"The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members." — Mahatma Gandhi

If you agree that our community only does well when we take care of our disabled neighbors, then you will love this interview with TARC CEO Kathleen Abels. TARC is as local nonprofit dedicated to providing opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to realize their full potential, and to become self-directed and contributing citizens. They are working to promote the general welfare of children and adults in the Florida Parishes, fostering and developing programs and services for individuals with special needs, serving as an advocate for families, gathering and dispersing information, cooperating with all public and private providers in furtherance of these goals, aiding parents as it relates to individual challenges, and providing support and education while encouraging maximum growth through quality services. Kathleen is a local woman who has "walked the walk." She shares her story of how successfully raised a son with special needs. She gives hopes to others with similar stories. She invites you to help Ponchatoula people with disabilities realize their potential by supporting TARC. (https://www.tarc-hammond.com/) In Taste of Tangi, Parker raves about the authentic Hong Kong cooking available at China Lotus. Owner Juliana Chan and Chef Chef An Lam (Andrew) share devoted work ethic and extraordinary cooking with the Ponchatoula / Hammond Community. It is a unique concept in Chinese dining that broke away from the typical Chinese restaurant that America was use to. It employs a softer color scheme that provided a sense of calm and comfort - a sharp contrast to the harsh red and gold decor of most "Americanized" Chinese restaurants . Another stereotype that China Lotus seeks to change is that a Chinese restaurant has to serve their entrees on a buffet to succeed . You won't find a buffet there! The reason - Juliana has a firm belief that truly good food must be prepared only when the customer orders it. Ms. Juliana is also an accomplished artist. You will notice her pottery and watercolor paintings adorning the shelves and walls of the restaurant. China Lotus - "Where cooking becomes art!" (http://www.chinalotus-hammond.com/menu.htm) For Parker's Pick, we recommend Kali Norton Photography. Kali is a supremely talented local photographer and photojournalist who documents and curates "the perfectly imperfect stories of love and life." Kali (pronounced "kale-ee," like the veggie) works with clients whose stories of the things they've endured with their loved ones paint an incredibly moving picture and teach me every day about what it means to LIVE, embrace, and document this one chance we get at these years on this planet. "Photographing, loving on, and connecting with warm humans is the most fulfilling thing to me--capturing a little piece of their heart and world," says Kali. Parker and his wife Brandie have entrusted Kali to photograph their family numerous times and they are ALWAYS blown away by the beautiful results. (https://www.kalinorton.com/) Finally, The Ponchatoula Podcast is sponsored by the Parker Layrisson Law Firm, Ponchatoula personal injury attorneys who help busy people get paid after car accidents (https://layrisson.com/).