55th Edition - February 2015 by Slidell Magazine

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SLIDELL

magazine Vol 55 February 2015

WE KEEP IT FRESH

SAY KEEP IT POSITIVE

You Can’t Help But Smile, When Your Teeth Look This Good. Center for Dental Medicine •

No Interest Payment Plans

•

Orthodontics for All Ages

•

Oral Cancer & Antioxidant Screenings

•

One Visit Crowns

•

Gum Disease Treatment for Total Body Health

•

Implants, Bridges, & Dentures

•

Most PPO Insurance Accepted

•

Dental Sleep Medicine

•

Sedation & Nitrous Oxide Available

•

Early Morning & Lunchtime Appointments

•

Same Day Emergency

Gentle, Caring Dentist & Team You Can Trust for Your Whole Family!

985-641-1181 1101 Robert Blvd • Slidell

www.SlidellDentist.com

Inner Wheel USA Foundation Walk Saturday, February 28 Camp Salmen Nature Park Slidell

9:00am - 10:00am To support the Inner Wheel, USA Foundation which provides myoelectric prosthesis limbs to children The local Inner Wheel Club in Slidell is looking for sponsors and walkers for their annual fundraising event to support the Inner Wheel USA Foundation. Walkers will walk a mile though Camp Salmen beginning at 9:00am on February 28th and sponsors pledge $10 for the mile. Please support this effort as every $10 means a million to a child in need.

For more information on the walk, contact:

Jane Freeman 985-640-6786 mjsfreeman@gmail.com

visit: www.INNERWHEELUSA.com to help Inner Wheel “Give a Child a Hand”

WALK OR RUN! FAMILY FUN TO BENEFIT CHARITY! 2nd AnnuaL

Help Raise money for families and children in need!

Saturday, March March 21 21 Saturday, 8:30 AM AM @@ Slidell Slidell Airport Airport 8:30 ALL AGES! AGES! ALL

www.JASLIDELL.org www.JASLIDELL.org

Editor’s Letter John Case, my friend, and the amazing “Storyteller” of Slidell Magazine, raised over $37,000 for Safe Harbor to help victims of domestic violence. In doing so, he won the title of “The Real Man of St. Tammany Parish”. A real man supports his family, his community, and his country. The thought of domestic violence is abhorrent to a real man. Safe Harbor chooses their candidates carefully; the nominees were all amazing individuals, deserving of the Real Man status.

n Sunday, January 25, the community of Slidell – actually, St. Tammany Parish as a whole - validated what many have known for years. John Case is a REAL MAN. John’s just about the most humble person you’ve ever met, so you’ll never hear about his decades of public service and charitable giving from him. But those of us who have served in the same organizations and benefited the same causes will tell you. I’m here to tell you.

What was truly exceptional, to me and all of those who know him, was that John accepted the nomination in the first place. Being so humble and staying out of the spotlight is just part of John’s nature. You see, he’ll tackle you to tell you a story – that’s his comfort zone. He enjoys taking listeners or readers on captivating journeys through his stories. But, when it comes to talking about himself, it’s tough to get a peep from him. He’s not elusive or secretive, just extremely humble. He’s a Southern gentleman, and credit-taking is just not his way.

PO Box 4147 • Slidell, LA 70459

www.SlidellMag.com • 985-789-0687

John felt compelled to step out of his comfort zone and into the spotlight for the past 6 months, in order to be a vocal and outspoken advocate for the victims of domestic violence. Even more so, John did two things he NEVER does – accept the attention and ask for money. He believed the cause was greater than his own humility, and hoped that he could make an impact. I think it surprised him how many of his peers and business associates were eager to give their support. For the cause. For him. I don’t think he’s ever really given any thought to how much he is admired and respected. As John accepted the award at the gala, he called all of the other nominees and his wife Brenda on stage to share credit and give them his personal thanks. He also thanked the audience. “We would not be in this room tonight if it wasn’t for you. You did it for Safe Harbor. And I thank you very much. More than the money we’ve raised tonight, I think that all of us will go out and be ambassadors for this cause. We all have a sphere of influence, or we wouldn’t have been asked to do this. I think we will share what we’ve learned about domestic abuse and Safe Harbor with others. And that just may be more important than the dollars and cents.” If John Case raised a dollar for every ounce of integrity he has, Safe Harbor would be billionaires. Congratulations my dear Storyteller. I am proud of you.

beautiful Cover art by Mandie Manzano. Check out her work at www.mandiemanzano.com

Kendra Maness - Editor/Publisher Editor@SlidellMag.com

Brian Friel - Graphic Designer Graphics@SlidellMag.com Contributing Writers Donna Bush EFOP, Charlotte Lowry Collins The Storyteller, John Case Slidellicacies, John Maracich III Jockularity, Corey Hogue Pet Points, Jeff Perret, DVM Crimmi-Mommly Insane, Leslie Gates Once Upon A Time...In Slidell, Ronnie Dunaway Ronnie@WhoDatShoppe.org Tempting the Palette, Lori Gomez www.LoriGomezArt.com Making Cents of Your Money, Mike Rich MikeRich@mypontchartrain.com Go Beyond, Rose Marie Sand Rose@RoseMarieSand.com

www.slidellmag.com

RTISE ADVE US! WITH

facebook.com/slidellmag

SIZE

12 Months

6 Months

1 Month

1/4 Page

200

240

290

per month

1/2 Page

350

380

430

per month

Full Page

610

650

700

per month

Aditorial

650

700

750

per month

FEBRUARY 2015

Extraordinarily Fascinating “Ordinary” People Sponsored by

Judge Patricia Hedges “The world is your oyster…” ~ William Shakespeare, The Merry Wives of Windsor

by Charlotte Lowry Collins

A matriarch can be defined as a woman who is the head of a family or tribe; or a female who is powerful within a family or organization. As you will learn, this month’s EFOP embodies both of these definitions. Those who have known Patricia Hedges over a length of time know what a surprise it was when this English teacher announced that she was going back to school at 46 years of age. Add to this unexpected turn of events that she intended to earn a law degree. As this wife and mother of three

explained her rationale, Pat displayed the charisma she is known for, saying, “Well, why not? I had always been interested in law, it’s fascinating! I knew I didn’t want to be a hot-shot attorney. But I just thought that all those attorneys know so much information, and I don’t know these things yet.” She paused a second and gave me an emphatic nod. “I figured I was at least smart enough to learn some of it.” That last sentence was spoken with a smile, an engaging raise of her eyebrow and a glimmer in her eyes. glimme

“When my youngest of three, Lloyd, was a senior in high school, it struck me that it was my time. Then I calculated that if all went well, I would be 49 when I graduated from Law School. That reality was daunting, but I told myself that I’ll be 49 with or without that degree, so I may as well get started. When I mentioned it to my husband Charles, he calmly said, ‘You can’t do that’. Well, you can imagine that just cinched it for me. I was going, or at least I would find out if I would be turned down.” She wryly smiled and informed me

