

It was the summer of 1970. It was the driest year on record. Almost all crops failed that year, but not D&C. They made so much money they didn’t know what to do with it.

Many of the small farmers who were at the credit mercy of the merchants were going to lose their land.

Chunky remembered when he was in that situation and could not borrow a penny. He and Dolphus visited each merchant that provided credit in that manner.

They reasoned that repossessing the land would be of no value to them. There was so much to be foreclosed on, there would not be enough labor to farm it and the

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merchants had no expertise. Dolphus and Chunky proposed giving the merchants a substantial amount of money they had earned to hold off on taking the farmers' land. They also had to agree to provide seed money the next year. It was a gift; D&C expected nothing in return. The merchants accepted the offer.

Dolphus became the first black man to ever sit on the Farmer's League Board.

The League published a booklet each year called The Hoodoo Man’s Almanac.

It gave advice on planting, and most farmers swore by it.

D&C thrived. One day, Dolphus did not show up for work at daylight as usual. Chunky went to check on him and found him unconscious. Chunky knew he had very high blood pressure and always refused any treatment. He was almost angry at Dolphus for not taking care of himself.

Two days later, Dolphus passed away.

Chunky’s brother, the doctor, had bought several spots in the most prestigious cemetery in the county. He told Chunky he could bury Dolphus there. It was expected that there would be some objection since the cemetery was still segregated. There was not.

Five years later, Chunky died.

Today, there are two tombstones, side by side. Each refers to the special relationship the two had as business partners and friends.

To this day, Dolphus is the only black man buried in that cemetery.

John S. Case March 2020

MARDI GRAS AND THE MOUNT OF TRANSFIGURATIONS

By Rev. Tracy L. MacKenzie Lead Pastor, Aldersgate United Methodist Church As a native New Orleanian, and the child of a family who is “all about Mardi Gras,” I was “raised up in Mardi Gras.” I learned to count to 144 before I could count to 20…12 packs of 12 = one gross. This was what we did on Sunday afternoons from Thanksgiving to Mardi Gras Day. I find myself telling people on the parade route to pick up the broken beads, take them home, light a candle, melt the two ends together and voila! One fixed pair of beads. I did this long before I ever heard about the 93,000+ pounds of Mardi Gras beads found in already overburdened New Orleans storm drains this past year.

The Sunday before Mardi Gras is Transfiguration Sunday.

On this Sunday, we hear that Jesus is revealed as the Son of God. The Gospel writer describes Jesus in this way: “And, he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them.”

What happens to Jesus on the top of that mountain is more than a physical transfiguration…it is a spiritual transformation… it is the very divinity of Jesus shining through his humanity. This was for Jesus, and those with him, the absolute assurance that Jesus is the Son of God…and, more than a simple assurance or affirmation…it was a supra-affirmation that all that Jesus had proclaimed about himself was indeed true.

Further, it was a great way for Jesus to begin the end of his earthly ministry. From the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus will complete his journey until that time when “he sets his face fully to Jerusalem.” If Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness was a time of preparation for Jesus’ earthy ministry; then, Jesus’ time on the Mount of Transfiguration was a time of preparation for Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and, ultimately, the cross.

and healing and power to move forward, through the valleys and whatever comes our way in life…

It is so good on the mountaintop that Peter wants to set up tents. Peter wanted to stay on the mountain, forever. But, God said, “This is my Son, the beloved…Listen to him!” And, when they look up, they see that only they and Jesus are left… and, Jesus is no longer bedazzled in bright, white, light…

Everything was “back to normal.” Or, was it? Can there ever be normal, again, once one has had an encounter with the living, life-giving, Lord?

Jesus and the disciples would come down from the mountaintop.

There was work yet to be done. For Jesus, the most important work of all: the journey to Calvary’s cross… for you and for me…for our sin, our sake and our salvation…

Real growth doesn’t happen on the mountaintop, it happens in the valley, where real life is lived, experienced, redeemed.

This is Lent.

Without Mardi Gras, there is no Lent. Oh, I guess that there are places around the country where Mardi Gras doesn’t mean what it means to us, here in Louisiana. But, for us, Lent is more than fish frys and giving up chocolate and caffeine. It is the deep desire to journey with Christ to the cross only to discover the empty tomb and the resurrection of the Body.

Blessings, Rev. Tracy L. MacKenzie

As we end the season of Epiphany, we enter into the season of Lent. What begins on Ash Wednesday, for the Christian, is a Lenten journey of self-examination, sacrifice, self-denial, serious contemplation, and servant ministry. Throughout this season, we, through faith, take seriously our call to follow Jesus, the revealed Son of God. Mountains are the high, holy places where God-encounters happen.Being high on the mountain offers to one amazing vistas and a clear trust and belief that God is, indeed, present.

This is true, also, of “spiritual” mountaintops. These kinds of “spiritual” highs can give one strength, encouragement, perfect peace… while life in the valley can be full of the struggle and the brokenness of this world. Mountaintops can give us hope

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“Your Estate Matters”

By Ronda M. Gabb, NP, JD, RFC

Legal-ease

bring my flowers now In January, I was blessed to again attend the 30A Songwriters Festival in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

I will always remember this year’s festival for two reasons: 1) 71-year old singer-songwriter David Olney peacefully died right in the middle of his performance on his barstool onstage; and 2) 61-year old Tanya Tucker made me cry like a baby while listening to her perform her now Grammy-winning song “Bring My Flowers Now.” My Aunt Linda has always told me that my mother was very lucky that I “bring her flowers now,” but I’m not sure I really grasped what that meant until recently. I guess that’s why I just lost it when I heard the song. For some reason, I can’t get either event out of my mind.

brother’s kids got dealt a raw hand, as their 63-yearold mother is also in failing health, and I can only pray that they, and their children, bring their flowers now. Bring your flowers now to everyone you love, whether young and healthy or old and frail, as too many of us only have the chance to bring flowers to those that we have already lost.

Reach out to your parents, grandparents, and to your great-grandparents. Make a point to not forget their birthday, Father’s/Mother’s Day, and Christmas.

