Mandeville, LA

This Saturday, January 24th, Mandeville is all about man's best friend. Maxein's Coffee House (115 Girod St) is hosting Bark at the Moon, a fundraiser for the Pelican Bark Park from 7-10pm. For only $45 per person, you get to enjoy an evening of live music, drinks, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction. All proceeds from these festivities will go to the Pelican Bark Park. For more information or tickets, call Maxein's at 985-705-0809 or email doggiebarkpark@yahoo.com.

Also happening this Saturday is the Pawdi Gras at the Speakeasy Too (410 Covington St) from 5:30-7:30pm in Mandeville. This is a fun Mardi Gras party for small dogs and their owners. Admission is free. For more information about this event, please email mserpas@transunion.com.

It seems a long time coming, but the construction in Mandeville is nearly completed and motorists are already taking advantage of the new lanes on US 190.

Driving the new stretch of highway makes the commute for Mandeville residents and visitors a little less stressful, more time efficient and makes for a much more pleasant drive than in the past. Bikers will be able to enjoy and take advantage of the new bicycle paths that run along part of the highway as well.

The construction of the widening of U.S. 190 from two lanes to five in November 2006 should be completed in a few more weeks, weather permitting. Day temperatures must be 50 degrees or more so that the final asphalting can be done. To complete the project, new traffic signals will be installed as well as the striping of lanes when they are completed.

At this time of year, many people remember to give to children and those less fortunate folk. But, some may forget that this can be a lonely time for senior citizens as well. Home Instead Senior Care has partnered up with local retailers for the Be a Santa to a Senior program to make sure that seniors don't get overlooked this holiday season. To accomplish this, they have set up Christmas trees at two Rouse's Supermarkets (1644 Gause Blvd in Slidell and 3461 E Causeway Approach in Mandeville) and Franco's Athletic Club (100 Bon Temps Roule in Mandeville). Each Christmas tree is decorated with tags that signify a Christmas gift wish for a senior in the area. Simply pull a tag, purchase the requested gift and return it to the location you got the tag from by December 18th and Home Instead Senior Care will make sure that each senior gets their wish delivered just in time for Christmas. In addition to the co-operation of these stores, local school children are making homemade cards that will be attached to each present. The company will hold two gift-wrapping parties on December 16th (at the Slidell Adult Day Health Care center in Slidell) and December 17th (at the Windsor Senior Living Community in Mandeville). For more information on the Be a Santa to a Senior program or participating in the gift-wrapping parties, please call 726-2668 or visit their website.

As a United States citizen, you are guaranteed the right to vote for those people you want to represent you. Since today is election day, November 4th, here is a list of the polling places by precinct number in Mandeville:

Precinct 401, 402, M08 - Ponchartrain Elementary School, 1500 W Causeway Approach

Precinct 403 - Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E Causeway Approach

Precinct 404, M06 - Tchefuncte Middle School, 1530 W Causeway Approach

Precinct 405, 406, 420 - St Tammany Parish Hwy 59 Adm Complex, 21490 Koop Dr

Precinct 407, 423, 424 - St Timothy's United Methodist Church, 335 Asbury Dr

Precinct 408 - Magnolia Trace Elementary School, 1405 Hwy 1088

Precinct 409 - Montelone Jr High School, 63000 Blue Marlin Dr

Precinct 410 - Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E Causeway Approach

Precinct 411, 426 - Lake Harbor Middle School, 1700 Viola St

Precinct 412, 422, M09, M10 - Mandeville Middle/High School, 2525 Soult St

Precinct 413, 419, 421, M01 - Mandeville High School, 1 Skipper Dr

Precinct 414, 427 - Magnolia Trace Elementary School, 1405 Hwy 1088

Precinct 415 & 416 - St Timothy's United Methodist Church, 335 Asbury Dr

Precinct M02, M03, M07 - Mandeville Elementary School, 519 Massena St

Precinct M04, M05 - Old Mandeville Police Station, 1923 Jefferson St

Make sure that, no matter where your political leanings lie, you get out there and vote. It's the only way to get your voice heard!

Located right across the lake from New Orleans, Mandeville has the distinction of being named one of the top 100 places to live every year since 2004. The residents embrace the natural beauty of their waterfront surroundings as well as the abundant wildlife throughout the area by boating, fishing, water-skiing and swimming. With a population of 10,489, Mandeville keeps its Southern small-town charm and embraces its historic jazz past by visiting such places as Ruby's Roadhouse and the Dew Drop Dance Hall. St. Tammany Parish School District serves the educational needs of Mandeville students. There are also several wonderful private schools for parents to choose from as an alternative to public education. In addition to many water activities available, golfing is a particular favorite amongst the locals. There are several museums throughout the city that will educate you on Mandeville's history. It's easy to enjoy mother nature in any one of the area parks as well. And no trip to Lousiana would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. While Mandeville is small in size, it looms large with the heart of its people and the beauty of its surroundings. Make a stop in Mandeville today.