E.C.O. BUILDERS, INC. GENERAL CONTRACTORS www.ecobuildersinc.com

985-645-9558 • • • • • • 6

Design Build Planning New Construction Vinyl Siding Renovations Insurance Claims

900 Old Spanish trail • • • • • •

Remodeling Additions Pool Cabanas Bulkheads Docks,Piers Leveling, House Raising

that she “got accepted by both schools that I applied for.” Having known her as the first female Judge in St. Tammany Parish, and as an extremely intelligent and engaging friend of the family, I was puzzled. Why would anyone doubt her ability, as she embodied the role of an enforcer of justice and fairness to me? I think she was involved in every organization of our community that I belonged to, and did so with gusto. But of course, I didn’t know her as her family did. Her Honor painted the scene for me: “Well, my family was very practical and involved in business and politics. My husband, Charles, and my daughter Paula have engineering degrees. Both daughters, Paula and Ellen, also have MBA degrees, and my son Lloyd was a pilot. When they discussed serious issues, I responded with quotes from literature. I think I amused them.” Pat smiled and looked at me. “I have to tell you about my first day in the halls at Tulane. There were big, glass cases lining the halls with profiles of the incoming class. I looked at everyone’s photos, and realized the youngest was 17, and I was by far the oldest. All I could think was ‘what am I doing?’ But I couldn’t stop now.” “I really enjoyed those years, even though it was tough. Professor Houck, environmental law, would take us on field trips. We would canoe the Atchafalaya and the Pearl River at Lock 2. Professor Gelfan’s Constitutional Law class was also really interesting. You just have to apply law to the facts. It isn’t about doing what you think is morally right or wrong. It is about adhering to the law as it is written at the time. That was an important concept to accept.” “After I began practicing, I heard my son say, ‘Mom needs to quit this law business because she gets so involved, worries so over her cases, and treats her clients like family.’ And that was true. I did and still do a lot of Pro Bono work for those who can’t afford lawyers and don’t know how to navigate the legal system. I simply shrugged and explained, “That’s just who I am.” So, they got used to it. When I decided to run for Judge for the 22nd Judicial District in St. Tammany Parish, my children would shrug, and say, ‘That’s just Mom doing something else and minding everyone’s business.’ But they were all proud and supportive. They just never knew what I would be taking on next.”

We were sitting at her dining room table, enjoying tea and cookies, overlooking her office. At one point she invited, “Come see my office. I like to work in an uplifting environment, so I turned my porch into a glass-walled office so I could look out into my garden.” She giggled at a fleeting memory, “In fact, I remember while I was in school, I would lug my big law books on the boat with the family and read while the kids skied. It took a lot of studying to get that degree!” What am image I got of the family activity and Mom and that huge book.

Judge Hedges remains extremely active in the community. Here, she swears in Coroner Charles Preston. Photo: nola.com

Then she turned and looked at the wall on the opposite side of the dining room. “You know, I think I need to knock out the other wall in my dining room, so it all flows. I think your mother would approve. Come see what you think.” And off we went. It turns out that my Mom, Pomeroy, designed her office in the old courthouse and the new one, as well as helped her with this house when the Hedges’ inherited it from Charles’ parents. “But, enough about me, tell me all about you. You know I kept up with you all these years through Pomeroy,” she said as she changed the conversation entirely. This would not be the last time her Honor turned the focus away from herself. She began telling me all the things she remembered about me and my family with such enthusiasm that I couldn’t help but reflect on my life and my family, even though this was certainly not my moment to shine. Pat just couldn’t help herself. I’m guessing that if you were part of Pat’s family you would smile at this point, and say, “That’s exactly how she is.” Whomever she is speaking with, she recounts or learns all

Pat has always been a voracious reader. Here, daughter Ellen, cozies up in the family library/livingroom as it was before Katrina.

about you, and then proceeds to make you feel glad to be where you are in life, and where you are from. Pat Hedges has a gift of quickly grasping a person’s strengths, and making sure they are aware of them. A compliment from her is delivered with a genuine firmness, and never is she prone to false flattery. Next she turned the conversation to her children, and explained that both married daughters go by their maiden name. “I think their Mom had something to do with that,” Pat smiled. “I told them that they didn’t have to forget who you are just because you get married. Get a good education, a career, and support yourself. Until you know who you are, you don’t need to mesh your life with someone else. Otherwise you may become what they think you need to be. You also need to wait until you are sure to commit, because that is a lifetime promise. Remember, when I grew up, women were expected to be teachers or nurses. Those were the main options. I wanted my girls to appreciate their wealth of opportunities, and all the women who worked so hard so they could have all these choices. We still don’t get equal pay except a few situations, like Judges.” “I preached to all three of my children never to forget who you are and where you came from, and always remember that ‘the world is your oyster’. But you will have to work for it, choose a direction, and be willing to change direction when need be. Life is truly a journey, and that’s what makes it fascinating. You never know what is around the corner in terms of your job, relationships, and what you are called upon for your community. But through it all, you must have faith.” This speech spoken by the dynamic retired judge sounded like a motivational epiphany. The sincerity and passion in her voice when she delivered it made 7

Judge Hedges’ home is filled with artwork from around the world

me wish that my own son was there. It was so much more than the words, magnified by her Honor’s gesture, and the intensity in her eyes. I can tell you that she made me take the words to heart instantaneously. Finally, she explained what made her run for Judge, when no other females had been successful. “I really thought I could make a difference for our community. You know, women see the world differently. We have something unique to offer. This was the 20th century, and I decided it was time for a change. I talked to key members of the community and made up my mind. I made it to the run-offs against the District Attorney’s candidate. I stated very loudly that D.A.s should not be able to influence judges. It was obvious the Republican Women’s Club was making a mark when the opposition began the slogan, ‘Don’t pay attention to a bunch of old ladies in tennis shoes’. Then she laughed and said, “This is what two of my friends gave me and I hung it in my office when I won.” In her hand was a wood plaque inscribed with the words ‘Beware Little Old Ladies in Tennis Shoes’. We both broke up over that one. At this point I had to ask where she came from, and how she became so determined and confident. “I owe it to my Mom, Beulah Mae Taylor. Of course, down here in the deep South she was known as Ms. Beulah. She always told me I could be anything I wanted; I just had to be prepared to work hard. Mom had always worked as far as I know. During World War II, she inspected uniforms for the government. Then she was hired by Arrow shirts, and later a fabric store. Finally she became a Union Rep, and was later hired 8

as a Manager. Mother even came down and helped me campaign. She was raised on a farm, and truly liked to work. When she moved into a nursing home, she said, ‘If I could just get out of here and get a job, I would be much better off.’ She also made certain we were ‘churched’, because we went to Sunday School and church on Sundays and Wednesdays. Then we went to Baptist Training Church on Sunday nights.

Pat looked off in the distance and reminisced, “I remember walking barefoot and sneaking into Mrs. Baker’s cow pasture to play in the creek with my brother Floyd. I grew up in Fulton County in Georgia, near Hapeville, in a small rural community. I walked to school, something I continued even after I went off to college at Georgia State. I got a job at the phone company and walked back and forth to class. It was great, and so much simpler.” Now Pat got a gleam in her eye and a smile spread across her face as she recalled her college days. “During college, I was invited to a ‘Pajama Party’ at a Fraternity House at Georgia Tech. Do you remember when it was an all male college? It caused quite a stew when they were forced to let females in. Anyway, Mom told me I was never to go out in public in pajamas, so I was the only female in street clothes. There were two males who were also not in pajamas, and one of them, who identified himself as Charles, called me later to be his date for the Valentine’s fraternity party. I wasn’t sure which of the two he was, but I agreed. After he hung up, I remembered I already had a date that night.” Sidenote to my readers: this was long before Caller ID, so she would not have seen his number to call back.

