St. Tammany Picayune 03-18-2026

PARADE PERFECT

Money heads to Slidell flood project

BY KIM CHATELAIN

Contributing writer

Suzanne Krieger chair of the St. Tammany Levee, Drainage and Conservation District, recently appeared before the Slidell City Council to share some good news about future flood protection. On March 10, Krieger outlined for city leaders the federal government’s recent appropriation of $3.25 million for a massive flood management project, the initial investment in what local officials have called the most important public works project in the city’s history

Council asks for repeal of 1985 law governing mosquito board

Members say they should have oversight over budget

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

The St. Tammany Parish Council has formally asked the state Legislature to repeal a 1985 law that gives the board and director of the St. Tammany Mosquito Abatement District the ultimate authority over the district’s $9 million budget, following a controversy over the district’s finances last year

The council voted 13-1 last week for a resolution calling for the law’s repeal, marking an important step toward the passage of a bill sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Berault, R-Slidell, to repeal the law The parish’s government efficiency committee had also previously recommended the law’s repeal.

Berault’s bill is one of several that St. Tammany legislators are sponsoring this year in response to the parish government’s budget problems. This year, the parish cut its funding by 30% for the northshore District Attorney’s Office, the northshore judges, and the parish’s jail, following years of voters rejecting dedicated taxes for those agencies.

Berault’s bill will not directly help the parish fund its criminal justice agencies, since the mosquito district’s tax revenues are dedicated and generally cannot be used for any other purposes, but Berault and council members say it will help with a larger goal of reducing taxes in an effort to win back voters’ trust.

“The voters have been very clear that they think we pay enough in taxes,” Berault said in an interview

“At the time I voted, I still thought board commissioners would have budgetary authority.”

VICKI TRAINA-DORGE, chair of the Mosquito Abatement District Board of Commissioners

Last year, the Parish Council and northshore District Attorney Collin Sims put together a report questioning some of Mosquito Abatement’s expenses, including a $4 million helicopter and an $8 million lab facility Mosquito Abatement said the expenditures were in line with best practices and filed a bar complaint against Sims and sued the Parish Council, taking issue with the financial review process. The district has since dropped the lawsuit, and mosquito district records show the Office of Disciplinary Counsel declined to take up the bar complaint.

The district’s five-person Board of Commissioners, which some council members have tried to overhaul in recent months, formally expressed support for the council’s resolution at their Feb. 18 meeting, minutes show

But Vicki Traina-Dorge, the board chair, told the council March 12 she did not fully understand the resolution at the time and felt pressured to either support the resolution or risk having the council not put the district’s dedicated property tax renewal on the ballot.

Two years ago, the U.S Senate approved the 2024 Water Resources Development Act that included 17 projects in Louisiana, one of the largest of which is the St. Tammany plan.

The money will be funneled through the local office of the U S. Corps of Engineers to help set the stage for a $5.9 billion flood reduction project for the region that was greenlit by Congress in 2024. “This is the beginning of a great endeavor to protect our community,” Krieger said. “This is huge.” Krieger who said the Corps is expected to receive the allocation in late March or April, said she hopes to meet with neighborhood associations from throughout the city to explain the project and gather information that will help it move forward as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“At the time I voted, I still thought board commissioners would have budgetary authority,” she said. She asked the council to delay its vote.

A half dozen members of the public also spoke

Folsom ensures workers get no-cost health care

BY JIM DERRY Contributing writer

Folsom Mayor Lance Willie wants to make sure all village employees will continue to receive insurance at no cost to them, and with rising costs, the only way the town could afford to do so was to switch companies.

By a unanimous vote at its Board of Aldermen meeting on March 9, Willie’s request was granted to move from Blue Cross Blue Shield to UnitedHealthcare.

“It was a plan that once we

got out of, we could never go back,” Willie said. “They (BCBS) were trying to push us out with this latest increase, and some employees were going to (cost) $1,800 a month. We had to fix this, so now it’s $636 per employee.

would be saving about $40,000 per year.”

The town has a total of 12 employees, and Willie said 10 of them will be on the insurance plan.

“This is awesome; this is 100% free for them. And we’ll have a $3,000 deductible that the town will pay If you add that up at the end, if we had to pay every employee’s deductible, we

“You just want to keep your employees happy, safe and healthy,” he said. “To know that they can go to whatever doctor they want — when they want — and not worry about the price to take care of themselves means everything.”

WATER SYSTEM UPDATE: The

town is still trying to have a capital outlay request approved to help offset costs of potentially replacing a 50-year-old water well and tower, but Willie said it isn’t “looking the best” because Folsom’s is but one of many applicants. If they cannot secure the grant from the state, they still have options with a potential federal loan. Folsom also recently set aside $1.7 million for work on the project that could cost upward of $8 million in total. “I want to be very trans-

Members of the nonprofit Kilts of Many Colours Pipe Band bring passion, emotion and history of their instruments to the celebration.

parent with this,” Willie said. “We are in the middle of the pack when it comes to scoring. In the meantime, we are trying to figure out other options.”

PLANNING AND ZONING: Local businesswoman Elaine Khoury was unanimously chosen to replace the outgoing Gerald Moore on the Folsom board of planning and zoning. Moore has moved out of the village and was no longer eligible to serve on the five-person board.

TOWN HAPPENINGS: The final weekend of March will be

a busy one, starting with Folsom Junior High School holding its “Hawk Happenings” on March 27 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event to benefit the school will include student academic showcases; student performances and games; a mini cheer camp; concession sales; and CPR instruction with the school nurse. The next day Folsom will hold an “Easter Eggstravaganza” from 9 a.m. to noon, complete with games, an egg hunt and craft sales in Moise Park behind Town Hall.

MOSQUITO

Continued from page 1A

against the resolution, with some saying they preferred volunteers to control the district’s finances, rather than politicians. Four of the board members are appointed by the council, while the parish president appoints the fifth.

Law’s origins

After elected officials in the 1980s tried to use mosquito district funds to pay for equipment to dig out ditches, a state representative from St. Tammany brought the 1985 law, according to Chuck Palmisano, who was the director of Mosquito Abatement at the time.

“We wanted to make sure that we were going to be in control of our budget,” Palmisano recalled. Digging ditches “wasn’t something in our purview.” The law has since been updated a handful of times since then.

Berault and council members say that law now makes St. Tammany’s mosquitofighting agency the only one in the state with final control over its budget.

If the legislation is repealed, the council says it will have authority to approve and veto the district’s budget, as well as to reduce line items in the budget, thanks to another statute, 33:1415(B), that applies to any district created by the parish.

“We are not trying to change the board. We are not trying to get your money All we’re trying to do is make this operate within the

bounds that every mosquito abatement district operates in,” council member Cheryl Tanner said.

