Sophisticated Woman Magazine
By Women. For Women. Inspiring Women.
Publisher Barbara Edwards Doyle
Editor Maureen O'Brien
Graphic Design Chris Gracia, Brad Growden
Contributing Writers Kim Bergeron, Maureen O'Brien, Erin M. Cowser
Account Executives Michelle Plaisance-Billiot, Maureen O'Brien
Contributing Photographers Chuck Billiot, Linda Larkin, Michelle Plaisance-Billiot, Joel Treadwell
Distribution Manager Anthony Figaro
Distribution for Rouses Danny Sunseri
Cover Photography
Chuck Billiot Photography chuckbilliot.com
Behind the Scenes
Our
Enterprising Women
Photo Shoot With Joan Coffman
The Sophisticated Woman team coordinated the photo shoot for this issue’s Enterprising Woman, Joan Coffman. Joan's hair and makeup were done by Courtney Calamusa with The Ritual Company Spa & Salon. Joan's photoshoot took place at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. Read more about Joan on page 20.
Contributors
Sophisticated Woman Magazine
200 Greenleaves Boulevard, Unit 4 Mandeville, LA 70448
Phone: 985-893-7350
e-mail: info@sophisticatedwoman.com website: SophisticatedWoman.com
©2024 Sophisticated Woman Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. Views expressed are not necessarily shared by the publisher or staff of this publication. Please mail comments or submit articles and photographs to the above address.
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Chuck Billiot, owner of Billiot Photography and Video, is a Certified Professional Photographer in Mandeville. Chuck is a veteran Navy photographer who specializes in weddings and events. He has photographed over 2000 weddings since starting his business 28 years ago.
Erin Cowser is a collaboration, communications, and legislative affairs strategist with experience in the higher education, non-profit and government sectors. She serves on the boards of several organizations and philanthropies. Writing is the creative escape for this Tangipahoa resident whose most important role will always be mom of Eliza Kate.
Kim Bergeron, APR, is an independent advertising and public relations specialist and event producer. She's the founder of Northshore Cultural Economy Coalition and the Krewe of Black & Gold. Her passion is advocacy for the celebration and support of arts and artists. Kim holds a BFA from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Heidi Heyns,a globe-trotting journalist and voice talent, weaves verbal fun from Hong Kong to California. Her writing and radio narratives, rich with emotion and humor, capture life's zest from beneath her signature cowboy hat,
As we approach Thanksgiving, I can’t help but reflect on my many blessings.
Here are but a few of the things I am so very thankful to have as a part of my life.
T Time spent with family, friends and doing what I love.
H Health, one of life’s greatest blessings.
A Accomplishments, both professional and personal.
N Neighbors, at home and work, a source of support and strength.
K Kindness, which I am blessed to have surrounding me regularly.
F Faith, which is one of the most important things in my life.
U Unity in my family, friends, organizations and community.
L Love of God, family and friends.
My prayer is that every reader of this magazine is blessed with a beautiful, memorable and safe Thanksgiving Day and week.
Psalm 7:17 – Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
Barbara Edwards Doyle
Northshore Senior Living W
Aging is an inevitable part of life, and many need specialized services as they get older. In our November issue, we highlight senior care services and options for families and their loved ones.
From senior housing and healthcare to legal services and pre-planning, the Northshore has everything seniors need to be happy, healthy and active.
Common Estate Planning Myths – Busted!
We work hard to create a better and stable future for our family. Still, sometimes we believe some of the below, estate planning myths.
Myth 1: If I am not overly wealthy, I do not need an Estate Plan.
Estate planning does not solely minimize estate taxes and transfer wealth. Rather, estate planning can: 1) insure you gift property to intended beneficiaries, as default law may not match your intentions, 2) address contingency situations, 3) alleviate burdens and conflict among family members, and 4) appoint Trustees and Guardians for children or beneficiaries with special needs.
Myth 2: I am young. I do not need an Estate Plan. Younger parents can be most in need of an estate plan. For example, planning can address issues such as guardianship of minor children and the management of a minor child’s inheritance with a Trustee appointment and a Testamentary Trust.
Myth 3: I cannot control what happens after I have passed.
Estate planning is not only planning for passing, but also, it includes planning for long term care and end of life decisions. An accident or illness could impede your ability to handle normal affairs, such as expenses, taxes, or insurance; investments; legal matters; and healthcare decisions. Without proper planning, your family members could be forced to use an interdiction proceeding, an expensive legal process where a Judge must determine incapacity and appoint a guardian.
While estate planning can require difficult decisions, it also provides valuable peace of mind.
Christie Tournet, Attorney
Christie Tournet & Associates
985-951-2177 • www.tournetlaw.com
DynamicDiva
Demo Diva's Alyssa Wernet
WRITTEN BY ERIN M. COWSER PHOTOS BY PAIGE HENDERSON
Since joining the Demo Diva team 10 years ago, Alyssa Wernet has helped the demolition company expand across the Gulf Coast and triple its business in the dumpster division. President and CEO Simone Bruni is now proud to promote Wernet as the company’s first-ever vice president.
“Behind every overly imaginative entrepreneur is a realist, a strong sounding board who holds the boundary lines. And, behind every good woman, is an even better woman. This is Alyssa,” said Bruni.
Over the years Wernet rose from marketing assistant to director of operations, overseeing the company’s finances, sales, business development and more. She laughed when sharing that Bruni’s nickname for her is “The Glue,” stating that she’s the one who keeps things together so the company can continue to move forward and achieve its productivity goals.
Beyond her invaluable work performance, Bruni points to Wernet’s faith as equally impressive. “Her strongest asset to our team is in the moments when she leads our staff meetings in prayer,” she said. “She thanks the Lord for the jobs we are awarded, and she even thanks Him for the jobs we did not get.” How fitting for a company that prides itself on “offering strength wrapped in compassion to its residential, commercial, and industrial customers.”
Wernet began her work with Bruni as an intern while completing her studies at Tulane University. She looks forward to one day returning the favor as a mentor to others, aiming to be as gracious as Bruni was with her.
“The next generation needs to know that you absolutely can be successful in your career, nurture your family and also be a light in your community,” Wernet said. “It may not always be easy, but through grace and hard work, it can be done.”
Wernet’s passion is mirrored in Demo Diva’s corporate ideals that entail a passion for life, people, and reinvesting in the communities it serves. While the company built its brand identity around bright pink demolition equipment and dumpsters in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, it now stands as a woman-owned powerhouse.
Since its start nearly 20 years ago, Demo Diva has cleared away thousands of flooded and blighted homes and grown into a multi-million dollar industrial, commercial, and residential demolition business that stretches across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. The company continues to hold true to its core tenets of hope, service, and trust.
