STHBA uses the money raised from the sale of raffle tickets to fund the construction of the house, marketing and other expenses incurred. The money left after expenses is divided among the year’s charities.
Last year, the charities split $165,000.

The 2012 charities are The Good Samaritan Ministry, Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West, Support Our War Heroes, The Tammany Trace Foundation and The St. Tammany HBA Charitable Trust.

2012 STPHA Raffle House.

The Raffle House is always constructed by the previous year’s president of STHBA. This year’s house, by Integrity Builders, LLC, is located at 456 N. Corniche du Lac in Maison du Lac subdivision in Covington. Wainer Companies donated the lot. “Building the house was a great experience. So many people have helped by donating time and talent,” says Kenny Adams. “We wanted to use natural cypress beams in the great room, so we had to go all the way to Lafayette to get them. The whole project has turned out beautifully.”

This project could not have been completed without the donations of time, energy and products from many northshore businesses, including Resource Bank, which provided the funding, and Murphy Appraisal, which appraised the house for $470,000. Cabinetry throughout the house was provided by Milltown Cabinets. Pinegrove Electric supplied the interior light fixtures. Plumbing supplies were given by Southland Plumbing. The finishing touches to the exterior were provided by Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights. Adding to the beauty of the home are interior furnishings by American Factory Direct and carpeting by Carpet Showcase.

The winners of the 2011 Raffle House were Brandt and Lindsay Quick. “We got a phone message from Kenny Adams, asking us to call him right away,” says Brandt. “Lindsay said we must have won a cruise or a gift certificate. When I called Kenny back and he said we had won the house we were shocked beyond belief. We quickly checked the number on the ticket and then headed over to the house.”

The Quicks have lived in the house since September and love the neighborhood. “We are incredibly blessed to live with our family in such a wonderful house in a great neighborhood,” says Brandt.

Raising the Roof raffle tickets are $100; a maximum of 7,000 will be sold. The drawing for the winner will be held at the Raffle House on June 2, 2012, at 11am. For information on purchasing tickets, see raisingtheroof.net.

“Smaller spaces have to be very livable and more manageable,” says Malkemus. “The national trend is toward 2,200- to 2,300-square-foot homes that have flexible spaces. The era of the huge separate dining room that is used twice a year is over. Ease of maintenance both inside and out is desirable.”
As described by planning designer Edison Davis, the style of the Motts’ house is “contemporary Creole with a touch of West Indies.” The stucco exterior is painted Brainstorm Bronze with shutters in Andiron over windows in Aspen Moss. Near the front entrance is an unusual feature—an antique brown granite-topped entertaining bar. “This area helps the inside blend seamlessly with the outside,” says Mark.
Aluminum bar stools invite guests to sit. Made of lightweight concrete, the fire pit of glass fire rock sits on the slate floor, surrounded by glass panels to keep the wind out. Comfortable L-shaped seating and a trickling fountain make the space very enjoyable.

Double glass doors with transoms of single-paned Flemish textured glass open into the home, which is stunningly simple at first glance. The open concept is sleek and stylish. The kitchen is streamlined modern, with cabinets stained in a custom combination of charcoal grey and espresso and oversized brushed-nickel hardware. Polished off-white quartz stone countertops contrast with the dark gleam of the cabinets.
The kitchen’s focal point, a mosaic backsplash composed of colored glass and a mirror mosaic in a gothic pattern, establishes the feel of the room. Swarovski pendant lights and recessed lighting under, as well as inside, the cabinets create plenty of light. The walls throughout the open room are painted in Winter Gates.

“We wanted to create a wine area, so we designed the two glass-front cabinets on either side of the front window, which slides open easily to pass wine and glasses to the outdoor area. We added small cubbies on the sides to hold wine bottles. The sleek aluminum doors with glass panels and interior LED lights make that corner of the kitchen sparkle,” Donna says.

The dining room is a study in chic simplicity. The ebony table and antique silver leaf chairs with black ultra-suede upholstery sit in front of a built-in oversized custom-designed cabinet that showcases Donna’s collection of brightly colored art glass vessels. “We designed the cabinet to be a dramatic statement in the room.” The back of the piece is painted in pewter Venetian plaster. The thick glass shelves are held up by aluminum cables and supports. A sculpture sits to the left of the cabinet on a custom pewter stand, while a framed print by is hung to the right.

The living room is minimalist in its approach, but serene in a muted palette of grey and taupe with touches of citron green and eggplant. The custom-designed sectional sofa is covered in dove velvet with throw pillows in citron and eggplant. An Annie Glass bowl sits atop the coffee table, which has an antique mirror finish. A citron velvet chair with eggplant silk bolster completes the comfortable conversation area. A channel silk rug in a burnished steel color anchors the room.

Silk drapery panels in a moss green color give privacy from the street in the evening and can be drawn back to give ambient light during the day. The chandelier of curvaceous ribbons of free-flowing Murano glass spilling out of a black silk contemporary drum shade tops the room, casting an interesting pattern on the ceiling. The fireplace, faced in metal-finished porcelain tiles, holds circle fire spheres on a stainless steel base.

The guest room is the perfect combination of style and serenity. A palette of neutral grey, silver and taupe silk bedding make for a restful retreat. Two framed pieces by Jean Geraci and simple chrome lamps complete the look with a soft-lit glow. Charcoal grey chenille with metallic threads covers the headboard. The silk rug is in soft natural tones with an oval design. The walls are San Antonio Grey.

The tub in the master bathroom sits under a corner window with a carved stone relief outside. Small mosaic tiles in neutral grey form the backsplash. The tub’s exterior is wrapped in the same tile as the floor, a 10″-by-20″ burnished bronze porcelain tile in a natural stone look.

In a corner of the master bedroom is an antique chair Donna had for a long time; it had been recovered several times. “We wanted to do something special with the chair, so we asked fabricator Brent Cumpsten, who can make ideas become reality, to ‘upholster’ it in Lucite,” says Donna. He first finished it in gold leaf. The pillow is in eggplant velvet. Two abstract paintings by Riva Caldwell are stacked and pick up the
colors of the bronze drapery panels, the iron arrow-legged table by Mario Villa and a copper-colored vase.
“Working with Mark, Donna and Gary on this house from the ground up was a dream. We hated to see it end. We planned from the earliest stages exactly where to place existing furniture,” says designer Maria Barcelona. “Every person involved in this project brought their ‘A’ game.”

“Gary and I knew exactly what we wanted from the beginning, and we got it,” Donna adds.

“The very best time to plant a tree is 25 years ago. The second best time to plant a tree is today.”
- Dr. Malcolm Guidry

Since 1998, St. Tammany’s own Dr. Malcolm Guidry has consulted on the health, care, protection and value of the 1,000-plus live oaks on the main campus of LSU, as well as many others in the area. A professional consulting arborist, he is known throughout the Southeast for his expertise in dendrology, the study of trees.

Malcolm grew up in the woods of Old Metairie in the 1940s and loved trees even as a kid. “In Old Metairie in those days, we were in the woods. We had relatives in New Orleans who thought visiting us was a weekend trip because we were too far away!”

He’s had about 40 years of academic experience, first graduating with a degree in agriculture from Southeastern Louisiana College in 1957. He taught general science in Orleans and Jefferson parishes and then went to work in the LSU Agriculture Extension Service. He eventually earned his master’s degree in extension education and horticultural sciences and a doctorate. After a time at the University of Florida doing specialty work in horticultural and tree matters, he returned to Louisiana to teach in East Feliciana Parish. He then started his own horticulture business, launching his career of the past 20 years as a consulting arborist.

