47th edition - June 2014

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SLIDELL

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magazine Vol 47 June 2014

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WOMEN’S APPAREL • STYLING SESSIONS • ELITE BOUTIQUE SHOWS MODELING CONTRACTS • FASHION SHOWS • SPECIAL EVENTS

1736 E. GAUSE BLVD, SUITE 30 • SLIDELL (985) 326-8076 | WWW.SHOPSNAZZY.COM

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Contributing Writers Donna Bush Sli-Ku, Lee Kreil The Storyteller, John Case Jockularity, Corey Hogue Pet Points, Jeff Perret, DVM Slidellicacies, John Maracich III Crimmi-Mommly Insane, Leslie Gates Once Upon A Time...In Slidell, Ronnie Dunaway EFOP, Mario Chavez

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Lori Gomez www.LoriGomezArt.com Mike Rich MikeRich@mypontchartrain.com Rose Marie Sand Rose@RoseMarieSand.com

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MELISSA MITRIK | OWNER/BUYER 1736 E. GAUSE BLVD, SUITE 30 • SLIDELL (985) 326-8076 | WWW.SHOPSNAZZY.COM

BOUTIQUE AND MODELING

WOMEN’S APPAREL | STYLING SESSIONS | ELITE BOUTIQUE SHOWS MODELING CONTRACTS | FASHION SHOWS | SPECIAL EVENTS Melissa Maddox Mitrik is a Slidell native and an active duty Air Force spouse of 18 years. She recently moved back home to Slidell with her family, as military retirement draws near. Melissa is the owner of Snazzy Chic Boutique, LLC domiciled in South Carolina and Louisiana, and served as the Joint Force Headquarters State Program Manager for both LA and SC. Her caring nature and attention to detail paves the way for an exceptional level of customer service you can always count on.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for my gorgeous contracted models, my loyal customers and my supportive family. I’ve listened to what the community wants since returning home and have opened my boutique to provide the most trendy apparel, all priced at an affordable range that appeals to everyone.”

Snazzy & Chic Boutique, LLC is located next to TCBY in the Camellia Square Shopping Center located at 1736 Gause Boulevard East, Suite 30, Slidell Louisiana. The storefront opened May 1st and will celebrate a Chamber Ribbon Cutting on June 17, 2014.

For additional inquires, please visit the website at www.shopsnazzy.com

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Extraordinarily Fascinating “Ordinary” People

Jorge and Val Santana June 2014

Simple…But not easy When I first was told that the Extraordinarily Fascinating Ordinary People of the month were a lovely couple of Cuban immigrants who just happened to manage a paint store while raising 8 beautiful children, I didn’t know what sort of story to tell. Indeed, there is so much to find fascinating about Jorge and Val Santana; as you’ll see, their story is truly the American Dream made incarnate. Through the trials and tribulations of their families’ respective exoduses from Cuba (with literally little more than the clothes on their backs) to the kitchen table in their beautiful home, the walls of which are adorned with pictures of their 8 gorgeous children, it’s not easy to describe such an extraordinarily fascinating story without writing a novel. But perhaps it’s simpler than it seems. So kick back, grab a beverage, and enjoy!

Our story begins in the year 1968 when, in a moment of hubris, Fidel Castro decided to open his borders. He believed, as Val puts it tonguein-cheek, “Everybody loved him!” Suddenly, upon seeing that the lines to the emigration offices were 3 days (DAYS!) long, he put a halt to the immediate emigration, instead requiring families to fill out forms and wait “for the planes to come and save them.” According to the rules of the evacuation, each family - whether a group of 3 or 13 - was allowed only 25 lbs of clothing and one piece of jewelry. No exceptions.

Since Castro owned everything in the country, anything that was not taken became property of the State...houses, jewelry, businesses owned… the evacuees lost everything. As Jorge says, “That’s how bad Communism was. People were willing to give up everything.” What they gained, however, was a chance to build a future in the land of opportunity.

The Catholic Charities that oversaw the emigration from Cuba gave each family a few options of where they could move, offering a place to stay and an opportunity for a job. When Jorge’s family arrived, they chose New Orleans as their destination because they already had some family here. Val’s family, however, chose New Orleans as their destination because it had “the least amount of Cubans,” preferring to separate as much as possible from their former culture. However, although he could barely speak English, Val’s father was still able to communicate to prospective employers and keep his family afloat via his indomitable work ethic and ambition.

Today, when most people are job-hunting, they upload their resume to job websites such as monster.com, look in the wanted ads, drive around looking for “help wanted” signs, or

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if they’re lucky, ask a door, I could make friend or family member that thing work…but I for help. However, when went without a salary the Schwegmann’s on for the first year. Val the Westbank began came in and helped with construction, Val’s father understanding the taxes, Juan saw an opportunity and reconciling bank to use his considerable statements, because (he construction knowledge turns and smiles at Val) gained in Cuba and I’ve never reconciled a simply just showed up bank statement in my and started working. life!” Within a year, For free. He believed in by working around the himself enough to know clock without taking that eventually his skills a salary, the Santanas would be recognized paid off the ENTIRE and, sure enough, after debt. “It was just using a few days a foreman good practices, paying approached him, asking all of the buyers at the “Do you even work end of each week, and here?” “No sir…but I not taking on more need a job,” was Juan’s than we could handle.” reply. Immediately, he Simple…but not easy. was hired, earning $12/ The Santana family at neice Jennifer’s wedding: hour. How can a family Fast forward about 10 Maria, Jorge, Gabriela, Ramon, Fernando, Val, Sophia, Jennifer, leave everything they’ve years. The Santanas Victoria, Teresa, Val’s mother Nilda, Jorge Jr, and his wife, Muriel worked for in Cuba with became part of Slidell little more than the shirts in 1997. Their oldest on their backs to earn sons, Jorge Jr. and $12/hour in the 1970’s?

Ramon, were 12 and wedding that he and Val officially met each “It’s simple…but not easy,” Jorge says.

10 respectively, and Jorge and Val were other, almost 20 years after their families made looking for a way to introduce the idea of their journeys from Cuba. Even then, however, So, how would our heroes meet? While Juan “good business practices” to them. In 2000, it took the divine hand of kismet for our heroes was making a name for himself and keeping his they had a family outing to play laser tag on to meet, as Val was only invited to the bridal family afloat, Jorge’s family had slowly begun Ponchartrain Drive (next to Fox’s Pizza Den), shower. According to Val, “Of course, us both buying up properties in the area, including and Jorge struck up a conversation with the being Cuban, everyone said - ‘Hey you both some of the local businesses. As Jorge puts owner of the pizza parlor/laser tag business. need to hook up! She’s Cuban, she cooks!’” it, “I was from one side of the tracks and Val The owner mentioned that he was interested But as fate would have it, the first wedding was from the other,” referring to the fact that in selling both businesses, and already had a that Jorge and Val would attend together would he was going to a Catholic school, while Val buyer, but Jorge was intrigued by the prospect be their own, because the cousin cancelled the was attending a public school. As it happened, of owning the popular kid’s establishment and wedding. Jorge summoned the courage to call Val attended a Baptist church on Dauphine St. encouraged the owner to call if things didn’t Val anyway and, by the end of the year, they which shared an intersection with a beauty work out. A few months later, the Santanas were married. So how do a man and a woman salon owned by Jorge’s mom and a grocery were the proud owners of Fox’s Pizza Den and who had only spoken their first words to each store owned by his uncle. Val says, “If I was Laser Zone, with all of their children assuming other a year prior build such a beautiful and going to church, I could go to the corner to get work duties - from maintenance, to running the self sufficient family? It’s simple…but not some chips, or a treat. And Jorge’s mom did register, to customer service, and more! easy. my mom’s hair. My mom remembers Jorge at 5 years old being punished, sneaking around I’m not ashamed to admit that it took a bit Val’s father, Juan, had a favorite saying: “It’s to grab his pants…because his mom would for me to let that sink in…when I was 12, I always better to be the head of a cat than the punish him by hiding his pants so he wouldn’t was struggling to make sure I brought my tail of a lion.” With these words, he passed go outside,” she laughs. (I have to tell you - the lunch tickets to school. But for the Santanas, on his own spirit of self-employment to Val, idea of keeping your child from going outside opportunity was everywhere. In fact, my a sentiment that was mirrored in Jorge’s by hiding his pants may be the greatest thing favorite part of my chat with the Santanas was acquisition of the mismanaged auto parts/paint I’ve ever heard!) when Jorge told me about his children’s first business he was working in when they first business venture. In a family walk around the got married at 21, Crescent City Color in New Luckily for the two of them, their first words neighborhood, Jorge asked his kids, “What Orleans. While Jorge was a gifted salesman, to each other would come much later, when does every yard here have a lot of?” The he needed all of the business savvy that Val both of them were wearing pants. “Being answer: pine cones. Most people think of pine developed while working as an Accounts Cuban,” as Jorge says, “you’re always in the cones as the things you try to avoid stepping Payable rep for 7-Up in order to bring his new same circles, just not always at the same time.” on when you’re walking barefoot across store out of the $200,000 debt the previous While they frequently saw each other at Skate your front yard. But to Jorge’s keen eye, they owner burdened him with. “I knew as long Country (where Jorge worked when he was were raw materials for homemade Christmas as I had customers walking in through the 13 years old), it wasn’t until Jorge’s cousin’s ornaments! He told his children to get some 7

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garbage bags, and fill them up with pine cones. Once home, the kids painted and decorated the cones, then sold the finished ornaments back to the neighborhood families! In the end, through some hard work, the kids made about $250 to buy Christmas presents for their friends and family.

So, what was it like in the Santana’s house, with 8 children and 3 businesses to run? “It was always an adventure!” Jorge laughs.

Interestingly enough, their first 4 children: Jorge (27), Ramon (25), Teresa (23), and Maria (21) were born just a few years apart, after which Jorge and Val thought they were finished. However, 6 years later, Jorge started getting “baby fever” while holding the daughter of one of his friends. Soon enough, they had two more: Victoria (15) and Fernando (13). For those keeping count, that’s three boys and three girls: the sides were even. Almost as a nod to the ladies of the house however, the Lord next blessed Val with twin girls (Gabriela and Sophia, 10). Val jokes, “When we had the twins, and realized they were coming two at a time, we realized that’s enough of that!”

However, things weren’t always easy for the Santanas. According to Jorge, “Around 2000 or 2001, we were getting to the boiling point.

We had three businesses and 8 kids.” Since both Jorge and Val had come from families who had divorced in the past, they didn’t exactly have “a good blueprint” to keep their families intact. By chance, Jorge stumbled upon a marriage conference sponsored by the Harvest Church and found that the ideas presented in the conference weren’t much different than what he was already familiar with in his businesses - especially the ideas of respect and communication.

