EDGE of the Lake Magazine June | July 2018

P E O P L E

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H O M E S

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H E A LT H

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JUNE | JULY 2018

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F O O D

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T R A V E L

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CELEBRATE TALL SHIPS

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UNIQUE SPACES

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SPORTMAN’S EDGE TAMMANY TRACE

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FASHION

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FABRICS 101

BLUEBERRIES

TRAVEL

WORTH A DRIVE

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LIFESTYLE TRENDS

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HEALTH TEA

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BEAUTY EYELINER

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THEATRE

DENNY CHARBONNET

060 BOSTON

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RESTAURANT REVIEW MY TURN BY CHEF: LUKE HIDALGO

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REAL ESTATE

TIPS

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AROUND THE LAKE

SOCIAL

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CHARLES OFF THE AIR TWINS

Page 008 Tall Ships

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985-900-1212 8080 Westshore Drive Covington, LA 70433

www.mbofcovington.com

PUBLISHER Sarah Cottrell After my father took an early retirement at the age of 62, he joined the Volunteer Services Overseas and accepted a two year assignment to teach high school in the Iringa Region of Tanzania, Africa. He had an amazing time there, and developed a deep affinity for the people of Tanzania. He traveled back several times to visit Africa and shared with us his many wonderful stories of his time there.

For his assignment in Africa, my father had to learn to speak Swahili, something else he embraced fully.

When my son was a few months old and had just started trying to speak, my father commented on my son’s brilliance – that he too was trying to speak Swahili by calling him Babu, the word used for grandfather. The name stuck, and we all came to refer to my father as Babu.

His experiences became part of the fabric of our family’s life and story, and we honor his memory by sharing his stories. We have a sign in our home that says “Karibu Tena” – meaning ‘Once welcome, always welcome.’ I love having pieces in my home that tell a story.

For this issue, I set out to find unique living spaces on the Northshore – places that have stories of their own. I hope you enjoy seeing these diverse spaces that make up the Northshore.

PUBLISHER

EDITOR Max Cady ART DIRECTOR Erich Belk STYLE DIRECTOR Patty Beal BEAUTY EDITOR Caitlin Picou COPY EDITOR Mary-Brent Brown CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary-Brent Brown Charles Dowdy Meridith Knight Jan Lantrip Liz Genest Smith Louis Williams STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jerry Cottrell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS G. Brent Brown Alexandra Dobbins David McDonnel Jenna Simon Joel Tredwell SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVES Eloise Cottrell Rick Clasen ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Rebecca Blossman-Ferran Erin Bolton Dave Dunaway

CORRECTION: Heart Walk – EDGE of the Lake incorrectly published the family name, the correct name is Dishon. For the Dylan Team picture please see page 71

ON THE COVER Potting Shed Photo Jerry Cottrell

The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted

by EDGE Publishing. @ 2018 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.

EDGE PUBLISHING • 69170 HWY 190. SUITE 1 COVINGTON, LA 70433 • 985.875.9691

Charo Arnold, Mandeville mom and neonatal nurse, was 16-weeks pregnant with Mila Grace when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Our multidisciplinary team of specialists delivered the best possible outcomes: Charo is cancer-free thanks to treatment before and after the birth of her daughter.

World-class breast cancer care, close to home.

Breast cancer is one of the hardest diagnoses a woman can face. Having your treatment close to home can make all the difference. We offer the highest quality care right here in Covington, from our breast-fellowship trained radiologists and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers to our multidisciplinary team approach including breast surgery, St. Tammany Parish Hospital delivers top ranked breast cancer care close to home. stph.org/WomensPavilion

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EDGE June | July 2018

SETTING SAIL STORY SARAH COTTRELL PHOTOS JERRY COTTRELL

The arrival of the tall ships and navy ships from around the world is just one of many events marking New Orleans’ 300th Anniversary. We were invited by our friends at Gambel Communications to take a sunset sail on Lake Ponchartrain on one of the tall ships visiting the city during NOLA Navy Week. The tall ships are indeed tall, but the term means a large, traditionally rigged sailing vessel.

EDGE June | July 2018

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For more information: TallshipLynx.com

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EDGE June | July 2018

LETTER FROM THE PARISH PRESIDENT

The Lynx is a 122 foot square topsail schooner. It was designed and built as an interpretation of an American “letter of marque” vessel from the War of 1812. Ships with this letter were licensed to attack and capture enemy vessels across international borders, a patriotic and profitable act (profitable because if a privateer captured a ship they would gain ownership of it). The original Lynx, serving as a blockade-runner and offensive weapon of war, was among the first ships to defend American freedom. Dedicated to all those who cherish the blessings of America, the Lynx sails as a living history museum, providing inspiration and resolve at this time in our nation’s history. She is fitted with period ordnance, or guns, and flies flags and pennants from the 1812 era.

We boarded the ship late one April evening and met up with our fellow sailors and, I am happy to report, a very experienced crew. We set sail from the Ponchartrain Landing in New Orleans, and once the Seabrook Bridge was raised we were able to maneuver our way from the Intercoastal Canal into Lake Ponchartrain. The crew worked together under the watchful eyes of Co-Captains Don and Alex Peacock, a father-son team. Raising the sails was no easy feat, but once the sails were fully hoisted their majestic beauty was a breathtaking sight. To be propelled across the lake entirely under the power of the wind was an experience of a lifetime, and something I will always remember.

Happy Birthday New Orleans!

‘TIS THE SEASON Hurricane season is underway, and we here on the Gulf Coast know that we can expect to not know what to expect. Parish Government starts hurricane preparations for the coming season as soon as the prior season ends. As part of our preparations this year, we have upgraded our Parish-wide emergency alert system.

The new and improved ALERT St. Tammany is now virtually maintenancefree, the mapping is state-of-the-art, it can be initiated from multiple devices, it is housed on the cloud � freeing up space on our internal servers � and is operator-friendly. In addition, the new system costs significantly less and comes with many more amenities not previously available on the original system.

The good news is that if you signed up for ALERT St. Tammany in the past, your information is already in the new system. If any of your information has changed since you signed up, however, you will need to contact the St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security at 985-867-3788 to assist you in making the changes. If you haven’t yet, please sign up now. Simply visit our website at www.stpgov.org and click on the words Be Prepared on the right-hand side of the homepage. This will take you to the signup page and walk you through the process.

Remember to make a plan for your family in case you need one, connect with us on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linked In) and sign-up for email alerts to stay updated on Parish news. Have a safe and happy summer!

PAT BRISTER St. Tammany Parish President

119 E. Thomas Street Hammond 985.402.3370

mysweetrolls.com

2033 US-190 Covington 985.234.9776

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Sweet Rolls, an all-new rolled ice cream concept, has South Louisiana’s communities all jazzed up! With a unique presentation and true New Orleans flavors, Sweet Rolls is ready to expand nationwide, bringing the sweetness of NOLA to the heart of Covington, Louisiana with the opening of their second location at 2033 Highway 190.

At Sweet Rolls, you won’t get anything less than authentic.

Using only the freshest ingredients, Sweet Rolls ice cream is not only made right before your eyes from start to finish but is made of a Real Cream and French Custard housemade mixture--no premade powders. They start by gently pouring the sweet cream onto a -16° cold plate, and the ingredients are then carefully added and chopped into the ice cream base.

Once frozen, the sweet concoction is skillfully crafted into individual rolls, nestled into 16-ounce cups, then finished off with an assortment of delicious toppings; like Aunt Sally’s Pralines and strawberries picked fresh in Louisiana. The masterpiece is then presented to the customer, ready to be devoured.

“People are driving from 3 hours away to see what everyone is talking about,” says Sweet Rolls Partner and New Orleans Native Dion Grossnickle. “We began with a team of 8 and have expectations to employ over 100 by the end of 2018.”

While their rolled ice cream is king at Sweet Rolls, founders Dion Grossnickle, Olaf Ross, and Rick Henry all agree that the freshly baked scones and cinnamon rolls are not far behind in terms of taste and quality.

“We realized that frozen treats are not everyone’s favorite, so we introduced fresh scones, cinnamon rolls, and fresh fruit Protein Smoothies to give everyone an opportunity for a great treat,” says Ross.

Since opening in downtown Hammond in early 2017, the team at Sweet Rolls quickly discovered that they really had a knack for making people excited about their delicious ice cream. With New Orleans inspired rolls like The Gentilly, made with homemade sweet cream, fresh blueberries & local Louisiana strawberries, it is not hard to see why.

Their number one goal is to provide jobs and create opportunities for younger generations across the U.S. to learn what it takes to be successful.

And now, you have the opportunity to own your own little piece of this southern sensation! Sweet Rolls is now looking to expand their concept across the Gulf South and want motivated people to partner with in Houma, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Gulfport, and Biloxi.

