Slidell Magazine 60th Edition by Slidell Magazine

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SLIDELL

Vol. 60 July 2015

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Editor’s Letter

Kendra Maness, Editor/Publisher, Slidell Magazine the Senate in May 2014. Governor Bobby Jindal signed the bill in to law on August 1, 2014. Over 150 people were on hand to celebrate our friend and his memory, including guest speakers from WWL - Sally-Ann Roberts, Eric Paulsen and Don Dubuc. The Secretary of LA DOTD was there, as was the Parish President, the Mayor, numerous Senators and Representatives, Frank’s fishing buddies, cameramen, Frank’s family, and me. I was humbled and honored to be asked to represent the Davis family at the Governor’s bill signing a year ago. Since that time, I’ve wanted to honor Frank’s memory by throwing the biggest, best and most beautiful ribbon cutting ceremony ever. On that very warm morning, my mission was accomplished. It wasn’t my planning prowess or the local celebrities that made the day so spectacular. It was Mary Clare Davis, Frank’s widow.

For over four decades, Frank and Mary Clare Davis loved, laughed and lived life to the fullest - together. Inseparable. We were witness to many of those years on WWL’s Morning Show, where they invited us into their kitchen, taught us some good New Orleans cooking, and made us smile.

On Friday, June 19, 2015 at 11:00AM, the ribbon was officially cut on The Frank Davis “Naturally N’Awlins” Bridge (formerly known as the “Twin Spans” and now lovingly referred to as “The Frank”). The ceremony and the reception immediately following were held at the St. Tammany Fishing Pier, which is the former Twin Spans that has been refurbished into a beautiful, family-friendly attraction. The Fishing Pier is directly next to “The Frank”.

Mary Clare was the final speaker of the day. Her speech was warm, heartfelt, emotional, funny, and uplifting - all of the traits that make her such a wonderful person, and made the Davis’ such an amazing couple. When the ribbon was cut, everyone raised their arms in joy. I could see Mary Clare raise both hands to the sky and mouth the words “thank you” and “I love you”. It was beautiful to witness. At the reception, we all sat on the pier, enjoying the breeze and watching the fish jump. We talked and ate and laughed a whole lot, just like we did when Frank was here. And, on that day, I think he was.

Senator A.G. Crowe authored the bill to rename the bridge, which was unanimously approved by both the House of Representatives and

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JULY 2015

Extraordinarily Fascinating “Ordinary” People

Bondilyn Jolly

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by Charlotte Lowry Collins

Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark. ~ Jay Danzie This month’s EFOP is an entrepreneur and an amazing, local success story, times ten! Bondilyn Jolly went from being a music educator to a self-taught, self-admitted “geek” running an international company. That company has ballooned to the point that it requires her to own two homes in LA and L. A., and to travel extensively. The most amazing thing is that all of this happened quite by accident. It is one of those “I never dreamed in my wildest imagination” scenarios. That is not to say that this could happen to just anyone. After reading about Bondilyn, I think you will agree with me that she made this success intentionally with her positive faith, confidence, energy and intelligence. Catching up with her for this article was impossible, but you can bet she had a solution for me instantly.

At 9am on a Saturday morning, I sat on my bayou in Slidell and entered a Google Hangout with the Jolly family at 7am their time in their new home in Los Angeles. This is when I learned that Bondilyn was born the youngest of six children in Binghamton, New York, and was creative from the start. She explained, “I was always submersed in music, dance, and arts activities. In college, I majored in music education with a performance focus on percussion. I married my childhood sweetheart, Ethan Jolly, whom I met one summer while vacationing in upstate New York. We fell madly in ‘like’ when I was 13, and realized it was true love a few years later. We dated all through junior high, high school and college, marrying 3 weeks after graduation. No sooner had I started as a music teacher in Cleveland, Ohio, when

Ethan was transferred in the National Weather Service to Slidell. We thought the transfer would only last a couple of years, so I joined Cross Gates Athletic Club while I looked for a teaching position.” Her bemused smile beamed in the middle of the screen as she told me that, “I offered to build a webpage for them, with the disclaimer that I would have to learn how to do that first.” Her hand waved as she explained, “So I learned HTML and launched my first website in 1996.” With this commitment, the creative musician plunged head first into the realm of geekiness. Bondilyn continued, “Once the website went live, local club members started asking me to build one for their businesses.” I was amazed since I only know her as the internet guru. Now, I realize that it all happened simply because this entrepreneur saw a need, and

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rose to the occasion. No matter that the job was something of which she knew next to nothing, or that she got her first computer after she was married. That’s the faith and confidence part. The learning curve was proof of her intelligence. She continued, “This endeavor began in my spare bedroom, and within six months, I had formed my company, NMD, Inc. (the NMD originally stood for New Millennium Designs since a new millennium was just around the corner). I remember Ethan telling me that I was the one who had the potential to make more than he ever could for our family, and I laughed because I was barely pulling down a meager earning. But he was right! The home-based business quickly outgrew the home office, so I bought a small office at 511 Fremaux in Olde Towne to support my growing staff. Katrina brought six feet of water in the business, and four feet in my house and my employees had dispersed all across North America. I had a heck of a time getting Kevin, our CTO, back after he watched TV and our Mayor told everyone not to come back because there was nothing to come back to. I had to assure him that Slidell was alive and well and that I was standing in the shell of our office talking to him on the telephone! We focused on rebuilding our office as our first priority, with our home being second.” Now she laughed out loud, “I remember sitting on overturned paint buckets and using plywood for desks. After work, we’d all pitch in and take turns gutting each other’s houses. I felt a deep commitment to my community and felt strongly about rebuilding both my business and home.” Now, this female business owner nodded her head determinedly and proclaimed, ”About a year after Katrina, Ethan was able to retire from the Weather Service and come to my company as our full-time Chief Financial Officer. I like to say, “I make the money, and he makes it work.” She snickered and looked appraisingly somewhere past my view of the room. I somehow knew she was catching

Ethan’s eye. She looked back and explained, “By the time Ethan joined the company, we had a great team of employees and were quick to outgrow our small office on Fremaux. We had to buy the building next door to handle overflow. To attract staff, we started to recruit through Southeastern Louisiana University in both their New Media and Animation Department, and their Computer Science Department. I’m particularly proud of the fact that we have hired and retained great people over the years. Now we have a large development office in Oak Harbor, along with a satellite office in Los Angeles. You know, Cross Gates Athletic Club is still a client of ours today, ever since that first website in 1996. Trust me….we’ve come a long way since that first website!” Bondilyn looked at me with a serious gaze and related, “We feel strongly about our relationships, both within our company and with our clients. You see, we are a mix of software AND service and feel that success comes from a balance of the two. We also attribute our growth to our strategic partnerships and software integrations with companies such as IDX Brokers, PicCollage, Realtor.com, RE/MAX, and many others. We are always seeking new partnerships and solutions to help our clients succeed, which in turn helps us.” After I expressed my amazement, she expressed, “People ask me about how I

balance personal life with business, and I must say it can be tough when you are the business owner. But I always have a start and end to my business day and I never miss the day to day with my children. One thing that is sacred to our family is the ½ mile walk to and from school every day. I get to listen to all of the cool stuff (and drama!) going on in my kids’ lives and I love it. You can never reach me on my cell during that ‘morning commute’. The screen suddenly got crowded, as Ethan and their children gathered around Bondilyn. After a minute, they all kissed goodbye for Ethan to take Lincoln, their son, to his soccer game. Bondilyn smiled and watched them for a moment, and then turned quickly back to me. “Charlotte, did I tell you why we came to L.A.?” I did not know, so she explained, “Both my son and daughter work in the entertainment industry. We kept flying in for auditions and ended up having to homeschool the kids. We decided that schedule was just too tough on all of us, so we decided to spend last summer here and rented a place in the hills. Now we home-base here for the kids while Ethan and I take turns commuting between Slidell and here. We’ve found schools that understand their work schedules. Lincoln works as a model and an actor and he just recently finished a short film for Warner Brothers. Peta is more into musical theatre, and has just been accepted to a prestigious arts school for this next year. It’s such an exciting time for them and we’re doing everything we can to support their talents,” she grinned broadly. After a quick sip of tea, Bondilyn immediately put back on her business hat, a switch to which she is accustomed. “Our company’s growth causes a problem with recruitment,

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particularly with the specific programming languages demanded. That’s why we have such an active role with colleges like Southeastern. We’ve participated in their Capstone program for Senior computer majors and have run an aggressive internship program with them for years. Being a small company, it can be hard to compete with some of the governmental jobs around the area, which is why we put a lot of energy into employee empowerment and company culture. Our staff is comprised of our Louisiana team, along with others around the US. We just launched a regional sales team with our team leader based in Houston, TX. We have to find unique ways for everyone to bond and feel a part of the company. Every Friday, we have team Hangouts for peer reviews, to address problems as a group, and to celebrate successes. Then we all pop a top and finish the week with “Beer Friday.” I know they are protective about that time, as I have been in the office when it was loudly proclaimed by everyone, “Beer Friday time!” For those who are fortunate enough to be part of the office culture, there are also tables of snacks. “But you have to pass the table of healthy snacks before you reach the junk food table,” Bondilyn laughed. Her blue eyes got very serious as she exclaimed, “Ethan and I are firm believers in giving back, so NMD Inc. participates in lots of charities and non-profits in the area, like Leadership Northshore, several Chambers, Toys for Tots, even your non-profit, OTAC, just to name a few. Now we are looking to do the same in Los Angeles, because here, we can take it to another level. We are in the process of launching a sister company called Happysnapps, which takes celebrities and their causes and unites them with the global youth market through fun, interactive contests that raise funds and awareness. Right now, we’re preparing our first celebrity campaign and we’re really excited, but I can’t tell you who the celebrity is yet because we’re still finalizing contracts!” she smiled slyly and touched her finger to her mouth. “I can tell you that it is an anti-bullying campaign, and we’ve partnered with PicCollage as our contest distribution network.” Her blonde hair shook as she looked up in exasperation. “You know, the internet is a fabulous communication vehicle, but it’s also prime ground for a new era of cyber-bullying. Kids think they can get away with anything anonymously online, and that it won’t come back and get them in the end, which just isn’t true. I’m a huge believer in karma, and when I was approached to consult this new business startup, I just knew that I had to play a bigger part and contribute my expertise to the venture. I’m excited to see where it will go!” Bondilyn sat up and beamed at me, “I do realize how great

my life is. I have a successful company, get to spend all day working with my husband, support my kids’ dreams, and give back. But make no mistake, I work hard. The Governor honored me as Louisiana’s Technology Leader of the Year, Technology Company of the Year, and I’m also an alumni of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program. I’ve been fortunate to be featured in Inc. Magazine, along with being a contributing blogger to Hufffington Post. All of these acknowledgments feel really good, but it’s been a long, tough climb, and we’ve done it all without outside investments. We’ve always wanted to control our own story and maintain integrity. It’s allowed our company to be organic, limber and flexible. “I guess you can say I am a typical Type A. Since I work in multiple time zones, it’s not uncommon to be on a Google Hangout at 6:30am pst with the Louisiana team, and then work until 10:00pm pst with the California team. As you can imagine, organization is key, so I have multiple online calendars, all color-coded for myself, my companies and my kids. My sanity is running, yoga, meditation, date nights with my husband, and a good glass of wine! My family actually meditates together each morning, to keep us balanced and focused on our day ahead. My motto is “Beautify the World.” To me, that means to focus on my body, my mind, and my family, and also to contribute to something bigger than myself. I also have a sign on my desk that says “What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” and that always encourages me to take it to the next level.” Bondilyn’s last words to me were, “be fabulous!”, a signature statement that she’s famous for proclaiming to friends, co-workers and clients alike. As Bondilyn Jolly waved goodbye and disconnected, she left me feeling like I could reach the stars and the moon! That’s just who she is! So for my readers, I chose this month’s EFOP hoping you could benefit from her confidence and determination, and be the best you can be!

