Slidell Magazine, July 2021 by Slidell Magazine

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SLIDELL

WE KEEP IT FRESH

SAY KEEP IT POSITIVE

Vol. 129 July 2021

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2/18/21

5:06 PM

It’s time to Celebraate Slidell! The City of Slidell’s cultural events are returning this summer!

L agn appe Slidell White Linen and l

M VIE NIGHTS

Action! Music! Comedy! Slidell Movie Nights has it all! Heritage Park • Free Admission Movies Start at 8:30 pm Bring your lawnchairs and blankets and join us on Saturday evenings this summer on MAY 29, JUNE 12 & 26 and JULY 10 & 24 at 8:30 pm. Admission is free. Concessions will be available for purchase. To see the list of movies, visit the City of Slidell’s website MYSLIDELL.COM or SLIDELL MOVIE NIGHTS on Facebook.

“Anticipation” by Keith Dellsperger, 2021 Poster Artist

Saturday, August 14, 2021 6-9pm ◆ Olde Towne Slidell MySlidell.com ◆ 985.646.4375

These events are made possible by the City of Slidell And the 2021/2022 Cultural Season Sponsors: Renaissance • $5,000 Sponsors:

Plus + Publications

Baroque • $2,500 Sponsors: Silver Slipper Casino • In Memory of Ronnie Kole Neoclassical • $1,000 Sponsors: Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert • Lori’s Art Depot Purple Armadillo Again • Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance

Impressionism • $500 Sponsors: Chateau Bleu • CiCi’s Pizza • Mayor Greg Cromer Flatliners Entertainment • Old School Eats Food Truck • Roberta’s Cleaners Slidell Historic Antique Association • Tanya Witchen - Engel & Völkers Real Estate

Editor’s Letter

I am absolutely living my best life. Last month, the Press Club of New Orleans had their annual meeting where they announced the finalists for the 2021 Excellence in Journalism awards. Slidell Magazine had 7 submissions for consideration. I was sure that we’d receive multiple nominations from our entries. The nomination party is always a great time - we catch up with our peers in the industry, meet some famous TV peeps, and make new friends. Free food and free alcohol at Superior Seafood on St. Charles - yep, wouldn’t miss it for anything!

I was one of two designated drivers, allowing for my staff to have as much fun as they wished. We had 9 of us in total: Me, writer Leslie Gates (“CrimiMommly Insane”) and husband Brian; writer & photographer Donna Bush and husband Eric; writer Charlotte Collins (“Extraordinary Slidell Neighbors”) and husband Tom; cover artist Keith Dellsperger; and our newest contibuting writer making his debut in this edition, 18-year-old phenom, Campbell Smith.

the gathering of news reporters, writers, and artists to begin his journalism career right there and then, shake hands and network. He rose to the occasion and, by the end of the evening, I daresay he was the most popular person in the room!

When the finalists were announced, we only garnered one nomination - John Case, “The Storyteller” for Best Column. We were all super proud of John; but, to be honest, the rest of us were a bit disappointed. But only briefly.

Charlotte & Tom were our first drop-off. Their neighbor? John Case. We all piled into John’s place to congratulate him. We found him sitting on his porch in silk pajamas, drink in hand, listening to Nina Simone and munching on smoked pork bellies. I swear it was a scene from a movie. The next hour was filled with amazing friendship, music, Bourbon and bayou air. What a night!

The six of us that could drink, did. It made for A LOT of giggles and funny banter. The designated drivers had a great time too, watching the antics unfold. And all of us collectively pushed Campbell into

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Case “The Storyteller” Charlotte Collins Extraordinary Slidell Neighbors Mike Rich Making Cents of Your Money Donna Bush Stories Through My Lens

My carload left well past 9:30pm. Campbell rode shotgun and DJ’d a hit list of Boston, The Crew Cuts, Jimmy Buffet and Zepplin. All of us sang at the top of our lungs across the bridges to our beloved Slidell.

COVER: ON MY HONOR

MAGAZINE STAFF Kendra Maness Editor / Publisher Editor@slidellmag.com

Kendra Maness Editor / Publisher

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artist: M. h. reed I really didn’t have time to write something up. I would like to have written something witty or clever but I just couldn’t think of anything to say. I could say something about this being the 8th piece of a 12-piece series. I could mention my schooling and other art works. Maybe I might have mentioned how Boys Scouts has been an awesome experience for my kids. Or I may have said something about patriotism, and how we could use a little more of it. And, of course, I would have to mention how you probably cannot buy my work; but if like my work, you can follow my work on Facebook or Twitter. Editor’s Note: Maybe I would mention that this is the SEVENTH cover from M.H. Reed and his art is brilliant :-) 5

Kathy Paul Gerken

A biography by Charlotte Collins

Having admired Kathy as a very unique and independent woman, I suspected there would be adventures in her life that would fascinate my readers. Little did I know that this would be a Cinderella story with many different chapters. The biggest difference is that the prince in her case would be a salty sailor man. Lest you think I am overstepping, everyone who knew her late-husband would definitely describe him that way, even Kathy herself! Instead of a rags to riches tale, this is more of a rooted to rambler transformation. We sat on her upstairs porch, overlooking Bayou Liberty, as I learned about her childhood. Kathy described a happy childhood, with one exception. Her father, Albert L. Paul, succumbed from melanoma cancer when she was only five years old. She admitted, “That really did affect me, not understanding death at that young age. I would not let my mother out of sight, clinging on to her. But I was lucky that I never had any other traumas.” After her dad’s death, Kathy grew up on Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans East, where she and her mom lived right behind her grandfather’s store. She described it fondly, “I had a humble childhood living in a cracker box house 6

behind Natal’s Grocery. They called my grandfather ‘Smiling Frank.’ He had a sign in front of his store that said, ‘Smiling Frank says, ‘If you can’t stop, smile as you go by.’ We were poor but I remember that time as being so happy. It was a kind of rough neighborhood, but I was protected and sheltered. I had the privilege of sneaking in the back door of the grocery store, and eating all of the pig’s feet and pickles I wanted from those large jars. Oyster shells and gravel covered the whole lot behind the store. I developed feet of leather after running on those shells barefoot every day. I learned to ride a bike on those shells and gravel also! I can’t count how many times I fell, and kept trying until I finally mastered it.” This tenacity would serve Kathy well many times in her life. Her summers were spent at the family fishing camp on the Rigolets, near Fort Pike. She beamed at the memory, “I had the best times out there, swimming and fishing, water skiing, and just passing a good time! We were there from the day school let out, until the day school was back in session. When we had to write what we did over summer, I was embarrassed to say I didn’t go away on vacation. We only stayed at the camp.

How could I have been so lucky and not know it?” When Kathy was 10 years old, her mom remarried and they moved to Gentilly, near UNO. Her realm expanded to a block full of kids her own age. As she described, “Our house was the hangout for all the kids in the neighborhood. That is, when we weren’t playing outside.” She thought this idyllic part of her life was great as well. Now, we start Chapter Three. Smiling dreamily, she thought back, “I was only16 when Bill came to NOLA, fresh out of the Navy, in 1964. They gave him one choice for a domicile where they would fly him free.” She laughed and said, “This Southern California guy knew no one here, except the one pal in the Navy who encouraged him to come here. He had just heard so much about the Big Easy from him, and Bill was ready for an adventure. He became a ‘born again Southerner’ as he called it! NOLA was his forever home.” Kathy’s blue eyes twinkled at the memory. We walked inside to get a glass of wine. I walked through the house and saw photographs, memorabilia, even love letters from her life with Bill. They were

literally everywhere. They both seemed so happy together that it was like I had stepped inside of a romantic novel. Kathy hasn’t lost her joy for life after losing the love of her life. Spiritually, she carries him with her wherever she goes. You will see what I mean. After a toast, she explained how she met Bill. “We met very soon after he came to town. He first got a job working at the warehouse of Woolworth’s. My girlfriend and I had Christmas jobs there while in high school. After work, we would go to the Mask Lounge attached to the bowling alley on Chef Highway with our fake IDs.” We laughed at those days, when the drinking age was 18 and things were much more lax. “There was live music most places. Bill was among many workers to attend after work. I remember one of my first impressions of him was how cute he was, with curly side burns and beautiful wavy hair. We started dating around Christmas of 1964. He was 23, and I was 16.” She paused, and I could tell she was gearing up for a good tale. She explained that Bill was always a rebel. “We went on a double date with his friend from the Navy and my girlfriend for the annual Christmas party at the Mask Lounge. Herb and Karen did not get along very well at all. Herb was the man with the wheels, and he took off, and left us stranded. We weren’t in a hurry, and continued partying. But it came around midnight, then one o’clock. And we couldn’t find a way to get home. There were no cabs to be found. No bus service was running. And remember, I was 16. By now, it was early Christmas morning. My friend and I were freezing, standing by a phone booth, making frantic calls trying to find a way home. Bill tells us to wait there and takes off.” The next thing Kathy knew, Bill drove up in an old beater car and told them to get in. Apparently, he had taken the first car he found with keys in the ignition. The next morning, he called the cops and told them there was a stolen car on the corner of such and