These days, even the great-grands have email, iPhones, Facebook and Facetime. Go old school and write a letter (yep, with a pen and paper!) or call their landline. Go real old school and take a weekend, yes just a weekend, and physically show up at their door. We can’t imagine how much joy something as small as a text or a phone call to say “Hey Grandma, how are you doing today?” means to them. It’s like winning a mini-lottery and it may only take you five minutes. Or if they’re really lucky… maybe 48-hours. I saw it first-hand with my mom and brother. Oh yeah, and go listen to the song…

Then, this past weekend, my 84-year-old mother and I traveled to West Monroe to see my 63-yearold brother in the hospital who is battling both lung cancer and COPD. As much as it was a difficult and sad reason for our journey, my mother and I cherished the almost 10-hour drive (there and back) to talk, laugh, cry, and reminisce. I got time alone with my mother, helping her deal with her grief, and she with mine, and then I got to see the joy and relief on my brother’s face when we arrived. I realized how much happiness I could bring to them both by simply giving up a long weekend.

“Bring my flowers now, while I’m livin’, I won’t need your love when I’m gone, don’t spend time, tears, or money on my ol’ breathless body, if your heart is in them flowers, bring ‘em on….So if you got love, then you’re sittin’ on a gold mine, and you can’t take it with you when you go, so don’t wait to help your sister, forgive your brother and your neighbor, we all think we got the time until we don’t.” – Tanya Tucker

Last week, my paralegal, Maija, unexpectantly lost her 60-year-old father-in-law, one of the sweetest men I have ever known. In just 2020, I have already lost several clients, many of them 60 or under. My

See other articles and issues of interest!

40 Louis Prima Drive, Covington, LA

Ronda M. Gabb is a Board Certified Estate Planning and Administration Specialist certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization. She is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the Governor’s Elder Law Task Force. Ronda grew up in New Orleans East and first moved to Slidell in 1988, and now resides in Clipper Estates.

40 Louis Prima Drive (off Hwy 190, behind Copeland’s) • Covington, Louisiana • (985) 892-0942 • www.rondamgabb.com

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MAKING

CENTS

By Mike Rich, CFP® Pontchartrain Investment Management

NO WORRIES. Here’s a picture of Posey Jane, my four-year old granddaughter.

She’s all dressed up for “Crazy Hair Day” at her school. In case you are wondering about what’s on her head, it’s a cupcake that my daughter-inlaw created for Posey’s special day.

It’s difficult for me to imagine that there is a cuter little girl – or a more perfect daughter-in-law – anywhere else on the planet.

Posey is too young to understand that she lives a rich life, and – for now, at least – one that is worry-free. Not only does she have a wonderfullytalented mom who creates cupcake hairdos for her, she also has a loving, hard-working dad, a cute baby brother who adores her, a cozy bedroom in which to sleep each night, nice clothes, a full tummy, and a whole lot more. No, Posey does not have to worry much.

with their neighbors (neighbors tend to stretch the truth, by the way), and check their account balances every day. Their worry is they will run out of money before they run out of time.

I try to assure them that, because we have a plan in place for saving, investing, protecting, and spending their money, we’re doing everything we can to work toward financial stability.

But, still they worry. I guess it’s just one of those things that makes us human, and one of the things that makes my job fun and interesting.

Some of my clients, on the other hand, worry a lot, even the ones who have nice nest eggs. They listen to the so-called financial experts on TV, read silly stuff on the Internet that does not apply to them, compare investment returns

I work with a lot of different clients, and together we try to fine-tune their financial lives to provide a degree of comfort that many Americans can only dream about. The solutions are different for different clients, but here are some planning ideas you might want to think about:

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Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

1. Use life insurance to protect your family if you die sooner, rather than later.

Term insurance might be all you need. We can figure that out together, But, here’s something else to think about. By using permanent, cash value life insurance, you might be able to not only protect your family, but also increase your cash flow during retirement. Here’s how it works.

You purchase an appropriate amount of life insurance. Then, during retirement, you and your spouse have the potential to spend your money a little more freely while you can still enjoy it. When you die and are no longer around to enjoy that extra cash flow, the life insurance death benefit replaces the money you spent so the spouse who’s still alive can live out his or her days with dignity and financial independence.1 Of course, you have to be insurable, go through underwriting, and have the cash flow to pay for the premiums.

However, this is a pretty cool strategy, and most people have never heard of it. Now

you have, so call me to find out if it can work for you. It’s especially appropriate if you’re in your 30s or 40s and can start the ball rolling now.

2. Use annuities to provide a guaranteed income in retirement that will never run out.

If you don’t have a pension, you can build the potential for a pension-like income by using, for example, fixed annuities.2 When you are ready to take income from them, you’ll have a steady flow of cash to supplement pensions, Social Security benefits, and distributions from IRAs and other investment accounts. By using a special feature known as an income rider, the income base can build up in a predictable way every year. Plus, if the annuity is designed properly, the income could last for a long time. It’s like having a supply of cupcakes delivered right to your door! Does this sound like something cool for you? If so, call me and I’ll show you how it works.

My little Posey Jane doesn’t have to worry about her financial well-being right now, but the rest of us might. Being financially prepared is a choice that only you can make. Have you been thinking that maybe it’s time to experience the comfort that a sound financial plan can provide? Have you procrastinated long enough? I’m just a phone call away, so let’s get started.

Mike Rich, CFP® Pontchartrain Investment Management, 2065 1st Street, Slidell, LA 70458 985-605-5064 Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC 1

Benefits depend on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.

2 An annuity is not a pension. A fixed annuity is a type of insurance contract that promises to pay the purchaser a specific, guaranteed rate of interest on the purchaser’s contributions to the account. Income guarantees depend on the claims paying ability of the issuing company. Annuities are longterm investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes.

Gains from tax-deferred investments are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Withdrawals made prior to age 59 ½ are subject to a 10% IRS penalty tax and surrender charges may apply. Note that while some riders are part of an existing contract, many others can carry additional fees, charges, and restrictions. Policy holders should carefully review the terms of the contract before purchase.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

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23

in the Park

Saturday, March 14, 2020 Heritage Park Brought to you by Junior Auxiliary of Slidell

S.T.E.A.M. in the Park aims to inspire the Northshore’s youth from all socio-economic backgrounds to see themselves as scientists, artists, creators, and inventors. It is a fun festival where kids and adults can experience Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math through fun experiments, presentations, performances, and demonstrations. The festival will be held in Heritage Park on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 11AM - 4 PM. Admission is only $5/person.

