(Slidell, LA) – Job seekers looking for careers with ample opportunities for advancement can connect with employers hiring in many business sectors at the “St. Tammany Getting Back to Work” free job fair, on Friday, August 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Bogue Falaya Hall in the Greater Covington Center.
Presented by Tri-Parish Works in partnership with the City of Covington, St. Tammany Parish Tourism and Convention Commission, St. Tammany Corporation, Pelican State Credit Union, and Northshore Lodging Association, the event will feature 40 employers that are hiring across all areas in entry-level, mid-level, and professional roles.
Tri-Parish Works, a partner of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, runs the public workforce centers in St. Tammany, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes. The agency aims to foster a thriving and inclusive regional economy, with increased economic opportunity and prosperity for the entire region.
Don Shea, Director of Business Services, describes Tri-Parish Works’ multi-level support for both employers and job seekers in the region. “As the workforce development agency serving our region, Tri-Parish Works connects talent to opportunity. We invest substantial funding every year to train, educate and certify job seekers across all industry sectors, and we work closely with area employers to understand their workforce needs and provide them with financial support to offset the cost of providing on-the-job training that upgrades the workforce. Tri-Parish Works is proud to have the partners to produce this job fair.
Interviews and offers may be made during the event, so job seekers should come prepared in professional attire with several copies of their resumes. Tri-Parish Works workforce professionals are available to assist job seekers, from reviewing resumes to offering tips to nail the interview. Schedule a visit by calling (985) 646-3940.
To register as a job seeker and for more information, visit triparishworks.net, or contact Don Shea at (985) 646-3940.
Dallas is a beautiful, black panther kitten looking for a forever home at Northshore Humane Society! This seven-month-old boy loves play, cuddling, is a master of everything and anything and will go absolutely ham when he comes across feathers! He loves napping on his humans, especially after playtime and is the most adorable little guy. If you’re interested in Dallas or any of the other adoptable pets of Northshore Humane Society, please email rescue@nshumane.org.
Dallas is available for adoption at Northshore Humane Society.
Northshore Humane Society is one of Louisiana’s largest 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organizations. Since 1953, NHS has served the neglected and abandoned animals of the Northshore region. They are an independent, non-governmental rescue that offers veterinary care, fostering, adoption, and more. NHS relies solely on the support of caring people like you to fund their programs and services which profoundly benefit the animals of our community.
Join Pastor Ozell Addison and Joyce R. James, Youth Minister for a Back to School Pep Rally and Summer Birthday Celebration at Rev. Peter Atkins Park! Featuring prizes, free food and fun.
The Back To School Pep Rally takes place on Saturday, August 14, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a free event, and all are welcome. Reverend Peter Atkins Park is located at 701 N. Tyler Street.
What a delightful Tuesday, friends! Wednesday is just a smile away with promises of a great lunch and relaxing morning. Kandy will be there with wholesome homespun Vietnamese salads to add an exotic flair to lunch.You’ll just love a glass of jasmine tea with that! Maybe bring home a serving of traditional egg rolls for Thursday’s lunch. You may prefer a Jordanian favorite —Muhjadara —which is a simple dish of lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions. Don’t forget the baklava, ya just gotta have some treat for the afternoon. Of course, you could just save the baklava for tomorrow and go in for some of Allison’s freeze dried treats.
Indulge in a luscious Vegan Burger from Bhakti Farms. This is an amazing little burger made with sweet potato, black beans, and beets. Sooo good! Remember to get your eggs. Kristen also has figs and now she is offering fig preserves as well. Of course, there are Carroll’s waffles to enjoy. Do NOT refer to them as dessert waffles so you can be very convincing when you tell your coworkers that it really is lunch. You’ll want to remember to bring your knives for Ben to sharpen. Nothing worse than a dull knife.
Darrell Galatas will welcome Saturday with sweet music wafting from the gazebo and lifting your spirits. So grab a cuppa joe from the pavilion and take a stroll through the “garden department”. Our plant vendors, Trudy, Dennis, and Ms. Betty have some lovely varieties to brighten up your gardens whether you’re looking for patio and landscape plants, trees and bushes, or house plants.
