45th edition - April 2014

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SLIDELL

Birds • Bees • Bunnies • Blossoms • BEAUTIFUL!

magazine Vol 45 April 2014

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My friend Dan also had the full Jazz experience for the first time.

He called too. “It was the single greatest musical experience of my life,” he said. He then told me that, as amazing as the entire day was, his favorite part wasn’t the food, the wine, or the music.

It was watching our young friend Renee as she connected to - and wept to - music she’d never heard before, played by a man almost 60 years her senior.

Ronnie Kole with Kendra (dressed as “The Wine Goddess”) at Jazz on the Bayou, March 2014 “Music is the wine which inspires one to new generative processes, and I am Bacchus who presses out this glorious wine for mankind and makes them spiritually drunken.”

~ Ludwig van Beethoven This year’s Jazz on the Bayou was AMAZING! The numbers are still being tallied, but if history holds true for this two-day festival held at the home of Ronnie and Gardner Kole, the Jazz committee will make record donations to charities such as Easter Seals, STARC, and the City of Slidell Cultural Arts – adding to the more than ONE MILLION DOLLARS donated by Jazz on the Bayou over the past 22 years.

I am humbled and proud to serve on the Jazz on the Bayou committee - an informal, volunteer group who work efficiently and tirelessly to offer the public an unforgettable weekend, while raising money for the non-profits of our community.

Committee members aren’t elected. Heck, I don’t even think they are chosen. Most everyone on the committee began their relationship with Jazz on the Bayou the same way - we attended the event and fell in love. Like a paramour, Jazz has a way of seducing your heart with sensory luxuriance - the best in food, wine, music and friends.

This year, I made a point of inviting a few friends whom had never attended Jazz before. I was curious if they too would be swept away by the sensory experiences and fall in love with the moments.

As the concert ended, Tim and Renee joined the Koles in the informal living room for a glass of wine. There, sitting amongst a small group of family and friends, Ronnie and Gardner chatted easily with their young, new company. No pretenses. No audience.

Just a jazz legend, and his equally talented and accomplished wife, enjoying the youth and vigor of a new generation of Jazz on the Bayou fans.

By night’s end, our Jazz committee had grown by two.

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Kendra Maness - Editor/Publisher Editor@SlidellMag.com Alan Lossett - Graphic Design Lee Kreil - Staff Writer EFOP / Sli-Ku / Leadership Northshore

Although he’s attending before, my friend Tim was in for the full experience this year – he arrived early and stayed late. With him was Renee, a first-timer. She was only 4 years old when Jazz on the Bayou was first held.

As the festivities outside wound to a close, some of the guests made their way into the Kole residence for the “after party” - a private concert by Ronnie on his 1940 Steinway grand piano. The evening is a surreal experience… you’re bathed in the glow of the soft pink lamplight, sitting on plush furnishings and carpet throughout the Kole’s piano room, warming yourself in cozy elegance as the sun sets and the temperature drops outside. All the while, you’re mesmerized by the crisp, resounding, booming, soft and melodic genius of a true Jazz legend.

Before I left, I walked Tim and Renee inside the house and sat them just outside the entrance to the piano room. I whispered to Tim, “Trust me on this. You will want to be here. These moments are magical. Let yourself drift off and give in to the music.

Allow yourself the time and the experience. You’ll thank me for it later.”

Calling me the next morning, Tim did indeed thank me for the Jazz experience.

“I rarely use the term ‘unbelievable’. It’s so over used, so I choose carefully when I say it,” he said. “Yesterday was unbelievable.”

Contributing Writers: Donna Bush EFOP / Sli-Ku, Lee Kreil The Storyteller, John Case Jockularity, Corey Hogue Pet Points, Jeff Perret, DVM Slidell 20/20, John Maracich, III Crimi-mommly Insane, Leslie Gates Lori Gomez

www.LoriGomezArt.com

Mike Rich Rose Marie Sand

MikeRich@mypontchartrain.com Rose@RoseMarieSand.com

Slidell Magazine now available at all Slidell 5

Story by Lee Kreil

ef o

Extraordinarily Fascinating “Ordinary” Person of the Month Sponsored by:

Dr. Andy Leonard

Lawn Care

April 2014

Don’t Worry...…

BEE Happy!

“Half a bee, philosophically, must ipso facto half not be. But half the bee has got to be, vis-à-vis its entity – you see?”

Eric the Half-a-Bee / song by Eric Idle & John Cleese

Don’t worry, be happy... These are the orders of the day from Dr. Andy Leonard. Our April EFOP is a modern day Renaissance man with an appreciation for the simple things in life art, laughter, and good company. Never taking himself too seriously, Andy holds four degrees from Tulane University and has gained a wealth of experience over the course of an active lifetime.

Self-educated in many other areas of interest, our busy EFOP works multiple jobs, yet still finds time for his passions; and he has MANY. Calling them hobbies is an understatement – there is an amazing amount of time, effort, and skill that goes into each one. Andy is too humble and modest to

give himself the credit he is obviously due. “I dabble in various mediums,” he says regarding his artistic passions. His definition and concept of “dabble” varies greatly from that of mine. If you are thinking that this man is as busy as a bee... well, you would be right!…

I first met our EFOP at the Mona Lisa Moon Pie parade. “I am neighbors with Charlotte and Tom Collins and they are the Krewe Captains for Mona Lisa & Moon Pie (the quirky Olde Towne parade that strolls through Olde Towne each year). Both of them knew I was a good wood turner and a couple of years ago they asked me

to design and make the trophies that are given out for recognition to the Krewe’s royalty. They must have been a hit because they keep asking me to make them each year since. You can say I’ve been designated the Royal Trophy Maker.”

Andy also displays his artwork in Olde Towne during Arts Evening events.

Andy’s passions are too numerous to mention them all; however there are a few that really get him buzzing…

Passion #1: Artist.

From water colors to sketches, Andy is an artist in every sense of the word. “I always wanted to

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draw but knew I wasn’t very good at it. But I stuck with it and saw improvement and got better and better.

Then I reached a point where I stopped progressing.

So I took a couple of classes and it wasn’t until I got the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain did it all start to come together. I just started improving and developing my techniques. When I would travel, I would always have a sketch book with me and I would draw people’s faces. I found I had a knack for sketching faces. Sometimes it would look exactly like the person’s face and other times it would look nothing like them.” But he kept at it and found that time and persistence worked in his favor.

I rarely use the term Renaissance man. It is a powerful term and must be used responsibly and not just bandied about. As Andy continued talking about his painting passion, he mentioned paper. Paper? Only a Renaissance man can actually make paper and canvases from scratch, then use them as surfaces for art. Andy showed me some samples, “These are some I’ve made for my wife. She does scrapbooking and I made all these different papers and textures with various patterns and colors for her to use when she needs pages for scrapbooks.” He makes his own paper? Really!? Andy is casual about it but how many of us know people who can actually make paper? Wow!

Passion #2: Woodturner.

I didn’t know what a woodturner was. I found out this term describes a form of woodworking that is used to create wooden objects on a lathe. It is different from other forms of woodworking in that the wood is turning while a stationary tool is used to cut and shape it.

There are two distinct methods that are both difficult to master. Guess what? Surprise…our EFOP knows both! He describes the techniques as he shows me some of his works. “Bowls are very difficult to make because of the fiber of the wood. It is easy to tear out and ruin a piece if not done just right.” He shows me some pieces of jewelry he’s created.

“These rings and bracelets are from single pieces of wood and I added the metal to enhance the look.” Metalwork is one of those other passions that will have to be saved for another day... or I would never be able to get to the honey of this piece.

Earlier I mentioned Dr. Leonard has earned 4 degrees. His passions vary greatly from his degrees.

There’s the BS in Zoology, a Masters in Neurophysiology, throw in an MD in Urology, and why not add an MBE to make it an even number! This is a pretty impressive resume and a lot of years in study and practice. But my EFOP is quite humble about these accomplishments; he would rather focus on his passions. So what does a four-time degreed, paper making, woodturning artist really want to talk about? Is it his other passions like fishing, building barns and workshops on his property, landscaping, or chickens? Yes, but the buzz around town is this man knows a thing or two about bees…

Passion #3: Bees.

April’s EFOP knows more about bees than most. I assumed he studied them in school while obtaining one of his many degrees, but he is an expert on the topic through self-education. Being regarded as an expert in a field with no formal training - a true Renaissance Man! When Andy starts talking about bees, you can see his face light up. He is fascinated by bees and has learned everything he can about them.

“It’s a little cold outside today,” he started, “so the bees won’t come out. They cluster if the temperature is below 64 degrees. They keep the inside of the hive around 90 degrees at all times. In the winter, they cluster and flex their muscles rapidly to raise and maintain that ideal temperature. And it’s only the bees on the outside of the cluster in the hive that do this. As they get tired, they migrate into the cluster and other bees from the inside take their place. Most people think they flap their wings to raise the temperature. But that’s how they actually cool the hive down in the summertime. Bees will use up to a quart and a half of water a day to keep the hive cool. 200-300 bees will bring water into the hive as the beating of the other bees’ wings create airflow and circulate air, which evaporates water to cool it down.”

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His knowledge and enthusiasm for bees is apparent. I asked him what drew him to bees in the first place. “I had a natural interest in bees for about 18 years when I moved to Slidell.

I finally had some property that would work and I looked into what I had to do to get some bees. At a Christmas party down the street, my neighbor mentioned that he had two hives. One thing led to another and, as the following spring approached, I actually asked myself What have I gotten myself into? So I attended a bee club meeting and began studying everything I could on bees. Bees are fascinating; they are the most studied insect on the planet and they are crucial to our survival. Einstein once said that if all the bees died, in four years mankind will follow.”

Andy explained to me about some problems bees are facing globally. These stories are starting to become regular topics in documentaries and news broadcasts. It is referred to as Colony Collapse Disorder and Andy went on to dispel some common myths involving cell phones and electromagnetic saturation disrupting their ability to navigate. “It’s not any one factor. Experts are pretty sure that multiple factors are causing a decline in the bees. But they aren’t dying off; they are just disappearing. Insecticides that are being recognized as having an impact on bees are starting to be banned in Europe. That is a first step.”