“I was relieved when he eventually called me back, so I could confess my mistake. Luckily he asked me to go the Fox Movie Theatre for the following week, because he would turn out to be my husband, you see. We were such opposites. He was a quiet Engineering student, and I was the one who always went to social events and talked to everybody.” Then she recounted their early days in Slidell. “We raised the kids out on Apple Pie Ridge, so they could have horses, ducks and dogs. We had alligators in the pool, even hiding under our car. I loved the swamp and the marsh. It is fascinating to put on your boots and see all the life teeming out there. My favorite room was the library, look here’s a picture.” I saw Pat snuggled in a large, comfortable wing backed chair in the middle of ceiling to floor bookcases on both sides of her. “We lived there until Katrina blew it away. Charlie died soon after, and I chose to stay in Slidell. I like the atmosphere, the climate and the people. I moved into the house his parents had owned in Brugier, and your Mom helped me transform it. I loved going in her Interior Design shop, it was such a fun place.” At some point we started talking about art, and looking at the pieces on her walls. As we talked, I realized that some of this art was actually her own photography from her travels. She showed me the list of countries she had traversed, and I counted 51 different countries. She explained, “My wanderlust began even before I married, when Mother and I visited Montreal, Vermont, and Quebec. Charles and I got to travel as he presented at conferences, and we often brought the kids. All our kids caught the travel bug, but our son can travel most often as he is a pilot. He comes back to Slidell and visits frequently too. I only wish our kids could find jobs and have those types of opportunities here in Slidell. It is fine for them to go off to school or to travel and learn about other cultures, but they would love to utilize their skills in their home town.” Pat brought out her photo albums from her travels. As she was spreading them out, she looked up and tilted her head in thought. “I got to meet all kinds of people all over the globe, and one thing I learned is that they are all just as capable of running their country as we are. No matter how differently we do things, it all works. The main thing we need to share is the milk of human kindness, and that is what I always tried to do. I miss traveling with Charlie,

but now I continue by myself, and occasionally with friends, or my kids. I just returned from the Galapagos Islands and the Andes. God is good every day. Our job is to do the best we can with what we have. Life is long, you know.”

that Judge Hedges “inspires us to achieve our best”. She also received the Woman of Achievement Award from Business and Professional Women, and an award from First United Methodist Church for “Enthusiastic Leadership as Church Council Chair”. Then I saw the prestigious Nike Award from the Business and Professional Women, and the Athena Award from the Chamber of Commerce. So you can see, I am not alone in my awe of Judge Patricia Hedges.

As if on cue, her phone rang. It was from an old classmate from law school. She said, “In spite of our age difference, I keep up with them. They visit me and I go see them when I have a chance. They were always really good to me. Pat amongst fellow recipents of the prestigious I’ve actually been fortunate to Athena Award As I was putting aside my teacup, have good collegial relationships I had to ask one final question. throughout my career. I have to “So what is next for Pat Hedges. Is there anything left to do?” show you something that really touched me.” She brought out a full page newspaper ad that the St.Tammany Parish Her answer came swiftly and without forethought. Attorneys purchased to commemorate her one year “Oh heavens yes! I want to learn Art History - do you think you could teach anniversary as Judge, and they all signed it. When she me some of that? And I do want to try an art class. I had to cancel the one ran for her final term as Judge in 2002, they paid for an I registered for with Alan Flattmann in Croatia because I was sick. Maybe ad stating that Judge Patricia Hedges was the model I will take your class if you teach another drawing or painting class.” of fairness, firmness, legal knowledge, deep sense of justice, and a passionate respect for the constitution and “Oh, and I have never been to Japan.” rule of law. That is something her family must cherish. When we parted, it was hard to tear myself away. But even a week after As I looked through her awards, I saw one for Superior my visit, as I write this, I still feel the inspiration she gave me. I find myself Leadership from the Republican Women’s Club stating pondering how I can be the best I can be.

10AM - 5PM • MONDAY - FRIDAY

Come in to sign up for our monthly drawings!

www.mandiemanzano.com

INSIDE THE MARKETPLACE

Add to this AMAZINGLY TALENTED, and you’re starting to know the young, quirky, creative and busy artist that illuminates the Chamber mARTketPlace.

When you visit Mandie Manzano’s website, be sure to notice the banner across the top of the page. MANDIE MANZANO: VISUAL ARTIST PROFESSIONAL HIGH-FIVER AVID MANGO LOVER • OCCASIONAL JEDI SNEEZER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Mandie Manzano

Artist SPOTLIGHT

The Art of Mandie Manzano is recognizable throughout the world in an instant. Known for its unique use of light and color, Mandie paints her images to emulate the vibrancy and glow of a stained-glass window. With over 300 paintings in her portfolio, she stays constantly busy creating her artificial glass paintings and putting smiles on the faces of all who enjoy her glowing work. She works as a professional Illustrator & Artist for several companies and has licensed her work to many stores and businesses around the world.

Over 20 Artists!

985-643-5678 • www.estchamber.com 1808 Front Street • Slidell

Contact your chamber for more information:

MANDEVILLE, LA

FOUNTAINBLEAU STATE PARK

Saturday March 21, 2015 • 9am

Think Red heart walk

SAVE THE DATE!

Sponsored by

The

Storyteller The Girl He Loved Forever When the ride ended and the tram rolled out into the bright sunlight, a new relationship had formed. They were no longer just friends. Each felt an inner glow. I think you may agree, there is nothing like your first kiss, or your first love for that matter. I am sure that everyone can relate to that, especially if it happened in your youth as it did in theirs.

This is a simple story. It is almost one that you can guess the ending before you read it. It is a story anyone could have written, because they have known someone that had, or they may have had themselves, a similar experience. Even though the story is simple, and you have heard it, maybe you have not heard one that ends exactly like this. There were three friends that grew up together. They lived on the same block, went to the same church and the same school. Jim Johnson was the oldest. He was two years older than Joe Bennett. Then there was Margie Frierson. She was two years younger than Joe. Not surprisingly, Jim, the oldest, was the dominant one in the friendship ring, if for no other reason than the fact that he was older. Not only were the three of them good friends, their parents were good friends. In addition to church activities, they went on family outings together such as picnicking, camping and even family vacations. The kids had opportunities to be together often. As I guess you have imagined, early on, Joe and Margie formed a special friendship; a personal friendship, a relationship of two inside the relationship of three. Maybe it began because Joe was nearer her age. There was no jealousy on Jim’s part. As friends, he loved both of them

dearly. He may have even been pleased as he watched a young romance blossom. There is a time in every relationship when that relationship changes. It can happen in a day’s time, a minute, or even a moment. It is that point in time that, from then on, you never look at that person in the same light. It happened to Joe and Margie early on, when he was in the eighth grade and she in the sixth. It happened on a carnival ride. In the darkened part of the carnival ride called the “Tunnel of Love”, as the tram car clacked over the noisy track in its twists and turns, they kissed. Neither had ever kissed each other or anyone else in a passionate manner before.

All three were model kids. They were never in any trouble and all were good students, excelling in whatever they did. Jim was the high school’s basketball star. Joe was a promising member of the football team and Margie became a cheerleader her very first year in high school. The most ambitious of all was Joe, who dreamed of being a veterinarian and did volunteer work at the local animal hospital. He was also very active in the youth group at church, as was Margie. When he was not playing sports, studying, or at the animal hospital, he was with Margie. Eventually Jim graduated from high school. His desire was to go to college, but he did not have a strong feeling as to what he wanted to be. Besides, the family could contribute little financially to his higher education. He reasoned that maybe he should wait until he knew what he wanted to do and possibly save some money.

THE BEST IS GETTING BETTER!

Renovated Suites Available Ask about our special pricing opportunities for Veterans and their families!

