Slidell Magazine - 71st Edition by Slidell Magazine

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF SLIDELL

Vol. 71 June 2016

64th Annual

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Editor’s Letter

Kendra Maness, Editor/Publisher

and ready, I couldn’t help but think of the adversity that blackberries face and their strength against all odds to conquer these challenges to become the awesome fruit that we all love.

YAY! It’s blackberry season again in southern Louisiana! I’ve always loved blackberries. More than just their ripe deliciousness and sweet bursts of joy, I love blackberries because they are kind of an underdog fruit. I had a conversation with a friend recently where we talked about the adversities we all face in life. Afterwards, I took my dogs out for a stroll along the woodline surrounding our house, and the conversation lingered in my brain as I came across the first of many red and green berried bushes. As l picked the few blackberries that were ripe

Most fruit is considered bad when it turns black, but blackberries are at their peak when they are darkest. They are mostly an ugly fruit - hairy, and growing on thorny bushes next to ditches. Blackberries thrive in the worst conditions, when it is overly hot and overly rainy. They are ripest during the worst months, when nothing else is sprouting, after Spring newness has worn off and long before the Fall harvest. They are not used in large commercial aspects to the best of my knowledge. The seeds will stick in your braces (okay, maybe that’s just a problem for me). They have no consistency or pedigree, being grown in backyards and woodside trails randomly. And, finally, they are cherished by the symbol of the devil, the snake. Everything about them is tough and tenacious. And then you eat them... they burst forth with flavor and offer the picker a free opportunity to enjoy nature and its bounty, even under the toughest of circumstances. Yup, I love blackberries!

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Kendra Maness - Editor/Publisher Editor@SlidellMag.com

Devin Reeson - Graphic Designer Graphics@SlidellMag.com

Illustrations by: Zac McGovern www.HalMundane.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS EFOP, Charlotte Lowry Collins The Storyteller, John Case Jockularity, Corey Hogue Pet Points, Jeff Perret, DVM Crimmi-Mommly Insane, Leslie Gates Pirogue Races, John Felsher www.JohnNFelsher.com Making Cents of Your Money, Mike Rich MikeRich@MyPontchartrain.com Running with the Wind, Donna Bush Donna.Bush@yahoo.com Once Upon a Time, Jacqlyn McGowan Reader’s Submission, Roger Overkamp

COVER ART BY KENNY BRIDGES

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Cover Artist

KENNY BRIDGES

BRIDGES STUDIO 1201

This month’s cover is the third time artist Kenny Bridges has graced the front of Slidell Magazine. As a matter of fact, Kenny’s previous two covers, “Pelican Randy Smith” and “Roxanne” proved to be two of our most popular editions ever! Kenny’s work can be purchased at the Chamber Martketplace, and seen and enjoyed throughout the city of Slidell. His artistic displays include multiple large-scale public mural projects, such as the historic Train Depot, the City of Slidell Public Works buildings and his amazing painted characters from more than 20 Pelicans. Over the years, Kenny has donated thousands of dollars in artwork to support our local charities, and has met with and painted many well known celebrities. Kenny has received much recognition for his art, as well as his life story. He was honored to be named the 2014 Cover Artist for the City of Slidell Arts Evening.

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JUNE 2016

Extraordinarily Fascinating “Ordinary” People by Charlotte Lowry Collins

Captain Lucinda Cunningham “Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit.” ~ Wilma Rudolph

My EFOP this month is someone I wish all of you could have the pleasure of meeting. Captain Lucinda Cunningham is one of those magical, inspirational personalities that are rare. She is one of the most respectful people I think I’ve ever met. If I described her any further, you would say I was exaggerating, so instead, I’ll let the story speak for itself. As I entered her office, the Coast Guard Captain smiled a broad, welcoming smile. The first thing she did was jump up and tell me how honored she was to meet me. Then she quickly asked how she could make me comfortable, offering water, and turning down the air conditioner, without my asking. It was one of those stormy days, and I could see the lightening behind her through the second floor, corner windows. But Captain “Cindy” Cunningham’s smile was captivating, as was her story about her struggle to achieve her life goals, and I quickly was engrossed in her humble tale which, through sheer determination and inner strength, ended with major accomplishments. She is famous for becoming the first African American female to be promoted to the rank of Captain in the United States Coast Guard. 8

Captain Cunningham explained her early influence growing up in Greensboro, North Carolina. This is where one of the Civil Rights sit-ins occurred at the local Woolworth’s lunch counter. “Growing up in the 60’s, the Greensboro Four were famous in our community. That site became a Civil Rights Museum, and everyone knew about those four college students. They were a source of pride, and a part of a major historical event for this tiny little town.” The Captain closed her eyes, slowly shook her head, and her speech became very quiet and earnest, “I just never could understand, as a child, why race would be something used to divide us. And I still don’t understand it today, especially situations where it leads to loss of human life.” She took a deep breath, and opened her eyes, full of expression. Then she smiled, and explained that she had been blessed to lead the life she did. Cindy said proudly, “My mom was a major influence, and she was strict! My dad was very loving and gentle. I was raised with two younger brothers, and that probably shaped who I would become. Once my baby sister came along, there were four of us. For some reason, Mom seemed to be harder on me. Even my siblings saw

that. I think it had a lot to do with where I am today,” and she swept her hand across her uniform. “The first time I recognized my own determination was in junior high, Gillespie Junior High, in the late seventies. It was about a mile from home, and all I wanted

Jimmie & Cecelia Cunningham with their children. Cindy is top right with her siblings, l-r: Cedric, Jerome and Sheila

was to be able to walk on my own, without riding the school bus. As soon as Mom let us walk, I learned to regret that request. We dreaded that walk depending on the weather, but I was determined to do it anyway, since I was the one who asked for it.”

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Her determination grew in the next decision. Captain Cunningham relayed, “I used to watch my brothers playing football, baseball and basketball at PE, and it looked like so much fun. The girls had dance and gymnastics instead for their PE activities, which I had no interest in whatsoever. We did have co-ed softball, and I was always one of the first girls to be picked for that, as I was athletically inclined.” Cindy’s voice was full of emotion as she explained, “I never wanted to disappoint my momma. So I listened to everything she taught me, and followed her rules. If I wasn’t playing sports, I had to come straight home from school.” Then her eyes shone as she recalled, “Then at some point, I just refused to do dance anymore, and I got a D in PE. Looking back, I realize I was taking an important stand. At the time, I was embarrassed by my weakness to not obey, but now, I realize it was my inner strength coming out. I had never gotten a D in my life, so it was a bit traumatic. One of my friends refused to dance also. We were the only two in the whole school,” she laughed. “After high school, I confidently went off to the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. It was so big, and I immediately missed my family. I was in a dorm, not used to freedom at all, and just couldn’t focus.” Now the Captain looked regretful as she relayed, “I got a bunch of D’s, all except Engineering 101. I loved the subject and the professor. I earned an A. I remember my roommate asked me to go out dancing with them, and I refused. I stayed in the dorm, crying because I realized I was wasting my parent’s money. I wanted to honor my parents, get my act together, and succeed without their discipline. So I pulled myself together and did better the next semester.” “But the dorm was difficult to study in, so I finally decided to go back home and attend the local North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College. I majored in Mechanical Engineering, and went back to work at the local Burger King. In 1988, I made the Dean’s List, and finally graduated with a double major in Industrial Technology in Electronics and Manufacturing.” “During and after college, I was fortunate enough to get hired by Fed Ex. I was one of the very few females they hired, and was on the waiting list for a position in Management. Then I talked to a friend, Eric Reynolds (now a retired Commander), who was in the military recruiting for the Minority Officer Recruiting Effort (MORE) program for the Coast Guard. He told me they pay for part of your schooling. I was hesitant, because I had no interest in combat whatsoever. But he explained that the Coast Guard is more humanitarian, focused on Search and Rescue and protecting the environment. At that time, they didn’t have many minorities, and this was an opportunity for me.” Cindy enlisted as a Seaman Recruit in May of 1990 with her sights set on Electronics Technician School.

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“So off I went to Bootcamp. Out of all the companies, there were only 20 girls. Everyone was so loud, yelling and screaming at us. I just wasn’t used to that. Shortly, I became very impressed by the management process. They brought people from such diverse backgrounds, and molded us. If I failed, we all failed, so we tried harder and drew very close. I began to see how that worked. We stuck together like brothers and sisters. If I saw anyone failing, I would do anything for them, even take the blame or get cranked.” She had to explain that term to me, which meant doing an intense amount of pushups, running, or other strenuous workout. As the Captain explained early in our conversation, she was athletically inclined and now physically fit. Cindy closed her eyes, smiled, and squeezed her fist to her chest with a deep breath as she said, “Out of all my units that I was in, I almost cried when I left Bootcamp. I was so at home there that I would have stayed at that low pay forever. I just loved it.” Her next stint was at Fort Macon, North Carolina as a Fireman Apprentice, non-rate, doing cleanup, digging ditches, and other such jobs. As you can imagine, she thrived in that position. “I was the only female in those barracks, but the guys were all good to me, no problems. I had hoped it would be a supportive environment like Bootcamp, but it wasn’t that way. I didn’t know anyone, and, at first, some of them wouldn’t even answer me if I spoke to them. So, I quietly showed them I wasn’t a slacker. It took me two months, but I was determined. Finally, they accepted me, and that felt great.” From there, Cindy went to the Coast Guard Training Center in Petaluma, California. Once again, she knew no one, but just because of her positive, determined attitude, Captain Cunningham proved herself to those around her. As she explained, “I had a great time learning and enjoyed travelling to San Francisco and other places in the area.” The Captain’s next stint was almost a year long in pipeline training, where she was prepared for her role on a ship. She went to Corry Station in Pensacola, Florida to become an Electronics Warfare Technician. This was the U.S. Navy’s headquarters for the Center for Information Dominance (CID). The Captain announced proudly, “I was the only female in that school in 1992. Navy females weren’t allowed to go to that school. The guys would just shake their head when they first saw me, but I was able to actually help some of them pass. I graduated number one in the first part, and after that we got along with no problems. I learned to troubleshoot a slick-32 (SLQ-32), which is a passive system, providing early warning, identification, and direction finding capability for simultaneous multiple threats. At Christmas, school closed for three weeks, and I thought it was a huge blessing to get to go home for a long, overdue visit.” Now the Captain looked at me with a radiant smile as she revealed that the Navy Chief called her at home. “It turned out I was a top student, and the Chief said he never had a woman do so well, and wanted photos for an article if I could turn around and come back. Unfortunately, I couldn’t work that out logistically, but my graduation was a big honor. I know God had a hand on me.”

