May-June 2014 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine

450

$

GEORGE RODRIGUE • OUTSTANDING SENIORS • WATERING HOLES • WOMEN IN BUSINESS

MAY-JUNE 2014 VOL. 29, NO. 3

May-June 2014

Vol. 29, No. 3

The community magazine of the northshore, serving St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes.

Publisher Lori Murphy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor-in-Chief Poki Hampton

Senior Editor Jan Murphy

Associate Editor Lauren Parrish

Associate Publisher Candice Laizer

Contributors are featured on page 22.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Art Director Brad Growden

Graphic Designer Jennifer Starkey

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Business Manager Jane Quillin Advertising Account Executives

Brenda Breck Candice Laizer

Barbara Roscoe Rebecca Schoen Interns Abigail Jennings

Alexandra Neitzer –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For advertising information phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 email sales@insidenorthside.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Please send items for Inside Scoop to scoop@insidenorthside.com.

Photos for Inside Peek, with captions, should be sent to peek@insidenorthside.com. Submit items for Inside Input or Dining Guide to editor@insidenorthside.com.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Contact Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148

Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 website www.insidenorthside.com

Subscriptions 1 Year $18 2 Years $30 email subscriptions@insidenorthside.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

On the cover Artist George Rodrigue –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– INSIDE NORTHSIDE MAGAZINE is published bi-monthly (January, March, May, July, September, November) by M and L Publishing, LLC, PO Box 9148, Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 as a means of communication and information for St. Tam­ many and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid at Mandeville, LA. Copy­right ©2014 by M and L Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Inside Northside Magazine is created using the Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.

10

Inside Northside

page 96

contents table of

page 74

features 50 Larger Than Life Artist George Rodrigue.

62 Outstanding Seniors 2014 74 North House

A labor of love.

86 Watering Holes on the Waterways page 50

90 Bayou Country Superfest Celebrating Country Music - Louisiana Style.

102 Tomatoes

The taste of summer.

106 Le Tour D’Abita The Louisiana Bicycle Festival.

172 Creating the Dreams Irish dancer Ariel Assaf.

business profile 30 Money Hill Golf 1 and Country Club

medical profiles

00 Domangue Neurology 1 page 62 12

Inside Northside

08 Ochsner Health Center - 1 Covington 171 Personal Care MD

contents table of

page 126

126 Travel St. Francisville.

74 IN the Spotlight 1 Lark in the Park.

page 119

175 INside Peek 76 IN the Spotlight 1 Ben Bracelets.

78 IN the Spotlight 1

Children’s Museum of St. Tammany.

departments 18 Publisher’s Note

181 IN the Spotlight Inside Northside’s Meet the Artist Party.

21 Editor’s Note 22 Contributors 26 INside Scoop

182 IN the Spotlight Youth Service Bureau’s Chef Soirée.

40 IN Other Words Mother’s Day. 42 Points of INterest 48 IN Depth Richard C. Dalton Richard C. Dalton LLC.

187 IN Great Taste

Celebrating Memorial Day.

96 Northshore Artisans David Pierson Wearable art.

196 Northshore Living Seasonal maintenance.

190 INside Dining

116 IN Love and Marriage Notable northshore weddings.

119 INside Look

Hemlock Green.

page 187 Inside Northside

186 IN the Spotlight Jazz on the Bayou.

94 IN the Bookcase

The Invention of Wings

by Sue Monk Kidd.

111 Flourishes Extraordinary gifts and home accents.

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185 IN the Spotlight A Day for Girls’ Health.

201 Ad Directory 202 Last Bite Carreta’s Grill Watermelon Margaritas!

page 111

special advertising section following page 130

features 4 Brave Visionary Lisa Condrey Ward, The Southern Hotel.

8 Welcome Letter

From Brenda Bertus, CEO, St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation.

11 Generous Hearts

Chicks with Checks The power of women in philanthropy.

16 A Purposeful Read Stiletto Network

by Pamela Ryckman.

24 IN Better Health with Sandra Burch.

28 INside Look 36 INside Peek

page 28

the 2014 women in business 7 Kelly Simon mélange by KP. 9 The Women of NOLA Lending NOLA Lending Group.

10 Sumathi Siva Smith, MD Ochsner Medical Center - North Shore.

12 Debbie Hocevar and Donna Bissel Water Street Wreaths.

13 Jennifer Rice Dorian Bennett Sotheby’s International Realty.

15

Ann Habisreitinger Barré, M.Ed.; Kimberly Kringel and Allison Winn Huntington: Your Tutoring Solution.

22 Stephanie Pagliarulo and Jessica Gilmore Emma’s Shoes and Accessories.

22 Erin Schaumburg

Eros Home and Clothing.

31 Lesley Reynolds Bastille’s Clothing Company.

32 Beverly McQuaid Planet Kids Academy.

16 Bethany McCulla Bmac Interiors at TerraBella.

23 Anne Cannon Mia Sorella.

34 Bailey Morse

Jones Fussell; the Junior League of Greater Covington.

17 Ellen Bajon EMB Interiors.

23 C J Ladner, State Farm C J Ladner Insurance Agency, Inc.

35 Gayle Reuling Air Blow Dry Bar & Salon.

25 Toni Adams Celestin Bora Bora Swimwear.

35 JoAnn Forsyth Slidell Memorial Hospital.

25 Katherine Hamby The Oasis Day Spa.

36 Jenny Mutter Hestia Luxury in Linens.

26 Janet DeLuca DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts.

37 Pamela Hornbeck The Mix.

18 Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney Painting with a Twist®.

14 Angie Daughdrill

Designs in Windows.

20

14

21 Erinn Legendre POSH Boutique.

28 Martini Rossie M. Rossie, A Fine Salon.

37 Jennifer Pearse Erceg Southern Bridal.

21 Samantha Prestenbach Lift Training Studios.

29 Deanna Bachemin All Wrapped Up.

38 Shannon Blossman Winos & Tacos.

30 Marta and Elizabeth Bragg The Villa.

38 Gretchen Armbruster Armbruster Artworks Studio.

Lana Cagle and Tanya Curtis All American Medical & Chiropractic.

16

Inside Northside

Jessica Perkins, DDS, and Angela Thiaville, DDS Mandeville Dental Care and Covington Dental Care.

May-June 2014 17

Dancing Shoes and Blue Dog Boots

by Lori Murphy Among friends, I can usually dance until the band stops playing—or at least until most are ready to go home. That was not the case when Rick and I went to the Washington Mardi Gras celebration several years ago. It was certainly not a place for rookies. These attendees were professionals! They started early and partied late into the night. We were out of our league.

The Louisiana delegation gathered in the lobby of the Hilton.

There, holding court, was George Rodrigue. His Blue Dog boots were up on the table, and he was laughing loudly, with the throng gathered around. His legacy was honored this year by the Washington group at their Carnival ball. Rightfully so, since he epitomized what The Mystick Krewe of Louisianians is all about—let’s show the country who we are, what we do and how we do it. Rodrigue carried the banner of our heritage well, to DC and beyond. He personified the spirit of our region; he was South Louisiana to the world.

It is with great honor that we share our cover with the Blue Dog in memory of the ambassador that George Rodrigue was for Louisiana and in celebration of his influence. Though we have published stories about his work several times in past issues, this is only the second time his art has appeared on our cover. The first was immediately after Katrina, the We Will Rise Again Blue Dog that he created to raise much-needed support for the American Red Cross response to the storm.

George Rodrigue passed away in December, but his artwork continues to celebrate South Louisiana. It is our pleasure to share with you the story of how he came to be “larger than life” and how his foundation continues to make a difference in the arts for children and for Louisiana.

Editor’s note

by Poki Hampton

“Six degrees of separation” is the theory that everyone is six or fewer

steps away from any other person in the world, so that a chain of “a friend of a friend” statements can be made to connect two people in a maximum of six steps. It is often used as a synonym for the “small world” phenomenon.

Recently, I have noticed that perhaps this theory is true. Our January

cover artist, Linda Dautreuil, was born in New Iberia and so was this issue’s cover artist, George Rodrigue. Linda attended what was then called the University of Southwestern Louisiana and so did George. March’s cover artist, Rolland Golden, had an art gallery at 624 Royal Street in the French Quarter and George’s gallery is just a block away at 730 Royal.

The first art show George ever attended was in Baton Rouge. The traveling show was put together by actor Vincent Price for Sears Roebuck.

Rolland was one of the artists featured in that show.

In 1976, Rolland went to Russia for two weeks as the first American to have a one-man art show there; his show traveled for a year to different cities in the USSR. George had a show at the Sovereign World Trade Center during the summit meeting in Moscow in 1988.

In 2007, the New Orleans Museum of Art exhibited Rolland’s solo show on

Katrina, Katrina, Days of Terror, Months of Aguish, which consisted of 20 paintings and drawings. George exhibited the largest collection of his work, Rodrigue’s Louisiana: Forty Years of Cajuns, Blue Dogs and Beyond Katrina, at NOMA in 2008.

All three artists’ works are included in NOMA’s permanent collection.

Some may chalk it all up to coincidence, but maybe there is something

to the “six degrees of separation” theory.

Several stories in this issue have a definite connection—they’re all about

summer fun! After reading them, you may want to visit a few “Watering Holes on the Waterways,” take in “Bayou Country Superfest” or plan a weekend trip to St. Francisville. I hope you are inspired to decorate for Memorial Day and try the holiday recipes. Curl up, put your feet on the ottoman—preferably outside in the warm weather—and enjoy our May-June issue.

Contributors Our contributors give Inside Northside its voice, its personality and its feel. Here we highlight a few of them so that you can put a face with a name and get to know them.

Mimi Greenwood Knight Mimi Greenwood Knight is a mother of four and freelance writer with more than 500 articles and essays in print in national and regional magazines, devotionals and 50 anthologies, including 24 Chicken Soup for the Soul books. She lives in Folsom with her husband, David, where she enjoys martial arts, gardening, Bible study and knitting. In this issue, Mimi wrote many of the profiles in the Women IN Business section (following page 130).

Ann Gilbert

John Preble

Abby Jennings

Alexandra Neitzer

Ann Gilbert has been a contributor to Inside Northside for many years. Her career as a lifestyle, arts and entertainment editor for 30 years has been recognized with awards in writing, editing and design, but it is her passion for history that has graced IN’s pages most often. In this issue, she writes about the history and renovation of North House (page 74). She and her husband, Gene, enjoy summer vacations at their log cabin in the North Carolina mountains.

They have three children and five grandchildren and have lived on the northshore for 21 years.

New Orleans native John Preble has lived in Abita Springs since the early 1970s.

He was married to the late jewelry artist Ann O’Brien. In 2000, he opened the UCM Museum, aka The Abita Mystery House, a wacky tourist attraction. He is also noted for his paintings of Creole women.

John started the Abita Springs Whole Town Garage Sale and the Explore St. Tammany tabloid for tourists. He produces the Bobby Lounge Iron Lung tour and is working on a new TV show. Much of his time is devoted to saving the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse. John talks about the Abita Springs Bicycle Festival on page 106.

Abby Jennings is finishing up her senior year at Mandeville High. She is the editor of her high school newspaper, The Crest, and the school’s Writing Club magazine, The Brine. Those editorial skills came in handy for her internship with Inside Northside. She put her cowboy-thinking hat on to detail the Bayou Country Superfest (page 90) and edited the Outstanding Seniors feature (page 62).

Originally from Texas, Abby plans to pursue a journalism degree at LSU before getting a master’s degree at the University of Texas in Austin.

Mandeville High senior Alexandra Neitzer has always planned to become a writer. Her English teacher encouraged her to join the school’s newspaper, The Crest. Alex has written articles on varying topics and created the paper’s My Lips Are Sealed anonymous advice column. In her internship with Inside Northside, Alex learned every aspect of magazine publishing, including advertising, and also edited the Outstanding Seniors feature (page 62).

In the fall, Alexandra will be joining Loyola’s Wolf Pack, where she plans to major in business and minor in English and writing.

Other Voices: Gretchen Armbruster, Susan H. Bonnett, Kaley Boudreaux, Poki Hampton, Lindsay Holland, Lauren Parrish, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Rebecca Schoen and Jeff Strout.

22

Inside Northside

On the Cover Life is a Bouquet of Color by

George Rodrigue

A celebration of art by

George Rodrigue 1944-2013

Meet Jacques Rodrigue, Executive Director of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts at the

St. Tammany Home Builders Association’s 2014 Raffle House

“The playful and whimsical swirls of color and fun flowers in Life is a Bouquet of Color captivate the viewer. This work engages and questions the viewer. An artist’s intent is interesting, no question; however, in the end it is secondary to the viewer’s response. What you the viewer see in the

348 Ormond Dr., in TerraBella off Hwy. 1085, Covington, La.

work is far more important

Thursday, May 8, 2014 5:30-7:00 p.m.

creating it. The art outlasts

For more information, call

changing perceptions, the

626-9684

conflicting interpretations

Music by Christian Serpas and Ghost Town

than George’s reasons for the artist, and it is the

and the mystery of ‘Why?’ that empowers a painting indefinitely.”

- Wendy Rodrigue in Musings of an Artist’s Wife

24

Inside Northside

INSIDE the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

Summer Camp Roundup St. Scholastica Academy Including Movie Making Camp, Dance Camp and Soccer Camp. For girls and boys through 12th grade.

122 Massachusetts St., Covington.

892-2540. ssacad.com.

Bricks 4 Kiz Including Angry Birdies Camp and Superheroes Camp. For boys and girls.

Multiple locations.

705-0805 or 373-2114. bricks4kidz.com.

For an up-to-date listing of events, please check our website, insidenorthside.com.

May Y 1 New Baby Support Group. Join other

Month. Artist Rebecca Riley. Mandeville

Gator Run, Audubon Zoo’s new lazy river.

mothers and their little ones (birth to seven

City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway App. Mon-Fri,

Adult-only. Dancing, live music by Party on

months). STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N.

9am-4:30pm. Free. Nancy Clark, 626-3144.

the Moon, cocktails, food, car raffle and silent

Florida St., Covington. 11:15am-noon. To register, ksupan@stph.org or 898-4435.

1-June 30 Shout, Sister, Shout! The Boswell Sisters of New Orleans. Exhibition

1 Waxing Poetic Trunk Show. New

about the family that moved to the city in 1914

designs, food, drinks and raffles. Mia Sorella,

and became national musical sensations in

1354 Corporate Sq., Slidell. 1-4pm. 781-3909.

the 1920s and ’30s. The Historic New Orleans

1-3 Scrap Dat Crop. Scrapbooking and paper-crafting event. Castine Center, Mandeville. 8am-midnight. 898-2251. scrapdatproductions@gmail.com.

1-4 Tickfaw 200 Poker Run. Louisiana’s largest power boat poker run. Tickfaw, La. (225) 235-7505 or (225) 294-3876.

1-31 Mandeville City Hall Artist of the 26

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

auction. Audubon Zoo Grounds and Tea Room, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans.

Sponsor and patron party, 7pm-midnight; gala, 8pm-midnight. Zoo-To-Do Office, (504) 8616160. auduboninstitute.org/ztd.

Collection, 533 Royal St., New Orleans.

2, 9, 16 Live Music. K. Gee’s Restaurant and

Gallery hours, Tues-Sat, 9:30am-4:30pm; Sun,

Oyster Bar, 2534 Florida St., Mandeville. 626-

10:30am-4:30pm. (504) 523-4662. hnoc.org.

0530. kgeesrestaurant.com.

2 Folsom First Friday Block Party. DJs,

3 Covington Art Market. Works by local

dancing and fun. Live music. Camp Street to

artists. Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New

Railroad Avenue to Highway 25. 6-10pm. 773-

Hampshire St. 9am-1pm. 892-8650.

3390. villageoffolsom.com.

sttammanyartassociation.org.

2 Whitney Zoo-To-Do. Proceeds underwrite

3 Folkloric Dance Workshops. Ages 6 and

photo courtesy: RIVERVIEW CAMP FOR GIRLS

It must be summertime! Here are some ideas for summer camps that run May-June, and beyond. Your kids will have a blast!

St. Tammany Art Association Including Summer Fingerprints Art Camp. For girls and boys, ages 6-12.

320 N. Columbia St., Covington.

892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

Riverview Camp for Girls Sleep-away camp for girls, ages 6-16.

Lookout Mountain in Mentone, Ala. (800) 882-0722. riverviewcamp.com.

Cedarwood School Including MADD Camp and Colossal Camp. For boys and girls, pre-K through sixth grade.

607 Heavens Dr., Mandeville.

845-7111. cedarwoodschool.com.

Jefferson Performing Arts Society (JPAS) For boys and girls.

1118 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie.

(504) 885-2000. jpas.org.

Kehoe-France For boys and girls, ages 1-13.

25 Patricia Dr., Covington.

892-4415. kehoe-francens.com.

More information on specific dates and themes of these summer camp offerings can be found in the listings below.

up. Instructor Belinda Avila. Features a blend of Honduran and Mexican dance, as well as storytelling. St. Jerome Catholic Church Parish Hall, 2402 33rd St., Kenner, La. 11am-noon.

Free. (504) 522-0996.

Y 3 New Family Center Tours. Expecting families are invited to tour the STPH New Family Center to learn about private birthing suites and more. 1202 S. Tyler St., Covington.

10am-noon. 898-4436.

3 Relay For Life West St. Tammany.

Fontainebleau High School, 100 Bulldog Dr., Mandeville. 2pm-midnight. Melanie Byrd, melanie.byrd@cancer.org. 768-2666.

3 Spring Garden Stroll. Presented by Feliciana Master Gardeners of LSU Ag

>>

May-June 2014 27

Inside Scoop Center. Tour eight private gardens. St.

St., Mandeville. 9am-1pm. Free. 624-3147.

Francisville, La. 9:30am-4pm. Tickets, $20.

mandevilletrailheadmarket.com.

(225) 635-3614.

georgesmexicanrestaurant.com.

Y 6, 13, 20 Ballet. Three-week ballet series for

4 Crawfishman Triathalon. Grande Hills

young ballerinas taught by Kristen Zornman. Ages

3-31 Covington Farmers Market. Prepared

Estates Subdivision, 211 Churchhill Downs

2 and up. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida

foods, soaps, potted plants, live music and

Rd., Bush, La. crawfishman.net.

St., Covington. Members, $21; nonmembers,

more. Wed, Covington Trailhead, 434 N. New Hampshire St., 10am-2pm; Sat, 609 N.

4 Lama Rama Crawfish Boil and Concert.

$30. ksupan@stph.org or 898-4435.

Bring blankets and chairs. Music by Scenic

7, 14, 21, 28 Wednesday at the Square.

Roots. Lama Residence, 142 Bradford Gaude

Young Leadership Council concert series.

Rd., Madisonville. Noon-dark. Admission, $7

Lafayette Square, New Orleans. 5-8pm. Free.

per adult. (504) 319-4450.

wednesdayatthesquare.com.

5 Cinco de Mayo All-Day Fiesta. Carreta’s

8 Chamber After Hours. An evening of

Grill. Five Finger Discount at 70360 Hwy. 21,

networking, conversation and business.

Covington, and Supercharger at 137 Taos St.,

La Carreta, 147 N.W. Railroad Ave.,

Slidell. 5-10pm. Covington, 871-6674; Slidell,

Ponchatoula. 5:30-7pm. 386-2536.

847-0020.

ponchatoulachamber.com.

5 Cinco de Mayo Party. La Carreta,

8 Inside Northside Celebrate the Artist

1200 W. Causeway App., Mandeville, 624-

Party. Featuring the work of George Rodrigue.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Hammond Farmers

2990; 812 Hwy. 190, Covington, 400-5202.

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. STHBA Raffle

Market. Downtown Hammond. 8am-noon.

carretarestaurant.com.

House, Terra Bella Village, 348 Ormond Dr.,

Columbia St., 8am-noon. Free. 966-1786. covla.com.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Camellia City Market.

Local produce, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music. Griffith Park, 333 Erlanger St., Olde Towne Slidell. 8am-noon. Free. 6407112. camelliacitymarket.org.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Folsom Village Market.

Behind City Hall, 13401 June St. 9am-1pm.

796-3533. villageoffolsom.com.

277-5680. dddhammond.com.

5 George’s Fiesta Block Party. Cinco de

Covington. 5:30-7pm. 626-9684.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Mandeville Trailhead

Mayo celebration. Live music by La Tran-K and

9 Northlake Newcomers Spring

Community Market. Handmade crafts

DJ Remix. George’s Mexican Restaurant, 1461

Luncheon. Vintage Court Banquet Facility,

and prepared food. Live music. 675 Lafitte

N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. 626-4342.

75082 Louisiana Hwy. 25, Covington.

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I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

Doors open, 10am. Members, $26; guests,

Street along the Tchefuncte River and

children 17 and under, free. 892-9742.

$29. Reservations required by May 1. 792-

Highway 22. 10am-4pm. 643-5340.

pontchartrainvineyards.com.

4926 or newcomersinfo211@gmail.com.

madisonvilleartmarket.com.

northlakenewcomers.com.

10-June 28 Art Exhibit. An exhibit of the

10 Second Saturday Art Walk. Art galleries

work of plein air painters Louis Morales,

Y 9 Summer Safety. Dr. Beau Bagley will

display new works by local, regional and

Mary Monk, Claude Ellender, Carol Hallock

lead a discussion on how to keep children safe

national artists. Downtown Covington. 6-9pm.

and Auseklis Ozols. The Atrium Gallery at

during the summer. STPH New Family Center,

892-1873. covla.com.

Christwood Retirement Community, 100

102 S. Tyler St., Covington. 10-11am. 8984038. stph.org.

9 Veronica Rose Trunk Show. Rug Chic, 4240 Louisiana 22, Mandeville. 10am-3pm.

674-1070.

10 Swing in the Pines. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. 6pm. lpomusic.com.

10-11, 15, 17-18 St. Tammany Parade of Homes. Tour new homes

10 Larry Hartzog Home Brew Beer

throughout the parish. Sat-Sun, noon-

Contest. Music, food and beer. 4pm.

5pm; Thurs, 5-8pm. Free. 882-5002.

Mellow Mushroom of Covington, 1645 Hwy.

stttammanyparadeofhomes.com.

190. 327-5407.

10, 24 Hammond Arts & Crafts Market.

10 Louisiana Tour de Cure. Fundraising

Downtown Hammond. 9am-3pm. 277-5680.

event benefitting the American Diabetes

dddhammond.com.

Association. St. Tammany Trace, 21490 Koop Dr., Mandeville. Registration fee, $25. Adam Johnsen, ajohnsen@diabetes.org. (888) 3422383 ext. 6078.

10 Madisonville Art Market. Water

Christwood Blvd., Covington. Opening reception, May 10, 4:30-6:30pm. Viewing, 8:30am-5pm, Mon-Fri. Free. 898-0515. christwoodrc.com.

11 Mother’s Day Brunch. Celebrate Mother’s Day with the entire family. Restaurant 1818, Monmouth Historic Inn, 36 Melrose Ave., Natchez, Miss. Reservations, (601) 4425852. monmouthhistoricinn.com.

11 Mother’s Day Home Tour. Self-guided tours of eight homes in Old Mandeville.

Starts at the Lang House. 2-5pm.

10, 24 Jazz ’n the Vines. Bring blankets,

Tickets, $20. Nancy Clark, 626-4975.

chairs and picnics for an evening of music

oldmandevillehistoricassociation.org.

under the stars. Pontchartrain Vineyards, 81250 Old Military Rd., Bush, La. 6:30-9pm; gates open, 5pm. Admission, $10/per person;

12 2014 Culinary Art Series. Chef Corey Yates, Café NOLA. First of series of five

>>

Inside Scoop dinners and demonstrations by some of Louisiana’s finest chefs. Sponsored by the Hammond Regional Arts Center. Alack Culinary Equipment Superstore, 17420 Hwy. 190, Hammond. Doors open, 6pm; demonstrations and dinner, 6:30pm.

Tickets per dinner, $65, members; $75, nonmembers. 542-7113. hammondarts.org/ culinary-art-series.

12-17 Craft Beer Week. Seven local breweries and seven national breweries.

Giveaways, promotions. The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore Dr., Mandeville. Tastings, 7pm. thebarleyoak.com.

15 Tri-Chamber After Hours. Amite, Hammond and Ponchatoula chambers.

An evening of networking, conversation and business. Florida Parishes Arena, 1301 N.W. Central Ave., Amite. 386-2536. ponchatoulachamber.com.

16 Sunset at the Landing Concert.

Columbia Street Landing, Covington. 6-9pm.

Free. covla.com.

16-17 First Annual St. Tammany Family Fest. Benefitting Caring for Lacombe. Food, live music. John Davis Park, Lacombe, La. Fri, 6-10pm; Sat, 10am-10pm. (504) 275-8550.

16-June 13 Art & Bloom on the Northshore. Art exhibit hosted by the Slidell Memorial Hospital Cancer Center. SMH Cancer Center, 1120 Robert Blvd., Slidell.

Opening reception, May 16, 7-9pm. 326-3405. slidellartleague.com.

17 First Annual Louisiana Veterans Festival. Northshore Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell. lavetsfest.org.

17 Gulf Coast Games. Presented by CrossFit Franco’s and Garage Games.

CrossFit competition. The Box, Franco’s, 1801 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville.

Check-in, 6:30am; games, 8am. 801-0500. crossfitfrancos.com.

17 Jumpin’ into Summer Kids Event.

10am-noon. Covington Trailhead. 419 N. New Hampshire St., Covington. covla.com.

17 Spring Stomp 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run. Presented by the Junior 30

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

League of Greater Covington. Hubie Gallagher Park, Covington. 8am. jlcg.net or 15thstreetflyers.org.

17-June 29 “Farming on the Farm, Agricultural Operations at Angola” and “The Way We Worked.” Exhibits about agricultural work in Angola. Presentations, film screenings and oral histories. (225) 655-2592. marshalindsey@angolamuseum.org.

18 Third Sunday Concert. Don Vappie and his Creole Jazz Quintet. Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington. 5pm. Free. 892-3177.

22 Wine Dinner. Dine with the owners of Keenan Winery. Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris Ave., Hammond. 6:30pm. 634-0289. jacmelinn.com.

Y 27-28 Babysitter Training. Two-day Safe Sitter program offers CPR and more. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 9am-4pm. ksupan@stph.org or 898-4435.

27-30 Play with Me! Bricks 4 Kidz Special Needs Camp. Learn, build and play with LEGO® Brick s. Brunner Gallery, 215 N. Columbia St., Covington. 9am-noon; 1-4pm.

705-0805 or 373-2114. bricks4kidz.com/ covington.

28 Wine Dinner. Jubilee Restaurant and Courtyard, 301 Lafitte St., Mandeville. 7782552. jubileerestaurantcourtyard.com.

30 Columbia Street Block Party. Columbia St., Downtown Covington. 6:30-9:30pm. Free. covla.com.

31 Big Green Egg Demonstration. Outdoor Living Center, 2101 N. Hwy. 190, Covington.

10% off any BGE purchased during the demo.

10am-2pm. 893-8008. outdoorlivingcenter. com.

31 City-wide Yard Sale. Maps available.

Ponchatoula. 8am-5pm. 386-2536. ponchatoulachamber.com.

31 “Raising the Roof for Charity” Raffle House Grand Prize Drawing. STHBA Raffle House in Terra Bella. Terra Bella Village, 100 TerraBella Blvd., Covington. 2pm. 882-5002.>>

Inside Scoop raisingtheroof.net.

31-June 1 New Orleans Oyster Festival.

Hall, 3101 E. Causeway App. Mon-Fri,

W. Causeway App., Mandeville. 1-4pm.

9am-4:30pm. Free. Nancy Clark, 626-3144.

705-0805 or 373-2114. bricks4kidz.com/ covington.

Live music, beverages, and of course, oysters.

2 2014 Culinary Art Series. Second of series

Proceeds from the Festival support the

of five dinners and demonstrations by some of

2-6 Colossal – The Ultimate Camp

Louisiana oyster community, fisherman and

Louisiana’s finest chefs. Chef Jason Ameen,

Experience Session 1. Pre-K through sixth

their families and security for the 8th District

Palace Café. Sponsored by the Hammond

grade. Cedarwood School, 607 Heavens Dr.,

Police Department. Woldenberg Park, New

Regional Arts Center. Alack Culinary Equipment

Mandeville. Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm. 845-7111.

Orleans. Free. neworleansoysterfestival.org.

Superstore, 17420 Hwy. 190, Hammond.

cedarwoodschool.com.

Doors open, 6pm; demonstrations and dinner,

June

6:30pm. Tickets per dinner, $65, members; $75, nonmembers. 542-7113. hammondarts.

2-6 Guitar Camp. Campers will learn the fingering positions of the five major chords, how to read charts depicting these cords,

1-6 Riverview Camp Short-term Session

org/culinary-art-series.

M. Horseback riding, swimming, ropes course

2-6 Animal Grossology Camp. Bricks 4

tune a guitar. Campers must bring their own

and more. Riverview Camp for Girls, Mentone,

Kidz. Learn, build, play with LEGO® Bricks.

guitar. Boys and girls, ages 10-15. SSA

Ala. (800) 882-0722. riverviewcamp.com.

Open to incoming, current and exiting PES

Campus, Room 94, 122 Massachusetts St.,

1-28 Covington Farmers Market. Prepared

students only. Pontchartrain Elementary

Covington. 9am-noon. $100. Space is limited.

foods, soaps, potted plants, live music and

School, 1500 W. Causeway App., Mandeville.

892-2540. ssacad.com.

more. Wed, Covington Trailhead, 434 N.

9am-noon. 705-0805 or 373-2114.

New Hampshire St., 10am-2pm; Sat, 609 N.

bricks4kidz.com/covington.

Columbia St., 8am-noon. Free. 966-1786.

2-6 Brick Olympics Group. Bricks 4 Kidz.

School, 607 Heavens Dr., Mandeville. Mon-Fri,

covla.com.

Learn, build, play with LEGO® Bricks. Open

9am-3pm. 845-7111. cedarwoodschool.com.

1-31 Mandeville City Hall Artist of the

to incoming, current and exiting PES students

Month. Linda Shelton. Mandeville City

only. Pontchartrain Elementary School, 1500

32

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

learn one basic song and how to string and

2-6 Kaleidoscope Camp Session 1. “A Camping We Will Go.” Ages 2-5. Cedarwood

2-6 Mining and Crafting Camp and Preschool Camp. Learn, build, play with

LEGO® Bricks. Bricks 4 Kidz. Brunner Gallery,

Session I. Ages 6-12. Supplies provided.

Y 5 New Baby Support Group. Join other

215 N. Columbia St., Covington. 9am-noon.

Covington and Mandeville locations.

mothers and their little ones (birth to seven

705-0805 or 373-2114. bricks4kidz.com/

STAA Arthouse, 320 N. Columbia St.,

months) to discuss child development and

covington.

Covington; Mandeville Trailhead Museum,

parenting tips. STPH Parent Center, 1505

675 Lafitte St. 9am-3pm. $200, members;

N. Florida St., Covington. 11:15am-noon. To

$220, nonmembers. Registration required

register, ksupan@stph.org or 898-4435.

2-6 Remote Control Mania Camp and Preschool Camp. Learn, build, play with LEGO® Bricks. Bricks 4 Kidz. Brunner Gallery, 215 N. Columbia St., Covington. 1-4pm. 7050805 or 373-2114. bricks4kidz.com/covington.

2-6 SSA Movie Making Camp. Session 1.

Campers learn the basics of how to make a short digital movie. Boys and girls, ages 9-12. SSA Digital Media Classroom, 122 Massachusetts St., Covington. 1-4pm. $150 per camper. Space is limited. 892-2540. ssacad.com.

2-6 SSA Volleyball Camp. Session 1. Get totally immersed in the sport of volleyball with focused and intense training. Girls entering

one week prior to camp. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

Y 3, 10, 24 Ballet. Three-week ballet series for young ballerinas taught by Kristen Zornman. Ages 2 and up. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Covington.

Members, $21; nonmembers, $30. ksupan@ stph.org or 898-4435.

4 Wednesday at the Square. Young Leadership Council concert series. Lafayette Square, New Orleans. 5-8pm. Free. wednesdayatthesquare.com.

6 Art Walk. Art exhibits, live music and more. Downtown Hammond. All-day event. hammondarts.org/art-walk.

6 Folsom First Friday Block Party. DJs, dancing and fun. Live music. Camp Street to Railroad Avenue to Highway 25. 6-10pm. 7733390. villageoffolsom.com.

6-7 Woods and Whites Tennis Events and Gala. Benefitting Hartley’s Hearts. Dinner, drinks, dancing and auction packages. Stone Creek Club and Spa, 1201 Ochsner Blvd., Covington. Tennis event, Fri and Sat. Gala, Fri,

fourth through eighth grades. SSA Gym, 122

4-6 SSA Lacrosse Camp. Learn the basic

5:30-10pm. 801-7140. stonecreekclubandspa.

Massachusetts St., Covington. 9am-noon;

skills involved with playing lacrosse. Girls ages

com.

1-4pm. $115 per camper. Space is limited.

9-18. SSA Athletic Fields, 122 Massachusetts

892-2540. ssacad.com.

St., Covington. 8am-noon. $90 per camper.

2-6 Summer Fingerprints Art Camp

892-2540. ssacad.com.

6-8 Walker Percy Weekend. Three-day literary festival celebrating novelist Walker Percy. Panel discussions, dinners and more.

May-June 2014 33

>>

Inside Scoop St. Francisville, La. (225) 635-6330 or (800) 789-4221.

7 24 in 24. Work-out fundraiser. Hosted by CrossFit No Surrender benefitting the MaryBird Perkins Cancer Center. CrossFit No Surrender, 625 Plaza Dr., Covington.

7 Covington Art Market. Works by local artists for sale at this outdoor market. Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St. 9am-1pm. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

7 K. Gee’s Anniversary Celebration.

Celebrating four years. Live music by Rick Samson. K. Gee’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 2534 Florida St., Mandeville. 626-0530. kgeesrestaurant.com.

7, 14, 21, 28 Camellia City Market. Local produce, prepared foods, arts and crafts. Live music. Griffith Park, 333 Erlanger St., Olde Towne Slidell. 8am-noon. Free. 640-7112. camelliacitymarket.org.

7, 14, 21, 28 Folsom Village Market.

Behind City Hall, 13401 June St. 9am-1pm.

796-3533. villageoffolsom.com.

7, 14, 21, 28 Hammond Farmers Market.

Downtown Hammond. 8am-noon. 277-5680. dddhammond.com.

7, 14, 21, 28 Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. Handmade crafts and prepared food. Live music. 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville. 9am-1pm. Free. 624-3147. mandevilletrailheadmarket.com.

7, 21 Jazz ’n the Vines. Bring blankets, chairs and picnics for an evening of music under the stars. Pontchartrain Vineyards, 81250 Old Military Rd., Bush, La. 6:30-9pm; gates open, 5pm. Admission, $10 per person; children 17 and under, free. 892-9742. pontchartrainvineyards.com.

Y 7, 21 New Family Center Tours.

Expecting families are invited to tour the STPH New Family Center to learn about private birthing suites and more. 1202 S. Tyler St., Covington. 10am-noon. 898-4436. stpsb.org.

8-20 Riverview Camp Long-term Session 1. Horseback riding, swimming, ropes course

34

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

and more. Riverview Camp for Girls, Mentone, Ala. (800) 882-0722. riverviewcamp.com.

8-13 Riverview Camp Short-term Session A. Horseback riding, swimming, ropes course and more. Riverview Camp for Girls, Mentone, Ala. (800) 882-0722. riverviewcamp.com.

9-12, 13 Combo Dance/Cheer Camp.

Attend both the dance and cheer camps at a discounted rate. Girls entering pre-K through eighth grade. Campers must bring their own lunch. SSA Gym, 122 Massachusetts St., Covington. June 9-12, 9am-4pm; June 13, 9am-noon; show-off, June 13, 12:30pm. $200 per camper. 892-2540. ssacad.com.

9-12, 13 SSA/SPS Cheerleading Camp.

Girls entering pre-K through eighth grade. SSA Gym, 122 Massachusetts St., Covington. June 9-12, 1-4pm; June 13, 9am-noon; show-off, June 12, 12:30pm. $115 per camper. Register before May 29 to get a t-shirt. 892-2540. ssacad.com.

9-13 Cartooning Camp. Session 1.

Basics of cartoon design and introduction to animation. Boys and girls, ages 8-13. SSA Digital Media Classroom, 122 Massachusetts St., Covington. 1-4pm. $150 per camper.

Space is limited. 892-2540. ssacad.com.

9-13 Colossal – The Ultimate Camp Experience Session 2. Pre-K through sixth grade. Cedarwood School, 607 Heavens Dr., Mandeville. Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm. 845-7111. cedarwoodschool.com.

9-13 Fit As A Firefighter Summer Camp. For children wanting to learn more about nutrition and fitness to improve their health. 8-12 years old. St. Tammany Fire District #1 Fire Training Academy at Camp Villere. 8am-4:30pm. $100 per child by May 2 registration. SMH Community Outreach Center, 280-8529.

9-13 Kaleidoscope Camp Session 2.

“Backyard Science.” Ages 2-5. Cedarwood School, 607 Heavens Dr., Mandeville. Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm. 845-7111. cedarwoodschool.com.