My EFOP had a simple way of describing how bees behave, live, and work. He says “SHE” and “HER” when explaining just about every task and process bees play a role in. “That’s because all the bees that do any job or task are females. The males don’t do anything! Around 60,000 bees make up an average colony, with only 200-250 of them being males. Their only job is to fertilize queens. Bees never sleep and work all the time. Bees will fly around one million miles just to make one pound of honey; each one will fly the equivalent of around the world twice in their lifetime - only to make about a teaspoon of honey. Foraging bees only live about a month. They literally work themselves to death.”

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Andy Leonard talks about his passion for bees any chance he gets.

He will soon be giving a presentation about bees at an elementary school. “I’ll have the beekeeper suit and all the stuff the kids love when I go to schools and talk about bees,” he says with a huge smile on his face. Andy talks about bees and teaches you something without you ever realizing you’re learning. (I wish all the teachers I had were more like him.) He had one more ditty about bees: “Bees can tell time! They communicate in several ways. One way is the bee dance; bees will waggle, making a figure 8. During the waggledance, the straight part of the waggle is their way of telling the other bees the angle from vertical in relation to the sun is the same angle from the vertical to the source of nectar. They were able to prove bees could tell time by releasing a bee in a room from a hive to a food source with a spotlight shining representing the sun. They then kept the bee inside the hive in total darkness for a period of time and moved the light but kept the food source in the same spot. They released the bee and it was able to go straight to the food source. The bee accounted for the time that elapse and knew the sun moves so it had to adjust its angle by the representative time. Thus proving bees can tell time!”

April’s EFOP Andy Leonard is truly a Renaissance Man. He is as hospitable and open as he is talented with his many passions. He lives with his wife, Judy, in an art museum…literally.

The property is landscaped for beauty and functionality; he even brings the outside in – a koi goldfish pond greets you as you enter the front room of the house. Every room is filled with art. Sculptures, paintings, modern art, you name it. Huge windows provide great views of the bayou and marsh and the expanse of their property that underwent huge changes after Katrina. What was once wooded is now pasture-like, with chicken coups and workshops for he and his wife.

Andy lives for life and lives it with maximum enjoyment through all of his passions. I would like to visit with him again and hope that we could become friends. Telling him this, he quickly answered, “We already are, Lee.”

Choice of Entree (with side)

White Chocolate Bread Pudding or Caramel Cheesecake

You can’t have bee hives and not have any honey, right?

Andy collects and sells his bees’ honey. Honey isn’t the only thing bees make, as Andy explained. “Bees are responsible for five commercially sold products: Pollen, beeswax, royal jelly (mixture of pollen, water, and secretion that is for feeding larvae), propolis (glue that comes from sap and is antibacterial), and honey. Honey is referred to as royal jelly because if it is fed to a larvae one time, a female or male (if they choose) will develop. If fed to any larvae for four days in a row, it will develop into a queen.”

Open for lunch April 15th • 11am-2pm Tuesday – Saturday

More than 200 Booths!

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For more information 985-710-9122 or visit

Pooyai, Overboard, DJ Professor Possum

Sun. 4/27

Slidell Newcomers Nightingales Chorale, TiJonne Reyes Jazz Trio, Hokum High Rollers, Wasted Lives, Albanie Falletta & Southern Gentlemen, DJ Professor Possum

INFO

Sat. & Sun. April 26-27, 2014 10am - 5pm

HISTORICAL ANTIQUE ASSOCIATION’S 33RD ANNUAL SPRING STREET FAIR

SLIDELL STREET FAIR

BAYOU JAM Boogie Men Heritage Park • 5:30pm

“The Perfect Wedding” Harbor Center • 3pm

HAPPY EASTER!

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BWN Benefit Night NOLA Grill • 5-9pm

MON

Weight Loss Seminar SMH Founders Bldg.

7pm

Ambassador Meeting TBD • Noon

Weight Loss Seminar SMH Founders Bldg.

7pm

Weight Loss Seminar SMH Founders Bldg.

7pm

Weight Loss Seminar SMH Founders Bldg.

7pm

Weight Loss Seminar SMH Founders Bldg.

7pm

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Annie • Cutting Edge Theater 2pm

BAYOU JAM Bi ht Big Al & the Heavyweights Heritage Park • 5:30pm

OLDE TOWNE STREET FAIR

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Annie • Cutting Edge Theater 2pm

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Heritage Park • 6pm

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“A Fair to Remember” 1984 World’s Fair Photos show runs March 22 - April 26 Slidell Cultural Center

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SUN April

$

Grand Opening ZMD Organic Café Location TBD • 3-5pm

Free Business Counseling Chamber Boardroom

BY RSV. ONLY • 9am

Girl Talk SMH Founders Bldg.

6:30pm

Storytime 2-3yrs: 9:30am 3-5yrs: 10:30am Slidell Library

Grand Opening Keesler Federal Credit 8-9am

Storytime All Ages • 6:30pm Slidell Library

Business After Hours Reine Diamonds 5-7pm

May

“The Perfect Wedding” Harbor Center • 2pm

VOTE TODAY!!

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Keep Slidell Beautiful

Hospice Crawfish Cookoff Fritchie Park • 11am-6pm

OLDE TOWNE STREET FAIR

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Randy Smith Golf Royal Golf Club • Noon

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Don’t miss BAYOU JAM - “Witness” Sunday, May 4

“Kiss Me, Kate” • Slidell Little Theatre 8pm

Annie • Cutting Edge Theater 8pm

Rotary Golf Classic Oak Harbor • 11am

The 985 Dance Party Harbor Center • 7pm

Annie • Cutting Edge Theater 8pm

“Kiss Me, Kate” • Slidell Little Theatre 8pm

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare • Cutting Edge Theater • 8pm

Northshore Boat ‘n Fishing Show • Fri-Sun • Harbor Center

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Crescent City Classic City Park

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Annie • Cutting Edge Theater 8pm

Clean-Up • 8am Public Policy Committee Chamber Boardroom • 8am Relay for Life Slidell High School • 12pm-12am Red, White & Blue Masquerade Rooftop Rendezvous Trinity Banquet Hall • 8pm SMH Parking Garage • 7pm

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SAT

Annie • Cutting Edge Theater 8pm

“The Perfect Wedding” Harbor Center • 7:30pm

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FRI

Thursday April 24, 2014 3pm – 7pm • Northshore Harbor Center Slidell, LA

Showcase

ty uni and Comm

Communications Committee Olde Towne Soda Shop • Noon

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CHAMBER BUSINESS & COMMUNITY SHOWCASE HARBOR CENTER 3 - 7PM

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Storytime All Ages • 6:30pm Slidell Library

Dine at Young’s Steakhouse Benefit for Cancer Foundation 5pm - Closing

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Communications Committee Olde Towne Soda Shop • Noon Thursday Evening Bass Tournament from 3/13 - 7/24 Lock One Canal • Pearl River

3

THU

2014 Business

Senior Spring Celebration John Slidell Gym • 11am

30

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Storytime 2-3yrs: 9:30am 3-5yrs: 10:30am Slidell Library

Chamber Luncheon Leadership Project Presentations Harbor Center • 11:30am 16

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Company recognition in flyers, website, and email broadcasts Inclusion in special pullout section of The Slidell Independent

SPONSOR BOOTH: $1,500 – Booth Participant: $500

Financial Workshop Pontchartrain Investment Mgt. 6pm

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Grand Opening Dart Consulting & Professional Services, LLC 3-5pm

Grand Opening Louisiana Beauty Institute 3-5pm

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Hard Hat Party New Chamber Building 5-7pm

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The Disappearance of Virgil Skinner

In 1939, the Depression still lingered in the rural south. Virgil just disappeared. That was not too uncommon. As children of share croppers grew up, they had to find their own space.

Share cropping, especially for white families, was beginning to be a thing of the past. Black families could produce more crop, showed less resentment to the landowner and, in most cases, were better farmers than whites.

Families were separating as soon as they were old enough, to potentially make a living somewhere else. A large percentage went to Jackson, a bigger town with a more diverse economy. Some went farther, Memphis, Atlanta, Chicago, even California and Texas. Foul play was not even considered.

The Skinners sharecropped on Gwinn Richardson’s place. They were the last white family there. A similar demographic change was occurring on the neighboring farm. T.C. Martin had a larger place, but only two white families were left. The Hewlitts were one of them. About the same time Virgil left, they - along with Ada, their seventeen year old daughter - moved to Baton Rouge. Mr. Hewlitt had heard there was work in the refineries.

It can be reasoned that Virgil realized this. Virgil was smart, but uneducated. He understood that his limited knowledge of farming was the only skill he had for the locale in which he lived. No one knows why he left; but he left just after he turned twenty years old.

Irvin Delaughter was the last person known to have seen him. Virgil was hitchhiking and Irvin picked him up. Irvin assumed he wanted a ride into town, about eight miles. But when Virgil found out that Irvin was going to Jackson, he asked if he could ride on.

Irvin was in route to visit his sister who was a patient at the Baptist Hospital. If you were seriously ill, that is where you went. Irvin parked in the lot on the north side of the hospital and

he said he saw Virgil go into the Toddle House, a chain diner in those days. That was the last time he was seen.

His disappearance did not cause much concern by anyone - not even too much by his family.

In the coming weeks, it was learned that Virgil and Ada had been spending time together. They were seen talking at church almost every Sunday.

They were also seen on more than one occasion picnicking by the stream that separated the Richardson and the Martin farms. In fact, they were seen coming from that direction late on the night before Virgil disappeared.

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The fact was (but no one knew), they were significantly involved and some suspected that her move could have prompted his leaving. Some thought he may have followed her to Baton Rouge, but he did not.

World War II began in late 1941. Young men became even more scattered. Every community lost a few that were killed in the war; but after the war, most were given opportunities that exceeded that of sharecropping. The GI Bill provided educational opportunities, while industry was diversifying, needing both skilled and unskilled labor. As a result, few of Virgil’s contemporaries that returned home missed him, or even remembered him.

In 1950, eleven years after Virgil disappeared and five years after the war ended, a newspaper reporter researched those that were killed from the state for a feature article. In her research, she found a Virgil Skinner from Mississippi, but no hometown was listed.

When the story was published, the few that remembered Virgil assumed it was him. Two men that had been his closest friends wanted it to be.