FOR INFORMATION ON FRANCHISING go to mysweetrolls.com

Avit “Frere” Gremillion, MD Board Certified, Retina Specialist

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SERVICES • Hearing Aids • Musician Monitors • Hearing Protection • Custom Ear Plugs • Balance & Dizziness Treatment • Pediatric and Adult Audiological Evaluations

Do you have selective hearing or simply not hearing as clearly as you once did? Call our board certified audiologist, Dr. JJ Martinez, today to set up your appointment.

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Unique

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PONCHATOULA Pond House at Forty Acres Living Room Holly and Smith Architecture 985 345 5210 Hollyandsmith.com Photo by Marc Lamkin

style

Unique Spaces.

‘Home is where the heart is’ is a commonly used proverb and very true; our homes are an extension of ourselves. The Northshore offers almost every type of living space, from modern condos to working farms, historic lakefront homes, garden homes and fishing camps.

When EDGE of the Lake set out on a quest to see what the Northshore has to offer, we didn’t know what we were going to find. The month long search took us all over the Northshore, and it wasn’t an easy feat to choose the spaces to showcase.

What we found was as diverse as the people who call the spaces home. We are excited to share some of these very unique spaces, from a palatial pool area in Slidell to an environmentally friendly home in Ponchatoula. We hope you enjoy, and maybe find some inspiration in, them. We thank the homeowners, architects, designers, and realtors who have shared their spaces with us.

HAMMOND Private Residence Bathroom Interior Design c k & kennedy 985 549 0596 Architects Studio MV 985 867 5601 Photo by Philip Colwart

COVINGTON Wine Room Information Jennifer Rice 985 892 1478 Jenniferrice.net

COVINGTON Potting Shed Built with recycled materials Ashley and Joel Shoultz

rustic

Photo Jerry Cottrell

PONCHATOULA Chauvin Residence Bedroom Holly and Smith Architecture 985 345 5210 hollyandsmith.com Photo by Marc Lamkin

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EDGE June | July 2018

modern EDGE June | July 2018

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ANYWHERE THE ROAD TAKES YOU Airstream Information Jennifer Rice 985 892 1478 Jenniferrice.net

SLIDELL Pool Oasis Information Suzy McDaniel 985 640 1836 dbsir.com

elegant

COVINGTON Dining Room Builder-Conbeth 985 898 2214 Information Jennifer Rice 985 892 1478 Jenniferrice.net

California Coastal 026

EDGE June | July 2018

COVINGTON Kitchen Bella Cucina 985 897 2129 Bellacucinadesign.com Picture by Joel Tredwell

EDGE June | July 2018

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The City of

COVINGTON JUNE & JULY 2018 EVENTS

Tour de Louisiane Bike Race Sunday, June 10 • 7 am to 1 pm • Covington Trailhead

OnSTAGE at the Fuhrmann • The Second City Tuesday, June 12 • 7 pm • 317 N. Jefferson Avenue

Sunset at the Landing Concert Fridays, June 15 & July 20 • 6 pm to 9 pm Columbia Street Landing

Sparks in the Park Tuesday, July 3 • 6 pm • Bogue Falaya Park

Coffee with Mayor Cooper Wednesday, July 25 • 9 am to 10 am • Covington Trailhead

Light up the Lake

Mandeville Live!

Independence Day Celebration Independence Day Celebration 2018

Groovy 7 Special Military Tribute Kid’s Tent Independence Day Celebration Fireworks over the lake at dusk

Columbia Street Block Party Friday, July 27 • 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm Historic Downtown Covington

Saturday, June 30, 2018 6:00 p.m.

Farmers Markets Every Wednesday • 10 am to 2 pm • 419 N. New Hampshire Every Saturday • 8 am to Noon • 600 Block of N. Columbia

www.covla.com | gottaluvcov@covla.com | 985.892.1873

Mandeville Lakefront Picnics begin at 10:00 a.m.

No Charcoal Grills or Glass Containers OMBA Food Court opens at 5:00 p.m.

Rain Date - Sunday, July 1st

www.cityofmandeville.com

(985) 624-3147

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Our honest and dedicated staff is knowledgeable and eager to help in any way they can. With two experienced real estate attorneys on staff, nothing is too big or too small.

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Mandeville, LA 70471

PROOF SHEET

hat will run in the October/November issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. This ad will run as is unless we receive 018) at 5:00 PM. Please make any changes or approve via email.

Bu s ya rm nd n te sell re al estate on your ow

Chelsie Rutter Jackson, Broker Rutter Realty, LLC 985.705.7051 cell | 985.893.0397 office 109 North Drive, Covington, Louisiana 70433

State of LouisianaBroker license # 995685663

Singing the

STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH PHOTO JERRY COTTRELL

Poor ol’ blueberries. Though blueberry farms are plentiful on the Northshore, blueberries don’t seem to get the same amount of respect or adulation as the strawberry. Their brazen crimson cousin even has a festival in its honor every year in Ponchatoula, for heaven’s sake!

But, to be fair, it’s sort of understandable that strawberries are so popular around here.

At the peak of their production in Louisiana, around 1931, strawberry crops covered over 23,000 acres. As of 2014, that number was down to under 400 acres, but the red berry had already made its mark on local culture.

Blueberry production, on the other hand, only got going in this region about 40 years ago. But never fear, little cobalt compatriot.

You’re neither insignificant nor invisible, and it’s time you stepped into the spotlight.

Thanks, in part, to all the research that’s been dedicated to its health benefits in recent decades, the blueberry’s star has been on the rise, both locally and nationally. So, what is the deal with its relatively newfound status as a “superfood”? Is it medical research or marketing?

Well, it seems to be a little of both, but there’s no denying they’re clinically proven to be good for you. Experts seem to agree that, among their many attributes, blueberries are…

• low in calories and high in fiber and nutrients, like manganese and vitamins C and K • high in antioxidants, which reduce inflammation and protect against cell damage and several types of chronic disease, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes

Blues

• good for heart health and blood pressure • helpful in maintaining brain function and improving memory

PICK YOUR OWN

While you can certainly purchase blueberries at your local grocery store or produce stand, an even better option is to visit a blueberry farm and pick your own. One such facility that allows the public to harvest their own berries is 3D Blueberry Farm in Franklinton.

Run by the Fitzgerald family, 3D boasts a crop of 1,500 plants - including three different varieties of blueberries - covering just over two acres adjacent to their house.

There’s no denying their very personal, family-friendly touch. Guests are met by two greeters - pleasing pooches Hank and Dixie - and owner Denise Fitzgerald said, “People can come sit down and cool off under the carport. We usually have lemonade made.”

The three D’s in 3D Blueberry Farm are husband and wife, Dean and Denise, and their son, D.J., who was the inspiration for this family business. How, you might ask?

“We wanted to teach him to do something besides playing video games all day,” Denise explained with a laugh. “I’m sure a lot of parents can relate to that!”

Instead of the typical June opening, this season kicked off early - on May 19, to be exact. Unlike many farms, they don’t charge by weight - it’s $10 per gallon. They’ll even provide the buckets. 3D uses natural growing practices, however they can’t technically be considered organic because, while they don’t use pesticides, they do use a bit of weed killer.

But, Denise emphasized, the berries and bushes don’t get sprayed, just the pesky weeds.

In Praise of the Louisiana Blueberry

3D has restrooms and plenty of parking, but take note: no pets are allowed, as the resident hounds’ hospitality doesn’t extend to four-legged guests. Incidentally, if you ever find yourself with a porcine problem on your property, the Fitzgeralds’ other business, “Wild Pig Master,” offers feral pig trapping services. That’s one industrious family!

GROW YOUR OWN

It stands to reason that if this region’s soil and climate are amenable to blueberry crops, anyone with a yard should be able to add them to their own landscaping. In addition to yielding their delightful fruit in the summer, blueberry bushes are attractive throughout the year, sprouting white flowers in the spring and often providing colorful foliage in the fall.

According to the LSU Agricultural Center, if you want to plant your own, you should consider:

SOIL PH. Because blueberries require lower

pH than many other plants, it’s important to test the soil. LSU’s parish extension agricultural centers can determine the pH, as well as the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and organic matter content of your soil.

ORGANIC MATTER. Local soil tends to

be low in organic matter, so the addition of peat moss or well-decayed pine sawdust or bark is recommended.

SOIL DRAINAGE. Blueberries don’t like standing water, so it’s best to plant them in raised beds - 6 to 10 inches high and 4 feet wide.

IRRIGATION. These plants need to be watered throughout the growing season. Soaker hoses are fine, but for larger or multiple plantings, micro-sprinklers might be better.

It looks good, tastes good, is really good for you and provides an opportunity for good oldfashioned family fun on the farm. There’s a lot to love about the Louisiana blueberry. Now who do we talk to about establishing a festival?