Dr. Malcolm Guidry. Photo by Heather Burbrink, kristinandheather.com.

Guidry has testified in court as an expert arborist in cases involving property damage, personal injuries and deaths caused by trees. “When a tree fails and people are hurt or property is damaged, I testify in court as to what precipitated that failure—an ‘occurrence of Nature’ (used to be called an ‘act of God,’ but you can’t say that anymore) or ‘negligence’.”

He offers some advice: When a property owner sees that a neighbor’s tree is threatening to damage his property, he can put the neighbor on notice that the tree poses a threat. Ideally, this is done by registered mail and copied to his own insurance company. “If there is no written notice of a threat, and a neighbor’s tree falls on your house, you are liable for your own damages.” If a tree is growing on a property line, Guidry says, the ownership and liability are shared equally by both sides.

Why Trees Fail

Since Katrina, northshore residents have a heightened awareness of the devastating effect storms can have on trees—especially pine trees—and property. When he moved recently, Guidry decided to take out about 30 100-foot pine trees. “A 100-foot pine tree with not much trunk taper is subject to trunk failure. And tall trees tend to windload during a storm, especially if they’re out in the open. The wind causes many pine trees to break, usually about 20 feet from the ground.”

I asked if he just didn’t like pine trees. “Oh, I love pine trees. I absolutely have a passion for pine trees. But 100-foot pine trees next to your house is not a good idea. This spring, I will replant my yard with lots of hardwood trees.”

I recalled friends who told me that the 100-foot-plus pine within falling distance of their home was probably okay since it had weathered so many storms. “They were lucky,” says Guidry. “That tree may have been compromised by storms but has not fallen. One microburst in a brief spring thunderstorm could topple that pine tree.”

He continues, “Trees fail in two ways: either they blow over and uproot from the ground or the trunk breaks. During a storm, it’s all about the weakest link in the chain. So if you have a tree that’s well rooted in the ground, the roots will hold the lower trunk of the tree intact during a big blow.” (Only young pines have a significant taproot. As they age and mature, the taproot ceases to grow.)

“[After the roots,] the next weak point is the upper trunk. Wind loading during a storm can test a tree’s upper trunk strength. Gravity also may play a part in structural failure of a tree, especially when a tree is asymmetrical, with heavier branches on one side.”

Planting Trees

Late fall to early spring is the time to plant trees, says Guidry, and dug-and-balled trees with the roots radiating away from the ball are the best to plant.

Guidry says that trees grown in plastic containers can be a big mistake. They often start in a one-gallon container, get root bound and are later transferred to larger containers where the same thing happens. In each step, organic mulches, not soil, are usually used. Anything organic deteriorates, and the mulch disappears. Bacteria eat it up as a food source.

“Also, pruning the roots properly if the tree is root-bound/container-grown is an area where most non-professionals fail,” he continues. “Digging a large enough hole (three to four times the diameter of the ball) and proper watering are also critical to successful tree planting.

“Dig up the soil that’s there and plant it in that. Native soil is a much better host for the long-term growth of trees or shrubs. If you live near a wooded area, the topsoil in the forest is a wonderful planting soil.”

Based on his experience, Guidry has advice that doesn’t always agree with that of others. He does not advocate fertilizing trees and lawns because he believes that makes them susceptible to insects and disease. Rather, he suggests mowing often and using the clippings and leaves as mulch—recycling as nature does. He also believes that sprinkler systems can lead to over-watering, compacting the soil. This, in turn, can flood air pockets in the ground and reduce the oxygen supply. Roots, if they don’t “drown,” can then become vulnerable to stresses such as heat and drought. He adds that another misconception some gardeners have is about buying black soil for general planting, saying, “If soil blackens your hands, that’s charcoal. Good soil won’t stain your hands. Soil is basically sand, silt, clay and natural organic matter.”

The Doctor’s Patients

Some of the high-profile live oaks Dr. Guidry has consulted on include the General Packenham oaks in St. Bernard, Rosedown Plantation oaks in St. Francisville, the Seven Sisters in Mandeville’s Lewisburg neighborhood and the Old Courthouse oak in Covington, as well as many privately owned ancient oaks throughout the coastal areas of Louisiana and Mississippi.

The Seven Sisters Oak is the oldest live oak in America and our country’s national champion. It is also president of the Live Oak Society, which has almost 7,000 member trees in 14 states. “We don’t know if it’s seven trees or five trees or one tree. It measures 36.7 feet in trunk circumference, and its canopy is 55 feet tall and 132 feet wide.” Some estimates say it is some 1,800 years old! Typically, ancient live oaks live to be 300 to 500 years. (Cypress trees live even longer, with several in the Pearl River Basin documented at more than 1,000 years.)

Guidry proudly showed me his prized hand-colored portrait of the Seven Sisters Oak by noted photo-artist Harriet Blum of Covington. He also treasures a painting of the famous Oak Alley Plantation, which was done by Baton Rouge artist Henry Neubig with colorful clays taken from the soils of Louisiana.

“In the 1700s, the Capuchin priests’ writings talked about the Oak Alley live oaks ‘being of notable size,’ so we have a pretty good approximation of their age. When I visited Oak Alley, they rolled out the red carpet after I said I was involved in dendrochronology, the study of the age of trees.”

Changes in St. Tammany’s Trees

Guidry’s years of experience give him a unique perspective on the history of St. Tammany’s tree population. He says, “The parish was virtually clear-cut in the 1800s. We went from pine and cypress forests to prairie very quickly. We probably have more trees and more wildlife now than we did then.

“In Mandeville, about 40 years ago, the ‘Mardi Gras Massacre’ of a stand of magnificent ancient live oaks occurred—on Highway 190 near where the Post Office is now. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development waited ’til Mardi Gras day to cut them down for the roadway construction. They knew they couldn’t get an injunction on a holiday. I guess their thinking was, ‘Let’s not ask permission—just for forgiveness.’

“When Louis Prima’s home and Pretty Acres Golf Course were transformed into the Home Depot and other large stores there today, I helped determine how to save as many of the designated live oaks as possible. We dug a continuous lineal trench, and I cut the roots properly. Those trees are still very healthy today.”

Guidry concludes, “With growth and development, trees lose. But we have opportunities with all our development to re-treescape St. Tammany. We can plant trees of better species and higher quality, combining the reality of development with our love for the beautiful trees that enhance our lives. Let’s strive to have smart growth and development so that the planting, protection and management of desirable trees—and the removal of undesirable ones—will ensure the success of our urban forest.”

Prior to her recent inauguration, Pat’s transition team orchestrated a smooth changeover from Kevin Davis’ leadership. The team was directed by Howard Daigle, managing partner of the Daigle Fisse & Kessenich law firm. He says, “I think we’ve been blessed with very good leadership for the past 12 years with President Davis and the members of the council that have served with him.”

Howard believes that with this solid foundation, residents won’t see many dramatic changes under Pat’s guidance, but there will be a new focus on economic development. He explains, “We will see a far more robust economic development effort supported by a realignment of the administrative organizational structure to support that mission more clearly and better align the administration’s efforts to provide the services that residents are expecting and need from their government today.”

Shortly after her election, Pat spoke at a St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Following that event, we asked her to tell us more about what we could expect to see under her leadership as parish president.