They suspected something had happened to him, since he never came back or contacted anyone, and they wanted closure. They were Robert Barlow, nicknamed “Scrub”, and Sartin Boone, nicknamed “Sarge”.

A few years later, about 1959, the County decided to build a memorial monument to the local fallen soldiers on the grounds of the county court house. Scrub and Sarge had convinced the authorities to include Virgil’s name on the monument. “Virgil Skinner- U.S. Marine CorpTarawa, 1943.”

On a spring day in 1960, the monument was dedicated. The local high school band was in full uniform. A small contingency of the Marine Corps band was there, and an honor guard manned by a representative of the Army, Navy, and Marines were on hand for the occasion.

Of course, Scrub and Sarge were there also.

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They stood at a distance and watched as the parties that attended passed the polished marble stone. Many placed flowers on it. It was obvious by their emotions that some were relatives. Near the end of the procession, Scrub elbowed Sarge.

“Good gracious, Sarge. There he is!”

Both men could not believe what they were seeing and started towards the crowd gathered around the monument. Before they could make their way, he disappeared in the crowd and they could not find him. He vanished. Just as he had twenty one years ago.

It was hard to make sense out of what they had seen. Something was right, but something was wrong. It looked just like him, but he was too young. The man they saw looked just like Virgil did the day he disappeared. He had not aged one day. Something did not fit. In the following weeks, they dismissed the incident as just a look alike, realizing that what they had seen was impossible.

Fifteen more years passed. Scrub and Sarge now sold used cars at the Coffee Pot Used Car Coral. Their routine was to eat lunch on Thursdays at the White House Café. Thursday was fried chicken day.

Fried chicken, two vegetables and sweet tea, all for $1.75. Sometimes there would be banana pudding or peach cobbler.

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They liked to sit in a booth near the back of the restaurant. It gave them a limited view of the comings and goings at the front, but they could clearly see the patrons that seated themselves on the stools at the lunch counter.

That is where he sat when he came in.

He was tall, sat with good posture, dressed nicely and spoke softly as he ordered the Thursday special. He glanced furtively at the people seated around him and those that came in the door. With each coming and going, he seemed disappointed. Then he saw a familiar face. It was Scrub. He did not know the name, but he knew face.

Eventually, it was time for Scrub and Sarge to go back to work and they proceeded to the cash register at the front of the café. He could not let them pass. He reached up and grabbed Scrub’s arm.

“I know your face, but I don’t know your name,” Virgil said.

“They call me Scrub, but my real name is Robert. Robert Barlow. And what is your name?”

A smile came to Virgil’s face. “I am Virgil Skinner.”

There was excitement at the reunion, but all parties knew this was not the place to have it. Sarge and Scrub asked him to finish his meal and go with them back to the office. He agreed.

They told Virgil to follow them, but he did not have a car. Virgil said that he had just come up from New Orleans on the Amtrak. Scrub said, “Hop in. We will bring you back.”

Over the next three hours, Virgil shared his life’s experiences. He never once asked about anyone that he had previously known, not even his parents. He told Scrub and Sarge that he had never heard from anyone or tried to contact anyone. After the war, he had intended to contact everyone, but just didn’t. As the years passed, the need vanished.

He was in the war, but was not a Marine. He was a SeaBee. That is where he learned the construction trade. After the war, he traveled from construction site to construction site. He never married or lived in one place over three years. He had worked in Texas, California, Alaska and Wyoming. He had worked for several companies over the years. All were major companies who appreciated his skills and paid him accordingly.

His services were in high demand.

Finally, they asked him why he had left so abruptly.

“Why should I stay?” he answered, and offered no more.

It was almost closing time at the car lot when they decided to tell Virgil about the incident at the memorial some years back; the incident with the young man that looked just like him. When Virgil heard this, his demeanor changed.

14

This Mother’s Day, bring us your mementos.

We’ll frame those precious memories to preserve forever.

“I need to buy one of your best used cars. What do you have?”

Both men were startled at his change in attitude. He seemed to lose his calm demeanor and become fidgety. In a few minutes, he had purchased a late model Pontiac and paid for it in cash - $3800. He said goodbye and drove off.

He had one clue as to where he was going, Baton Rouge. That is where she told him the family was moving. That was the night before he left. That was the only time they had ever been intimate.

He arrived in Baton Rouge after dark and got a room at a Holiday Inn on Airline Highway. Anticipating the next day, he did not sleep.

The next morning he dressed, skipped breakfast, and was at the municipal library when it opened. He had a vague idea of what had happened. He had one shot to see if his idea was correct: the city directory and four names.

Ada Hewlitt, Ada Skinner, Virgil Hewlitt and, just maybe, Virgil Skinner Jr. The last one is the one he looked up first.

There it was. Virgil Skinner Jr. was listed with a wife and two children.

His occupation was listed as a contractor. Virgil could not help but think that maybe construction ran in the blood.

Virgil waited until after four in the afternoon and drove to the address he had seen in the city directory. He parked across the street. Soon, a late model pickup drove into the driveway. The sign on the side of the truck read, “Skinner Reconstruction.

Specializing in restoring Fine old homes”.

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A tall handsome figure got out of the truck. Was he seeing himself in the mirror from twenty years prior? “ H e y M r. S k i n n e r, w a i t a minute.”

The younger man was startled. As he approached, the young man became more startled. No one had to say a word. There was a firm handshake, and then an embrace.

Virgil’s first words were, “How is your mother?”

“She is fine, just fine. She lives across the street where you parked your car.”

“Is she married?”

“No, never was. She thought you would come someday. Even after I told her I saw your name on the monument, she refused to believe it.

“Let’s go tell her she was right. I am here.”

John Case April 2014

15

SHOP

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ENJOY

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17

empting T the

Sponsored by:

Story and Art

by Lori Gomez

Palette

Ah April, the month when our children begin to have visions of Easter baskets filled with candy and hopes that the Easter Bunny will leave them a giant chocolate bunny.

For some parents, including me, this a good time to mess with your kids a little. I look at it this way: as parents, we work extremely hard to give our children everything they need maybe not everything they want. It’s kind of a thankless job but we love our kids, so we do this with a good heart. So it’s only right that we get a little entertainment out of them once in a while.

When my kids were younger and would get up early in the morning to see what wonders the "Easter Bunny" had left for them, it seemed the excitement would last a few minutes and then was over. The “Easter Bunny” (who had worked so hard to prepare a fabulous basket) felt a little cheated. So one year, he decided to change things up a little.

When the kids got up at the crack of dawn,

The first riddle led them to a different room where there was another envelope with another riddle. There were several envelopes throughout the house. Next to one envelope was a wind-up chicken and a windup bunny and the task was to have a race - the winner got to open the next envelope. My husband and I took great pleasure in the final envelope which had a clue that led our children to a Dean Martin doll that sung "That's Amore". Their final task before getting their prize was that they had to sing the song. At the end of the song, they found their treasure. there were no heavenly baskets overflowing with those sweet treats they longed for. In their place was an envelope addressed to them. Inside was a note from the Easter Bunny - if they could answer the riddle, it would lead them on a journey to a surprise!

Excitement filled the air.

They enjoyed this so much (as did we) that the Easter Bunny would do a scavenger hunt every year. One year even Santa did a hunt that led them to bikes.

However, Santa forgot to take a few things into consideration when the hunt required the kids go outside in their pajamas and sing "Oh, Christmas Tree" while running

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around the oak tree: One - Christmas is COLD. Two - that is a really, really long song. By the time they came back to the garage and got their new bikes, they were pretty tired. My husband and I had tears in our eyes from laughing so hard. In the end, it made lasting memories for our family.

One of our favorite spring time desserts is “Blueberry Anna”. It’s great at this time of the year because the fruit is so sweet. You can actually substitute the blueberries with strawberries or blackberries. It’s also a light dessert and perfect for Easter.

Blueberry Anna 1 Angel Food Cake prepared and cooled.(You can get one premade to save time) 8 oz. softened cream cheese 1 small can evaporated milk 1 – 12 oz. container of light whipped cream ½ cup sugar 1 can blueberry pie filling ½ cup fresh blueberries 1. In a serving dish, break up angel food cake into 1 inch pieces, covering the bottom of the dish.

2. Blend the softened cream cheese and sugar with the evaporated milk until smooth and creamy.

3. Pour over the cake pieces.

4. Spread the pie filling over the top of the cake/cream cheese mixture.

5. Spread the whipped cream over the pie filling.

6. Top with fresh blueberries.

7. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

NOTES: If I were going to bring this to a party, I would double it. Trust me there won’t be any leftovers.

Also, you can change the fruit to whatever you prefer. I’ve made it with blackberries and strawberries. Or even combine them!

April is the month when crawfish boils become a regular event. I wanted to give you some suggestions on what to do with any leftovers. When we have crawfish boils, after everyone has eaten ourselves silly, I get to work. I gather up all of the leftover garlic into a zip lock bag. The garlic can be used for a lot of different things.

Sometimes I just put it in the freezer and use it as needed for garlic bread.

Next, peel and slice the potatoes, cut the corn off the cob and peel the leftover crawfish. If there's sausage, save that too. Everything goes in separate zip lock bags. Crawfish Casserole or Crawfish Potato Soup are great ways to use up leftovers. Measurements don’t really matter. Just use what you have. I’ll give you general measurements.

Crawfish Boil Casserole Peeled and sliced potatoes, 6 or more Corn cut off the cob. This will make the casserole a little sweet, so it’s optional 4 cloves of garlic from the boil. If you use fresh garlic, use 2 cloves Peeled Crawfish, at least 2 cups ¼ cup chopped green onions ½ stick butter 2 cups shredded Velveeta or cheddar cheese 1 cup whipping cream or Half and Half Hot sauce to taste (optional) Tony Chachere’s or Zatarain's seasoning.

1. Melt butter in a sauce pan.

2. Add green onions and garlic. Sauté till onions are tender (about 3 - 4 minutes).

3. Add whipping cream and simmer till heated through (about 4 minutes).

4. Add cheese and stir till melted. Add milk if too thick. Remove from heat.

5. Lightly season with your favorite seasoning. Remember all of your ingredients were already seasoned in the boil.

6. In a casserole dish, spread out the potatoes.

7. Add crawfish.

8. Pour cheese mixture over the top and bake at 350 degrees (about 30 minutes or until potatoes absorb some of the liquid).