such streets. They asked how he knew, and Bill answered bluntly, “Because I stole it. Really though, I just borrowed it because I was in a desperate situation. Chivalry is not dead!” Once again, we laughed over how different the times were in 1964, when people left keys in their car and there was no such thing as caller ID. Kathy finished, “That was our first date. The rest is history.” Luckily, her mom, Audrey, loved Bill, and thought he was a great guy. Kathy introduced Bill to Mardi Gras and it became their favorite time of year. They were often stopped for photo shoots because of their zany costumes. They jumped out of planes, even started skydiving, and all around had lots of crazy times together. Through it all, Kathy’s mother trusted Bill and his love for Kathy. She gave the couple her interest in a tropical fish business when Kathy was only 18 years old. This begins Chapter Four. Kathy shrugged and laughed, “Why not? So, we got into the fish business, which was the number one hobby at that time, remember? Our store was very popular, but it meant very long hours. We would go to the airport to pick up exotic fish from Hong Kong in the middle of the night. It was a big learning curve, and we were flipping pages on the aquarium books constantly. But it was a pretty successful business, and we did that for eight years.” Now starts Chapter Five. After three years of dating, on November 18, 1967, Kathy and Bill were married. Six months later, Bill decided he loved sailing and wanted them to live on a sailboat. For Kathy’s part, she loved camping and fishing but she had never been on a sailboat. “Soon, we had a 25’ Cal Sloop and he was sailing it from then on. We lived on that boat with a bunk and a toilet for five years. That was a wonderful highlight of my life living on board at Orleans Marina, Pier Two. That was one party pier!” Her grin widened as she relayed, “There were a lot of liveaboards there, and we made a bunch of friends that would come together on

Saturday nights and cook steaks, play guitar, and later at night, put on party music.” It made for a wonderful sixth chapter for this young couple. This was when I got to hear the story behind Kathy’s pirogue that I fell in love with at the Bayou Liberty Pirogue Races. It turns out that Kathy’s mom, Mrs. Audrey, won the Ladies World Champion Pirogue Competition down in Lafitte and then in Slidell in the late 1950’s! She was the city slicker with a custom boat built by her cousin who beat all those Cajuns. I also learned that Kathy tried it when she was 16, but turned over at the start, and was left behind. She ended up second to last. She described, “I was paddling so hard and so fast, that the crowd was screaming and cheering for me!” There was some cash left over after the winners got their awards and they made sure Kathy received an award. Bill decided to enter the next year with a 26 foot long racing pirogue that was 16 inches wide. He had been a surfer in California, and took to it like a pro! He won the Yankees Race. Little did they know they would be living on Bayou Liberty as a married couple some day. Kathy continued to race in Slidell, and finally, her mom got tired of helping Kathy find a pirogue for her to borrow. At 80 years of age, Mrs. Audrey made her daughter a racer of her own. She had no blueprints or experience. She measured her daughter’s hips and legs, then commenced to building! Kathy won every race but one with that little boat. Progress forward in time, as the young couple was speaking with friends about a new enterprise of couples driving 18-wheelers cross country for a living. As you might imagine, Bill was intrigued, and Kathy agreed to it. “When I was 23, and Bill was 30, we decided to buy a big rig. We didn’t know what we were doing. We just closed up the fish store and decided to hit the road. The store had started to suffer as customers began to see ‘Gone Sailing’ signs up a little too often.” She waved her hand emphatically, signaling the beginning of Chapter Seven. 7

She described their 18-wheeler days as more great adventures, seeing the country by truck, then coming home and sailing. In 1971, they progressed from the Cal Sloop to a Privateer 35’ Ketch sailboat. They named it Zia, from the Zia Pueblo Indians, meaning “sun dwellers.” With their rig, they saw 48 states. But, all good things have their ups and downs. One day, they got in an accident in the truck. The repairs would take two months. Bill decided that they had the time, and had the boat, for even greater adventures.

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The couple set sail for Key West. Neither one knew how to navigate. Bill learned to use a sexton, and figured how hard could it be? Kathy laughed, “We saw an island, and a clipper came by, and Bill yells at them, ‘Where are we?’ They yelled back that we were due West of Sanibel.” The navigational error turned out to be a wonderful stop. They eventually found their way to Key West and had a great time. Then, they sailed a whole summer to Cozumel, Isla Mujares, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, San Andreas, and La Providencia, Honduras. On the way home, a tropical storm developed right over them in the Gulf. This was going to be a real test of Zia’s seaworthiness and Bill’s captain skills. It was three days of blinding rain and gale force winds. They had no electronics, and the sexton wouldn’t work with no sun or stars. Finally, they saw a huge silhouette of a freighter that was flashing Morse Code at them. Not knowing how to read code, Kathy thought, “Oh, please rescue us, save me!” Bill’s response, “I wonder if they need help?” She laughed and explained while shaking her head, “Only Bill!” Luckily, Kathy’s mama still loved Bill after that incident. “My mother just loved him from the beginning. She thought he was just so smart and so funny. To Bill, everything was a joke and, if not, he would try to figure out how to turn it into a joke just to make me laugh. And he was also so intelligent. I would just sit there and look at him and listen to his stories. And whatever he did, I followed.” Their truck did get repaired, and they owned another two trucks through 15 years of this career. “We were living in a truck that was even smaller than the sailboat. Once in a while, we rented a hotel while we were on the road, but mostly we were just swapping out driving time while the other one was sleeping in the back. At some point, we decided to buy a house on the water so we would have a place to keep our sailboat, Zia.” In Chapter Eight, this is how they wound up here on Bayou Liberty. “I wasn’t that impressed with the house. But, my mother and Bill talked me into it saying, ‘It’s a million dollar view!’ So I shrugged and said all right, and now I’m so happy! We tore that old house down and started from scratch. We built a tree house overlooking the banks of Bayou Liberty!” She paused and appreciated the scenery a minute longer.

They found their paradise at the right time, because the years of heavy lifting were taking their toll on Bill. They had to give up trucking because Bill was in such pain with a bad back. As Kathy asserted, “The doctor said if he didn’t quit, he was likely going to be paralyzed.” It introduces us to Chapter 9. The couple started a car and truck rental business in Slidell. Bill’s nephews owned a mini-storage facility, so they operated from there. She referred to the businesses as a perfect marriage. Then, after Hurricane Katrina, Bill decided to retire. “Bill took an unexpected turn and became very domesticated. He was so sweet. He would bring me coffee in bed each morning, and have my hot meal ready for me every night at 5:30, when I knocked off at the mini storage. I was still a ‘young thing’ and continued to work.”

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They still liked to travel together, and explored much of the U.S. In addition to their sailing adventures, Kathy persuaded Bill to travel overseas on a visit to Europe. Bill was hooked on the ancient history from then on. “When we first saw the Parthenon, we were in awe realizing that Greece was the cradle of civilization over 2,500 years ago. Everything was dated B.C., and Bill was a history buff, and had such recall that it was like I had my own personal professor on the trip. He planned a European trip every year after that!” She described some of her memories from that excursion. “I was so impressed in Pompeii with the stone streets worn down by the carriages, and crosswalks with stepping stones for pedestrians to cross over the carriage ruts. And then their water and underground irrigation systems with constant flushing water flowing under marble toilets that they invented thousands of years ago were amazing! It was so sophisticated for its time.” She paused and reflected with a laugh, “You know, we used to be impressed at finding things over 200 years old here in the U.S. After that trip, Bill would make a crack while visiting places in America, ‘Oh, that’s so A.D.’”

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Bill’s nephew, Matt, and wife Donna took delivery of their 45’ Benetau catamaran from a factory in France.While in Greece, they offered Bill and Kathy an opportunity to meet them and island hop the Greek Islands for a month in the Fall of 2006, when Bill was 65. Kathy exclaimed almost breathlessly, “What a highlight of our lives! Bill got his big adventure thanks to his nephew.” Matt then wintered in Marmaras, Turkey, and invited his uncle. The next spring, Bill and Kathy met them and continued to sail the Greek Islands full circle back to Athens. This time, they anchored right below the Poseidon temple. Kathy elaborated, “This temple was for ‘The God of the Sea”, and we hiked up to it before sunset. It was awesome! There were no other tourists, and we could look down at the sailboat, imagining the ancient sailors that came before us!” 9

Let the adventures begin! 1.) Bill skydiving, 1967. 2.) Bill & Kathy at their November 1967 wedding. 3.) Bill & Kathy during Mardi Gras, a favorite time of year for both of them. 4.) Kathy with looooooong hair enjoying Jazz Fest.

Kathy summed up 50 years of their life, “He was the adventure man, the swashbuckler of my life. He took my hand and I willingly followed him wherever he wanted to go. I can’t believe how much fun we had over the years! He had such a way with words. One of my favorite sayings of his was, ‘Your command is my wish.’ He really knew how to say the right things, with a twist of humor. He loved that I was always quick to laugh at his silly jokes. In public, he was such a rebel. He loved to rile people. I would have to warn new people about him and tell them not to be shocked by what he says. But most ‘bad boys’ don’t have the devotion Bill had. He really had the most amazing capacity to love me, and not be afraid to let the world know. We had such a wonderful life together. When things would go

wrong, I would tell him to ‘count your blessings.’ He would always look me in the eye, point at me, and say, ‘ONE!’ He said it all the time. Over the years, people would ask me how I ended up with a man like Bill. I always answered, ‘It’s luck. Just luck.’ You don’t know what you’re getting into when you get married. At 16 years old, I had not a clue about life. Then, at 19, when we got married, I still didn’t know what the hell I was doing. But he’s the one who kept it going. He was the strong man who kept it all together.” Personally, I think Kathy’s tenacity had a lot to do with it. After a smile, and a sniffle or two, Kathy described the final days of Bill’s life. He “flew away,” just as he wished, at home with his true love by his side, on Bayou Liberty.