After that, she went to the Coast Guard Cutter LEGARE homeported in Portsmouth, Virginia. Captain Cunningham was quick to add, “This was my first time on a 270 foot ship. There were two of us Elecronics Technicians responsible for the Slick-32 to identify threats, and pickup mother loads or ‘Go-fast’ boats. The LEGARE successfully seized marijuana and cocaine runners.” Next was a huge step in Cindy’s career - Officer’s Candidate School (OCS) in Yorkstown, Virginia. “This was a totally different atmosphere. There, you didn’t unify to succeed. Instead, you had to be better than your peers in order to gain promotion. I didn’t like that competitive aspect, but I was determined to do well, as that was what it took to further my career. I was an ensign upon completion, and my first assignment in 1994 was the Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard homeported in Alexandria, Virginia. I served as the Operations Officer. Eventually, I moved up to Officer In Charge (OIC) as the first female officer of any U.S. military operation to lead a U. S. armed forces ceremonial honor guard. This was remarkable because I was fleeted up to the OIC position before being promoted to Lieutenant Junior grade. This was an experience, ma’am. We got our military tasking from the Military District of Washington, referred to as MDW. I don’t like being out front, but I got used to it. I got to where I actually loved standing in the sun and the heat in Coreform shoes.” She walked out from behind the desk now and showed off her shiny black boots. “In the heat, they shrink and get tighter on your ankles and feet. I just loved it, and got so good at marching in formation and standing on my mark.” She took a moment to smile and reflect while rocking slightly.

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I asked what was her most difficult assignment, and the Captain’s response was immediate. “Ship navigating. I just didn’t do well with offshore duties. My lack of confidence with ship driving came from the fact that I was afraid of damaging the ship or people. I prayed hard to overcome it, but it just wasn’t for me. I excelled in IT, but I am still embarrassed by not succeeding at sea.” Promoted to Lieutenant, Cindy next got an opportunity for graduate school while she was assigned to Coast Guard Island in Alameda, California. “I stayed late, worked long hours, and proved myself to my supervisors. I went to the University of Maryland University College (UMUC), studying IT Management. I took off my uniform, and just went to school.” Now she crossed her hands across her heart and exhaled, “My grades were great and I loved it!” Toward the end of grad school, the selection message for Lieutenant Commander was due. The wait for their ruling was long and stressful. She tried to focus on finishing her masters, and did so successfully. “But I was on pins and needles for weeks,” she assured me. “Suddenly, I started getting congratulation emails, and then I found out I made it!” The Captain was as animated as if the call just came today. She was assigned to the Coast Guard Navigation Center in Alexandria, Virginia as Assistant Operations Officer for LORAN and DGPS (Differential GPS) navigation systems. “I managed over 11

90 people and did really well there. It was a four-year position, but after two years, I was selected for a task force to assess the climate at the CG Academy. We were tasked with improving relations after rape and discrimination issues. I learned to get in front of an audience and speak, which was new. But it was an outstanding experience, and we all grew very close.” “It was time for the next assignment, and I wanted to be the XO (Executive Officer, second in command of the unit) for an electronics support unit. I picked Boston. It was an incredible experience, with nothing but great people.” There, Cindy was promoted to Commander. “It’s been God and good people, because it’s definitely not just me that got me to this position.” “After this, I went to TISCOM, our major telecommunication and information systems command in the Coast Guard. It was a great leadership opportunity, and I did really well. My boss was awesome, and let us learn from mistakes instead of micro-managing us. I learned about the support side of Active Directory and frameworks. My boss wanted to see me make Captain. He knew Admiral Bob Day would be losing his Executive Assistant and he recommended me. This job had me running constantly. Admiral Day retired and Admiral Marshall Lytle succeeded him. They were both visionaries and awesome leaders. Admiral Lytle was the one who delivered the news to me that I

work with me are my first priority. Secondly, I make sure the environment is cohesive. Third, I make certain individuals are able to promote. We can’t get comfortable in one position, because you never know what is coming next. I expect them to do the Coast Guard mission, be the best they can be, and respect each other.”

was selected as Captain! And I was the first African American female ever selected for Captain in the history of the Coast Guard! Admiral Rochone, the White House Chief Usher, was the one selected to frock me. My mother was there and she jumped right in too. I like to say Admiral Rochone and my Mom promoted me.” By now Captain Lucinda Cunningham was animated and slapped her desk lightly for emphasis. So the Captain now motioned around us and I scanned the New Orleans panorama from her window again. As if an omen, the sun was beginning to break through as she announced, “And now, here I am in New Orleans. This has been a spiritual, emotional, learning experience. I love the people, and they look to me for a vision. The people who

Looking out, she said thoughtfully, “I also want to do extraordinary things for this community. We started a partnership with local schools, and they get to tour our fisheries and the Coast Guard PAMLICO, which is a construction tender and is homeported here at Base New Orleans. They train nearly 400 law enforcement agents from the Coast Guard, NOAA and state & federal fish and wildlife agencies annually. And we wowed the children with our Coast Guard recruiting video, which spotlights many of the missions and jobs we do.” “We want them to realize that, as an officer in the armed forces of the United States, you are a warrior in the profession of arms, a leader of character, an unwavering defender of the Constitution, a servant of the nation, and an exemplar and champion of its ideals. You accept unmitigated personal responsibility and accountability to duty, for your actions and those of your subordinates. In so doing, you willingly take your place in an ancient and honorable calling, obligated equally to those who have gone before you, those you walk among and those who will follow.” Captain Lucinda Cunningham is accomplishing her professional goals, as we learned. She bravely paved the way for women in the military. Slidell is fortunate to have her serving our community and protecting our fragile environment. But she also has a desire to try on the civilian life in her free time while in Slidell. When I asked what things that might entail, she exclaimed quickly, “Ma’am, you know one thing I would really like to do is just go fishing, so I need time off to meet my neighbors. And I want to spend time visiting my childhood home with my Momma!” So I challenge Slidell to show Captain Cindy what Slidell is all about, if you can find a spot on her calendar! Thanks from the bottom of my heart to all of our military who devote their lives to leading our nation.

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Redefining the Salon Experience.

on’t let the youthful beauty and high energy of Jennifer Bellau Baudier fool you. As owner of Bella Style Salon, Jen has wisdom and business professionalism far beyond her years. Then again, being different is what Bella Style Salon is all about. Their motto is “Redefining the Salon Experience” and it’s evident the moment you walk into the door. Jennifer made a big decision in May 2015, moving her successful salon business from Gause Boulevard to the heart of Olde Towne Slidell. After nearly a year of construction and intricate planning, Bella Style Salon opened their doors at 2265 Carey Street in March 2016. “I wanted to buy my own place,” Jennifer said. “You can change it when you own it. You can match the needs of the guests, add services.” She adds, “And I love Olde Towne, the charm. It’s up and coming. Everybody wants it to thrive - all of the business owners, Main Street - all of us are advocating for the community. We wanted to open the doors and be more open to the community. It gives me a purpose. I like the big picture and I want to leave a legacy behind.” Part of that legacy is providing her guests with an authentic experience. “We have 5-star service!” Jennifer says. “We love the reviews we get online! It’s lavish and luxurious but still warm and friendly, and never pretentious. We have this fancy place but you still feel at home.”

and body lines include Aveda, Unite and SpaRitual and, of course, is never tested on animals. Jen says, “We’re millennials, health is important to us. We recycle every single thing. EVERYTHING. We ship hair, plastics, metal, paper – it’s all re-used and recycled.” All of Bella Style Salon’s maincures and pedicures are made with certified organic products. What’s the difference? SpaRitual is a luxury nail care line that is free from DBO, Toulene, formaldehyde and all sorts of yucky stuff. The pedicure system has jetless tubs. Why is this important? Because there are no dead skin cells and bacteria floating around from the pipes. Everything is sanitized and cleaned with bleach and hospital grade cleaner after every guest, every time. Additionally, the manicures are waterless. The difference? Your nails retain water while soaking, making polish chip faster. Plus, the polish is considered a hybrid. The dry time is only 8 minutes with NO LAMPS and can be removed with your polish remover at home. With certified organic hair and nail treatments, hand and scalp massages, relaxation and libations, Bella Style Salon offers the full spa experience! The staff of eight (“our family” Jennifer says) share in Jen’s vision. “We’re all super passionate. We have tons of integrity. I’m excited about the future. We all have the same goal - to make our guests feel wonderful and make our community stronger.”

