Social Slidell | Inaugural July Issue 2021

SOCIAL JULY 2021

SLIDELL

issue

INAUGURAL

HOLES FOR HOSPICE WISH ENDOWMENT BUBBLY ON THE BAYOU JULY 2021 I 1

2 I SOCIAL SLIDELL

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JULY 2021 I 3

FROM THE EDITOR Hello, Slidell! We are beyond excited to bring to you the inaugural issue of Social Slidell Magazine. Personally, with Slidell being my hometown I am thrilled to share such an amazing product with my hometown. We are a social publication that features the people of our great area along with events and charities that are making an impact in our community. In each issue, you will find extraordinary homes, elegant weddings, charity spotlights, events, and much more!

SOCIAL JULY 2021

SLIDELL

We know that Slidell is all about family and amazing events. So enjoy searching for familiar faces in this issue and watch for our photographers at your next event as we continue to see things starting to open back up.

Thank you, all.

issue

INAUGURAL

Bianca

HOLES FOR HOSPICE WISH ENDOWMENT BUBBLY ON THE BAYOU

On the Cover: Peggy Cromer, Catherine Cooper & Pam Kaufmann

BIANCA BAAS

Editor, Social Slidell

GET SOCIAL WITH US!

Find Social Slidell on your phone, tablet, or computer!

Make sure to subscribe at www.socialslidell.com

WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU SAW A DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE? 4 I SOCIAL SLIDELL

MAK YOUR B E USINES S

P.O.P POWER

OF PRIN

T

POLICE OFFICER TRIBUTE

Theresa Simon STORY COURTESY OF SLIDELL POLICE DEPARTMENT

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Slidell Police Officer Theresa Simon (46-years-old).

Officer Simon was on-duty and suffered, presumably, a massive heart attack. She was rushed to Slidell Memorial Hospital where all possible lifesaving measures were attempted. Officer Simon passed away as a result of her medical emergency.

Officer Simon graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University and earned her degree in Criminal Justice. She began her career with the Slidell Police Department in 2002. Over her career, Officer Simon has been a patrol officer, detective, academy instructor, and a field training officer. Most recently, Officer Simon was assigned as a School Resource Officer at Little Oak Middle School. Just this past week, Officer Simon studied hard and passed her promotional exam for sergeant.

Throughout her career, Officer Simon earned many awards and accommodations for her outstanding law enforcement work. Due to her professionalism, Officer Simon was selected to represent the Slidell Police Department on the former reality TV show, Live PD, an accomplishment to which she was most proud. Officer Simon was loved and well-respected by all.

Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal says, “This is a big loss to our law enforcement family and citizens of Slidell. Officer Simon served and protected this city for over a decade and touched the lives of many. She is married to current Slidell Police Lieutenant Kevin Simon and has two loving sons, ages 2 and 10. Please keep the Simon family in your thoughts and prayers as this will be a very difficult time for them, as well as all of us here at the Slidell Police Department.”

For the last several months, Officer Theresa Simon had been studying for the Slidell Police Department’s sergeant exam, which is a competitive test for promotion. Last Thursday, Officer Simon passed her sergeant’s exam and was set to begin the promotional process. Becoming a sergeant was one of Officer Simon’s big career goals.

“This is a big loss to our law enforcement family and citizens of Slidell.

Officer Simon served and protected this city for over a decade and touched the lives of many."

Chief Randy Fandal granted Officer Simon her last wish, and posthumously promoted her to sergeant. Sergeant Simon is the first female officer (at the Slidell Police Department) to pass the competitive test and to hold the rank of sergeant.

Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal says, “Theresa Simon was a leader at the Slidell Police Department and a true public servant. Her knowledge, professionalism and decade’s worth of law enforcement experience would have made her an outstanding first-line supervisor. It is my privilege and honor to promote her to sergeant. She will forever be remembered as Sergeant Theresa Simon.”

JULY 2021 I 5

VO LU M E 1 · I S S U E 1

PUBLISHER David Renfro MANAGING EDITOR Jen Meadows EDITOR Bianca Baas COPY EDITOR Lana Cagle SALES Bianca Baas | 985.502.6587 Summer Morgan Basile | 318.471.1001 Jen Meadows | 985.687.8980 David Renfro | 731.499.1414 PHOTOGRAPHY Bianca Baas Summer Morgan Basile Jen Meadows STAFF WRITER Liesel Schmidt GRAPHIC DESIGN Kellie Gunderman SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Summer Morgan Basile SOCIAL SLIDELL MAGAZINE www.socialslidell.com

Stay Connected:

@SocialSlidellMag

6 I SOCIAL SLIDELL

@SocialSlidell

Your Doctor. Your Health.

Anywhere.

Virtual or face-to-face care with your doctor, where you need it.

Family Medicine Brian Galofaro, MD Alle Norris, APRN

Orthopaedics Timothy Devraj, MD Ashley Steinhauer, APRN

Colorectal Surgery Kelly Finan, MD

70411 Highway 21, Covington, LA 70433 (985) 400-5566 Internal Medicine and Palliative Care Family Medicine Marie Delvalle-Mahoney, MD Jembber Robinson, MD, PharmD, MBA 1810 Lindberg Drive, Suite 1100, Slidell (985) 646-0945

OLOLPhysicianGroup.com

JULY 2021 I 7

CONTENTS JULY 2021

FEATURES

5 16 27 43 45 48 59

Police Officer Tribute:

5

Theresa Simon

Community Leader: Parish President Mike Cooper

La Belle Maison:

16

The Duhon Family

SuperMom: Stephanie Ruiz

Influencer: Savannah Sushine

Impact and Give Back Ozone Music Education Foundation

43

Bride:

Nikki + Shane Riedie

45

MAINSTAYS

72

New & Noteworthy

48

59

THE VIEWS AND COMMENTS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHORS ARE NOT ALWAYS THAT OF OUR EDITORS OR PUBLISHERS. WHILE EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION IN THE PUBLICATION, SOCIAL SLIDELL ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR RESULTANT CONSEQUENCES, INCLUDING ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE ARISING FROM THE RELIANCE ON INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION. ALL IMAGES CONTAINED IN SOCIAL NSLIDELL MAGAZINE ARE SUBJECT TO THE COPYRIGHT OF SOCIAL SLIDELL, BUT NOT LIMITED THERETO. REPRODUCTION OF ANY PART OF THIS MAGAZINE WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.

SOCIAL LOCAL Krewes

SHOP. EAT. ENJOY.