“The marriage conference changed our lives, once we learned to put God first. We always teach our kids - ‘You live at the level at which you speak.’”

The story of June’s EFOPs, Jorge and Val Santana, began from the humblest of beginnings, at least on the surface. They had little more than the clothes on their backs, and were in a country where they didn’t know many people, let alone the language. But as Americans, we’re trained to spot different kinds of riches. Not all wealth can be measured on a bank statement and, by that sentiment, Jorge and Val came to this country with their pockets full. Remember, the reason why their families came to America was because the opportunities here were limited only by imagination and dedication. When Katrina knocked out almost all of their business ventures, leaving them practically penniless (again), Jorge and Val still sent what little money they had to their families back in Cuba because, “We’re in America…we can always make more money,” Jorge said. Proof of the Santana's work ethic can be seen everyday in the success of their thriving Slidell business, Crescent City Color on Front Street.

Indeed, after my chat with them, as I walked back to my car, I saw some pine cones in their yard and immediately wondered what I could do with those. My eyes were suddenly opened as I drove home. Instead of the same old businesses I had driven by a thousand times, I saw little opportunities everywhere for myself. “If you can’t make money in America…something is wrong with you,” says Jorge. “It really is the Land of Opportunity.”

It’s simple…but not easy.

Story by Mario Chavez 8

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We hope to have a cup of coffee with you soon!

Husband and wife, Charles & Brianna Lyons Harris, founders of Fleur de Beans Café, have had long careers in the food service and restaurant management industries and are very familiar with providing quality service, products and satisfaction to customers. Fleur de Beans Café launches its first coffeehouse inside the Chamber’s Main Street Marketplace in Historic Olde Towne Slidell.

Fleur de Beans Café will offer residents and visitors a totally unique coffeehouse experience at the Marketplace. Flavorful, organic coffee drinks and teas, along with delicious lunches and sweet items from various local caterers & restaurants will be served. Fleur de Beans Café is a place where you can sit down and relax, catch up with friends or colleagues, or find inspiration for a work or school project. “We cater to the Royalty in you!”

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J U N E

The

Sponsored by

Storyteller Collateral Damage Bringing the Jayne Mansfield accident closer to home

Restaurant and Buccaneer Lounge on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and was en route to a television interview in New Orleans.

This story is somewhat different from anything I have written. It has no climax and it has no real closure. That does not differ from real life much, does it? If life has a climax, we never know where it is; and closure is something that we are always searching for.

Tragedy is a part of life and all of us have experienced it in some form or another. For many, the tragedy has come in the form of the untimely loss of a loved one. Literature and movies have introduced us to a number of romantic tragedies: Braveheart, Titanic, The English Patient, Love Story and of course, the most famous of all, Romeo and Juliet.

The story you are about to read is a romantic tragedy. It is a true story. Yes, it follows the common theme: Star struck lovers who experience a tragic, untimely death. It is a sad story; and even though there can be no closure, there is some redemption. The redemption did not come immediately, however. It took almost thirty-three years.

In the early morning hours of Thursday June 29, 1967, an automobile carrying film star and sex symbol Jayne Mansfield was involved in a horrific accident on U.S. Highway 90. The

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Had it not been for the famous Jayne Mansfield, to the world this would be just another tragic incident. I would not be writing this story and you most likely would have never heard of it.

To those whose lives were affected, it would live with them forever.

accident happened on a lonely, swampy stretch of the highway, two miles on the Orleans Parish side of the Orleans-St. Tammany Parish line. Killed instantly were Miss Mansfield, her lover/manager/attorney, Sam Brody, and the driver, twenty year old Ronnie Harrison.

Miraculously, her three children asleep in the back seat survived. One of them, Mariska Hargitay, is the popular star of the television show, Law and Order SVU. Miss Mansfield had been performing at Gus Stevens' Seafood

If you are old enough to remember, you most probably know where you were when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

You remember the death of Buddy Holly or John Lennon. These tragedies stick in our minds because they were famous people.

Of all the famous deaths by accident, I think the horrific automobile accident that killed Jayne Mansfield is one of the most memorable.

Movies, filmed documentaries, and books all shed light on this event. Even after 47 years the public cannot get enough of her story, as evidenced by the numerous internet blogs.

Well, this is another story about the accident; but it is not a Jayne Mansfield story. I have

been asked to write a Jayne Mansfield story to disprove some of the rumors - and someday I might - but this is not that story.

It all came about two years ago when a Jayne Mansfield buff from California contacted me to do some research on her death.

Specifically, he wanted to know exactly where the accident happened, as he could not tie it to the news reports of it occurring in or near Slidell, Louisiana.

While doing this brief research, I ran into the circumstances that are the basis for this story. I had heard rumors about it back in 1967, the year of the accident, but I knew none of the parties involved. As the years passed, the details disappeared from my memory. When I learned that some of the rumors were true and were now public knowledge, I decided that if I ever wrote a story about the accident, I would like for it to be about the young man driving, Ronnie Harrison, and his girlfriend at the time, Elaine Stevens.

I wanted to vindicate Ronnie - as over the years, the rumors had grown. Rumors that inferred he was drinking, speeding, or otherwise participating in irresponsible behavior. None of this is true. I know because I have researched all of the available records.

I have specifically and meticulously studied the police report and the court documents of the civil suits that were later filed.

Could I write Ronnie Harrison and Elaine Stevens’ story? Maybe I could; but writing such a story would be hard. It would be hard to stay focused. It would be hard to stay away from the ghost of Jayne. Any chance of this story having any interest would have to have input from the person who was most affected. That would be Elaine.

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Would Elaine grant me an interview? Why should she? She did not know me and it was a personal part of her life.

I looked her up on the internet and my fear deepened. She was the president of Stevens Media Productions with an impressive staff of professionals and an outstanding biography. My research also pointed out that she was selected as one of the top ten professional women in Mississippi. I wondered how many other people, more qualified than me, had asked for an interview on this subject.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. So I reinforced myself with a gin and tonic and sent her an email. Briefly I told her that I was an amateur writer, and would love to tell the story of Ronnie Harrison and his involvement in the accident. I told her that I wanted to write a positive story about Ronnie.

I certainly had concerns as to what her reaction would be. I had fear that she would think I had invaded her privacy, so I apologized in advance. In less than two hours, I received a reply: “John, Thanks so much for contacting me. Of course I am willing to talk to you about my darling Ronnie. Though I am happily married he will always be my first love and there are many great things we can share.

I so appreciate your consideration of Ronnie’s precious memory, as he has always been the forgotten one in the Mansfield Story.”

Elaine Stevens Ronnie’s fame today, unfortunately, is a product of what happened on that June 1967 night. It could have been different. Ronnie was determined to succeed. First of all, he had the natural good looks that attract attention. He was tall, fair complexioned and had bright, piercing blue eyes. Thick, dark hair and a smiling, friendly personality gave him an air of confidence.

His desire was to become an attorney, and with a law degree he would always have something to fall back on. His hidden ambition was to be a musician. With a better than average voice

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and reasonable talent with the guitar, certainly he caught the eye of most of the young ladies that he came in contact with. By his senior year in high school, however, he was not looking. He had found what he wanted.

I am told that he would have made an excellent attorney. He is a person who is remembered by the fact that he sincerely cared about people. It is said he was a responsible person and honored his commitments. Everyone that knew him, remembered him fondly.

If you don’t have it in you to get that warm and fuzzy feeling about your first love, then I don’t think this story will appeal to you. If, on the other hand, even after fifty years, a thought of that person crosses your mind and the sweet memories linger on your subconscious, then you should read on. That memory could be evoked by a song. Most couples had a song that they called “their” song. Fragrances may bring the past to mind, such as the scent of his English Leather cologne or her Heavens Scent.

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Finally the day came for my first interview with Elaine.

Speaking before crowds does not faze me. The anticipation and apprehension of talking to Elaine was frightening. Would she be as open and cooperative as she had indicated in her email? Would she realize that I did not have the skills to tell the story? I had been honest. I had told her I was an amateur writer.

All stories about people have to start with color. The reader needs to know the little things. After a few minutes of meaningless chat, I asked her if the two of them had a favorite song.

“Yes we did John,” she didn’t hesitate. “123, It’s So Elementary.”

She hummed a few bars. “John you know the one?” I nodded affirmatively, not realizing that this was a phone conversation and she could not see my response.

Somehow, I think that this put her at ease; but I felt compelled to assure her that if I asked her anything that she did not want to share, just tell me and I would respect her wishes.

“No John, ask me what you wish. I need to tell it all, it’s been 47 years.” There seemed to be real emotion in her voice.

We talked for an hour and ten minutes, only interrupted by the fact that I had another appointment. We were only to the night of the accident. I knew then that this would be a most difficult story to write. I wished I had never emailed her.

On a June night in 1967, Elaine sat next to Ronnie as they drove west along the Mississippi Coast. On the left was the Mississippi Sound or the Gulf of Mexico and, on the right, a mixture of residential mansions interrupted with blocks of restaurants, motels and nightclubs. They passed her dad’s place; Gus Stevens' Seafood Restaurant and Buccaneer Lounge. It was the Gulf Coast’s most renowned restaurant and club.

They saw the mermaid in the window, the display that had become a trademark for the restaurant. She did not realize that this display would have meaning in her later life. It was a nightclub that sold alcohol, which was illegal in the state. It was a nightclub where there were slot machines, which of course were illegal. It was a club that did not provide, but did not discourage, prostitution.

There were other clubs that did the same thing, but none had the glamour of Gus Stevens’.

She heard it in the background and turned the radio volume up.

It was their song, “Falling in love would be so easy, like taking candy from a baby.” She felt that this song had been written for them. She felt that way because it had been so easy. She could not wait to show him the package she had hidden on the back seat.

A few weeks prior, they had been devastated when she found out.

Yes, she was pregnant. Her parents would not understand. Not Gus Stevens’ daughter, and not with Ronnie. He was not a bad

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kid, but he was not Greek. Gus’s daughter would marry a proper Greek gentleman.

That was Gus’s idea, not Ronnie’s. And certainly not Elaine’s.

Now it was out of Gus’s hands. She would apply all the principles of family and devotion that her parents possessed, but it would be to the family that she and Ronnie would create. Their shock at her pregnancy now turned to joy and they both were excited as they planned a life together that would begin in just a few days.

Ronnie parked the car with a view of the water. The radio was still on and, with the volume down and the faint sound of one of those timeless 60’s songs drifting through the summer night, she reached into the back seat and retrieved the package. It was her wedding dress. Not a white formal traditional one, but one more appropriate for the circumstances. It was white with orange, Swiss dots. She knew she looked good in it. The orange complemented her dark hair and complexion.

