The City of Covington’s free concert series for April 2021, Chillin’ at the River, continues tonight with Typically Booked at the Bogue Falaya Park. The concerts take place every Thursday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Check the flyer for location. The City of Covington reminds concertgoers that social distancing and mask mandates required by the state will be observed. Chairs and refreshments are welcome.
For more information, contact the City of Covington at 985-892-1873 or email gottaluvcov@covla.com. Visit the City of Covington online at covla.com, and find them on facebook.
Egg Rollin’ at the Covington Trailhead takes place Saturday, April 3, 2021 from 10 a.m. til 12 noon at the Covington Trailhead, located at 419 N. New Hampshire St. Egg Rollin’ at the Covington Trailhead features Red Barn Farm Animals mobile petting zoo, an Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Craft Activities, Face Painting and a Kiwanis Youth Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. til 1 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information about the event, call 985-892-1873. E-mail the City of Covington at GottaLuvCov@covla.com.
The Northshore branch (formerly Covington-Mandeville) of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is again sponsoring the Great Decisions program, an offering of the Foreign Policy Association, as a community outreach. Great Decisions, the centerpiece of the longest-running civic education program in the United States devoted to foreign affairs, empowers readers to discuss global issues shaping U.S. foreign policy and the world. Our AAUW branch offers two sessions: afternoon and evening.
Published annually by the Foreign Policy Association, the Great Decisions briefing book features impartial, thought-provoking analyses on eight issues of concern to U.S. policymakers today; these articles form a starting point for all group discussions. The purchase of the briefing book is required for participation. The 2021 edition features eight topics: Global Supply Chains, Persian Gulf Security, Brexit and the EU, The Arctic, China in Africa, The Two Koreas, Role of the WHO, and End of Globalization?
The briefing book provides historical background, current U.S. policy and alternative policy options, informative maps and detailed graphs, as well as suggested readings and resources for each topic. Included in this briefing book is an opinion poll, the results of which will be tabulated and presented in the National Opinion Ballot Report, a representative survey of readers’ views on the eight Great Decisions topics. This report is made available to members of Congress, the White House, the media, and concerned citizens.
The Northshore branch has the longest running association, as a branch of AAUW, with the Great Decisions program in the nation, having offered this program as a community outreach since 1973.
We offer two sessions of the discussions; both are open to the public, with the purchase of the briefing book. The afternoon group will meet in the Fellowship Hall of the Madisonville Presbyterian Church (701 Pine St., Madisonville) beginning at 1:00 PM starting Monday, March 8th in person with social distancing and masks. The evening session will be held virtually beginning Thursday, March 18th at 6:30pm.
The cost to participate is $28 which covers the cost of the briefing book with our bulk purchase discount. There are limited additional books available at the discounted price; additional books can be ordered from the Foreign Policy Association for $32 + shipping costs. An e-version for Kindle, Nook, etc. is also available for private purchase. Anyone who is interested in participating should contact Eileen deHaro at 985-624-9553; please specify whether you are interested in attending the afternoon or the evening session. If using an e-book you MUST still register as participating, especially for the evening session where access is by Google Meet invite only!
The American Association of University Women, with its nationwide network of more than 100,000 members, 1,300 branches, and 550 college and university partners, has been a leading advocate for equity and education for women and girls since 1881. For more information about the Northshore branch of AAUW, contact Eileen deHaro at 624-9553 or visit our website at https://www.northshore-la.aauw.net/.
Upcoming City of Covington public meetings for the month of March, 2021, including Covington Comprehensive Plan 2030 meeting. All meetings are held in compliance with local COVID mandates, attendance is limited. You can see past presentations and meeting records from the Covington Comprehensive Plan here. Any meeting feedback, input, or questions are welcomed at info@covingtonplan2030.com.
View video of past City Council Meetings here, meeting agendas and approved minutes here.