Junior Auxiliary of Slidell (JAS) hosts a variety of events and activities for children in grades K – 6th.

With over 25 exhibits, this inaugural event will be the largest one-day outdoor STEAM event on the Northshore! Even cooler is that the event is being held on National Pi Day! The event will include art exhibits, robotics, hands-on educational activities, a “Honey Hive” space where everyone can be a Beekeeper, local entertainment and much more. Major participating organizations include: LSU Agriculture Center, St. Tammany Children’s Museum, Northshore Technical College, St. Tammany Parish Library, St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Control, Junior Achievement of Greater

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New Orleans, 1st Maker Battalion, Northshore High School FFA, FIRST Robotics-Team 1912 Combustion, Bee Commander, Spectrum FX, and the US Naval Research Laboratory.

JAS member Ann Tassin created and proposed this project because she saw a need to introduce more children to STEAM. When Ann taught at Bonne Ecole Elementary, she spear-headed a STEM Night in the spring of 2018. After learning how impactful the information was to the children, she brought the idea to JAS to expand it into a communitywide event.

JAS volunteers work hundreds of hours to serve thousands of children, families, and seniors each year in the Slidell area. Funds generated from STEAM in the Park will help fund the JAS community projects which include Fun Day with JA (provides free entertainment and activities for our special needs community), Hearts United (mentoring and encouraging at-risk teens to help them lead a successful life), Literacy Liaisons (helping with reading and language arts in K-4 grade classrooms), and Juniors in Service (introducing high school juniors to volunteer opportunities).

Junior Achievement is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA’s programs—in the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy—ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century.

A 2017 story from the Huffington Post outlined the importance of STEAM Learning. The contributor was a company called Vidcode, a video based coding platform. It was designed and built by a team of female engineers for teenage girls but is used by all and teaches STEAM skills.

"If you are familiar with the technology or educational sectors, you have undoubtedly heard that STEM, which is educational focus in science, tech, engineering and math, is being changed to STEAM, to include the arts. This is an initiative that is being accepted on an increasing scale by institutions, corporations, and education and tech professionals,and we here at Vidcode are totally on board.

STEAM learning is such a hot topic right now, and STEM/STEAM related careers are in such high demand that the Federal Government has just extended a provision allowing foreign students that are earning

degrees in STEM fields a seven month visa extension, now allowing them to stay for up to three years of “on the job training.”

But why is STEAM so important to teach kids in school today?

The US Department of Education reports that the number of STEM/STEAM jobs in the United States will grow by 14% from 2010 to 2020, growth that the BLS terms as “much faster “ than the national average of 5-8 % across all job sectors.

Computer programming and IT jobs top the list of the hardest to fill jobs, according to a recent study done by McKinsey. Despite this, the most popular college majors are not STEAM related.

'The number of graduates in the STEM fields is growing.

Only .8% annually' according to the same McKinsey study. So how can we get more kids involved in STEM, and create a strong and able workforce?

By teaching STEAM, of course.

The inclusion of the arts component into STEM makes it more fun to learn, and more approachable to kids. A child who has never seen code or computer science learning will be less intimidated and more engaged if it includes something they are familiar with, like an art component; whether that is learning it on an interface that uses a creative component

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STEM vs. STEAM The STEM to STEAM movement has been taking root over the past several years and is surging forward as a positive mode of action to truly meet the needs of a 21st century economy. STEM alone misses several key components that many employers, educators, and parents have voiced as critical for our children to thrive in the present and rapidly approaching future.

There has been an increased investment in STEM initiatives in schools. This includes (but is not limited to): - Providing mobile devices for students (sometimes in the forms of computer labs, and other times in the form of 1:1 – a single device for each student) - After-school STEM clubs or programs with STEM curriculum, where projects using STEM practices are embedded - BYOD initiatives (bring your own device) - STEM days to encourage hands-on exploration within each of these disciplines - Robotics programs While these initiatives are a wonderful start into the exploration of these four areas of study, the critical process of creativity and innovation is missing. Students in STEM programs may have more experiential learning opportunities, but they are limited to only science, technology, engineering and math. Our economy requires so much more than an understanding of these areas – it requires application, creation and ingenuity. STEM alone does not foster these essential nutrients.

STEAM is a way to take the benefits of STEM and complete the package by integrating these principles in and through the arts.

STEAM takes STEM to the next level: it allows students to connect their learning in these critical areas together with arts practices, elements, design principles, and standards to provide the whole pallet of learning at their disposal. STEAM removes limitations and replaces them with wonder, critique, inquiry, and innovation.

to teach it, or whether they are learning computer science by actually creating something, like on our platform, Vidcode.

Children need to be engaged in learning, and learn in ways that can hold their attention, the way social media and internet sites like YouTube do. The easiest way to do this is to make it fun and interesting. The inclusion of arts does this for a wider range of children. Something like video art tied into code makes learning look more fun, where the student is solving a problem to create a project they love.

Art education allows students to learn things in a more open ended way and make them applicable to real life. Arts and creativity are crucial to the sciences, technology and computer science.

They are the tools that allow technology to be usable in real life! Arts are used in website and user interfaces design, advertising, product design and usability, branding and start-up creation among countless other uses, all things that are crucial to STEM learning and careers.

So STEAM education is crucial to educate and prepare the next generation of the American, and global, workforce and to allow this generation to create jobs and grow the economy."

Bring your favorite K-6th graders to Junior Auxiliary’s STEAM in the Park Festival and watch them be inspired to be innovators of tomorrow.

Be there, or be square!

For info on sponsorships and vendor opportunities, visit the JAS website: steaminthepark.com.

Join the STEAM in the Park Facebook event for updates on exhibitors and performers.