IN:        What do you see as the most important issues for St. Tammany Parish in 2012?

PB:        Just as in other parts of the country, the economic downturn has hit St. Tammany. While we have not been as negatively impacted as most of the country, it has caused our revenue to shrink. One of the most important things we will face in 2012 is finding a way to provide the services our citizens want and need with less money. We will look very closely at how our tax dollars are spent while we develop a more pro-active economic development plan that will bring more jobs to our area. In addition, we will always have infrastructure and drainage issues with which to contend and will have to find efficiencies in those areas also.

Pat Brister. Photo by Thomas Growden.

IN:        Are there specific barriers to economic development that you will focus on in the short term? Can you elaborate on the pro-active economic development plan, including partnerships with the chambers, Northshore Business Council and Economic Development Foundation?

PB:        It will be necessary to look at all issues affecting our economic development, including planning and zoning, taxing and impact fees. We will pull together the different organizations in St. Tammany to come to the table with their wealth of knowledge, ideas and resources. One of my strengths is the pulling together of ideas from many areas and coming up with an overall program of work to best use those ideas. In my conversations with leaders of the organizations mentioned, I have learned that they are willing and excited to work with my administration to accomplish our economic development goals.

IN:        You’ve mentioned the importance of film production jobs for St. Tammany’s economy. How will you help the growth of the technology sector?

PB:        There has been a lot of work done in this area already, and we will expand on what has been started. In this regard, regionalization will be even more important than ever. I have a great working relationship with the leadership of our neighboring parishes. I will work with GNO, Inc. and the Louisiana Economic Development department to make sure we are at the table when decisions are made to go after the companies in the technology and film industries. The move by Globalstar to St. Tammany has given us a very good entrée into the Silicon Valley companies that are looking to move to a more economical area of the country. We must also make sure we have the educated and trained personnel that these companies will need.

IN:        How do you plan to communicate and work with local government leaders, leaders of the business sector and other community leaders in St. Tammany?

PB:        I have already started an outreach to other government leaders in St. Tammany. Those with whom I have spoken have agreed to meet regularly to discuss issues that are important to all of us. The municipalities are eager for us to join forces in attracting new jobs and businesses. Before being elected, I served as executive director of the Northshore Business Council for four years. This organization is made up of CEOs from 50 of the top companies in our area. I have already built a relationship with them and will continue to foster that relationship while reaching out to other companies to be a part of our vision of job growth in St. Tammany. I have been involved with numerous organizations over the years and built relationships with community leaders through that involvement. But, as with everything else, continued effort will be put forth to make sure these relationships grow.

IN:        How will your experience with the U.S. delegation on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women play into your role as parish president?

PB:        The experience I gained during the four years on the U.N. Commission will certainly be put to use when working with different groups to come to a compromise on issues that separate us. I understand how to negotiate for the most important parts of an agreement while realizing every stakeholder has a strong opinion on what is important to them. I know how difficult it is to get everything you want in negotiations and I have learned you often have to take a step at a time to reach your goal. While there will never be issues as divisive as the ones I faced at the U.N., the techniques are the same when trying to reach a conclusion that benefits the residents of St. Tammany Parish.

IN:        How will your experience as chairman and vice-chairman of the St. Tammany Parish Council help you in this position?

PB:        I was very fortunate to have been elected by my fellow council members to serve as chairman of the council for two years and vice chairman for two years. The experience I bring from those years helps me understand the working relationship between the council (the legislative) and the parish president (the administrative) sides of parish government. The charter spells out responsibilities of each of these arms of government and gives a good roadmap as to how St. Tammany should be run. That will be the basis of my administration—the Parish Charter and what responsibilities are given to each.

IN:        Please elaborate on your plans for working with the legislative delegation in Baton Rouge.

PB:        Over the past several years, I have sought to develop a good working relationship with our delegation. We have a dedicated group of legislators who have come together to form a very powerful bloc. I have already begun conversations with many of them to continue that relationship. I also will work to have a location where members of our delegation and parish leaders can meet whenever necessary to discuss specific legislation in a timely fashion. It is vitally important that the parish administration and our delegation work together to ensure that we are on the same page when it comes to helping St. Tammany achieve our legislative goals. That can be done more effectively if I spend as much time as possible in Baton Rouge during the legislative sessions. Other parishes have been very successful by using this method of communication.

IN:        With the many demands of official duties, how do you juggle family responsibilities as well?

PB:        I have been so fortunate to have the full support of my family—particularly my husband. We are at a time in our lives that affords me the freedom to pursue this job fully. Our children are grown and married with their own families, and my husband is totally retired. He was wonderful during the campaign period, making sure everything on the home front ran smoothly. He has worked most of his life to give our family the freedom to make the most of our opportunities, and he continues to do that for me today. I will never be able to thank him enough for his love and support. I will always strive to make him proud of my actions as parish president.

Although the beginning of summer was rough for the national economy, the parish economy was expanding, albeit modestly. For the 12 months ending with the close of the 2nd Quarter of 2011, five important elements measured in the composite index were up. They are: commercial building permits, up 4.6%; employment, up 0.2%; number of electric customers, up 1.1%; single-family construction permits, up 0.7%; and retail sales, up 2.6%.

Family Housing
2Q11 parish single-family building permits were 5.6% higher than in 2Q10, a net increase of eight units. May and June single-family permits were 39 units higher than for same months last year. Sales of existing homes in the parish in 2Q11 equaled 2Q10, with 748 properties sold. Year-to-date housing sales in 2011 were up 6.1% over last year, but still low when compared to 2006 levels. Average apartment rent remained strong, with 2011 year-to-date average rent 4.4% higher than in 2010.

Business Performance
In a continuing entrepreneurial spirit, five of the first six months of 2011 saw an increase in business startups compared with the same months last year. The year-to-date number of new businesses was 11.3% higher over 2010. Retail sales for the quarter were 6% higher than in 2Q10 and rose 6.3% in year-to-date comparison. Retail sales were actually higher than last year in each of the first six months of 2011, and purchases indicate a much higher consumer confidence than shown nationally for the second quarter. Our unemployment rate of 6.4% remained considerably lower than the state (7.9%) and the nation (8.9%). In fact, the number of initial unemployment insurance claims was 7.8% lower in the second quarter of 2011 when compared to 2Q10.

As the STEDF, the local chambers of commerce and parish government work to expand the economy of St. Tammany, it is good to see efforts reflected in these numbers. All signs point to a good new year!

Sources: St. Tammany Parish Economic Trends, Vol. 9, Issue 2; and St. Tammany Parish Economic Growth Index; both published by the St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation, November 2011.

It was his relentless prodding in getting the state government on board with his planned highway improvements that earned him “The Road Warrior” moniker. It was that same determination to make St. Tammany what it can be that has created unprecedented opportunities and ensured the parish would pull through the greatest challenges it’s ever faced.

It was 10 days after his wife, Maria, had given birth to baby John Clay when Davis joined the staff at the emergency operations center to prepare for Katrina. After the storm passed, Davis faced, he says, “a disaster like none of us had ever experienced.” Despite his family’s situation, Davis spearheaded immediate efforts to get everyone back home and rebuilding. It wasn’t an easy task, and his team faced unprecedented hurdles.

“I was in a building with a couple of hundred people and nobody had a house. These were the government workers, and nobody had a home to go to,” remembers Davis.
He set out to leap Katrina’s hurdles the way he’s always led the parish—by gathering his team, identifying the problem, coming up with solutions and working relentlessly until the problem is solved.