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SAVING ANGELA I don’t know why it worried me so much, but from the time she explained it to me, there was always a nagging presence on my mind. It was way too serious of a subject for a boy to be concerned with; but I was, because I cared about her.

I was a little embarrassed, as I had good doctors and was assured that I would not lose my leg; but I may not be able to bend my knee. This is what she prayed about. As the summer progressed, she became more open with her prayers and we talked about them.

She was not a girlfriend from a romantic standpoint. Not at that age, not ever. But looking back, I am pleased about that. Our friendship was allowed to exist without the pressures of romance. There would be no breaking-up or extinguished infatuation.

I explained to her that I was doing fine and that I was in the care of the best doctors in town. That is when she told me. She told me that that was why she was praying for me. She and her family did not believe in formal medicine. They believed in the power of prayer and belonged to a church where most everyone believed that. In fact, using a doctor may limit the ability for prayer to work at its best.

When I was ten years old, I was involved in a rather serious bicycle accident. It happened in June, on Father’s Day. It was during summer vacation and most of my friends had other things to do than come to see me while I recuperated. I was confined to a pallet on the floor where, twice a day, my leg would be drenched in warm salt water. It was the loneliest summer of

my life - with only one bright spot. She was the bright spot. She came to see me almost every day. At this point, she needs a name. Her name was Angela. I noticed that, just before she would leave, she would turn her back to me and bow her head. Yes, she was praying. Praying for me and for me to get well.

She explained to me about faith. A person had to have faith in prayer. If you prayed and then went to a doctor, it was a sign you did not have faith.

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I don’t know if it was the talent of the doctors or the prayers of Angela, but after being on the floor for three months, I finally was able to attend school. I enrolled in the fourth grade just two weeks late. Angela was in my homeroom and she knew I would be coming sooner or later, so each day she would bring her assignment and share it with me. She wanted to make sure I kept up with the class. Looking back, she was a good teacher. Over the next year or two, Angela told me more about her church. Even as a kid, I was impressed at how sincere she was and how deeply she respected and believed in her church. I respected her so much, I began to consider why my leg was really healed. Was it medicine or prayer? I chose to believe it was medicine. I would never have told Angela that, however. When we were in the seventh grade, there was a child in our school (I think she was in the fifth grade) who complained of feeling bad and had a low grade fever. Her parents gave her an aspirin and kept her home from school for a day or two. One morning when they entered her room, she was unresponsive. She passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital. That was when I became concerned about Angela. What if she became very ill? She could die. Her parents would not take her to the hospital. I knew she herself had never been to a medical doctor, but she had been to a dentist. She had beautiful teeth. She also was one of my first friends to get contact lens. She was beautiful in every way and was the picture of health and physical fitness.

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By the time we were in high school, Angela was extremely popular and involved in all types of school activities. Cheerleader, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and the list went on and on. I knew her better than anyone, and I was the first to notice. In just a short period of time, she appeared to look tired to me. Others also noticed it. Her complexion had a different color, her eyes did not sparkle. Even her hair lost its luster. One afternoon, as we were sitting in the swing on her porch, she leaned towards me. Her cheek touched my neck and I could tell she had a high fever.

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She admitted that she felt terrible, but she said prayers were being offered and she would be better soon. The next day, she did not come to school. Her parents would not allow anyone to see her. Again, the next day her parents would not allow her to have company. All of her friends were worried. If we could find a time when both parents were gone, we could at least see and talk to her. We took turns watching her house. It was Spring break and we were out of school. On Friday afternoon, we saw her dad leave with his golf clubs. Shortly afterward, her mother left. As soon as the car was out of sight, her friend Judy Simmons went in the house. She found Angela very ill. She was hallucinating and almost incoherent, but Judy was able to understand that she was passing blood in her urine. Judy’s uncle, Dr. Bob, was one of the most respected physicians in the community. Judy called him. He was deeply concerned about Angela, but said he could not

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Dr. Bob then told us something that had to be hard for him to do. It may have even been unethical. In a neighboring town, there was a doctor commonly referred to as the “quack” doctor. I am not sure if he even had a license to practice medicine at that time. He was known to freely give prescription pain medicine - needed or not - and it was also believed that he performed abortions. His best asset was that at least he had once been a doctor. He would be the best that we could do. We knew he would see anyone and treat them for anything if the price was right. We suspected we would have to have at least $50, a mighty sum in those days. We quickly raised the money, but how were we going to get Angela out of the house, and would she even go with us? This required another venture into her home. This time, I was the chosen one. I decided to do the unexpected. I would knock on the door and ask to see her. Her parents had always liked me. I did this and was very surprised (and pleased) to be admitted to her bedroom. I was even more surprised when her mother excused herself and left, closing the door behind her.

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treat her due to the family’s religious beliefs and without their consent. He did tell us that she was gravely ill and it could be life threatening if she did not get treatment. She most likely had a severe kidney infection that had been present for a long time.

EASY

For the first and only time, I leaned over Angie to give her a hug. She just held on, not letting me go. She then whispered, “I think I am dying. Please help me.” She told me that she had heard her parents arguing the night before. She believed that her mother wanted her to get medical help, but her father was adamantly opposed to it. I told her about the conversation with Doctor Bob and our plan with the “quack” doctor. I could tell she was pleased, but we had to have a plan, and it had to be immediately. We decided to stop just short of taking her mother into our confidence. Her dad would leave to play golf about noon the next day. She would tell her mother I was coming back to visit at 12:30. If her mother really wanted to help her, maybe she would find a reason to leave the house. It was a gamble but it was the best one we had; and in our opinion and Dr. Bob’s, her life may depend on it.

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I watched from a driveway down the street as her dad left for his golf game. I waited for 12:30, then knocked on the door. Immediately, I got a good feeling. Her mom could not have been happier to see me. She followed me to Angela’s bedroom, but this time she did not leave immediately. She asked Angela several questions about how she felt. It was obvious that Angela was weaker than the day before. Then, her mom surprised me. She looked straight in my eyes and said she had to go shopping and would not be back until 5 o’clock. She then asked me if I would take care of Angela while she was gone. I knew that was her way of saying to go get help. As soon as she left the driveway, Angela put on the easiest clothes she could find and, with my help, we struggled to make it to the car. We went directly to the Dairy Queen where as many as a dozen of her friends were waiting.

Among them was Judy Simmons. Within half an hour, we were at the “quack” doctor’s office. It was a nasty place. The stuffing in the chairs was coming out, the ash trays had not been emptied in days and there was no receptionist. In reality, Angela was the only patient. Finally the doctor appeared. He had on dirty khaki pants, a greasy denim shirt, and a week’s growth of beard stubble. He smelled of tobacco and maybe alcohol. The doctor took Angela to the examining room and Judy Simmons went with her. They were there for at least an hour. Finally, they emerged. Angela was diagnosed as Dr. Bob had guessed, with a kidney infection. She had been given a B-12 shot and an antibiotic injection. As luck would have it, Judy’s mom was a diabetic and Judy gave her a shot of insulin each day. She knew how to administer an injection. This may have been the real answer to the prayers. The doctor gave her syringes and a needle. (That was before there were disposable needles.) Judy would give Angela a shot each day until she recovered. The doctor

told us he hoped he had chosen the correct antibiotic, but it was the latest thing and it should work. In time, Angela recovered. We all felt like we had saved a life. We remained best friends the rest of our high school years. After high school, we went our separate ways. She went to a girl’s school out of state. Maybe a school run by the church that they belonged to? I went to a state school. It seemed like I was never home at the same time she was and I don’t think I saw her but twice over the next four years. After that, we lost contact. Five years ago I found her on Facebook. We agreed to meet in the very near future. Neither of us live in our old hometown, but we decided that we would meet there. Sort of a homecoming, I suppose. We spent the day driving by familiar places. Her old home and mine, the high school, the place where the Dairy Queen was, and then we made a trip to the “quack” doctor’s office. She wanted to do that. Believe it or not, the building was in about the same deplorable condition that it was fifty years ago. The windows were boarded and there was no sign that it had ever been a doctor’s office.

Over the course of the day, I learned that after college, Angela went to Europe for a few years and studied art. At thirty years old, she decided to go to medical school and, somewhere along the way, got married and had two children that were now grown. She now lived on the east coast and was a cardiologist. It was great seeing her and we both regretted that we had not kept in contact, but vowed to make more of an effort in the future. Before we parted, I had to ask. “What about your religious beliefs? How did you reconcile medicine and the power of prayer?” To that she answered, “My religious beliefs are as strong as ever. I pray before every single patient enters my office and I pray before every procedure I perform. John, I am a doctor. I am not God.”