Susan Brechtel of La Cornue Bella Cucina Cooking Classes suggests adding crumbles of goat cheese with powdered sugar and lemon zest on top of the blueberries before baking for a special wow factor!

LETTER FROM THE MAYOR

That wonderful

blueberry,

how versatile you are With the abundance of blueberries at this time of year we like to freeze blueberries so that they are available year-round. It is easy to grab a handful and throw them in a smoothie, pancake or muffin mix. Here is one of our favorite recipes:

DEAR CITIZENS,

Simple Blueberry Galette

Ingredients – Frozen Flaky Pastry Dough – 4 Cups of Blueberries – 2 Tbs. Fresh Lemon Juice

– 1/4 cup Sugar – 3 Tbs Flour

Instructions – Preheat the oven to 425º F – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – Place the thawed pastry dough on a lightly floured surface and roll into a 13th-inch round – Place on the baking sheet – In a bowl, gently stir the berries, lemon juice, sugar and flour – Spoon the filling into the dough, leaving a 2-inch border uncovered around the edge

– Fold the edge up and over the filling, forming loose pleats – Bake until the filling is bubbling and the pastry is golden brown, about 25 minutes – Transfer the galette to a wire rack and let cool slightly.

– Serve à la mode.

After 48 years of serving the public as a St. Tammany Sheriff’s Officer, Chief of Police in Picayune and Slidell, and as Mayor of Slidell, I will be retiring on June 30, 2018.

As your Mayor, I have worked with hard-working and dedicated people, and together we have accomplished great things. Here are a few: One of the most important achievements was overseeing reconstruction after Hurricane Katrina. I spearheaded hiring an independent firm to help us get FEMA funding. By 2020, we will have completed or almost completed nearly $120 million in FEMA-funded infrastructure repairs. With a $1.5 million grant, the Slidell Municipal Marina – opened in May 2018 – added boat slips, floating docks and 1,600 feet of new bulkhead and sidewalks along the banks of Bayou Bonfouca. It is a beautiful addition to Heritage Park. One of my proudest achievements was establishing the Mayor’s Community Breakfast. Each year, we invite a guest speaker and feature the writings of our Founding Fathers, as read by the Parish President and mayors of other St. Tammany municipalities. This annual event brings together faith-based organizations, elected officials and our citizens in community and fellowship.

Thank you for trusting me with our great city. It has been an honor to serve as your Mayor.

Sincerely, Freddy Drennan

Lifestyle PERSONALIZE YOUR HOME using ideas that will bring your family legacy to life. Vinyl lettering, easy to apply and easy to remove, is available on the internet. Choose a quote with a positive message, one that may even be life changing. – Billie Comeaux, American Factory Direct PHOTO BILLIE COMEAUX

POCKET DOORS, first used in the 1850s to separate parlors from dining rooms, are becoming increasingly popular again. With top-hung hardware, these doors disappear into the wall when not in use. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, they are an ideal addition where space is limited.

PHOTO CONBETH CONSTRUCTION

GROWING OUR OWN vegetables and rearing poultry to provide fresh eggs is not only a healthy choice, but is also a great educational activity for children.

PHOTO JERRY COTTRELL

LETTER FROM THE MAYOR

TRENDS

RECYCLING IN DECORATING - at home and in the workplace - is environmentally responsible and provides an opportunity to both save money and be creative.

PHOTO SWEET ROLLS/JOHNNY CHAUVIN

MUD ROOMS are very popular in Europe and necessary with so many wet days.

Families here are catching on to the convenience of a room dedicated as a catch-all for things that come into the house, but don’t need to go any further than the back door.

Notwithstanding the utilitarian purpose for a mud room, gone are the days when their design mirrored their purpose.

PHOTO STUDIO MV

Greetings!! As summer begins, I would like to reflect on the past two months, which have brought positive recognition to the City of Covington. Among the awards and acknowledgements received for the Operation Angel Program are the Crime Stoppers Award of Excellence, the BGR Excellence in Government Award and The YMCA Northshore Heroes Award. I would also like to highlight the heroic efforts of the Covington Fire Department for saving the life of a local resident by implementing the “Chain of Survival,” thanks in part to the recently purchased Lucas CPR Device. We are blessed to have Police Chief Tim Lentz and provisional Fire Chief Gary Blocker leading Covington’s first responders, who serve this community with dedication and passion.

Covington has recently been recognized as a top “Small Town Food Scene” by a USA Today reader poll! With that said, I invite all to enjoy the city’s award-winning cuisine, which ranges from outdoor casual to elegant fine dining. I would also like for our citizens to join us for our summer events, which include the CBA Kokomo Stroll on June 2nd in Historic Downtown Covington and Sparks in the Park which will take place in the Bogue Falaya Park on Tuesday, July 3rd. You may keep up to date with all of the happenings on our website www.covla.com and on Facebook: City of Covington-Cultural Arts and Events.

As always, it is my honor to serve you and the residents of my hometown.

MIKE COOPER City of Covington Mayor

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF

STORY JAN LANTRIP

Tea N

othing could be more lovely than a nice tall glass of refreshing blueberry tea, especially knowing how incredibly healthy this drink can be. Tea comes in an infinite variety of flavors, colors and blends: from Scottish Caramel pu-erh tea to Caio Amaretto black tea to Wedding Blend white tea.

Tea is purely the leaves of an evergreen bush or small tree called Camellia Sinesis and is comprised of an array of compounds, including alkaloids, polyphenols, amino acids, and other violative organic compounds.

The potential health benefits of tea have been attributed to these compounds – particularly to the anti-oxidant activity of polyphenols contained in the tea leaves.

There is unequivocal evidence that tea can make a positive impact on our health. Unlike many other beverages we drink, tea contains no salt, fat, carbohydrates or calories and is free of preservatives. Flavonoids, which naturally occur in tea, act as antioxidants – compounds that neutralize our bodies’ free radical molecules. Damage to our cells by free radicals, over time, is believed to contribute to the development of many chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.

Tea is also a very good source of antioxidants, providing higher levels of antioxidants per serving than most fruits and vegetables. The antioxidant activity in one cup of loose leaf tea is equivalent to 5-6 glasses of orange juice or 3-4 apples. Although tea should not replace produce in our diet, it certainly should be a part of a healthy diet.

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Research has led to compelling evidence that tea’s antioxidant activity can have a positive impact on cardiovascular health.

Studies from the U.K. found that people who regularly consume three or more cups (6 oz) of black tea daily have a significantly reduced risk of both heart attack and stroke. A major study published in September 2006 in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that consuming five or more cups of green tea daily was associated with a 26% lowered risk of death due to cardiovascular disease. Drinking high quality black tea and green tea can improve cholesterol levels and blood vessel

The English Tea Room & Eatery 734 E Rutland St, Covington, LA englishtearoom.com 985. 898.3988

function by reducing oxidative damage, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

CANCER

Many epidemiologic studies have found that tea drinkers have a reduced risk of cancers of the colon, breast, ovary, prostate, skin, and lung, as well as cancers of the digestive system and mouth. Preliminary evidence suggests that the flavonoids in fresh fruits and vegetables and in loose leaf tea act as potent antioxidants that combat free radical damage, inhibiting uncontrolled cancer cell growth, and promoting programmed cell death or apoptosis, which could play a significant role in staving off cancer.

IMMUNE SYSTEM

Studies published by Harvard University and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston found that tea contains an important compound called theanine. Theanine is a unique amino acid that strengthens the immune system to fight infections from bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Human clinical trials in Europe and in the U.S. found that after drinking five cups of black tea daily for two to four weeks, participants’ immune cells produced up to four times more interferon than at baseline. This is very exciting news indeed because interferon is a protein that improves our immune response. These findings suggest that drinking black tea provides the body’s immune system with natural heightened resistance to both viral and bacterial infections.

BONES & TEETH

A recent study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that bone mineral density (BMD) was significantly higher in women who drank three or more cups of tea per day, versus those who did not drink tea.

Tea contains naturally occurring fluoride, which can help protect tooth enamel, and the rich flavonoids in tea are believed to greatly inhibit the plaque-forming ability of oral bacteria. A study showed 63.7% fewer cavities with black tea consumption.

PHOTO GARRETT MCANN

Tea can also help reduce the risk of kidney stone development. Thousands of men and women participating in tea studies have shown an 8-14% decrease in kidney stones.

CAFFEINE

Tea contains one third to one half less caffeine than coffee.

Actual caffeine levels in tea are dependent upon the blends and strengths of the brew, but in general a single cup (6 oz) of black tea contains approximately 40 mg of caffeine. Some green, oolong, and white teas contain less caffeine than this, and herbal teas such as rooibos contain no caffeine.