You Night 2024 SheROSE Cancer Survivor Runway Show Raises Over $275,000
On Saturday, October 5th, 2024, the Castine Center in Mandeville was transformed into a floral wonderland for the annual You Night SheROSE Cancer Survivor Runway Show and Celebration, which raised over $275,000 over the course of the year. Proceeds provide yearround essential mental health services and emotional support to women diagnosed with cancer through You Night’s unique and empowering programs.
The gala, which was attended by 550 guests, was a celebration of resilience, courage, and community, featuring an inspiring runway show of over 50 past graduates of You Night’s programs and 18 members of the Class of 2024. Among this year's participants was the first You Night member to grace the runway in a wheelchair, demonstrating that cancer survivors of all abilities have the power to shine.
The gala’s Title Sponsor, Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, set the tone in the Castine
Center’s lobby which was adorned in floral for the night’s “SheRose” theme. Guests were greeted by the Krewe des Fleurs, who brought the flower theme to life with their stunning costumes, while the runway was set against a backdrop of large LED screens with YOU NIGHT branding, courtesy of See-Hear Productions.
The night featured moving speeches from Lisa McKenzie, founder of You Night Empowering Events, and inspiring testimonies from cancer survivors, including Becky Gilbert, a graduate of the Class of 2016, and Jill Allender, a Class of 2023 graduate and 2024 Team Leader. Other notable speakers included Dr. Christopher Trahan, Title Sponsor with the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, Michael Holmes of Capitol Imaging Services, and many distinguished doctors from the local cancer care community.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Since its inception, You Night has offered cancer survivors the opportunity to rediscover their
beauty, strength, and joy through a sisterhood of support. The annual SheROSE runway show is the culmination of months of empowerment programs, including the therapeutic art experience ScART and the transformative Story Crafting small group sessions. Thousands of women have participated, making You Night one of the largest cancer survivor sisterhoods in the country.
SheROSE
Cancer Survivor Runway Show
You Night helps women find a sisterhood of support and a path forward after a cancer diagnosis. Known as the “You Night Sisterhood,” we use our empowering platform to share journeys, provide hope and inspire others. We also offer valuable information and resources to those newly diagnosed.
In 2013, You Night established the “We Lift You Up Fund” to focus on a critical aspect often overlooked – emotional healing. Hearing the words “You have Cancer,” can be a terrifying and confusing experience. You Night’s year-round programs provide a supportive sisterhood for women from all walks of life and every type of cancer, offering them tools for emotional resilience and better living.
To date, over 600 women have joined the You Night Sisterhood locally, with hundreds more benefiting from our programs across the Greater New Orleans area and beyond. The You Night Gala is an annual fundraiser that helps fund these services for this sisterhood and recovery program.
Never underestimate the power of hope.
It’s been 19 years since Slidell took a direct hit from Hurricane Katrina, leaving more than 40 percent of the city under water and damaging more than 90 percent of the city’s homes and businesses. The normally vibrant, green city was blanketed in a monotone-grey mud that dried into crackled mosaics, eerily representative of the multitude of shattered lives and a broken community.
At the City of Slidell’s Public Operations Center, one of few municipal buildings that survived the storm, recovery workers and teams of volunteers gathered every morning for progress updates. At the time, the damage seemed insurmountable.
Three weeks after Katrina’s wrath, workers were advised that another massive storm, Hurricane Rita, was in the Gulf of Mexico and it may be headed toward the Greater New Orleans area. Spirits plummeted. But it was then that hope arrived, in the form of a box of colorful, hand-drawn cards from students in Lunenburg, Massachusetts.
Kim Bergeron, who at the time was the city’s media specialist, taped the cards to walls and doors throughout the Public Ops building, in the hopes that the uplifting messages of love and support would lift the spirits of weary workers. It worked, boosting morale at a time such was desperately needed.
Though nearly two decades have passed
Paying students’ kindness forward with Cards of Compassion Crayons, Markers and Messages of Hope
since that box arrived, the impact still remains with those who embraced the optimism contained in those colorful cards. The experience inspired Bergeron to create an ongoing post-disaster initiative, Cards of Compassion SOS. The all-volunteer grassroots effort has collected and distributed cards to communities impacted by flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes, and is continuing these efforts for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Joining Bergeron in these efforts is Robin Marquez, who understands the impact the cards can have on recipients—she still treasures the one she and her children received from a family in Texas following Hurricane Katrina.
The team is committed to paying it forward with the Cards of Compassion project, knowing that the messages have the power to lift spirits, even if only for a few minutes, for those who need it most. The project is rooted in social media, and this year has expanded its reach to other states. At present, that includes participation by people in Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Kansas, Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, California, Ohio, Indiana, and of course, Louisiana--15 states in all--who have already sent cards or advised that such are in the works for inclusion in upcoming relief shipments. Another local effort, St. Tammany Gives Back, has added
WRITTEN BY KIM BERGERON
the packs of cards in its deliveries to impacted areas. Additionally, Rotary Club of Slidell North Shore is reaching out to Rotary Clubs in impacted areas, seeking partners to receive and distribute cards in their communities. The Cards of Compassion project will continue in the months, ensuring that those navigating the long roads to recovery know they are not forgotten.
In addition to the many cards received from students, the Cards of Compassion team is encouraging scout troops, social and civic organizations, book clubs, Mardi Gras Krewes and more to create cards or write notes of encouragement for inclusion in these efforts.
Cards can be mailed or delivered to E.C.O. Builders, Inc., 2990 Gause Blvd., Slidell, LA 70461, Peggy Newcomb c/o Latter & Blum, 1400 Gause Blvd., Slidell, LA 70458 or Arena Collective, 132 Terrabella Blvd., Covington, LA 70433. Additional drop off locations are anticipated, and a running list is pinned to the CardsOfCompassionSOS Facebook page. Organizations in impacted areas wishing to receive shipments of cards can send messages via that page as well.
Collectively, Cards of Compassion and those who participate in the effort are touching the lives of those for whom the rebuilding of spirits is as vital as the rebuilding of their homes and businesses. It’s all happening, one day at a time. One card at a time.
Joan Coffman
WRITTEN BY ERIN M. COWSER PHOTOS BY CHUCK BILLIOT
PRESIDENT AND CEO
ST. TAMMANY HEALTH SYSTEM
It started in 1954 as the hospital just around the corner. In the 70 years since, it has grown to become a wide-ranging, multi-disciplinary nonprofit healthcare organization. Yet, despite the wealth of change it has witnessed, St. Tammany Health System has managed to remain true to the guiding principles on which it was founded, which are encapsulated in what it defines today as its Culture of Caring. It’s a 70-year tradition health system President and CEO Joan Coffman says she is honored to shepherd into the next 70 years.
