St. Patrick's Day Concert
Four Unplugged!

Despite the pandemic malaise of the past couple of years, our beloved Covington found a way to keep on rocking. Concerts at Bogue Falaya Park (remember "crop circles") became a constant, welcome reprieve.


One of those concerts led to a new annual event:
Four Unplugged for St. Patrick's Day.

Join us this Thursday, March 17th (5:30 - 7:30pm) at the Covington Trailhead for one of the Northshore's favorite bands, a little bit of fun and a whole lot of dancing : )
The Importance of our Boys and Girls Club
As we know, not all families in our community are able to offer strong parenting. Some children do not receive the structure, the values nor the attention that most of us did as youngsters. At or around the age of 9, 10 or 11, some of these children begin to receive more attention from the streets than from their family. By the age of 13, the bad guys have become their family. This is a bad thing.
Here in Covington, we are blessed with a strong and active Boys and Girls Club. Our school buses drop students off directly from school. A snack, a safe place and some help with homework helps fill a gap. The Club becomes their family. This is a good thing.

What's Next for our Teens / Young Adults?
For years our community has struggled with youth sports and activities. Whereas the surrounding areas have all moved forward with Parish Recreational Districts (Pelican Park for the Mandeville area, Magnolia Park for Folsom, Coquille for the Madisonville area), we remain the only area serviced by a municipal recreation department with no dedicated revenue source.
That said, the Administration and the Council are mining for ways to partner with members of the community to offer activities for our youth, particularly mid to older teens.

A new men's softball field is currently under construction at Ozone Field. The team designated to use the field will be required to include the young teens / young adults.

Ree Elzy and others are organizing 7 on 7 football teams (U18 and U15) including players from across western St. Tammany. The Louisiana Runnin' Bayou will have tutoring and mentoring sessions along with exposure to educational opportunities. For details, e-mail runninbayou@gmail.com. To help with the cost of uniforms and travel, checks payable to Runnin' Bayou may be mailed to P.O. Box 338 Covington, LA 70434.

Councilman Mark Verrett called upon the skateboard community to present at March's Council meeting. A compelling case was made. Today the administration and Council are exploring the where and what's of a skatepark. Councilman John Botsford is initiating a master plan for Ozone Park which might be the answer.

Despite not having the benefit of a Parish Recreation District, we, the city and the community, are continuing to look for ways to provide healthy recreation for our citizens.
American Idol's Kevin Gullage

Appearing at Peter Atkin's Park, March 31st
Watch Kevin Gullage of Kevin and the Blues Groovers on American Idol on March 20th.

Then, join us on Thursday, March 31st, 5:30 to 7:30pm at Peter Atkins Park to see him and the band perform live. This is an incredibly talented young man.
Quilter's Quilt (at the Library)

Playmaker's Play (at Playmaker's)

Community Gardeners Garden (at Safe Haven)
March is National Quilting Month
The Ozone Layers Quilt Guild is having a free quilt show at the Covington Library on Saturday, March 26, 9:00-4:30.
We invite anyone who is interested in quilting or just wants to see some exciting examples of handmade quilts.
The Guild was started in 1987 in the Art Association building on Columbia St. There are still a few founding members in the Guild today.
World Story Telling Day
Covington Firehouse Event Center

Six storytellers will tell 5 minute stories. There will be discussion about storytelling and the importance of getting the family stories from our elders.  

The audience will then break into small groups. Local storyteller Grayhawk Perkins will teach the
art form of telling a good story.

This national event may also be viewed online at the St. Tammany Parish Commission of Cultural Affairs FB page.
Ain't dere no more?
Not so fast Ranch Hand!
Much has changed about our Covington since September, 1961. For instance, you can no longer buy a Rambler at Baldwin Motors.

But then again, a lot remains the same. Baldwin is still selling Lincolns.

And Citizen's Bank still has a "drive-in window!"
Please share this e-mail with whoever you believe may find it of value. 

Replies to this e-mail go directly to Mayor Mark.
Rooted in History, Focused on the Future
City of Covington | Website