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A white dress was not necessary, as there would be no church ceremony. If Gus knew about it, there would be no ceremony at all. If all went well, he would not know until it was too late. They would go to Bay Minette, Alabama. There they did not ask for parental consent or question a couple’s age. Unfortunately, the dress would never be worn as a wedding dress.

Jayne and Sam Brody had purchased a Rolls Royce while she was performing at Gus Stevens’. There was a financial snafu, maybe a bad check, and the seller had the car towed away. They did not have transportation.

A television station in New Orleans wanted Jayne for an interview.

A star in her decline cannot get enough publicity and besides, it would be good for Gus’s business too. Gus had not become successful without being smart. He knew he should never turn down free advertising. Gus would loan them his wife’s car. It was a 1966 Buick Electra 225 that had been serviced that very week and he knew it was in good condition.

Ronnie Harrison worked during the days at a men’s clothing store. Being ambitious, he also had a private concession stand at many school functions. At night, he was a valet at Gus Stevens’.

According to Gus’s statement to the police, he was not an employee, so it is assumed he worked for tips.

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Several other employees were approached about driving the Mansfield party to New Orleans but each had a reason they could not. Finally it was decided that Ronnie would go home, get some sleep and come back about midnight to make the trip. That is what he did.

Before leaving, Ronnie disconnected the dome light in the car, as he had been told that Jayne liked to have the light on so she could work on her scrap book of media clippings. Ronnie felt this was unsafe.

In the last few years, Jayne’s popularity had declined. In lieu of making $17,000 per week in Las Vegas as she had done four years prior, she now was paid $1250 per night on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She demanded and was paid cash daily. On this day she asked for not only the money, but a bottle of John Handy Scotch and a bottle of Old Charter Whiskey, which Gus gave her. He actually put it on their tab to deduct from the next day’s pay. Gus actually gave the money to Sam, but as if he did not trust Sam, he required both he and Jayne to sign a receipt. The party of three adults, three children, and three dogs left for the hour and a half drive to New Orleans.

Immediately, Jayne demanded they stop at a service station to repair the dome light. Luckily for Ronnie, the attendant did not have a bulb and Ronnie did not divulge that he had taken the original out.

It is believed that just before crossing from St. Tammany Parish

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into Orleans Parish, they stopped at the White Kitchen, at that time a landmark restaurant, for Jayne to go to the restroom.

Back on the road, they would cross the narrow bridge over the Rigolets, a body of water connecting Lake Pontchartrain to the Mississippi Sound. Two miles farther ahead, a mosquito fogging machine was at work.

An eighteen wheeler could see the fogger ahead and, some distance before reaching the fogged area, he began to slow down. He testified that he did not use his brakes, but slowed down by shifting to a lower gear. The result was that his brake lights were never activated.

Reconstruction of the accident indicates that Ronnie was driving about 45 miles per hour, but for some reason he did not see the slowing truck. The car went under the trailer bed of the eighteen wheeler. All three adults in the front seat were immediately killed.

Having been told a little about Ronnie and reading the police report, I find it interesting to compare the differences between this struggling father-to-be and the one-time rich and famous Jayne Mansfield and Sam Brody.

The coroner inventoried the bodies at the scene of the accident. Ronnie had $6.55 in his pocket.

Sam had $3,631.23 and the repossessed Rolls Royce ignition key. That was a good sum of money for 1967.

Ronnie only wore a wrist watch. Jayne was wearing a ring later appraised at $40,850 and a platinum bracelet valued at $14,202. As much as $250,000 of jewelry was in her suitcase.

Ronnie had no alcohol or barbiturates in his system. Jayne’s blood alcohol was .08.

The comparisons do not end there: Ronnie was working two jobs, and sometimes three, to provide for his future wife and child. Sam had left his wife homebound in a wheel chair

The memorial to Jayne Mansfield on Hwy 90 as it appears today. This spot was originally thought to be the scene of the accident. Through research by John Case and others, the accident site was discovered to be over 2 miles closer to the St. Tammany Parish line.

with multiple sclerosis. He had also spent all of his money and his wife’s money on his pursuit of Jayne.

I am also drawn to the “what ifs”.

Timing: What if Jayne had not stopped at the White Kitchen? Maybe if she had not been drinking the Old Charter, she would not have needed to stop. Is it farfetched to say this accident was indirectly a result of alcohol? It probably is, but it is worthy of mentioning.

What if Ronnie had not removed the dome light? They would most likely have been ahead of the truck. Being ahead of the truck would have prevented the accident.

What if the truck driver had slowed by using his brakes, not his gears? The brake lights

"The Storyteller", John Case, conducting research at the true site of the Jayne Mansfield car accident.

John is holding copies of the police report from the night of the accident and court documents from the civil lawsuit that was filed after the 1967 wreck.

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would have been activated and possibly Ronnie would have seen them.

This story does not end here. Far from it. There is a story about Elaine and Angie. Angie is the name given to Elaine and Ronnie’s daughter.

The story will be told, but not by me. Elaine never asked me not to tell it. There are some things I know, however. Everything I know about writing tells me to write what you know about. Every time I have deviated from this, I have failed. I also know that I have to feel the emotions. I have to see the images before I can write the words. How can I see the images or feel the emotions? I am not a woman and I am not a mother.

Finally, the Rolls Royce key: What if the car had not been repossessed? Ronnie at least would not be driving.

It appears that it was a perfect storm of events that would result in a phone call that Elaine will never forget. In a split second, she had lost the love of her life and the father of her child. She was alone and she was frightened.

Young people are not prepared for tragedy.

They think they are invincible. A person may never be prepared for something like this, and Elaine certainly was not. She was hysterical and a doctor was called to sedate her. How horrible was the awakening and realizing this was real and it was not going away. It was not a bad dream. Ronnie was not coming back.

The next few days she went through all the formalities of the funeral in a daze. But then she had to tell someone. Gus would not take this well and she knew that. But she had no place to turn.

Gus made inquiries as to having the wedding performed post mortem. Even though he could control a lot of happenings with payments to politicians, even he could not get this done. A decision was made. Again, Gus was in control of her life, as he had always been.

This story can only be told through one person’s words. That is the person who lived the experience. That would be Elaine. It is a story that spans over years and I will let you know this much - there was a mother and child reunion. It took place almost thirty three years later, in 2000. Getting there, to the reunion, is the story. But it is Elaine’s story to tell. She plans to publish her and Angie’s story in the fall of 2014.

She would be sent to Oklahoma, to a home for unwed mothers sponsored by the Salvation Army. In January of 1968, she delivered a healthy baby girl. She returned from “vacation” to her home town and then back to college.

Things would never be the same, however. The accident had not only taken Ronnie, but also her child, from her.

The book is titled Mermaid In The Window.

 John Case June 2014

17

TEMPTING THE

Palette Story and Art

by Lori Gomez

Recently, I had the privilege of being the featured Artist at Michael’s Craft Store in the new Fremaux Town Center. It was such a fun experience! I also was the first person ever to purchase something from them. It was so exciting that their first dollar was from me. It reminded me of the first painting I ever sold and the first dollar I made, 12 years ago. It holds a special place in my heart, so I thought I would share the story with you.

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Back in 2001, once my kids were in school full time, I started painting full time. My first paintings were murals throughout my house.

My studio was in the garage, and I had painted a huge bayou scene on one of its walls.

While having a garage sale, a lady asked me about the bayou mural. She was opening a new coffee shop on Carey Street called Evangeline’s and wanted artists to paint all of their chairs. She asked me if I would be interested. I thought it would be fun so I agreed. When I delivered my painted chair, the owner John asked me if I would consider painting a table as well. I loved the atmosphere of the old building and the idea of having my artwork there. Before I knew it, John asked me if I would like to hang my paintings there to sell. I was so excited to do something I loved while earning some money!

I picked out 6 paintings and headed to the coffee shop. As John and I walked around, deciding where to hang the paintings, I noticed an older gentleman drinking coffee alone at a table. I’m not sure what it was that drew my attention to him because I was so excited about what was happening. As I joked with John, I smiled at the gentleman and placed my hand on his shoulder and asked him how he was doing.

I also apologized for my silliness and explained I was very excited about hanging my first set of paintings. He smiled back and gave me a wink.

Within the week, I received a phone call from the coffee shop. They were excited - I had sold my first painting! After doing my happy dance, I headed over to get my first payday, a whopping $150. The lady working behind the counter was smiling as she told me about the gentleman that purchased the painting. She asked if I had ever seen the older man that appeared to be homeless walking around town with a back pack. No, I hadn’t. She then told me that every day since the coffee shop had opened, the man would come in, count out his change, have a cup of coffee and look at the

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paintings for hours. That morning, he came in and poured out $150 of dollars and change on the counter for a simple painting that I had done of a French Quarter doorway with a balcony full of flowers cascading down the sides. He told the lady that he did not have any place to hang it and asked if it could stay on the wall of the coffee shop until he could take it.

This month, I thought I would share one of my favorite recipes, Blueberry Muffins. I love to have one of these with a cup of coffee in the morning.

I still fill up with emotion even now as I am telling you this story.

½ cup butter

So the coffee shop agreed. I had a lot of conflicted emotions about this first sale of mine. At first I thought - maybe I should give him his money back and let him have the painting. But the lady at the shop said that, for some reason, that particular painting meant something special to him, and that I would insult him by giving him the money back. As I stood there looking at the painting, I realized what an honor it was that something I painted could touch someone like this gentleman. To this day, I don’t know what it was about that painting that affected him so much.

I also realized that this was the man I had seen the day I was hanging up my paintings for the first time. The painting remained there and, as time passed, my paintings filled the walls of the coffee house.

Then Hurricane Katrina hit. Even though Evangeline’s was elevated about 3 feet from the ground, it took an additional 4 feet of water. About 3 weeks later, I met with one of the ladies that worked there to see if any of my 17 paintings were left undamaged. To my shock, all but two were perfect. I collected all of my paintings - except the one the gentleman had purchased. She told me that just a week earlier, while the staff began the after-storm clean up, the man had popped his head in, looked at the painting, smiled, then left. For quite a time afterwards, he would show up and peek in to see if it was still there.

Evangeline’s is no longer there and I am unaware of whatever became of the painting or the gentleman. But, for me, a story like this is God letting me know I am on the right path. What a journey the past 12 years have been! And how blessed I am to have this as the first of many meaningful experiences I would have with my work.

