Edge of the Lake Magazine February | March 2020

P E O P L E

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T R A V E L

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A W A R D S

FEBRUARY

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F O O D

| MARCH 2020

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H I S T O R Y

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A R T

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PUBLISHER Sarah Cottrell

Welcome to our Readers’ Choice issue; we were thrilled with the response to our request for votes. Thank you to everyone who took the time to give us your choices. We are excited to share the results in this issue of all your favorite things that make the Northshore such a special place to live. Our sister station – The Lake 94.7 – will be meeting some of our winners over the next few weeks, so be sure to tune into the morning show with Charles Dowdy every morning. You never know, you might even win some Lake Loot!

As always, we bring you some great stories from around the Northshore. I had the privilege of spending time with the legendary Spanish artist José-Mariá Cundín, an incredible artist who graciously opened up his home and studio to us. We spent a delightful afternoon with JoséMariá and his wife, Marion, sharing stories, having lunch and taking pictures for EDGE. We also share the story of the St. John’s Fools of Misrule, who welcome the carnival season to the Northshore, meet Solange Ledwith, a glass blower from Slidell, and get some tips on using glitter this Mardi Gras season from our Beauty Editor, the owner and founder of Kismet Cosmetics, Caitlin Picou.

EDITOR Jane Hudson ART DIRECTOR Erich Belk STYLE DIRECTOR Patty Beal BEAUTY EDITOR Caitlin Picou COPY EDITOR Mary-Brent Brown CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kim Bergeron Sarah Bonnette Charles Dowdy Liz Genest Smith Lisa Condrey Ward STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jerry Cottrell

As always please feel free to share any story ideas.

Have a safe and happy Mardi Gras, PUBLISHER

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Matthew Schlenker Joel Treadwell Lisa Condrey Ward SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVES Eloise Cottrell Rick Clasen ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Rebecca Blossman-Ferran Erin Bolton Jamie Dakin Debi Menasco Michelle Wallis-Croas

ON THE COVER

José-Mariá Cundín Photo By Jerry Cottrell

The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted

by EDGE Publishing. @ 2020 with all rights reserved.

Reproduction or use without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Please email comments or story ideas to edgepublisher@yahoo.com.

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PARADE SCHEDULE

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MARDI GRAS ST.JOHN’S FOOLS OF MISRULE

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JOSÉ MARIA CUNDIN

GLITTER

ARTIST

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BEAUTY

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RESULTS

RESTAURANT REVIEW

2020 READERS’ CHOICE

MY TURN BY JEFF MATTIA

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FIRE

AROUND THE LAKE

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EUROPEAN RIVER BOAT

ALTOS AND A 5 YEAR OLD

SWAMP GIRL

TRAVEL

Page 32 Swamp Girl

SOCIAL

CHARLES OFF THE AIR

Mardi Gras 2020

SATURDAY FEB 8TH Krewe of Bilge Krewe of Poseidon

Noon 6:00 pm

Slidell Slidell

1:00 pm

Slidell

1:00 pm

Pearl River

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14TH Krewe of Eve Krewe of Omega

7:00 pm 6.30pm

Mandeville Hammond

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15TH Krewe de Paws Krewe of Tchefuncte Krewe of Olympia Mystic Krewe of Titans

10:00 am 1:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:30pm

Slidell Madisonville Covington Slidell

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16TH Krewe of Push Mow Krewe of Dionysus

2:00 pm 1:00 pm

Abita Springs Slidell

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21ST Krewe of Selene

6.30pm

Slidell

SATURDAY FEBUARY 22ND Krewe of Bush Magic City Carnival Ass.

9:00 am 1:00 pm

Bush Bogalusa

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23RD Krewe of Pepe

2pm

Franklinton

10:00 am

Covington

1:00 pm 1.30 pm

Lacombe Folsom

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 29TH Krewe Du Pooch Parade & Costume Contest

10am

Mandeville

SUNDAY MARCH 1ST Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws

2:00 pm

Covington

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 9TH Krewe of Slidellians Krewe of Perseus follows Krewe of Slidellians Pearl River Lions Club

MARDI GRAS DAY FEB 25TH Covington Lions Parade Krewe of Covington follows Krewe of Chahta Krewe of Folsom

Look for the Lake 94.7 Cube on the parade routes!

ALL PARADES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Celebrate

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For 60 years, the Gulf Coast has celebrated Mardi Gras with our hand-crafted, gourmet cinnamon dough king cakes.

Choose traditional or your favorite filling.

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Wishing you a safe and happy Carnival Season!

Look for the STPSO float in local parades this Mardi Gras, and help us support STARC by throwing us your unwanted beads.

EDGE February | March 2020

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"Dress to the #9s"

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EDGE February | March 2020

Gotta Luv

February 15

Krewe of Olympia Parade (Downtown) - 6PM

February 25

Carnival in Covington (Downtown/Trailhead) - 10AM

March 7

STAA Art Market (Lee Lane) - 10AM

March 14

St. Patrick's Day Parade (Downtown) - 12PM

March 15

YSB Chef Soiree (Trailhead) - 5PM

March 20

Sunset at the Landing Free Concert (Columbia St. Landing) - 6PM

March 27

Columbia Street Block Party (Downtown) - 6:30PM

April 1-5

A Taste of Covington Food & Wine Festival (Citywide)

EDGE February | March 2020

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COMMUNITY LEADERS Looking Forward

Mike Cooper St. Tammany Parish President

I am humbled and grateful to begin my first term as your St. Tammany Parish President. My vision for St. Tammany is one where we rebuild trust between Parish Government and the people we were elected to serve. A vision to let prosperity fuel our economy. Where people can easily reach their elected officials to share their ideas, their concerns, and their needs and wants. A vision to continue to build on the sense of community we all know and feel.

During the next four years, I will work to re-establish your trust in your elected leaders. We will create a climate where every business can thrive and prosper with the right infrastructure to support it. We will work to ensure every tax dollar that is used on your behalf, is used for what you need and for what you expect from your government — solid infrastructure, including well-maintained roads, enhanced flood protection, and keeping St. Tammany clean. We will spend our tax dollars wisely, on priority projects that address our basic and most pressing needs, in the best, most efficient ways possible, while instilling lasting respect for our environment.

I will work with the mayors and councils of every St. Tammany community to hear what their specific goals, needs and concerns are and partner with them in achieving these goals and addressing these needs and concerns.

I will open the lines of communication between Parish Government and the people we are elected to serve, so that we all work together to create the St. Tammany we want to see, both now and in the future.

We have a deep, strong sense of community made up of many generations of families, many who have moved here and many who have chosen to stay here.

We are all in this together, and together we will go forward into the next four years to shape St. Tammany through trust, accessibility and community.

Dear Citizens,

Greg Cromer City of Slidell Mayor

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I invite you and your family and friends to come experience Mardi Gras in Slidell. Grab your folding chairs, ice chests and king cakes and head on out to the parade route to enjoy the many parades that roll through Slidell.

I am proud that many families choose to celebrate Mardi Gras here in Slidell. I ask that everyone be respectful and help us maintain a fun, family friendly environment.

Please remember that city ordinances prohibit the presence of animals along the parade route. The use of silly string, streamers, fireworks and other explosive devices are also restricted. It is important that we all work together to have a fun and safe carnival season.

Keep Slidell Beautiful is looking for volunteers to help clean up after the parades. If you or your family, church group, civic group or school group would like to volunteer, please call (985) 646-4307 or visit Keep Slidell Beautiful’s website at www.keepslidellbeautiful.org for more information.

For the complete parade schedule, please visit the City of Slidell’s website at www.MySlidell.com.

Be sure to sign up for our email notifications to stay updated about all the latest news and events in Slidell. You can also follow “City of Slidell, Louisiana” on Facebook and Twitter.

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

EDGE February | March 2020

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FANTAS VISION José-Mariá Cundín’s Artwork Evolves with New Ideas STORY SARAH BONNETTE PHOTOS JERRY COTTRELL

MACULAR CONDENSATION, Callan Contemporary

STICAL NA RY

W

hile growing up in the Basque Country of Spain, José-Mariá Cundín’s father wanted him to become a skipper. But his Wednesday art lessons were the part of the school week he enjoyed most.

It’s a good thing the 81-year old followed his instincts and “did all my best to get rejected,” from a life at sea, he said. Had he piloted a ship, the world would be much less colorful.

Over a more than 60-year successful career, the prolific artist has created a vast body of everevolving artwork that’s been described as conceptual, surrealist, pop, abstract, whimsical and more. His two- and three-dimensional pieces explore ideas in masterful color and shape, wittily point to politics and personalities, and portray whimsical imagery and the abstract.

Each day, the Folsom resident arises early and makes the short trek from his art-filled home to his light-filled studio, passing under a small wooden banner he constructed and hung above the studio’s door. The Latin phrase ora et labora is inscribed over its blue background.

Translated, the words read “pray and work,” the rule Saint Benedict laid out for the faithful. Benedict, the founder of western monasticism, viewed prayer and work as partners and believed in combining contemplation with action.

Cundín placed the phrase at his studio’s entrance because – even after a lifetime of creating art – a blank canvas can still be intimidating. The sign “works like a charm,” he told me when I visited him on a drearily cold day just before the holidays.

Cundín’s canvases ultimately get filled with the exuberant colors he creates by grinding pigments, in the same way the old masters did, before mixing oils into the dry powder. Color has always been important to him, as he’s shared numerous times during his career.

He said in an interview with Art Voices that he “came to understand color as the most urgent and dear of my endeavors, truly an ineludible appointment; a sincere situation with no more zigzags or dribbling in the shadows.”

Cundín has used powerful palettes to paint everything from the fantastical figures that made up much of his early work to the examinations of portraits he undertook when he moved to more abstract expression.

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Bold color also extends to the sculptural works he fashions from bits of wood, epoxy and other materials. There are polychrome sculptures and bibelots that remark on everything from Noah’s Ark to Carl Faberge as a Fabergé egg. His series of obelisks, entitled “THE OBELISTIC PRESENCES,” included the creation of a signature sculptural work: “The Miraculous Obelisk.”

Found amongst the many works that fill the formal living room and foyer of the couple’s mid-century style ranch, that obelisk’s four sides contain the Latin words for “love, health, fortune and time.” “Those are the necessary pillars for the miracle to be produced,” Cundin said.

When asked why Latin is often used for written elements in his pieces, Cundin cleverly replies, “I don’t know Greek.”

Both his two- and three-dimensional works depict new and interesting ideas and explorations.