Since Vince has beets and fennel on his table, I looked for a recipe that includes both. I hope you enjoy this roasted beet and fennel salad with mint and toasted walnuts. First things first, preheat your oven to 400F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper (you could get away with 1 if you cut the recipe in half). Cut 6 medium or 3 large beets and cut into 1” chunks and add to one of your baking sheets. Place the fennel (cored and thinly sliced) to the other. Drizzle with oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 min til beets are cooked and fennel is golden. While you’re roasting, make your dressing by whisking the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp stone ground dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1 tbsp chopped fennel fronds (frilly tops), and 2 tbsp olive oil. After the veg have been roasting for 15 min, put 1/2 cup chopped walnuts into the oven to toast. Remove from oven when done and let cool. Once all has had a chance to cool, toss them all together and coat with 3/4 of the dressing. Top with mint leaves. Serve with the rest of the dressing, just in case you need a dab more. You can serve this by itself, or over lettuce, or toss with some of Six Acres fabulous microgreens and enjoy!
Mushrooms are always delicious whether sautéed with a bit of Mauthe’s butter or one of Jennifer’s amazing butter blends. James has the market cornered with gourmet mushrooms — lion’s mane, shiitake, chestnut, pioppino, and oyster. You can’t even find this quality at Whole Foods. While you’re over that way, check out Rose’s new praline delights. You won’t be sorry. Then a stroll over to Tessier Gourmet for fabulous prepared foods. You’ll love her tamales and the spinach artichoke dip. You also love Mauricio’s cookies, ginger snap and peanut butter. YUM!
Norma has some fabulous brownies, rich and chocolatey. She also makes a most delicious veggie wrap. You’ll find lemon and cherry ice box pies at Bear Creek Road. Abeer will be there this week with wonderful hummus, grape leaves, and more Mediterranean dishes. Sam is making (well, his girlfriend is) gluten free cookies and brownies and he will have nutritious sprouts and that amazing Farmer’s Cocktail. Koffee’s Coffee has a new Columbian roast that begs to be brewed.
All in all, there is so much to enjoy! We hope you will join us!
Lots of love,
Charlene LeJeune
Abundant Life Kitchen
The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St. Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit covingtonfarmersmarket.org
St. Tammany Art Association, in partnership with the City of Covington, presents the Covington Art Market, a seasonal juried market of visual arts and crafts held on first Saturday of the month.
The Saturday markets are held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market is now hosted on Lee Lane in downtown Covington. The event features a variety of work from local and regional artists, including jewelry, photography, paintings, woodworking, fiber art, pottery and more.
The purpose of the market is to provide exposure and a venue for our members to showcase and sell their work. While you’re here, we encourage you to visit other downtown locations, including exhibitions at the Art House, the nostalgic array of goods and the historic museum at H.J. Smith & Sons General Store and the Saturday Farmers Market, which takes place from 8 a.m. to noon at 609 N. Columbia Street, just a few blocks away.
Then enjoy a bite at one of downtown Covington’s many restaurants. It’s a great way to spend your Saturday!
In the early days of Covington, before the roads were in good shape and before the train tracks were built, river traffic on the Bogue Falaya River was paramount. Boats coming up the Tchefuncte River from Madisonville needed a dock to discharge passengers from New Orleans and take on cargo from areas north of Covington (to bring back to New Orleans). So a major landing was developed on the point of land south of Covington at the confluence of the Bogue Falaya and Tchefuncte Rivers.
A postcard showing the New Camelia at Old Landing.
This was the landing where your grandparents and great grandparents would disembark from the lake schooners and steamboats, hop aboard a horse and buggy and head up Old Landing Road to Covington.
Land records show that Old Landing was owned by the Badon Family based on an early settlement land grant to Henry Badon. It was this landing that played a pivotal role in the development of early Covington, and it was quite popular, especially since it was also a ferry crossing, according to one time parish archivist, the late Bertha Neff. This was in the early to mid 1800’s.
Mrs. Amos Neff’s Notes on the Ferry Crossing
Text from the above notes:
Henry Badon in 1806 acquired the land opposite his mother’s estate between the Tchefuncte and Bogue Falaya Rivers, and here was located one of the first ferries, long referred to as “Old Landing,” Jahncke Avenue, which brought the east and west banks of these two rivers together.
An early land grant map
The dotted line seen at the middle bottom may have indicated a horse trail or footpath, and where the dotted line crossed the Tchefuncte River would have been a good place for a ferry. On an adjacent map, the dotted line continues southward, crossing the Charles Parent land grant, and goes down to Madisonville.
