St. Tammany Picayune 04-01-2026

Northshore Pride gets permit to parade

BY JIM DERRY Contributing writer

After a little over a half-hour worth of discussion and questions with very little debate, the Mandeville City Council approved the third annual Pride Northshore parade at the council’s March 26 meeting.

The vote was 4-1, with only council chairman Jason Zuckerman in dissent. There also were no public comments, except for a few questions answered by Leyla Hekmatdoost, who is the executive director of Queer Northshore, the group that started the parade in 2024.

The only thing left to do is to finalize plans for this year’s event, which will run along the lakefront and is scheduled for May 30 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a rain date of June 6.

“I am very relieved. We applied in January, and it doesn’t usually take this long,” Hekmatdoost said “We spoke to the police, we spoke to the fire department; we have taken a lot more steps than ever We understand there are security issues, and we’re committed to paying the fees because we want to keep the parade in Mandeville.”

Those fees come to $12,420 which includes just over $9,000 that will go to officers of the Mandeville Police Department each of whom will receive a check from a representative of Queer Northshore on the day of the event

Part of the holdup was having to go through a new and unfamiliar process for special events and parades the city council approved in January The ordinance also had an effect on the Old Mandeville Business Association, which is about to hold its annual Girod Street Stroll

That event is scheduled for April 25, and was unanimously approved at the March 26 meeting.

“We put this ordinance in so that everyone is treated the same,” council member at large Scott Discon said. “The applications were put in, and they checked all the boxes. (Queer Northshore) agreed to pay the costs, and costs for all the events increased this year We have to provide a safe environment for the citizens of Mandeville, and that is our utmost concern.”

Hekmatdoost said in January they not only were concerned about whether the application would be approved but of the potential costs would skyrocket to

ä See PARADE, page 3A

Rummaging through Abita

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

A national food distributor that supplies products to thousands of grocery stores around the country will invest $110 million in its distribution facility in St Tammany Parish that employs over 300 people. Associated Wholesale Grocers’ planned upgrades to its Pearl River facility include new automated systems and severe weather protections, state and parish economic development officials said in a news release on March 24. The new upgrades will not affect the number of positions at the facility, which will stay at 334 direct employees and 38 contractors, said Kristin Durand, a spokesperson for St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation. To secure the project, the state of Louisiana offered the company an incentives package that included a $500,000 performance-based grant, Durand said in a news release. Officials said the upgrades will improve safety

“Bargains galore!” were promised at the Abita Springs Whole Town Garage Sale, and curious shoppers no doubt found what they came for when the annual event was held March 28.

A cluster of vendor booths is centered around Abita Springs Town Hall each year, but a digital map was online for visitors to find the most farflung rummage sales hosted by homeowners throughout Abita Springs.

Visitors from across St.

Tammany Parish and beyond found tables filled with vintage items, home goods, toys, furniture and clothing — all among the most popular offerings at the sale, held on the final Saturday in March each year

Early birds, some arriving before 7 a.m., discovered some of the best bargains, but a steady stream of shoppers filtered through the town until mid-afternoon, looking for the “just-right” items to bring home.

Springs

BY LISA VON EBERSTEIN

Deadline to register for May 16 primary vote soon

ter in person to vote in the May 16 Party Primary/ Municipal Primary Election. Anyone registering to vote in person will need identification with a parish address. Office hours on that day will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., although the Slidell Office, 520 Old Spanish Trail, Suite 2F closees daily for lunch from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The Covington office is located at 601 N. Jefferson Ave. In addition, all mail registration applications must be received or postmarked by April 15. If registering to vote online through Geaux Vote Online Registration, the last day is Saturday, April 25, according to St. Tammany Parish Registrar of Voters Dwayne Wall.

NEWS ROUNDUP

Nominations for the top Democrat and Republican candidates for U.S Senate and U.S. House of Representatives will be determined on May 16, as will Republicans in Public Service Commission District 1, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education District 1, and Louisiana Supreme Court’s First District. Democratic nominees for the PSC and BESE open primary votes in November have already been determined. No Democrat qualified for the Supreme Court Closed Primary Election on May 16. Local municipal elections are being held the same day for Slidell Police Chief, two Slidell Council at Large seats and five of the seven

district seats on that City Council. Honor lives of the indigent

A memorial service honoring the lives of unclaimed and indigent individuals in the community will be held April 15 at the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office, 65278 La. 434 in Lacombe.

The service will take place from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and will offer a moment of dignity remembrance and compassion for those who may not have had loved ones present to celebrate their lives. Everyone is invited to the tribute. Leadership Institute taking applications

The New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute is now accepting applications for its lead-

ership development program, set to begin in August 2026. Leaders from business, civic, nonprofit and public sectors across the 10-parish region including Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes are encouraged to apply to join the Class of 2027.

NORLI selects about 50 emerging and established leaders for an immersive 10-month experience designed to build regional awareness, foster collaboration and inspire meaningful change. Through a combination of networking, hands-on learning and expert-led discussions, participants will explore key issues shaping southeast Louisiana, including education, health care,

public policy, environment, economic development, inclusive leadership, criminal justice and arts and culture.

The Class of 2027 will begin with an orientation event in August and conclude in June 2027. The program includes opening and closing retreats to foster connection and strategic thinking, as well as eight monthly session days featuring behind-the-scenes facility tours, expert panels and interactive discussions on regional challenges and opportunities.

Interested individuals can apply online at www.norli.org before the May 8 deadline. The program’s tuition is $3,600. For more information about the program, visit norli.org or connect with NORLI on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

MURAL

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For Maras, the project was not a typical commission; in fact, it was commission-free. The motivation was simple. He reached out to Becnel wanting to do something to decorate the town where he lives.

“It was kind of calling to me because I really love Abita, and I wanted to do something to make the town pretty just (a) gift, something to my community that I live in,” Maras said. Becnel’s contribution to the project was more than just providing a canvas at the 22107 La. 36 building

“Zac came to me with his idea for the mural, and I jumped at the opportunity. The wall Zac painted has been an eyesore and in need of repair for some time now I had the exterior wall and exterior plumbing ripped off and replaced with cement board and minimized the plumbing so Zac would have a smooth surface to work with,” Becnel said.