1925 Possum Hollow Road in Slidell (985) 718-1051 www.ParkProvence.com

In June 1964, Jim enlisted for a four year obligation in the U.S. Marine Corp. While he was gone, both Joe and Margie wrote him often and they sent him pictures taken with her new Polaroid camera. Jim spent almost his entire tour of duty in Japan. There he would be trained and serve as an aircraft mechanic. He sent back pictures that he too had taken; and to Joe and Margie it appeared to be a wonderful experience. It would be impossible for Joe and Margie to be any closer to each other, but with Jim gone, they spent even more time together. By now, the whole town knew that it was a relationship that was meant to be. Most people discourage young love, but not in this case. They were both perfect kids, their devotion to each other was obvious, and they had stood the test of time. It had been four years since the carnival ride that had changed their lives, and would change it forever.

Make Your Own

Kind of Music! ONE WEEKEND ONLY

February 6 & 7

When Joe graduated, he went to a nearby junior college. This would fit his family’s budget and he could transfer to one of the state universities after his second year. He would also be close to Margie. His love for her and his desire to be near her was the only thing he desired more than being a veterinarian. As Joe was finishing his second year at the junior college, Jim was getting discharged from the Marines and Margie was graduating from high school. Margie and Joe, along with all three families, met Jim at the airport. It was like old times. He got home in June and the summer of 1968 was the best one the three of them had ever shared.

February 27 - March 14

Joe’s family’s financial situation had not improved much over the last two years and he was having difficulty being able to afford the University. Jim told him about the military. He could enlist for two years and he would get two years free education on the G.I. Bill when he was discharged. The thought of being away from Margie made the decision hard; but finally, Joe decided that is what he would do. He would enlist in the U.S. Army and, unlike the Marines, it would only require a two year commitment. He was not aware that half way around the world in Southeast Asia, things were not getting any better. His transportation to basic training was a special bus that the Army provided. At the bus station, he did his best to hold back tears as he held Margie while telling Jim and all the parents goodbye. When he boarded the bus, he refused to look out the window. He did not want her to see him cry. Joe did his basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, which was only about three hours from home. He got passes twice and spent every minute he could with Margie and Jim. When he had to go back to Fort Polk, he wished he had not joined the military. When he finished his basic training, he had his choice of advanced training, but he chose infantry, as that would allow him twelve more weeks at Fort Polk, not too far from her. When he finished advanced training, the bad news came. His orders read, in not so many words, Vietnam. He was losing control. He had not dreamed that he would end up getting shot at, and he did not dream that he would be so far away. He also had that feeling, the one that most soldiers going to a battle zone have. The feeling he may not come home. When it was finally time to go, Joe had changed. His confidence was gone, he was not in control. The only thing of stability he had was Margie, who he knew was as heartbroken as he was. He would be in Vietnam for thirteen months. He decided to do his duty with dignity, but to use as much discretion as was in his power not to get killed or wounded. He would come back

Going Going to to the the Chapel Chapel

The Musical April 3 - 18 All Showings Start at 8PM Tickets: $22-$25

Children: $16.50

Online Booking will close 1 hour prior to engagement.

Cutting Edge Theater 767 R Robert b Bl Blvd. d Slid Slidell ll

985-649-3727

CuttingEdgeTheater.com

You’ve overdone it? Tailgating...partying...parades... Now what?

to her and they would get married. He knew he wanted that and she did too. In the sixth month of his deployment, the letter came: My Dearest Joe, This is the hardest letter I have ever had to write. I don’t even want to write it, but there is no way around it. You and I were together since we were kids. I never knew anyone else and never wanted anyone else. I guess I am saying I never had the chance. Why experiment with another relationship when I had you and you were here with me? Well you are not here now. I did not want it to happen, but it did. Joe, I have found someone else and I plan to marry him.

A 6-week program starting February 26th register today at:

www.PursueWellnessForYou.com

Now for the worst part, his name is Jim - our Jim. There will be a special part of me that always loves you and I will always have beautiful memories of our youth together. I might also say I loved you as much as I knew what the definition of love was. You need to know that this has caused some problems between the three sets of parents. Your parents are not taking this well. I am sorry about that, I loved them too. Always, Margie

Kelly Lutman

Certified Health Coach

985-768-8898

His first impulse was to run, but in a base camp in Southeast Asia there is little place to run. He asked to speak to the chaplain. The chaplain was less than sympathetic, only spending about five minutes with him. The summation of the chaplain’s advice was that a Dear John letter was part of growing up. Go back and soldier. He then decided that he did not want to go back home. He would die in Vietnam. He would volunteer for the most hazardous missions. He would die a hero, and she would be sorry. He failed at that. He did volunteer, and he was a hero, and he was awarded medals, but he could not get killed. He dreaded the day of going home but it was not far off.

Discover the fastest, easiest, no-mess wax warmer system ever. Instant, No-mess fragrance changes with plugin electric convenience ! Available in several designs, sizes and, of course, your favorite fragrances.

His arrival at the airport was much different than that of Jim’s a little over two years prior. The only persons there to meet him were his own parents. He did not ask questions about her and they never from that day on mentioned her name. Joe would not go to college. After all, why be ambitious when you have no one to share it with? He became a machinist at a local metal fabrication shop. He made a fair living but that was about all. What he felt about her was contradictory. He did not want to do anything that would hurt her or cause her to have any problem with Jim. He doubted that would have happened but he kept his distance. He changed churches. He bought a small house outside of town, but on the opposite side from where she lived.

POO-POURRI

Spritz the bowl before-you-go and no one else will ever know!

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9-6 Saturday 9-5 Sunday 11-4

On the other hand, he knew her habits. He did not stalk her, but he made it a point to be in areas where he could see her and she would not see him. He knew where she grocery shopped, where she got her hair fixed and he would find a spot to watch her come and go. A safe spot - one that no one would guess what he was doing. Years passed. Jim was severely injured in an auto accident and would be unable to work for some time. One day, Joe went to the house, rang the bell, and she answered the door. The meeting was uncomfortable since neither had spoken a word to each other in over thirty years. “I have come to cut your grass. I will do it until Jim gets better.” He did not wait for an answer, and she did not give one. He just

turned, let the tailgate down on his truck, and unloaded his equipment. From time to time, bags of groceries would mysteriously appear on her doorstep. Joe did not make a lot of money and he decided early on that he would do something on the side to fund his retirement. He decided he would cut and deliver firewood. He could make a couple of hundred dollars on a good weekend. This is money he would never touch. It would be only for his retirement. One day Joe spotted her car at Walmart. He waited for her to return. He had not seen her in over six months, and when he saw her, he knew something was wrong. She was thin and she was wearing a wig. He had to find out. He had never mentioned her name to a single person in all those years, but he would break this silence and ask a mutual acquaintance about her. He learned that she had breast cancer, and after surgery, she had to have chemo. He also learned that they had no insurance. She needed another series of treatments, but there was no money. She had decided to let nature take its course. That night, Joe counted his firewood money. He knew that there was only one doctor in town that could administer the treatment she needed. He had been a classmate of theirs in high school. Joe called the doctor and told him what he wanted to do, but the doctor could not divulge any patient information. Having known about their relationship years before,

the doctor gave him a hypothetical cost for the treatment. It was expensive, but Joe had enough firewood money. Just enough. The next week, Margie got a call from the doctor’s office. She was told that it was an anonymous donor. There was no doubt in her mind who it was. That afternoon, for the first time in all those years, she cried. She did not cry for herself, she cried for Joe. She thought about how much he must have suffered to continue to care about her all those years. She also, for the first time, admitted to herself that she still cared for him too. Two years later, the cancer returned; but this time it was in her lungs. Six months later, Margie passed away. Joe did not go to the funeral. That night, however, in the darkness, he came to her grave. There he stayed until almost daylight. He would do this often. It was the only time he had been able to be with her in years. He was pleased. Two years later, Joe died. Those who knew him said that after Margie died, he just gave up. In 2007, while perusing my favorite pastime, genealogy, I visited Margie’s grave. There was no monument, just the little metal funeral home plaque. Remembering their love story, I drove across town and visited Joe’s. Joe’s grave was marked the same way. I learned in 2009 that Jim had died. Sometime afterward, out of curiosity, I visited his grave, which was beside Margie’s.

