The first signs have started popping up in the last couple weeks. Yard signs, that is, for hopeful candidates. It’s election time again!
In addition to a gubernatorial primary, on October 22, St. Tammany Parish residents will have numerous important items on their ballots to consider.
Are you ready to vote?
Many people, every election day, find themselves surprised at the polls. They may find themselves at the wrong polling location because it has moved, in a different precinct than they expected, or all together not on the polls, when they thought they were.
The Louisiana Secretary of State’s office and our current S.O.S., Tom Schedler (from right here in St. Tammany) have a very useful website to answer all of your voting questions. Accessible through the main site www.sos.louisiana.gov, it is called www.geauxvote.com. It is a very user-friendly site and answers all of the most commonly asked questions and then some. You can check your voting status, register to vote, change your party affiliation, request an absentee ballot and lots more.
The site is divided clearly into sections. With one click, you have all the info any voter needs to answer any questions. Another click, and it’s all candidate information. Qualifying dates, fees, deadlines, campaign rules & regs, it’s all there. Another click gives you the history of all past elections. I really enjoyed digging around on the site. It seemed the more I clicked, the deeper the information went and the more I learned.
Below are a few important dates the you should all be aware of here on the northshore, if you want to vote in the upcoming elections (and I hope you do!):
Qualifying Dates for Candidates: 9/6 – 9/8
Last Day to Register to Vote: 9/21
Time Period to Request a Mail Ballot from Registrar: 8/23 – 10/18
Deadline for Registrar to Receive Voted Mail Ballot: 10/21
Early Voting Begins: 10/8
Early Voting Ends: 10/15
Election Day: October 22
I urge everyone to get out and VOTE! In recent elections, we’ve seen election results decided by only just a few votes. Every single vote truly makes a difference! I hope to see you at the polls on October 22.
Sheri Sable Campbell
Northshore Blog
NorthshoreLinks.com
One of my favorite causes here on the northshore is the St. Tammany Humane Society. Coming up on Sunday, June 12, they will be hosting an event with many local businesses that is sure to be a good time.
The 2nd Annual Pup-Friendly Poker Run will be held from 3:00-7:00. This is not your average poker run! All the participating businesses, each located through-out Old Mandeville, are “pup-friendly”, and your are invited to bring your dog along with you as you play!
It all begins at the Barley Oak, located on the lakefront at 2101 Lakeshore Drive. This is where you pay your $25.00 entry fee and receive your 7 card hand. From there, you will randomly visit the other poker-pit stops: Ruby’s Roadhouse, The Beach House Bar & Grill, Zorro’s Cool Stuff for Pets & People, and the Ponchartrain Yacht Club. The last pit-stop is Maxein’s Coffeehouse on Girod St. Here, someone will have the winning hand and win the grand prize of $1000 cash! Many other prizes will be awarded as well, like gift certificates, artwork, a weekend getaway and more. Also to add to the festivities, there will be live music at Maxein’s. Christian Serpas and Ghost Town will be performing an acoustic duo show.
Pre-registration is not required, however, if you register by June 3, you can save $5.00. To sign up, you can call the Humane Society at 892-7387, you can stop by their facility on Dog Pound Rd (20384 Harrison Ave.), or pay with PayPal on their website: www.sttammanyhumanesociety.org . In addition, each paid participant receives a poker run t-shirt designed by local artist Ted Pullig.
This sounds like a rather unique and enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon, whether you have a pup to play with or not! A little good-natured gambling, some libations, perhaps dinner at one of the poker-pit stops….all the while supporting our local businesses and of course STHS, who get the proceeds. I hope you can join us!
Sheri Sable Campbell
Northshore Blog
Between running my biz Bot & Nola’s Snoballs, my service as an alderman for the Town of Abita Springs, writing, volunteering and raising 3 kids I have become an expert in time management! It’s a good thing – because there are so many things to do in March it’s going to take a well-executed game plan to fit them all in!