Maras used spray paint on that surface to create the lively “down the bayou” style art.

“She’s just a big proponent of the arts in the community ” Maras said of Becnel. He met her when she taught his sons at Abita Elementary School.

“I feel the new mural is a wonderful welcome into Abita proper, as it is one of the first views seen when entering our precious little town My hope is that everyone enjoys the view, and that maybe our mural collection can continue to grow,” Becnel said “We now have murals by ,, Dave Kelsey and Zac Maras in our town, and I’d love to see more.”

The imagery reflects what Maras most enjoys about the region.

“I paint a lot of local animal life and trees and plants and birds and insects. So I just got together some of my favorite things that I like to paint and I put it on the wall,” Maras said. “As far as meaning, it’s just like my representation of the things I love to see in Louisiana, like being out-

doors.”

Maras, 36, a Franklinton native now living in Abita Springs, said he has painted close to 700 murals, mostly in the New Orleans area, but some more recently on the northshore. Though painting is his primary

focus, Maras is also a musician. “Music kind of takes the back seat now that painting is my full-time gig, so it’s kind of like a treat to get out and play gigs,” he said. He previously worked as a drafter at a civil engineer-

ing firm, and his artistic roots reach back into childhood.

“My mom’s an artist, and my sister and I grew up drawing and painting with her, and I was in the talented art program in Washington Parish,” he said.

The new artwork joins another of Maras’ works nearby — a mural he painted in February 2021 on the side of the neighboring store. “I plan on renewing that one,” he said.

Angie Harrell-Hahn, clerk of court for the Town of Abita Springs, said Maras’ recent mural adds to Abita’s creative identity, and she has heard positive feedback from residents.

“It’s fun and funky which is right on par with the vibe of our town,” she said. “It’s just one more colorful thing in this town. It sets us apart.”

More of Maras’ artwork will be featured during an opening reception at The Artwalk, 829 Asbury Drive No. 2, in Mandeville, on April 11 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will feature local artists, music and dance performances. It is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

To see more of Maras’ exterior and interior murals, visit https://www.staymarais.com/artist-spotlightzac-maras or his Instagram page.

Some Lakeshore Villages residents say homes making them sick

Attorneys seek state court OK to proceed with class-action lawsuit

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

The night Janika Royal first moved into her new home in Lakeshore Villages near Slidell, she was too excited to wait for the furniture to arrive so she slept on an air mattress on the floor

It was her first home and, as a Marine Corps veteran, she’d gotten help from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to secure the loan She moved in on Oct. 31, 2023, with her niece and her two sons.

But as Royal said in state court in Baton Rouge in December and again at a community meeting in Slidell last week, a year after moving in she saw mold in her coat closet and all over the ceiling of her mechanical closet She said she began suffering migraines and her children developed allergies and rashes.

“I served my country, I raised my kids, I thought I was doing everything right purchasing my home, and I’m left with just a nightmare,” Royal said on March 24 at a community meeting at a church in Slidell attended by more than 100 people.

Royal is among a number of Louisiana homeowners who have filed suit against the nation’s largest homebuilder, D.R Horton, arguing the company’s homes are not built to withstand Louisiana’s climate. Their attorneys are seeking state court approval to proceed with a class-action lawsuit against the company, said attorney Lance Unglesby

The company did not respond to an emailed request for comment and an employee of D.R. Horton said by phone that media inquiries

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a point it would be unaffordable, which then would force the group to search for another venue. In the end, they did not seem to balk at the final fee, despite the fact it went up by more than double — from the $5,500 they paid to hold

GROCERS

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and productivity and will provide opportunities for employees to pursue STEMrelated career fields. “T hi s in ves tm en t strengthens our region’s supply chain capabilities while creating high-wage STEM-related jobs and advancing a safer, more resilient distribution environment for the future,” St. Tammany Economic Development Corp. President Russell Richardson said in a statement. For over a decade, Asso-

must go through email. The company has previously defended the quality of its homes and also argued that because of agreements that residents signed when they bought their homes, the disputes should be settled through arbitration, which would follow different procedures than traditional court.

In response to Royal’s lawsuit in state court, D.R. Horton has filed a federal lawsuit against her, seeking to have a federal judge order her to arbitration

D.R. Horton has homes in developments across Louisiana from Lake Charles to Slidell. Once completed, Lakeshore Villages, where Royal lives, is expected to have thousands of homes, becoming one of the largest developments in St. Tammany Parish. The company also has homes in the Bonterra and Tamanend neighborhoods in St.

each of their first two parades.

Mandeville Police estimate approximately 4,000 people will attend the event after about 1,500 were there in 2024, and 3,000 or so attended last year

“We’re really excited about it,”

Hekmatdoost said. “Our theme is

Tammany

At the March 24 meeting in Slidell, a dozen or so homeowners from Lakeshore Villages complained of mold, ventilation problems and water intrusion, as well as health issues. The meeting was organized by Louisiana United International and the Concerned Citizens of St. Tammany in response to homeowner complaints.

“I pay too much money on my mortgage and my taxes, insurance is too much, to be living in this type of environment,” said Lakeshore Villages resident Eva Woods, standing at the front of a line of other homeowners on hand to share their own concerns.

Lakeshore Villages is outside the city limits of Slidell, so building regulations fall to St. Tammany Parish Government.

Nic LeBlanc, the parish’s direc-

tor of permits, said in an interview that every home in Lakeshore Villages must undergo parish inspections and is required to meet building codes, but noted those were minimum requirements.

“Many, many builders do not go

for minimum. They go for exceeding the minimum,” he said. He also said that since Jan. 1 of this year, all inspections have been required to be conducted by parish employees, as opposed to contractors.