Planning Commission and Public Meeting – Covington Comprehensive Plan 2030
Monday, March 15, 2021 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM City Council Chambers (map) Meeting purpose: Comprehensive plan review and feedback
Another public hearing/plan adoption meeting for the Covington Comprehensive Plan 2030 will be held Monday April 19, 2021. Learn more, review the plan and get involved at www.covingtonplan2030.com
The Covington Historic District Commission (CHDC) meeting is Tuesday March 9th at 4 pm. Deadline for this meeting was February 11th. The deadline for the April meeting is March 11th.
Board of Adjustments (BOA) meeting is Monday March 15th at 6 pm. The deadline for this meeting was February 5th. The deadline for the April meeting is March 5th.
Stop by this Saturday February 27th from 9 am – 4 pm for the Friends of the Library Book Sale! Now at their new location, 1301 N Florida St. in Covington near the fairgrounds.
In addition to offering low prices on all items, the FOTL is holding a special buy 2 get 1 free sale of all fiction books. Other selections such as children’s books, hardbacks, CDs and DVDs will also be available. State and Parish COVID mandates will be in force.
The Friends of the Library is a non-profit organization that uses its funds to supplement the Parish Library’s annual budget, purchase equipment, and support projects at the West St. Tammany branches. Books retired from the shelves of the Parish Library system and donated books and media from the community are sold by the non-profit FOTL to the public at low prices.
Covington Comprehensive Plan 2030 meetings continue with a Steering Committee & Stakeholders webinar on Monday, February 22nd, 2021. This meeting is open to the public, register in advance here. You can see past presentations and meeting records from the Covington Comprehensive Plan here. Any meeting feedback, input, or questions are welcomed at info@covingtonplan2030.com.
Covington Comprehensive Plan 2030 Steering Committee and Stakeholders Meeting (Open to Public)
Monday, February 22, 2021
5:30 PM 7:00 PM
Please register through this link prior to the event. The meeting can be accessed via video or by calling in.
Another meeting for the Covington Comprehensive Plan 2030 will be held Monday March 15, 2021. Learn more, review the plan and get involved at www.covingtonplan2030.com
Upcoming City of Covington public meetings for the month of February, 2021, including Covington Comprehensive Plan 2030 meetings. All meetings are held in compliance with local COVID mandates, attendance is limited. You can see past presentations and meeting records from the Covington Comprehensive Plan here. Any meeting feedback, input, or questions are welcomed at info@covingtonplan2030.com.
View video of past City Council Meetings here, meeting agendas and approved minutes here.
Covington City Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 2, 2021 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM City Council Chambers (map) Meeting purpose: Public general meeting, Covington City Council
BOA Meeting
Monday, February 8, 2021 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM City Council Chambers (map) Meeting purpose:Board of Adjustments meeting
Planning Commission and Public Meeting – Covington Comprehensive Plan 2030
Monday, February 8, 2021 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM City Council Chambers (map) Meeting purpose: Comprehensive plan review and feedback
Planning Commission and Public Meeting – Covington Comprehensive Plan 2030
Monday, February 22, 2021 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM City Council Chambers (map) Meeting purpose: Comprehensive plan review and feedback
Another meeting for the Covington Comprehensive Plan 2030 will be held Monday March 15, 2021. Learn more, review the plan and get involved at www.covingtonplan2030.com
Heartfelt salutations, dear friends! Market Day is almost upon us…you can feel that tingling way down in your toes as you consider the lunch possibilities. First, you’ll need your Double K eggs. Those hens are really so diligent in keeping us supplied. Hopefully, Jerry will have satsumas and he always has rich, sweet honey! Croque Monsieur is on Jerome’s menu— a delicious grilled sandwich with ham, a sauce made with gruyere cheese and more cheese. oooh! la! la! Apricot cake, too! Welcome back, Abeer! Now we can enjoy her delicious hummus and baklava again. She’ll have both green bean and eggplant moussaka as well.