I’ve already told you about Chef Soiree, that’s on March 20 at the Bogue Falaya Park in Covington and starts at 5. However, before I head over there I will be in Mandeville with the Campbell family in tow at the St. Tammany Humane Society’s Annual Woofstock Festival and low Cost Clinic. This year, the event moves out to the Castine Center and is sure to be fun for my whole crew. It starts at 10, there are bands playing all day and there’s additional entertainment with the various doggie contests. I am excited about being one of the judges this year and really looking forward to it! Tickets are available at the gate (or half-price in advance!), and with the ticket price this year you get FREE beer! Yep, Free. Should make for a fun afternoon! Check out the details at www.sthumane.org
Next up, on March 27, it’s the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation’s 5th Annual Gurney Games. This event is SO MUCH FUN! I’m excited to be back again judging for my 3rd year, and I cannot wait to see what they will come up with this time! This event is free and is held right in the middle of N.Columbia St. in downtown Covington. It’s blocked off, of course, and there’s music, food, beverages, and the highlight – the Race. Elaborately decorated hospital gurneys are raced through an obstacle course competing for the best time. However, they are also judged on the best costumes, decorations, performance and best bribe of a judge! Its good clean fun, and a great way to spend a beautiful, spring afternoon outdoors with the family. It’s from 2:00-5:00; please go to www.stph.org for all the details of this unique event!
But the weekend isn’t over yet! From 6:00-10:00 on the 27th at the Castine Center the Junior League of Greater Covington is hosting “Oh, The Places We’ll Geaux!” a benefit for the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany. These ladies put on a fabulous event every year as they draw closer and closer to the reality of our very own Children’s Museum. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online at their website www.jlgc.net
Whew. I’m exhausted just thinking about it. But thrilled as well, and looking forward to a fun-filled weekend here on the northshore. I’ll be having a good time while supporting some causes that are near and dear to my heart. Hope to see you out there, too!
Sheri Sable Campbell
Northshore Blog
There is one tell-tale event here on the northshore that means spring has arrived – Chef Soiree! Now in its 27th year, the huge event is the main fundraiser for our local non-profit, the Youth Service Bureau. It’s also one of THE biggest parties of the year!
This year, the Chef Soiree 2011 presented by Capital One Bank will be featuring around 85 different restaurants, food and beverage purveyors and 5 bands. It will be held, as it is traditionally, at Bogue Falaya Park in Covington on Sunday, March 20.
The evening kicks off at 5:00 with a parade leading into the gate led by the New Orleans Hornets Drumline. Honorary Chairpersons for the event, Heath and Beth Ann Evans, will also be in attendance. Food, beverage, music, festivity and fun will take over the park until the grand finale, a spectacular fireworks show, closes the evening out at 9.
Another highlight of the evening – when the winning name is drawn for the $10,000 cash prize. The “Chance for Children Raffle – sponsored by TechCrane” tickets are being sold now for $25.00 a piece. You don’t have to be present to win. Additionally, there are a slew of other fabulous prizes to be given away as well. Only a limited number of tickets are being sold – you can purchase them online at www.ysbraffle.com.
All the proceeds from Chef Soiree and the Chance for Children Raffle benefit the Youth Service Bureau. For 30 years, the YSB has been reaching out to children and families in need right here in our community. They have offices throughout St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. Through their various programs, such as CASA, they are able to work directly with the children in need. Focusing on prevention and early-intervention with at-risk youth, YSB is changing lives and putting kids on the right track to overcome their obstacles and be happy, productive people in our society.
If you would like to buy a ticket to attend Chef Soiree and help out this incredibly worthy organization, they are available locally at: Braswell Drugs-Covington, The Pool & Patio Center-Metarie, Brian Harris Autoplex-Slidell and Gordon’s of Mandeville. Tickets are $125.00. Chef Soiree tickets will not be available at the gate, at are not sold online, so get yours today.
If you would like to learn more about the incredible programs sponsored by the Youth Service Bureau, check out their newly designed website at www.ysbworks.com or call the office at 893-2570 if you have any questions. To see a full listing of all the 2011 Chef Soiree sponsors (we here at NorthshoreLinks.com are very proud to be!) or to see a complete list of all the participating restaurants etc, go to www.chefsoiree.com .
It’s going to be a very special night – benefitting a very special organization. Please join us March 20 at Chef Soiree! Hope to see you there.