COMING SOON

8 I SOCIAL SLIDELL

WANT THE

CONFIDENCE

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JULY 2021 I 9

CONTENTS JULY 2021 EVENTS

20

Driving Out Cancer Golf Tournament

24

Bubbly on the Bayou

40

Holes for Hospice

46

Slidell Movie Nights

52

Bushwacker Golf Tournament

55

St. Tammany Chamber's Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon

66 67

Latter & Blum Ribbon Cutting

69

St. Tammany Update with Parish President Mike Cooper

70

Slidell Republican Women's Club

20

24

46

Children’s Wish Endowment Inc. Golf Tournament

52

66

THE VIEWS AND COMMENTS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHORS ARE NOT ALWAYS THAT OF OUR EDITORS OR PUBLISHERS. WHILE EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION IN THE PUBLICATION, SOCIAL SLIDELL ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR RESULTANT CONSEQUENCES, INCLUDING ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE ARISING FROM THE RELIANCE ON INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION. ALL IMAGES CONTAINED IN SOCIAL NSLIDELL MAGAZINE ARE SUBJECT TO THE COPYRIGHT OF SOCIAL SLIDELL, BUT NOT LIMITED THERETO. REPRODUCTION OF ANY PART OF THIS MAGAZINE WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.

COMING SOON TO $OCIAL NORTHSHORE

movers, shakers AND

LOCAL

SHOP. EAT.MAKERS ENJOY. MONEY MEET THE NORTHSHORE’S FINANCE PROFESSIONALS 10 I SOCIAL SLIDELL

PM -B SA E N TU Z R D OF AY CO AU VI G NG US T T ON 21 // 7:

30 PR

ES

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Charity Gala

LINE UP THE PUP-ARAZZI!

Ian Somerhalder, one of Hollywood's hottest actors and ardent animal lovers is hosting this one of a kind fashion show featuring celebrities, philanthropists, athletes, media personalities, veterans and other heroes walking the runway with their dogs or animal shelter dogs up for adoption.

SPONSORSHIPS ARE STILL AVAILABLE! Please visit MuttsToModels.com for additional information on how to be a part of the NorthShore's most extravagent night!

BENEFITING

MUTTSTOMODELS.COM JULY 2021 I 11

JULY events July 9

July 10 & 24

July 24-25

CHRISTMAS IN JULY HOLIDAY LIGHT FUNDRAISER

SLIDELL MOVIE NIGHT

HERPS EXOTIC REPTILE & PET SHOW

8:30pm, Heritage Park

Grab your lawn chairs and picnic blankets 7-11pm, Slidell Municipal Auditorium and head out to Heritage Park this summer Join Keep Slidell Beautiful! Tickets are $80 when the City of Slidell presents Slidell each or two for $150 and include food, Movie Nights on select Saturday evenings open bar and entertainment by Witness. this summer. Admission is free.

Tickets be purchased online via EventBrite. July 10 features Yesterday. July 24 features Ghostbusters.

July 9-25

10am, The Harbor Center

July 10-11

CHRISTMAS IN JULY ARTS & CRAFTS SWEET POTATO QUEENS, THE MUSICAL SHOW

Buy or browse thousands of reptiles, amphibians, inverts, feeders, supplies and 8pm, Cutting Edge Theater, Slidell more in this two day event, July 24-25, Conquille Sports Complex Cutting Edge Theater presents Sweet Potato Steinhauer Productions presents Christmas 2021. Check out the educational section for Queens, The Musical. Sweet Potato Queens in July Arts & Crafts Show at Coquille Park a hands-on experience with some of the is a high-powered musical that tells the and Recreation Center. This two-day, most exotic reptiles and animals on the story of Jill and her closest friends and how indoor show (A/C!) is Christmas-themed planet. This is a HOT show as well, and a they learn to grab life by the sequins, with Santa taking kiddos' wish lists early select number of vendors will have feathers and tiaras to live their lives on their and giving treats. Admission is $5 for ages venomous animals for sale. We'll also have a vew vendors with saltwater fish and coral own terms…as big as a parade!

13 and up, free for age 12 and under. setups! Concessions will be available both Tickets are availablet at www.cuttingedgetheater.com or by days so make a weekend out of it! calling (985) 649-3727.

EVERY SATURDAY

Camellia City Market Griffith Park 8am-12pm

This market is open rain or shine (except extreme weather). You'll find locallygrown vegetables and fruits in season, baked goods, meats, eggs, raw seafood and poultry; preserves such as jellies, spices and sauces; handmade arts and crafts, artisan soaps and spa items; and prepared foods, mobile brick-oven pizza and live music on occasion.

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JULY 2021 I 13

AUGUST

events

August 1 - 31

August 18

TAMMANY TASTE OF SUMMER

FAN UP PEP RALLY LUNCHEON PRESENTED BY SILVER SLIPPER

LouisianaNorthShore.com

St. Tammany Parish businesses are turning up the heat for the 4th year of Tammany Taste of Summer, delivering delicious deals on dining, hotel stays, attractions, and more.

11:30am-1pm, Sadie Jane, Slidell

The Saints 2021 Football Season is almost here! Join the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce at The Sadie Jane in Slidell for the Fan Up Pep Rally Luncheon sponsored by the Silver Slipper. The event features speaker Mike Detillier and ticket includes your chance to win season tickets to the New Orleans Saints' 2021-22 season! $40 for members, $50 for non-members.

SAINTS PRESEASON SCHEDULE

August 26 August 7 COVINGTON ART MARKET 10am-2pm, Lee Lane, Downtown Covington

Join the St. Tammany Art Association for the Covington Art Market. This event is free. The south side of Lee Lane will be open for pedestrian traffic only. The Covington Art Market is a juried market of visual arts and crafts featuring a variety of work by Association members, including jewelry, photography, paintings, woodworking, fiber art and more, to provide exposure and a venue for members to showcase and sell work.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS FAN UP PEP RALLY 4pm, The Harbor Center

Come out for fun and a chance to win season tickets to the New Orleans Saints' 2021-22 season at the Fan Up Pep Rally!

Presented by the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, the Fan Up Pep Rally is the Northshore's largest indoor pep rally celebrating the start of the 2021 Saints Football Season with great food, drinks, music and a chance to win Saints' season tickets... all included with ticket purchase.

TOPS in NORTHSHORE

14 I SOCIAL SLIDELL

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COMMUNITY LEADER

the new social

FEATURING MIKE COOPER, PRESIDENT OF ST. TAMMANY PARISH

STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

W

hen Mike Cooper took on the role of St. Tammany Parish President at the beginning of 2020, he could never have foreseen the events that the nation would soon face. Like any good leader, however, he was ready to meet whatever challenges came his way, ever mindful of the impact his decisions would have on the parish under his watch.

As a nation, we’ve been stalled by COVID-19 and the many ways it has devastated us—whether emotionally, physically, or financially. We’ve been cut off from one another as we practice social distancing, and for such a social community as St. Tammany Parish, the past months have been like a shadow cast over our vibrant spirit. Fortunately, we are working our way back to one another as the community is opening up again; and we look forward to becoming socially active once again.