9-13 Music and Movement Camp. Live music, creative movement, musical games, songs, crafts and special activities. Ages 3-6. Cedarwood School, 607 Heavens

>>

May-June 2014 35

Inside Scoop Dr., Mandeville. 9am-noon. 845-7111.

Session II. Ages 6-12. Supplies provided.

cedarwoodschool.com.

Covington and Mandeville locations.

9-13 Royalettes and Golden Blues Dance Camp. Girls entering pre-K through eighth grade. SSA Gym, 122 Massachusetts St., Covington. Camp, 9am-noon; show-off, June 13, 12:30pm. $115 per camper. Register before May 29 to get a t-shirt. 892-2540. ssacad.com.

9-13 SSA Softball Camp. Learn the fundamentals of softball through group and individual instruction in a positive and safe environment. Girls ages 9-14. SSA Athletic

STAA Arthouse, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington; Mandeville Trailhead Museum, 675 Lafitte St. 9am-3pm. $200, members; $220, nonmembers. Registration required one week prior to camp. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

9-13 Superheroes Camp and Preschool Camp. Learn, build, play with LEGO速 Bricks. Bricks 4 Kidz. Brunner Gallery, 215 N. Columbia St., Covington. 1-4pm. 705-0805 or 373-2114. bricks4kidz.com/covington.

Fields, 122 Massachusetts St., Covington.

9-13 Ticket to Ride Camp and Preschool

9am-noon. $115 per camper. 892-2540.

Camp. Learn, build, play with LEGO速

ssacad.com.

Bricks. Bricks 4 Kidz. Brunner Gallery, 215

9-13 SSA Stop Motion Movie Making Camp.

Campers will learn the basics of how to make a short stop motion move. Boys and girls, ages 8-13.

N. Columbia St., Covington. 9am-noon.

705-0805 or 373-2114. bricks4kidz.com/ Covington.

SSA Digital Media Classroom, 122 Massachusetts

9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-July 3 Northshore

St., Covington. 9am-noon. $150 per camper.

Day Camp Session 1. Boys and girls, ages

Space is limited. 892-2540. ssacad.com.

1-13. Kehoe-France Northshore, 25 Patricia

9-13 Summer Fingerprints Art Camp

36

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

Dr., Covington. Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm. 892-4415.

kehoe-francens.com.

12 Chamber After Hours. An evening of networking, conversation and business.

Rosary Spirit Life Center, 39003 Rosaryville Rd., Hammond. 5:30-7pm. 386-2536. ponchatoulachamber.com.

13 WYES Private Beer Sampling. Guests will sample rare craft brewed beers, specially made cask and home brewed beers, and more. Mardi Gras World, Grand Oaks Mansion Room, New Orleans. 7-10pm. $50. (504) 8404886. wyes.org.

13-15 Day the War Stopped.

Commemorates the brief moment of brotherhood given for the burial of Union officer Lt. Commander John E. Hard that stopped the war for a few mournful moments.

Grace Episcopal Church, 11621 Ferdinand St., St. Francisville. (225) 635-4224. daythewarstopped.com.

14 Louisiana Bicycle Festival. Bicycle parades and more. Abita Springs. labicyclefestival.com.

14 Madisonville Art Market. Water Street

Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B,

along the Tchefuncte River and Highway 22.

Covington. 9am-4pm. ksupan@stph.org or

10am-4pm. 643-5340. madisonvilleartmarket.

898-4435.

com.

9am-3pm. 845-7111. cedarwoodschool.com.

16-20 Mission 2 Space Camp. Learn, build, play with LEGO® Bricks. Bricks 4 Kidz.

16-20 Angry Birdies Camp. Learn, build,

Stone Creek Club and Spa, 1201 Ochsner

14 Second Saturday Art Walk. Art galleries

play with LEGO® Bricks. Bricks 4 Kidz.

Blvd., Covington. Open to members and

display new works by local, regional and

Stone Creek Club and Spa, 1201 Ochsner

nonmembers. 9am-noon. 705-0805 or 373-

national artists. Downtown Covington. 6-9pm.

Blvd., Covington. Open to members and

2114. bricks4kidz.com/covington.

892-1873. covla.com.

nonmembers. 1-4pm. 705-0805 or 373-2114.

14 WYES International Beer Tasting.

bricks4kidz.com/covington.

16-20 Pirates Camp and Preschool Camp.

Learn, build, play with LEGO® Bricks. Bricks

Louisiana’s oldest and largest beer tasting

16-20 Bricks 4 Girlz Camp and Preschool

4 Kidz. Brunner Gallery, 215 N. Columbia St.,

event. Mardi Gras World, River City Ballroom,

Camp. Learn, build, play with LEGO®

Covington. 1-4pm. 705-0805 or 373-2114.

New Orleans. 6-9pm. $40 in advance, $45 at

Bricks. Brunner Gallery, 215 N. Columbia St.,

bricks4kidz.com/covington.

the door. (504) 840-4886. wyes.org.

Covington. 9am-noon. 705-0805 or 373-2114.

14, 28 Hammond Arts & Crafts Market.

bricks4kidz.com/covington.

16-20 SSA Movie Making Camp. Session 2. Campers learn the basics of how to make

Downtown Hammond. 9am-3pm. 277-5680.

16-20 Cartooning Camp. Session 2.

a short digital movie. Boys and girls, ages

dddhammond.com.

Basics of cartoon design and introduction to

9-12. SSA Digital Media Classroom, 122

animation. Boys and girls, ages 8-13. SSA

Massachusetts St., Covington. 9am-noon.

Digital Media Classroom, 122 Massachusetts

$150 per camper. Space is limited. 892-2540.

St., Covington. 1-4pm. $150 per camper.

ssacad.com.

15-20 Riverview Camp Short-term Session B. Horseback riding, swimming, ropes course and more. Riverview Camp for Girls, Mentone, Ala. (800) 882-0722. riverviewcamp.com.

Y 16-17 Babysitter Training. Two-day Safe Sitter program offers CPR and more. STPH

Space is limited. 892-2540. ssacad.com.

16-20 Summer Fingerprints Art

16-20 Kaleidoscope Camp Session 3.

Camp Session III. Ages 6-12. Supplies

“Digging Dinosaurs.” Ages 2-5. Cedarwood

provided. STAA, 320 N. Columbia St.,

School, 607 Heavens Dr., Mandeville. Mon-Fri,

Covington. 9am-3pm. $200, members;

>>

May-June 2014 37

Inside Scoop $220, nonmembers. Registration required one week prior to camp. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

16-27 MADD Camp Session 1. Music, art, drama and dance. Students in first through seventh grades. Cedarwood School, 607 Heavens Dr., Mandeville. 9am-4pm. 8457111. cedarwoodschool.com.

19 St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce Business EXPO. Lakeshore High School, 26301 Hwy. 1088, Mandeville.

3-7pm. sttammanychamber.org.

19-22 FestiGals. Empowerment workshops, luncheons, seminars, networking opportunities and an insider’s glimpse into New Orleans. The Historic French Quarter, New Orleans. $325. 1-855-GAL-WKND. festigals.org.

20 Sunset at the Landing Concert.

Columbia Street Landing, Covington. 6-9pm.

Free. covla.com.

20-22 Louisiana Catfish Festival. St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church, Des Allemands. Fri, 5-11pm; Sat, 10am-11pm; Sun, 10:30am-8pm. louisianacatfishfestival.com.

22-27 Riverview Camp Short-term Session C. Horseback riding, swimming, ropes course and more. Riverview Camp for Girls, Mentone, Ala. (800) 882-0722. riverviewcamp.com.

22-July 4 Riverview Camp Long-term Session 2. Horseback riding, swimming, ropes course and more. Riverview Camp for Girls, Mentone, Ala. (800) 882-0722. riverviewcamp.com.

23-27 Extreme Expedition Camp and Preschool Camp. Learn, build, play with LEGO® Bricks. Bricks 4 Kidz. Brunner Gallery, 215 N. Columbia St., Covington. 9am-noon.

705-0805 or 373-2114. bricks4kidz.com/ covington.

23-27 Jr. Robotics Camp and Preschool Camp. Learn, build, play with LEGO® Bricks. Bricks 4 Kidz. Brunner Gallery, 215 N. Columbia St., Covington. 1-4pm. 705-0805 or 373-2114. bricks4kidz.com/covington.

23-27 Kaleidoscope Camp Session 4.

“Eric Carle, Eric Carle, What Do You See?!” A

wildly fun week with Eric Carle’s enormously fun stories like From Head to Toe, The Very Lonely Firefly and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Ages 2-5. Cedarwood School, 607 Heavens Dr., Mandeville. Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm. 845-7111. cedarwoodschool.com.

23-27 Summer Fingerprints Art Camp Session IV. Ages 6-12. Supplies provided. STAA, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 9am-3pm. $200, members; $220, nonmembers. Registration required one week prior to camp. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

24-26 SSA Soccer Camp. Learn and develop soccer knowledge with technical footwork and tactical skills, understanding of the game and more. Girls ages 10-15.

SSA Athletic Fields, 122 Massachusetts St., Covington. 5-7:30pm. $90 per camper, includes an SSA Nike shirt (t-shirt not guaranteed with registration after June 9).

Space is limited. 892-2540. ssacad.com.

25 Wine Dinner. Jubilee Restaurant and Courtyard, 301 Lafitte St., Mandeville. 7782552. jubileerestaurantcourtyard.com.

26-28 Seminar. “World War I and the Origins of the Modern Middle East” by Dr. James Wiggins.

The Atrium Gallery at Christwood Retirement Community, 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington.

Thurs, 11:30am-12:30pm; Fri, 10am-11am; Sat, 10am-1pm. $15 per person (includes lunch Sat).

898-0515. christwoodrc.com.

27 Columbia Street Block Party. Columbia Street, Downtown Covington. 6:30-9:30pm.

Free. covla.com.

28-29 St. Tammany Crab Festival. Live music, foot, carnival rides and games for kids.

John Davis Park, 61100 N. 12th St., Lacombe.

Sat, 11am-10pm; Sun, 11am-9pm. Adults, $12; children 12 and under, free. 326-9022. sttammanycrabfestival.com.

29-July 4 Riverview Camp Short-term Session D. Horseback riding, swimming, ropes course and more. Riverview Camp for Girls, Mentone, Ala. (800) 882-0722. riverviewcamp.com.

30-July 3 Play with Me! Special Needs Camp. Learn, build, play with LEGO® May-June 2014 39

IN Other Words

by Rebecca Schoen

Mother’s

Day

WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, Mother’s Day wasn’t a huge deal—at least not to us kids.

My mom would probably disagree, because this most special day of the year meant she didn’t have to cook. Queen for a day, she bossed us around with abandon, and we had to do everything she said without complaining simply because she gave birth to us. She would say things like, “For Mother’s Day, I’d like all of my children to clean their rooms.” What could we say? Our gifts were lame, usually a macaroni necklace and a card made out of construction paper, glitter and a doily, so we were at her mercy.

We always had lunch at my grandparents’ house—in my family, grandmothers are required to cook on Mother’s Day. But then again, since she was the oldest mother, it was all about her when we were at her house; there’s an unspoken hierarchy at family gatherings on Mother’s Day—the oldest mother reigns supreme.

Some people like to complain that the American public has been manipulated for decades by this commerce-driven “holiday”; like Valentine’s Day, it was created to put money in the pockets of florists, jewelers and

40 Inside Northside

greeting card companies. To them I would say, “Get over it.” Mother’s Day is here to stay, and I, for one, wouldn’t want to break the news to moms all over the world that they don’t get to be the “queen” for one day, and I sure wouldn’t want to tell them they have to cook!

Besides, it doesn’t hurt to set aside one day to reflect on all the things our mothers have done for us that we take for granted. Personally, I didn’t truly appreciate my mom until I had three ungrateful children of my own. In hindsight, I’m most grateful she didn’t murder me at any point prior to my graduation from college.

So take a moment to thank your mom, or perhaps an important mother-figure in your life, for the countless hours of worrying and praying she put in (especially during our high school days) and for suffering through colic, the croup, the terrible twos, the terrible diaper in the nice restaurant and the screaming fit in the grocery store. For teaching us to swim, ride a bike, tie our shoes, sit up straight, apologize, say please and thank you, as well as the ABCs and multiplication tables, hygiene, kindness, compassion, the importance of prayer, the value of self-respect, the reasons to ignore the mean kid, how to drive a car, how to break up with the boyfriend, when to stop and start wearing white shoes, to smile, to trust our instincts—and to take care of our children when we became mothers ourselves.

Moms, you taught us well.

Personally, I think that calls for a flower and a card—and a little jewelry wouldn’t hurt either, even if it’s made of macaroni.

Points of INterest Councilman Larry Rolling, Chief of Police Tim Lentz, Councilman Sam O’Keefe, Councilman Lee Alexius, Councilman Rick Smith, Mayor Mike Cooper and Councilman Jerry Coner gave their membership applications to the Covington

photo courtesy: CITY OF COVINGTON

Heritage Foundation’s president, Sharon Nunez.

City launches Covington Heritage Foundation The newly formed Covington Heritage Foundation, created to preserve the city’s culture, character and community, grew out of Covington’s Bicentennial Committee.

To get involed or find out more information, go to covingtonheritagefoundation.com.

Northshore students honored by NOCCA Three northshore students have been recognized by the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts for their best examples of achievement, exceptional artistic growth, perseverance and accomplishment. Honored at the President Honors Awards Ceremony were Chase Ellefson, Jazz, Mandeville High; Sarah Sanders, Drama, Northshore High; and Amanda Seal, Vocal Music, Mandeville High.

“These students are being recognized for going the extra step as is manifested in the growth, consistency, desire and leadership they have demonstrated during their time at NOCCA,” says Kyle Wedberg, NOCCA president/CEO.

Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West receives award Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West has received the Malachi 3:10 award from Habitat International, which is presented to affiliates that achieve a lifetime total tithe of $500,000. Much of 42 Inside Northside

the donated funds have been sent to the group’s sister affiliate, Habitat for Humanity Uganda.

The St. Tammany Habitat has served more than 575 families since 1981, including building 230 homes locally with low-income families, repairs, recycling of homes and tithes sent to the Habitat in Uganda.

Northshore Community Foundation At the annual meeting of the Northshore Community Foundation, Susan Bonnett, president/ CEO, reported that NCF partnering and grant making expenditures since its founding total $5,352,397.

She gave updates on other NCF initiatives, including the 2013 Water Symposium; plans to produce a Northshore Focus series with UNO; and work with the Northshore Homeless Alliance, Kids in Transition and Homeless Youth in St. Tammany.

Chairman Todd Richard thanked donors and said that the first seven years had been “incredible” and that the future is optimistic.

The Northshore Community Foundation unites human and financial resources to enhance the quality of life in the northshore region. northshorefoundation. org.

Junior League and Lakeview to host Girls’ Health Day Lakeview Regional Medical Center and the Junior League of Greater Covington will sponsor a Girls’ Health Day on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Lakeview campus. Issues such as self esteem, healthy eating and bullying will be

10/12 Properties Ribbon Cutting Mayor Mason Foster and the Hammond Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon on 10/12 Properties’ new location at 1250 S.W. Railroad Ave., Ste. 200B, in Hammond.

discussed as part of the day’s theme, “Be Healthy. Be Happy. Be You.” Local physicians will provide free health screening like vision screening, hearing tests, BMI measurements and blood pressure assessments. Some of the participants will have the opportunity to simulate surgery using the De Vinci Robot.

Pierre and Suzie Villere inducted into CCA Hall of Fame Mandeville residents Suzie and Pierre Villere are the first couple to be inducted into the Coastal Conservation Association Louisiana Hall of Fame.

The Villeres were instrumental in building the CCA Northshore Chapter from its inception in 1993. Since then, they have helped increase statewide membership from roughly 2,500 to more than 17,000 members today. The Villeres have both served on the state board—Pierre is currently the longestserving member—and Suzie directed activities related to the 2nd Annual >> May-June 2014 43

available to patients throughout the region at no cost to them or their families.

The home is well appointed with amenities to meet the physical and spiritual needs of its residents.

Each of three bedrooms has a private bathroom and screened-in porch overlooking the beautiful, serene grounds of the home.

North Oaks Mammography Services earn accreditation

Mandeville residents Suzie and Pierre Villere (center) were

STAR Tournament and also served on the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.

“There is no other couple in Louisiana that has done more for recreational fishing than the Villeres,” says Charlie Caplinger, CCA Louisiana state president.

inducted into the Coastal Conservation Association Louisiana Hall of Fame.

Hospice House opens in Slidell The Hospice Foundation of the South residential facility for the terminally ill, Hospice House, is now

The Digital Mammography Departments at North Oaks Diagnostic Center in Hammond and North Oaks-Livingston Parish Medical Complex in Satsuma have earned a three-year Gold Seal of Accreditation from the American College of Radiology.

Digital Mammography is a specific type of imaging that takes a low-dose X-ray picture of the breast to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases.

Digital technology provides better visibility of the breast—particularly near the skin line or the chest wall and in women with dense breast tissue.

The ACR Gold Seal of Accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety.

It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peerreview evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field.

SMH volunteer Viola Cocran recognized by Guinness The late Viola Cocran has received the Guinness Book of World Records award for the most volunteer hours worked by an individual in history. For more than 50 years, Viola volunteered at Slidell Memorial Hospital a total of 77,019 hours from its opening in 1959 to her retirement on March 31, 2012. She passed away in September 2013 before Guinness certified her award.

In the early 1950s, Viola served on the steering committee that lobbied to establish the hospital.

She then volunteered in all areas of the hospital and served in many different volunteer positions.

In addition to the Guinness award, she has been honored by numerous other organizations, including eight times as SMH’s Volunteer of the Year Award and SMH’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Without Viola’s hard work, dedication and

determination, SMH would not be the hospital this community has come to trust,” says Bill Davis, SMH chief executive officer.

Jacmel Inn one of most romantic restaurants Jacmel Inn, celebrating 37 years in business, has been named a winner of OpenTable Diners’ Choice Awards for the top 100 most romantic restaurants in the United States. The list of winners is derived from more than 5 million reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 19,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Based in the setting of a 130-plus year-old home in Downtown Hammond, Jacmel Inn was the only restaurant in Louisiana to receive this award.

“We are honored to be included in this list with so many nationally renowned restaurants,” says Paul Murphy, an owner of Jacmel Inn. “The atmosphere of Jacmel Inn is relaxed with a blend of eclectic themes and handcrafted charm. This ambience combined with sophisticated food and great service is why I think customers responded with glowing reviews.” >>

Slidell NOCCA student in Nickelodeon video New Orleans Center for Creative Arts Musical Theatre student Nicholas Dayton is featured in a Nickelodeon video, Ode to Shredder.

Nickelodeon remembered Nicholas from an earlier audition and called him to New York to take part in a small project.

The one-day planned shoot expanded to a three-day web content recording, voiceover work and video location shoot in and around New York and at the world famous Premier Studios.

While at the studio, Nicholas struck up a conversation with the owner of the studio, Glen Swann. They both soon realized that they both attend(ed) NOCCA.

School Board wins community partnership award The St. Tammany Parish School Board has been awarded a first place national Magna Award for the St. Tammany Advantage Awards employee discount program. The Magna Awards program, sponsored by the National School Boards Association’s American School Board Journal, recognizes school boards across the country for outstanding programs that advance student learning and encourage community involvement in schools.

The STAR Program is a community partnership in which business partners offer exclusive discounts on goods and services to the school system’s more than 5,000 employees and retirees. Since it began in 2010, the program has grown to almost 300 business partners and is part of the school system’s ongoing efforts to create valuable community connections between the school system and local business community.

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“This collaboration has been a win-win program for our employees and our community. It rewards our employees for their hard work and dedication to the children of our parish while helping to grow local businesses and to keep tax dollars in our parish,” says Superintendent W. L. “Trey” Folse III. The St. Tammany School Board is highlighted in a special section in the April issue of ASBJ and was scheduled to be formally recognized on April 5 at the Best Practices for School Leaders Luncheon, which is part of NSBA’s 74th Annual Conference in New Orleans.

Parkway Project honors Northpark Office Park The initial Parkway Project Beautification Award was presented to Northpark Office Park by Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish president, and members of the Parkway Project. Barry Spizer accepted the award for Northpark Business Park.

The mission of the Parkway Project is to beautify public spaces within St. Tammany Parish. Brister says, “It is gratifying to ultimately see this program in full swing, in conjunction with the parish, to beautify this business corridor. Beautifully planned and maintained landscaping along our business corridors enhances the appeal of St. Tammany and is an investment in our community.”

Aquarium opens Great Maya Reef exhibit The new $1 million, 4,200-square-foot Great Maya Reef exhibit at Audubon Aquarium of the Americas completely transforms the entrance of the Aquarium into a great, submerged Maya city of the Yucatan peninsula—a Meso-American reef, whose magnitude is second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Visitors begin their underwater adventure through the Great Maya Reef, exploring the ruins of a submerged Maya city of mysterious ruins.

Surrounded by lion fish, yellowtail snapper, moray

eels, spiny lobsters and much more, guests engage with immersive exhibitry including: AFTER DARK. Day and night are two completely different worlds in the coral reef. Lively daytime activity fades into the domain of creatures thriving in the mysterious shadows of night.

ARTIFICIAL REEF. This exhibit is nearly 12 feet long and features a representation of Maya stone stairs.

ALIEN INVADERS. This cylindrical exhibit, 96 inches in diameter, is home to the unmistakable lionfish.

AT DEPTH. As light travels to the ocean floor, it diffuses and loses intensity, supporting fish different from their sunnier counterparts. This exhibit features a replica of a worn Maya wall and sponges such as the convoluted orange sponge and the brown tube sponge.

KING COPÁN. This is a cylindrical exhibit, 8 feet tall and 8 feet in diameter, beautifully embellished with a sunken Maya stone statue. It is home to the unforgettable and impressive green moray eel.

Thematic lighting and interactive elements including state-of-the-art digital touchscreen graphics complete this spectacular experience for a perfect transition to the climb to the Amazon Rainforest Canopy.

Note: Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium and Entergy IMAX® Theatre will all be open on a seven-day-a-week schedule through September 1. The Audubon Experience package includes one visit to each facility for one price. It is valid for 30 consecutive days, beginning with the first visit. auduboninstitute.org.

Gary Blossman, Lori Murphy, Bruce Wainer, Reid Falconer, Rick Murphy and Parkway Project chair Leslie Boudreaux join Parish President Pat Brister as she presents the Beautification Award to Barry Spizer of Northpark.

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IN Depth

with Richard C. Dalton Richard C. Dalton LLC

Five Key Points 1. Plan ahead for next year’s taxes.

Get a head start on next year’s income tax by routinely collecting and organizing receipts and information. File your return on time even if you cannot pay your outstanding tax balance, as the penalties and interest charged on late filers can quickly add up to unmanageable amounts. Also, it is a federal crime to intentionally not file your income tax returns.

2. Use a loan or credit card

Tax attorney Richard C. Dalton specializes in IRS, tax and debt relief matters.

His comprehensive understanding of tax and bankruptcy law enables him to advise his clients in areas related to the IRS, collection proceedings due to back taxes, audits and appeals, penalty abatement, and bankruptcy and discharges.

A single father of three, Richard enjoys travel, skydiving and scuba diving.

He’s also an avid Star Trek fan and collector and has employed the talents of William Shatner to act as spokesman for his law firm.

to pay taxes when necessary.

If you get a tax bill for past due payments, pay the full amount immediately, even if you must take out a loan. Otherwise, your credit may be damaged and IRS fees and interest will amount to much more than the loan interest. Or, use a credit card—the interest rate is usually lower than the IRS rate.

3. If needed, request additional time and options to pay taxes.

If you have special circumstances, you may be eligible for additional time to make your payments. If you can’t pay your liability in full, you can request an installment agreement that allows you to pay monthly installments or a compromise to reduce the entire amount owed.

4. Avoid talking to the IRS directly.

If you owe more than $10,000 to the IRS and have a steady job and assets, then you should not talk to the IRS directly. The information the IRS seeks to collect from you can be used to start collection proceedings, such as wage garnishments, liens and levies against your personal properties.

5. Work with a tax professional when needed.

Certain situations, such as negotiating a compromise, require the services of a professional to act on your behalf. In other areas, to know your rights and protect yourself—and for help in navigating the system—you may find it beneficial to consult a tax lawyer.

George

by Poki Hampton

1944-2013

HE WAS AN ARTIST; he was a character; he was a raconteur; he was Cajun; he was Louisiana. He was larger than life.

As you fell under his spell, George Rodrigue’s gregarious nature made you feel as though you had known him forever. His smile, his wit and his passion for his art were evident on the first meeting.

Lush oak trees draped in moss, deep dark bayous and the courageous Acadian people, who were displaced from Nova Scotia to South Louisiana, formed the artistic mind of young George Rodrigue. While he was bedridden with polio at age 9, George’s mother, Marie, gave him art supplies to keep him occupied. Art was not a part of daily life in New Iberia in the 1960s. Little did Marie know that this would help to set George’s future, and that he would become an internationally renowned artist. After recovering from polio, George took art lessons from a local teacher on Saturday mornings; soon, he was taking correspondence courses. At age 14, George’s parents drove him to Baton Rouge to see a traveling art exhibit that had been compiled by actor Vincent Price for Sears Roebuck.

This was the first of many art exhibits George would see over the years, but, perhaps because it was his first, this one remained in his memory throughout his life.

In high school and into college, George studied art. At the Art College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., he learned design through assignments that included graphic design, photography and illustration. He studied with abstract artist Lorser Feitelson. After Pasadena, >> 50

Inside Northside

photos courtesy: GEORGE RODRIGUE FOUNDATION OF THE ARTS

Larger Than Life

Louisiana Cowboys, 1987.

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From top: Aioli Dinner, 1971, is on alternating loan with the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Pilgrims, from a series of 15 paintings called The Saga of the Acadians, 19851989. Last Novena for Gabriel, from The Saga of the Acadians, 1985-1989.

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photos courtesy: GEORGE RODRIGUE FOUNDATION OF THE ARTS

George returned to his beloved Louisiana and began painting what he knew best— the rich history, folklore and culture of Southern Louisiana.

The huge, Spanishmoss laden oak trees of his childhood became prominent figures in George’s early work, which he sold from the trunk of his car as he traveled the state. He would sometimes barter with would-be buyers who traded all sorts of things for paintings, including a barber’s chair, a coke machine

and a fence.

In 1970, after painting for less than a year, George was invited to do a one-man show at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge. He exhibited 70 landscape paintings in antique gold frames he had found in junk shops and flea markets over the years.

The review, his first newspaper article in the Baton Rouge Morning Advocate, was devastating.

“The total effect is repetitious and monotonous, with all the scenes similar, the treatment never varying…His paintings are flat and drab rather than teeming with life.

His bayou country is a shadowy, depressing place with none of the color that pulses there…One feels that the artist takes Acadiana much too seriously, and perhaps himself as well.” Excerpt from “Painter Makes Bayou Dreary, Monotonous Place” by Anne Price as quoted by Wendy Rodrigue in The Other Side of the Painting.

In spite of the review, George sold all 70 of the paintings in the Baton Rouge show. In 1971, his exhibit at the Beaumont Art Museum in Beaumont, Texas, received a rave review from Claude L Kennard, museum director at the time.

“George Rodrigue’s vision, abstract and severely linear in its inception, takes form first as a line drawing, then through an obsession with major and basic forms, developing into an elemental landscape statement, austere and sober, limited in color but rich in range of hues, validly restrictive to the nature of the landscape of Lafayette Parish and surrounding areas in south Louisiana and southeast Texas.” Review

by Claude L. Kennard, quoted by Wendy Rodrigue in The Other Side of the Painting.

Undaunted by the first review and spurred on by the second, George continued to paint the countryside he loved. Eventually, he began adding

Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem of that name. The sculpture was commissioned by Judge Kaliste Saloom’s family and Joseph C. Canizaro in remembrance of Kaliste Saloom’s mother, Nee Asma Boustany.

Based partially on fact, the poem tells the tale of the separation of Evangeline Bellefontaine and her love, Gabriel Lajeunesse, during the time of the expulsion of the Acadians from Nova Scotia. The installation of the monument kicked off a week-long celebration in Lafayette. One writer reported that “the piece is a major cultural and artistic landmark for Louisiana, and provides a brief glimpse of the past for the future generations to appreciate.”

more Cajun people to his work, resulting in some of his most famous paintings up to that time. Still recognized today as his early masterpieces are Aioli Dinner, his first painting with people, and Louisiana Cowboys. Aioli Dinner is probably his most famous Cajun painting. Its dark hues show the ghostly figures of timeless Cajun men at a Creole Gourmet Society dinner being served by women and attended to by young men. This painting, above all others, established George as a Cajun painter. It took as long as three days to paint one of the many faces in the painting, but the experience made him into a more accomplished portrait painter. Now, Aioli Dinner alternately hangs in both the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans.

George was invited to exhibit at Munchick and Franks Fine Arts in London in 1973, and in 1976, he published his first book, The Cajuns of George Rodrigue, which was chosen as the U.S. State Department’s gift for visiting foreign heads of state during the Carter Administration.

In 1984, George completed a 12-foot tall bronze sculpture of Evangeline as portrayed in Henry

From top: The First Cajuns, from The Saga of the Acadians, 1985-1989. Painting of former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev, 1988.

Photograph of George in Moscow holding painting of his son Andre in Kiss Me, I’m Cajun, 1998.

Between 1985 and 1989, George created a series of 15 paintings called The Saga of the Acadians that depicts their expulsion from Nova Scotia, their journey and their eventual establishment in South Louisiana.

Several of these paintings hang in the George Rodrigue Gallery in New Orleans. >> May-June 2014 53

Gorbachev’s painting—he made the famous birthmark look like a crawfish. This, the KGB did not notice.

A bigger controversy occurred when all 12 paintings mysteriously disappeared from the exhibit.

George had refused to give Gorbachev his portrait without first meeting him. The wide press coverage embarrassed the Soviets, and within days the paintings reappeared at the exhibit. The KGB issued departure papers for George, but instructed him to leave the paintings behind. George outsmarted them with the help of the ABC news crew who helped him remove the paintings from their stretchers and roll them into a beer cooler destined for Air Force Two. A few days later, George went to the ABC office in Washington and retrieved the paintings. The portrait of Reagan has hung in the White House and the Reagan Library; it is now in LSU’s Lod Cook Alumni Center, a gift from Nancy Reagan. George kept the portrait of Gorbachev for himself and occasionally loaned it out for exhibition.

As a young man, George learned of the romantic legend of a Cajun man imprisoned in Texas in the 1920s who pined for his lost love and wrote a version of what we know as the waltz Jolie Blonde. One translation of the French lyrics is:

Blonde, 1974.

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Jolie Blonde was a popular Cajun song for years. One night, while listening to the radio, and after painting for hours on a large complicated work with an aching hand, George found relief in painting Jolie Blonde in just one hour. “She came out of his head and onto the canvas, quickly and with loose brushstrokes, painted entirely for himself,” says Wendy Rodrigue in her blog, Musings of an Artist’s Wife. The lost love had remained faceless until George painted her. No one knows how many Jolie Blondes he painted over the years, some with oak trees and Blue Dogs. To honor Jolie Blonde’s legend further, George and his sons Jacques and Andre opened Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro in Lafayette in 2008. The restaurant’s logo is the famous Jolie Blonde painting George painted all those years ago. >>

photo courtesy: GEORGE RODRIGUE FOUNDATION OF THE ARTS

The original Jolie

During the ’80s, George was commissioned to paint portraits of President Ronald Reagan, Vice President George Bush with his 10 grandchildren, President-elect Bill Clinton and Vice President-elect Al Gore. He also painted Louis Armstrong, Al Hirt and Pete Fountain for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

Reagan’s portrait, titled An American Hero, was of the president on a white horse wearing a cowboy hat. George also painted a portrait of the president of the former Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, for the summit meeting in Moscow. The two paintings hung in the Sovereign World Trade Center along with 10 other Rodrigue paintings on loan from collectors. Controversy erupted when the KGB called George to ask why he had painted Reagan on a horse and not Gorbachev.

George said that he didn’t know Gorbachev had a horse, to which the KGB replied, “We were hoping Reagan would give him one.” George had put a little joke into

Pretty blonde, look at what you’ve done You left me to go To go with another than me What hope and what future can I have?

Make today… the happiest day of your life.

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1984, the first appearance of the Blue Dog, painted for the illustration of the book Bayou.

The Blue Dog

Far right: Photograph of Tiffany, George’s studio dog.

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In 1984, George illustrated 40 ghost stories in a book by Chris Segura titled Bayou. Within the tales of Cajun ghosts and mystery, George’s iconic

Inside Northside

photos courtesy: GEORGE RODRIGUE FOUNDATION OF THE ARTS

Right: Loup Garou,

Blue Dog first appears. Many have said that the Blue Dog was from the tale of “loup-garou,” the Cajun werewolf that haunted the swamp. However, the first painting of the Blue Dog (Watchdog) appears in the story Slaughter House (L’Abatoir). This is a tale of a boy who finds a dog and names him Cloudy.

In Bayou, Segura writes, “The dog had pointy ears.

He was fluffy looking and at once assumed the down-hunched, tail-wagging, sweet-eyed attitude for making friends. Bill clapped his hands and the dog jumped right into his arms and planted a wet kiss on his chin.”

Unfortunately, things did not work out well for Cloudy; it was a ghost story after all. Using old photos of his studio dog, Tiffany, and drawing on his memory of stories from his boyhood, George painted the dog a pale blue-grey color with yellow and red eyes in front of a red house and the ever-

present oak tree. This was the first Blue Dog. The Blue Dog appeared in many paintings over the next few years. Always in the familiar bayou and swamp landscapes, Blue Dog became a pop figure. By 1990, the Blue Dog had moved from the swamps to the big city, so to speak.

Variations of Blue Dog showed both a serious and funny side, and he seemed to take on a life of his own.

From there, things erupted into national recognition and acclaim.

“The yellow eyes are really the soul of the dog,” George told the New York Times in 1998. “He has this piercing stare. People say the dog keeps talking to them with the eyes, always saying something different.” He added, “People who have seen a Blue Dog painting always remember it.

They are really about life, about mankind searching for answers. The dog never changes position.

He just stares at you. And you’re looking at him, looking for some answers.”

Into the Next Millennium In 1992, George was selected as an Absolut Vodka artist. His paintings of the Blue Dog were used in Absolut advertising worldwide. By 2000, George had been chosen to work with Xerox on a series of ads for the Color Inkjet printers.

Next, he painted an eerie series called Hurricanes, showing the swirling of images, including oak trees and yellow eyes, representing the many storms that have hit Louisiana. After the riot of color that was Hurricanes, George returned to oak trees, cemeteries and classic nudes. Titled Bodies, this group was created via computer technology in a contemporary way, using repetitive imagery.

Inside Northside’s Hurricane Katrina issue was published right after the storm in 2005. The cover art, We Will Rise Again, shows a powerful image of Blue Dog partially submerged, his normally yellow eyes blood red as though crying for all that was lost >>

Inside Northside cover, Hurricane Katrina issue, 2005.

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photos courtesy: GEORGE RODRIGUE FOUNDATION OF THE ARTS

From top: Hawaiian Blues for the Neiman Marcus catalog,

in the city where he was born. “I decided to use Blue Dog because he truly represents New Orleans. Blue Dog was born on Royal Street,” said George in his IN cover artist interview. “Like a ship’s SOS, the red cross on the dog’s chest calls out for help.” The original painting now hangs in the Rodrigue home in Carmel, Calif.

In 2008, the New Orleans Museum of Art presented the exhibit Rodrigue’s Louisiana: Forty Years of Cajuns, Blue Dogs and Beyond Katrina. It was the largest collection of his work ever assembled. The exhibit, which ran for three months, included more than 200 pieces, from the earliest Blue Dog, Watchdog, to portraits for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, to his Hurricanes and Bodies series. The exhibition also included portraits of presidents and prominent Louisianians.

the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts and galleries, and is now the face of the foundation’s arts integration programs for schools.

A retrospective of George’s work can be seen at his gallery on Royal Street in the French Quarter. The collection, spanning from 1965 to 2013, includes the first painting George sold, for $25. “At age 25, Dad figured that all he had to do was to sell four $25 paintings per week to support himself as

1998. A stirling

by Santa Fe artist Doug Magnus.

Jacques Rodrigue holding a portrait of himself at age 9, Paint Me Back into Your Life, 1989.

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Although there will be no more original paintings by George Rodrigue, his sons Andre and Jacques will carry on their father’s work in two different ways. With Lafayette attorney Steve Santillo, Andre and Jacques own Blue Dog Café and Jolie’s Louisiana Bistro. Andre is involved in the day-to-day management of both restaurants in a very hands-on way. Jacques works fulltime in

Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

The Legacy Lives On

silver Blue Dog pin

To benefit LSU’s School of Music and the arts in education initiatives of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts, George Rodrigue created a unique, iconic piece of art—the Rodrigue Steinway. At the time George said, “I am very happy to lend my artwork to the Rodrigue Steinway ‘Blue Dog Piano’ in order to benefit such great causes.” The piano has been autographed by many of the world-famous musicians who have played it, including Billy Joel, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Ronnie Kole and many others. When not on tour or being played at charity functions, the Rodrigue Steinway resides in the lobby of the Sheraton New Orleans on Canal Street.