Sheri Sable Campbell
Northshore Blog
www.northshorelinks.com
If you’ve never been to the Geaux Arts Ball, it’s truly one of the northshore’s more unique happenings. Held each year in February at the Art House on N. Columbia, the St. Tammany Art Association hosts this lively and festive event.
Each year a different theme is chosen for the gala, representing a different artist or artistic period. Talented art students from throughout St. Tammany Parish study and prepare to recreate, for one night, numerous infamous works of art by literally -bringing them to life.
Throughout the Art House, students, representing their chosen works of art, appear frozen in time behind giant gilded frames. Art patrons and guests mingle and party about, sipping cocktails and nibbling on hors d oeuvres in the beautiful space, while the students remain in character.
A couple of years ago, I had the honor of being the MC for this intriguing event. What a night! I’ve really not seen anything quite like it here on the northshore; it was honestly an awesome way to spend an evening.
In addition to the really cool art, there is live music as well. There’s an open bar and lots of food included with your purchased ticket. I’d like to add, it’s quite reasonable as events like this go, too. Tickets in advance are only $25, or its $30 at the door.
Of course, all the proceeds provide our non-profit, St. Tammany Art Association with much needed funding to continue on with their mission “to provide quality programming and cultural enrichment to the community, to support established artists, to promote emerging artists, and to produce educational arts related activities for adults and children and, in doing so, enhance life in St. Tammany Parish”.
This year’s Geaux Arts Ball is Saturday, February 5, from 7:00- 11:00 p.m. and the theme is “Salon des Refusés”; The birth of Modern Art”. If you would like to purchase tickets or even be a sponsor, please contact Art House Coordinator Mary Monk, at: info@sttammanyartassociation.org or by telephone at 985-892-8650.
Come out for an evening like no other, while supporting our local Art Association. It’s going to be a beautiful night – hope to see you there.
Sheri Sable Campbell
Northshore Blog
Well, hello there 2011! So nice to meet you! 2010, well, it was nice knowing you, but I am ready to move on and experience all that 2011 has to offer. I like to start the New Year off with a bang! It’s time to get moving and to start doing. Learn something new, do something different, shine a little, step a little more lightly, just personally – try harder, be more!
A few personal changes I’m making this year….
I started running again. I haven’t in about 2 years. I feel great already even though it’s only been a few days (ok…well, actually I’m feeling a little sore and achy), but I know that won’t last for long. I lost a ton of weight in the last 6 months (that was on last year’s list!) and this is the next part of my plan…getting strong and toning up.
I’ve resolved to be a better friend. In my crazy, busy life I find myself too preoccupied with my work and responsibilities to give my relationships the time and attention they deserve. Any good friendship, like a marriage, needs to be nurtured. So, I intend to reach out to a friend or family member daily, whether it’s lunch, a quick phone call, or even a facebook message, just to let them know how much I am thinking of them.
I resolve to be more patient. This is a tough one. Again, I’m always in a hurry…I don’t have time to waste. However, the energy I expel getting so overwhelmed and irritated by others could be so much better spent. Patience. If I can emerge from 2011 having improved this not-so-virtuous aspect of myself than I will absolutely be accomplishing something huge!
What will you do differently for 2011? A few years ago, I resolved to get more involved in my community. I decided to give more of my time to others and to causes that are important to me. That decision was life-changing, and one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s made me open my eyes to what is really going on around me in my community. It made me a better person and more understanding of others. It made me a better mother – by example, raising my kids to share in the responsibility of making their world a better place.
Here at NorthshoreLinks we are dedicated to doing whatever we can to making our little slice of heaven here on the northshore a better place to live, work and play. Through our working partnerships with countless non-profits and worthy organizations here in our community, we are able to support and give a voice to the folks out there who are really making a difference. These are the people I write about. I write about them because they inspire me, daily, to open my eyes, look with an understanding heart and do what I can.
I hope you are inspired this year to make some positive changes of your own. Let’s make it an awesome 2011! Where are my running shoes? Come on, let’s go!
Sheri Sable Campbell
Northshore Blog
NorthshoreLinks.com
Listen up Northshore and get the scoop!