Naturally, safety is paramount, and Cooper is deeply dedicated to leading the community in his care to a new normal that still allows St. Tammany to thrive. “Social events are part of who we are here in St. Tammany,” he says. “How they will change going forward remains to be seen, but we do know that things will be different. The new norm for social events will be like so many other facets of our lives, and we will adapt and adjust as the situation warrants with the health of our citizens and the health of our economy as our top priorities.”

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- MIKE COOPER JULY 2021 I 17

Shaping it to thrive is incredibly important to Cooper, and he has clear plans for strengthening the parish he has sworn to lead and protect. “My primary role in keeping our parish strong is to lead us forward through times of opportunity as well as through times of challenge,” he says. “We have seen many challenges since I was sworn in; and in those challenges, we’ve also seen many opportunities to grow, adapt, come together, and exercise the innate resiliency at St. Tammany’s core. I will continue to implement my key initiatives: rebuilding trust between Parish Government and St. Tammany citizens, increasing accessibility to elected leaders so that citizens can voice their concerns, streamlining services to increase efficiencies in Parish Government to reduce operating costs, and partnering with local and state leaders on issues that impact citizens including infrastructure and economic development.”

“Our social gatherings are how we celebrate, mourn, and lift each other up in times of need."

For a vibrant and active community like St. Tammany Parish, one of the issues impacting its citizens is the cancellation of the social events that usually keep its calendar filled and many of its organizations funded.

“Many of these social events are organized and planned by our local non-profits and social organizations,“ Cooper explains. “Our social gatherings are how we celebrate, mourn, and lift each other up in times of need. More than that, these events are another recovery milestone.

The cancellation of these events has resulted in loss of revenue, which is essential for supporting so many great causes. This is why I continue to ask everyone to take personal responsibility and do your part to slow the spread of the virus. We each have the choice to either detract from our progress or to contribute to our recovery. Let’s all choose to move toward recovery for the benefit of our communities.”

As we all look toward a future that is still uncertain, we hold fast to the faith that we will once again be able to gather together—even if a little bit differently.

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PINEWOOD GOLF COURSE | DRIVING OUT CANCER GOLF TOURNAMENT

Justin Mayeaux & Chris Rodriguez

Edward Manning & Raleigh Bourg

Mike Rabalais & Jim Tonglet

DRIVING OUT CANCER GOLF TOURNAMENT Dave Kaufmann Jr., Lou Thomas & Dave Hildebrandt

Photos by Jen Meadows

The Driving Out Cancer Golf Tournament was hosted at Pinewood Golf Course, with all proceeds benefitting the Slidell Memorial Hospital Foundation’s fund for the (SMH) Regional Cancer Center Appearance Center Renovation Project. Funds raised will help with making services and products available to patients include cosmetics, makeup techniques, skin care, prosthetics, mastectomy garments, hats, wigs and scarves. Golfers enjoyed a day of fun and sport in support of a worthy cause for the community.

Dave Kronlage & Brian Baker

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Henry Deharde & Nick Panzeca

Dan Wardle & Michael VonGruben

Chris Stuart & Luis Martinez

Aaron Hirsh & Rick Legnon

Heath Panks Jr. & Heath Panks Sr.

Lisa Reso, Vernita Hutton, Taylor Nations & Ed Bozes

Lisa Reso & Matthew McElveen, MD

Noel Lunsford

Jack Francis, Michael Noto & Todd Whaley

Laurie Panzeca & Linda Larkin

8080 WESTSHORE DR | COVINGTON, LA | 985-900-1212 | MBOFCOVINGTON.COM

JULY 2021 I 21

Dave Kaufmann Jr., Lou Thomas & Dave Hildebrandt

Terry Hemelt & Leo Rohlinger

Doug Vernotzy, Gavin Cook, Katie Burns, Nick Rider & Steve Bordelon

22 I SOCIAL SLIDELL

Chris Martin, Eric & Pat Milligan

Yolanda Paz, Toni Blue & Kristen Plaisance

Mike Scardino, Stu Rayburn & Rooney Salvaggio

Joel Bruno & Matthew Curole

Celine Scott, Janice Hueschen, Laura Kaufmann & Cheryl Thomas

Tulane Dermatology employs experts in psoriasis care, skin cancer care and cosmetic dermatology. We offer numerous surgical and nonsurgical treatments for skin cancer including state-of-the-art treatment in Mohs surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancers and other specialized treatments. Our doctors are national leaders in dermatology who train the next generation of dermatologist while providing state of the art treatments.

All of our doctors are board certified in Dermatology by the American Academy of Dermatology.

To Schedule an Appointment Call (985) 893-1291 101 JUDGE TANNER BLVD., STE 406 | COVINGTON, LA 70433 JULY 2021 I 23

PATTON’S SALMEN-FRITCHIE HOUSE | BUBBLY ON THE BAYOU

Catherine & Michael Cooper

Dionne Graham & Sonya Johnson

Rosemary & Gwendolyn Clement

Mayor Greg Cromer, Sheriff Randy Smith, Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann & Parish President Michael Cooper

Photos by Bianca Baas

The 11th annual Bubbly on the Bayou fundraiser was hosted by the East St. Tammany Rainbow Child Care Center at the historic Salmen-Fritchie House, and was set to a Kentucky Derby-Style gala this year. Highlights of the event featured a Champagne brunch prepared by Patton’s Fine Foods and Catering, live music, and the Derby promenade by musician Bobby Ohler. This event helps close the funding gap for Rainbow Child Care, which allows them to help so many families by offering rates based on income.

Philip H Hebert Jr. & Schanette Hebert

JoAnn & Ski Chelchowski & Elaine Dimiceli

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Paul & Cathy Headley , Joy & Dave Kampen

Hope & David Arriaza

Verna & Paul Pratt

"We love working with the team at Social. They make the process so easy for us, and truly care about our success!"

–KRISTEN CALLAHAN Owner of Kiki & Lolli’s Kathryn Rodwig, Dana Schoultz & Marcy Landry

Ellen Lamarque & Stephanie Oswald

Jennifer Long & Magen Brown

Peggy Cromer, Catherine Cooper & Pam Kaufmann

NORTHSHORE

CONTACT US TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS!

bianca@vipsocialmag.com

Janice Baumy & Marilyn Horn

JULY 2021 I 25

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26 I SOCIAL SLIDELL

hope

THE HOUSE THAT

BUILT

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

T

hey say that home is where the heart is; and for Tracy and Troy Duhon, that statement is just the tip of the iceberg. For the couple, home is not only where they live and raise their family—it’s the hub of their charitable organizations and the place where so many people have come to minister to one another and share their testimonies.

JULY 2021 I 27

B

uilt in 2005, the Duhon’s home was ready for them to move in when Katrina hit, displacing them until 2006. “Like many people, we had to rebuild many areas of our home,” says Tracy. “Once it was done, I wanted to make our beautiful home a place of love for our family as well as others. What better way to get to know your neighbors than to open your home and serve them? I began with a Christmas luncheon in December of 2006; and I realized that, when women are brought together, they can do great things.”

