EDGE of the Lake Magazine October| November by Northshore Media Group

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OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2018

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PUBLISHER Sarah Cottrell

I can’t believe it’s Fall! I feel like I hibernate during the hot summer months; I am not sure this English girl will ever get used to the Louisiana heat. I am looking forward to all the events that take place during the next couple of months, including the Three Rivers Art Festival, Monster Mash, the Women’s Charity Polo Tournament, Vintage Market Days, You Night and the Bayou Jam Concert Series. There truly is something for all ages and interests. The Northshore is such a great place to work, live and play! This edition marks our twelfth issue. We are still a baby but are enjoying such positive feedback. We have remained true to our mission statement and don’t sell our features or cover. This allows us to have complete editorial integrity to bring you stories from around the Northshore. “Expect the unexpected” is our motto and I think we have lived up to that over the last couple of years. It takes a team, from account executives, photographers, writers, graphic designers and editors to our trusty delivery team. Each member of the team helps make the issue and we couldn’t do it without them. However, this month we had to do it with one team member missing, since our Beauty Editor Caitlin Picou just gave birth to her second child and launched her new foundation line. She had her hands full and Caitlin will be back next issue. Congratulations Picou family! To contact me via email: edgepublisher@yahoo.com

PUBLISHER

EDITOR Bob Ewell ART DIRECTOR Erich Belk STYLE DIRECTOR Patty Beal BEAUTY EDITOR Caitlin Picou COPY EDITOR Mary-Brent Brown CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary-Brent Brown Charles Dowdy Sarah Herndon Meridith Knight Mark Larson Elaine Millers Liz Genest Smith Ricky Windhorst STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jerry Cottrell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Tom Ballantine Brent Brown SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVES Eloise Cottrell Rick Clasen ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Rebecca Blossman-Ferran Erin Bolton Debi Menasco Michelle Wallace-Croas

ON THE COVER Sophisticated Huntress Photo Jerry Cottrell Page 010

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

tanding TALL

AGAINST CANCER

Your strongest allies in the fight are at St. Tammany Cancer Center. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Ochsner and St. Tammany Parish Hospital have expanded their capabilities, programs and specialties providing the very best cancer care to the Northshore. Our Women’s Pavilion patients have access to the full spectrum of cancer care, preventative screening and treatment options available. We’ve been recognized by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers as providing the highest level of quality breast care. And when knowledge is power, you want it all in your corner.

CANCER CENTER (985) 276-6830 | stph.org/cancercenter

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SOPHISTICATED HUNTRESS

BAY ST LOUIS

SPORTSMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EDGE

WORTH A DRIVE

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YOU NIGHT EMPOWERING EVENTS

DISNEY

COMUNITY

020 KIDS

MONSTER MASH TURNS 30

026 ARTIST

BILL BINNINGS

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DRAMA CUTTING EDGE

040 MUSIC

SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

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CUTTING EDGE OF FASHION

HAMMERS AND HEELS

Page 040 Songwriters Fest

TRAVEL

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RESTAURANT REVIEW MY TURN BY CHEF: MICHAEL DEGAVAGE

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GIVING BACK DENTAL DAY

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AROUND THE LAKE SOCIAL

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CHARLES OFF THE AIR ADRIFT WITHOUT OUR ANCHOR

New Orleans Polo Club

Announces itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2nd Annual Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charity Polo Tournament

November 4, 2018

photo credit: Bobby Gilboy

Benefitting the Thoroughbred Retirement Network of Louisiana, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to re-homing and rehabbing ex-racehorses.

Game times 1pm and 3pm Gates open 11:30 am

For Sponsorship information and advance tickets email: jackienjolie@gmail.com

16191 Highway 40 Folsom, LA 70437

Follow the New Orleans Polo Club on facebook for updates!

Families welcome! Casual attire A tailgate style event featuring silent auction. Tickets $20 Children 12 and under free

859.381.7076 / 504.296.5166

Come watch ladies from the USA, Argentina, United Kingdom, and New Zealand play competitive polo while supporting local ex-racehorses.

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There is always something

Thursdays in October Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The Rails Free Concerts Covington Trailhead

October 13 Fall For Art Downtown Covington

October 4-6 St. Tammany Parish Fair Parish Fairgrounds

happening in Covington

October 20 Monster Mash Bogue Falaya Park

October 19 Sunset at the Landing Free Concert Columbia Street Landing

November 10 & 11 Three Rivers Art Festival Downtown Covington

October 26 Columbia Street Block Party Downtown Covington

November 22 Tammany Turkey Trot Race Downtown Covington

November 17 Falaya Fest Bogue Falaya Park

To learn more about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in Covington visit www.gocovington.org

Sop

histicated Huntress STORY MARK LARSON PHOTOS JERRY COTTRELL

fter having my second breakfast my mind wanders to years ago when my Blue Belton English Setter, Tober (short for ‘October’s Autumn Fever’), and I were hunting in the Atchafalaya Basin. I was chasing after my little English Setter while he chased after migrating woodcock. Now a statue, unable to move, he was showing me where the birds were. I watched Tober go up on point (an instinctive position that a pointing breed of hunting dog takes when they catch the scent of the game – the dog will stand still and aim his muzzle at the game), but on this day he wasn’t his usual self. As I came around a clump of cover, sure enough another setter was on point. It was a pretty little Orange Belton English Setter pup. I was so amazed at the sight of this that the sound of a female voice from behind me scared me out of my wellies (English knee-high rubber boots). “Now that is a Currier and Ives if I have ever seen one,” she said, referencing the famed 18th Century American printmaker. “Ahh,” I stammered. I was amazed at finding another hunter in these parts, let alone a woman. I certainly could tell that under her shooting vest and breeks (pants) I was truly looking at a huntress. She had a Holland and Holland, doubled-barreled, twenty gauge tucked under her arm. The engravers canvas was Old World English steel. She had no intention of taking a shot and I couldn’t have if I wanted to.

I was weak in the knees at the sight of her red hair shining in the December sun, tan face, wellies, breeks, white blouse and caramel shooting vest. After a moment I reached out my hand to introduce myself. Her calf skin glove came off. She reached out her hand, gripped mine and said, “My name is Diane. I’m from Mandeville.” I was hoping by now my tongue had reconnected to my brain. I tried to introduce myself. “I’m Mark. I’m from Minnesota, I think.” With the dogs still on point, Diane said, “I don’t think Bracken (her Belton puppy) can take much more of this. Let’s call them back.” During the walk back to our cars Diane mentioned that some friends were going to shoot sporting clays and skeet at a club called Covey Rise. She asked if I would like to join them. I was already there. Covey Rise is situated near Hussle, Louisiana about 45 minutes from Mandeville. The 400 acre sportsman’s retreat offers full service customized hunting adventures with the option of day hunts, renting a 3 or 4 bedroom cabin or taking the six-bedroom Hunting Lodge that includes all meals prepared by a chef on site. The adjacent Covey Rise Farms not only supply the lodge with fresh produce for a true ‘Field to Table’ experience, but also supply seasonal produce to many fine dining restaurants in the area.