In his “Twelve Anti-Portraits” series, people like Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro are represented in bright organic shapes. The series represents “a focused effort in search of my manner, or a unified formula of work; one that will allow certain elusive expressive overflows from the formal boundaries of the Abstraction into an unlimited subjective visual realm, where the plastic effects should become both the desired main fact plus the conveyor of nuances, codes, etc. . . . and wherever intended plausible meaning,” Cundín says on his website.

Color again was prominent in his 2017 Callan Contemporary exhibition, “The Supreme Leader and Other Ponderables,” where Cundín made a return to figuration after his foray into “anti-portraits.”

A conversation with him is like taking a mini master class in his various styles and explorations of genres and in the history of art, both in New Orleans and in the Basque Country, where he is considered an advocate of the historical Avant Garde.

Cundín is highly regarded not just in the Northshore and New Orleans arts communities, but internationally. His paintings and sculptures can be found in numerous corporate and private collections throughout the world: Spain, France, England, Germany and Belgium, as well as the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Colombia.

Among those collections are notable museums where his artwork hangs, including the New Orleans Museum of Art, the University of Johnson & Wales in Miami, and the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao

josemariacundin.com callancontemporary.com/ artists/jose-maria-cundin

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MAGNUM EX-VOTO (THE MIRACULOUS OBLEISK), Callan Contemporary

and ARTIUM Basque Center-Museum of Contemporary Art, both in his native Spain.

Cundín was born in Spain’s Basque Country in 1938 during the Spanish Civil War. The Basque Country – known not just as a region but as an autonomous community established by statute in 1979 – holds “a legendary people with a very mysterious, in many ways, culture,” Cundín said.

His upbringing took place in an environment “that was not very pleasant in terms of human development and intellectual development. We were forced to live under a ruler who was very tough,” he said, referring to the dictator Francisco Franco.

“When I reached 17, I already knew enough; I already had enough references, and my curiosity was already fed by listening to conversations because I had that privilege at home,” Cundín added. “And I just left. I got a scholarship in Colombia for three months.”

Cundín’s first solo exhibition took place in Bogota, Colombia in 1956, followed by two others in 1957. He established residence in New York in 1958 and spent five years there during the height of the abstract expressionism movement.

“The magnetic pole of art moved from Paris to New York,” said Cundín, adding that he’d spent time there before moving to New York.

“It was a big city; it was difficult. It’s ruthless, but it has a great heart too. I joined a group of artists from Latin America I felt comfortable with . . . . It was a great group,” he said. “Abstraction was in full swing. Pollack, Koenig, Hofmann, they were at their peak.”

While traveling the country, Cundín discovered New Orleans in 1964, at a time, he said, when the city was still benefitting from the GI Bill established after World War II, giving veterans financial backing that enabled them to become full-time artists. “New Orleans was a very interesting city for a painter, for an artist . . . . A few artists settled here, and a laboratory of sorts was established,” he said.

Cundín had his first solo exhibition here in 1965 at Orleans Gallery and joined “the cultural phenomena, which was in full development,” he said. “This would not have happened if New Orleans had not been so lenient with free expression. New Orleans is very, very tolerant, and it accepts – not revolutionary – but unusual proposals. Aesthetically, it’s always very curious, very open, and that makes the place perfect. Besides, the people are nice and a little kooky.”

Cundín’s work has made its way outside of New Orleans through the years, with more than 50 solo exhibitions and numerous other group shows. He’s also taught at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art, the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes in Mexico, the Facultad de Bella Artes in Spain and the El Museo de Zea in Colombia.

He and his wife Marion, a native of Ireland, met in New Orleans 42 years ago. They spent a number of years living in Miami and Annapolis, Maryland, where they moved while Cundín worked on one of two special projects that pay homage to the United States: an engraving, released in 1992, of the Declaration of Independence.

Made by Millenia3, an international fine arts press Cundín founded, the project was inspired by a copy of the historical document he received in the mail. Cundín thought it should be treated with more reverence, and took great care to make every part of his Declaration of Independence an exact copy of the original, even down to the mistakes that were made by its writers.

Yet his originality can be seen through his decision to reduce the size by one-third to make it “a more domestic, more human size.” He also left space between the edge of the paper and the written text, which extends from end to end in the original.

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The engraving was created “to express my devotion to it,” Cundín said. “It’s a most beautiful poem.”

The second special United States project – “Twelve Extrapolations on the American Flag” – includes 12 paintings of the American flag, from the one used by K9 units to one for the Manifest Destiny, with room to put more stars.

Folsom became home for the couple in 2004 when they decided to move back to New Orleans. “There is a ‘no-no’ in New Orleans – that you don’t go on the other side of the lake or the other side of the river. I shared the same mandate, but we were forced to look someplace else because the places and the prices were crazy,” Cundín said.

It all turned out fine because the locations they’d considered in New Orleans flooded during Hurricane Katrina. “We would have lost everything, all the work,” Marion Cundín said. “So it was God’s way of saying ‘This is not what you want, but this is what you need.’”

Moving to Folsom has given the artist the space and the time to create. “It increases the usefulness of time. There are no distractions,” Cundín said. “It’s totally anthropological because the environment makes the demand.

The environment educates you, and the bad habits of just wasting your time in the streets looking at window displays is not an option anymore. It’s a very fruitful experience and process.”

His studio – with a porch overlooking neighboring horse pastures – was built on the site of what was a potting shed on the property.

With large windows and beautiful light, it is now a special place filled with exhibition posters, wood for sculptures, three-dimensional works in progress, half-finished canvases and mementos from a life spent creating artwork and teaching around the world. Cundín’s newest works look forward, although he’s abandoned the title “2020 Vision” – thanks to a TV news program of the same name – for his upcoming exhibition at Callan Contemporary in New Orleans. Titled instead “Memorandum to the Society of Bucolic’s Anonymous,” it will open to the public on March 7 – part of the Arts District of New Orleans’ first Saturday gallery openings – at the 518 Julia Street gallery.

One large-scale painting shows Morgus the

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Magnificent and his sidekick Chopsley. Morgus is known in New Orleans as a fictional character created and portrayed by actor Sidney Noel Rideau (professionally known as Sid Noel).

Rideau, now in his 90s, lives in Covington.

Another – entitled “The Night Table of Hieronymus Bosch” – is a formal exercise in sepias and gold leaf, Cundín said.

Cundín deconstructs each painting’s figures into shapes, a creative practice he began in the 1990s. As he explains, “I was constrained, and there was this frontier that I had to break because I wanted to explore color and composition and the language of the synthesis, the language of the plastic, the language of the obvious in a formal way, in a formal dimension.”

“For all my years exploring abstraction, I always had a nostalgia for the theme and the antidote and the moral and the innuendo and so forth. I compensate for that, or I figure that out, with the titles and the theme. I satisfy the token of that need,” he added. “I went farther and I tried to synthetize the figure using only the forms and shapes, the most basic elements.

An arm is an arm, but if I take the arm away it will be a shape.”

Previously, he’d painted whimsical and fantastical figures, such as his portrait of the Swiss folk hero William Tell. “I did that figuration for many, many years, and that is what I brought to New Orleans,” he said.

Cundín said he is now “going back a little towards the figure, but in this form. It’s not up to me to look for who else is looking for the same solution.”

A third painting for the exhibition, entitled “The Macula,” is filled with abstract forms. It “is an exercise on the macula, which is the stain.

I limit myself in the palette, using very few colors, trying to stretch the energetic values of those very few colors to get the result,” Cundín said.

Along with his new paintings, Cundín is experimenting with three-dimensional organic shapes made from cloth, covered in epoxy to harden it. They’ve been painted in intensely pastel hues and arranged on a studio work table in various compositions.

“That allows me to move them in the space and to communicate with the next or the others, the complementary piece in the company,” he

Marion Cundín said.

Cundín is photographing the various threedimensional compositions, with plans to choose some of those images to print in small editions. They are to bear the title “The Extremely Still Lifes,” although Cundín admits there is a better definition in Spanish. It translates to “Dead Nature.”

“In this case it will be very dead nature,” he said.

The project, which has no reference points, comes with “freedom and responsibility,” Cundín added. “You just can’t go crazy and do some stupid thing, because it will not resist self-destruction, no? It has to come out and claim ‘I am here to exist.’”

MORGUS IN HIS LAB, Callan Contemporary

said, holding one long tubular piece in his hand. “I have to figure out the color, the shape . . . . It’s an impossible puzzle. There are lots of wrong possibilities, but only one that is right.

“I have to take advantage of those inconveniences.

Here it might fit, but here it leaves a space that will disturb [the composition]. It’s obliges you to insist, to just go ahead,” he said, adding that “it’s just about the same” as abstract painting.

“That’s why I think abstract paintings are so difficult.

Everything must go with everything else. The partner of one piece needs to be the right color and shape, and then beside that needs to be the right color and shape,”

EDGE February | March 2020

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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE

2020

Readers’ Choice Winners from Northshore Media Group

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EDGE February | March 2020

2020 Readers’ Choice Winners

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PROOF Davis Slagle M.D. SHEET Smile Doctors

ur ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. This ad will run as Orthopedist nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve via email.

Brian Fong, M.D.

Pediatrician

Angela Duthu, M.D.

Physical Therapist

THEATRE GROUP Cutting Edge Theater Featuring: Sweet Potato Queen, Christina Viers 767 Robert Blvd., Slidell 985.649.3727 / cuttingedgetheater.com

Altitude Trampoline Park

Karate Studio

Urgent Care

Swim Club

Veterinarian

Tennis Courts

South Star Urgent Care

Art Gallery Sambola

Author

John Case

Band

21 Front Street

Charity Event

Warrior Wing Cookoff

E LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 985 733 4670

Parade

St. Patrick’s Day

Festival

Olde Town Crawl

Theatre Group

Cutting Edge Theater

SPORTS AND LEISURE Bed and Breakfast

Woodridge Bed and Breakfast

Camping Spot

Pine Crest R.V. Park

Children’s Playground Heritage Park

E LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 985 733 4670 | March 2020

Indoor Sports Facility

Public Park

Southern Surgical Hospital

Art Classes

EDGE February

Crossgates Family Fitness

Surgery Center

nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve via email.

Lori Gomez

028

Health Club

Rick Weems

ALL THINGS ARTY ur ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine.