Blueberry Muffins

1 ¼ cups sugar ½ tsp. salt 2 eggs 2 cups all-purpose flour (put ¼ cup of this aside) 2 tsp. baking powder ½ cup buttermilk 1 pint fresh blueberries, rinsed, drained and patted dry 2 tsp. raw sugar or white sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Spray the top of the muffin pan with non stick spray. Then line with paper liners 3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, 1 ¼ cups of sugar and salt till light and fluffy 4. Beat in the eggs one at a time 5. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 3/4 cups of flour with baking powder 6. Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk into the butter mixture till incorporated 7. Crush ¼ cup of the blueberries and stir into this mixture 8. Mix the rest of the whole blueberries with the remaining ¼ cup of flour and fold into batter 9. Fill muffin cups ¾ full 10. Sprinkle raw sugar or white sugar on top and bake for 30 minutes Now fix yourself a big cup of coffee and enjoy!

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: www.facebook.com/LoriGomezArt or by visiting: www.LoriGomezArt.com

19

Of Your Money

By Mike Rich

Pontchartrain Investment Management

Are you ready for 30 years of unemployment?

Yep, you read that right. Are you ready for up to 30 years of not having a job? Are you ready for a time when your paychecks stop, the bonuses go away, you have to give up the company’s gasoline card, and your employer-paid health insurance comes to a screeching halt?

In other words, are you ready for retirement?

Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t want to ruin the thrill you’ll get when you finally tell your boss

Financial planning is all about goals.

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what you really think and then lock the door to your office for the last time. But, know this: When you move into retirement – in other words, when you finally give up the luxury of a regular paycheck that comes from someone else – you are pretty much moving onto the unemployment line. Except there’s no unemployment check that comes in the mail. And, because folks are living a lot longer than they did back in the day, you might be retired for 15, 20, 30 years, or even more. Maybe longer than you worked at your job or profession. You are now on your own – at least in terms of getting money into your hands – and whether it’s a good experience or a really crummy one pretty much depends on what you are doing right now to prepare.

Here at Pontchartrain Investment Management, one of the most satisfying things we do for our clients is get them ready for retirement, whatever that might look like for them. Every client is different, every client has different plans, and every client requires a different approach. But, one thing is not different – most of our clients want a steady income that lasts at least as long as they do, they want that income to support a decent lifestyle, and some of them want money left over to leave to the people or causes they care about. Although a lot of people might think otherwise, financial readiness doesn’t happen by accident to our clients, but neither is it mission impossible. Mainly, it takes commitment, goal-setting and, most of all, planning. With Andy, Chris, Steve, Robin, or me as their financial advisors at the helm, here’s what our retirement-ready clients have done: 1. They have pretty much resisted the “I want it now and super-sized” mind-set.

Just about everyone does something silly with his or her money from time to time. If you’d like to come in and chat for a while, I’ll tell you about the party barge I bought after Katrina that I thought would change my life. Mostly, it changed the size of my bank account… downward. Even though they, too, have suffered through the inevitable money sidetracks and mistakes, our retirement-ready clients have mainly focused on slow and steady saving and investing. There is no magic to this approach, just commitment and a plan. Here’s our offer: you tell us your retirement goal, and we’ll help you figure out the details to get there. If it can’t be done, we’ll tell you, and then figure out something else. (Note: if you want to buy a party barge, you are on your own.)

2. They have built a source of guaranteed income to supplement Social Security.

For many people, the bedrock of retirement financial well-being is the benefit they collect from the Social Security program. However, since the average monthly check for a retired worker is only $1,293.831, it can only safely serve as one brick in the foundation. Most people will need something more, and, if a client doesn’t have an employer pension, we like to see it coming from another guaranteed source, like an annuity. 2 Contrary to what you might read on Internet financial websites, annuities do not come from the dark side. Rather, they are powerful financial tools that, selected and managed properly, can provide you (and your spouse) with a source of money that will never run out. So, let’s see: “income that never runs out” and “retirement”. To me, that sounds like a sweet combination.

3. They have a plan for dealing with long term care.

In almost every article I write, I urge my readers to plan for long term care, and I have a good reason: a lot of us are going to need it. Seven out of ten people over the age of 65 are going to need some type of care before they die.3 If it’s something a family member can’t (or won’t) do, that care is gonna cost money. A lot of money. If you think the seven-out-of-ten number is exaggerated, think again. I’m seeing it happen in my own practice among my older clients, and so are a lot of other advisors. Our most successful and retirement-ready clients know which pot of money they’re going to spend first to pay for their long term care, and many of them are going to let an insurance company pick up most or all of the tab. 4 What a great idea, using an insurance company’s money to pay a big bill in retirement! Contrary to what you might have heard out there, long term care insurance doesn’t have to be expensive, nor does it have to be a “cost” to your financial plan.

Tragically, if there is an event that can vaporize your retirement money over a very short period of time, an unfunded long term care need is it.

Do you want that to happen to you, your spouse, and your family? No? Then call us.

4. They have their legal affairs in order.

Planning for the orderly disposal of one’s estate is not just for rich people.

Everyone needs a will and a power of attorney. Your spouse needs them, too.

And, if you don’t want to put your family members into the horrible position of having to make serious medical decisions for you if you can’t, then you need a living will and medical power of attorney, as well. Your attorney will tell you if you need a trust. The main thing is to just do it. If I had a dollar for every person who came into our office who did not have all of this stuff, I’d have enough money to buy another party barge. Get it done. Now. There’s something else our clients have done, it has nothing to do with money, and it’s important. The ones who truly enjoy their time away from a regular job are those who have found productive and enjoyable ways to spend their time. As former basketball star Kareem Abdul Jabbar wrote earlier this year, retirement-ready people “go from being a success to being significant.”5 That is, they are intentional about staying purposefully active and contributing to someone or something by drawing from their experience, knowledge, and work ethic. What a great way to spend one’s golden years.

The act of retiring is easy. Just about anyone can say, “I’ve had it and I’m not coming back to work ever again.” However, a retirement with not enough money is like being on the unemployment line. Being financially able to retire requires planning, saving, and investing. It takes some effort, but it’s not impossible. Just ask our retirement-ready clients. Better yet, call one of us, and we’ll get started on YOUR plan. http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/quickfacts/stat_snapshot/#table2 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.

3 Probability of needing LTC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information, 10/22/08 4 Benefits are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company.

5 The Rotarian, February 2014, pp. 34-39.

1 2

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

21

Silver Screen, Golden Memories

By Kim Bergeron

Some of my fondest childhood memories were the nights my family spent at the Tiger Drive-In Theatre off Hwy. 190 West. In preparation for the evening of entertainment, my siblings and I would douse ourselves with “skeeter spray,” pile in the family’s station wagon with mom and dad, and with blankets and pillows in tow, off we’d go.

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My dad had handcrafted some little screens for the car’s windows. These custom fit contraptions could be secured in place with the window rolled about halfway up, allowing for fresh air to circulate while keeping mosquitos at bay.

A little groove in the corner provided just enough room for a small wire to slide through to

accommodate the clunky metal speakers.

Atop the dash burned a stinky little mosquito coil to ward off any of the evil suckers that managed to make their way into the car despite the best of efforts to prevent such.

While I can’t recall exactly which movies we saw there, other than a John Wayne film and a Planet of the Apes marathon, it really didn’t matter. As silly as it may sound, the time we spent huddled in that vehicle mattered far more than the entertainment. It was family bonding at its finest.

As time moved on, that plot of land was converted to an auto auction lot. I must admit to being a bit melancholy when the Tiger Drive-In closed. Sure, we could still get our Hollywood fix at the Tammany Theatre on Pontchartrain Drive, and the twin screen theater that ultimately would become The Movies 8 on Hwy. 190. But

the experience just wasn’t the same. We didn’t realize it at the time, but those blankets and pillows, the squirming to map out our individual spaces within the station wagon, and even the fetid fumes of mosquito coils were part of the grander experience.

This was cinema under the stars. And it was magical.

Fast forward about three decades and get ready to celebrate, because the magic is back. It’s Slidell Movie Nights, a gift from Leadership Northshore 2014’s “Team Hollywood” to the community.

The team players include Bobby Juge, Jennifer Franzo, Joe Pepe, Jonna Turner and Jill Cahill, with Jacob Bolin and Kimberly Holmes serving as team mentors.

As is traditional with the Leadership Northshore program, the team was

tasked with spearheading a long-term project that would benefit the community.

The selection of such a project is often a complicated task, especially given that oftentimes, teams include individuals who just a few short weeks prior had never met or worked together. As they get to know each other and work collectively in making their decisions, a myriad of ideas can be tossed out as quickly as they’re tossed about, for numerous reasons. For this team, discussions focused on a shared belief that it was important to select something that provided free or affordable opportunities for families to spend quality time together, right here within the community.

“This was important to us because several people on our team have small children, with three of the five having children under the age of five, and the others having grandchildren that young,” said Jennifer. “While we were brainstorming, we started reminiscing about those family movie nights at the drive-in theatres. What we really appreciated about them was that it didn’t matter where you came from, where you lived, or what kind of job you had. People would just come out, gather together and watch a movie.

That’s the kind of experience we wanted to create.”

And Team Hollywood’s project idea was born.

It would be Slidell Movie Nights, a series of outdoor showings that would give the community a chance to gather in the same spirit as that of the families of days gone by.

With a desire to kick off the project during the holiday season, Team Hollywood had a mere eight weeks to make that goal a reality. Armed with a lengthy list of tasks, the team embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination, starting with an evaluation of potential partners.

First on the list was the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs, which already produces a variety of community oriented events within the city. The department previously had hosted free outdoor movies in Heritage Park, and though they were well attended, the screen and projector rental and movie licensing fees made continuing such events cost prohibitive.

When the city received Special Revenue Grant funding from the St. Tammany Tourist and Convention Commission for the purchase of a projector, screen and speakers for the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, the department celebrated the opportunity to carry on the free movie tradition, albeit indoors. Some of the showings within the auditorium were held in conjunction with the Camellia City Farmer’s Market.

A few evening shows were offered as well. However, those indoor screenings just didn’t have the same cozy charm as that of the outdoor shows. There was just something special about families cuddling under blankets in the glow of the moon, munching on popcorn and watching holiday favorites on the big screen.

So when the Leadership team approached Cultural & Public Affairs Director Alex Carollo with their idea, he was eager

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to help, and agreed to have the team host its inaugural showings in conjunction with the city’s annual Christmas Under the Stars festival in Olde Towne’s Griffith Park. With this collaboration, the event was promoted within the city’s festival brochure, helping to spread the word throughout the community.

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“Then, the week before the first movie was scheduled to take place, our Facebook page just exploded,” said Jennifer.

“We had over 1,000 page fans, almost overnight. People were asking a lot of questions about everything - from which movie we would be showing, to whether or not they should bring chairs, to if they were allowed to bring their own snacks. It was so exciting to see people so engaged.”