For more information on the piano, visit rodriguesteinway.com.

an artist,” says Jacques. The first Blue Dog painted without a background but on yellow-green abstract brushstrokes is also in the retrospective. That is when Blue Dog left the swamp to enter the 20th century. The show is curated by the Rodrigue family and John Bullard, director emeritus of the New Orleans Museum of Art. The gallery, located at 730 Royal St. in the French Quarter, is open to the public, free of charge.

The George Rodrigue Studio in Lafayette also has a retrospective. “Dad always said that if he was not from Acadiana area, he probably would have never been an artist,” says Jacques.

“It was the Cajun culture and our >> May-June 2014 59

heritage that inspired him to paint.

That is why my family is delighted to share some of my father’s most important works, many of which were painted in Lafayette, at this memorial retrospective.” The retrospective can be seen until January 2015 at 1434 S. Collage Rd., Lafayette.

Gov. Bobby Jindal has declared George Rodrigue the Artist Laureate for the state of Louisiana. Numerous awards have been given to him across the nation. The many books published about George Rodrigue and his work give insight into this great artist. The latest, The Other Side of the Painting, is by George’s wife, Wendy.

“With the death of George Rodrigue, our state and nation have lost one of its most unique, popular and memorable visual artists. For nearly 50 years, he created an extraordinary body of work that captured the special qualities of Louisiana’s Cajun culture, bringing national and international recognition to his heritage and to himself,” says Bullard.

George will be missed by those who knew him and treasured by all of Louisiana and America. He truly was larger than life.

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The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts: Youth Development Through Art in Education George Rodrigue leaves behind his legacy not only in his art, but in the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts, which advocates the importance of art in curriculum for young students and supports a variety of educational art programs.

Formed in 2009, GRFA has its roots in Blue Dog Relief.

When George created God Bless America in response to the attacks on September 11, prints of the painting raised $500,000 for the American Red Cross.

This experience solidified for George the notion that he could use his artwork to benefit important causes, like arts education in schools.

George saw the lack of art in education resulting from budget cuts and other problems with funding in schools—a trend he wanted to see reversed. As a young boy, he had dreamed of becoming an artist, and as an adult, support from his parents and teachers helped to make that dream a reality.

GRFA achieves its mission through various programs, like George’s Art Closet, which gathers donations for art supplies and distributes them to Louisiana teachers and schools; art contests and scholarships for high school juniors and seniors; Louisiana A+ Schools, a research-based school network with a mission of feeding creativity; and summer camps designed to spur students to create and develop their own artistic style while exposing them to a variety of media.

This year, for its fifth annual art contest, GRFA partnered with the Audubon Nature Institute. From a field of more than

700 entries using the theme “Louisiana’s Natural Beauty,” 21 high school juniors and seniors across the state were chosen to vie for $50,000 in college scholarships. The top student artist, selected by a panel of judges, will have the opportunity to design a poster that will be sold at all Audubon Nature Institute properties to benefit GRFA and the institute.

In 2013, GRFA and the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation teamed up to sponsor the art contest, which centered on the theme, “Louisiana’s Culinary Heritage.” Illustrations by 50 of the most talented student artists were combined with 100 recipes by Louisiana’s greatest restaurant chefs in The Pot & The Palette Cookbook, a collaboration between GRFA and LRAEF. The cookbook can be ordered at geeorgerodriguefoundation.org.

Another program, the GRFA Print Donation Program, allows a non-profit to purchase a signed Blue Dog silkscreen print for $500 as a donation. In turn, these prints are used as a fundraising vehicle for nonprofits to raffle or auction. Since 2009, the Print Donation Program has helped more than 600 organizations raise more than $1 million at their fundraising events through silent auctions, raffles and more.

The foundation is continuing to fulfill George’s dream to give children the opportunities and skills that the arts provide.

For more information on the foundation, visit georgerodriguefoundation.org.

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Porter, Brooke Cawthon, Virginia Stewart, Aaron Reed, Megan Brown, Alex Varisco, Louis Nix, Matalyn Stark, Rex Sheperd, Emily Bouffine and Michael McKinney.

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Aaron Reed Mandeville High Music has always been a large part of Aaron Reed’s life. A senior at Mandeville High, Aaron had his first taste of music in the third grade when he took up classical piano. Since then, he has been a member of the Mandeville High band, named the principal percussionist in the Louisiana All-State Symphonic Band and been involved in NOCCA, where he pursues his passion through the study of jazz piano.

Aaron plans to major in biomedical engineering in college. His top choice of the 16 colleges and universities he applied to is Stanford University in

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Left to right: Armani

SENIOR YEAR IS AN EXCITING and busy time. College applications to fill out, caps and gowns to order, senior trips to take and final exams to ace. These 16 students have successfully navigated not only their jampacked senior year, but also their entire high school journey, excelling in academics, athletics and activities outside of school. They were selected by their principals or vice principals as the most outstanding senior student at their schools. We are proud to present them to you.

We wish these seniors and the entire graduating Class of 2014 tremendous success in all their endeavors!

by Lauren Parrish with Abby Jennings and Alexander Neitzer

Califronia or Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md. He dreams of one day becoming a college professor, where he would not only do groundbreaking research but also mold the minds of the next generation. “I want to make a difference in whatever field of study I choose that will outlast my lifetime,” Aaron says.

As for the legacy he leaves behind at Mandeville High, Aaron founded the school’s Latin Club in his junior year. The club has been a huge success among students, with events like pizza parties, movie nights and chariot races. The idea for the club was born out of another of Aaron’s other passions—languages. He has learned French and Latin in high school; he plans to

study the latter in college.

Aaron’s AP biology teacher, Laura Decker, inspired him to combine his love of mathematics and science and to look at a career in genetics or bioinfomatics. Through her, Aaron learned of opportunity to intern in research genetics at LSU’s Health Sciences Center this summer, where he will be able to learn the ropes and gain experience through completing his own independent research project.

Not pictured: Carter Friend, Nicholas

Michael McKinney Northshore High

Romano, Mason Klotz, Rebecca

At Northshore High, Michael McKinney has divided his time between the marching band and the >>

Chaisson and Zach Albright.

May-June 2014 63

baseball team. In the first part of the year, Michael participated in competitions and marches in Mardi Gras parades with the Northshore band. In the second half of the year, he played for the Northshore baseball team. “I like the unique environment of each group and the different people I get to interact with,” he says. Michael also tutors and is involved in National Honor Society, Beta Club and the Northshore Quiz Bowl team.

After seeing the movie Top Gun when he was younger, Michael wanted to be an Air Force pilot. As with most childhood dream jobs, his has morphed into something different. Michael plans to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He will spend five years minimum serving in the Navy, likely working in surface warfare. Michael plans to get his bachelor’s degree in economics or political science before going on to get an MBA. He would like to work as a foreign affairs analyst in a large bank or potentially go into politics.

Michael has a very close relationship with Richard Thompson, who has been his teacher for three years in civics, free enterprise, American history and world history. “His ability to teach his classes as if he were telling a story has contributed greatly to my already strong passion for history. I’m very grateful for everything I have learned from him.”

While he is looking forward to leaving his days of standardized testing behind, Michael says he is proud of what he managed to accomplish and the people he has met at Northshore High and is grateful to have had a high school experience full of fond memories.

Virginia Stewart St. Scholastica Academy Virginia Stewart was chosen as Student of the Year and is involved in the SSA Student Council. She was elected as both the student body president and the parliamentarian for the Student Council of the State of Louisiana. Virginia is also involved in Key Club, Mu Alpha Theta and National Honor Society.

She was captain of the state-winning swim team and has been involved in musical theater both at SSA and St. Paul’s School. Public speaking is a passion of Virginia’s. She recently won the National Leadership Award for her effort in making a difference in her school and community.

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Virginia plans to attend Louisiana State University and, as of now, is unsure about what major she will pursue. “I’m interested in possibly going into nutrition or getting a degree in communications with a minor in broadcasting,” she says.

Ever since she was small and first learned to talk, Virginia has wanted to be an actress. As she grew up, this dream morphed into becoming a TV broadcaster, where she can put her love of public speaking to good use. In whatever profession Virginia ends up, she wants to help as many people as she can. She recently went on a medical mission trip to Nicaragua.

“It was an incredible and rewarding experience.”

Her freshman honors English teacher, Elizabeth Tocco, has had the biggest impact on her. She advised Virginia during her time on Student Council and was the reason she got involved in her school as early and as fully as she did. “Ms. Tocco helped me believe in myself and shoot for the stars, as corny as that sounds, and I really appreciate it.”

Virginia plans on being just as involved at LSU as she has been at SSA and is excited at the new opportunities that will be available.

Megan Brown Salmen High Megan Brown was born and raised in Slidell, but she is about to spread her wings to Hattiesburg, Miss., to attend the University of Southern Mississippi. There, Megan plans to play for the university’s basketball team on a scholarship while deciding what she wants to major in. For now, Megan is an undecided major, but she will most likely go into engineering or medicine.

The decision to attend USM was an easy one, says Megan. “I loved the school’s environment, and I was very comfortable with the coaching staff.”

Involved in all kinds of extracurricular activities outside of school, Megan is a member of the National Honor Society, where she gives back to her community through hours of service. She is also a very active member at the New Life Church in Slidell and founded a girls’ group. Aside from her participation in various clubs and organizations, Megan considers her full-time job to be playing on the Salmen High girls’ basketball team. She is also a member of the school’s volleyball team.

Megan says she will miss the teachers who have

had an impact on her in her four years at Salmen High. “Through these relationships with my teachers, I came to realize how much caring can change and influence the lives of other people,” she says. It is a lesson Megan tries to put to use in all areas of her life.

In the future, Megan would like a career that allows her to be active and to interact with other people on a daily basis. She would like to travel the world practicing medicine, wherever that may take her.

Carter Friend Christ Episcopal School Carter Friend has his sights set on the City of Angels—Los Angeles. He will attend the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Art to study film history and analysis. He plans to be a film critic after graduation. “I’ve always been interested in watching and analyzing movies,” Carter says. “I’ve studied them on my own, but I’ve never had the resources like these film schools have. I’ll be able to talk to people who are experienced in the field.”

As part of the second graduating class from Christ Episcopal, Carter has had the rare privilege of attending the same school since he was 4 years old.

“We’re a newer school and a smaller school. I’ve gotten to have greater relationships with my teachers and smaller, discussion-based classes. It helped me become a better student.”

He has also had the opportunity to help found different organizations. In his sophomore year, Carter helped start the school’s debate team and was involved in the creation of the school’s Key Club.

The teacher who has had made the biggest impression on Carter is Greg Homer, his history teacher. “I enjoy history, and his teaching style has gotten me even more interested in history,” >> May-June 2014 65

Carter says. “Plus, he takes the time to really get to know his students. He’s really been a mentor, teacher and friend.”

Keep your eye out for a film review by Carter Friend in the future!

Emily Bouffine Archbishop Hannan High Though currently undecided about where she will attend college, Emily Bouffine certainly knows what her top choice is—Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala. There, she would study biology to begin her journey to becoming a doctor.

While Emily hasn’t pinpointed a specific medical field to study, her two main interests are radiology and pathology. Her interest in the medical field likely stems from the time she spent in a doctor’s office growing up. Emily’s mom worked in one. “I would go there after school. I’ve just always been around it.

I loved anatomy and did really well, and I decided I wanted to go into that,” she says.

Emily is on the student council and is president of National Honor Society. She is also in Mu Alpha

Theta and Key Club. A teacher who has had a big impact on Emily is Charles Baird. “He taught me world geography and he helped me come out of my shell,” Emily says. “I used to be extremely shy. I still am a little bit, but Coach Baird helped me express myself more.” He also encouraged Emily to become involved in student council.

As for what is most exciting about college, Emily says, “I’m looking forward to more freedom in college and having the opportunity to learn more about what I’m specifically interested in.” And what intimidates her? Emily is slightly worried about what her classes and assignments will be like. “I’m afraid of having to write a 20-page paper!”

Nicholas Romano St. Stanislaus Nicholas Romano has lived in Gulfport, Miss., his entire life, and this fall, he plans to attend the University of Mississippi. Nicholas wants to study business administration so that he can own and operate his own business one day.

Nicholas runs cross-country for St. Stanislaus

and is captain of the track team. He is involved in Student Ministry, Key Club and National Honor Society. In the summer, Nicholas worked at McDonald’s, which is a great foundation for his future. “If I can learn what workers experience, I can be better prepared to handle those challenges as a manager and owner,” he says.

As for his favorite thing about his high school experience, Nicholas says it’s been the chance to play sports. “It’s been an honor to represent my school— to be part of a team. That’s probably been my favorite part of high school.”

He will also miss St. Stanislaus as a whole. “My school has had a big impact on my character formation.

It’s taught me to do the little details right,” he says. “The basis for life is in the details—if you can take care of the little things, you can be successful.”

That said, Nicholas is ready for college and the new experiences and opportunities it entails. “I’m ready to really focus on the career field I plan on going into.”

Alex Varisco Covington High

The world is Alex Varisco’s oyster right now, as the saying goes, as she waits to hear back from the colleges and universities she’s applied to. Alex’s passion for horses has her leaning toward St. Andrew’s University in Laurinburg, N.C., which has an equestrian program. She has two horses and has been riding since she was 5.

Alex would like to compete at the college level on the St. Andrew’s equestrian team while studying public relations or communications. At Covington High, Alex has been involved in multiple media classes, the school newspaper and has written for the Times Picayune. She is also the senior leader of the school’s equestrian team and manages the team’s website.

Alex says her journalism teacher, Margaret O’Connell, and media teacher, Vance Lynch, have had the largest influence on her. “Ms. O’Connell is involved in a lot of different things, and she’s very dedicated to what she does. That’s inspiring to me.

Mr. Vance opened my world up to videography and photography, and it’s what pushed me toward potentially majoring in journalism and communications. His class helped me find my niche.” >>

As for what the future holds, Alex would like a profession that involves public speaking for a company or group or to own her own business. “I’m hoping to incorporate public relations and equine together.” She would also like to do a lot of traveling. “I’m looking forward to graduation because going to college is really exciting, and I’ll be taking that next step in my life. I’m ready for the challenge!”

Louis Nix Hammond High Louis Nix hasn’t decided on a college yet, but it’s between Georgetown University and Tulane University. He plans to study international relations and Arabic, with a minor in music. After college, Louis wants to pursue higher education before working in an embassy in the Middle East.

During high school, Louis has played soccer, been a member of the band, the Robotics Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society and Key Club.

Being part of the band is what Louis will miss the most. “It’s been the center of high school for me,” he says. He plays the alto and tenor saxophone.

Tied to the band is the teacher who has had the biggest impact on Louis, band director Joanne Weatherly.

“She didn’t take long to start messing with my life,” laughs Louis. “On the very first day of school, during band period, she asked us what we wanted to do in high school. I asked her if I would have the chance to march with the band and play football. My dad did both. She just looked at me with this weird face! She made me choose that first day between the band and football. I chose band.”

And he’s never looked back. “It was an easy decision. If I had stuck with football, I probably never would have

played soccer. I think I enjoy soccer more than I ever did football.” Louis is a three-year letterman in soccer.

Outside of school, Louis is also very involved in his church, the Well United Methodist Church in Robert, La., where he’s lived since he was 7. In March, he went on a mission trip to Honduras.

Mason Klotz Pope John Paul School Mason Klotz was born in Slidell and attends Pope John Paul Catholic High School. This fall, Mason will attend Louisiana State University, where he’ll study petroleum engineering. “I like math and science,” he says. “Those have always been my favorite subjects, and I’m a hands-on kind of guy.”

In high school, Mason has been involved, both academically and athletically. He is the president of National Honor Society and a member of the Retreat Team. He also plays football and soccer and runs track.

Outside of school, he is involved in his church, St. Margaret Mary Church in Slidell.

Mason’s favorite part of school has definitely been playing sports. “I really had the opportunity to start and play on these teams. I have made a lot of friends and a lot of memories. It’s been the most fun in high school.”

He is pretty empathic when he talks about what he won’t miss from high school. “English will not be missed! I have to take one semester in college, and then I’m done.”

Mason’s history teacher, Tom McNitt, and soccer coach, Danny Clavier, have had the greatest impact on him. “Mr. McNitt is my favorite teacher,” Mason says. “He’s helped me grow as a person.

He and Mr. Clavier have helped to make my high school journey complete.”

What is he looking forward to at

LSU? “I’ve always gone to a small school, middle school, junior high and high school. LSU is a big school. It’s exciting.”

In the future, Mason sees himself working for a Fortune 500 company, like Shell or Chevron. He also plans to get an MBA.

Rebecca Chaisson Slidell High Rebecca Chaisson will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall on a full scholarship. “I’m really excited!” she says. “I wanted to try something different and go somewhere different.”

At UNC, Rebecca plans to study in a new program, environmental journalism, which will combine several of her interests. “I enjoy nature and working with animals and writing, so I’m still figuring out exactly what it is I want to be when I grow up. I’d definitely like to do research.”

Rebecca is captain of Slidell High’s varsity tennis team, historian of the Thespian Society and has managed stage shows. She also knows American Sign Language.

On the weekends, Rebecca interns at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans in the education department. “I get to work with the educational animals, the smaller animals that people can hold and touch.

I’m the one who goes to get them.”

Rebecca’s intern supervisor at the zoo, who graduated from UNC, has impacted her the most. “She actually wrote all my recommendation letters,” Rebecca says. “She’s genuinely passionate and enthusiastic about the zoo.”

As for what college has in store for her, Rebecca says she looks forward to the freedom. “There are just so many opportunities in college. I won’t have to ask permission to go to the bathroom anymore!” she laughs. “I’m excited >> May-June 2014 69

about meeting new people and seeing different perspectives.”

Matalyn Stark Pearl River High Matalyn Stark was born and raised in Sterling, Kans., until the seventh grade when her family moved to Pearl River. She will attend Oklahoma State University, where she plans to major in agricultural leadership. “It’s a very broad major, but it emphasizes serving the community,” Matalyn says. “You can be a farm service agency representative or an agricultural extension agent.”

Matalyn’s decision to go to OSU was solidified when she visited the campus. “I had the instant feeling of ‘this is where I belong.’”

High school has helped Matalyn figure out how to pursue her two passions—the military and agriculture. “I wanted to go to the Air Force Academy for service, and I was going to put agriculture on the back burner, but I won’t qualify for health reasons,” she says. “That helped me realize that dreams can always be achieved in a different form. I feel very blessed to have had this awful discovery because it

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Inside Northside

helped me find who I am.”

Matalyn has dabbled in theater at Pearl River High for the last three years. On Saturdays, she volunteers at the Pearl River Museum. She is also involved with the Future Farmers of America program at Pearl River.

After college, Matalyn would like to become an extension agent. “It provides so many opportunities to help others, and that’s a big part of my life.” Matalyn’s mom is a Kansas Master Gardener. “I can remember sitting in the office during my mom’s Master Gardner classes and these farmers calling in, asking questions about dealing with pesticides and crops. I can see how extension agents can help.”

Rex Sheperd Lakeshore High Rex Sheperd was born in Kingston, Jamaica.

He has lived all over the world, including Turkey, Myanmar, Puerto Rico, Baltimore and Atlanta.

Though his family has moved around a lot, he calls the northshore home.

In the fall, Rex will attend MIT in Cambridge,

Mass., where he will study aerospace engineering.

“I love math and science, so I want to use them to create something,” he says. “I’ve always been fascinated by things that fly and move in the air.” Rex also plans to play on the MIT football team.

At Lakeshore, Rex has run track and played varsity soccer and football. He is a member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and was named Student of the Year.

His teachers have had a large impact on Rex, specifically his junior AP English teacher, Christa Allan; his AP U.S. history teacher, Adam Rower; and his calculus teacher, Meredith Alvarez. “Ms. Allan was the first teacher to really teach me how to write and read critically. Mr. Rowe showed me how to look at facts, not how they’re presented in a textbook, but how to go out and get your own facts, to really qualify the information. Ms. Alvarez’s love of math inspires me every day.”

As for how he’ll keep up with friends and family?

“When I was younger, moving was so final, like you would never see these people ever again, but now with Facebook, I can stay in touch with them.”

After college, Rex is interested in a government job, perhaps in military grade engineering.

Armani Porter Northlake Christian Armani Porter has lived in Mandeville for 15 years. He’s been accepted to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., and the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Wherever he ends up, Armani plans to study neuroscience or biopsychology. He also plans to study abroad in South America and to minor in Spanish.

“I want to be a doctor, and I want to go into neurology, gastroenterology and trauma,” he says. “I want to study psychology because I believe it helps you become more personable. You can learn how people think, and you can learn intrapersonal skills.”

Armani is in the National Honor Society and is the student body treasurer and a founding member of Louisiana Youth Initiative. He is also co-founder and president of the non-profit organization, Rivals Without Titles, Inc., which raises money for organizations like the American Cancer Society by bringing together schools with intense sports rivalries.

>>

May-June 2014 71

The schools compete to see who can raise the most money. Armani is on the Northlake Christian baseball team and plans to play in college.

Northlake Christian is the first private school Armani has gone to.

“I experienced Christianity in an educational atmosphere,” he says. “I was able to see a religious side, and I’m going to miss that. I’m going to miss the Christian side of things.”

While going to college excites Armani, it also makes him nervous.

“What if I take all these classes and I realize that’s not the track I’m supposed to be on? I’ve known I wanted to be a doctor since I was 8 or 9 years old.

I have really good eyesight and handeye coordination. There’s a reason I’m blessed with that. What I would do with that if I were a lawyer?”

After medical school, Armani plans on working in a hospital setting. He’d also like to open his own practice one day.

Brooke Cawthon Fontainebleau High Brooke Cawthon was born in Dallas, Texas. She lived in Singapore for five years and move to the northshore for her freshman year of high school.

She is not decided yet about where she’ll attend college, but Brooke has her top four choices—Colorado School of Mines, Texas A&M, Mississippi State and the University of Alabama.

She plans to study engineering. “I’ve known that since I was 7. I’ve always been dead set on being an engineer.”

She wants to follow in her engineer dad’s footsteps. Brooke also wants to study Chinese, which is the language she learned in Singapore.

Brooke was named Student of the Year, is involved in the Math Club and Student Council, is the editor of the yearbook, volunteers at New Heights 72

Inside Northside

“I’m most proud seeing the success of our students, whether they be destined for college, the workforce or the military. That’s what we’re here for.”

- Trey Folse, Superintendent of St. Tammany Parish Public Schools

Therapeutic Riding Center in Folsom every Saturday, coaches gymnastics at Northshore Gymnastics, lifeguards at Money Hill over the summer and was a gymnast for 13-and-a-half years.

There’s not just one teacher Brooke can pinpoint as impacting her high school experience the most. She names several. “My Student Council sponsor, Ms. Charise Nolan; my math teacher, Ms. Jill Sisney; my 10th grade math teacher, Ms. Shannon Tullier; my principal, Mr. Johnny Vitrano; Ms. Prieb; and Mr. Clifford Hinkle. All those teachers have watched me grow through the years.

“When I was nominated for Student of the Year, they told me that I had everything I needed and that I just needed to believe in myself. That’s the one thing about me—I can talk about myself all I want, but I don’t consider the stuff that I do to be all that extraordinary.

I have all this free time, so why not go do all this stuff for other people, why not go help people and take some stuff off their backs and help them out?”

Zach Albright St. Paul’s School In the fall, Zach Albright will leave Covington, where he has lived his entire

life, to go to Princeton University in New Jersey. For now, he’s undecided about what he will major in, but most likely he will study business. He’s also interested in the law and politics, which might lead him to a law degree instead of a business degree.

At St. Paul’s School, Zach is on the cross country and track teams. He is a five-time state champion. “That’s a huge aspect of my life,” he says. And sports will continue to be, as Zach will run cross country and track at Princeton.

Zach is a member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and serves as a Eucharistic minister as part of the school’s Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. He was also named a National Merit finalist and a Wendy’s High School Heisman Trophy Winner in the state of Louisiana, which is awarded to students who excel in the classroom, in sports and in the community.

At St. Paul’s, Zach says, “My math teacher, Richard Pichon, taught me math as a freshman and AP statistics as a junior.

I could usually get by without putting forth too much effort. In my junior year, he really challenged me to apply myself to be not only just good enough, but to push myself further. It was challenging at first, but I’m grateful.

“WE WERE ON ANOTHER FUTILE HUNT down a back road when we found the property. We were told the prettiest part had been sold,” says James Wellington, recalling when he and Jude Bourgeois bought their land 25 years ago.

“Living on the northshore and in the country was something we had always wanted to do,” says Jude.

And they had wanted undeveloped land—a clean palate. The original “cow pasture and big ditch” is now their one-acre lake, where ducks and geese glide and a fountain sprays.

It took many years and 20,000 man-hours before North House, the stately Georgian mansion on the hilltop that is the centerpiece of their estate, was completed. James kept detailed records on the growth and development of his “baby”; he and Jude are celebrating the house’s 10th birthday this year.

Above: Front view

The Gardens

of North House and pond. Opposite: Front foyer with inlaid floor.

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Upon acquiring the property, the two men—a medical professional and a software developer—first built a workshop, where they crashed on weekends

Inside Northside

when they came up from New Orleans. Their first priority was the formal gardens. The neophyte landscapers learned some tough lessons. They planted 25 evergreen wax myrtles in May, and even with an underground irrigation system, the fierce summer heat took them all out. “God has a sense of humor,” says James. “Then there were torrential rains the day the pond was dug. And Katrina leveled most of the Leland Cypress that had replaced the myrtles.”

During the hottest summer in 10 years—nature teasing again—they raised a 20-by-30 conservatory of glass and steel. A neighbor suggested the new residents were erecting an aquarium! The conservatory’s annex now houses a sink and tables for potting and pruning while baskets of giant Staghorn Ferns hang on the walls. An inverted satellite dish serves as the ceiling of the breezeway connecting the two greenhouses. They are named the Ayerst Conservatory, after James’ friend Robert Ayerst, a bromeliad aficionado. He traveled with James, visiting conservatories to gather ideas before

photo courtesy: JAMES WELLINGTON

by Ann Gilbert

North House A Labor of Love

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

helping to execute the design. The two rooms contain 1,600 feet under glass and are home to dozens of tropical plants such as bromeliads and orchids. Here the owners also start their annuals and perennials, providing seasonal color for the gardens. In the center of the greenhouse is a swath of boxwood. Calming, trickling water from the two-tiered fountain fills the space, plus ever-present music.

Unfortunately, several days of 20-degree temperatures in February this year wrought havoc on the conservatory’s lush tropical greenery. “We have to start over,” say the resigned gardeners.

North House’s gardens have one mile of

irrigation pipes and 30,000 plants in some halfdozen different landscaped areas. Thirty-eight 30-foot crepe myrtles arch over the green space in two of the gardens. Twenty-foot Cleyeras stand guard at the corners of the main garden. Foundation plants include azaleas and hydrangeas, and the beds are filled in with masses of day lilies, Louisiana irises, white caladiums and impatiens.

Enfleshing the Dream Tired of bunking in the shop, the men built a small raised cottage, with plans to use the first floor as the base for the big house to come. After living on the place >> May-June 2014 75

dining room is furnished with traditional Georgian elements. The buffet is signed by Rupert Kohlmeyer.

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Inside Northside

lumber himself, milled it on the mountaintop and hauled the columns wrapped in chains down the hollow. James left the chain burns on the halfcolumns, now sentinels in the dining room hiding strings of tea lights. The columns decorate several rooms in the home; one is a medicine cabinet with a rolling door in a bath.

James collected antiques even as a teenager, saving the money he earned cutting grass. “I still have some of those pieces, including a canopy bed,” he says. Loving cups are of particular interest to him, and a 2-foot trophy from 1923 holds center court in front of the double window overlooking the Diamond Garden. The cup was awarded each year to the winning team of an English football (soccer) league.

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Above: The formal

for about 12 years, James and Jude finally drew the first architectural sketches of their dream house. Before they put pen to paper, they toured Georgian homes and museums, making many visits to Williamsburg, Va., and touring Newport, R.I. James favors the formal symmetry and exquisite proportions so characteristic of Georgian. “It is easy on the eyes,” he says.

For years, the two men gathered doors, windows, flooring and architectural ornaments for their future home. On their weekend jaunts through rural Arkansas, Mississippi and beyond, they were always on the hunt for unique works of art. Outside Gadsden, Ala., they stopped at an abandoned service station stacked with plantation-style, unfinished sculpted columns. The owner said he felled the

photos courtesy: JAMES WELLINGTON

The quotation on the cup is the poem, “I shall pass through this world but once …” written by Quaker Stephen Grellet, who was born in France as Étienne and immigrated to America.

Surprising a bell company manager, James called asking for help in finding a set of church bells. The owner’s response was, “No one has bells at a private home. Why do you want them?” Because of a lucky tip from a priest-friend, the electronic bells that once rang in St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter now sing out from the barn roof of North House every hour on the hour. “We did have to lower the volume in response to neighbors’ requests!” says James.

Numerous works of art in North House were gifts from generous friends, who wanted to take

part in embellishing this grand undertaking. Two 8-foot likenesses of Chinese empresses, painted on parchment, now grace the landing on the second floor after being exhibited in a museum. The Oriental screen in the parlor was also a gracious gift from this same friend, who said, “I want you to have this for North House.” The screen had been on loan to the New Orleans Museum of Art. James and Jude did much of the inside work on the house themselves—building the stairway and faux-painting the stairway walls to look like limestone blocks, helping to lay the Brazilian cherry hardwood floors and pulling thousands of feet of electrical wire.

“Those were busy, tiring weekends. Going back to work was restful,” says Jude with a grin. >>

Top: The greenhouse protects many plants during the cold winter. Left: Hydrangeas bloom in the garden.

Right: The formal garden.

May-June 2014 77

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

The owners’ artistic skills were put to use in numerous ways. To decorate the exterior doors, James took a small pediment carved out of cherry, made a dental impression and then cast 16 more “in weather-worthy plaster.” Such ingenuity characterizes many of the embellishments in North House. The home has even been wired for the holographic phones of the future, which James and Jude were introduced to at Disney World.

North House Music emanating from hidden speakers surrounds the approach to North House, including the “garden rooms.” In the evening, twinkling lights greet guests from the plentiful boxwoods. The view across the pond and up to the grand home gives

Above: A corner of the parlor.

Right: Pieces collected over photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

time fill this bedroom. Below: The star garden, as seen from an

photo courtesy: JAMES WELLINGTON

upstairs window.

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Inside Northside

discriminating visitors pause. Rows of pin-point holly shrubs are defined with urns perched on stands. The front walk is of crushed limestone, reminiscent of European manor houses. Large Bradford Pear trees stand at the corners of the house and lead the eye to the tall white double gates that have decorative circular grills. Twin flagpoles hold the American flag and the state flag of any overnight guest. “You would be surprised how many people don’t recognize their state flag,” James says with a chuckle.

Four terracotta Georgian chimney pots bought from

Sotheby’s are capped in copper. A brokenpediment design tops the front door.

Above it is a small balcony, where the owners can view the surrounding ranches with their horses, cattle and even llamas, or enjoy a brilliant country night sky.

Inside, an 1804 William Noble grandfather clock found on eBay stands near the front door. Nabisco presented it to a member of its management team in gratitude for getting Walt Disney to do the second animated talking film for the cookie company’s booth at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. The show celebrated Mickey’s Surprise Party, and the event introduced Nabisco to the world. The original price for the clock was astronomical, and James backed off. Later, he was presented with an acceptable offer, plus the original correspondence between Disney and Nabisco, if he promised to honor the history of the piece. The chimes sound unusual, almost clunky. “They are often muted so they don’t disturb everyone in the house,” says James.

The Brazilian cherry hardwood floors have a rich hue. Cabinetmakers performed the tedious task of inserting diamond and star inlays of Indonesian lemon and red mahogany in the floors.

The inlays were a lucky find in a newspaper ad; leftovers from a renovation at the Gen. Wilkerson home in the French Quarter. The diamond and star designs are replicated in the parterre gardens’ boxwood hedge, viewed from the kitchen and dining room windows. More “diamonds” are found in the espaliered vine climbing a long white fence, which hides the work area of the estate.

In the double parlors, the previously mentioned Oriental screen, made in China for French export, mentioned in an earlier paragraph catches the eye. “The painting was done on pressed silver, a sliver of silver,” explains James. An appropriately French >> May-June 2014 79

estate’s chapel (see sidebar), many other rooms are complemented by religious art.

The dining room fireplace mantel and surround are black slate, faux-painted in a dark marble design.

Thomas Jefferson brought faux art painters to Monticello from France. The date of the North House mantel suggests to the owner that his mantel could have been painted by one of those Frenchmen. “At

Left: Bath with antique column made

cabinet. Right: Alcove off bedroom.

80

floral motif drapes the four-part screen in subdued tones of green.

Massive statues of Mary and Joseph stand in the central foyer, a space connecting the two parlors with the kitchen and the dining room. In addition to the

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

into medicine

photo courtesy: JAMES WELLINGTON

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

least I like to think so,” James says with a smile.

The formal room holds another surprise for dinner guests who admire the mirror over the fireplace. As the Waterford crystal chandelier is dimmed, what should appear in the mirror but photographs of James on a tractor, and Jude, with their home in the background. “It fades in a few minutes,” says Jude.

James and Jude owned an antique store at one time, and their personal collection includes pieces with fascinating provenance. The buffet, with its hidden drawer to hide the silver, is signed by Rupert Kohlmeyer, a master cabinetmaker who came to New Orleans from Germany in 1929. The piece is part of a set made for a Jones family, according to a notation on the back. It was Kohlmeyer’s first piece commissioned in the United States. His son still has a workshop in the city and shared the history, which James verified through research.

The backsplash in the kitchen is an 18th century tile painting featuring three types of the animal kingdom consumed by man—fish, fowl and game. When James found it at a tile company, the price was too high, but he >>

Above: The expansive third story is a den used to show movies and for informal gatherings.

Left: Another view of the gardens.

May-June 2014 81

was able to acquire it years later when the business closed. The corbels that flank the stovetop were carved in California and roll out to reveal the spice cabinets. Beautiful molding defines all edges in the room. James remembers, “We were drawing it as the cabinetmakers were carving it in the shop.”

The home’s three-story staircase was built by the owners, who flanked it with a 16-by-5 multi-paned window. It gives the east side of the house a striking façade, enjoyed by those in the garden below.

Upstairs, two large fan-shaped cypress windows in Jude’s room give a commanding view of the gardens. They came from an Old Metairie Northline home under renovation and were going to be destroyed. “Do you want them?” a friend asked James. A 400-pound bust of Julius Caesar, circa 1800, formed from four kinds of marble, sits on a pedestal. “It took four men to get it up the stairs,” says Jude. “It will never be moved again.”

On the floor in Jude’s bath is a 36-inch-wide mosaic medallion containing some 1,000 pieces of marble.

He showed a picture of the mosaic to their hostess at a bed and breakfast out west, who was surprised to see it. She asked, “Where did you get this picture?

Bill Gates has this design in the entry hall of his home.” Her husband had photographed the home and was sworn to secrecy.

The three-inch oak doors to James’ bedroom sport brass knobs that were once on doors at Conrad Hilton’s penthouse in his first Hilton Hotel. “In other words, they belonged to Paris Hilton’s great-grandfather,” James says with a laugh. His bedroom stretches across the front of the house, with his office at one end. His desk is a copy of Winston Churchill’s. Maintaining the English theme, behind it hangs a portrait of Edward VIII, Prince of Wales, who gave up the throne for the American 82

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

divorcée Wallis Simpson. In this room is a silver punch bowl that once called the Texas governor’s mansion home.

Movies are shown in the den, which encompasses the spacious third floor of the manse, and features a display of the owners’ Easter Celebration invitations. For more than 20 years, they staged an all-day egg hunt for the children and grandchildren of friends and family. Planning began months ahead with the design of the elaborate invitations, often delivered personally in presentation boxes. The party always ended with the release of hundreds of balloons containing prayer requests.

“We no longer do it, but it holds a great spot in our memories,” says James.

Sharing their grand house and stately gardens is important to James and Jude. Sunday evening often finds them hosting guests for dinner. Christmas brings a festive open house. A chorus sang carols in the chapel last December. “We have invited them back next year,” says James, anticipating another special evening at North House.

The Chapel and Guesthouse

Top: The ornate antique wooden

Not many homeowners in Greater New Orleans have a private chapel. James Wellington is an exception.

As a child growing up in Baton Rouge, he knelt in St. Joseph Church (now Cathedral) and was so taken with its beauty that he wanted to live there. Two years ago, James’ dream came to fulfillment when the Chapel of the Holy Family was dedicated at his and Jude Bourgeois’ North House estate. >>

altar is the centerpiece of the chapel. Middle: A prie-dieu (prayer kneeler) was fashioned from two ornate pew sides bought on eBay. May-June 2014 83

of the chapel, with painted ceiling and antler chandelier.

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photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Above: The vestibule

Building a church at your home is not a step to be taken lightly. “I checked with the Catholic Church to make sure there would be no problem. I got permission,” says James. He begins each day with a visit to the chapel and regularly hosts Mass there, celebrated by area priests. “One stipulation is that we cannot keep the Eucharist here between the Masses.”