“When you look at it, it really is an impressive balance our colleagues and medical staff have achieved,” Coffman said. “St. Tammany Health System started as a community-based, 30-room country hospital, founded by the very community we serve. We haven’t lost sight of that, even as our commitment to our community has demanded we grow to keep up with the local population and lead the way with the latest technological advances. But even with all that growth, and that evolution into a modern health system, our colleagues have continued to place our neighbors and their needs of our community at the center of everything we do. I honestly think that’s the secret to our many successes.”
She would know. Coffman began her healthcare career as a radiologic technologist at the health system’s flagship St. Tammany Parish Hospital.
In 2018, she returned home to lead STHS after serving as president and CEO of Hospital Sisters
Health System - St. Mary’s Hospital in Illinois. Her experience in healthcare administration began as president and CEO of the multi-specialty physician Louisiana Clinic in New Orleans. She was also hands-on with patients as assistant administrator for Tenet Health System when Hurricane Katrina made landfall, flooding Lindy Boggs Medical Center. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of New Orleans and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Fittingly, given the family-friendly nature of the Northshore communities the St. Tammany Health System serves, her own family had a huge impact on her career trajectory. “Mom was a registered nurse, and Daddy was an entrepreneur,” Coffman said. “So, Mom gave me the desire to enter healthcare, and Daddy gave me the vision to really experience the business side of things. In my career, I’ve been able to marry the two. Never in a million years did I dream that, as an X-ray tech many years ago, I would come back to lead such a wonderful organization.”
When asked about her leadership style, Coffman couldn’t help but first praise her team before talking about her own approach. “I am surrounded by people who put their patients’ needs above their own. They are true servant leaders,” she said. “My style is to embody servant leadership with gratitude in my heart and to put the needs of others first, always. I wake up every day with a goal of being a leader that can engage, inspire and shape other leaders to lead
a life of service to others.”
Coffman said she is enormously grateful for the joy and responsibility that comes with overseeing the system as it celebrates its 70th anniversary on Dec. 1. “Seventy years since our inception, we remain the most trusted source for healthcare for our community and have truly become a regional destination for healthcare,” she said. “I am humbled and grateful to lead this organization as we reflect upon our first seven decades and envision the next 70 years through our legacy of caring and responsible growth.”
St. Tammany Parish Hospital was a modest 25,000-square-foot, 30-bed facility when its doors first opened. Four years later, it undertook its first expansion. It has continued expanding ever since. Today, the hospital boasts 281 licensed patient beds, with 20-plus satellite locations to boot. Even more impressive, its list of initiatives and programs eclipse its brickand-mortar presence, with the health and well-being of the surrounding community its unwavering goal.
“We strive to bring healthcare directly into our communities,” Coffman said. The 34 specialty centers and clinics found on the STHS website are a testament to that.
The new St. Tammany Academic Center –a partnership between STHS, Southeastern Louisiana University and Northshore Technical Community College – is among several facilities the health system has opened in 2024. It is an education facility focused on continuing
education, workforce development, and career growth and advancement for the Northshore’s next generation of healthcare professionals.
A new St. Tammany Pediatrics clinic and integrated Express Care Kids is another newcomer to the parish’s healthcare scene, expanding local access for Mandeville families.
Also in 2024, Braswell’s Pharmacy – a local fixture since 1981 – was officially welcomed into the STHS fold as the St. Tammany Health System Pharmacy at Braswell’s.
Another recent ribbon cutting hailed the launch of a first-in-the-region Family Medicine Residency program. Housed at a newly opened family medicine clinic in North Covington, the pioneering endeavor is made possible through a partnership between STHS and the Ochsner Family Medicine Residency Program.
All this work has not gone unnoticed. Accolades and honors have been garnered from such organizations as U.S. News & World Report, the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association, Leapfrog, Healthgrades, Quantros and more.
Coffman is quick to again stress that while such recognition is rewarding, the health system’s success is attributable to its workforce and their ability to remain focused on their fundamental goal: serving the needs of the community.
“We remain true to our roots. Whether seven
decades ago, tomorrow or 77 years from now, our paramount priority is connecting with and hearing the voice of the community,” Coffman said. “We will continue to listen to our community constituents and react and respond to what they tell us the needs truly are.” She added that the health system’s values coupled with its vision have helped make St. Tammany Health System a trusted source of care and a regional destination for healthcare.
“I marvel at our team’s dedication and their unwavering drive to strengthen the health of our community with compassion, innovation and partnership – day after day and year after year,” Coffman said. “Our culture is unmatched. The people here are invested in their work and, more importantly, invested in the care of our patients. From the moment you step through the doors of St. Tammany Health System, from the curbside to the bedside, we deliver compassionate, world-class healthcare. I can’t see that ever changing. It’s in our DNA. We are your neighbors and friends who collectively have become embedded in the very fabric of our community. We are St. Tammany.”
STHS will mark its 70 years of meeting the healthcare needs of the region with a 70th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 1, at its flagship St. Tammany Parish Hospital. The public is invited to attend the festivities from 5pm to 8pm.
Cajun Thanksgiving Memories Souvenirs de Thanksgiving Cajun
WRITTEN BY MAUREEN ROBICHAUX O’BRIEN
As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, I decided to look back at Thanksgivings of the past. But Thanksgiving celebrations varied tremendously depending on where you lived. Because of my heritage, I wanted to look at Cajun Thanksgivings that were experienced by my parents, grandparents, and those who lived in Cajun country in the early to middle part of the 20th century.
I first spoke about this to my great-aunt, Arnic Sevin, my grandmother’s sister. To my surprise, she told me that they didn’t even know people were celebrating Thanksgiving until she was a young adult, and that my great grandparents did not have a TV until all their children were grown. She also told me how my great grandmother had an outside oven to bake bread, and recalled the oven was made of mud. Although the family had chickens, cattle and pigs, she said at times they bought some of their meat from the butcher who traveled up and down the bayou in a truck. While many people with larger pieces of property did have gardens and grew their own fruits and vegetables, there was also a bus, or traveling general store. Her family did grow many vegetables and some fruit, but did at times buy items such as fabric by the yard from the man on the bus. While many people got their milk delivered to their homes by the milkman, her family milked their cows and boiled the milk before serving it to the family. When older and married, she bought milk from my great grandfather on the other side of my family.