Covey Rise Lodge Coveyriselodge.com 985.747.0310

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EDGE October | November 2018

Traditional duck, quail and pheasant hunting are offered along with a sporting clays course set up to offer championship target shooting. The game of clay shooting was born in England over 30 years ago. In England it is called Clay Pigeon Shooting. Some describe the game as ‘golf with a gun.’ A total of 100 targets are launched by machines spaced out so one can walk around the course. The shooter calls for the clay, and when it shoots out at 54 miles per hour eye and hand coordination is a must. The guns used are of the type that shoots hundreds of BBs as opposed to a single projectile. The English Royals at the turn of the previous century made the sport of shooting popular in England. Eventually the whole of Europe followed suit, shooting game and targets. Many of the early shooters were women. Princesses, baronesses, ladies and queens alike enjoyed shooting as much as men. Today shotgun shooting is an ever-increasing sport. Of the number of new participants sixty-seven percent are women. A lady’s body does not usually fit a man’s gun. A woman’s neck is generally longer, her shoulders are smaller, and her arms are shorter. If the gun does not fit properly the weight, recoil, and length will cause missed targets and unnecessary pain. Ceasar Gurini is an Italian gun maker that makes shotguns to fit the female body. Puglias in Metairie carries the Gurini brand and Covey Rise offers professional gun fitting. I look forward to hunting season – emerging from long winter naps with Tober lying on his quilt next to the bed – but we’ll have a hard time moving from the warmth of our beds to cold boots and an even colder outside. And oh, that red haired girl I met in the basin all those years ago now hikes, hunts and fishes with me wherever I go.

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& Bold Unapologetic: STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH

photo: Melissa Johnson

You Night Shows Cancer Who’s Boss Some of the world’s most successful people often choose to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones. When J.K. Rowling found herself battling clinical depression as a financially strapped single mother, she decided to funnel every scrap of energy she had left into writing a book. Yes, that book. Harry Potter, which yielded unimaginable fortune, is littered with monsters and villains that embody the figurative demons Rowling battled. They became her stepping stones. A similar philosophy helped Lisa McKenzie, the founder and CEO of Covington’s Ooh La Bra, a designer bra strap retailer, repurpose her own personal struggles and discover her true calling. Despite business success she wasn’t fulfilled, and her moment of truth came when she got involved with The Idea Village, a nonprofit that helps local entrepreneurs step up their game. Lisa was challenged to rebrand her logo and packaging, and figure out what her brand really stands for. “I kept leaning toward supporting women, as a double entendre. But I realized there was a disconnect,” she admits. “I was told I had a good business model and concept, but I came in second to last in votes in their competition. People with clear missions won. It was my Gone with the Wind moment. ‘As God is my witness…’ I’m not frivolous, but I came across as frivolous. I hadn’t bridged the gap yet.” After a period filled with disillusionment and despair, a friend helped her discover a new path. But instead of leading to a different approach to her business, it led her to take an altruistic detour, and You Night was born. This organization – most well known for its runway fashion shows – helps women embrace life beyond cancer. But how exactly does one make the jump from designer bra straps to philanthropy?

To understand how this transition came about, it’s necessary to go back to Lisa’s college days, when she served as the president of the Delta Gamma sorority at San Diego State University. When one of their young members was gang raped, the sisterhood disintegrated into confusion and dissent. Some members backed the perpetrators and called the woman a liar, some rallied around her and some were overwhelmed and simply wanted nothing to do with the situation. In a desperate attempt to pull everyone back together, Lisa planned a retreat and used a candle-passing ceremony to create a safe space where everyone could share their thoughts and feelings, find common ground and restore unity. It worked, and the experience stayed with her. It’s also important to understand that finishing poorly in the Idea Village competition wasn’t simply a blow to Lisa’s ego. It resulted in total bewilderment and a crisis of faith in herself and her purpose in life. Luckily, her friends intervened. “They almost literally saved my life,” Lisa says. “I was a in a very dark place, and my friends gave me tools to pull myself out. I realized I couldn’t do it alone. And in the course of rediscovering myself, a clear way out presented itself. One friend told me, ‘You can actually bring God’s love to a lot of women.’” Without even realizing it, she’d been acquiring all the skills, experiences and perspective she needed to create a lifeline for others in crisis. And while Ooh La Bra is still in business, You Night has eclipsed it over the last three years, and has usurped most of Lisa’s time, energy, and heart. At first glance, the organization’s signature events, their glitzy runway fashion shows, might seem a bit superficial, but there’s so much more substance behind the scenes. These shows actually serve as participants’ graduation from a six-month program that

EDGE October | November 2018

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not only helps them to bond with other survivors, but also uses teamwork activities, coaching and runway skills to teach them how to overcome the physical and psychological challenges of cancer treatment. It’s designed to help them to feel normal again, or to find an incredible new normal. Lisa even incorporated the highly effective candle-passing ceremony from her sorority days into the program. “There are lots of tears as they share what’s going on personally. It creates a strong bonding moment that allows them to connect and exchange, but it’s the only sad part.” Fortunately, Lisa’s inspiration for You Night came at an ideal time. Mainstream medicine is embracing a holistic approach to treating illness more than ever before. A big part of You Night’s success comes from support, and in fact referrals, from the medical community. While medical practitioners treat the body, many recognize the importance of treating the mind and spirit as well. As such, the medical community and You Night are partners in the care of these women. “Doctors can only go so far,” Lisa explains. “They can’t be their therapists. Therapy often helps after treatment is completed, when you lose your team and feel alone. But therapy is not cheap, and traditional support groups are not for everyone.” While the runway program is not mandatory – participants can still do retreats and meetings and benefit from that lifeline – there’s no denying its value. “Many come in with no eyelashes, maybe they’ve gained weight, and they have no interest in being onstage,” Lisa says. “This can encourage them to start to exercise, eat better, feel better, treat themselves better. And throughout the process, they work with an individual big sister. The women work together every week – the show