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ns "Continuing Coverage" a e l r O w e N f o b Donna Bush, Winner - 2019 Press Clu

Two Pilots fly back in time to the beginning of aviation Story by Donna Bush

From 1900 to 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright used a group of sand dunes known as the Kill Devil Hills in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, to conduct many of their flying experiments. These dunes and barren landscape are considered the birthplace of first flight. The largest of the hills, Big Kill Devil Hill, was approximately 100 feet high. The brothers also experimented from West Hill (60 feet high), located opposite Big Hill, and one of two smaller hills they named Little Hill.

In 1900, Wilbur used Big Kill Devil Hill from which to glide twelve times near the end of their first trip to Kitty Hawk. The brothers glided many more times on their next two trips. In total, the Wrights glided off these hills more than 1000 times, each time walking and carrying their glider up the sandy dunes with the help of locals. When they returned to Ohio in 1902, they felt confident they could achieve powered flight upon their return to Kitty Hawk in 1903. From the hills, they perfected the art of soaring and control of the aircraft; the gliding skills they developed were a crucial component of their invention of the airplane.

I believe every pilot has a secret desire to visit the Outer Banks where the Wright brothers successfully took flight.

When New Orleans pilot Owen Bordelon read The Wright Brothers by David McCullough, he felt the desire.

The compelling book is a dramatic account of the story behind the brothers’ first flight, along with the hurdles that the young men encountered. Reading it planted a seed in Owen. He dreamed of flying his own Piper Warrior to Kill Devil Hills.

He mentioned the idea to fellow pilot, Brian “Porkchop” LaFleur, who began reading the same book. The more the guys talked, the more motivated they became to make the flight a reality. When I met Porkchop for the first time to discuss their trip, he showed me his aviation-motivated bucket list of places he wanted to fly to. There was Kill Devil Hills.

Porkchop mentioned that he knew the basic history of the Wright Brothers first flight that was taught in public schools, but the book shed so much more light on the trials, tribulations, successes and failures that the brothers were dealt. The more Owen talked, the more fascinated Porkchop became.

Then Owen shared, “I really want to fly there. Would you be interested?” Porkchop’s answer, “Absolutely!”

The biggest obstacle would be Porkchop’s work schedule, as he is an air traffic controller at New Orleans International Airport. Owen is a semi-retired attorney, who flies a lot of Pilots-n-Paws rescue flights. Owen’s schedule is pretty flexible, but they would have to work around Porkchop’s. He had some time off in early November, so they crossed their fingers that they would get good weather for the 4 days to make the trip. Total flight time would be approximately 18.5 hours from the Lakefront to Kill Devil Hills, round trip.

Settling on a November 1st departure from New Orleans, the two pilots took off, mapping a route to Charleston, South Carolina International Airport for their first overnight, with a fuel stop in Albany, Georgia.

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It was 12 seconds that would change the world forever. On the cold, windy morning of December 17, 1903, on the sandy dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, a small handful of men gathered around a homemade mechanical contraption of wood and fabric. They were there to witness the culmination of years of study, trial and error, sweat and sacrifice made by two humble, modest men from Dayton, Ohio. That day, the Wright Brothers’ dreams of flight would come to fruition, as Orville Wright took to the sky for 12 bumpy seconds. ~ Excerpted from "Orville and Wilbur Wright: The Brothers Who Changed Aviation" by Hadley Meares for Biography.com.

ABOVE: The life-sized sculpture of the first flight at Kill Devil Hills, which includes the Wright brothers, members of the Kill Devil Hills Life-Saving Station and, look closely to the far right of the photograph for the statue of John T. Daniels, who took one of the most famous photographs in history. BELOW: A replica of the 1903 "Flyer" in the Wright Brothers Museum.

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In addition to their final destination, they chose cool and unique airports to stop for refueling and overnights.

Albany offered the amazing Blackbeards BBQ Restaurant, packed with locals and good food.

Landing at sunset, Charleston offered stunning views and a really cool airport shared jointly by civil and military aircraft. Charleston Air Force Base houses the 14th Airlift Squadron, “The Pelicans,” a unit of the 437th Airlift Wing.

“The 14th Airlift Squadron provides combat-ready C-17A Globemaster III aircrews for worldwide, direct-delivery airlift supporting rapid global mobility efforts of the Air Force during global contingencies. 14th Airlift Squadron crews maintain air refueling, tactical ingress/egress, low-level airdrop and air land skills at a razor-sharp edge. In addition, the squadron is tasked with providing emergency nuclear airlift, aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian relief missions.”

Along with the aircraft at the Air Force Base, they were also treated to the Boeing South Carolina factory where the final assembly and delivery of the 787 Dreamliner occurs. There were 8-10 of them lined up on the ramp, all painted for airlines around the world, waiting to be shipped out.

A stop in Charleston also promised a unique dinner experience. The Food Network’s show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives had featured The Tattooed Moose.

Here they found the “Thanksgiving Sammy.” I’ve been assured this sandwich of roasted turkey, cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce, mayo and crispy fried onions tastes like Thanksgiving dinner on two slices of bread! The restaurant carries on a tradition of patrons writing their names or a message on the blinds of the front windows. Porkchop took a sharpie and added his and Owen’s names to the collection with a message of "First Flight America 11-1-19."

On November 2, the two departed, with a final destination of First Flight Airport at Kill Devil Hills (KFFA). They started their morning tracing the Atlantic coastline by air, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean as they flew over North Myrtle Beach, Wilmington and into Kill Devil Hills.

Owen and Porkchop each took a turn flying past the monument, following the exact flight path, the same airspace, that Orville and Wilbur flew that historic December 17th morning. They made their final turn, landing on runway 3, in the early afternoon, with a euphoric feeling of re-living history.

The friends visited the amazing sixty-foot commemorative monument dedicated in 1932, perched atop the 90-foot high Kill Devil Hill, the only remaining high point used by the brothers to launch their glider. The monument is made of 1200 tons of granite, 2000+ tons of gravel, over 800 tons of sand and nearly 400 tons of cement. Inscribed along the base of the memorial tower, "In commemoration of the conquest of the air by the brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright. Conceived by genius.

Achieved by dauntless resolution and unconquerable faith."