28 I SOCIAL SLIDELL

JULY 2021 I 29

That luncheon was the first of many, and the women who gathered started combining forces to reach out and help the Slidell Crisis Pregnancy Center and battered women’s shelter. Since then, the three-story Mediterranean style home has been filled with love, hope, and faith—though it has come with both challenges and heartaches. The proud mother of four children—Joshua, 24; Abigail, 21; Avah Hope, 10; and Annahstasia Grace, 9—Tracy has also lost three babies, two of which were born without kidneys. It was when the couple adopted Annahstasia Grace from an orphanage in China that Tracy saw the conditions and was given the inspiration for a new project. “Seeing all of these children in the orphanage who needed a family, I began Hope for a Home through our home luncheons, which then became one of the eight pillars of our non-profit, Giving Hope Nola,” says Tracy. “Going forward, each year we have helped as many as four families bring home their children.”

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32 I SOCIAL SLIDELL

Created in 2013, Giving Hope feeds several thousand people daily through food pantries in New Orleans; Kansas City; and Monterey, California. Giving Hope also builds orphanages around the world, with six built so far in India, Honduras, Russia, Gambia, Brazil, and Dominican Republic. Giving Hope operates a Community Center in the 9th Ward and partners with the New Orleans Mission, which operates the Giving Hope Retreat Center, where individuals facing addiction, sex trafficking, and abuse come for refuge and help. Through Hope for a Home, Giving Hope helps families financially with their adoption process, many of which are international special need adoptions. “To date, we have helped over 25 families with their adoption process,” says Tracy.

2020 did, of course, prove a challenging year, though Tracy and her team of faith warrior women felt a burden laid on their hearts to help 20 children in 2020, with a goal to raise over $20,000 to help children in foster care and with critical illnesses as well as the local Giving Hope Community Center children and GH Hope Home children. Despite the odds, they exceeded their mission. For 2021, the plan is to help 21 children before the end of the year. To date, the organization has helped more than 50 children.

JULY 2021 I 33

And those women Tracy works with? They became part of Women of Hope Unite, a faith-based woman’s organization associated with the Giving Hope Foundation that invests time, talent, and treasure to impact women and children of all ages, creating a legacy for both present and future generations.

“It is about finding the passion that inspires you and the injustice that angers you—that is what you are called to, what creates your legacy,” says Tracy.

All of this has happened in the Duhons’ home—a house that they have named the “Duhon Retreat” because it has been host to so many, including visiting pastors as well as future youth ministers and, of course, the young women who help Tracy with homeschooling her kids. “They’re my right hand, and they become like daughters,” says Tracy of her assistants.

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With such a busy home, it’s little wonder that the study and family room are some of the favorite rooms in the house—though the massive kitchen is really where so much of the fellowship happens. “We built the island with a cooktop and placed it in the middle of the kitchen, so that your back is never turned on anyone,” Tracy says.

“It’s at the center of everything.”

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Boasting custom cabinetry from John Lagarde with custom paint finishes by Keith Guy, Inc., the kitchen also features Jerusalem Gold marble, giving the space a natural warmth.

In the common areas of the home, grand vaulted ceilings supported by exposed cedar beams give the house old world charm and distinction that one would expect from the look of the outside, which was styled after the great villas of Italy, with a barrel tile roof and tailored boxwood gardens. The interior also has a French modern feel created by Trudy Hurley of New Orleans.

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As beautiful as the Duhon home is, however, it isn’t the outer trappings that make it such a special place.

It’s the love inside—as well as the abiding faith and unshakeable hope.

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SHOP SMALL BUSINESS IN SLIDELL

S H O P P I N G S M A L L C A N M A K E A B I G I M PA C T I N O U R C O M M U N I T Y. A flower enthusiast opens a florist shop

MAKING A DREAM COME TRUE.

LOCALS GET HIRED To help work the business.

With local workers, the business

BEGINS TO THRIVE

Increased revenue means more taxes to fund

LOCAL & COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS

CREATING A BETTER ENVIRONMENT for new business to join our community JULY 2021 I 39

| OAK HARBOR GOLF COURSE HOLES FOR HOSPICE TOURNAMENT OAK HARBOR GOLF COURSE | HOLES FORGOLF HOSPICE GOLF TOURNAMENT

Cheryl Scaglione, Mark Myers & Miranda Parker

Susan Pappalardo & Audrey Baker

Caroline Guidry, Mclaurin Mcbee & Kesha McGowan

Holes for Hospice John Willman, Henry Quick, Joe Enzone, Ronnie Martin, Erick Bertrand & Eric Calvin

Photos by Jen Meadows

Golfers came to Oak Harbor Golf Course to show off their skills and have fun in support of Hospice House. Holes for Hospice is a fun golf tournament for golfers to indulge in a favorite sport while raising vital funds for Harbor Hospice that will allow the charity to continue providing free, specialist care to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Mary Byrd & Joyce Donohue

Lori Thomas & Marci Weaver

Don Davis, Dennis Winkler, Gregory Orkus & Steve Orkus

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Ted Harris & TJ Smith Jr.

Andy Frisard, Noel Estes & Hugh Nungesser

Sal Piazza, Pat Buckley & Don Landry

Mary Helen Fontaine, Anita Bruno, Jamie Dakin, Mayor Mike Cromer, Miranda Parker & Mark Myers

Latunya Magee & Shawnree Anderson

Jordan Pedreira , Shane & Scott Castaing

Beverly Graham & Kathy Daggett

Mike Matherly, Justin Sbisa & Matthew Hoffman

James Gipson, Kim Dakin & Herman Bonnette

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Before Stephanie Ruiz opened Eden Salon in 2015, she’d built a hairdressing career out of her guestroom at home, using it as a salon room to work on clients. It was an ideal set-up for her—especially when she was pregnant with her first child. All throughout her pregnancy, Ruiz kept working; and when her son was seven months old, she decided that she was going to take a leap and open her own full-service salon, outside of her home.

SuperMom

STEPHANIE RUIZ Story by Liesel Schmidt

“I went back to work five days a week when both of my girls were two weeks old; so for me, being home during those six weeks of quarantine is a time that I will cherish for the rest of my life!”

Over the next five years, Ruiz worked tirelessly at the salon—and then COVID forced her to temporarily close her doors. The next few months gave her something she’d never had: time off and a chance to shift her priorities.

“Being a working mom has definitely changed for me in the last year. I had a chance to re-examine what was most important; and in the midst of it, I told my husband often that my time home was like the maternity leave I’d never had,” says Ruiz, who has been married to her husband, Donovan, for eight years this October. Together, the couple has three children between the ages of six and twoand-a-half. “I went back to work five days a week when both of my girls were two weeks old; so for me, being home during those six weeks of quarantine is a time that I will cherish for the rest of my life!”