Dedicated in 2012, the chapel is attached to the back of a diminutive guesthouse in a seamless combination called the Chart House, which is hidden among the trees in the estate’s Williamsburg Garden.

The chapel’s centerpiece is its tall antique wooden altar, carved by German Benedictine monks and on loan from a church. The handsome marble altar rail came from St. Joseph Cathedral, where James once knelt to receive Communion. He tells the story of its rescue: a stone salesman had gone “dumpster diving” after he heard the railing was being

tossed out during renovation of the church. The marble artifact, more than 100 years old, was waiting for someone like James to give it new life.

The prie dieu, or prayer kneeler, fashioned from two ornate pew sides garnered off eBay, stands in the center aisle at the front of the chapel. Two French Oak angels now flank the altar after an antique dealer called James and said, “I have something that has your name on it.”

A sculpture of the chapel’s namesake, The Holy Family, hangs above the door. It came from a church in Pittsburgh, ironically called Church of the Holy Family. Lining the sidewalls of the chapel are 8-by-6 paintings of the four evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—from that same church.

“The works of art were cut out of their frames by a parishioner using a razor before the old church was razed,” says James. He and Jude made the wooden frames following the straight edges left by the razor.

In the back of the chapel are two side altars; they were once one altar that came from St. Scholastica Priory. James and Jude cut it in half. Under glass domes on the small altars is a rare collection of tiny carved ivory artifacts relating to the life of Christ—a whip, lance, rooster and dice. The collection is believed to be 200 years old.

The painted Stations of the Cross, depicting 14 scenes in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, were found at an antiquities shop in New Orleans.

James added a personal touch, wrapping small wooden crosses in gold leaf and attaching them to the top of each frame. The stained glass in the chapel ceiling, centered with a flying dove, was inspired by a similar one in the monastery church of televangelist Mother Angelica and commissioned by James.

The poignant painting St. Joseph Holding the Christ Child by Guido Reni was copied by an inmate at Angola Prison. It is an amazing likeness of the

original, which is at the Museum of Fine Art in Houston. James commissioned the artist after meeting him at the prison rodeo arts and craft show.

The Guesthouse The multi-purpose Chart House has cypress double doors with sidelights and 8-by-8 windows on either side of the guest quarters; they came from Dillard’s at Uptown Square in New Orleans. When the shopping center was being converted into senior apartments (Lambeth House), James, who was on the board, became aware that the architecturally stunning windows and doors were going to be discarded. He hurried to the site and told the contractor, “I will be back tonight with a truck. Please do not destroy them.” James and Jude relish salvaging and repurposing such treasures—and their adventures provide entertaining stories for their guests.

The living room of the Chart House serves as the foyer for the chapel and as Jude’s art studio. He painted the whimsical trompe l’oeil on the ceiling, with ivy climbing over a multi-paned window. Suspended over a marbletop table in the room is a chandelier constructed of moose and deer racks.

“They were asking $10,000 for one at a shop out west, but we knew we could do it ourselves,” says Jude. Real candles perch on the antlers, and a fan whisks away the smoke. The chandelier is lowered and raised electronically, providing light for small dinner parties in this charming room.

The guest bedroom above, under the steeply pitched roof, is accessed by a hidden stairway, which unfolds with the push of a button to Olympic Fanfare by John Williams. Tours of the North House estate end with guests gathered around to watch this show, staged by two men who have an elevated fascination for all things mechanical.

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Watering Holes

on the Waterways

WHETHER YOU GO by land or by water this summer, you’re sure to find whatever you’re looking for by way of delicious food, refreshing drinks or booty-shaking entertainment at one of the many restaurants and bars on Southeast Louisiana waterways.

Here’s just a taste of what to expect from some of the most popular and wellknown prop stops in and around the northshore, from the famous Prop Stop Inn in Springfield to the more refined atmosphere of Palmettos in Slidell.

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illustration: GRETCHEN ARMBRUSTER

by Lauren Parrish

Palmettos on the Bayou – Slidell Atmosphere: “Table for Two” Rating: Best place to dine

At Palmettos on the Bayou, the food and atmosphere will make you feel worlds away. Nestled between Heritage Park and historic Bayou Bonfouca, Palmettos is a charming and elegant Acadian-style restaurant with spectacular views of lush foliage and peaceful water. The interior boasts art by renowned artist George Dunbar and hand-painted murals by local artist Phil Galatas. Come by boat or by car, but be sure to wet your whistle with a Palmettos’ Bloody

Mary; Palmettos was named one of the “8 Bloody Mary hotspots” in the New Orleans area by the Times Picayune.

1901 Bayou Ln., Slidell; (985) 643-0050.

The Chimes – Covington Atmosphere: “Belly Up to the Bar” Rating: Best place to watch a sports game

The Chimes on the Bogue Falaya River in Covington is casual and comfortable, but the drinks are sophisticated, with the dog-friendly bar offering up any and all “poisons.” Open seven days a week >> May-June 2014 87

and serving a full restaurant menu, The Chimes is very popular with both landlubbers and boaters. You might have to wait for a seat, so take a stroll along the boardwalk outside and commune with nature before enjoying a Jalapeño Bacon Burger or Shrimp and Corn soup.

Whatever you eat, be sure to wash it down with a satisfying beverage.

19130 W. Front St., Covington; (985) 892-5396.

The Dock – Slidell Atmosphere: “Party all night” Rating: Best place to let loose

By land or by sea, head for The Dock. The Dock offers the ideal combination of fried seafood, drinks, sun and fun. Open Thursday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. until, the party never stops.

There’s karaoke on Friday nights. Under new management, the menu has changed, but it still has the delicious fried seafood staples we all know and love.

118 Harbor View Ct., Slidell; (985) 645-3625.

Hook’d Up – Madisonville Atmosphere: “T-shirt and jeans” Rating: Best place for a burger

Hook’d Up overlooks the marina and has a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, not to mention beautiful views. There’s also live music just about every night from local bands like Four Unplugged. The restaurant features a casual menu that’s packed with fresh seafood, poboys, burgers and savory entrées. The Hook’d Up burger is a colossal pile of Angus beef, jalapeños, fried onion rings and shredded cheese, dressed and dripping with flavor. From the burgers to the signature Dock Rocker and Fish Bucket drinks, Hook’d Up is the perfect place to “Get Hook’d!”

100 Marina Del Ray Blvd., Madisonville; (985) 845-8119.

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Tin Lizzy’s Landin’ – Springfield Atmosphere: “Stay for awhile” Rating: Best place to relax

Nestled precariously above the Tickfaw River is Springfield’s rustic waterfront restaurant Tin Lizzy’s Landin’, which is open only through Labor Day weekend. Drop anchor, marvel at the nautical oddities and knickknacks on the walls and then enjoy great seafood and a refreshing drink. While there, plan to stick around for sunset. The view from Tin Lizzy’s is said to be beautiful.

31946 Louisiana Hwy. 22, Springfield; (225) 695-6787.

Blind River Bar – Maurepas Atmosphere: “Fun for all ages” Rating: Best place to bring the kids

Established in 1983, the Blind River Bar in Maurepas is accessible only by boat. Boasting more than 1,000 square feet of boat dock parking, the Blind River Bar has an air-conditioned bar inside, a large covered deck and an outside bar. There’s also a new family deck area. The food is Cajun and includes some new choices, including the Mud Bucket (the Blind River Bar’s version of the famous Worm Bucket), which is made with Malibu Black rum

and fruit juices. Live entertainment is a huge happening at the Blind River Bar. 21700 Diversion Canal, Maurepas; (225) 235-4142.

The Prop Stop Inn – Springfield Atmosphere: “Anything Goes” Rating: Best place to let it all hang out

The Prop Stop Inn on the Tickfaw River north of Lake Maurepas is famous for its $5 Worm Buckets. For more than 30 years, this fine establishment has been serving up the impressive cocktail. While we don’t know the exact ratio, we do know what’s mixed in. They start with Bacardi rum, add pineapple juice, a splash of Sprite and top it off with grenadine. The final touch is a straw and a gummy worm for garnish.

Open only on summer weekends, the Prop Stop Inn is mostly a hangout for the younger crowd (minimum age 21), so leave the kids at home. It can be reached only by boat and is usually packed. If you can’t get a docking spot by the pier, just drop anchor in the river and the water taxi will fetch you. Over the years, the Prop Stop has expanded to include a large deck out front and in the back, plus an outside bar.

32019 Keila Dr., Springfield; (225) 695-6382.

photo: ZACK SMITH

Celebrating Country Music e l y t S a n a i Louis The Bayou Country Superfest

by Abby Jennings

George Strait,

Entertainer of the Year for 2014.

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photo: ART STREIBER

the Academy of Country Music’s

BREAK OUT THE GRILLS, break in the cowboy boots, grab a hat and saddle up for a Memorial Day weekend of the best of country music, tailgating and just plain fun at the fifth Bayou Country Superfest.

After more than 80,000 fans ate, drank and danced their way through two days last year, the festival returns to LSU’s Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge May 23-25 with an additional day.

Headlining the new Friday night opening as a

photo: JOHN PEETS PHOTOGRAPHY

Eric Church.

part of his farewell tour will be “King of Country” George Strait, offering Louisianans one last chance to say goodbye to the country icon before his retirement. Joining Strait will be Country Hall of Fame legend Reba McEntire and Chris Young, both appearing for the first time at Superfest.

The festivities will continue on Saturday with country heartthrob Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Lee Brice, Easton Corbin and Gloriana. Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Louisiana’s own Hunter Hayes, Big & Rich + Cowboy Troy, and Joe Nichols will close Superfest on Sunday night.

Quint Davis, producer/director of Bayou Country Superfest, says, “For the fifth anniversary, we are taking the Country Superfest to another level!

It doesn’t get any more exciting than adding a third night to present George Strait’s farewell tour.”

Over the past four years, tens of thousands have braved the Louisiana sun to join in the fun of the festival.

Starting in the rosy hours of the morning, early-birds park RVs and >> May-June 2014 91

photo: DEBBY WONG

Taylor Swift.

Were You There?

The first Bayou Country Superfest was presented on May 29 and 30, 2010, at LSU’s Tiger Stadium. Quint Davis, the director of New Orleans’s famous Jazz Fest, working in tandem with LSU and AEG Live, produced a country music celebration unlike any other. It was the first such concert ever to take place inside Tiger Stadium. The festival blasted onto the world-famous Louisiana music scene with appearances by country legends like Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. As Superfest continues, the increasing number of loyal country fans from all over the world who come each year to see stars like Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum and Tim McGraw have made Bayou Country Superfest one of the largest and most spectacular country music festivals in the South.

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Luke Bryan.

photo: ZACK SMITH

set up tents and grills around the outside of the stadium. Through the hottest hours of the day, until the gates open for the performances, fans tailgate—eating world-famous Cajun food, drinking and just letting the good times roll. Kathryn Duris, an LSU student and concert attendee, says, “People start early. Many tailgate during the day and cook.

But it’s like a thousand degrees out there, so you have to dress for it!”

Once inside the stadium, the fun never stops.

If anything, the excitement continues to build.

Singers come on stage, and the crowd literally goes wild, dancing to the music and singing along with the songs. Even between artists, there’s much to see and do. Many radio personalities set up stations around the stadium, play music and interview people for their shows.

There is plenty of food to be had, with local favorites such as jambalaya and classic fair foods like nachos and funnel cake, and cold drinks are

Superfest every year. The crowd is always hopping in cowboy boots and sundresses, the music is always first-rate and the atmosphere is always electric. It creates a feeling of culture and kinship among strangers and allows others a glimpse into an authentic Louisiana bash.

For tickets, go to bayoucountrysuperfest.com or axs.com, or call AXS at (888) 929-7849.

Jason Aldean.

always in supply. Artists continue through nightfall, when it gets cooler, and the crowd never fails to keep up with the vivacity of the performers.

Mandeville High student Amy Desselles, who attended the festival last year, says, “The festival is very high energy and has a fun atmosphere. You could tell everyone wanted to be there and were all big country music fans.”

An atmosphere of community and Southern hospitality distinguishes the Bayou Country May-June 2014 93

INthe Bookcase

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

The Invention of Wings

by Sue Monk Kidd

YOUR BEST FRIEND has been all a-flutter about something lately. You haven’t seen much of her, in fact. She’s been sticking close to her nest, but that’s okay. Next time you get together, it’ll be just like you were never apart.

That’s the way a longtime friendship is: no matter how much you don’t see one another, you know your friend is somewhere and, as in the new novel The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd, she’ll come flying when you need her.

Eleven-year-old Sarah Grimké did not want to own a human.

Already at that age, she understood that it was wrong to have slaves, but Mother insisted. The Grimkés were one of Charleston’s finest families. It would be unseemly for a proper young lady to be without her own handmaid. So for Sarah’s birthday, Mother gave her Hetty, also known as Handful.

For most of her nine years, Handful figured she’d be a seamstress like her mauma, but it wasn’t to be. After she was given to Miss Sarah, she was told that she was to sleep outside Miss

Sarah’s bedroom, like a personal servant would do. But most nights, Handful crept away to Mauma, where she listened to stories of her granny-mauma and lay beneath quilts that gave her dreams of flight.

Though Sarah tried to give Handful her freedom, it wasn’t allowed by law, so she did the next best thing: she taught Handful to read, which was also illegal. They would both be punished for it: Handful, by lash and Sarah, by banishment from her father’s library. It was the final straw for Sarah, who suddenly understood that she would never become a lawyer like her brothers.

No, society was where Sarah belonged, though she thought it dreadful. Once she entered a world of dances and parties, she rarely saw Handful. Sarah didn’t need a handmaid any more, and Mother was happy to have Handful back. Handful had become quite the seamstress.

But Handful had also found life outside the homestead walls, sneaking

out as much as she could—though if caught, punishment would be swift and harsh. She wasn’t afraid. They could own her body. They would never own her mind.

Sweeping, reaching and maybe just a tad too long, The Invention of Wings is one of those books that pulls you into another world and makes you believe.

That’s because, as you’ll learn by reading the author’s notes, Sue Monk Kidd based a lot of this novel on reality.

Yes, there really was a Sarah Grimké, about whom Kidd says she wanted to write a thickly imagined story; she succeeds at that endeavor by adding Handful and her mauma. The anger that bubbles just beneath these two characters’ lives, the hopes they harbor and the plotting they do makes this book what it is.

And what it is, is near-perfect. For book clubs and Saturday afternoons, bedtime and lunchtime, if you’re looking for one of the year’s great novels, here you go. The Invention of Wings absolutely soars.

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Northshore Artisan

David Pierson Wearable Art CREATING JEWELRY that is handcrafted wearable art is David Pierson’s passion.

David became interested in jewelry designs after college. “While working for the Louisiana Department of Education, I made jewelry on the side. I started just twisting wire, similar to Abita Springs’ Ann O’Brien. On weekends, I sat at the French Market and made pieces all day.”

After seeing his designs, David’s aunt encouraged him to attend the Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. “It was a special time,” David says. Penland is an international center devoted to craft education. Classes include drawing, glass, metals and textiles. “They had all the equipment, and instructors during the day.

You could go to the workshops all night. Most of the people there were motivated in their crafts,” says David. At Penland, he learned to carve wax 96

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

by Poki Hampton

models and cast metal with the lostwax method.

When using the lost-wax method, the artist creates an original design from wax, and then makes a mold from this original piece. Molten wax is poured into the mold and swirled around evenly, coating the inner surface. This is left to cool and harden.

The mold can be used for making multiple copies of the piece. Each hollow wax copy is rubbed with a heated tool that removes the areas where the parts of the mold came together so that the wax piece looks like the finished piece.

“Making a wax model insures that we are creating exactly what the client wants. The client can see what the final piece will look like. This gives us a chance to make changes before it is cast in metal,” says David.

During the 1970s, David did a variety of carvings, fashioning custom pieces and some specialty designs using semi-precious stones, gold and silver. In the ’80s, he was asked to create some equestrian designs for horse shows both on the northshore and up the East Coast.

“At one of the horse shows, I met a man who asked if I could design emu and ostrich custom jewelry. I didn’t have any interest at the time, but finally I did one and made a mold of that piece. Five more ranchers ordered pins, and I set up a booth at the American Emu Association National Convention,” says David. “At that time, there were only two designs. I thought, ‘Why am I designing pins for ranchers of birds I know nothing about?’

Eventually, we had bird bracelets, necklaces and pins, taking orders from samples. It was very successful. >> May-June 2014 97

I ultimately made 60 bird designs and became the ‘Emu village jeweler.’”

David then learned that the ostrich people were an even bigger group. He went to their convention in Las Vegas and made ostrich jewelry for a number of years. “In those days, it was a lot of money for me—getting paid up front to make these birds was a boon. I learned an awful lot about ostriches.”

As time progressed, David took classes at the Gemological Institute of America in stone setting and diamond certification. Today, he creates custom pieces from his imagination and that of his clients. “We design wedding rings that complement engagement rings, and many other pieces. We put together ideas and concepts for clients, using precious and semiprecious stones in all types of metals.”

One of his most popular designs is a cuff bracelet done in a variety of metals. Handmade with rolled edges, other ornamentation, like stones, is applied. “It is a great canvas to work from,” says David.

David is also doing something very creative with old wristwatches, the kind your grandmother wore. “We take out the mechanism and replace it with a man-made gem made to fit the opening exactly,” says David. This takes something old and repurposes it into a bracelet, making it a keepsake that is wearable for years to come.

His cuff bracelets and repurposed wristwatches are only two of David’s many wonderful creations. He welcomes opportunities to dream up new ones for—and with—his clients.

David Pierson Designs is located 216 N. Florida St., Covington, 871-0457. davidpiersonjewelry.com.

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David Pierson creates his jewelry by the lost wax method. Here is just a glimpse into the process.

Clockwise from top left: David melts silver for his photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

newest creation. He then pours the silver into the prepared mold. The wax mold of an oyster shell belt buckle, the raw buckle and the buckle after polishing.

A room in David’s studio that holds his molds.

Another raw mold before it has been polished.

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HAVE ACUTE OR CHRONIC PAIN? Tired of it

narcotic pain therapy and wellness plans.

consuming your daily life? Dr. Chad Domangue has an

Specializing in interventional pain management,

answer for you—and it’s an answer you’re going to like.

Dr. Domangue has extensive training in diagnosing

The charismatic Houma native and LSU graduate

and treating conditions such as pinched nerves,

offers groundbreaking technological advances through

back pain, neck pain, cancer pain and more. Dr.

minimally invasive surgeries, enabling him to help

Domangue and his associates can help those who

countless individuals to rid themselves of their daily

suffer from migraines, arthritis, fibromyalgia—even

pain. In addition, his services include

pain still lingering from a previous surgery. They can

clinical medical rehabilitation, non-

treat anything that negatively impacts the central nervous system from the brain to the muscles.

Dr.

Domangue

recommends

making

an

appointment sooner, rather than later, as pain is often easier to treat when it is mild. But no matter the current state of your condition, you’ll have confidence knowing Dr. Domangue is one of only 200 neurologists throughout the country trained in interventional pain management.

He jokes that he was actually taught how to be a detective—meaning it’s his job to figure out how to combat your enemy, the pain. “I was trained to 100

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examine a patient and listen to their back story before I was ever trained to pick up a needle or a knife.”

Dr. Domangue says it is his job to converse with the patient, listen to them, perform examinations and read X-rays to really get to the root cause.

It’s the belief at Domangue Neurology that this clinical aspect of medicine is key in diagnosing a condition—perhaps just as important, if not more important, than the ability to perform a procedure.

The staff at Domangue Neurology wants surgery to be your last option. Sometimes a bigger surgery isn’t always the best option, Dr. Domangue says. “I like to be the point guard even if the direction I point the patient in isn’t me.”

Dr. Domangue says he is often the last resort of a patient, which is both rewarding and frustrating.

alternative route. As a last resort, a larger surgery

The micro-invasive surgeries Domangue Neurology

will always be an option.

offers should be a first option, he says, because after all, they were invented to prevent bigger surgery.

At Domangue Neurology, wellness is the ultimate goal. This includes figuring out how supplements, weight

In 2011, Dr. Domangue was the first neurologist

loss, nutrition and diet fit into your health plan. Though

in Louisiana to offer Minimally Invasive Lumbar

there are always exceptions to the rule, Domangue

Decompression (MILD) to his patients, a procedure

Neurology does implement a narcotics limit.

Double-board-certified in neurology and pain management, Dr. Domangue completed his training at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, as well as the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

He always knew he wanted to be a doctor, he says, but decided on neurology after experiencing firsthand the impact muscular dystrophy had on his cousin. Dr. Domangue was also trained under one of the world’s most prominent specialists in pain management, Dr. William Witt of Kentucky.

He made the trek back home to Louisiana and

now considered to be the standard of care. MILD

in 2009 founded the Neuroscience and Pain Institute,

treats spinal stenosis, a condition that comes with

a multi-discipline practice that operates across

pain in the lower back or buttocks. Other micro-

Southeast Louisiana with Dr. Domangue to provide

invasive surgeries include discFX, which treats

quality care second to none.

disc herniation and TruFUSE, which treats facet

To see how Dr. Domangue’s expertise can

joint disease, a common cause of chronic back

improve your life, make an appointment at one of two

pain. Through these low-risk therapies, patients are

northshore locations—Hammond and Covington.

usually in and out in the same day. Procedures are done with a needle and rarely with a knife.

Dr. Domangue wants to educate individuals about all of their options when it comes to alleviating pain. If micro-invasive surgeries aren’t viable, he can

For appointments at both Domangue Neurology

work with local physician specialties to find the best

locations, call 892-8934 or visit domangueneuro.com.

May-June 2014 101

tomatoes

by Poki Hampton

The taste of summer

WHAT IS MORE WONDERFUL than picking a ripe tomato off the vine and biting into it, letting the juice run down your chin? No salt, no dressing—just the blissful taste of summer.

Growing tomatoes is both rewarding and easy. Soil preparation, sunlight and watering are keys to a good crop. Tomatoes like at least eight hours of sunlight a day and a wellbalanced fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.8.

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Well-drained soil is important to prevent fruit splitting, flower dropping and rot. It is good to till in good rich organic matter in a 1-to-2 ratio with the top six inches of soil.

Choose the type of tomatoes you like to eat—cherry tomatoes for salads and kabobs, heirlooms for their organic quality or Creoles for flavor. Plant from seeds or from seedlings. After the last frost, plant seedlings into the prepared >>

soil approximately 2 to 3 feet apart. A fertilizer such as a 5-5-5 or Miracle Gro for tomatoes worked into the soil gets the plants off to a good start.

Tomatoes can be grown in fairly large containers or in the ground.

Remove the lower stems from the growth and plant the seedlings deep.

This encourages new root growth. Using a paper cutworm collar around each plant will deter pests from chomping through the stems. Mulching helps to keep the weeds down and the moisture up. Tomato stakes or cages help to support the branches as the plant grows.

Watering is essential to good production. Water well every other day, but toward the base of the plant, allowing the plant to dry a bit between waterings. On days when the temperature is high, more frequent watering is required. Never water on the leaves and fruit, as this can lead to airborne spore infections.

As the plants grow, pruning out the suckers that grow in the V between the branches can produce larger fruit and help keep the plant from becoming top heavy. Gently place the branches on the cross arms of the tomato cage to support the weight of the heavy fruit, which can bend or break the stems.

Fertilizing the plants when they begin to flower and not before will give you more fruit and less foliage. Spraying with a kelp solution or a commercial fertilizer for tomatoes two to three times during the season will increase the strength of the plant and help to ward off most diseases.

Pick the fruit when it is a solid color, shiny and firm. If a little green, keep on the kitchen counter—not in the refrigerator—for the best flavor. If you have a bumper crop, share with family and friends. They will appreciate getting the real deal, fresh from the vine.

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Here are two fun and festive recipes using fresh tomatoes. Soooo easy, soooo good!

Fresh Salsa 4 fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced 4 T cilantro Juice of 1 lime ¼ C white onion, finely diced 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded, deveined and diced Salt and pepper to taste

Pulse all ingredients in food processer; chill and serve with tortilla chips.

Serves 6-8.

Fresh Tomato Bruschetta 1 baguette, sliced diagonally into ½-inch rounds 2 T melted butter 2 T extra virgin oil 6-7 vine-ripened tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced 10-12 fresh basil leaves 2 garlic cloves 1 T extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp balsamic vinegar Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Melt butter and 2 T olive oil together. Arrange sliced baguette on baking sheet and brush with butter mixture.

Bake at 450° for 8-10 minutes. Peel, seed and finely chop tomatoes. Mince garlic; add olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Chop basil and add to mixture. Add tomatoes. Salt and pepper to taste. Spoon over toasted bread just before serving. Serves 8.

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Bicycle Festival

by Poki Hampton with John Preble

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IT IS A RATHER LOOSE AFFAIR, like the Zulu parades of yesteryear. The weather is hotter than Hades, but bike enthusiasts flock to Abita Springs to share their love of all things bicycle the day before Father’s Day—this year, Saturday, June 14.

“Over the 14 years of Louisiana Bicycle Festivals,

Inside Northside

the event has become almost like a family reunion,” says the festival’s founder, John Preble. People arrive around 9 a.m., and it’s all over by late afternoon.

“There are no live bands, no organized awards, no craft booths—just people and their bicycles. I never know who is going to show up.”

The town of Abita Springs is very generous with its green space. The festival takes place on the grassy lot between the Abita Springs Town Hall and the Abita Mystery House. Several restaurants, the brew pub and the bakery offer sustenance while people watch for some truly amazing sights.

One fellow brings a custom bicycle with an actual rocket mounted to it. The Rocket Bike throws a flame about 15 feet behind it and goes so fast it can only be ridden safely for a short distance. Another favorite is the bike with a water pump attached to the pedals. Water shoots up through a tube attached to a sprinkler on the dude’s head. Very clever indeed!

At one time, there was an official parade, but someone from Homeland Security wanted a parade route drawn in advance. Now, there is a spontaneous bike ride around town. Most of the streets in Abita

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

LeTheTour d’Abita Louisiana

Springs are shaded by tall pines and live oaks; it is a bicycle-friendly place. The residents look forward to seeing what is new, what is old and what is strange as the bikers pass through town.

Very much like a car club, there is a lot of trading going on amongst the bike owners. Hobbyists buy, sell, trade or just give away a wide variety of bicycles and bicycle parts. “Last year, there were two original Schwinn Black Phantom bicycles sold. Those bikes are extremely rare and very popular with collectors,” says Preble. “They sold quickly, and rare ones don’t show up every year, but there are always good deals to be had.”

Preble encourages volunteers and spectators to bring prizes for the participants. In past years, do-it-yourself prizes have included new bikes, rusty bikes, bicycle books, posters, t-shirts, bike memorabilia and certificates suitable for framing, all for fantastic bragging rights.

Capturing the spirit of the day, Preble says, “A very laid-back gathering.”

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Ochsner Health Center – Covington

Ochsner Health Center – Covington offers new advanced 3D mammogram screening technology to improve cancer detection rates Northshore women have a new and better choice when scheduling their mammograms. Ochsner

important weapon in the war on breast cancer, especially in women with dense breast tissue where more false positives may result,” Ochsner radiologist Dr. Robert Restrepo says.

3D breast mammography is the leading

Health Center – Covington is the only provider on the

edge technology in breast cancer screening and

northshore offering the assurance and convenience

diagnosis. According to several studies, it has

of three-dimensional mammography, or breast

been found to increase the chances of identifying

tomosynthesis. Women benefit from the technology’s

invasive cancer by 40 percent versus conventional

ability to aid the early detection of breast cancer – a

mammography and reduces the need for additional

key factor in survival. The technology allows Ochsner

images after screening mammograms. It is used in

radiologists to more clearly see finer tissue details

conjunction with two-dimensional mammography to

within the breast. In addition to finding possible cancer

acquire multiple images of a breast during a short

earlier, the technology reduces the inconvenience

scan. These images can be viewed separately or put

of having to return for repeated mammograms,

together as a 3D reconstruction of the breast tissue.

especially for women with dense breast tissue.

The technology is able to eliminate detection

Ochsner Health System is offering the new, highly

challenges often found with the conventional 2D

Left to Right:

advanced Hologic® 3D mammography (digital breast

scans, especially in its ability to reduce problems

Jan Woolley,

tomosynthesis) as part of its comprehensive women’s

“seeing” an abnormality in a dense breast due to the

Elizabeth Goodlett,

services at its Covington, Baptist and Lieselotte Tansey

many layers of breast tissue. 3D imaging strips away

Dr. Robert Restrepo

Breast Center health center locations.

the layers and allows the radiologist to tell whether a

and Patty Duet, LPN.

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“The new 3D imaging mammography is another

shadow on a mammogram is real or just an overlap

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of normal structures. Many times, this overlap of

detection rate by 22 percent. This means almost a

normal structures leads to women having to return (be

quarter more of patients were able to receive life-

recalled) for additional imaging, so the addition of 3D

saving treatments in a timely manner because of

imaging decreases the number of women suffering

this advancement in women’s healthcare. Skeptics

recalls and the attendant anxiety it produces. 3D

might wonder if the extra exposure to radiation

imaging also allows the radiologist to predict the

poses a problem to patients, but the dose of

probability that an abnormality is likely to be cancer.

radiation between the conventional method and the

Doctors agree that early detection is the best

combined imaging is also very small and is below

defense against breast cancer. If stage 1 cancer is

the U.S. FDA/Mammography Quality Standards Act-

found in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate

determined safe level. An exam using both 2D and

is 92 percent. Utilizing advanced technology such

3D mammography takes mere seconds longer than

as 3D mammography combined with traditional 2D

simply using a two-dimensional mammogram.

mammography to provide an enhanced 3D image of

It is especially important that women in Louisiana

the breast allows physicians to more clearly view fine

take advantage of this level of care. Breast cancer is

details within the breast. During a 3D mammogram,

the second leading cause of cancer death in women

the X-ray arm sweeps in a

and accounts for nearly 1-in-

slight arc over the breast, taking

3 cancers diagnosed in U.S.

multiple images in just seconds.

women. This is according

Those images are reconstructed

to a 2010 study by the U.S.

to form a stack of very thin (1

Centers for Disease Control

mm) layers. Instead of viewing

and Prevention using the

all the complexities of the breast

most recent census data.

tissue in a flat image as with

Louisiana women had

a traditional mammogram,

a greater breast cancer

3D mammography allows

incidence rate than the

the doctor to examine the 3D

national average. Louisiana

breast layer by layer. Having a

also had a greater rate of

better view of the breast tissue

deaths from breast cancer

increases the efficacy of the test

than the rest of the nation.

and catching breast cancer at earlier stages.

A University of Pennsylvania hospital study

Ochsner realizes what a great opportunity this is for patients and strongly encourages all women

featured in Medical News Today found that 3D

receiving a mammogram to consider using 3D

mammography reduces the chances of women

mammograms along with their 2D scans. All women

needing to return for additional mammograms.

age 40 and older, younger women who are at high

The study compared 15,633 women who underwent

risk for breast cancer, or those with dense breasts

3D mammography to 10,753 who underwent

should consider using 3D mammography at their next

conventional digital mammography and found that

visit. For more information on 3D mammography, call

3D mammography reduced the average patient

the Ochsner Health Center-Covington at (985) 875-

recall rate from 10.4 percent to 8.78 percent.

2828 or visit ochsner.org/3D.

Patient recalls refer to a common problem with a conventional mammogram in which scans are flagged for false positives and women are asked to return for more tests, scans and biopsies, which often turn out to be unnecessary.

In addition to lowering the recall rate, results showed that 3D mammography increased the cancer

Ochsner Health Center – Covington is located at 1000 Ochsner Blvd. in Covington. 875-2828. ochsner.org/northshore.

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1. Visual Comfort Aerin table lamp, $420. Bmac Interiors at TerraBella, Covington, 635-4540.

2. Beautiful gift for a bride-be-to-be. Pillow, $39.99. mélange by kp, Mandeville, 807-7652.

3. Coola organic sun care in SPF 30-50 with moisturizer for adults and babies, starting at $32. Oasis Day Spa, Mandeville, 624-6772. 4. Brighten up your table with Sferra “Floradella” dinner napkins and table runner. Set of four napkins, $65; runner, $52. Hestia Luxury in Linens, Covington, 893-0490. 5. Enhance your home décor with this gold leaf wave bowl, $95. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045. 6. He’d rather be fishing! Great Father’s Day trays. Square “fly,” $70; rectangle “trout,” $90. All Wrapped Up, Mandeville, 778-2041.

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1. Le Chic gold table lamp, $333. Bergerhome, Mandeville, 624-3433. 2. Polished alabaster tasting dishes perfect for 1

serving, $7.95. Available in a variety of colors. Dishwasher safe. InfusÊ, Mandeville, 778-0903. 3. Old World charm in this pottery urn with preserved boxwood sphere. Urn, $185; 16� sphere, $165. Welcome Home and garden, Covington, 893-3933. 4. The scents of spring from Low Country Luxe and Thymes, starting at $5.95. Earthsavers, Mandeville, 6741133. 5. Stay refreshed at any party with the White Wing soft cooler, $160. Mia Sorella, Slidell, 781-3909. 6. Under the sea chic. Antique silver coral sculpture on acrylic base, $195.

EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522. 7. Art Poles make a bold statement for any garden or landscape with an optional birdhouse, planter or birdbath topper, starting at $109. Various designs. Multiple sizes.

Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008.

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1. Celebrate Memorial Day with a bouquet to dress any table, starting at $85. Florist of Covington, Covington, 892-7701.

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2. Inspired by a solid marble panel in the Taj Mahal, the Wilhelm Cabinet features a white gesso cabinet, matching sliding doors with a raised hexagonal detail and aged mirror backing, $6,885.

Measures 71.5” x 30.5”. Villa Vici, New Orleans, (504) 899-2931.

3. Louisiana Cypress custom ice chest, starting at $249.99.

Available in single or double. Mandeville Party Company, Mandeville, 674-1605. 4. Make your dinner parties a “hoot.” Owl napkin rings, $6 each. deCoeur Gifts & Home Accessories, Covington, 809-3244.

5. Handcrafted and hand-painted pet food and water stand made of reclaimed fence boards from Hurricane Katrina, $75. Mandeville Animal Hospital, Mandeville, 377-0800. 6. Governor Pool House Lantern. 24”, $350; 30”, $450; 36”, $550. Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, Mandeville, 249-6040.

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The wedding of Courtney Williams and Karson Kall was celebrated in New Orleans City Park. The ceremony in the Azalea and Camellia Garden was followed by a reception at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters. Family and friends danced the night away to music by the photo: SAM GREGORY OF NEW ORLEANS

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spirited band, Louisiana Spice.

The couple honeymooned in Australia, where they snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef, climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge and explored the Daintree Rainforest. They now reside in New Orleans, where they both work as civil engineers.

Melissa Pittman and Julian Thomas were married under the oak trees on the Mandeville lakefront. The bride wore an ivory silk-and-chiffon sheath dress with a beaded belt and carried a bouquet of anemones, peach garden roses, green orchid blooms, succulents, dahlias and peach peonies.

Guests were given pashminas to keep warm on the chilly evening.

Julian fired off Melissa’s dad’s cannon to start the reception at The Lakehouse. Guests were greeted with champagne and Dark and Stormy cocktails, which they enjoyed along with grilled and raw oysters and passed hors d’oeuvres. The couple honeymooned in Santa Teresa on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

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photo: ZOECIA IMAGES

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1. BCBG “Heiress” necklace, 2

$148. The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797. 2. Alice + Trixie Taylor top with flowing Aurlin pants. Top, $275; pants, $305. The Mix, Mandeville,

Hemlock Green

727-7649. 3. Susana Monaco spaghetti strap maxi dress

Hemlock, a summery, ornamental green, provides a decorative touch that’s very different from the greens of recent seasons. Hemlock is one of Pantone’s hot colors of the year.

with front center split, $195.

Eros, Mandeville, 727-0034. 4.

Hemlock L Space monokini, $156. Bora Bora, Mandeville, 951-8454. 5. Ultra-hip “Keri” sunglasses by Coach, $175.

Includes case. Louisiana Family Eye Care, Covington, 8757898.

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1. Statement necklace in mint, $34.

Available in a variety of sizes, styles and colors. Paisley, Mandeville 7277880. 2. Multi-colored dress from Jack

by BBDakota, $64, POSH Boutique, Covington, 898-2639. 3. Hemlock summer linen tunic by Fenini, $70. California Drawstrings Northshore, Covington, 3277300. 4. Striped racer-back top by lucy

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tech, $49. Stone Creek Club and Spa, Covington, 801-7100. 5. Pastel mint green fully beaded skirt by English Rose, $66. JuJu’s Boutique, Mandeville, 6243600. 6. Two-tone cascading rhinestone crystal organza ruffle dress with detachable matching flower and scarf, $74. Anne’s 4

Boutique, Mandeville, 626-3099.

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1. Individually hand-made to order Jane Woolrich aqua lacy lingerie set, $205. Bra La Vie!, Hammond, 662-5065. 2. Pearl necklace with oversized black mother-of-pearl and quartz doublet in sterling silver, $700. Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666.

3. 17.06cttw green amethyst ring with a diamond halo backed with mother of pearl, 6

$4,518. David Pierson Designs, Covington, 871-0457. 4. Sleeveless chiffon blouse by Staccato, $36. The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200. 5. Sleeveless scoop neck tie front tank in mint green by Lucy Love, $34. [brown eyed girl], Mandeville, 626-0100.