You Night Events 877 951 5936 www.younightevents.com

photo: Lisa Mckenzie

is choreographed, like a dance – and they put on the production as a team.” It’s also a huge community celebration. “That night, they see themselves as graduates and alums,” Lisa continues. “And, in addition to family and friends, the audience is full of surgeons, oncology nurses and other medical professionals who saw them before and during treatment. You see the medical teams standing in their seats, and realize they truly love these women. It’s so rewarding to celebrate like that.” As for the future, You Night is starting to draw attention from some major media outlets (stay tuned!), and Lisa says she’d like to expand into other cities. Her ScArt program, which encourages cancer survivors to draw their scars on canvas and share experiences in group activities, is in the launch phase, and will ostensibly be a nationwide campaign. Meanwhile, local women continue to benefit from You Night because of its founder’s very personal emotional investment, and her heartfelt understanding of both despair and the power of sisterhood. Her struggles not only became stepping stones on her personal path in life, but combined with her strengths, they formed the program’s rocksolid foundation and clearly defined goals. But if you ask Lisa, she’ll place credit for You Night’s success elsewhere. “When it comes to collective mentality, women are workhorses,” she explains. “Some come into the program suicidal; all are struggling. They form an intense bond, they laugh, and it results in thousands of ripples. Every year, we add 50 women. It’s like we’re building an army. They’re an army of warriors, bold and unapologetic.”

LETTER FROM THE PARISH PRESIDENT

photo: Chris Olsen

ST. TAMMANY CLASS OF 2018 Jessica Laﬂeur, Julie Taglauer, Donnis Cutrer, Samantha Dufrene, Shelly Deynoodt, JoAnn Bloodworth, Lynda Lambert, Gina Cherry, Erin Newman, Brenda Long, Kristen van Leusden, Peggy Cromer, Susan Stewart, Micaleen Husser, Tania Summers, Karen Ziebarth, Shannon Wilson, Jannie Markey, Tammy Riley, Mary Stewart, Lori Mastio, Heidi Magrath

photo: Tracie Morris Schaefer

Defining Our Mission Parish Government is currently in the process of reducing, reorganizing and refocusing our operations. We have made decisions, which at times have been difficult, to reduce the size of our organization, and find other efficiencies through reorganizing while refocusing on our core functions. We will continue to carry out initiatives to support these changes. Our Major Streets Plan is a visionary design that includes improvements of existing roadways and the creation of new roads. Tammany Utilities is in the midst of numerous capital improvements, including lift and pump station improvements. Our Departments of Environmental Services and Development/ Engineering continue to implement ongoing water quality initiatives. This includes nearly 3,000 Aerated Treatment Unit sewer inspections, pollution source tracking for water quality restoration in the Bayou Liberty Watershed and homeowner education on proper maintenance of their on-site units. In addition, we will continue to construct retention ponds, which work within the natural environment to retain healthy ecosystems. Safe Haven, our behavioral health campus currently in progress, will ultimately serve as a single point of entry into the behavioral health continuum and fill a muchneeded gap in service for people who are in need of behavioral healthcare. Our mission is to serve the people of St. Tammany — our neighbors, friends and families — and to continue to foster our identity as a community based on excellence where families come to live and work. We take great pride in that service and in the work our organization does each day. Pat Brister St. Tammany Parish President

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MONSTER MASH

STORY SARAH HERNDON PHOTOS JERRY COTTRELL

Nowadays it seems that Halloween has gained a following that rivals even Santa Claus, promising a bounty of free candy to those who dress in costume. So it’s no surprise that the Northshore’s Monster Mash, an annual fundraiser for the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center, is celebrating its 30 year anniversary this October. The festival’s humble beginnings were in the halls of the still small parish hospital when tables with candy and a few crafts were set up for trick-or-treating children. Quickly outgrowing the hospital’s walls, the event moved into the parking lot and then, a year later, found a permanent home in Bogue Falaya Park. “30 years is a really long time and most events don’t stand that test of time very well,” said Melanie Rudolph, Foundation Specialist with the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation, who helps to put on Monster Mash. “We are proud to host an event that has continuously been so impactful on the community and we’re proud that the community has always played such a big role in the event.” Over its 30 year course, Monster Mash has raised $1.5 million for the Parenting Center, a cornerstone to Northshore parents and their families. The center began as a small group of mothers concerned about child abuse prevention. They first handed out educational materials to patients within the hospital and then moved into trailers in the parking lot, where parenting classes were facilitated. In 1999, the Parenting Center officially became a part of the St. Tammany Parish Hospital. “Parenting is not easy and our focus is to provide tools for your parenting tool chest,” said Lori Cage, Executive Director for the Parenting Center. In addition to its interactive playtime programs, the center offers a variety of programs from ballet classes for toddlers to CPR trainings and free car seat inspections. Lori witnesses many parents come into the center feeling stressed and says it is important to have this place of support, which feels like home to many of its members.

Generations have sought guidance from the Parenting Center and now in its 30th year Monster Mash is welcoming back parents who are now bringing their grandchildren to the event. “When I first started, people didn’t even realize that it was a fundraiser,” recalled Lori. “They thought it was an event that the city of Covington put on so I’m proud of that fact, that this is just a fun event that people want to do.” As always, there is nothing lacking at the festival, which includes a trick-or-treat village, carnival-like games, bungee jumping, miniature horses and a plethora of musical acts and food tents. In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Monster Mash will host a judged parade around the park with each participant dressing in a themed costume. Also new this year, the princess and pirate tea will no longer be a seated affair and princesses will lead children in a dance party under the pavilion. Closing out the event will be New Orleans natives Bag of Donuts who will be covering songs such as “The Hokey Pokey” for the pint-sized crowd. Metairie Bank is returning for its second year as the festival’s presenting sponsor. Along with their substantial financial contribution, the community bank also sends volunteers to help with set-up and check-in during the event. “We believe that we enrich the communities that we serve,” said Paul Myers, a Vice President with the bank. “Our customers are our friends, our neighbors, people we see out at the Friday night block parties. We want to give back to the community to continue to grow both the prosperity and the quality of life within our community.” Paul’s wife, Shelli, is this year’s Monster Mash chair.

St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center Monster Mash Saturday, October 20 Bogue Falaya Park Covington, LA

LETTER FROM THE MAYOR

Averaging 4,000 people each year – and a boggling 7,000 the year after Hurricane Katrina – Monster Mash has yet to lose its appeal to many faithful Northshore families. “There are so many Halloween events on the Southshore that probably do so much more and on a larger scale than what we do, but there’s just something about Monster Mash that’s so special. Covington is a small community and it’s nice to see that this is still something that people truly enjoy doing,” Melanie said. Monster Mash takes place on October 20th from 10 am until 3 pm in Bogue Falaya Park. Tickets in advance: $5 for adults and $15 for children. Tickets at the gate: $10 for adults and $20 for children.