The first thing, he says, was “trying to stay calm, because, in my mind, everything else follows that,” Davis says. “We’re human beings, so it was devastating for us to stand in someone’s front yard with tears in our eyes and see their home is completely gone. You didn’t see the days we were really upset because we didn’t want that to be seen.”

A flood-damaged family home meant Maria and John Clay were living at the operations center, too. Certainly not the best of circumstances for a newborn and his parents, but “I got a great deal of strength from the quiet moments spent with my wife and the few minutes with John Clay,” Davis poignantly recalls.

“We had the 10 a.m. meeting every day, and everyone knew that. At 10 a.m., you met me at the Louisiana Heart Hospital in Lacombe.” Davis met with elected officials, agency heads, law enforcement and hospital administrators daily. “I’d ask each agency, ‘What’s the problem today? What’s your one problem? Don’t give me 50.’ It could be they needed another vehicle, or they needed a vehicle to go through water, so in the group we’d discover where we had more trucks and where we could move them to.”

Kevin Davis meets with Gov. Jindal at the St. Tammany Emergency Operations Center for Hurricane Gustav. Courtesy St. Tammany Parish Government.

Pressing problems were shelter and communications, areas where the federal government was involved and where Davis’ persistence paid off. “There were a lot of things coming from the bureaucracy that should have been common sense that didn’t happen. So we were making them happen on the ground here.”

“I remember one day we were on the telephone and we connected to FEMA. I said we need to get our residents here, but it’s a complete disaster, the homes are gone. We asked them that day, ‘Why don’t we bring down some camping trailers?’ They said, ‘No, no, no; we build big mobile home parks. That’s what we have always done in a disaster.’”

Davis knew that wasn’t going to work. People needed to be able to work on their own property. “I remember hollering and arguing with them to just give me the trailers and I would get them to the houses. They said, ‘We don’t do that, we’ve never done that and we’re not going to do that.”

The next morning, Davis says, “I got a phone call and they said, ‘We’re going to bring trailers.’ That was very early; no one had ever heard of a FEMA trailer.”

The other big hurdle Davis’ team faced in the first days after Katrina was the lack of communications. While parish government could communicate on its radio system, there wasn’t a connection to the outside world.

“People were trying to figure out, where’s my aunt? Where’s my brother, where are my parents? So I commandeered a radio station,” Davis says, recalling a bit of creative problem solving that made the feds uncomfortable. “It was off the air but still powered. The FCC, from my understanding, had closed it. We went over and opened the door, and our staff turned the system on and started broadcasting. They would broadcast all kinds of general information, what was happening, what was going on.”

Word was passed at the 10 o’clock meetings that people should listen to that station for information. “The team here had a lot of fun with it; they were radio announcers, talking about the issues and what was going on.”

Davis’ leadership abilities really shone through in responding to Katrina and subsequent disasters. But from the day he took office, he was faced with a unique challenge: shepherding St. Tammany through a change in its governmental structure.

He was the first parish president elected under a new home rule charter. St. Tammany had been governed, as many other parishes are governed today, by a police jury. St. Tammany instituted a home rule charter, creating the parish council and the office of parish president.

“The structure was completely different from what everyone was accustomed to,” says Davis, who had been a police juror. “It was always negotiating, compromising and trying to move forward. Many of the jurors got elected as council members. They were more in tune to running the system. We delicately got through that. I thought it was important that they play a role in some of the decision making so that it could be successful.”

Infrastructure Successes

As a police juror, Davis was closely associated with the rails-to-trails project, the Tammany Trace, which grew in size and popularity during his presidential tenure. “People love it,” Davis says. “They feel like it’s theirs, which is something I always thought would happen. Each community developed its own plans for its town center around the Trace,” Davis notes.

Roads and drainage issues were also at the top of the agenda when Davis took office. A comprehensive parish-wide drainage survey has helped in planning for new development; it also paid off in emergency situations, as flooding under a variety of scenarios can be predicted and evacuations ordered in advance of threatening conditions.

On the transportation front, Davis says, “We really pushed hard, because there had been no work of significant value done in the parish for 10 or 15 years. The first four years, we were doing a lot of work with infrastructure issues, without a lot of funding—and arguing with the state over funding of roads that they own.”

Highways 190, 21, 22, 1085 and 1077 are among the state roads that are critical to transportation within the parish that saw major improvements during the past 12 years. “I got tagged the ‘Road Warrior’ because we were constantly trying to maneuver through the state system to get projects done,” Davis says. “The way the state used to operate, and they don’t any longer, was to wait until you had a problem [with a state road], and then they would look at fixing it. That really meant that once you had a problem, it would be another 10 to 20 years before it could be fixed. We kept saying, ‘We need to do it ahead of time. We know where the growth’s going; we know all the issues; let’s do it ahead of time.’ That philosophy has been picked up more than it was 12 years ago.”

The early planning helped to smooth the way for recovery after Katrina and to ensure St. Tammany received rebuilding and stimulus funds promptly. “What we did in 2000 to 2004 was starting to pay off because we now had all this information and actual plans. As soon as we could get funding, we started all the infrastructure projects across the parish.”

Economic Development

Companies like LLOG, Chevron and Global Star—and their employees—became welcome additions to the parish post-Katrina, along with a number of new retail outlets. Davis explains, “Early on, we realized there was very little retail shopping on the northshore. We hired an LSU economics professor to do the study, and if I remember correctly, it found that 70 percent of our residents shopped outside the parish. That’s significant. So we embarked on some large developments that stirred a lot of discussion.”

Davis believes that with the infrastructure in and the retailers still coming on line, people can see what his administration’s line of thinking was 10 years ago. “Most parish residents then were shopping outside the parish, which doesn’t generate revenue, which doesn’t help us to do infrastructure, because you don’t have the revenue,” he says.

“Anytime you’re dealing with change, you get a lot of discussion,” Davis notes. “But I think in the long run, for the first time in our history, more than 56 percent of our residents work in St. Tammany Parish. Trying to move things along proved there was merit in those decisions, because now they can find work on the northshore and not have to commute.”

Energy and retail aren’t the only industries coming into the parish. “It’s technology, engineering, energy—all different fields—that have now relocated to St. Tammany Parish, and we’ve got more coming. That’s a big issue for the next administration, and she [incoming parish president Pat Brister] is going to be aggressively pushing that.”

And Now…

What will he miss most after 12 years as parish president? Davis says, “I’ll miss everybody, the team here, the activity of moving forward, putting the projects together and building a team, trying to get everybody on the same vision. As I think about it, I’ll miss everything.” He adds that before he accepted his current position as the state’s Director of Homeland Security, people asked whether he was retiring. “I’d say, ‘No, no, no; I’m not retiring. I have a 6-year-old son and a wonderful wife, so I’ve got to keep working.’”

In a market where buyers have many homes to choose from, curb appeal is even more important. “I have seen buyers refuse to look at a particular home, despite it being a perfect match for their wish list in every other way,” says Melanie LaFluer-Geier of 10/12 Properties. “First impressions are everything.”

Have you ever been on a blind date? The smile that he or she flashed when you were introduced goes a long way in deciding if there will be a second date. The same is true when buyers sift through the sometimes mind-numbing options available to them on the market. A freshly painted entryway or refreshed garden can help someone re-think a decision to consider only new construction. If the home has an aura of being well maintained, it will make it past others with unfinished details or small problems that have been ignored.