 John Case July 2015

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HIGH ANXIETY It’s summer time, and the living is easy! Well, for the most part, anyway. Along with the easy living, though, summer brings with it some special challenges for dog owners. We all know about the dangers of heat stroke for dogs, especially the horror stories of dogs left inside hot cars (I don’t care how short your trip into Walgreen’s should be, DON’T leave your dog in the car - even if the window is left open a bit. JUST DON’T DO IT!). There’s also the threat of burned, blistered foot pads from hot asphalt. But another danger lurks in the summer months which, although not life-threatening, can be a serious issue for some dogs and their owners. I’m talking about serious fear of loud noises, which in the Louisiana summer means Independence Day fireworks, and our regular-as-clockwork afternoon thunderstorms. It can be heartbreaking to watch: With the first explosion on July 4th, or even before the first audible clap of thunder, otherwise well-behaved dogs begin to pace, pant, drool, cry, cling to their owners, hide in the closet, or jam themselves behind the toilet. In severe cases, they may even claw through drywall, chew carpets, or break through windows as the panic escalates. Noise phobia in dogs is real, fairly common, and shouldn’t be ignored. The similarities between fear of thunderstorm noise and fear of firework noise are obvious; however, there are some significant

often have pre-storm panic attacks seemingly out of nowhere, says Barbara L. Sherman, PhD, DVM. Dr. Sherman is an associate professor of veterinary behavior at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and a past president of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. “Owners tell us their dogs get worse from one year to the next,” Sherman says. “It’s really heart-wrenching to see these dogs that are usually calm companions become severely affected.”

differences. Fireworks are clearly more predictable; we know when they’re coming, and how long they’re likely to last. Thunderstorms are less predictable for humans, and they may last anywhere from minutes to hours. Even the radar on your smart phone app might not give a reliable prediction of when and where a storm will hit, or how intense or long it will be. And even when we think all’s clear on the thunderstorm front, Fido may be picking up on some triggers to which we’re clueless. We don’t know all the triggers and warnings, but researchers suspect that dogs are set off by some combination of wind, barometric pressure changes, static electricity, and low-frequency rumbles preceding a storm that humans can’t hear. According to one theory, dogs experience irritating or even painful shocks from static buildup before the storm. Dogs

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Herding breeds, such as border collies, may be predisposed to the problem, according to an Internet survey by Tufts University Veterinary School researchers. Dogs with other fearful behaviors, such as separation anxiety, also seem more prone to panic. There’s no easy fix, and unless your dog is only mildly affected, it can be difficult to treat. But there are tools to reduce your dog’s distress during storm season. Many owners make the mistake of trying to punish, or to console and pet a fearful dog during a thunder- or firework-induced panic, but these techniques are both counterproductive. We absolutely don’t want to scold these dogs, but we don’t want to reward them with attention for being clingy either, because that will increase the clingy behavior. Instead, practice getting your dog to settle down and remain calm on command. Dr. Sherman advises that owners put a special “inside” leash on the dog and practice having the pet lie at their feet while praising the calm behavior. “They should practice when there is no storm, so the dog

learns the routine,” she says. Then, ”When the storm comes up, they can then put on the leash and say, ‘Come on and calmly lie down here,’ and the dog knows what to do.” During an actual storm or firework episode, you can also try distracting the dog by offering his favorite toy, playing fetch, or feeding treats, as long as the dog remains calm. The goal is to get her to forget about the storm, and replace the fear with something positive. Another option is to give the dog a safe place where he can go in a crisis. That might be an open crate, a room where the dog can’t hear or see as well what’s happening outside, an interior room with music playing, or a bathroom. Let the dog decide: notice where he goes to find comfort during a storm, and if possible, allow access to it. Be sure your dog can come and go freely though, since some animals become more anxious when confined. Dr. Sherman relates the story of one noise-phobic golden retriever who was confined to a garage during a storm: in an attempt to escape, he completely broke through the door leading to the house. One relatively recent development for relieving noise-related stress is the tight-fitting garment. Snug-fitting shirts and wraps, the most popular of which is called the Thundershirt, are specially designed to calm anxious dogs. While not universally effective, they are at least worth a try, with a supposed calming effect similar to that of cuddling or swaddling a baby. Some dogs just need a hug, I guess. Still other dogs seem to respond to wearing a metal fabric-lined cape, marketed as the Storm Defender, which claims to protect dogs from the static shocks mentioned earlier. So far, the benefits of these garments are only anecdotal, but some controlled studies are ongoing, which may give us a better idea of just how effective they might be. For what it’s worth, the manufacturer of Thundershirt claims it is effective for 90% of dogs. In my experience, a 50/50 chance that your noise-phobic dog will respond favorably to one of these garments seems more realistic. Another option is desensitization. There are many complex, involved methods and techniques, but the basic idea is to slowly get the dog accustomed the offending stimulus that used to cause anxiety and panic. For instance: play a recording of thunderstorms (available at www.dogwise.com, or www.legacycanine.com), starting at low levels that don’t frighten your dog, while giving him treats or playing a game. Gradually increase the volume over the course of several months, stopping if your dog shows any signs of anxiety. The goal is to get your dog used to the sound of thunder, and associate it with good things. One of the limitations of desensitization therapy for thunderstorms, however, may be that you can only recreate the noise, and not the other factors that may be bothering the dog, such as static electricity or changes in barometric pressure. Your veterinarian may be able to help with more ideas for behavior modification, and can assess whether medication may also be needed. Not every dog needs anti-anxiety medication, but dogs that are in an advanced state of high anxiety may benefit from some pharmacological intervention. Anti-anxiety medications may be indicated on a season-long basis, or just situationally. Your veterinarian can explain the balance of expected benefits and possible risks for any medication he may prescribe. A 2003 study by veterinarians at the University of Georgia found that 30 out of 32 dogs with storm phobia showed significant improvement when given medication combined with behavior modification and desensitization. Best results usually are the result of a management plan that includes changing some features in the environment, applying some behavior modification techniques, and often some anti-anxiety medication. While these measures are being put into place, there’s no shame in using good old-fashioned sedatives when needed. But PLEASE, don’t use any drugs, especially prescription drugs, based on information from the internet, or from your brother-in-law. Use only safe medicines prescribed by your regular veterinarian for a specific pet, and use them only as directed. With the right approach, a good relationship with a trusted veterinarian, and reliable information, even if you are the owner of a noise-phobic dog, you too can survive the Louisiana summer, and maybe even work on your tan in the process.

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Of Your Money By Mike Rich, CFP® Pontchartrain Investment Management

Are You Retirement Ready? One of my must-reads every year is the annual Retirement Confidence Survey, published by the Employee Benefits Research Institute. I look forward to it, even though it’s not very fun reading. Why? Consider some of the so-called “highlights” from the latest survey, which came out in April this year1.

Only 22% of workers surveyed are “very confident” that they will have enough money to live comfortably throughout their retirement.

Fully 64% of those surveyed say they are “a little” or “a lot” behind schedule when it comes to saving for retirement.

Only 18% of workers are “very confident” that they will have enough money to take care of medical expenses in retirement.

Less than one-half (48%) of workers surveyed have tried to calculate how much money they might need for a comfortable retirement. Although 61% of those surveyed said they (and their spouses) are currently saving for retirement, 66% have less than $50,000 saved, and 28% have less than $1000. Even worse, 53% of the retirees surveyed have less than $25,000 in savings and investments! I don’t know about you, but those numbers get me pretty upset. They show that a lot of Americans are in sad shape financially and are in danger of having a dreary retirement. As for those who are already retired, but have hardly anything saved? Well, good luck.

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My guess is that you don’t want to be like those people. So, what to do? Here are some ideas: 1. Invest for the long haul. I can’t guarantee your success, but if you start early, the greatest gift you have when investing for retirement is time. It’s not fast and it’s not magic, it’s just math. Think about this: a 25-year old who invests $142 a month at an average 8% rate of return can amass about $500,000 in 40 years. That’s real money, and $284 a month could make her a millionaire. It doesn’t happen overnight, you have to be consistent, and it helps a lot if you have an advisor to help you manage risk and keep you on track when the stock market goes up and down. What’s that you say? You don’t have $142 to invest every month? OK, start with $100, or $50, or $25. Almost any amount will get you way beyond those folks who have only a thousand bucks saved up. I’ll help you get started. By the way, even if you are in your 50s, the “long haul” can still be pretty long when you consider that your retirement could last 25, 30, or more years. It’s never too late to start saving and investing. Call me.2

2. Protect what you already have. Few things can be more devastating to retirement planning than a premature death or a disability that prevents long term saving and investing. If you’re thinking, “It’s not going to happen to me,” I hope you’re right. But, you might be wrong. Don’t take chances with your money. If the people who are important to you depend on you for income now or in the future, you need life and disability insurance. Most insurance strategies are designed to work in a slow and steady way: you pay a little over a long period of time for the privilege of having a big pot of money immediately to protect yourself and your assets. And, in some cases, you can even build assets while you protect them. For example, permanent life insurance (not term) not only provides a death benefit, it builds cash value to boot, and you don’t have to die to get to it. The beauty of this strategy is that, once the interest and dividends3 on your cash value are credited to your policy, they’re yours, and you can access the money in several ways for any number of needs, including extra income in retirement.4 Surprisingly, relatively few people use this strategy. If you want to learn how it might work for you, call me.

3. Start a plan for building a guaranteed income for your later years.

a long time. Health care and long term care are going to cost. Start saving now.

Ask yourself this question: “When I’m no longer working, will my basic living expenses be covered completely by guaranteed income?” If the answer is “no”, you can fix it. I don’t think Social Security is ever going away because of the critical role it plays in retirement in our country, but my guess is that many people are going to need a reliable source of guaranteed cash flow to supplement or replace the government’s program. “Reliable source” means money that never runs out for as long as you live. Unless you work for a public agency or the school system, employer pensions are getting harder and harder to find. However, you can build one for yourself by using an annuity. This strategy can work really well if you give it some time. If you follow through with this, I think you’ll enjoy getting a check in the mail every month during retirement for as long as you live.5 If this sounds good to you, call me for an appointment.