6. Vacation in Paradise light green floral shirt, $99.50. Jos A. Bank, Mandeville, 624-4067.

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Hemlock Green 1. Ippolita sterling silver and diamond chrysophrase doublet earrings, $1,795.

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, (504) 832-0000. 2. Men’s long-sleeved button up shirts by Maker and Co., starting at $98.

Bastille’s Clothing Company, Mandeville, 6264220. 3. Lilly Pulitzer pastel green and white striped seersucker dress, $188. Palm Village, Mandeville, 778-2547. 4. One-size-fits-all 6

affordable bling ring, $12.99. Private Beach, Mandeville, 674-2326. 5. Stunning sequined and beaded cocktail dress with nude illusion sides, $458. Southern Bridal, Mandeville, 727-2993. 6. Prima Donna Luna lacy Spring Blossom bra and panties set. Bra, $128; panties, $50. Bra Genie, Mandeville, 951-8638.

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by Lauren Parrish

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ONLY TWO HOURS AWAY on the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and Natchez, historic St. Francisville is a gem of a town just waiting for you to discover it.

Known for its quiet, small-town lifestyle, St. Francisville’s heart is its historic district. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the district includes the courthouse, homes, churches and shops. Many of the town’s unique art galleries and

Inside Northside

specialty shops are located in restored structures, and restaurants serve everything from ethnic cuisine to seafood and classic Louisiana favorites.

“It’s a great, beautiful place. It’s got a lot of history, a lot of culture and it’s a step back in time,” says Laurie Walsh, director of the West Feliciana Tourist Commission in St. Francisville.

The St. Francisville area in West Feliciana Parish is a year-round tourist destination, boasting six plantation homes offering guided tours: Cottage Plantation, Myrtles Plantation, Greenwood Plantation and Catalpa Plantation (by reservation). Afton Villa Gardens and Imahara’s Botanical Garden are open in season. Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site and Oakley Plantation in the Audubon State Historic Site present living-history demonstrations during some weekends.

Some of the state’s most popular bed and breakfasts are located in the area, including plantations, lakeside clubhouses and townhouses in St. Francisville.

For nature enthusiasts, Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to the national bald-cypress tree, which is the largest tree in North America east

photos courtesy: WEST FELICIANA PARISH TOURIST COMMISSION

In and Around St. Francisville

of the California Redwoods. The nearby Tunica Hills region offers recreational activities in its unspoiled wilderness areas—hiking, biking, birding, photography, hunting and more.

For more information, call St. Francisville Main Street, (225) 635-3873; the West Feliciana Historical Society, (225) 635-6330; or the West Feliciana Tourist Commission, (225) 635-4224. stfrancisville.us

Myrtles Plantation Myrtles Plantation has been called “One of America’s Most Haunted Homes.” Hauntings have been documented in photos, featured in national TV shows and witnessed by residents and tourists alike. Stay the night in one of the most haunted homes in the country or take a mystery tour on a Friday or Saturday evening, and you just might experience your own ghost encounter. If you’re not too frightened, dine in The Carriage House Restaurant.

The Day the War Stopped Grace Episcopal Church and Cemetery St. Francisville June 13-15, 2014

Each year in June, St. Francisville remembers a day of peace that took place there in the midst of one of the bloodiest months of the Civil War. “The Day the War Stopped” features various events, including reenactments and ceremonies that remember the unusual funeral services of Lt. Commander John E. Hart of the U.S. Navy. On June 12, 1863, the guns fell silent and before long, one of the most unusual stories of the Civil War began to unfold.

For more information, call (225) 635-4224.

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The Inaugural Walker Percy Weekend St. Francisville June 6-8, 2014

Walker Percy, 1982, oil on canvas, 40x30,

by George Rodrigue (1944—2013).

Collection of the artist. George Rodrigue generously donated the use of this portrait of Walker Percy for the poster.

Schedule Highlights • A Friday night film screening of Walker Percy: A Documentary by Win Riley presented by Louisiana Public Broadcasting. With a crawfish boil and craft beer dinner in Parker Park.

• A Saturday series of panel discussions on themes explored in Percy’s books, including The Moviegoer, The Last Gentleman, Lost in the Cosmos and

poster image courtesy : GEORGE RODRIGUE FOUNDATION OF THE ARTS

Good food, craft beer and bourbon, live music and a great time talking about books and Southern culture under the live oaks: that’s what the inaugural Walker Percy Weekend has to offer when it celebrates the acclaimed Covington novelist’s life and work.

The Thanatos Syndrome. Events to be held at historic district locations.

• A Saturday afternoon Progressive Front-Porch Tour and Bourbon Tasting with readings, inspired by Percy’s essay on bourbon.

• “I Knew Walker When …” A digital recording project encouraging attendees to contribute their experiences with Walker Percy and his writing to the LSU Library.

• A Saturday night gala dinner in Parker Park.

(Think cochon de lait and an oyster grilling

Spring Garden Stroll Town Hall, 11936 Ferdinand St. St. Francisville May 3, 2014, 9:30am-4pm

station.) With music by Ben Bell & the Stardust Boys.

• A series of tours to visit sites familiar to fans of Percy’s fiction: Entergy’s River Bend Nuclear Plant and Louisiana State Penitentiary

Tour of eight private gardens in West Feliciana Parish presented by the Feliciana Master Gardeners of LSU Ag Center.

at Angola (The Thanatos Syndrome), and a stargazing event from Catholic Hill (Lost in the Cosmos).

Ticket information is available at walkerpercyweekend.org or by calling (800) 7894221 or (225) 635-6330.

Tickets are $20. Available at Town Hall or contact the West Feliciana Ag Center office, (225) 635-3614. stfrancisvillespringsstroll.org.

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THERE IS NO BETTER TIME than now to explore the luxuries of Money Hill Golf and Country Club. With a brand new entrance off Highway 21, access has never been more convenient or more accommodating.

The second entrance, completed March 1, makes the drive in easier than ever for those traveling from Bush or Covington. Located in the northwest

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more than 100 feet above sea level.

Money Hill President Mimi Goodyear Dossett says that with lots starting in the $80s, Money Hill has something for everyone. A limited quantity of 5-acre estate lots, conveniently located near the new Highway 21 entrance and perfect for a family gathering spot or homestead, are also available. Associate

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casual dining restaurant known as The Grille. The Grille is open six days a week.

Director of Sales and Membership Evan Rhodes says everything the executive chef cooks is delicious, but notes he especially enjoys the chef’s salad and daily specials. The Grille also hosts

Money Hill Golf and Country Club

corner of St. Tammany Parish, the golf course, country club and residential community give residents access to unparalleled amenities. The staff, committed to offering guests

and residents unsurpassable experiences, beckons you to give Money Hill a look.

Whether you’re a golfer thinking about getting back into the game, or you’re thinking of taking up the sport for the first time, it’s never made more sense to consider all that Money Hill has to offer. Its 18-hole course, designed by the world-renowned Ron Garl, was named the No. 1 golf course in the state four years in a row and is the No. 1 practice facility in the state. The 30-acre driving range complex is also ranked in the top 50 in the United States. New memberships are now being accepted.

Looking to stay past the 18th hole?

New lots are available, some with views of the golf course and the lake. Money Hill’s prime location gives residents peace of mind when building—it’s 130

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member builder lists are presented to new residents. An added benefit of lot ownership is fishing in the community’s lakes, which span more than 200 acres.

Having existed for more than 100 years, Money Hill’s history is rooted deep in the foundation of St. Tammany Parish.

The golf and country club and forestland community were built in 1998. With restrictions that protect property values in a gated community, residents can have satisfaction knowing their home— and their family—will be protected for decades to come.

The residents of Money Hill Golf and Country Club truly revel in the benefits of their private, rural life while equally enjoying the amenities offered in a gated, upscale community. Those amenities include a modern fitness facility (with 24-hour resident access), tennis courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, massage room and an onsite

happy hours on Wednesdays, family nights Fridays, business meetings, weddings and special events.

Perhaps most enticing of all is the chance to enjoy at leisure the healthy habitats of the lush nature preserves that encompass the neighborhood. Money Hill is surrounded by more than 3,900 acres of preserves, and is also home to the St. Tammany office of the Louisiana Nature Conservancy. With an abundance of flora, fauna, bluebirds, butterflies, wood ducks and—to the delight of many residents—bald eagles, both individuals and families jump at the opportunity to enjoy nature up close and personal by biking, walking and hiking the nature trails.

More than a country club and more than a community, Money Hill is a lifestyle. Your lifestyle.

Money Hill Golf and Country Club is located at 100 Country Club Dr., in Abita Springs.

892-3300. moneyhill.com.

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24 IN Better Health

with Sandra Burch.

8 Welcome Letter

From Brenda Bertus, CEO,

St. Tammany Economic

Development Foundation. page 8

4 Brave Visionary

Lisa Condrey Ward,

The Southern Hotel.

28 INside Look 36 INside Peek 11

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Generous Hearts Chicks with Checks The power of women in philanthropy.

16 A Purposeful Read

Stiletto Network

by Pamela Ryckman.

the 2014 women in business

7 Kelly Simon mélange by KP.

9 The Women of NOLA Lending NOLA Lending Group.

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Jessica Perkins, DDS, and Angela Thiaville, DDS Mandeville Dental Care and Covington Dental Care.

29 Deanna Bachemin

All Wrapped Up. 30 Marta and Elizabeth Bragg

The Villa.

10 Sumathi Siva Smith, MD

Ochsner Medical Center - North Shore.

21 Erinn Legendre

POSH Boutique.

31 Lesley Reynolds

Bastille’s Clothing Company.

12 Debbie Hocevar and Donna Bissel

Water Street Wreaths.

21 Samantha Prestenbach

Lift Training Studios.

32 Beverly McQuaid

Planet Kids Academy.

13 Jennifer Rice

Dorian Bennett Sotheby’s International Realty.

22 Stephanie Pagliarulo and Jessica Gilmore

Emma’s Shoes and Accessories.

34 Bailey Morse

Jones Fussell; the Junior

League of Greater Covington.

22 Erin Schaumburg

Eros Home and Clothing.

35 Gayle Reuling

Air Blow Dry Bar & Salon.

23 Anne Cannon

Mia Sorella.

35 JoAnn Forsyth

Slidell Memorial Hospital.

23 C J Ladner, State Farm

C J Ladner Insurance Agency, Inc.

36 Jenny Mutter

Hestia Luxury in Linens.

16 Bethany McCulla

Bmac Interiors at TerraBella.

25 Toni Adams Celestin

Bora Bora Swimwear.

37 Pamela Hornbeck

The Mix.

17 Ellen Bajon

EMB Interiors.

25 Katherine Hamby

The Oasis Day Spa.

37 Jennifer Pearse Erceg

Southern Bridal.

18 Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney

Painting with a Twist®.

26 Janet DeLuca

DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts.

38 Shannon Blossman

Winos & Tacos.

28 Martini Rossie

M. Rossie, A Fine Salon.

38 Gretchen Armbruster

Armbruster Artworks Studio.

14 Angie Daughdrill

Designs in Windows.

14 Lana Cagle and Tanya Curtis

All American Medical & Chiropractic.

15 Ann Habisreitinger Barré, M.Ed.; Kimberly Kringel and Allison Winn

Huntington: Your Tutoring Solution.

page 28

Women In Business is a publication of Inside Northside Magazine, ©2014.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher.

Women IN Business 3

Brave Visionary

by Poki Hampton

years, Lisa saw potential in the Mission-style exterior and good bones of the old hotel. She dreamed of one

or just plain crazy?”

day being able to restore the property to its former

but she is definitely brave.

glory as the centerpiece of a thriving community. In fact, she estimates that she started visualizing that

When Lisa and her husband, Joseph, first

restoration about 20 minutes after she rolled into

arrived in Covington in the late 1990s, they noticed

town! It wasn’t until 2011 that the vision started to

the dilapidated but grand structure on the corner of

materialize. Along with Lisa’s brother and sister-in-

Boston and New Hampshire streets in the middle of

law, Ricky and Gayle Condrey, the Wards bought the

downtown. It had been the Southern Hotel, built at

property and began the process of bringing it back to

the turn of the last century when Covington was a

life. Trapolin-Peer Architects was hired to renovate it

thriving fresh-air resort town. After the hotel closed

into a modern, full-service, luxurious boutique hotel,

in the ’60s, the building served various functions,

with maintaining the historic integrity and original

including housing Tugy’s Bar, offices for the 22nd

architectural style as a priority.

District Court and courtrooms before the new Justice Center was built. An attorney, Lisa passed the Inside Northside

upscale shops and restaurants take root over the

SHE MUSES at the start of our interview: “Am I brave Well, Lisa Condrey Ward may be a little crazy—

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Falling in love with downtown and seeing the

Historic renovation and preservation is a balance of sifting through what is there and

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Lisa Condrey Ward

building daily on her way to the office.

imagining what is not, but should be. It is an art.

in need of a visionary. They wrapped up a renovation

Those who know Lisa Condrey Ward would say that

there in fall 2003. The resulting home is a blend of good

her vision is impeccable. What you may not know

taste, restraint, creativity and humanness—warm, inviting

is that the Southern Hotel is not her first real estate

and well suited for the Wards and their three children. Its

“project”; it is actually the eighth she’s tackled for

11 acres are a palette for Lisa, who is an avid gardener

herself and one of dozens she has added her two

and a member of the Camellia Society. Her children

cents to, sharing her experiences over the years with

inspired her participation in some of the great things

friends and other passionate restorers.

happening in and around Christ Episcopal School,

The first renovation happened just after she

where she was active in fundraising. She may continue

graduated from LSU, before she went to law school.

to practice law after the renovated Southern Hotel opens,

In her hometown of Lake Providence, Lisa noticed an

but what we know from her past is that Lisa’s passions

old house for the first time when the overgrown bushes

for art, design and architecture could lead her in any

and shrubs had been trimmed, making the house

number of directions.

visible. She tracked down the owner to see what his

If you know the expression, “If you want

plans were for the house—mostly to make sure he

something done, give it to a busy woman,” you

didn’t plan to let it fall down! When Lisa’s dad received

understand what it’s like to be around Lisa Condrey

a call from the man some time later about the house

Ward. This bodes very well for Covington’s newest

Lisa “wanted to buy,” he was pretty dumbfounded.

downtown gem, the Southern Hotel.

Here she was—a 21-year-old with no experience, just a real affection for architecture and preservation.

After she explained that the owner had misunderstood

The Southern Hotel Every renovation project has stories to tell, and

her interest, Lisa’s dad had an idea. If he bought the

the hotel’s began with the first job they tackled, the

house, would she come home and work to restore it? It

base of the structure. “The existing footings were

was the perfect break she needed before going to law

smaller than necessary and unstable. We began

school. The renovated house operated for a time as

digging and hit water at 2 feet. No one could figure

the Avalon Bed and Breakfast on the highway that runs

out where the water was coming from,” says Lisa.

through Lake Providence.

“We had to hand-dig the new piers, putting down

When the Wards moved to Covington in 1999, Lisa

rock and geo-thermal mat, and then pour the new

began with a home renovation on Jahncke Avenue and

footings. There was once a fountain in the courtyard

then an office renovation before they found the historic

that was said to be fed by a natural spring, but no

house on the river that they purchased in 2002. It was also

one could find the source. Getting through that was a >>

Chef Jeffery Hansell Ox Lot 9

Ox Lot 9, the restaurant at the Southern Hotel, will feature the

talents of Chef Jeffrey Hansell, formerly of Veranda on Highland in Birmingham, Ala. Hansell has been mentored by the likes of Chef Tory McPhail at Commander’s Palace and Chef John Besh at Lüke.

The farm-to-table concept is in the forefront of Hansell’s plans.

“The menu will reflect how I grew up,” he says. “We ate what we caught on the Gulf Coast.”

Ox Lot 9 will feature fresh produce, chicken, eggs and seafood from local sources, partnering with Covey Rise and Chappapeela Farms.

“My wife and I are so excited about this move to Covington. We were looking for a place to put down roots and raise our family,” says Hansell. “We love the area. This is a dream come true.”

Women IN Business 5

nightmare and it delayed the renovation for a while,

fountain, will open into the foyer that leads into the

but that is just part of historic preservation.

ballroom. Historic elements from the Mystic Krewe

“One of the best things that happened

of Olympia will add character to a small first-floor

during the renovation was uncovering the existing

conference room. Forty beautifully appointed guest

fireplace that was hidden behind a wall,” says Lisa.

rooms and two suites will be furnished with hand-

The fireplace is reproduced to its original scale,

made beds from Greg Arceneaux and dreamy

opening to both the reception area and a sunroom

panoramic photographic images from Harriett Blum.

that overlooks the courtyard. Another nice surprise

An enthusiastic supporter of the local arts,

has been the warm reception Lisa and her partners

Lisa has hand picked the stylish furnishings and

have received from the local community. “We hear

artwork throughout the property. Photographs from

stories all the time from people who came to the

Covington’s history will fill the corridors, giving

hotel as children. One woman attending a party

visitors a glimpse into our past. Rebecca Rebouché

there was bitten by a monkey that had been turned

was the first artist commissioned to paint works for

loose in the lobby. I can assure you that there will

the public spaces, but Lisa plans to highlight more

be no loose monkeys in the new hotel!”

When the Southern Hotel first opened in 1907, it was a popular destination because of the surrounding area’s reputation for clean “ozone” air and mineral springs. The hotel boasted amenities like electric lights, running water and carpeting. The renovated hotel will

The scheduled opening for the new Southern

include many more, such as a fitness center, plunge

Hotel is June 7, 107 years after the original opening.

pool, Wi-Fi, restaurant and chic bar. “We hope the bar

Lisa plans to hire 15-17 people to facilitate the running

will be a place where locals and travelers alike will

of the hotel, with extra wait-staff for the restaurant.

relax and refresh,” says Lisa. A cozy patio just off the

Miro Lago will be the general manager and Georgie

bar will have a fireplace for cool nights.

Myrtle-Brooks will be in charge of catering sales.

The hotel will have a 2,400-square-foot ballroom

Once open, the hotel will provide guests with

that will be used for weddings and other social

lavish amenities, first-class service and many

functions. Lisa personally selected the graceful,

activities for visitors to enjoy. “We want to provide

hand-blown Venetian glass chandeliers and sconces

our guests with a complete luxurious experience

imported to light the space. The courtyard, with

when they visit,” says Lisa.

its paved stone floor and beautiful freestanding 6

local artists throughout the hotel.

Inside Northside

And that’s not crazy!

Many customers feel like they don’t have what it takes to repurpose an old piece and make it look good, but most of them are amazed to realize they can.

–Kelly Simon When many of us look at old furniture, we see worn-out, unfashionable junk. Kelly Simon sees potential. Her mélange

by KP boutique is a trove of upcycled furniture and repurposed home accessories, handmade jewelry and hand-selected gifts, where one man’s junk has indeed become treasure again.

Training at the knee of her mother and grandmother— who both possess an eye for interior design—Kelly honed a knack for seeing the beauty in an object long after others have given up on it, and for recognizing and encouraging the artisan in others.

That musty, dusty table and those tarnished candlesticks come to life with her unique and playful eye. That local stayat-home mom crafting one-of-a-kind jewelry, the middleschool principal cooking up caramels, the grandmother canning pepper jelly and the young mom with her handmadesoap line all find a home for their creations at mélange by KP. Kelly will sell you one of her own revamped masterpieces, introduce you to the work of an inspired local craftswoman or teach you to transform the gems you’ve found in your own attic or at an estate sale.

DIYers Welcome Twice a month during in-shop chalk-painting classes, mélange by KP comes to life with the creative juices of DIY students—even those of us who greatly doubt our ability. If you can carry it into the shop and back out, Kelly will teach you to paint it with the popular Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, of which she is an exclusive northshore distributor. “There’s a class where I teach basic chalk-painting techniques on molding, another where we concentrate on picture frames and another where you can haul in a piece from home, as long as it can be painted and dried and taken back home again within three hours,” says Kelly. “Many customers feel like they don’t have what it takes to repurpose an old piece and make it look good, but most of them are amazed to realize they can.”

For those of us who are decoratively challenged, Kelly has designed mélange by KP as an inspiring showplace to demonstrate what can be accomplished. Everything from the floor beneath your feet to the chandelier above your head, from the painted kitchen cabinets to the upcycled home accessories feed the imagination. There are no cookie-cutter home accessories here—only uniquely reimagined and lovingly restored old gems and many oneof-a-kind gift items.

Kelly Simon Meet Kelly After 20 years of working for Marriott Hotels, Kelly became a mama of two. “I was traveling a lot and so was my husband,” she says. “I wanted to be here to take them to flag football and to put them on the school bus.” It was a huge leap of faith to leave that cushy job and open her first shop.

But Kelly hasn’t looked back.

Walking into mélange by KP is like walking into another woman’s home. Kelly is present in the music playing, in the candles burning and in her inspired creations all around you.

“The KP in the name of the shop is after the nickname my grandmother always called me,” says Kelly. “My grandmother is still very much with me here and so is my mom, who helps me out a couple of days a week. I couldn’t do any of this without them.”

A trip to mélange by KP is like visiting these three Southern ladies and leaving with a bit of their hospitality to keep as your own.

mélange by KP is located in the Turtle Creek Shopping Center, 5200 Hwy. 22, Suite 2 in Mandeville. 807-7652.

Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm; Sat, 10am-5pm.

Women IN Business 7

Welcome Letter

Dear Northshore Business Women, In recent decades, women have emerged as a major force in the local, national and international markets – from entrepreneurs to CEOs. Today, IBM, PepsiCo, DuPont and Lockheed Martin are all run by women CEOs. Nationally, 8.6 million firms are owned by women, employing nearly 7.8 million people and generating $1.3 trillion in sales as of 2013. One in five firms with revenues of $1 million or more is a women-owned business.

In St. Tammany, where females make-up 51.31 percent of the population, there is no exception to this trend. Women are owners, managers and CEOs of successful northshore businesses. They consistently strive for business excellence while passionately shaping our community.

Women today are blessed with the ability to pursue their career goals and with the grace, in many cases, to balance a family and contribute to their community. My personal journey has been enhanced by the joys, and challenges, of simultaneously being wife, mom, manager, friend, colleague, coordinator, grandmother (Mamère, as my grandchildren lovingly call me), CEO and neighbor.

Let’s celebrate the incredible women who lead, support and sustain our area businesses and encourage our young women to embrace all of the opportunities that lie before them.

Sincerely,

Brenda Bertus, CEO St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation 8

Inside Northside

Left to right: Mia Hegwood, Raynah Cullen, Tiffany Bruno, Kelly Wheeler, LaDonna Montgomery, Heather Braiwick, Courtlin DonnerNoggerath, Rachel Wilhelm, Courtney Jenkins, Randi Barrett, Suzy Ortiz. All of the ladies are loan officers at NOLA Lending Group and Rachel Wilhelm is a retail market manager at Fidelity

The Women of NOLA Lending “Our team includes many exceptional women who have been integral to our success,” says Richard LaNasa, executive vice president of NOLA Lending Group, a division of Fidelity Homestead Savings Bank. “Their work ethic and focus on the customer has played a critical role in our growth.”

NOLA Lending founders Richard LaNasa and Ashton Noel know a thing or two about building a cohesive team and a thriving business. A little more than a decade ago, they opened the very first NOLA Lending office in Mandeville with just four employees and the goal of simplifying the home loan process, with a commitment to providing unprecedented customer service in the industry.

Now, with 27 offices spread across Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, Texas and Alabama, NOLA Lending is a leader in the mortgage finance industry, closing over $1.2 billion in loans over the last two years. This winter, NOLA Lending grew even stronger when it became a division of Fidelity Homestead Savings Bank, headquartered in New Orleans. With this move, NOLA Lending now offers a full array of products designed to meet the mortgage needs of any consumer.

More than 100 women work at NOLA Lending, from experienced in-house loan officers to loan processors and underwriters. The women of NOLA Lending understand the real estate business and take pride in what they do each and every day. Furthermore, they understand that purchasing a home is one of life’s major decisions, so they take the time to make the process as easy as possible for their customers, whether it’s scheduling closings to meet the needs of a working mother, or personally delivering key documents.

Homestead Savings Bank.

NOLA Lending loan officer Randi Selby Barrett adds, “We take the time to get to know our customers to ensure that every step of the process is as smooth as possible, from applying for the loan to closing.”

“What sets NOLA Lending apart are our people and our personalized approach to lending,” says Ashton Noel, executive vice president of NOLA Lending. “The customers’ needs vary from loan to loan. We customize each home financing experience to ensure the individual requirements for each customer are met in the most time-efficient manner possible.”

“We’re working closely with the NOLA Lending team to ensure that customers experience the same level of service they have enjoyed while expanding the mortgage lending options now available,” says Rachel Wilhelm, a retail market manager at Fidelity Homestead Savings Bank.

When asked why working at NOLA Lending is so special, loan officer Courtlin Donner-Noggerath says, “We know that buying a home is very exciting, whether the customer is a first-time homebuyer or a family moving into the area. I know that what I do matters and that I’m helping build the community one loan and one home at a time.”

NOLA Lending Group is located at 830 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville. For mortgage information, call 951-8479 or visit nolalending.com.

Women IN Business 9

I have the great satisfaction of doing the right thing for my patients every day. I am where I belong.

–Sumathi Siva Smith, MD

Sumathi Siva Smith, MD Dr. Sumathi Siva Smith is an Ochsner Hematologist/ Oncologist on the North Shore treating patients at locations in both Covington and Slidell. She endears herself to her North Shore patients by taking the time to listen to their concerns, and she gives them and their loved ones peace of mind. Dr. Smith says, “Our practice takes great pride in providing the most advanced cancer treatments in the country.” She is well supported by her oncology counterparts at Ochsner Main Campus in New Orleans, where state-of-the-art transplant services are also available.

While Dr. Smith is providing cancer patients with a high level of healthcare locally on the North Shore, her story began in an entirely different part of the world in Sri Lanka.

Growing up in what she admits was a sheltered environment in Sri Lanka, Siva spent her childhood as carefree as any kid. “I was the youngest child, and nobody expected much from me,” she says. “I spent most of my time playing and hanging out with my friends.” Then, in 1983, when Siva was in the 10th grade, hostile forces burned her family’s home to the ground. “In my country, the government provides all the school books,” she says. “When my books burned up, there was no way to replace them. I was sent to boarding school and spent my nights hiding in the dormitory bathroom, studying from my friends’ books.”

That act of violence against Siva’s family changed her.

“From that day forward, I thought, ‘You can burn my books, but you can’t stop me!’” she says. “That determination is what drove me. Our schools were closed. Fifty thousand of our people were massacred. We were left with no food, no clothes, 10

Inside Northside

nothing—stuck in camps with thousands of other people and afraid for our lives. But Canada, England, Australia and India opened up to us. I chose to go to India and had a wonderful life there.”

Because of her hard work and academic prowess, Siva’s schooling was underwritten by the Indian government. “My parents paid what amounts to two American dollars a year,” she says. “It was a very competitive school where the best and brightest from all over India came to study. It was a completely different type of school. I had to work hard.”

Siva graduated at the top of her class, went on to medical school and took several different exams to qualify to come to America for her internship and residency. “I left my very sheltered life and found myself in the middle of a hospital in Brooklyn treating AIDS patients,” she says. “It was such a culture shock. Many of the patients were verbally abusive.

We wore the same clothes three or four days in a row before we got a break. The work was grueling and thankless, but I learned so much.”

When her residency was up, Siva chose to work in Bogalusa, an area underserved by healthcare services. Once in Bogalusa, Siva met Dr. James Smith. They married and now have two beautiful children.

“I work in a happy and content environment that has always put patients first. We make ourselves available even for same-day appointments,” says Dr. Smith. Her excitement about her Covington practice and the growth in the Slidell area is palpable. Ochsner has a beautiful facility in Slidell now for their Oncology practice, which has expanded quickly in providing quality cancer services.

“All the hard work to get it together is coming to fruition; it’s getting better and better,” Dr. Smith says.

Sumathi and Ochsner North Shore offer premier cancer diagnosis, treatment, education and support services to patients and their families at Ochsner Health Center – Covington, 1000 Ochsner Blvd. in Covington, 875-2828; and at Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore, Medical Office Building 2, 105 Medical Center Dr. in Slidell. 639-3777. ochsner.org/northshore.

Generous Hearts

by Susan H. Bonnett

Chicks with Checks: The Power of Women in Philanthropy FAMED ANTHROPOLOGIST MARGARET MEAD

to like to do it in groups. “Giving circles,” as they

once said, “Never doubt that a small group of

are known, are developing all around the country

thoughtful, committed citizens can change the

for women to create social and emotional teams

world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

to have an impact on the things that matter most

And if you have ever been around a group of

to them. They pool their donations, their volunteer

women who were sparked by a great idea, you

capacity and their emotional energy and invest it

know this to be true.

all in causes that move them.

Women engaged in every level of philanthropy

And they are, in fact, changing the world.

is a growing phenomenon around the country, and our region is no exception. According to a recent

A National Model: Tiffany Circle

New York Times article, six studies published in

The Tiffany Circle name honors the 1917 Louis

the last two years—the first systematic research

Comfort Tiffany windows installed in the American

into gender and philanthropy—revealed that

Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C.

women generally donate more, are more actively

The windows were created to honor the value of

involved in the given charities and demand more

the work of women in carrying out the mission

proof of effectiveness. The irony in this is that when

of the Red Cross. Known as the largest secular

most of us think of a philanthropist, we picture an

installation by Tiffany Studios still intact, the

older white man in a top hat and three-piece suit.

windows portray the virtues of women engaged

What these recent studies point to is that women

in the Red Cross: mercy, faith, charity, truth and

are more generous with both their resources and

fortitude. Just as importantly, it shows that even at

time, regardless of education, age, race or other

the turn of the century, organizations recognized

demographics.

and treasured the contributions made by women in

Also somewhat specific to women in philanthropy is that, much like going to the ladies room at our senior prom, we seem

serving the greater good.

As a statement to the continued relevance of women in its mission, the Red Cross created the Tiffany Circle, a group of women leaders who commit a minimum of $10,000 to the organization annually. There are 25 Tiffany >>

Women IN Business 11

Circle members in South Louisiana, giving over $250,000 a year; nationally, Tiffany Circle members donated more than $8 million in 2013 alone. There’s something very powerful about women who collectively come together to support a mission, and the Red Cross is a shining example of recognizing that effort.

Giving in Our Own Backyard St. Tammany West Habitat for Humanity has long known the value of having women on its team and offers two significant ways for women to change the lives of families right here at home. Each year, “Women Build,” groups of women (and the men they bring along) volunteer their sweat and muscles to swing hammers, caulk windows, hang sheetrock and ultimately build houses for local families who are in the Habitat pipeline waiting to purchase their own home. Locally, the program began in 2002 and has

Debbie Hocevar and Donna Bissel

After 20 years of raising kids, Debbie Hocevar discovered she has a knack for wreath making. “I started making wreaths for family and friends, and my husband encouraged me to open my own shop,” says Debbie. “I told him there was only one way I’d do that—if my sister, Donna, did it with me.”

The two sisters have always been joined at the hip. That didn’t change when they married and had kids. When Debbie’s husband surprised her with a quaint cottage along the river in Madisonville from which to sell her creations, she convinced Donna to quit her 13-year career teaching preschool and take the leap of faith. Water Street Wreaths was born.

That idyllic Louisiana cottage now welcomes groups of friends for wine and wreath-making parties. Perfect for girls’ night out, birthdays, date night, team building—all you do is select a theme, bring your own drinks and finger foods, and the sisters do the rest. “Customers start out saying they’re not crafty, and then amaze themselves,” says Debbie.

“We also have ready-made handcrafted wreaths, and we accept custom orders for holidays and special occasion décor, such as mailbox and lantern decorations, staircase garlands, mantel and table centerpieces, door swags, and bridal and secondline umbrellas.

“Many customers return again and again—they’ve become friends,” says Debbie.

Water Street Wreaths is located at 700 Water St. in Madisonville. 792-7979.

Tues-Fri, 10am to 5pm; Sat, 10am to 3pm. waterstreetwreaths.com.

12

Inside Northside

since constructed 21 homes with the help of thousands of volunteers and donors. Last year alone, more than 340 volunteers worked 3,000 hours on three local Women Build homes.

Once Women Build became such a successful local effort, Habitat realized it needed sustaining funding for the program, and WATCH (Women Accepting the Challenge of Housing) was born. WATCH is a group of dedicated women who have committed $1,000 per year for at least three years to ensure Women Build continues to thrive in western St. Tammany Parish. It began in 2009 when the first group of women accepted the challenge; since its inception, WATCH members have raised more than $220,000.

Building Her Legacy—One Woman’s Story Local philanthropist Jinx Vidrine is the consummate model of a woman using her own resources creatively to spur the change she wants to see in the world. A retired educator and constant doer, Jinx doesn’t wait for someone else to do what she wants done. When she has an idea that can impact a life, a school or an entire community, Jinx has no doubt it will happen—she will make sure of it.

In 2010, Jinx looked for a local program she could support that was teaching children about sustainable gardening, especially as it

relates to the environment and nutrition. What she found was that no one was working on the issue that mattered so much to her, and that was simply unacceptable. Using the Northshore Community Foundation as her vehicle for change, Jinx created her Legacy School Gardens initiative and partnered with the St. Tammany Parish School System, the LSU Ag Center, the Boy Scouts and local master gardeners to put edible, sustainable gardens in elementary schools in St. Tammany. She created it, she funded it and she sold it, talking about it to everyone she knew and some she didn’t. She even went so far that, not too long ago, when Jinx had a major life milestone, she challenged her friends and family to not give her gifts, but instead invest in her Legacy Gardens Fund so she could leverage their money into social change. Students and teachers are now tending to and harvesting vegetables in our school yards, simply because it mattered to Jinx.

Her Legacy Gardens project is just one of countless examples of how Jinx is impacting her world. From creating a science-focused summer camp for at-risk and underexposed kids to significant donations of money and desperately needed supplies to an orphanage in Haiti after the earthquake, Jinx spends her days changing the world.

Ironically, she uses very non-traditional assets to do just that.

Whether it’s cash, undeveloped land, stock or other incomeproducing properties, through the Northshore Community Foundation those assets become her fuel for good—and it is powerful stuff.

Regardless of age, race, wealth or family background, women in our country are taking on more and more leadership roles in impacting their world. Whether it is a local mom organizing the PTA or Melinda Gates directing the billions of dollars she and her husband have committed to address global health, they are changing the world one life at a time.

And what they all know to be true is that it feels really, really good.

Jennifer Rice To see Jennifer Rice astride one of her polo steeds you’d never dream there was a time when she was afraid of horses.

“My husband had race horses when we met,” she says. “I took riding lessons to get over my fear, and I was hooked.”

When they had kids, Jennifer retired as catering manager at The Royal Orleans. “I was then a mom and an equestrian and pursued both with equal enthusiasm. I had also handled the charity events at The Royal Orleans, and my years at home offered me a chance to volunteer with many of the local charities.”

Jennifer found her next calling when she and her stockbroker husband, Tim, moved to Folsom. “We wanted acreage for a polo field and a nice home site,” she says, “but there weren’t many agents specializing in rural property. It took us three years to find what we wanted. During that time, I got my real estate license and have never looked back.”

Jennifer recently switched her affiliation to Dorian Bennett Sotheby’s International Realty, a luxury real estate company founded in 1976 by the Sotheby’s Auction House.

“It’s a unique brand because it concentrates on the quality of a property, not the price,” she says. “Sotheby’s will offer the northshore the national and international exposure it deserves. The quality of life over here is appealing. I’m excited to offer others what we’re so happy to have found.”

Dorian Bennett Sotheby’s International Realty is located at 729 E. Boston St. in Covington. 892-1478. jenniferrice.net.

Women IN Business 13

Angie Daughdrill “I have been a seamstress since I was a young girl,” says Angie Daughdrill about her love for sewing. When the time came to purchase her first home, she designed and created all of her own window coverings. And when her friends and neighbors started asking her to make their draperies as well, Angie decided to start a business.

As owner of Designs in Windows Angie has had a successful design consulting firm since 1994, serving both residential and commercial clients along the Gulf Coast.

After meeting with clients in their homes to design window treatments, including draperies, blinds, shades and interior shutters, she then orders the products and materials from suppliers and installs the window treatments when they arrive. Angie can design an entire room, including rugs, furniture, paint colors, art work and custom bedding.

“A lot of people think they cannot afford to hire a consultant, or they think they have to start from scratch if they do, but that is a misconception,” says Angie. She can work within any budget and incorporate a client’s existing items to create a new, custom look.

“I love what I do. It feels like I never have to go to work. I enjoy making my clients happy and hearing how much they love the product from start to finish,” says Angie. “I believe a house is not a home until the windows are complete.”

Angie can be reached at 985-209-1689. designsinwindows.com.

14

Inside Northside

Lana Cagle and Tanya Curtis

Whether you hope to lose 10 pounds or 100 pounds, wellness coach Lana Cagle wants you to discover how to make the lifestyle changes you’ve been longing for so you feel and look your best. “We can create a plan for anyone,” she says.