Bill wished to have his ashes spread on the banks of the Mississippi River on Mardi Gras day. This is the tradition of the St. Anne Society, to spread the ashes of their lost members each year along the steps of the river. “We both loved that idea. As promised, I reluctantly carried his ashes early Mardi Gras morning (2019). I was apprehensive and melancholy as I walked to the French Quarter. As soon as I hit Frenchman Street, a wedding party was going on with toasting and laughter over loud speakers. My mood changed. I felt happy and my spirit was lifted. I knew I was ready for this now. I wore Bill’s Mardi Gras jacket and carried his ashes throughout the French Quarter and Jackson Square. It turned out to be a great day. I arranged

1.) Kathy’s mother, Mrs. Audrey, was a huge part of Kathy & Bill’s relationship. Here, Bill & Mrs. Audrey enjoy Jazz Fest, 1982. 2.) Mrs. Audrey in 1955, winning the National Championship Pirogue Races. 3.) The handmade pirogue that Mrs. Audrey, at 80 years young, made for Kathy, garnered lots of media attention. 4.) Kathy, in 2014, with her trophy for winning the Pirogue Races in Slidell. 10

1.) Bill navigates the waters during a storm on their beloved sailboat, Zia. 2.) Bill & Kathy living the sailing life at Orleans Marina. 3.) Kathy poses with their new 1984 Peterbilt 18-wheeler. 4.) Bill & Kathy, working and living on the road, with their 1984 rig.

to meet my cousins in the afternoon at Jax Brewery before we were to go to the steps on the Mississippi. We lingered there bantering with other revelers, and laughing. All the while I was thinking we would soon have to go down and spread Bill’s ashes. The time came. As we were approaching the river steps from one side, along came the St. Anne Society from the other direction. They were coming to do their ritual also. It was perfect timing. The band was playing the funeral song, ‘I’ll Fly Away’ and ‘Down by the Riverside.’ It was bitter sweet, but a great sendoff for my ‘seafaring rat.’ He flowed downriver and out to the ocean where he would be free.” It was a great ending of a great chapter.

Kathy did her best to continue life, even working full time until the pandemic hit. She said, “After COVID, I just kind of shut down and didn’t work for several months. It was like I could finally let go. Now I only work one day a week. I’m really happy here at home. Bill left me in a good place. I’ve got his photos everywhere, his love letters, and his cards surrounding me. I mean, I’m just a happy person by nature. Bill always said I should put on my tombstone, ‘She would continue to have fun in a shit fight without a shield.’ She tilted her head back and laughed. Kathy’s new life still involves tons of travel. She just returned from Cancun, has a trip to New York planned in September for the reopening of Broadway, and will

visit new places like Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland on a cruise next Spring. “My goal is just to continue to be happy. I have my health, a roof over my head, and a great house full of memories. It’s a real luxury to be partly retired. I’ve worked so hard ever since I was 15. I’m probably never going to want to fully retire.” As I left, we made plans to start paddling together, hopefully to be in the “old lady division” in the Pirogue Races, if they take place this year. It is the last pirogue race of its kind. I also vowed to myself to be more carefree, and to enjoy wherever life takes me. As they say, “time flies”, and then we all find ourselves writing our next chapter.

1.) Kathy & Bill enjoy Bora Bora. 2.) Kathy & Bill at the Almafi coast in Italy. 3.) Kathy & Bill on the fascinating streets of Pompei. 4.) Kathy enjoys her travels and adventures in the next chapter of her life. 11

AUGUST

6 - 21

30 - 31

FRI & SAT 8PM

JULY 9 - 24

JULY

A NIGHT OF LEGENDS

FINDLEY WATKINS

SEPT

OCT

8 - 16

OCTOBER

22 - 30

OCTOBER

We are so very happy that local theater and the arts are making a comeback in slidell! Thank you for your support!

H.E.R.P. Exotic Reptile & Pet Show • 10 AM - 5 PM

Slidell Gun & Knife Show 9 AM - 4 PM

MONDAY

RIBBON CUTTING Justin Clemmons State Farm Mandeville > 11:30 AM

RIBBON CUTTING Chicken Salad Chick Slidell > 9:30 AM

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Food for Seniors - Distribution Day Good Samaritan Ministry • 1-3 PM

Lobby Lounge Series Danika & The Jeb • 7 PM

GROUND BREAKING OnPath Federal Credit Union Mandeville > 11:30 AM Northshore Young Professionals Economic Development Series NS Tech Comm College > Noon

JULY

THURSDAY

BINGO! Every Tues & Thurs • 3 PM Slidell Lions Club • 356 Cleveland Ave.

State of the Cities Breakfast Beau Chene Country Club 7:30 - 9:00 AM RIBBON CUTTING Lit PIZZA Covington > 11:30 AM

B2B Networking Slidell Chamber 8:30 - 9:30 AM

Lobby Lounge Series Hannah Belle • 7 - 9 PM

(canopy/ice chest/four chairs)

2220 Carey St., Slidell 610 Hollycrest Blvd., Covington 985-892-3216 | StTammanyChamber.org

Tailgate Package

• 3RD PRIZE:

LSU Tiger Stadium Lighted End Table

• 2ND PRIZE:

(2) 2021 Saints Season Tickets (Plaza Level)

• GRAND PRIZE:

6 - 9 PM

Slidell Heritage Festival Heritage Park

SATURDAY

Olde Towne Slidell Art Market Green Oaks Apothecary • 4 - 8:30 PM Camellia City Farmer’s Market Every Saturday 8 AM - Noon Slidell Movie Night Heritage Park • 8:30 PM 10

H.E.R.P. Exotic Reptile & Pet Show • 10 AM - 5 PM

Slidell Movie Night Heritage Park • 8:30 PM

Free NOLA Fundraiser Love & Roses • 6 - 11 PM

Friends of Slidell Police Foundation Blue Line Bash Slidell Auditorium • 7:30 PM

Findley Watkins: Night of Rockabilly • Cutting Edge Theater • 8 PM

Krewe of Dionysus • DADDY DAY CARE FESTIVAL • Lakeshore Marina Sweet Potato Queens • Cutting Edge Theater • 8 PM

Sweet Potato Queens • Cutting Edge Theater • 8 PM

Camellia City Farmer’s Market Every Saturday 8 AM - Noon Slidell Gun & Knife Show 9 AM - 4 PM

Sweet Potato Queens • Cutting Edge Theater • 8 PM

Keep Slidell Beautiful Christmas in July Fundraiser Slidell Auditorium • 7 - 11 PM

Early Bird Drawing for Fan Up Raffle Ticket • STP Chamber Facebook Live • Noon

SUPERSTARS (YATS Performance) • Slidell Little Theatre • 7 PM

Early Bird Drawing for Fan Up Raffle Ticket • STP Chamber Facebook Live • Noon

FRIDAY

State of our Children Breakfast 917 S. Jahnke St. Covington > 7 - 9 AM RIBBON CUTTING Fleur De Lis Law & Title Co. Covington > 11:30 AM

Purchase tickets at StTammanyChamber.org/fanup or call 985-892-3216.

• Early bird drawing (July 2): (2) preseason Saints tickets for the Aug. 23 game. • Early bird drawing (July 23): (2) preseason Saints tickets for the Aug. 28 game. • Each raffle ticket admits (1) to the St. Tammany Chamber’s Fan-Up Pep Rally, at The Harbor Center on August 26. Drawings during the rally. (Kids 12 & under admitted free.)

6 Reasons to Buy a $30 Raffle Ticket!

Northshore Young Professionals Economic Development Series Slidell Chamber > Noon

RIBBON CUTTING Sundrop Healing & Thermography Covington > 11:30 AM

“THE LIGHT” OTAC Annual Summer Show • Slidell City Hall Gallery By Appointment Only • Wednesdays - Fridays / 10 AM - 2 PM • Show runs June 2 - July 9

FREE GREENWOOD CEMETERY TOURS by “The Storyteller” JOHN CASE TUESDAYS - THURDAYS • NOON - 1 PM • By Appointment • 985-707-8727

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL • FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF SLIDELL • AGES 3 - 6 YEARS • 5:30 - 8:30 PM EACH NIGHT

Olde Towne 4th of July Fireworks & Summer Concert • Noon

JUNE

SUNDAY

J U L Y

2 0 2 1

The

Storyteller FASTER AIRPLANES, YOUNGER WOMEN AND BIGGER CROCODILES EDITOR’S NOTE: The following story is a reprint from Slidell Magazine’s April 2012 edition. I recently saw a lot of chatter about Arthur Jones on the Facebook group, Slidell, Louisiana History, Photos, Stories, Legends and Tall Tales. If you’re not already a member of this group page, I highly recommend you join. It’s filled with tons of cool, historical Slidell tid-bits. Slidell has been touched by many famous (or infamous) people. After reading this, I think you’ll agree with me that Arthur Jones was one of our most colorful characters. Enjoy!

hen I was young, my dad, like all dads, dreamed. He dreamed of ways to get rich, or at least make a better living for his family. Somehow, he found out that someone

on the Mississippi Gulf Coast had a turnover pie machine for sale and I suppose he imagined he would be the next Hubigs Pie Company. It was the late 1950s and he asked me to ride to the coast with him to see, and I suppose purchase, the machine. I was just a kid and, being from central Mississippi, I had never been to the coast; so I was naturally excited about the trip. As it turned out, the person with the pie maker had sold it; but he told my dad that there was one just like it for sale in New Orleans. Dad decided that we would go to New Orleans and look at that one. In those days, the route to New Orleans from the Gulf Coast was U.S.Highway 90. There were no interstates and Highway 90 passed by a restaurant named the White Kitchen just east of Slidell. It looked like a promising place for coffee and pie, so we stopped.