The EBRI retirement report is pretty sobering reading for a financial advisor, and I’m especially concerned about those folks who have not tried to calculate how much money they will need for a comfortable retirement. Don’t be one of them. Call me today for an appointment and I’ll work really hard toward getting you “retirement ready.” Ruth Helman, Craig Copeland, Ph.D., and Jack VanDerhei, Ph.D., The 2015 Retirement Confidence Survey: Having a Retirement Savings Plan a Key Factor in Americans’ Retirement Confidence. Employee Benefits Research Institute, April 2015. 1

This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. 2

Generally, you can borrow an amount up to the policy’s cash surrender value (less an adjustment for interest) from the insurer. The insurer will charge interest on the loan. If you do not repay the loan, the cash surrender value paid to you, or the policy proceeds at death, will be reduced by the amount of the loan, plus interest. Annuities are long-term investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Gains from tax-deferred 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. 5

Accept the fact that you are going to get old and will probably have to pay a bunch of money for some of your medical care. I read an article recently that said the person who will live to be 120 years old has probably already been born. You and I might not be that person, but, chances are good that a lot of us will be living

An amazing rate makes amazing things happen. A Regions Home Equity Line of Credit is a smart way to borrow – especially when the rate is so low. Our introductory rate for 12 months can help you consolidate debt, pay for higher education or renovate your home. As always, our associates are here to assist you with quick decisions and helpful advice. Ready to do something amazing? Michele Tierney | Branch Manager | Slidell and Gause Branches Slidell Branch, 985.847.0667 | Gause Branch, 985.649.3312 Kurt Bozant | Business Banking | 985.726.0534 Charmaine Seymour | Mortgage Loan Originator | 985.781.3114

Dividends, if any, are not guaranteed.

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.

After that, variable ra tes range fr om

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APR

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© 2015 Regions Bank. *INTRO RATE: For each of your first twelve (12) billing cycles, the monthly Periodic Rate for new transactions, except those made to cover overdrafts in your designated checking account, will be an ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE (APR) of 1.99%. Beginning with your thirteenth (13th) billing cycle, the Periodic Rate and the corresponding ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE for all transactions and balances will be based upon your contracted rate which will be a variable rate based upon The Wall Street Journal prime rate, which was 3.25% as of 1/8/15, but will never be more than 18% or less than 3.75%. Your APR will be based on several factors, including your credit history, loan-to-value ratio, property type, and lien status. Non-discounted APRs as of 1/8/15 ranged from 4.25% to 9.25% APR. Intro Rate Discontinued for Payment Default will take effect on the first day of the billing cycle following the sixty-first (61st) day of delinquency. If you exercise your option to convert all or part of the balance in your Credit Line Account to a fixed rate as provided in the “Conversion Option” section of the Agreement, the Intro Rate will not apply to any balance so converted. Your first billing cycle after the date of the Agreement may be less than a full or complete billing cycle. No other discounts apply to the Intro Rate. Other discounts based upon your other Regions relationships may apply after the Intro Rate period. Talk to your Regions representative. OTHER COSTS OR FEES: Closing costs are estimated to range between $150 and $2,000, and Regions will pay closing costs for Lines of $250,000 or less. For Lines greater than $250,000, Regions will pay up to $500 in closing costs. If you terminate your Line within 24 months from the account opening date, third-party closing costs paid by Regions will be charged back to your Line. The $100 inactivity fee is waived the first year and, as long as you receive at least one advance every year, for each subsequent year. Other fees could include an Overlimit fee of $29, a late fee of 5% of the payment amount ($29 minimum, $100 maximum) and a Loan in a Line conversion fee of $100. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: To obtain a Line, a) you must provide an enforceable first or second lien security interest in your primary or secondary residence located in a state in which Regions maintains a retail branch, b) your equity interest in that residence must be at least $10,000, and c) at the time of the account opening, the ratio of all debt secured by the residence (including any Line you obtain from us) to the fair market value of that residence must not exceed 80%. Account is subject to a 10-year draw period, followed by a 10-year repayment period. The minimum line of credit is $10,000. Property insurance required, including flood insurance if applicable. Consult your tax advisor about the deductibility of interest and other costs. All loans and lines are subject to credit approval, documentation and security requirements. All terms are subject to change. Other legal requirements must be met. Not available in all states. The Intro Rate offer may end at any time without notice. Monthly Payments: During the Draw period, your minimum monthly payment will be 1.5% of the current outstanding balance or $50, whichever is greater. During the repayment period, your outstanding balances will be amortized over 10 years. For Loan in a Line balances, the fixed monthly payments are amortized over the chosen Loan in a Line term. TEXAS LIMITATIONS: A minimum $4,000 draw is required for Texas Home Equity Lines. The amount of the Line cannot exceed 50% of the fair market value of the residence. The total indebtedness secured by the residence (including the Line) cannot exceed 80% of the fair market value of the home. Inactivity fee and prepayment penalty are not applicable to Lines secured by a Texas residence. Visa Platinum Access card is not available in Texas. | Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.

by Michael Bell Love To Buy Local Program Director & Creative Director for LORAC Marketing

Everyone who met him, loved my grandfather. He worked hard and gave selflessly of his time and money. He wasn’t wealthy, but he was generous with the people and organizations in his community. My Paw Paw was a small business owner. I grew up working in his toy store. (How cool is that!?) I was a witness to his casual acts of generosity. I worked sideby-side with the inner-city kids that he gave jobs to every summer. He took the time to sit and explain our paychecks to us, what the taxes were for, and how to be smart with our money. He gave jobs & responsibility to those who had never had that opportunity before. He wasn’t just teaching them about selling toys, he gave them a road map to life. He was a father figure and community leader. It wasn’t until years later that I learned how many of those “kids” attributed their later successes to my Paw Paw and that first job. Admittedly, when I was really young, there was more play than “work”, but as I got older I learned many valuable things in that store. I learned the value of hard work. I took satisfaction in interacting with and building relationships with customers. I learned to take pride in the products I sold, and the art of the sale. These lessons have stayed with me through my life. Although I didn’t choose a career in retail, I feel that what I learned under my grandfather’s tutelage has shaped and influenced every job I’ve had since. I imagine that many small business owners have similar stories and experiences that influenced them. I’m PASSIONATE about mom and pop businesses. They remind me of a happy childhood spent working and playing with my Paw Paw. I left Slidell after Katrina to work in marketing & graphic design in corporate America. Upon returning a few years ago, I was shocked 24

WHAT IS

? by all the changes in the town where I grew up. In the aftermath of Katrina and the recession, so many of the businesses & local landmarks that I knew were no longer there. I was a little surprised at how many chains and franchises had filled the vacuum left by those local businesses. Slidell just didn’t seem as unique as I remembered.

“Without local businesses we would look like every other community, with the same chains on every corner.”

Sierra Castro / Owner Sugar Love Cakes

Once I started working in Slidell for our marketing company, I began meeting many local small business owners. I heard stories about their struggles and could feel their fears and frustrations. They were frustrated over the state of the economy & that business wasn’t what it once was. A recurring theme was their struggle with competition from chains and online retailers. Everyone wanted to DO SOMETHING, but they didn’t know what, or how.

with them the concerns I was hearing and together (with a lot of research, work & prayer), we succeeded in launching the LOVE TO BUY LOCAL program in the Spring of 2014.

At that moment an idea was born. It started with the question, “What can I do to help the small business owners of the city I love?” My partners, Armando & AJ Ruiz, have a shared passion for small business and entrepreneurship. I shared

Each business offers a discount to anyone who has a L2BL membership card. The goal? To educate consumers about the benefits of buying local (not just for themselves, but for the community as a whole) and help local businesses thrive!

Love To Buy Local (L2BL) helps local small businesses, local consumers, and our community. The premise is simple. Locally-owned small businesses have banded together and agreed to work cooperatively to promote the Buy Local movement in Slidell.

COMPARISON: $100 to a Local & Non-Local Business

PAYS FOR LOCAL DONATIONS, WAGES, TAXES, SERVICES & SUPPLIES

PAYS FOR LOCAL DONATIONS, WAGES & TAXES

IMPORTS PRODUCTS

IMPORTS SERVICES, SUPPLIES & PRODUCTS

Stats from Local First’s 2008 “Local Works!” Study by Civic Economics

Where you choose to spend your money really matters! It’s important to understand where your money comes from and where it goes once you’ve spent it. For every dollar you spend at a local business, nearly 70% of it stays and gets recirculated in our community. For every dollar spent at a non-local business, nearly 60% of it leaves our community. For every dollar spent at large online retailers (like Amazon), 0% of it stays in our community, because most online retailers aren’t required to collect or pay local sales tax. Every dollar you spend is a vote cast for which businesses you want to succeed. Slidell’s small business owners donate so much of their time & money to local charities and non-profits. These are the organizations that make our community such a wonderful place to live, work and play. On average, local business owners donate two and a half times as much to local charities, as compared to larger chain retailers. Local owners can afford to immerse themselves in local projects, causes and organizations that improve their community. It was only after growing up that I’ve come to appreciate the example set by my grandfather. He is a continual reminder to me that community service is an integral part of any business plan.

“A choice to Buy Local aids communities in growth and support, while promoting the community’s values.”

Kelly Lutman / Owner Pursue Wellness

“When you buy local you are purchasing from people who influence & support your local community.”

Diana Plauche / Owner New Orleans Then & Now

The Love To Buy Local program won’t be a forum to bash chains & franchises, because there are plenty of local owners of chains & franchises who are very generous and do some wonderful work in our community. Their contributions are very much appreciated. Those businesses generally don’t need as much help marketing their brand or products, because they are often part of regional or nationwide marketing and advertising programs. The intent of the L2BL program is to bring attention to the small, locallyowned businesses who don’t have enormous marketing budgets & media campaigns. The owners of our L2BL partner businesses are just like the majority of our residents - raising their families, paying off mortgages, and committed to improving the place they call home. Small businesses, on average, use dozens of other local businesses to get the goods and services they need. The same dollars are spent over and over at local businesses, generating jobs, opportunity, and tax revenue for their community. Larger retail & food chains get most of their goods and services from outside their host communities, which deprives local vendors & small businesses of opportunities to grow.

My grandfather treated his toy store employees very well, paying higher salaries and greater benefits than could be obtained at, for example, a large chain toy store. Several of his employees worked for him for 20 years or more. Small business owners who create good jobs, desirable working environments, and great relationships with their customers & community, should be rewarded for their efforts. I gladly choose to spend my money with businesses that contribute to our community & are committed to building relationships with customers and fellow businesses. To me, it’s more important than choosing a chain because of a cheaper price. Please accept this GIFT of the attached Love To Buy Local card from us and Slidell Magazine. All we ask is that you attempt to use it everyday! We’re passionate about promoting the idea that our community and its small businesses are worth supporting. It’s important to support those businesses & individuals that make us unique and whom contribute so much to making Slidell a truly wonderful place to live. Do you Love To Buy Local? We do, and we hope you will too! (Learn More on the next page )

“Buying local does a good deed without going out of your way and makes us into a true community.”

Melissa McCoy / Co-Owner

Bruiser’s

ACCEPT  THIS GIFT

AND START SAVING TODAY!