All American Medical & Chiropractic offers wellness plans that cover a broad spectrum. “Our purpose is to help as many people as possible,” says owner Tanya Curtis. Weight-loss programs featuring Ideal Protein combined with holistic medical pain management, natural chiropractic care, physical rehabilitation and massage therapy help clients lose weight, be pain-free faster and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

With All American, weight loss dreams become reality through individually tailored diet plans. With personal weight loss coaching and one-on-one guidance, progressing through a plan’s four steps is easy. The first two phases use Ideal Protein to achieve the weight loss while phases three and four focus on nutritional education. Lana recommends that her clients incorporate fitness and an active lifestyle into their goals, but exercise is not required.

All American offers free monthly health seminars for those who want to learn more. Lana encourages northshore residents to do just that. After all, she and Tanya started out as clients themselves.

“The best testimony is your own,” Lana says.

All American Medical & Chiropractic is located at 301 N. Hwy. 190 in Covington. 893-2223; also in Hammond, 350-6110; and New Orleans, 504-288-3888. allamericanchiro.com.

Every day, Ann Habisreitinger Barré, Allison Winn and Kimberly Kringel change lives—lives of struggling students, lives of frustrated parents, and lives of classroom teachers— through their proven tutoring programs at Huntington: Your Tutoring Solution.

“When a child is struggling academically, it affects much more than his grades,” Ann says. “His self-esteem and attitude toward school can suffer as well. The farther behind he slips, the worse he feels about himself and the more he doubts his ability to learn.”

“And if a child is struggling this year, it will only get worse next year,” says Kimberly.

Each summer, school stands still. That’s one of the best times for these three dynamic women and Huntington’s other certified teachers to work their magic. For pre-K through college-age students, they formulate a precise, individualized education plan through an academic evaluation that targets specific deficiencies. That plan is then worked through with certified teachers concentrating on lifelong organizational and study skills.

Huntington can help with reading, writing, mathematics, phonics, vocabulary and SAT/PSAT and ACT exam prep; also, subject tutoring in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, earth science, biology, chemistry and physics.

For Ann, there is joy in seeing families’ lives change.

“When a child has an academic problem, it can affect the entire family. Once that burden is lifted, family life improves tremendously.” It is that joy that has kept Ann motivated and inspired at Huntington for almost 20 years!

“We have excellent teachers in St. Tammany Parish,” says Allison, “but any teacher in a classroom full of students has to go from point A to point B in nine months. It’s impossible for him/her to teach at a level that serves every student at the same time. Our personalized learning program is able to tailor lessons to each child—one teacher, one child—to work toward his/her specific needs and advance at the student’s pace so that the student gets precisely the help he/she needs to catch up quickly and stay ahead in the future.”

Kimberly has always found it rewarding to work with children. “I love their energy and enthusiasm and their possibilities.” she says. “I especially love when I see that ‘I can do it’ look on a child’s face and know that I helped them to succeed.”

Allison shares Kimberly’s enthusiasm. “I feel the most rewarding part of my job is forming individual relationships with each student and watching their journey to academic success.”

Regan S., a 12th grader, says, “With guidance and help from the amazing teachers, I was able to reach my goal score and improve my ACT composite four points! Thanks to Huntington, I feel more confident in my future.”

Ann Habisreitinger Barré, M.Ed., Kimberly Kringel and Allison Winn And Regan’s parents say, “We invested in our child and her future with the help and support of the caring, personable teachers at Huntington. Thank you, Huntington, for helping Regan reach her goals!”

“Huntington is the top choice nationwide for college entrance exam preparation,” says Allison. “We are able to raise students’ ACT scores an average of four to six points by not only preparing them for the types of questions they’ll encounter but also working with them to master the crucial test-taking and problem-solving skills they’ll need to answer them.”

“Huntington: Your Tutoring Solution was established in 1977, making it the oldest provider of supplemental education in the country,” says Ann. “It’s a proven program with a long track record of much more than filling kids with knowledge—actually teaching them to think, learn and succeed on their own in school and later in life.”

Huntington: Your Tutoring Solution is located at 1748A N. Causeway Blvd. in Mandeville. 727-0000. huntingtonhelps.com.

Women IN Business 15

A Purposeful Read

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Stiletto Network by Pamela Ryckman

THE BOSS IS OUT AGAIN TODAY, probably golfing with his associates.

He’s gotten to where he is because of them: financing from one, promotions from others, small favors here and larger favors there. He takes full advantage of the Old Boys’ Network. You wish you could do that, but those kinds of connections are rare for women in business.

Or are they? As you’ll see in Stiletto Network by Pamela Ryckman, women are organizing in ways that the Old Boys

Bethany McCulla Bethany McCulla gets to wake up every day, do what she loves and call it a job. And her loyal clients are the beneficiaries.

Bethany began her interior decorating business in Houston in 1998. “I didn’t set out in design, but rather as a college English teacher,” she says. “Friends often asked me to decorate for the holidays or for parties. My first paying job was arranging the florals for a Houston law firm’s Christmas party. I met some fabulous interior designers in Houston and was greatly influenced by them.”

She and her husband relocated to New York where her work really took on its signature flair. She decorated clients’ residences and weekend homes. When they moved back to Louisiana, Bethany opened her shop in a third state, working strictly off referrals. At her store, she offers furnishings, lighting, artwork, window treatments, custom upholstery and slipcovers, gifts, home accessories and newconstruction packages.

Chosen as designer for this year’s “Raising the Roof for Charity” Raffle House, Bethany can work from your architectural plans alongside your builder—or she can reinvent a single space in your home.

“The key to my success has been customer service. I don’t impart my style on someone else,” says Bethany. “I can use a client’s existing items and style but will always add an unexpected element or two.

That influence comes from my years in New York.”

never dreamed of.

While attending a women’s conference in California, Pamela Ryckman was introduced to a woman who introduced her to another female executive, who introduced her to another. Each was “fascinating… and bold,” and obviously loved networking. Ryckman began to believe that “something meaningful … was shaping women’s lives.”

Powerful women in business have, for years, been quietly gathering their peers together for support. And, says Ryckman, they’re not just offering one another career and business help—they’re sharing personal stories, information, childcare tips and friendship. They pitch in wherever it’s needed, they share their own valuable contacts and they build trust, which is something women “do naturally.”

Stiletto Networks also allow for collaboration because women have learned that they’re more efficient that way. They know that “when you put a bunch of motivated ladies in the same room, exciting things happen” and that five or 10 heads are better than one when it comes to a problem.

What’s also noteworthy is that, while women in business are sometimes stereotyped as catty and overly-competitive, Ryckman says that they’re actually more likely to reach down to help the next generation—discovering, to everyone’s delight, that younger, just-starting-out women (and men!) have just as much to offer.

At times, this can be a rough read. The information is mostly anecdotal and biographical in nature, and there are a lot of pages before the advice and how-to sections. Much of the content may not radically change the way you think.

Bmac Interiors is located at 122 Terra Bella Blvd. in Covington. 635-4540. bmacinteriors.net 16

Inside Northside

But if you’d like to amp up your networking, this may be an opportunity to learn from others who wear stilettos.

Ellen Bajon and the EMB Interiors design team A professional designer turns inspiration into reality.

Ellen Bajon of EMB Interiors has the knowledge and experience to do just that. Along with her design team, Ellen manages projects that range from new construction to renovations to simple facelifts. Whether the project is large or small, the EMB Interiors team’s philosophy is consistent. “We listen to the wants and needs of the client and keep our eye on the details,” says Ellen.

Though she enjoys all aspects of interior design, Ellen particularly loves the challenge and satisfaction of being involved with a project from its conception to the final finishing touches. For a new construction project, the design process actually begins right after the purchase of the property; Ellen and her team meet with the clients and assess a variety of criteria, such as taste, style and lifestyle, as well as the special wants and needs for their future. “We draw the floor plan after comprehensive interviews with the homeowners; we know the right questions to ask to properly assess the client’s true vision.”

Crucial details, such as accommodating a new billiard table or an important antique piece that needs specific wall space, are just one reason to consult with a professional designer before going to blueprints. Once the design vision is translated to a floor plan, it then goes into the hands of the architect. Ellen and her team of designers enjoy working

alongside the architect and builder during the early planning phase to ensure a comfortable, yet simply elegant, home.

EMB Interiors also specializes in renovations and updating—either an entire home or just a room. “We enjoy our small projects as much as our large ones,” says Ellen. And whether her clients benefit from the team’s design experience or just enjoy shopping in the beautiful EMB Interiors store, the large selection of unique, stylish furnishings and accessories is available for purchase. “We want people to come in and look around,” says Ellen, “and if you need some help—well, you’ve come to the right place.”

EMB Interiors is located at 4510 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville.

626-1522. www.embinteriors.com.

Women IN Business 17

Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney It was kismet. On the first day of kindergarten, as Cathy Deano wondered what she was doing among the other nervous parents dropping off their kids, she encountered a kindred spirit.

“There I was, 10 to 20 years older than the other parents; most of my friends were becoming grandmothers,” says Cathy.

“I spotted one young mom sitting on the floor playing with her daughter. She was so cute. I told myself, ‘I’m going to stalk her.’”

So, when the teacher asked for volunteers for room mother and the young mom raised her hand, Cathy raised hers as well.

The rest, as they say, is history. Cathy became fast friends with Renee Maloney. “I had always been very active in the community in the Art Association and other non-profits,” says Cathy. “Renee was very involved in the schools with the PTA board and chairing school events. We started looking for ways to marry the two.”

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Inside Northside

“Right away, we could see we worked well together,” says Renee. “If one of us is losing it, the other picks up the slack. We had a united outlook and common goals—to be good parents, to help the community.”

Then, “the storm” hit. Everything changed.

Cathy’s house was flooded. Renee’s husband’s businesses were, too. “After Katrina, everyone was in shock that first year,” says Cathy. “Renee and I looked around for something we could do to help the community.” One morning, when the two were walking on the Mandeville lakefront, the answer presented itself. Artist friends John Hodge and Francie Rich called with an idea for a “sip-and-paint enterprise.” The concept was simple. Friends gather in an art studio where canvases, paints and painting supplies are set up and ready. They bring their own wine and finger foods, and enjoy an evening of step-by-step instruction from a professional artist.

“I told Cathy, ‘I can’t do this. I failed sixth grade art,’” says Renee. But they decided to give the idea a trial run. Gathering a group of friends in an outbuilding on Cathy’s property, they painted. They laughed. They didn’t even drink, and they had a great time. The afternoon was a colossal hit. So Renee and Cathy opened the first Corks N Canvas in Mandeville. The response was phenomenal.

“People were driving over from New Orleans for paint parties,” says Cathy. “Our ‘Aha!’ moment came one night when we experienced a power outage in the middle of a party. I offered to reschedule or to refund the money for the evening, but nothing doing. They opened the doors, drove their cars up to the building and painted by headlights. That’s when we knew we were on to something.”

“We thought we were offering people a fun night out, a chance not to think about Katrina,” says Renee, “but it turned out to be so much more. There’s the sense of accomplishment for someone like me who couldn’t draw a stick figure, who then suddenly, with step-by-step instruction, produces a real work of art. There’s the time to concentrate on something other than your troubles.”

There’s a sense of accomplishment for someone like me who couldn’t draw a stick figure, who then suddenly, with step-by-step instruction, produces a real work of art.

–Renee Maloney

Renee and Cathy were surprised at how much repeat business they were seeing, with clients actually becoming “regulars.” Renee likens it to a game of golf. “How many times can a golfer play the same course?” she asks. “He’s hitting that same ball. He’s with the same friends, yet each time is different, and each time is an opportunity to forget about bills and work and kids and aging parents. Well, we don’t play golf. Where’s our playground?” The two entrepreneurs realized that paint-and-wine parties can offer that same catharsis.

Bolstered by their success, Cathy and Renee opened a second location, a third and a fourth before trademarking the name and offering franchise opportunities. As the growth continued, they wanted a name not associated with alcohol since they host many kid-friendly events. “We named the franchise company Painting with a Twist. As the franchise grew into a national brand, that name was much stronger than Corks N Canvas, so we decided to merge the two. The four corporate stores are still owned by Renee and me,” says Cathy. Currently, there are 130 Painting with a Twist franchise locations nationwide, with more in the planning stages. “Friends questioned what we were doing opening a business during a recession,” says Cathy, “but we were offering something that makes people feel better and allows them to step out of the world and unwind. There’s always a demand for that kind of diversion.”

Renee and Cathy could not have foreseen how many directions their paint-and- wine parties would take, everything from marriage proposals painted on the backs of canvases to corporate team-building events. There’s the gentleman in his final days of hospice who requested an in-home painting party for himself and his family. A group of women who met in a chemotherapy support group come by to paint after treatment. One franchisee takes her show on the road to Haiti. Another has incorporated the program into an antibullying campaign. Much of the sample artwork executed in class by instructional artists is donated to families as they move into their new Habitat for Humanity home.

A core value of Painting with a Twist is to be an active member of the community and to focus on giving back.

With this in mind, Cathy and Renee founded Painting with a Purpose, a monthly fundraising event held at all locations to raise funds that are donated to non-profits in each local market. Total contributions have topped $800,000.

The Painting with a Twist motto is “A little bit of paint—a little bit of wine—a whole lot of FUN!” That fun has launched the company into the No. 1 spot for sip-andpaint enterprises nationwide, and landed them in the top 500 U.S. franchises in Entrepreneur Magazine. “We only set out to open one store,” says Renee. “Now, we have franchises in 23 states. We’re just happy to be offering people more than entertainment—a way to relax and forget their troubles through an exceptional experience.”

Painting with a Twist is located at 2121 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 200, in Mandeville. 626-3292. paintingwithatwist.com.

Women IN Business 19

Dr. Jessica Perkins of Mandeville Dental Care and Dr. Angela Thiaville of Covington Dental Care.

issues. “Most of the procedures I perform on my patients I’ve experienced myself,” she says. “I know how it feels to be in that chair and I do everything I can to offset any anxiety my patients may be feeling.”

That includes using technology such as intraoral cameras, which allow her patients to see and understand any issues they may be having. “Problems in the mouth tend to be small. The cameras allow me to enlarge them on a screen so my patient can see what I see,” says Dr. Angela. “In addition, our commitment to full-service dentistry— including root canals, extractions and implants—allows our patients to stay here at our office, where they already feel comfortable, instead of being referred somewhere else.”

Dr. Angela takes her role as educator seriously.

“Patients today are savvy,” she says. “It’s never my job to dictate their care, but to educate them about treatment options and then partner with them to achieve optimum oral health throughout their lives. By creating a calm dental environment, my staff and I are able to make a connection with each patient—to forge a relationship, and then help them stay on top of their oral health proactively.”

Dr. Jessica says, “My parents instilled certain values and faith in me. They taught me that at the end of the day, when I lay my head on the pillow, I need to feel good about every encounter I had that day. Their influence motivates me to be the very best dentist I can be—for every patient, every time.”

Jessica Perkins, DDS and Angela Thiaville, DDS If you’re looking for a nurturing dental home for your family, you need look no further than the offices of Dr. Jessica Perkins of Mandeville Dental Care and Dr. Angela Thiaville of Covington Dental Care.

Dr. Jessica has a special place in her heart for patients with dental anxiety. “No one really likes going to the dentist,” she says. “We strive to make every experience—from that first contact on the phone through treatment and follow-up—as comfortable and pleasant as possible for each of our patients.”

She gives much credit to her staff. “No one who works with me sees what we do as a job. They all love dentistry and understand that every patient is unique.”

If Dr. Jessica has to conduct several consultations with a patient until they feel comfortable proceeding with treatment, that’s what she’ll do. “Even if I’m answering the same questions over and over again, I want them to feel comfortable, relaxed and in control before we proceed with any treatment,” she says.

“They need to be able to trust me and feel good about what we’re doing. I don’t want to just fill a single cavity for them. I want to be their oral health partner for life.”

Dr. Angela operates under a simple philosophy. “I try to treat every patient the way I’d want a member of my family to be treated,” she says. “If my mom or dad were sitting in another dentist’s chair, how would I want her to speak to them and listen to them? What treatment would I want them to receive?”

As a young girl, Dr. Angela experienced her share of dental 20

Inside Northside

Covington Dental Care is located at 604 S. Tyler St. in Covington. 892-2273. covingtondentalcare.com.

Mandeville Dental Care is located at 2581 Florida St., Ste. A in Mandeville. 674-3114. mandevilledentalcare.com.

Erinn Legendre

Samantha Prestenbach

Mandeville native Erinn Legendre was only 23 when, in 2006, after graduating from Louisiana State University, she and her mother, Ann Pobanz, bought the Posh Boutique store in Baton Rouge, where she had worked while in school. When Erinn and her husband, Jared, moved back to Mandeville in 2012, she opened a second location in Covington.

“The Covington store is doing awesome. It took off right away. Having the Baton Rouge store helped, because customers knew the name,” says Erinn.

At the request of clients who have moved away from the area, Erinn and Ann are launching a website where customers can order online. Facebook members can view new inventory and post a comment or phone the store to request that a specific item be held.

A new mom to 1-year-old Greyson, Erinn says, “Balancing my time between being a mother and managing a business is the most challenging thing right now. I want to be in the store and also at home. For a while, I brought him to the store every day, but now he is walking—so that was the end of that! Fortunately, I have a wonderful manager, Emily Robin, who goes back and forth between the stores.”

Erinn says, “I always knew I wanted to be in retail and eventually own a store. I just didn’t know it would happen so soon after college, when I was still so young. It has been quite the learning experience!”

When Samantha Prestenbach was 21, she knew what her dream career was. “I wanted to own my own personal training studio and change lives,” she says. Five years later, she and her husband, Harold, opened Lift Training Studios.

Her dream resulted from changing her own lifestyle after personal struggles with body image, confidence and numerous health conditions. After eating better, exercising and living a healthier lifestyle, the health concerns and other issues disappeared. “I knew I had to start teaching other people how to do that, too,” Sam says.

Lift Training Studios is a comprehensive service that helps people not just lose weight, but also create a wellrounded reality of healthy living. Lift offers customized 30-45 minute workout sessions with an expert personal trainer, and also nutritional consulting so you can lose weight. Sam says, “Lift is for people who really desire a total lifestyle change. We give clients the skills they need to be on their own eventually, empowering them to take control of their health.”

Sam is gratified by the difference Lift has made for her clients. She says, “We have helped to change the lives of so many people. They are getting off blood pressure and diabetes medications, and canceling gastric bypass surgeries. Lift definitely saves lives, including my own.”

To read and hear—in their own words—how Lift has helped numerous northshore residents, go to lifttrainingstudios.com.

Posh Boutique is located at 70380 Hwy. 21, Covington, 898-2639. facebook.com/poshboutique21 www.poshboutiquestores.com

Lift Training Studios is located at 3960 Florida St. #3 in Mandeville. 727-1540. lifttrainingstudios.com.

Women IN Business 21

Stephanie Pagliarulo Erin Schaumburg and Jessica Gilmore With a keen eye for detail and a wealth of savvy business knowledge under her belt, Stephanie Pagliarulo opened Emma’s Shoes and Accessories in August 2012.

On the eve of its second birthday, Emma’s is burgeoning with so much success that a second location is opening in August on Metairie Road in New Orleans.

With lines like Tory Burch, Kate Spade, L.K. Bennett and Vince, the upscale boutique offers fashion-forward trends at price points that fit every budget. From cowboy boots to flats to elegant heels, the unique merchandise— including jewelry and handbags—has more to offer the ladies of the northshore than ever.

To stay on the cusp of the ever-changing fashion scene, Stephanie travels to market in New York City and California several times a year. A sneak peak for this summer: store manager Jessica Gilmore says bright colors will be a wardrobe staple.

“Don’t be scared to try the new trends,” says Jessica.

“We love helping customers achieve the look they want. If you see a look in a magazine, come in and we can help you style that look for your body type.”

Stephanie and Jessica offer their style advice to all who enter. Whether your calendar says vacation or cocktail celebration, Emma’s is sure to have the signature piece you’re searching for.

Emma’s Shoes and Accessories is located at 3904 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville. 778-2200. emmasshoes.com.

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Inside Northside

Erin Schaumburg is proud to say she’s serving her fourth generation of customers.

Beginning her retail career at age 14 at her parents’ shop, Chattabox, Erin learned early that getting to know your customers—really getting to know them, their families and their lifestyles—can make all the difference.

Over the past 18 years at her own shop, Eros Home and Clothing, Erin has forged relationships with customers of all ages. “My yearly credit review showed that 93 percent of my customers are repeat customers,” she says. “It doesn’t show that many of them have become lifelong friends.

“When I decorate someone’s home or help them dress for an event, it’s not my taste that’s important,” says Erin.

“It’s theirs, whether I’m helping a long-time customer design and decorate their new home, zipping off to breathe new life into their beach house or finding the perfect outfit to take them from the ballpark to date night. The more I know about them, the more I can create a space that’s beautiful yet functional and livable for them, or pull together that one outfit that speaks to who they are.”

A wife and mother of four boys, Erin is big on giving back—locally and globally. “I can’t imagine anyone who’s more blessed than I’ve been,” she says. “When God shows me a way to give to someone who needs a hand, I am doubly blessed to do so.”

Eros Home and Clothing is located at 3906 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville. 727-0034.

Anne Cannon

C J Ladner

Anne Cannon spent a recent day alternately planning a senior-year cruise for her son, rocking her baby to sleep and ordering new merchandise for Mia Sorella. Such is life when you are a wife and momma to kids from 21 to 2, and a business woman, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Raised in a large, loving Italian home, family has long been the centerpiece of Anne’s life—the name of her gift shop, Mia Sorella, means “My Sisters.”

The granddaughter of a merchant, Anne, with a natural eye for design, envisioned a one-of-a kind shop in Slidell offering a variety of gifts, such as jewelry, baby items, clothes, accessories and home decor with a local flair. “Business is not just about selling something to someone,” she says. “It’s about making connections with people and having a positive impact on the community.” Based on customer requests, she is currently expanding by adding an online store.

Anne enjoys spending time with those she loves, writing poetry and sharing her unshakeable faith. Using life experiences, she composes inspirational poetry, which she is publishing in a book, Reflections. She invests equally in the lives of family, longtime friends, regular customers and first-time visitors to her shop. “My mom taught me the important things in life are God, family and friends, and that we are here to touch each others’ lives,” she says. “My business is one more way to do that.”

C J Ladner is one of those women you meet and then think, “THIS is what’s great about St. Tammany!”

Beautiful and vivacious, she’s a wife, mother, overthe-top proud grandma—shout outs to Mason, Chandler and Juliet—and ardent volunteer. Did we mention her award-winning insurance agency? Her goal for every client is “WOW service,” and her passions include mentoring younger agents.

C J’s community involvements include volunteering at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, St. Scholastica Academy and St. Paul’s School and with the American Heart Association and Project Graduation. A board member of Habitat For Humanity St. Tammany West, C J is also on the President’s Council of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.

Professionally, C J has served local families for 20 years through her successful State Farm agency in Covington, although her State Farm career began in Waveland, Miss., more than 30 years ago. Dedication to customer service, devotion to helping families protect their property and their lives, and a warm, nurturing office environment have spelled success for C J, as many of her customers and employees have been with her a long time.

Much of her new business comes through enthusiastic customer referral.

C J hopes to be serving the families of St. Tammany Parish for many years to come.

Mia Sorella is located at 1354 Corporate Square Blvd. in Slidell. 781-3909. miasorelladecor.com.

C J Ladner Insurance Agency is located at 1972 N. Hwy. 190 in Covington. 892-5030. cjladner.com.

Women IN Business 23

IN Better Health

by Poki Hampton

Health Concern:

Hair loss

Treatment:

Evolve Volumizer

salon. Her aunt took her to Glenn Michael Salon in Metairie. “Sandra had tried so many different things to get her hair back—wigs, extensions, products, all to no avail. A woman’s most valuable asset is her hair. When a woman loses her hair, her self esteem, self confidence and femininity are affected,” says Glenn Michael Milliet.

Glenn introduced Sandra to the Evolve

with Sandra Burch

is semi-permanent, hypoallergenic, ventilated, lightweight and integratable.” It uses Sandra’s

SANDRA BURCH HAS ALWAYS had thinner hair

own hair pulled through a mesh cap of 100 percent

than her friends. In 2007, when her daughter was

human hair that is tied with a knotting technique

getting married, Sandra wanted to look her best,

onto her scalp. The hair can be colored, highlighted,

so she got hair extensions. She looked beautiful for

curled, flat ironed and heat rollered. Evolve allows

the wedding, but the extensions were too heavy—

the scalp to breathe, and doesn’t damage existing

her already thin hair fell out in clumps. “It was

hair. Because of the ventilation, Sandra can swim

depressing,” she says.

and exercise with it. Every four to six weeks, as her

Sandra’s hair loss had increased significantly

hair grows out, she returns to the salon, where the

following surgery six months before the wedding.

product is removed, washed and retied. Glenn says,

An episode of double vision initiated a journey that

“The emotional transformation of the women from

led to a diagnosis of a schwannoma brain tumor, an

the first time in the chair to when they have a full

onion-skin-like wrapping around the carotid artery

head of hair brings tears of joy.”

in her brain that had grown to the maximum size.

“Glenn made me feel so welcome,” says

Instead of radiation, Sandra’s doctors decided on a

Sandra. “He treats his craft like an art. We talked

craniotomy, cutting from the top of her head to above

about the course of action and which shampoos,

her right ear.

brushes, etc. to use. When I got out of the chair, I felt

Sandra recovered well, but the stress of the surgery and the preceding months, plus the fact that

so beautiful and confident.”

In 2008, Sandra’s tumor returned. “I had three

her husband was ill, caused her hair to thin even

45-minute radiation treatments. I have an MRI once

more, creating bald spots.

a year now. The tumor is not gone, but it is not

When the extensions were unsuccessful, Sandra was discouraged and hesitant to even walk into a 24

Volumizer. He says, “The system we used on Sandra

Inside Northside

growing. I am just so happy to be here ... and I look pretty good, too!”

Toni Adams Celestin Katherine Hamby For Toni Adams Celestin of Bora Bora Swimwear, success has been a matter of selecting each season’s hottest combinations in designer swimwear and accessories, and then providing unmatched service to her loyal clientele.

That philosophy has seen Bora Bora Swimwear featured on major news networks, in countless magazines—including the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition—on the radio and in calendars. But more important to Toni, it has provided her clientele with a true destination shopping experience for everything they need—from the perfect swimsuit for their specific body type to the cover-ups, hats, jewelry and sandals that complete the look.

“For 24 years, we’ve endeavored to stay ahead of the trend,” says Toni. “Our name and reputation have remained at the top of the most recognized in the industry. We like to set the trends and, though other retailers try to duplicate our winning formula, our extensive designer inventory and unparalleled service keep us at the forefront of swimwear fashion.”

Each time a new client visits Bora Bora Swimwear, Toni and her staff strive to make them a customer for life. “Whether she’s a student headed to spring break, a young mother or even a grandmother, my staff is committed to helping her find the exact style and fit to flatter her every curve,” says Toni. “We’re experts in matching the woman to her perfect suit and finding the ideal getaway wardrobe for each client.”

Katherine Hamby believes that you deserve unfettered attention from the moment you walk through the door at The Oasis Day Spa. As aromatherapy fills the air and friendly faces greet you, your ultimate spa experience begins in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

“We make it our goal to understand your needs and expectations so that you can have an unforgettable experience with every visit,” says Katherine. “Whether it is the much-needed relief from a Signature Oasis Massage, the excitement in their skin’s appearance after an Oasis Oxygen Facial or the twinkle in their eye from the finishing touch of a Bee Pampered manicure and pedicure, I love seeing happy clients!”

Katherine was thrilled when she and her husband, Patrick, bought Oasis in 2008, and she continues to strive to exceed customer expectations. The full-service day spa is thriving, offering massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing and special seasonal services. Katherine says, “We are currently featuring a spring menu with exciting items like a Citrus Honey Blossom Pedicure to help you step into summer on the right foot!”

Men make up a quarter of Oasis’ clients. Roomy lounges offer separate areas for showering, changing and relaxing, allowing both men and women clientele to be comfortable in knowing they have privacy.

“We love our customers— and we work hard to make sure that your experience at Oasis is the best you will ever have,” says Katherine.

Visit Toni and her stellar staff at 2 St. Ann Drive in Mandeville. 951-8454. boraboraswimwear.com.

The Oasis Day Spa is located at 1357 N. Causeway Blvd. in Mandeville, 624-6772. theoasisdayspa.net.

Women IN Business 25

My staff has a combined experience of over a century and a half.

–Janet DeLuca

Janet DeLuca Janet DeLuca loves hearing from her customers how the gift with the DeLuca’s label they took to their Dirty Santa party or Pokeno game was the most stolen gift of the evening.

For decades, the name has stood for quality in jewelry, home décor and gifts. Since 1981, Janet has been proud to add her family name to that sterling reputation.

“I started working for Tim Wilson through the Covington High School DECA program when I was 15,” says Janet. “I don’t know what it’s like to work any other job.” Janet and her husband, Charles, bought the jewelry store from Tim in 1981, changing the name to DeLuca’s, and added the gift component

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Inside Northside

in 2005. “We were headed to a wedding, and I realized I didn’t know a single place in the area where I could buy a gift to take,” Janet says. “I decided if I wanted a gift shop, I’d have to open one myself.” Since that time, she has endeared herself to northshore shoppers by seeking out unique gifts items— from $15 to hundreds of dollars—that they’re proud to give.

Within her 3,800-square-foot shop, you’ll find multiple cases of jewelry—from heirloom investment pieces to fun and funky fashion jewelry—and you’ll find gifts you’re not going to run across at every department store or chain store.

“We try to keep up with the latest trends while always stocking those classic pieces that never go out of style,” says Janet. “When a customer is investing in an expensive piece of jewelry, that’s a big deal to them, so it’s a big deal to us.

On the other hand, if you’re only paying $10 or $15 for a hostess gift or Bunko prize, you still want something you can be excited about giving. Every year, I try to find that one item or line that will be the big hit and regional favorites such as Saints, LSU, Mud Pie and Tabasco. We carry a lot of locally themed items like fleur de lis tea towels, pitchers and platters, and LSU charms and pocket knives. Janet also offers those little extras like shipping, free engraving and free gift wrap. She even has customers who call, tell her how much they want to spend and for what occasion, and then swing by to pick up their wrapped gift.

Janet realizes it’s a rare blessing to have a job she loved as a teenager, continued to love throughout her childrearing years and enjoys just as much now that she’s grandma to

Meet Janet DeLuca Janet grew up in the Lee Road area of Covington, where she met her husband at a young age. “My dad was a dairy farmer and my mom was the epitome of a Christian woman,” she says. “We still live on the property where I grew up, and our four kids and eight grandkids live close by. One of the best things in the world for me is to look out of the window and see one of my grandkids coming across our yard toward the house.”

A product of the local school system, Janet does all she can to give back to the schools and to local teachers and kids. “Our son, Charlie, makes frequent mission trips, and we support him in every way we can,” she says. “God has blessed my family and me for so many years; every day I try to look for ways I can share those blessings with others.”

eight. “My goal has always been to offer a place customers enjoy visiting,” she says. “People come in on their lunch hour just to decompress. I want them to feel like they’re free to relax and just enjoy being here.”

A few years back, Janet added a bridal registry. “I had brides tell me they could look at the things in their friends’ homes and know which department store they came from,” she says. “They wanted items that were more unique. I do my best to stock items made in America.” DeLuca’s has a wide selection of gifts that can be engraved to personalize them for wedding attendants.

DeLuca’s has become a real family affair, with Janet’s son, Charlie, offering on-site jewelry repair and engraving. “Charlie trained at The Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology in Paris, Texas,” says Janet. “We know customers’ jewelry is very special to them, so we try to treat it like it’s our own. People need to be able to trust us with family pieces that mean a lot to them.”

All jewelry work is done on-site, and the DeLucas recently

invested in a state-of-the-art laser welder, so Charlie can repair even the most delicate and intricate pieces.

Then there are the employees, who are like family. “Ellen has been with me since I started here, and Trudy’s been with us 15 years,” says Janet. “It’s nice for our customers to come in and have someone call them by name and remember the last thing they purchased—to remember that Covington is still a small town. A lot of our employees were customers first. In this business, reputation is everything. Word-of-mouth, referral and repeat business are the best advertising we can have.”

DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts is located at 842 N. Collins Blvd. in Covington. 892-2317. delucasjewelry.com.

Women IN Business 27

Inside Look

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Martini Rossie Since 1989, ladies and gentlemen have sought out Martini Rossie for her expertise at haircutting, coloring and styling—and for the undivided personal attention they receive. It’s not surprising that Martini has such a loyal following; always professional, warm and gracious, she immediately puts her guests at ease so that they feel confident and know that they’re in capable hands.

Martini is passionate about creating an upscale experience for her clients. She prides herself on her ability to listen closely and discern what a client dislikes about her appearance and what she hopes to achieve. “I pay attention to every detail. Let’s just say that I can see and hear what my clients have a difficult time describing,” Martini says.

Once she has a clear vision, she puts her experience and talents to work to execute a perfect cut, color and style.

Martini’s extensive and ongoing training is an important investment in her relationships with her patrons.

Several times a year, she consults with coaches specializing in cut and color. She also educates her clients on how to care for and style their own hair between appointments to maximize their experience.

Martini says, “I’m in a partnership with my client; we develop a plan together, and we implement that plan according to her needs.

“I want her to love how she looks when she walks out of my salon.”

M. Rossie, A Fine Salon is located in Downtown Covington. 867-8906.

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Inside Northside

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1. 18-inch black Tahitian pearl strand with 14K gold clasp and cross pendant. Pearl necklace, $15,000; pendant, $12,580. DeBoscq Jewelry, Mandeville, 674-0007. 2. Metal band bracelet with silver fleur-de-lis center accented with black gems, $36. Azure Spa, Mandeville, 727-7676. 3. Curved bar leather bracelet with rhinestone inlays, $145.50. the french mix, Covington, 809-3152. 4. Gabriel & Co. sterling silver bracelet with gold filigree inlaid with onyx gems, $925. Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-5098.

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8 5. Evocateur Berlin golden cuff bracelet with painted design, $338.

Emma’s Shoes and Accessories, Mandeville, 778-2200. 6. Mignon Faget Hive bib necklace, $575. Ballin’s, Covington, 892-0025. 7. New charms and necklace by Waxing Poetic, starting at $26. DeLuca’s, Covington, 892-2317. 8. Unique yellow sapphire and diamond ring with a one-of-a-kind 14kt gold mount for each stone, $2,267.44. Lowe’s Jewelers, Mandeville, 845-4653. 9. Handmade 14k textured Veronica Rose “happy hoop” earrings made with raw blue green aquamarine and facetted clear quartz stones, $268. Rug Chic, Mandeville, 674-1070. 10. Pierced cuff bracelet from the Virgins Saints & Angels Elsa Collection, $372. Fleurt, Covington, 809-8844.

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Deanna Bachemin After 20 years of managing upscale boutiques such as Little Miss Muffin in New Orleans and The Hillyer House in Ocean Springs, Deanna Bachemin decided to bring her expertise and love of retail to the northshore.

Her vision was simple—a shop full of unique gifts for everyone on the list. “I want my customers to be able to pick up a child’s birthday present, a wedding present, a christening gift, a hostess gift, a ‘thought’ for a friend and maybe a little something for themselves—and leave with everything gift-wrapped,” says Deanna.

As a mother of three young children, she is always searching for quality toys that are educational and fun; she also carries beautifully classic baby and children’s clothes.

With an eye for the unusual, Deanna has a wonderful selection of jewelry, handbags, totes, pajamas and New Orleans- and Louisiana-themed items. Because she enjoys discovering new artists, she also has a constantly changing selection of pottery and original art. Many items can be personalized, including glassware and stationery.

“I think my store has been successful because we treat our customers like friends, and we enjoy helping them pick out the perfect present – I buy my merchandise with them in mind,” says Deanna.

All Wrapped Up truly is a one-stop shop, with gifts for everyone from baby to graduate to Mom, and prices for every budget.

Having it all gift-wrapped is just lagniappe.

All Wrapped Up is located at 800 Asbury Dr. in Mandeville. 778-2041.

Women IN Business 29

Inside Look

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Marta and Elizabeth Bragg

Much has changed since Marta Bragg became owner of The Villa in Mandeville. Once-limited shopping options have exploded as the northshore has welcomed families from all over the globe. Yet loyal customers return to The Villa season after season, finding something—and designers—they don’t find just anywhere.

They find Marta and her daughter—at first, older daughter, Nichole; now, younger daughter, Elizabeth—providing knowyou-by-name service in a customer-centric atmosphere with little extras like free alterations and free gift wrap.

“Our policy has been simple from the beginning— treat others the way we want to be treated,” says Marta.

“If a customer can’t get in during the week and asks us to meet her on a Sunday; if she needs to come after closing time; if someone wants a certain color or style from a specific designer, it’s our blessing to do everything we can to help.”

It’s this attitude that makes The Villa feel like homeaway-from-home for its devoted clients. “Sometimes, they just come in to visit,” says Marta. Because she often buys only one in each style and size from a given designer, her customers know they won’t see themselves coming and going. And since she gets to know their likes and dislikes, she’s able to go to market with specific customers in mind.

All this and more make Marta Bragg and The Villa true northshore treasures.