This time there was a double monument. The inscriptions were as follows: Jim Johnson h/o Margaret Frierson 1945-2009 My Loving Husband Margie Frierson w/o Jim Johnson 1949-2004 Blessed With Abundant Love For some unknown reason, I decided to visit Joe’s grave again. This time there was a marker. It read: Joe Bennett 1947-2006 His Love Was Unconditional There was only one monument maker in town. I had to know the story of this tombstone. I asked the owner, who I had known years before, who had paid for Joe’s stone. He said Margie had ordered hers and Jim’s about fifteen years prior to her death. She paid for them twenty dollars a month. About three years ago, she ordered the one for Joe. She changed the inscriptions several times. “She still owed me a little more than $100 but I put up the monument anyway.” I offered to pay the $100 but he refused to accept it.

 John Case

February 2015

Wading Birds in Louisiana Story and Photos by Donna Bush

© Donna Bush We are no strangers to wading birds with the abundance of water, via lakes, marshes, canals, even ditches in south Louisiana. With seventeen species in the state, Louisiana is thought to have more wading birds than any other state. Even if you don’t live on the water, chances are you see wading birds every day. They can be in the retention pond in your subdivision, in the marsh you drive by, even in the ditch in your front yard. Long legs, long necks and long bills characterize wading birds, making it easy for them to wade and forage for food in shallow water. Biologically speaking, wading birds are in the Ardeidae (bitterns, herons, egrets), Threskiornithidae (ibises and spoonbills), Ciconiidae (Wood Stork), and Phoenicopteridae (flamingoes) families. Of course, there are other birds with long legs, necks and bills, such as cranes and some shorebirds. However, cranes are more genetically aligned with rails and shorebirds are more related to gulls and terns. I believe the most common wading birds seen around us are Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egret and White Ibis. Occasionally, 16

you might see one of the night-herons. The seventeen species of wading birds regularly found in Louisiana are American Bittern, Least Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Reddish Egret, Tricolored Heron, Little Blue Heron, Cattle Egret, Green Heron, Black-crowned NightHeron, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, White Ibis, White-faced Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill and Wood Stork. For the purpose of this article, I will focus on the most commonly viewed.

inch wingspan. An easier way to tell them apart is the fact that the Great Egret has a white body and the Great Blue Heron is mostly blue-gray with a small amount of white on its head and neck. Along with Black-crowned Night-Herons, the Great Blue Heron has the widest North American distribution of any wading bird. It ranges from Southern Canada through most of the

I find wading birds are the easiest of birds to begin learning bird identification skills. With a few easy to remember tips, you will impress your friends with your birding knowledge in no time. The first thing you will want to observe is the bird’s height. Of our most common wading birds, the tallest are the Great Blue Heron and the Great Egret, with the Great Blue Heron being the taller of the two at 48 inches tall with an 84-inch wingspan. The Great Egret is about 39 inches tall with a 50© Donna Bush

United States and Mexico. Easily disturbed, they have a very annoyed cry of “FRAHNK….FRAHNK!” Great Egrets, weighing only 2 pounds have a willowy build with a graceful flight and are home to all of the continents of the world except Antarctica. Great Egrets far outnumber Great Blue Herons in Louisiana. Known as the “Long White” by 19th and 20th century plume hunters, they were nearly hunted to extinction by 1920. The Audubon Society was formed by a group of concerned citizens to stop the hunting of egrets for their feathers, which were used in the millenary trade. After which, they made a rapid comeback. Great Egrets along with several wading bird species have greatly benefited from Louisiana’s crawfish aquaculture. When foraging they exhibit a unique hunting posture, standing perfectly still, but leaning forward with neck and head almost completely outstretched. Now on to a slightly more difficult issue. The Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egret and White Ibis are all white, thus making them a little trickier to distinguish. Again, look at the height of the bird. As we’ve already discussed, the Great Egret is the tallest. The White Ibis and Snowy Egret are within a half-inch difference in height at approximately 2 feet tall and the same 40-inch wingspan, with the Cattle Egret being the smallest of all at just under 2 feet. The White Ibis has a curved bill with a pink face, bill and legs making it easily distinguishable from a Snowy or Cattle Egret. To recap identification of white wading birds, the Great Egret is largest, followed by the White Ibis, which has a curved bill, then the Snowy Egret and the Cattle Egret is the shortest.

Snowy Egrets are more numerous than Great Blue Herons and Black-crowned Night-Herons combined. Called “short whites” by the plume hunters, snowies were also slaughtered for the US/ European hat trade. Louisiana’s Edward A. McIlhenny of “Tabasco” fame is largely credited with their survival. McIlhenny excavated a large pond and built bamboo nest platforms providing snowies with safe nesting habitat. They are the only wading birds that take flight and pick prey off the water’s surface. Cattle Egrets are native to Africa, but somehow found their way to northern South America, arriving in the United States in 1941 and began nesting in the US in 1953.

The Black-crowned night-heron and the Yellow-crowned night-heron are native to Louisiana. The Black-crowned nightheron is here year-round, but the YellowCrowned Night-heron departs for its tropical wintering grounds in mid fall. Both are nocturnal hunters with large red eyes, often only spotted at night, very early morning or late evening. Both have stocky built bodies with short necks and powerful bills. Yellow-crowned night herons have become used to civilization, often nesting on golf courses, within parks and subdivisions with mature live oak trees near water. Next item to observe is the color of the legs and bill. Yellow bill and blackish legs, with blue-gray plumage identifies a Great Blue Heron. Yellow bill, black legs, with white feathers means you’re looking at a Great Egret. White Ibis have pink legs, bill and face, which turn scarlet during breeding. A Snowy egret has a black bill, black legs © Donna Bush

and yellow feet and have red around their eyes when breeding. Juvenile snowies have a yellowish green bill and yellowish green legs with yellow feet. Cattle egrets have dark legs when not breeding and a short orange or yellow bill. During breeding season, their legs are yellow to pinkish with a dark orange bill and they sport plumes of yellow feathers on their head and neck. Juveniles have dark bill and dark legs. Another indicator is the habitat where you see a wading bird. Great Blue Herons enjoy foraging in both fresh water and saltwater, plus grassland and agricultural lands where they pursue frogs and small mammals. You’ll see Great Egrets slowly 17

meandering through a variety of wetlands – marshes, swamps, streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, tidal flats, canals and flooded fields. They are frequently seen feeding in water filled ditches beside roadways. White Ibis prefer coastal marshes and wetlands. Snowy Egrets are found in small ponds and along the shore. They are very active and move much faster than the great egret. Cattle egrets are opportunistic feeders, foraging in varied habitats, such as ponds, cattle pastures, roadsides, farmlands, parks, and lawns. They are easy to spot behind department of transportation lawn mowers alongside the roadways. You may see cattle egrets feeding in groups, whereas great egrets and snowy egrets usually feed alone.