More than just the beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere, each service from Bella Style comes with the ritual “extras”. Mimosas, anyone? How about a glass of wine or a cup of coffee? And the complimentary hand massage and scalp massage are wonderful. Jen says, “You won’t just look amazing when you leave — you will feel amazing too!” “Our number one priority is your health. The health of your hair, your nails, your emotional well-being, and also the health of our environment. We only use the finest plant-based hair products from Aveda, so you’ll know that everything we apply is safe for your hair.” Their all-vegan hair

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JUNE LUNCHEON “Strengthening Educational Values in our Business Community” Wednesday, June 15 11:30AM-1:00PM Location: Trinity Banquet Hall Sponsored by: Exceutone Systems St. Tammany Federal Credit Union

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Being partial to watercolors (her ﬁrst love) because of its spontaneity and free spirit, Robin also enjoys oil pastels, and virtually all art media. Her sincere hope, as she always expressed to her students, is that people enjoy and understand the visual arts since it is so interwoven in our everyday lives. As Robin says, “Aren’t we all really WORKS OF ART?”

Robin Miller-Bookhout has been intrigued with the world of arts since she was only eight years old. She graduated from college with a degree in Arts Education and has studied with various talented and renowned artists. Her thirty-plus years as an arts teacher enabled Robin to grow as a professional art educator, professional artist, and patron of the arts. Many of Robin’s works can be found in private collections throughout the country.

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Featured Artist of the Month

SUN

MAY

GRAND OPENING Bluebonnet Dental Care 3:30pm

Chamber 101 Chamber • 9:30am EYP Business After Hours The Maple Room • 5-7pm

Education Luncheon Scholarship Awards Trinity Banquet Hall • 11:30am

JUNE

WED

Education Committee Meeting Chamber • 8:30am

Business After Hours Painting with a Twist, Run-N-Tri, Joli Coupe Salon 5-7pm

SBSC Meeting Chamber • 8:30am

Business After Hours SMH Cancer Center • 5-7pm

Third Thursday Artist Galleries de Juneau 5 -7pm

Business After Hours Smarter Outdoor Solutions 5-7pm

Communication Committee Chamber • 8:30am

EYP Family Day Pinewood • 2-7pm

LSNAA Alumni Crawfish Boil Carr Drive Beach • 12-4pm

Slidell Movie Night Heritage Park • 8:30pm

Krewe of Dionysus Poker Run Lakeshore Marina • Noon

Carey Street Crawl Olde Towne • 5-9pm

JULY

JULY 4TH HERITAGE FESTIVAL 4-11pm

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Storyteller The Cell Phone I have no idea why it happens, but I have a number of people that like to confide in me. I guess you can say that I am the local Ann Landers, especially to my friends. Some, however, are not such close friends. I guess I should feel flattered.

his earliest convenience. The doctor did not mince words nor try to sugar coat it. He had terminal cancer. I won’t mention where it started because it was not in one spot; and it was stage four. There could be some treatments that would postpone the inevitable, but not for too long; and there was danger and discomfort in those also. He chose to let nature take its course.

Somehow, they know I will not divulge their deepest secrets and, in most cases, will not condemn them for their actions, or intended actions. This is not always the case, as I have had more than one desperate person elude to taking their own life. When this happens, I strongly suggest they get help and try to reason with them in a positive way. Once I called the authorities. Most of the time, the subjects that are confided to me are much less serious and some have been the basis of my writing. I always skew the event and the personality of the person so as not to divulge their confidence or identity. I don’t think the person in this case would mind. He has been dead for six years. Just to be safe, I will not call his name. To further hide his identity, I will tell you no more than what I am telling today, even if you ask. I will call him My Friend.

My Friend, who I considered healthy and very sane, got the bad call on a February day. He had not felt well over the Christmas holidays, but dismissed it as too much rich food and too much libation. The condition did not go away.

We could discuss all day the merits of dying unexpectedly as opposed to knowing that a terminal illness would take its toll in a certain time frame. My Friend and I did this. As Christians, we are supposed to live each day in a manner that would be pleasing to our Maker, and be ready to meet him at any time. In reality, we are all very human. Those of us whose faith is weak can get pleasure by knowing when our time is near and prepare accordingly. You take your pick - planned death or unexpected - but the truth is, it will be out of your control.

Finally, a series of physical examinations bring a call from the doctor advising him to come to the office at

My Friend and I had many conversations along these lines and, as the weeks passed, our conversations turned

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more and more to the final day or days, the funeral, and what happens after death. Deep conversations, especially for me, who was very inept at answering the “after death” question.

phone from his wife without her knowledge. I also told him to discuss this with the funeral director. He said he did and the funeral director told him to have me bring the phone in when the time came.

My Friend was educated, realistic about his future and, of all things, he was not superstitious. I was surprised when he said his biggest fear was being buried alive. I laughingly assured him that this was impossible and, of course, he knew it. If the cancer did not kill him, then the embalming would; so he had no reason to fear.

He became unconscious about 1:00AM, weeks earlier than we had expected. He was transported to Slidell Memorial Hospital by ambulance and, according to the death certificate, he passed away at 5:06AM. Brenda and I were called by his wife before 6AM.

From time to time he would bring the subject up and, to say that I was surprised when he made his request would be a lie. “John, I have a favor to ask of you. When I die, please bury me with my cell phone. Have it on and have the battery charged fully. I have purchased an extended length battery.” In awe, I answered, “OK.” Then he went into detail: I was not supposed to tell anyone, not even his wife, and the phone was supposed to be placed near his right hand. The screen that says “call last number”, was to be pulled up and I was supposed to place a call to him after the burial so my number would appear on that screen. I told him that I would do just what he wanted, if I could. I was concerned about how I would get the

We arrived at his house prior to his wife’s returning from the hospital and I was not surprised, due to all the excitement, to find the front door ajar. We went in and I went to the bedroom. Relieved, I saw the phone, plugged into its charger on the bedside table. I slipped the phone and its charger into my jacket pocket. On the day of the funeral, I went to the funeral home two hours before visitation started. I knew the funeral director, as he and his family had been prominent in Slidell for years. I reminded him of My Friend’s wish and he remembered. I told them to keep the charger on as long as he could. He said he would, choking back a laugh. ********** I was a pallbearer that day and, as we lifted the casket into the hearse for the short ride to the cemetery, I prayed that one of his many acquaintances, that did not know of his passing, would not call. Luckily, the phone did not ring.

Late that afternoon, after the grave was closed and everyone had departed, I returned to the site. I dialed his number. I am not sure but I think I heard it ring from deep in the earth. I was shocked when I heard him answer. “I cannot come to the phone right now, I am either busy or away from the phone, but leave a message and I will call when I return.” I could not resist. I left a message. I knew that the screen would be set to the last person called, and that would be me. His wife did not miss the phone for a week or so and she then reported the theft to the police. They did not consider finding a dead man’s cell phone a priority. She asked me to call them to verify the story, and I did. I made a false police report. I never erased his number from my phone and, from time to time, I would call it. I don’t know why. Eventually, after three years, I called and there was an answer. His number had been changed. I started to tell the new owner the story, but thought better of it. “Sorry I dialed the wrong number.”

 John Case June 2016

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Reader’s Submission

The Very BEST Thing in Life by Roger Overkamp

Editor’s Note: Slidell Magazine is proud to bring you the first in a series of Reader’s Submissions. Our city has a bevy of talented literary artists! As a matter of fact, some of our most beloved stories came from Reader’s Submissions - The Storyteller, Donna Bush, and Crimi-Mommly Insane, to name a few. Got a story to tell? We want it! Submissions should be sent via e-mail to: editor@slidellmag.com. Let us share YOUR talent with all of Slidell! This month’s author, Roger Overkamp, is an Eden Isles resident who was born in Monroe, grew up in Shreveport and attended LSU. He spent 20+ years in Pheonix, Arizona before moving to Slidell a couple years ago, after losing his darling bride to breast cancer. During their ordeal with cancer, he kept a journal, and hopes to one day publish a book of short stories based on the joy he experienced during the 26 years God blessed him with the loan of an angel, Donna. Following is one of his stories...