For most of us, caffeine is a regular part of our daily routine. But you may want to take a look at just how much caffeine you are consuming, especially if you are bothered by headaches, insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and heart palpitations. Your caffeine habit should not exceed 400 mg a day. In south Louisiana, one cup of strong coffee can contain a full day’s limit of caffeine.

Tea lovers who are caffeine sensitive can consider brewing fewer tea leaves and using cooler water, which extracts less caffeine from the tea. Choosing green or white teas is also helpful, since they have a lower caffeine content than black tea. Shortening the steeping time will reduce caffeine content even further.

One method used at The English Tea Room to remove and reduce caffeine content from the tea is to brew the tea bag for 30-40 seconds and then discard the initial brew. Take that same tea bag and re-brew it with fresh hot or warm water

for 2-3 minutes. The ‘rinsing out’ of the tea bag dissolves the water-soluble caffeine in the leaves. The first brew is discarded and the resulting “re-brew” has less caffeine, especially with a lower water temperature and a reduced steeping time.

It turns out that tea not only has less caffeine, but it also contains three additional stimulant substances that may promote a type of positive synergistic effect: theophylline, theobromine and L-theanine.

Theophylline and theobromine are both related to caffeine and belong to a class of organic compounds called xanthine. They have several physiological effects on the body.

Theophylline relaxes smooth muscles in our airways, making breathing easier, while also stimulating both the rate and the force of heart contractions. Theobromine can also stimulate the heart, but it has a mild diuretic effect and improves blood flow throughout the body. This leads to a net reduction in blood pressure.

L-Theanine is a unique amino acid that promotes calmness and relaxation. It works in synergy with the natural caffeine in tea leaves to promote a mindful state of alertness and ability to focus. The caffeine content in tea is thought to absorb more slowly in the body than caffeine from coffee or energy drinks.

This gentle relaxant promotes a longer period of increased alertness without the jittery rush and crash. So, drink tea for your good health, and drink it often. What other civilizations have known for centuries, modern science is now confirming.

EDGE June | July 2018

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985.237.8387 | jennasimeonphotography@gmail.com @jennasimeonphotography | www.jennasimeon.com

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ALL EYES ON Eyeliner…

a beautifully frustrating product that is hard to master.

Luckily, there are a few tips that can help you ace everything from the everyday look to the coveted winged-eyeliner.

STORY CAITLIN PICOU PHOTOS JENNA SIMEON

EYELINER. TYPES OF EYELINER:

THREE BASIC EYELINER TIPS:

1.

Powder – easiest to use, but not precise.

Mostly used for a casual look with a nonprecise line.

1.

2.

Pencil – easy to use, but creates thicker lines. Best for a casual look.

3.

Liquid – easy to medium level of difficulty in application, depending on the brush tip. Provides sharp lines. Best used for everyday and winged-eyes.

Less is More – Generally, I recommend not applying eyeliner to the bottom lash line. If anything, just apply a little bit to the outer corner. I prefer to use powder when I do. Lining the entire bottom lash line makes your eyes look smaller, which is the opposite of what we are trying to accomplish.

2.

4.

Gel – harder to use. Best for dramatic looks, like smoky eyes.

False Lashes – Apply eyeliner after you apply your false eyelashes. This will help seamlessly blend your own lashes and the fake ones. I prefer to use a pencil or liquid with false eyelashes.

3.

Try a Softer Color – Brown or Hazel eyeliner is a perfect choice for daytime. It isn’t as harsh as black, and softens up your look for the office or running errands.

You need to find the right eyeliner for you.

There are four major types: powder, pencil, liquid and gel.

THE EVERYDAY EYE:

Every woman can master a casual, daily eye look, and it is extremely easy to achieve.

1.

After applying your eye shadow, take your eyeliner and draw a thin line from the inner part of the eye to the outer.

2.

Slightly increase the thickness from the middle part of the lash line to the outer part.

3.

If you find your line isn’t as precise as you would hope, take your eyeliner brush and matching powder and go over the line to smooth it out.

4.

Use an eyeliner brush to apply matching powder to the bottom lash line, just on the outer corners.

Apply a thicker amount to the very outer corner, and taper it inward.

There are a few eyeliner tips that apply to whatever look you are trying to achieve. Put these into practice, and it will revolutionize your routine.

THE WINGED EYE:

Luckily, there are a few tricks to make this challenging, coveted look much easier. Just grab a piece of tape and your favorite liquid liner, plus a few Q-tips, just in case.

1.

After applying your everyday eyeliner, grab a piece of tape and place it just below the outer corner of your eye at an upward angle toward the end of your eyebrow.

2.

Next, grab your liquid liner. Starting from the very outer edge of your eye, draw a straight line along the top of the tape, heading towards the end of your eyebrow. Stop where you feel comfortable. The farther out you go, the more dramatic the wing will look.

3.

Now draw a diagonal line from the wing to the center of your upper lash line on your eyelid. Fill it in. It might look intimidating, but trust me it will be fabulous!

4.

Finally, thicken up the liner from the middle of your lash line to the inner part of your eye. And don’t be afraid to add more eye shadow. A dramatic eyeliner calls for bolder eye shadow!

631 N Causeway Blvd Mandeville, LA 70448

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EDGE June | July 2018

047

denny charbonnet

FinalCurtain

STORY MEREDITH KNIGHT PHOTOS DAVID MCDONNEL

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As I popped in recently at one of the last rehearsals for the musical Godspell at St. Paul’s School in Covington, asking to see the director, Denny Charbonnet, a grinning student directed me to the school theater warning, “She’s in there with all the chaos.” And chaos was an apt description for what I found inside. Seventy-four spirited high school students bounded about, laughing, jabbering and shouting back and forth to each other.

That’s when Charbonnet entered and, without raising her voice, gained immediate control of the students, leading them through musical numbers, choreography and blocking that had all 74 students weaving in and out and up and down on a series of platforms that comprised the stage. They moved with a confidence and precision reminiscent of a Marine Corp band.

Through it all, Charbonnet barely spoke above a whisper (She actually did whisper at times and I watched her rapt students lean in to listen).

She knew all 74 students by name and seemed to have rapport with each. Her energy level easily matched her students’, even though she admitted to me later that she’d taught some of their parents. Watching this trim, elegant woman love and direct and affirm her students, it was obvious I was witnessing someone doing the thing she was born to do.

I wasn’t the first person to notice it either. In kindergarten, Charbonnet’s teacher told her parents, “Theatre is what she loves to do. You need to find a way for her to do it.” But her parents were lukewarm about the idea of theatre as a career.

She did have some great opportunities to act in junior high and high school and even made a trip to New York City with one of her teachers.

But about the time Charbonnet was applying to acting schools in New York, her father passed away and she decided to stay in Louisiana. She applied to Loyola University, where she studied history and political science and accepted a job teaching at Mount Carmel in New Orleans.

“There was a time when I couldn’t imagine myself not being on the stage,” Charbonnet said. “But I discovered that if I let my Mount Carmel students act out the things they were learning in history and civics classes, they remembered the facts better. As much as I had loved acting when I was younger, watching people grow and develop on stage as I directed them was much more rewarding.” And actor gave way to director.

Before long came marriage and three children and her love of theatre was relegated to the back burner. Then in 1979 the family moved to the Northshore and Charbonnet found her way to Playmakers Theater in Covington where she offered an acclaimed performance as Billie Dawn in Born Yesterday. But she really made a name for herself at Playmakers as director of plays such as Neil Simon’s Brighten Beach Memoirs and My Name is Alice.

In 1987, teacher and director converged as Charbonnet was hired to teach theatre and direct plays at St. Paul’s. Godspell was one of the first plays she directed, thirty years ago, and she felt it was fitting to offer it again, as her farewell production.

“We’ve performed Godspell every five years since I’ve been here,” Charbonnet said. “It’s one of my favorite shows. This was an off year for it, but I felt God was telling me it was time.

Everything we do is guided by prayer. He has to be in it, leading us, or we don’t do it.”

That’s important to Charbonnet. She takes seriously her ministry to her theatre students, opening each class, rehearsal and performance in prayer. “It’s important that they understand our ability to sing or dance or act is a gift from God,” she said. “This is not about us. It’s about giving back to Him.” The theatre troupe consists of boys from Saint Paul’s School and girls from private, public and athome schools. The troupe become a close-knit family during the three months they work together to bring their productions to the stage, supported by the Saint Paul’s community and a dedicated group of parents.

In the weeks leading up to opening night and during the show’s run family style meals are offered to the students before each rehearsal. It is quite the sight to see the group under the Wolf Dome sharing a meal (impromptu singing is very likely to break out). The meals serve as double duty to make sure the actors all arrive on time and bring the group together . This is another way that Denny enhances what is so much more than a theatre program; it is very clear that the troupe make lifelong bonds.