Meanwhile, over on the Bogue Falaya River, the river was wide enough and deep enough to accommodate the larger vessels turning around and docking. When the Bogue Falaya River passed the Abita River, it became shallower and with sharper turns, so Badon Landing south of the Abita River was well situated to accommodate the larger vessels, sailing schooners and the steamboats when they came up the river.
Once the Bogue Falaya River passed the Abita River, it really got narrower and with sharp turns and sandbars
Old Landing was three miles from the center of Covington, so there were taxi (hack) services that provided transfer of passengers and cargo up Old Landing Road all the way up to Covington and points beyond.
John Wharton Collins and Badon Landing
According to Collins family historian Thomas Wharton Collens, who gave a speech to the St. Tammany Historical Society in 1988, the first of the Collins family to come to Louisiana was William Wharton Collins, who was an experienced sea captain. Jack Terry, who helped research this article, said, “Badon Landing may have been where William Collins docked when he delivered mail to North Shore.” William Collins had a post office contract to bring mail back and forth across Lake Pontchartrain to New Orleans, stopping at Madisonville and probably further upriver at Old Landing.
Thomas Wharton Collins also told the historical society that William’s brother John Wharton Collins came to New Orleans in 1800 at the age of 18, and in 1811, John Wharton Collins was working as a grocer on Levee Street in New Orleans. Two years later he purchased the Jacques Drieux property and this is what became what we now know as Covington, according to the 1988 speech by his great great grandson.
So Old Landing played a key part in Collins family history.
As Covington grew in size and commercial activity, the landing became more important. Covington developed as the southern end of major trade routes from Columbia and Holmesville, Mississippi, and when river dredging became available, the channel all the way up to Covington was deepened so that more boats could make it up to Columbia Landing. This was preferred since it was only a block from downtown Covington where all the major hotels, boarding houses and restaurants were located.
A dredge boat working on the Bogue Falaya
At some point Badon Landing became the Old Landing, and is referred to as such over the years. Several other river landings were along the river, with Columbia Landing being the northernmost.
In this 1939 USGS topographical map, the “head of navigation” on the Bogue Falaya River was shown at approximately where the Chimes Restaurant is today. That was with regular dredging, however. As the dredging came to a stop, the river silted up and getting deep draft vessels to Columbia Landing became next to impossible.
A picture of the New Camelia at Old Landing
The New Camelia was one of the boats that was too large to make it all the way upriver to Columbia Landing, so it had to use Old Landing.
According to Jack Terry, “From 1878 through about 1906 it appears that the New Camelia was docking at Old Landing. But after that it appears to be docking at Madisonville and Mandeville, and people used the train to get from Covington to Mandeville to connect to the New Camelia.” In 1909 and afterwards Covington folks could have easily hopped on the motor car trolley and rode down to Mandeville lakefront to board any one of several New Orleans bound steamboats.
Another picture of the New Camelia at Old Landing
Some interesting newspaper clippings:
1879
Text from the above newspaper item:
The Steamer Heroine came sailing up to the Old Landing last Monday evening, just as if she had been accustomed to coming there "all her life." She experienced no difficulty whatever in ascending the river, but glided gracefully around the bends with perfect ease. Doubtless much praise is due to Capt. Miller, who possesses a thorough knowledge of the river. He has the entire confidence of our citizens, and we frequently hear the expression: "what Capt. Miller don't know about our river ain't worth knowin'."
Text from the above newspaper item:
The steamer New Camelia has been purchased by Mr. W. G. Coyle of New Orleans, owner of the fleet and handsome steamer Heroine. The New Camelia will hereafter leave Old Landing at five o'clock in the morning instead of six.
On Saturday evenings she will come through direct to Madisonville and Old Landing.
The Heroine will run to Madisonville on non-mail days. We learn that it is the intention of Mr. Coyle to have the trips of both vessels extend as far up as Old Landing, which will necessitate a slight change in the rudder of the Heroine, to enable her to make the short bends in the river.
With these two fine vessels in the Lake trade, we will have greatly increased facilities for business with the city, and the people of New Orleans may now prepare to "exode" into the piney woods at any time and in any number, being sure of a pleasant passage and a quick trip.
(Note: the word “exode” means to make an exodus out of one place into another place)
1880
Text from the above newspaper item:
Mardi Gras Excursion To The City – The large and handsome Lake Steamer New Camelia will make an excursion trip to the city, for the benefit of those who desire to attend Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans. The excursionists will start from the Old Landing on Monday morning, February 9, at 7 o’clock. Fare for the round trip, one dollar. The tickets will be good for one week, and excursionists can return either on Thursday or Saturday night.