Currently, Mosquito Abatement sends monthly meeting minutes and treasury reports to the Parish Council.

If the law passes, the council could also require the mosquito district to present its budget to the council annually similar to how the library’s budgeting process works, said council member Jeff Corbin. He argued that this visibility could help the district avoid future controversy over its expenditures.

“It’s the greatest step for tax reform in St. Tammany Parish,” council member Joe Impastato said “You need oversight from your elected representatives.” In an interview Tanner said she did not pressure Traina-Dorge to support the resolution, but rather said that if the board of commissioners delayed a vote on it, that could delay the agency’s millage getting on the ballot. The Parish Council is supposed to vote in April on whether to put a 2.95-mil property tax for mosquito abatement on the ballot in June, according to Mosquito Abatement Director Kevin Caillouet. Council member Jimmy Strickland, who cast the only dissenting vote on the resolution, said in an interview that he was in favor of the recent push for financial transparency, but questioned the focus on Mosquito Abatement, which he noted is nationally recognized for its work.

“I feel that our mosquito abatement is doing the right thing,” Strickland said.

Library support group seeks new home

Since 1977, the Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany has operated under a singular mission to support the library and community literacy growth. For nearly 50 years, our all-volunteer 501c(3) nonprofit has worked tirelessly to turn donated books into vital resources for our local libraries. Today, we find ourselves facing an uncertain future and are reaching out to the community we serve for help.

Due to the dilapidated condition of our current facility at 1301 N. Florida St., St. Tammany Parish Government, which has been a gracious landlord by providing us with a rent-free space, must end our lease this July While we understand the necessity of this decision, it leaves our 39 active volunteers without a place to serve and puts our mission in jeopardy The facility we must soon say goodbye to holds wall-to-wall books, movies, puzzles and more in a tightly packed, close to 2,500-square-foot area. Every dollar we earn from our monthly book sales and silent auctions goes directly back into the St. Tammany Parish Library system and community projects. In just the past five years, we have contributed a total of $39,325 to support Summer Reading Programs, the Covington Musical Garden, the Lee Road branch library renovations, technology upgrades for Children’s Librarians, and the purchase of eAudio Books.

Our organization is also deeply invested in our parish’s future. Through the Lisabeth Millard Scholarship, we have awarded $23,950 to St. Tammany Parish graduating seniors attending four-year colleges or universities. In the past years, we have increased the scholarship due to rising costs that affect our parish’s students and families. We typically average around $2,000 per monthly sale, and our ability to fund the scholarship and projects for library patrons depends entirely on keeping our overhead low We are pleading with our neighbors, business owners and local leaders for assistance in finding a new location or identifying innovative, budget-friendly ways to continue our operations We hope to continue our mission for the next 50 years, but we cannot do so without the community’s help. If you have any information that would help us reach this goal, contact us friendsofweststtammany@gmail.com

The Friends of the Library of West St. Tammany

FLOOD

Continued from page 1A

That plan proposes building an 18.5-mile levee that will wrap around Slidell, and includes funding to elevate or floodproof 6,410 structures

across the parish. The Corps has estimated that it will reduce flood risk to 26,000 buildings.

Krieger said it is unusual to receive federal seed money for such projects so soon after Congressional authorization. She credited Louisiana’s congressional delegation for

help in pushing the project along.

The cost of the $5.9 billion project, which includes flood protection work in other Louisiana parishes, will be split between the federal government and the state’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority

City Council President Nick DiSanti described the flood protection project as transformational for Slidell. “Slidell is one of the most at-risk cities in the nation,” he said of the city’s vulnerability to flooding. “This is one of the most important projects in the city’s history.”

Slidell Council moves to sell 13 acres to Textron

BY KIM CHATELAIN Contributing writer

The city of Slidell moved toward selling a prominent, 13-acre site on Gause Boulevard with an ordinance that was introduced by the City Council on March 10.

Although the proposed ordinance was not acted on or discussed by the council, its introduction set the stage for a public hearing and vote on the public property sale to Textron Systems Corporation. Located at the intersection of Gause

and Robert boulevards, the property was donated to the Slidell government in 1995 by the federal government and used for years by the Defense Information Systems Agency under a lease with the city Over time, the agency ceased operations at the site, which is now called the Slidell Business Center The ordinance says there are now substantial maintenance costs associated with the property

“The city desires to authorize its private sale based on its appraised value to a longestablished tenant pursuing an expanded

footprint in the city,” the ordinance states. The ordinance, which will be the subject of a public hearing at the council’s April 14 meeting, authorizes Mayor Randy Fandal to sell the property to Textron or its thirdparty designee for not less than $3.4 million. Under the proposed sale agreement, the city would be able to lease back space at the site currently occupied by Slidell’s IT/ server infrastructure. The city would also be allowed periodic use of the site for certain events, such as those related to Mardi Gras.

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Developers appeal judge’s ruling on Sucette Harbor

BY BOB WARREN Staff writer

Having been shot down by a federal judge last month, the developers of the controversial Sucette Harbor hotel and apartment project proposed for the Mandeville lakefront plan to appeal that denial of their lawsuit seeking to force the city of Mandeville to approve their plans.

Woodward Harbor LLC and the LSU Health Foundation New Orleans sued

Mandeville in 2023 after the City Council turned thumbs down on the proposed $125 million-$150 million development, which would have included apartments for people 55 or older, a hotel, an event venue and retail stores on a 15-acre plot just east of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

U.S. District Judge Brandon Long tossed that lawsuit in a February ruling that also chided the plaintiffs’ attorneys for using unchecked AI in a court filing

Madisonville water woes heat up as wrangling continues

BY JIM DERRY

Contributing writer

Lots of folks in Madisonville have an opinion on the yearslong debate on installing a new water system, and that argument has now turned more toward a “when” the needed work will be done, not an “if” it will happen. One thing for certain, the topic seems to come up each time the town council meets, and it did so again on March 11. This time it was in front of lots of town residents, and the discussion grew even more lively than usual.

manganese in the water which potentially is harmful to children. And putting in new towers, which could come at a total cost of up to $9 million, would increase water pressure throughout Madisonville.

“I understand you are going to have a decision in a month or so, but it is still going to be two years before we can get a well,” said resident Kimberly Thigpen, who was referring to the time it would take to get through the waiting list and have the work done.

Now, Woodward Harbor and the LSU Health Foundation have filed petitions in U.S. District Court in New Orleans to appeal Long’s ruling to the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeal filings do not include any specifics on why the plaintiffs contend the lower court ruling was wrong; they just inform the court that the plaintiffs are appealing the ruling.

A spokesperson for the developers said they had no comment. Mandeville May-

or Clay Madden referred any comment to the city’s lawyers, who were not immediately available when contacted on March 11.