BUSINESS OWNERS: Protect Your Livelihood

Ace

INSURANCE AGENCY For All Your Insurance Needs

• • • • • •

GENERAL LIABILITY WORKER’S COMPENSATION COMMERCIAL PROPERTY BUSINESS OWNER’S POLICY EQUIPMENT COVERAGE BONDS

(985) 643-5440 • 3412 Pontchartrain Drive

www.aceia.com AIREY BLANCHARD LAW OFFICE Attorneys & Counselors at Law

Great egrets will feed on small fish, frogs, reptiles and small birds. They use a quick stab of their long beak to spear their prey. Snowy egrets eat small fish, minnows, shrimp, frogs and small crustaceans. Cattle egrets have a varied diet of several types of insects, frogs, tadpoles, and lizards. One similarity among all wading birds is nesting habits. They all nest in similar habitat and frequently nest together in colonies. Nests are built of limbs or twigs in a tree or shrub over water. Both parents take part in building the nest and raising the young. Nests are built over water to protect the eggs and chicks from predators, such as snakes and raccoons. This water is inhabited by alligators, which act as the best watchdog a mother wading bird could want. Remember – size, color, habitat. Great Blue Heron is the largest with blue gray feathers. Great egret is largest white wading bird with yellow bill and black legs. White Ibis, is mid-size, has a pink face, legs and curved bill. Snowy egret is mid-size with a black bill, black legs and yellow feet. The smallest, cattle egret, has dark legs if not breeding or yellow to pinkish, if breeding and a short orange or yellow bill. So, now you have some key tips on identifying the wading birds you will see around Slidell. Happy birding!

Successions Probate • Last Will & Testaments Trust • Power of Attorney

Real Estate

S. Michele Blanchard 303 S. Military Rd. Ste. 3 Slidell, LA 70461

Phone: 985-641-4010 Fax: 985-605-5010

All American Title Agency, L.L.C. A Full Service Title Agency REAL ESTATE CLOSINGS Commercial, Residential & Refinancing Abstracts • Title Insurance • Title Examinations Michael A. Tassin Jr.

Closing Manager

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

ATTORNEYS:

Denise D. Lindsey, S. Michele Blanchard

Phone: Fax:

985-641-8002 985-605-5035

Of Your Money By Mike Rich

Pontchartrain Investment Management

Why you need me as your financial advisor. Look below in this article and you’ll see a picture of my grandsons, Rex and Maxwell. They live in Tallahassee with my daughter and son-in-law. Even though they’re in Florida, Mary and I see them a lot. It’s only about a 5½ hour drive to Tallahassee, and either we make the trip every month or so, or they do. Rex just made nine years old, and Maxwell is three. Their personalities are polar opposites. Rex is serious, quiet, and analytical, while Maxell is exuberant, playful, and pretty much all over the place. Some of these differences we can attribute to their ages, but some…well, it’s just the way they are. However, in addition to the fact that they are pretty awesome little kids, Rex and Maxwell do have at least one thing in common: they have me as their financial advisor, and they are lucky.

circumstances are simple, you probably don’t need me. However, having been in this business now for almost seven years, I haven’t seen too many people whose financial lives are so simple that they don’t need help. My guess is that you might be in the same boat. So, here are four reasons why you need me as your financial advisor: 1.

I will help you organize your financial life. One of the biggest hurdles people have to success with money is financial disorganization. Just about everyone has four or five or six different parts to his or her financial life. For example, you might have homeowner’s insurance, a checking account, a mortgage, a 401(k) at work, a life insurance policy, and maybe a lot more. Here’s the issue: are all of those parts of your money life working together to optimize your family’s wellbeing? For example, is your car insurance agent aware that you have enough money in your savings account to handle a bigger deductible, which will lower your premium, thus freeing up cash for investing? Does the HR person at work know that ALL of your money is tied up in your 401(k) and that, when you retire you will have to pay taxes on every penny of it, and that, maybe it would be a good idea to have some tax-free money to spend when you’re old? If you don’t have a financial advisor, how would you know this and other important things about your money? Is someone on the Internet going to tell you?

I will help you protect what you have and what might come in the future. It’s my core belief that protecting one’s assets comes first, even before investing. Life and disability insurance are a must if you support a family, and a strategy for paying for long term care is critical because of the potentially staggering cost of such care. It’s never too early to start this. For example, as financial advisor for my grandchildren, I recommended to their parents that they

They don’t know they’re lucky, nor do they likely care much. But, I’ll bet big money that about 30 or 40 years from now, when they take a look at their financial situation, they’re going to think their Poppy was a pretty smart dude. Of course, I can’t guarantee their success, there is still a lot of work to do, and much of it (such as saving and investing) is up to them. Still, I’m pretty confident. OK, so my grandsons have me as their financial advisor (my two granddaughters have me, too.). What about you? Could I make a difference in your life, as well? To be honest, if your financial

HAPPY MARDI GRAS Call us for a free consultation (But not on Fat Tuesday)

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT 2242 Carey St. Olde Towne, Slidell, LA

985-605-5066

www.mypontchartrain.com

St eve Ker Ke r n ah a h an an A nd An dy y Pru P ru de

M i ke R i ch Ro b biin n Od d o

C h ri s N No ogues

Investment Services • Annuities • Retirement Planning

Life, Disability, and Long Term Care Insurance Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

purchase cash value life insurance for them, which they did. Now, Rex, Maxwell, and their two cousins not only have life insurance that will stay with them for the rest of their lives (as long as someone continues to pay the premiums), but they have guaranteed insurability if they want to buy more when they’re older. Plus, their policies are building cash value, which they can use in the future for any number of reasons, not the least of which is retirement income.1 Would you like to figure out if this would work for you, too? Call me. 3.

I will help you set goals and design a plan for attaining them. This is where a lot of people fail when working to achieve financial security. If you don’t have goals for what you want your money to do, you could end up just meandering your way to what I call “financial mediocrity”. Wanting to retire someday is not a goal, it’s a wish. When I work with clients on their goals, we make them SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timebound. Here’s an example: I want to retire at age 64, with an income of $60,000 in addition to my Social Security benefit. I want my income to keep up with inflation at a rate of 3% per year, and I want to take a nice cruise with my spouse every other year until we are 80. Then, I want to leave $100,000 for final expenses, with our home going to our children. Now, that’s what I call a goal, we have something to shoot for, and I can design a plan that fits.

Finally, I will work hard to keep you from making “The Big Boo-Boo.” Without a doubt, this is one of the most important things I do for my clients. What’s The Big Boo-Boo? The gory details are different for everyone, but it boils down to making a huge mistake with your money at the worst possible time. Like, selling your 401(k) to cash in 2008, even though you’re only 50 years old, and thinking that you’ll know when it’s the right time to “get back in.” Like, using CD ladders because you don’t trust the stock market, even though you have 35 years until retirement. Like, claiming your Social Security benefit too early because “I don’t trust the government.” That kind of stuff. It can ruin people financially, and my job is to keep it from happening. I won’t be around forever for Rex and Maxwell to keep them from making their own big booboos, but I’m going to do my best to see that they have a financial advisor who might help them stay the course.

I might be wrong, but my guess is that more people than not would like someone to guide them financially. They just don’t know where to turn. Who can I trust? How much will it cost? How long will it take? What value will I get? These are legitimate questions. My grandsons didn’t have to ask them, but you should. Call me, make an appointment to come in, and let’s talk.

Charmaine Seymour | Mortgage Loan Originator | 985.781.3114

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC 1

Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing company.