Greetings!! I am happy to welcome the autumn season as this time of year brings so much to look forward to. Covington has recently been blessed with several new businesses and restaurants for residents and visitors to enjoy. The crisp fall air brings with it the perfect opportunity to re-discover Covington’s walkable downtown and explore these recently opened establishments, as well as the ones you already know! October and November boast several outdoor events which promise enjoyment while helping local community organizations. I invite you to Historic Downtown Covington to several events, including Fall for Art, Saturday, October 13, the return of the “Rockin the Rails” concert series every Thursday evening in October at the Covington Trailhead, The Three Rivers Art Festival November 10 & 11 taking place on Columbia Street, and the inaugural Tammany Turkey Trot race on Thanksgiving morning, a 5K race winding its way through the beautiful streets of downtown Covington. Please check the City of Covington’s website and Facebook pages for information on these and other events.—covla.com and Facebook pages City of Covington and City of Covington – Office of Cultural Arts and Events. The City of Covington will also finalize the city’s 2019 Capital and Operating Budget in the next 2 months, with a public meeting being held in October, and Budget adoption expected at the City Council meeting on November 20th.

I wish you all a Happy and safe Thanksgiving and start to the holiday season. As always, it is my honor to serve as your mayor. MIKE COOPER City of Covington Mayor

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Volunteer Fair

Explore volunteer opportunities with 18 area organizations.

  

Attend a presentation by Gulf Coast Bank on “How to stay a step ahead of the Schemers…. learn how to protect yourself from current fraud trends.”

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Enjoy refreshments provided by The Windsor Senior Living Community.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2018 9:30 A.M.

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EDGE October | November 2018

BILL BINNINGS

STORY MERIDETH KNIGHT

culptor Bill Binnings admits he’s a bit of a Tom Sawyer as he gathers his friends in his 3,000-square-foot foundry on casting day. “They can’t wait to come here and help,” he said. “They think it’s fun, but it’s hard work. I’m like Tom Sawyer painting my fence and I’ve somehow convinced my friends they want to join me.” Of course each casting day has been preceded by months, and sometimes years, of solo work, as Bill conceives the ideas for his sculptures, sketches them on paper and forms them into clay (with a wire skeleton for the larger pieces). Next he constructs a rubber mold around the clay, makes a wax replica from the mold, works to remove imperfections from the wax and finally gathers his posse to cast the pieces, which range from a few inches to several feet tall. The casting complete, the friends celebrate by throwing some “foundry steaks” on the grill. “The temperature reaches 1,800 degrees so the steaks only cook for a minute and a half on each side and basically explode,” Binnings laughed. “You’ve never had steaks like these.” With a ready smile and easy laugh, Binnings has a way of making deep subjects feel personal and approachable. He often explores religious themes, such as with his current Seed Bearers series featuring Biblical characters, including a barren Hannah petitioning God for a child and a very different Hannah after the birth of Samuel. There’s Bathsheba as King David would have seen her bathing on her roof and Lazarus emerging from the tomb still wearing his grave clothes. “I call my smaller sculptures sonatas,” Binnings said. “They’re inspired by things that affect me spiritually.” Another favorite, Sunday Afternoon, depicts his wife, Janice, reclining on a couch. “My work isn’t my ministry, but I want people to get a sense of the truth from it,” he said. “Yet I don’t want them to get it too easily. There’s a sculptural language that involves space, light, texture, form and lines. The sculptor uses these things to move the eye where he wants it to go. Each piece must define some narrative idea. The image becomes the narrative. For me the goal is to create a quiet space in a chaotic world.” Sculpting has been a second life for Binnings after working in many careers while his three kids were growing up, including pool contractor, firefighter, home renovator and international high-rise constructor. He lost everything in St. Bernard during Katrina, and he and Janice made their way to St. Tammany Parish where he constructed the foundry he calls his “Hobbit Hole” and began making a name for himself with his art. Now with installations as far away as Buffalo, New York and Baltimore, Maryland, Binnings has an ever-growing fan base and commissioned pieces scattered throughout his adopted parish. There’s a spirit-lifting piece called “New Morning” at Christwood Retirement Center and two playful bronze sculptures of children in front of the St. Tammany School Board on Jefferson Street. Binnings has work at the Mel Ott Memorial in Gretna, a “Good Samaritan” monument in Chalmette,

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an “Isadora Series” in the Miriam Beranger Memorial Garden in Red Bluff, Louisiana, two historic installations in Ponchatoula, “The Horticulture Lesson” and his monument to Native Americans, “The Natural Conservationist,” and “The Youthful Teacher” at the Alabama Institute of the Deaf and Blind. Most recently Binnings had the privilege of honoring his longtime friend and world-renowned author, Walker Percy, with two statues, one at the St. Tammany Parish Library in Madisonville and one recently installed in Bogue Falaya Park in Covington. “Walker influenced me and my work quite a bit,” Binnings said. “We used to meet for lunch with a group

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of guys at Bechac’s in Mandeville. We didn’t talk business. We talked ideas. He taught me to think in layers of meaning; not just to illustrate an idea but to dig in, to pull out the second and third layer of meaning like he did with his writing. The new statue at Bogue Falaya Park is multilayered, the way he taught me to think.” “Art should elevate you,” Binnings continued. “It should bring you to a place you’ve been before so it’s like déjà vu, but you’re seeing it like you’ve never seen it, never considered it. You should recognize it even while it makes you feel something new. Walker elevated his readers with his writing. He lifted our spirits. I want to elevate them through this remembrance

of him.” The new, nine-foot installation entitled “Walker Percy Gateway” features the award-winning author leaning casually in a doorway. “The doorway is the sculpture,” Binnings said. “Walker himself is a statement about the doorway. When you walk through, you’re walking into his space. A good sculpture should make you want to walk around it, should draw your eye up and down and around.” Binnings said he crafted the expression on Percy’s face to challenge the observer. “It says, ‘What are you doing (with your life)? What will you create?’” Along the door jam, on all sides, are the titles of Percy’s books. And Binnings