If you don’t receive our Northshore Tribune E-Newsletter from NorthshoreLinks.com, then please be sure to click http://northshorelinks.com/northshore-tribune.htm to get on the list. We send it directly to your inbox and it’s a great way to stay informed with all the latest and greatest of what’s happening here on the northshore. There are a few items mentioned in our most recent issue that I don’t plan to miss out on and I don’t want you to either!
In Hammond, from November 6-28, it’s the Louisiana Renaissance Festival. This is such a cool event. If you’ve never been, you really need to make it this year. Adults and kids alike LOVE this festival. Held on weekends through November and on Friday, November 26 (the day after Thanksgiving) “Ren Fest” as it is known, is just such an incredibly refreshing change from the usual. There’s jousting, fire-eating, and sword-fighting. There’s Shakespeare, magic and music shows. There’s shopping, food, and endless demonstrations both educational and simply entertaining. It’s a real step back in time with so many participants both in costume and character. Get all the details and your tickets at: www.larf.org
Also this month on November 13th and 14th, it’s the Three Rivers Art Festival. Now in its 14th year, this free festival is a northshore favorite, attracting more than 55,000 people last year. The artists and craftsman are all juried and this year over 200 will be represented from 22 different states. There will be lots of food, too, music and kids activities. It’s from 10:00-5:00 daily, along the streets of downtown Covington. NorthshoreLinks is a sponsor and we are thrilled to be a part of this valued northshore event. Bring the kids; there a fun activities for them, too. More details can be found at: www.threeriversartfestival.com
Also coming up is “Unleashed! A Bash on the Bayou!” This is a huge, annual event and fundraiser for our local St. Tammany Humane Society. This year it will be held Saturday, November 13, from 7:00- 11:00 p.m. at the Castine Center in Mandeville. What is making this year’s event really stand-out from any other in the past is the honorary chair- Ian Somerhalder. He is a hugely successful actor and model, starring in the hit show “Vampire Diaries”. He is a native of Covington and is dedicated to helping the STHS in their efforts to care for neglected and abused dogs and cats. Tickets are selling like crazy for this event because of his involvement. I will be the emcee for the evening and I absolutely cannot wait! It’s going to be an exciting night. There’s all kinds of food, drinks and tons of live music, so plan on attending and having a good time – but get your ticket now if you plan on going – it could sell out. The St. Tammany Humane Society website is: www.sthumane.org
I hope you all get out, get involved, and have a good time here on the northshore! Enjoy this beautiful fall weather while it lasts and all the great things our community has here to offer.
Sheri Sable Campbell
NorthshoreLinks.com
November 9th, 2010 in
Activities, Events & Entertainment,
Non-Profit Outreaches | tags:
Castine Center,
covington,
Hammond,
Ian Somerhalder,
LA,
Louisiana Renaissance Festival,
St. Tammany Humane Society,
Three Rivers Art Festival,
Unleashed! Bash on the Bayou,
Vampire Diaries |
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Finally! It’s hard to believe, but fall has arrived here on the northshore. This morning when I stepped outside it was a cool, crisp, 57 degrees on my front porch in downtown Abita Springs! What a welcomed break to the hottest, most unbearably sweltering summer I can ever recall.
Now that it actually resembles autumn, I can begin those annual fall traditions. Going to pick out a pumpkin (my boys have been asking for 2 weeks, but with the heat, I just wasn’t “feeling” it!), breaking out the Halloween decorations, and – my favorite – costume shopping! Everybody knows, if you want the best selection, you had better start early. And there’s no time to spare - after all, Monster Mash is only a few weeks away!
Yes, Monster Mash Fun Fall Family Festival, presented by Capital One Bank, is Saturday, October 23. This premiere fall holiday event on the northshore is being held once again at Bogue Falaya Park in Covington. This is the 22nd year that Monster Mash will be providing a safe, entertaining, Halloween extravaganza of fun for all the little ghosts, goblins, spidermen and princesses of the northshore!
The festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. There’s a Trick-or-Treat Village (a favorite at this annual event), all sorts of inflatable’s to jump and bounce in, age appropriate games for all the kiddies, face painting, and entertainers of all kinds. Over the years, we’ve seen story-tellers, puppeteers, musicians, magicians, clowns, jugglers, you name it, at Monster Mash. There’s always something interesting and entertaining. And what makes this event so much fun and so unique – is that the parents can have just as much of a good time as the kids! Food and beverages are available from various northshore businesses, there’s a Shopping Village to visit, and the talented group Soul Revival will be performing as well. And yes, Mom & Dad can even wear their costume, too. Radio Disney will be there, as well as the Audubon Institute Bug Mobile and Zoomobile. There will be arts & crafts projects to do and a scavenger hunt, too.
This event, sponsored by the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center, serves as a major fundraising event annually for the organization. As a result of its success, The Parenting Center is able to provide all of its services to the public at little or no cost. The services reach out to every member of a family. Car-seat safety checks, new Daddy “boot camps”, their infamous “safe-sitter” babysitter’s course, breast-feeding support classes…the list is long when it comes to the education and support provided by the Parenting Center.
If you would like to spend a fun-filled fall day with your family at Monster Mash, tickets are easy to purchase and reasonably priced. Admission is only $4.00 a person when purchased in advance. They go on sale October 4 and can be found at any Capital One branch in Covington or Mandeville, both Playville stores, St. Tammany Parish Hospital, The Parenting Center, and Braswell Drugs.
At the gate, tickets will be $6.00. In addition, if you would like, wrist bands good for unlimited crafts and games will be available for purchase at the gate for $15.00.
Also available are a limited number of VIP passes ($30 for kids, $15 for grown-ups) that provide private seating, restroom facilities and additional crafts & entertainment. The VIP pass also has admission included as well as a wrist band for the child. If you are interested in these passes, they are available at the Parenting Center only, beginning October 4.
Embrace this fabulous fall weather and plan on getting out and enjoying the outdoors with the family on October 23 at Monster Mash. If you need any more details about this event, contact: ksupan@stph.org , call 898-4435, or check out www.stph.org .
Sheri Sable Campbell
Northshore Blog
NorthshoreLinks.com
On September 17, I will be on Fern Street, right outside of Abita Springs, to participate in the Wall Raising Ceremony being held by Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West. It will be the kick-off for the Habitat Women’s Build 2010 – a home-building marathon where dozens of volunteers (all women, of course) will construct 2 homes for 2 incredibly deserving families, between the dates of September 17 and October 30.
Women’s Build is an opportunity for women to come together to help others in need. For many people, home-ownership is simply a dream, something deemed unattainable. Right here in St. Tammany Parish, there are people who are living in poverty, living and raising their kids in substandard housing. They simply need a little help getting started, to get on the path to home-ownership - “a hand up, not a hand out”. Qualifying families are hard-working people who can afford to make their monthly mortgage. Habitat for Humanity helps makes it a reality, by working with the family (they put in hundreds of hours in “sweat equity” building their own house), providing them with training about the responsibilities that come with home ownership, and by providing them with an affordable a no-interest loan.
Women of all ages and all walks of life can participate in this project. As long as you are over the age of 16, you can help build a house. No specific skills are required; the professionals on site will direct you in what to do. This is a great event to plan and participate in with your best girlfriends, co-workers, sorority sisters or family. Its women working together with other women to provide a life-changing dream, a real home, for a deserving family.
Men, if you want to help out too-check out this “wish list” of construction supplies that maybe you can provide for the ladies to use http://www.habitatstw.org/files/WB2010_Construction_Wish_List.pdf . Everything is on there, even the kitchen sink!
All volunteers are asked to make a $30 contribution. Sign-ups are happening right now. Please check out http://www.habitatstw.org/projects/index.php?ID=173 to see all the details about Women’s Build 2010. The website is very helpful and will most likely answer any questions you may have, from what to bring to what to wear!
Gather your friends and consider being a part of Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Build 2010. You can’t imagine what you can accomplish….I love the Women’s Build slogan…”Girls play house…Women BUILD them”. Get building ladies!
Sheri Sable Campbell
Northshore Blog
NorthshoreLinks.com
I’ve got a few updates I’d like to share with you about Abita Springs!