As rehearsals progressed, Charbonnet took time to show her students the scriptures that backed up each musical number. “I’d tell them, ‘This is the parable we’re singing about. Go home and read it and it will be more powerful for you,’” she said. “Acting is about serving the story, not about serving yourself. And for us, it’s about serving Christ.”

When word got out that Godspell was to be her last production, Charbonnet’s students began to flock back to see it — and her. “We have quite a few who’ve gone on to acting careers in L.A. and New York and many of them stay in touch,” she said. “One young man who graduated in 2006 and is working on his MFA at

Yale came back and wandered around backstage and throughout the theater taking pictures of everything that had meant something to him while he was here.”

One of the theatre parents set up a table in front of the auditorium, where it stayed throughout the run of the show, with a book for returning actors, known as The Marion Players, to inscribe a message to their favorite theatre teacher. “My first students are in their 40s now,” Charbonnet said. “And I have some of their children in the play. When I could, I gave them the same role their parent or an aunt or uncle had played when they were in the show.”

The choreography for this play was conceived by the late Rosemerry Hanian for the first production in 1990. It’s been tweaked over the years by Charbonnet’s daughter, Elise Charbonnet Angelette, who danced for Hanian as a girl, appeared in Godspell herself in 1990 and 1995 and headed up choreography for this production. At the end of each show Charbonnet addressed her audience (usually with an armful of flowers from students, returning graduates or parents).

She asked which returning Marion Players were in the audience and invited them to stand. Throughout the run of the show, she had the chance to say “good-bye” again and again. There were tears shed, memories shared, and fervent thanks extended to a woman who, for thirty years, looked for the best in each of her students and helped them see it themselves.

Retirement won’t mean farewell to the theatre though. Charbonnet has plans to offer fine arts workshops to local students and looks forward to becoming a familiar face at her grandchildren’s schools, teaching and directing whenever she can. This woman who has opened doors and kindled passions in her students, for so many years, still has a lot to offer.

EDGE June | July 2018

051

Tammany

Trace

STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH PHOTOS JERRY COTTRELL

O

nce upon a time, the humble little parish of St. Tammany was a major tourist destination and veritable hub of commerce. The lumber and turpentine businesses were booming in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries while, sort of ironically, the pine forests were being touted far and wide as a miracle cure for all that ails you, creating a robust health-tourist industry. Not to mention an interesting conflict of interest.

An often-quoted excerpt from a 1900 Picayune article explains the widely held belief that the natural resources of the Northshore’s “Ozone Belt” possessed "intense powers of oxidizing and decomposing organic substances, and purify the air by destroying malignant microscopic organisms." As a result, this region built a plethora of hotels and spas to accommodate guests who wanted to escape New Orleans and other dirty, disease-ridden cities, and to reap both the real and exaggerated benefits of St. Tammany’s plentiful pines, artesian springs, clean rivers, and lake breezes.

Whether it was hauling products or people, the Illinois Central Railroad corridor was essential to sustaining the local economy during that time period. But several factors changed all that.

Forests were depleted by unscrupulous loggers, and advances in medical and environmental sciences eventually dispelled some of the magical “ozone” myths and allowed New Orleans to take control of its devastating yellow fever outbreaks.

Plus, airplanes and interstate highways reduced the general dependence on trains. When logging decreased and the health resorts were shuttered, the busy railroad line was finally abandoned.

Luckily, that was not the end of the line for the illustrious travel network. Its contribution to health and productivity became significant once again when the Tammany Trace was born in the 1990s.

“The Tammany Trace, now in the National Rail-Trail Hall of Fame, is one of our most valuable natural amenities here in St. Tammany,” says Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. “It not only attracts tourists, which benefits us economically, but it gives people a chance to see several of our communities from another perspective.”

The old tracks and trestles have been replaced by 31 miles of paved trails and pedestrian bridges stretching from Covington to Slidell, by way of Abita Springs, Mandeville and Lacombe. By repurposing the pathway through the picturesque countryside and quaint towns on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain, the Trace has become a haven for walkers, skaters, (non-motorized) bikers, and in some places, equestrians. In addition to encouraging outdoor exercise, it has also breathed new life into the old railroad stops and stations, creating vibrant “trailheads” that host farmers’ markets, festivals, concerts and other community-building events.

Another bonus? The Tammany Trace also plays a significant role in preserving local wildlife, wetlands and historical landmarks, all of which can be observed and enjoyed along the way.

While it’s certainly feasible to tackle the Trace on foot, bicycles

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EDGE June | July 2018

are a hugely popular mode of transportation. Locally owned Brook’s Bike Shop, dealing in bicycle sales, rentals and repairs - as well as kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals - has locations near the Covington and Mandeville Trailheads. Both shops are housed in delightfully rustic structures, and their helpful, but very laid back staff further add to the hometown, folksy vibe of the shops.

The business started out as a mobile bike repair service around ten years ago, but the flagship shop has been in Covington for seven years. Owner Patrick Brooks had the foresight to choose a location in proximity to the Trailhead. He estimates that at least half of his business comes directly from people who use the Trace.

“We’re definitely a more community-minded business,” he explained. “We don’t deal in high-end racing bikes. We cater mostly to families and recreational riders, and we do a lot of repairs and rentals.”

They also offer parties and four different bike tours of the Trace. The tours cover downtown Covington, Old Mandeville, the entire Trace and a tour that makes stops at four local breweries.

“Very few people do the whole Trace,” he said, then added with a laugh, “The brewery tour is definitely the most popular.”

Trailhead Highlights Covington Located in the heart of historic downtown Covington, mere blocks from all the shops and restaurants, the actual site features an old-fashioned railroad station, a museum and visitors’ center, small movie theater, a clock tower, an amphitheater, greenspace, a covered marketplace, restrooms and water fountains. It plays host to a weekly farmers’ market, an arts market, holiday events and spring and fall concert series.

Abita Springs In addition to a museum, which is housed in the relocated bachelor quarters from a 19th century hotel, Abita Springs’ trailhead is dominated by a renovated, two-story pavilion that provides a beautiful backdrop for the Princess Abita statue, commemorating an old poem about a Native American princess whose health is restored by the town’s healing water. There’s also a playground, splash pad and an outdoor performance stage.

Visitors can enjoy farmers’ markets, special events and several annual festivals.

Koop Drive Unlike the other stops on the Trace, this one isn’t located within a town, but it serves as the headquarters, complete with information center and ranger station. Situated roughly halfway between the Abita Springs and Mandeville Trailheads, it’s also the home of Kids Konnection, an inclusive play area for children with and without disabilities. Most recently, the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany opened the adjacent Kids Town, a “mini-town” project that’s primarily for younger children, but with community outreach programs and some programming for older kids. It serves as a precursor to the larger facility, for which the community is still raising money. Koop Drive hosts an annual Holiday of Lights display and event during the first two weekends of December, and there are public restrooms, water fountains, picnic tables and plenty of parking.

Mandeville A renovated train station anchors the Mandeville Trailhead - and is home to a museum, splash pad and amphitheater - which hosts a weekly farmers’ market, seasonal concert series and special events.

The scenic lakefront, with its live oak trees, gorgeous homes and winding walking path, is only a few blocks away. Plenty of pubs, restaurants and shops are nearby, and across the street is the new Lafitte Street Farmers’ Market, a French Market-style facility that houses vendors offering an array of produce and specialty foods.

Lacombe Rich with Choctaw and Creole culture, this scenic, live-oakfilled little village is renowned for maintaining annual All Saints Day grave-blessing rituals in its historic cemeteries, which are easily accessible from the Trace. The Trailhead, equipped with a ranger station and restrooms, is within riding distance to the 15,000-acre Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, and Lake Road, which stretches across some of the region’s most beautiful marshland, making it hugely popular with locals for fishing and crabbing, or just observing nature.

Slidell Currently, the Trace ends (or begins, depending on how you look at it) at this modest Trailhead, located on Highway 190/Gause Boulevard. It’s got parking, information and restrooms, and there are plans to extend it another mile-and-a-half to connect with Slidell’s Camp Salmen Nature Park, which has a playground and its own walking trails plus three pavilions and an amphitheater.

For more information: TammanyTrace.org

NATURAL

FABRICS 101 STORY PATTY BEAL

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ou don't have to be an uber conscientious consumer to reap the rewards of wearing natural fibers. The benefits are for all to enjoy, just as they did 30,000 years ago. Clothing made from the big four natural fiber categories - cotton, linen, silk and wool - are an excellent choice, as they are a renewable resource, they're comfortable, they're durable, they breathe, and they wick away moisture and insulate naturally.