On an information sheet posted on screen during the meeting, the city budgeted for 32 officers and a supervisor The 22 officers needed for traffic control will work the event at a rate of $65 per hour while the eight on security will make $50 per hour

Unlike past meetings that involved this parade, there were no

‘We Rise Together,’ and since we worked extra hard for the permit, it seems appropriate for us. We’re hoping for an even bigger parade and block party People are planning and decorating their costumes.”

ciated Wholesale Grocers has operated its facility in Pearl River which officials say serves as an anchor for the company’s Gulf Coast operations. The Pearl River facility is one of the company’s nine wholesale division support centers around the country, Durand said The company which is celebrating its 100th year, distributes food to some 3,500 grocery stores in 33 different U.S. states, according to the news release. The base average annual salary at the Pearl River facility is $60,000 and an estimated $63,000 with overtime and benefits, which is approximately 9% higher

FUNDRAISERS

than the parish’s average wage, Durand said.

Construction is expected to begin in January 2027 and the automation systems are expected to be installed in April 2027 in time for operations to begin in November 2027, the news release said.

“By integrating advanced systems into a key food distribution operation, the company is improving how essential goods move through the region while creating upskilling pathways for their workers to grow alongside industry advancements,” Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois said in a statement.

each, or more info at https:// www.onewaylove.org/events/ a-night-of-hope-2026.

NORTHSHORE AUTISM

of

April

and

FESTIVAL:

from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the

Funds raised will

the Northshore Neurodiversity Network’s mission of expanding educational opportunities for individuals on the spectrum. For ways to get involved or to find out more about the festival, see www nnnautism.org or email info@ nnnautism.org.

public comments and hardly any from the council. Rather, nearly all the questions were geared toward police chief Todd Schliem about potential assignments and who might assist with policing the parade, if necessary There also were concerns about where portable toilets might be set up, if Queer Northshore would be handling trash pickup after the event and to remind the group that signs were not allowed.

Zuckerman, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said only after the meeting: “I have several reasons I really don’t want to discuss them.

His also was the lone vote cast against issuing last year’s parade permit, with councilwoman Jill Lane absent.

Lane voted for the 2026 parade permit to be issued.

gourmet buffet open bar, live entertainment, silent auction and 50/50 drawing. Get tickets, $125

NORTHSHORE GARDEN & PLANT SHOW: Annual St. Tammany Master Gardeners Association event in St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds April 24-25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Shop large selection from regional growers — from roses, perennials and trees to veggies and herbs; outdoor furniture; unique garden art and tools. Workshops by LSU AgCenter and Master Gardeners specialists; children’s gardening activities; plant advice booths; and food concessions both days Bring a wagon. Admission $5; free for 17 and under.

Gerry Hinton street sign has a special designation

BY KIM CHATELAIN

Contributing writer

When the sign designating a section of Carey Street in Slidell as Dr Gerry Hinton Memorial Road is erected in the coming weeks, it will feature a newly designed logo geared toward paying homage to former state senators. As expected, the Slidell City Council on March 24 approved an ordinance renaming the stretch of Carey Street between Front Street and Pontchartrain Drive to honor Hinton, who served for 16 years on the council and three terms in the

state Senate. Hinton, a chiropractor who died in 2000, at one time maintained an office on that section of Carey Street. As a senator, he was instrumental in the adoption of the state’s chiropractic licensing act and was a member of the Louisiana Board of Chiropractic Examiners for nine years. The ordinance, which was approved unanimously by the council, had been deferred at a previous council meeting. Ashley Ray, one of Hinton’s granddaughters, explained how the issue was encountered and went around a leg-

islative roadblock.

When family members and city officials, including council member Leslie Denham, sought to use the state senate logo on Hinton’s street sign, they were told that they needed permission from the senate to do that. That sent Ray on a mission. She eventually made contact with Yolana Dixon, secretary of the state Senate. Dixon, who Ray said was very understanding and helpful explained that the official logo is often used improperly and without permission, forcing the senate office to intervene.

St. Tammany Health System opens cardiology center

Staff report

The new Cardiology Center at St. Tammany Health System was dedicated March 25 during a ribboncutting ceremony attended by health system leadership, members of the medical community and local officials.

The 22,000-square-foot facility, located across South Tyler Street from St. Tammany Parish Hospital, represents a strategic step forward in how outpatient cardio care is delivered on the northshore, aligning services, technology and clinical expertise in a purposebuilt environment designed for maximum efficiency and minimal patient anxiety, system officials said.

This centralization of cardiology procedures and diagnostics under one roof will help streamline the patient journey from diagnosis through recovery, according to St. Tammany Health System President and CEO Joan Coffman.

“Why is that so important?” Coffman said. “Be-

cause it means easier access, less stress and a more personal experience from the moment a patient arrives ...”

Incorporating input from the care providers who will work there, every detail of the center was designed with the patient in mind, with a specific goal of providing a more accessible, less fragmented care journey Health system leaders said the move reflects a nationwide trend toward outpatient cardiovascular care and aims to increase capacity to meet the needs of the growing northshore community while also improving convenience and reducing stress for patients.

The center includes:

n Two fully equipped cardiac catheterization labs, with the ability to expand to add a third should patient volumes require it.

n Four echocardiography and vascular ultrasound rooms.

n Two noninvasive cardiology procedure rooms for stress testing, transesophageal echocardiograms and cardioversion.

n Fifteen pre- and post-

procedure rooms.

The facility will open with 17 full-time employees and is expected to grow to 35 staff members when fully operational.

The inpatient cardiovascular program at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, including its four catheterization labs, will remain unchanged and separate from the new outpatient Cardiology Center

As with the health system’s dozens of other community facilities, The Cardiology Center at St. Tammany Health System will feature original works of local artists including Peggy Hesse, Mary Helen Seago and Rachelle Woodard provided through the nonprofit St. Tammany Health Foundation’s award-winning Healing Arts Initiative.

The Cardiology Center at St. Tammany Health System is on the third floor of the Charles A. Frederick Medical Office Complex at 1203 S. Tyler St., which is connected to St. Tammany Parish Hospital by a pedestrian skybridge spanning Tyler Street.