The Villa is located at 1281 N. Causeway Blvd., # 1, in Mandeville. 626-9797. thevilla-mandeville.com.

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Lesley Reynolds

1. Coral and beige chevron Stephanie Johnson briefcase and folding cosmetic case. Briefcase, $95; cosmetic bag, $50.

Arabella Fine Gifts & Home Decor, Mandeville, 727-9787.

2. Rock this raffia volatile wedge all summer, $59. Shoefflé, Covington, 898.6465. 3. Solo Eyewear sunglasses with handcrafted recycled bamboo temples, metal frames, springloaded hinges and 100% UVA/UVB protection lenses, starting at $98. [brown eyed girl], Mandeville, 626-0100. 4. Classic Natural Burlap TOMS, $54. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1789. 5. Sun ’N Sand beach bag, $45. Bora Bora, Mandeville, 951-8454. 6. Step into summer with style in these woven Acorn slippers, $58. George’s Girls, Bay St. Louis, Miss., (228) 216-0558.

Bastille’s is not just for men anymore.

With women’s lines and a new name, Lesley Reynolds has reinvented her original concept and opened Bastille’s Clothing Company in Mandeville. She says, “I thought including women’s styles was an exciting new element that would add dimension to the store. The original idea was to dress a guy to go from work to dinner. Now that goes for women, too.”

Women’s lines like AG Jeans, Bed Stu, Velvet and Michael Kors are included in Bastille’s unique blend of high-quality men’s and women’s sportswear, perfectly complementing selections for men from Thomas Dean, Maker & Company, Big Star, Vineyard Vines and AG Jeans.

A wide variety of accessories like shoes, purses, leather goods and jewelry help transition your casual look from daytime into evening.

After buying a pair of women’s AG Jeans, one customer said, “I love Bastille’s. They have everything that you are looking for.”

A mixture of iron fixtures and distressed wood makes the new Bastille’s a comfortable, relaxing place to shop. Lesley invites former customers to stop in at her new location and reconnect. “We enjoy sharing our knowledge of fabrics, styles and the hottest trends with our clients,” she says.

And if you need to revamp your wardrobe or get rid of that favorite old shirt or pair of jeans, Lesley can help you with that, as well!

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Bastille’s Clothing Company is located at 1901 Hwy. 190 in the Chenier Shopping Center in Mandeville. 626-4220. bastillesclothingcompany.com.

Women IN Business 31

Beverly McQuaid Experience Planet Kids, Experience Excellence.

Beverly McQuaid’s philosophy is simple: “If a child feels loved, safe, valued and validated, that child can flourish and learn and become a loving, giving responsible member of our world and a blessing to others.” Each day at her Planet Kids Academy in Madisonville is spent living out that sentiment.

“I don’t think I arrived at my career, I think it arrived at me,” says Beverly. “I’ve always loved children—the light in their eyes; their innocence and unconditional love for me and for all things. I have a passion to work with children and make every day a fun learning experience for them. But it’s been more than that. I feel like God has placed me here to ensure the children in my care feel good about themselves.”

Beverly recalls her own early school years and a few unpleasant experiences with adults that lowered her self32

Inside Northside

confidence and sense of stability. “When this happens to a child, it jeopardizes the foundation for their lives, their desire or ability to learn and their trust in the world around them,” Beverly says. “At Planet Kids Academy, we strive to see and embrace the whole child.”

That’s been their objective for 20 years, put into action through simple policies like greeting and hugging every student every morning.

Planet Kids Academy operates year-round, offering a full-day program on a three-, fouror five-day-a-week basis for children ages 12 months to 5 years. It was designed from day one to be attractive and inviting to kids and parents, with an abundance of indoor and outdoor spaces. Located on two acres of land and housed in a 7,000-square-foot building in Madisonville, the facility includes a computer center, movement and music studio, an amphitheater and splash pad for warm summer days.

An open floor plan, low child-teacher ratio and a carefully planned daily program make pre-school an exciting adventure in learning.

The curriculum for each class level is designed to provide an integrated approach to physical, emotional, social and cognitive development, with emphasis on the academic skills needed for kindergarten.

Concepts are taught through the use of inquiry, observation, a variety of manipulative materials, and whole language. In addition, children are challenged to reason, think creatively, make decisions and problem solve on an ageappropriate level.

“We encourage our children through positive reinforcement, which fosters self-esteem and self-confidence,” says Beverly. “Our primary mission is to provide a fun, nurturing climate for children to grow and learn, with ageappropriate programs to nurture physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual growth. We celebrate each child’s success so he or she is able to grow into a creative, independent thinker and lifelong learner.” After teaching kids for the past 20 years, one of Beverly’s greatest joys is watching “her” kids move on from Planet Kids and succeed in schools around the parish.

Involving the students’ families is a large component of Planet Kids’ success. “We communicate daily with written reports on each child, send home progress reports twice a

When not at her “day job” as the owner of Planet Kids Academy, Beverly McQuaid is a mom, wife and homemaker, who enjoys exercising, organizing, reading, helping others—and is continuously trying to maintain balance in her life.

“Honestly, when you are the owner, you are always on the job, whether physically present or not. It was rather daunting in the beginning, and if I wasn’t a prayerful person before I began the business, I would have become one quite quickly!” she says.

Staying grounded in prayer gets Beverly over the bumps in the road. She says, “Just like the streets in New Orleans, there are some mild bumps and then there are major pot holes filled with gunk. The struggles in our lives and business are never fun and don’t feel so good.

But you come out so much better, so much stronger and so much more blessed.”

Just as she does with Planet Kids Academy, Beverly believes that “good enough never is” applies to all the other areas of her life, and she strives for perfection in everything she does. “I’ve learned that practice may not always make perfect, but it will make permanent!”

But she quickly adds, “That’s not to say each day will be perfect, because they won’t be, but give it your all. A bit of advice, especially for women: Be patient not only with those around you, but yourself as well. Know when to rest.

We women often feel guilty if we take a lazy day. Just do it! And without the guilt! There are many tomorrows, but only one today. Make it a great day in every way.” year and conduct parent-teacher conferences for every child,” says Beverly.

Parents Tommy and Jete Crosby say, “For all three of our children, Planet Kids was a place of learning, a place to be nurtured and a place to explore new ideas and concepts.

When our children finished their schooling at Planet Kids, they had a true love of learning, which they will carry with them as they move on to elementary school and throughout life. Planet Kids provides the foundation of a lifetime, and for that we are grateful.”

Though the past two decades have been successful ones, the staff continually reevaluates the programs and facility to

assess how they can better serve young families. “Each time we do, we return to the basics,” says Beverly. “Technology is rapidly advancing, but the basic need of a child to be loved for who they are never changes. Before we invest in the latest techno gadget, we need to invest in our faculty and staff, the true heartbeat of our school. Planet Kids attracts certified teachers who share our philosophy of experiential education and respect for the individual child.” Members of the staff are trained in early childhood development, CPR and first aid, and participate in continuing education programs.

To foster an attitude of gratitude and a habit of giving, Beverly’s executive director, faculty and staff choose a monthly theme to offer students, parents and staff opportunities to give to the community through programs such as the Covington Food Bank. “It’s human nature to compare ourselves to people who have more,” says Beverly.

“But when we take time to look at the needs of those less fortunate, it opens our eyes to see the blessings in our lives and to be a blessing to others. We want to offer that perspective to our families.”

As Beverly looks toward the 20th anniversary of Planet Kids Academy, she’s reminded of a quote by Coach Vince Lombardi, “Good enough never is.” “Our staff will relentlessly chase perfection, knowing nothing is perfect,” she says. “We are going to chase perfection in what we do with our students each day, because in the process, we will catch excellence.”

Planet Kids Academy is located at 317 Hwy. 21 in Madisonville. For more information, to schedule a tour or to register for the 2014-2015 school year, visit planetkidsacademy.com or call 845-0377.

Women IN Business 33

The Classic is a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. We hope to see lots of new faces this year.

–Bailey Morse

Bailey Morse Jones Fussell, L.L.P., and the Junior League of Greater Covington Bailey Morse admits a degree in law came to her partly by choice and partly by nature. “My parents told me that as a little girl I could argue with a post,” she laughs. “I was a natural-born debater. As a teenager, I saw the movie Jerry Maguire and thought, ‘I can do that.’” So she was on the road toward a career in sports entertainment law.

That road took an unexpected detour. “I met a boy from Mandeville, fell in love, got married and had two kids,” Bailey says. Now, she’s practicing law at the Jones Fussell firm in Covington and couldn’t be happier. “I stayed home for a while after my first son was born, long enough to admire any woman who does it fulltime,” she says. “My office is my sanctuary, but the rest of my day belongs wonderfully and proudly to my husband and boys.”

Bailey maintains a diverse civil practice that includes wills, estates and all aspects of family law. “My practice is very broad, which makes my days interesting,” she says. “It keeps me a student

of the law. As a wife and mother, I can empathize with many of my clients, because I’ve experienced to some degree the challenges they’re facing. Family court is 90 percent emotion-driven. You can’t unravel the emotions from the legal issues. Our family court judges and their staff do an excellent job. I can’t imagine working before a more professional and cordial group of judges.”

Currently Vice President of Fund Development for the Junior League of Greater Covington, Bailey is taking on the 18th Annual Harvest Cup Polo Classic. She says, “It’s our primary annual fundraiser. The monies we raise go right back into the community through the League’s support of programs such as the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany, which was born out of the League but has grown into its own entity; New Heights Equine Therapy; Project Prom, where we donate dresses, accessories and makeup instruction to local girls in need; and many others. “One of our newer programs is Kids in the Kitchen,” Bailey says. “Through fun hands-on activities, we’re teaching children proper nutrition and the health benefits of exercising and eating well to address the growing childhood obesity problem.”

Although this year’s Harvest Cup Polo Classic is set for fall, no date has been confirmed. “We’re waiting for the Saints’ schedule to be announced,” says Bailey. “You don’t plan a function in South Louisiana on the day of a Saints home game and expect anyone to show up. The Classic is a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, especially for people who’ve never ventured past the overpass in Covington. They can come out and enjoy a beautiful day in the country and help support volunteerism in their community. We hope to see lots of new faces this year.”

Would Bailey recommend that a young girl follow her path? Yes and no. “My parents and grandparents taught my brother and me selflessness,” she says. “Often, I have to sacrifice Bailey time or even family time to do what’s right for my clients. But I believe it will all come back to me. Practicing law—like any other job—cannot be about the paycheck, or you’ll be miserable. I do it because it matches my personality, and it works for me. I’m blessed to be able to work with great people who happen to be really good lawyers. It’s hard work, but I wouldn’t change my life for anything.”

Bailey can be reached at 892-4801 or bmorse@jonesfussell.com.

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Gayle Reuling

JoAnn Forsyth

With her entrepreneurial spirit, Gayle Reuling opened Air Blow Dry Bar and Salon, Louisiana’s first blow-dry bar, in 2012, and recently added a second location in Baton Rouge. Having once been told, “When you have a dream this big, you never minimize it,” Gayle went from a successful one-chair salon in the attic of her house to embracing the blow-dry-bar concept that is swarming the country.

Gayle has a passion for ministry and helping youth. Her husband encouraged her to do something with her gifts to give back to others, and this passion is easily transferred into her business. She truly believes God handpicked each one of her stylists. The culture Gayle creates is about teambuilding, consistency and serving others. She has assembled powerful teams in both locations, with their mission to create a “Wow” experience for every client, every time.

Air is a modern-meets-shabby-chic salon. At the wet bar, typical salon services like cuts, color, makeup, eyelashes and more are offered. The other side is the blow-dry bar, where guests choose from a menu of blowout “airstyles” for only $35. At Air, you can surround yourself with the luxury of a full beauty treatment or simply breeze in and blow out with an airstyle.

Originally a radiologic technologist, JoAnn Forsyth worked her way up the career ladder to her current position—administrative director of both the Slidell Memorial Hospital Imaging Center and the Slidell Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center.

A director at Slidell Memorial for nine years, JoAnn says that education played a large part in her career journey. “Getting my master’s degree helped me to grow as a person and to become more efficient. Slidell Memorial gave me the opportunity to work on large projects. The challenge of the position keeps me motivated to work harder and improve our services.”

With more than 65 employees between the two facilities, managing both can be daunting. JoAnn says it is only possible because of the support of the Senior Management Team and the incredibly dedicated staffs.

“Hiring the right people and giving them the tools they need makes a huge difference,” says JoAnn. “We have a multidisciplinary group of people who work collectively to take care of the patients from the moment they arrive until their procedure or treatment is completed.”

In charge of the day-to-day operations of the centers, JoAnn’s tasks include planning community activities, overseeing all business aspects—and ensuring patient satisfaction. “That is the most rewarding part,” says JoAnn. “We love to see patients get well after finishing chemotherapy, then come back later to celebrate with us.

They hug you, and they look great and feel so much better.

Imagine how good that makes you feel.”

Air Blow Dry Bar and Salon is located at 1111 N. Causeway Blvd. in Mandeville. 626-1402. And 3535 Perkins Rd. in Baton Rouge. 225-819-3238. airdrybar.com.

Slidell Memorial Hospital is located at 1001 Gause Blvd. in Slidell. 280-2200. SlidellMemorial.org.

Women IN Business 35

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Jenny Mutter It’s been a busy 10 years since Jenny Mutter opened Hestia Luxury in Linens, bringing with it the birth of a son, a daughter and an evolution in her inventory.

“I began by carrying linens only, but over the years, my customers have asked me for other things. I’ve added window treatments, shutters, blinds, custom draperies and home accessories,” says Jenny. A friend has joined the business, bringing embroidery and monogram services, too.

“Many people think specialty linens will be out of their price range,” Jenny says, “but I’ve worked hard to carry lines that fit into any budget. I can design your entire bed for you, so no two beds are exactly the same, keeping it within the price range you dictate. And these are readymade linens you can launder at home—not dry-clean only.”

A big seller at Hestia is bamboo bedding. Jenny says, “Bamboo sheets are cooler than cotton, bedbugs and mites won’t live in bamboo, and they’re not expensive.”

For Jenny balance is everything. “I love what I do because I’ve been able to keep my kids and husband first in my life,” she says. “It hasn’t been easy. I opened this shop with no help at age 24, and there was a real learning curve. But 10 years later, I’m able to relax a bit. I want to thank my loyal customers for recommending me and for shopping with me this past decade.”

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Hospital Guild President David Brumfield presents a $12,000 check to St. Tammany Hospital Foundation Executive Director

Charley Strickland, left, and St. Tammany Parish Hospital CEO Patti Ellish. 2. Amanda Dupuy LPN receives the 2014 professional education scholarship from the STPH Medical Staff Committee. From left: Amy Wade RN, department head of nursing - 2 East; Dr. Bob Capitelli, senior vice president and chief medical officer; Dr. Michael Isabelle, emergency services chairman; Dupuy; Dr. Joseph Landers, chief of staff; and Kerry Milton, chief nursing officer. 3. St. Tammany Parish Hospital Chief of Nursing Kerry Milton, left, and St. Tammany Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees Chairwoman Laurie McCants, right, present the 2014 Dorothy L. Blossman Nursing Scholarship

Hestia Luxury in Linens is located at 61 Park Place Dr. in Covington. 893-0490. hestialinens.com. facebook.com/Hestia.linens 36

Inside Northside

to Janiece Weinberger RN. 4. Staffing the new Palm Village in Mandeville are (top) Mimi Lebourgeois, Eleanor Quinn, Luana Naylor, Ana Castillo; (bottom) Susan Hill, Elizabeth Beier, Brynn Habert.

Pamela Hornbeck

Jennifer Pearse Erceg

Owner of The Mix in Mandeville, Pamela Hornbeck has a schedule that would exhaust most women. At The Mix, she offers men’s and women’s clothing and accessories and one of the largest Vera Bradley selections in Louisiana. Under the same roof as The Mix, Pamela, a medical aesthetician, has her skincare clinic, Skin Deep, and Fantasy Tans, an amazing spray tan service. She is also a broker at the Southern Realty Group.

Pamela’s proudest job of all is being mother to her two children, Jacob and Blair.

They motivate her to keep the pace she does. “I want to show them that with hard work, determination and a little vision, your dreams can come true.”

When customers walk into The Mix, they are thrilled to find it warm and inviting, filled with one-of-a-kind clothes for men and women—all perfect for laid-back northshore living as well as the savvy jetsetter. (The exclusive men’s jean bar has a huge selection of denim!)

Pamela’s recipe for success at The Mix is simple. “I want all of my customers to feel welcome and know that we will do our best to make them feel beautiful and look fabulous.”

Everyone who walks into Southern Bridal enters its doors with a desire, a dream or a fantasy of what they envision their special day to be. For four years, owner Jennifer Pearse Erceg has brought a unique experience to each customer to make their dream come true.

Southern Bridal is a one-stop shop for all formal needs, including bridal, mother of the bride, ball gowns and tuxedos. The newly expanded 1,800-square-foot showroom provides a relaxed atmosphere that invites customers to take their time in making their all-important selections.

Jennifer’s experience and passion combine to make her exactly what people expect—and need—when they come to her shop. She is always looking for the newest lines, which customers want to see in a specialty boutique like Southern Bridal. Jennifer has made friends in some special places that allow her to carry exclusive lines that are only available at Southern Bridal, including Essense Of Australia, Stella York, San Patrick by Pronovias, Alfred Sung and Eugenia Couture; a new designer joining the growing family is Sottero Midgley.

Jennifer and her team know that no two customers are alike. They take pride in making everyone feel special with personal attention and unsurpassed service, no matter what the request or the size and formality of the event.

Whatever your special occasion, Jennifer and Southern Bridal can meet any need you have for your day.

The Mix is located at 4480 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville, 727-7649.

Southern Bridal is located at 1200 W. Causeway Approach, Ste. 8 in Mandeville. 985-727-2993. southernbridal.net.

Women IN Business 37

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Shannon Blossman

Gretchen Armbruster

The name Winos and Tacos began as a joke between Shannon Blossman and her husband, Chris. “We were looking for names for our new restaurant/bar/music venue and Chris threw it out, just kidding,” says Shannon, “but it sort of stuck.”

After years of working in the fields of psychology and banking, respectively, the two decided it was time to do something together—something they both loved. “We enjoy crossing the lake to listen to music and we’d visited Guadalupe, Mexico, where the big thing is wine and food pairings. We decided the northshore was ready for an elegant-yet-casual, sophisticated-yet-comfortable food and music restaurant. Before opening, we traveled to New York, Chicago and San Diego looking for ideas,” says Shannon.

The result was the wildly successful Winos and Tacos, where they’ve created an artsy, cozy, elegant, funky vibe with lots of warm wood, copper and some unexpected design elements. The operative word here is fresh: the freshest ingredients in dishes like Oysters Pablo, empanadas, and shrimp and veggie quesadillas; fresh-squeezed juices and in-house syrups in their craft cocktails; and the freshest sounds in New Orleans jazz, blues and funk.

“It’s an exciting time to be in downtown Covington,” Shannon says. “Many of our bands have never crossed the lake before. Once they do, they can’t wait to come back. I’m very blessed to be doing what I love and to be doing it with my best friend.”

Gretchen Armbruster opened her fine art school studio in Covington more than two years ago. Since then, she has seen her art workshop classes become so popular that she had to add more classes and expand her curriculum. “I could never have imagined loving a job so much. Teaching such talented and wonderful people is truly a great thing to wake up and do every day!”

Gretchen also paints for galleries across the country, including Southern Breeze in Jackson, Miss.; Taylor Clark Gallery in Baton Rouge; Pineapple Gallery; and Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor in Mandeville.

Some of her notable work includes the 2004-06 “Crescent City Classic” posters, 12 years of elaborate Bacchus designs and extensive murals in the historic French Quarter Ole Absinthe House. She was featured in the national American Art Collector magazine in its Art of the Horse issue. Her paintings can also be seen in STPH, West Jefferson Hospital and Oschner hospitals, and in many restaurants and homes in the area. Her work was even on the big screen in the movie, He Said She Said.

Gretchen studied with area artists such as David Robert Rosbach, Alan Flattman and David Jinks, and at LSU and John McCrady Art School.

She is well known as a portrait and landscape artist, working in oils, watercolor and pencil.

Winos and Tacos is located at 321 N. Columbia St. in Covington. 809-3029.

Armbruster Artworks Studio is located at 420 N. Vermont St. in Covington. 630-6295. armbrusterartworks.com.

Inside Northside

ACTIVITIES Horseback Riding Swimming Ropes Course Tennis Canoeing Golf Basketball Gymnastics Counselors-In-Training Dance Archery Arts & Crafts Campfire Fun Rope Swing Volleyball Chorus & Drama Trip Day Climbing Tower River Water Blob Cheerleading Flag Twirling Sports Soccer Riflery

LONG-TERM SESSSIONS 1st Session: June 8-June 20 2nd Session: June 22-July 4 3rd Session: July 6-July 18 4th Session: July 20-August 1 SHORT-TERM SESSIONS M Session: June 1-June 6 A Session: June 8-June 13 B Session: June 15-June 20 C Session: June 22-June 27 D Session: June 29-July 4 E Session: July 20- July 25 F Session: July 27-August 1

Sign up now for Summer 2014 Sessions!

Riverview Camp for Girls is a community where your daughters grow in confidence and maturity - all while having a great time in a safe, carefree and wholesome environment.

Susan and Larry Hooks, Owners and Directors • For more information, call (800) 882-0722. Riverview Camp for Girls, P.O. Box 299, Mentone, AL 35984 www.riverviewcamp.com

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HOUSE CALLS? If you’re of a certain age, you may have a dim recollection of your family doctor coming to your home when you were ill, carrying their familiar black bag. But house calls have not been expected as part of routine medical care for many decades.

Now, with Personal Care MD, Dr. Brandon Cambre and Dr. Michael Christner are bringing back that level of care to northshore residents. Dr. Cambre says their goal is to provide patients traditional primary and urgent care in an unconventional way. Both family men, they know that in a world where children have to get to soccer practice, dinner has to be made and the laundry must be done, your time is too valuable to spend it in the waiting room or emergency room.

Offering its patients convenience, compassion and choice, Personal Care MD is an appealing alternative to the conventional model of health care. Affordable annual memberships give patients access to 24-hour urgent care—including illness, suturing and other minor

Personal Care MD

Dr. Brandon Cambre and Dr. Michael Christner

injuries—right in the comfort of their own home. In

patient’s overall health and wellness. Dr. Christner

addition to house calls, memberships include same-day

explains that, over time, relationships form and the

appointment scheduling, 24/7 availability and pre-travel

physicians get to know the medical history of a patient

consultation, plus out-of-town access. Because the

in greater detail than most clinical settings.

number of memberships is limited, patients have peace

Both Dr. Cambre and Dr. Christner are board

of mind knowing their calls—and their health—are

certified in emergency medicine and each has more

always of the utmost importance.

than a decade of clinical experience. Dr. Cambre, a

Personal Care MD is the ideal alternative for

graduate of the LSU Medical School in Shreveport, lives

anyone seeking personalized primary care and

in Madisonville with his wife and their four children. Dr.

convenient urgent care. For homebound patients,

Christner, a graduate of the LSU Medical School in New

having a doctor who comes to you couldn’t make more

Orleans, resides in Mandeville with his wife and their

sense. One of the doctors’ patients, who is confined to

four children. Both physicians completed their residency

his home, says, “I am so grateful for Dr. Cambre and Dr.

at Earl K. Long in Baton Rouge.

Christner. Because they come to see me at home, I do

Join them and become a part of the Personal Care

not have the frustration and stress of going to a doctor’s

MD family. When you do, you know that you and your

office. They have made my life so much easier.”

family will be taken care of in sickness and in health—

This unique approach to health care allows for

quickly, conveniently and compassionately.

longer visit times, resulting in more thorough patient evaluations. More time with each patient allows doctors to focus on prevention and early detection. Patients receive a yearly comprehensive physical, including lab work and an EKG. After completing the physical, the physicians create a tailored plan to improve the

Personal Care MD is located at 3916 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville. 778-2330. personalcaremd.net.

May-June 2014 171

the

Creating Dreams Irish dancer Ariel Assaf “We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams.”

– attributed to Angela Monet

by Poki Hampton

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WHEN 9-YEAR-OLD ARIEL ASSAF first saw Riverdance, the traditional Irish step-dancing show, she fell in love with Irish dancing and immediately began taking classes in Metairie. Now, she is helping other children and adults enjoy the fun.

Ariel began competing nationally when she was only 10 and stayed at the champion level for 12 years, earning many first place titles while studying with world-renowned teacher Maureen Hall and at the McConomy School of Irish Dancing in Derry, Ireland. She also enjoyed performing in ballet, tap, lyrical, opera and musical theatre after her stage debut as Young Kim in Showboat.

Since retiring from competition, Ariel has choreographed and appeared in many productions at area venues, including the University of New Orleans

Inside Northside

and the Jefferson Performing Arts Society. (Yes, she is the daughter of JPAS director Dennis Assaf.) She was named Best Supporting Actress by the Big Easy Awards in 2013 for her role as Clara in The Light in the Piazza at Tulane University.

In 2007, Ariel moved to Orlando to work as a stilt-walker and dancer at Walt Disney World. Cast in Mickey’s Original Once Upon a Christmas, she was also part of the Animal Kingdom Parade, where she danced on stilts and roller skates.

In 2012, Ariel formed Northshore Irish Dance Academy with the help of her colleague Jan Gunter and many enthusiastic parents. The troop includes students from St. Tammany, Washington and Tangipahoa parishes. “Anyone can usually master the first steps and soon share in the enthusiasm and fun

photos: AMANDA WEIR

of Irish dance,” says Ariel.

The Druids are said to have been the first dancers on the Emerald Isle. Later, the Celts used dancing as part of religious rituals and were a major influence on today’s Irish dancing. Over hundreds of years, Irish dancing changed, but kept certain aspects of the original.

During the 17th century, penal laws were forced on the Irish by the English that banned dancing, music and other cultural activities. Even speaking Gaelic, the Irish language, was forbidden. It is said that during this time, the Irish, who loved dancing, would close the bottom half of their doors so that the soldiers could not see their feet moving when they danced. They kept their arms rigid by their sides.

In the 18th century, dance teachers, called dance masters, traveled the countryside teaching locals the art of dancing, mostly gigs and reels.

They were usually accompanied by a fiddler or piper. Dance masters helped to spread the Irish culture throughout the island. Most students did not know their right foot from their left. To help them distinguish between the two, the master would tie one foot with hay and the other with straw rope.

Thus, he would instruct them to lift “hay-foot” or “straw-foot” as required. Dance masters appeared at festivals, or “feiseanna,” throughout their territories. The dancing style was very contained, with no arm movement, but with quick leg movements while traveling across the stage or table top!

During the 19th century, the Great Potato Famine devastated Ireland. Many Irish perished from starvation, and those who could left Ireland for a better life. The Gaelic League was formed in the late 19th century to promote and preserve Irish culture and customs, including dance.

Today, jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas and step dances are performed. Solo dancing became popular at the end of the 18th century. The Irish word “ceili” originally meant a gathering of people for an enjoyable time of dancing and playing music. Now, it refers to an informal evening of dance. The “ceili” can be traced back to prefamine times when dances were held on Sunday evenings

in the summer at a crossroads, where a fiddler usually provided the music.

Appropriate dress in the early days was “Sunday best.” Today, clothing worn by dancers commemorates the clothing of the past. Most of the dresses are decorated with hand-embroidered Celtic designs. A Tara brooch, holding a cape, is worn on the shoulder and the hair is worn in spiral curls. Earlier male dancers wore simpler clothing, a plain kilt and jacket or vest, with a folded cloak draped over the shoulder; today, men and boys wear a shirt, vest and tie with black pants.

Proper dancing shoes are important for competitive dancers. Soft shoes called “ghillies” are worn by girls only while boys wear black leather shoes called “reel” shoes.

If you have ever seen an Irish dance performed you may recall the rhythmic tapping from hard shoes that in years past had wooden or leather “taps” with metal nails. Today’s hard shoes are made of leather with resin or fiberglass taps to reduce the weight and make the sounds richer and louder.

While Irish dancing was valued in the 20th century, it wasn’t until the success of Riverdance in 1994 that it became popular worldwide. Riverdance is a theatrical show consisting of traditional Irish step dancing that is known for its rapid leg movements while the body and arms are kept largely stationary. The North American touring production of Riverdance, which opened in New York in 1996, played its final performance there in June 2012, but is still being performed in Europe.

Currently finishing work on her master’s degree at Southeastern, Ariel Assaf will teach a five-day summer camp for ages 3-18 that is designed to introduce students to Irish culture, dance and music. Irish songs will be taught by former opera singer, and now local vocal coach, Nancy Ross. Ariel says, “When I see my students dance in front of people, I notice how they start to feel the spirit of the dance and the Irish music. It is really fun!”

For more information, call (504) 453-3961 or visit northshoreirishdancers.com.

May-June 2014 173

IN the Spotlight Lark in the Park

Friends of City Park held its annual “Lark in the Park” in March to benefit the restoration of City Park’s historic carousel.

The patron party in the Pavilion of Two Sisters was followed by the gala in the New Orleans Botanical Gardens. Entertainment was provided by Anaïs St. John and Flow Tribe.

Guests enjoyed The Flying Horse, a specialty cocktail from the Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar and small tastings from 40 of the top New Orleans restaurants.

Raffles were held for a Vespa and Subaru Forester. A live auction was hosted by Mark Romig and Juli Miller Hart.

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1. Jacqueline Vidrine, Maureen O’Brien and Carol Ballantine at the Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West Community Partners Breakfast.

2. Lucille and Frank St. Romain with Jeff and Melita St Romain at the breakfast. 3. Sharon Drucker, Don Shea and Mayor Donald Villere. 4.

Sue Meyer with Jim and Mary Lee. 5. Rick and

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Judy Jennings, recently featured as a “Milestone Couple” in Inside Northside, celebrate their 50th Anniversary at a surprise party at their home in Covington. 6. Alfred Irion, Lance Lyons, party hosts Ed and Michelle Biggs, and Mike Fisher at the Jennings’ surprise party. 7. Jane and Henry Roberts. 8. Jim Riegler, Rick Jennings and David Gustin. 9. John Hantel, Bonnie Louque, Jennifer and Richard Traina, and Bob Louque.

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May-June 2014 175

IN

the Spotlight

Ben Bracelets “Never Retreat, Never Surrender” is the motto inscribed on the thousands of yellow bracelets being worn by Ben Blanchard’s family and friends to show their support in his fight against cancer.

They are yellow, which is the color chosen to fight Ben’s illness, sarcoma. The bracelets are sent out with one caveat—those who accept one must send back a picture showing them wearing the bracelet. The photos serve as a constant reminder to Ben that he is not fighting this battle alone—he is joined by literally thousands of friends and family members.

INside Peek

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St. Joseph’s Day Altars

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1. Siiri and Lenny Quick at the traditional St. Joseph’s Altar they have shared with family and friends

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for more than 20 years. 2. Frank and Maria Pyburn of DiCristina’s Restaurant celebrate St. Joseph’s Day with their annual St. Joseph Altar. 3. Denise Ragan and Brittany Quick. 4. Robin Hurley, Rhonda Eckholdt and Stacey Monaghan.

Send your submissions to peek@insidenorthside.com.

May-June 2014 177

IN the Spotlight Children’s Museum of St. Tammany Celebration

As guests arrived for “All Aboard,” the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany’s annual Celebration fundraiser, a “kiddie” train shuttled them from their cars to the Castine Center.

The highlight of the evening was the “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” raffle. Mistress of Ceremony Margaret Orr and Master of Ceremony Doug Mouton kept the night moving, as did music by the Mandeville High Jazz Band and the main entertainment of the night, Groovy 7.

Guests feasted on food from more than 40 area restaurants and liquid concoctions from Champagne Beverage, Acquistapace’s Supermarket and more. Zoe’s Bakery provided the artistic dessert spectacular.

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INside Peek 1. Steven Putt, Lynn Abide and Carolyn Elder of Saks Fifth Avenue hosted the kickoff for the northshore marching group of Prima Donnas, Guardians of Haute Couture. Celebrating the Boob Tube theme and its various networks, the colorful and imaginative costumes garnered quite a bit of attention in the streets of the 1

French Quarter. 2. The mother-daughter duo of Jennifer

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Pearse Erceg as Wonder Woman from the Movie Channel and Donna Pearse representing Mexico from the Travel Channel. 3. Sandy Burch, Page McClendon,

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Susanne Core, Patti Ellish, Laurie McCants and Marie Hammons dressed as the Weather Channel. 4. Yvette Jemison as FRO-zen depicting the Weather Channel.

5. Debbie Evans as Cinderella from the Disney Channel. 6. Jennifer Messina, Rena Roberto and Keather O’Connell representing QVC Home Shopping. 7. Brittany Growden and Hali Ungar. 8. Carla Buchholz, Jennifer Jehn and Susan Russell at the national Keep America Beautiful conference

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where Mandeville was awarded Most Innovative Program in the country for its anti-litter high school program, in addition to earning the President’s Circle Award. 9. JuJu’s Boutique employees Sarah Flores, Noelle Mitcham, and Danielle Sievert at the Fashion Friday event at The Market at Chenier.

10. Susan Kurzweg, Lynn Clifford and Lizby Eustis host a shower for Molly Molloy Gambel and Kyle Catlett in anticipation of their upcoming wedding.

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May-June 2014 179

INside Peek

Carnival Time!

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1. Cindy Nunez, Jennifer Rice, Susan 3

Illing, Jill Champagne and Priscilla Morse gathered for a fun carnival lunch. 2. K

4

Gee’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar owner Kathy Williams with Emeril Lagasse at Endymion. 3. Dave and Michelle Kelsey, monarchs of the Push Mow parade in Abita Springs. 4. Enjoying SSA’s Mardi Gras Mambo for the Olympia parade 5

are Mary Paille Mochon, ’96, with her son, Henry; Amber Seal; faculty member Bonnie Paille; Summer Seal; Lesa Paille Seal, ’92; and Catherine Paille. 5. Dr. Liza Ledet of Mandeville Animal Hospital with actor Ian Somerhalder, the celebrity 6

monarch of the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws in Mandeville. 6. Michael Johnson, Maggie Murphy and E.J. Hummel joined other alums from the SPS and SSA classes of 2010 along the parade route.

7. Shepard Perrin, Corky Haden with Julie Hughs on Mardi Gras Friday. 8. Mark and Emilie Schenck at the Krewe of Athenians

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ball. 9. The Fontainebleau High School Color Guard prepares to march in the Krewe of Thoth parade.

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IN the Spotlight Inside Northside’s Meet the Artist Party The first day of spring was perfect for Inside Northside’s Artist Party honoring the March-April issue’s cover artist, Rolland Golden. The Community Center at Christwood was the setting for the celebration. Approximately 150 people, including many residents of Christwood, spilled out onto the patio and lounge area.

Golden and his wife, Stella, were greeted by many old friends among the guests, who were excited to see the exhibit of his new works.

Christwood’s dining services served a delicious buffet of baked Brie and salmon, fresh fruit, cheeses, shrimp cocktails, bruschetta, Louisiana antipasto, a chocolate fountain and pastries. As wine and other beverages flowed, couples danced to the music of Christian Serpas and George Neyrey from Ghost Rider.

Guests toured the new wellness facility, which includes a 25-yard, sixlane indoor heated salt water pool, exercise room, aerobic studio, arts and crafts studio, pool and poker tables, and a juice bar. The Lotus Day Spa offers skin care and a hair salon.

May-June 2014 181

IN the Spotlight Youth Service Bureau’s Chef Soirée

Bogue Falaya Park in Covington was the scene of the 30th annual Chef Soirée fundraiser for the Youth Service Bureau.

The evening was dedicated to the late Frank Davis, a local TV personality.

The marching group 610 Stompers opened the event with a parade. Dressed in their “New Orleans Chic” attire, attendees swayed to music by the Boogie Men, The Meanies, The Wagners and Soul Revival. Cajun fiddler and northshore resident Amanda Shaw joined Soul Revival for a jam session.

More than 85 local restaurants and food vendors served culinary samplings, including Mellow Mushroom’s pizza samples and Oil and Vinegar’s bowls of spinach and artichoke salad.

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INside Peek

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1. Team Swine Krewe took home the Hogs for a Cause Pork-Pourri trophy for a maple and bacon macaroon.

2. The spokespig for Team Piggy Stardust gathered a hungry crowd.

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3. Candice Church, former Saint Will Smith, Mike Church and Bill Terry at the Death Chefs’ tent. 4. Hank

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Holland at his opening at Christwood’s Atrium Gallery with his wife Maria, Tom Rue, Flora Neff, Pam Rue and Beth Wiedemann. 5. Mandeville High School’s Tri Theta Club president Sydney Powell and her mother, Gina, at the club’s annual Mother Daughter Tea at Benedict’s Plantation. 6. Anne Bailey Girault and Paul Tilly before the 4

SSA Senior Prom. 7. Olivia Ulfers and Evan Saacks at the Lakeshore

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High prom. 8. Posing before the SSA Prom. 9. Virginia Stewart, Sarah Prather, Meghan McNeely, Anne Bailey Girault and Madeline Luke before the SSA Prom.