Tomorrow may just be the time for you to try Johnny’s veggie Bhakti Bowl, a truly delicious, warming bowl with rice and squash and flavor, lots of flavor. Mignon will have her fabulous “chics” and jun. Her handmade beeswax candles are fast becoming quite the item around the market. Chicken pasta, empanadas, and boudin balls are the stars on Joy’s table. Kandy’s salads are always a treat and it’s hard to choose just one but the good thing is that they are just as good the next day. So, while you may not be able to decide what’s for lunch on Wednesday, you can can enjoy any of these lunches on Thursday or Friday and they make great suppers, too!
Last Chance Bluegrass Band will be coming to you from the gazebo as Saturday marches in! So grab yourself a hot cuppa coffee (or tea) from the pavilion to enjoy while you’re making groceries. Huckleberry Fred’s will be there every other week for the next month or so. They will be there this week and along with goat milk and cheese blends. Plus, they are now offering yellow grits and cornmeal (ground with their own little hands, I think). Cow’s milk is available each week from Mauthe’s. You’ll also find buttermilk, heavy cream and, Mr. Wonderful’s and the grandkids favorite, chocolate milk.
Beautiful mushroom selections from Screaming Oaks Mushroom Farm at the Covington Farmers Market
Credo Farms will be at the market on Saturday so you can stock up on chicken or even try some of her lovely fragranced, homemade soaps. She’s generally there on the 2nd and 4th weeks each month. And right next door is James of the amazing mushrooms fame. These are not the little button mushrooms available in any grocery store, these are gourmet types like Lion’s Mane, Chestnut, Oyster, Shiitake, jam packed with micronutrients!
Sweet potatoes are soooo delicious but most of the recipes you find are filled with sugar. Why not try something different, like Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potatoes. What you’ll need is a container of sweet potatoes (Nick). This will work with any of the varieties that he has. Peel and cut them into similarly sized pieces or slice them. In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp melted butter (Mauthe’s), 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp minced garlic, 4 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, and a bit of fresh thyme (Northshore Greens). Add your sweet potatoes and toss to coat. Bake at 400F for 30-35 minutes. Enjoy! Hmmm. That recipe may work just as well with cauliflower or broccoli (Ken, Eddie).
Sweet potatoes & satsumas from Nick at GROW.farms
I noticed that Sam had lots of daikon radish last week so I went searching for recipes and came across Daikon Radish Pancakes. Whaaat! Yes, you heard me right and they sound so delicious and a lovely accompaniment to any meal or (if you make them a little smaller) the perfect hor d’oeuvre. You’ll need 1 cup grated daikon (squeezed dry), 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup room temp water, 2 tbsp black sesame seeds, pinch white pepper, 1/2 tsp salt and 1 green onion (Ken, Eddie). For the complete recipe, see below.
Johnadale has plenty of strawberries. I’d try to find a recipe but, let’s face it, they really don’t last long enough to make it into a recipe since they are delightful without any fanfare. But if you wanted to enjoy your berries in a “recipe” stroll on over to Succotash Ferments. Nancy makes an exquisite kefir with them.
Stay a while, enjoy the music, shop around to find something different; we’ve got pralines, we’ve got sprouts and mircogreens, we’ve got jams and jellies; we’ve got honey, we’ve got divinity; we’ve got amazing pickled veggies; we’ve even got chewy puppy treats! Don’t even think about sleeping in!
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
Prepare the Daikon Radish. You will need around 400 grams (14 oz or just under a pound) of raw, unpeeled Daikon radish for this recipe. Start by peeling the radish, then finely grate it with a grater or finely chop it with a knife. Add the salt, mix well to combine, and let stand for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, take handfuls of the grated daikon and squeeze out as much liquid as possible; transfer the squeezed daikon into another bowl.
Prepare the Batter. Add the all purpose flour in two batches, stirring in between additions. Follow that with room temperature water and mix well until a batter forms.
Fry the Pancakes. In a non-stick pan, heat up a touch of oil on medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, spoon the batter on and shape them into round disks. Sprinkle on some black sesame seeds on the uncooked side of each pancake, and when the bottom becomes golden-brown, carefully flip them and fry until both sides are golden-brown. Remove them from the pan and let drain on a paper towel.