This ad will run as

SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY Park Provence 1925 Possum Hollow Road, Slidell 985.781.0072 parkprovence.com

Oak Harbor

Action Physical Therapy

Kara EiltsPROOF M.D.V. SHEET

FINANCIAL ADVISOR Edward Jones - Jeanette M. Sanford, AAMS 2170 Gause Blvd. West, Suite 135, Slidell 985.781.7683 edwardjones.com/jeanette-sanford

Cycology Studio

Heritage Park Crossgates Family Fitness

Crossgates Family Fitness

Tourist Attraction Bayou Adventures

NIGHTLIFE Bar

Brass Monkey

Bartender

Erica Borja

Daiquiri

Daiquiri Shack

Happy Hour Maple Room

Live Music Venue

Venue Lobby Lounge

Margarita

Carreta’s Grill

Martini

Wine Garden

Place to go Dancing Olde Town Tavern

Sports Bar

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux

SHOPPING Antiques

Art & Antiques on First

Baby/Children’s Store Oh La Love

Bakery

Women’s Boutique

Sugar Love

Stella and Grace

Bridal Boutique

Women’s Shoes

James & B Bridal Outlet

Car Dealership

Toyota of Slidell

Children’s Shoes Oh La Love

Luxe 83

Attached is a proof of your ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine.

SERVICES is unless we receive changes by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v

Acting School

Slidell Little Theater

Consignment

Air Conditioning Service and Repair

Lulu’s Almost New

Brendan’s A/C & Heating

Garden Center

Car Wash

Garden Spot

Rainforest Carwash

Gifts

Contractor

3 Diva’s and a Sugardaddy

Billbar Construction

Florist

Cooking Classes

Petals & Stem

Passionate Platter

Flooring

Dance Studio

Darby’s

Furniture Levy’s

Creative Dance

Attached is a proof of your ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine.

Day Spa Woodhouse Spa is unless we receive changes by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v

Hardware Store

Dry Cleaner

Home Décor

Elementary School (Private)

Ace on Pontchartrain Southern Farmhouse

Jewelry

PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL Pope John Paul II 1901 Jaguar Drive, Slidell 985.649.0914 pjp.org

Roberta’s

St. Margaret Mary

Elementary School (Public)

MORTGAGE LENDER Paul Chiasson III Prime Lending 1310 Brownswitch Rd. Suite B, Slidell 985.214.7032

Champagne Jewelers

Florida Avenue

Lighting

Financial Institution

Meat

EDGE OF THE LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 9 Hair Removal

Pharmacy

Hair Salon

ABC Lighting Armond’s Alfonso Pharmacy

Sporting Goods

Sportsman’s Warehouse

Sunglasses

Sportsman’s Warehouse

Supermarket Rouses Market

Tires

Tire Town

Wine

Wine Market

Ponchartrain Investments European Wax Center Serendipity

High School (Private)

Pope John Paul II

High School (Public) Slidell High

Kids’ Party Venue

Altitude Trampoline Park

‘Landscape

Luxury Landscape Services

Mani Pedi Spa Blow Dry Bar

BEST KING CAKE Randazzo’s Camellia City Bakery 3501 Pontchartrain Drive, Slidell 985.781.CAKE kingcakes.com

EDGE OF THE LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 9 | EDGE February

March 2020

029

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

MUSIC

ART

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030

EDGE February | March 2020

PROOF SHEET

ur ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of theofLake run as Attached is a proof yourmagazine. ad that willThis runad in will the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please makewe any changes or approve is unless receive changes by ( 1 .via 1 8 . 2email.

0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve

ORTHODONTIST Smile Doctors Braces by DN Orthodontics 2330 Gause Blvd. East, Slidell 985.641.1115 smiledoctors.com

HAIR REMOVAL European Wax Center 730 Town Center Pkwy., Slidell Harvey / Metairie / Slidell / Uptown 985.326.7088 / waxcenter.com

PROOF SHEET

ur ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. This ad will run as nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve via email.

WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE Stella and Grace Boutique 2260 Carey St., Slidell 985.265.4412 stellaandgraceboutique.shop

INSURANCE AGENT Alan Case, CIC - Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien 2001 First Street, Slidell 985.643.1234 ldcv.com

EDGE LA OF 70433 THE LAKE • 69170 E LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, • PHONE 985HWY 733 190.

4670SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 9

Mechanic Shop

East Gause Goodyear

Mortgage Company

Real Estate Company

Prime Lending

Engel Volkers

Music School

Senior Living Facility

Little Sound Academy

Pet Boarding

Parc Provence

Summer Camps

Mary’s Bed and Biscuit

Crossgates Family Fitness

Pet Grooming

Wedding Venue

Preschool

Yoga

Mary’s Bed and Biscuit

PHYSICAL THERAPIST Action Physical Therapy 107 South Military Road, Slidell 985.641.2866 actionptslidell.com

Radio Station

LAKE 94.7

Kidz Klub House

The Venue

Blue Arrow Yoga

Printer/Promotional Materials Olde Town Print

LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, • PHONE 985 HWY 733 4670 EDGELA OF70433 THE LAKE • 69170 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE | EDGE February

March 2020

031

SWAMP

GIRL GLASS BLOWING: PLAYING WITH FIRE STORY KIM BERGERON PHOTOS JERRY COTTRELL

I

n Latin, the word “solange” means “sun angel.” In Slidell, that translation is more along the lines of “girl who plays with fire” – or such is the case, at least, for Solange Ledwith, whose passion for creating with flames inspired her to make a career of it.

Born in New Orleans, Solange moved with her family to her father’s native New York when she was just a baby. A few years later, her parents divorced, and her mother moved the family to California. She and her siblings adapted to bicoastal life, shuttling between parents throughout their adolescence.

Her path to the arts was somewhat accidental. In her youth, it was her brother, whom she idolized, who displayed artistic talents, and her creative endeavors consisted of small craft projects. She had her sights set on science, entering California State University in Chico with the intent of studying viruses. It was a choice driven in part by the desire to help some of her loved ones who were ill.

Solange opted to take art electives as a release, and during one of her drawing classes, the instructor pulled her aside and advised that he felt that she was talented enough to consider a career in the arts. Up until that time, she had never contemplated the possibility of such. She explored numerous media, and gravitated toward printmaking and sculpture. But it was when she discovered glassmaking that she became truly enthralled.

After receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree at Chico State University, Solange made the move to Los Angeles, where she completed her Masters of Art degree at California State University at Fullerton. She immersed herself in the fine art of precision glassworking, enjoying an opportunity to work alongside acclaimed glassmakers in Los Angeles, and subsequently Pilchuck Glass School in Washington.

In 2010, Solange moved back to Louisiana, joining her mother, sister and nephew who had settled in Slidell a few years prior. The decision was driven in part by her mother’s declining health, and Solange wanted to be nearby.

She would spend the next ten years working toward creating her own business, struggling in the process. But in 2013, she felt an unexplainable sense of duty to serve her country, a calling that led her to the Air Force Reserves. Four years after enlisting, she deployed to Kuwait.

EDGE February | March 2020

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It was when she was overseas that Solange found clarity, developing her business concept. As she continued to serve, she saved her earnings, and upon her return to the states she launched Swamp Girl Glass Blowing. Initially, her business was largely mobile, with her “Glass on Wheels” moveable studio offering lessons in a myriad of locations throughout St. Tammany and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Many of her sessions thus far have been introductory classes, relatively short but very hands-on experiences that she calls “Create-Your-Own” glass classes. Students are able to select their colors, apply and melt them, shape the glass and then use their breath to blow it out. In the process, they transform the molten mounds of glass into their very own unique works of art. Among the options offered are stemless wine tumblers, decorative vases, ornaments, decanters and more.

The artist kicked off 2020 with an expansion of her operations, opening a fixed studio location at 1060 Front Street in Slidell. With the new location comes an opportunity to offer more in-depth courses for students who want to move beyond the introductory sessions, including glassblowing “Boot Camp” private sessions.

It’s through the classes that her students learn the fundamentals of science in art.

“In glassblowing, there’s such an apparent balance between the two disciplines,” she says. “They go hand in hand. The process involves a good bit of chemistry and physics, plus the mechanics of understanding how to operate and maintain equipment.”

That balance, as reflected in her work, includes translucency, color, texture, layers and movement.

She says that the most challenging part of glassmaking is maintaining patience through the ups and downs, through the failures as much as the successes.

985.710.3873 solangeledwith.com

034

EDGE February | March 2020

“In the beginning, you drop a lot of pieces,” she says, “but it’s through the failures that artists learn the boundaries of what the materials can do. As with anything, if you stick with it, the work becomes second nature.”

Beyond her passion for glass, Solange continues to explore other media, saying that the process of art making as a whole is extremely important. Among her chosen creative avenues are drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramic, metal sculpture, videomaking and photography. She gravitates more toward welding and building things, though she’s quick to share that she’s not quite sure from where those interests are derived.

“Arts are important because they serve as a tool for communication and expression,” she says. ”Just as learning a language to speak is important for communicating, learning how to transform an idea into something tangible is crucial to our development as a species.

Without creativity, there are no discoveries. And without discoveries, there is no growth. So what I love is that there are always new discoveries to be had.”

The artist says she believes that if more people developed the tools they need to communicate their ideas and concepts, there would be so many more inventions “popping up all over the place.”

Now 18 years into her chosen profession, Solange shares that if she was not a glassblower, it’s likely she would have continued her original pursuit toward a career in the science field.

“As I’ve gotten older and my personality has evolved, I imagine that I could have thrived in an engineering field, perhaps one in which I was able to explore and understand materials,” she says. “After all, our entire world is made up of material.

The more we understand it, the more we understand the world in which we live.”

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EDGE February | March 2020

037

RESTAURANTS Appetizers Oxlot 9

Asian

Attached Kazoku is a proof of your ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. is unless we receive changes by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v

Bar Food

Walk-On’s Sport Bistreaux

ST. TAMMANY WEST

Barbecue

038

Stick’s BBQ

Breakfast

Liz’s Where Y at Diner

Brunch

The Lakehouse

Burger

PHOTOGRAPHER Abby Sands

By Appt. Only 985.807.3835 abbyphoto.com

Times Bar and Grill

Catering

The Lakehouse

Coffee Shop

CC Coffee -isCovington Attached a proof of your ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine is unless we receive changes by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v

Dessert

Hambone

Dining with a View Rip’s

Donuts

Donut King

Fine Dining

Gallagher’s 527

French

HARDWARE Ace Hardware Mandeville 2445 Florida Street, Mandeville 985.626.3113 acehardware.com

Café Lynn EDGE OF THE LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE

Frozen Yogurt

Bop’s Frozen Custard

Ice Cream

Sweet Rolls

Greek

Alabasha

Hot Dogs

Rob’s Rockin Dogs

Italian

Leonardo’s Trattoria & Pizzeria

Juice Bar Blent

Kid Friendly The Shack

EDGE February | March 2020

INSURANCE AGENT Melissa Penzato : Allstate Insurance 330 Falconer Dr., Covington 985.875.7707 melissapenzato@allstate.com

EDGE OF THE LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 9

PROOF SHEET

ur ad that will run in the June/July issue Attached of EDGE is a proof of theofLake your magazine. ad that willThis run in adthe willJune/July run as issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please is unless make weany receive changes changes or approve by ( 1 . 1via 8 . 2email.