Former Christ Episcopal headmaster Greg Homer dies

Staff report

Greg Homer, former headmaster at Christ Episcopal School who forged a legacy as a down-to-earth, solutiondriven educator whose unassuming demeanor often resulted in him being mistaken for a campus maintenance worker, died unexpectedly March 21. He was 74. Anativeof Bakersfield, California, Homer served at CES for 25 years before retiring in 2017. He is being remembered as a kind and humble do-gooder with a rare ability to see into people’s souls and decipher their essence in the most thoughtful and discerning way “I don’t know if I’ve ever known a more unique man,” said Northshore District Attorney Collin Sims, a former Christ Episcopal student whose mother, Pam, worked with Homer for decades. “He was uniquely compassionate and willing to help kids and anyone else in any possible way.” Homer’s ability to relate to people carried into his retirement years. During his

almost daily walks through Covington, he often would encounter parents of former CES students. He was always able to remember the names of the former students and always expressed interest in their accomplishments after graduation.

“His passing has left a hole in Covington,” said Bert Duvic, who served on the school’s board of directors while Homer was headmaster and knew him for 25 years “It was an honor to have known him. That’s what it boils down to.” After moving to Louisiana, Homer attended Loyola University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in social work. He then received a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee. He and wife, Emily, lived in Covington for 40 years. Those who knew Homer said his career in education personified dedication, visionary leadership and a hands-on approach to igniting intellectual curiosity and quality of character in his students. He is credited by friends, former students and associates with being a large part of the private school’s identity

Founded in 1984, CES is a co-educational college preparatory school for students

in early pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

In addition to his time as CES headmaster, Homer served as lunch provider middle and upper school social studies teacher, administrative assistant to the head of school, and dean of students during his 25 years there.

“He was a beacon of strength, intuitive genius, kindness and courage,” said Emery Clark, a longtime friend whose children attended CES. “He was fierce in his beliefs and was an eloquent and inspiring speaker” In a letter to the “CES family,” The Very Rev D. Seth Donald, the rector, noted how Homer was often “proudly mistaken as the groundskeeper,” a testament to his humility

“Mr Homer left a lasting influence on generations of students, their families, and on the church and school,” Rev Donald wrote. In addition to his wife, Homer is survived by their three daughters, Nina Parsley Maggie Homer and Josephine “JoJo” Homer and three grandchildren.

A remembrance of Homer was held March 28 at the Columbia Street Landing in downtown Covington.

She thanked Ray for “doing the right thing” and agreed that something should be done to address the issue.

After consulting with state attorneys, the Senate office decided to create a new logo to honor former senators like Hinton. That logo will be part of the new Dr. Gerry Hinton Memorial Road sign to be put up by the city “The city of Slidell will be the first to use this logo,” said Ray, who received a standing ovation from council members after her presentation. A native of Columbia, Mississip-

pi, Hinton graduated from Slidell High School and served in the U.S. Army He received a bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and his chiropractor credentials from Texas Chiropractic College. In addition to his service on the council, Hinton was active in various community affairs in Slidell. He was elected to the 11th District seat in the state Senate in 1987. Despite his hard work in government and as a volunteer in many organizations, Ray said her grandfather “remained a devoted husband, father and grandfather.”

Netflix Christmas movie filming in Olde Towne Slidell

Area homes and businesses take on holiday decorations

BY WILLIE SWETT Staff writer

Film crews descended on Olde Towne Slidell recently for a new Christmas movie for Netflix, transforming the city’s historic district into a small, fictional southern Louisiana town during the holidays.

Christmas decorations went up on homes, while businesses were given fictional names, including the Old Town Slidell Soda Shop, which became a bakery called “Sweetie Pie’s and Cakes,” where the main character of the movie works.

The movie, “A Christmas Kind of Love,” is about a town getting ready for its annual Christmas festival, said location manager Nick Thomas.

The director Bethany Ashton Wolf, is from Lake Charles and was familiar with Slidell and thought it fit

the vibe of the story, which is set in a “wholesome, small Southern town,” Thomas said.

“The town’s been really great and they’re all working with us,” he said. The movie is being produced by Rain or Shine Inc. for Netflix, he said. There are 24 days of shooting between the beginning of March and the beginning of April, he said.

Angela Roques, who coowns the Old Town Slidell Soda Shop, said she might want to keep the pink and white awning now on her business as a sort of commemoration for the movie this spring. Her shop is supposed to be open again by April 6.

Gwendolyn Clement, who lives on Carey Street, said her porch was covered in Christmas decorations and she watched crews paint her neighbor’s house green and change out the furniture.

Most of the shooting has been happening on Carey, Cousin and First streets, said Alex Carollo, the director of cultural and public affairs with the city of Slidell. There have been some minimal street closures, but no

major thoroughfares needed to be closed, Carollo said.

“The city is working closely with the production team, and they’ve been really great to the Olde Towne community and Slidell, in general,” Carollo said.

“We want to see more filming coming to Slidell because we have so much to offer,” he said.

“A Christmas Kind of Love” has a budget of $4 million, said Roberta Carrow-Jackson, who manages permitting for film and television productions for Visit the Northshore — a catchier handle for the St Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission.

While Visit the Northshore collects the permitting paperwork, the parish government and municipalities grant the permits, she said. There have been seven permitted productions in St. Tammany so far this year, Carrow-Jackson said, including two commercials, a reality TV show and four feature films.

“Social Spider,” another one of the permitted feature films, was filming in the parish last week, as well, Carrow-Jackson said.

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Covington-area charter school expected to open in August

Staff report

A new tuition-free public charter school educating K-8 students is expected to open in early August as the Academy of Classical Education at Covington on a 69,000-square-foot campus under construction just off Interstate 12.

Project principals and elected officials gathered recently for a ceremonial groundbreaking on the campus, which will include traditional classrooms, athletic facilities, open learning spaces and specialty breakout rooms, as well as dedicated labs for science, art and music.

Ryan Companies US Inc. will serve as the builder, with Red Apple Development as the site’s developer Construction began last summer and will be com-

A

of what the completed Academy of Classical Education at Covington will look like. The charter school is expected to open with a capacity enrollment in August

pleted ahead of the next academic year officials said It is part of the nationally recognized Charter Schools USA family of schools, and school officials said the academy will be the first public charter in the area

to offer a “classical education.”