After the family began celebrating Thanksgiving, multiple generations would enjoy delicious turkey, gumbo and rice, fried yams, dirty rice (rice dressing) with oysters, green beans, potato salad, sweet potato, and tarte a la bouille (custard tart). The tart dough was also used to make cookies. There were so many people at my great grandparents’ house that the men were seated first. When they were finished eating, the children would then be seated. Finally, after cleaning up behind the children, the women had an opportunity to sit down to eat and visit with each other. On Thanksgiving Day, the children would play games such as tag, marbles and jacks, while the adults played cards or sat and visited each other talking about life and politics.
According to my mom’s first cousin, Rena Tauzy, her family finally got to enjoy meat that was not seafood. Growing up in the lower part of Lafourche Parish, she said she had fish, crabs, shrimp, oysters, and crawfish daily. It was a tremendous treat on Thanksgiving to have turkey, and at times, duck for their meal. They also always enjoyed gumbo and rice, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, dirty rice, along with pumpkin and apple pie. Her family always bought fresh French bread from Durene’s bakery in Golden Meadow. So many people who traveled to lower Lafourche and Grand Isle were familiar with the flashing light that meant hot French bread had just come out of the oven. Thanksgiving down the bayou was celebrated with family and friends who sat together enjoying each other's company and conversations, while
the children enjoyed playing. Later as an older child, she recalls that her family were the first to have a TV, and she remembered seeing Kate Smith, known for singing “God Bless America.” After getting the TV, gatherings often ended with everyone watching it at the end of the day.
My brother's mother-in-law, Ann Terrebonne Cheramie, celebrated in the 1940s with up to 15 family members in Golden Meadow. Her grandfather grew all their vegetables, raised chickens and had cattle. Days before Thanksgiving her grandfather and father would travel to the French market in New Orleans to buy crates of fresh fruit and blocks of various cheeses, which was her favorite. Her mother started Thanksgiving dinner preparations at 3:00 AM. They always had chicken and sausage gumbo, turkey, dirty rice, seafood stuffed mirlitons, smothered eggplant with shrimp, and most definitely, homemade French bread with her grandfather's fresh butter. For dessert, her mother would have custard and coconut tarts and German chocolate cake. At the end of the day, they would gather around the family's piano to sing many well-known Cajun French songs.
A few others back home shared what it was like in the past. Susan Serigny’s family joined friends at the hunting and fishing camp for Thanksgiving week when there was no school. The Thanksgiving menu was turkey, which was often fried, oysters, dirty rice, yams, other vegetables, pies and bouille. At some point during the week, the fish were biting and the ducks
were flying, so they had fried fish and roasted duck with white beans. Kind oystermen enabled the shuckers to have some raw goodies also. Pat Blair’s father was born in 1931. His father was a shrimper, but he also hunted. Her dad told her that his family’s holiday meal always included a duck and oyster gumbo. Most Cajun people, especially at that time, enjoyed delicious Thanksgiving meals created by using what they caught, raised or grew.
Cajun families of yesteryear celebrated in different ways with a slight variety to the menu. Cajun people of Lafourche parish always had some traditional menu items, gathered with families and friends at home, and spent the day visiting, focusing on slowing down, enjoying life and each other. Before electronics, the focus was “only” on family, friends and food. It was a simpler time back then. Perhaps it's a great lesson for many of us today.
Dirty Rice
From: Myra Sevin Molaison
1/2 ground pork
1/2 ground beef
8 oz. ground gizzard
1 quart oysters, chopped, save oyster water
2 stalks celery
1 large onion, chopped
2 clusters green onion
Beef or chicken broth
3-5 cups cooked rice, depending on liking
Brown ground beef and pork. Drain fat. Add ground gizzards. Add onion and greens. Saute until vegetable are tender, adding a little broth or oyster water to avoid sticking. When greens are tender, add oysters and season with your favorite seasonings. Stir in cooked rice. Add more oyster water or broth for desired consistency. Remove from heat.
Festive Spirits
Get ready to celebrate the holidays with two delightful drink recipes perfect for cozy gatherings! Don’t miss the Miracle Pop-up at One Thirteen from November 18 through Christmas. This immersive experience transforms the restaurant into a Winter Wonderland, making it the perfect backdrop for your festive spirit! One Thirteen is located at 113 N. Oak St. in Hammond.
Classic Old Fashioned
4 dashes angostura bitters
2 dashes peychaud's bitters
.25 oz simple syrups
In a mixing glass, combine bitters, simple syrup, and your preferred whiskey. Stir with ice, then strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Peel an orange, expressing its oils over the drink and around the rim. Garnish with orange peel and a luxardo cherry.
Gingerbread Espresso Martini
2 oz Vanilla vodka
.5 oz gingerbread
1.5 oz espresso
.75 oz coffee liqueur Splash cream
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Rim a martini glass with icing and festive Christmas sprinkles. Shake well, then strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. Lightly dust the top with cinnamon, and garnish with a gingerbread man.
Jennifer Messina
WRITTEN BY HEIDI HEYNS
As Thanksgiving approaches, I can’t help but reflect on the deep meaning the holiday holds for me. When I think about it, I get emotional— Thanksgiving reminds me of family, love, and a time to give thanks for the blessings in our lives. So it’s fitting that this November, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer Messina, who brings those same values to her work at Habitat for Humanity, where she’s making a real difference in people’s lives by helping provide them with homes for which they can be thankful.
Jennifer’s role at Habitat for Humanity isn’t just a job—it’s a passion project that she pours her heart into every day. Over the years, Habitat for Humanity has built homes for families across St. Tammany Parish, and Jennifer has been a driving force behind many of these efforts. “It’s about more than just building homes,” she told me. “It’s about building communities, giving people a foundation to thrive, and helping families who have been through tough times find stability.”
When I spoke with Jennifer, she was on her way to surprise the construction workers at a build site. I had assumed that Habitat for Humanity homes were built entirely by volunteers, but Jennifer quickly corrected me. “Our houses are constructed by skilled, OSHAcertified construction workers,” she explained. “What’s extraordinary is that these professionals also take the time to educate volunteers—many of whom have never set foot on a construction site before. It requires patience, kindness, and thoroughness to guide them.”
As she spoke about Habitat’s mission, it
Building Homes and Communities with Heart
reminded me of my own past working with nonprofits and in the Girl Scouts, where I also witnessed the power of building a community. Jennifer’s passion for her work, and how she described it as more than just a job, really resonated with me. Like her, I’ve always felt that working on something bigger than yourself gives the work deeper meaning. I felt a connection during our conversation—like we share a similar drive to make a positive impact.