Now back at work, Ruiz only works two to three days a week rather than five, and she is always there to pick them up from school. The balance she now has may have been hard-won, but she knows that she’s showing her children something essential. “I feel that being a working mom enriches my kids’ lives by showing them that working hard is important, but it’s not more important than time with your family,” says Ruiz, 31. “Something that took me a long time to learn in my work is that it’s okay to say no.

I missed a lot of Van’s games because I would be doing weddings on Saturdays. I missed my cousin’s wedding in California and a family reunion because of work. Now I set healthy boundaries with my schedule so that I have a good balance of both my work and my personal life.”

JULY 2021 I 43

As a business owner, she has a great deal to be proud of, having launched a successful salon. But more than that, she takes pride in the fact that she never let fear stand in the way of her path in life—and that’s an example she hopes her children will follow. “I’m proud of myself for not being afraid to dream big and follow my dreams!” she says. “I never have a plan B because I know that plan A is the only plan. I think it makes me a better mother, businesswoman, and even friend by hopefully inspiring other people—most especially my kids— to do the same.”

As her children get older, Ruiz hopes that there are certain things that they never forget. “I want them to remember me as their biggest cheerleader,” she says. “I’m truly so grateful to be more present with them in this season of their lives so that they remember me being there with them and not working so much!” From school pick-ups to time out on the boat they bought last summer to watch the sunsets together as a family, Ruiz has learned to stop and take a breath, to be fully present for her kids, and to set work aside to make time for her family.

While it may not have been anyone’s ideal way to find a priority shift, she used the time when the world stopped to refocus and become the kind of mom she could truly be proud of.

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HERITAGE PARK | SLIDELL MOVIE NIGHTS

Matt, Lydia, Nancy, & Sarah Steed

Emberlyn, Morris, & Makaiyah Smith

Shelby Amison & Abigial Randall

Gage, Jonathan & Michael Kruebbe & Michelle Shamburger

Ally Populis & Lexi Ross

Photos by Bianca Baas

Saturday evening the City of Slidell presented their ongoing movie night series at Heritage Park beginning at sunset with the showing of Lion King. These will be held throughout the summer on select Saturday nites, are free for all to join, just bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets to enjoy the fun. People are invited to bring their ice chests (and bug spray!) to the park to enjoy the free movies.

Savannah, Adelynn, Linley, & Daryl Miller

Amelia Kish & Arvind Shantharam

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Larissa Daigle, Holley Dubuisson & Arielle Daigle

Brook & Nicolas Zogaib

GREEN OAKS APOTHECARY | OLDE TOWN SLIDELL ART MARKET

Dennis McCluer & Michelle Badon

Jase & Brandy Bourgeois

Arielle Bowman & Treva Brown

Mike McKnight & Belen Wagner

Laura Kavanaugh

Photos by Bianca Baas

Green Oaks Apothecary hosts a monthly art market with different local vendors. There is live music, food, and fun for the kiddos. This is a family and pet friendly event and free to the public.

Darin & Jeanine Veale

Jessica, Hayden, & Jake Berman

Alex Vargas & Janie Dick

Jessica & Jana Little

Makayla Wood, Rachel & Bailey Clayton

JULY 2021 I 47

IMPACT & GIVE BACK

THE

MUSIC

MAKERS Regardless of how old you are or where you grew up, chances are that music has played a big role in your life. It transcends time and connects people across the world, speaking words that—while deeply personal for the one who wrote them—seem to reach into your soul and touch something in you in a way that nothing else can.

I

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

t was for the songwriters yet to be discovered that Greg Barnhill, Buzz Jackson, and Michael Blache first created the annual Songwriter Festival on the Northshore. Back in 2017, the three songwriters had aspiring dreams to highlight songwriting—and they knew that there were others who needed to be given the chance to shine. Starting with in-depth planning for staging, parking, and the recruiting of songwriters, the festival’s founders were soon joined by Christine Barnhill and Mary Grace Knapp as the group named and created the foundation for the festival. By November 2017, the Ozone Music Education Foundation received its 501c3 status as a nonprofit. The first Ozone Songwriters Festival took place in October of the following year; and by the second festival in 2019, more than 130 songwriters from 14 different states were

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featured. Over 1,200 attendees supported the event, proving that the Northshore is giving Nashville a run for its money.

While the festival is of great import, it is the foundation that is really making a difference. Created with the purpose of providing music education, support, and mentorship to those wanting to learn the music industry and develop skills and knowledge as songwriters and musicians, the Ozone Music Education Foundation has worked with hundreds of performers. Buzz Jackson, who received an award from the Louisiana Folklife Museum in 2019; Joe Sims, who was the 2020 Ozone Songwriter Contest Winner and labeled as "One to Watch" by the Nashville Songwriters Association International; and Hannah Belle, whose song, “Raised,” was 26th of the top 100

country songs in 2020, among many others. “The spectrum of talent runs from young, beginning songwriters and the American Idol winner Laine Hardy to Platinum Album-selling Anna Nalìck and Grammy Award-winning Gary Baker. We aim to give support and a platform to artists of all ages and demographics,” says Greg Barnhill, a songwriter, recording artist and music producer who has worked with a number of up-and-coming artists and notably won an Emmy, a song of the year award, and multiple Grammy nominations. He also won top awards for the advertising version of the Grammys.

“We want music education to be available to individuals of all ages who want to pursue music to their fullest ability and desire, and we want songwriters and performing artists to have collaboration and networking opportunities to support their music development,” he goes on. “We are also working towards helping St. Tammany Parish become a thriving music community for local, regional, and national musicians, with the hopes of providing a commercially attractive hub for recording artists to create, produce, and showcase recorded music, including content for film, TV, and broadcast advertising. We want St. Tammany Parish to be a desired music destination for locals, visitors and tourists to hear and enjoy music.”

From its inception, the goal of Ozone Music Education Foundation was to be an organization that gave back “We are helping fill a void with music education to the community. Proceeds from all events go to the for kids and adults alike, exposing them to music Ozone Music Gifting (OMG!) program, which provides musical instruments and lessons to children between education as well as the inner workings of the the ages of 10 to 18 residing in St. Tammany Parish. music industry.”

“We are helping fill a void with music education for kids and adults alike, exposing them to music education as well as the inner workings of the music industry,” says Barnhill. “We believe that communities that have a cultural anchor are more cohesive

JULY 2021 I 49

IMPACT & GIVE BACK

and better places to live. We aim to create that anchor through songwriting and performing. We also envision our music events to be a bridge and cultural music exchange with songwriters from other cities and states. All in all, many aspects of the community are positively affected. Education, the arts, and economic development are all benefitted by our organization.”

Over the past four years, the impact that Ozone has made in the community has been significant. Free instruments and training are provided for children in the community who otherwise could not afford it, and their annual festival and sound-off events have stimulated the economy and brought in musicians from across the country to perform. In addition, aspiring songwriters and musicians are given opportunities to learn the music business from professional and successful experts. The foundation holds seminars on everything from recording and recording equipment to how to use social media and increase your numbers, to how to play an instrument.