Across from the monument sits a lifesized sculpture, created by Stephen H. Smith, which is a full-sized replica of the 1903 flyer at the exact moment of first flight, including the Wright Brothers, members of the Kill Devil Hills Life-Saving Station (as they assisted in moving the aircraft) and John T. Daniels, who took the famous photograph of first flight.

The pilots visited the Wright Brothers Museum and Visitors' Center, which provides incredible insight and details of what the brothers experienced to accomplish first flight. The ranger-led tour took them past the visitors’ center to the replicas of the camp buildings built by Orville and Wilbur to serve as their home and their hanger. A short walk from there brought them to where it all took place; where they could touch the marker representing the point of lift-off and each of the four markers, commemorating the landing place for those four flights, detailing the time and distance of each. Owen shared, “It was such a surreal experience. I've read about it so often, thought about it and dreamed about it. Putting my hand on the monument where they landed gave the feeling of knowing them personally.” Porkchop said, “This place has such significance, like walking on sacred ground. I thought back to being 4 years old in Morgan City, Louisiana and always looking up at anything that flew over, knowing then that I wanted to be a pilot. From there to getting a job at the Lafayette Airport fueling planes; to going to college in Pittsburg to be an air traffic controller; to getting my private pilot’s license; to having a career in air traffic control; flying virtually every day. All of those things came about because of that one special moment 116 years ago.”

KFFA doesn’t allow night-time landings, departures, or overnight tie-downs at the airport. After walking the hallowed grounds, shadowing the same footsteps 31

LEFT: One of the four markers at Kill Devil Hills placed at exact distances that detail the Wright brothers' first four flights.

CENTER: Two pilots, one mission! Porkchop (left) and Owen (right). RIGHT: Owen's Piper Warrior parked at Kill Devil Hills.

that those 2 brave pilots walked 116 years ago, they flew the plane to the nearest airport, Dare County Regional, with an FBO (fixed base operator – an organization authorized to offer airplane tie-downs, fueling services, etc.). After renting a car and booking a hotel, they were off to the Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant.

The Black Pelican Restaurant has its own history with the Wright Brothers. It was the original Lifesaving Station #6 built in 1874 (it has been moved to its current location). The brothers would hang a white sheet to indicate to the men at the station that they needed assistance with launching their flight.

If not on a rescue, the men would make the mile walk to Kill Devil Hills to help the boys launch their plane. The building was also an active weather bureau. Data gathered by the weather bureau helped the brothers schedule their flight attempts. And, finally, the location was also a telegraph station, which the Wright brothers used to send word of their December 17, 1903 success home to their family.

After spending a day and a half exploring Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk, the pilots began their return flight, timing their next landing at Asheville, North Carolina shortly after sunset. This airport was significant in that it marked the highest altitude landing (2165’) 32

either of the pilots had achieved (prior to this trip their record was about 73 feet). It also was the only airport they couldn’t find despite clear skies and great visibility. After all, they were in the Smoky Mountains. They could tell by the air traffic controller’s demeanor that this happens a lot. They were routed to the runway using an instrument landing system (ILS).

Their final leg home took them southwest across the Smoky Mountains, with a fuel stop at Bessemer Alabama and back to Lakefront Airport, still riding the high of their trip.

Besides the great restaurant meals along the way, the pilots included their own in-flight refueling of corn chips, Slim

Jims, Fanta Orange, Mountain Dew and an occasional banana. Aviation fuel stops included hot dogs and popcorn for the guys when they didn’t visit a local restaurant.

Everything went great for Owen and Porkchop. As it turned out, the weather was absolutely perfect the entire trip.

Stellar blue skies!

These two pilots were able to set records of their own on this trip: their longest cross-country flight; their first time flying along the Atlantic Coast; mountain flying; highest altitude landing; along with some really cool entries in their log books and, of course, visiting Kill Devil Hills where it all began for the first two pilots in history!

• The City of Slidell presents •

Arts Evening Saturday, March 21, 2020 5-9 pm • Free Admission Olde Towne Slidell 646-4375 • MySlidell.com Local Artists & Artwork Live Entertainment Fine & Casual Dining Antique, Boutique & Unique Shopping “Seeing Beyond: Ansel Adams Photographs from the New Orleans Museum of Art” in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall

“ Jazzy 2”” by Nancy Pratt, Arts Evening 2020 Poster Artist

The City of Slidell and the Commission on the Arts would like to thank our 2019/2020 Cultural Season Sponsors for making this event possible: Renaissance $5,000 Sponsors: Sophisticated Woman Magazine

Baroque, $2,500 Sponsors: Acadian Ambulance • C. Ray Murry, Attorney At Law Jazz on the Bayou/Ronnie Kole Foundation • Silver Slipper Casino Neoclassical, $1,000 Sponsors: Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert • Lori’s Art Depot/Lori Gomez Art Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency • Purple Armadillo Again Impressionism, $500 Sponsors: Chateau Bleu • CiCi’s Pizza • Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer • Flatliners Entertainment Old School Eats • Olde Towne Print Shop • Pontchartrain Investment Management • Roberta’s Cleaners • Sirocco Coffee Co. Slidell Historic Antique Association • Terry Lynn’s Café • Tanya Witchen, Engel & Völkers Real Estate

This event is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts Thi as administered by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affffaairs.

Stage Stage Stage Stage Stage

Fright Fright Fright Fright Fright

Rose Marie Sand in

A production by

Cutting Edge Theater

BY ROSE MARIE SAND

“Public speaking is said to be the biggest fear reported by many American adults, topping flying, financial ruin, sickness, and even death.”

I’m one of those American adults with a big fear of public speaking.

So, why, oh why, am I in a stage play this month?

Is it because I like to challenge myself to do exactly what I’m afraid of (within reason – I'm not gonna jump out of a plane).

You see, a few months ago, I began to seriously doubt myself.

I did unfocused things like buying tickets for a John Prine concert for me and my friend, Meg, in the wrong city and state. On the same trip, I made hotel reservations for the wrong date.

I was able to fix both of those mistakes and Meg was very understanding. But those, and other forgetful incidents, made me realize I needed to slow down. I felt awful about myself for weeks.

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So what did I do? I cancelled a lot of engagements that I didn’t really need to do, and then auditioned for a play!

There was a method to this madness.