was seated in Terminal 4 at Sky Harbor Airport Friday morning, well before the scheduled 9 A.M. arrival of Donna’s son Greg’s flight. This was the first break in the action I’d had all day, and I was using the quiet time for prayer and meditation. As I don’t always pray with my eyes closed, I noticed a young mother pushing a stroller with a young man I guessed to be about 2-1/2 years old. She took the end seat in the string of leather seats adjacent to those I was in. She had a Cold Stone Creamery sundae in her hand, which she was enjoying sharing with him. One for me, one for you…I remember that game, as I loved playing it with my son Ryan, when he was that age. I silently returned to prayer, this time closing my eyes. When I heard her tell him, the BEST thing in life is having ice cream to start off the day, I opened my eyes. My gaze met his and our eyes locked on each other...mine, red from crying over our battle and impending loss with cancer; and his, sparkling with happiness over the mint chocolate chip

ice cream in the chocolate waffle cone that conformed to the shape of the cup it was in. He gave me what I believe to be the biggest smile I’ve ever seen, and for a moment I forgot all about the beast that was stalking us. Although Donna hated it when I interrupted someone else’s space and blurted something out to a stranger, I couldn’t help telling her, I apologize for correcting you, but ice cream first thing in the morning is not the best thing in life…the best thing in life is having another ice cream later in the day. Again, I closed my eyes and returned to my prayers…only for a moment though, as I realized this was not a chance meeting, but that God placed this mother and child in my path for a purpose. Too often I’ve chosen to walk around people I’ve encountered, thinking they were obstacles, rather than embracing them as an opportunity to make an impact on His behalf. I decided against doing so this time. I asked the young mother where the Cold Stone Creamery was located and

hurried down there. When I made my inquiry to the young lady working at the booth, she responded, Yes, I remember exactly what they ordered, is that what you want me to make for you? I told her no, that I only wanted a gift card in the amount of their purchase, as soon as she could prepare one. I paid her $6.91, and made a beeline back to where I had met the mother and boy. My heart sank, as I didn’t see them. After combing the area, I noticed they were looking over the arrival time board a short distance away, probably checking if her husband and his father’s flight would arrive on schedule. She started to head back to their original seat and, as they approached, I told her, I don’t mean to scare you, but would you mind if I visit with you for a few minutes? She was at ease and said it would be fine. I explained that I was there to pick up my wife’s son, and that I’d been told we would lose Donna’s battle with breast cancer in a matter of days. I told her that amidst my sadness her young man

had made a huge impact on me and had brightened my day considerably. Tearfully, I pled with her to enjoy every moment God gave them, handed her the gift card, and asked her to enjoy another ice cream with her young man later in the day. She said she was sorry to hear about my wife, and that they would savor every moment they were blessed with. I asked his name, so I could pray for him, and was surprised to learn it was Brandon… the same as my brother Richard’s son. Coincidence? Maybe…or was He telling me something else? It’s not important that I don’t know the woman’s name or she mine, our exchange is what matters. I’m hoping in 20 years or so, her young man is retelling this story to his child…about the Ice Cream Man he and his mother met by chance at Sky Harbor one day…and that it impacts his child the same way it did me. As I waited for Greg’s arrival, I reminisced about the first time Donna and I went

out for dinner and cocktails in the Cadillac STS we had a number of years ago. It was a cool evening, and she looked devastating in one of those little black dresses you hear so much about. It was our first car with electric seat warmers, and I secretly turned on the one in her passenger seat to see her reaction. A few minutes later, with a funny look on her face, she said, I think I need to tinkle. When I confessed that it was probably the heater in the seat that was giving her the sensation, she gave me a different kind of look, but laughed and enjoyed my prank. I thought of this, as it was another example that has illustrated to me that things aren’t always what they seem to be. I had first thought seeing this mother and son at the airport was a chance meeting. I realized it was actually the Holy Spirit whispering to my heart. Thank you, Lord, I’ll be listening more intently!

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

Little things can count big when it comes to your money.

One of my favorite books is Spring on an Arctic Island, by Katharine Scherman. If I remember correctly, my dad bought it as a Book of the Month® club offering when I was in grade school. Published in 1956, the author describes a summer trip she made to Bylot

Island in the Canadian Eastern Arctic, 450 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Accompanied by her husband and a team of professional and amateur scientists, Scherman spent six weeks on the island, observing animals and plants and learning the arctic tundra way of life from the natives and settlers who lived there year-round. It’s a wonderful story that continues to entertain me. I have the book on my office shelf right now, and have read it about five or six times, most recently just last year.

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In an interesting chapter, Scherman wrote about the importance of lemmings, those little rodents that are often disparaged as ignorant animals that will follow each other over a cliff to their deaths. The author described how the little lemmings are actually at the pinnacle of ecological importance in the arctic. She wrote how the lemmings’ burrows aerate the wet tundra soil, how their droppings transfer vegetable matter from place to place, and how the edges of their burrow holes attract mosses to grow there (the mosses trap moisture that encourages the growth of grasses and other plants). She wrote about the food chain and how snowy owls, ravens, jaegers, and hawks depend on the lemming for food, and how the arctic fox population ebbs and flows with the numbers of lemmings from year to year. Scherman explained that when the lemmings were few in number, foxes migrated to other areas to find food, which left the natives fewer foxes to catch in their traps, which meant fewer pelts to use in trade at the Hudson’s Bay Company store. With little to trade, many natives exceeded their credit limits at the store, which led to serious financial problems. “The lemming is the god of the arctic,” Scherman wrote, “the helpless, maladjusted, nervous, frightened, persecuted deity, to which all life on the tundra must bow.” Her point, of course, was that the tiny lemming – an animal about the size of a house mouse – had a huge impact on the ecology and economy of the area. I don’t think about lemmings a lot, but I do spend quite a bit of time thinking about the things that most people should be doing to work toward the goal of achieving financial security. Some of them are small things, some are not. However, they are all simple to implement, and they can add up mightily, similar to the little things lemmings do to keep the arctic tundra thriving and in balance. Consider the following ideas:

1) Establish a savings account for emergencies. I read an article in April that shocked the heck out of me. The article1 mentioned a survey that had been carried out by the Federal Reserve Board which found that, of the people questioned, 47% could not put their hands on $400 in cash to pay for an emergency. That has the makings of a national crisis. One of the foundations of financial security for a family is to have a cash emergency fund. Before you think about investing money for the future, set

aside a little now for those pesky emergencies that pop up all of a sudden. If you save just $25 a week (and don’t spend it), you’ll have that $400 bucks in no time.

2) Start saving for retirement now. Here’s how a little thing can make a big difference. You invest $150 per month in a tax-deferred account (after you have built up your emergency fund) and increase that amount by 5% each year. In year one, you’re investing $1,800, year two, $1,890, year three. $1,984.50 – you get the idea. You’re 30 years old and you have 35 years to make this work. Let’s assume a hypothetical average rate of return of 8%. In the end, you’re looking at a pot of money with (potentially) $600,000 in it.2 It’s not a fortune, but it’s not small potatoes, either. The numbers are even better if you have a lump sum to start with. Does this sound like something you could do? Call me, and I’ll get you started.

3)Take care of your family with life insurance and protect your income with disability insurance. If you have a spouse or children at home, you need life insurance, and as much as you can get. Term insurance can be inexpensive for many people. Likewise, if your family depends on your salary, you need disability insurance to make sure your income continues if you can’t work. Everything stops if you don’t have money coming in. Disability coverage is not cheap like life insurance, but it’s affordable for many people. I’m happy to help you evaluate your insurance needs. Just call me, and I’ll do it for free. Don’t leave this to chance.

4)Start dealing with the impact of income taxes on your retirement money now, because if you wait, it will be too late. It’s difficult to imagine how taxes might be lower in the future, so you should prepare now. Whether it’s a Roth IRA, cash value life insurance, or a currently-taxable investment account, my bet is that there’s a strategy that can help you deal with the specter of rising tax rates that could make your retirement income plan look pretty dismal. I can’t tell you how many times someone has come in and said, “I want you to help me avoid paying taxes on all of this money I’ve been investing.” Sadly, my answer typically is that we’ve met 30 years too late, because the damage has already been done. The time to deal with future tax issues is now, and little steps can make a big difference later. Call me. Just like the impact of those tiny lemmings on the ecology and people of the arctic that Katharine Scherman wrote about in her book, you can take little steps that could have a big impact on your financial security. Call me today to get started. I’M NOW ON THE RADIO! Listen for my advertisement on The Bridge Radio, 88.7FM http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/05/my-secretshame/476415/

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

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PIROGUE RACES MORE THAN JUST RACING

BAYOU COMPETITION CREATES MEMORIES THAT LAST FOR DECADES Always held the first Sunday of June, the annual Bayou Liberty Pirogue Races unofficially kick off the summer season each year with a uniquely South Louisiana flair. True, competitors race for prizes and annual bragging rights while raising money for a good cause, but the event primarily exists to create lasting memories of a fun event for the entire family. Everyone who ever attended the races or participated in any way can remember things that will always stand out in their minds. We can’t document all of those memories, but I asked a few Slidellians to share some of their favorite experiences. For me, a memory stands out of NOT attending the races. One year, I wanted to race a wooden pirogue I had recently built. Trying to avoid the crowded parking along Bayou Liberty Road, I launched my brandnew boat at my aunt’s house on the bayou. By car, I could drive from her house to the Bayou Liberty Bridge in minutes. I didn’t figure in the speed of a car on a highway versus the speed of me paddling a heavy plywood pirogue around all the twists and turns on the bayou in the heat of a Slidell summer while 26

distracted by fish striking constantly among the lily pads growing along the shoreline! In short, I paddled, paddled and paddled, but never came close to the race venue. Finally, I decided to fish instead. Phil Galatas, a renowned Slidell artist, has never raced either. However, he has been involved in the races one way or another for many years. Frequently, he designs and paints the posters advertising the races. “It’s a huge family event,” Phil remarked. “We’ve had races every year since 1951, except for 2006 and 2007 right after Hurricane Katrina hit when everything was still torn up and people were trying to get their lives back to normal. After the storm, it was also a safety issue because we didn’t know what was in the water. The races resumed in 2008 when things were starting to return to normal.” The races began more than six decades ago when a group of men associated with St. Genevieve’s Catholic Church wanted to raise money for a new church building. They heard about pirogues races being held in Lafitte about 60 miles south of Slidell on the Barataria Waterway. They all loved