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

Remembered Forever Sponsored by

the morning of August 13, 1975, Sergeant Earl Alfred of the Slidell Police Department was shot and killed while responding to a robbery call at a jewelry store here in Slidell. He was only 35 years old. Sergeant Alfred had served with the Department for five years and, in that time, had an impact on the Slidell community that can still be felt today. Pastor Norman Farve, of the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, remembers Sgt. Alfred, “He was a pilar in the community. He was influential and well-loved, black and white looked up to him. He loved this community, especially the kids. He would take the time to walk children across the street.” For those of us who lived in Slidell at this time, it was an unforgettable tragedy. The images have stayed in our minds for almost 40 years: the newspaper headlines…police officers

by Kendra Maness

in dress blues, escorting the funeral procession…the grieving officers, family and friends. It was not the end of innocence for our safe community; because, thank God, we haven’t lost another police officer in the line of duty since that time. But it certainly was a reminder of the dangers faced by our police force on a daily basis and the safety our citizens feel because of their bravery. The 2015 Leadership Northshore Project Group Two, “Remembered Forever”, seeks to honor the memory of Sgt. Alfred and all of those who have given their lives in the line of duty protecting and serving our community. In addition to their mission of remembrance, they also look to the future, hoping to inspire our youth to explore ways

SIGNS | DESIGN | PRINTING exposigns.com | 985-710-2372

of living through Sgt. Alfred’s legacy and being leaders in our community. The Leadership students were in agreement from the beginning as to what their mission was. Even with their diverse personalities and opinions, the group united instantly towards a common goal: the completion of a monument on the front lawn of the Slidell Police Department to offer a place for gathering in remembrance of Sgt.Alfred. The group has partnered with the Ministerial Alliance of Greater St. Tammany, an inter-denominational group of ministers representing 22 different churches and thousands of members.

The Ministerial Alliance’s mission is to bring harmony amongst the ministers and pastors and their congregations. Throughout the year, the Alliance organizes and hosts forums, cooperative programs and events to keep their congregation informed and active in their faith and their community. One of these events is the annual Martin Luther King Day march which begins and ends at the police station, located on Third Street, which was renamed Sgt. Alfred Drive. Each year, at the completion of the march, a wreath is laid at the Police Department for Earl Alfred. The wreath is usually laid upon the Slidell Police sign. With the monument, there will be a permanent and respectful gathering place to honor the fallen officer. Project Two team members include Charmaine Reeves, a Financial Services Associate with Whitney Bank; Slidell Police Department Captain Rocky McLellan; Maria Popa, a MetLife Financial Advisor; Kevin Walcott, Director of Recreation for the City of Slidell; and Keri Guttierrez, Purchasing Supervisor for Ochsner Medical Center NorthShore. Their partnership with the Ministerial Alliance includes working hand-in-hand with current Alliance president, Pastor Norman Farve and Minister Paulette Farve of the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Alliance Past-Presidents Pastor Gary Wood of Pentecost Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor Ray Larry of Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Additional support for the project comes from Mayor Freddy Drennan and Police Chief Randy Smith, as well as City Councilman Glynn Pichon for District A, which encompasses the Police Station, as well as the MLK Day parade area. SPD Captain Rocky McLellan tells how the project idea came about. “I was working a detail one day at Possum Hollow Park where Pastor Farve’s church was putting on an event for kids going back to school. We met that day and I learned more about the Ministerial Alliance. Once we started on our project, we presented the idea to them and we all agreed to partner together. We’ve been moving forward ever since.” One of the goals of “Remembered Forever” is to build relationships between local government leaders and the community they serve. The group agrees that they’re well on their way. “It’s been a great and positive partnership with the Alliance and with the City,” says project leader Kevin Walcott. “It’s been spot on from day one.” Pastor Farve notes, “I knew Earl Alfred. He was loved in this community. We lost a great officer and a great person. Earl was the first African-American Sergeant of the Slidell Police Department. This monument is really needed.” The memorial monument will be on the front lawn of the Slidell Police Station, facing Sgt. Alfred Drive. The team will also be landscaping and beautifying the front of the police station. The City of Slidell has agreed to donate the concrete slab for the monument and upkeep of the property and monument will be done by the Trustees of the Police Department, with no additional cost to the city.

The City of Slidell presents

Saturday, March 7, 2015 5-9 pm • Olde Towne Slidell Shopping Dining Live Entertainment Artwork “Louisiana Legends, from the New Orleans Museum of Art” exhibit in the Slidell Cultural Center

“Harmony” by Kenny Bridges Arts Evening 2014 Cover Artist

Free Admission • March 8, rain date 985.646.4375 • www.slidell.la.us The City of Slidell and the Commission on the Arts thank our sponsors: Renaissance • $5,000 Sponsors

Baroque, $2,500: CLECO Power, LLC • Winn-Dixie Expressionist, $1,500: Johnathan Johnson Agency, Blue Cross Blue Shield of LA Ronnie Kole Foundation Neoclassical, $1,000: Lori Gomez Art Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency • The Purple Armadillo Again, LLC The Slidell Independent Impressionism, $500: Bargains Plus/Postal Plus Blue Bell Creameries • Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert • CiCi’s Pizza Dr. Nathan Brown, Northlake Oral & Facial Surgery • Chateau Bleu Louisiana Representative Greg Cromer • In Memory of Wayne Dunne Honey Island BBQ and Catering • Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta Northshore Harbor Center • Olde Towne Slidell Main Street Pontchartrain Investment Management • Roberta’s Cleaners • Silver Slipper Casino Slidell Historical Antique Association • Terry Lynn’s Café • Vicky Magas Insurance Agency Supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts as administered by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs.

One of the missions of Leadership Northshore is to bring together individuals of varying personalities and backgrounds and teach them leadership skills that they can utilize to build harmonious business and community relationships. Each year, adults throughout St. Tammany Parish apply for acceptance into the Leadership Northshore program, many of them professionals who are sponsored by their businesses. The class members are then chosen based upon their applications and their interview, and represent a diverse spectrum of the community. After an educational retreat, the Leadership class of about 25 students is sectioned off into 4-5 groups. Each group is then challenged to concept, initiate and complete a group project which proves beneficial to the community. Throughout the 9 month program, the students work on their group project while also meeting as a whole student body once a month to continue learning aspects of the community, including governmental affairs, cultural arts, business development, education and charity. Before starting the class year, each Leadership student takes a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® questionnaire to determine their personality type (there are 16 different types of personality in the Indicator). Here’s a little sampling of the different types of personality profiles (in easy terms because, trust me, it’s A LOT more in depth than space allows!) Favorite world: Do you prefer to focus on the outer world or on your own inner world? This is called Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I). Information: Do you prefer to focus on the basic information you take in or do you prefer to interpret and add meaning? This is called Sensing (S) or Intuition (N). Decisions: When making decisions, do you prefer to first look at logic and consistency or first look at the people and special circumstances? This is called Thinking (T) or Feeling (F). Structure: In dealing with the outside world, do you prefer to get things decided or do you prefer to stay open to new information and options? This is called Judging (J) or Perceiving (P).

The Leadership project has been a learning experience, on many levels. “I had no idea there was so much involved in building a monument!” said Charmaine Reeves, team secretary. So the team, along with their Ministerial Alliance partners, took a field trip to Bogalusa Monument Company. “We started with a picture of what we thought we wanted the monument to be. When we visited, we were able to choose the exact style that we felt would pay the most respect for Sgt. Alfred and be a source of pride for the community. It was nice to see what our finished project would look like. It became reality at that point, just how beautiful this monument was going to be.” The team is counting on sponsorships and donations from the businesses and individuals of the community that Sgt. Alfred served. Now that the monument has been chosen, Maria Popa’s role in the group has shifted from monument logistics to fundraising. “I am hoping that through my involvement in community organizations and networking that I can help us get the money we need. Of course, everybody on the team will be fundraising for this.” Group treasurer Keri Guttierrez agrees. “We are setting up a facebook page to promote our project and give people information where they can donate, as well as a website with a PayPal account for donations. We’ve talked about many different fundraising ideas. We are really looking forward to offering this to the Slidell community.” The group hopes to have the funding they need to complete the project by August 15, 2015, which is the 40th anniversary of Sgt. Alfred’s death.