The developers pitched the Sucette Harbor proposal in 2022, initially seeking permission to build 201 apartments and an 84-room hotel. The plan generated fierce opposition from some residents who said it was too large, was out of character with the community and would worsen traffic problems.

Though Mandeville’s Planning and Zoning Commission gave its narrow approval, the City Council, during a series of sometimes raucous public meetings, reduced the maximum number of apartments to 90, though the developers said they could not make the plan work at that number

The council unanimously voted down the proposal in September 2023, and the developers filed suit about a month later, naming the city and City Council member

Jason Zuckerman as defendants. In dismissing the lawsuit, Long essentially ruled that the plaintiffs had failed to show that the city had held Sucette to a higher standard than other developments and that the council did have the authority to vote it down. The city has filed motions seeking nearly $275,000 from the developers to cover the legal fees for the city and Zuckerman. The developers are contesting those motions.

Council member Tim Ogle decided he had enough and made a motion to begin the work on a potential new water well and tower Following 22 minutes of debate from Mayor Jean Pelloat, other members of the council and several constituents, the motion failed, 2-2, with council member Tim Bounds absent and Pelloat casting the deciding “no” tiebreaker

“Why are we waiting? It doesn’t make any sense to me,” Ogle asked. “The price keeps going up; we shouldn’t wait.”

Instead, Pelloat explained he would rather the town come up with a potential budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year before beginning the large undertaking And while there is money saved for the massive water project, there still are capital outlay requests through the state and a potential loan that would help ease some of the town’s burden. That budget could be out as soon as next month.

Council member Keith Dennis, who has been pushing for the start of the project for many months, was one of the two opposing votes to Ogle’s motion. He agreed with Pelloat on waiting until the next meeting to have a clear idea of where the money is coming from.

“We’re not waiting, Louis. We have already made an application for the loan,” Dennis said. “When it comes to the town’s finances, I don’t see any reason why it’s going to fail. We’re going to get the loan, and then we can move forward.” Meanwhile, many in the town are becoming increasingly frustrated and want the work to begin as soon as possible.

It is continually pointed out that changing the well would assist in cutting down on the amount of

“… This is the most ridiculous thing I have heard. Get some bids on paper so you know what it’s going to cost. The longer we wait, the more brown water I am getting.”

And as Pelloat tried to interject, a resident from the crowd shouted out, “I would rather have an ugly car that runs than a pretty one that doesn’t.”

Ogle made the point that the town has $1 million in its budget allotted to begin work, but Pelloat continued to rebut that they needed to make sure they had all their ducks in a row

“One month from now, it will be presented to the council,” Pelloat said “It will be obvious what’s in the budget and what you will be voting for If you don’t have enough, you might want to put more. I think all we’re doing is rushing into something, and we have everything out there: A loan request, a capital outlay request.

“This is a show, and it’s going to be solved. All I did was ask you to wait a month,” he said. “I think you’re going to be more than satisfied. Well, I don’t know if you will be satisfied; some people are never satisfied.”

WATER TESTING AUDIT: A local company presented results of its annual audit on the town’s water and waste water, and it received the best grades it has had in at least six years.

The seven-part audit performed by Curtis Environmental Services of LaPlace returned perfect grades in all but one area — the age of the treatment plant. Even in that area, an acceptable grade was returned — with 50 being the worst score and 0 being the best the town scored a 10.

“It’s the lowest score we have had in five years,” Pelloat said. “Our work is paying off.”

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

Officials gathered March 12 to mark the ceremonial opening of a new Love’s Travel Stop at Interstate 12 and La. 1088 near Mandeville, the first business up and running at a massive industrial park that parish officials and developers hope will attract new warehouses and distribution centers to the I-12 corridor through St. Tammany Parish.

The ribbon-cutting at the 15,228-square-foot truck stop at the Gulf South Commerce Park drew a crowd of elected officials, business leaders, and students from the Lakeshore High School, who played the national anthem and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The opening of the Love’s truck stop is the most visible sign yet of construction — land clearing and prep work mostly — at the site, which was the subject of an intense zoning battle in 2022 as business supporters pushed the St. Tammany Parish Council to approve the zoning to help pave the way for a logistics and manufacturing corridor and opponents told the council the development of huge business parks would destroy the rural nature of the parish and cause environmental problems.

“This is a big corridor growing in St. Tammany Parish. We know that this entire area is the future of business,” said Michael Vinsanau, a spokesperson for Parish President Mike Cooper at the ribbon-cutting.

The new truck stop will be an amenity for the growing industrial park, said Gulf South Commerce Park’s developer, John Crosby

When truck drivers unload their goods at nearby warehouses, for instance, they will be able to use the Love’s truck stop to shower or have a meal before taking their next load,

he said.

Besides the Love’s truck stop, there is one other business that has so far located to the industrial park, said Crosby Blue Steel Development, a Floridabased industrial real estate developer, has purchased a 12-acre property behind Love’s, Crosby said. The company is spending $22 million to build a 200,000-square-foot warehouse that it will rent out to tenants, he said. Construction is supposed to begin in a few weeks, he said.

Crosby said major companies have also shown an interest in becoming tenants at the park, but they don’t always want to wait for a building to be constructed. That’s why developers like Blue Steel, which build warehouses with the plan to rent space out, are important, he said.

In the last few years, Crosby said they brought utilities out to the area and built a 189-foot, 500,000-gallon water storage tank. They have also built some new streets, though Crosby said they cannot build too many without knowing the footprint of the future businesses.

Gulf South Commerce Park currently has around 250 acres worth of development-ready sites, Crosby said, but in total, the parish has zoned nearly 1,000 acres near I-12 for “advanced manufacturing and logistics” that the park could eventually include, he said. That zoning allows owners to build warehouses and distribution centers, such as cold storage facilities. It also allows data centers, though Crosby said he thought a large-scale data center at the industrial park was unlikely, since they are so power-intensive and would require new energy generation to be built.

Officials in St. Tammany, among the fastest-growing parishes in the state, often find themselves trying to balance the pressures to allow more

commercial and residential development, with concerns among residents about insufficient infrastructure and the preservation of the parish’s natural environment. A long-range land development plan called “New Directions 2040,” adopted in 2022 by the St. Tammany Parish Planning Commission, calls for thousands more acres to be zoned for advanced manufacturing and logistics and was the subject of a lawsuit by some residents and environmentalists, who argued the plan was inadequately studied.

Gulf Commerce Industrial Park is located at the site of a property that was once planned for large residential development, Crosby said, and there are still some streets left over from then.

The Love’s Travel Center will have parking spaces for 125 trucks, 70 cars and 9 bobtail trucks. There will be eight diesel bays, three RV hookups and an RV dump, as well as seven showers, laundry facilities, a dog park, and CAT scales, according to Love’s.