Curb appeal

Often, we stop seeing our home as it appears to others. This is true of everything from the clutter on bookcases to the quirky way you have to turn the doorknob to open a door. The idiosyncrasies we’ve come to accept can be deal-breakers to potential buyers. Nowhere is this more true than the view from the curb of your street. A leaning mailbox and old lamps by the front door can give the wrong impression, even if you have pressure washed the porch. Ask a trusted friend or two what advice they might offer. Call in the professionals. Your real estate professional, designer and landscaper might provide ideas that push your home to the front of the line. Consultations with these experts are often available at no charge, and suggested upgrades can pay for themselves if they bring you a quick offer.

Trimming the bushes and weeding the garden are obvious first steps, but don’t discount the value of adding a container garden to the porch or investing in new light fixtures. “Some lighting styles will date a home to a certain period. Adding what is new and now can have a big impact, particularly on the porch and in the entry foyer,” says Paul Gement of Pine Grove Lighting and Electrical Supply. For executive level homes, the changes might include adding a water feature or resurfacing the driveway. Step back and consider what would influence you as a buyer, and be open minded about what is feasible. You might even fall back in love with your house, or at least take some of the fresh, new ideas with you on the search for your new home.

At Cypress Cove Elementary School, nearly all meals served in the school dining room are made from scratch and prepared fresh the same day.

“All our bread items are made fresh daily. We prepare all the foods fresh the same day. We prep fruits and vegetables fresh that morning,” says Robin Blakeman, foodservice manager at the Slidell primary school for the past 17 years.

In 2004, Cypress Cove Elementary School became the first school in the nation to earn the HealthierUS School Challenge Gold Certification award presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The award honors schools that meet voluntary nutrition and physical activity standards set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. By 2005, every public elementary school in St. Tammany Parish had achieved the USDA Gold Award.

Cypress Cove Elementary students at lunch.

In 2009, the USDA established the Gold Award of Distinction, which raised the bar higher by increasing the nutritional standards of foods available in school vending machines and snack bars, physical education requirements and student participation in the school lunch program. The Gold Award of Distinction also requires a structured nutrition education component in both the classroom and cafeteria.

Aiming to meet the new standards, St. Tammany Parish again committed to ensuring healthy school campuses. By last August, fewer than 800 schools across the nation had earned USDA awards in any category (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Award of Distinction). Just 59 schools had met the USDA Gold Award of Distinction level; 25 of those were schools in St. Tammany Parish.

All 23 elementary schools and two junior high schools, Fifth Road and Lee Road, are Gold Award of Distinction winners. St. Tammany School Food Services received $2,000 in monetary incentives for each school to support its ongoing nutrition efforts.

Pat Farris, supervisor of food services, says the schools focus on teaching children how to eat healthy at an early age—with the hope that when they are able to make decisions independently as they get older, they will already have established good habits.

“Our goal is to expose children to a variety of foods, to teach it in the classroom, experience it in the cafeteria and hopefully bring it home. We want them to be eating better at home and at school,” Farris says.

Last September, Rose Smith, Brock Elementary principal, had the honor of hosting a special guest, an experience she describes as “a once-in-a-lifetime event” for the school’s 365 pre-K to fifth-grade students. St. Tammany Parish’s achievement had caught the attention of first lady Michele Obama, who established the Let’s Move! Campaign to help raise a healthier generation of children. An initiative of the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity, Let’s Move! has incorporated the HUSSC into its campaign, which aims to encourage children to lead healthier and more active lifestyles and to end childhood obesity within a generation.

Students at Brock Elementary were excited to welcome first lady Michelle Obama to their school.

The first lady and Let’s Move! came to Brock Elementary during the first of two events in the New Orleans area kicking off National Childhood Obesity Month.

Calling childhood obesity “a national problem affecting every single community,” Obama outlined Let’s Move!’s efforts working with food manufacturers to put better labels on their products, with restaurants to post calorie information and with grocery stores to provide healthier options in the communities they serve.

She highlighted steps schools and communities can take to combat childhood obesity and saluted participants in the HUSSC program, praising St. Tammany Parish for setting the standard for schools all across the country.

“The nutrition education [children] get at schools like Brock Elementary is often the only guidance they get on making healthy decisions about what they eat,” Obama said during the kick-off event. “So every day, with the food you serve, the lessons you teach and the example you set, you’re shaping their habits and preferences and affecting the choices they’re going to make for the rest of their lives.”

St. Tammany schools have a high level of participation in the school lunch program, serving more than 25,000 lunches and nearly 10,000 breakfasts per day, all prepared in on-site cafeterias. More than 70 percent of the students in attendance participate in the school lunch program, and several schools boast more than 90-percent participation, Farris says.

She credits her predecessor, Sylvia Dunn, who retired as supervisor of food services, with starting the long process of transforming her schools’ health and nutrition over the course of more than 20 years. Among her successes is the legacy that “the entire school system from the superintendent and principals to the cafeteria managers and gym teachers are supportive of school nutrition,” Farris says.

“This is a real nutrition program—this is not a feeding program. We want to educate the students on nutrition, not just feed them,” she adds.

Surpassing Guidelines

Obesity is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. With the increase in obesity, specifically in children, chronic diseases in young adults are becoming more prevalent in the United States. Today, nearly 25 million American children are overweight or obese. If these trends continue unabated, this may be the first generation to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.

To help combat that sad possibility, the USDA has set specific nutrition criteria for elementary schools to meet the HealthierUS School Challenge including serving a different fruit and vegetable every day of the week, at least one serving of whole-grain food each day and offering only 1-percent or skim milk. Competitive foods and beverages available in vending machines, snack bars or à la carte must meet nutritional requirements restricting total fat, sugar and sodium content. Other requirements include a minimum amount of physical activity per week and nutrition education for students both in the dining room and in the classroom.

But just because the program has specific guidelines doesn’t mean St. Tammany takes a cookie-cutter approach. First, every school has an active student Nutrition Advisory Council comprised of students who help the cafeteria manager with product testing, menu development, student surveys, community outreach and more.

Several schools invited first responders to their schools to celebrate Louisiana School Lunch Week this spring, while others have held food drives to support local food banks. A number of schools hosted “Moo Dat!” events to promote dairy consumption as part of a healthy diet.

At Brock Elementary, the NAC group recently helped coordinate the school’s first community walk. Brock NAC students also go into the classrooms with Cindy Emmons, Brock’s cafeteria manager, to teach the nutrition curriculum, “Go, Glow, Grow,” taught in pre-K through first-grade classrooms in all elementary schools. During one session, they helped the students make ice cream cones filled not with ice cream but cheese, plus fruit such as melon, grapes and strawberries.

“It’s children teaching children about what’s healthy,” Smith adds. “They are taught how nutritional it is for them and how tasty it is.”

The “Go, Glow, Grow” curriculum uses a simplified version of MyPyramid so children learn the connection between healthy foods and what they do for the body. According to the curriculum:

Grains are Go foods; they help you run,
jump and play all day.
Fruits and vegetables are Glow foods;
they help you have shiny hair
and sparkly eyes.
Milk and meat and beans
are Grow foods; they help you
grow big and strong.

Cypress Cove’s Blakeman says the schools strive to use as little processed foods as possible in their efforts to serve nutritious meals, which means less saturated fats, sodium and preservatives. Her staff opts for fresh local fruit and vegetables when possible, serves whole grain pasta and brown rice instead of white and adds whole grains like wheat into breads, rolls and desserts.

