Good morning, Slidell.

Families whose children once received care at North Oaks Medical Center’s NICU will attend a reunion on Saturday, Dec.

6 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center—where guests will enjoy photos with Santa Claus and his elves, family activities and light refreshments.

Northshore Food Bank volunteer Kristy Bourgeois transformed the warehouse into a Bond-inspired casino setting for the Pallets with Purpose gala—she used balloon designs, drapery, greenery and themed props to cut costs so more funds could help feed neighbors facing food insecurity.

Bourgeois, a retired school psychologist who works twice a month packaging food donations, led a creative team to repurpose items and keep expenses low.

Leslie Smith, a good Samaritan who helped Slidell police catch a shoplifting suspect, was honored with a citizenship award on Tuesday.

Dan Ferrari, a longtime Slidell North Lions member, visited the Thika School for the Visually Impaired in Kenya earlier this year and donated *$6,600* along with sound-emitting soccer balls, *Braille typewriters* and learning tablets provided by club members and family.

The school, which serves over 400 students and needs repairs to its roof and boys’ dormitory, expressed gratitude and will report progress soon.

Abita Springs Opry will end its fall season on Nov 15 at the Abita Springs Town Hall with Spring Chickens playing bluegrass and The Zion Harmonizers giving a gospel performance—a show that reflects rich local music traditions.

The Fleet Reserve Association in Slidell is inviting students in grades 7 to 12 to submit a 350-word essay on the theme 'America at 250 Years: What Does it Mean To Me?' Entrants must be sponsored by an FRA member — winners from local branches will move on to regional rounds for a chance to win a $1,500 national prize.

State commissioners will meet Thursday to review a proposal to change the menhaden fishing buffer zone along our coast—conservation groups warn that a smaller zone could harm our fragile shoreline while the industry says current rules cost jobs.

Both sides will present scientific studies at the meeting and the proposal will face a public comment period before any final decision is made.

Since 1992, East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity has built affordable housing in Slidell.

The group is now partnering with Auburn University students and Clark Designs to construct new homes and remodel existing ones for lower energy costs—improving energy efficiency and storm resistance in the Alton area.

CES senior Liza Richards got her 1,000th kill during a 4-set win against Division I Denham Springs on Oct.

23 — a milestone that boosts the Wildcats as they eye a playoff run.

Mt. Olive AME Church Feeding Ministry 5K Run / 2K Walk

8 a.m. — John Slidell Park — Registration fee varies — Participate in a community-focused run/walk to support the Feeding Ministry.