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As luck would have it, the first show, scheduled for December 8, was rained out, and the team rescheduled it for Dec. 20. So what was to be the second show on December 15 became the team’s first, bringing in crowds of over 200. The audience grew to over 300 people for the rescheduled show. Concession sales during each of these events exceeded expectations, providing additional funding that was used to purchase supplies needed to build a storage box for the screen, speakers and instruction manuals, enabling all to be securely housed together.

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The community’s reception to the idea was instantaneous. Team Hollywood members were delighted by the outpouring of support for the project. Donations from Ochsner Medical Center - North Shore and Ochsner Ladies’ Auxiliary funded the purchase of the movie screen. Winn Dixie provided snacks and beverages for concessions, with the resulting proceeds dedicated to purchase additional speakers. Local advertising firm eSYNCS donated advertising services, including event flyers distributed to local businesses and elementary schools, and social media promotions for the project.

Since that time, the Facebook page has grown to over 1,600 fans. The team envisioned a series of summertime movies, and the City of Slidell has committed to carrying on the Slidell Movie Nights project on a long term basis, ensuring that such would remain a longstanding family tradition.

Though Team Hollywood has pledged to remain involved with the project, a “rendering ceremony” to officially turn the project over to the city was then scheduled to take place on May 31. Additional movies are planned for June 7, June 21, and July 7, all in Slidell’s Heritage Park. Admission to all of the shows is free, and concessions will be available for the affordable price of just $1 each.

While the movie licensing rights prohibit the advertisement of the selected titles in print publications, the group is allowed to share the information via social media, including mentions on the Slidell Movie Nights Facebook page. All of the selections will be suitable for family viewing.

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The Slidell Movie Nights team members say they are grateful for all of the assistance they received, including the guidance provided through the Leadership Northshore program administrators, the project sponsors and the partnership with the city.

“Additionally, we would like to give a special thank you to our team mentors, who really don’t receive enough credit for all that they have done. They provided guidance throughout our project, came out to the events to show their support, and even helped us sell popcorn during the movies,” she said.

“We’re also grateful for the assistance provided by our fellow Leadership Northshore classmate, Tommy Benesco, who helped us build the screen, and to the many people who came out to enjoy the movies. It’s been amazing to see everything come together.”

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“It was a pleasure working with the members of this Leadership Northshore team,” said Alex. “On behalf of the City of Slidell, Mayor Drennan, the Slidell City Council and the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs, I would like to thank each of them for their hard work, dedication and vision to move this project forward. We are delighted to continue to bring ‘Slidell Movie Nights’ to our citizens and we hope that everyone enjoys it.”

Team Hollywood hopes that the events will also draw visitors to the city.

“We would love to see families come from neighboring cities to enjoy the Slidell Movie Nights experience,” said Jennifer. “We will welcome them with open arms.”

And popcorn, no doubt.

So mark your calendars, pack up your blankets and chairs, your snacks and skeeter spray and plan to head to Heritage Park for Slidell Movie Nights.

Because it’s so much more than a movie.

25

in The Beginnings Of The Place

Slidell by: Ronnie Dunaway

I Call Home.

Knowing what I know today, I wish I could step back in time to the year 1880 and be a part of the start of this great city I call home. I would be the self appointed advisor to anyone and everyone who would listen. I would have a lot to say to our founding fathers, most of which would be compliments. Of course, I would also have to make some suggestions that I’m sure would not go over too well.

First thing I would do is explain the term “Olde Towne” to them, because they wouldn’t have a clue what I was talking about. Then I would tell Mr. John Guzman and Mr. Pierre Thomas Robert that one day, many years in the future, I will pay a few hundred thousand dollars for a very small piece of their property - then I would be ready to catch them when they fainted!

I would thank the Salmen Family for all their generous donations to Slidell, especially their land donations that would one day house a great high school named in their honor, a big church, a large park, and even a cemetery. I would assure them that the future city officials had made some wise decisions with their wonderful gifts.

I would warn Mayor Gardere (1910) that he should require all new buildings to be elevated an additional 4 feet because, 125 years later, Olde Towne will be flooding on a regular basis.

I would thank Mr. Erlanger for the railroad that put Slidell on the map and tell him that, one day, it would connect Slidell to cities all over the

country. I would certainly thank him for our city’s namesake (his father-in-law), but I also would tell him that he should have convinced his wife to bury Mr. Slidell here instead of overseas.

I would tell Mr. Bouscaren and Mr. Fremaux that they did a good job laying out the streets - except for Cousin Street, which would become too narrow for two-way traffic in these things called cars; and our parades, on things called trucks, would never be able to use that street.

I would tell Mayor Seth (1888) that a creosote plant might be good for jobs and the local economy, but cleaning up after them 110 years later was going to be a nightmare for future generations, not to mention the health issues.

As much as I would hate to, I would warn everyone that we would be going through some rough times with two World Wars and the Great Depression.

I would go to the school board and tell them that the St. Tammany Parish School system would become a great institution in years to come. Then I would go see Dr. Polk and ask him politely not to go fishing on July 23, 1955 so he would have the privilege of bringing me into this world. (I think he was my mom’s doctor of choice at the time.) While he fished, I was almost born on the side of the road looking for another doctor.

I would tell state officials to put an emergency lane on the five mile bridge because it would be way too narrow and too dangerous for future cars. As time went on, I would tell my mom and dad, “You see that old house and building down on the corner?

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aldermen. Edgar P. Robert was our first Marshall. Our first jail was built. Main exported items were Turpentine, tar, timber, bricks, and charcoal. Hotels and boarding house sprang up around the area. The Bugle was the first newspaper; then in 1897, the Slidell Item. In 1899, the Slidell Brick newspaper was published.

One day, that house will become our home and that old building next to it would become The Who Dat Shoppe.” And the Saints will win the Superbowl and pigs would fly! And I am pretty sure they would look at me and ask What in the hell are you talking about boy??

Slidell Population History 1852-1879 Settlements were taking place on Bayou Bonfouca and other surrounding areas were being occupied by holders of early Spanish, French, British, and the Republic of west Florida land grants. These early settlers traded forest products, cattle, and wild game for needed supplies. Scattered houses were being built in the area. In 1861, Slidell had its fair share of the Civil War. Because of all the ports around the area, there were many skirmishes.

By 1875, Slidell was already becoming an industrial capital in the south. Schooners were carrying building supplies to New Orleans on a daily basis. Timber and cattle were a large source of income for many families.

1880-1890 Population in 1890, approx. 345 First Mayor: Seth H. Decker (1888-1890) During this period, a great number of men worked on the rail line and the trestle that crossed Lake Ponchartrain. A creosote plant was constructed on Bayou Vincent for treating the 90 foot long pine logs for the trestle.

In 1882, the town site was mapped out by railroad surveyors. Also in 1882, our first railroad station was built. The station was named “Slidell Station” by Baron Erlanger, a railroad financier, in honor of his father-inlaw, John Slidell. In 1884, our first post office was opened in the train station. The first telephone conversation took place between John Guzman in Slidell Station and General Moorman in Mandeville. In 1886, Fritz Salmen established a brick yard near the tracks, where Textron is today. Sometime later, it was sold to the Schneider family and renamed St. Joe Brick Works, which still makes bricks today. In 1888, the town of Slidell was incorporated by Louisiana legislature and our first mayor was Seth H. Decker (1888-1890), along with five

Churches: Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, and Presbyterian churches, as well as the African American Episcopal and African Starlight Baptist, were all established during this era.

1891-1900 Population in 1900, approx. 1129 total (714 white, 415 black) Mayors: Josephus Cherry (1890-1892), Charles F. McMahon (1892-1894), C.H. Linton (1894-1896), William O. Wilder (1896-1898), Paul H. Sadler (1898-1899), Oscar L Dittmar (1899-1904) Many people were employed by the brickyards and lumber industries. The Salmen brothers built a small shipyard in 1895. Their main objective was to build a fleet of barges and boats. They transported fine lumber to New Orleans for upscale homes in Uptown and The Garden District. Private schools were established before public schools were justified. The first of these private schools met at a home on Bonfouca Street. Also, the Salmen Commissary on College Street was used as a church and a school. The first public school was held by the Knights of Pythias on Louisa St. (now Carey St.). About 1900, a one-story, four-room, wooden building at the corner of Carey St. and Brakefield St. (Brock Elementary) was purchased to house Slidell’s public school. This school was restricted to white children only. About that same time, a black public school was established about two blocks north of where St. Tammany Jr. High School is today.

1901-1910 Population in 1910 = 2,188 Mayor: F.A. Bourgeois (1904-1910) In 1901, Slidell experienced a period of rapid growth, with saloons, hotels, and stores filling the area around the railroad station, near the corner of Front St .and Fremaux Ave. Stores selling furniture, clothing, food, tools, hardware, medicine, and general merchandise filled the area around Carey St. and Cousin St. In 1907, a new brick jail was built to replace the old wooden one on First Street. The first floor housed 5 jail cells and the Marshalls office.

The second floor was the Mayor’s office. Total cost = $3685. During this era, the first brick buildings in Olde Towne were erected, around 1905, which included the Bank of Slidell on the corner of Front and Cousin. Others were

the Polk building and the McDaniel building on the corner of Cousin and Carey. (Also, the Slidell Hotel and possibly The Neuhauser Building on Front St.) Even with different businesses opening up, industries such as ship building, creosote production, lumber, and brick comprised most of the work force. Slidell’s first public school taught six grades and met in the Knights of Pythis Hall. Our first substantial public school (grades 1-11) was constructed on the corner of Carey and Brakefield Streets in 1910 where Brock Elementary is today.

1905: Northeastern and New Orleans Railroad was the second largest employer in Slidell.

1905: Cumberland Telephone Co. opened up on the top floor of the Polk building.

1906: Bank of Slidell was formed with $ 480,000 in assets.

1911-1920 Population in 1920 = 2,958 Mayors: Paul J. Gardere (1910-1914), Theodore Hand (1914-1916), Alonzo L. Badon (1916-1920) In 1919, ferry service from New Orleans to Slidell was established. During the summer months, as many as 2500 cars used the ferries.

During this period, shipyards, lumber and brick yards were still the main industries.

Also during this era, many private businesses began to appear, such as Mire’s Hardware, Champagne Clothing Store, grocery stores , civic groups, and community houses.

Furniture stores came into existence, whether it was made here or railed here from New Orleans. Slidell’s population was on the rise.

Homes were under construction for workers and families and so was the demand for home furnishings.

1911: Dr. John Keller Griffith was practicing medicine in Slidell 1915: The creosote plant burned to the ground, killing 55 workers and 3 firefighters.

The plant was rebuilt on Bayou Lane, closer to a water source and closer to a fire station. (The creosote plant was abandoned in 1986 and became an EPA Superfund site.)