said the idea for the piece was inspired by a quote from Percy’s debut novel, The Movie Goers: “He puts one foot toward the door but neither quite stays nor leaves.” “It’s a lesser known sentence from the book,” Binnings said. “But it speaks to me of Walker. He left, but he’s never quite gone because his thoughts and his words are still with us.” “My father was often referred to as ‘the Bard of the Bayou’ so the park is a fitting location for his statue,” said Percy’s younger daughter, Ann Percy Moores. “The library sculpture is also appropriate as my father so loved libraries and spent much time researching in them. We’re honored to have both sculptures to help preserve his legacy.” “Each rendering has captured different characteristics of Daddy and I’m fond of them both,” said Percy’s older daughter, Mary Pratt Percy Lobdell. “Bill is a super guy and dedicated sculptor. I was allowed in his studio/foundry for the Madisonville sculpture and was amazed by how one dab or swipe of his knife could cause such profound differences in what the eye beheld. Wow!” The Madisonville statue sits on a bench in the Walker Percy Serenity Garden at the St. Tammany Parish library there. It features a quiet, reflective Percy with his Welsh corgi, Sweet Thang. “This piece reflects the private moments Walker had with friends,” Binnings said. “It invites others to share quiet time with him. Including the dog was Janice’s idea. She said, ‘He loved that dog.’ So her narrative became the seed of my idea.” Binnings is hard at work on his next installations, including a seven-foot piece he calls “Self-Made Man” that depicts a man carving himself out of a solid block and a heartrending memorial to fallen police officers. “Everything is a year behind, because I keep forgetting I’ve gotten older,” Binnings said. “I give them a deadline I used to be able to pull off. But I move slower now.” Yet scattered about the foundry are sketches and molds and sculptures awaiting completion, each one waiting patiently for the mind and hands of sculptor Bill Binnings to tell us their story.

billbinningsbronze.com

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PROOF SHEET

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STORY LIZ GENEST SMITH PHOTOS JERRY COTTRELL

Sheer Drama: Cutting Edge Energy Aesthetic

aversion to phone conversations usually serves me well. Relying on texts and emails when setting up meetings or interviews allows people to check their calendars before replying, plus it creates a handy record of agreed-upon dates, times and locations. What it doesn’t do, however, is give you a true sense of the person with whom you’re communicating. Perhaps if I had actually spoken with Brian Fontenot, owner of the Cutting Edge Theater in Slidell, prior to meeting with him in person I would’ve been well aware of the blistering speed of his mental processes and speech patterns. I’m a pretty good note taker, but within five minutes I was wishing I’d (a) had more coffee, and (b) either used my voice recorder app or taken a correspondence course in shorthand. There’s a very good reason for Brian to be such a multi-tasking bundle of energy, mind you. He essentially runs two businesses in one -- an amalgamation of hair salon and community theater that may seem a bit outlandish, unless you’ve ever spent a significant amount of time in a salon. In which case, you know it’s a natural fit. Brian laughingly agrees, “Oh, there’s always drama in salons, whether it’s the hairdressers or the customers. ‘I said I wanted red hair,’” he jokes, mimicking an imaginary customer in a faux-outraged tone. “This is not red, it’s Coca-Cola can!”

Much like your home, your workplace often paints a very vivid picture of you. Brian is a dynamic, creative soul, so if you’re accustomed to those antiseptic salons that pride themselves on being cold, chic, and minimalist this is not that. First of all, the theater and its salon component, Attractions, are located in an aging strip mall whose busy red brick exterior and jumble of store fronts – which also includes a thrift store and hearing aid retailer -- obscure its identity to the point that you might just drive past it on your first approach. (Or maybe that’s just me and my glitchy GPS system.) Stepping across the threshold, however, is another story. It’s sort of like approaching an anonymous Clark Kent, but sitting down with a very theatrical Superman. Despite its rather spacious interior, the space immediately feels like an intimate artist’s gallery with dark, dramatic walls, a sky-high vaulted ceiling, jewel-toned accents and so many working parts that the eye doesn’t know where to settle. One of those working parts is, in fact, the proprietor himself. When I arrive, he is completely engrossed in some set construction on the stage that’s clearly visible in the back, beyond all the hair business that’s being conducted up front. After he tears himself away and sits down to chat, he’s quick to point out that while they certainly do family-friendly productions, the theater’s name – Cutting Edge – isn’t just a playful reference to scissor use. EDGE October | November 2018

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“I wanted to do something risky, risque, something that pushes the envelope, whether it’s the content or the staging,” he explains. They did productions of both Trolls and Hair over the summer, if that tells you anything about the diversity of their programming. Ask him what in the world made him think he could get away with running a theater out of a hair studio, and he’ll shrug and tell you matter-of-factly, “I’ve been doing hair since I was a kid, but I’ve always wanted to do theater. I mean, who doesn’t want to be on stage? And I had all this space that wasn’t being used, so…” It doesn’t seem to occur to him that many of us don’t have the guts to get on stage, much less the fortitude to conceive of such an unusual concept and see it through to fruition. He launched the theater in a smaller space next door ten years ago, and expanded to its current size and space three years ago. Lest you think this is just a hobby, the production schedule is loaded with shows – they’re cramming in four productions between September and November alone – and the theater space is no joke, either. They transformed it from a warehouse by custom building the stage and installing cushy, stadium-style seating for between 108 to 135 people (apparently there’s wiggle room for a sold out show). As great as the public spaces are, the very best parts are the behind-the-scenes areas hidden away upstairs. Beyond the control room, which is jammed with some pretty impressive looking, state-of-the-art technology, there’s of course a hair and makeup area and tons of prop and costume storage. But most fabulous of all: the wall of wigs.

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Any self-respecting, Mardi-Gras-loving South Louisianian has a wig collection – I’m quite proud of my meager bin – but this cascade of over 750 hairpieces in every color and texture imaginable is truly a sight to behold. “I hate to throw anything away,” he says, chuckling in response to my gasps of awe. “I’ll just wind up going, ‘Where’s that ratty old wig? We need it!’” There’s a pretty cool wall of hats too, but I mean – how could that possibly compete with the wigs? While the theater’s inception was fueled by his personal aspirations, and it certainly allows for plenty of frivolity, Brian is also very driven by altruism. “You’d be amazed at how many people have never been to a live show,” he laments. “I didn’t see one as a kid; it was too expensive. That’s why I want to share it with as many people as possible.” In addition to the minutiae of running two businesses, Brian also works with local schools to encourage and assist children with little to no access to the arts, is determined to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all ages and walks of life and supports multiple charities and worthy organizations. When I remind him that that he’d just told me the theater is barely breaking even, yet he spends so much time and money on philanthropic causes, he blows off the implied praise and simply replies, “You have to.” How can you tell his humility is genuine? Not only does he quickly change the subject, but just before I leave he casually tosses out the fact that James Rado, the original coauthor and lyricist of the legendary Broadway show Hair, recently flew in to see Cutting Edge’s production of the show this summer after catching a video online. Talk about burying the lead!