Prepare the sauce. Make the sauce by simply mixing soy sauce and wasabi.
The Comprehensive Plan Update project will include an assessment and revision to the City’s existing 2007 Comprehensive Plan. It will ensure consistency with the City’s evolving vision and assist the City in developing a more resilient place – one in which environmental, social, and economic resilience are inextricably connected and interdependent. The City established a Steering Committee that will assist the planning team and guide the project progress.
COVID-19 Statement: The novel COVID-19 pandemic caused an unexpected impact on the comprehensive plan update project. For the safety of all residents, meetings were postponed following the outbreak in early 2020. Meetings resumed on November 14, 2020 under Phase III reopening procedures. Meeting registration is not required, but venue attendance will be limited to 45 persons at the City Council Chambers and 75 persons at the Bogue Falaya Hall. All meetings will be recorded and posted to this website. Any meeting feedback, input, or questions are welcomed at info@covingtonplan2030.com
Upcoming Meetings:
Planning Commission and Public Meeting
Monday, January 25, 2021 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM City Council Chambers (map) Meeting purpose: Comprehensive plan review
Planning Commission and Public Meeting
Monday, February 8, 2021 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM City Council Chambers (map) Meeting purpose: Public hearing/plan adoption
Mardi Gras 2021 may have taken on a new form, but the spirit of the season lives on in Covington with the Rollin’ on the 3 Rivers House Float Parade, kicking off Saturday January 23 through Mardi Gras Day, February 16, 2021.
Covington’s krewe was created to provide a safe alternative way for locals to still participate in festival activities. Walk or drive around Covington to view over 40 beautifully decorated homes and businesses at your leisure. Stay tuned to the Covington Rollin’ on the 3 Rivers House Floats Facebook page for updates on maps of participating locations.
Purchase locally hand-made commemorative throws for this historic Mardi Gras season! From the Copperhead Studios website: “Created by local artists, hand painted on birch, these are a more sustainable option, both for the environment, and for our local economy. Shop Small – Keep art alive and kicking in Louisiana”
Missed the deadline to register your business for the map? You can still decorate your property and be involved! Rollin’ on the 3 Rivers encourages utilizing the help of local artists in the design of your house float; visit their page to learn more.
Join the City of Covington on Monday, January 18th at Rev. Peter Atkins Park to celebrate MLK Day 2021! Festivities are from 12 – 4 pm and include MLK program and art display, games, light refreshments, poster and essay contest, and more!
Social distancing and masks are required as per Governor’s mandate.
Martin Luther King Jr Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr,[1] and sometimes referred to as MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. King’s birthday is January 15. The holiday is similar to holidays set under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The earliest Monday for this holiday is January 15 and the latest is January 21.
King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.
Come out to one last concert of the year at the Bogue Falaya Park! The day after Christmas, Cameron Dupuy and the Cajun Troubadours will perform for a free live concert on the river.
On Saturday December 26th, the City of Covington presents Grammy nominated Cameron Dupuy and the Cajun Troubadours at the Bogue Falaya Park from 4 – 6:30 pm. A continuation of the Chillin’ at the River concert series, guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics as food and beverages will not be provided. Masks are required, sanitation and social distancing circles will be available.
These concerts are put on to provide safe, family friendly entertainment with social distancing in mind. Enjoy the scenic sprawling landscape of our beautiful park while listening to local live music. Afterwards, take a stroll around downtown Covington and visit the many unique shops and fine dining restaurants.
Registration is open for Zumba with the Mayor, an up-beat and interactive multi-generational exercise dance class. This free class is open to all levels of experience and abilities – it’s about moving and having fun. Join Mayor Mark Johnson and burn off those extra holiday calories!
The City of Covington Mayor’s Council on Healthy Lifestyles teams up with Oschner and St. Tammany Health Systems to bring together five local instructors from the YMCA, Star Fitness, Bogue Falaya Fitness, Mandeville Sports Complex, Pelican Athletic Club and Francos. Five instructors, 90 minutes of cardio, core, and fun!