She says the most gratifying part of her job is having the chance to reach children in their formative years with information that could help prolong their lives. Since the school only teaches kindergarten through first grade, she gets to reach every student in the school with the message and gives them an opportunity to sample foods they may never have tried before.

“We introduce zucchini and squash and kiwi. We try to introduce things that they may not have had, like cantaloupe and honeydew,” she says. “I’m always telling them to try new things because their taste buds change.”

Once Cypress Cove’s kindergarten, first grade and T-1 students make their way through the lunch line, they exit to the cafeteria through a salad bar, where they make their own selection from the offering of fruits, vegetables, whole-grain rolls and other healthy items available.

“They feel like they’re little people that are growing up, and they get to go through the lunch line, pick the tray up and decide what they want to eat from the salad bar,” Blakeman says. And, because the children are making the choice by serving their own fresh foods, they do a better job of consuming the food on their plates.

She notes that the children’s enthusiasm and the quality and care put into the nutrition program are what make the work rewarding. “They run up to you and tell you, ‘I’ve been eating oranges! I’ve been eating healthy!’ They come up and tell you they’ve been doing healthy activities.

“I get to introduce all these new kids in their first years in school to a cafeteria program that’s a good one and hopefully instill in them that cafeterias do have healthy foods,” she says. “Anything that you can teach for the future of our children to eat healthy and make healthier choices—you want to do everything you can for that.”

Bogue Chitto State Park, located just 25 miles north of Covington, encompasses nearly 1,800 acres. Since its official opening, over 93,000 visitors have taken advantage of all the park has to offer. “We are very excited to be way above expectations,” says Anthony Marange, park manager. “We are proud to have full support from visitors all around the country.”

Hiking and Wildlife

The park boasts seven miles of walking trails, including a five-mile loop around the entire park. Throughout your hike, be sure to note the small identification signs on the trees—after reading a few, try to recognize some on your own! And if you would rather ride than walk, bring your horse to explore the 14 miles of equestrian trails.

While traversing the rolling terrain (Yes, there are hills in Louisiana!), you just might spot some furry or scaly friends. ’Possum, ’coon and ’gator are frequently seen, but keep an eye out for coyote, bobcat, pig, deer, otter and mink as well.

Even if you don’t run into those animals, you can’t miss seeing—or hearing—the many feathered friends that call the park home. “It’s a great place for birding,” says Denise McKinney, an interpretive ranger. “So far, we’ve identified 125 different species and we’re keeping a running list.” You might recognize bobwhite quail, wild turkey, great blue heron and a variety of woodpeckers, hawks and songbirds. If you see any “unidentified” birds while you’re hiking, be sure to take a good look (or a picture) and let one of the rangers know.

Though the birds of the air are exciting, “The fishing here is wonderful!” Denise says. There are about 20 ponds throughout the park, many of which were old gravel pits that have been filled with water—and fish—from the natural overflow of the river. This keeps the ponds well stocked with different species, including bass, white perch and catfish.

Fun in the Water

After exploring the trails, cool off at the spray park or at the beach.

Kids will enjoy splashing through the water playground in the Day Use Area. In addition to the water slide and fountains, there’s a “dry” playground, too. Parents can take advantage of the picnic pavilions, where they can relax in the shade or barbecue at the grills provided.

If you need a quick snack or drink, Rocky Bottom’s concession stand is open during the summer from 10 in the morning until six in the evening. Cool off with snowballs, soft drinks and Gatorade, or satisfy your cravings with candy, Frito pies, hamburgers and hot dogs. (Snack and drink machines and restrooms with drinking water fountains are located throughout the park.)

A trip to the beach area along the Bogue Chitto River offers plenty of options. Jump in the river or just wade in the shallow area, but don’t try to swim against the current—you won’t get very far! After swimming, relax at the picnic pavilions or rent a beach chair and umbrella from Rocky Bottom. The two volleyball nets are “first come, first served,” so don’t forget to borrow a volleyball at the entrance station.

Floating on the Bogue Chitto. Photo courtesy Bogue Chitto State Park

Floating Down the River

If you’d rather explore the park while floating (or paddling) on the water, Rocky Bottom Tubing and Canoeing is the answer. Owner Len Bickham offers tubing, canoeing and kayaking; included are life vests and a shuttle service so you don’t have to carry your equipment to the launch.

Single tubes, double tubes and ice-chest tubes (these can also be used for small children) are available for rent. The trip—from the north side of the park to the south—takes about two and a half hours. In a canoe (which fits up to three people) or a kayak (available in single or double), the trip through the park will take about an hour and a half. For the more adventurous voyager, Rocky Bottom offers a much longer trip. The shuttle will take you out of the park about six miles up the road to a private launch in Franklinton, where you’ll start your four-hour journey. Of course, it all depends on how many times you stop for a snack!

If you have your own canoe, kayak or tube, you can use the shuttle service for a small fee. The shuttle to the private launch leaves about every hour, while the shuttle for the in-park route leaves more frequently.

For prices and details, call 515-1477 or email rockybottomtubing@yahoo.com. Friend them on Facebook to get more information and special offers.

Camping

Since you’ll need more than just a day to enjoy everything Bogue Chitto has to offer, consider taking a camping vacation at the park. All facilities are open year-round.

The bottomland and upland campgrounds provide over 80 spots for RV and tent camping. Campers in these areas have access to their own beach, which is separate from the Day Use Area. There’s even a washer and dryer to do laundry, and all camping facilities have free wireless internet. (In response to suggestions from many visitors, a primitive campground—without electricity and water—is in the planning stage.)

For campers who don’t want to “rough it,” four individual cabins are available for rent. Each cabin sleeps eight people and has a screened-in porch overlooking a bluff, as well as a TV and a grill for barbecuing. If you need more room, you can rent the lodge, which holds 14 guests.

Bogue Chitto’s Group Camp is the perfect place for a family reunion or a trip with many, many friends. This facility sleeps 52 people in bunk beds lining the walls of two dormitories. In the center of the building, there’s a large room with a TV and tables and chairs. The adjacent kitchen area has ovens, stoves and a large refrigerator and freezer, as well as a serving station that’s a small version of a cafeteria lunch line. Outside, there’s a climbing tower for the kids, an outdoor classroom and a sand pit for volleyball and horseshoes. If you want to bring a group just for the day, a Meeting Room, which holds up to 150 people, is also available for rent.

Bogue Chitto State Park is located at 17049 State Park Blvd. in Franklinton. Call 839-5707 or email boguechitto@crt.la.gov for more information; for reservations, call 877-CAMP-N-LA. Find Bogue Chitto State Park on Facebook or visit crt.state.la.us. Admission: $1; 3 and under, free; 62 and over, free.

The foundation has a unique and successful approach to developing drugs to fight this rare disease; virtually every approved CF drug available today was made possible by foundation support. A popular saying at the foundation says, “Money buys science and science buys life.” Fueled by chapters across the country, the foundation boasts an impressive use of revenue, with nearly 90 cents of every dollar raised supporting vital CF research and educational programs in the effort to make CF stand for cure found.

Front: Alicia Irmscher and Lani Fast; back: Paul Meyers and Samuel Pons. Photo by Eric Suhre.