NOTE: Remember everything is already cooked so you’re really just heating everything through.

Crawfish Boil Soup Peeled and smashed potatoes, 6 or more Corn cut off the cob. This will make the soup a little sweet, so it’s optional 4 cloves of garlic from the boil. If you use fresh garlic, use 2 cloves Peeled Crawfish (at least 2 cups) ½ to 1 cup chopped green onions ½ to 1 stick butter 2 cups shredded Velveeta or cheddar cheese 2 cups whipping cream or Half and Half 4 cups stock - chicken, seafood or vegetable Hot sauce to taste (optional) Tony Chachere’s or Zatarain's seasoning 1. Melt butter in a soup pot.

2. Add green onions and garlic. Cook till tender (3 - 4 minutes).

3. Add stock.

4. Add smashed potatoes. At this point, if you like a creamier texture you can emulsify the potatoes.

5. Add cream. Taste and see if you want to add seasoning.

6. Simmer about 5 minutes till hot. Add cheese and stir till melted.

7. Turn off heat and add crawfish.

The last 2 suggestions I want to give you for your leftovers are Cajun Potatoes and Cajun Potato Salad. For these you don’t even need to peel the potatoes unless you want to.

For the Cajun Potatoes, just melt some butter, add a couple cloves of garlic and potatoes. It doesn’t matter if you smash them or slice them. Mix it all together. You may need to add a little salt.

For Cajun Potato Salad, put chopped potatoes in a large bowl. Add ¼ cup chopped green onions and ¼ cup chopped celery. Next, add 1 tbsp. mustard, a drizzle of olive oil and, depending on how many potatoes, some mayonnaise. You can also add a couple of pieces of fried bacon. Yummmmm!

I welcome your feedback! If you have any recipe requests, please feel free to email me at: LoriGomezArt@charter.net

You can enjoy more of Lori’s art on facebook or by visiting: www.LoriGomezArt.com

19

Making ₵ents Dear Grandkids,

of your money byy M b Mike iik ke R Rich ich h

your Poppy wants to tell you something about money A week or so before I began working on this article, I spent the good part of a Sunday with my four grandchildren. Rex, 8, and Maxwell, 2, are brothers who live in Tallahassee with my daughter and son-in-law. Mary and I see them about every five or six weeks. Sisters Grace and Allison live here in Slidell with my other daughter and son-in-law, so we get to see them all the time. Grace is almost 6 years old, and Allison made 4 just before last Christmas. Our son Michael married a

gorgeous girl named Lacey almost a year ago.

They both love kids, so Mary and I are hoping to add some more grandchildren to the mix soon (Note to Michael and Lacey: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??!!).

If you have grandchildren, you already know how incredible they are and what an amazing blessing it is to watch their minds, skills, and personalities develop and grow (unless they’re mashing bananas into the sofa cushions; that is not a blessing). Anyway, as I spent that Sunday

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20

with my little brood, I thought about all of the things I want to tell them about how life works, about goals, dreams, and successes, and about the dignity of the hard work needed to get there. And, as a money guy, I especially want them to know the security that only a sound and carefully thought-out financial life can bring. I hope I’m still around when it’s time for them to start building and protecting their wealth, but, in case I’m not, here’s what I want to say:

1. Rex, spend less, save more. A lot more. You might be lucky enough to marry a rich girl, become a rock star, or get a stock option with who-knows-what-technology company you’re with 20 years from now, but you’ll probably need a back-up plan, just in case. For you, as it is for most of us, wealth-building will happen over a long period of time. It’s not fast and it’s not magic, it’s just math. Try this: when you get your first real job, start by investing $1825 per year. That’s $5 a day. Increase your rate of saving by 5% each year. Do it for 40 years.

If you get an average rate of return of 8% per year, you’ll have a big wad of cash, about $964,000.1 It doesn’t happen overnight, you have to be consistent, and it helps a lot if you have an advisor to help you manage risk. No matter the amount of money you have to work with, practically anyone can use this strategy.

Remember that five bucks I gave you a few weeks ago? You can start with that.

2. Grace, protect what you have and what’s to come. We’re talking insurance, sweetie, and I know it’s BOR-ING, but bear with me. Most insurance works slow and steady: you pay a little over a long period of time to have access to money to protect yourself, your family, and your assets. And, in some cases, you can even protect assets while you build them. The good news is that you’ve already started on this one.

You don’t know this (and probably wouldn’t care if you did), but you and your cousins each have a life insurance policy that not only provides a death benefit, it builds cash value to boot. Cash value is money, and, once the interest and dividends2 are credited to your policy, that money belongs to you. There are

umpteen different ways you can use the money; and thank goodness, you don’t have to die to get it. Believe me, it will come in handy when you’re older. Plus, you now have guaranteed insurability for life, no matter what happens to your health. That alone is worth its weight in gold. Someday, you’re going to thank me for this, just like you did when I gave you that American Girl doll. Only this is a whole lot better than some doll. Trust me.

3. Allison, start early on a retirement plan for your later years. “Poppy,” you might be asking, “what’s a retirement plan?” Well, my sweetness, it works like this. You don’t have a job yet, but when you get one, ask yourself this question: “When I’m no longer working, will my basic living expenses be covered completely by guaranteed income?” If the answer is “I don’t know”, then you need a retirement plan, and it must be guaranteed. Given the miserable prospects for the health of Social Security, my guess is that you – and most other people – are going to need a reliable source of cash flow to supplement or replace the government’s program. “Reliable source” means money that never runs out for as long as you live. Since you are not likely to have an employer pension, you’ll have to build a source of income by using an annuity.3 And, since you probably won’t have a lump sum of money to get started, just fund your annuity over time by making regular contributions.

Ignore the misinformed brainiacs out there who will tell you that all annuities are bad. This is your money, not theirs. Let the naysayers fend for themselves.

4. Maxwell, money is a tool. It is a means to an end, not an end in itself. I hope you have all the money you need, but don’t let it rule your life. Although everyone in our family thinks I’m El Cheap-O and that I hate to spend money, I really don’t. Over the years, I’ve spent a fair amount on those family beach vacations we took together, gifts for you and your cousins, the charitable causes that mean a lot to me, some stupid stuff, and even a very special diamond bracelet I bought for your Mimi years ago. Could I have used that money to invest and grow for the future? Of course, but I wouldn’t have the memories it bought. So, even though I want you and your cousins to invest, protect, and guarantee your money, I want you to enjoy it, too; and give some of it to people who can’t do for themselves.

I have a lot more to say, but I’ve run out of grandchildren (hmm, that calls for another note to Michael and Lacey). For sure, my grandkids aren’t ready to deal with (or listen to) my advice, but that day will come; and I’m going to do my best to make sure they are among the relative handful of Americans who make a commitment to achieving financial security. If you’d like to learn how to do the same thing for yourself, call us.

Now, if you have a good way to remove mashed-up bananas from the sofa cushions….

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC 1. This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rate of return used does not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

2. Dividends, if any, are not guaranteed. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company.

3. Annuities are long-term investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Gains from taxdeferred investments are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company. Withdrawals made prior to age 59 ½ are subject to a 10% IRS penalty tax and surrender charges may apply.

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

21

Sowing the Seeds of Growth

by Lee Kreil

O

“If you’ve never experienced the joy of accomplishing more than you can imagine, plant a garden.”

One Leadership Northshore (LNS) team is sowing the seeds of growth with their Slidell Giving Garden. They are sure their project will…well, take off and GROW! This project is particularly fitting since one of the main goals of LNS is to nurture emerging participants with a greater awareness of the challenges and opportunities that exist within our community and how to go about affecting change. In a sense, grow leaders.

Slidell has reaped the benefits from LNS projects year after year and this latest class is looking to add its signature crop to that of successful harvests of the past. The Slidell Giving Garden team really digs their project!

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to plan a garden; but if it did, this group would have it covered. The LNS team of Carolyn Baringer (Textron Marine and Land Systems), Dale Woolridge (NASA), Christina Lowrance (All American Title Agency, LLC), Trey Paulsen (Murchison, Kelly, & Shea, LLC), and Debbie Schimmeck (Community Christian Concern) have come together with one goal in mind.

“We feel passionate about this project and the people this garden will ultimately help.

We want to make sure The Slidell Giving Garden will have an impact on our area and on many of the groups that offer assistance to the hungry. Full sustainability for the garden is the immediate goal!” expresses Carolyn. Their entire project is grounded in one simple word…GROW.

22

~Robert Brault

GROW

…as a team and as a project

Five future leaders from five separate backgrounds were put together to form this LNS project team.

At this point, they were a team in “name” only.

To quote Aristotle, “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” Through established techniques, LNS works to develop a common spirit, create a dialogue, and build rapport among the individual participants (the parts) until they come together and start to think and act as one (the whole) towards a common goal. As Christina explained, “We had to get to know each other and decide what roles each of us would take to best insure the success of whatever our project was going to be.” It is during this process that the first signs of growing into a team began. “We then wanted to find out what needs were going unmet within Slidell and the surrounding area. What opportunity

could we identify and then help solve and also have a lasting impact with our project,” she concluded. After agreeing on a project, they now felt like a team and were ready to grow as one.

Hunger was the challenge and opportunity that united the team together and sent them down their path; down their garden path.

The idea for a community garden that could help feed the hungry in our area was sown.

There is a true need in our community.

After Katrina, many people found out what it was like to have a true need for food.

“Hearing the food trucks drive up the street

was something I’ll never forget,” Carolyn says. “We want to help those people in need by providing food; but not just any food. We want them to have nutritional food and be able to eat and sustain a healthy diet.” While doing their research, the team found several surprising statistics about hunger within St. Tammany Parish. Topmost were the local use of 2-1-1 and the need for food banks. Spearheaded by the United Way, 2-1-1 is a national hotline to connect people with essential human services in or around their communities. The #2 reason citizens in St. Tammany Parish call 2-1-1 is for hunger related needs. Mirroring the national average of 1 in 8 Americans relying on food banks for assistance annually, St. Tammany Parish residents will now have a new resource to help out with this need.