1918: A portion of Slidell’s economy crashed when Louisiana Ship Building terminated 500 jobs when WWI ended and government contracts were cancelled.

1921-1930 Population in 1930 = 2,807 Mayors: George Baker (1922-1924), Robert W. House (1924-1926), Andrew Canulette (19261928), Alonzo L. Badon (1928-1930) 1924: Slidell High School built on the corner of Third St and Maine Ave. (remained until 1961) 1928: Slidell’s first community water and sewerage system was completed.

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first time a radio center for police and fire departments, including installing radios in police cars and fire trucks.

1928: Slidell’s first road connection to New Orleans opened when the WatsonWilliams toll bridge, later know as the Highway 11 bridge (and nicknamed the “5mile bridge”).

1955: Slidell drilled its first water well since 1927. It was 2224 feet deep and produced 21,000 gallons per minute.

1921-1930+: Salmen Brick and Lumber Co. as well as St. Joe Brickworks remained good for the local economy.

1959: Slidell Hospital opened. It served 1286 patients in its first year.

1928: Slidell Lions Club was established.

Their motto: We Serve. They are the fourth oldest Lions Club in Louisiana. The Lions Club is responsible for Slidell’s first street signs for home mail service.

1930: The Curve Inn Restaurant opened on the curve of Front St. and Ponchartrain Drive, a popular stop for people traveling to New Orleans.

1929: Slidell Cleaning and Pressing Shop was established. It moved in 1939 to the corner of Robert and First Street. Owned and operated

by Joe Johnson.

1929: Langston Drug Store opened on Front St. It was famous for its soda fountain.

1930: The Arcade Theatre opened on Carey Street. It also had a stage and hosted events such as beauty contests, baby contests, magic shows and other family events. Admission 25¢, popcorn and cokes were 5¢.

1930: Average gas price, 17¢ per gallon.

1931-1940 Population in 1940 = 2,864 Mayor: Homer G. Fritchie (1930-1962) 1931: One of Slidell’s most famous landmarks was the White Kitchen of Front Street. It was famous for opened flame BBQ with a secret sauce. Their logo was an Indian kneeling at a campfire. Every Tuesday night at The White Kitchen, you could get all the fried chicken you could eat for $1.25. Even though they were famous for their food, they were equally well known for legal whiskey and gambling.

1932: Slidell High Football Team 1933: Schools begin to operate a full nine months out of the year.

1934: Several blocks of sidewalks were paved as part of the CWA program to help create jobs during the Depression. Eventually, nine miles of sidewalks would be paved. (You can still see the original brick sidewalk at the home of John and Ellen Lamarque on Maine Avenue) 1938: Many city streets were also paved as part of the CWA program.

1940: Average gas price, 18¢ per gallon.

1941-1950 Population in 1950 = 3,464 Mayor: Homer G. Fritchie

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1960: Average gas price, 26¢ per gallon.

1961-1970 NOTE: Population in 1960 = 6,356 Population in 1970 = 16,101 Mayor: Frank Cusimano (1962-1978) 1942: WWII gasoline ration books were issued.

1943: WWII coffee and sugar ration books were issued.

1943: Bosco’s Restaurant and Bar opened on Ponchartrain Drive. Shortly after, a motel was added. Many well known bands played here during the 40’s.

1945: Tiger Tavern (recreation facility) for area youths opened. Community baseball competition continued.

1946: CJ Dunaway’s Meat Market opened on the corner of Carey and Robert Street.

1946: The first chain store opened, Western Auto, on Cousin Street.

1947: Slidell Women’s Civic Club was established to help the city’s poor and needy.

Their main fundraiser was their annual Carnival Ball.

1950: St. Tammany leaders head to Baton Rouge to promote building a causeway over Lake Pontchartrain.

1950: Average gas price, 24¢ per gallon.

1951-1960 Population in 1960: 6,356 Mayor: Homer G. Fritchie 1951: Ozone Camellia Club was formed.

Their mission was to increase the interest in camellias and growing them. Slidell is called “The Camellia City”.

1951: Originally owned by Salmen Brick Company, Greenwood Cemetery was donated to the town of Slidell in 1951. The earliest interment is 1894 of Lee Liddle Salmen, four years old.

1952: Bayou Liberty Pirogue Races were established. First sponsored by St. Genevieve’s Church and later by the Bayou Liberty Civic Club. Its purpose was to raise money for children and the needy.

Employment at Salmen Brick, Salmen Lumber, and St. Joe Bricks remained the mainstays of the industrial economy during this period.

1954: The Living Christmas Manger was started by a group who wanted to bring the true meaning of Christmas to life. Over 150 people participated each year.

1940: Salmen Park built between Second and Third Streets. (Now the City Tennis Courts)

1955: Slidell entered the modern era of mobile radio communications, establishing for the

1962-1970: The government builds major NASA facilities near Slidell. Jobs and population soared very rapidly. Many new businesses open during this time to accommodate all the new people.

1960: Bids received for building the twin spans over Lake Ponchartrain. The low bid was $14.7 million.

1961: Slidell High moves to its current location on Tiger Drive.

1965: A 203 acre tract of land in northeast Slidell, fronting Gause Road, has been sold to Slidell Development Corp. for just over a $ 1 million. 58 acres will be known as Lakewood Subdivision.

1965: Slidell’s second high school opened, Salmen High School.

1968: Pearl River High School was founded.

1970: Average gas price, 35¢ per gallon

1971- current Promoted by the boom of the space industry, Slidell’s population continued to explode, growing by another 10,000 people throughout the 70’s. Many of you who are reading this now came to the Slidell area (or your parents did) during this time. With the opening of the Twin Spans, Slidell became a “bedroom community” for New Orleans - a safer, greener, more family-friendly haven for the business professionals in the growing space and oil industries. However, by the early 1980’s, Slidell was no longer dependant on the south shore for our recreation and employment. We had our own shopping malls, industries, corporate franchise locations, and hundreds of small businesses to gainfully employ our community. The 70’s and 80’s saw an unprecedented number of graduating high school seniors go to college, then return, to make their home in Slidell – a trend that continues still today.

Thank you to our sources!

GOSH (Guardians of Slidell History) Notes on Slidell History - Charles J. Fritchie Bonnie Vanney Bille Mae Pittman St.Tammany News Banner Adrian Innerarity Google Wikipedia

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Go Beyond What’s Wrong With This Picture?

Photos and story by Rose Marie Sand

If you’ve ever been disappointed with vacation pictures – this one’s for you.

I’ve had the experience of realizing my photos of an exciting vacation were less than exciting. So, I’ve gone to my favorite resources – friends, family and, of course, the Internet, for helpful tips. First thing’s first – my favorite tips on how to look slimmer in your photos…

FROM LAVERNE: My first cruise was full of beautiful sunsets and treasured memories, but when I saw pictures with me and my friend, Laverne, I knew her years of modeling classes had given her an edge. I looked as wide as a

lumberjack, facing the camera dead on, while Laverne posed in a three-quarter turn. That angle is instantly slimming!

FROM LORI: Here are some other slimming tips from my niece Lori – her pics always show her “best side.” Tilt your head slightly and keep your chin turned up, and never, ever be on the end in a group shot (she says you look bigger on the end). And if you’re wearing a sleeveless top, hold your arm out from your side just a bit (keeps from flattening arm fat, she says). Best tip – place your hand under your chin when taking a seated pix – instantly hides any chin but the first one.

Photos taken from above are also

slimming for the face… hold your camera high when snapping those selfies! Thanks Lori and Laverne.

FROM MILTON: Tell a story with your pictures. Be Steven Spielberg for the day and look for interesting shots that take the viewer on the journey. Start out with candid photos packing luggage and in the airport, like the kids checking for their flight on the message board, holding their boarding pass. And what’s cuter than a picture of your child holding onto a Disney ticket with anticipation and joy?

Snap restaurant menus and meals, interesting signs, strange plants, or cool

graffiti – they add a third dimension to your photo album. If it makes you smile, shoot it!

INTERNET TIP: Don’t pose too many vacation pictures.

Purchase a postcard if you simply want a picture of a landmark – but place your family or friend close to the foreground of the camera (less than 10 feet from camera) in front of that landmark, and you have yourself a much more personal memory.

FROM JUDY: A couple of years ago, my family enjoyed a vacation to Disney World at Thanksgiving and my sister, Judy, turned some of her pictures into a memorable Christmas gift. She chose her favorite photos and had them bound into a photo book.

It’s an easy project, either at a local photo department or online. You can even add quotes or text; consider a calendar or bound photo album for a personal gift anyone will love. Added bonus – skip all the ubiquitous gift shops because you’re making your own Christmas gifts! Brings new meaning to the phrase “leave only footprints, take only pictures.”

INTERNET TIP: Don't ask people to pose! Encourage everybody to "do their thing" and not mug for the camera. Show people doing something – carrying bread, playing in the street, selling flowers... anything that gives a glimpse into real life.

FROM SALLY: Ever mutter, “Hey, I was on this vacation, too” because all of your pictures are of other people? Yes, you can take lots of selfies, but you can also trade cameras with a friend who also likes to take pictures. Voila! You have pictures of you in practically each shot, and so will they.

FROM LARRY: One of my favorite photographers finds interesting angles that turn oftphotographed places into interesting artwork. Using the Eiffel Tower as an example - try to get under it, up close and personal, close up on one feature. Studying scenes this way can add to your appreciation of the location, as well as the composition of your photographs. Look for repeating lines or patterns in trees, paths, rocks, or architecture and focus on them.

INTERNET TIP: In some areas of the world, being inconspicuous with possessions is important – don’t carry a camera bag that looks like one. Put the camera strap over your right shoulder, under your jacket, with the lens facing toward your body. It›s a quick flip of your wrist to bring the camera to your eye with your right hand.

FROM JOE: Blurry photos are my number one problem with using my cell phone camera – tripods are not an option. One suggestion solved that problem by urging me to “get into the habit of using your surroundings to steady your camera. Lean against a wall or prop your arms up on a railing to brace your camera. This will give you more mobility when you really need it.”

FROM JOHN MAYER, “3x5”: Photographs, especially travel photos, can be breathtaking and play a large role in creativity. But every now and then, take a break from the eyepiece and let your brain record the impermanent moments.

Consider these lyrics from a John Mayer song...

Didn’t have a camera by my side this time Hoping I would see the world through both my eyes Today I finally overcame trying to fit the world inside a picture frame Maybe you should have seen that sunrise with your own eyes It brought me back to life ~ John Mayer, “3×5″

FROM JEFF: My iPhone camera includes a Panoramic function, and those pictures are some of my favorites. My nephew also showed me an app that stitches together photos to create a panoramic one – but you can simply take a few shots on any camera and put them together in photo editing software. These kinds of pictures really give you a sense of place that 3 x 5’s don’t allow.