0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v

DENTAL Allure Dental 1901 US 190, Ste. 14, Mandeville 985.951.2220 alluredentalhealth.com

PET BOARDING/PET GROOMING Camp Bow Wow 14279 Hwy. 1085, Covington 985.892.9364 campbowwow.com/covington

PROOF SHEET

ur ad that will run in the June/July issue Attached of EDGE is a proof of theofLake your magazine. ad that willThis run in adthe willJune/July run as issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please is unless make weany receive changes changes or approve by ( 1 . 1via 8 . 2email.

0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v

SHOPPING - BABY/CHILDREN’S STORE Baby’s Corner 70448 Highway 21, Covington 985.892.5300 thebabyscorner.com

COFFEE CC’s Coffeehouse, Covington 1331 US 190, Covington 985.900.2241 ccscovington.com

LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, • PHONE 985HWY 733 4670 EDGELA OF70433 THE LAKE • 69170 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE

AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE AND REPAIR Burkhardt Air Conditioning & Heating 1932 Surgi Drive, Mandeville 985.626.7741 acpromise.com

PRIVATE ELEMENTARY Christ Episcopal School 80 Christwood Boulevard, Covington 985.871.9902 christepiscopalschool.org

LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, EDGE LA OF70433 THE LAKE • PHONE • 69170 985HWY 733 4670 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 9 | EDGE February

March 2020

039

King Cake

Contractor

Mexican

CPA

SHEET NonnaPROOF Randazzo’s La Carreta’s ur ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. This ad will run as New nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve via email.

Pyre Provisions

Insurance Agent

Lunch Box Express

Melissa Penzato

Romantic

Massage Therapist

Pardo’s

Amanda Miranda

Salad

Mortgage Lender

Coffee Rani

Christina Rusca

Seafood

Personal Trainer

The Shack PROOF SHEET

Tristan Martin

Service

Photographer

Jerrold Rabalais

Abby Sands

Real Estate Agent Megan Helwick

Snowballs

Tattoo Artist

Just Chillin’

Matt Susby

Soup

Teacher

Lola

Martha Atchison

Steak

Travel Agent

Keith Young

Lori Cluney

Sushi

MEDICAL

Aki

E LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONETea 985 733 4670 English Tea Room

Thai

Sawasdee

Vietnamese Viet Kitchen

PEEPS Artist

Christina Pappion

Attorney

Michael Bradner

Bartender

Lexie Mizell - Times Grill

Chef

Pat Gallagher

E LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 985 733 4670 EDGE February | March 2020

040

Bobby Fritscher

Po-Boy

ur ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine.

This ad will run as Smoothies nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve Smoothie via email.

King

PO BOY Lunchbox Express 1680 Hwy. 59 Ste. 500 Mandeville 985.951.2120 lunchboxexpress.us

High School Coach Financial Advisor

Pardo’s

ITALIAN Leonardo’s Trattoria & Pizzeria 2625 Florida Street, Mandeville 985.778.2550

Bryon Garrety

Pizza

Duman Artisan Kitchen

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION Heritage Bank 205 N. Columbia St., Covington 985.892.4565 heritagebank.org

Ryan Cartier

Anti-Aging Specialist Paradise on Columbia

Audiologist

J.J. Martinez Au D, CCC-A, FAAA

Cardiologist

Frank Arena, M.D.

Chiropractor

All American Healthcare

Cosmetic Surgeon

Benjamin Boudreaux, M.D.

Dermatologist Erik Soine, M.D.

Dentist

Daniela Evergard D.D.S.

Elegance is the

only beauty that never fades - Aubrey Hepburn

985.871.0300 www.afd-furniture.com Baton Rouge, LA B Covington, LA B Mandeville, LA B Long Beach, MS * Available at Covington location only

Your Everyday Getaway

Thank you

for honoring Stone Creek Club & Spa with Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Trainer (Tristan Martin), Best Tennis Courts and Best Day Spa! See why EDGE of the Lake readers love Stone Creek — schedule your visit today!

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1 2 0 1 O c h s n e r B o u l eva r d , C ov i n g t o n , L A • 9 8 5 . 8 0 1 . 7 1 0 0 • S t o n e C r e e k C l u b A n d S pa . c om EDGE February | March 2020

041

PROOF SHEET

Attached is a proof yourmagazine. ad that willThis run ad in the issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine ur ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of theofLake will June/July run as is unless receive changes by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2email.

0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please makewe any changes or approve via

MORTGAGE LENDER Christina Rusca loanDepot 34 Louis Prima Blvd. Ste. A Covington 985.272.7064 crusca@loandepot.com

PIZZA Duman Artisan Kitchen 821 Girod Street, Mandeville 985.231.7663 dumanpizza.com

PROOF SHEET

ur ad that will run in the June/July issue Attached of EDGE is a proof of theofLake your magazine. ad that willThis run in adthe willJune/July run as issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please is unless make weany receive changes changes or approve by ( 1 . 1via 8 . 2email.

0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v

SENIOR LIVING Christwood 100 Christwood Blvd. Covington 985.898.0515 Christwoodrc.com

PHYSICAL THERAPIST Michelle Sierra - Dynamic Physical Therapy 653 Myrtle Drive, Covington 985.893.4700 getwellatdynamic.com

EDGE LA OF 70433 THE LAKE • 69170 E LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, • PHONE 985HWY 733 190.

4670SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 9

ORTHODONTIST Dr. Amy Smith Sawyer Sawyer Orthodontics 216 W. 21st Ave., Covington 985.327.7181 / sawyerortho.com

BAND Four Unplugged 985.789.7069 rick@fourunplugged.com

EDGELA OF70433 THE LAKE • 69170 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE E LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, • PHONE 985HWY 733 4670 EDGE February | March 2020

042

Favorite Chef

Covington 985.892.9992

Favorite Steak, Fine Dining, & Service

Favorite Fine Dining

Slidell

Mandeville

985.326.8350

985.778.2820

FAVORITE COSMETIC SURGEON

Benjamin Boudreaux, MD | Jeffrey Claiborne, MD www.drboudreaux.com EDGE February | March 2020

043

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044

EDGE February | March 2020

Houston Ward Travel 504-369-3113 www.HoustonWardTravel.com

PROOF SHEET

Attached is a proof of Lake your magazine. ad that will This run in ur ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the adthe willJune/July run as issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. is unless weany receive changes by ( 1 . 1via 8.20 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make changes or approve email.

REAL ESTATE AGENT Megan Helwick/Keller Williams 1522 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville 504.453.4655 meganhelwick.com

ANTI-AGING SPECIALISTS Paradise On Columbia Med Spa 200 N. Columbia St., Covington 985.892.8876 paradiseoncolumbia.com

PROOF SHEET

ur ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. This ad will run as nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve via email.

BLOODY MARY Mugshots Grill & Bar 300 Riverlands Blvd., Covington 985.893.2422 mugshotsgrillandbar.com

NEW RESTAURANT Pyre Provisions - Covington 70437 Hwy. 21 # 100, Covington 985.237.3558 pyrerestaurant.com

E LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, EDGE LA OF70433 THE LAKE • PHONE • 69170 985HWY 733 4670 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE

ART CLASSES Painting with a Twist - Mandeville 2121 N. Causeway Blvd. Mandeville 985.626.6272 paintingwithatwist.com/mandeville

WINE Acquistapace’s 125 E. 21st Ave, Covington, 985.893.0593 631 N Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985.951.2501 191 Gause Blvd. W, Slidell, 985.259.4136

EDGE LA OF 70433 THE LAKE • 69170 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 9 E LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, • PHONE 985HWY 733 190.

4670SUITEEDGE February | March 2020

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Doctor

Band

Home Health

Charity Event

Rachel Murphy M.D. St Tammany Health Systems

Home Health Hospice

St Tammany Health Systems

4 Unplugged You Night

Attached is a proof of your ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine Dance Studio isBallet unless we receive changes by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v Apetrei

Hospice Hospital

Parade

Medical Testing Facility

Festival

OB/GYN

Theatre Group

Occupational Therapist

SPORTS AND LEISURE

St Tammany Health Systems Diagnostic Imaging Services

Katherine Williams, M.D. Missy Hymel O.T.

Oncologist

Jay Saux, M.D.

Optometrist

Eve

Three Rivers Art Festival 30 by Ninety Theatre

HOME HEALTH St. Tammany Health Systems Home Health 725 W. 11th Ave., Covington 985.898.4414 stph.org/homehealthhospice

Bed and Breakfast

Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast

Children’s Playground

Amanda Hickman O.D.

Koop Drive

Orthodontist

Amy Sawyer, D.M.D

Fitness Studio Attached is a proof of your ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine Orangetheory is unless weFitness receive changes by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve

Orthopedist

Golf Course

Pain Doctor

Health Club

Jason Rolling M.D Allan Parr M.D

Pediatrician

Money Hill

Franco’s Health Club & Spa

Indoor Sports Facility

Josh LeBlanc M.D.

Mandeville Sports Complex

Phlebologist (Vein)

Karate Studio

Physical Therapist

Pilates

Surgery Center

Public Park

Veterinarian

Swim Club

Liza Ledet D.V.M.

FINS at Franco’s

ALL THINGS ARTY

Tennis Courts

Painting with a Twist

Tourist Attraction

Randall Juleff M.D. Michelle Sierra P.T.