According to one food pyramid for optimal health, vegetables should comprise the most number of servings of any of the food groups. Fifty percent of your meal should consist of fruits and vegetables. The Slidell Giving Garden team realized they could have an impact on this with the very first harvest. The garden would become a resource for the residents of our community and in more ways than just providing food. The garden would grow on many levels. The garden itself would not only grow vegetables, herbs, and fruits for consumption; but it also would grow in size. In talking with Debbie, she can already envision outgrowing the original space. “I can see it. One day we’ll need a bigger area for the main gardens and this area can be used as an herb garden with trellises added for special items!” It doesn’t stop there; the garden will allow volunteers to grow their gardening skills, as well as grow their spirits and grow their health. As the garden grows, so do the people who tend it and the community it serves.

GROW

…as a source of pride

A vegetable garden adds beauty to a landscape and can transform a plain patch of grass into a spot of sensory spectacularity. Digging individual places for beds in a yard is like making places for individual miracles to take place in the ground. From the nothingness of a hole, nature’s bounty springs forth. The variety of colors, the textures of the vegetables, and the many different scents that gardens have can all have a positive effect on people. The team truly believes this. Not only can fresh plants allow our community to benefit from FRESH fruits and vegetables, but it instills a peaceful retreat intended to show the beauty of Nature, Nurture, and Nutrition. Once the beds are built, additional projects around the Slidell Giving Garden will help add to the sense of pride of the project. This can add

23

to the uplifting experience on all who visit, work, and prosper from the garden. “It might be hard to see right now, but once everything gets finished and painted and the beds are worked and the plants grow, it’s going to look great,” Dale lets me know. “We’re going to turn this empty space into something that looks like it’s been here for a while.

GROW

…as its partnerships do

▲ Volunteers from Ferris State University’s Wesley House

▲ The Slidell Giving Garden project team members (l-r): Rene Arcemont, mentor (and scarecrow!); Dale Woolridge; Carolyn Baringer; Christina Lowrance; Trey Paulsen; and Debbie Schimmeck

An important step in the success of the Slidell Giving Garden was getting the right partners lined up. Fortunately, the team’s biggest partner was found within its own members. Team member Debbie Schimmeck serves as the Executive Director for Community Christian Concern (CCC), a Slidell non-profit whose goal is “touching one life at a time” by filling the gap of needs to individuals and families and offering hope and guidance as Christians. Last year alone, CCC assisted over 3,000 people/families and distributed over 147,000 pounds of food. CCC offers many other services, partnerships, and projects, and now it will be offering a home for the Slidell Giving Garden. “I’m so proud our project gets to call CCC home!”

Debbie says with a smile. The LNS team will work with the board of CCC to continue the maintenance and sustainability of the garden, with CCC serving as the primary maintenance group for all the garden’s needs once the project is turned over to them.

The team also partnered with the St. Tammany Master Gardener Association. Debbie informs me, “With the assistance of Susie and Paul Andres, we will have help from Master Gardeners to help us design all the beds and to teach our volunteers how to properly take care of the gardens. We are so lucky to have great people that are willing to help us get set up and be there to help us out.” Arborist John Maddox helped remove trees on the lot as his donation to the project, and Keep Slidell Beautiful Executive Director Bill Mauser donated sand, top soil, garden soil, and compost for the project. CCC has also lined up a number of groups including the Eagle Scouts, Boys & Girls Club, Mount Olive Feeding Ministries, and other local civic organizations and churches to help the garden come to life.

GROW

…as one’s spirit does

The group recently celebrated the project’s groundbreaking, to ensure the garden beds were built and ready to go in time for planting. Months of hard work, dedication, and determination finally paid off for the LNS team as they saw their project come to life. What once existed only in the imaginations of the Slidell Giving Garden team and in the form of spreadsheets, quickly became something tangible and truly special. All the planning and preparation in the world didn’t prepare the members of this team for the growth in spirit that would take place from the very first minutes of the groundbreaking. In addition to the LNS team members on hand, Coleman Skinner with CCC and Dale Kimball with Aldersgate United Methodist Church were both there to lend

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their talents and muscle. But it was a group of young men and women that represented the true spirit of the project and put the giving in Slidell Giving Garden. Before it was ever planted, their garden had blossomed.

A group of college kids from Ferris State University’s Wesley House, the United Methodist Campus Ministry group, came down to lend a hand. Driving all the way from Big Rapids, MI to volunteer their time to this community project isn’t the most impressive thing about this group. “They gave up their Spring Break to do volunteer work for total strangers in a community they have never been to. It is amazing to say the least,” Christina says with appreciation. The students called it their “Alternate Spring Break” and viewed their volunteerism as a way to show their faith and spread their ministry by bringing people to God. The spirit of this group of around 30 members was uplifting and contagious; exactly what the LNS team wanted to see - inspiring others to give as the garden does.

Christina says, “We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the groundbreaking of the Slidell Giving Garden.”

GROW

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…as a community

“I want this garden to be an example,” Carolyn says with excitement. “It takes so few people to have such a big impact on those in need in our community. We’re just a group of five people. Through coming together as a team, look at what we were able to accomplish. Look at the possibilities if everyone reads this and just takes some effort to make an impact on other people’s lives.”

Commercial, Residental & Refinancing Abstarct • Title Insurance • Title Examinations Christina Lowrance Manager

Slidell Office • 303 S. Military Rd., Ste. 3

ATTORNEYS:

Denise D. Lindsey, Michael Tassin, Jr., S. Michele Blanchard

Phone: Fax:

985-641-8002 985-605-5035

One of the goals of LNS is to teach and develop an understanding of the inter-relationships between systems which contribute to patterns of life in our community. Growing a successful garden can be thought of in a similar manner. An understanding of the inter-relationships between plants, weather, and the gardeners is important. This team of future leaders wants to remind everyone that the Slidell Giving Garden belongs to all of us.

The garden will be presented to CCC upon the group’s graduation from Leadership Northshore. As the garden flourishes, so shall the community it supports. The garden also needs our help sponsorships, along with donations of construction materials, time, plants and trees, gardening supplies, and monetary donations are needed and welcomed. Carolyn concludes, “I have met some of the greatest people by volunteering in this community.

The interconnection of the people is what makes projects like this possible and successful. At the heart of it all is the Slidell community and that is what we want to grow with the Slidell Giving Garden.”

Untangle the red tape of Health Care Reform We can help

Donation Site: CCC 2515 Carey Street

985-646-0357

Debbie Schimmeck Monetary Donations can be sent to:

All American Title Agency, LLC 303 S. Military Rd., Ste 3

John Brindell 985-696-0482 jbrindell@eustis.com

985-641-8002

Christina Lowrance 25

Make your Backyard a

X jmemjgf!Ibwfo story and photos by Donna Bush

Sponsored by:

NORTHSHORE

woodpecker, red-winged blackbird, blue jay, brown-headed nuthatch, tufted titmouse, pine warbler and ruby-throated hummingbird. In the winter, you may see American goldfinch, chipping sparrow, whitethroated sparrow, American robin, cedar waxwing, and yellow-rumped warbler. As I write this story, I am watching a dozen or more northern cardinals, a red-bellied woodpecker, at least ten American goldfinches, a pair of Carolina chickadees, four mourning doves, and a pair of house finches plus two squirrels frolicking in the back yard.

Cold temps, sleet, ice, major roads closed three times - hard to believe we live in Slidell, Louisiana. Believe it or not, spring will come; and with it, we will be scrambling to refurnish our yards. Why not consider building a backyard wildlife habitat? It’s easy to do and will bring you enjoyment throughout the year. In our area, you can expect to see some or all of the following birds: northern cardinal, mourning dove, northern mockingbird, Carolina chickadee, Carolina wren, red-headed woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, downy

NORTHSHORE

How did I get all these fabulous birds in my backyard? Well, I made the decision to have a backyard wildlife habitat. It’s even certified by the National Wildlife Federation. Don’t be intimidated by the certification. I’ll give you all the information you need to certify your own backyard.

There are three major requirements: food, water, and habitat - and there are a variety of ways to make each one happen.

First, you need bird friendly plants, which are plants that provide habitat or food for your birds. Trees or shrubs that bare fruit are excellent food sources. Fruit trees and berry bushes can provide food for you and your wildlife. Excellent choices are fig trees, blueberry bushes or pear trees. Think of going with native species, as they are more adapted to our climate, require less maintenance and are more likely to flourish and survive when we experience climate extremes. Louisiana is home to 2400 indigenous plant species. LSU Ag Center provides a wealth of information on trees and shrubs that are successful in our area. You can search for native species, species that flower, produce berries or fruit and species that attract wildlife. They even give tips on how to plant and care for your trees and shrubs. Check out their website at: www.lsuagcenter.com

Not everybody gets along. House finches fight with cardinals and doves, American goldfinches fight with each other.

Let’s not forget the red-bellied woodpecker that scares everybody away from the feeder. Not really a bully, but he is so big, he intimidates everyone else. The real bully is the red-headed woodpecker. They actually knock the other birds off the feeder. Mourning doves are not stealthy or aerodynamic. They come in for a landing with a lot of squawk and looking like a barely controlled crash.

The “Birding Place”

We can help make your yard a Wild Bird Haven!

Facebook.com/NSACE www.NSAce.net

1037 Robert Blvd • Slidell (985) 641-1404

Hummingbirds can be persuaded to visit your yard by planting flowering plants that will provide them with the nectar they desire. Hummingbirds are attracted to red or brightly colored flowers, but this is not a must. Japanese honeysuckle has fragrant white flowers abundant with nectar. Other favorite hummingbird flowers are pentas, salvia, verbena, shrimp plants, lantana, hibiscus, cardinal plant and bee balm just to name a few.

Hummingbirds aren’t the only wildlife that enjoy fragrant flowers. Expect to see butterflies visiting your backyard paradise. Thirty-seven species with 749 individuals were tallied during a butterfly count conducted last September in the Honey Island Swamp part of the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area. Per Linda Auld, aka “The BugLady,” the most common butterflies for our area are the monarch, gulf fritillary, cloudless and orange barred sulfurs, black swallowtail, question mark and giant swallowtail. The butterflies that adorn your yard are dependent on the host plants that you provide them. Host plants provide a location for the butterfly to lay eggs and food for the caterpillar to eat until it spins its chrysalis.

Monarchs require milkweed as a host plant.