The Mandeville location at 66595 Wadsworth Parkway is the 15th Love’s store in Louisiana Love’s declined to say how much the new center cost to build, but Crosby said it was around $20 million. The travel center includes a Godfather’s Pizza and a Hardee’s Charbroiled Burgers restaurant and has 75 employees and 15 managers, according to Brandon Moore, a district manager for Love’s. It opened for business on Feb. 18, he said.

“I like when Mandeville gets stuff they don’t have in other areas — and look at this Godfather’s Pizza. People are going to be coming from miles to get that,” said Mandeville Mayor Clay Madden. The site is outside city limits, he said.

Staff writer Bob Warren contributed to this article.

NAMI SELA offers support, programs

Organization provides help for those affected by mental illness

BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southeast Louisiana, commonly known as NAMI-SELA, is a powerhouse of programs and information for people affected by mental illness, whether personally or as family or friends. Formed when the New Orleans office successfully merged with the St. Tammany chapter in 2024, the group offers tangible help for people in crisis and support for those

impacted by mental illness in the region, according to Monique Gregoire, NAMI SELA’s outreach and policy coordinator

“After our merger, all of the St. Tammany parishbased programs remained, including the support groups and training programs. Residents on the northshore now also have access to services that were primarily based on the southshore,” Gregoire said.

Safe Haven, located on U.S. 190 in Mandeville, is home base to several NAMI SELA programs, all offered at no cost to individual participants.

“Mental Help First Aid,” designed to teach participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health concerns and

FROM THE FILES OF THE FARMER

25 years ago

Recreation officials in the Madisonville area say they will bid out their planned multi-purpose recreational complex in about three weeks. With the support of a $1.8 million bond issue, which it sold last year, St. Tammany Parish Recreation District No. 14 will build the complex, which consists of an 11,000-square-foot gymnasium, eight softball/ baseball fields, and two football fields. The football fields can double as soccer fields. The complex will be built on 44 acres on the north side of La. 1085, east of La. 1077. Paul Lea, district spokesman, said the land was purchased from the Bruno brothers for about $264,000. That means the district still has about $1.2 million with which to build the complex and pay architectural and other fees.

50 years ago

Thousands of people came to St. Tammany Parish this week to enjoy Mardi Gras north of the lake. Larger than ever turnouts for the four major parades were noted both in Covington and Madisonville. The Krewe of Olympia rolled Saturday evening and played to over 10,000 people on the streets of Covington. It featured specially designed floats, Clydesdale horses and the Second Marine Division Band. It was highlighted by the king getting tangled up in tree limbs near the courthouse. The Madisonville boat parade on Sunday drew a crowd of considerable size, featuring over 20 gaily decorated boats. The day was highlighted by the reenactment of the sinking of a British gunship, accompanied by music.

The Lions Club parade in Covington on Tuesday morning started under cloudy skies, but the rain held back as the procession began.

75 years ago

In a statement issued Tuesday of this week by Rep. Edwin Rausch of St. Tammany Parish, and State Highway Director Richardson, the citizens of Covington were assured

PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

Santana Lang waits for the ball as Breanna Underwood slides into home June 19 at Coquille Sports. Approximately 25 years ago this week, the recreation facility announced plans it was scheduled to build out the Madisonville-area recreation complex.

that U.S. 190 would be rerouted through Covington by the middle of July of this year

Mr Richardson telephoned Mr Rausch informing him that the State Department of Highways would repair and put the Covington-Hammo nd Highway in shape so that the federal route would again come through Covington.

“The road will be built up 6 to 8 inches, with a new mixture that has been tested on main highways in the east. That mixture consists of cement, shell and asphalt,” said Mr. Rausch The route of U.S. 190 was changed recently to run through Madisonville, Ponchatoula and to Hammond.

100 years ago

An Englishman has just flown from London to Cape Town, South Africa, nearly 9,000 miles, in 90 hours. At the same rate, the New York to San Francisco or Seattle trip would take about 30 hours – and from New York to Chicago less than 10 hours. That speed will be doubled and nostop flights from ocean to ocean will be made within 20 years!

125 years ago

We think it would be a good idea for the town council of Covington to have small signs put up, giving the names of the various streets of our growing little city

substance use disorders, is a good example of what is on offer In addition to instruction classes, peer-led groups, such as NAMI Connection, a recovery support group, meets in person and online. Clinical telehealth services are also now available to individuals on the northshore. All NAMI services are offered at no cost to the individual, said Gregoire.

“The NAMI programs active in St. Tammany parish, and all of our resources, are provided free of charge. We believe that finances should not be a barrier to access our services,” she said.

One of the organization’s newer initiatives is “NAMI on Campus,” primarily a college-based program now expanding into area high schools, according to Gre-

BY KIM CHATELAIN

Contributing writer

Mandeville public offi-

cials are often asked when construction of the new fishing pier at Sunset Point will finally begin.

Public Works Director Keith LaGrange provided an answer during the City Council meeting on March 12, noting that work will begin in May

Mayor Clay Madden wanted to make sure everyone heard LaGrange.

“Let me repeat that,” Madden said. “The new fishing pier will be under construction in May I get that question a lot.”

If all goes as planned, the new pier could be ready for use in December or

goire.

“This program has been at Southeastern (Louisiana University) for a number of years. We have now expanded it to include Louise S. McGehee and Ben Franklin High schools,” she noted.

“We are looking to partner with other schools in our area.”

NAMI on Campus offers support through initiatives such as resource information tables and Kindness Walls, where students can leave and pick-up positive messages to bolster their mood and attitude.

“Something as simple as a kind message can change a person’s outlook. The messages can also be a reminder to take care of each other and that you are not alone,” Gregoire said. The

January

Residents have been clamoring for a new pier ever since the 400-foot structure just east of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway was knocked out of commission by Hurricane Ida in 2021. It marked the third time the popular pier sustained major storm damage. It was also closed for repairs after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Isaac in 2012.

Following the first two, the city paid to have the pier brought back to its original state without additional fortification. And both times, the city was reimbursed by FEMA for 75% of the repair costs.

After Ida, Mandeville applied to participate in the

importance of self-care is also promoted through these activities.

Financial support is key to funding the wide variety of programs, according to Nicole Justice, NAMI SELA’s development director After the 2024 merger, NAMI SELA has since expanded to serve people in nine parishes. The group now includes Jefferson Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes.

“We are stepping forward with a full focus to offer resources to all of the communities we serve,” said Justice. “We are definitely in expansion mode right now.”

Two big fundraising events on the calendar for this spring will help to sup-

federal Hazardous Mitigation Program, which allows governments to apply for grants to rebuild stormdamaged facilities in a way that reduces, or mitigates, future disaster losses. That process greatly delayed work on the pier but will ultimately result in a more resilient structure better able to survive future storms.