AVALA

Art Classes

Art Gallery

Saladino Gallery

Northshore Karate Club Pilates

EDGE OF THE LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE

Bogue Falaya Park

Stone Creek Health Club & Spa Bayou Adventures

Yoga

Just Breathe Yoga

Author

Father Bill Miller

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HOSPICE St. Tammany Health Systems Hospice 725 W. 11th Ave., Covington 985.871.5976 stph.org/homehealthhospice

EDGE February | March 2020

HOSPITAL St.Tammany Health Systems 1202 S. Tyler St., Covington 985.898.4000 stph.org

EDGE OF THE LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE

EDGE February | March 2020

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NIGHTLIFE Bar

Barely Oak

Bloody Mary Mug Shots

Daiquiris & Cream

Happy Hour

St Ann’s Wine & Whiskey Bar

Live Music Venue

Columbia Street Tap Room

Margarita

Habanaros

Furniture

American Factory Direct Attached is a proof of your ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. is unless we receive changes by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v Mandeville Ace

Health Food

Another Beautiful Day

Home Décor

Greige Home Interiors

Jewelry

De Boscq Jewelry

Lighting

ART GALLERY Saladino Gallery 409 E. Boston St. # 100, Covington 504.236.8827 saladinogallery.com

Pine Grove Electrical Supply

Martini

Del Porto

Lingerie Store

Place to go Dancing Ruby’s Roadhouse

Sports Bar

The Chimes Restaurant & Tap Room

SHOPPING Antiques

Mae Antiques

Baby/ Children’s Store Baby’s Corner

Bakery

Mandeville Bake Shop

Bridal Boutique

Olivia Couture Bridal Boutique

Car Dealership

Bill Hood Chevrolet

Consignment Style Encore

Garden Center The Garden Spot

Gifts

Southern Avenue

Fabrics

Fabrics Second To None

Noel Maestri’s Flooring

048

Ambiance Florist

Hardware Store

Daiquiri

Flooring

Florist

Bra Genie

Meat

Saia’s Super Meat Market Attached is a proof of your ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. isPharmacy unless we receive changes by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v Braswell’s

Swimwear Bra Geanie

Men’s Clothing Jos. A. Banks

Outdoor Living

Outdoor Living Center

Sporting Goods

Massey’s Outfitters

DRY CLEANER Shelby’s Dry Clean Delivery Service 67157 Emerson St., Mandeville 504.237.1121 shelbyscleaners.com

EDGE OF THE LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 9

Sunglasses

Sunglass Hut

Supermarket

Rouses Market

Teen Boutique

Columbia Street Mercantile

Tires

Tire World

T’ween Boutique Blossom Girl

Wine

Acquistapace’s

Woman’s Boutique Cameo Boutique

EDGE February | March 2020

TANNING SALON Sun Bodies 328 E. Boston St., Covington 985.327.7269 sbcovington@sunbodiestans.com

EDGE OF THE LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 9

“So much more than just great bagels”

SPORTS CAMPS - BOYS 7-14 Baseball, Speed and Strength, Soccer, Flag Football/Speed and Strength, Wrestling, Basketball contact: https://www.stpauls.com/ student-life/summer-camp/ BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE CAMP

For information contact: t.petit@stpauls.com

FOOTBALL CAMP

For information on camps and registration contact: www.facebook.com/ stpaulsfootballcamps or https://www.stpauls. com/student-life/summer-camp/

THEATER CAMP

Boys and Girls ages 9-13, two sessions June 15-19, and Musical June 22-26 , contact: https://www.stpauls.com/student-life/summercamp/

BREAKFAST

COFFEE stpauls.com 985.892.3200

917 S. Jahncke Ave Covington

1337 Gause Blvd., Slidell| | 985.649.6151 | creolebagelry.com

NOLA Lending Group offers: 

Conventional Loans



Jumbo Mortgages



FHA - Federal Housing Administration Loans



VA - Department of Veterans Affairs Loans

LAKE •  69170 LA 70433 OF THE • PHONE LAKE •985 69170 733HWY 4670190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHO RD - HWY Rural D190. evelopSUITE ment Loa1ns•1 COVINGTON,EDGE 

Mortgage Refinances



Condominium Financing

Thanks for voting NOLA Lending Group F AV O R IT E MO RT GAGE L EN D ER C O MP AN Y!

A P P LY

O N L I N E AT N O L A L E N D I N G . C O M

1. Available in select markets.

The services and products advertised are not approved or endorsed by HUD, USDA, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or any government agency. This does not constitute an offer to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify for all products offered. All loan programs, terms and interest rates are subject to change without notice. Co. NMLS# 488639

EDGE February | March 2020

049

Are You Experiencing the First Signs of a Hearing Loss?

We often have our teeth checked, our eyes checked and our blood-pressure tested, but when was the last time you had a hearing test?

Hearing loss doesn’t happen overnight. It is a gradual process over the years, so it isn’t noticeable at first. But at some point, things will start to change. A few common signs of hearing loss include finding conversations hard to follow, turning the TV’s volume up louder than usual, and asking people to repeat themselves.

Dr. JJ Martinez, AuD, CCC-A, FAAA

Doctor of Audiology, Board Certified Audiologist

You might not think too much of it at first, or, despite any frustrations it is causing you, you might decide to put treatment off for “another day.” Often friends and family are the first to notice one’s hearing loss before it becomes a real challenge for the sufferer.

Slidell | Hammond | Madeville

050

EDGE February | March 2020

Sound familiar?

If so, then SLENT Hearing & Balance Center encourages you to visit one of our hearing centers in Hammond, Slidell or Mandeville, LA for a hearing test. We’ll test your hearing, and identify if a hearing loss is at play, and if so, provide you with some treatment options.

A recent worldwide study* confirmed that eight out of ten hearing aid users reported they had a profound positive impact on their quality of life, including improved relationships at home and work and a better sense of safety and independence.

Download Our Free Guide “The Early Symptoms of a Hearing Loss to Look Out For” Written by Dr. JJ Martinez Visit slenthearing.com/free-guide *Source: Findings of EuroTrak 2015 (ET 2015) and MarkeTrak 9 (MT9) worldwide studies about hearing loss and hearing aids.

Call 985-273-5795 Visit www.slenthearing.com

Attached is a proof of your ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. is unless we receive changes by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v

CATERING AND BRUNCH The Lakehouse Restaurant 2025 Lakeshore Dr., Mandeville 985.626.3006 lakehousecuisine.com

BURGER Times Grill 1896 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville / 985.626.1161 1827 Front St., Slidell / 985.639.3335 timesgrill.com

SERVICES

Hair Removal

Creating U

Hair Salon

Acting School

Air Conditioning Service and Repair Burkhardt Air Conditioning

Architect Firm

Greenleaf Lawson Architects

Builder

Integrity Builders

Car Wash

Pelican Pointe

Cooking Classes Culinary Kids

WAX’D

Kent Jacob

Attached is a proof of your ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine.

High School (Private) is unless we receive changes by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v St Paul’s School

High School (Public) Mandeville High School

Kids’ Party Venue Kid’s Family Arena

Landscape

Smoketree Landscape

Mani Pedi Spa DeView

PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL St. Paul’s School 917 S Jahncke Ave, Covington 985.892.3200 stpauls.com

LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, • PHONE 985HWY 733 4670 EDGELA OF70433 THE LAKE • 69170 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE

Day Spa

Stone Creek Health Club & Spa

Dry Cleaner

Shelby’s Cleaners

Elementary School (Private) Christ Episcopal School

Elementary School (Public) Madisonville Elementary

Emergency Restoration Servpro

Financial Institution Heritage Bank

Mechanic Shop

Christian Brothers Automotive

Mortgage Company Nola Lending

Music School Louisiana

Northlake Academy of Music

Pet Boarding

Camp Bow Wow

Pet Grooming

Mandeville Animal Hospital

Preschool

Cedarwood

Printer/Copier Service

Speedway Printing & Copy Center

HAIR REMOVAL WAX’D 1675 Highway 190, Mandeville 985.778.2005 waxdbody.com

EDGE OF THE LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 9 | EDGE February

March 2020

051

COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

Attached is a proof of yo is unless we receive cha

Reader’s Choice Winners 2017, 2018, 2019

• A clean, comfortable waiting area • Free Wi-Fi • Complimentary beverages • Access to our free shuttle service

Attached is a proof of your ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake maga is unless we receive changes by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or appr

• Our courtesy inspection to ensure the health of your car • Our 3-year/36,000-mile Nice Difference Warranty 4376 Highway 22 | Mandeville, LA

Jeff and Crista Madison owners, with Family

Attached is a proof of you is unless we receive chan

| 985.951.2346

THANK YOU FOR VOTING Frank J. Arena, MD

EDGE of the Lake Readers’ Choice FAVORITE CARDIOLOGIST two years in a row!

EDGE OF THE

EDGE OF THE LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHO LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 985 733 4670

101 Judge Tanner Blvd. Ste. 300 Covington | 985.867.2100

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EDGE February | March 2020

EDGE OF THE

PROOF SHEET

Attached is a proof of Lake your magazine. ad that will This run in ur ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the adthe willJune/July run as issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. is unless weany receive changes by ( 1 . 1via 8.20 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make changes or approve email.

CHILDREN AND MENS SHOES Joe’s Family Shoe Store 1814 N. Causeway Blvd., #4, Mandeville 985.626.5633 joesfamilyshoes.com

URGENT CARE Rapid Urgent Care 218 E. Boston St. Covington / 985.875.0077 1111 N. Causeway Blvd. Ste. 2 Mandeville 985.674.4464 / Rapidurgentcare.com

PROOF SHEET

ur ad that will run in the June/July issue Attached of EDGE is a proof of theofLake your magazine. ad that willThis run in adthe willJune/July run as issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please is unless make weany receive changes changes or approve by ( 1 . 1via 8 . 2email.

0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v

ANTIQUES Mae Antiques 420 Girod St. Mandeville 985.373.1857 Maeantiques.com

DERMATOLOGIST Soine Dermatology 1441 Ochsner Blvd., Covington 985.400.2756 soinederm.com

LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, • PHONE 985HWY 733 4670 EDGELA OF70433 THE LAKE • 69170 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE

Egret Painted on Linen MUSIC SCHOOL Northlake Academy of Music 375 Asbury Dr., Mandeville 985.630.8112 northlakeacademyofmusic.net

FURNITURE American Factory Direct Furniture 218 New Camellia Blvd., Covington 985.871.0300 afd-furniture.com

EDGE LA OF 70433 THE LAKE • 69170 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 9 E LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, • PHONE 985HWY 733 190.

4670SUITEEDGE February | March 2020

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M i k e B r a n d n e r. c o m

Radio Station

PROOF SHEET

Lake 94.7

Real Estate Company

Keller Williams

ur ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of theofLake will June/July run as Attached is a proof your magazine. ad that willThis run ad in the issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine Senior Living Facility nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please makewe any changes or approve is unless receive changes by ( 1 . 1via 8 . 2email.