Gulf fritillary prefer passionflower. Both sulfurs like cassia. Black swallowtail dine on parsley, dill and fennel. Question marks prefer hackberry and giant swallowtails are attracted to citrus trees. For nectar, butterflies enjoy many of the same flowering plants as hummingbirds: lantana, penta, zinnia, butterfly bush (buddleia) and Mexican sunflower. Even though butterflies get their primary food from flower nectar, they need nutrients and minerals to reproduce. The male absorbs the necessary nutrients from the soil in mud puddles and passes them to the female through his sperm. You can make your own mud bath by mixing 1:1 garden soil and manure, placing it in a ceramic glazed pot saucer, and keeping it moist throughout the

spring and summer. Locate the saucer in a spot in your garden near your nectar rich flowers and you’ll be sure to have lots of visitors.

You can also provide food sources for your birds, squirrels and butterflies with feeders. There are squirrel-proof feeders that keep the squirrels from empting your feeder within hours of filling it. I’ve also found that squirrels don’t care for safflower seed, but northern cardinals, Carolina chickadees, and mourning doves love it. You can make your own hummingbird nectar by mixing 1 part cane sugar and four parts boiling water. Don’t be surprised if you see birds other than hummingbirds at your feeder. House finches are frequent visitors at mine. North Shore Ace Hardware on Robert Boulevard has a great selection of feeders and supplies – a great way to support a local business while providing a beautiful local habitat for your bird friends!

You’ll need a water source in your backyard. This can be a birdbath, fountain, fishpond or natural stream. I’ve found that circulating fountains work well. Plus the trickling water provides a soothing solitude to your backyard haven.

For habitat, you’ll need something to provide both protection and a suitable nesting environment, such as large, dense shrubs. I use azaleas, sweet viburnum, camellias and gardenias as native habitat.

A brush pile full of downed limbs, pruned shrubs, deadheaded plants, etc makes a terrific hiding place for young birds and rabbits. A variety of different height plants are wonderful for young flyers to hop from spot to spot while trying out their wings.

Nesting boxes are another valuable addition, such as bluebird and purple martin houses.

Don’t worry if you have a small yard. Even a small yard can provide a wonderful haven for lots of garden visitors. My yard is only 1500 square feet and I have families of northern cardinals, red-headed woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers and house finches (among others) visiting daily.

Once you’ve obtained the above, you can connect to NWF’s website at: www.nwf.org. There is a $20 application fee, which includes a year’s membership in NWF, a year’s subscription to National Wildlife magazine, 10% off all NWF catalog purchases and a personalized certificate recognizing your yard as a certified habitat.

In the words of Linda Auld, “Plant it and they will find it.” Once you’ve got your yard established, sit back and enjoy the show!

Thanks to North Shore Ace Hardware owner Larry Gillio, Jr. for sponsoring this story! You can shop for ALL of your bird supplies and Spring gardening needs at his store, located at 1037 Robert Blvd., in Slidell. Be sure to check out their website at www.nsace.net

27

by John Maracich III

More than 8 years have passed since Hurricane Katrina savaged many areas of Slidell.

For most of us, the world changed after Hurricane Katrina rampaged through the area. Not only was a large swath of southern Slidell submerged by surge waters, much of the area was directly hit by the supremely powerful winds of Katrina’s eye wall.

The memory of mountains of debris alongside Highway 11, most of it obliterated remains of the homes of our friends and families, still seems a Dali-esque mirror image of what should be reality. Many of us made a regular

trek past fully armed Guardsmen in the old Walmart parking lot to pick up water and MREs.

now paying a premium price for labor because of the rebuilding opportunities in the labor market.

Like every other aspect of our lives during those years, business and the economy became very abstract.

Shortly after Katrina hit, only a very few businesses were open - most with reduced hours. With employees scattered around the country, it was difficult for restaurant owners to open their doors. Historically minimum wage establishments like McDonalds were

Watching the Slidell business community quickly mutate and change over the last eight years has been fascinating.

We’ve witnessed an accelerated evolution caused by Katrina as well as the general turbulence in the national economy caused by years of war and recession.

Below: only a fraction of the new businesses that have opened their doors since 2005

In late 2005, cut off from New Orleans by the destroyed Twin Spans, with a large part of our population removed,

REFLECTIONS This month, we reflect on the incredible growth in the local business community. entire neighborhoods and subdivisions in need of total reconstruction, some questioned whether Slidell would ever return as it was.

Cut to 2014 and we can see it didn’t return as it was - but better! The business community has grown in a big way since 2005.

It’s not all good news. Some of our favorite businesses have closed their doors. Frozen yogurt shops had an especially hard winter. Businesses close every day. But much of that is the natural churn of small business, and Slidell is actually doing better than most cities.

Slidell has new economic foundations like Associated Grocers and Rooms to Go. These businesses are a huge benefit to the area because the hundreds of jobs they offer keep local income in Slidell, rather than elsewhere.

A big boom for the future may be the new Fremaux Town Center. Large developments like this one can benefit neighboring businesses in a big way.

Fremaux Avenue, long seen as just a way to get from point A to point B, may

become as important a retail destination as Gause Blvd. has become.

Driving around Slidell to take the pictures below, I was blown away by how much change had occurred in just a few years.

I’m sure many of you have similar thoughts. If you want to share those thoughts or alert Slidell Magazine to an interesting business to shine a spotlight on in the future, e-mail us at slidellmag2020@gmail.com

go beyond Lafayette Sponsored by:

I

I love Lafayette, Louisiana for lots of reasons.

Because the scenic two-hour drive from Slidell to Lafayette is a perfect distance, and there are great places to stop along the way.

Because every restaurant I’ve ever entered in the Lafayette area tops the last one in great food and great service. Because there’s always live music and dancing somewhere, any time you want it. Because there’s so much to do and see, and yet the pace is as slow as you want it to be.

Because the spirit of those infamous Cajuns, Boudreaux and Thibodeaux, is alive and well.

Boudreaux was sitting in downtown Catahoula last week when a stranger walked up to him and asked, “What’s the quickest way to Baton Rouge?”

Boudreaux asked him, “Are you walking or driving?” The man replied, “Well, I’m driving, of course!”

Boudreaux says, “Mais, dat’s de quickest way!”

by Rose Marie Sand But mostly, I love Lafayette because I always feel at home there, and that’s because of my adopted Cajun family, May and Ronnie Olivier.

When running from storms, my destination of choice, depending on which way the wind blows, is always May & Ronnie’s warm home in Lafayette; after Katrina blew through, I lived there for a few weeks. Even considered making Lafayette my permanent home, back then.

So, I thought I knew a lot about the city. I’d visited the Tabasco Company’s Avery Island numerous times, eaten lots of boudin and boiled crawfish, and Zydeco danced the night away at Blue Moon Café.

When my family was welcomed with open arms during our evacuation, their friends came out of the woodwork with food, groceries and support.

“You can bring it to the bank – when someone is in trouble, people come in droves without even being asked,” Ronnie told me. And that attitude seeps through from the very young to the very old, from the very rich to the poor.

“People don’t know how to put up pretenses. It doesn’t matter what your education is, you’re accepted for who you are. You’ll see people in ‘Delcambre Reeboks’ (that’s white shrimp boots, y’all) who could be millionaires, right next to the rest of us. It’s just bred into them.”

Ronnie and May truly exemplify what family is all about – but the thing is, they’re really not Cajun. Ronnie’s from New Orleans and May grew up in Pearl River, but somehow the Cajun culture in Lafayette seeps through their pores.

There’s a little of the musical Cajun lilt in their voices, and in their step – they Zydeco dance like naturals.

I searched for the meaning of the term Zydeco to share with you, and this is what Wiki says: It literally translates as “the snap beans aren’t salty” but idiomatically as “I have no spicy news for you.”

Alternatively, the term has been given the meaning “I’m so poor, I can’t afford any salt meat for the beans.” Take what you will from that explanation, but Zydeco is plenty spicy and salty, cher.

One of my most favorite things to do on a weekend visit is go to Café’ des Amis in Breaux Bridge on Saturday morning for the Zydeco breakfast. Be sure to get there early (doors open at 7:30 am) if you want to sit at a table to enjoy an outstanding feast, but you won’t be sitting long. And you will be entertained on so many levels.

Listen to live Zydeco played like life depends on it, move your bones or watch the dancers move theirs, taste unique menu items like the “don’t mess with my Tasso” omelet or the Orielle de Cochon (Boudin stuffed beignet dough shaped like pigs’ ears with powdered sugar) and get swept away to your own piece of Cajun heaven.

I learned a bit more about the Cajun heritage on this visit because my friends took me to the historical Cajun Creole Village and Folklife Park called Vermilionville. The park is on a 23-acre site on the banks of Bayou Vermilion, and has several restored original homes with local artisans that provide demonstrations of a variety of crafts performed by early settlers.

The artisans are friendly, knowledgeable and give a sort of “living history” feel to the museum. The history of the Acadian people comes to life at Vermilionville; their cuisine comes to life at the “La Cuisine De Maman Restaurant” on the grounds.

There’s also the Vermilion Performance Center, which hosts a Sunday afternoon family-friendly dance party featuring local Zydeco bands.

You’ll actually have a hard time choosing which incredible dance, music, food, or cultural event to go to.

In addition to the dance party at Vermilionville, Sundays also feature an impressive brunch at the Blue Dog Café’.

This charming restaurant is made all the more beautiful by George Rodriguez’s world famous art that adorns the walls. As much as I loved the artwork, it was hard to tear my eyes from the dozens of food selections – try the dirty dog rice dressing and the crab cakes benedict. Wash it all 31

nest on the island each spring on specially built, pier-like structures in a pond nicknamed “Bird City.” You can stroll the gardens along a path covered by gnarled oaks laced with Spanish moss and stand at the shrine that houses a centuries-old Buddha — a gift to E. A. McIlhenny in 1936.

Sounds like a Cajun version of Disney, doesn’t it? And that’s a segue to another Boudreaux joke: Tee Boudreaux goes up to his daddy the other day and asks, “Poppa, can you make a noise like a frog?”

Boudreaux says, “Mais I guess I can. Why you wants me to make a noise like a frog?” down with mimosas and live Cajun music, and you’ll thank God you were born in Louisiana.

Tee says, “Cause Momma told me that as soon as you croaks, we goin’ to Disneyland!”