This card has already been redeemed. Go to LoveToBuyLocal.com to get yours!

This L2BL Card is a GIFT from us & Slidell Magazine! * Be sure to activate your L2BL card on our website LoveToBuyLocal.com & see our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more!

OUR

PARTNERS & THEIR DISCOUNTS

FOOD & EVENTS

We’d Love to Partner with your business. THE REQUIREMENTS:  Your business must be locally-owned

and operated. No chains or franchises.  Your business (or owner) must be

active in our community (through local charities, community organizations, churches, the Chamber, Rotary, etc...)  Your business must offer a discount

to L2BL card holders

THE COSTS:  New partners sign a 12-month

agreement, for $39 per month, BUT the first 6 months are FREE!

HOW TO APPLY:  Go to LoveToBuyLocal.com

& fill out the partner application

Antebellum House  $200 off when booking an event of $2000 or more. The Barn of Pearl River  10% off all event fees for L2BL card holders. Bayou Bouncin’ Inflatables & Party Rentals  $25 off inflatable rentals for parties & events. Bruiser’s  10% off your bill for parties of 5 or less OR 15% off your bill for parties of 6 or more. Not valid to be used with other specials, discounts, coupons or offers. Does not include alcohol purchases. Camellia Cafe Slidell  10% off your bill. Not valid with other offers, coupons, daily specials, or promotions. Doesn’t include alcohol purchases. Counter Culture  10% off your bill. Not valid with other offers, coupons, daily specials, or promotions. Creole Bagelry & Creole Bagelry Express  10% off your bill everyday with your Love To Buy Local card. Not valid with other offers, coupons, specials, deals, or promotions. Fox Hole Oyster Bar & Grill  10% off your bill. Not valid with other offers, coupons, daily specials, or promotions. Doesn’t include alcohol purchases. NOLA Southern Grill  10% off your bill, including on-site & off-site catering. Not valid to be used with other specials, discounts, coupons or offers. Southside Cafe  10% off your bill for parties of 5 or less OR 15% off your bill for parties of 6 or more. Not valid to be used with other specials, discounts, coupons or offers. Doesn’t include alcohol purchases.  25% will be added to Gift Card purchases over $100 Speckled T’s  10% off your bill. Not valid with other offers, coupons, daily specials, or promotions. Doesn’t include alcohol purchases. Speck’s Eatery  10% off your bill. Not valid with other offers, coupons, or daily specials. Doesn’t include alcohol purchases. Sugar Love Cakes  10% off all purchase over $20. Cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts, or specials. Terry Lynn’s Cafe  10% off your total bill, includes catering & daily specials. Not valid with other offers, coupons, or promotions. Whimsy, Wishes and You  $25 off of a Princess Party OR $10 off any Party. Use your card many times at each business. *Deals are subject to quarterly changes, so

RETAIL SHOPPING

Affordable Pool & Supplies  $10 off a $50 (or more) in-store purchase. Excludes certain local crafts & products, see store for details. Cannot be combined with any other discounts. Champagne Jewelers  15% off on all in-store purchases. Cannot be combined with any other discounts. Damsel n Distress / The Armoire  $20 of any reupholstery/restoration job of $200 or more. Green Oaks Apothecary  25% off (1) regularly priced item. Excludes consignment items. Infini-Tees  10% off when you spend $20 or more on screenprinting, embroidery or heat press services. It’s Framed  Receive a FREE in-stock print (exclusions apply) when you purchase framing at It’s Framed! Ladies & Gents Formal Wear  $100 off Bridal gowns (Not valid with Sale gowns).  FREE Groom Tuxedo (see store for details). New Orleans Then & Now  10% off in-store purchases. Cannot be combined with any other deals, offers, specials or discounts. Excludes Clay Creations. Pest Solutions  20% off all in-store purchases. Cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or specials. Stewards of Life Nursery  10% off landscaping & landscaping maintenance for Love To Buy Local cardholders. The Who Dat Shoppe  25% off (1) regularly priced item.

SPECIALTY SERVICES

Bratton Physical Therapy  FREE Dry Needling consult. Doretta’s Notary Service  $5 off any notarization & free notary on any school docs. E.marie Photography  50% off all photo session fees. Excludes weddings. Paul Wood Photography  25% off any Photo Restoration. Pursue Wellness  25% off if you sign up for (4) Clean Eating Classes. ($15 value) Slidell Magazine  25% off yearly subscriptions to Slidell Magazine.  20% off all ad rates in Slidell Magazine for L2BL member businesses. Son Property Inspection  10% off all property inspection services Southern Pearl Veterinary Hospital  $15 off our House Call Fee.  Wellness plan sign up for FREE ($39.95 value).

VISIT LoveToBuyLocal.com FOR THE LATEST LIST! TRADES & SERVICES Air Dat Heating & Cooling  Card holders receive service calls for $50. Regularly priced at $85. ($35 value). Blue Star Pest Control  50% Off Any One Time Pest Control Service.  $100 Off Initial Termite Treatment. Clear View Glass Works  10% off any service (up to $150).  $29.95 windshield repair ($20 savings). Ed’s Electrical Service  10% labor discount on services $1,500 or less. Cannot be applied to, or combined with other advertised discounts.

J’s Lawncare  10% off the first cut for new customers. Minette’s Cleaning Service  20% off Residential, or 10% off Commercial Cleaning New Orleans Pool & Patio  All new Pool Maintenance & Cleaning customers receive a FREE 5 lb. Bucket of Supersonic Shock. ($19 value)  $10 off a $50 (or more) purchase in our retail store. Schoonover Plumbing Services  50% off all inspections  10% off all labor costs. Superior Services  10% off repair services & $30 off service charge fee. Ultimate Siding & Gutters  10% off ALL SERVICES up to $175.

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 PUBLIC BENEFITS & COSTS Local stores in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure and make more efficient use of public services relative to big box stores and strip shopping malls.

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 KEEPING DOLLARS IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY Compared to chain stores, locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community.

 ENTREPRENEURSHIP Entrepreneurship fuels America’s economic innovation & prosperity, and serves as a key means for families to move out of low-wage jobs and into the middle class.

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 LOCAL DECISION-MAKING Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impact of those decisions.

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 LOCAL CHARACTER & PROSPERITY In an increasingly homogenized world, communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses & distinctive character have an economic advantage.

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Consider it part of my boy scout background, but I believe there is a lot of value to the phrase “Always Be Prepared.” So as our favorite season approaches, I thought back on some of my own game experiences, and perhaps what I would have done differently. As we all know, inevitably, life happens. And in football season, every weekend is up for grabs. No Sunday is perfect, and though we can’t control the wins or losses, we can control where we are and who we’re with when they are happening. So might as well plan early! Time to start sorting out those game plans for sticky situations and happenstances you may find yourself in this football season. Learn from my past, friends. Let me be your guide.

Scenario : The gang has been called and the wings are in the oven. All your closest guys and gals are all coming to your house to watch the game. In the process of your valiant party preparations and good intentions, you have burnt the burgers to a crisp, left the guacamole out for WAY too long (you know, when it gets that lovely shade of...we’ll just say brown), and yes, those are chips all over the ground because, try as you might, you just can’t seem to ‘gently’ open a bag of chips, and having opted for Doritos, the orange dust isn’t helping things. Yes, friends, it’s time to go to Plan B. That is BWW. Thank goodness for that chicken place that’s been there forever and always has a booth

open and giant television screens to save your butt. Buffalo Wild Wings has TVs bigger than your friend Bill (we all have that friend. And if you don’t have that friend, I’m sorry to tell you, you ARE that friend), the wings are so customized that you can find a wing for every taste, and there are different seating levels that separate you from the annoying, WAYtoointoit fan next door, but close enough that you can get a high five from your buddies at the next table. And they will high five you for sure after you sacrificed your brown guacamole and chose to spare them the charcoal... I mean burger... you attempted.

Scenario : You are set up on the couch, sweats on, cold beer beside you on the end table, watching the pregame, ready to see the Saints SMOKE the Falcons. The game starts in 20 minutes and you can practically taste the dirty bird your team will eat for dinner. You are perched on the edge of the Easy Boy, listening to Terry Bradshaw prattle on about QB Matt Ryan, when your wife walks in wearing a dress and heels. At first, you simply take note of how nice she looks and assume she is ready to go out...but go out where? And then in a split second it hits you. Those two little words that mean so much to her...how could you have forgotten….date night. By then, she knows that dawnedonyou look, has hand on hip at the ready, and before your beer condensation gets a drop on the antique table, you

know you are going to get that “I can’t believe you forgot” look that curls your hair and makes you sweat like a tomato on the sun. And what’s worse, the lecture that follows. To try to lessen the hole you’ve dug yourself, you jump up and scramble to find the jeans you were wearing a couple of days ago and make yourself presentable, or at least look comparable to the effort she put in. As you try to get your belt through those dang belt loops, your mind races for a date night restaurant that maybe just perhaps kinda sorta by chance has televisions that you could oh-so-discreetly watch the game on while she talks about her day and how that one lady in book club is driving her mad (something about a difference of opinion about Jane Austen, who you think was a vampire, but if you ask now it will be too obvious that that touchdown was more interesting). Luckily, inspiration strikes and BJ’s Brewhouse in the new Fremaux Center is now your new goal. You’ll sit in the bar area, because it’s more “intimate”, and happens to have a couple of big screens just placed enough that looking at half of her (beautiful) face means also looking at the left half of the field. You’ve done it! And you promise yourself that next date night will be different. Like, maybe scheduled on a Wednesday. But in the meantime, you’ve gotten it together and are on your way to marital and ball game bliss. C

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Scenario : You’re relaxing in your bachelor pad, ready for kickoff and have decided to enjoy this particular Sunday by yourself to yell and scream and react as you please to whatever Drew and the boys decide to do that day. You’re just overcoming a bit of sadness when you remember that Jimmy Graham has left us, when there’s a knock at the door. One eye on the television, you move towards the door and as you do you can actually start to smell the tuna fish casserole…Your mother has decided that this is the Sunday for a mother/son bond over casserole and sweet tea and….you know what…...there’s no getting out of this one. It’s your mom. Eat the casserole. Maybe even call your girlfriend and have her come over to book some QT with your two favorite women at one time. And maybe check the game updates on your phone while they are rearranging your tupperware cabinets due to you being “hopeless” and be sure to thank them when they’re done. That’s pretty much all there is to say about that. Scenario : You’ve gotten out of it for the first few games of the season, but you find yourself getting in the car an hour before the game starts to go to your wife’s dad’s sister’s nephew’s house for their weekly family game gathering. You’re telling yourself that at least there will be snacks and, one way or another, the game on the screen. But when you show up, you see that Aunt Edna has promptly placed herself in the best seat on the couch where she will inevitably Heritage LOANS SMag 012915.pdf

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fall asleep by minute six of the first quarter, and you already start to feel your spirits fall. What’s a fan to do? You’re thinking, you’ve gotta pick this back up and find a way to get your game fix without a snoring relative on your shoulder. It’s at this point that suddenly your stomach is upset! Oh no. If you could only lay down for a little while. You assure your doting wife (who loves you again after a successful date night) that you will be fine, but perhaps setting up camp in the guest room to avoid getting anyone else sick is your best bet at recuperation. Grabbing a handful of chips and cocktail weenies that you’re sure are “just the thing” to settle your stomach, you head for a quiet room to revel in your success. It’s there that you can sit back, relax, and flip on the tube to enjoy your game in the privacy of your own... wife’s dad’s sister’s nephew’s home. Even bundle up under the covers if you want! After all, you’re sick, right!? And as you hear everyone softly mumbling downstairs so as not to wake Aunt Edna up, you can be quite proud of yourself that you’ve had a successful game weekend and stayed in everyone’s good graces.