A recent release issued by Ryan said the school will offer a “classical, liberal artsbased education focused on academic excellence, character development and

civic virtue. Instruction is grounded in the trivium — grammar, logic and rhetoric and supported by a technology-enhanced, personalized learning model that strengthens, rather than replaces, traditional teaching. Students, known as scholars, engage with classic literature, language instruction at all grade levels, Socratic discussion and service learning while guided by the school’s Beacons of Virtue: prudence, fortitude, temperance and justice.”

The Charter Schools USA operates 13 schools in Louisiana and more than 150 in the U.S. The school is governed by the St. Tammany Charter Foundation Inc., a local group of educators and business leaders.

For more information, go online to https://www.acadclassicaledcovington.org/.

New Parenting Center home is familiar to many families

BY KADEE KRIEGER

Contributing writer

The St. Tammany Health System Parenting Center moved into a new home last month on the St. Tammany Parish Koop Drive campus, a location where organization leaders say it can expand its reach across the community and enhance its programming.

“We are really centrally located, especially with our community expanding, and we are right off the interstate,” said Executive Director Lori Cage. “This facility gives us dedicated spaces for reception, reading, classroom learning, craft activities, active play and more. Things are flowing beautifully.”

Cage said the center’s position on the Koop Drive campus puts at their fingertips so many assets for kids and families, including the Tammany Trace trail and the Kidz Konnection Playground. The new Parenting Center facility previously housed the Kids Town interactive play area and the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany The center unveiled its new home on March 17, and dozens of families, totaling nearly 100 parents and kids, turned out to get a first look at the roughly 3,000-square-foot facility, Cage said.

The new location is the fourth home for the organization, which began in 1987

“We started with a group of moms who wanted to help prevent child abuse, and they asked the hospital if they could pass out brochures in the hallway Our services have grown exponentially since then,” said Cage, who has been with the organization for 26 years. In 1999, St. Tammany Parish Hospital added the Parenting Center as one of its departments, and the organization moved into a trailer in a corner of the hospital parking lot. From there, the organization occupied space near the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds with the St. Tammany Wellness Center and most recently, on La. 21 in a converted warehouse.

Standardized testing circus stresses kids and educators

Like a villain lurking in the shadows, the “FCAT” assessment was a beast we Florida public school kids had to battle each year in the early 2000s.

It was long It was tedious. And it was, by all accounts, stupid.

Jessica Saggio

My now-husband, who was in high school at the time, didn’t do so great on the infamous standardized test one year The result of that meant giving up an elective and being forced into a remedial FCATfocused course to improve his score.

It also meant he had to give up the opportunity to take shop class. Now, 20 years later, we look back on that and scoff. If only he had the opportunity earlier to see that his talent was working with his hands. He now leads a team of aircraft maintainers for a major airline and travels the globe fixing problems when they arise. He’s the guy making sure airplanes are safe and cleaning up the mess when they aren’t He also has a degree from a prestigious university and served bravely in the Marine Corps during wartime.

testing in Louisiana and other states stress students, schools and educators, and yet it continues year after year

the Kids Town

The new Parenting

Dozens of families recently got a first look at the new home of the St. Tammany Health System’s Parenting Center, which was refurbished to fit the program’s needs. Those changes included a fenced in area to accommodate 4-year-olds at play.

“The Highway 21 spot was always a temporary location, so when this location became available, we knew it was the perfect fit,” she said. The Children’s Museum of St. Tammany occupied the space on Koop Drive until July 2024 when parish government declined to renew its lease. The St. Tammany Health System subsequently renovated the space to better suit the Parenting Center’s needs, adding a bathroom, office, kitchen, craft area and fenced-in outdoor area to accommodate ages 4 and under Cage said the space is warm and inviting “I always tell members to make themselves at home, and here they

certainly can do that,” she said. She said the center is “so much more than a play space,” and that the goal of the organization has always been to build stronger families by building confident parents “We concentrate on health and wellness of the entire family People who come here learn to form bonds with children and each other,” she said. “We extend our services to grandparents, aunts, nannies — whoever the child brings with them.” The Parenting Center provides education, resources and support to northshore

families through a full slate of monthly classes and programming for children of all ages; educational speakers and workshops for parents and grandparents; a groundbreaking Safe Sitter certification program; a CPR training program; and fun social gatherings for the entire family Families participate in as many activities as they would like through a paid monthly or annual membership per family, and Cage said scholarships are available.

She said one of the most well-attended classes is still Mommy and Me, one of the first Parenting Center programs offered and a hallmark of the organization.

But she said the Parenting Center covers everything from helping parents set up car seats to offering resources for needs such as speech therapy “We have an incredible staff who watches out for issues that need additional resources. I encourage anyone who has not seen what we offer to come and check us out,” she said. The Parenting Center is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The activities for each month can be found at the center’s Facebook and Instagram pages www. StTammany.health/ParentingCenter

Guess the FCAT forgot to measure his kind of “smart.”

But as LEAP testing begins today in Louisiana, and other surrounding states also gear up for their end-of-year standardized circus, I can’t quite wrap my head around why we keep doing the same thing while knowing it’s broken.

Locally LEAP testing runs April 27 through May 8 for St. Tammany students, and teachers are already reporting a “shift” in the vibe at school.

These days, LEAP testing is done as a way to make sure schools are all on the same page and there is an accountability system in place. The test can determine grade promotion, school performance and even plays a part in teacher evaluations. However, it’s just one piece of a school’s performance, Superintendent Frank Jabbia said.

“LEAP scores are one measure of a student’s progress and a large part of the state’s accountability system, but they do not tell the full story of a student or a school,” he said. But there is still a sort of looming black cloud hanging as some students start to feel the pressure of the high-stakes test and educators brace for impact.