0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v Christwood Retirement Community

Summer Camps

Franco’s Health Club & Spa

Tanning Spa Sun Bodies

TEA The English Tea Room 734 E. Rutland St., Covington, La. 985.898.3988 englishtearoom.com

Urgent Care

Rapid Urgent Care

Wedding Venue

The Southern Hotel

PROOF SHEET

ur ad that will run in the June/July issue Attached of EDGE is a proof of theofLake your magazine. ad that willThis run in adthe willJune/July run as issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please is unless make weany receive changes changes or approve by ( 1 . 1via 8 . 2email.

0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v

GIFTS Southern Avenue 70488 Hwy. 21, Covington 985.871.1466 shopsouthernavenue.com

HOME DECOR Greige Home Interiors 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Covington 985.875.7576 greigehome.com EDGE OF THE LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE

DAIQUIRI Daiquiris & Creams 339 N. Highway 190, Covington, 985.871.0500 1737 Florida Mandeville, 985.624.3030 2060 West Gause, Slidell, 985.781.9878

CAR DEALERSHIP Bill Hood Chevrolet 69020 Hwy 190 Service Rd, Covington 985.892.4663 hoodchevy.com

LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, • PHONE 985HWY 733 4670 EDGELA OF70433 THE LAKE • 69170 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE | EDGE February

March 2020

055

PROOF SHEET

Attached is a proof of your ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine is unless we receive changes by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve ur ad that will run in the June/July issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. This ad will run as nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve via email.

PRINTER Speedway Printing 2575 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville 985.626.0032 speedwayprinting.net

TENNIS COURTS/DAY SPA Stone Creek Club & Spa 1201 Ochsner Blvd. Covington 985.801.7100 stonecreekclubandspa.Com

PROOF SHEET

ur ad that will run in the June/July issue Attached of EDGE is a proof of theofLake your magazine. ad that willThis run in adthe willJune/July run as issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine nges by ( 1 . 1 8 . 2 0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please is unless make weany receive changes changes or approve by ( 1 . 1via 8 . 2email.

0 2 0 ) a t 5 : 0 0 P M . Please make any changes or approve v

HAPPY HOUR St Ann Wine & Whiskey Bar 22 Saint Ann Drive Ste. 2, Mandeville 985.778.0505 stannwinebar.com

ICE CREAM Sweet Rolls 70493 Hwy 21, Suite 300, Covington, 985.900.2407 2033 US-190, Covington, 985.234.9776 mysweetrolls.com

EDGE LA OF 70433 THE LAKE • 69170 E LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, • PHONE 985HWY 733 190.

4670SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 9

TIRES BARTENDER Tire World Car Care Center Times Grill 1806 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville 1896 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville 985.626.8538 985.626.1161 EDGE OF THE LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE Tireworldccc.com timesgrill.com LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE 985 733 4670 |

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March 2020

RESTAURANTS

Personal Trainer

Golf Course

Dragon Palace

Photographer

Museum

Asian

Bar Food

Time Out Bar & Grill

Barbecue

Red Zone Sports Bar & Grill

Brunch

Yoyo’s Mexican Restaurant

Burger

The House

Coffee Shop Golden Pear

Mexican Maria’s

Italian

Napoli’s Italian Restaurant

WASHINGTON

Po-Boy

Coach’s Po-boys

Salad

The House

Seafood

House of Seafood Market

Snowball

Sunshine Snowballs

Soup

Golden Pear

Sushi

Yamato’s Steak House

PEOPLE Artist

Craig McMillan

Attorney

John Allen

Builder

Brandi Burdete Bert Burr

Heather Bush Seal

Chris Workman

Public Park

Bogue Chitto State Parkk

Dentist

Swim Club

Hospital

Tourist Attraction

OB/GYN

NIGHTLIFE

Bogalusa YMCA

Mitou Lemarie, D.D.S

Bogue Chitto Tubing Center

Our Lady of the Angels Maria Buenaflor, M.D.

Bar

Yoyo’s Bar & Grill

Optometrist

Marc Hautot, O.D.

Daiquiri

Union Square great Room

Internist

Steven Ogden, M.D.

Happy Hour

Bogalusa Country Club

Pediatrician

Raghubir Mangat, M.D.

Margarita

Maria’s Mexican

Physical Therapist Jay Schultz, M.P.T

Sports Bar

Time Out Bar & Grill

Urgent Care

Rapid Urgent Care

SHOPPING Antique

Veterinarian

Esma’s Antiques

The Animal Place

ALL THINGS ARTY

Bakery

Summer Stewart

Dirt Cheap

Cinnamon Tree

Art Classes

Bargain Shopping

Parade

Car Dealership

Larry Pack’s Best Buy Autoplex

Washington Parish Free Fair Parade

Children’s Clothing

Festival

Theatre Group

Insurance Agent

Cassidy Park

MEDICAL

High School Coach

Walter Buddy Adams

Place to Run/Walk

Tattoo Artist Troy Carney

Tommy Wascom

CPA

The Museum of Native American Culture

Real Estate Agent

Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival

Michael Cummings

Bogalusa Country Club

Little Feet Boutique

Garden Center Garden Spot

Franklinton Community Theater

Gifts

SPORTS AND LEISURE

Florist

Fancy Fig Boutique Floral Connection

Fitness Studio

HL Brownstone Fitness EDGE February | March 2020

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Furniture

Dance Studio

Carney’s Furniture & Appliances

Southern Sass Dance Company

Hardware Store

Bogalusa Cleaners & Laundry

Barber’s Hardware & Repair

Jewelry

Tyler Ross

Meat

Jack Browns

Pharmacy

Neilsen’s Pharmacy

Supermarket Jack Browns

Dry Cleaner

Elementary School (Private) Annunciation Catholic School

Financial Institution Lee Finance

Hair Salon Salon 16

Insurance

Bill Mc Gehee Insurance

Kids Party Venue

Tires

Bogalusa County Club

Teen Boutique

Mani Pedi Spa

Magic City Tires & Services Silverleaf

Magic Nails

Wine

High School (Public)

The Pumping Station

Franklinton High School

Woman’s Boutique

Pet Boarding

Wild Blu Boutique

Bella’s Paws Spa

SERVICES

Pet Grooming

Air Conditioning Service and Repair Carney’s Furniture & Appliances

Bella’s Paws Spa

Printer/Copier Service

TOURIST ATTRACTION Bayou Adventure 28178 Hwy. 190 Lacombe 985.882.9208 bayouadventure.com

Radio Station

Highway 104.7

Real Estate

GAR Real Estate

Summer Camps Believe

Wedding Venue

The Louisiana Castle

Delta Printing

EDGE OF THE LAKE • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 • COVINGTON, LA 70433 • PHONE

For Readers’ Choice Awards in Tangipahoa go to tangilifestyles.com

river adventure Houston Ward Travel by Dream Vacations dreamvacations.com 504.369.3113

STORY AND PHOTOS LISA CONDREY WARD

O

ne never knows where and when doors of opportunity may open. Most recently for me an opportunity to start a travel agency with my son, Houston, presented itself, and after much thought and analysis we took the plunge. Happily, that decision then led to an opportunity for us to experience a European river cruise to visit the Christmas Markets in towns and villages along the Rhine River.

I have traveled to Europe many times, but never on a river cruise. I am so glad we did! We sailed out of Amsterdam with a family-owned European company, AmaWaterways. After some sight-seeing in the city, we set off in the afternoon. The ship was very spacious and nicely appointed. I was impressed with the incredibly hospitable and accommodating staff. As we settled in, we began to meet the other passengers – people from all over the world, young and old, who are passionate about traveling. I quickly found that interactions with fellow cruise passengers is very different from how guests at a hotel typically interact. On a boat there is a leisurely pace where conversations can be more in-depth.

We met people from Australia, Malta, Puerto Rico, Canada, and every place in between who told of their travels and life in their part of the world. It was also nice that the ship was designed with ample quiet spaces to be alone and read a book or watch the lovely scenery float by.

Our first docking was Cologne, Germany. There, as at each subsequent stop, we divided into small groups (depending upon interests and activity levels) for a walk with a local guide to learn about the history of the place and points of interest. Then we explored on our own until time to board the boat again. The Christmas Markets were delightful. They are all unique in style and in the items offered. It is clearly a beloved event for the locals and something that would put even the Grinch in a jolly holiday mood. Local foods and traditional handcrafts were available for purchase, and walking the streets of these medieval towns and villages gaily decorated for the holidays was a visual feast.

Just being on the river itself was very interesting and beautiful.

Gliding past ever-changing scenery of castles, villages, farms and countryside was magical. To my surprise there were hundreds of swans in the water all along the route. Unlike my typical European vacations where I feel I am sprinting from site to site, I found myself relaxing and enjoying the pace of the travel as well as the museums, cathedrals and markets.

It was fascinating to me to go through the many locks on the river, and seeing Germany’s more industrial ports was something I would have never seen on a land journey.

There is an old world quality to river cruising that is very romantic to me, and I cannot wait for the next opportunity to arise!

EDGE February | March 2020

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STEADFAST INTEGRITY, PROVEN METTLE. During his tenure on the bench, Judge Rick Swartz has handled several thousand civil and criminal cases and he has presided over more than two hundred trials including 136 jury trials.

• District Court Judge – 22nd Judicial District – 2009-Present • Chief Judge – 22nd Judicial District Court – 2016-2018 • Supervisor – 22nd Judicial District DWI/Sobriety Court Program October 2011-Present • Appointed Judge Pro Tempore, Slidell City Court, by the Louisiana Supreme Court – 2004 • Interim Ad Hoc Judge, Slidell City Court – 1990-2004

Election Day: April 4 Early Voting: March 21 - 28 www.swartz4judge.com Rick@swartz4judge.com

062

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Judge Richard A. “Rick” Swartz

EDGE February | March 2020

RANKED THE NUMBER ONE PLACE TO LIVE IN LOUISIANA

by The Chamber of Commerce

WWW.CCRCMT.COM

985.629.4646

844.545.4189

DELABLEAU.COM

985.624.8655 GEAUXTITLE.COM 505 GIROD ST. MANDEVILLE, LA 70448

985.231.7688

ROBSROCKINDOGS.COM

2012 JEFFERSON STREET MANDEVILLE, LA. 70448 985.235.0463 FLAMJEAUX.COM

www.skinandbrow.com 335 Girod Street in Historic Old Mandeville

COMMUNITY LEADERS

Donald Villere City of Mandeville Mayor

Mark Jonhson City of Covington Mayor

064

The new year is bright and promising for the City of Mandeville. We are blessed and fortunate to be in a sustainable financial situation, have wonderful natural resources, delightful residents and faithful employees who work hard to serve our citizens. We are also preparing to launch a new website that will be even more user friendly and filled with information on events, city meetings and services for those in need of assistance.