I noticed that just next door to the restaurant was a silhouette sign of a tiger beside the road. Attached to it was a sign that indicated the existence of a small zoo. Of course, this interested me more than the pie and the teaspoon of coffee Dad would add to my milk. Dad gave me 50 cents and I went to the zoo. Even for a kid, there was not much there of interest; and, due to the fact that I recall little about it, I must have not been impressed. I do, however, remember the gruff, energetic man that ran it. This was the first and only time I ever saw Arthur Jones in person. The name of this little zoo was Reptile Jungle and I do remember a number of snakes and alligators. I do not remember seeing a tiger.

Arthur Jones was born in Arkansas in 1926 but the family soon moved to Seminole, Oklahoma. His parents were both medical doctors; but, by all accounts, Arthur walked to the beat of a different drummer. He dropped out of school in the ninth grade and was not known in the community as its most outstanding young citizen. Arthur Jones was an adventurer, animal enthusiast, airplane aficionado and mercenary. He must have also liked women, as he was married and divorced six times. The ages of his wives ranged from 16-20 when he married them. His fifth wife was the beautiful Terri that he married when she was 17 and he 55. From the humble beginnings of the Reptile Jungle, Arthur, with his love for planes, started flying to South America, and sometimes Africa, to catch wild animals. On many occasions, these ventures were illegal on all three continents. He often flew back home to Slidell and landed his Mitchell B-25 WWII airplane on U.S.Highway 90 between the Pearl River Bridge and the White Kitchen. He would then taxi his plane to the Reptile Jungle. If his cargo was legal, he would notify the authorities and they would block the road while he landed. If his cargo was illegal, he would land late at night when there was no traffic. I can’t explain how he managed these landings, no runway

lights etc., but he was once arrested late at night having landed with several illegal South American monkeys. Being an adventurer, he started filming his safaris. He produced a weekly television program called Wild Cargo. It was sponsored in part by Bill Garrett Chevrolet of Slidell. Good thing for Arthur that there was no OSHA around in those days, because several of these episodes depict his crew being in real danger. Once, one of the crew members was attacked by a wild hog. Rather than rescue him, Arthur gave orders to keep filming the attack. With Arthur’s love for airplanes, he occasionally served as a mercenary. He said, “I have killed 630 men and 63 elephants and I regret killing the elephants more.” Arthur also said that he did not care about the cause for which he was fighting; he just liked the flying and the killing. Later, he said that he had adopted a Teddy Roosevelt attitude: “Sneak around softly and carry a Thompson submachine gun.” I was told by the late-attorney Bob Thorne that, during the early part of the space race, NASA needed a small amount of a metal that only came from a country that was not in a diplomatic relationship with the U.S. We did have relations with Brazil, however, and Brazil could acquire this on our behalf. 15

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For some reason, the transaction had to be sort of a black market occurrence. Bob and Arthur headed to Brazil in Arthur’s Mitchell B-25 with their luggage stored in the area designed for the bombs. Somewhere over Mexico, they decided to have some fun with a small Mexican village consisting of not much more than grass huts. Arthur lowered the nose of the B-25 to buzz the village and simulate a bombing run. In his excitement, he pulled the wrong lever and actually released their luggage on the huts below. No one knows if anyone was injured, but some damage to the crude dwellings was visible. When they arrived in Brazil, they had no passports or credentials, as they had been lost with the luggage. The two men were taken into custody by the local authorities and remained there until rescued by the American Embassy. In February of 1963, Arthur loaded his plane with four alligators and crates of poisonous snakes to be sent to an animal show in Cincinnati. Arthur was not known to keep his planes in the best condition and, on this occasion, he was not flying it. As they approached Lunken Airport, the pilot radioed an emergency. He had no landing gear, one dead engine, and the other engine was sputtering. By radio, emergency personnel asked the pilot what was his passenger count and what was the nature of the cargo. He informed them that his copilot had just bailed out and his cargo was poisonous snakes and alligators. Rescue was not prepared for this and I am sure were perplexed by this information. There was a crash landing but no serious injury to either pilot. No snakes or alligators were released on the citizens of Ohio.

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It was the late 1960s and, while living on Fremaux Avenue in Slidell, he developed a body building machine in his garage. He promoted it and sold several prototypes. He eventually named the machine The Nautilus and it became the most famous machine of its type in the world. Soon, Arthur was rich. At one time, Forbes Magazine listed him as one of the 400 richest men in the world. He went on to invent other exercise equipment for people with back pain. This, too, was a success. With his money, he began to purchase land around Ocala, Florida and built a game reserve there of about 750 acres.

30 Years of Experience • 5 Year Warranty • Insured At one time, he had 98 elephants and 4000 reptile species. His menagerie also included 3 white rhinos and a 340 pound Gorilla named Mickey. He also bought larger and faster planes and, at one time, owned three Boeing 707s, one Citation 2, a Beech Baron 589 and a Cessna 180. He later acquired a Boeing 747 on which he brought 60+ baby elephants from Africa to Florida. One of his airplanes had the tail number N666AJ. Arthur liked to comment that the 666 was the sign of the devil.

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Later, he eliminated much of the game reserve, but built a subdivision with a runway that could land any aircraft that was in production at that time. A homeowner could land his plane and taxi to his home. The subdivision is called Jumbolair and, today, John Travolta is one of its residents. Arthur Jones appeared on the Johnny Carson Show, 20/20, and Life Styles of the Rich and Famous several times and passed away in 2007.

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His motto was Faster Airplanes, Younger Women and Bigger Crocodiles. If you Google Arthur Jones Wild Cargo, you can view several of the Wild Cargo television shows that were found in Arthur’s safe after his death. He had remastered them in his own production studio and the quality is better than the original. Postscript: No, my dad never opened a pie business.

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Read Mike’s past articles online  by: Mike Rich, CFP® | Pontchartrain Investment Management

Live for the present? Not when it comes to your money. I just love Posey Jane, my little five-year-old granddaughter. She’s the spitting image of my son, Michael, and is full of life. In May, she finished up two years of pre-school. Next month, she’ll set off on her kindergarten adventure. How time flies. Posey lives just about every minute in the present, without a care for what might come tomorrow. And, why not? She has two adoring parents, a cute little brother, four doting grandparents, a large extended family, and a safety net that’s made from steel mesh. She can afford to

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be care-free; and, even though she has a little piggy bank, she doesn’t have to think a lot about money. Lucky Posey. For the rest of us, however, living for the present is usually not a good strategy when it comes to money. Much of my job is to help my clients prepare for the future. We have to take care of present needs, of course, but the future has a sneaky way of catching up to us. I can’t make any guarantees, of course, and my clients have to commit to doing some work. However, I’m confident that, if people work with me and do things to get their money

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3. It would be nice to receive a check in the mail every month while you are retired. Most working people no longer have the benefit of an employer pension. If that’s you, you should consider setting up a retirement income plan for yourself. Social Security works great, but you might need something more. If you agree, or aren’t sure, call me, and we’ll talk about a few strategies for getting this done. Posey Jane can afford to not think about money. She has more important things to do right now. However, whatever your dreams are, they are likely to require some money, so make sure you are prepared. Call me today and schedule your appointment for a free consultation. 985-605-5064 Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. 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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Waystation by Campbell F. Smith

In early February of 2019, concealed in that mighty river of traffic which flows over Slidell and into New Orleans, were two predators, an underage sex worker, and a Mandeville runaway. Over the next several days, before police could recover the missing sixteen-year-old from an upscale downtown hotel, she would be raped an unknown number of times by an unknown number of men. These two predators, who promised to rescue her from the endless uncertainty of homelessness, drugged her into a haze, beat her into a state of half consciousness, and pimped her out. These men, long time Slidell residents, would be arrested in St. Tammany Parish the day after she was found. The Johns, the men they allowed to use her, exist only in her memory as faceless tormentors who are far more likely to brutalize another child before they see a courtroom. If they ever do see a courtroom, it will not be for the crimes they committed against her or the seventeen-year-old prostitute who helped recruit her.