“I try really hard to make my classroom a fun place. I mean, I have a bright pink math classroom for junior high students with a couch,” said Danielle Einhorn, a teacher at Slidell Junior High. “We play games, joke around and have fun as much as possible, but this time of the year there’s a shift.

The kids are stressed, I’m stressed, the school is stressed.” In my home, we can relate. My third grader has been panicked about state standardized testing for weeks, despite her teachers making concerted efforts to try and ease fears.

Pediatric nurse practitioner Tavi Schlueter told me that between 10 and 40% of students experience

clinically meaningful levels of test anxiety, and even greater amounts of anxiety are reported surrounding standardized testing. Schlueter specializes in pediatric mental health and said: “It means the stakes children perceive around these exams are very real to them, even when they’re academically prepared.” My friends in other states share the sentiment, so this issue isn’t special to Louisiana by any means. Georgia Milestones and Mississippi MAAP are also on the horizon, and Florida has state standardized testing three times a school year now But if you talk frankly with an educator, you won’t hear too many positive reviews of these tests. They take up classroom time, they dictate how curriculum is taught and often don’t give the complete picture of a student’s ability The tests are narrow, often inequitable, and fail to acknowledge that there are many different types of learning. They are black and white in a colorful world, and too often states are overusing them to measure success. That being said, Louisiana may ditch the LEAP in years to come. A bill passing through the state Senate last year called for switching up the assessment. It was passed, but ultimately changes won’t happen until 2027 when the state’s contract is up with the test vendor Florida also made changes, eventually ditching the FCAT and changing directions. However, promises to end state-mandated testing just turned into multiple standardized tests each year, measuring benchmarks. Even kids in kindergarten are expected to sit still and endure the rigorous testing. So when I hear lawmakers calling for change, I’m still a bit skeptical. In the meantime, however, administrators, teachers, students and parents are stuck with the status quo, and the best we can do is offer our support and ease the pressure. Or as my husband says so eloquently, “embrace the suck.” Schleuter said the best thing parents can do during this time is to validate these very real feelings, prioritize sleep and routine, practice mindfulness and breathing exercises and limit excessive test prep at home. She also said it’s important to help kids with their “self talk” and make sure they aren’t being too hard on themselves. One way to do this is the “best friend” technique, where you ask your child, “What would you say to your best friend if they were feeling this way about the test?”

“Children are often far kinder to others than to themselves, and this simple shift in perspective can interrupt the self-critical spiral,” she said. Eventually the education system may realize that its standardized testing methods are bogus, but until then, the best we can do is keep our kids level-headed in the meantime. After all, one test won’t determine your future — but hard work and perseverance will. Just ask my husband.

Prediabetes program teaches small, crucial changes

BY KADEE KRIEGER

Contributing writer

Covington resident Ruth Stickler resolved at the start of the year to return to a healthier lifestyle after some stressful times led to a diagnosis of prediabetes. But she questioned how she would find the right structure and guidance to turn her health around.

She found her answer when she clicked on an email from her church, First Baptist in Covington, which announced a new initiative from St. Tammany Health System’s Diabetes Education Department.

“It was a godsend for me I knew I needed to harness this thing and get it turned around, and this provided the perfect way,” said Stickler, 77.

The announcement she saw was for the PreventT2 program, the first of its kind on the northshore designed for adults who have been diagnosed with prediabetes

cise and keep journals of their eating habits.

An ambitious goal of the program is for participants to lose 5% of their body weight, said program manager Terry Compton, who for years has wanted to start a diabetes prevention program in St. Tammany

The structure may be rigorous, but with an estimated one in three American adults living with prediabetes, she said it is worth the challenge to create sustainable lifestyle changes shown to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

of making small changes each week is designed to sustain success.

“It takes a month or longer for any person to make one change that they want in their lives. If they want to succeed, they must be willing to commit to small measures of making a small change. That commitment will lead to a big benefit,” she said.

The yearlong program uses a curriculum approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

participant.

“There are lots of ways we can grow this, and we are excited to see where it leads,” she said.

Stickler said the program already has helped her learn more about the ways technology can help her track steps and heart rate. She said the topics at the meetings have reminded her of healthy habits she’s steered away from.

or who are at increased risk for developing the condition. It emphasizes gradual weight loss, increased physical activity and stress reduction through practical skills that improve longterm health for participants. During weekly hourlong sessions held at the church,

20 enrolled participants weigh in with dietitian Melissa Gispert and registered nurse Janet Jones, who then lead lessons on topics ranging from nutrition to technology tools that support healthy habits. At home, participants track how often they exer-

Good Sams’ shepherd Sue Rotolo wins Dick Knight Award

BY JOLIE LINDLEY Contributing writer

Known for the community advocacy network she’s built over decades of work with Slidell’s The Good Samaritan Ministry, director Sue Rotolo was recently named winner of the ninth annual Dick Knight Award by the Northshore Community Foundation. The $5,000 award honors nonprofit professionals across the foundation’s four-parish region for their meaningful impact and dedicated service to the community Foundation CEO Leslie Landry said nominations are submitted by peers and community members, and then a dedicated selection committee made up of people who knew or worked with Knight reviews and evaluates each submission.

“Sue has built strong partnerships, working alongside other nonprofits to ensure no need goes unmet and gaps in services are thoughtfully filled,” Landry said. Rotolo said she was stunned by news of the award. “I was honored, obviously, but also shocked. I work with amazing people in many agencies because we have such a philanthropic-rich community.” True to her commitment to the service work she does, Rotolo said she hopes earning the award will put a spotlight on the work of The Good Samaritan Ministry and its volunteer community more than it will her personally “It’s incredible how a little church grew to be a big charity in the community,” she said.

Housed in St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, the 33-year-old ministry started with a mission to provide small amounts of financial aid to community members in need, along with a small food pantry. Under Rotolo’s helm, the ministry has grown to include 11 different programs, allowing it to be the first step for someone in crisis, providing financial aid for any bill of necessity, such as utilities, once the need is verified.

“We also have a very good

food security program to help with immediate needs, and then we can help people connect to long-term aid services,” Rotolo said. She added that they collaborate and network with other community organizations every day “We can find a solution to any problem.”