1881
1919
The dredging of the Bogue Falaya River up to Columbia Landing became more and more of a challenge, as silting of the river bottom caused more boats to run aground over the years. When the trains came, the shipping of cargo from Covington to New Orleans starting using the railroad more, and Columbia Landing lost some of its business.
The periodic dredging of the Bogue Falaya River from Columbia Landing (shown above) down the river to the Tchefuncte River became more costly and less justifiable.
Over the years, the name “Old Landing” began to refer to the residential community in the area between the two rivers, served by Old Landing Road.
1920Old Landing Road Postcard
As to the location of Old Landing, several people recall seeing a number of pilings in the river at the end of Lucie Drive, off Old Landing Road, prompting them to think that being the likely location of Old Landing. Longtime residents of Covington sometimes differ on what location they remember labelled as “old landing.” Since there were several landings along the river, it may be hard to pinpoint which old landing was THE Old Landing.
The map below points out a river bend location that would match up with previous photographs of “Old Landing,” and that point is where relatively high ground starts right next to the river. It would have been a good spot for a dock, a wharf, and a road going up to Covington.
Thanks goes to Pat Clanton, Jack Terry, Mark Johnson and Dorothy Frederick for their information regarding the location of Old Landing.
VFW 7286 (located 2013 Ronald Reagan Hwy.) hosts an Indoor/Outdoor Market Sale on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 8 a.m. – 12 noon. Open to the Public.
Vendors will include but not be limited to: food trucks, food vendors, jewelry, clothing, boutique, yard sale items, crafts and more. If you would like to sign up to be a vendor, Indoor space (10 x 12) is $45 and Outdoor space is $35. Contact Mike G. – 985-869-0085, Dustin V. – 985-249-9817 or Tiffany Mc – 985-710-5699.
COVINGTON- As the St. Tammany Parish Library prepares for upcoming fall programming, patrons can expect the hybrid model of in-person outdoor programming and virtual programming, to remain in place for the foreseeable future.
“We have social distancing mitigation measures in place and we’ve designed the spaces inside our branches to ensure that our libraries are a safe place to visit for everyone. The programming we provide is based on this also,” said Kelly LaRocca, Director of the St. Tammany Parish Library. “We value our patrons and their safety, and we want tour staff to feel safe as well. We appreciate the patience of everyone, as we continue to work toward this goal during this pandemic.”
As the school year kicks off, beginning the week of Aug. 9, small branches of the St. Tammany Parish Library will begin evening hours on Wednesday nights. The six small branches — Abita Springs, Lacombe, Pearl River, Lee Road, Folsom, and Bush — will open at noon and remain open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays. The six large branches will maintain their current hours: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Masks are required in all St. Tammany Parish Library branches, after St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announced increased COVID-19 preventative measures in late July. Beginning Wednesday, August 4, 2021, all patrons five and older will be required to wear a mask inside library branches in cooperation with Governor John Bel Edwards statewide indoor mask mandate announced August 2, 2021. Patrons are also asked to maintain proper social distancing. In addition, every other public computer will be available for use for the safety of our patrons. Masks and sanitizing supplies are provided. All St. Tammany Parish Library branches offer curbside service until dusk each evening for patrons who do not wish to come into the library. Find more information or register for an event: www.sttammanylibrary.org
Covington Weekly has an archive of economic development-related articles that suggest St. Tammany Parish is in need of greater transparency with regard to the flow of tax-derived money.
For this reason, a request for a Financial Disclosure Bill in St. Tammany Parish was sent by e-mail to Senator Patrick McMath, Representative Mark Wright and Parish President Mike Cooper.