In 2010, under the leadership of longtime foundation volunteer and board member Jim Harp, Inside Northside Magazine and Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc. (NYSE:HOS) launched the Northshore’s Finest event, which has two goals. In addition to supporting the foundation, it is a way to celebrate young northshore professionals who are giving of themselves and who have a propensity for getting involved philanthropically. The 13 honorees presented on the following pages were nominated by their peers; they are working to raise both awareness of CF and funds for the foundation. Their efforts will be celebrated at a luncheon at Tchefuncta Country Club July 29.

Alicia Thomas Irmscher

A native of Natchitoches, Alicia Irmscher resides in Slidell and works in Covington for the Notification is Prevention Foundation.

Living on one side of St. Tammany Parish and working on the other has given Alicia the opportunity to enjoy the events, parks and other attractions throughout the parish. As a responsible northshore citizen, she is involved in several different service, philanthropic and political organizations.

Front: Alicia Irmscher and Lani Fast; back: Paul Meyers and Samuel Pons. Photo by Eric Suhre.

Alicia’s parents are her inspiration, both professionally and philanthropically. “They taught me that nothing in life is easy, but with hard work you can be successful in everything you set your mind to do,” she says. “They also taught me that you get more from life by helping and giving to your fellow man, even if it is only a friendly smile or a quick note in the mail saying hello.”

Whether it’s running with the bulls in Spain, traveling through Europe or doing mission work in Kenya, Alicia loves adventure. But most importantly, she loves spending time with her wonderful husband, daughter, parents and close friends.

“It is very easy to get involved on the northshore. Choose organizations that you are passionate about and participate with them fully and completely.”

Ashley E. Rush

Born in Natchez, Mississippi, Ashley Rush, RN, MSN, CPHQ, now resides in Mandeville and works as the Quality Manager at St. Tammany Parish Hospital.

Ashley enjoys the plethora of activities and events on the northshore and the many ways to get involved. “I love the people. I have had many wonderful opportunities through networking with other individuals on the northshore,” she says.

As a member of the First Baptist Church in Covington, Ashley has had many occasions to serve the community and the world through a variety of outreach programs, including a medical mission trip to India.

Philanthropically, Mother Teresa is Ashley’s role model because of her lifelong selfless dedication to the sick and poor, despite much criticism. Ashley’s mother is her professional inspiration because of her hard work and devotion as both a successful mother and a professional.

Ashley values honesty and always strives to do the “right thing for the right reason at the right time.” During her free time, she loves being outdoors, riding bikes, kayaking, exercising, fishing, football and spending time with friends and family.

“You can accomplish anything you set your mind to; if you aren’t successful the first time, keep working and eventually you will be.”

Amber S. Burch

Born at a military hospital on Andrew’s Air Force Base outside of Washington, D.C., Amber Burch has called Hammond home for the past 10 years. She works for U.S. Senator David Vitter as his representative in Tangipahoa and Washington parishes.

Having lived in both very rural Washington Parish and very urban Dallas, Amber enjoys the mixture that the northshore brings. She demonstrates her commitment to the community through her involvement in many northshore organizations. “I try to be a good friend and influence to the people that I communicate and work with,” she says.

Amber Burch, Todd Reeves, Kristen O’Keefe and Ashley Rush (seated). Photo by Eric Suhre.

Amber’s professional role model is her boss, David Doss, whose interaction with others, his genuineness and the way he leads by example have motivated her to work harder and to strive to be patient and kind. Cassie Ragan and Erin Moore Cowser’s high standards for dedication to philanthropy and to people have also inspired her.

During her free time, Amber enjoys going to the gym, cycling, Spoga fitness studio, 5k races, attending church and spending time with loved ones. A “huge fan” of Theodore Roosevelt, she shares this quote by the former president: “I care not what others think of what I do, but I care very much about what I think of what I do! That is character!”

“Take on the things that you are passionate about and that you can give all of yourself to. It is not worthwhile to be less than your best, so choose your involvements wisely. But after you have chosen them, stick through with commitments and be active!”

Jesse Hartley

A resident of Mandeville, Jesse Hartley serves as the executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Center/Hope House.

Jesse says her favorite aspect of the northshore is the people of the community. “Everyone is always willing to lend a hand and so many of our community members truly have a vested interest in seeing this area thrive,” she says.

Through her work at Hope House, Jesse has helped serve and protect abused children and has helped clients on the path to recovery. She has also developed partnerships with other area nonprofits to meet the needs of the community.

Jesse’s role model both professionally and philanthropically is her mother, who was a strong businesswoman and selfless community member. “She taught me to take risks, challenged me to succeed and supported me when things didn’t work out as planned,” Jesse says.

Jesse tries to find humor in all aspects of life, keeping in mind what a wise man once told her: “If it doesn’t eat you, it will only make you stronger.” She spends her free time running, relieving stress with CrossFit, enjoying time with friends and family and being on or near the water whenever possible.

“Find your passion and learn to balance work and play. A truly successful person has success in all areas of their life, not just their career.”

Emily McKneely

Born in Hammond and now a resident of Ponchatoula, Emily McKneely is the director of sales for the Tangipahoa Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Emily loves the small community feel and the big city amenities of the northshore. “Easily accessible services, quality medical facilities and exceptional educational opportunities abound in Tangipahoa Parish, yet I love walking into the grocery store and running into five people I know,” she says.

Emily supports the northshore community through her involvement in various organizations, including the Ladies’ Top 28 committee, Louisiana Travel Promotion Association, the Southeastern Alumni Board and Leadership Tangipahoa, where she serves as immediate past-chairman. She encourages others to support the community by donating their time, attending local events and participating in special activities for worthwhile causes.

Professionally and philanthropically, Emily’s family is her inspiration. Her grandmother raised five children while her husband worked out of the country as a Merchant Marine, her father provided an example of a strong work ethic and dedication to family and community and her mother was a working mom who successfully balanced family, work and community involvement.

During her limited free time, Emily enjoys the company of loved ones, community events, Saints and Southeastern football, boating on the Tangipahoa River and the lakes, beach vacations, traveling and completing home improvement projects.

“Make the most of your time, talk to everyone you can, be organized, set goals and remember that if you support your community, it will support you. Join local committees or boards. Get involved!”

Kristen O’Keefe

A lifelong resident of Folsom, Kristen O’Keefe is a branch manager at the Capital One Bank on Highway 21; she is also the outreach coordinator for State Representative Scott M. Simon.

Kristen appreciates the family-friendly environment of the northshore. She enjoys giving of her time to help those who cannot help themselves and working with community leaders to better the northshore community. She serves on the board for New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center.

Kristen says she is blessed with outstanding friends and family, including her mother, Martha Cazaubon, who has been an incredible role model. “Her energy, charisma, positive attitude and community involvement have been an inspiration to me all of my life,” she says. “Her love and support afford me the opportunity to excel professionally and personally.”

Kristen strives to “add value everyday by adding sunshine to people’s lives.” Although free time is scarce, she and her husband are currently studying to become private pilots, so that “the sky is not the limit.”

“Wake up every day and find a way to add value to another person’s life. Remember, it is possible to make a difference, and sometimes the difference may not be instantaneous. Don’t look for something in return.”

Lauren Coudrain

Born in Metairie, Lauren Coudrain is now a resident of Covington and president/CEO of the Coudrain Group, LLC, which she founded in 2010 to provide social media and online fundraising assistance to nonprofit organizations.

Lauren enjoys living on the northshore because of its rapid growth, which provides the opportunity to be part of positive progressive change as St. Tammany becomes a new hub for the entire state of Louisiana.