Thankfully, the organization is back on track with events after the pandemic, with the Ozone Songwriters Festival slated for the first weekend of November. Smaller events and performances will also be held at other venues throughout the St. Tammany area. Funding for the organization comes from contributions from board members, community and private donors, and grants from the Parish as well as proceeds from ticket sales from the Songwriters Festival, Sound Off, and Symposium, entry fees for the songwriting contest, and merchandise and concession sales.

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For more information on Ozone Music Education Foundation and its upcoming events, visit ozonemusic.org.

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eyewaresnola.com

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM | CHALK FEST

Ann Habisreitinger Barré, Lisa Barnett, Leslie Martin & Rebecca Dougherty

Owen Strain & Matt Huddleston

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM | CHALK FEST

Mandie Manzano

Zulema, Matthew, Conrad, Lyla Silvernale Ann Habisreitinger Barré, Lisa Barnett, Leslie Martin & Rebecca Dougherty& Claudia

Chalk Fest

Photos

Chalk Fest, an arts festival at the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany, that is annual creative community event.

The categories this year were: St. Tammany Proud, where artists are encouraged to produce art specific to St. Tammany culture; and, The Spirit of the Child, an expression of childhood and whimsy.

Gabe, Stephanie, Ava, Zoe, Lily & Samuel Vanbrunt

Chal

Catherine Cooper & Dr. Charles Caplis Owen Strain & Matt Huddleston

Photos by Jen Meadows

Becky, Abby & Holly Blair

Ma

Chalk Fest, an arts festiv St. Tammany, that is an The categories this ye where artists are encou St. Tammany culture; a expression of childhoo

Becky, Abby & Holly BlairTara Nichols, Amelia Trosclair & Ollie

Gabrielle Salande, Victor Sippel, Gillian Rabalais, Suzanne DeGeorge, Christy Myers, Gabrielle Salande, Victor Sippel, Gil Brady Myers, Alliyah Brooks & Payton Laskie Emma & Missy Huddleston, Dori Creel Brady Myers, All Gabe, Stephanie, Ava, Zoe, Lily & Samuel Vanbrunt

JULY 2021 I 51

| OAK HARBOR GOLF COURSE BUSHWACKER GOLFGOLF TOURNAMENT OAK HARBOR GOLF COURSE | BUSHWACKER TOURNAMENT

Mike Calamari, Steve LeBlanc & Ronnie Calamari

Jeff Abney & Bubba Walker

Mike & Kevin Vivien

Bushwacker GOLF TOURNAMENT Amanda Dusek, Tim Negueloua, Jeff Bordelon, Robert Landry & Rebecca Reith

Photos by Jen Meadows

The Bushwacker Golf Tournament, sponsored by Southside Cafe was held at the Oak Harbor Golf Couse. The Slidell Ladies for Liberty had almost 40 people that volunteered at the event. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year providing a large percentage of postage that help support our troops!

Debbie VanArsdale, Marion McCoy, Libby Guidry & Kay DeLuca

Chris & Rene Legrand

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Danielle, Johnny & Logan Odom

Chris Stuart, Wade Russell, Clint Bryant, Peter Cryns & Joseph Pooler

The goal of board-certified orthopedic surgeon Brian Kindl, MD, and the team at New Orleans Orthopedic Institute, is to provide high-quality orthopedic care to men and women living in and around Metairie, Hammond, and Slidell, Louisiana.

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COMING SL I DE L L

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| SLIDELL SLIDELL AUDITORIUM ST. TAMMANY CHAMBER'S LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP LUNCHEON ST. TAMMANY CHAMBER'S| LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP LUNCHEON AUDITORIUM

Michelle Schellinger & Linda Larkin

Genevieve Neidhamer & Jennifer Hern

Kelly Schumacher & Larry Frieman

LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP LUNCHEON Mike Thiel, Robby Marquette, Don Shea, Chris Kaufmann & Dominick Bruno

Photos by Bianca Baas

The St. Tammany Chamber’s Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon, presented by Slidell Memorial Hospital, provided members and guests the opportunity to learn about the legislative process and understand the votes of Northshore legislators.

Elected representatives speaking were Sen. Hewitt, Sen. McMath, Sen. Mizell, Rep. Frieman, Rep. Owen, Rep. Wright, Rep. Nelson and Rep. DuBuisson The luncheon meeting was held at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium.

Beth Mizell State Representative & Mayor Greg Cromer

Connie Ernst & Jessica Hester

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Nixon Adams, Margie Lewis & Cindy Jackson

Devan Richoux, Tanya Leader, Yolanda Paz

Jill Bergeron, Renee Roberts Gassen & Wensel Conroy

Jill Bergeron, Renee Roberts Gassen & Wensel Conroy

Tom Meyer, Parish President Mike Cooper & Scott Delacroix

Leah Long, Rustin Legendre & State Representative Beth Mizell

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Sheriff Randy Smith & Suzanne Krieger

Ron Blitch & Kay St. Amant

Kathy Lowery & Representative Mary DuBuisson

Eric Richard, Maria Jiguere, Melissa Hodgson, Shelby Forsyth & Elise Apffel

Greg Daniels, Warren Montgomery, Chris Masingill & Bill Newton

Gia Baker, Lacey Osborne, Tom Meyer, Scott Delacroix, Mike Cooper & Sharon Hewitt

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BRIDE

Nikki

Shane

STUDENTS OF LOVE STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

JULY 2021 I 59

W

hen Lauren “Nikki” Tomboli and Shane Riedie met as students at LSU in 2014, they could never have imagined how the next few years would change their relationship. After dating for five years, Shane made his college sweetheart his forever love and proposed on December 21, 2019— just four days before Christmas. “I was told that we were going to take a weekend getaway to New Orleans,” says Nikki, who works as a medical speech language pathologist at Sage Rehabilitation Outpatient in Baton Rouge, while Shane is a mechanical engineer for Cooper Consolidated in Darrow. “We both lived in New Orleans while we were dating, and it’s our favorite spot. So we went to eat at our favorite brunch spot, Willa Jean, and then spent the day in the French Quarter. Shane had planned to propose in front of Jackson Square that day, but it was super rainy. He had the ring in his pocket the whole day, and I never knew! He ended up proposing in our hotel suite at the Hyatt, which had a view of the Superdome, right before dinner. After he proposed, we ate at Doris Metropolitan and had drinks at Carousel Bar.” Over the next few days, the newly engaged couple kept their news a secret and then told their families on Christmas.

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“We’ll never forget this day and how we got here... and how we were married in the middle of a worldwide pandemic!”