Representative Wright responded:
email exchange in entirety
Good Morning Representative Wright,
The St. Tammany Parish Public Financial Disclosure Bill A bill to disclose all public monies/subsidies/allowances received by any entity operating within the parish of St. Tammany. While working in the capacity of correspondent for Covington Weekly, I often found information regarding the flow of public money (i.e. money in the arena of parish government and related agencies) to be extremely lacking with regard to the St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation (now defunct). In researching its origins, I found two pieces of bad legislation, one written by former representative Tim Burns, and another by senator Donahue. One allowed for conflicts of interest to exist between the foundation and other areas of parish government; the other affected the board appointment process. At least one of the pieces of legislation violated the state constitution’s ethics laws. In another investigation into disaster relief funds, I found that the parish government diverted a portion of hud funds to private development projects, resulting in a wrist-slapping from hud (and probably more oversight). Then there is the former parish president Brister’s appointment to a Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas that lent exclusively to one local banking family that had something to do with a little utility company. On a more sinister note, I was contacted by a representative of a local women’s shelter after publishing an article about trafficked children. She wanted to meet and discuss the angle of the article, which described the problem as ‘institutional’. A week later, she cancelled the meeting, and i was told that her funding was threatened (my speculation is that her funding was threatened for talking to me. She spoke of a facility that consistently sent her individuals that were there to recruit other girls.) This implicates a local foundation that has a 7 million dollar off-shore account and a larger operating budget than the city of Covington. I’ve gotten the insinuation over the years that another large parish bond-holder may also be implicated in the above scenario. It is for these reasons that there is a need for full financial disclosure of all entities operating in St. Tammany Parish with any public monies/ subsidies/ allowances. Every corporation operating in the parish of St. Tammany under revenue bond should be public information with full financial disclosure. Every non-profit/ foundation receiving any public funding should have full public financial disclosure. Every religious/church entity receiving any public funding should have full public financial disclosure. Please consider this information, as my request is a result of my experience.
to Mark I took it upon myself to look into the matter.
Over the years, I communicated with both the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office and the HUD IG with regard to public funds and bond-related issues.
I am asking for a bill mandating full financial disclosure for all entities operating within St. Tammany Parish that receive any public monies/ subsidies /allowances.
There are many examples why this should be in place.
to fernsolutions Wright, Rep. Mark (Chamber Laptop)
Tue, Jul 27, 1:10 PM (19 hours ago)
to me Okay, I’ll look into it. Since the next session isn’t until next Spring, it will be a while until I get back with anything substantial, but I’ll be back in touch. Mark
Get Outlook for iOS From: Timothy Gates codexproventus@gmail.com Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2021 11:51:17 AM To: Wright, Rep. Mark (Chamber Laptop) mwright@legis.la.gov Subject: Re: St. Tammany Parish Public Financial Disclosure Bill
to Mark Thank you for your attention and response.
I look forward to hearing further, and I will follow up as well
I find the standard response to be lacking with regard to the material and examples offered.
If you support my efforts toward a financial disclosure bill, PLEASE phone, email, fax, tweet or write a letter to Representative Mark Wright’s office stating as such:
Is that a chill in the air, my friends? Not really but it is August and before you know it Thanksgiving will be here. I jest, of course, but only a little. Still, I’m looking forward to a lovely day at the market tomorrow. Where to start? Start with your eggs, Double K no less. Or maybe some Double K figs. Did you know you can grill them? Yup. Slice ‘em up and pop ‘em on the grill. Hopefully you picked up some goat cheese from Huckleberry Fred’s on Saturday (if not, make a note for this week) cause it seems nothing goes better with figs than goat cheese.
A lovely shredded cabbage salad with shrimp from Kandy makes a refreshingly light but surprisingly filling lunch. Or maybe you prefer some of her incredibly delicious cream cheese shrimp rolls. Yeah, those always bring a smile to my lips, too. A glass of jasmine tea along with that will just have you singing for joy! Why not try something different from Bhakti Farms? Avocado, carrots, Sam’s Sprouts, veganaise and a bit of Johnny’s Cajun Seasoning all get together between 2 pieces of Dave’s killer bread to make The Veggie Sandwich. They’re serving Berry Hibiscus iced tea to quench your thirst.
Abeer is preparing her fabulous Ouzi for tomorrow. For those not in the know, Ouzi is filo dough filled with rice, ground beef, peas, carrots, almonds and pine nuts aannd, she has BAKLAVA! Surely, you won’t be passing up one of Carroll’s lovely dessert waffles, right? Even if you don’t have it for lunch, it’ll be wonderful around 3 pm when those cravings start to hit. Not in the mood for sweet, try some of Allison’s wasabi green beans or her trail mix to get you through the afternoon.
We will be treated this Saturday to the lovely vocals of Destiny Manzella darting from the gazebo. It just makes you want to grab your coffee from the pavilion and enjoy a stroll around the market, maybe pick up one of Meme’s delicious veggie pancakes along the way.
You may have heard last Saturday that we had to say a sad farewell to one of our beloved vendors. A market icon for the last 20 years, Henry Mauthe, passed away. He enjoyed coming out to the market and sitting with his grandkids while they sell and visiting with his market family. Yes, Jan, you’re right! They don’t make them like him anymore.