If I could remember lines and perform, and if I could focus during the weeks of practice, I wasn’t on the road to ruin after all.

Twenty years ago, when I turned 50 years old, I first performed in a play. All of my life up to that point consisted of avoiding more than two eyes on me at any time. In fact, when one of my old high school friends who hadn’t seen me in 35 years caught sight of me in Actor mode, she asked me if I was the same person she knew in high school.

“You were so quiet and insecure,” she said.

That girl in 1960 had to hide inside her boyfriend’s letterman sweater to get through a Shakespeare soliloquy in Speech Class. She would have no sooner joined the Drama Club

than jump into a pool. (I was also deathly afraid of water.)

For my 40th birthday, I overcame the fear of water by taking a swimming class and jumping into the pool!

So, there is a bit of a history here of challenging myself to overcome my fears.

Stage fright, or performance anxiety, can occur in people of all experiences and backgrounds; from those who are completely new in front of an audience, to those who have done so for years. Stage fright may, for example, have a negative impact on the individual's performance, such that it affects their confidence.

That stage experience when I was 50 taught me a lot about myself. I went on to partner in a production company, and gained confidence from being on stage.

It was a hard fought battle. The first night of a performance, I cried behind the scenes and upchucked backstage. I blew lines, and

couldn’t imagine ever doing it again. I decided I’d stick to producing shows rather then ever get onstage again.

One of my scene partners put it in perspective.

“Does the audience have scripts in their hands?”

Jamie said.

“Oh no! Was I supposed to do that, too?” I wailed.

PRESENTS . . .

“No! But if they don’t have a script, they won’t know that you’ve blown a line!” she replied.

The body releases adrenaline into the blood stream causing a chain of reactions to occur. This bodily response is known as the "fight or flight" syndrome, a naturally occurring process in the body.

Pupils will dilate, giving some the inability to view any notes they have in close proximity; however, long range vision is improved, making the speaker more aware of their audience's facial expressions and nonverbal cues in response to the performance.

You can practice ways to calm and relax your mind and body, such as deep breathing, relaxation exercises, yoga, and meditation. Refuse to think thoughts that create self-doubt and low confidence.

Well, I was nearsighted for my first stage experience, so not wearing my glasses proved a help. I couldn’t see individual faces in the audience, so I’d play to the back of the crowd as if they weren’t even there. It’s actually easy to do when you get in character.

In more recent years, I’ve done the type of dinner theater when you actually do interact with an audience, and that’s like being in someone’s living room and enjoying people.

That’s once you get your lines down, however. As I write this column, I have about three weeks till our show opens on February 28th. And learning lines is perhaps the reason I auditioned for this role in the first place.

That big piece of me that was so worried about focusing well enough to learn lines has been learning that it’s possible, even probable, that I can do this. I’m pretty much “off book” now (that’s theater talk for not needing a script in your hands).

So now I focus on the stage fright part. And breathing. If you take a few deep breaths, and give yourself positive affirmations, you can do almost anything.

by Maxine Holmgren at

The Village Church - Lutheran 29180 Highway 190 | Lacombe, LA 70445

Six women, all members of the Red Feather Ladies Investment Club, make a disturbing discovery.

What to do? They WILL get their revenge!

March 14, 20, 21 DOORS OPEN: 6:30pm DINNER: 7:00pm PLAY: 8:00pm Dinner Menu: Fried Catfish, Jambalaya, Salad Bar & Dessert $25 per person

SUNDAY MATINEE March 15, 2020 DOORS OPEN: 12:00pm LUNCH: 12:30pm PLAY: 1:30pm Dinner Menu: Build-A-Burger, Potato Salad, Dessert $20 per person

RESERVATIONS:

985.882.5727 or email village@villagelutheran.org THIS SUMMER THE VILLAGE YOUTH THEATER CAMP WILL PRESENT 8 For Ages -2 5 1 JUNE PM 7-18 -2 M A 9 Call 985-882-5727 for more information.

Deadline for enrollment - May 1, 2020 Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French & Concord Theatricals, New York, New York 35

In some cases, famous stars have struggled to cope with their anxiety.

Hugh Grant said on starring in the movie Music and Lyrics that he "did the whole film full of Lorazepam.”

Adele, Ozzie Osborne and Cher have all admitted to performance anxiety.

Not every performer suffers from stage fright, however. Ethel Merman said, “What’s there to worry about?

I know my lines… Why should I be nervous on opening night? The people who paid for tickets for a new play, they’re the ones who should be nervous.”

But please, if you come to see our show, don’t be nervous. I’ve got that covered for you.

One of the most important tricks about being onstage is to know your

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character’s “back story.” The script doesn’t usually cover every aspect of a character’s personality – it’s up to the actor to flesh that out. Doing so can help inhabit that person, so that you feel like you aren’t really yourself. You’re in there, of course, because you are also remembering your blocking (where to stand or sit or move) and your props (which can get tricky depending on what they are) and your scene mates.

You’re reacting to the audience every moment.

One important thing I realized during rehearsals is that once I got the lines and blocking down, I’m not Rose walking onstage, but my character Dottie. Rose may have stage fright, but Dottie doesn’t.

But then again, when all works just

right, you and your cast and your audience are a team, and that feels pretty damn good. And the after parties can be pretty damn good, too.

See you at the theatre!

Good People is a 2011 play

by David Lindsay-Abaire. The world premiere was done by the Manhattan Theatre Club in New York City. It was nominated for two 2011 Tony Awards – Best Play and Best Leading Actress in a Play (Frances McDormand), with the latter winning.

Good People runs February 28 – March 14 at Cutting Edge Theater 767 Robert Blvd, Slidell, LA. Tickets can be purchased at: www.cuttingedgetheater.com

Bubbly on the Bayou “A Tip to the Derby”

For the Love of Rainbow Child Care Sponsorship opportunities available by calling 985-646-1603

Sunday, March 15, 2020 11am – 2pm

Patton’s Champagne Brunch Celebrity Bartenders Parish President Mike Cooper Mayor Greg Cromer Police Chief Randy Fandal Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann Sheriff Randy Smith

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Music by Bobby Ohler

Tickets: $65

$75 at the door Tickets available at:

www.eventbrite.com

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SLIDELL

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I have some major A.D.D. I always have. If you looked back at my report cards or behavior reports, you would see that I couldn't focus for the life of me. Still can't.