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COTTON Cotton is, by far, the most popular and abundant natural fiber out there. It too is produced from a plant, specifically from the flowering poof surrounding the seed pod of the cotton plant. It is not as durable as linen, but it is a lot softer. It's also breathable and absorbent, and highly recommended to workout in versus nonbreathable synthetic gear. It requires an incredibly intricate and long process from "harvest to tee-shirt," including picking, carding, combing, drawing, spinning, sizing, and weaving. Cotton is also one of the most versatile fibers in manufacturing, as it can be woven or knitted into many different textures or blended with all the other natural and synthetic fibers out there. Although cotton is no longer the king of crops in the state of Louisiana, it is still grown in the northern part of our state.

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Linen, the strongest of all natural fibers, comes from inside the stems of the flax plant. Flax grows over four feet tall and the long, fibrous stalks are spun into a textile that dates back 30,000 years, when it was used to wrap deceased Egyptian pharaohs. Linen, like all bast fibers, is stronger when wet, which is why linen was used in making sails and rope, very important during years of trading via the seas.

And as a clothing fabric, it's legendary for its cool, breathable properties, ability to shed dirt, lack of pilling, and habit of making wrinkles look acceptable - perfect for our Southern climate! You're sure to get your money's worth from purchasing linen clothing, as they will outlast most of your wardrobe. It's also a great choice for allergy sufferers, as linen has a natural resistance to dust and bacteria.

4,800 years ago the first luxurious strands of silk were spun in China. Silk, one of the four natural fibers, comes from a protein (animal) base, not plant: from the silkworm to be exact. The process is quite extraordinary. It starts when moths lay eggs and the hatched larvae continually feed on an exclusive diet of mulberry leaves until they are worms and it’s cocoon time. The worm basically spits a 1,000 yard filament around itself and that fiber is then spun into fine yarn which is woven into one of the most soft and luxurious textiles created. Since it’s a protein-based fiber, it takes dye very well, as seen in royal garb made of silk fabrics. Interestingly, climate can dictate the quality of the silk. The most adequate rainfall will produce the healthiest mulberry trees. The better the leaf, the better the silk. Silk is a bit high maintenance, however. It becomes weak when wet, will shrink, and does not retain its shape if pulled. A little TLC and dry cleaning will protect this quality textile that should account for at least a few pieces in your closet.

The sheared wool coat, or fleece, of a variety of sheep keep us warm and cozy through the winter due to its natural ability to insulate, even when wet. Cashmere and mohair from goats and angora from rabbits are also grouped in this last natural fabrics category. Another very absorbent, dyeable natural fiber, wool can be woven into works of art from sweaters to tapestries to upholstery. Australia and New Zealand are home to some of the world’s largest sheep populations, while Italy is famous for milling the highest quality wool and cashmere textiles for over 500 years. Specific sheep breeds’ fleece is used for specific applications. For example, Merino sheep supply fleece for fabric that will be close to your skin, as it is softer, lightweight, more pliable and less itchy, since the fiber diameter is narrower. Cashmere is taken from the hair closest to the goats’ skin and made into the softest fleece to be spun into the finest yarn and then woven into a luxurious sweater or coat.

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PHOTO JERRY COTTRELL

Since they are eco-friendly, a renewable resource, high quality and long lasting, making the decision to add natural fabrics to your lifestyle would be a wise and fashionable one.

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Arrrgh Matey!

It’s that time again.

Ye and Your crew be invited to Dr. Saux’s Birthday Celebration.

Saturday, July 28th Columbia Street Taproom 434 N Columbia Street, Covington A bounty of fun awaits while we benefit NAMI St. Tammany Tickets available at Eventbrite.com and at the door

For information on sponsorships and contact Nami St. Tammany 985 626 6538 or info@namisttammany.org

Those 21 and older are welcome.

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Boston: Just as much a cultural hub today as it has been for the past 400 years, Boston thrives as the largest city in New England. With four professional sports teams, parks in every neighborhood and both historical and modern sights, there are enough activities to last a lifetime – or a long weekend.

A good place to start is downtown and for the history buffs, in Boston Common. This green space began as a cow pasture for affluent families in the 17th century, before becoming a British camp during the Revolutionary War, and finally Boston’s city park. In the summer, yoga classes enjoy the fresh air and free outdoor performances of Shakespeare are available to anyone of any means. The oldest public park in the country is also the first stop on the Freedom Trail. A manageable 2.5 miles with sixteen STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH stops along the way, the Trail is the best way to see PHOTOS JERRY COTTRELL

the most important historic sites in Boston. Taking a self-guided tour is easy with online resources or the Trail can be traversed with a traditional tour guide or an 18th-century costumed Freedom Trail Player guide. Some stops, like the Common and the Old North Church, are free while others, such as the Old South Meeting House and Paul Revere’s house, charge for admission. This can be a full day event if you make all of the stops.

Pause your trailblazing in the North End, Boston’s Little Italy, for lunch or dinner. The oldest residential area of the city hosts Paul Revere’s house and the Old North Church, as well as foodies who come for the authentic pizza and pasta. No need to decide where to eat beforehand, as any place you stop is sure to dazzle.

Also downtown, the main branch of the

STORY MARY-BRENT BROWN PHOTOS G. BRENT BROWN ALEXANDRA DOBBINS

It’s All Here

Boston Public Library with its Renaissance Revival architecture attracts more than just members looking for a sequel. The Copley Square branch opened in 1895 and is museum as much as library. Peruse the exhibits, attend events like the Boston Book Festival, or simply read a chapter in Bates Hall, a 200-foot long room with 50 feet high arched ceilings. Free, guided tours daily.

A bit outside the hub, but worth a visit if what draws you to Boston is history, is the JFK museum.

Public transportation will get you there in thirty minutes from the city, with a ride on the Red Line and then a bus. The building itself is spectacular, designed by architect I. M. Pei to highlight views of the bay.

But what’s inside is even better: a mind-boggling collection of memorabilia. See the hand-written notes Jackie made on the draft guest list for a White

House dinner in honor of the French Minister of State for Cultural Affairs ‒ the Vice President and his wife were forgotten in the first draft and she doubted the French-speaking abilities of one guest. Priceless gifts from heads of state join a replica of the Oval Office desk and a re-creation of Robert Kennedy’s Attorney General office. In the summer, JFK’s favorite sailboat rests on the lawn.

If history isn’t your “thing” or you have kids, the New England Aquarium greets you with seals right next to the ticket booth. Inside, penguins lounge below you in a recessed area with no glass barriers.

At the center of the exhibits with thousands of marine animals lies the Giant Ocean Tank. The Tank is four stories tall and houses Myrtle the Turtle, an eightyyear-old, 500 lb. green sea turtle. In addition to the exhibits, the Aquarium and many private companies

host whale-watching day cruises from April-October, so you don’t have to travel as far as Hawaii or Alaska to see humpback, finback, minke, right, pilot, sperm, beluga, sei and blue whales.

Whichever sport you prefer, Boston has a team to support.

Saints fans can still celebrate the Patriots’ Super Bowl win or try a new sport with a Bruins hockey game. Visit TD Garden and see the Celtics dribble on their famous oak parquet floor.

Arguably the most popular team in Boston is the Red Sox, with an iconic stadium to match. Fenway was built in 1912 and is a city landmark in itself. The team mascot, Wally the Green Monster, gets his name from the 37-foot tall wall in left field that makes Fenway home runs notoriously difficult. The wall was painted green in 1947 and came to be known as “the Green Monster.” Tours run every day on the hour, but if you’re looking to get in while the stadium is full, visit during baseball season, which runs April-October.

Nearby, but with a different vibe, lies the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Gardner was a wealthy art enthusiast who built the museum in the style of the Palazzo Barbaro in Venice to house her Italian art collection. Gardner moved into the fourth floor once the building was completed in 1902 and decorated the building the way she thought a museum should look: museum-quality furniture to sit on while enjoying the art from a multitude of genres. Unlike in most museums, some rooms here are covered floor to ceiling with works, making the immense building seem home-y. A glass-ceilinged courtyard, tropical no matter the weather outside, forms the heart of the museum.

Heading southwest, away from the ocean, you’ll hit the hip, young area of Jamaica Plain (say JP to sound like a local). And a hip, young activity there is a tour of the Sam Adams Brewery.

For more information: boston.gov

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The touring facility is the smallest branch of three in the U.S. and is where new brews are tested. Sample a beer in your keepsake glass on the free tour. However, most of the activity in JP is on Centre Street in its cafes, shops and restaurants. Feel free to bring along your dog, as some shops welcome dogs and even have treats. If you forget water for your furry friend, the Fire House always has filled water bowls outside, and when not putting out fires, the fire fighters sit outside on nice days with treats for passing pups.