We really have an abundance of peppers at our market and the easiest way I know of to stuff them is with goat cheese. Huckleberry Fred has a delightful assortment of cheese blends and one of them is just right for your peppers. While the smaller, banana type peppers seem like they would be harder to stuff, it’s well worth the work. That reminds me, better get some to go with your figs. Surprisingly goat cheese also pairs very well with grilled peaches. Who knew? Better make a stop at Clecklers, too!
Actually we have an abundance of summer veggies and sometimes I’m at a loss as to how to vary the ways I cook them. I recently came across a zucchini recipe prepared by the hospital cafeteria at St. Tammany. They called it grilled zucchini and rosemary but I suspect it was roasted. It was a very simple dish of halved zucchini, buttered, salted and sprinkled with chopped rosemary, then roasted at 400 for about 20-25 mins. Delicious! I know there’s plenty of zucchini out there I think this would still be great with any squash (got lots of that, too).
We have a particularly unique assortment of jams and jellies from both Althee and Stacey. You’ll find flavors like Althee’s Monkey Butter, Tomato Jam, and Kumquat Marmalade to Stacey’s Apple Pie Jam, Crawfish Pepper Jelly, Carrot Cake Jam. And for a limited time, Greg will have persimmon jam! Think of the amazing toast that will make.
If you missed Happy Flour last Saturday, don’t miss them this week. They are back with waffles and Cinnamon Morning Buns AND Muffaletta Sourdough —a luscious sourdough with the olive salad already inside! I know! And Jennifer, at Bear Creek Road, is back this week with Italian herb and cheese bread. Mmmmm. Picture this (smell-a-vision if you can)…a slice of either bread, warmed, and dipped into a lovely, fruity olive oil. Yeah! I think that might cure just about anything. Jennifer is also planning to bake peach and blueberry pies, plum and Brie cheese tarts, and lemon ice box pies.
Sooooo….What will you be doing on Saturday morning? If you’re smart, you’ll meet us at the market and enjoy a lovely morning!
Lots of love,
Charlene LeJeune
Abundant Life Kitchen
The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St. Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit www.covingtonfarmersmarket.org
Pluto is a spunky, 10-month-old pup available for adoption at Northshore Humane Society. From his royal appearance to his goofball self, he is an absolutely wonderful dog! Pluto definitely thinks he’s a small lapdog and will find room to fit next to you even when there is none. He’s a total lover and sweetheart who plays well with other dogs and dives right into the toy box. If you are interested in Pluto or any of the adoptable pets of Northshore Humane Society, email rescue@nshumane.org.
Northshore Humane Society is one of Louisiana’s largest 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organizations. Since 1953, NHS has served the neglected and abandoned animals of the Northshore region. They are an independent, non-governmental rescue that offers veterinary care, fostering, adoption, and more. NHS relies solely on the support of caring people like you to fund their programs and services which profoundly benefit the animals of our community.
Are you concerned that we are being robbed of our personal liberties? Then come and learn how to push back.
A Town Hall Meeting will take place at the American Legion Hall at 2031 Ronald Reagan Hwy. on Thursday, August 12th beginning at 7:00 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Convention of States. For more information, call 504-452-2607 or 985-630-5050.
Northshore Food Bank and The Blood Center are partnering this summer to “Stock Our Shelves (SOS)!” The summer months are historically a low donation season for both Northshore Food Bank and The Blood Center. Help save the summer for both and donate food and blood at Northshore Food Bank’s S.O.S. drive in the food bank warehouse (125 W 30th Ave, Covington) on Wednesday, July 28th from 10:00am-3:30pm. Northshore Food Bank will also receive $5 per blood donation.
Covington, LA—Covington residents looking to increase their credit scores can join Pelican State Credit Union on Tuesday, July 27, for a free credit workshop and jambalaya dinner—complete with dessert and coffee! Guests will learn all about the fundamentals of credit reports and scores, including a full breakdown of how credit scores are calculated and the information provided in credit reports. Whether they’re looking to buy a house, save extra money, or just take their credit score to the next level, guests will learn tips and facts from one of Pelican’s Credit Counselors on how to get there! Have questions about a specific credit situation? All guests will have the opportunity to get their questions answered at the end of the workshop.