LETTER FROM THE MAYOR

Though I was prepared to let him talk until he was out of breath (or my rapidly scrawling hand cramped up into a permanent claw, whichever came first), he was not interested in idle chit chat. After a very pleasant, respectable 40 minutes, he clapped his hands together and said, “Okay, are we done here? I have work to do.” Theater lovers can visit cuttingedgetheater.com for tickets and a complete schedule of upcoming shows, which includes a tribute to Aretha Franklin in early November. Did they somehow predict the Queen of Soul’s demise months in advance? Nope. “We planned it out the Sunday after she died,” he proudly admits. “We don’t really plan our season out. When something comes up, we just do it!”

DEAR CITIZENS OF SLIDELL, As the cool fall weather approaches, Slidell is in the middle of festival season. Please join us for the City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Concert series this October in Heritage Park. Please note that we have new hours this year to accommodate Saints fans this football season. The Northshore Community Orchestra will perform on Oct. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Vince Vance and the Valiants will return for the 13th annual Bayou Jam Halloween Bash on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. Kids of all ages are welcome to come dressed in their Halloween costumes and enjoy the show. A few of the many other events happening in October include the 7th annual Olde Towne Pumpkin Fest on Oct. 6; Chief Randy Fandal and Mayor Freddy Drennan’s 15th annual Wild Game, Seafood & BBQ Cook-Off on Oct. 6 at Fritchie Park; the second annual Taste of Olde Towne Slidell (go to ATasteOfOldeTowne.com for more information) Oct. 11-14; the St. Margaret Mary Food and Fun Fest on Oct. 19-21 and the Olde Towne Historic Antique Association’s Fall Street Fair on Oct. 27 and 28. We are blessed to have so many wonderful events in Slidell and St. Tammany Parish. Get out and enjoy the fall weather and the many wonderful events happening in our community. For more information about City of Slidell events, visit our website at MySlidell.com and follow the “City of Slidell” on Facebook. Greg Cromer City of Slidell Mayor

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Ozone Songwriter Festival

STORY RICK WINDHORST PHOTOS JERRY COTTRELL

According to Friedrich Nietzsche, “Without music, life would be a mistake.” That notion is seconded by Bob Marley, who said, “One good thing about music: when it hits you, you feel no pain!” Most would agree music is a gift that adds to our quality of life. It offers that magic which moves us to dance, to sing and to cry. It is the soundtrack of our lives. A simple song can permeate through a special memory and live in our souls forever. On October 20 and 21 the Ozone Songwriter Festival will celebrate the special magic of music when it brings 70+ singer-songwriters to three stages in Mandeville. Performances will happen over two days at the Mandeville Trailhead, Old Rail Brewing Company and the Lafitte Street Market. All stages are within walking distance in beautiful Old Mandeville. The music will no doubt be about affairs of the heart, about the the ebbs and flows of life, about the struggle to move society to social justice or will simply be about the joy of small pleasures. We all have feelings to convey. When these emotions are communicated through music the language becomes universal, transcending space, time and culture. This job – sometimes weighty, sometimes whimsical – falls to the songwriter, whose duty it is to express for us what we may not be able to express ourselves. Enter a group of visionaries from the Northshore of New Orleans and from Nashville. This group started the nonprofit Ozone Songwriter Festival. It is intended

to create a support system and a venue to showcase our local singer-songwriters. Although there’s no lack of talented musicians on the Northshore, or in all of Louisiana, what is needed are more outlets and venues for original artists to present their songs. For that reason, songwriters and music lovers -- Greg Barnhill, Mary Grace Knapp, Buzz Jackson, Christine Barnhill, Michael Blache, Tommy Ike Hailey, John West, Maureen O’Brien, Mayor Donald Villere, Randy Russell, Susan Russell -- and later, myself, Ricky Windhorst -- decided to put together a music festival to feature the original songwriter. An important figure to the festival is Greg Barnhill, originally from Slidell. He has written for Etta James, Martina McBride, Jessica Simpson, Chicago, Tim McGraw, Lee Ann Womack, Leona Lewis, Trisha Yearwood, Don Henley, Vince Gill and Amy Grant, to name just a few. His role heading up the fest is vital, since when he comes down from Nashville for the fest he’ll bring up-and-coming and established performers. They will present their original music alongside dozens of local and regional performers of all genres, from country to rock to the blues. All funds raised by the festival’s annual production (entry fee and merchandise sales) above operating expenses will be used to enhance the appreciation of music for the youth of St. Tammany Parish. The mission includes providing elementary and high school students in the parish school system with further music education. This involves supporting their interest and

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LETTER FROM THE MAYOR

endeavors in songwriting, as well as providing education about potential careers in, or related to, the music industry. As the festival expands each year, the organization plans to purchase and donate musical instruments to schools throughout St. Tammany Parish. In addition to the entertainment and educational benefits of this notfor-profit music festival, it also has the potential to grow into an annual music destination as well as a new tourism driver that will attract not only locals, but also out of town visitors. In an area burgeoning with young talent it is advantageous to stage and promote a festival that creates musical and artistic opportunities. Ozone Fest does this by bringing in mentors who will teach and inspire students and then foster that inspiration by providing students with the instruments and instruction they need. The goal is a festival that truly gives back to St. Tammany Parish, and shows yet another facet of the cultural gem this area is. For more information on the Ozone Songwriter Festival including details on sponsorship, event tickets, and the performance lineup visit the website at Ozonemusic.org. For even more frequent and up-to-date information, follow the Facebook page â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ozone Songwriter Festival on the Northshoreâ&#x20AC;? or Twitter.com/Ozonefest.

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintain a high quality of life for our citizens through cost effective, innovative systems, The City of Mandeville has purchased new water meters from Aqua Metric. This project includes installing every residential meter in the City limits with new, state-of-the art technology that can wirelessly communicate usage data to our water utility. The installation will take about 30 minutes and the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water usage may be interrupted for up to 15 minutes. If the water system is in use at the time of installation, our crews will try to notify the homeowner before water flow is interrupted. The process has begun and will take a few months to complete. Once installed, advanced meter technology will be able to collect multiple remote meter reads per day, allowing for better leak detection and improved customer service while conservatively saving customers money. Door hangars are being placed in the scheduled areas of work to notify citizens that they are in the area. Contractors are clearly identified with badges and our drinking water will remain safe throughout the project. Advanced metering also supports our commitment to preserving and protecting our environment by reducing carbon emissions by taking meter readers off of the road, enhancing our ability to quickly detect and stop leaks, and providing customers with daily information on water use so that they can improve their efforts to conserve. We appreciate your patience during this time of installation.