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Sex trafficking is a crime which occurs every day in America. The U.S. has been determined by the U.N. as the most common destination for victims. It is a crime which police respond to, which justice avenges, but only communities can prevent. Diane Amos is a sex abuse survivor and champion in the ongoing war on sex trafficking. She had this to say about her charity’s mission, “I will go anywhere and talk to anybody. We cannot allow this to go on in our society, and I won’t stop until we make a real difference here.” Free Nola was founded in 2013. This non-profit works to inform communities about the signs someone may be being abused or trafficked. Her literature can be found everywhere, from charter schools to motel housekeeping carts. This system is designed to enable a community through education to prevent crimes before they occur. Diane Amos and her band of volunteers are weaving local communities like Slidell into a net: each knot is a waitress, a teacher, a hospital worker... waiting to catch someone slipping through the cracks. New Orleans is one of those giant cracks with a reputation for wild nights and easy access to international flights, global shipping lanes, and the country spanning I-10. A few hours after crossing the Twinspans, a victim can disappear completely. The bridge serves as a gate which these criminals pass through, either on their way to New Orleans or on the way out. Slidell sits in the shadow of that gate. The gas stations, motels, and restaurants of Gause Blvd. might be a final stop for unwilling travelers like that young girl. It may be a last chance for someone to see something or say something before these victims disappear - if only they knew what to look for. Diane Amos envisions a Slidell, and a greater New Orleans area, filled with people who know exactly what to look for and are ready to make the call that saves someone from a terrible fate. Free Nola is fighting against sex trafficking in many ways, including distributing indicator cards in motels and hotels along the I-10 corridor. These cards are made of durable plastic and printed in Spanish on the backside. Free Nola understands from experience that the motel staff who handle these cards may not speak perfect English. Some of the signs listed on the cards to look for are: juveniles left in the room for long periods of time, extended stay with few or no personal possessions, adults standing in the hallway or appearing to be monitoring the room, etc. Coded soap bars are another item Free Nola volunteers dispense in motel bathrooms. These sealed bars are designed to reach victims individually. On the underside of the plastic is a sticker with the hotline

THESE ARE THE FACTS...

$ $

$150 BILLION in profits generated through human trafficking globally each year1

199,000

incidents of sexual exploitation of minors in the U.S. each year2

12 - 14

Years Old

is the average age a girl is first trafficked for sex in America. For boys, it is 11 - 13 years old.3

Human trafficking is the

second largest criminal enterprise in the world and is the

fastest growing4

References: 1. U.S. Dept. of State, http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/226850.pdf 2. (Estes & Weiner, 2001). http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/07/humantrafficking/litrev/ 3. U.S. Dept. of Justice, https://goo.gl/GqVqoZ 4. Dept. of Health & Human Services, https://www.hsdl.org?abstract&did=23329

numbers for sex trafficking and a simple message directed at juveniles, “Are you being forced or threatened? There is hope.” The bars are intended to reach victims during the one time they are alone, when they grab the soap to open it that short message may compel someone who is afraid to reach out and get help. Free Nola is also working to reach the men and women wrapped up in sex work. There is a stigma surrounding sex workers; many believe that they choose the path they are on and are

Human Trafficking and the Super Bowl

133

arrests resulting from a 12 day undercover Texas trafficking task force through Super Bowl Sunday in 2011¹ Sources: 1. Office of the Attorney General of Texas 2. Florida Strategic Plan on Human Trafficking, Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights 3. The Center for Missing and Exploited Children

6 children recovered over the 2010 Super Bowl weekend in Miami2

100,000

approximate number of American children who are the victims of commercial sexual trafficking and prostitution each year3

therefore unworthy of help. The truth is sex work collects the traumatized and the impoverished. Women working in the sex trade are often victims of abuse themselves, or struggling to raise a child with an absentee father. Diane strives to reach those men and women, speaking about her own experiences with abuse and trying to provide them with a way out that has no judgement, only acceptance. She and her affectionately named “prayer warriors” perform community outreach by visiting massage parlors and strip clubs to give out Free Nola contact cards paired with tokens of love. These tokens can be long-stemmed roses, homemade cookies, expensive chocolates, tampons, sanitizer, and other personal care items. She and her volunteers do everything they can to make sure the men and women working know they are there for them, waiting for that call for help which may come years later. Free Nola’s work can often be frustrating. Many sex workers and pimps respond to their attempts at outreach with negativity or hostility. Diane finds resolve in prayer, “God put in my heart that it was my duty to plant seeds. I’m meant to be a planter, not a harvester. When I plant those seeds of love my heart feels full.” Diane has been working in charity for as long as she has lived in the area. Before founding Free Nola, she worked as executive director of the New Orleans Dream Center. The Dream Center is an enormous non-profit which has many different programs ranging from free medical services to Thanksgiving meals. She received a humanitarian award in 2010 for her impactful work there. Things changed in 2013 when the Superbowl came to New Orleans. Fans flooded hotels and clubs, and the demand for sex work exploded. With so many people coming in and out of the city, and with demand

Diane has met with the Slidell chief of police and has plans to arm our local law enforcement with her monthly missing children pamphlets. To become more informed about the sex trafficking crisis, Diane recommends the book, Voices Against Sex Slavery. This collection contains the stories of many survivors, including her own. To have Diane visit with your employees, fellow church goers , or students, presentation booking information can be found on FreeNola. org. To join the fight alongside her in prayer or in person, visit FreeNola.org or the Free Nola Facebook page. You can meet Diane and donate to Free Nola by purchasing tickets to the upcoming Love & Roses Gala which will be held in the Harbor Center on July 30th. The event will have live and silent auctions, food, and libations. so high, the rate of trafficking also increased. The Dream Center worked with several other charities to combat that increased rate, and Diane became invested. Her exposure to the ongoing fight as well as her personal experience with sex abuse inspired her to begin work on founding Free Nola. Diane has overcome numerous challenges in her efforts, from being thrown out of clubs to keeping her office address unlisted to prevent unwelcome visits from angry pimps. Some of the people and organizations Diane would like to speak to the most are hesitant to book presentations because they believe that sex trafficking is too sensitive of a topic for a workplace or school. It isn’t until someone they know and love is hurt that those organizations realize how critical Free Nola’s work is.

Even now that river flows, with hundreds of cars rolling past the four Slidell exits. Some of those cars contain young women, missing children, and terrified teens. Some of those cars will stop here, pulling off onto Oak Harbor, Old Spanish Trail, Fremaux, or Gause. Hopefully, when they do, someone in the community will use the training Free Nola provided them to intervene before tragedy can strike.

Free Nola faces a new set of challenges now, including decreased funding from the COVID-19 lull. This has resulted in Free Nola closing its safehouse for women transitioning out of sex work. Many of the women her outreach has helped were forced to go underground during the nationwide shutdown. They haven’t resurfaced since. Diane is determined to carry on her mission, the core objective of which is education. Recently, Free Nola expanded into Slidell.

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New Heights

Therapeutic Riding Center

A Continuing Coverage Series • Story & Photos by Donna Bush “Experience your healing through the power of the horse.” Welcome to the first in our new continuing coverage series about local non-profit organizations. My goal is to share some of the more unique, unknown non-profits. This month, we start with New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center. The organization was founded in 1998 by an occupational therapist and horse owner who had a vision of treating clients in her own backyard. As you might guess from the name, this nonprofit involves horses but not rescuing horses. Instead, the horses rescue people by providing a therapeutic respite. In 2004, they moved to their current location on eight rolling, green acres adjacent to the Summergrove Polo Farm in beautiful Folsom. In addition to their fully handicap accessible facility, they have a 16-stall barn, a covered arena with wheelchair ramp and a 24

wheelchair lift to assist anyone in need to mount their horse. They also have access to another 22 acres of riding trails nearby. There is ample covered outdoor seating for family members or friends to observe the class, as well as an enclosed family room with observation windows. All New Heights instructors are Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors through PATH International (Professional Assoc. of Therapeutic Horsemanship). This certification involves a comprehensive training program specialized in working with people with disabilities, equestrian handling and management, and instructing riding and horsemanship skills. Program Director and PATH Certified Instructor, Vicki Eiland, welcomed me to join three of her classes. Both group and private lessons are offered. Instructors are assisted by a wonderful group of volunteers who give freely of their time to groom and tack horses, and assist with the riders by leading

What is PATH? PATH Intl. was founded in 1969 “to promote equine-assisted services for individuals with special needs.” It is the credentialing organization for accrediting centers and certifying instructors and equine specialists. The nearly 8,000 members around the globe help approximately 69,000 children and adults, including over 6,700 veterans and active-duty military personnel, with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges find strength and independence through the power of the horse each year.

The other two lessons I attended were both private sessions. The first was with an eight-year-old girl who had cerebral palsy.

their horses in the rink or on a trail. The volunteers were enthusiastic and exhibited an immense love and joy for helping others. All of them, along with the instructors, smiled as they greeted each student by name, often times with hugs. I visited during a group session of three adult students in their 20’s who have been riding together for a number of years. It was easy to see their comradery with each other and even some easy-going rivalry during the “games” in the lesson. The lesson started with each student mounting their horse and being led around the arena by a volunteer. I could hear the chatting between the volunteer and their rider, obvious that they had a bond with each other. A gentle warmup was next with students stretching their arms overhead, out to the side, arm circles, and sliding their hands on the horse’s neck toward the head, and counting, working on cognitive skills, motor skills, core strength and balance. From here the class moved

to some “games” which also worked on motor skills by dipping a ball from one bucket, balancing it on a spoon and riding over to drop it in a different bucket. Students were allowed to vote on the next activity, which was a choice between riding on the sensory trail or dice. With an odd number of students, sensory trail was announced the winner. This involved riding outside along a short nature trail. After returning to the arena, there was enough time to have a short game of throwing dice. Not what you might think, these were large soft dice thrown by the rider. Whatever number landed face-up was the number of steps taken towards the finish line. The teasing rivalry and comradery made it fun for all. Students were encouraged to instruct their horse to “walk on” and use the reins to steer the horse in the correct direction. A short cool down, dismount and back to the barn to untack the horse. Students were encouraged to give their horse a pet or hug, and a snack of an apple or a carrot.

“Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture.” The nature of her disability required more support than the group class I attended. An instructor and two volunteers supported her. The tack used for her horse did not include a saddle. Both the girth and the reins provided handles allowing her to guide the horse and immerse herself in the horseback riding experience. This lesson focused on improving motor skills, posture, controlling extremities, building strength, visual coordination, sensory input, and social interaction. This was accomplished by playing games which involved searching for a specific color pole, riding to the pole, spearing a ring off it and placing the ring on the tip of a traffic cone. The last private class I visited involved a young woman in her 40’s with developmental delays. Prior to the Covid lockdown, she participated in a group class. Vicki shared that she has really opened up so much more, chatting with volunteers and interacting with others, including myself. Stephanie wore a purple shirt with a horse emblazoned on the front and socks with horses on them, showing off her

What New Heights looks for in a volunteer • A positive attitude. • A desire to work with individuals of all ages and abilities. • Someone who wants to make a difference in the lives of others.

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love of the activity. As with the other classes, the lesson included a warm-up focusing on cognitive skills, motor skills, balance and strength. It turned out Stephanie’s favorite song is the instrumental theme from the movie, Superman. It was only appropriate that this song was broadcast in the arena during her lesson. To work further on cognitive skills, visual coordination and controlling limbs, she was shown a photo of a different superhero from which she would discern the most dominant color and then locate that color pole in the rink, ride to it and remove the colored ring and place it on the tip of a traffic cone. And of course, the last superhero was Superman! The next “game” also focused on building similar skills, where Stephanie would select a stuffed animal from a basket, identify it, instruct Smokey to “walk on” and locate the photo around the arena that matched the stuffed animal. At the end of the lesson, after dismounting, she gave Smokey a big hug to thank him for her lesson. Back at the stable, she rewarded him with apple slices. After Stephanie left, I spoke briefly with her lesson volunteer, Christian. He emphasized how rewarding it was for him to work with the students. So important, that he told his new boss that he was not available to work the days and times that he volunteered. I asked Vicki how they acquired their therapy horses. She shared, “Many horse owners who no longer need, want, or can care for their horses contact us to see if their horse would be a good fit for our program. We then will go to where the horse resides and determine his soundness, wellness, and temperament. If we deem him to be a good fit, we will ‘lease’ the horse from the owner. ‘Leasing’ the horse means we will take the horse and provide feed, vet, farrier, and boarding; however, if the horse at any time doesn’t work out, he will be returned to his owner.” Horses chosen for this line of work must have a sweet temperament, be patient, trainable and not easily spooked. Before introducing a therapy horse into the program, extensive training is conducted to ensure the safety of both the rider and the horse. Similar to training a hitch horse for the Budweiser Clydesdales, therapy horses must be desensitized to loud noises, various movements, and props or toys used in the lessons.

The focus of their classes is to use what is known as “Adaptive Therapy, which emphasizes teaching students riding skills while also working towards holistic goals such as improved self-esteem, patience, socialization and communication skills. It also helps strengthen muscles, improve posture and fine motor skills.” “Hippotherapy” is another technique sometimes used by a licensed physical or occupational therapist utilizing the horse, its movement and warmth as a tool to improve gross motor skills, sensorimotor function, breath control and more. My visit just missed their last veteran’s class. Vicki shared the following about the veteran classes, “Many of the veterans have similar stories. They have had difficulty acclimating to the civilian world after coming back from deployment. Many veterans isolate themselves in their houses and rarely leave. Still others self- medicate with drugs and alcohol. After learning of equine therapy and being encouraged by physicians, therapists, loved ones or other veterans who have gone through the program, they make the decision to come to New Heights and participate in the veteran’s program. Many claim that the program changed their lives because it gave them a reason to get up, leave their house and make a change. The program helps by facilitating the bond that is formed between veteran and his/her equine partner. The bond that is created is built on trust and acceptance of both veteran and equine. We provide a peaceful environment where veterans can learn, heal and bond.”

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New Heights helps people who have physical, cognitive, and emotional difficulties reach their full potential. They serve a wide variety of groups and individuals in the community and beyond. For more information about classes, costs and services, visit their website, where you can request a lesson, volunteer, donate, or contact them if you have a horse you think would be a good fit for their program. The cost of a lesson is $50, whether it is a 60-minute group or a 30-minute private session.

www.newheightstherapy.org

Testimonial from Carlos Urbina Volunteer with Veterans

Lucy • No Exposure to Diseases or Parasites from Other Dogs • Medication Administered • Less Separation Anxiety • Insulin Injections • Waste Cleanup • Mail Pickup • Daily Walks • Nail Trim

“Volunteering at New Heights has given me the opportunity to give back to my community in the most rewarding way I can. I have seen first-hand how I can positively impact someone else’s life while also appreciating the uniqueness of the riders and horses. This has allowed me to take a deeper look inside myself and reflect on my own life, so I can be better than I was yesterday.” 27

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“Your Estate Matters” By Ronda M. Gabb, NP, JD, RFC

It’s that time of year again! The St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s website (www.STPAO.org) notes that the tax rolls for 2021 will be open for inspection from August 15-30, 2021. Usually, they are available several weeks before then. The deadline for filing an appeal is September 7, 2021. You must file your request for a review with the assessor BEFORE filing an appeal, and that deadline is August 30th. Appeal forms are on the assessor’s website or visit the Covington office or the Justice Center (985-809-8180), or the Slidell office in the Towers Building (985-646-1990). Homestead Exemption: If you own (or enjoy a usufructuary interest) and occupy the home as your primary residence, you (and your spouse) are allowed only one homestead exemption, even if the spouses live separately. Since August 1, 2016, it is now a crime (La. R.S. 14:71.4) to fraudulently claim a homestead exemption, or to claim more than one homestead exemption (even for a married couple) in this state. The homestead exemption means you do not pay any Parish property taxes (City taxes are still due) on the first $75,000 of your home’s fair market value (FMV). The “assessed” value is then 10% of the homestead’s FMV which is why the homestead exemption appears on your tax bill as 7,500, not $75,000. (Commercial properties are assessed differently and have no homestead exemption available.) Double Homestead Exemption: As of January 1, 2015, disabled veterans can double their homestead exemption amount

Legal-ease

when they have a service-connected disability rating of either 100% unemployability or 100% total disability by the U. S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA). Disabilities must be service-connected, not necessarily incurred as a result of combat. This means that the first $150,000 FMV of your primary home is exempt from Parish property taxes. This “double” homestead exemption also applies to the surviving spouse of a deceased 100% disabled veteran, even if the exemption was not in effect during the life of the deceased spouse veteran! There is no income requirement to be satisfied as with the special assessment levels (SALs) discussed below. Total Homestead Exemption: As we continue to mourn the death of beloved Slidell Police Sgt. Theresa Simon, I need to mention that surviving spouses of those who gave their lives to protect us while on duty (Law Enforcement, Armed Service Members, Firefighters, Paramedics, EMTs, etc.) qualify for a 100% total exemption from property taxes on their primary home as long as they remain unmarried and continue to reside there. This must be proven annually and this total exemption can even be transferred to a new residence (limited to the previous value). Value of income and assets are irrelevant. Special Assessment Levels (SALs): The most popular SAL is known as the “Senior Freeze”. This applies when an owner of the property is age 65+ before December 31st of the year of application. This “freeze” also applies to disabled veterans of any age who have a serviceconnected disability rating of 50% or greater (also POWs, IAs, and MIAs); and non-veterans (or disabled veterans with a 49% or less disability rating) who have

See other articles and issues of interest!

been deemed permanently and totally disabled by a governmental agency (state or federal) or by the court. You also must pass an income test. In 2021, this amount was increased by almost $25,000. In order to qualify, your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your 2020 tax return needs to be $100,000 or less, for single or married. This will stay the same through 2025 then will be annually adjusted for inflation. With RMDs from IRAs being suspended in 2020, and the increase in the allowed income, many people who thought they wouldn’t qualify WILL this year, so don’t delay. Bring a copy of your tax return and proof of age to the assessor. If you are 65+, you don’t need to meet the income test every year, only once upon your initial qualification. However, all other SALs requiring limited income must meet the income requirement annually. These “assessment freezes” assure that the assessed value of your primary home will never go up as long as you (or your spouse if age 55+), are alive, and have not made improvements to the home which increased its value by 25% or more. Your millage rate may change so your actual tax bill could go up or down slightly, but the assessed value is frozen. Unfortunately, these SALs are not transferable (except for surviving spouses of those killed in the line of duty). Once you move, you will have to reapply and the new property will have the assessed value frozen at the time of purchase. For those of you who don’t live in St. Tammany Parish, I urge you to call or visit your Parish’s assessor’s office to see when their rolls are open for inspection and their appeal deadline dates. All other information above is applicable for the entire state of Louisiana.