Scenario : It’s going to be a great weekend. Your best friend from college is coming into town with his wife, and the four of you have decided to make a night out of watching the Saints whoop the Buccaneers. You want to go somewhere that is the essence of NOLA, with uninterrupted viewing capabilities, and is comfortable and welcoming to you and

your group. This one’s simple - as long as you thought to make a reservation (you might just want to go ahead and book some Sundays now). You head to Manning’s for great food and drinks and a moviesized television complete with... wait for it... armchairs. Real, actual, leather armchairs that are way nicer than anything in your own house. You can’t wait to show off to your friends by taking them to this New Orleans favorite and making a memorable night over your boys in black and gold and the atmosphere that is New Orleans in general. You’ll make new friends, get angry with complete strangers, and embrace all that is a NOLA football season. All in an armchair with your best buds. =) While there’s no shortage of places and methods to watch our favorite teams in the upcoming season, it pays to plan ahead, and practice those quick thinking skills. You never know where you’ll find yourself when you hear Carrie Underwood start singing about “waiting all day for...” (insert night here) that gets your heart racing, so you might as well make the most of any situation/location/ predicament. Maybe make some reservations in advance. Keep your phone close by and turn on those alerts for your favorite sports apps. Be at peace with burnt burgers and have a backup plan. And above all, have fun and try to focus on the touchdowns as opposed to the interceptions. Oh, and for God’s sake…..eat the casserole. Slidell, it’s almost football season. Can you feel it?

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HEALTHY (and happy)

VACATIONS What fits best into your travel plans - Metamucil or Montezuma’s revenge? (Those aren’t bars in Cozumel.)

Doctor to patient: “I have some bad news and worse news.”

GERM TIP - Hand sanitizers are your best friend.

Patient: “What is it, Doctor?”

This month’s Go Beyond contains tips about staying healthy on the road. Now, before you flip the page thinking I’ve gone all Grandma on you, consider those old wives tales that we now know are pearls of wisdom.

Doctor: “The laboratory test results show that you have only 24 hours to live.”

Consider all those warm bodies coughing, sneezing and breathing in the enclosed environment of airplanes and cruise ships, and it’s a wonder anyone gets out alive.

For instance, chicken soup can actually reduce inflammation by slowing down the white blood cell activity that causes colds. An apple a day has been shown to prevent, or delay, heart attacks and strokes. And (no brainer here) chocolate contains nutrients and antioxidants that really do make you feel better. The old saying that a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down might also help you palate my travel advice this month. So here’s your first medical joke:

Patient: “Oh, my God!” Doctor: “The worse news is that I called to tell you yesterday but your voicemail was full.” I can hear you groaning, but hang with me. The following advice might help you from being on the receiving end of that exchange. TUMMY TIP - Eat your veggies. A week’s worth of eating only carbs can wreck havoc with more than your waistline. Add some fruits and veggies to at least one meal when you travel, and your GI system will thank you for it.

Although flight attendants do their best to turn over an incoming flight, there’s no way the seat area can be disinfected properly. So, here’s one big commercial message about hand sanitizers – you can’t possibly use them enough. But, although hand sanitizers are tough on germs, they are also tough on your skin. A nurse friend told me to purchase the foam type hand sanitizer instead of the gel, and some even have moisturizers in them.

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MORE TIPS The best defense is a good offense. Strengthen your immune system annually with cold and flu shots. Wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Glasses make you less likely to touch or rub your eyes, thereby introducing wayward germs from your hands to your eyes. When touching hot spots like ticket kiosks, ATM machines, security-line bins, door handles, dining trays, the back of airplane seats, the overhead luggage bins, armrests, air vent buttons – all areas are touched by a lot of people - be mindful of touching your mouth, nose and eyes until you can use hand sanitizer. The paramount precaution is simple – wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often. On my last cruise, an affable employee holding hand sanitizer sang this song at the entrance to the Lido deck buffet – “Washy, washy, good for you, good for me, good for us. Washy, washy, good for you, make you happy.” Catchy ditty - I still sing that darn song when I wash my hands. Usually, the early days of a cruise are times to stay away from a buffet line and take advantage of sit down restaurants on board. Let all those international germs settle down and get used to one another. But more importantly – pack generous supplies of cold, cough and tummy medicines. You might just find yourself making friends among passengers if the Medical Department isn’t as well stocked. Sea-sickness is another cruise fun killer. On our first cruise, my husband and I thought we were covered with the ubiquitous patches prescribed for that possibility. Yet, we couldn’t understand why ours were silver colored instead of the flesh colored ones everyone else wore. And the fact that they’d fall off all the time was perplexing, until we asked a fellow passenger what brand they had. You got it – we were wearing ours backwards. Once we flipped them over, crisis averted. Until, that is, a miserable itch crept across my back where the patch was perched. (I hope you’re not allergic to alliteration). Luckily a fellow passenger had Benadryl. Here’s your next spoonful of sugar treat before more hard core advice: Wife returns from the clinic and tells her husband, “The doctor recommended me to spend one month at sea, two weeks in the countryside and go for one week abroad. Where will you take me first?” Husband: “To another doctor.” 34

Use your thigh muscles as God intended to keep from sitting on the seat in public restrooms. And use your drying paper towel to exit without touching the doorknob. PERSONAL DISCLAIMER – I’ve broken every single one these rules, and I’m alive to tell; it’s just the common sense stuff we all know and often disregard. It’s not my style to wipe down everything I come in contact with when I sit in my blissfully tiny aisle seat and I’m certain there are just as many germs in a movie theater or a big box department store buggy. Most of us aren’t hothouse flowers; we build up our immunity every time we encounter another human in our home town. It’s just that while on vacation, extra precaution just might keep you on the beach a little longer. MEDICAL TIPS Check with your medical provider about your coverage when traveling abroad; you may be able to purchase a short-term policy if needed.

isn’t wrapped in a sealed plastic bag, wash it yourself in hot water. LIQUID TIPS Bacteria found in tap water around the world varies quite a bit, and your own system may not stand up well…bottled water instead of tap will keep you flowing merrily along. Don’t forget that ice cubes are typically made from tap water and much produce is rinsed in tap water. (Water standards throughout the US, Canada and other developed countries allow you to ignore this advice). Hydrate yourself with bottled water often, especially when flying. Keep in mind that drinks like alcohol and coffee aren’t exactly hydrating, though they do help in not caring about whether you’re healthy. GET YOUR REST TIP Along with enough fluids, sleep is your most effective way to stay healthy or fight off an illness. All too often, a breakneck pace of tourist attractions, along with junk food and lack of “proper rest” add up to a miserable vacation. Build in nap or rest time – the E-Ticket rides will be there on your next trip. (Too young to know this Disney reference? Google it.) Had enough of the scary stuff? The fact is your immune system has probably gotten you through every trip to Wal-Mart, McDonalds and the rest rooms in the French Quarter, and so it will on your next vacation. Truth is, if are you going to get sick, medicine always work best if you take it with water lapping near your hammock on a Caribbean beach.

Always pack your daily meds in your carry on, not checked luggage. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, carry a letter from your primary care doctor describing the condition and prescription medicine information in your carry on. Which brings me to my next joke: Why are there never any good side effects listed on medication? Just once I’d like to read a medicine bottle that says “may cause extreme sexiness.” HOTEL TIP A word about hotels – just because the bed is made and the toilet paper neatly pointed, hotel rooms aren’t as clean as you might think. I always remove a quilted bed cover (they’re not cleaned as regularly as the other bedding), and carry my hypoallergenic pillow case. And a good rule of thumb is, if a glass

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There are two challenges with our children that my husband and I are dealing with this summer : The first one, fights. The second, fears. Growing up, I was a lot younger than my other two siblings, so we didn’t fight much. My kids fight EVERY DAY. Seriously. Over the stupidest things too. I’m really considering making one of those “get along t-shirts” and sticking all three of them in it. I’m out of ideas at this point. The childhood fears I can definitely relate with though. Especially at night. When I was little, I would obsess with whatever scary thought popped in my head. Hearing sounds, seeing shadows, and overthinking all of it. I was so terrified that sometimes my body would tremble and shake the whole entire bed. It was NOT cool.

My youngest son deals with this. He is nine. I have to remind myself about how it made me feel when I was his age so that I can comfort him. I know I can’t sleep with him every single night, but I will lay there for a little while, talking, until he falls asleep. At some point though, he will have to handle it on his own, learning to calm his own fears. When he was in Kindergarten, he had another fear.

He could not, WOULD not, on a stage... SAY HIS ONE LINE. Another one I can relate with. On stage. Frozen. Paralyzed by that horrible panicky feeling of shyness. Everyone is watching YOU. Waiting for YOU to mess up. They can read your thoughts, feel your nervousness, they all know you are stumbling in your mind to remember what you

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have to say! They ALL know! THEY ALL KNOW!!!!! RUUUUUN!!!!! NO. They don’t. They could care less.

