For Immediate Release, Friday, November 17, 2006 

Rebuilding Together
Access St. Tammany Channel Ten Premieres Rebuilding Documentary 

            As we enter Thanksgiving week, it is appropriate to give thanks for all the signs of recovery in St. Tammany Parish.  Access St. Tammany will air a new documentary at 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM on Monday, November 20th that reviews the actions taken by local officials during the past fourteen months that shaped our recovery. 

            Using video from Northshore News, hosted by James Hartman and other footage shot by Access St. Tammany Channel 10 over the past year, director Lori Bennett compiled a compelling montage of interviews that tell the story of St. Tammany’s leaders post-Katrina, the most devastating natural disaster to strike the United States.  The interviews are interspersed with video and photography from Kennard Jackley, of Kennard Vs. Katrina fame, Erik Kreppein of Fire District #1, the St. Tammany News, and Bayou Country Village. 

            Interviews are shown with Parish President Kevin Davis, Sheriff Jack Strain, Slidell Mayor Ben Morris, Mandeville Mayor Eddie Price, Covington Mayor Candace Watkins, Abita Springs Mayor Louis Fitzmorris, Mandeville Police Chief Tom Buell, Slidell Police Chief Freddy Drennan, Chief Rick Tassin of Fire District #4, Frances Barker of the American Red Cross, Gary Ostroke of the United Way, and Dexter Accardo, Parish Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. 

            Original music was contributed by Slidellian Brian Stoltz.  His song, “The Ones Who Never Returned,” provides a rich and compelling musical expression of the experiences of Southeastern Louisiana. 

            The documentary was produced by Suzanne Parsons Stymiest.  Jamie Hooper, of Mandeville, was the Video Editor.  Danny Zechenelly of Pearl River and William Reavis of Slidell were videographers.  Jennifer Bushnell of Covington, Brian Fortson of Bedico Creek, Jéan Thibodeaux, of Covington, and Parsons Stymiest of Slidell were photographers.  James Hartman, of Covington, conducted the interviews and Daynelle Schenck, of Big Branch, coordinated the interviews.            

            Additional air times are Wednesday, November 22nd at 8:30 PM, Thursday, November 23rd at 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM and Saturday, November 25th at 7:00 PM. 

###