Mardi Gras season is here, and the Krewe of Eve will parade through the streets of Mandeville on Friday, February 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Their theme will be “Everybody Loves Eve.” The rain date is Monday, February 17th at 7:00. The Old Mandeville Business Association’s new dog parade, “Krewe du Pooch” will parade on the lakefront February 29th with a rain date of March 7th. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. and the parade rolls at 2:00 p.m. For more information go to krewedupooch.org.

Our Mandeville Live! spring concerts will kick off on Friday, March 13th at the Trailhead.

Admission is free. As we step into spring, it’s also a great time to take an historic walking tour of Mandeville. Maps are available at the Lang House, City Hall, the Trailhead and our website. Phase II has been completed so when you arrive at a site, use the QR code on your phone or phone camera, and voiceovers will now convey the history to you along with historic photos. Phase III will include videos and will begin sometime later this year.

If you would like to keep up with what is happening in the city, sign up for EBriefs, which are emails you will receive from my office bimonthly. These messages will inform you of city meetings, job opportunities, changes and updates in services and major events. You can find the registration on the front of our website, www.cityofmandeville.com.

Finally, let me take this opportunity to wish all of you a safe and prosperous new year!

Twas Happy Holidays: The Christmas season in Covington was so wonderful that the Hallmark Channel was envious – Candlelight Caroling, the History and Holly Home Tour, Rotary’s Feeding the Needy, Caroline Darby Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway and Celtic Angel singers at the Fuhrmann Auditorium. The Hallmark Channel so wants to be us.

The St. Tammany Parish Library Covington Branch reopens on Monday, January 27th and makes it official with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, February 5th. Saturday, February 8th there will be a Grand Reopening which includes … Zumba with the Mayor! (1:00 pm). It’s fun, it’s free and it’s good for you : ) Feet will be tapping and hands a-clapping when the Atlantic City Boys bring their mix of comedy and musical harmonies (Beach Boys, Drifters, Bee Gees and Frankie Valli) to the Fuhrmann on February 13th.

The same as past decades, Covington is the place to be for Mardi Gras. The Mystic Krewe of Olympia “rides the lightning” on Saturday, February 15th. The Lions Club and Krewe of Covington roll at 10:00 am on Fat Tuesday with Grand Marshal Chef Pat Gallagher and Celebrity Grand Marshal Vince Vance. Then, Vince Vance and the Valiants rock the Trailhead at noon with food, fun and music.

The Downtown Covington Film Festival is at the Southern Hotel on Friday and Saturday, February 28-29th. Then the City goes to the dogs with the Howlelujah Film Festival on the 29th (Fuhrmann Auditorium) and Mardi Paws dog-parade on March 1st.

The Hallmark Channel’s jealousy is palpable.

EDGE February | March 2020

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Kickoff to Carnival With The Fools of Misrule

STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH PHOTOS MATTHEW SCHLENKER

A

s soon as I moved here ten years ago, I discovered that there is so much about this region that’s either unknown or completely misunderstood by the outside world. Half the fun of living here has been pushing past the obvious to discover its more obscure layers of history and culture.

Probably the most misconstrued Louisiana customs are related to Mardi Gras. Many, many outsiders truly believe it’s all about beads, boobs and booze and are completely unaware of all the many facets of this most famous of local traditions.

Like most non-natives, I always understood that Mardi Gras was basically the blow out party that leads up to Lent.

Eat, drink and be merry, then repent and fast from Ash Wednesday until Easter. But soon after my arrival, a lot of other elements were brought into focus. For instance, it’s a no-brainer for locals, but not everyone in the rest of the world understands that though Mardi Gras is often used as a general term, it actually specifically refers to Fat Tuesday, the final day of carnival season. The season itself actually begins soon after Christmas. This kickoff to carnival season came as the biggest and most delightful surprise for me.

New Orleans typically marks the occasion with two major events on January 6 that are almost polar opposites. The Joan of Arc parade (Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc) is a majestic, torch-lit, medieval-themed walking parade through the French Quarter that ends with a champagne toast and the first bites of king cake. Meanwhile, the Phunny Phorty Phellows is a high-spirited masked krewe that takes over the St. Charles streetcar for a rollicking, rolling party through town to loudly celebrate and announce the start of carnival season.

We’re fortunate enough to have an event on the Northshore that combines the pageantry of the former with the spirit of the latter.

A CARNIVAL SEASON REFRESHER If this all seems very no-duh to you, just hold tight for a quick refresher course. There’s a point, I promise.

For perspective, it’s important to note that because Easter’s date changes every year, the length of the season and, therefore, the date of Mardi Gras Day changes every year, as well. But the season always begins on the same date, January 6, because of Christmas and Epiphany’s fixed dates.

Epiphany, sometimes referred to as Three Kings Day, is the Christian holiday celebrated on January 6, the twelfth day after Christmas, which marks the arrival of the magi to meet the newborn son of God and deliver their gifts. Many cultures have been known to hold celebrations on Epiphany Eve, or Twelfth Night, with various customs, such as baking special cakes and “wassailing,” which is basically carolling around town with cocktails.

Put it all together, and suddenly everything from king cake to rowdy parades to Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” play (which made its debut during London’s Twelfth Night celebrations of 1602, by the way) to that seemingly endless “12 Days of Christmas” song, collides in a spectacularly festive fashion.

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ST. JOHN FOOLS OF MISRULE For those living on this side of Lake Pontchartrain who don’t want to deal with the hassle of crossing the Causeway, maneuvering through massive crowds and searching for those elusive parking spots in order to participate in New Orleans’ festivities, there are plenty of local parades and events to get the job done. But until recently, Twelfth Night was woefully overlooked.

Luckily, that changed in 2011, when the St. Johns Fools of Misrule Twelfth Night Marching Club came to be. Before speaking with Dan Cobb, a founding member and owner of Wild Thyme Farms & Nursery, I did a little research on this whole “misrule” concept.

It turns out, there’s a Lord of Misrule tradition that can be traced back to pre-Christian events, such as the Celtic festival of Samhain and the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia. Back in those days, it was customary for one specially appointed master of ceremonies and king of the carnival to enjoy all sorts of rights and privileges of this honorary position throughout the season, before... being put to death at its conclusion.

WHOA, THAT TOOK A DARK TURN, RIGHT? Thankfully, Covington’s Fools of Misrule take their cues from the kinder, gentler, old English tradition, where an individual gets to be the party king throughout the season, and when the festivities end, his life does not.

This year’s march took place on Saturday, January 11, which you will notice isn’t technically Twelfth Night. At its inception, the group made a decidedly not-foolish decision regarding the event’s annual date.

“We do the Saturday after Twelfth Night, so we don’t have hangovers for work the next day,” Dan admitted.

Which is especially funny because on the Monday morning I spoke with him, though he was incredibly engaging and jovial, he admitted he was “a little hazy,” as he was nursing a hangover from their Sunday night club Christmas party.

So, how did The Fools – who added “St. John” to their name, in honor of Covington’s historic district – come about?

“It was originally supposed to be a St. Patrick’s Day marching club,” Dan explained. “But, we sat down one night with Pat Gallagher (legendary local restaurateur) over a few drinks, and decided on Twelfth Night instead. We passed around a hat, raised $200-300 and applied for the permit.”

As a founding member, I had to ask if he had a cool title, and his reply did not disappoint.

“I’m the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod,” he proclaimed. I snickered and wondered aloud if I wanted to know what that meant.

“In the UK’s House of Lords, it’s the person whose job it is to carry a ceremonial rod and bang it to maintain order,” he told me with a laugh. “Everything we do we stole from old English clubs.”

If you know anything about typical Mardi Gras krewe membership fees, you know that $200 a year is an absolute steal. That gets you admission to the annual feast and march, a crawfish boil, pig roast, Christmas party and once a month, there’s a Fools on Friday meetup in a local bar. Get a current member to vouch for you, and you’re in.

Membership has included doctors, lawyers, police chiefs, business owners and even newly elected parish president, Mike Cooper. Alongside the all-male Fools, they have the Jewels, comprised of women who act as an auxiliary group to the club.

On the night of the march, the whole club enjoys a feast and party at the Columbia Street Tap Room before walking to the Covington Trailhead, where the mayor announces the beginning of the carnival season, and everyone gets their first bite of king cake. Whoever gets the bean hidden inside the cake is named the new Lord of Misrule for the following year.

Last year, Dr. Jay Saux had this honor. Dan described him as a pirate oncologist, as he’s known to dress in swashbuckling attire to lift the spirits of his oncology patients. He sounds like the perfect representative of a group that enjoys a good time, but also gives back to the community.

While Dan admits it’s more of a social club than a marching club, The Fools of Misrule is also a non-profit organization. Each year, they choose a charity to sponsor, and they host a “chicken drop” fundraiser on either an LSU or Saints game day. Participants pay to guess where on a floor grid a live chicken is going to drop – well, what chickens are known to drop. The correct guess wins a prize, and profits go to a worthy cause. Last year, it benefitted a member battling throat cancer.

When I asked Dan to describe what the public can expect from the annual march, he replied, “Very nice costumes.

Medieval-type outfits. I get mine at the Renaissance Fest.

Some go all out with handmade costumes. We also hire street performers, fire breathers, fairies on stilts and a float for the lord. It’s quite a show.”

To witness the show, and subject yourself to the club’s “unruliness with cowbells and whips while delivering jeers and spankings to those caught on the street unaware,” mark your calendar for next year. It’s sure to put you in the spirit of carnival season, not to mention The Fools of Misrule’s official slogan: vivere vitam omnino – live life completely.

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Saturday, March 21, 2020 419 N New Hampshire Street Covington, Louisiana 70433

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A Taste of Covington.com

Buy Tickets Online

Wednesday & Thursdays, During the Month of April - 7:00pm Seating Vintner Dinners at top local venues by reservation at varied prices Friday, April 3rd - 7:30pm - 9:30pm at St.Tammany Art Association Festa del Vino - NEW ** on FRIDAY NIGHT for 2020 Saturday, April 4th - 7:30pm - 9:30pm at The Covington Trailhead Grand Tasting - NEW ** SATURDAY NIGHT for 2020 Sunday, April 5th Annadele's Plantation - 11:00am Champagne Jazz Brunch by Reservation ** Pricing, menus and complete information at www.aTasteofCovington.com

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SPICE IT UP WITH A LITTLE GLITTER STORY CAITLIN C. PICOU PHOTOS JOEL TREADWELL

M

y mantra is ‘less is more,’ but sometimes you need to ‘jush’ it up.

Try some glitter! So easy to apply and you’re sure to be the life of the party.