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They are thinking about THEIR child, or what’s for dinner. Why the person next to them keeps talking on the cell phone. Or why the person on the cell phone is mentioning some bleach, and a big black plastic bag. Why they have heartburn. When the next episode of Walking Dead is on. When did that mole appear, and how do you know if it is cancerous? Did they remember to charge the batteries for the camera? Life gets much easier when you realize that stuff. But for a 6 year old, he had to be taught. He wouldn’t even say the line in front of ME. That is how much he had scared himself out of doing it. There is something you hear all the time about a fear... You will only conquer it by FACING it. But that is the LAST thing you want to hear, especially as a small child. I wondered if I should knock this fear thing out as soon as I could, so he doesn’t have to suffer with it. Or if I should just let it be. So what did I do? I planned a “fear training day”. It sounded good, but I really had NO plan. We sat at the table, eating breakfast. On the table was a game we had played the night before called “Story Cubes”. There are about 8 dice with different pictures on all sides. You roll them, and make a story out of the pictures they land on. I opened the box, and rolled them. He continued to eat.

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They landed on something like: a face, a lock, a scary ghost, a magic wand, a parachute.... can’t remember the rest. Then, I began the story… “Once upon a time, there was a FACE! And it looked JUST like... YOU! It needed an, ummmm, KEY! To unlock the secret to uhhhh, getting rid of the scary GHOST! The scary ghost was ACTUALLY the one that made you feel scared to say your LINE! So you took the MAGIC WAND and made a wish for the GHOST to be gone! Now that the ghost was gone, ummmm, theeeen... you find a PARACHUTE! And jump from the high mountain so that the scary ghost will never get you again and make you feel that way. Then, as you were floating in the sky, there was nothing but clouds. It was so peaceful. YES, it was SOOOO quiet and peaceful because no one was around. So, as you were floating in the sky, you thought to yourself... Now would be a good time to scream my line as loud as I can, because no one would hear me or see me!” DING DING! (Me having an idea) Now he is on the roof. Oh, and the story is over. My son is really on the roof. I put him up there. He was so excited that he probably wasn’t even thinking about WHY he was on the roof. I told him to grab his pretend parachute and imagine that he was floating in the clouds and that no one else was around. I told him to close his eyes, then QUICKLY came to my senses, “NO! Never mind! Open your eyes! Open them!” (Phew.) As I hid behind the car, I told him to yell his line. With fingers crossed, I barely heard a little, “Yep, we’re all friends here!” (his line) I had him say it again, a little louder. But he wouldn’t, because I was looking. So I hid behind the car again, and I heard, a little louder, “Yep, we’re all friends here!”

I peaked at him from behind the car. BIG smile on his face. Bigger smile on mine.

Two days later, he said his line on the stage in front of ALL of those people. And I cried like a baby.

I told him what a great job he had done then jokingly said, “I need to teach you a parachute landing fall now, so that you can get down off the roof.”

OF COURSE, as I go to record it, my camera says, “Memory card full”.

DING DING! I have him sit down as I run in the house and grab a bunch of blankets. I take them around to the side of the house and stack them up high. And although cars were probably passing by wondering what I was doing to my child, or why my daughter REALLY had a broken arm, it wasn’t a big deal to me. I used to climb trees and jump off of my parent’s roof at his age. To him though, it was new.

The pride in his eyes. The smiles. The thumbs up. It was all about THAT feeling. That he did it. He conquered his fear.

So I had him carefully go to the side of the roof and sit down. Then I told him that he was going to jump off into the blankets.

Afterwards, in his classroom, amongst all of the parents and grandparents, he received his Kindergarten certificate.

His reaction was something like this... “What!? Awwww YEAHHHHH!!! Wait. WHAT?”

His teacher said how proud she was of him because he had an “EXTRA challenge”... then she asked, “Can I tell them Leslie?”

The rule was, though, if he got scared, he had to say his line. Making the line, “his comfort”. Then, as he jumped, he had to say his line again. Making the line, “his strength”. He did everything I said. Perfectly. And was back on the roof two more times after that.

Quickly erasing old stuff, and getting a little memory back onto it, I pushed the button RIGHT before his line. It didn’t even have time to focus yet. And it was shaky from my daughter pulling on my arm. I realized though, after watching it again, it wasn’t the line that I needed to record anyway. It was the part after.

Thinking she was referring to the challenge of not wanting to say his line, but then doing it anyway, I smiled and nodded... She continued, “His Mommy made him jump off of his roof to learn his line!”

Without any further explanation from the teacher, the room goes quiet, heads turn toward me, showing blank expressions and confused stares. And, of course, standing next to me, my daughter. With the cast on her arm. Mother of the Year? Probably not. But hey, whatever works. And it did. Speaking of my daughter, at age four, she was scared of EVERYTHING. Germs. Bugs. Diabetes. Beer ... You name it. I forgot how scary life can be when you’re that little. We were eating at a restaurant and she wanted a root beer. They bring out a glass bottle of Barq’s and my daughter looks at me, eyes big and scared. She was trying to get an approving look from my face. I asked her what was wrong and she replied in a whisper, “Mommy, it’s beer. Beer SCARES me.” I should have known, right? My youngest son hears her and starts chugging his root beer down saying, “Beer makes you EXPLODE!” My oldest son had a Sprite, so he was good. I reassured my daughter that it was only root beer. But she was still scared, shaking her head no. I then told her to taste it so she could see, and she said,

“BUT IF I DO, ALL OF MY STUFFED ANIMALS WILL COME ALIVE!” Uhhhhhh.... Yeah. No clue. But in her mind, COMPLETELY true. Although, with enough beer, maybe they WOULD appear alive? Or maybe I had too much beer at some point and started talking to her animals? Probably a good idea to just leave THAT one alone. Anyway, while boating a few days later, we saw a gator in the water. Everyone was excited, running up to the side of the boat to get a better look. Except for my daughter of course, who was peering up at me like I was a complete stranger. She looked confused. Then completely fearful. I gave her a kiss on her head, and told her everything was OK. That she was safe. She quickly backed away from me. Not wanting me to touch her. As if she had just figured out something horrible. The look was priceless. I asked her what was wrong. I knew it had to be about her fear of the alligator. But, if it wasn’t, then maybe it was that she was afraid to suck her thumb because the fishing worm gave her germs? Or maybe she thought drinking that third Capri-Sun was going to give her “diabeebees”? She started pinching at the skin on my arm. I ignored it at first, but she kept doing it. And doing it again... I pushed her hand away, “Ouch baby that hurts!” With tears forming in her eyes, she said, “Mommy, I’m scared.” “Why? I said, rubbing at my red arm. She began to cry. Then, in all seriousness, she says, “Because I think YOU are an alligator, IN HUMAN CLOTHES… NOW TAKE YOUR SKIN OFF!” Don’t worry, we are putting money aside for therapy when she’s older. I asked her some other things she was scared of, just so I could know ahead of time…“King cobras, mummies, dragons, skeletons, horseflies, acid for the pool, “Bloody Mary in the mirror” because it makes your head fall off (thanks camp kids). And why did Jesus make weed killer? That scares me the most!” Wow. At age seven now, she’s over most of those fears, but new ones are starting to present themselves, as they do. Especially the nightmares. She wants to sleep in our bed all of the time. Night time is a struggle for both of them. Us too really, because at what point do you quit the babying and just walk away, allowing them to find their own inner strength? After all, they CAN find all of that damn strength and energy to fight every day!

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Well, we did it. We made them sleep in their rooms, by themselves. We said a prayer, gave a kiss, turned the hall light on and walked away. After all, who are they going to depend on calming their fears when they are older? When they are adults? A couple hours later, before heading to bed ourselves, my husband went to check on them. Did they do it? Did they manage to survive without us? Yep. They sure did. By sneaking in one room and falling asleep together. Probably after talking, and comforting one another I’m guessing. It’s much easier to deal with fear when you have someone to lean on... just like it’s easier to jump when you have blankets to land on. They learned they can depend on EACH OTHER when we aren’t around to help them. Not only were they way ahead of me on that one, it reminded me of how important siblings are. They may fight tomorrow, and the day after that…even years to come, but we know the truth now… and so do they. And we can only hope that they will carry that truth with them for the rest of their lives. And never forget it.

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The History of Slidell High School Part One: 1909-1923 Prelude: Several of Slidell schools have quite a history behind them. Brock Elementary, Slidell High, St. Tammany Jr. High, and Alton Elementary are just a few I will write about in future articles. This particular article will be about Slidell High School during its early years (1909-1923). It was hard research and it wasn’t easy to write. The main reason being that Slidell High, Slidell School, and Slidell Grammar appear to be one in the same. (You will see that as you read the story.) I do know that the citizens of Slidell, as well as all of St. Tammany, should be grateful for our founding school board members. They battled some horrible economic times during their infant years of planning. I truly believe the decisions they made laid the foundation for one of Louisiana’s top school districts.

The first two Slidell Public School buildings. The original wooden school (1900-1910) is to the right. The three story to the left was 1911-1939. Slidell High was born out of these buildings.

Free Education The movement for public schools didn’t come without opposition. Some people did not like the idea of a free education. Others simply did not want a higher tax. But, the majority, by far, supported the idea of having elementary education available to the entire community. Through strong efforts of Superintendent Joseph Lancaster and Superintendent Elmer E. Lyon, the reality of a real public school was at hand. Local leaders such as Fritz Salmen, U.G. Neuhauser and W.G. Evan

worked tirelessly for a new school. In 1902, a piece of land located between Bayou Patassat and Brakefield Street (where Brock Elementary is today) was purchased by the school board from Miss Genevieve Cousin for a mere $310. Also, with that purchase came a four room building. Even though money was being raised by taxes, it still wasn’t enough. While the school board was paying teachers a small salary, there was absolutely no money for buildings, supplies,

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Joseph B. Lancaster, First Superintendent St. Tammany Parish School System, 1900-1904

or janitorial services. Because of this, private buildings were used for awhile. During this time, an effort was made to collect contributions through citizens and businesses in hopes of keeping the school going and maybe one day build a new school. Contributions ranged from 25¢ to $50. In all, 84 individuals and business responded immediately and raised $304.25. Over a period of time a whopping $45,000 was raised. The first public school of record was established near Henry Crawford’s place, off Village Road, just outside the city limits. It was one room and the teacher was Miss Mamie Rheames. Later, Miss Amicker took over. The first public school within the Town of Slidell was held in the Knights of Pythias Hall located on the corner of Louise Street (now Carey St.) and Mayfield Sreet. The Pythias are a fraternal organization that teaches peace through understanding. They were popular in the day and were well liked in the community. The school was given the name Slidell School. It was one room and they stretched a curtain down the middle of it to make it a double. The school went to the 4th grade. The principals were Mr. E. B. Shanks and Miss Sarah Hughes. Mr. Shanks was also the editor of Slidell’s first newspaper, The Slidell Brick. During this time, the development of high school work was being done by Mr. W.W. Fenton, who also served as principal from 1904-1908. When it was time to add another grade and hire a new teacher, they used a room at the Salmen Community Building (aka: Salmen School). It was located on College Street just across Bayou Patassat. It’s a private home now and is still there. It was built in 1892 as a private school for the children of Salmen employees. On weekdays, it was used as planned. However, on weekends it was used as a church for the Methodist, Presbyterians, Baptist, and Episcopalians.