Tuesday, August 3 is National Night Out Against Crime and Abita Springs will be participating again this year. There are several Block Parties planned throughout town. I am hosting one for my neighborhood in “downtown Abita” on Gum St. I’ve tried to notify everyone in my area – if I missed you, please come! It’s from 6-8. Everyone is bringing a little something to eat or drink. It should be fun! Representatives from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office will be there, too.
This Saturday the Town will be having another Movie Night at the Park on our awesome outdoor movie screen. “Toy Story 2” will be showing at 8:00. This is a free event, however, Abita Root beer and popcorn will be available for sale. Feel free to bring your own picnic dinner, lawn chairs, ice chests, whatever. Also, please remember to check the Town website for details about Movie Night or any Town function. Particularly with Movie Night, we have had a hard time constantly rescheduling because of the weather. Last time, they decided ‘the show must go on” at the last minute, because the rain stopped. Until we get into fall and start seeing some nice weather, I think Movie Nights may be somewhat impromptu because of the rain (or heat!) Always check www.townofabitasprings.com
Good News! You can now recycle GLASS and CARDBOARD along with all your other recyclables here in Abita! We are very excited about this, as it has been requested by so many of our residents. While many municipalities have still not been able to return affordable curbside recycling back to their citizens post-Katrina, Abita has been since 2008. In addition, we negotiated the amazingly small fee of $2.50 a month per household! What a small price to pay to do something so huge for our planet. You can check out all the details about what and when to recycle on our website. We were recently informed by our recycling provider, Coastal Waste, that Abita recycles as much and sometimes even more than the whole city of Covington! That is something for our citizens to be proud of.
MORE Good News! After years of waiting and continually working with the State, the center of our traffic circle will soon be home to a beautiful new fountain and landscaping. The Town has worked tirelessly with the state to push this through, as we do not own the traffic circle-it is the junction of Hwys. 36 and 59 and is controlled by DOTD. I know many of you who attend our meetings have heard the updates of trials and tribulations monthly, as we have jumped through one hoop after another getting approval for this project. However, judging by the latest of what we have been told: we hope to see it happen within 1 month! Many thanks to architects Ron Blitch and David Spicuzza who have selflessly volunteered their time and talents to this, and so many other Town projects.
In addition to the fountain in the center of the traffic circle, you will also soon see another beautiful fountain which will be available to retrieve drinking water. Funded in part by our local non-profit Friends of the Park, it will be located in the center of Town, behind the little gazebo. With accessible parking right next to it along Hwy 36, this is a perfectly convenient spot for those folks who still love to come to Abita Springs to fill up their jugs with our good, healing, water. It will certainly be useful to all of cyclists who regularly travel through across the street on the Trace and it makes use of another beautiful greenspace in the center of town for our citizens to enjoy.
The sidewalk project too, is in final approval stages. After receiving final approval from the State, we were then told it needed to go through a federal approval process as well. Again, we hope to see them begin working in about a month. Sidewalks will be down Level St., Main St., and along Hwy 36 from the Tammany Trace to C.J. Finn Ballpark. This is another extremely long-awaited project here in Abita Springs. Some of us are so excited to finally see this happen; we may have a parade right down the sidewalk!
Our new commercial for the Town of Abita Springs is complete. We were so fortunate to have received a grant from the parish Commission of Cultural Affairs to accomplish this. It was premiered at our first Movie Night, will soon be on our website for viewing and hopefully on TV soon, too.
Other projects you can expect to see in the coming months are the construction of a new amphitheater in the park on the site where our historic Pavilion once stood. New shade structures next to the splash fountains. Handicapped accessible trails around the park. And, thanks to Sen. Ben Nevers and Rep. Scott Simon, LGAP funding has been provided to install a new elevator to access the top floor of our Pavilion.
I feel blessed to be here and to be a part of all the incredible things being accomplished in Abita Springs. Our Mayor and this Council have worked together to achieve great things for our Town. We’ve got lots happening here in the Town of Abita Springs! It is truly a beautiful place to work, play and live.
If you have any questions or needs whatsoever, please do not hesitate to call Abita Springs Town Hall at (985) 892-0711, or email me at: sheri.campbell@townofabitasprings.com
Sheri Sable Campbell
Alderman and Mayor Pro Tem
Northshore Blog
NorthshoreLinks.com