My teachers would try and teach me math, I would stare at the pretty bird in the sky.

They would tell me to write a report on the Civil War. I wrote about my fantasy character,

"CHORE CHART"

Gracie, who was a spy for the government, and always broke her leg for some reason. Then, the night before, I would lamely whip something up, adding a lot of adjectives that were "very, very, very, very" good to it.

They would tell me to read a book. I would read the same sentence twenty times, never really absorbing what it said.

Then I'd tell them where to put it.

Baby BoutiquĂŠ 2259 Carey St. Slidell La

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I wasn't a bad kid. I just acted out. I was frustrated. And I felt stupid because of something I couldn't control.

It sucks being born without that part of your brain that can pull away from the pretty bird, or the bug crawling on the floor, or the... wait, where was I? There are so many things, too many actually, that are more interesting to me, I guess.

Now add three kids into the mix.

Being an organized, consistent Mom is hard for me.

something growing out of my forehead. "I see," he replies with a grin.

Then there are chores. You know, the mundane tasks that have to be done, or the house will fall apart.

There is a huge laundry pile in the middle of the floor with one folded dish towel next to it...

Craft supplies all over the place, and the children that go along with them...

I. HATE. MUNDANE. TASKS. More than I hate Pokemon.

And that is A LOT. They seem so pointless to me, but they have to be done.

Well, it's not that easy.

I cannot complete a task, and it is in no way because I am lazy.

I just CANNOT do mundane tasks without total chaos taking place. I live with this everyday.

Constant work and no progress.

As I quickly run in the kitchen to get him water from the sink before he escapes, I see the dishes I never finished. Or never started, in this case.

Better finish those up!

Crap! I need a dish towel!

Here's an example of a day in my life, attempting to complete my daily chores:

As I dig into the huge pile of unfolded clothes that I haven't paid my niece to fold yet, I sit down and start to fold them myself.

Walk into the kitchen to get something to drink.

Then a neighborhood kid knocks on the door. Craft time!

Start putting dishes in the dishwasher, hear a noise outside.

As the kids do the craft project that I ordered online for the Sunday School class I teach, I remember that I never started my lesson for this week.

Go in the backyard to see what the noise is and remember I need to put chlorine in the pool.

Before I actually put chlorine in the pool, I clean out the skimmer.

In the skimmer is a dead, bloated frog.

Which makes me think of our pet albino corn snake, Albie, whom I forgot needs water to survive.

I frantically run back in the house, fearing he's joined the puffy frog at the reptile/amphibian rainbow bridge. (Yes, these two species share a heaven, I've decided.)

As I open the top to his cage, I see him move. THANK GOD!

So I get online to look up what I am going to teach.

Dishes still in the sink from the night before, or maybe even the night before that one, with the dishwasher wide open, showing that I apparently attempted it...

A green, non-chlorinated pool with the pungent smell of death coming from the skimmer that was never put back in the water...

A missing snake...

And the computer open to Facebook...

Guess I can't blame him for "the look."

Yes, this is sad. It is sad because it makes me completely crappy at my non-paying job. I wouldn't hire me.

Funny, I just realized the title for this is "chore chart."

See where that got me?

Pretty bird.

But the Facebook tab is up.

END OF STORY. My husband walks in the door at 5:30 and looks around the house in confusion. He simply cannot wrap his intelligent, focused, calm mind around what he sees.

"What?!" I say, looking around, frazzled. "I've had a busy freakin' day! Been getting things done around this house."

He looks at me as if I have 39

Hola!

Buen dia desde Cuba!

Story & Photos by Katie Case

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Cuba is exotic adventure.

Cuba is decadence and decay.

Cuba is a really dark roux cooked about 200 years longer than New Orleans.

It is a time capsule observed in cars and architecture. It had been a bucket list item for quite some time and was well worth the wait.

We disembarked and were slapped with the same humid glove that lives in the Crescent City. We spent a few days in Havana before taking a harrowing car ride to Viñales, where they grow all the tobacco for their famed cigars. Havana has its own version of Jackson Square, along with entertainers and tourist trap restaurants and shops. It also has potholes, good smells wrapped in putrid smells, with a top note of something unidentifiable. If you move further away from where the cruise ship docks, you will wander into the decadent decay.

Wifi is fairly new, so you’ll see a lot of bent necks on benches, much like in the US, with the surrounding buildings still grand and handsome.

The trip to Viñales was wild. We rode in a 1952 yellow station wagon driven

by Osle, who was accompanied by a nameless companion in the third row. It rained part of the way and the singular windshield wiper did its best to discard the raindrops. As we careened down the highway (with no discernable lanes), our driver plugged in his mp3 player (clearly a prized possession). He played the theme from Ghostbusters, Ace of Base, and then finally switched back to some incredible Cuban music. He U-turned in the middle of the highway because he saw a gal he knew. We asked the unnamed passenger in the third row, “Amiga o novia?” He made a kissy face and winked.

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Rounding curves, climbing up-up-up out the valley, each passing scene a gift, to be welcomed by a man explaining he would be our chef. Tomorrow at two we would meet a man in a white cowboy hat at the only gas station in town. He will lead us to our horses where we will ride until sundown through tobacco fields, then dinner with his family, dominoes and dancing.

Our B & B was next to a Botanical Garden. Outside, 70-year-old cars rumbled past, roosters crowed, horses clip-clopped, a random Cubano beat erupted from an open window, un gato, un perro, un caballo – all sounds represented.

Off again, we zoomed past horse drawn carriages, broken down Chevy's, people, banana groves, and then finally tobacco farms, skinny horses, wild hogs crossing the road, chickens, chicks and happy children. A perfect sunset on hibiscuscolored stucco and thatched roofs, the golden hour kissing every inch.

Traveling makes one feel small and large, connected and clueless. A surgeon in Cuba, a specialist, makes $55 a month. Patients bring him gifts (bags of rice, eggs, paintings), to fall in good favor, etc.

I imagine it is a hard life, but it is the only life they know.