Lauren’s personal and professional focus has always been concentrated on nonprofits and the services they provide to the community. She currently serves as chair of Northshore Rising Professionals and on the boards of the St. Tammany West Chamber and Northshore Neighborhood Housing Services. She is also an active member of the Covington Rotary Club, Greater Northshore Association of Fundraising Professionals, St. Tammany Commission on Families and the Leadership St. Tammany Alumni Foundation.

John Tobin, a truly inspirational community leader and mentor, is Lauren’s professional and philanthropic role model. She admires John’s selfless service to the community, his tireless commitment to people in need and his constant consideration for the community in every decision he makes.

When she is not busy serving the community, Lauren’s hobbies include painting, photography, writing and using power tools.
“Business networking is great, but I’ve found that community service is the best way to truly network with others. Professional and philanthropic goals are best when intertwined with one another—the opportunity to give back while promoting professional goals is immeasurable.”

Paul A. Myers IV

Paul Myers was born in Natchez, Mississippi, and currently resides in Covington. He is a commercial lender/business banker in the Mandeville Office of Metairie Bank & Trust.

Paul’s favorite aspect of the northshore is “the small town feel,” and he appreciates everything his community has to offer, especially the family environment.

Paul has taken advantage of the everyday opportunities to make a difference on the northshore by teaching Junior Achievement at Fontainebleau High School, organizing food drives for the Covington Food Bank, working with small businesses to assist with economic difficulties and volunteering for other great causes to benefit the community.

Professionally, Paul’s inspiration comes from his father’s work ethic and respect for all people and his great-grandfather’s loyalty and integrity. Paul’s philanthropic role model, his grandfather, always said, “Never complain about what is going on in your community unless you are willing to lend a hand to make it better.”

Paul’s strength and motivation comes from his family. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two children, exercising, hunting, fishing and volunteering for Ducks Unlimited.

“The challenges are out there, but it is up to all of us to be proactive. If you commit to something, give it 100 percent!”

Randy Bidleman

Randy Bidleman was born in Detroit, Michigan, but has called Mandeville home for 30 years. He is a vice president/senior business banker at Capital One Bank in Mandeville.

Randy is passionate about the northshore community and feels very fortunate to live, work and raise a family here. He also enjoys the people, cultural arts, energy and natural beauty of the northshore.

Randy is a board member and treasurer of the PIG Invitational Charity, which raises money for needy children and seniors in St. Tammany Parish. He also serves on the Ambassadors Council of the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Leadership St. Tammany Class of 2011 and has volunteered for the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany, Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity and Kids Konnection.

Randy’s parents are his professional and philanthropic inspiration. He describes his father, Jerry, as “an ultimate professional in the business world” and says that his parents are two of the most generous, giving and loving people he has ever known.

In addition to playing drums for the local band 4-Unplugged, Randy enjoys playing roller hockey and golf and staying active in his two sons’ sports activities.

“In both my professional world and in my philanthropic activities, I always try to follow my heart. Money and material things should not be the single driving force behind the decisions you make.”

Sandy Armstead Summers

Born in Plaquemine, Sandy Summers currently lives in Hammond, where she works as the assistant director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Sandy likes being a part of the exciting growth the northshore is experiencing. She says she appreciates the friendly spirit in the area that is welcoming to many backgrounds. In an effort to give back to the community, Sandy volunteers in various northshore organizations.

Sandy’s inspiration comes from God and His Word, as well as her mother and sister. “They have both played such a huge and positive role in my life that no person—no matter how famous—can compare to them,” she says. For Sandy, her mother and sister embody love, faith, strength and courage as they donate their time, money and talents to people and projects that matter.

Sandy loves God, her family and helping others. Her free time is nonexistent, as her two small children and her volunteer efforts keep her busy.

“Strive to do good work and good things for others—regardless if the project is large or small—because you never know who is watching or who you may impact.”

Lani Ramhofer Fast

Born and raised in the New Orleans metropolitan area, Lani Fast has lived on the northshore for eight years and currently resides in Mandeville. She is the clinic operations manager at Ochsner Medical Center – Northshore.

Lani calls the northshore home because of the great sense of community it provides through the people, who are down-to-earth and welcoming. She enjoys the blessing of “nature’s best,” from the lake, bayous and natural springs, to the scenic parks and fabulous food. “There are so many great specialty businesses that showcase the spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship that this parish maintains,” she adds.

A supporter of area nonprofit organizations, Lani is also involved in the northshore community as a graduate of Leadership Northshore and a member of East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce’s Emerging Young Professionals. She is inspired by a quote from Maya Angelou: “One must know not just how to accept a gift, but with what grace to share it.”

Lani enjoys spending free time with her family and friends. She is always up for a road trip, boat ride, beachside or a good festival!
“When you find yourself blessed, pay those blessings forward to your community, whatever your interest may be.”

Samuel L. Pons

Born in Metairie, Samuel L. Pons lives in downtown New Orleans but works on the northshore. As a business unit manager for Hornbeck Offshore Services, Sam is responsible for all aspects of the downstream petroleum transportation segment of HOS in Covington.

“My involvement with cystic fibrosis is a natural fit—both personally and professionally. My cousin Verna Bieber has two young children affected by the disease, and I recently learned that a co-worker has a daughter with CF,” he says. “I’m really looking forward to serving on the event committee for the inaugural Grapes and Grain benefit on the northshore this fall, as we seek to fund a cure for CF.”

Carl Annessa, COO of Hornbeck Offshore, is Sam’s professional role model. He is inspired by Carl’s incredible knowledge and experience across a wide range of business functions and his respect for people, regardless of professional standing.

Sam’s philanthropic inspiration is Jim Harp, who makes time to help others despite his busy schedule as a father and as an executive and CFO of Hornbeck Offshore.

Although he has very little free time, Sam enjoys spending time with his friends, playing golf and exercising. However, he is probably best known around town for his role as the lead singer-songwriter of the alternative pop/rock band Lucy’s Walk, which can frequently be heard in New Orleans venues such as the Howlin’ Wolf, Tipitina’s and the House of Blues.
“Care about what you are doing.”

J. Todd Reeves

Originally from Monroe, Todd Reeves grew up in Slidell and has been a resident of Mandeville for the past 10 years. He is co-owner/owner of The Reeves Law Firm, the All American Title Agency and the All Pro Sports Agency.

Todd’s favorite thing about the northshore is that it’s “home.” “It’s where I grew up, where my kids are growing up, where my family is, where my church is and it’s a community of people that I have created friendships with, have helped and who have helped me,” he says.

Todd enjoys volunteering to help others in the northshore community through his church, civic groups and community service groups such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, STARC, the Northshore Foundation, the Louisiana State Bar Association and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Todd says there are many people who have inspired him professionally and philanthropically. “I am fortunate and blessed that God has put these people in my life who teach and encourage me to persevere in becoming the best I can be—not only through their words but in their actions and deeds,” he says.

During his free time, Todd loves just being with his wife and two daughters—“whether it’s at home watching a movie, playing hide-n-go-seek, going to the park, the zoo, flying kites, going to the beach, seeing the Saints and Tigers play, snow skiing, fishing, riding horses, swimming, boating, singing—as long as it is with the three girls who rule my world I’m a happy man.”

“I believe that we all have the ability to make a positive difference in the lives of others, and it is important that we encourage one another to do so because this will ensure that our community will continue to thrive.”