Where: St. Tammany Parish Library – Covington Branch 310 W 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 When: Tuesday, July 27, 2021 Doors open at 5:30 pm, presentation begins at 6:00 pm This event is particularly special because it also celebrates the one year anniversary of Pelican being a part of the Covington community! A free jambalaya dinner will be provided to all guests as well as cookies, coffee, and soft drinks. In addition to the free food and credit information, everyone who attends also has the chance to win a Keurig coffee machine! This workshop is completely free and open to the public. Pelican membership is not required to attend the workshop, receive dinner, or win a prize. Residents can RSVP for the event at pelicanstatecu.com. To learn more about this event and any other upcoming events, visit pelicanstatecu.com/events. ###
About Pelican State Credit Union For over 60 years, Pelican State Credit Union has been providing financial services to individuals and their families throughout the state of Louisiana. The credit union is dedicated to improving the lives of its members through safe, competitive products and educational services. Pelican was originally chartered as the Department of Hospitals Credit Union, located in downtown Baton Rouge, to serve Louisiana charity hospitals, mental health centers, and state office personnel. They have since grown into the largest state-chartered credit union in Louisiana now serving over 60,000 members. For information, visit pelicanstatecu.com.
The 12th Annual West St. Tammany Red Beans ‘n’ Rice Cook-Off & Take-Out United Way Campaign Kick-Off is Monday, July 26th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Greater Covington Center (located at 317 N. Jefferson Ave.). Tickets are $10 with Dine-in, Drive-thru and Take-out options available. Free delivery for orders over 20 meals.
Proceeds benefit suicide prevention, mental health services and other United Way programs serving St. Tammany Parish. Presenting Sponsors are St. Tammany Health System and Ochsner Health System. If you are interested in being a sponsor or would like more information, contact Sonja Newman at SonjaN@UnitedWaySELA.org or call 985-778-0815. Thank you to co-hosts: Camellia Beans, St. Tammany Parish Fire District No. 4 and Covington Fire Department.
Wowzer, friends! Have you had enough rain? Who hasn’t? Nevertheless, our market will be in full swing Wednesday and I predict it won’t rain until 3pm—after the market.;) Lots of eggs and figs at Double K Farms. You can make some mighty fine muffins with these figs. Simply whisk together 1 cup all purpose flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt. In another bowl, blend together 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. In a third bowl or stand mixer, beat 3/4 cup dark brown sugar and 4 tbsp room temp unsalted butter until nice and creamy. Begin to add the other ingredients, alternating dry then wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in 1 cup chopped fresh figs. Pour into generously butter muffin pan and bake at 350F for 25-30 min. If you were lucky enough to get goat cheese last Saturday, this would make a luscious topping.
Delight in a wonderful salad from Kandy like a delicious blend of shredded cabbage red onion, and carrots, accented with cilantro and mint with a side of soothing jasmine tea. If you’re looking for Jerry and some sweet, raw honey, look no further than Kandy’s table. He has been so busy managing his hives and blueberries, he just can’t get out here. But I won’t complain because we’ll definitely appreciate good honey and are breathlessly waiting to see if there will be more of his world famous blueberry spread. Abeer has some amazing dishes to enjoy in the meantime. If you haven’t tried her Mujadara, then definitely treat yourself. It’s a delicious combination of lentils and rice topped with fried onions. Oh man!How good! She’s also got Baba Ghanoush and some splendid meat & spinach pies.
Tomorrow may be a perfect day for a Bhakti bowl from Johnny. Thai Peanut sauce? Sesame Ginger sauce? It’s gonna be a hard choice. No hard choices when it comes to one of Carroll’s waffles, though. Puff pastry waffle topped with a creamy custard, fresh berries, and homemade whipped cream —need I say it? I had me at waffle. Even if you totally fill up on lunch, you’ll still have room for snacks at 3. New vendor Allison certainly has you covered with crunchy freeze-dried snacks including “Cheese Puffs” which are technically asparagus seasoned with a vegan cheese seasoning. I’m thinking you’ll like these even if you don’t like asparagus.
Last Chance Bluegrass Band…in the gazebo….this Saturday morning…be there!! And we’ll have lots more than that so why not celebrate with a totally delish veggie pancake from Meme to go with your coffee. Happy Flour makes awesome waffles if the veggie pancakes don’t entice you and Bear Creek Road has that delightfully Spicy Chicken Biscuit. Jennifer is also making a Roasted Garlic Mushroom pizza – YUM!