-NIKKI RIEDIE

JULY 2021 I 61

Just 10 months later on October 3, 2020, Nikki walked down the aisle at the Sadie Jane in Slidell, wearing an ivory fit-to-flare gown with a deep vee and lace detailing on the bodice. As 150 of their closest friends and relatives looked on, the couple exchanged vows under an awning simply adorned with tulle, their day blessed by a gentle breeze and the kiss of the sun. Having been pronounced man and wife, the newly married Riedies joined their guests for a reception in the barn at the Sadie Jane, where the wedding party danced and celebrated—and shared shots of Fireball. As guests mingled and joined in the festivities, wedding painter Jessica Stuntz used her unique talents to capture the moment on canvas. “We’ll never forget this day and how we got here—and how we were married in the middle of a worldwide pandemic!” says Nikki. “So many people had to postpone or cancel their plans, and we feel so blessed.”

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After enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres and refreshing appetizers including fresh fruit and spinach artichoke dip, the Riedies and their guests dined on a buffet of cold selections including finger sandwiches and hummus as well as and hot selections that featured a carving station, mashed potato martini bar, Cajun chicken pasta, shrimp and grits, and fried catfish. In the sprit of New Orleans, everyone indulged in a bananas foster bar for dessert. Having danced and dined, the newlyweds cut into a four-tier almond flavored cake adorned with live flowers from Petals and Stems in Slidell.

After a sweet send-off filled with well wishes for a future of happiness, the Riedies honeymooned in in the Great Smoky Mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. “We stayed in a beautiful cabin and went hiking, sight-seeing, and to Dollywood,” says Nikki. “It really was perfect.” Now back home in Baton Rouge, the couple is looking forward to their life together—one filled with many more unforgettable memories.

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ENGAGEMENTS

|

BRIDALS

| WEDDINGS

WWW.SOMETHINGBLEUPHOTOGRAPHY.COM JULY 2021 I 65

LATTER & BLUM | RIBBON CUTTING

LATTER & BLUM | RIBBON CUTTING

mer & Beverly Tynes

Peggy Newcomb & Ashley MarinaNguyen Stevens & Nicole Roper

Hebert Dubuisson, Mayor Greg Cromer & Beverly Tynes

Barbara Doyle, Mary Byrd & Daniel Linda Larkin Marse , Stephen Waring & Rory Blossman

Marina Stevens & Nicole Roper

Daniel Marse , Stephen Waring & Rory Blossman

Photos by Bianca Baas

a Baas

of Commerce joined tting ceremony to help newly renovated office the Community as the for the Louisiana &

The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce joined Latter & Blum for a ribbon cutting ceremony to help celebrate the opening of their newly renovated office in Slidell. The office will serve the Community as the only dually licensed office for the Louisiana & Mississippi markets.

Cory Hoag, Christopher KurtzBeverlyTynes, & Daniel Carter Hebert Dubuisson & CEO Lacey Conway

Emily Rhinelander & Melissa WilkesChip Gardner & Rory Blossman Cristina del Canto, Priscilla Morse, Cheryl McAdam & Ashley Nguyen yl McAdam & Ashley Nguyen

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BeverlyTynes, Hebert Dubuisson & CEO Lacey Conway

Chip Gardner & Rory Blossman

| CHILDREN’S OAK HARBOR GOLF COURSE WISH ENDOWMENT GOLF TOURNAMENT | CHILDREN’S OAK HARBOR GOLF COURSE WISH ENDOWMENT GOLF TOURNAMENT

Noel Lunsford, Stacey McEvoy, Jennifer Jennifer Berger, Barbara Degruy, Judy Scaglione & Greg Grefer Noel Lunsford, Stacey McEvoy, Berger, Barbara Degruy, Judy Scaglione & Greg Grefer

Eileen, Marcie, Andrew Eileen, Patrick, Marcie, Gianna Patrick,&Gianna & Duffey Andrew Duffey

Alison Cuevas Laurie&Jugan Alison&Cuevas Laurie Jugan

Douglas Douglas Kellum &Kellum Brian Campbell & Brian Campbell

PhotosPhotos

by Bianca Baas Baas

by Bianca

Mike Whitney & Chris Stuart Mike Whitney & Chris Stuart

The Children’s WishWish Endowment hosted it’s ninth The Children’s Endowment hosted it’s ninth annual golf tournament at Oak Harbor Golf Culb. annual golf tournament at Oak Harbor Golf Culb.

All funds raisedraised fromfrom the event go towards helping All funds the event go towards helping makemake the wishes of children with cronic, life threating the wishes of children with cronic, life threating and terminal illnessillness comecome true. true.

Golfers enjoyed a and terminal Golfers enjoyed a day aday sport with lunch in the clubhouse, a party on a sport with lunch in the clubhouse, a party on the patio, alongalong with with slientslient auction selections and and the patio, auction selections raffleraffle prizes. prizes.

Donald Faust & Donald Donald Faust &Talazac Donald Talazac

John & Renee John &Yevcak Renee Yevcak

LeAnne Miley-Teal, Rachael Rachael Gorgone Gorgone & Cadie & Robertson LeAnne Miley-Teal, Cadie Robertson

Mike Abadie Fletcher SeymourSeymour Mike&Abadie & Fletcher

JULY 2021 I 67

FLIP. CLICK. TAP.

THE BEST OF SLIDELL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

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SOCIALSLIDELLMAG 68 I SOCIAL SLIDELL

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ST. TAMMANY UPDATE WITH PRESIDENT MIKE COOPER | TRINITY'S BANQUET HALL TRINITY'S BANQUET HALL | ST.PARISH TAMMANY UPDATE WITH PARISH PRESIDENT MIKE COOPER

Rio Olend, Bonnie Champagne, Parish President Mike Cooper, Michael Vinsanau and Grant Black

Maria Guezuraga and Joseph Montelepre

Todd Whalley, Kathy Lowery and Martin Bruno

UPDATE FROM PARISH PRESIDENT

Mike Cooper

Donald Bryan and Donna Dardar

Photos by Summer M. Basile

The East St. Tammany Business Alliance gathered at Trinity’s Banquet Hall for breakfast, conversation and an update on St. Tammany Parish from President Mike Cooper.

John Babin and Mary Byrd

Valerie Waeltz, Eileen Sementilli and Elaine Dimiceli

Barbara Doyle and Chris Abadie

Wally Boudet, Cheryl Seaglione and Parish President Mike Cooper

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NOLA LAGNIAPPE ROOM | SLIDELL REPUBLICAN WOMEN’S CLUB

Jessica Brown & Barbara Doyle

Maggie Trainor & Lisa Samford

Leah Long & Donna Dardar

S LI D E L L R EPUBL ICAN

Women’s Club Barbara LoCicero, Carol Alphonse & Carole Gillio

Photos by Summer Basile

The ladies of the Slidell Republican Women’s Club met for their monthly meeting at the NOLA Lagniappe Room on April 22. Lunch was served at noon and guest speaker Parish President Mike Cooper discussed upcoming St. Tammany projects.