DONALD VILLERE City of Mandeville Mayor

Benefitting The Samaritan Center

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PROOF SHEET

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MARKETPLACE GIFT CERTIFICATE The Marketplace at East St. Tammany Chamber 1808 Front St, Slidell 985.643.5678

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EDGE October | November 2018

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Plan to attend the

37th Annual Fall Street Fair! Olde Towne Slidell October 27th & 28th 10am - 5pm Daily Antiques Antiques, art, collectibles, repurposed furniture, food and live music. First, Second & Erlanger Streets Booth Info: Â 985.710.9122 Check us out on Facebook! slidellantiques.com

Fremaux, First, Erlanger and Robert Streets, Slidell, Â LA

Empty Bowl Sunday Nov. 11, 2018 3-6PM

Tickets $45/person Pontchartrain Yacht Club 985.626.4457 / SAMCEN.ORG Benefitting The Samaritan Center

Hammers Heels

PHOTOS TOM BALLANTINE

The vision of Sara Sinclair, Marketing Coordinator at the Lakehouse and Maison Lafitte, became not only a reality but a huge success. Maison Lafitte partnered with Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West (Habitat STW) to produce the first Hammers and Heels Fashion Show, which benefitted Women Build -fueled by Chevron- and was held at the stunning Masion LaFitte in Mandeville. The event’s proceeds went towards Habitat STW’s annual Women Build project, which will take place from September 28 - October 31. Women Build is a project in which Habitat STW encourages women, without excluding men, to come out to a construction site to not only build a home, but also help a family build the strength, stability and self-reliance needed for a brighter future. This year’s Women Build homebuyer is Sandy Payne, a single mother of three daughters who has moved numerous times due to the expensive rent in the St. Tammany Parish area. Payne was in attendance at the fashion show alongside her eldest daughter, Ally, and was extremely appreciative of all those who donated their time and money to the project. “It’s above and beyond anything you can comprehend,” said Payne. “St. Tammany Parish has some wonderful people that are loving on our family. It’s a wonderful experience.”

EDGE October | November 2018

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The event also included a silent auction where guests were able to bid on gifts such as a family portrait session from Joel Treadwell, a DJ for a day donated by the Lake 94.7, artwork from local artists, a signed Drew Brees football and fabulous items from participating boutiques. Guests were treated to a lunch provided by the Lakehouse and sipped on signature cocktails before transitioning outside to the patio for the fashion show, emceed by Doerr Furnitureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shane Mutter. The Fashion Show consisted of fall looks from local boutiques: The Villa, Cameo Boutique, au Darling, Habitat STW ReStore, Hemline Mandeville, Posh Boutique, Bella Bridesmaids, Francoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lifestyle Boutique, Palm Village: A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store and Suella. If you would like to get involved and learn more about Women Build please visit habitatstw.org/womenbuild or contact Leighanne Weeks at 985-1933172 ext. 244. EDGE October | November 2018

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Neurology Specialists: Closer to Home DISORDERS WE TREAT • Epilepsy • Seizure Disorders • Migraines/Headaches • Neuropathy • Neuromuscular disorders

The specialists at Tulane Neurosciences in Covington offer expertise, clarity and hope to patients and their families, whether diagnosing a first seizure or evaluating more severe seizure disorders. Our team is dedicated to creating individualized approaches that help each person live the fullest and most productive life possible. As a patient, you or your family member have access to the full range of modern therapies for chronic migraines, neuropathy, epilepsy, seizure and neuromuscular disorders, including medications, dietary therapy and surgery.

Dr. Rana Abusoufeh, MD Neurologist

101 Judge Tanner Blvd Suite 402 Covington, LA 70433

Call 985-951-3222 to schedule an appointment

STORY ELAINE MILLERS PHOTOS JERRY COTTRELL

I like to call it the Mom Trifecta – when all three of my children have sleepover plans with their friends. When it happens my husband and I like to take advantage of a rare kid-free evening and share a date night. On this occasion we decided to take an overnight trip. We didn’t want to go far so decided to re-visit the place we used to go for weekends before we had children, Bay St. Louis in Mississippi, only 45 minutes away from our home in Mandeville. Once we had dropped the last child off we drove through Slidell and took the first exit off the interstate. We reached the coast road and I began to feel that I was away; there is something relaxing about driving along the coast, seeing the sea oats and sand, watching the pelicans diving into the Gulf catch their breakfast and every now and again catching a glimpse of a lone fisherman standing in the water. After a short drive we found the bustling small town of Bay St. Louis. The town sits on a harbor and there are several restaurants open to the harbor where you can enjoy a drink or meal while watching the boats come and go. We easily found a spot to park and set off to explore. Taking a stroll down Main Street we found a plethora of quaint restaurants, cafes, art galleries and gift and antique stores. We eventually settled on eating lunch at the Starfish Café, situated in a quirky house surrounded by wild gardens and a musician planted roadside serenading the passersby. The menu is eclectic, with all the produce locally sourced. Some of the produce is even grown in raised vegetable beds in the garden and the honey comes from a beehive on the roof.

We discovered that luck was with us, as this café is closed on all Saturdays except for the second Saturday of the month, when the Main Street merchants stay open late to attract visitors and locals alike to wander down the street enjoying all it has to offer. After sitting down we were joined by Di Fillhart, who explained the café’s concept to us. Di is from Brooklyn and had traveled with a non-profit to Bay St. Louis after Katrina to help in the recovery effort and ended up staying. She founded her own non-profit, PNEUMA-Winds of Hope, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. Di acts as the Executive Director of the foundation and has been running the Starfish Café ever since. The café is an outreach program with no prices on the menu; customers are asked to donate what they want. Money made from the café funds the training of the staff. The 8 to 12 week learning program is for people over the age of 18 who receive hands-on training in restaurant, job and life skills. The cost for each student is up to

$4,000, which provides an allowance while they go through the program as well as cash incentives for post-graduation. Once students complete the training they work for 25 hours a week either at the restaurant or at another business. At the end of the commitment they are given money that helps with a deposit on an apartment. “In a way it is like forced saving,” says Di. After enjoying lunch my husband and I spent a leisurely afternoon exploring the various art galleries in town (a perfect time to do some early Christmas shopping). Late afternoon was upon us all too soon and it was time to travel along the coast to the Silver Slipper Casino where we had booked a room in their hotel. After checking into our gulf view, beach themed room we headed down to the beach bar. Taking our margaritas with us we wandered to the beach-front infinity pool where we watched the sun set while enjoying the Gulf breeze. Later in the evening we took advantage of the award-winning Jubilee Buffet at the casino. I suspected it was named after the natural phenomenon that occurs sporadically on the shores of Mobile Bay when many types of crab, shrimp and fish swarm into the shallow waters, allowing them to be easily caught. If so I felt it was aptly named the Jubilee. All around us we saw plates piled high with snow, dungeness and jonah crab legs along with boiled jumbo shrimp. For those customers who didn’t want seafood there was a plethora of choices for every taste bud. After a nightcap and a few hands of blackjack we headed off to bed. We had an early morning start to get back to St. Tammany to pick up our boys from their various sleepovers. Even though we had been away for less than 24 hours, I felt rejuvenated. It was worth the drive and I was ready to get back to my three high-energy boys.