This event is free and open to the public. Due to COVID, attendance is limited. Click here to register for this event.
Learn more about the Mayor’s Council on Healthy Lifestyles on their Facebook page here.
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper welcomed members of the arts and health communities as they came together at the Safe Haven Health and Wellness Complex, Thursday, December 10, 2020. The event — the Percent for Art Open House — was an art opening for 31 Healing Arts collections procured through a Call to Artists earlier this year, as well as donations from local philanthropists.
“With the addition of this healing artwork, we move closer to the opening of the Safe Haven Health and Wellness Center. This collection is vital to the facility, as we want each and every person who joins us to begin their healing journey to do so with dignity and a sense of hope,” Cooper said. “In addition to adding a healing component to the Safe Haven Health and Wellness Center, this Call to Artists offered an opportunity to our arts community to find work during this uncertain time and to add to the success of Safe Haven.”
Cooper opened the event by thanking members of the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs, local philanthropists, arts advocates Carlos Sanchez and David Fennelly, and Safe Haven Director Mary Burckell for their investment in Safe Haven and their work to bring this collection to the Safe Haven Health and Wellness Center.
Over 40 artists with over 280 proposals responded to the Call to Artists in the summer of 2020, issued by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs and St. Tammany Parish Government. A five-member Art Advisory Panel selected the final collections for installation. Two additional pieces were donated by Carlos Sanchez and David Fennelly. Special thanks to the Advisory Panel members: Cindy Pulling, Administrative Director for NAMI St. Tammany; James Davis, St. Tammany Parish Councilman District 7; Laura Prisco, Chairwoman, St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs; Jennifer Bushnell, Commissioner, St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs; and Mary D. Burckell, Director of Safe Haven.
The artwork was funded through the Percent for Art Program at a cost of $24,400. This program stems from an ordinance passed in 2002 which authorizes the allocation of funds for art in the construction of public buildings. For this project selections were made specifically to enhance the healing environment of the facility. All artwork was installed in adherence to required guidelines for a Behavioral Health facility. You may view the Safe Haven Collection here.
Future projects slated for completion at the Safe Haven Health and Wellness Complex include: bedroom murals, an outdoor sculpture, exam room murals, and landscaping. See descriptions of each here. For information on involvement in pending projects at the Safe Haven Health and Wellness Complex, please contact Mary Burckell, Director of Safe Haven at : mburckell@stpgov.org.
The Safe Haven Health and Wellness Center houses St. Tammany’s first 24-bed Crisis Receiving Center, as well as a third Federally Qualified Health Center to serve the people of St. Tammany. It is expected to open in early 2021.
About Safe Haven
Safe Haven will provide a collaborative healing environment for the behavioral health continuum by creating a high-quality, coordinated, sustainable and humane network of care anchored in St. Tammany Parish. The facility will serve as a comprehensive multi- faceted program and a “single point of entry” into the Behavioral Health continuum of care for law enforcement, the judiciary and local area hospitals. To sign up for updates on the progress of Safe Haven visit www.safehavenstp.org.
Covington Farmers’ Market weekly newsletter by Charlene LeJeune:
Almost happy Wednesday, friends. That’s right! Wednesday is just a ring ting tingle away and we’d be pleased to have you join us for lunch. Abeer is planning to have Ouzi, that scrumptious pastry filled with rice, ground beef, peas, carrots, almonds and pine nuts — and baklava! Fabulous pho is on Kandy’s table and that will warm your insides and have you feeling all jovial inside. And then, there’s her chicken porridge. Yep, I feeling real perky already! Chili is on Joy’s menu for tomorrow and she’ll have steamed broccoli and bread pudding to enjoy with that.
A jar of raw clover honey, fresh from Jerry’s bees will make a wonderful teacher’s gift, unless of course your child’s teacher is a computer — then you’re off the hook. Just enjoy that honey yourself. Can’t go wrong with a mushroom burger from Bhakti Farms. Johnny just makes it amazing. Jerome will have his creamy quiches tomorrow. I usually opt for the Quiche Lorraine since I’m not a big fan of spinach. I bring it home usually for lunch on Thursday and it heats up beautifully. Remember your eggs from Double K; those little hens are working hard to fulfill the demand. Mr. Houston had carrots on Saturday. They are so delicious sprinkled with some chopped green onion and then roasted in a little butter.