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 • RondaMGabb.com

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“Why search for the meaning of life when Google can do it for you much quicker!” - George Washington THANK GOD FOR GOOGLE! Without it, how would we EVER find such wise quotes and concrete truths! Out of curiosity, I searched for the top questions that people have been Googling lately. Here are a few of the results: • How many ounces in a cup? • Where is my refund? • What is love? • Where am I? • Is Mercury in retrograde? • How do I register to vote? • What time is it? • How do I tie a tie? Exciting, right? Well, then are you ready to be blown away by the excitement of the number ONE question asked by over 3 million people in the entire world every month? Are you sure you can handle it? (drumrollllllllll)... • What is my IP address? Wow. OK. How boring was that? Being such normal questions (almost TOO normal), I decided to ask others about the last thing they searched for. After receiving their answers, I felt better knowing that the people in my life are definitely NOT a bunch of tietying, IP address searching zombies. 32

KEEP ON SEARCHIN’ After a little reluctantance, then reassuring myself that it couldn’t be too bad, I looked at my OWN search history and realized something... I may have finally transitioned from the “fun kinda crazy” to the “not-sofun anymore, CLINICAL kinda crazy.” But how would I even know? Oh, right. I’d just Google “How to know if you are clinically insane.” Duh. Just when you think Google has taught you everything, you realize that their individual browser history can assist in your own personalized psychological assessment too! Thanks Google! Browsing my own search history was a bit like the feeling when you first hear your voice in a recording. “OMG! DO I REALLY SOUND LIKE THAT?!” Then feel all embarrassed even though the people around you already knew. In my opinion, the only thing better than learning something new, is to pass that knowledge on to someone else. Willingly or forcefully. So, just for fun, let’s discover answers to the questions most people are NOT asking. We will start with the people in my life and then, maybe, I will share my own questions.

“For it’s not what you DO ask, it’s what you don’t want to admit you ask, but then realize you really did ask, once the truth is revealed in the search engine. Or something like that.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

So, with those wise and timeless words...Sit back, loosen your mental health restraints, and let’s learn the questions that most people DON’T ask! I will sort them into 3 categories, keeping in mind that the ones already listed are “too normal.” My categories are: “Normal”, “normal-ish” and “ya crazy.” I will provide answers for “ya crazy” questions, simply for the sake of learning something new. Here goes...

MY “NORMAL” GOOGLE SEARCHES:

• Restaurants open near me • List of values • What is willow crochet? • Goalie gloves • How to get rid of tree suckers? • Irish pubs near me • What is the WW2 movie about rescue planes? • Price for a Tesla • Hancock County Water and Sewer • What’s the weather like today? • New Disney merchandise • USPS tracking • Medical Technologist jobs near me • California death records • 12 Years a Slave movie • Directions from Sanford, FL to Coral Springs, FL • How do birds build a nest? •Theme song to Indiana Jones • Where can I find Bluetooth waterproof speakers? • Why is a wheel round?

MY “NORMAL-ISH” GOOGLE SEARCHES: • How to identify dinosaur teeth • Is hydrogen phosphate toxic? • Why does Chandler look different in season 7? • Innie vs. outie • What is Hufflepuff? • What is the meaning of a twin flame? • What’s the best Star Wars trivia theme name? • Why do I pee so much? • Why do dogs sleep with their tongues sticking out? • Where can I find a male/female tee? • What is intersectionality? • Can crawfish drown in water if you soak them too long? • Is there a monthly ice cream club? • What does Chupapi munyanyo mean ?

MY “YA CRAZY” GOOGLE SEARCHES: (Google’s answers included in BLUE) • What chemical will disintegrate many months’ worth of duck shit at the bottom of a pool? Do you mean, “Keeping ducks out of your pool?” (Re-word) • Cleaning duck feces from pool Using a net, gently scoop the duck feces off the surface of the water.

• Is it liquor before beer, or beer before liquor? Beer before liquor, never been quicker. Liquor before beer, you’re in the clear. This is one of the 13 biggest myths about alcohol. Basically, there is nothing else so memorable and catchy to reference to anymore before you drink whatever you want, however you want, anyway. • Why do old people smell different? Old person smell is the odor of elderly humans. Body odor changes as we age. In older people, this change is due to increased levels of a chemical called 2-nonenal. Because they were the generation that taught us about the “liquor before beer” rule, and don’t realize yet that it is a myth, they will continue to throw up when they drink, and in turn, will cause them to keep smelling like that. Call it what you want. • Elon Musk’s quote on reality? “Either we are going to create simulations that are indistinguishable from reality, or civilization will cease to exist. Those are the two options.” • Elon Musk’s quote on happiness? “Happiness is living in the present moment, with no expectations.”

• How to live in the present moment? By the time you figure out how to live in the present moment, you will be dead. In summary, reality is confusing and basically impossible to figure out, as is being in the present moment. Once you have gone to the other side it will ALL make sense. So will the drinking rule. “Happiness is being content when you can, forgetting not to have expectations, then remembering again that you shouldn’t forget because someone said it’s helpful. Also, don’t Google quotes from Elon Musk that are completely over your head. It might make you feel stupid, and in turn, unhappy.” - Anonymous • Dream meaning: talking mosquitoes Mosquitoes in your dreams suggests that someone or something has been draining you of your energy and resources. (Reword) • Mosquitoes that can talk Mosquitoes can’t talk. • Dream meaning: swimming in fire Dreaming about fire and water says you are going through an emotional conflict and it is pulling you in two directions.

(Re-word) •Cleaning duck poo off BOTTOM of pool Paid ad: Get to the BOTTOM of your child’s fear of swimming once and for all! Other results: Winnie the Pooh... Winnie the Poo rubber duckies... Fake poo prank for your clean pool. • How to cut layers into your own hair with non-hair cutting scissors? Article: Can I cut my hair with kitchen scissors? Summary: Go get hair cutting scissors.

(Reword)

• What to do if your neighbor prayer isn’t working?

• Dream: Swimming in fire, no water

Be patient. It’s all in God’s time.

In dreams, fire represents something exciting in your life. It can mean passion, enlightenment, desire... Water means the opposite, like knowledge, spirituality, and healing.

• Which crystals ward off bad neighbors? Bury black tourmaline and rose quartz in the corners of your yard to create a protective grid.

(Reword) • SWIMMING IN FIRE!!

• I buried the crystals, now what?

Paid ad: Therapy.com is here to help you.

Say the bad neighbor prayer again and hope nobody saw you burying crystals in your yard.

• Can I silence my rooster’s cocka-doodle-doo?

• What are the symptoms of clinical insanity?

Not completely, without surgical intervention. (Reword) • Silencing a roosters cock-adoodle-doo DIY: It is not possible to silence your rooster’s crow, but you can decrease the volume of their signature sound by adjusting your rooster’s lifestyle, turning his coop into a blackout box, or placing a collar around his neck. (Reword) • Best recipes for rooster “Coq Au Vin” or “Rooster in wine.” • Refrigerator door portal New Mexico: Meow Wolf Art Installation, Santa Fe, New Mexico • “Sharing is caring” Bob Ross or Care Bears? Neither. It’s a quote from the book, “Elon Musk for Dummies.” • Was Bob Ross a stoner? “Duh. Don’t you have things to do?” • Name of the Care Bear with the cloud tattoo: Grumpy Bear, who sends the message, “It is OK to be grumpy sometimes. But even if we are grumpy, we are still loved.” • Which Care Bear am I? Most probably Grumpy.

• Bamboo uses. Repurpose. DIY: Bamboo wall, bamboo gate, bamboo fence, bamboo rug, bamboo tabletop, bamboo divider wall. Other searches: how to make bamboo look exactly like bamboo, but different. • Roach phobia. Hate roaches. Why do roaches find me? Roaches following you means you will overcome anything even if it appears difficult. Unless it’s getting rid of the roaches that keep following you. • Roach as spirit animal maybe? Therapy.com • How to pray for a neighbor you hate Lord heal my neighbor’s mind and heart. They are torturing me because they are tortured mentally and causing me misery because they are miserable. HEAL THEM NOW PLEASE LORD! I am pushed to my limit. They cause me suffering day & night. Please pray for me and for them. Amen.

Clinical insanity usually presents itself when the subject asks, “Am I clinically insane?” There is a distinct “old person smell” accompanied by a strong reliance on the quotes of others (common examples: Care Bears and Elon Musk, to name a few). An overwhelming belief that bugs and neighbors are out to get you, coupled with a search history that shows the word “portal” at least once. Other less common symptoms: grandiose DIY thoughts and the belief that burying relics in the middle of the night without any tool will actually solve your problems. Prognosis: Good-ish Treatment: Liquor before beer and whatever advice the mosquitoes give you. The official internet diagnosis for owning the whole 3rd category of searches: “YA CRAZY.”

“ The trouble with searching for information on the internet is that you never know if it is real, or if some clinically insane person just made stuff up.“ -Abraham Lincoln Oh, good. SHEW! Thought I was crazy there for a moment.

by Scarlett Maness

In 1972, Bingo was king in Slidell.