PHOTOS & STORY BY JOHN N. FELSHER

paddling on Bayou Liberty, plus hunting and fishing in the area wetlands, and wanted to hold a fun event. The idea of racing pirogues appealed to them, giving birth to the Bayou Liberty Pirogue Races. The races still raise money for the church and the Bayou Liberty Civic Club, which sponsors such programs as youth baseball and football and distributes presents to children during the holidays. The first races on Bayou Liberty took place in June 1951. In that event, Pete Syrenet won, followed by Dave Pichon in second. Pichon, who was 66 years old at the time, outpaddled his grandsons, Troy Holden who placed third and 17-yearold Armand “Junior” Pichon. Junior finished fourth in that inaugural year. “All the men around here used to paddle just about every day,” explained Mike Pichon, Junior’s son. “My family has been involved in the races since 1951. My dad was one of the founders. It’s an all-day event and people come from all over to participate and watch. It’s really fun to get out there and watch people race, especially the little kids. We give prizes to everyone who races.” Junior Pichon owned Pichon’s Grocery, a Bayou Liberty Road landmark for decades, before he passed away in 2012. For many years, he served as the master of ceremonies for the races, a position now held by his son. In 2014, the group decided to honor Junior for his lifetime of dedicated service to the event and the area. “Junior had the voice and the experience,” remembered Phil, Junior’s cousin. “He raced when he was younger. His daddy raced and built boats. Some people still use boats he made. In 2014, it rained. That kept a lot of people away, but the sun came out later in the day. I had the honor of paddling my pirogue just by myself in honor of Junior Pichon and Julius “Juju” Pichon, who had also passed away. Juju was my first cousin and very close to me. He helped me get started in my art business. It wasn’t a race. It was just me making a pass in my pirogue in their honor.” Over the years, the races grew into one of the most significant Northshore summer social events. Now, the event features competition in many different types of paddle craft with some races for men, some for women and some just for children. Racers must paddle a designated course on Bayou Liberty, round one or more buoys and return to the finish line in the quickest time. Race courses vary in length for each specific event, but most adults paddle about two to three miles per race. People may also enter some more lighthearted events, such as the Yankee race, held strictly for people born north of the Mason-Dixon Line. One of the most popular events, the blindfold race, features paddlers wearing bags over their heads attempting to race 50 yards along the bayou and navigate around a buoy without seeing it. Some people compete in long, sleek racing boats designed only for competition. Racing boats generally measure about 20-25 feet long and no wider than 18 inches. Others compete in work boats, wider, heavier pirogues used throughout the year for hunting, fishing and trapping. Often home-built, work boats can stretch no longer than 16 feet long, but typically measure about 14 feet long. People can also race in canoes or kayaks. While the races exist mainly just for fun, some people really take winning seriously. A friendly, although intense, rivalry

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“People would come from all over,” Phil recalled. “A lot of people came from Lafitte because that was the only other place that had pirogue races. There was quite a bit of competition between the Slidell boys and the Lafitte boys. They were serious about it and would practice all year long.” One of the people who came from Lafitte to race in Slidell each year, Malcolm LeBlanc, won about 10 times on Bayou Liberty. He entered his first race in 1957. At one point, he won three years in a row. He competed in his last Slidell event in 2008 at the age of 70. “When I was young and in shape, it was a lot of fun, especially when I was in front of everyone else,” LeBlanc quipped. “Preparing for the races back then, I paddled four miles a day every day for 45 straight days. I didn’t want anybody to beat me. In 1961, I entered the work boat and race boat races and won two races on the same day. One other time, we went up the bayou and came back. My brother was in first place and I was in second by about half-a-pirogue length when this old man came up behind us. He passed both of us. When we got down to the last buoy, my brother caught up to him. I was about 500 to 600 feet behind. I started catching up and beat him by half a pirogue. That liked to killed me. When I got back, talk about tired!” Some Slidellians also went to Lafitte to compete against their nautical rivals. Junior’ cousin, Frank, and some other men headed down to Lafitte one year to defend the honor of their hometown.

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“There was always quite a rivalry between the Lafitte racers and the Slidell racers,” Frank remembered. “Some Slidell people always went down there to race and some of their people came up to Slidell to race each year. The course is a little longer in Lafitte. This one guy from Lafitte used to beat everyone when he came to town to race. That guy from Lafitte passed me up like he was in a skiff with an outboard motor. We made a lot of friends and looked forward to seeing each other every year, but it was a rivalry. We’d meet up at the pirogue races, either here or in Lafitte, and have a nice day.” Frank’s family lived in the Bayou Liberty area since the late 1700s. The family received a Spanish land grant when what became the state of Louisiana existed as a Spanish colony. Some streets, including Dubee Pena Road right by St. Genevieve Catholic Church, honor the Pena family.

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“I was born and raised on Bayou Liberty,” said Frank, now in his 80s. “Dubee Pena was my daddy’s brother. My daddy, Joseph Frank Pena, Sr, made his living as a trapper, fisherman and crabber in the bayou. He also worked at Slidell Junior High for quite a few years. I remember when Bayou Liberty Road was nothing but a gravel road. Back when I was growing up, there wasn’t anything out there. We used to run up and down the road barefooted. One year, they came and blacktopped it. We got that blacktop on our bare feet. I’ll never forget that!” Frank began racing pirogues in his early teens. The Pena Boys - Frank Junior, Mike, Bill and Mark - all used the pirogue while growing up on the bayou. Their dad built a 12-foot long working pirogue for trapping and fishing.

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“The boat was green and built out of half-inch cypress strips,” Frank explained. “We called that boat Lucky. We didn’t have to worry about caulking it. All we had to do was submerge it in the water for about two weeks and it swoll up. We kept it at my grandpa’s house half a block from the Bayou Liberty bridge. My brothers and I were always on the bayou fishing out of that boat. We used to paddle that pirogue from the house on Bayou Liberty all the way out to Lake Pontchartrain. It took about 2.5 hours to do that. And then we had to paddle it back!” The Pena Boys competed in various racing events, often with Lucky, over the years. Frank came in third one year. One time, they didn’t get as far as Lake Pontchartrain – or even finish as high as third place. That year, Frank and Mike, a rather large man at the time, decided to enter the two-man race against about 10 other crews. Frank took the rear position in the boat while Mike sat in the bow.

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“We lined up at the starting line,” Frank related. “My brother weighed about 280 pounds. I put him in the front and that was a big mistake! After about three or four hard pulls away from the starting line, that boat went down like a submarine. We pulled the boat to the bank, bailed it out and started again. We had to do that about four times. We went all the way to the end of the course and back because we had to finish the race to get a prize. While we were paddling, they started more races. Two races later, we finally crossed the finish line and got a standing ovation.” While watching the competitions and cheering for their favorite competitors, enthusiasts on land can sample gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice or other South Louisiana delicacies, plus traditional hamburgers, hot dogs,

Whether proclaimed the racing champion, “King of the Pirogue Races,” or someone who just wants to sit and watch the festivities, the Bayou Liberty Pirogue Races have provided incredible family fun and created wonderful memories for so many people over the decades.

The Bayou Liberty community long predates Slidell

Bayou Boys: Micky Fandal, Grant Pichon, Bennie Galatas, Billy Pena, Forrest Pichon, Gene Nunez, Wilfred Galatas, Mike Pena, Dudley Smith, Wesley Galatas, Leonard Galatas, and Harold McIntyre (Regal Beer salesman)

snowballs and other treats. People can also participate in raffles and silent auctions or peruse the display booths while listening to live music. Others, particularly youngsters, enjoy playing various carnival games. “It was always a big fun event with lots of music and great food,” Phil advised. “One game I particularly liked to play when I was a kid was knocking over cigarette packs with popguns. Anyone who knocked off a pack of cigarettes would win the pack. As kids, we’d sell the cigarettes to guys who smoked. We used the money to play more games like throwing baseballs at milk bottles. If we knocked over the bottles, we’d win money. We’d used that money to go back and win more cigarettes to sell. My cousin and I were baseball pitchers, so we’d work the whole circuit. With the money we made, we could eat and play games all day long.”

Phil enjoyed another memorable experience in 1991. Although born in Slidell, he planned to move to Nebraska later that summer and eventually lived there for 13 years before returning home. Before he moved to the Great Plains, he attended one more bayou event – and received quite a surprise! Without his knowledge, the event organizers proclaimed him the Pirogue King as the event began that year. “We went to the races about three months before we moved,” he remembered. “My daughters were 14 and 18 years old at the time. They had paddled in work boats, but had never been in a racing boat before. The 14-year-old won the girls championship. The 18-year-old, who was really more of a landlubber, came in third in the women’s championship. That was a special year. Without knowing anything about it, they announced me as the king of the races.”

As early as 1700, 18 years before a tiny cluster of log huts called New Orleans rose from a swamp along the Mississippi River, a priest became one of the first Europeans to visit what became St. Tammany Parish. Father DuRu, a Jesuit missionary who sailed with Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville on his second voyage to the Louisiana Colony he founded, walked overland from Bay St. Louis to cross Pearl River and visit Indian villages along the bayous on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain. In the 1780s, Esteban Rodríguez Miró, governor of the Spanish colony of Louisiana, awarded vast land grants north of Lake Pontchartrain to settlers. After the French Revolution erupted near the end of the 18th century, members of the Cousin Family arrived in what was called Bonfouca after an Indian chief who lived in the area. They settled on extensive land grants stretching all the way to present-day Mandeville. In 1852, Antole Cousin built a brick church for her family on the banks of Bayou Liberty decades before Slidell existed. The family named it for St. Genevieve in honor of Antole’s mother. Two years later, she built a rectory about 50 feet from the brick chapel on the bayou to give visiting priests a place to stay as they made their rounds through the parish. The historic church remains a very active place of worship as well as the centerpiece of the community existing along Bayou Liberty today.