Did I mention coffee? Well we have some really good stuff at the pavilion BUT we also have a brand new coffee vendor. Yep and you won’t forget the name —Koffee’s Coffee (formerly known as Covington Coffee Works). They roast the beans themselves and you can taste test before buying. Glenn plans to have 1 dark roast, 2 medium roasts, and 1 decaf available. This week he will offer Columbian Supremo roasted Medium Plus, Tanzanian Peaberry (how exotic!) roasted Full City, French Breakfast roasted Dark, Decaf Columbian Swiss Water roasted Medium. I know you’re gonna enjoy!
Naturally, we have gorgeous veggies all through the market… eggplant here, okra there, peppers everywhere! Tables are filled with great seasonal veggies at the moment —red potatoes, white squash, yellow squash, zucchini, maybe even some butternut squash, lots of tomatoes, too. For juices, head on over to Amanda’s where you can find fresh orange juice and mango juice. She also has juice blends made with seasonal fruits. Of course, if you prefer your fruits in frozen form, her Popsicles are legendary! For a green juice, you can’t beat Sam’s Farmer’s Cocktail with apples, ginger, and spirulina. It has amazing flavor to go with that bright green color!
Watermelon and peaches still abound as do the figs. Now if you haven’t tried the fig muffin recipe above because you wanted to get some goat cheese from Huckleberry Fred’s and buttermilk from Mauthe’s, here’s a reminder not to forget.
I found a lovely recipe for chicken, sausage and mushrooms which is absolutely fabulous! (see below) So make it a plan to stop by Jubilee for your sausage, Credo for your chicken, James for the mushrooms, Alton for the parsley and Mauthe’s for the butter. Oh yeah, all good stuff!
Fight that urge to sleep in! The goodness of the Covington Farmers’ Market awaits! You can nap on Saturday afternoon. The tastes are fantastic; the flavors abundant and the smiles are everywhere. How many more reasons do you need to be at the market each week?
Lots of love
Charlene LeJeune
Abundant Life Kitchen
The Covington Farmers’ Market is open each Wednesday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire and every Saturday from 8a.m. to 12p.m. on the side lawn of the Covington Police Station, 609 N. Columbia St. Call (985) 892-1873 for information or visit covingtonfarmersmarket.org
1 (6-ounce) sweet Italian sausage, cooked, diced (Jubilee)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless chicken breasts (Credo Farms)
salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne to taste
1 red onion, diced
1 1/2 cups pioppino mushroom or sliced shiitakes (James)
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons cold butter (Mauthe’s)
2 tablespoons fresh chopped Italian parsley (Alton)
Simply poke your sausages with a knife and brown for about 3 mins on each side. Remove from heat but don’t wash the pan. Cool sausage in fridge while you cook the chicken. Season your chicken breasts on both sides. Add a little olive oil to your pan (with the drippings from the sausage) and cook chicken for 5-6 min on one side and about 3 on the other. While chicken is browning, prepare the mushrooms and slice up the cooled sausage. Remove chicken from the pan and add red onions, sliced sausage and mushrooms. Salt to taste. Cook until slightly onions and mushrooms are slightly browned. Nestle the chicken breasts in your veggies and bake in a 400F oven for about 15 mins. or until cooked through. Remove from the oven and put the chicken on a plate to rest. Put the mushroom mixture on high heat to brown for about a minute then add the white wine or a blend of chicken stock and vinegar (the taste cooks out). Cook until the mixture reduces by half and add your butter. Stir around the pan until butter is melted and sauce starts to thicken up. Spoon over your chicken and serve. Perfection!
“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” ― Buckminster Fuller
Word of the Week
progress noun a movement toward a goal or to a further or higher stage developmental activity in science, technology, etc., especially with reference to the commercial opportunities created thereby or to the promotion of the material well-being of the public through the goods, techniques, or facilities created. advancement in general. growth or development; continuous improvement verb to go forward or onward in space or time to grow or develop, as in complexity, scope, or severity; advance
A fundraiser for Kelly Greene, who is fighting non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, is on July 17th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 804 Collins Boulevard in Covington (Champion Cycle Center). There will be BBQ Chicken Plate Lunches, Boiled Shrimp Plates, Jambalaya Plates and a Sweets and Treats Table.
Featuring Bounce Houses, Music, Raffles, Games and Kelly Day T-Shirts. “Losing is not an option.” For more information, call 985-714-2442 or 504-912-9590.