The federal government is expected to cover the vast majority of the construction cost, officials said.

Demolition work on the damaged pier was completed late last year, and the city then began the bid process for construction of the new, sturdier structure

LaGrange said M&J Civil Construction was the apparent low bidder for the proj-

port the expanded roster of programs and locations. Up first is the Raising Hope Soiree on March 27 at the Lakehouse New Orleans. It is billed as an evening of live jazz, along with a unique Food is Art experience and silent auction. Also at the event, Virginia Weinmann will be recognized as this year’s NAMI SELA’s Champion of Mental Health and honored for her decades of service to organizations focused on mental health, education and historic preservation. Next is the annual NAMIWalks SELA event on Saturday, May 16, in Mandeville. Get more information about NAMI SELA programs and all upcoming events is available at www namisela.org.

ect, which has a projected price tag of $2.53 million. The City Council is expected to officially approve the bid and award the contract at its next meeting. Madden has acknowledged that the replacement of the pier has taken longer than most expected, given the time it takes for public works endeavors to work their way through the federal grant process. Even after that, the project then had to work its way through the city’s bid process. “A lot of people thought as soon as the demolition is complete, they were going to start the next day building the new one,” the mayor said. “It’s a little more complicated than that.”

Artist’s early painting graces Arts Evening poster

BY SARAH BONNETTE Contributing writer

Artist Charmaine Allesandro has a simple motto: “It’s never too late.”

At 72 years young — evidenced by her joyful spirit — she’s carried out those words through CharmNola Art, the creative venture she started to showcase her impressionistic-style portraits and landscapes in vibrant colors. The resolve to start painting — after a four-year hiatus came to Allesandro after her sister lost her battle with Alzheimer’s in May 2025 “I remember after her funeral coming home and crying so hard because I kept reflecting on my life,” she says. “I said to myself ‘I can either keep sitting here crying about what I’ve been through, or I can change everything and start something new ’ I always loved to be creative this was an opportunity for me to start my art career.”

After just five months in business, she’s already found success: This year’s Arts Evening poster features her vibrant painting, “Good Morning, Bayou Liberty,” selected by the Slidell Commission on the Arts from 30 submissions by 12 artists.

A family-friendly event that welcomes the spring, the 32nd annual Arts Evening will take place March 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m throughout Olde Towne Slidell. The night will feature more than 80 artists displaying their work at more than 40 locations. In addition to the visual arts offerings, attendees can enjoy live entertainment, fine and casual dining, and antique and boutique shopping.

Allesandro also will be part of Arts Evening, selling signed copies of the commemorative poster

“When I got notification about the poster, I cried,” she says.

“When you’re getting older and you don’t know how much time you have left, and you do something new, to be validated for it is such an honor I am so grateful for it.”

A retired registered nurse whose more than 30-year career included various nursing manage-

SLIDELL’S ARTS EVENING 2026

WHAT: A gala of arts sponsored by the City of Slidell

WHEN: March 21, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WHERE: Locations throughout Olde Towne Slidell

HOW MUCH: Admission is free. In case of inclement weather, check www.myslidell.com or the “City of Slidell, Louisiana” Facebook or Twitter pages for updates

MORE: To see more of Allesandro’s artwork, visit https://www charmnolaart.com.

ment positions at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans and serving as the Greater New Orleans Immunization Network’s executive director Allesandro first started creating art in 2020. It came after years where she felt creative — as evidenced through her love of cake decorating — but didn’t have time to paint. Yet life’s trials forced the New Orleans native to put her creative

pursuits on hold. She cared for her late husband, Phil, during his fight with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a fatal disease characterized by irreversible scarring of the lung tissue. He received a bilateral lung transplant in 2022, but passed away in 2024 due to organ rejection. She faced her own health crisis in the midst of his, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. “I remember just sobbing so hard and saying to God — not that you can dictate to God how your life is going to go — ‘I will go through cancer, but why right now?’ It was the worst time because of my husband,” says Allesandro, who also had to deal with the complexities of repairing the extensive damage to her home from Hurricane Ida later that year She preserved. She underwent a mastectomy chemo and radiation, and is now cancer-free. “I feel like you can’t really appreciate the blessings unless you’ve been in the dark because when they come through, it is so powerful,” Allesandro says. “I feel like that’s what is happening right

Authors speaking, chefs cooking at the Library

BY JACKIE RIECKE

Continuing writer

Author Talks, the newest event at the St. Tammany Parish Library, offers a glimpse into the mind of the writer Several local authors have participated in Author Talks over the past few months with recorded presentations and talk-show styled Q-and-A sessions with attendees.

David Armand will be the next author to join this growing collection of Author Talk presenters

Armand was born and raised in Louisiana and is currently an associate professor of English and Creative Writing in the Department of English and World Languages at Southeastern Louisiana University He has written several books over the years and was awarded the Louisiana Writer award in 2022. In the past, the award-winning Armand has held events at the library, but this will be the first to be recorded for later viewing His Author Talk will be held at the Causeway branch, 3457 U.S. 190 in Mandeville, on April

9 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Armand will present on his book, “The Roads We Travel,” a memoir told in the style of Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird,” Stephen King’s “On Writing,” and Ellen Gilchrist’s “The Writing Life.” The book focuses on more of the journey than the “how-to” and is meant to be a story to inspire writers rather than a prescriptive lesson Visit sttammanylibrary.org/authortalks to register for this and other Author Talk events

Flavors of health

The LSU AgCenter began a partnership with the Library earlier this year, with a packed room for its premiere event in February Elisabet Trujillo, LSU AgCenter nutrition agent, gave a live cooking demo on the Mediterranean diet and healthy eating The next event will be held on April 1 at the Causeway branch from 10 a.m to 11 a.m. Attendees will view a presentation on “Small Changes and Physical Activity” and a live cooking demo of Blueberry Watermelon Salad with Feta.

In addition to the live cooking demonstrations, the center will also be providing simple recipes and spice samples monthly to its branches. Quantities are limited and are on a first-come first-served basis. Last month, the sample was turmeric, and the handout included detailed information on the spice’s origin, cultivation and uses, along with a recipe for Golden Turmeric Milk. Visit bit.ly/46YLeSC to register for this

PROVIDED PHO LSU AgCenter nutrition agent Elisabet teaches library patrons about the health value of eating a Mediterranean Diet and how to prepare a dish.

event, and visit sttammanylibrary.org/ cooking to find new and exciting recipes to try Friends sales

Both Friends groups will hold their monthly Used Book Sales on March 20 21. The Friends of the Slidell Library hold their members’ only sale on March 20 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Slidell Library, 555 Robert Blvd.; the public takes place March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3

The Friends of the Library of West Tammany will hold their monthly Used Book Sale both those days from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. at their building, 1301 N. Florida in Covington near the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds.