Writer & Photographer, John Felsher, at the 2015 Pirogue Races

Slidell Family Dentistry With combined experience of well over three decades, Dr. David J. Hildebrandt and Dr. Ian J. Landesman have helped their patients with just about every dental issue imaginable. “We offer comprehensive dentistry, everything from cavities, to Invisalign for braces, to oral surgery, to removing wisdom teeth. We see patients from two years old to 102 years old,” Dr. Hildebrandt said. “We practice excellent dentistry, but gentle dentistry.” Part of that constant striving for excellence came when the LSU Dental School graduates (and HUGE fans) moved their office from their previous location of twenty-plus years, to their current office complex, located at 1430 Old Spanish Trail. “The old office flooded three times over the years. So, we moved just down the street and built up in the air,” Dr. Hildebrandt said. “We love the building and so do our patients.” With covered parking below, cars are kept cool during the hot days, and patients stay dry during the rainy days. Another part of their motto of “Excellent, Gentle Dentistry” is providing patients with the most state-of-the-art technology in dental care, to reduce or even REMOVE the pain often associated with going to the dentist. Slidell Family Dentistry is one of the first in Slidell to offer LASER TREATMENT for their patients. Dr. Hildebrandt gets excited talking about the positive impact that lasers are having on his patient care. “Lasers have been around for awhile, but they were soft tissue lasers; meaning they could cut on the gum tissue but they couldn’t really cut on the tooth too effectively. This new laser does everything – it can cut on a tooth just like a drill can. The neat thing about the laser is that it doesn’t generate heat. A drill revolves at 400,000 rpms, very, very fast. That’s why we have to put water on the tooth to cool it down, and anesthetic to numb the tooth because the heat would irritate the pulp and that’s what causes the pain.”

“Now,” Dr. Hildebrandt smiles, “We have lasers. They generate no heat.” Lasers use something called ablation to simply eliminate the cavity in the tooth. “It just turns it into fumes. Many times we can do treatment without anesthetic, because it does it so painlessly. Deeper cavities we may have to numb you up some; but with regular cavities, we just take out the laser and, moments later, it’s gone.”

in and clean it, and sew the gum back on. It was very painful and the success rate was not predictable.”

The laser can be used for everything in dentistry and, because of their comprehensive practice, this has proven to be extremely helpful. “We use the laser for root canals because now we can clean out the tooth better than we ever could before. We use it for gum treatment and people that have gum disease. That’s the main reason we bought the laser. It has completely revolutionized how we treat gum disease.” Dr. Hildebrandt explains, “A person with gum disease has their gums pulling away and they lose bone around their teeth. Without treatment, they’d lose their teeth to gum disease. The old way of treatment was to literally take a knife and cut away the gum, go

With new technology and little or no pain, laser treatment must be expensive, right? Dr. Hildebrandt smiles, “It’s actually a lot LESS expensive for gum treatment. For all other dental procedures, the cost is the same. Plus, there’s no post-operative soreness like the old way. It’s amazing what the laser can do.”

The new laser technology has changed all of that. “The laser wows us with the results. We used to tell people that, once you lost bone, that’s it, you’re never going to get it back again. Now, with the laser, we are actually seeing people grow bone back. It’s amazing.”

Most of the time, he adds, laser dental treatments don’t even require a shot to numb the area. This is especially helpful when treating children. “We call the laser our “lightsaber” with the kids. We tell the kids, ‘We’re going to use this lightsaber to get the cavity bugs out of your mouth,’ and they think it’s so cool and don’t feel any pain. We make it fun for them.” Slidell Family Dentistry is leading the way in excellent, gentle dentistry for your whole family. Call for your appointment today!

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I Work T! U U U O O OO There comes a time when you can no longer make excuses for getting back in shape. But if you need to, I have plenty. We have been donating to the same gym now for longer than I’d like to admit. Maybe it’s time to actually PARTICIPATE? With summer here, I’d really like to go somewhere other than my backyard to swim and layout. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very happy to have it, but I long for the confidence to get in a bikini in front of the general public again. I need a good sense of achievement in the heath area... Been slacking in that department for way too long.

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It’s pretty bad when none of your bathing suits fit, or even MATCH, straps are missing from the tops, a cute tight butt is missing from the bottoms, and my “Mom pooch” pokes out too much under what my kids call, my “chubby six-pack”. And let’s be real, tanning makes us FEEL skinnier, but you can only bake a muffin top for so long. It’s not gonna burn away.

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I’m not as healthy as I used to be, and my 30’s are almost over, so if I don’t get in shape now, it will only get more difficult to do. They say the hardest step is the FIRST STEP. Just walk in the gym and get started! I did JUST THAT, and now I’m on day FOUR! This is how it went… DAY 1: New adventure! Getting fit! I arrive with small towel, headphones, not-so-cute workout clothes, and a slight hangover. I randomly decide it is leg day and make the choice of doing squats and elevated lunges. Lots of them. Too many of them. Veins are popping out of my head, I feel a muscle pull in the back of my knee, sweat is dripping down my forehead… and that’s just from watching the girl next to me workout. I hadn’t even started yet. After a water break and 15 minutes of stretch texting, I decided to get started. I’m not sure what was more embarrassing, the God awful view of me in the squat position in every mirror at every angle, or after, wobbling across the dreaded free weight section like an Oompa Loompa with a massive hemorrhoid. Next was abs. Goal: Not to die. I found a familiar crunch machine and sat down on it. I was a little nervous at how weak that area would be. I started with 20lbs. Couldn’t move it. I lowered it to 10lbs, still wouldn’t move. Then I took the pin out all together and the damn thing still wouldn’t budge! Really? Have I let myself go THAT BAD? No. I was just pushing on the part that doesn’t move. Because it was the BICEP machine. As I changed my workout to biceps to avoid any embarrassment, I looked around the gym. I started becoming so envious of flat stomachs and toned arms that I spent way too much time working my biceps, taking out my frustrations because of how out of shape I let myself become. I moved on to the cardio area and climbed up onto an elliptical trainer/stair stepper thing. It’s supposed to go up and down, then front to back, all in one graceful, sweeping motion using arm/leg coordination. I looked about as graceful as a zombie from “The Walking Dead” fighting the Oompa Loompa with a massive hemorrhoid. And a hangover. Finally getting the hang of it, I go to turn my music on for some motivation only to find that my phone was dead and my ear buds were missing the buds. I settled with shoving the hard plastic bits in my ears out of sheer desperation and found 2 channels that worked. My choices were a person speaking in Spanish with loud bursts of static,

or Neil Diamond singing his greatest hits. Neil won. But not by much. Day 2: HOLY. HELL. I tried to sit on the toilet three times. Couldn’t squat. I just hovered, and hoped to make it in. Noonish: I’m cleaning the toilet Afternoon: Back to the gym! I’ve been drinking a lot more water lately. Go me! I also make a shake from the 10 pound container of protein I purchased. Gettin’ PUMPED! Halfway through my workout I begin feeling abdominal cramps. I had no choice but to pass gas. I didn’t realize it would be the smelliest fart in the history of farts. I leave the gym immediately. Note: Discontinue protein shakes. I arrive at home and fall face first on the couch. I wasn’t moving. For like a week. One hour later: I’m moving. Remembered my daughter’s practice 5k that I promised to run with her 2 nights 34

before, when I had that bottle of wine. Not sounding like such a great idea now. I told my son I loved him when I limped out the door, in case I didn’t make it back alive. He seemed very concerned when he answered, “huh?” while staring deeply into the TV. Evening: I survived the run. Not sure if the people down wind of us did though. Day 3: Advil. Lots of it. My legs are worse. I don’t even know how that is possible. And I apparently have bicep muscles underneath the flab because if anyone so much as blows on them, I have threatened to kick them - once I can move my legs. And can get out of the bed. There are also scratches in my ear holes. My fingers and toes feel pretty good though. Day 4: The toilet is as clean as it has ever been, which is good, because now I can sit on it. I’ve started adding wine to my water and gave my son all the protein. I’m starting the think

the backyard isn’t such a bad idea, it’s actually REALLY comfortable and cozy. And good family time. Also, I was thinking my truck might not start today, no particular reason why, but even if it does, what if it breaks down in the middle of the road… right next to a murderer? And the people that don’t have food and clean water? HOW can I think about going to the gym with THAT going on in the world! There could be an avalanche! Well, not here, BUT SOMEWHERE! How selfish would I be not thinking of all the snow skiers and eskimos! And NEIL DIAMOND… Yeah, I better not risk it. I’ll start again Monday. Next Monday. A Monday. REAL soon. Just gotta get past that first step. It’s the hardest part.