Casinos didn’t exist in Louisiana. But, six nights a week, there was a bingo game somewhere. Some people attended all of them. Serious Bingo players, the “regulars,” didn’t even socialize during the game. To these die hard players, interrupting the game would be the equivalent of playing a rousing John Philip Sousa march in the middle of a Papal mass. My mom worked Bingo at the Slidell Elk’s Lodge every week. Often, Mom would recruit me to help her in the lodge kitchen. I was willing because my pay would be all the popcorn, French fries and soda I wanted - very desirable pay for a 10-year-old. The event hall at the lodge was a huge, rectangular room, with wood paneling on the walls, acoustic tile ceiling and fluorescent lighting. Rows and rows of Formica tables and metal folding chairs ran the length of the room. Cigarette smoke hung thick in the hall during most events, and especially at Bingo. Every adult demographic was accounted for at Bingo - the blue-haired ladies, young mothers, single folks, widows & widowers, people from 19 to 99 - all thinking that luck would be theirs and they’d leave with pockets full of cash. The line to get Bingo cards stretched the length of the hall and out the door until 5 minutes before the first number was called. The cards were bright green with clear, red plastic slide windows. They smelled like smoke and mustard and fries. Regulars were always particular about the cards they would play. This would hold up the line significantly while a search was made for the special, lucky card they had put their mark on for identification purposes. Several times I witnessed an intervention, when more than one person wanted a specific card. Bingo wasn’t a game. It was a cash cow and everyone wanted a thick, juicy steak. One Bingo night at the lodge, my mother was feeling generous. I had been working in the kitchen, filling orders, popping corn and dispensing sodas, and the evening was nearing its end. Mom told me I could play the last game of the night. I was over the moon with excitement! She gave me a handful of dollar bills and off I went to find my lucky card. She told me to look for a card with O-72, saying it would be lucky because it was 1972. I paid my cash and started rifling through the few cards that were left, rejected by the regulars. I found a stiff, new card with O-72. My mom seated me next to a group of blue-haired regulars that promised to keep an eye on me. The ladies gave me a quick lesson and I slid the window over my FREE SPACE, feeling grown up and accomplished. I had fresh fries, fresh popcorn, fresh soda and a fresh Bingo card. I was ready to be rich!

I was thinking that I would retire with my winnings - no more chores for a measly allowance, no more working Bingo. I would take my friends to Taco Tico, or McDonald’s, or Pizza Hut every day. On weekends, my limo driver would take the whole gang to Pontchartrain Beach, where we would ride every ride from dawn past dark. I would have every Barbie ever made, complete with a Dream House, a car, and of course, a Ken for each. Their wardrobes would be the height of fashion, as would mine. I would have a groovy room, all to myself, far from my stinky brother and little sisters. And, because all rich people know one another, I would eventually meet David Cassidy. We would travel the world, in the funky bus, with the Partridge family. When I was old enough, I’d marry him. Donny Osmond would be jealous and fight for my love. The future was looking bright! Five right numbers behind red plastic were all that was between my ordinary and my extraordinary life. Ok. Before I go on with the story, let me say this… I know, and my mother knew, that it is illegal for a 10-year-old to gamble. (If my life had been completely by the book, I would have nothing to write about every month!) The other players didn’t see me as any threat with my reject card and it being my virgin Bingo game. Everyone at the lodge that night, except me, was sure I had no chance of winning. Back to the story… I was dwarfed by the blue-haired ladies on either side of me. I couldn’t see down the table, but I could see the lighted Bingo board; and that was all that mattered. I memorized my card. The blue-haired ladies winked at me and told me it was time. My heart was racing. First number,“G-56.” I didn’t have it. The blue-haired ladies sprang into action, marking their cards. I felt jealous. Second number, “I-23.” Got it! Three more numbers were called that weren’t on my rejected card. I was feeling defeated. Then, “B-14.” Got it!

I now had three in a row including FREE SPACE. The blue-haired regulars were smoking & marking. I was coughing & marking. Two more numbers were called that were on my card but not connected to my 3 of 5 line. Then, “G-58.” Cool! I was one number, O-72, from being rich! Mom told me that O-72 was a lucky number. My life in middle-class was nearing its end. I started squirming in my seat. The blue-haired ladies looked at me. They winked again. I thought they might be kissing up because they felt, like I did, that I was going to be rich. I leaned back in my seat. I could see my mom in the kitchen. She winked at me. Another suck-up! But I waved and smiled back. After all, she had paid for this adventure. The Bingo monitors were circling the rows in their aprons. I made eye contact with the one nearest our table. I gave him a look that implied he should stay close because I was going to empty his apron pockets of cash in the next 2 minutes. My eyes went to the number board. I turned my right ear to the direction of the Bingo caller. I wanted to be lightning fast with the red plastic slider, to be rich a second sooner. My heart was beating out of my chest. My palms were clammy. My legs were jumpy. I was biting my lower lip. Then it happened --“O-72!” I slid the red marker over. I jumped onto the seat of my chair. I was waving my card in the air.

”BINGO! BINGO! BINGO!”

The monitor approached me. I looked down at the blue-haired ladies. They looked up at me in awe. I knew they would be jealous! The monitor reached my side. I was still jumping on the metal chair when he reached me. I couldn’t wait for him to verify my numbers and declare me rich. He put his hand on my shoulder to steady me. He leaned in. I leaned in. His voice was just above a whisper as he winked and said, “Little lady, this is BLACKOUT.”

Huh? I was pretty excited, but I didn’t think I would black out. Why was this man being so dramatic? Just verify my numbers and show me the money, Mister. The blue-haired ladies asked me to sit down. I did as they asked, but I didn’t want to. One of the blue-haired ladies said, “Look, honey. I have Bingo, too.” I looked down at her cards. Sure enough, she had Bingo. In fact, all of the blue-haired ladies had Bingo. I wondered why they had been so shy about yelling “BINGO!” The blue-haired lady to my right took my clammy hand in hers. She looked at me with sad, blue eyes. She explained that blackout meant that all of the numbers on my card needed to be covered to win. WHAT?!! She told me to sit still and be quiet so the game could continue. She winked at me again. My face was burning. My ears were hot. I started to sweat. I leaned back, looking for my mother. There she was in the kitchen window. When she saw me, she winked, raised her hands and shrugged her shoulders. The pity was evident. I wondered if she was as ashamed as I was. I had no interest in finishing the game, but the blue-haired ladies insisted. I sat there, humiliated, for the next 10 minutes while the blue-haired ladies marked their cards and blew smoke. Finally, a blue-haired lady yelled “BLACKOUT!” and collected MY $150 prize. I walked, head hung low, to the kitchen to reunite with my mother. My face was still burning. My heart was heavy and broken. I silently mourned David Cassidy. My mom hugged me. She winked at me again. She knew better than to ask me how it went. I don’t wink at children. I have never smoked. And, I haven’t played Bingo for money since that night. I have B-I-N-G-O-P-T-S-D. One thing is certain, if I ever play Bingo again, I’ll look for a card without O-72! Wink!

In March of 2020, when COVID-19 brought the world to a halt, artists and arts organizations found a way to bring people together through the arts. “Reinvention: Creative Pivots in the Pandemic” presents an exploration of the resilience of the arts community. Creators embraced the opportunity to experiment with new media, techniques, styles and content, and they found innovative new ways to share their talents. Through the madness of the pandemic shutdowns, the arts brought much-needed joy and hope. These are the artists. These are their stories.

SLIDELL CULTURAL CENTER AT CITY HALL 1055 Second St. in Olde Towne · Opening reception Friday, July 23, 7 to 9 pm Gallery hours Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 2 pm and by appointment

EXTENDED HOURS DURING WHITE LINEN AND LAGNIAPPE NIGHT Saturday, August 14, 5 to 9 pm with time capsule submissions at St. Tammany Chamber, 2220 Carey Street The community is invited to share notes for inclusion in a Covid 19 time capsule, documenting these unprecedented times for future generations. All events are free and open to the public.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS Connie Born · Mary Christopher · Charlotte Lowrey Collins · Robert Dutruch Vanessa Hock · Kelly Landrum-Hammell · Matt Litchliter · Mandie Manzano Al Reisz · Rose Marie Sand · Abby Sands · Kim Bergeron, Curator Plus a 3-D animated music video featuring local musician Savej and Austrian artist TAS This event is supported by a grant from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation. Funding for the event time capsule is provided by St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs. We are grateful for the support of these event sponsors:

38Featured artwork: Sims’ Grace, Charlotte Lowry-Collins; Kintsugi Art, Pandemic Redemption, Al Reisz; Family, Mary Christopher; Still Above Water, Vanessa Hock

For more info, call 985.781.3650 or go to harborcenter.org

EVENTS COMING in

SLIDELL

GUN & KNIFE SHOW

JULY 17 - 18

H.E.R.P.

THE LOBBY LOUNGE PRESENTS

Hannah Belle JULY 29

EXOTIC REPTILE & PET SHOW JULY 24 - 25

Love & roses gala

JULY 30

Our steps to keep you well when you return:

• Providing hand sanitizer stations

• We recommend guests maintain social distance

• New floorplans that provide social distancing

• Sanitizing frequent touch points hourly during events

• Conducting wellness checks of staff

• Sanitizing the facility & equipment after each event 39

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Wendy.Englande@Century21.com The National Association of REALTORS® awards the MRP certification to REALTORS® who help military personnel, veterans and their families find housing that lets them make the best use of their benefits and serves the unique needs of military life. REALTORS® who earn this certification know to work with active duty military buyers and sellers, as well as veterans.

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