Other events

now.”

Allesandro credits her late mother, who passed away suddenly when Allesandro was 29 years old, with teaching her to appreciate life’s gifts. She now honors her mother, whose nickname was Birdy, by hiding a tiny bluebird in each painting.

“It came to me when I was creating my first painting. I thought of her and what she would think about me doing this,” she says, adding that sometimes the bluebird’s placement is obvious and sometimes it’s hidden.

In the Arts Evening poster artwork, the bluebird sits on a cypress tree branch. The acrylicon-canvas painting is the first piece in a trilogy Allesandro created in 2024 for a large wall in son Jason’s Slidell home.

“They were the last paintings I did before my husband passed away so it has extra special meaning for me,” she says, adding that he loved the pieces.

“I think about him often and wonder what he would think about what is happening right now I know he wouldn’t believe it,” she says.

Lego Challenge: Kids and families can drop by the Mandeville branch on March 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for fun Lego build challenges. No registration is needed. Community Art Show: Talented Art Students of the Covington area will showcase their artwork at the Covington branch from March 19 through April 8. On March 19, a reception will be held with light refreshments from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. No registration is needed for this event.

Windchime Diamond Art: Adults can make windchime diamond art at the Folsom branch on March 20 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit bit.ly/46TXSCg to register

Mahjong Meetup: Players with intermediate experience are invited to play mahjong on March 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the South Slidell branch. Visit bit.ly/4cBWRm2 to register

Genealogy Time: A genealogy librarian will be available at the Abita Springs branch on March 25 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to answer tricky family history questions. Visit bit ly/4sA3dqD to register

Opry plays year’s first show on March 21

BY SHEILA GRISSETT Staff writer

The Abita Springs Opry will open its new season on March 21 with a package of musicians ranging from some of the area’s most veteran old-time country players and singers to one of the best-known New Orleans-based busking jazz bands performing today

The Opry’s mission is to preserve and play Louisiana “roots” music, played primarily acoustically and in its original form. The show’s main thrust in its six annual shows is traditional country, bluegrass and Southern gospel music, but it also celebrates other forms of traditional music that reflect the region’s diverse culture and people.

“The main emphasis is on the type of music indigenous to our section of the state, but we do occasionally offer something a little different as lagniappe a little something extra, to our show that puts a little more spice into our musical gumbo,” the Opry says on its extensive website that includes recordings of its previous shows. “We hope you enjoy this little taste of that gumbo, but more importantly, we hope to see you at the Opry.”

The Abita Springs Opry treasures tradition and will again kick off its two-hour show at 7 p.m. with its veteran opening act, the Steve Anderson Band Anderson is a lifelong Abita Springs resident and self-taught musician who is so good that he continues to open most shows. “He can deliver traditional country music as well as anyone,” said Bryan Gowland, Opry host and presi-

MOST HOLY TRINITY CHURCH AND KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

COUNCIL 14614: 501 Holy Trinity Drive, near Mandeville, Fridays through March 27. Dine-in and drive-thru, 4 p.m.-

7 p.m. $15 plates — catfish, shrimp, or combo — and each includes a choice of French fries or baked macaroni, coleslaw, hush puppies, dessert and drink. Boiled shrimp salad is $12. Seafood platter is $20. MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH COLUMBUS COUNCIL

12072: 1501 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, March 20 and 27, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; fried fish, shrimp or both, choice of two sides from fries, salad mac & cheese or green beans, $12 adult plate, $6 child plate; also offers $20 “Coop Special” entree that includes a dessert, drink and a surprise side. Desserts include softserve ice cream, along with coffee, tea and lemonade. The special changes weekly

OUR LADY OF LOURDES: 345 Westchester Place, Slidell, March 20, 27, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., dine-in or drive-thru, $12-14 plates with fried fish or shrimp, crab-boiled smashed potatoes, salad, roll and dessert; grilled shrimp salad also available. Shrimp pasta will be available for the March dates. Contact (504) 722-5610 for information.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE CHURCH AND COLUMBUS COUNCIL 9240: 312 Lafitte St., Mandeville, March 20 and 27; 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Dine-in/carryout. $12 adult dinners — two pieces fried fish or one whole baked filet; choice of three sides; bread, dessert and beverage. $7 child’s plate (10 years or younger) One-piece fried fish; choice of two sides, bread, dessert beverage. Available sides: French fries, green beans, coleslaw. Accepting donations of canned and dry goods to be donated to the Samaritan Center. ST. ANSELM: Madisonville, March 20, 27, 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Dine-in/carryout. Adult fish plates with six pieces of catfish are $19. Adult shrimp plates are $20. Child fish

ABITA SPRINGS OPRY

WHAT: Musical performances by bands to preserve the area’s roots in old-time country, bluegrass, Southern gospel, zydeco, Cajun and Irish music.

WHEN: March 21, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

WHERE: Abita Springs Town Hall 22161 Level St.,Abita Springs

WHO: Steven Anderson Band, 8Track Acoustic, The Petty Bones and Tuba Skinny COST: $20 donation per ticket. Call for them in advance (504) 214-7777 or get them at the door

dent of its nonprofit board of directors. 8Track Acoustic will be new to the Opry stage, but not new to the Opry itself. Trio member Jude Leblanc was a member of the Abita Springs Opry production crew before starting his own production company and now his own band. The trio also includes Jerrod Nix and Mark Henry “Like most sound guys, Jude is a musician ...” Gowland said. “Having heard them at a local market, the decision to book them (was) a no-brainer.”

The Petty Bones is another trio, this one comprised of Ann and Jery Crowell and Bobby Belloni, and none of them are strangers to the Opry stage either The Petty Bones was a house band for several seasons, and Belloni has been a member of two different house bands. For different reasons, they all stepped away from

FISH FRIES

puppies. Both drive-thru and dine-in services are available. Desserts sold, too.

ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS AND COLUMBUS COUNCIL: 61030

shrimp, and two soft-shell crab is $23. Seafood gumbo is $13 and the shrimp Caesar salad is $18. ST. BENEDICT CHURCH: 20370 Smith Road, near Covington, March 27, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. $13 plate, fish or shrimp dinner, tater tots, coleslaw and French bread. Inside dining, brownie and canned drinks or water for $1.

ST. GENEVIEVE CHURCH: 58203 La. 433, near Slidell, March 20 and 27, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Dinein/carryout. $10 plate, fried fish, potato salad, green peas and roll.