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The NFL Draft has been over for a month now and the Saints have at least five new bodies to occupy jerseys this summer. Guys that will come in, win games, and help us to hoist the Lombardi Trophy again! If only it were that easy. We all know that is the main reason for the jobs that football players apply for. But, being a professional athlete is so much more than playing a game. Until the day when robots are charging up and down the football field (when BreesBot 2000 walks the field, watch out!), the sport will always have another side that we don’t always see on Sundays. The side I am talking about, the human side, is when players get off the green and show who they really are. The Saints seem intent now on drafting men who want to show the best of themselves off the field as much as on it. All of the guys

drafted seem to WANT to be here. And yes, EVERY draftee says they want to be drafted where they were actually drafted. But this batch seems a little different, a little more sincere. It’s as if they understand the community and the team that they have been drafted to. They understand that it’s not just a game they are getting to play, but a community they get to interact with. I am excited to get to know them better, and since you are reading this article, you lucky dog, you are too! First, though, a word on character. You know what I hated about the Saints releasing Marques Colston? Not that he was our best receiver in team history, or that it made one less reliable target for Drew Brees to lock onto, or even that he was a phenomenal player. He was

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a great person, that’s why. He was very into the community, very supportive of New Orleans, and the perfect example of what you want in the locker room. His demeanor, always described as quiet and self-reserved, made him a respected member with his teammates and coaching staff. Character, such an underrated part of a sport dominated by results-driven decision-making, is what makes me hopeful for the future of football and for what sports leaders can bring to the communities they play in. I am encouraged when I hear stories of how players give their time and effort to not only help win games on the football field, but to help build up the cities around

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When I first heard about the Saints drafting Michael Thomas, the nephew of NFL great Keyshawn Johnson, in the second round, I was less interested in his uncle or his college history and more interested in his reaction to being drafted by the Saints. He wanted to be here. Like, REALLY wanted to be here. He is excited about the team and trying to fill the shoes of Marques Colston. He fell in love with New Orleans the last

that field. It’s all too easy to get lost in the party-side of New Orleans, or to get caught up in the fame of being a star athlete, and neglect their opportunity to affect change in their community. No one can replace Marques Colston. But, if I were to try to find someone that could remind fans of Marques’s reserved personality, they need look no further than Sheldon Rankins, the

Saints first round draft pick this year. His former coaches rave not only about his versatility as a defensive lineman, but his dedication to the sport with a laser focus, his quiet leadership in the locker room, and his character outside of it. Deciding to stay home from the bright lights and excitement of the NFL Draft 36

to stay with his family speaks to his personality and priorities. When asked about his work ethic, he said that his mom is a teacher and his grandparents work hard, so he knows and appreciates the importance of hard work. To me, the most telling part of the whole predraft process concerning Sheldon was that, besides a chat at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine, the Saints didn’t have him in for a visit and didn’t go visit him. Sean Payton said it wasn’t necessary, that they didn’t have any questions that needed answering, on the field or off it. Now, we all know Sean is a shrewd analyst, but only having two meetings to determine the kind of man he was, to me at least, says so much more about just who Sheldon Rankins is. Many analysts said he was a boring pick, one the Saints had to and were expected to make. So what! Maybe boring is the new exciting! Whatever you think of the pick, he will be such an amazing asset on the field and a pillar in the community off of it. His high school coach says it all: “You guys are getting a great, great person. He’s going to immerse himself in that community, and I know he’s going to do great things.”

time he was in town, during the College Football Playoffs in 2015. As a LSU fan, it makes me smile with pride that his first attachment to New Orleans was the game that derailed Alabama’s title hopes. Keyshawn is one of the most personable receivers to become a regular on ESPN, and he has regularly vouched for his nephew’s character. There is no doubt in my mind that he will become a great Saints player for the community to rely on. Vonn Bell, our other second round pick, is another guy that is excited to be

on the team. I know I might sound like a broken record (or maybe it’s just that a pattern is beginning to develop), but what impressed me most about him is his dedication to the team and to the sport. He is thrilled to have a former fellow Buckeye on the team, having also played for Ohio State, but what I

love best is that he loves football and he is going to love his teammates and be there for them. His words, not mine.

five years ago, and he ends up getting drafted by the Saints? All because he “needed a hobby”? His coaches loved him because, as raw as he is, his humble personality helped him to become a respected member at his former college. He’s going to be a fun guy to watch.

Speaking of loving football, the Saints drafted David Onyemata in the fourth round, a guy that didn’t even know what a football WAS fives years ago. I know, I know, this poor soul. Following his sister to Canada to attend school,

Finally, Daniel Lasco, formerly of CalBerkeley, is the Saints seventh round pick. And he kept a secret from the Saints. Fortunately, it’s the kind that Saints fans like to hear: he is a fan. The Houston-native grew up loving the Saints and comes to the team with one goal in mind: make the special teams squad. He is a running back who made an impression on the Saints coaching

the Nigerian born academic decided to try out for a Canadian college’s football team, because he needed a hobby. Little did he know, he would rock the Canadian football world and emerge as the Saints fourth round selection. This guy didn’t even know what football was

staff with his work on special teams as a blocker or defender. He sees this as a blessing, a chance to learn from some of the greats, and a chance to make a difference. The bittersweet problem about finding a gem like Marques Colston is you can’t replace him. He is great for his accomplishments on the field as well as his character off of it. As you move on from a player like that, you can only hope that the team knows how to pick the guys that respect the man he was and aspire to fill his shoes. After this draft, I am confident that Sean and Mickey are building the kind of team that not only wins football games but sets a standard of professionalism and honor that will be the envy of the league. Sheldon, Michael, Vonn, David, and Daniel may not always be cornerstones, or make plays that cement them in the history books, or even be Saints for their full career, but the impression they make on the community as men will be what they are remembered for. I can’t wait to see this new team, and I am even more excited about their future here.

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Running with the Wind

story and photos by Donna Bush

he grew up in Boise Idaho, riding horses bareback, participating in 4H, barrel racing, all kinds of western horsemanship, and rodeo. She showed in several states including Idaho, Oregon and Nevada. Skip ahead to 1997, when friends convinced her to visit New Orleans for vacation. She had no idea where New Orleans was, even where Louisiana was! The flight in to the city took her over Lake Pontchartrain. She didn’t know if it was the ocean, the Gulf of Mexico or a lake! But, she did know there weren’t any mountains here and it wasn’t as cold as Idaho. She had a blast with her friends; fell in love with the southern hospitality, the beauty of New Orleans and the warm weather. Yep! She was hooked. Even the cockroach on a Bourbon Street windowsill didn’t scare her away. Already planning to enroll in nursing school, she applied to Charity School of Nursing, which normally has a 2-3 year wait. She was accepted. That did it. In 1998, she moved to Louisiana and 18 years later, she’s still here. Aubrey Stewart graduated from Charity and went to work full-time while also enrolled in the Herzing University surgical tech program. She dropped out of school with only 1 semester left. She was burned out! One day while taking a body pump class at the gym, her instructor Linda mentioned that she needed someone to exercise her husband’s horse while he recuperated from

knee replacement surgery. No one in class said a word. Afterwards, Aubrey walked up to Linda and told her about her riding background 17 years ago. “I’ll come out and let y’all observe me to see if I’m what you have in mind.” She tacked and saddled Abigail, hopped on her back and took her for a ride around the ring. In no time, Linda and Aaron knew Aubrey was the girl to take care of their Abigail. And Aubrey was back on a horse, as smitten with them now as she was when a young girl. During Aubrey’s childhood and teenage riding years, no matter what happened - whether she was thrown while riding bareback or stepped on by her horse - she never gave up. She’d come in and get her Dad to bandage her up, all the time saying, “Don’t put away my horse, Dad! I’m goin’ back out!” Horses were definitely a passion for young Aubrey and even more so now for adult Aubrey and her husband of 9 years, Tommy Fasola. In addition to exercising Abigail, Aubrey began teaching Tommy how to ride and care for horses. He grew up in Kenner and maybe rode a horse once at age 17 on a Picayune trail ride. That experience was pleasant on the ride to the stream for lunch, but for the ride back, “that horse took off like a bat out of hell, just trying to get back to the barn!” he laughed.

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One evening after time at the Aberdeen stables, Aubrey tolds Tommy, “We need to start looking for a horse trailer.” His response, “Are you crazy? We don’t even own a horse!” Aubrey – “I’ve got a gut feeling!” A few days later, as Aubrey was exercising Abigail, Linda began to tell her about a beautiful palomino-colored quarter horse draft,

named Barack that was being mistreated by his owner. The horse was sent to a horrible trainer who beat him. Upon his return, the owner left him boarded in his stall at Aberdeen for 9 months, starving and mistreated. The Aberdeen stable owners confiscated the horse to pay for back charges. As soon as Aubrey saw him, she knew he was the perfect horse. She went home and told Tommy, “We have a horse! I knew we needed a horse trailer!” They traded Linda and Aaron an old goosenecked trailer for Barack, now named Beaux. Poor Beaux had such horrible memories from his prior owner that he would charge anyone who called him Barack or if his old owner came anywhere near him. Tommy credits Beaux with hooking him on horses. “His gentle, loving disposition, despite all the hardships he endured, won me over.” While Beaux was off for training, they found Red, owned by Aubrey’s friend Trish. Aubrey felt Red would be the ideal horse for Tommy to ride. Tommy says that when he is stressed or can’t sleep, he goes out to the barn and sits in the stall with Red, who snuggles up to him and lays his head in Tommy’s lap. True unconditional love. Tommy’s t-shirt sums it up with a photo of a horse along with the saying, “My Therapist Lives in a Barn”. One afternoon, they noticed two horses at Aberdeen that they had never seen before. Thinking they were new transfers, they asked about their background. Turned out they had been there for years but were terribly neglected by their owners. Luckily for Brownie and Tilley, Aubrey and Tommy took them in, nursed them back to health and then re-homed them to good and loving homes. They have strict requirements for 39