Jennifer’s energy was contagious, especially when she shared how the timing of our conversation was magical. The night before, she had hosted a Women Build fundraiser, an event that brings women together to empower them through construction and community-building. This particular build was for a single mother and her six-year-old son. “It’s rare that the family can attend these events, but they were there last night, and it was incredible,” Jennifer said. “The little boy has such an old soul. At one point, he said, ‘Nobody’s going to mess with my room. I love my room.’ It was a Kleenex-for-all kind of night.”
The presence of the family at the fundraiser reinforced for Jennifer why she does this work. “When families move into their Habitat homes, it’s not just about having a roof over their heads. It changes everything. Test scores for kids improve. They escape cycles of poverty or abusive situations. They find a sense of stability they’ve never known before.” Hearing the single mother talk about her new home and watching her light up the room filled Jennifer with joy. “It was truly special. The room was filled with love.”
Jennifer had previously shared that she’s especially excited about future projects aimed at expanding Habitat’s reach in the community. Her vision is to grow partnerships with local businesses and volunteers, which will allow them to build more homes and help even more families in need. “We’ve already been able to maintain a consistent number of builds each year, but there’s so much more we can do,” she said. “I’d love to see us increase the number of houses we build annually and involve even more community members in the process.”
Jennifer’s journey with Habitat for Humanity started in 2009 when she attended a Women Build kickoff event in Mandeville. The energy in the room, the homebuyers, and the way Habitat was transforming the community drew her in immediately. She started out as a volunteer
coordinator, and now, 15 years later, she’s the Vice President of Development for Habitat St. Tammany West.
Through her work, Jennifer has seen firsthand how stable housing can transform lives—especially for children. “Children who grow up in secure, stable homes tend to do better in school and have more positive outlooks on life,” she said. “It’s a powerful thing to see a family thrive when they finally have a place to call their own.”
As Jennifer and I continued our conversation, it became clear that her passion for helping others is at the core of everything she does. Whether it’s coordinating volunteers, planning fundraisers, or educating the community about the importance of affordable housing, Jennifer is dedicated to making a lasting impact. “For me, it’s all about understanding and engaging with the people we serve. I love what I do because every day I get to see the tangible difference we’re making in people’s lives.”
This November, as we gather around our own tables for Thanksgiving, it’s worth reflecting on the work of people like Jennifer Messina—people who are giving others something to be truly thankful for: a home, a future, and a chance to thrive.
Josh Allison Standing Up for Law and Order
“Things are reaching a boiling point in Saint Tammany Parish. Most citizens have no idea yet. I feel it’s my responsibility to talk about it, both as a local attorney and local Republican party elected official.” Josh Allison is a local attorney based out of St. Tammany Parish with a robust practice concentrating in the areas of business, family and personal injury litigation. He is also an elected Republican Party official having served as the most recent chairman of the St. Tammany Parish Republican Party. He certainly
is not shy about taking a conservative stance on many local issues. The issue at the center of his current campaign to “Fund Law and Order” stems from a lack of funding that he considers a threat to our society. “In April of 2022, St. Tammany Parish voters rejected a proposed parish-wide tax promoted by the late District Attorney, Warren Montgomery. The tax was widely supported by Parish-wide Republican political leadership, but ultimately rejected by the voters.” That tax was proposed by the DA to support the office’s
WRITTEN BY JAN WINDHORST
PHOTOS BY CHUCK BILLIOT
Criminal Division, which prosecutes all felony and misdemeanor cases, traffic citations and juvenile matters before the 22nd Judicial District Court. “The compounding effect of that vote is that the DA’s office has had to do more with less, and it has severely limited their ability to operate.”
Allison says that regularly working in the court system gives him an insider’s perspective into the problem. “I’m in front of judges and hearing officers almost every day. I see first-hand how an underfunded court system is destabilizing to our community. I can also attest that all of our judges are upstanding and hardworking. We have fine judges. St. Tammany Parish Family Court has outstanding leadership in Judges Oppenheim and Amaker and Commissioner Anderson –some of best in Louisiana. Our domestic hearing officers cannot be thanked enough for the hard work they do in service to our community, day in and day out. I’m truly honored to work with them. But I also know they can only do so much to move cases forward with dwindling resources.”
Bringing the budget back into the news was the recent ruling in favor of St. Tammany Parish Government in the legal matter involving the 22nd Judicial District Court’s Budget with more trials scheduled in the coming months related to the budget requests of the District Attorney’s office, the Sheriff’s office for the Parish’s Correctional Facility operations and maintenance, and the City Court of East St. Tammany. Allison predicts, “At some point, I imagine there will be a ballot proposition to fund the court system, which may include the DA’s office. St. Tammany Parish voters should know that even with my Republican preference for lower taxes, those of us with a working knowledge of the court system would support that tax because it is well managed from a fiscal standpoint and supports the ultimate goal of promoting and maintaining law and order in our Parish.”
Allison adds that while most people don’t
need the court system most of the time, almost everyone needs it at some time. “Three ways that the speed and quality of the justice system affect our quality of lives and community are: one, when you or a family member need protection from domestic violence and need an emergency order of protection when safety is at stake; two, when children need a judicial order when their welfare is at stake and their court date is months away; and three, when either a victim of a crime or those falsely accused of a crime are waiting to get their day in court. Without accessibility to the power of the court, even if you aren’t currently involved in a case, you are affected by the degradation of the society around you. That’s a lot to think about next time you’re in the voting booth deciding which way to cast your ballot.”
A keen interest in St. Tammany history and the
lessons it teaches was spurred on by a Christmas present from Allison’s brother. “There’s a fascinating book called Pistols and Politics by famed Louisiana historian Samual C. Hyde that documents many of the reasons for the notorious lawlessness of the Florida Parishes a century ago. One of those was simply a lack of judges in the area to issue orders and to see those orders enforced. Violence and lawlessness reigned. Bloody family feuds and militia groups were rampant. That all changed when the Louisiana legislature began to allocate sufficient funding to maintain a stronger justice system. Quality of life and population increased afterwards. Of course, we’ve come a long way since then and our circumstances are different, but it illustrates that through history, the seeds of chaos are sown when government cannot or will not keep up
with the judicial needs of its community – when law and order is simply not present. There will always be times where people need the power of a judge through the issuance of court orders. I see it every day. When society does not prioritize that anymore, we will experience rapid decline. My law firm and I commit ourselves wholeheartedly to every case, whether it’s a successful business defending frivolous litigation, a single parent seeking the court’s protection and guidance, or someone who deserves justice against another for breaking the law. We work passionately for every single client so that we can insulate them from the current budget constraints that slow down the processes outside of our control. But we as a community still need to wake up to the bigger picture and together decide what we will do to solve these problems. I feel I have no choice but to bring attention to this issue I deal with every day and urge people to see the importance of prioritizing and funding law and order. It has taken generations to build our justice system here in St. Tammany. Let’s keep it strong as St. Tammany grows.”