Rotolo said her background as a systems engineer with IBM was the catalyst for building Good Sams into the widespread organization it is today

“That collaboration didn’t exist when I started. My background is in systems. I retired and wanted a way to give back, and what really grew Good Sams was Katrina. We had started to put systems in place and were able to use funds from Catholic Charities for assistance and reimbursement at a time of immense need,” she said.

Today, Rotolo leads a network of 135 volunteers ready to serve at a moment’s notice. No one in the organization is a paid employee. “We’ve gone from having $30,000 in annual funds to $400,000 cash and an additional $900,000 in inkind services. I help bring that goodness into the community by networking,” she said.

Rotolo said volunteering has given her so many moments that have made a difference. She recalled a woman with three children coming in to give her a rose as a thank you for the financial help Good Sams had given her years earlier to bury her first child, who was stillborn. “Her youngest child handed me a single rose, and it gave me

chills. It’s just the way the holy spirit works,” Rotolo said. On another occasion, a woman caring for an autistic adult child needed assistance because her home’s floorboards were rotting, and the foundation needed to be fortified. “We don’t normally do big jobs, but I was having some renovation work done on my home, and I talked to one of the workers. It turns out he could do the work, and he helped me get the funding and donated materials, and they fixed her house,” Rotolo said.

“Connecting volunteers and good people — that’s my major work with Good Sams,” she said.

Rotolo praised the Northshore Community Foundation for its efforts in supporting all nonprofits in the area. “They have been a great partner, and we can flex in emergency situations by partnering with them We have the volunteers and the expertise but not always the money They see us and take the financial stress away,” she said.

Landry said Rotolo was a perfect choice for Northshore’s Dick Knight Award.

“Sue is a 100% volunteer She gives her time, energy, and heart to this work without compensation, simply because she cares deeply about her community and really does it all. From leading fundraising efforts to managing day-to-day operations, coordinating volunteers, and showing up in the community to lend a helping hand, her impact is felt at every level,” Landry said.

Rotolo plans to use the prize money to honor her family for encouraging her through all her volunteer efforts.

“I’m the mother of four with 10 grandchildren and two more on the way and we are planning a family trip to Gulf Shores to kick off the summer My husband and I are paying for the accommodations for everyone because I could not have done it without the support of my husband. We’ve been married 50 years,” she said.

“Where we live, we focus on food all the time. Every time we turn around, we have a holiday or celebration, so we must learn to adapt to those events in life to stay healthy,” she said.

Compton is a certified diabetes care and education specialist who has been overseeing diabetes outpatient care at St. Tammany Health System for 11 years, and she said the consistency

While participants meet weekly during the first six months, the sessions drop to once- or twice-monthly during the second half of the program.

Before being approved, program participants took a prediabetes risk assessment to determine eligibility and whether they might benefit from the program. In the pilot program, there is no charge for participants but Compton said in the future there may be a fee to be a

“I’ve allowed the stress to take the time away from meal planning, exercise, proper sleep, things that keep health going in the right direction. “But the program is truly turning that around. I’ve enjoyed reading the information that I take home from class, and I’ve been tracking my meals and when I exercise, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. I’m excited about putting focus back on my health.” For information on the program, call the STHS Diabetes Education Department at (985) 871-5983.

Retired Navy commander awarded DAR honor

Staff report

Retired Navy Commander John B. Wells was awarded the DAR Medal of Honor by the Louisiana Society of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution during its 117th State Conference held in Alexandria on March 20.

Established in 1942, the DAR Medal of Honor is among the organization’s highest distinctions, recognizing individuals whose leadership, patriotism, and dedication to service have made lasting contributions to the nation.

Wells was nominated by the Wharton Chapter and formally recognized by Bobbi Foster, national vice chairman of the President General’s Project Committee, during the award presentation.

Wells served more than two decades as a commissioned naval officer, completing operational deployments across the Mediterranean, Western Pacific, North Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf. His military career was marked by integrity, principled leadership and an unwavering commitment to mission.

Following his retirement from active duty, Wells continued his service through the legal profession, dedicating a legal career to advocating for veterans and service members, often through extensive pro bono work. His efforts focused on complex issues, including access to earned benefits, toxic exposure claims and systemic challenges within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Wells is founding executive director of Military-Veterans Advocacy, Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to legal advocacy, education, and policy engagement on behalf of veterans and active-duty service members. Through federal litigation, legislative advocacy and policy work, his efforts have helped expand recognition and health care access for veterans affected by toxic exposures, including Agent Orange and burn pits, the DAR said.

Among his most significant achievements was his role in landmark litigation that helped secure benefits for approximately 90,000 Blue Water Navy veterans who had previously been denied recognition related to Agent Orange exposure.

“Commander Wells’ lifetime of service truly reflects the ideals of leadership, patriotism and dedication that this medal

represents,” Foster said. “His unwavering commitment—both in uniform and beyond — has made a lasting impact on veterans and their families across our nation.”

In addition to his legal advocacy, Wells has devoted decades of volunteer service to supporting veterans, attorneys, and policymakers and contributed to veterans treatment court programs helping justiceinvolved veterans rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into their communities.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award from the Daughters of the American Revolution. This recognition is not just about my service, but about the continued fight to ensure our veterans receive the care, benefits, and respect they have earned,” Wells said. “It has been my privilege to stand alongside so many dedicated advocates, and I remain committed to this work for as long as it is needed.”

James Wallace, of Metairie, rowed — not pedaled — his bicycle-canoe during an earlier Bicycle Festival, an eclectic event that is short on order and long on fun.