Here comes Saturday. Here comes Saturday Right down “Farmers’ Market Lane.” We’re gonna bring you lot-sa goodness starting from the gazebo. Okay so that really doesn’t rhyme but with Chris Talley and the Three Rivers Cooperative dashing out tunes, it will still be a merry day! So grab your coffee from the pavilion, give Kayleigh a big smile, and see what the market has to offer.
So by now you’ve got all your Christmas shopping done, right? NO??!! Well, then stop by Serenity Lane. Judy and Gerard have fantastic skin care products plus they have brought back their Cleopatra’s Spa Treatment set, luxurious bath salts, and the Tub Teas, especially for gift giving. Their lip balms, hand and foot creams, make fabulous stocking stuffers. Credo Farms’ elegant handmade soaps are beautifully wrapped for gift giving. Remember, she’ll have chicken, too, and a marvelous Mineral Seasoning made with kelp, oregano, thyme, basil and several other spices.
A gift of golden raw honey from Blood River Honey or Nick is always much appreciated. Barbara’s gorgeous monkey pine wreaths make a fabulous gift (even for yourself) and while you’re there, indulge in a bag of whoppin’ fat pecans. (Psst, they make a nice gift, too.)
Can you imagine how delighted you would be to receive Happy Flour’s shortbread cookies from Madeleine and Patrick? It’s a gift that’s sure to make you teacher’s pet or mommy’s favorite. Jennifer is making Stollen for the holiday season. It’s a delicious holiday bread made with raisins, candied orange & lemon peel, and tasty spices. She has even created gift boxes with Christmas cookies and cocoa bombs! You’ll be a friend for life after giving a package of 3 J’s jerky. They have a delicious assortment of flavors. You won’t need to bribe your four legged friends to love you, but why not treat them to a package of Tiger Bait jerky (not recommended for human consumption)?
We’ll have more than just fabulous gifts; we’ll have fabulous foods. Gorgeous fresh fruits and veggies in every corner of our market — greens, salad mixes, eggplant, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, strawberries, oranges, satsumas, grapefruit and mushrooms. James even has satsuma juice! Jubilee Farms will have their wonderful sausages, including a smoked chorizo. Kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and more will be on Nancy’s table. There will be delightful goat cheese blends at Huckleberry Fred’s. Eggs available at Double K and Jubilee Farms. We’re just jam-packed with great gift ideas…great food…great music…great people – yourself included! Join us; it wouldn’t be the same without you!
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
Come join in the holiday spirit with candlelight caroling at the Covington Trailhead on Wednesday, December 9th, 2020. Featuring Benny Grunch and the Bunch performing our favorite festive tunes, this event is free and open to the public.
From the Benny Grunch & the Bunch website: “Not since Mr. Bingle has the Crescent City known the likes of such a Christmas icon! Benny’s musicianship underlines all of his endeavors. Forty years in show business has afforded Benny the distinction of being New Orleans’ “King of Christmas.” “
The Covington Trailhead is located at 419 N. New Hampshire Street in downtown Covington. The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating at the open-air pavilion, and a picnic, too, as food and drinks will not be available for purchase due to Covid-19 restrictions. Likewise, masking and social distancing is expected, and hand sanitizing stations will be available.
Covington Farmers’ Market weekly newsletter by Charlene LeJeune:
Happy Tuesday, my friends! Looks like a gorgeous day tomorrow, the kind of day that just says, “Hey, let’s grab lunch at the Covington Farmers’ Market!” And you say, “Yeah, I’ve been wanting to try Johnny’s Bhakti Burger, you know, the beet and bean one, piled high with avocado, sprouts, and Johnny’s special sauce.” “Well, Kandy does have that fabulous pho—breast meat chicken, simmered with healing spices (star anise, coriander, cinnamon, peppercorns and cloves) —and that’s just the broth!” Just thinking of it makes the day brighter.