Joshua D. Allison, A Professional Law Corporation has offices at 207 E. Gibson Street in Covington, 506 Water Street in Madisonville and 1203 Main Street in Franklinton. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 985-302-5630 or visit allisonlawcorp.com. LA-24-17730
A Soldier’s Journey Home leads to Pearl River
Non-profit builds mortgage-free home for local wounded veteran
WRITTEN BY KIM BERGERON
It’s been said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. But in the case of soldiers injured in combat, sometimes the journey of a new life begins with a dozen days, courtesy of A Soldier’s Journey Home.
With a team of more than 150 volunteers from 22 states—primarily active and retired firefighters and veterans—the nonprofit foundation builds homes for soldiers seriously injured in combat. Though the actual builds are completed in just 12 days, the extensive groundwork is laid in the year leading up to the build. Every year, prospective home recipients are extensively vetted, followed by meetings with the selected homeowner-to-be. The organization then works with all of the necessary local agencies to obtain the home lot and required permits, line up all of the necessary resources and build the teams that will work with A Soldier’s Journey Home volunteers to complete the construction. When the final nail is driven and the last shingle placed, the veteran is handed keys to a mortgage-free, fully furnished and beautifully landscaped home, often specially adapted to accommodate the recipient’s individual needs.
One of the founding members of A Soldier’s Journey Home is now-retired St. Tammany Fire Protection
District 1 Captain Eric Abney, who was inspired to launch the foundation after working with New York firefighters who were looking for a way to “pay it forward” for all of the kindness shown to them after 9/11. Abney joined a group of the NY firefighters when they came to Louisiana to help the family of a four-year-old child who had been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, necessitating the need for a “clean room” addition to the family home. Abney found the experience so rewarding that he joined the NY firefighters on subsequent builds in cities impacted by natural disasters. That team of volunteers always timed their builds around 9/11 in honor of their colleagues who had perished and those who survived the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers, with local contractors in each community completing each of the builds.
Those efforts brought Abney and some of his local colleagues to an Iowa shelter house hit by a tornado, then to a build for a wounded soldier returning from Afghanistan to Georgia. It was then that the Slidell firefighter recognized that this was his calling. He joined forces with some of his fellow volunteers, including St. Bernard firefighter and Slidell resident Sal Cetrone, to establish A Soldier’s Journey Home as a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit, with the goal of completely building one home a year in that 12-day timeline.
“Many of these volunteers are still active duty, and they plan their two-week vacations every year to be part of these builds,” says Britt Bradshaw, co-chair of the organization’s logistics team. “They put in 10 to 14 hour days to build a house for somebody they don’t even know. That says a lot about who they are.”
The organization recently celebrated its tenth anniversary with its tenth build in Pearl River, at which Abney was joined by more of his local firefighter colleagues and law enforcement officers and their family members. The recipient, whose new home was completed in April of this year, was U.S. Army Sgt. Ryan Major.
“He’s an amazing, positive human being who lights up any room he enters,” says Bradshaw. “He put the exclamation point on the entire build!” Major, who has dreams of becoming a paralympian, says words can’t describe how honored he is to have been chosen as a home recipient, and he’s thankful that there are “still people out there who care enough to support a veteran like myself.”
A Soldier’s Journey Home communications director Sharon Holland says that the St. Tammany Parish
community was “truly different, above and beyond anything we have previously experienced.” She says the organization was welcomed with open arms, with people cooking for volunteers, holding fundraisers and donating so generously that the list of credits presented at the home dedication was three pages long.
“Seeing the smiles on the soldiers’ faces is all the thank you we need,” says Abney. “We know that when we hand them the keys to their new homes, we’ll be changing their lives. But truth be told, we receive far more than we give by being part of this experience. It’s hard to put into words the impact this has on each of us.”
Bradshaw likens the annual gatherings to a family reunion. “To be around other people who do the same job you do, whether from a department of 10,000 firefighters or a small local organization, we all face the same challenges, share similar stories and laugh and cry about the same things,” he says. “When we sit around the table and talk, it’s like we have all come home. And when the reunion is over, the veteran has a new home, and we all walk away with full hearts.”
For more information about the foundation, visit ASoldiersJourneyHome.org
Ten Years of Fostering Hope
WRITTEN BY ERIN M. COWSER
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Northshore Enduring Hope (NEH) recently hosted an evening of entertainment and festivities, continuing its tradition of raising much-needed funding for local foster, adoptive, birth and kinship youth and families.
“We are continually blown away by the generosity of our community supporters,” said Doree Kelly, who founded NEH with her husband Robert. “This annual event is our sole fund-raiser, and we couldn’t provide the much-needed services we do without their support.”
With catering donated by Jamie and Jay Clouatre of Trinity Spice Company, the fete featured The Lucky Dogs band live on stage, a silent auction and a wine/gift card pull at Bogue Falaya Hall in Covington. Silent auction items included fine art, handcrafted pottery and woodworking, spa treatments, overnight stays and more.
Funds raised allowed the organization to pay forward the lease of its resource center. In 2023 alone, the center served 2,556 children in the care of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services who were able to access items such as clothing, school uniforms, shoes, toiletries, snacks, school supplies, baby items, including diapers, and even bedding sets.
The Kellys launched the non-profit in 2014 after having been personally involved in the Louisiana foster care system. The Kellys have fostered 19 children and adopted three, creating a family of two sons and three daughters.
The Department of Family Services’ Covington region in which the Northshore sits is made up of the five Florida Parishes. With hundreds of children in foster and DCFS placements, it leads the state in the number of foster children and families. Doree pointed out that while it is good that there are so many
local families willing to take in children, one must also realize that this is an indication of the amount of need and of neglect that so many children on the Northshore face.
“I learned three things quite quickly after we were certified to foster, the first being that the system is broken. Next, we witnessed the enormous need for good quality foster families in our region. And finally, we became acutely aware that the need for resources to help foster families was an even more dire,” said Doree. “Initially we started a support group for foster parents because, quite simply, fostering is not easy.”
With the support group active and engaged, the Kellys soon realized even more help was needed. They then created NEH, a 501c3 non-profit, to raise funds and gather resources for foster families and children. The organization also aims to raise awareness of the opportunities and blessings that fostering offers.