Karen Milanese & Jill Dalier

Wanda Ricau & Trudy Godwin

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Charlene Stein & Stephanie Lidee

Kelly Mouton, Donna Bruskotter & Donna Schofield

Tiffany Parker, Caroline Lewis & Georgia Turgeau

SL I DE L L

JULY 2021 I 71

SLIDELL NEW & noteworthy Shark Discovery Opens at Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Slidell Memorial Hospital selects Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Financial Officer [Slidell] Slidell Memorial Hospital (SMH) has selected Kimberly Walker as Chief Nursing Officer and Patrick Bolander as Chief Financial Officer.

In the role of Chief Nursing Officer, Walker will manage SMH’s nursing operations, including evaluations, strategy and implementation, care delivery and daily activities, in order to provide excellent service and quality care to all patients. Walker began her role on May 3.

[New Orleans] Shark Discovery, the new 13,000-gallon shark and ray touchpool, opens at Audubon Aquarium Friday, July 2, 2021.

Walker most recently served as the Chief Nursing Office since 2018 at St. Joseph Hospital in Tucson, Ariz. Under Walker’s leadership in Tucson, the hospital accomplished the implementation of a virtual patient sitter platform, reduction of overall nurse employee turnover, and developed a successful nursing shared governance program led by unit-based councils.

The new pool measures approximately 60-feet-long by 16-feet at its widest point--six times the size of the previous stingray touchpool at the Aquarium. A massive interactive LED screen running the entire length of the pool features a variety of sharks, rays, and fish to highlight the diversity of the ocean.

Walker earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Millersville University, as well as a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix, and she is currently enrolled in a Master of Business Administration program at Grand Canyon University.

he habitat will be home to a number of shark and ray species, including white spotted Bolander stepped into this new role of Chief Financial Officer on March 1. Under terms bamboo shark, epaulette shark, southern stingray, coral cat shark, bullnose ray, blue- of the Joint Operating Agreement between SMH and Ochsner Health, Bolander is now the CFO of the Slidell division, including SMH, Ochsner Medical Center – Northshore and spotted stingray, and cownose stingray. related clinics and outpatient facilities. In this position, Bolanderwill report to Badinger.

Habitat STW names new President & CEO [St. Tammany Parish] Habitat STW names current Vice President of Homeowner Services, Terri Gage, as the new President and CEO. Gage has served Habitat STW for 18 years in various roles. She first was Family Services and Volunteer Coordinator and led the growth of the Family Services Department into a professional homeowner services department providing homebuyer education and counseling by certified staff. For the last 11 years as VP of Homeowner Services, she has worked closely with outgoing CEO, Jeff St. Romain, and the full management team to plan and carry out initiatives to grow and improve the services offered by Habitat STW. Gage led the creation of the St. Tammany Homeownership Center, which became HUD certified last year, to offer homebuyer education and counseling services to the broader low-tomoderate income community to qualify for other affordable loans outside of the Habitat for Humanity program. Habitat STW is the only HUD certified agency in the parish.

St. Romain says of Gage, “During her 18 years at Habitat STW, Terri has demonstrated her passion for our mission and her deep understanding of the people we serve. I am retiring knowing that the affiliate is in great hands.”

Gage takes on her new role July 1st.

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Bolander most recently served as the Chief Financial Officer at HighPoint Health Systems (LifePoint), a 4-hospital system in Gallatin, Tenn.

Bolander earned a Master of Business Administration degree from East Tennessee State University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from Indiana State University.

For more information, visit http://www.slidellmemorial.org/ . The hospital’s main phone number is (985) 280-2200.

SLIDELL NEW & noteworthy St. Tammany Parish Library’s Summer Reading Challenge Kicks off Soon

Tickets Now on Sale for Cool Zoo at Audubon Zoo

[St.Tammany Parish] The St. Tammany Parish Library’s annual Summer Reading Challenge themed Tails & Tales, begins Friday, May 28th, with a simple goal: to encourage everyone to spend 20 minutes reading every day this summer. Tails & Tales is designed to give patrons of ALL ages the pick of the litter when it comes to “pawesome” summer reads and “fintastic” events and prizes.

The Summer Reading Challenge kicks off Friday, May 28, 2021 and continues through Saturday August 7, 2021. Throughout this time, readers of all ages can visit the Library Summer Reading page here and click on the Tails & Tales icon to create an account in our [New Orleans] Tickets are now on sale for Cool Zoo and the Gator Run lazy river, Audubon challenge tracking program Beanstack. Beanstack tracks your minutes and then awards Zoo's popular water attractions. They open for the 2021 season on Wednesday, June 16. one point for each minute spent reading. Earn 720 points to complete the Summer Reading Challenge and win prizes. This year the St. Tammany Parish Library presents Regular admission to Cool Zoo, which includes Gator Run, is $8 for Audubon Nature a community challenge. We are asking all St. Tammany Parish residents to show their Institute Members and $10 for non-Members in addition to Audubon Zoo admission. love of reading by working towards the goal of 250,000 collective minutes. Everything Cool Zoo tickets must be purchased online. counts — books, magazines, graphic novels, and audiobooks. You can download the Beanstack app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

"Unlike in years past, Audubon will offer two sessions each day for guests to enjoy Cool Zoo," said Audubon Nature Institute Vice President of Guest Services Daine Appleberry.

In addition to our annual Summer Reading Challenge, the Library is excited to present "These two daily sessions allow our team to manage capacity limitations, provide room free, fun events for all age groups throughout the summer. While all library programs for physical distancing, and comply with CDC guidelines." are free and open to the public, online registration is required for each virtual event by visiting the Library’s calendar of events.

The two sessions are 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. Cool Zoo will close at 1 p.m. each day to allow Audubon staff ample time to clean all shared equipment and surfaces For more information on the St. Tammany Parish Summer Reading Challenge or other between sessions.

Library programs, call your local branch, check the calendar of events or contact Children’s Services Coordinator Jenny Mayer at 985-893-6280 ext. 2017, Teen Even with some operational changes, Cool Zoo still includes all its visitor-favorite Services Coordinator Jennifer Rifino at 985-626-9779 ext. 3004, or Adult Programming features: the alligator water slide, the spider monkey soaker, water-spitting snakes, Coordinator Jillian Boudreaux at 985-893-6280 ext. 2010. and shady spots for grownups. Back for its sixth year, the Gator Run lazy river offers Zoo visitors the option to cool down by floating atop an inner tube along a course that measures 750 feet in length. Three-feet-deep and 10-feet-wide, the lazy river features two sand beaches as well as water cannons that can be used to shower visitors as they float by.

Appleberry added, "We are very excited to welcome our guests back to Cool Zoo and once again offer them a way to stay cool while visiting the Zoo." Starting August 7, the water park will return to weekends only through Labor Day, September 6, when the water park will close for the 2021 season.

Submit your exciting news such as promotions, fundraising, announcements and press releases to jen@vipsocialmag.com JULY 2021 I 73

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