Wednesday brings more of Joy’s amazing TAMALES! Plus she’s bringing Grab N Go meals—shrimp & cauliflower soup, chicken & sausage or seafood gumbo, Oysters Rockefeller! Tomato tart— how delicious—that’s what Jerome has for us and he is making apricot cake. mmmm mmmm! Hummus, stuffed grape leaves, tzatziki, and baklava, that’s what Mediterranean is made of and Abeer makes it delicious. Corey’s back and his pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, and smoked chicken are certainly worth the wait!
It’s satsuma season and Jerry has some sweet ones for us. Just the thing for an extra burst of vitamin C. Maybe Mr. Houston’s will have some green onions, great for adding your Double K eggs or sautéed greens or a sandwich.Which reminds me, don’t forget your Double K eggs! Mignon will be there with healthful beverages and tonics (Coco Ginger Kombucha and Abita Chics Seasonal shakeups with Maple Syrup (Adaptogenic Roast Immune Booster). Cinnamon sugar coated nuts from Nut N Better, like pecans, cashews, peanuts, etc. are a delicious treat to take back to work with you. Stick ‘em in your drawer so Bob in Accounting doesn’t come by and snag some.
Come Saturday Morning, and with it the Three Rivers Festival. Mr. Funny Money’s lively music will drift from the gazebo to get this party started!
You’ll find lots of nutritional support at your Covington Farmers’ Market. Take Succotash Ferments, for example. Nancy makes a mean kombucha with seasonal fruits and, with satsumas on the tree, she has a satsuma fennel kombucha. Add an extra punch to that apple a day with Samantha’s elderberry syrup from Naturally Well. Don’t forget Amanda and her fabulous juices. The mango juice is especially nice. Aminta’s microgreens are a very tasty way to add goodness to your diet. Sprinkled on salads (naturally), or sprinkled on anything…hamburger (you did get your ground meat from Jubilee, right?), soup (Norma Jean or Jennifer), eggs (Double K, Jubilee), Uh huh!
Backwater Ducks’ Ross has really outdone himself; this week he’s added duck salami to the mix. What will that boy come up with next? It’s sure to be great! Lovely mushrooms from James just screaming to be added to salads or sautéed and served over grilled Jubilee pork chops or fried/grilled shrimp from Mr. Two. They have the product; you’ll have to do the cooking.
Sourdough and Brioche rolls, black pepper biscuits, wonderful breads from Bear Creek Road and perfect for enjoying with your favorite soup (from Jennifer or Norma Jean), chicken stew, or just because you wanted to spread your Mauthe’s butter on something good. Jennifer also has pasta sauce that would easily turn into a pizza sauce to spread over Jim’s Low Carb cauliflower pizza crust. Really tasty crust which makes a good sandwich “bread” as well. Speaking of something good, 3 J’s Jerky has bacon jerky!! Can you imagine the flavor?? Gotta get in on the Cruffin craze that Happy Flour has fueled with their latest creation. If you haven’t heard, it’s a croissant, shaped like a muffin and filled with a stupendous almond vanilla cream.
I’ll remind you again, friends, since the days are flying by faster than a child with a swiped cookie … the holidays are not far off. So now would be the time to talk to your favorite vendors and get your holiday orders in. Althee pies and quick breads, Happy Flour sourdough breads, Bear Creek Road’s amazing pies. Mauricio’s vegan divinity (ginger is my fave but he makes a divine chocolate as well), Rose’s pralines, Stacey’s pickled veggies, Mauthe’s cheese cake…You can’t possibly be thinking of sleeping in??!!
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
The Mayor’s Council on Healthy Lifestyles teams up with Oschner and St. Tammany Health Systems to present 1 1/2 hours of cardio, core and fun!