NEH creates bags of essential items to be provided to children immediately when they come into DCFS custody. The organization also maintains Snack Shacks at DCFS offices throughout the region. Children are often hungry when they first come into care, and it often takes hours for their system intake.
“Providing some snacks for them is the least we can do,” Doree said.
The organization holds firm to the Bible passage of 2 Corinthians 9:11 – “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us our generosity will result in Thanksgiving to God.”
“Not everyone can be a foster parent, but everyone can do something to help a child in need,” Doree added.
To find out how to donate or volunteer to help, text 504-339-1382.
w wGiftGuide
1. Gift certificates can be used for waxing treatments, products, and of course, nails! Polish Nail Bar & Boutique, 167 Gateway Dr., Ponchatoula. 985-467-0290.
2. Spa Day with Massage at Cross Gates. Giving your loved one a great day of relaxation! Non-Members welcomed! Spa at Cross Gates, 200 Military Rd., Slidell. 985-214-2922 thespaandlifestylestore.com
3. Tween athletic wear membership. There is also a petite girls version for ages 4-7! Membership only $47. mypetiteandme.com/pages/girl-membership.
4. This top can be purchased online at serenityhomeandgifts.com or at Serenity Home and Gifts inside of Pink Magnolia Marketplace. $39.95 1200 W. Causeway Blvd., Ste. 12, Mandeville. 504-239-0913
5. Beautiful emerald green satin dress that reaches the ankle, which is a stunning choice for various occasions. Asher Reed. Size S thru L. $67. asherreed.com.
6. The “Heart Breaker” wig features a wefted cap, a lace top and 135% density. $1,700. Wigs by Tiffani, 3017 N Causeway Blvd., STE 101, Metairie. wigsbytiffani.com
7. Giddy up! Bring adventure to life with this adorable rocking horse featuring a wagging tail and moving mouth. Galloping sound effects for a fun riding experience. Ages 3-5. $99.99. Bayou Kids, 2385 Gause Blvd E, Ste. 9, Slidell, 985-214-9496. BayouKid.com.
8. Grab a Gift Card for the Holidays! Northshore Dermotology. Locations in Hammond, Madisonville, Slidell and Picayune. 985-792-5959. northshorederm.com
9. As seen in Vogue Magazine. The social pheromone in True Allure plays a large role in all kinds of human behavior. It helps build trust between friends and family members, promotes social bonding, and enhances positive emotions in social and attraction based interactions. $45. 11th.haus
10. What do you get the person that gives so much and asks for nothing in return? The Ritual Company Spa & Salon, 2655 Florida St., Mandeville. 985-7098853. theritualcompany.com
The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, recently hosted their 2024 Northshore Go Red for Women luncheon. Rhonda Eckholdt and Maria Landry served as the community volunteer co-chairwomen of the 2024 Northshore Go Red for Women movement.
The event, locally sponsored by Chevron, featured a stunning fashion spotlight, exciting silent auction, packed social hour with a caricature artist, selfie bot, and much more.
Go Red for Women is a worldwide initiative of the American Heart Association designed to increase heart health awareness and serves as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined, taking the life of one in every three women.
The Northshore Go Red for Women campaign works to promote healthy lifestyles, build
2024 Co-Chairs
Rhonda Eckholdt and Maria Landry.
Above: Angele Darling, Maura Donahue, Scott Discon and Rhonda Alleman.
PHOTOS BY JOEL TREADWELL
awareness for women's heart health, and raise critically needed funds to support research and education initiatives. The luncheon is the culmination of a year long campaign focused on women supporting women and their heart health. We also know that everyone should have the same opportunity to be healthy and happy. We’re working to make that happen here in our homes, neighborhoods and businesses.
Through impactful community outreach opportunities, quarterly networking events, engaging socials, Go Red for Women works to build meaningful relationships across the Northshore area and create a network of change makers who spread awareness of women’s number one killer, heart disease, while also raising funds to increase the Association’s science, research and community-focused work.
For more information, visit heart.org or www.goredforwomen.org.
During the WYES Northshore Lunch & Learn featuring Al Copeland Jr. guests heard about about Al's 40 years as a successful business leader drawing on the mentorship of his late father, Al Copeland, founder of Popeyes. He also shared his passion and dedication to cancer research and the groundbreaking treatments that are saving lives. The luncheon was held on October 1 at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club in Mandeville. Presenting sponsor was LCI Workers' Comp with additional support from Allen-Villere Partners. All proceeds benefitted PBS member station WYES, a vital source of education, information and entertainment — on air and online.
WYES Northshore Lunch & Learn
Featuring Al Copeland Jr.
with with three of their five daughters
Ariel Pierce, Alexandria Rueter, Allison Donnelly; Preston Valois, Caroline France, Michelle Mayne
Dupas, Shelley Winstead; Sponsor
LCI Workers’ Comp representatives
Sara Coulon and Eileen Ordonez
with Al Copeland Jr.; Diane Massa, Dominic Massa, Andrea Comeaux.
Clockwise from top left: Arthur & Sue Hardy, Karen Swensen; Liz and Al Copeland Jr.
Sponsor Allen-Villere Partners with Pierre and Susie Villere with Liz and Al Copeland Jr.
Ribbon Cuttings
St.Tammany Chamber of Commerce Home Furniture Plus Bedding in Covington.
St.Tammany Chamber of Commerce Metairie Bank in Covington.
St.Tammany Chamber of Commerce Integrated Conceirge in Covington.
St.Tammany Chamber of Commerce Little Ceasars in Slidell.
St.Tammany Chamber of Commerce Pac Range in Slidell.
Grand Opening Pink Magnolia Marketplace in Mandeville.
Pink Masquerade at St. Ann Wine Bar
Katie Beaucoudray, Vicky Bayley, Maureen O'Brien and Barbara Doyle.
East St.Tammany Business Alliance Luncheon
Larry Gillio and State Treasurer John Fleming.
Downtown Hammond Develpment District Rebrand Launch Party John Exnicios, Daphne Misuraca and Barbara Doyle.
Real Superheroes of Safe Harbor Gala Chief Randy Fandal, Tommy Williams, Dave Kaufmann and Chris Kaufmann.
Trinity of Fairview Church in Hendersonville, NC
Dawn Glorioso gifted and packed toys to send to the devastated hurricane areas.
Pink Masquerade at St. Ann Wine Bar
Denise Trahan-Gassiot, Pam Whitfield Angelle and Joy Kampen.