Nearby in the Back Bay neighborhood is something you’re sure not to see anywhere else, a three story high 1930’s model of Earth made of stained glass you can stand inside. The mapparium gets its name from Latin mappa, meaning map, and arium, “a place for.” It opened in 1935 and the glass panels were intended to be replaced each year as country borders and names changed, but that went out the window with World War II. The architect decided to leave the mapparium panels frozen in time, once country borders and names began to change too fast to keep up with. Imagine being the size of a doll and standing inside the globes you see on library tables. Here you can stand on a walkway in the middle of the globe and see the oceans and continents around you.

West and slightly north of the city is the most famous town near Boston, Cambridge. Although residents will say it has a lot to offer besides the famous school, Harvard is the main tourist attraction in the area. Founded in 1636 with just nine pupils and a schoolmaster, it is now world-renowned. As some international students’ t-shirts for the annual Harvard-Yale rivalry football game say, “In my country no one has heard of Yale.”

You’re sure to not be the only tourist on campus, as international and domestic tour groups swarm the areas where guests are permitted. Don’t expect to see the library or freshman cafeteria, as these are restricted to those with student IDs to create a more normal college setting. One campus landmark a tour will surely visit is the John Harvard statue in Harvard Yard. John left his library and half his estate to the then fledgling school in 1638, warranting it being named after him. Imagine the price tag today to have a university renamed after you!

Many tourists touch John’s left foot as they take a picture with the statue, but you will never see a student doing so.

This is because one of the long standing pre-graduation traditions is urinating on the statue, along with streaking through Harvard Yard.

Harvard provides educational opportunities not only for its students. The Harvard Museum of Natural History is free for students and a guest, but others are welcome as well for a fee of $12. The price of admission is worth it for one exhibit alone, the “Glass Flowers.” In the 1800’s, universities and museums wanted a way to teach and learn about underwater creatures, so Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka from Dresden, Germany created lifelike jellyfish and anemones, octopus and squid, all out of glass. Some of those can be seen in this museum. Around the same time, Harvard botany Professor George Lincoln Goodale was looking for better models of plants than the wax and paper-mache options available at the time. So from 1887 to 1936, the Blaschkas created thousands of enlarged models of hundreds of species that allow scientists to study native and exotic plants, regardless of whether they’re in season.

While the quantity of glass plants is certainly amazing, it is their absolute life-like appearance that makes them remarkably memorable. The museum has many other exhibits if you’re interested in climate change, gemstones, and microbes after seeing a hydrangea that will forever be as beautiful as the one in your backyard.

Whether you are touring one of the 35 local colleges or planning your ideal vacation around history, nature, or sports, Boston is a destination for the whole family and there are daily, direct flights from New Orleans.

ABOUT CHEF LUKE HIDALGO Every issue EDGE of the Lake invites a local restaurateur to visit another eatery on the Northshore. Luke Hidalgo and his wife Marci are the owners of Hambone, a new restaurant on Girod Street in Mandeville that offers comfort food made from scratch with local, Louisiana ingredients. Luke, a Louisiana native, spent the majority of his career as a sous chef at fine dining restaurants, such as Galatoire’s and Commander’s Palace in New Orleans. Luke and Marci fell in love with the Northshore on an anniversary trip to Covington and dinner at La Provence. Soon after, they started planning their future move across the lake. Now, they could not be happier to offer their food to a community they love. Hambone serves breakfast, lunch and brunch. They are open Wednesday to Friday from 7 am – 11 pm and from 10 am – 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

My turn: by chef Luke

LA PROVENCE 25020 US-190 Lacombe, LA 70445 laprovencerestaurant.com 985.626.7662 Currently closed for renovations

Hidalgo

My wife, Marci, and I dined at La Provence last month for dinner. It was our second time in the last few months, and each time we go it is an amazing experience. From the instant you walk up to the front step you feel as though you are entering a romantic, French, countryside home to have dinner with your closest friends and family. The architecture, decor and all of the attention to detail start your evening in awe of this incredible gem that is tucked into Lacombe, but only minutes from the heart of Mandeville.

We were seated in a cozy spot next to the fireplace. After Marci received her perfectly crafted Sazerac, the chicken liver patĂŠ with crostinis arrived. No one does bread and butter service like La Provence. The pate is simple and perfectly executed. To start, we ordered the andouille crusted oysters and grilled vegetable board. The oysters were bubbling hot out of the broiler and the spice of the housemade sausage was really nice. The vegetable board featured some of the beautiful potatoes, brussels sprouts and pea tendrils grown on the property by Chef Eric. Next, we had a beautiful grilled plum and charred corn salad with fresh cheese curds that had great acidity and light flavors. For our main courses, Marci had a crispy soft shell crab and I had the hanger steak with dauphinoise potatoes, demi-glace and oyster mushrooms. Chef Eric and his team really know how to take exceptional ingredients and elevate them with a depth of flavor and beautiful presentation. For dessert we finished with a wild berry semifreddo that was refreshing and had a wonderful texture.

Every time I walk away from La Provence, I have a warm, fuzzy feeling. The property, the building and the kitchen are like a portal to a magical place. Over the years I have always revered this restaurant and what they do there: intensely seasonal food, careful attention to every detail and deep respect for each ingredient. It’s clear the new proprietors, Jen and Eric, share that feeling. We are already looking forward to our next visit. When you go, be sure to leave yourself a little daylight for a walk out back to the farm, so you can appreciate every aspect of the true farm-to-table restaurant that is La Provence.

STORY LOUIS WILLIAMS, THE WILLIAMS TEAM

Real Estate Tips to Know.

STATE OF THE MARKET The climate of our local real estate market is shifting. For the last three years we have been actively enjoying a solid seller’s market. And while the pendulum is still pointing toward a seller’s market, it is on the down swing towards a buyer’s market.

WHAT IS A SELLER’S MARKET? A seller’s market is defined by low inventory, high demand, and an absorption rate of less than six months (how fast a home that just enters the market will sell). In a seller’s market the number of days on the market is generally few, the supply of homes available is low, demand is high and competition is fierce. These all work together to drive up price and increase the likelihood of multiple offers on a home for sale.

Conversely, in a buyer’s market, the supply of homes for sale far exceeds the buyer pool (supply is greater than demand).

The number of days on market is generally high and there is an absorption rate of six months or more. A buyer’s market is a more favorable time for buyers to purchase because of the availability of so many properties. Buyers have the ability to be extra choosy – sellers usually having to make concessions to secure a buyer.

While we are still currently experiencing a seller’s market, we are definitely shifting towards a buyer’s market. Historically, the real estate market cycles every 7-10 years as supply and

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demand fluctuate and drive the marketplace. We are at that threshold and expect to move into a full-blown buyer’s market within the next 6-12 months.

Locally, home prices are up about 1-3% from last year. It’s still a fantastic time to sell, so if you are on the fence about selling find out what your home is worth.

WHAT TO DO TO GET YOUR HOME READY TO SELL: STEP 1 – Real Estate Agent The first step is to call a real estate agent who can prepare a custom valuation of what your home is really worth in today’s market (not what Zillow’s estimate tells you, not your appraised value, and definitely not your assessed value). Correctly pricing a home is probably the single most important part of positioning your home in the market for sale, so you don’t end up just “on the market”.

STEP 2 Consultation Schedule a home consultation with your real estate agent so that you can pinpoint exactly what your home needs to get it market ready. This way when it does hit the market you are able to get the highest price for your home in the shortest

LETTER FROM THE MAYOR

amount of time. Each home is different, just like each family living there, but the most common things to think about are de-cluttering, staging, cleaning, painting and curb appeal.

STEP 3 – Professional Photography In today’s real estate world you actually have to sell your home twice – the first time happens online, where today’s buyers are actively looking for their new homes, and the second time is in person. Professional photography is a MUST. STEP 4 – Pre-Marketing Pre-marketing is crucial to building up hype and gaining momentum for your soon to hit the market home. Pre-market your home on social media platforms as well as the most searched real estate websites to generate interest for your home before it officially hits the market.

STEP 5 Listing Listing your home for sale involves formally entering it into the MLS (multiple listing service) system to ensure your home gets the most exposure and is discovered by today’s buyers.

WHEN TO CONTACT A REALTOR: The second after you start thinking about buying or selling!

If you are thinking about selling your home, go ahead and call a realtor to find out exactly what your home is worth and what you can expect once you start getting offers.

Most first-time homebuyers have no idea that it’s actually free for them to work with a realtor. It’s true – the seller pays a buyer’s agent at the closing, and the commission is actually negotiated when the seller decides to list the home for sale.