When you decide on your preference in each category, you have your own personality type, which can be expressed as a code with four letters. (Example: Project Two team member Kevin Walcott is considered an ESFJ personality type)

Leadership Northshore Project Two Team Members, along with their Ministerial Alliance partners: l-r: Rocky McLellan, Keri Guttierrez, Charmaine Reeves, Pastor Norman Farve, Pastor Ray Larry, Pastor Gary Wood, Maria Popa, and Kevin Walcott 24

UPS was started by two teenagers with one bicycle and $100 borrowed from a friend. The date was August 28, 1907 and the two kids were 18 year old Claude Ryan and 19 year old Jim Casey. The two had one bike between them and $100 (about $2400 today) borrowed from a friend to found the “American Messenger Company” in Seattle, Washington. The company was initially run in a hotel basement at Second Avenue and Main Street in Seattle. Fast-forward a few years and Casey and Ryan had merged their company with rival Merchant’s Parcel Delivery taking the latter’s name. In the process, they acquired a few motorcycles and delivery cars with their first car being a Ford Model T. At this time, more and more people had telephones so Casey and Ryan switched to working with retail stores to deliver customers purchases to their homes. By the time Casey retired from UPS in 1962, the company had grown to operating in 31 U.S. states with annual revenue around $550 million and about 22,000 workers. Fast forward to 2013 and Casey and Ryan’s company that started so humbly is now worth approximately $80 billion with annual revenue at over $50 billion; employing just under half a million workers in 200 countries; delivering over 3.8 billion packages and documents a year. Amazing what $100, some elbow grease, and a bit of ingenuity can do.

THE UPS STORE # 6560 Packing • Shipping • Mailbox • Print • Business Service Center 985-649-6560 • 985-641-3932 Fax 1527 Gause Blvd • Slidell Mon- Friday 8:00am- 6:30 pm Saturday 8:00am- 2:30 pm

Did you know? James Casey originally wanted the trucks to be yellow, instead of brown. He was eventually convinced to make them brown because yellow trucks would be impossible to keep clean. Railroad cars are often brown for this same reason.

Did you know? You can always know where your package is! UPS online averages 47.5 million tracking requests EVERY DAY!

Locally Owned and Operated

NOW OPEN!

Owners Jerry & Marie McKinney with Mayor Drennan celebrate their Grand Opening with a Bicycle GiveAway in honor of the UPS founders 25

Crimi-Mommly INSANE Sponsored by

By Leslie Gates

I’M NOT ALONE I get these moments during the day sometimes where I feel like I’m losing my mind. OK, more than normal.

But I seem to function better in chaos. Alone in a quiet house…not so much. Now, look at this picture and see if you can make out a face.

Strangely, it seems to happen when no one is home. You would think the opposite, since I am a Mom of three children who seem to spend most of their time TRYING to make me crazy. I read one of those funny cartoons recently that said something about how awful you feel the moment you realize you are screaming at your kids like a maniac in order to get THEM to quit screaming like maniacs. Yep. That’s me.

Finnan’s Family Pharmacy

I was sitting in the bathroom and saw faces in the patterns on the tile floors. Again. I also see faces in my carpet... the bricks... the marble counter tops. They haven’t started talking to me yet, but if they do, I will probably tell them all of my problems and see what kind of insight they have. At least I wouldn’t be alone. Keeping my fingers crossed on that one. I figure that it is either normal, my imagination is WAY out there, or I need to switch up my meds.

More than just a place to fill prescriptions!

A Full Service Independent Pharmacy

985.288.5899

3044 East Gause Blvd. • • • •

Free Local Delivery Available Immunizations Available Fast, Friendly, and Professional Service All Prescription Insurance Accepted

www.finnansfamilypharmacy.com

Come fill your kids prescriptions and enroll in our

FREE

kids vitamins program!

“With us, you’re Family.”

I find myself staring at the walls, looking for these faces, wondering if I could make a fortune drawing my own collection of never seen before images.

The strangest thing though... The MAYO JARS.

that were thrown on the floor by my kids the night before, and the TV starts switching channels by itself!

They somehow make their way onto the shelves of our refrigerator.

OMG! The faces! I knew it!

No really. One time, I had like 7 of them in there! It’s a mystery in my house!

Then I look down and see that I am standing on the remote.

I started painting some crosses for a project “MY MOM” was doing, but went into attention deficit mode, as I so often do.

We just can’t figure it out.

Wait. What was I doing?

Maybe the faces put them there? YES, the faces did it! There really is NO other explanation.

Did I ever feed the dogs?...

The crosses reminded me of my Sunday school lesson that I needed to prepare for, so I left my task and went to figure out where I put the lesson book.

Anyway, this made me realize:

It was on the carpet, next to some shredded cheese.

(D) I’m a shitty housekeeper.

Yeah. No clue.

I headed outside to do that, and decided I would sit down for a minute on the porch, to enjoy the weather.

Well... I’ll have plenty, that’s for sure.

As I put my feet up, I turned my head towards the bricks. Squinting my eyes a bit, I saw ANOTHER stupid face.

Now, back to the question... Did YOU see the face in the vase?

This only makes me realize that I need to get off my butt and get some stuff done around the house.

As I start picking the pieces up one by one, I see one of the faces in the carpet. It had squinty eyes, big nostrils and a down turned mouth.

Ignore the face. Ignore the face. As I focused back on the cheese, I started craving some. Pretty normal. I made my way to the fridge where I went to grab a cheese stick. There were none. And because there was no one to take my attention away, all of a sudden the inside of my fridge was very apparent to me. As if I had just taken off some sort of “beer googles” and realized, Good God! My fridge is disgusting! I saw some moldy green beans. A sip of milk at the bottom of the milk container, which we all know is good for NOTHING. Old leftovers, leaving not a clue as to what they once were. A drawer full of cardboard and plastic left behind from the yogurt, juice, and cheese stick packages. A crap load of pickles that no one EVER eats, yet never really go bad enough to feel like you have the right to throw them away. White, cracked carrot sticks. And a shriveled grape.

(1) I need to clean my fridge. (3) I need to go to the grocery. Also, I forgot to feed the dogs.

This one looked like it was screaming. Then in my sun room, through the window, the man with the mustache, on the tall vase. (Go look back at the picture now, you know you want to).

Why is there still cheese on the floor?... Am I looking for my cell phone again?... OR… was it that we are OUT of MAYO? YES! THAT WAS IT! I NEED MORE MAYO! I MAY be the only face causing my slow deterioration of sanity, BUT when life gives me mayo... At least enough to make sandwiches for me, and all my invisible face friends.

Mmm hmmm… I’m not alone after all,am I? Go check your fridge.

The mysterious mustached man had me thinking about some children’s character from a book. Or maybe it was Colonel Sanders. Either way, it made me go into my childrens’ rooms to clean a little. Talk about a DISASTER! My daughter’s room looked like her closet threw up tu-tus and stuffed animals. My oldest son’s room looked like it threw up dirty clothes and Capri sun straws. And my younger son’s room, well, it just looked and smelled like a large animal threw up in there. Or maybe Lightning McQueen. I think... I REALLY don’t feel like tackling this today. So I walk back out into the living room, looking around. I start picking up the couch cushions