Tuition discount for applications received before April 1st.

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Join us for an Open House on Wednesday, April 22nd from 11am to 2pm at the Slidell Regional Education Center 1050 Gause Blvd.

Sponsored By:

by Jeff Perret, DVM

HEARTWORMS

S

ummertime is just around the corner and, along with sunshine and temperatures that tickle triple digits, the summer months bring some specific problems for our pets: cases of heat stroke, flea infestations, and certain types of skin- and coat-related conditions all increase as the weather heats up. But I digress; I want to focus this month on what most veterinarians in these parts would probably agree is the single biggest health concern, in any season, for dogs: heartworms.

How do dogs contract heartworms?

Mosquitoes are necessary to carry heartworms from dog to dog, so more mosquitoes in the hot, humid summer months mean more potential for your dog to become infected. Baby worms in the blood stream of an infected dog can’t just grow into adults in the original host dog where they were born. They must be sucked up by a mosquito while it’s taking a blood meal, remain in the mosquito for about 2 weeks, then be injected back into a dog host. They then migrate through their new host’s

tissues, finding the blood stream and eventually the right side of the heart, and reaching adulthood 6 – 9 months later. Male and female adults in the heart then breed and produce new babies, completing the life cycle.

How do they make dogs sick? Adult worms inhabit the right side of the dog’s heart, and the large vessels leading to and from it, especially the arteries supplying the lungs. They can interfere with blood flow, cause blood clots to form, cause inflammation, bruising, and hemorrhage in the lung tissue around the

Dr. Jeff recommends using:

Four-LEAF CLOVERS. No fleas.

Lucky dog.

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arteries, and damage the lining of the heart and blood vessels where they live. The dog’s activity level is a major factor in determining how much damage occurs in the lungs. A canine couch potato with relatively few worms, say less than 15 – 20, may show practically no symptoms at all, while a hyperactive Black Lab, especially one with a heavy burden of 50 – 100 worms or more, is likely to get quite sick.

Pampered Pups & Cats

What are the signs? Most heartworm-infected dogs eventually show at least some symptoms. They can include a mild cough, lethargy, labored breathing, exercise intolerance, worsening cough (including coughing up blood), lack of appetite, weight loss, weakness, collapse and sudden death. Read that last word again. Death. Dogs die of heartworms all the time, especially if their cardiovascular systems are challenged or stressed. When sustained exercise causes the heart rate to go up, blood pressure in the lungs increases and disaster can follow quickly. Once a diagnosis of heartworms is made by your veterinarian, lifestyle changes must be implemented to minimize the chance of a life-threatening episode.

Now Open in Pearl River

Can anything be done? After all this talk of gloom and doom, here’s the good news. Heartworms can be treated. It’s potentially dangerous (though safer than it was 25 years ago) and can be fairly expensive, but modern medications, along with careful diagnostics and monitoring, give veterinarians a good chance to save most mild to moderate heartworm cases.

Severely affected dogs are more challenging. And here’s even better news: heartworms are pretty much 100% preventable. An affordable, monthly medication can kill heartworm larvae before they reach adulthood. Many types are available, and your veterinarian can recommend the best one for your dog. These preventatives are so reliable that most of the manufacturers offer a guarantee to treat your dog for free if he gets heartworms while on their product. The take-home message: GIVE YOUR DOGS HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE EVERY MONTH, ALL YEAR, FOR LIFE. Puppies can be started on heartworm preventative at 3 – 4 months old. Adult dogs should be tested before starting or resuming preventative. A simple blood test, usually run right in the vet’s office in 10 minutes, is all it takes.

Heartworm preventative for your dog is a no-brainer.

Every dog is at risk, even indoor, long-haired dogs. Here on the Gulf Coast, they all get bitten by mosquitoes eventually. Don’t get caught napping on this one. Mark your calendars and give the preventative religiously.

Your dog will thank you.

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OUT TAKES

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arch 116 - M

Slidell Magazine was EVERYWHERE this month!

Here are just a few of our adventures!

Slidell Magazine’s “Storyteller”, John Case , was thrilled to drive the Slidell Women’s Civic Club Silver Plume recipient, Betty Gomez, in the Krewe of Slidel lians parade. The Silver Plume is the highest hono r an SWCC sister can receive. Congratulations Betty!

Mayor Greg Cromer rode lead in every Slidell parade on his bike. It’s a great way to stay in touch with the community (and makes the beer at the end taste even better)!

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ty’s “Human Jukebox” Band PHE NOMENAL! Southern Universi Krewe of Poseidon parade. the marches down Gause Blvd. in or inexpensive to book this This is a BIG DEAL. It’s not easy Krewe of Poseidon for world-renowned band. THA NK YOU the next level! to s bringing Slidell Mardi Gra

Happy 50th Anniversary to the Krewe of Perseus! The ageless es Miss Rosemary Clement celebrat eus’ Pers as her golden anniversary very first Queen.

Slidell Magazine Editor, Get ready Slidell, here we come!

2020 St. Tammany Kendra Maness, joins her fellow in a celebration bers mem Chamber of Commerce board ne Slidell in April! the Chamber will open in Olde Tow

Police Chief Randy Fandal makes sure the mayor doesn’t get too much credit biking every parade. Chief WALKS the entire route, EVERY parade! It’s easy for this Appalachian Trail hiker!

Tireless volunteer, intelligent and driven community leader, loving wife, mother & frie nd, a true lady with tons of class...

We will miss our beautiful friend and former Parish President, Pat Brister.

Supercharger

21 Front Street

Bring the family!

Smokey D’s BBQ Rouge A Roux’s Soul Pie Fete au Fete Lillie Cajun Kitchen Semplice Pizza Smokin Buddha BBQ Snowballs by Val

Bring your chairs & spend the day!

100 Harbor Center Blvd, Slidell, LA 70461 For more information, contact us at 985-781-3650 or email hcmarketing@harborcenter.org

No outside food or beverage permitted.

Da Grill Master BBQ Old School Eats Silver Slipper Rue Chow Creole Tomateaux Frytastic Bayou Adventure Sweetwater Smokehouse Gotta Lovett Wings & Things

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