SHOULD YOU GET PRE-APPROVED FOR A LOAN BEFORE YOU START LOOKING? YES! Starting your home search without being pre-qualified for a home loan only sets you up for disappointment. Sellers in today’s market will not even consider an offer without a preapproval attached. That pre-approval provides credibility and tells the seller that the buyer takes the process seriously and is ready, willing and able to actually purchase their home. Buyers who view homes without being pre-approved run the risk of falling in love with a home and then losing out on it by submitting an offer that doesn’t carry much clout. Today’s real estate market is hot. Homes are selling fast, some properties are receiving multiple offers, and some are selling for over list price. Serious buyers need to be prepared when entering this market, and that starts with being pre-approved.

The Mandeville lakefront sets our city apart from every other on the north shore. Graceful oaks, beautiful sunsets and soft rolling waves offer a calm and serene setting to all visitors and residents. Walk or jog along a winding trail, bring the children to play or simply relax on a bench and take in the spectacular view.

The City of Mandeville invites you to “Light Up The Lake” - an Independence Day celebration on Saturday, June 30th. Festivities begin with a tribute to our military, then music

by Groovy 7 and fireworks at dusk. You are welcome to picnic on the lakefront beginning at 10 a.m. Please, no charcoal grills or glass containers. Join us for an exciting holiday event.

Movie Nights are also back at the Trailhead, sponsored by The Robin Group of Keller Williams. Jumanji is scheduled for June 22nd and Star Wars – Last Jedi on July 27th.

Admission is free and the movies begin at 8:00 p.m.

The featured city is proud to honor the exceptional talent of Mandeville artists. Each month, a local artist is selected to display their artwork in the City Hall lobby for the entire month, and an afternoon reception is scheduled to meet the artist personally. Featured artist for June is Christina Pappion and for July is KLM Studio and Gallery.

We encourage all residents to take advantage of our free direct payment service for utility customers. Call City Hall at 985-626-3144 to begin ACH direct withdrawal for utility payments with no added service charge.

Finally, hurricane season begins June 1st.

Schedule your home improvement projects early and prepare for storm season. We have been truly blessed in the last several years, but it always pays to be prepared. Have a great summer!

DONALD VILLERE City of Mandeville Mayor

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1. Chef Soiree, which benefits the Youth Service Bureau, was held at the Covington Trailhead and surrounding areas. More than 3,000 patrons enjoyed food and libations from around the Northshore. The highlight of the evening was the drawing for a 2018 Ford Mustang donated

by Tina and Rick Flick of Banner Ford. Proceeds from the event help the Youth Service Bureau provide advocacy counseling, education and intervention for at-risk youth and families in St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. (Photos by Tom Ballantine) 2. Saint Scholastica Academy hosted their annual fundraiser, Falaya Fling, at their beautiful campus in downtown Covington.

3. The Shamrock Sprint 5K run continues to grow yearly since its inaugural run in 2016.This year‘s event boasted over 250 runners, food booths from local restaurants and activities for younger children.

Raising over $10,000 plus matching corporate donations, the Shamrock Sprint is the premier fundraiser for the Kelly Kickin’ Cancer Foundation, which helps fund the research, study and eradication of brain cancer.

4. Mandeville High School’s FIRST Robotics team, Team 2992, traveled to the FIRST Robotics

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Rock City Regional in Little Rock, Arkansas (FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).

5. The Southern Hotel’s Southern Cup polo match was rained out, but the party took place at the beautiful, newly renovated New Orleans Polo Club House located on Summergrove Farm in Folsom. Guests enjoyed a catered lunch from Chef Jeffery Hansell of Oxlot 9 and signature crafted cocktails from The Southern Hotel. The event benefits the Public Art Fund.

6. Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana’s Retired Senior Volunteer Program members gathered for an annual recognition luncheon celebrating more than 38,000 hours of community service in 2017. RSVP volunteers are a select group of volunteers 55 years of age and older who use their time, skills and life experiences to help meet critical needs across St. Tammany Parish.

7. The 2018 Re-Imagined 15th Anniversary Garden Party took place to benefit the New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center. Guests enjoyed an afternoon of food and beverages provided by local restaurants and bid on a spectacular silent auction while listening to live, classical music.

8. American Factory Direct celebrated the grand opening of its new Room Shoppe location on Highway 59 in Mandeville with a ribbon cutting by the West St. Tammany Chamber.

9. The American Heart Association hosted its annual Northshore Heart Walk in Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville. Walkers arrived early to warm up with the Mandy Milkshakers before starting the walk.

CJ Ladner of State Farm and Laurie McCants of Honda of Covington co-chaired the event. They exceeded their goal of raising over $350,000.

Congratulations!

10. The City of Slidell hosted its Some Enchanted Evening in Heritage Park. The Louisiana Philharmonic performed at the free sunset concert. Before the concert Slidell Mayor Freddie Drennan presented awards to the sponsors of the 2017-2018 City of Slidell’s Cultural Season along with BRAVO! Awards to businesses and individuals for their financial contributions to the arts.

11. Oak Park Village celebrated its Grand Re-Openings in Slidell.

Want to be featured in Around The Lake? Send your pictures to edgepublisher@yahoo.com

STORY 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.

W

hen it comes to our twins, if you tell Jacks to jump he will ask you how high and then jump higher, simply to prove that he can. If you tell Wilkins to jump he will ask you why. Their personalities are a lot more complex than that, but it is a good starting point for understanding who they are.

It was the first day of kindergarten. I was taking Wilkins to his class, leaving their mother to deliver Jacks to a different classroom. We had barely crossed the threshold when I spotted a problem. I steered my little fellow to his desk. A coloring assignment was waiting. His hand was hovering over a gray Crayon when I spoke.

“Wilkins, there is a girl on the other side of the room. I want to talk about her, but I do not want you to look right now.”

“Dad, what is it?” I could see his neck muscles flexing as he fought to somehow twist his eyes to the top of his head.

“She’s missing an arm.”

Wilkins nodded and picked up a red Crayon. “Do we know how she lost it?”

“No, and we are not going to ask about it today,” I said. “It is her first day of school, too. Do not bombard her with questions about her arm. OK?” I stayed with him for a few more minutes, then slipped into the hall. My wife met me between the classrooms; we were switching before we left.

“Jacks is fine,” my wife reported.

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“Wilkins has a girl in his class with one arm,” I responded.

I saw the look on her face. It wasn’t the biggest deal. Except we both knew our son could launch an assault of inquisitiveness. An in your face, one million questions, will not give up until totally satisfied he has ascertained every bit of possible information type of assault.

I checked on Jacks and everything was perfect. I suspected the separate classes and brief respite from his brother would be a relief, even if he didn’t know it.

After that, I was supposed to meet my wife in the parking lot, but the first classroom was practically on my way out. I stuck my head in the door. There was Wilkins, coloring away. It was quieter. A few parents were hovering over their kids. Wilkins saw me.

“Hey dad!”

I gave him a little wave. He colored for one more instant then looked back up at me.

“Oh yeah,” Wilkins yelled. “I met that girl with one arm. Her name is Harper. She’s right over there.”

My eyes drifted across the room. Everyone – the teacher, the remaining parents, the kids – was looking at me.

We learned all about the missing arm, and Harper and Wilkins became fast friends. We’re way past kindergarten now, but some things haven’t changed. Over the years Wilkins frequently got in trouble for asking too many questions.

“Say you’ll explode if you don’t let the questions out,” my oldest son added.

Jacks, his twin, spoke around a mouthful of chicken. “Just blame it on the triplet you ate in the womb.”

Being married to a teacher, I understand better than most what they deal with. But I have no problem with Wilkins asking questions to the point of being a nuisance, instead of accepting something as truth just because someone said it was. And I do not want him pushed toward the mainstream because someone is convinced it will be good for him to be more like everyone else.

After that first year of kindergarten we took a summer road trip to Colorado. In the middle of the night I pulled up to a lonely toll booth somewhere in Oklahoma. The rest of the family was sleeping, but Wilkins had been carrying on a steady dialogue directly behind me. I rolled down his window as I rolled down my own.

The toll operator leaned out to take my money. She only had one arm. Wilkins said nothing. I thanked the lady, and we pulled away. When Wilkins finally spoke, his voice was heavy, and I knew sleep was finally about to overtake him.

“Dad, do you think that was Harper’s mom?”

I left his question unanswered. The drive of life rolls on with a kid who asks too many questions and refuses to stay in his lane. We survived that school year. We’ve survived all of them since. And Wilkins has lived to ask questions every single day.

“Tell your teacher you just can’t help yourself,” my daughter suggested after one such infraction.

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Oak Park Village At Slidell Assisted Living and Memory Care is excited to announce it is under new ownership, and has undergone extensive community renovations and enhancements. Schedule your tour today, and experience the all-new Oak Park Village At Slidell.

2200 Gause Blvd. East, Slidell, LA 70461 985.718.5900 I OakParkVillageSL.com Assisted Living | Memory Care Prices, plans and programs are subject to change without notice. Managed and Operated

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