FROM RONNIE: Take advantage of the time of day. The light is most interesting in the hours just after sunrise and just before sunset, and at those times even mundane scenes can look magical. Plan some of your landscape and street-scene photography for those hours. Also, bad weather and the shadows or mist it creates can lead to good photos, so put on the raincoat and go explore.

FROM JENNIFER: Some of the most fun pictures, both to take and see, are ones that, with just a little foresight, are personalized with an item or a pose that’s consistent on all your vacation photos.

One friend brings a bandana that she ties on something in each new city she visits – it’s a game of finding the hidden item and the interesting perspective she creates.

A child’s stuffed animal or toy can also make a game of taking pictures for children – give them a disposal camera and a rained out excursion can become a creative adventure.

FROM CLINT: When using a cell phone, it’s easier to hold the phone vertically in one hand to capture a scene. But take the extra second to turn it sideways and use two hands – you’ll capture more resolution that way. This aspect ratio is especially important in 31

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shooting video with your phone. The black pillarbox bars on the side of a video are annoying, and the human eyes are designed to see the world in widescreen.

FROM PHILIPPE HALSMAN: My search for Internet tips brought me to a prolific portrait and celebrity photographer named Philippe Halsman, who created a “jump series” of photographs. Beginning in the 1950s, he would ask every important person he photographed to jump for him.

He got everyone from Richard Nixon, Audrey Hepburn and even the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to jump for him.

Check these photos out on the Internet, and consider adding this kind of fun into your family photos. Do something memorable in front of a memorable place.

FROM KENDRA: Once your vacation is over, sometimes you lose track of the dates and places you’ve visited, especially if you’re travelling to many different locations over multiple days. How many times have you looked through your pictures and had to guess where you were until you spotted a landmark in a picture? One easy solution is to bring a small dry erase board and marker along, write the date and location on it, and snap a shot of yourself holding it. The pictures will act like a studio clapboard and give your photo album a movie-type feel.

FROM ME: Photographs are a thin slice of life. Whether you like it or not, your memories fade or become fuzzy. Photographs are more than a pleasant diversion; they’re a way to document your life. They freeze moments in time that can be overlooked in a video and tell a story of place and time, of mood and mystery.

Every picture tells a story. What’s yours?

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FINE GIFTS

In life, we have times that we, our families, and our friends mark and commemorate as some of the most important in our life.

Marriage, graduation, stopping the gas pump with no extra change (I will never forget my $55.00 moment). Perhaps some events are bigger than others, and perhaps it varies a lot depending on the person, but while you may not see my gas pump achievement as a worthy accomplishment like I do, it would be hard for anyone to argue against a child’s birth as an important, lifealtering moment. As family, friends, employers, etc., we all understand the importance of being there when a child enters the world, even if it’s not necessarily our child.

For some in the sports spotlight, however, it is easy to claim that taking time, beyond that first birthday, to stay with family is a selfish and unnecessary endeavour. Case in point: on April 2nd, two morning sports talk show hosts went overboard it seems, and chose to criticise Daniel Murphy, the Mets’ second baseman, who decided to miss two games to stay with his wife in the hospital. That Monday, Daniel and his wife welcomed their first child, Noah.

Daniel took a total of three days to take care for his wife and new son and support them.

For missing these games and taking this time, the Mets player is under a lot of scrutiny and heat. Let’s keep this in perspective - heat and scrutiny for missing baseball to welcome your first born. You with me, there? Really let that sink in….. All of this raises some important questions about sports and life. Since when does a title, a job, or a game change what we are allowed to experience in our lives? Why should anyone be forced to choose to miss their child’s birth due to a career obligation?

And who are we to decide that anyone should change their desires to be present for a life event like this? Not to mention, how many times has something like this happened in the past? It brings to light the standard and expectations that athletes are held to, no matter how ridiculous they might seem.

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means one or two of 162 games...Seriously?

What is encouraging about this story is that the MLB and the Mets were both supportive of Daniel. Even his coach stood up for him in the media.

No job, no sporting event, should necessitate that a person should miss an important life event. A sub can be hired, a replacement can be found. Appointments can be moved, deadlines can be pushed back. If the new parents decide that being at the game is more important than the dad being with the new mom a few days after, I can respect that. But it almost seems as if players in the spotlight are forced to make the choice to play a game instead of spending that time bonding with the mother and with the child. And the consequences of going against that choice are harsh criticism from the sports media. Fortunately, enough support was in place to make this incident seem like the sports hosts were ludicrous. But how many players were neglected that same protection?

The two hosts who fired first, Craig Carton and former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason, had, what many have felt, a radical reaction.

Boomer is quoted as saying, “Quite frankly, I would’ve said ‘C-section before the season starts’” to avoid missing out on the field. Craig was arguably harsher with his criticism, even stating that there wasn’t anything he was going to do anyway, he wasn’t “breastfeading the kid” and that he could “afford a nurse”.

Yikes. It is important to note that both hosts were understanding of being present on the day of the birth and understood the decision to stay if there were complications. However, they were of the opinion to either change the date of the birth (just choose an early day!) or cut out the recovery time (she’s fine! Just get back to work!) just to be present for a game or two. And let’s keep in mind, for baseball, that

Brendon Ayanbadejo, a former NFL linebacker, was able to relate to Daniel in his history with then-coach Nick Saban and the Miami Dolphins. At the time, Brendon was waiting for his wife to have their first child.

Nick Saban, however, expected Brendon to be present for practices, no excuses. Brendon, understandably, told Nick Saban to take a chill pill and that he was going to be there for his wife in their important life moment. He missed a total of 36 hours and only one day of practice. Shortly thereafter, he was actually traded to the Chicago Bears. While Brendon continued to have a great career and a lot of support with the Bears, it was still a bit of a slap in the face. This just highlights the slanted view some coaches, team managers, and the media have about players. The expectations on them are so much higher. In some cases, I can understand the standard players need to live by. But, to be expected to miss an important moment? I know that I would not have stood

for that. In Brendon’s case, it actually cost him a spot on his team. Because, apparently, Nick Saban felt that he was decided to call those shots since his player “disobeyed” him. As an LSU fan, this is the nail in the coffin for me on Mr. Saban. But, no surprise there.

Unfortunately, this seems like a case of sensationalizing a minor news blip in sports. Craig and Boomer may not have realized there would be such a backlash from their comments (Boomer later apologized for his comment about a C-section) but they should have weighed the possible reaction better. Was it worth it? Did they really gain that many followers from making such ridiculous comments? As they say, “all press is good press,” I guess. In this case, though, I think it backfired. It is easy to understand their stance: many players have “time off ”, some four months or more, to have these types of life events. And they do make a lot of money, so there are certain standards they need to live up to. But not everyone gets to choose when a life event happens. Things happen, life happens. You can’t pencil everything in on a four month span of a calendar.

No one, no matter their title, should have a say when you are allowed

to have a child. They can’t force you to miss an important life event.

They don’t have to understand, they don’t have to agree, but they should respect the decision. There will always be consequences, but such is life.

And for the sports media to take something so wonderful in a parent’s life and make it an issue where there is none is a little disgusting. It feels underhanded. It is comforting to hear of all the support that Daniel has had for his decision. Not just from his organization, but from players and executives across the sporting world. This helps to make something that seemed like such negative news show there is humanity in the business side of sports. Players, coaches, and executives get graded like pieces of meat and then cut, fired, or traded on a regular basis. Seeing the support from this incident helps us to see a human side to the people who make decisions in these sports organizations. It would serve us right to keep in mind that athletes are just people too, and should be allowed the same benefits as all of us in our jobs. They should not necessarily be held to a different expectation over things they can’t control.

Oh, and Congrats, Daniel!

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SUMMER SANITY Oh the joys of summertime!

School is over, the neighborhood kids come to play quietly with our kids in the pool as I relax in the sun with a frozen drink. The Popsicle supply is endless, the bug spray cans are all around and the stress just melts away with the beautiful summer sun. It’s great fun! Everyday! …Said no Mom EVER. The truth is, I don’t enjoy it as much as I probably should. And I’m putting that nicely. Because did I mention, school is over? And the kids are home every day?

And I don’t work outside the home? And I have very little patience, especially if they are in the pool, and the children to adult ratio is like 7 to 1.

Y S A E T O N

I don’t know where all the popsicles go, or the bug spray cans. Don’t come to my house or you will get eaten alive. And don’t ask me for another Popsicle because I may accidently trip you.

The number one fight of the summer at my house…

Completely off topic… did you know that if you enter your debit card PIN number into the microwave, it won’t cook the food? And if you do it twice, it still won’t work? Just thought I’d letcha know.

The blue ones are MINE!

Now, if you see me at the bank trying to deposit some popcorn, get me help.

Good. Let’s get the full effect.

PLEASE.

They are too tight!

Or if you see that there is no baby in my arms, yet I am still rocking back and forth, just hand me a beer.

Too loose!

THIS is summer for me.

GOGGLES! Have you seen my goggles?

I can’t get them, they are in the deep end!

The dog chewed my goggles!

Annoyed yet?

Mine are foggy!

Too small!

UGH.

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Satin’s sunglasses. JUST SWIM! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!

It’s maddening!

Now, the last weeks of school somehow make me believe that I am ready for the summer to begin, because at that point I am so worn out. For example: My children have one school shirt left that’s too short, has a missing button or a hole, and is usually cleaned by a wet washcloth 2 minutes before the bus comes. Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.

Next, they have outgrown their bottoms which are 3 inches too short for pants and 3 inches too long for capris. Mother of the year.

The hairbrush mysteriously disappears in the morning, causing my children to look semi-homeless.

Book bags have broken zippers and holes at the bottom where the snack from 3 days before hangs out, which they are LUCKY to even HAVE because the end of the school year I am down to scraping up the most embarrassing snacks. Smashed pop-tarts, a box of raisins that have turned into one big rectangular hard raisin because it has been hiding in the back of the pantry. Cereal in a baggie, with a few full pieces from the bottom, and the rest, powder.

Socks no longer exist.

My daughter’s skort is always backwards.

And I’ve received the umpteenth notice from the cafeteria to pay… drumroll… 2 dollars!

You get the point.

I just can’t hang anymore. And neither can the kids.

Summertime starts looking better and better.

Sleep in late! No homework! Wear whatever!

Pool = bath!

That lasts about a week before I’m ready to hop in a moving train car and let it take me somewhere, ANYWHERE! As I sleep on a bed of hay, do some graffiti art, meet other moms that “get me”... How cool would that be? No? Ok, fine.