Starfish Café Starshishcafebsl.com 228 363 5286 Silver Slipper Casino & Hotel 866 754 7737 Silverslipper-ms.com

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EDGE October | November 2018

to benefit:

Presented by:

RESCUE ME GALA

Saturday, November 10, 2018 Pontchartrain Yacht Club

FEATURING:

Four unplugged food, auctions & more! Food provided by: Abita Roasting, Green Fork, Maison Lafitte, Pardoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s American Bistro, Tchoupstix Sushi & Grill, The Lakehouse

BENEFITTING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES & THEIR FAMILIES

PRESENTED BY

Saturday, October 27th 10 am - 3 pm for General Public

NORTHSHORE AREA BOARD OR REALTORS

at Lakeview Regional Medical Center Gates open at 9 am for Special Needs Families

$2 Admission Home to the Annual NABOR Chili Challenge! TRICK OR TREAT AT MORE THAN 60 HAUNTED HOUSES FRIGHTENING FOOD

GHOULISH GAMES

COSTUME CONTEST

FOR KIDS OF ALL ABILITIES

WITH PRIZES

ARTS & CRAFTS

accesslouisiana.org

Fall For A New Look

October 25, 2018 | 9am-1pm November 8, 2018 | 9am-1pm

- Receive a complimentary SKIN CEUTICALS consultation. - Free products with purchase. - Discounts on BOTOX® & JUVÉDERM®.

PROOF SHEET

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hat will run in the October/November issue of EDGE of the Lake magazine. This ad will run as is unless we (09.14.2018) at 5:00 PM. Please make any changes or approve via email.

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GET ACQUAINTED SPECIAL $47 Exam and X-rays Oral Exam, Necessary X-rays, Cancer & Gum Disease Screening

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Call 985.605.7246 or visit PoussonFamilyDentistry.com 640 Brownswitch Road, Slidell, LA 70458 Monday-Thursday 8am-6pm Friday 8am-5pm / Now with Saturday Hours

Appointment Required. Refreshments Provided.

DISNEY EDGE

STORY MARY-BRENT BROWN PHOTO BRENT BROWN

1. GO DURING THE OFF SEASON

All parents want to take their kids on a trip when they’re out of school, which makes the summer and holidays incredibly busy at a kid-magnet like Walt Disney World. One of the best times to go is during Mardi Gras break when only our little corner of the country is out of school – though do be mindful if Presidents Day falls on the day before Mardi Gras because that can ruin some of our advantage. You also need to start looking out for the national cheer and dance championships that are starting to be scheduled during Mardi Gras. The “slowest” time of year for Disney World is actually August and September.

“What are you going to do now?” “I’m going to Disney World!” My dad loves to prepare for trips ahead of time so that we can enjoy everything ﬁtting together perfectly when we’re there. When going to Disney World, do it like a pro with these tips:

2. USE FAST PASSES

Before you arrive in the park you can select three Fast Passes for rides in the same park. Do it. Once you enter the line for your 3rd Fast Pass you can select another to replace it at a kiosk (if you’re a shmuck) or on your My Disney Experience App while you stand in line for the next ride.

3. BOOK IN ADVANCE

Many sought after activities can be booked months in advance and ﬁll up quickly. This is especially true for meals with characters and at popular sit-down restaurants in the parks. It’s much easier to modify or cancel an experience than reserve it. Dining books 180 days out and Fast Passes book 60 days out if staying at a Disney hotel, or 30 days out if staying elsewhere. This brings me to my next point…

6. DON’T FEEL THE NEED TO STAY ALL DAY

Leave the park mid-day to take a nap or lounge by the hotel pool. Afternoon showers are common in Florida anyway, so rest up and return later when most people are walking to the exit.

4. STAY AT A WALT DISNEY WORLD HOTEL

As tempting as it may be to stay outside the gates for a cheaper rate, the beneﬁts outweigh the costs. Transportation is free and reliable between all hotels and parks, guests can enter one park each day an hour earlier or stay an hour later than non-guests, and souvenirs you buy in the park can be delivered right to your room without carrying them around for the rest of the day. You can cancel a Disney package up to 30 days before you travel, so as long as you can sacriﬁce the $200 deposit (if booking a package) or the one-night stay (if booking a room only), go ahead and make your reservations inside the gates.

7. PHOTOPASS + YOUR CAMERA

The Disney Photopass photographers will take a picture of you on your own camera or phone. This is a more reliable way to get a good group picture than asking a random passerby.

5. GO TO THE PARKS DURING OFF HOURS

Even the most beloved rides don’t have a line when they ﬁrst open, so get to the park when (or even better, before) it opens. Ride the most sought after rides ﬁrst, then take your time riding other rides as waves of crowds stroll in at 10 am. The same is true during parades and shows, as most people stop to watch and there is oftentimes a second showing with smaller crowds.

8. BRING YOUR OWN FOOD

Snacks and beverages can be brought into the park and doing so saves a pretty penny. Reusable water bottles can be reﬁlled at any restaurant with fountain drinks.

9. USE A TRAVEL AGENT

Disney pays travel agents like Kristen Blackburn at Cupcake Castles Travel

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EDGE October | November 2018

Presented by

30th

All proceeds benefit the

Anniversary

Parenting Center

Saturday, OctOber 20

10 am - 3 pm

bOgue Falaya park, cOvingtOn

Join us for Monster Mash!

Trick-or-Treat Village Fun Games and Prizes Cookie Decorating Crafts by The Home Depot

Hair and Face Painting Food Village Inflatables Rock Wall

Zorb Balls Safe Archery from X-Fusion Carousel Farmsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mini Horses M.T. Noggin Bungee Trampoline Johnette Downing ... and so much more! Prize Drawings

Wear Your Costume! Live music by Bag of Donuts

event inFO

stph.org/MonsterMash

& Pirate Party Sponsored by

An exclusive, reservations-only event featuring your favorite princesses and pirates! www.stph.org/princessandpirate