Abita Springs bicycle fest gears up April 18

BY SHEILA GRISSETT Staff writer

The eccentric little village that parades glammed-up lawn mowers at Mardi Gras also holds an annual bicycle festival that celebrates “all things wheeled, weird and wonderful,” a free and easy-going event for people who embrace the slightly odd side of life. It has been taking place in Abita Springs for years and draws quite a crowd. The event is also part swap fest, especially for bicycles and bike accoutrement, and always draws an out-of-state contingent anxious to see and share the gear on hand. But that’s only part of the draw

This year the Louisiana Bicycle Festival happens April 18 in and around the heart of Abita Springs — its old Town Hall — and is called by its promoters, with tongues in cheek “A Parade of Fools” in the best possible way It is a free-form family reunion for bicycle enthusiasts, artists, and the just plain curious that starts at 9 a.m., or when people start showing up. Here’s what to look for n The bikes: “Get ready to see the strangest and most beautiful bicycles you’ve ever laid eyes on! Think vintage classics, incredible art bikes, custom-built wackadoodle creations with multiple frames, high-wheelers, unicycles, and everything in between.”

n The ride: A parade that’s more of a loose, joyful meander through the historic town. It’s not a race; it’s a chance to show off your ride and see the truly bizarre ones roll by

n The fun: Expect a swap meet and flea market for parts, kids’ bike races, a wheelie contest, and awards for things like “Best in Show” and “Best Wheelie.”

The parade-ride-meander through town generally starts around 1 p.m., when the peak crowd is on hand. And if requested, the contingent has been known to wheel by someone’s mama’s house if she’s not feeling well and needs cheering up.

FAITH

Slidell-area church invites all to fly kites on April 22

Staff report

The Lamb of God Lutheran Church near Slidell is holding a Kite Day on April 22 for families and friends. Enjoy the delightful spring weather, complimentary gift-card raffles, refreshments, and kite flying from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 57210 Allen Road

Everyone is welcome but should bring their own kites; a limited number of kites will be available. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Champagne brunch supports Rainbow Child Care Center

The 16th annual Bubbly on the Bayou Champagne Brunch on March 21 generated more than $13,000 in proceeds for the fundraiser’s beneficiary, the East St. Tammany Rainbow Child Care Center in Slidell. Guests sported a rainbow of striking hats for the Kentucky Derby-themed event, enjoyed Patton’s delicious food and bubbly, the live music of Bobby Ohler, a silent auction of gifts (including a one-of-a-kind painting of Taylor Swift), and a second-line around Patton’s historic Salmen-Fritchie House.

Arts Evening happens in Olde Towne Slidell

The 32nd annual Arts Evening on March 21 in Slidell featured more than 80 artists displaying their work at 40-plus locations throughout Olde Towne. In addition to the visual arts, guests also enjoyed live entertainment, fine and casual dining, and shopping at antique, boutique and unique shops.

joy,” he says. Take in the show from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the 419 N. New Hampshire St. park at the start of the Tammany Trace. Picnics welcome, but food and drink trucks are on-site and lots of restaurants throughout the historic district STEP, STEP: The next Northshore Cajun Dance happens April 4 with T Marie & Bayou Juju performing traditional and original Louisiana music. Cajun dance instruction at 7 p.m. is included in the night’s $12 admission at Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St. in Abita Springs. Music and floor dancing 7:30 p.m.10 p.m. For more info, call (504) 250 7561. JAZZ: A Traditional Jam Jazz with clarinetist and teacher Ben Redwine is April 4 (every first Saturday) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St John’s Coffee, 535 E. Boston St. in Covington Two hours open to all listeners and players usually a mix of students, amateurs and professionals. Confirm session at nstms.org; sheet music available at redwinejazz.com/ education.

BEGINNER’S BLUEGRASS: Slow bluegrass jam April 13 from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. in Abita Springs Pavilion, 22044 Main St. Please bring a chair. For beginners who need to play slower or others who want to practice at slower tempo. See nstms.org for link to lineup or other details.

ON STAGE

LAUGHS: It will be Comedy Night 17 at 30 by Ninety Theatre in Mandeville at 7:30 p.m. April 10 when the Mandeville Theatre welcomes Garrett Nelson, to open, and Caroline Picard, as headliner. It will be an evening of standup comedy with Nelson, who earned the title “Shreveport’s Funniest” in 2025, and Picard, widely known as the “Cajun Queen of Comedy.” A Grammy-nominated comedian, Picard has played in multiple spots worldwide, from entertaining U.S. military troops in the Middle East to entertaining passengers aboard Carnival Cruise Line voyages. Reserved seats for the 7:30 p.m. show at 880 Lafayette St. are $30 at 30byNinety.com.

SIZE: “The Irish Curse,” a thought-provoking comedy with adult themes and language — for audiences 18 years and older only will be presented at Cutting Edge Theater for two weekends, April 11-19, at 767 Robert Blvd. in Slidell. The comedy focuses on a group of men in a support group in a Catholic church basement, dealing with “a little problem” they share. The all-male cast includes Martin Booda, playing the priest who leads the men’s group, as well as Gary Gilmore, Michael Tanner, Ronald Brister and Rob Reudenauer Shows $35 and $50; get tickets at cuttingedgetheater.com.

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

ART SEE IT: The work of Zac Maras, known for his colorful interior and exterior murals throughout the New Orleans region, and Steve Hasslock, fine artist and sculptor, will be featured during an opening reception at The Artwalk/ JFortier Studios, 829 Asbury Drive No. 2, in Mandeville, on April 11 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will also feature musical artists Cactus Thief; performance artists with Ballet Apetrei; small bites and fine drinks. A presentation of the artists and artist talks begin at 8 p.m. The Artwalk and studios are part of the Ballet Apetrei Studio complex. Free and open to the public. PHOTOGRAPHY: Coinciding with Spring for

by Costanza’s friend and colleague, former Times-Picayune photo editor Andrew Boyd. Supporters are also invited to join Costanza, his family and friends at a preview of the exhibit at 6 p.m. on April 10 in the Art House, 320 N. Columbia St. HEALING: St. Tammany Hospital Foundation’s Healing Arts Committee has issued a call for entries to include in its next exhibition of the Rotating Gallery Series, part of its annual Healing Arts Initiative. All community artists, including St. Tammany Health System employees, are invited to apply. Applications will be accepted through April 20, and the exhibit will hang from May 18 to Aug. 17 on the first floor at St. Tammany Health System’s flagship St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. Visit STHFoundation.org/ArtApp or call