November Calendar community
1st-3rd
Festival of the Lake
5:00pm-10:00pm Fri,11:00am-10:00pm Sat, 11:00am-4:00pm Sun, Free Admission
312 Lafitte St., Mandeville (985)626-3144
1st-3rd
Native American Heritage Celebration
Time: Various Daily Free Admission
Bayou Lacombe Museum
6115 St. Mary St., Lacome 2nd-30th
Louisiana Renaissance Festival
Weekends, NOV: 2- 3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 29- 30
9:00am-5:00pm, 46468 River Rd, Hammond, LA
Admission: Adults-$30, Child-$15 2nd
15th Annual Rooftop Rendezvous,
5:30pm-9:30pm, 5th Floor Parking Garage, Slidell Memorial Hospital, 1001 Gause Blvd. 2nd
Healing with Horses Gala
6:00pm-10:00pm,Tickets: $75
Tchefuncte Country Club ,
2 Pine Crest Dr. Covington 2nd
Patriot Pickleball Tournament
7:00am-9:00pm
Coquille Park & Recreation
13505 Highway 1085, Covington
Fees: Early $5 before 5pm Late: $7 after 7pm 2nd
Wings and Wheels
10:00am-4:00pm,
St. Tammany Regional Airport, 25048 Hwy 36, Abita Sprigs 2nd-3rd
Northshore for the Cure
11:00am-7:00pm
Admission:$15 for 11& up, $5 or10 & under
140 E. I-10 Service Rd., Slidell 3rd
Heros Who Cook
4:00pm-7:00pm, $90 person /$900 table of 8 601N. Jefferson Ave., Covington
3rd
Sugar Plum Market
4:00pm-8:00pm
$25 for VIP, General Admit- Free
The Greenwood,75082 LA-25, Covington 6th – 7th Oktoberfest
4:30 pm-8:30 pm
General Admit- Free
Middendorf’s Manchac, 30160 U.S. Hwy 51 8th-9th
All-Star MonsterTruck Show
Fri:5:30pm- 7:30pm,Sat: 11:30am-1pm, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Florida Parishes Arena, 1301 NW Central Ave, Amite
Tickets:Starting at Adults: $19.50, Child: $15 8th
Christwood Holiday Pop up Boutique
11:00am-3:00pm, Free Admission
Christwood Retirement Community, 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington, 8th
Northshore Food Bank’s Pallets w/Purpose 10:00am-5:00pm, Free Admission
Downtown Covington, 200 Block to 600 Block of Columbia Street 9th-10th
Covington Three Rivers Art Festival
10:00am-5:00pm, Free
Downtown Covington, 200- 600 Block of Columbia Street, Covington 9th
Veterans Day Parade & Party
11am-4pm, Free Admission
Mandeville Lakefront
Lakeshore Drive, at Jackson Ave. to Carroll St. 10th
Northshore Community OrchestraVeterans Day Concert
5:00pm-7:00pm, Free Admission
Heritage Park Ampitheater, 1701 Bayou Lane., Slidell 10th
Power of Pearl Lung Cancer Walk
10:00am-:2:00pm
Covington Trailhead Free Admission
Be Well Bus will be offering Lung Cancer Screenings
Music by Tyler Kinchen & The Right Pieces 11:30am-1:30pm
Contact Megan Broussard to Schedule Screenings (985) 871-5864 or Email mbroussard@stph.org
Please Note: All calendar events are subject to change. Call or visit websites for any updated information.
14th
15th Annual Wine & Dine with Hospice
6:00pm to 9:00pm Tickets: $75 person/$75 couple
Covington Country Club,200 Country Club www.wineanddinetickets.com 16th-17th
St.Tammany Collectors Convention
10:30am-5:00pm, Free Kids 12 & Under Pelican Park Castine Center 63350 Pelican Drive, Mandeville 18th
1st Annual Northlake Rotary Golf Classic
8:00am-2:00pm, Beau Chene Country Club 602 N. Beau Chene Dr., Mandeville
EVERY WEDNESDAY
30th
Ugly Sweater Charity Gala
7:00pm to 11:30pm Tickets: TBD
Slidell Auditorium,2056 Second St, Slidell 30th
Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Golf Cart Parade
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Begin: City Hall, 2055 Second Street
End: Griffith Park, 333 Erlanger Street 30th
Olde Towne Slidell Christmas Market
10:00am-5:00pm, Free Admission 1952 First Street, Slidell
Weekly Markets
Covington Farmers Market. 10am–2pm, Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire Street, Covington, CovingtonFarmersMarket.net
EVERY THURSDAY & SATURDAY
Lafitte Street Market. 4–8pm Thursdays, 8am–Noon Saturdays, 698 Lafitte Street, Mandeville, facebook.com/LafitteStreetMarket/
FIRST & THIRD SATURDAY
Pearl River’s Honey Island Art & Farmers Market. 10am–6pm, year round 64378 Highway 41, Pearl River, 985-640-5482 LouisianaLandCan.com
EVERY SATURDAY
The Giddy Up Market. 10am–2pm (weather permitting) Giddy Up Folsom, Live Music from 11am-2pm 82292 LA-25, Folsom, (985) 705-1091, GiddyUpGrounds.com
Camellia City Market. 8am–Noon, rain, or shine 1808 Front Street, Slidell, 985-640-7112, facebook.com/CamelliaCityMarket
Covington Farmers Market. 8am–Noon, 609 N. Columbia Street on side lawn of the Covington Police Department, CovingtonFarmersMarket.net
Hammond Farmers Market. 8am–Noon, corner of #2 W. Thomas Street and 106 N.W. Railroad Avenue, Downtown Hammond, 985-277-5682 dddhammond.com
Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. 9am–1pm, Mandeville Trailhead 675Lafitte St.,Mandeville, 985-624-3147, CityofMandeville.com
EVERY SUNDAY
Abita Springs Art & Farmers Market. 11am–3pm, Abita Trailhead, Drive-thru and pedestrian service, 985-892-0711 ext. 7, market@abitaspringsla.gov
Claiborne Place Makers Market. 10am–2pm, Claiborne Place, 1000 US-190, Covington, facebook.com/ClaibornePlaceMakersMarket
TICKETS
$900/Table$90/Single for 8
*All food & beverages included in ticket price.
Nick & Patrice LaRocca Adam Acquistapace
Sheriff Randy Smith DA Collin Sims Matthew Bernard
Benjamin Richaud Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser Jennifer Nolen & Brian Upshaw
Andy Frisard
Frank Richerand
Shane Venezia Senator Patrick McMath & Rep. Kim Carver
Jared Miguez & John Stephens
Gabe Arnoult & Kevin Alario
Desiree Allums
Senator Beth Mizell & Joan Coffman