ST. JANE DE CHANTAL AND COLUMBUS COUNCIL NO. 12529: 72040 Maple St., Abita Springs, March 20, 27, 4 p.m.7 p.m. $13 plates — fried catfish plate, fried shrimp plate, combo plate with fries or boiled potatoes, coleslaw, French bread. Side gumbo $7, drinks $1, desserts $1. Cash, credit cards and checks accepted.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST COLUMBUS COUNCIL: 11345 St. John Church Road, Folsom, every Friday in Lent, except Good Friday, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.; $12 per dinner. Includes fried catfish, baked cheese potatoes, coleslaw and hush

Brier Lake Drive, Lacombe, March 27, 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m.; $14 plate, fried domestic catfish, wild caught Gulf shrimp or combo, served with smashed potatoes, green beans and hush puppies and more. Also, desserts will be sold by the Ladies Guild.

ST. LUKE THE EVANGELIST: 910 Cross Gates Blvd., near Slidell, March 20 and 27, 5 p.m.8 p.m.; $12 plates, fried or baked fish with choice of two sides from French fries, coleslaw or smashed potatoes with a Hawaiian roll. Dine-in, carry-out or drive-thru. Ladies Club to sell bread pudding, cake and brownies.

ST. PETER, KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: 125 E. 19th Ave Covington, March 20 and 27; In school cafeteria, dine-in 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.; drive-thru

5 p.m.-7 p.m., $13 catfish, shrimp, fries, bread and choice of potato salad or coleslaw. Desserts available for purchase. (985) 892-2422 for more information.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 16: 2031 Ronald Reagan Highway, Covington. Every Friday during Lent, noon-1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Catfish, French fries, coleslaw, $10. Carryout or eat-in.

music for a spell but have now pooled their talents and will stage their return on the Opry stage.

Gowland, on behalf of the Opry, has plenty to say about show closer Tuba Skinny “This is one of the best traditional jazz bands in existence. I am not saying that frivolously. Years ago, I heard them on a recording and knew we had to have them at the Opry,” he said. “Back then, they were still principally buskers, and they still are, but also now perform in clubs, festivals and prestigious venues and on streets around the world. They have a huge following, and we are privileged to have them.”

Habitat for Humanity West celebrates past and future

BY SUZIE HUNT

Contributing writer

Big smiles and happy reminiscing were the order of the day when the Habitat for Humanity West affiliate in St. Tammany Parish celebrated 45 years of service and growth with a celebration breakfast at The River Mill at Coquille Park.

The March 5 event was a gathering of Habitat homeowners and the volunteers and sponsors who made those homes possible. Noble-Bates Young Nunez, the breakfast emcee, noted it was a celebration of the impact made over 45 years of home building that in turn helped to build stronger families and stronger communities.

When Habitat for Humanity West was founded on Aug 1, 1981, it was the first affiliate in Louisiana and the organization’s 10th chapter in the United States

Judge Scott Gardner, one of the founding members, recalled that the group had ambitious goals in the beginning.

“Covington was filled with substandard housing at that time. The goal was to have no shacks by 2025. We can say that number has been reduced enormously through the work done by our volunteers,” he said.

Habitat homeowner Amber Crandle shared how, despite rocky times during the journey, her Habitat home’s mortgage was now paid off and a blessing to her and her family

“Having a decent home without the floors caving in or the roof leaking was a big deal. Our home is a comfortable spot for my children and grandchildren,” she said.

The Rev Stephen Holzhalb attributed the starting of the local organization as God’s work put on the hearts and minds of people to make a difference.

Habitat STW President and CEO Terri Gage thanked

several of the early volunteers for getting the ball rolling: “Emily Diamond, Barbara Bahlinger and others planted and tended the seed of this ministry.”

Since its inception, HFH STW has built 323 homes, and proceeds from the organization’s extensive Restore have made it possible for 45 of those homes to be built.

Speaking about her experience with Habitat, future

homeowner Ronterries Goins shared what a Habitat home would mean to her family

“I wanted something different for my children, so we moved from New Orleans and we’ve been working our hours together for Habitat,” she said.

Goins received approval for her home application in March 2025. Guests were invited to express their good

wishes for Goins’ new home by writing messages on 2x4’s placed on a side table. The lumber would become part of the home’s construction, and a wall-raising event for the Goins’ home was scheduled to take place the day following the breakfast.

“I’m looking forward to going through the front door and showing my children that they can do this, too,” she said.

As when the chapter first started, Gage acknowledged that there are challenges ahead for the program. Increasing land costs and rising insurance rates are making it difficult to produce affordable homes. But she expressed confidence that the people involved in the local affiliate could meet those challenges.

“The strength of this organization is being able to weather difficulties and hard times. We adapt, grow and change to stay true to our mission. It’s still about people, walking along with families on their journey with dignity and hope,” Gage said.

Community involvement to address pressing issues and working with local government is critical to moving forward, the chapter president said.

“Advocacy is important to get things done. There is something for everyone to do,” Gage said. She also announced the upcoming merger of the Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West chapter with the Washington Parish Habitat affiliate.

“Our offices have been friends for year and we’ve been talking about this for some time. It makes sense now to combine our resources. We’re working, with community input, on a unified name and organization structure,” Gag saide A formal announcement will be made in a few weeks. After more than four decades of dedication to their homeowners and the community James Hunter Habitat STW’s board chair, said time has not changed the original mission.

MUSIC

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS

LIVE: Mandeville Live! kicks off two months of free Friday concerts on March 20 with a show by jazz trumpet virtuoso Kermit Ruffins and his longtime BBQ Swingers band on the city’s trailhead stage. This all-smiles ambassador of New Orleans music, food and culture — and one of the co-founders of The Rebirth Brass Band in New Orleans — operates from his Mother-in-Law Lounge music club in Treme. Music in Mandeville from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Food and beverages sold on-site, so no ice chests, eats or drinks from home are allowed in.

TAPESTRY: Longtime Southern roots rockersongwriter-storyteller-bandleader Dave Jordan will perform in concert March 21 in the North Star Theatre at 347 Girod St. in Old Mandeville. For three decades, Jordan has traveled throughout 50 states, performing everywhere from smoky bars to the country’s finest music festivals. He weaves his story of America into a tapestry that combines New Orleans-based notes and rhythms of rock, blues funk jam, Americana, country and folk. He plays at 7 p.m.; doors open at 5:45 p.m. All tickets are reserved, so pick a seat online at northstartheatre org. General reserved are $41.91, inclusive, and $101.79 VIP seats, which also includes hors d’oeuvres and drinks at the Backstage Bar.

REAL IRISH: Irish folk singer, songwriter and storyteller Danny O’Flaherty will perform his second show at Playmakers Theater in Covington on March 29 at 2 p.m. Raised on Ireland’s west coast, O’Flaherty has devoted his life to preserving and sharing the region’s rich musical traditions, and its deep cultural heritage is woven into his every note and story Tickets are $30; children 12 and under, are free, at 19106 Playmakers Road.