H.A. Verret, Superintendent 1904-1905

W.G. Evans, Superintendent 1905-1909

Northside Plaza is located today. Do you know what happens to tar planks in the middle of July? Hot tar bubbles rise to the top. Do you know what happens when you walk across them barefooted and then walk in dirt? The bottom of your feet became covered with dirty little tar bumps. At the end of the day, you would go home and your mom would peel them off with a butter knife. On any given week, Tommy and I could easily fill up a pint jar with tar bumps. We collected them to see who had the biggest. What can I say, we simply did not wear shoes during the summer. The bridge was originally built so the Slidell School children could safely walk to class at Salmen School. As years past, it was used as a shortcut for the kids on the Southside of town to get to school. Decades later, it was used by the Canal Boyz to help them control the turtle trade. Sadly, several years ago, either the city or the school removed the bridge. Another great landmark is gone. Today, both playgrounds are all but gone. And for the tar bumps, they are gone forever.

H.B. Messick, Superintendent, 1911

Slidell/Salmen School Foot Bridge Salmen School (a private school) and Slidell School (a public school) were next to each other but separated by the bayou. Their playgrounds were connected by a wooden bridge. The entire bridge was made of creosote planks, from the railings to the foot planks, and I am assuming they were made at the local creosote plant where

Elmer Lyon, Superintendent, 1911-1937

A.B. Peters - Superintendent 1909-1910

Dr. R.S. Crichlow became principal in the fall of 1908 and, after a lot of hard work, he succeeded in having the high school department recognized and authorized by the state. He went as far as establishing a science labatory in one of the rooms. He forever helped students catch up on required work that was never available to them before. The push for high school classes began as early as 1904. By the time Slidell had its first high school graduation class, the school was formally named Slidell High School, even though it had grades 1-11. Finally, in the spring of 1909, Dr. Crichlow had the honor of granting Mollie Gomez, Ella Scogins, Lena George, and Violet Holdsworth the first diplomas of Slidell High School. Slidell was always the leader in higher education in the parish, thanks to a determined group of educators. It was Dr. Crichlow who made sure the school got the proper accreditation. Slidell High was the first school in the parish to have such a status. By 1910, good things were starting to happen at the school. The school offered classes such as physics, chemistry, art, and music. The faculty was now 10 strong. To accommodate all the students, the school board leased the entire Redmen Hall. As the school was getting crowded, the school board found themselves renting building and rooms wherever they could. In late 1909, Professor Messick and his assistant Mr. Kane were running the school. It was during this tenure that two of Slidell’s most prominent citizens began a campaign for a new school. Under the leadership of Mr. U.G. Neuhaser and Mr. Fritz Salmen, a plan was put into place. After a lot of difficulties, both men were able to secure a local bond for $20,000 for the sole purpose of building a new school. It was also at this time that the first PTA (Parent/Teacher Association) was formed. Mrs. U.G. Neuhauser was the first president. Today Slidell High’s PTA, or PTSA (Student) is serving a greater purpose than ever before. The time between 1909-1911 was when better education was on everyone’s mind. The citizens and the PTA constantly kept the idea of a new school on the front burner. They soon realized a new school was more important than waiting

All over the country, when victory was declared after WWI, parades were staged everywhere. This Victory Parade was in Slidell, with children from Slidell School.

to figure out how they would pay for it. After public input, two sets of plans were presented for approval. Both were rejected because they were way too expensive. Finally, after some cuts, a plan was accepted. In 1910, the contractors were ready to start. First order of business was to move the old wooden school over to make room for the new one. (I wish someone would have saved it, it would have made a great school museum.) By the end of 1911, a new 3-story school was complete. The whole town was proud. All sorts of celebrations took place. The school opened and it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t long before they had over 300 students. It was equipped with an auditorium, a laboratory for chemistry and physics, and a library. As time went on, more rooms were built to accommodate an ever growing student body. In spite of the fact that the school yard flooded on a regular basis because of Bayou Patassat, Professor C.E. Hooper created a beautification program for the school, which included putting a fence between the school and bayou. That made a lot of moms happy. Professor Bakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s term of service (1915-1918) was a time of great excitement at the school. He had no sooner inaugurated the first athletic program when World War I started. Patriotism at school and all over town was unbelievable. Daily flag raisings, parades, songs, speeches and daily military drills were held. Enthusiasm was so high that one day the military brought a tank into town for people to see. The school was nearly empty that day as everyone in town went to see it. In the fall of 1918, the school got a new principal, Mr. T.H. McAfee. Within his first three months, the influenza epidemic hit Slidell. The school was closed for a few months, as it was converted into an emergency hospital. However, the following years were very good. All the industries in town brought many new students. They also added a home economics class to the curriculum. Once again, they were out of space so they used the old abandoned wooden school for classes.

To be continued... Slidell High 1924-2015 Slidell High School Band, circa 1910. The band director was Mr. Hooper

Graduates of Slidell High School 1909-1923 1909: Lena George, Ella Scogins, Violet Holdsworth, Mollie Guzman 1910: Carl Neuhauser, Leah Comfort 1911: Cora Abel, Margaret Abel, Malcom Anderson, Ernest Buckley, Pearl Keller 1912: No graduates 1913: Kathleen Beck, Gertrude Brown, Robert Brown, Flo Dunham, Homer Fritchie, Viola Keller, Florence Moore 1914: Katie Houghton, Josie Keller, Amelia Levy, Carson Miles, Ethel Peterson, Louisia Peterson 1915: Odile Cornibe, Helen Dunham, Bessie Houghton, Gus Fritchie, Hazel Martin, Rose Perilloux 1916: Ruben Bise, Bessie Carpenter, Sallye Hailey 1917: Katie Abel, Louis Brown, Eva Hartley, Pearl Jarrell, Clarence Morgan, John Sebastian, Isaabel Swetman 1918: Nellie Bousquet, Denia Chatellier, Jessie Mae Crews, Mary Dunham, Charles Fritchie, Violet Heughan. Frances Howze 1919: Loyd Gisch, Nannie House, Fred Johnson, Louise Larrabee, Clyde Polk, August Tabary 1920: Evelyn Crow, Russell Dunham, Bertha Keller, Louise Mayfield, Anna Morris, Elizabeth Morris, Millar Redden, Sidney Tabary

St. Tammany Parish School Board, 1905-1908 The names of these men are below. However, their order of appearance is unknown. Ward 1- John Englehardt; Ward 2- D.C. Wallis; Ward 3- J.S. Jones; Ward 4- P.H. Hansberough; Ward 5- W.H. Kahl; Ward 6- Robert C. Abney; Ward 7- Howard Pierce; Ward 8- P.W. Schneider; Ward 9- C.M. Liddle At Large - A.D. Crawford and W.G. Evans

1921: Roland Bosquet, Alice Carpenter, Stella Crow, Thelma Quave, Grace Larrabee, Jessie Mayfield, Myrl McManhon, John Smith, Marshall Thompson 1922: Alice Bousquet, Iona Buckley, Eloise Cleveland, Virginia Dunham, Pomie Dunham, Clarence Famer, Harry Hover, Laura Leonard, Pamela Moran, Eoline Salassi, Girard Salassi, Howard Taylor, Lloyd Vial, Nina Vial, Mildred Yeates 1923: Eva Abel, Janice Everitt, J.B. Howze, Jay Liddle, Henry Mayfield, Frank McMahon, Mildred Moore, Nanheye Murray, Gladys Pearce, Frank Smith, Ralph Snider, Albert Wall, Mamie Watson

Special Thanks and Resources ~ Slidell High Commercial Dept., History and Progress of Slidell High, 1909-1935 Charles Fritchie, Adrian Innerarity, Bonnie Vanney, Dan Ellis, Mrs. Ruth Ouder, Mrs. Billie Mae Pittman St. Tammany Parish School Board website, Google, Slidell Sentry News, Slidell Museum, Knights of Pythias website 44

Meet the

Damsel Rachel Woodham

What started the business?

Born and Raised in Slidell, LA. Graduated from Slidell High School in 2004 28 years old Single Mother to 2 Girls Artist

I had been entertaining the thought of starting my own furniture restoration business ever since the Pelican Project took place here in Slidell. I was selected as one of the artists to paint a Pelican and fell in love with art all over again! I had moved in with my grandmother to help care for her during her chemotherapy treatments and all of my grandfather’s saws and tools were just sitting in the garage. It’s like a light bulb went oﬀ in my head! I realized that this is what makes me happy and this is what I should be doing for a living. I sold a few things out of my storage unit and bought a set of furniture to reﬁnish and resell. I started my business from that, and here I am now! Don’t ever let anyone tell you that your dreams are silly!

What is Damsel n Distress: A Furniture Rehab? I do furniture restoration/reupholstery work. My shop will have tons of pieces available to browse through - some that have been refinished and are available for purchase and others that are unfinished with the option of customizing. I also do private orders where the clients bring their own pieces and I refinish them to the desired finish. My business is a complete furniture rehab. I take old beaten up pieces that are on their last leg and breathe new life into them. I give them another chance, instead of just throwing them away.

Check out our Slidell shirts!

I’ll be opening in July - not sure of the exact date yet, but be sure to check out my facebook page for updates! There will be live music and food - come out and see all the great things available in the shop!

“

The Armoire will be a room inside the shop where I carry the clothing. A lot of Slidell Novelty stuﬀ, similar to the Fluerty Girl shirts but with a Slidell/Northshore twist! The Armoire will also oﬀer women’s clothing too, like rompers and shorts, as well as other accessories like coozies and tote bags. Men’s shirts will be available in some designs, so don’t feel left out guys!

Overall, I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my life! I’m excited to bring in new clientele and become a bigger part of my community!

“

When are you opening?

What is The Armoire?

2104 1st St • Slidell

985•707•9206

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“Slidellica cie ROC KS on s” writer John Ma st ra at the Ho age when he perf cich ormed use of Blu es with h Space Me is b tal. How cool is TH and AT?!

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