And therein lies the elegant sufficiency that is life in our home state. Perhaps no month exemplifies that as much as April; as we get to choose between a Boudin Festival in Scott, Louisiana, the New Orleans’ Jazz & Heritage Festival, or the popular Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette.

If you want to get close and personal and make noise like a frog (how’s that for a transition?), check out Pack and Paddle, Lafayette’s most well established hiking gear and outdoors store. But it is also much more than that. Pack & Paddle offers weekly workshops, gatherings, socials, and outdoor excursions like “Kayaking 101,” “Waterfall Hiking” and “Beer & Gear Social Night.”

The Festival International is the largest free Francophone event in the United Sates, with this visual and performing arts festival celebrating the French cultural heritage of southern Louisiana.

The International flavor of Louisiana doesn’t end there, however; as arguably the most famous export of the area is Tabasco Brand Hot Sauce. Touring the visitor center and the pepper sauce factory is just part of the Avery Island experience. In addition to seeing how the hot sauce ages in white oak barrels, there’s a 170acre jungle garden, complete with alligator, deer, and thousands of snowy egrets. The egrets

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This place is a gold mine of information about local camping, hiking, fishing and kayaking.

I’ve got my sites set for Paddling the Virgin Cypress of Lake Fausse Point. Called a true wonder, with trees that are over 2,000 years old, this experience is said to rival that of seeing the giant Redwoods of California.

Truth is, this area of our state can keep me busy and happy all year ‘round. In Jennings, Louisiana, just about mid-way between Baton Rouge and Lafayette, there are a couple of unique events that must be included in any

well rounded Louisiana resident’s wheelbox – biplanes and squeezeboxes.

The Stearman Bi-Plane Fly-in brings Stearman pilots and aviation enthusiasts from across the country to Jennings Airport every fall to show off their restored open-cockpit planes and take part in aerial competition. I had the thrill of riding in a Stearman at this Fly-In several years ago, and plan to repeat the experience.

In the spring, Jennings also hosts a Squeezebox Shoot Out, as accordionists from across the country flex their fingers at the Strand Theatre.

I don’t know about you, but for me, life just doesn’t get much better or more diverse than that.

I’ve been in the Lafayette area, the heart of Acadiana and the unofficial capital of Cajun Country, many times; and still there are places I’ve not explored, and food I have yet to enjoy.

May’s son, Andy Anderson, writes a travel blog and he’s shared with me some of his favorite places in his hometown. Here’s a short list of some places recommended by Ronnie, May and Andy. Explore along with me: Shadows-on-the-Teche is an antebellum-style home that is listed as a national historic site, 20 miles from Lafayette.

Downtown Alive hosts live music on Friday nights in the spring and fall in downtown Lafayette.

Artmosphere Bistro is a funky live music venue with local art and eclectic food and spirits.

Parish Brewing Company is a microbrewery just outside of Lafayette, which offers free tours on Fridays.

Conrad Rice Mill is America’s oldest rice mill that produces rice for a popular brand called Konriko. Rice is a foundation of the local economy and diet. Ask anyone from Louisiana, rice and gravy isn’t just lunch, its what’s for dinner.

St. John’s Cathedral and its 150 year old oak tree is a must see. It’s in downtown Lafayette where you can also visit an excellent Children’s Museum and the Lafayette Science Museum.

T’Frere’s House Bed and Breakfast is May’s choice for a beautiful and historic weekend stay.

Everyone agrees that Cajun dancing at Randals and the Blue Moon Saloon are a necessary part of a true Lafayette weekend.

In December, Ronnie loves the Christmas lights at Acadian Villiage in Lafayette. Ronnie is an award-winning photographer, and his photos grace the pages of many local publications. I love seeing Lafayette through his lens.

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Andy tells me that there’s a competition of sorts between burger joints Twin’s Burgers and Judice Inn, along with some great gator at Gator Cove and old-fashioned po boys at Olde Tyme Grocery.

3412 Pontchartrain Dr • Slidell

May loves the king cakes at Meche’s Bakery, and all agree that Mel’s Diner and Hub City Diner are don’t miss eateries.

w w w. AC E I A . c o m

985-643-5440

I’m convinced that there is not a bad meal or snack to be had in Acadia.

On the way home from my last visit, I pulled into one of the ubiquitous small stores and bought a paper bag full of cracklins, some hot boudin and a large sweet tea - necessities of life on the road. It was absolute hog heaven all the way to Denham Springs, where of course I stopped to gas up and get coffee at the Whistle Stop Café. A quick stroll through Denham’s antique district, and I was fully fed and shopped out for the short drive home.

A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do to experience laissez les bon temps rouler for herself.

But nothing makes the good times roll like good friends.

We were in line for tickets at Vermilionville Zydeco Dance Hall when May recognized an older couple she’d seen dancing around town. So, of course, in moments we were fast friends and heard the story of their recent decision to move from Wisconsin to Lafayette.

The music is what did it, you see. The wife explained that once they heard Zydeco music at a concert in Wisconsin, they had to be a part of it. Now, they admit they are still learning the moves, but what better place to soak it all in? So, they up and moved to Lafayette! Then she asked May, in her adopted state’s slang – where you from?

May smiled and said, “South Louisiana. And there’s no place else I’d rather be.”

33

Sponsored p By: y

Y

You know that great feeling that comes after a great workout? A sort of burning, sore, accomplished feeling in your muscles? You know, what people call a “good pain”? Yeah...me neither, but I hear it is great! And totally worth it. But for me, at least, that remains to be seen. However, I know that is what many will experience this month after participating in the annual Crescent City Classic. The Classic is a 10k marathon that has thrived for over thirty years. From neighbors, to friends and family members, everyone you talk to about the run has always had a great time participating - and for a greater good. And as the founders of The Classic realized in 1979 at the first annual event, “you can’t hold an event in New Orleans without music, food and drinks.” Like you had to tell us that! Cue The Festival. That’s right, folks. This event is so popular and widely known that it gets its own festival. And while some may participate just to dance and be a part of the party, there are hundreds more that are there to break that sweat. Whether it’s the great race itself or the festival that follows, the whole event is a great, proud, New Orleans tradition - one that both fitness-lovers and festival-lovers can appreciate. But participate or not, for sure, it’s one that all Louisianians should experience.

The Classic’s 10,000 meters are sanctioned and certified by the USA Track & Field Association. Did you know you can’t just call it a 10K? It’s gotta actually be...well... you know… Anyway, the marathon starts in front of the Superdome on Poydras Street, proceeds down Poydras, bears left on Saint Peters, and continues onto Decatur Street where it passes Jackson Square. Participants run through the French Quarter and past Cafe Du Monde and the French Market before taking a left on Esplanade. Continuing down Esplanade, the course runs to the front of New Orleans City Park on City Park Ave. The remainder of the course takes place in the park, passing by Storyland and the New Orleans Museum of Art, before finishing

AT SCULPT FITNESS,

at Roosevelt Mall, exactly 6.2 miles from the start. Whew! What a workout! Didn’t just reading that make your legs start to feel sore? I know just writing it made me break out into a sweat. At least participants are able to see some of the best of New Orleans scenery and landmarks along their way. And I’m sure that run by Cafe’ Du Monde and the sweet smell of those sugary warm beignets adds to the runners’ personal challenges. Perhaps they find their motivation in running off the calories before partaking in them.

But you might ask yourself, why go run?

There is a minimal fee to participate in the Classic, and you can run for free in your neighborhood without venturing to the Quarter. Well, for those who are looking to make a difference and help out their favorite charity, the “Run For It” program was established to allow participants to fundraise while they walk, jog, or run the course. The Crescent City Classic organization chooses ten local charities and donates 100 guaranteed race entries to each partner. Those charities then recruit 100 volunteers/ runners to fill those spots with a

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minimum of $200 commitment each by race day. That means if The Classic meets the minimum of 100 recruits (and they always do), a guaranteed $200,000 to local New Orleans charities is funded; charities such as the American Cancer Society, Covenant House New Orleans, Girls on the Run New Orleans, and The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, to name a few. It’s really a great way to support local charities and promote wellness for the community. And all by donating an afternoon and a little exercise.

On that note, it wouldn’t be New Orleans without throwing in a festival on the side. Not that we ever feel that we need an excuse for a festival! The festival includes live music provided by local artists, drinks, food, and an awards ceremony for the racers. For those participants who toughed it out and made it through the whole course, the festival is free to enter and is a great cherry to top off the whole day. The live music is great, and I love a good award, but you best believe that if I walked 10,000 meters, food and drink would surely follow. That would be reward enough for me! I’d probably run it twice. Ok, maybe I should just slow down a bit. I’m getting a little ahead of myself.

Festivals aside, and after impacting contributions to charity, this is a heartily health-conscious experience. And for those who appreciate the fitness and health aspects of the course, the two-day Health

and Fitness Expo will not disappoint. (Are you keeping track? We’re at a run, a festival, AND an Expo! Has this thing got it all or what?) The Health & Fitness Expo features exhibitors showcasing the latest in running apparel, shoes, exercise equipment, nutrition and wellness products, fitness services, and much more. The best part is that it is a free event that takes place before the run and is open to the public. In addition to benefiting our local communities, events like the race and this Expo are pivotal to improving and promoting a healthy lifestyle in Louisiana.

When most people hear the words New Orleans, what pops to mind? You guessed it - gumbo, fried shrimp po-boys, king cake, anything covered in sauce, and my personal favorite - boiled crawfish. It can’t be just a coincidence that the Classic is at the beginning of crawfish season. And it can’t be a coincidence that the race runs right

by Cafe Du Monde. Even during a health event, food is at the center of our culture.

Participating in events like the Crescent City Classic can help us feel good about enjoying all of the great parts of our culture, even the ones that cause us to gain a few pounds and intake a few extra calories. The Classic is a fun event that encourages us to lead a healthy lifestyle in a fun, New Orleans-style way. All in all, what’s not to love? (Besides that whole 10K thing.)

Expos, festivals, charitable contributions, the sweet atmosphere of New Orleans and

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a free T-shirt to boot, the Crescent City Classic has everything it takes to be a true New Orleans original. This annual event allows us all to step into those Nikes and be the athlete for a day while still benefiting from all that goes with a fantastic, good ole’ south Louisiana party. If you haven’t experienced it, make this your year to go watch the goodness happen. Who knows, maybe it will inspire you and me to train for next year! A boy can dream.