IRISH: There’s a traditional Irish session on March 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the back room of Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St. Musicians and music-lovers to play and sing favorite pieces of Celtic music. Visit thesession.org/tunes to find music catalogue or go to nstms.org for details.

PERFORM: Open Mic Night on March 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in The Reminding Coffee & Creative House, 141 Terrabella Blvd., near Covington. Great chance for musicians of all ages and abilities to perform before a supportive audience. Each performer/ensemble is invited to share a set of three songs or about 15 minutes. Arrive early to sign up for a spot. A Northshore Traditional Music Society event.

THEATER

DUH: Willum Cubbert owes a debt to fellow GI Rick Steadman, who saved Cubbert’s life in Vietnam, prompting Cubbert to pledge that he would do anything for Steadman so long as he lived. But see what happens at 30 by Ninety Theatre in Mandeville when Steadman shows up unexpectedly to collect, revealing himself to be a hopeless “nerd” with no social sense, no tact and very little intelligence. As Steadman’s surprise visit continues, it leads to a series of hilarious incidents involving Cubbert and his friends. See the mildmannered Cubbert driven to contemplate

violence. The play, written by Larry Shue, is directed by Laurie and Nino Bonura Sr. and features their son, community theater actor Nino Bonura Jr., as the show’s clueless Rick Steadman. Shows March 20-22 and 27-29, with 8 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. curtains. Tickets from $14 to $22 at www.30byninety.com/.

HOME: Evangeline Theater, in its new Mandeville home at 2635 N. Causeway Blvd., continues to celebrate its opening with the musical comedy “Catch Me If You Can” through Sunday, March 22. Meet Frank, a precocious teen with nothing but boyish charm, imagination and a bunch of forged checks. Follow his cross-country antics with the feds on his tail, a story of chasing dreams without getting caught. Thursday-Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. Cast includes Zach Van Zandt (as young Frank); Elizabeth Burris (Brenda Strong); Barrett Baumgartner (Agent Carol Hanratty); and Frank’s parents, John Carambat and Casey Limpscomb. Directed by Emily Carmadelle; music director Johathan Sturken; orchestration by Mark Shaiman and Larry Blank, with arrangements by Shaiman. Reserve seats are $32, plus fees, at www.evangelinetheater.com/.

ART

SOMETHING

SPECIAL: Coinciding with Spring for Art on April 11 in downtown Covington, the St. Tammany Art Association will host the opening of a new solo exhibition by New Orleans–based photographer Rusty Costanza, titled “Love in the Face of ALS: A Photographic Journey,” in the Barranger Gallery of the Art House. More than a year ago, the longtime Times-Picayune photographer received the life-altering diagnosis of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a progressive and incurable neurological disease that causes loss of muscle control. But Costanza has continued taking photos, using smaller equipment and shooting from his new perspective. The exhibit of his new photography has been curated by Costanza’s friend and colleague, former Times-Picayune photo editor Andrew Boyd. Supporters are also invited to join Rusty, his family, and friends at a preview of of the exhibit at 6 p.m. on April 10 at the Art House, 320 N. Columbia St. STUDENTS: On March 19, the Covington branch of the St. Tammany Parish Library at 310 W 21st Ave. will host an art show displaying work by talented art students from E.E. Lyon Elementary, Pine View Middle, William Pitcher Jr. High and Covington High School.

A reception will be held at the branch from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the opening day, and light refreshments and cookies will be available. The show will include paintings, drawings and sculptures and is open to the public. The artwork will remain on display throughout the branch until April 8.

ART COMMUNITY: The St. Tammany Art Association’s next free monthly Artist Community Night takes place April 1 (first Wednesday) at 6 p.m. in the downtown Covington at 320 N. Columbia St., a creative gathering of association member-artists for inspiration, connection and hands-on exploration; artists of all backgrounds are invited. Attendees of this meeting are asked to bring any leftover or unwanted art supplies to swap; a work in progress for small group discussion’ and a handy material, tool, or technique for showand-tell with the group. Led by artist Rachael Walker. See more at sttammany.art/acn.

COMMUNITY GUMBO

QUILTING: Anyone interested in learning to quilt or experienced quilters looking for a group are invited to the next meeting of The Camellia Quilters Guild of Slidell at 10 a.m. on March 19 (third Thursdays monthly) in Genesis Hall, Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Information, education and inspiration in all things quilting and related fiber arts. For more, contact Mollie Lusty at mlusty63@ gmail.com.

TRAIN: Audubon Delta and Pelican Park Nature Club hosts an Urban Native Greens Program on March 27 that will teach the best practices of nest monitoring and how to become involved as a nest monitor. Birds will be banded and released as part of the program by specialist Erik Jonson and Chloe St. Germain-Vermillion, an Audubon bird technician. Takes place 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. in the Brown Pelican Gym at the park. For more, visit www.pelicanpark.com website or the Pelican Park Nature Club Facebook page.

PANCAKES WITH THE EASTER BUNNY: The Northshore Mandeville Kiwanis Club will host a full pancake breakfast on March 21 from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. at Fontainebleau High School cafeteria. Also features children’s crafts; inflatables; and a fire truck. Breakfast for $7; large families eat for $28. Get tickets from Kiwanis members; at https://northshorekiwanis.square.site; or at the door.

THE TOUR DE LIS LA — HEALING THROUGH WHEELING: March 28 , a non-competitive bike ride through the live oaks of Fontainebleau St. Park and along the Tammany Trace. All proceeds to Cancer Association of Louisiana programs. Pick routes from 10 miles to 62 miles long. Check in starts a 6 a.m., riding at 7:30. See tourdelisla.org for costs and all details.

NORTHSHORE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Chancellor’s Scholarship Breakfast for the Lacombe and Sullivan campuses from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on March 20 at Benedict’s near Mandeville; doors open at 7:30 a.m. Celebrates exceptional NTCC students and scholarship donors, bringing them together with community leaders and NTCC faculty to share inspirational stories and make connections.

GOLF TOURNAMENT: Event benefits Children’s Museum of St. Tammany on March 23, with 9:30 a.m. registration; 11 a.m. tee time; awards following at Beau Chene Golf Club. For more info, contact Joey Roberts, jroberts@ cmstkids.org.

NORTHSHORE HUMANE SOCIETY: “Claws and Paws Crawfish Cook-off” on March 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 1200 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville. Tickets $30; kids 10 and under are free. A small number of adoptable animals will be on-site. Tickets and details at www.northshorehumane.org/node/1119/.

NAMI SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA: Annual Raising Hope Soirée on 6 p.m. March 27 at the Lakehouse in New Orleans, with an evening of live jazz, a Unique Food is Art experience, signature cocktails, and a silent auction in support of free mental health education, advocacy and family support programs across the area. Tickets are $150 at Eventbrite. For more, visit Raising Hope Soirée.

“A