“If you’re moving, you’re doing it right” is the mantra for this multi-generational exercise dance class. All shapes, all sizes, all ages and all abilities are welcome to discover the fun we have at the YMCA, Star Fitness, Bogue Falaya Fitness, Mandeville Sports Complex, Pelican Athletic Club and Francos. Five different instructors — 1 1/2 hours of fun.
Join Covington Mayor Mark Johnson for this free event at Bogue Falaya Hall on Sunday, November 8th at noon. The Bogue Falaya Hall is located in the City Hall complex at 128 West 23rd Avenue Covington, LA 70433. Event is limited to 50 people. Click here to register.
Learn more about the Mayor’s Council on Healthy Lifestyles on their Facebook page here.
Spread out and chill out to some live music – social distancing style.
For those who have made it out to any of the Chillin’ at the River concerts this fall, the Bogue Falaya Park has made a perfect setting to relax and unwind on the River while enjoying some nice local music. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnics as food and drink sales are not available. These free concerts put on by the City of Covington’s Office of Cultural Arts & Events provide residents and visitors with safe, family-friendly entertainment.
Concerts are 5 – 7:30 pm at the Bogue Falaya Park, 213 Park Drive in the heart of downtown Covington. Parking is free at nearby public parking oxlots and throughout the downtown neighborhoods. Please be sure not to block driveways. After the concert, check out Covington’s eclectic shops and award-winning restaurants.
The City of Covington Office of Cultural Arts and Events is dedicated to providing residents and visitors with a variety of unique and exciting entertainment options. For more information, contact the City of Covington’s Office of Cultural Arts and Events at (985) 892-1873. Learn more about Covington, Louisiana history here.
“There is something about drawing with a soft pencil on a velvet-like surface that cannot be matched. No matter what is going on in my head or what stress I have in my life, touching pencil to paper soothes me. It is direct, low-tech and flows from within. Drawing is the foundation that all of my work is built on.
My recent drawings are created mostly with graphite and the marks are delicate and quiet. In these pieces I use intricately drawn patterns to suggest wallpaper, embroidery or domestic crafts that might have occupied a woman’s time in the day. Against these lovely, repetitive backgrounds, I situate a figure or part of the body in a tense or distressed pose with hair in disarray or toes flexed, interrupting the order of the drawn pattern.”
This body of work, “A Partial View”, is based on artist Mary Jane Parker’s interest in hysteria, a disease that many women were diagnosed with in the early 1900’s. There are many theories about exactly what hysteria was and why it predominantly afflicted women. The aspect of the disease that has most fascinated Parker, however, is how the medical professionals used it to restrict women who did not follow the rules and expectations of society. In researching this period in medical history, Parker stumbled upon a group of drawings by the doctor who was a mentor to Freud, Jean-Martin Charcot. His fascinating sketches depicted states of restlessness, anxiety, theatricality and stress–– emotions akin to those our current society fosters.
A native New Orleanian, Ms. Parker’s work is mixed media combining printmaking and painting techniques with glass and bronze sculpture. She received her BFA from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in studio art and her MFA from Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, in studio art with an emphasis in printmaking. Ms. Parker was the recipient of a Louisiana Division of the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship in 1990 and 2001 and a Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant in 2006. She was also awarded a National Endowment for the Arts/Southern Arts Federation Award for Excellence in Works on Paper in 1990. Ms. Parker used an NEA Independent Study Fellowship to travel along the pilgrimage route in France and Spain. In addition, she studied color woodcut in Florence, Italy using a Surdna Foundation Fellowship.
Ms. Parker has exhibited work nationally and internationally and is represented in New Orleans by Arthur Roger Gallery. Currently Mary Jane serves on the board of the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans as the Visual Arts Coordinator. Ms. Parker is the chairperson of the visual arts department at the New Orleans Center for Creative Art. She is also a member of the teaching faculty.
“A Partial View: Drawings by Mary Jane Parker”, made possible, in part, by a generous donation from Catherine Deano.
The exhibit is on display at the St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia Street, from October 10th – November 28th, 2020. The Arthouse hours are Tuesday – Friday, 10am-4pm; Saturday 11am-4pm.