But it is on my bucket list.

So as a Mom of three, plus my “adopted children” here are some things that have helped me avoid jumping the train. Take it or leave it.

CRAFTS. Cheap ones.

Google it.

For example, have the kids cut old Mardi Gras beads and twist them onto some fishing rope.

Hang it in a doorway or between two trees for a bead door.

On trash day, drive around and find an old chair or small table, clean it up, then paint it all crazy with the family. It makes a fun memory, and is something to pass down.

Poster board, glue, beans, dry noodles, fuzzy craft ball thingies (shut up), ANYTHING. Just let them glue until their little heart is content.

Oh, and glitter.

Of course.

Teach them a game from your childhood, like “kick the can”. Or just tell them to go hide and you will seek. This gives you a free moment

to paint your nails, make a phone call, or plan your escape. Just remember to yell out every now and then, to keep them in the “game”.

If you want them to pick up toys, say enthusiastically, “if you pick them up super-fast, you get 10 stars!” Seriously, all they hear is “you get”, so they will go running to complete the task. As they come back to collect their prize (10 invisible stars), they will be confused as they look into their empty hands. Tell them if they earn 1000 stars they get a pencil!

It’s funny to see their faces. Only works once though, so save it till ya need it.

For the more sane Mother, get a bunch of small toys from the dollar store and make a prize bucket and buy some star stickers. Let them pick from the bucket after they earned 50 stars.

BALLOONS. It will keep them busy for hours! And the oxygen deprivation from blowing them all up will put them to sleep much earlier.

Last but not least, if you are extremely desperate, I will tell you my secret to make you and your kids happy. Load them up in the car and go through the car wash. When it’s time for the dryers, roll all the windows down and hold on tight!

Well, that’s all I’ve got. Hope it helped.

Check in with me next month to see if I’m doing well. But most likely, I will have given into the bank draining summer camps, checked into the hospital, or hopped a train car to nowhere.

And feel free to join me if you need too.

We can rock back and forth together.

I’ll even give you 10 stars.

37

Sli-Ku June is one pearl of a month as everything is coming up roses! I guess that’s why they chose the pearl for the birthstone and the rose as the flower for this month. Do I even have to mention the obvious for June? The fact that kids are excited school is out and they haven’t gotten bored yet! Parents haven’t yet been eaten out of house and home! Teachers are on their “school is OUT” euphoric high. Ahhh, June…all things to all people!

June is thought of…or should I say that it, that being June of course, is…well, let me put it this way, of all the months in the year, June is considered by people “in the know” as the best, or rather, the proper month for…darn, that’s no good---too wordy…well, whatever I’m trying to say…June is Effective Communications Month! Wow, I really blew that one. BTW a little FYI, if you are of the younger generation, 4COL try spelling out a few words when texting so we will understand what you are trying to say…Ok? Thx! I have to admit; I have always been a bathroom reader. Now, with so many dogs in the house, the bathroom is like a reality time-out room for me; a place to take a quick pause from all the attention hounds I have. If I dare try to read anything, I have several 4-legged children jumping into my lap licking me and wanting to know, “What’cha reading!?” When I was younger, my parents would ask if I had set up camp in the bathroom because I would be in there so long.

Nope, I was just reading the latest issue of MAD Magazine. Well, this month gives me carte blanch to do both as June is National Bathroom Reading Month AND National Camping Month. I am much older now and have broadened my literary pallet; I now read Slidell Magazine plus MAD Magazine!

During June, thoughts turn to those of summer. There are few things better on a hot summer day than a cold glass of iced tea and a fresh, cool watermelon to snack on under the shade of a porch. National Ice Tea Month is perfectly situated then to kick off the summer as well as Watermelon Seed Spitting Week during the last full week of June.

Get your fill of both as this month is the best time to enjoy both! But be careful where you spit those seeds. I wonder if watermelons had anything to do with National Prevention of Eye Injury Awareness Week at the end of the month?

June has a couple of special birthdays that I would like to point out.

Turning an impressive 236 years old will be the United States Army!

Celebrated the same day we observe Flag Day, on June 14, we will be able to wish the US Army a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY! On this day, if you see a soldier wearing the uniform of our United States Army or know of a Veteran who served, please thank them for all they and the Army have done from the Revolutionary War through today in protecting and defending our nation. The other birthday is Donald Duncan’s on June 6. Don’t know who Donald Duncan is? You must be a yo-yo if you don’t! He didn’t invent the Yo-Yo but his company 38

came up with the name and was responsible for its widespread popularity in America. I am also of fan of Mr. Duncan because he founded the Good Humor frozen treats franchise.

I almost have to mention that June 21 is World Handshake Day. Not that there is anything particularly unique or amazing or even special about this day; what makes this day stand out for me is the fact that everywhere this observance is listed, there is an asterisk or parenthesis attached. It looks something like this: June 21st, World Handshake Day* (*Do not confuse with National Handshake Day on June 24) Really? Heavens to mercy we get those two confused. Confusing those two observances just might create an international incident…and incident of peace and goodwill, that is. I say these two observances should just shake hands and merge. June 26 is a little shy on events on the holiday calendar; how about then?

June 27 must be kept clear at all cost! That day is Da’ Bomb as far as I am concerned. I thank Mr. Duncan again as this day gives us National Bomb Pop Day. One of the best memories I have from childhood is hearing the ice cream van coming down the street and knowing I could finally spend that dollar in change I had been holding all day and get me a bomb pop!! Red, white, and blue deliciousness on a stick! Thank you June for being such a wonderful, patriotic, iconic month!

I go mad for June I scream to flag down the van As I “walk the dog”

Until next time…

Lee Kreil

A new, regular column about the many restaurants and eating establishments in Slidell When I asked Slidell Magazine publisher Kendra Maness about the possibility of writing a restaurant column in the magazine, she asked “how in the world are you qualified to write about food?”

“It’s simple,” I answered. “I eat out every day.” Here’s one of the places I ate this month...

I’m always on a quest for new restaurants (of course) and one great thing about Slidell are the many new restaurants that have opened in recent years. Despite this, I am distressed by the lack of good ethnic cuisine in the area. With a population of over 30,000 one would assume he could eat Lebanese on Monday, Indian on Tuesday, etc., etc.

What we Slidellians do have are quite a few Asian restaurants. I think everyone likes Chinese food.

Japanese and Vietnamese can be a bit more challenging but are certainly very popular. Thai cuisine may be the wildcard.

Thai fare combines the flavors of Thailand’s Asian neighbors but also integrates many tastes from neighboring India. If you haven’t tried one of the local Thai restaurants (there are 3) you should. Today we’ll focus on

components. These rolls are a nice start.

“Best Thing on the Menu” I always ask the boss to suggest the best thing on the menu. General manager Kathy Souvannaseng went with Pad Thai. No arguments from me.

Thailicious

A lot of diners won’t think to order Pla Tod Lad Panang Curry just because of the long, strange name. It’s a simple dish (especially for Thai) consisting of fried catfish drenched in a Panang curry gravy. Served with white rice, the attraction is the flavorful gravy. It’s great stuff.

Visit on weekdays for a quick and alarmingly inexpensive lunch.

It’s a little out of the way on Gause on the way to Northshore Blvd. / Airport Road in the same strip mall as Koi’s across from Domino’s Pizza. I say it’s worth the short ride.

After many visits to Thailicious, I have learned to always start with Por Pia Sod. Just call them “fresh rolls.”

They’re spring roll wraps and cilantro stuffed with cooked shrimp, chicken, vegetables and served with both peanut and chile sauces. You can increase or decrease the spice level by varying your dipping technique.

If fresh rolls strike you as a strange combination of flavors, understand that one of the foundations of Thai food is a complex fusion of complementary

Pad Thai is rice noodles, eggs, sprouts, green onions, carrots, peanuts and a meat or tofu of your choice. Again, some interesting combinations. Ask your server to adjust the spice level to your taste.

39

by Jeff Perret, DVM

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DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS

If you’re a lot hipper than I am, maybe your first reaction to the title of this article was, “Wow, Dr. Perret’s column this month is about my favorite Scottish Indie Rock band!” Because there is, in fact, a band from Scotland that goes by the name DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS. Really. Go ahead and Google it. I’ll wait.

But I digress. I’m going in an admittedly less hip direction, to repeat the oft-repeated warning that dogs left in hot cars often do, in fact, die of heat stroke. So now, your reaction may be, “Duh! Tell me something I didn’t know, Doc!”

And really, haven’t we all heard, maybe a million times, that it’s really a bad idea to leave a dog unattended in a closed automobile on a hot day? No one is that careless, right? No petowner would even take a remote chance on a warm day, leaving Fido inside the parked car while he runs into Sam’s Club, you know, for “just a second.”

No such luck. People do it all the time. How do I know? Too often, I see the resulting train wreck when Fido comes into my hospital in shock,

with a body temperature above 106 degrees and a brain fried and damaged beyond repair. Or, I see the poor critter in the parked car outside the Cracker Barrel, owner nowhere in sight. The temperature outside may not be THAT hot, and at least the window is cracked, and surely the owner will be back really soon, right?

Well, I’ve seen enough. Consider this a warning, all you folks who didn’t have the foresight to leave the dog at home, and instead decided to take the risk, even though we know

Don’t Bum your pups out this summer.

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that you know better. If I come across such a scene, I’m not going to mind my own business, or turn away and hope for the best. First, I’m going to try to open the car door – damn the alarm - and remove the pet from danger. Then, even if I’m successful in extracting the dog from the oven (sorry, the car), I’m going to enter the establishment you’re likely patronizing. I’ll get the manager to make a not-sosubtle announcement for the owner of the poor, helpless animal left in the scorching car outside to please come up and retrieve him. The goal will be maximum embarrassment, so as to discourage any repeat of the behavior.

Overreaction? I think not. I’d be willing to bet that every other patron in that store will side with me, the Good Samaritan, and the pet. And rightly so. A car’s interior in the sun, even on a day as cool as 70 degrees, can reach into the hundreds. 90 degrees or more outside? That can translate into 140 degrees inside. I’m not making these numbers up. Stanford Medical School did the research! Crack the windows? Nope, won’t help. Run the A/C for a few minutes before leaving the car? Wrong! At best, you might buy a few minutes of extra time before the temperature soars, but if enough time passes, Fido’s out of luck. And we all know that no trip into the drug store, or the dry cleaners, or the Daiquiri Shop is ever as short as we think it will be. If you can’t bring your pet inside with you, skip the stop altogether, or use the drive-through. We’re in Louisiana, for God’s sake; you can even drive through at the Daiquiri Shop! Just wait to enjoy your frozen adult beverage at home, of course. That’s another danger we don’t want any poor, helpless animals exposed to.

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