WHERE TO APPLY: The easiest place to apply is cheekbones. Face glitters are a blend of a gel or cream with glitter. Just take a little scoop with your finger and pat along your upper cheeks. Repeat until you are happy with the amount of glitter.

For an even bolder look, try applying dry glitter over your lipstick and lip gloss. You will want a powder glitter that isn’t blended with a gel or cream for this look. Apply your lipstick color (preferably close to the glitter shade), apply a clear lip gloss, and then pat the powder glitter over the lips.

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Models: Stephanie Simeon/Emily Randon - Glitter by Kismet Cosmetics Hair/Makeup: Amanda Hampton Bravender of AHB Hair and Makeup Services

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My turn:

by Chef Jeff Mattia

ABOUT JEFF MATTIA In every issue, EDGE of the Lake invites a local chef or restauranteur to visit another eatery on the Northshore. Jeff Mettia is chef and partner of Pyre Provisions on Highway 21 in Covington, a Southern restaurant serving barbeque and wood fired food. He’s been a chef for the last twentyfive years, starting in the military before travelling throughout the country and settling in New Orleans in 2009, when he landed a job with John Besh. When asked to describe a perfect meal for himself, he said “simple, rustic Italian food.”

For EDGE of the Lake Magazine, I made my first breakfast visit to Beck-N-Call. It had a cool interior and I’m guessing small town diner was the look they were going for. There’s metal paneling on the walls, with lots of tile. The coffee bar was not really arranged in any particular order, kind of free form, which I thought was cool. There’s counter service, and then you sit down and they bring the food to you. The kitchen is in the back, so you don’t sit at the counter and watch them cook. Honestly, the whole set up reminded me of my time traveling in Vermont and New Hampshire.

So, I ordered the New Hampshire Hash, which was fried potatoes with onions and peppers, scrambled eggs, and biscuits and gravy. The food was really good. For the atmosphere they created, I think the food fit the bill completely. It was hot and fresh and the biscuits were flaky. It was all really well put together.

And as good as the food was, I equally enjoyed my fellow customers. Some were from the older generation and two of them decided to sit with me.

They were not strangers for long. We had this great conversation and I got to hear some of their stories.

Their presence made the environment and the meal that much more pleasurable.

The service was spot on. Servers wore logoed t-shirts and were very attentive and pleasant. I ordered a little more than most people would, so I think the price point for Beck-N-Call is $12 to $14 for a good meal with plenty of food.

I had heard good things about it and now I can say it myself. Many historic downtowns like Covington try to present a restaurant like this, and most don’t quite pull it off. Beck-N-Call does. They have a perfect location for locals, and provide great food that is served quickly.

Brian Bosarge and Eddie Gaden opened Beck-N-Call in May of 2003. In addition to a hearty breakfast, they serve the kind of comfort food locals grew up with – such as red beans and meat loaf – as well as an array of specialty sandwiches, soups and salads. They are open Monday through Friday 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. for breakfast and 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for lunch.

Saturdays they are open from 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. for breakfast only.

BECK-N-CALL CAFE 534 N. New Hampshire St., Covington 985.875.9390

The Professional Woman of St. Tammany held their 3rd Annual Women’s Choice Awards Luncheon at Tchefuncta Country Club. The winners this year were Sarada Bonnett, Karla Glenn, Diane Kramer, Linda Larkin and Shiloh Moates.

St. Tammany Health System announced the first baby born at the hospital in 2020: Lucy James Marchetta, pictured with her proud parents Courtney and Erick Marchetta of Slidell.

The class of 2019 joined with other members of the You Night sisterhood for a viewing party.

Pictures shown are from the viewing party and the event.

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The Old Mandeville Business Association hosted their Empty Bowl fundraiser to benefit The Samaritan Center at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club. Guests were given hand crafted bowls as a keepsake and treated to food, live music and a silent auction.

Franco’s Health Club and Spa held their annual Chef’s Holiday Tasting event to raise money for the Northshore Food Bank. Local restaurants served holiday themed dished to guests at the sold out luncheon. (Pictures Tom Ballantine)

Alex Carollo, John and Brenda Case and Representative Mary DuBuisson. The Cases were the recipients of the 2019 BRAVO! Patron of the Arts Award

Mayor Cromer and Santa and Mrs. Claus kick off the inaugural Olde Towne Slidell Community Christmas Parade.

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Michael Cooper was sworn in as the new St. Tammany Parish President at the Furman Auditorium. He was joined by his wife Catherine, elected officials, friends and family for the inauguration and reception.

The Saint Scholastica Academy Royalettes competed in the Universal Dance Academy State Competition in Hammond, LA and were awarded first place in both their Pom and Kick routines.

They will compete in the National Competition in Orlando, Florida.

Saint Paul’s Thanksgiving Food Drive delivered over 9,000 pounds of food to the Covington Food Bank to help with the Thanksgiving donation boxes.

Junior High students at Lee Road Junior High stuffed stockings and goodie bags that were delivered to Veterans at Forest Manor Nursing Home.

Abby Sands held an open studio event showing her artwork along with works from Joachim Casell and Steve Hasslock.

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2020 Entertainment Schedule

(From L to R) Grand Marshal Linda Ball Ryan; King Braville J. Leblanc; Queen Samantha Marie Hebert; Festival Chairman Shelley Matherne

Special Thanks to our 2020 Major Sponsor

Kajun 107.1, Tangi 96.5, Highway 104.7, Champagne Beverage, Guaranty Broadcasting, United Rentals, Amwaste, Tangi Tourism, Bohnings Markets, Hancock Whitney, HATS Equipment, Star Equipment, Interstate Golf Cars, First Baptist Church of Ponchatoula, and Rainforest Nutritionals.

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• The City of Slidell presents •

Arts Evening Saturday, March 21, 2020 5-9 pm • Free Admission Olde Towne Slidell 646-4375 • MySlidell.com Local Artists & Artwork Live Entertainment Fine & Casual Dining Antique, Boutique & Unique Shopping “Seeing Beyond: Ansel Adams Photographs from the New Orleans Museum of Art” in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall

“Biking in Olde Towne” by Susan Erickson, Arts Evening 2019

The City of Slidell and the Commission on the Arts would like to thank our 2019/2020 Cultural Season Sponsors for making this event possible: Renaissance $5,000 Sponsors:

Sophisticated Woman Magazine

Baroque, $2,500 Sponsors: Acadian Ambulance • C. Ray Murry, Attorney At Law Jazz on the Bayou/Ronnie Kole Foundation • Silver Slipper Casino Neoclassical, $1,000 Sponsors: Councilman Bill & Laura Borchert • Lori’s Art Depot/Lori Gomez Art Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien Insurance Agency • Purple Armadillo Again Impressionism, $500 Sponsors: Chateau Bleu • CiCi’s Pizza • Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer • Flatliners Entertainment Old School Eats • Olde Towne Print Shop • Pontchartrain Investment Management • Roberta’s Cleaners • Sirocco Coffee Co. Slidell Historic Antique Association • Terry Lynn’s Café • Tanya Witchen, Engel & Völkers Real Estate

This event is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts Thi as administered by the St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affffaairs.

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OFF THE AIR with Charles Dowdy

Charles Dowdy is a broadcaster and writer living with his wife and four children on the Northshore. You can hear him each weekday morning from 6 to 10 on Lake 94.7.

Brunette Altos and a Five-Year-Old Wiggler

M

y wife sings in the church choir, so I’m given the impossible task of keeping a five-year-old wiggler from disrupting the service.

Who decided this was a good idea?

My other kids are all somewhere else. The twins toddle around the basement prison in a room with an open door secured with a wooden baby gate.

My daughter is in four-year-old Sunday School. Next year she will join us in the balcony, then I’ll have a wiggler on each side of me.

If you have to sit with your kid in my church then there are some benefits to arm’s length worship from the balcony.

Every squirm, cough, kick and trip to the bathroom is not such a major production up there. Our balcony is a place of worshipper exile. It is a place to hide out, somewhere to go if your shirt needed ironing or if you were so late you missed the offering plate. It is not for the serious worshipper.

But there is a serious downside to our balcony. We’re at the same level as a movie screen for the people around the pulpit. For my wife, in the choir loft, it is like watching an R rated version of “Bad Parenting III: The Father who Can’t Control his Rambunctious Child.”

Conventional wisdom would have me worried about the wrathful glare of our preacher. Not so. He seems to be a benevolent sort; sometimes I sense a hint of compassion as he watches me wrestle my son into a headlock. No, I’m worried about the woman behind him, my wife.

The problem is simple enough. My wife is an alto.

I don’t know if this holds true in choirs nationwide, but in my church altos are bad news. From their choir loft perch they pass judgment on every white shoe before Easter and every garment of linen after Labor Day. Without a word their collective look can say, “She’s wearing that to the baptism?” or “Stewardship campaign: give more money to the church, we get it, WE GET IT!” After my wife spends an hour in their company, I have to slowly talk her back down, reintroducing her to equality within the marriage like I’m dealing with some juiced up junkie.

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I don’t know where this alto mentality originates. Maybe they hold some kind of grudge against the sopranos. While this may not be statistically accurate, I have noticed that most sopranos wear their hair blonde while altos tend to be dark haired. Perhaps the altos resent the blond coloring of their counterparts. To make a timely analogy, given the end of football season, I think the sopranos are the cheerleaders out in front of the crowd performing unspontaneous cheers and the altos are the ones sitting in the stands talking bad about the sopranos. The analogy doesn’t work as well on the male side of my church choir because, quite frankly, those guys don’t have the legs for cheerleading skirts.

All I do know for sure is after a few minutes with those altos my wife suddenly transforms into Dirty Harriet with a hymnal.

This is not the way church is supposed to be.

Church is supposed to be a place to heal spiritual wounds and make your heart whole. It’s kind of hard to mend your heart when a five-year-old with really sharp little teeth is biting you. And my wife doesn’t look very relaxed in the choir loft either. It must be exhausting furrowing your brow at the balcony for an entire sixty minutes.

At least I can take some comfort in knowing relief is on the way.

Our choir director is retiring. She’s a wee bit intense, or perhaps I should say she’s real committed to her music.

Heaven help the poor man who has to step into her pumps. Once she retires, my kid could do naked cartwheels across the balcony and no one will notice. All furrowed brows will be directed squarely at this woman, wondering which Sunday she’ll come out of the pew and run screaming across the pulpit attacking the man who just announced the choir would be performing “Onward Christian Soldier” with a ukulele accompaniment.

Two grownups fighting in the front of the church? That might be something my five-year-old would sit still for.