The Crescent City Classic takes place on April 19th this year. Enrollment fees and other information can be found at the Classic’s website at www.CCC10K.com Check it out.

Corey Hogue - April 2014

Sli-Ku Happy National Humor Month!! I do realize that April is full of a myriad of other more important and well deserving holidays and observances. But who else is going to point out Math Awareness Month? You know, they say that math teachers are sum worshipers…who have lots of problems…and if they can’t stop adding things up, they’ll go incremental! Seriously, where else are you going to get that? So, here’s my take on April - let’s do a number on it!

April 20th…Easter…National Pot Smoker’s Day…HOLY SMOKES! With Easter’s moveable date being influenced by the first full moon after the March equinox, and National Pot Smoker’s Day being fixed to 4/20, this singularity of observance is bound to happen about every ten years or so. The term “420” has become synonymous with the cannabis counterculture and is used as a noun, verb, and an adjective. So what does this confluence mean?

Apart from Cadbury Crème Egg sales spiking every 10 years? Absolutely nothing…it’s a natural function…a mathematical sine.

The workweek of April 7-11 is Explore Your Career Options Week. If your copy of Slidell Magazine has the previous sentence blacked-out, it is a safe bet your employer got to my Sli-Ku before you did. Life is too short to not love your job (or at least put up with it for the money you make). So think back to when you were a kid and were asked “what do you want to be?”

Every journey for the perfect job begins with a single…click of the mouse.

I was once encouraged to explore my career options by a former boss; but come to think of it, that was just his nice way of telling me I was fired!

36

I find it clever when people take something enjoyable and makes it even better.

National Beer Day is April 7 – enjoyable. But adopting April 6 as New Beers Eve – brilliant!! Prefer to go old school for a day? Grab three of your friends and don bushy mustaches and straw hats to celebrate Barber Shop Quartet Day on the 11th. If your “quartet” is as tone deaf as my friends and me, another option for the same day would be to observe Day of Silence. (Feel free to be totally punk and wear the hats and mustaches anyway.) Celebrate Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on April 12. To truly celebrate this day, get creative!

I’ve seen a toaster on its side and I’ve used an iron, so those are obvious. Take a picture of the unique way you fix a grilled cheese sandwich and I’ll post the best ones on Facebook.

April 13 is Scrabble Day so I guess the sore losers pushed for Dictionary Day on the 14th. I love Scrabble. I’m still waiting to hear back from my editor about my challenge for a “best of three” match with her; winner gets bragging rights on the magazine’s Fan Page. I better not get too boastful or I might get myself into a pickle. Wait…what’s another name for pickles? Oh, that’s right; Gherkins. And if I played it using an E and R already on the board in the right place, that would be 180 points. GAME ON!!!

Haiku Poetry Day is April 17 and New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong is celebrated with Satchmo Days April 25-27. Both of these observances will bring me joy.

I haiku every day and listen to Satchmo just as often; I even named one of my dogs Louis. I find life is best when simplified. How very “quixotry” of me… played right, that’s good for 365pts!

I find it funny The duality of man Can you dig it too Until next time…

Lee Kreil

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I don’t deny it happens; I am sure many pets have been injured in car wrecks. But real-world conditions like parvo virus, dog fights, cancer and accidental poisonings – all of which I’ve written about in this space before - outnumber the risk of a dog being hurt inside a car by thousands to one. And no industry has sprung up to make biteresistant Kevlar vests for little dogs in dog parks. Hmm, maybe... But I digress.

So here’s a problem that I hadn’t really worried about until now: pet car safety. While I understand that keeping pets safe and sound at all times should be a priority, I have been guilty of just letting MY DOGS hop up into the cab of my truck and then cruising around the neighborhood or down the interstate, free to roam, sometimes bopping around like kernels in a popcorn popper. I turn the radio up really loud while I am doing it, too.

Classic Rock.

I never would do something egregiously, obliviously dangerous like put them in the back of an open pickup; but in my mind, a free dog bouncing around in the back seat seemed OK. Well it turns out, according to some, I was wrong.

Car safety for pets is now a real thing.

It hasn’t risen to the same level as human automotive safety has. (I feel as if the inside of my car is lined with explosive air bags just daring me to tap that bumper on the car ahead of me.) It is gaining in popularity, though; which means it is rife for satire. Pet car safety is starting to take on the same selfimportant, finger-wagging seriousness that comes from the raw pet food crowd, or the baby-proof-your-house crowd. So, why not lob some grenades at it?

In its present state, I think the pet-restraint industry is mostly about marketing, and getting you - the pet owner - to feel guilty and buy some new stuff. While it has been said that the three most dangerous words in all of medicine are “in my experience,” I have never seen a dog injured inside a car during a wreck in 24 years of private practice. Not one. Never. I did hear a story from a female colleague about a guy who was injured in his car when he was HIT BY A TRAIN! His two unrestrained dogs – not a scratch.

Dr. Jeff recommends using:

An informal (and admittedly unscientific) online survey of 12 Emergency Room veterinarians revealed that the average number of cases of intra-vehicular accident injuries seen by this group of doctors was 0.3 per year, per vet.

So each ER vet, who may see hundreds of hit by car, dog fight, and parvo cases yearly, sees on average about one case every three years of a dog injured inside a car. Granted, for that one-third of a dog who was in the wreck, if something could have been done to prevent injuries (which were reported as minor in the majority of cases), that would be significant. But even that poor fraction of a canine would probably still have been injured, even with a store-bought pet restraint. More on that in about a paragraph and a half.

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So, some enterprising inventor looking to make a buck dreams up the whole pet car safety angle. I can just imagine the pitch on “Shark Tank.” By the way, have you seen this show? If not, check it out, I recommend it. But again, I digress. So next, the inventor gets an ad guy to start aggressively marketing seat belts for Fido to pet owners – “you need this,” “buy this or your dog will die in a fiery wreck,” etc. It’s like preventing an asteroid strike – dramatic and dangerous when it happens, but statistically improbable.

When I started this piece, I envisioned a sober, objective analysis of the merits of vehicular pet restraint systems. I can see that it’s morphed into a bit of a rant. Here’s why: Turns out, when these products were tested in a car safety lab, the vast majority failed, some catastrophically. Only one out of the 11 tested performed to specs and actually protected the pets.

Those are impressively crappy numbers (excuse the potty mouth). I think that’s what bothers me most – this newly minted industry, telling me that it’s beneficial to restrain my dog in the car in the event of an accident (I’ll buy that). Then they ask me to fork over 50, 75, maybe 100 dollars for peace of mind that doesn’t deliver when a little science is applied to it.

Obviously, I am not against pets being safe or pets being restrained in cars, as remote as the chances are that they will be injured. What I am against is someone dreaming up this answer in search of a problem, and then supplying a sub-par product to fix it. It preys on the same fears and insecurities that get little old ladies to fork over their life savings to Nigerian princes – it is (in its current state anyway) a scam.

So until things get better – what are we to do? With near universal agreement, the answer from the informal poll of ER veterinarians was to put cats in a carrier and dogs in a crate.

They are less likely to crawl under the brake pedal or hop into the driver’s lap and distract him. And if there is a wreck, they are less likely to fly through the air and be ejected from the car – a much more significant danger

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There are benefits to pet car restraints, just not the advertised ones. Even if it might fail in a crash, a doggie seat belt could keep a dog from distracting a driver, just as a crate could. In 1999, Stephen King was struck by a driver who was distracted by a loose dog. He was thrown 14 feet, suffered a collapsed lung, a broken hip, and nearly had his right leg amputated.

I bet Mr. King wishes that dog had been under some sort of restraint, even one that might have failed in a serious accident.

Another benefit: a restraint can keep a dog from jumping out of an open car door or through a lowered window. Specific restraints can keep dogs inside the bed of a pickup truck. The sight of any dog in a truck bed makes me nervous, but a dog roaming loose in a truck is an accident waiting to happen. I’ve had to clean up that mess more than once.

The majority of companies making these systems should take note. Maybe they are working furiously in their R&D labs as I type these words, designing second-generation restraints that will deliver on the failed promise of the first generation. I hope so. I can’t say I will be strapping my dog in any day soon; but for the trusting pet owners that use them, they deserve something that will work as advertised not a flimsy device dreamed up by an ad guy in a skinny tie.

Hey...maybe he could get me on “Shark Tank” with the Kevlar doggie vests.

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I WILL, be ok. And so will I.

CH ORE CHART Those things are more interesting to me, I guess.

I have some major A.D.D., always have.

If you were to look back at my report cards or behavior reports, you would see I couldn‛t focus for the life of me.

Now, add three kids into the mix.

Being an organized, consistent Mom is hard for me.

Still can‛t.

They would try and teach me Math -I would stare at the pretty bird in the sky.

Then there are chores.

They would tell me to write a report on the Civil War -- I wrote about my fantasy character, Gracie, who was a spy for the government and always broke her leg for some reason. Then the night before it was due, I would whip something up, adding a lot of “very, very, very, very” to it.

I. HATE. MUNDANE. TASKS.

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

I wasn‛t a bad kid. I just acted out.

I was frustrated. And I felt stupid because of something I couldn‛t control.

They seem so pointless to me, but they have to be done.

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

Well, it‛s not that easy.

In the skimmer is a dead, bloated frog.

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

I just CANNOT do mundane tasks without total chaos taking place. I live with this everyday. Constant work, and no progress.

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

Here is an example of me attempting to do chores:

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.

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And that is A LOT.

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

More than I hate pokemon.

They would tell me to read a book -I would read the same sentence 20 times, then tell them where to put it.

Walk into the kitchen to get something to drink.

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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 of his cage, I see him move. THANK GOD!

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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.

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Crap! I need a dishtowel!

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.

Then a neighborhood kid knocks on the door.

Craft time!

As the kids do a craft that I ordered online for the kids Sunday School class I teach, I am reminded that I never started my lesson.

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

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. Because he 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.”

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He looks at me as if I have something growing out of my forehead. “I see,” he replies with a grin.

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

Dishes still in the sink from the night before, but 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.

Anyway, I just realized the title for this is “chore chart.”

See where that got me.

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