anyone that takes one of their rescues. No barbed wire fencing. The horses must have a stall or a run-in shed, and surprise visits are not out of the question. They don’t want one of their rescue horses ever neglected or abused again. From Beaux and Red, they added Taco, Ike and Buddy. Buddy wasn’t abused. His owner was dying of cancer and unable to adequately care for him. While Buddy was well-fed, other key needs such as foot care and shots were overlooked. He found a good home when he moved in with Aubrey and Tommy! Ike, a Louisiana thoroughbred once run under the name ‘Striking Ike,’ came from the Avondale area where he was badly mistreated by a stable owner who took money, hay and feed from Ike’s owner who worked off-shore. Ike’s owner, Brandon, brought 30 bales of hay, numerous sacks of feed and more than enough money to care for his horse while he was away for 2 months. When he came back in town, he wanted to see his horse but the stable owner always had some excuse - that it was too muddy or he was unavailable. After this occurred multiple times, Brandon contacted his vet, Dr. Lindsay Herzog, who went to the stables and demanded to see Ike. She received the same excuses. She threatened to contact Jefferson Parish Animal Control and the Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office and ultimately did. Ike was so weak he could not stand under his own power and his feet were abscessed. Lindsay began treatment. When she received a call from someone saying there were people in Ike’s stall with syringes, she knew it was time to intercede. With permission from JPSO and Animal Control, Ike was moved to the care of Aubrey and Tommy. Brandon paid for all of his treatment and blood work required to press charges against the stable owner. Charges are currently pending. In January of this year, Brandon asked Aubrey and Tommy to officially adopt Ike as theirs. Another successful rescue!

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By this time, it was apparent that they were destined to rescue horses. Aubrey’s boss knew of an abandoned house and barn in Slidell that would be perfect for their expanding ambition. It took him time to convince Aubrey that they should take a look at the place, but once they did, there was no going back!

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Even though the property and buildings had sat vacant and padlocked for four years, it was easy to see the potential it possessed. A 6-stall barn, housing a Brazilian teak-lined wash rack, tack room, bathroom, and hay stall on 35 acres, plus a house! But wait, there’s more. There are four pastures fenced with oilrig piping, 2 run-in sheds, a lighted arena, a pond, and a stream complete with city drainage, all behind a gated fence. It didn’t take Aubrey and Tommy long to make their decision. Purchased in July of 2013, they moved in October, after taking time to bush hog enough of the grounds to house their current horses, Beaux, Red, Taco, Ike and Buddy. In April of 2015, they officially formed Wind Dancer Ranch Equine Rescue Service, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to make each rescue feel safe and loved allowing them to once again trust. They also own Wind Dancer Ranch, a horse sanctuary formed in 2012, providing horse boarding and training utilizing the Clinton Anderson Method (Downunder Horsemanship). They hope the Ranch will

provide helpful income to fund more horse rescues. Plans are to add a 20-stall barn in the future. Even though the mission is horse rescue, every resident animal has been saved. This includes three donkeys – Matilda, Rambo, and Jack; 3 cats – Grayson, Sammy and Hope; and 2 dogs – Jake and Max. Each of the animals has their own unique story. Only one is a female, Matilda - a sweet, loving donkey who wants to be in the mix of everything, including my photo session! Thirty-one year old stallion, Cajun, is truly a sanctuary horse. He has his own pasture with his best friend, Jack the donkey. He is arthritic and has no back teeth to chew alfalfa or hay. Each day he gets joint vitamins and a mush of alfalfa pellets mixed with warm water.

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Max, the MinPin Chihuahua mix, was dumped on the property before they moved in. Aubrey showed up one day to work on the ranch and caught a glimpse of something small and brown as it ran out of the barn. Upon investigation, they found Max, who quickly stole their hearts with his charm and personality. They put up flyers and asked neighbors but no one claimed him. He had found his home! Then came Jake, a full-blooded German Sheppard who was on a California euthanasia list. Aubrey couldn’t bear to see him put down. She called and had him pulled from the list. A volunteer housed Jake for weeks until he could be placed on a ‘Paws without Borders’ transport. He had been so abused and mistreated that he would only cower with his tail between his legs anytime anyone looked at him, came near him or spoke to him. Eventually he was won over and now he and Max are the best of friends, keeping everyone else in line. Rescue operations are in full swing. The latest, as of February, is a horse now named Lucky who was dumped on a levee in Gramercy, abandoned and starving. St. James Parish detectives investigated, notifying the Louisiana Humane Society, who contacted Wind Dancer and Aubrey. She, Tommy, and their vet, Dr. Lindsay Herzog of Covington, rushed to Lucky’s aid. St. James Parish detective Billy Jordan named the 17-year old registered quarter horse Lucky and asked Aubrey if they could keep his name and of course, they did!

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He was appropriately named. When found, he was in a mud pit and unable to get up on his own. None of his rescuers thought he would make it. He was in terrible shape - skin and bones with lacerations covering his legs. Hardly able to stand, Lucky was so weak that he would lie down and not be able to get up by himself. Aubrey and Tommy, along with their ranch hand, Nick, had to use a tractor with a strap on it to lift Lucky back to a standing position. Per Aubrey, “This is a long-term case of neglect and abuse. A horse doesn’t get this skinny overnight. Lucky is definitely a fighter and a survivor!” Lindsay warned, “Y’all can’t keep picking him up with the tractor. It’s time to make the call and put him down.” They hired a backhoe to dig a hole large enough. Doc Lindsay showed up, but wanted to draw blood first to check for any infectious diseases, which could be a critical risk if any of the other horses were exposed. Aubrey never stopped praying. After the blood was drawn, Lindsay prepared to

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This series of photos chronicals Lucky’s journey and Wind Dancer’s mission, starting with the day he was found, to his arrival at his new home at Wind Dancer, to his current condition - 250 lbs heavier - and his new life with friends at Wind Dancer

give Lucky the final injections when, out of the blue, a thunderstorm passed right over Lucky and nowhere else. The spit of rain startled him and he jumped to his feet. The miracle Aubrey had been praying for! Lindsay said, “I can’t put him down. But we need to get him to LSU.” He was administered an IV bag of fluids and the same feed/care he had been receiving from Aubrey. However, he never laid down. After 3 days, he returned to Wind Dancer, able to stand up on his own. When I last visited Lucky he had been at Wind Dancer for 9 weeks and gained 250 pounds. BUT, he needs to gain another 500 pounds to be healthy. This just gives you some idea of how malnourished this baby was. Lucky was also suffering from rain rot, or

“streptothricosis”. The organism that causes rain rot appears and multiplies in warm, damp conditions where high temperature and high humidity are present. It is characterized by the formation of crusty scabs, which peel off along with clumps of hair, leaving bare spots on the skin. The bacterial spores that produce this disease cannot penetrate a healthy horse’s natural skin barrier unless the skin experiences trauma (such as a wound, scrape or abrasion), insect bites, or excess moisture on the skin strips away its normal layer of protective oils. Treatment requires antifungal shampoo with an iodine scrub. Lucky has had two treatments, with probably six to go. He doesn’t enjoy the baths necessary to rid him of rain rot, but

his coat is showing the benefits of his care. During this same visit, I was fortunate enough to watch Lucky run for the first time since he has been at Wind Dancer! It was early morning, right after all the horses enjoyed breakfast and were turned out to pasture. The other horses normally run out after breakfast to frolic and have fun. For the first time ever, Lucky joined in on the excitement. He ran, ran, and ran enjoying the camaraderie with his buddies. It was an emotional moment for everyone. The harsh reality of Aubrey and Tommy’s horse rescue and rehab is more than the inhumane treatment of these majestic animals. It’s financial. It is not cheap to rehab a rescue horse. They’ve already spent over $4000 on Lucky, and he’s thousands more dollars away from being completely healthy. Aubrey estimates that it costs roughly $10,000 to bring a horse back. They require 3 meals a day, plus hay and alfalfa available 24/7, and constant attention. When Lucky first arrived, they woke up around the clock, checking on him. His condition was a direct result of neglect, lack of grooming, and malnutrition. A Go Fund Me account has been set up to receive donations to help with his care and recovery. Please visit the Facebook page dedicated to helping Lucky and all of the rescue horses: Wind Dancer Ranch Equine Rescue Service. There is an ongoing investigation by St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Humane Society to press charges against whoever did this to Lucky. The reward has been increased from $500 to $1500. If you have any information, the Humane Society may be contacted at 1-888-6HUMANE.

Please help spread the word about this wonderful rescue organization and ranch where you can take riding lessons, board your horses or sponsor a rescue. Aubrey and Tommy live a dream to care for every animal they encounter. There are numerous organizations that care for cats and dogs, but how many do you know that rescue horses, donkeys, whatever? Both of them love and support their horses

and other animals with every fiber of their being. Aubrey confides, “They come first! I’d love to have my hair colored professionally, but it comes out of a $9.95 box instead. Because that’s $85 more I can give to my babies!” Tommy and Aubrey sacrifice, love, and cry for the animals they feel they are blessed to care for. They tell me with tears in their eyes, “There are so many horses out there that need help and we want to bring them here. But we just can’t afford

any more right now. We want to help them, but we need help to do it.” We are truly lucky to have such caring animal heroes were right here in Slidell. Yep! “My Therapist Lives in a Barn!” TO HELP WITH LUCKY’S RECOVERY, VISIT THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE: Wind Dancer Ranch Equine Rescue Service

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