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May-June 2014 183

INside Peek

1. New member of The West St. Tammany Exchange Club, Col. (Ret.) Pete McClenahan (left), with member John Gavel.

2. SSA observed the Feast Day of Saint Scholastica with a Mass. Committee members: Melanie Pender, Sharon

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Regard, Stephanie Ruli, Joan Chifici, Nikki Mena, Jeanelle Scheurich, Kristi Lambert, Lisa A. Darce, Mercie Vargas and Susan Carter. 3. Members of the Northshore Kiwanis Club of Mandeville sell beverages at the

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Trailhead’s Live series to benefit the Eliminate Project. Front row, left to right: Erin Powell, Julianna Mabee, Connie Cossich and Judy Hankel; back row, left to right: Dan Trotter and Olga Marquette. 4. “Best Mannered Teacher Essay” award winners at the Junior Cotillion’s Oriental Ball.

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Send your submissions to peek@insidenorthside.com.

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Inside Northside

IN the Spotlight A Day for Girls’ Health Hundreds of girls spent a day exploring healthy lifestyles and learning about building self-esteem and making great choices as they grow into womanhood during the fifth annual A Day for Girls’ Health presented by Slidell Memorial Hospital and Junior Auxiliary of Slidell.

Held at the SMH Regional Cancer Center, teen and pre-teen girls participated in a range of activities and visited 40 informational booths. Activities included Zumba workouts, mini-makeovers, learning design tips and a fashion show that featured local high school students as models. Door prizes, free giveaways and beauty treats were also given out.

IN the Spotlight Jazz on the Bayou

The two-day fundraising party that is Jazz on the Bayou, which celebrated its 22nd year, was held at Chateau Kole on the picturesque bank of Bayou Liberty near Slidell.

All proceeds benefit Easter Seals of Louisiana and STARC, as well as several other charitable causes.

The Storyville Stompers greeted guests. Inside the party, Bobby Ohler and the Harbor Band took the stage. And of course, legendary piano player Ronnie Kole performed. Guests were treated to a wide range of food and libations and bid on items in live and silent auctions, including jewelry, trips, sports memorabilia, dinners, artwork, cruises and more.

Over the years, Jazz on the Bayou has raised more than $1 million for charity.

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Inside Northside

IN Great Taste

by Poki Hampton

Beef Kabobs 3 lbs top sirloin, cut into 1½-inch cubes. (To make it quick and easy, have the butcher cut and trim the top sirloin.)

Marinade ¼ C thinly sliced green onions 5 T soy sauce 3 T brown sugar 2 garlic cloves, minced 3 T red wine vinegar 2 tsps sesame oil ½ tsp Creole seasoning

Celebrating Memorial Day Memorial Day is the traditional start of summer.

Throw a backyard bash with these easy yet tasty recipes.

Juice of 1 lime

Marinate meat for one hour.

Discard marinade after removing the meat.

Kabobs 1 green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 red pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 pint cherry tomatoes 2 zucchini, cut into one-inch pieces 1 pint button mushrooms

Cilantro Grilled Corn on the Cob 8 ears fresh corn 1 stick butter, softened Juice of 1 lime Zest of 1 lime 1 tsp garlic powder 2 T fresh cilantro Salt and pepper to taste

Shuck and clean corn. Make a paste of butter, lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder and fresh cilantro. Rub on corn and wrap in foil. Place on top grill rack and cook, turning often, 10-12 minutes or until done. Serves 8.

If using bamboo or wooden skewers, soak them for 30-60 minutes in water before threading ingredients.

Alternate beef and vegetables on skewers, leaving a small space between so the heat can circulate and the kabobs can cook evenly.

If you make the kabobs ahead of time, bring them to room temperature before grilling. Put a strip of foil on the edge of the grill to protect the ends of the skewers. Space kabobs evenly on grill and turn as necessary to cook all sides. Cook 6-8 minutes.

Let kabobs rest a few minutes before serving. Serves 8.

May-June 2014 187

IN Great Taste

Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Feta 1 bag baby spinach leaves, washed and dried 1 pint strawberries, sliced 1 6-oz carton feta cheese, crumbled 1/2 C candied walnuts

Mix together and drizzle with balsamic dressing. Serves 8.

Red, White and Blue Sangria 2 bottles dry white wine or red sangria wine 1 C brandy ½ C blueberries ½ C strawberries, sliced ½ C raspberries 1 whole fresh pineapple 1 liter lemon lime soda 2 C fresh orange juice

Ahead of time, freeze the fresh orange juice in a freezer-proof container. Peel pineapple and cut into large thin pieces. Cut stars from pineapple using a small star cookie cutter or freehand. (Save remaining pineapple for another use.) Mix all ingredients in a large punch bowl or drink dispenser. Chill at least one hour. Add the frozen orange juice to keep the mixture cold. Serve in festive glasses. Serves 8.

188

Inside Northside

Twig Motif

Decorate the Door

Double Duty

Serve up a refreshing salad in this coiled

A nautical-themed wreath makes everyone

Fill the colander with fresh fruit. Funny,

pewter oval salad bowl with twig motif

feel welcome. – Water Street Wreaths

functional and unique people made out of

salad servers – the french mix

forks. Did the salt and pepper run away with the spoon? – All Wrapped Up

Set the stage for celebration!

Cover Up

Made in America

How Corny

Keep the critters away from your food with

Governor’s Pool Lantern by Bevolo Gas

Serve Cilantro Grilled Corn on the Cob

this rattan and glass cheese keeper.

& Electric Lights. – Bevolo Gas & Electric

on this vintage serving set.

– deCoeur

Lights

- Walker House

May-June 2014 189

IN Great Taste

INside Dining MCC: Major credit cards accepted ME: Menu Express delivery RR: Reservations recommended ABITA SPRINGS Abita Barbecue, 69399 Hwy. 59, 4005025. Ribs, brisket, chicken, pulled pork and boudin. MCC. Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St., 8925837. On the Trace. Good food, great beer. Lunch, dinner. abitabrewpub.com.

MCC.

St., 867-9950. Southern cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tues-Sun. MCC. Camellia Café, 69455 Hwy. 59, 8096313. Traditional seafood and New Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.com.

1¼ C graham cracker crumbs

MCC. Mama D’s Pizza & More, 22054 Hwy.

5 T unsalted butter, melted

59, 809-0308. Great pizza, sandwiches, pasta, fresh homemade bread. Lunch, dinner. mamadspizza.com.

COVINGTON Acme Oyster House, 1202 Hwy. 190, 246-6155. Established 1910 in New Orleans, 1995 on northshore. Seafood, sandwiches, local favorites. Lunch, dinner. mamdspizza.com. MCC.

3 large egg yolks

Albasha, 1958 Hwy. 190, 867-8292.

2 T grated lime zest

Mediterranean cuisine. albashabr.com.

2/3 C fresh lime juice (6-8 regular limes)

MCC.

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Annadele’s Plantation, 71518 Chestnut

½ C heavy cream

St., 809-7669. Yellow fin tuna, domestic lamb & much more. annadeles.com.

Add egg yolks and 1 tablespoon lime zest to mixer bowl. (Reserve the rest of the zest for garnish.) Mix on high until very thick. Reduce speed and add sweetened condensed milk in a slow stream. Increase speed and mix until thick. Reduce speed to low and add lime juice; mix until combined.

Pour mixture over crust and spread with spatula.

Bake at 350° until set, about 15 minutes, turning halfway through. Let cool; refrigerate overnight. Cut into 2-inch squares. Whip cream with mixer fitted with whisk until it forms stiff peaks. Put a dollop of cream on each square and garnish with a few strands of lime zest. Makes 16 squares.

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Inside Northside

carretasgrill.com. MCC. The Chimes, 19130 W. Front St., 8925396. Lunch and dinner. thechimes.com.

MCC. Coffee Rani, 234-A Lee Ln., 8936158. Soup and salad specialists. coffeerani.com.

Columbia St. Seafood, 1123 N. Columbia St., 893-4312. Seafood platters

Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill, 434 N. Columbia St., 898-0899. Daily specials, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, nights. Lunch, dinner. covingtontaproom. com. MCC, ME. Copeland’s, 680 N. Hwy. 190, 809-9659. Authentic New Orleans

1/3 C sugar

Filling

Private events and catering also provided.

soups and burgers. Live music Thurs-Sat

Crust

Preheat oven to 350°. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter. Press mixture into bottom of 8-inchsquare baking dish. Bake about an hour and 45 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.

and dinner. Kids eat free every Wednesday!

and po-boys. columbiastreetseafood.com.

Abita Springs Café, 22132 Level

Lime Squares

in a family-friendly atmosphere for lunch

MCC, checks.

Bear’s Restaurant, 128 W. 21st St., 892-2373. Best po-boys in the world.

Blue Hickory BBQ, 570380 Hwy. 21, Ste. 9, 871-4216. Meats smoked on site, handmade sausage; brisket, ribs, chicken, seafood and salads. Drive-thru.

Open 7 days a week. bluehickorybbq. com. MCC. Buster’s Place, 519 E. Boston St., 8093880. Seafood, po-boys, steaks. Lunch, dinner. MCC. Carreta’s Grill, 70380 Hwy. 21, 871-6674.

Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served

cuisine. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Online take-out orders at copelandsofneworleans.com. MCC, ME, RR. Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy. 190, 892-3712. Contemporary Louisiana cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients. thedakotarestaurant.com.

MCC, RR. Del Porto Restaurant, 501 E. Boston St., 875-1006. Northern Italian cuisine. delportoristorante.com. MCC, RR. Di Martino’s, 700 S. Tyler St., 276-6460.

Great food and reasonable prices. Lunch, dinner. dimartinos.com. MCC. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 69292 Hwy. 21, 871-2225. Locally-owned and -operated franchise. Kids eat free on Sundays.

MCC. DiCristina’s Restaurant, 810 N. Columbia St., Ste. C, 875-0160.

Conveniently located next to the new Covington Courthouse. Italian and seafood. dicristinas.com. MCC. Don’s Seafood Hut, 126 Lake Dr., 327-7111. Lunch and dinner. donsseafoodonline.com. MCC. Downtown Deli, 400 N. Thread St., 234-9086. Chicken salad, burgers and poboys. Mon-Fri, 10:30am-2:30pm.

MCC.

i

n

s

i

d

e

d

i

n

i

n

g

rolls. Family owned and operated.

El Portal, 1200 Business 190, 867-5367.

neworleansfoodspirits.com. MCC.

The English Tea Room, 734 Rutland

Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery

St., 898-3988. Authentic English cream

and Cafè, 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste.

teas. Special event teas, English scones,

5, 893-1488. Full service, year-round

crumpets and cakes. Serving breakfast

bakery. Luncheon salads, panini, catering,

and lunch. Mon-Sat, 7:30am-6pm.

donuts, kingcakes, cupcakes and

englishtearoom.com. MCC, RR.

wedding cakes. Tues-Sun, open at 7am. nonnaskingcakes.com. MCC.

Four Seasons Chinese Buffet, 600 N. Hwy. 190, 893-3866. MCC.

North Island Chinese, 842 N. Collins Blvd., 867-8289.

Gallagher’s Grill, 509 S. Tyler St., 892-9992. Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sat.

Northshore Empress, 31 Louis Prima

gallaghersgrill.com. MCC, RR.

Dr., 871-6975. northshoreempress.com.

Garcia’s Famous Mexican Food, 200

Osaka West Japanese Restaurant,

River Highlands Blvd., 327-7420.

804 N. Hwy. 190, 871-8199. osakawest.com

Isabella’s Pizzeria, 70452 Hwy. 21, Ste. 500, 875-7620; 1331 Hwy. 190,

Pardos, 69305 Hwy. 21, 893-3603. An

809-1900. Salads, gourmet pizza,

American bistro with a blend of multi-

sandwiches, paninis, calzones and pasta.

cultural cuisine with local flair. Frutta del

isabellaspizzeria.net.

mar pasta, rosemary-grilled shrimp, roasted chicken. Lunch, Tues-Fri; Dinner,

Italian Pie, 70488 Hwy. 21, 871-5252.

Tues-Sun; Happy hour, Tues-Fri, 4-7pm.

Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in

Private parties and catering. pardosbistro.

or carry out. italianpie.com. MCC, checks.

com. MCC.

Jerk’s Island Grill & Daiquiri

Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun

Bar, 70437 Hwy. 21, 893-1380.

Deli, 1248 N. Collins Blvd., 892-7287.

jerksIslandgrill.com.

Jambalaya, gumbo, stuffed artichokes.

MCC, checks, ME.

Lola, 517 N. New Hampshire St., 8924992. Lunch, Mon-Fri; Dinner, Fri-Sat.

Peck’s Seafood & Grill, 70457 Hwy.

Closed Sundays. Daily lunch specials, local

21, Ste. 108, 892-2121. Po-boys,

produce, Louisiana seafood, everything

seafood, burgers and lunch specials.

housemade. lolacovington.com.

MCC.

Mattina Bella, 421 E. Gibson St., 892-

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 70456 Hwy. 21,

0708. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. MCC,

875-7894. Catch your morning buzz at

checks.

this convenient drive-thru! Catering. MCC.

McAlister’s Deli, 206 Lake Dr., Ste. 15,

Pizza Man of Covington, 1248 N.

898-2800. Great sandwiches, salads,

Collins Blvd., 892-9874. Checks, ME.

overstuffed potatoes. mcalistersdeli.com.

MCC, checks.

Renaissance Antiques & Gifts with the Original Soda Fountain & Café

Megumi of Covington, 1211 Village

Cabaret, 322 N. Florida St., 892-7220.

Walk, 893-0406. megumirestaurant.net.

Nostalgic soda fountain for lunch and after school, six days a week.

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers, 1645 Hwy. 190, 327-5407. Salads,

Sake 21 Japanese Restaurant, 70340

pizzas, calzones. 20 craft beers on tap.

Hwy. 21, 809-2640.

Open 7 days a week. Lunch and dinner.

MCC. mellowmushroom.com.

Sala Thai, 315 N. Vermont St., 2496990. Special salads, spring rolls, soups,

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, 104 Lake

noodle and curry dishes. Sun-Thurs,

Dr. #1, 898-6362. menchies.com.

11am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm.

Lunch buffet weekdays, 11am-3pm.

New Orleans Food and Spirits,

salathaibysu.com. MCC.

208 Lee Ln., 875-0432. Grilled fish, smothered rabbit and voodoo crawfish

Sweet Daddy’s, 420 S. Tyler St., 898- >>

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g 2166. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs.

steaks, gulf fish, fresh seafood, house

sweetdaddysbarbq.com. MCC, ME.

specialties. jacmelinn.com. MCC, checks.

Thai Chili, 1102 N. Hwy. 190, 809-

Kirin Sushi, 221 E. Cate St., 542-

0180.

8888. First Japanese sushi restaurant in Hammond! Dragon roll, Kirin roll, sake.

Thai Spice, 1581 N. Hwy. 190, 809-

kirinjapanesecuisine.com. MCC.

6483.

La Carreta Authentic Mexican Thai Taste, 1005 N. Collins Blvd.,

Cuisine, 108 N.W Railroad Ave., 419-

809-7886.

9990. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh food from traditional recipes, outstanding

Tony Bosco’s at TerraBella, 141

service and value. Live music. Lunch

TerraBella Blvd., 612-7250. Authentic

and dinner seven days a week.

Italian cuisine. Lunch, dinner, private

carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

meeting room, catering. tonyboscos.com.

Old MacDonald’s Smokehouse, Vasquez Seafood & Po-Boys, 515

1601 N. Morrison Blvd., 542-7529.

E. Boston St., 893-9336. Cuban

BBQ brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage.

sandwiches and more. vazquezpoboy.

oldmacdonaldsmokehouse.com. MCC,

com. MCC, checks, ME.

checks.

Winos and Tacos, a 321 N. Columbia

Tommy’s on Thomas, 216 W. Thomas

St., 809-3029. Fresh, innovative cuisine

St., 350-6100. Pizza, pastas. Lunch,

by Chef Joel Brown. MCC.

dinner. tommysonthomas.com. MCC, checks.

WOW Café & Wingery, 501 N. Hwy. 190, 892-9691. Wings, burgers, wraps

Tope là, 104 N. Cate St., 542-7600.

and more. MCC.

Contemporary delights. topela.com.

MCC.

Yujin Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, 323 N. New Hampshire St., 809-

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 2100 N.

3840. Japanese cuisine and sushi in a

Morrison Blvd., 345-6789. Innovative

casual atmosphere. MCC.

quality Chinese food served in Imperial surroundings. treyyuen.com. MCC,

Zea Rotisserie & Grill, 110 Lake Dr.,

checks.

327-0520. Inspired American food. zearestaurants.com. MCC.

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2108 W. Thomas St., 345-1131. “Taste our Magic.”

HAMMOND

voodoobbq.com. MCC.

Adobe Cantina & Salsa, 1905 W. Thomas St., 419-0027. Fine

Yellow Bird Café, 222 E. Charles St.,

Mexican cuisine, good spirits, great

345-1112. A great place to start your

friends and fun. Ceviche (marinated

day. Breakfast, lunch. MCC, checks.

fish) and Mexican pasta. Live band.

LACOMBE

adoberestaurant.com. MCC.

Janie Brown’s Restaurant, 27207 Brady’s, 110 SW Railroad Ave., 542-

Hwy. 190, 882-7201. Casual dining with

6333. bradysdowntown.com.

a great atmosphere. MCC, checks.

Cocoa Bean Bakery and Cafe,

La Provence Restaurant, 25020

910 E. Main St., 345-2002.

Hwy. 190, 626-7662. Owner John Besh

Specialty cakes, pastries. Serving

combines hospitality with French cuisine

breakfast and light lunch. Specials.

and welcoming hearths. Dinner, Sunday

thecocoabeanbakery.com. MCC.

brunch. laprovencerestaurant.com. MCC, checks. RR.

Don’s Seafood & Steak House, 1915 S. Morrison Blvd., 345-8550.

Sal & Judy’s, 27491 Hwy. 190, 882-

donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

9443. Great food and line of retail products. Family-owned for 27 years.

Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris St.,

Veal is the house specialty. salandjudys.

542-0043. Catering, special events,

com. MCC, RR.

weddings. Casual fine dining, chargrilled

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MADISONVILLE Hook’d Up Riverside Bar and Grill,

Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59.,

100 Marina Del Ray Dr., 845-8119.

809-2929. Breakfast, lunch, Tues-Sun.

Burgers, wings, hot dogs and specials.

7am-2pm. Breakfast served until 10:30am on weekdays and all day Saturday and

Keith Young’s Steakhouse, 165 Hwy.

Sunday. Reserve Fat Spoon Cafe for your

21, 845-9940. Steak, crab cakes. Lunch,

next party. fatspooncafe.com. MCC.

dinner, Tues-Fri. keithyoungs.net. MCC. Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse, 1841 Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar,

N. Causeway Blvd., 624-9704. Fresh fish

702 Water St., 845-4970. Relaxed

daily, aged beef, traditional Italian. Lunch,

atmosphere, seafood, daily specials.

dinner. fazziosrestaurant.com. MCC,

Lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.

ME, RR.

Water St. Bistro, 804 Water St.,

Franco’s Grill,100 Bon Temps Roule,

845-3855. Casual ambiance on the

792-0200. Fresh organic foods for

Tchefuncte. Lunch and dinner, Wed-Sun.

breakfast, lunch and takeout. myfrancos.

mortonsseafood.com. MCC.

com/dining. MCC.

MANDEVILLE

George’s Mexican Restaurant, 1461

The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore Dr.,

N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4342. Family

727-7420. Serving 130 styles of beer, call

owned. Fajitas, George’s nachos, Carne

and premium liquors. Lunch and dinner.

al la Parrilla. Best top-shelf margaritas in

thebarleyoak.com. MCC.

town. georgesmexicanrestaurant.com.

MCC, ME.

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 4700 Hwy. 22, 674-9090. Bear’s po-boys and more.

Gio’s Villa Vancheri, 2890 E. Causeway

bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.

App., 624-2597. Sicilian specialties by 5-star chef Gio Vancheri. Lunch and

Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 Lovers

dinner, Mon-Sat. giosvillavancheri.com.

Ln., 626-4557. Traditional New Orleans

MCC. RR.

cuisine. Dinner, Sunday brunch. benedictsplantation.net. MCC.

Hong Kong Restaurant, 2890 E. Causeway App., 626-8222. MCC.

Bosco’s Italian Café, 2040 Hwy. 59, 624-5066. boscositalian.com.

Isabella’s Pizzeria, 2660 Florida St. (in the Florida Street Market),

Broken Egg Café, 200 Gerard St.,

674-5700. Salads, gourmet pizza,

231-7125. Excellent choice for brunch!

sandwiches, paninis, calzones and pasta.

Pasta, specialty salads, sandwiches.

isabellapizzeria.net.

anotherbrokenegg.com. MCC. Italian Pie, 4350 Hwy. 22, 626-5252.

Café Lynn Restaurant and Catering,

Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in

3051 E. Causeway App., 624-9007.

or carry out. italianpie.com. MCC, checks.

Casual fine dining for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch by Chef Joey Najolia.

Joyce and Johnny’s, 1461 N.

Tues-Fri, lunch: 11am-3pm. Dinner, 5pm.

Causeway Blvd., Ste. 11, 727-7727.

Catering provided. cafelynn.com. MCC.

Soups, salads, stuffed potatoes, sandwiches, po-boys.

Chili’s Bar & Grill, 3420 Hwy. 190, 7272771. Fajitas and the Awesome Blossom.

Jubilee Restaurant and Courtyard,

Lunch, dinner. chilis.com. MCC, ME.

301 Lafitte St., 778-2552. Contemporary Louisiana cuisine for dinner, lunch by

Coffee Rani, 3517 Hwy. 190, 674-0560.

Chef Tory Stewart. Casual fine dining,

Soup and salad specialists.

daily lunch/dinner specials, private events, catering. jubileerestaurantcourtyard.com.

Coscino’s Pizza, 1817 N. Causeway Blvd., 727-4984. New York hand-tossed

K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 626-0530.

pizza and Italian foods cooked on stone

Featuring Louisiana seafood with raw

using the finest ingredients. MCC.

oysters 1/2 price on Tuesdays. Express lunch and daily lunch specials under

Country Kitchen, 2109 Florida St., 626-

$10. Mon-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat,

5375. countrykitchenrestaurants.com.

11am-10pm. kgeesrestaurant.com. MCC.>>

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g American cuisine with fresh, local La Carreta Authentic Mexican

ingredients. Family-friendly atmosphere.

Cuisine, 1200 W. Causeway App., 624-

Lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesdays.

2990. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh food from traditional recipes, outstanding

Petunia’s Place, 2020 Hwy. 59, 674-

service and value. Live music. Lunch

3436. petuniasplace.com.

and dinner seven days a week. carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

Pinkberry, 3460 Hwy. 190, 612-7306.

Pinkberry is the original tart frozen yogurt

La Madeleine French Cafe, 3434 Hwy.

that is the perfect balance of sweet and

190, 626-7004. lamadeleine.com.

tangy paired with high quality, fresh cut fruit and premium dry toppings.

The Lakehouse, 2025 Lakeshore

pinkberry.com.

Dr., 626-3006, events 778-2045.

Restaurant open. Call for reservations.

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy.

lakehousecuisine.com. MCC.

190, 674-1565. Catch your morning buzz at the convenient drive-thru! Catering.

Little Tokyo, 590 Asbury Dr.,

pjscoffee.com. MCC.

727-1532. littletokyosushi.com.

Rip’s on the Lake, 1917 Lakeshore Dr., Louie & The Redhead Lady,

727-2829.

2820 E. Causeway App., 626-6044. louieandtheredheadlady.com.

Ristorante Carmelo & Pizzaria, 1901 Hwy. 190, 624-4844. Family-oriented

Macaroni Grill, 3410 Hwy. 190, 727-

Italian cuisine. Lunch and dinner. MCC.

1998. Penne rustica, pasta Milano, other Italian favorites. Lunch, dinner.

Rusty Pelican, 500 Girod

macaronigrill.com. MCC, ME.

St., 778-0364. Lunch, dinner. rustypelicanbythelake.com. MCC.

Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App., 6269047. Serving breakfast and lunch, daily

Sake Gardens Japanese Restaurant,

specials.

1705 Hwy. 190, 624-8955.

Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in

Sesame Inn, 408 N. Causeway Blvd.,

Azalea Square Shopping Center,

951-8888. Finest Chinese cuisine.

674-9883. Seafood, Creole and Italian. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

The Scotts’ Coffee Bar, 201 Carroll St.,

mandinasrestaurant.com.

231-7632. Open seven days. Gourmet coffee & tea. Breakfast and lunch items

Megumi Japanese Cuisine, 4700

available. Evening tapas menu - Fri and

Hwy. 22, Suites 11 and 12, 845-1644.

Sat, 6-10. thescottscoffeebar.com.

Yakimono and sushi bar. Lunch, dinner. megumirestaurant.com.

Smoothie King, 1830 W. Causeway App., 626-9159. Smoothies.

MiMamacita’s New Mexican Cuisine,

smoothieking.com. MCC, checks.

2345 Florida St., 674-1400. Great food and margaritas. Lunch, dinner, catering.

Taqueria Noria, 1931 Hwy. 59, 727-

MCC.

7917. Lunch, dinner.

Monster Po-Boys, 1814 N. Causeway

Times Bar & Grill, 1896 N. Causeway

App., 626-9183. Lunch, dinner.

Blvd., 626-1161. Famous hamburgers, starters, steaks and more. Lunch, dinner.

N’Tini’s, 2891 N. Hwy. 190, 626-5566.

timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

Steaks, martinis. Lunch specials. Mon.Sat. ntinis.com. MCC.

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 600

Nuvolari’s, 246 Girod St., 626-5619.

China cuisine with Louisiana flair. Lunch,

In Old Mandeville. Italian cuisine for fine

dinner. treyyuen.com. MCC, checks.

N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4476. Quality

dining daily for dinner or special events.

MCC. nuvolaris.com.

Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St., 624-5683. A full café menu with over 120

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The Old Rail Brewing Company,

loose leaf and speciality teas. Breakfast,

639 Girod St., 612-1828. Homemade

lunch. viannes.com. MCC.

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6196. Meet under the water tower for VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2999 Hwy.

Ahhhfull-waffles, Sugar Watcher specials.

190 E., 629-2021. “Taste our Magic.”

Breakfast, lunch. lapinescafe.com. MCC,

voodoobbq.com. MCC.

checks.

PONCHATOULA

Michael’s, 4820 Pontchartrain Dr.,

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant,

649-8055. Steaks, seafood, veal, duck,

30160 Hwy. 51, 386-6666.

eggplant au gratin. Extensive wine

middendorfsrestaurant.com.

selection. Dinner.

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

Nathan’s Restaurant, 36440 Old Bayou

Cuisine, 147 N.W. Railroad Ave.,

Liberty Rd., 643-0443. Waterfront dining

370-0930. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

featuring seafood, steaks and pasta.

fresh food from traditional recipes,

MCC.

outstanding service and value. Live music.

Lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Nola Southern Grill, 1375 Gause Blvd.,

carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

201-8200. Burgers, ribs, steaks, pasta, sandwiches and seafood. MCC.

Taste of Bavaria Restaurant & Bakery, 14476 Hwy. 22, 386-3634.

Palmettos on the Bayou,

Charming Bavarian bungalow, European-

1901 Bayou Ln., 643-0050.

style breakfast, German-style lunch.

palmettosrestaurantslidell.com.

tasteofbavariastaurant.com. MCC, checks.

Peck’s Seafood Restaurant, 2315 SLIDELL

Gause Blvd. E., 781-7272. Po-boys,

A Touch of Italy Café, 134 Pennsylvania

seafood, burgers and lunch specials.

Ave., 639-0600. Seafood, veal,

MCC.

steaks, daily specials. Lunch, dinner. kathrynandcompany.com. MCC, checks.

Smoothie King, 150 Northshore Blvd., 781-3456. Low-fat health drinks.

Assunta’s, 2631 Hwy. 190 W., 649-

smoothieking.com. MCC, checks.

9768. Italian food, extensive wine selection. Dinner. assuntas.com. MCC,

Tacos and Beer, 2142 Front St., 641-

checks.

4969. Lunch, dinner and late-night.

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 550 Gause

Times Bar & Grill, 1827 Front St.,

Blvd., 201-8905. Po-boys and more.

639-3335. Famous hamburgers,

bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.

starters, steaks and more. Lunch, dinner. timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

Sapphire, 2306 Front St., 288-4166.

Sunday brunch, live entertainment, fine

The Wine Market, 2051 E. Gause

wines and spirits. Open seven days a

Blvd., 781-1177. Deli restaurant, lunch,

week. bistrodelareine.com. MCC.

11am-3pm. Sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps. MCC and checks.

Bonnie C’s, 1768 Front St., 2885061. Home-style Italian, seafood, and barbecue.

NEW ORLEANS/SOUTHSHORE Café Giovanni, 117 Rue Decatur, (504)-529-2154. Dinner, Sun-Thurs,

Camellia Cafe, 525 Hwy. 190, 649-

5:30-10pm. Fri-Sat, 5:30-11pm. Live

6211. Traditional seafood and New

Entertainment Wed, Thurs, and Friday

Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.com.

Evenings. . Cafegiovanni.com. RR.

MCC. Criollo Resturant and Lounge at Hotel Carreta’s Grill, 137 Taos St., 847-0020.

Monteleone, 214 Royal St., (504)-523-

Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served

3340. hotelmonteleone.com/criollo/.

in a family-friendly atmosphere for lunch and

MCC, RR

dinner. carretasgrill.com. MCC. Restaurant R’evolution, 777 Bienville KY’s Olde Towne Bicycle Shop, 2267

St., (504)-553-2277. Located at the

Carey St., 641-1911. Casual dining in

Royal Sonesta Hotel. Offering modern,

former bicycle shop. Kids’ menu. Lunch,

imaginative reinterpretations of classic

dinner. kysoldetowne.com. MCC, checks.

Cajun and Creole Cuisine. Triptych of Quail and Oysterman’s spaghettini.

La. Pines, 1061 Robert St., 641-

Revolutionnola.com. RR.

May-June 2014 195

Northshore Living

by Lauren Parrish

Seasonal Maintenance for Your Home and Yard down, you’re going to have less routine maintenance,” says Robert. The kind you should use depends on what type of grass you have. “It’s time-released, so it not only knocks out the weeds that grow; it fertilizes your lawn at the same time. You won’t be mowing weeds. You’ll be mowing grass.” Be sure to apply no later than early June.

Mulching is Key

THE HOT DAYS OF SUMMER are almost upon us. Before drawing the blinds and cranking up the AC, consider these tips on preparing your home and yard for the upcoming months from Robert Phillips of GNO Property Management. Robert helps homeowners associations keep their homes and landscaping pristine year-round.

In The Yard Weed-and-Feed Does the Work for You. The biggest to-do in the yard during this time is use a weed-and-feed. “If you put weed-and-feed 196

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“Mulch is the main thing I see people not using,” says Robert. “Mulch isn’t just placed for esthetics; it’s there to keep weeds from growing. It helps to keep bugs from invading your annuals—even your perennials—and the foundation plants around your home.” Mulch will keep you from breaking your back weeding all summer.

What kind of mulch to use? Robert says pine straw is the most economical choice. While you might not like the look of it, pine straw offers the highest reward for the lowest cost. It lasts six months before fading. If you’re more into appearances, go with cypress mulch. It comes in multiple colors. “It doesn’t hurt the plants,” says Robert. “It doesn’t stain anything, either, other than your hands!”

Another option is rubber mulch, made from recycled tires—but at twice the cost of cypress mulch, it’s not feasible for most homeowners. However, put it down once and you’ll never have to touch it again.

For its durability, rubber mulch is often used in playgrounds. “A lot of people thought it would release

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an acid into the soil, but it doesn’t,” says Robert. He adds that if you go this route, get an earth-tone color like brown or black.

Seasonal Blooms In choosing what to plant now in your garden and around your home, Robert suggests a mixture of perennials and a few annuals, using evergreen plants in the background. “If you have good irrigation, you can put almost anything as a summer plant. If not, you’re almost better not planting anything,” he says.

The summers in South Louisiana are very hot and the amount of rain is unpredictable. “A lot of times, our associations mulch over everything and prepare the beds for fall.” In the fall, plant flowering buds like mums and petunias. Visit a local nursery and see what looks healthiest, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. “Those guys are the experts, and we really do rely on them. We listen and learn!”

In and Around Your Home Pressure Wash, Pressure Wash, Pressure Wash!

It’s wise to pressure wash your house once a year.

“The best advice is to pressure wash after the pollen in April or you’ll have to do it over again.

Also, people forget that if they do it in May, they need to do it the same time every year,” says Robert. The type of house you own determines the problem areas. For a brick house, Robert says to pay close attention to the trim. If your house has siding, it’s best to use an algaecide, otherwise you can pressure wash and the algae will just grow right back.

If your home is painted and turns green, that means the algae are getting into the paint.

Don’t Neglect Your Mailbox “It’s an extension of your home,” says Robert.

“Do your best to maintain it. If you’re pressure washing your house, go ahead and hit your mailbox with bleach to get rid of the algae.” Your mailbox is

>>

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exposed to the same elements your car is every day, but your car gets a wash every now and then.

Clean Your Roof “Something that’s becoming more common in the area is algae on roofs,” says Robert. “Streaking on a rooftop actually degrades the performance of the roof shingles. The best thing to do is to have that cleaned off. Over time, it not only looks really bad, it also wears down your roof faster.” Like any plants, algae grow.

Target the Garage “I’m a car guy, so my garage is my domain. I always recommend that when you’re doing your spring cleaning, focus on your garage,” says Robert. “Get your cars out of your driveways and into your garage—for property value alone. When people see the whole home being utilized, the home seems bigger.”

Prepare for Hurricane Season June 1 officially begins hurricane season, so prepare now. “The big thing is projectiles,” says Robert. Store plant pots out of the way, and if you have a patio umbrella on a table that you’re not using, store it in your now-spacious garage. “Doing things like that now will keep you from scrambling when a storm is headed our way.”

Robert also advises homeowners to come up with a list of numbers and contacts for help you might need in case of damage—a plumber, a tree professional, etc. “For our customers, we issue a vendor list,” he says. “In that crisis mode, you don’t think about who you need. Instead, you rush around.

If you already have all that in line, you’re ready to go.

It’s peace of mind.”

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Directory of Advertisers ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE 10/12 Properties.................... 985-626-8200 95, 198 Agena, Dr. Gary M. - OBGYN.... 985-845-7121 94 Al’s Plumbing Co.................... 985-845-9390 88 American Factory Direct.......... 985-871-0300 118 American Red Cross................... redcross.org 92 Anne’s Boutique..................... 985-626-3099 118 Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor.............. ............................................. 985-727-9787 82 Artistry of Light...................... 225-247-8963 W-40 Asset One.............................. 985-727-2834 28 Bantings Nursery.................... 985-892-5550 59 Barley Oak, The...................... 985-727-7420 14 Beau Provence Memory Care Assisted Living ....................................... beauprovence.com 110 Bedico Creek Preserve............ 985-845-4200 15 Bella Cucina........................... 985-626-7886 176 Berger Home.......................... 985-624-3433 85 Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights... 985-249-6040 31 Bisso Towboat Company......... 504-861-1411 46 Blue Hickory Blues and Barbeque... 985-871-4216 195 Blue Williams LLP................... 985-626-0058 104 Bora Bora............................... 985-951-8454 121 Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers...... 985-626-1666 20 Bra Genie............................... 985-951-8638 125 Bra la Vie!.............................. 985-662-5065 117 Bricks 4 Kidz.......................... 985-705-0805 46 [brown eyed girl].................... 985-626-0100 121 Brown Family Orthodontics..... 985-626-8297 65 Café Lynn Restaurant & Catering................... ............................................. 985-624-9007 194 California Drawstrings Northshore................. ............................................. 985-327-7300 118 Carreta’s Grill........ 985-871-6674, 847-0020 127 Cedarwood School................. 985-845-7111 71 Champagne Beverage Co.............................. ............................. champagnebeverage.com 4 Christian Serpas & Ghost Town... csghosttown.com 97 Chris Wynne Designs..................................... ......................chriswynnedesigns.tumblr.com 200 Christwood Retirement Community............... ......................................... christwoodrc.com 34 Columbia Street Mercantile.... 985-809-1789 122 Covington Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic ............................................. 985-892-5117 104 Culinary Kids.......................... 985-727-5553 200 David Pierson Designs, Inc...... 985-871-0457 117 De Boscq Jewelry................... 985-674-0007 55 deCoeur...................................... decoeur.net 113 DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts..... 985-892-2317 122 Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.............. 985-871-2225 200 Dimitri Dermatology............... 985-892-5497 98 Domangue Neurology............ 985-892-8934 100 Dr. Burkenstock, Skin Body Health... 985-727-7676 68 E. K. Lozano and Company, CPA.................... ............................................lozanocpas.com 114 Eagan Insurance..................... 504-836-9600 10 Earthsavers............................ 985-674-1133 117 EMB Interiors......................... 985-626-1522 113 Etan Enterprises..................... 985-966-7042 67 Fazzio’s Restaurant & Bar....... 985-624-9704 191

ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE Fielding Photography.............. 985-626-7549 70 First Bank and Trust.................. fbtonline.com 25 Fitness Expo........................... 504-887-0880 89 Fleurt..................................... 985-809-8844 W-2 Florist of Covington................ 985-892-7701 107 Franco’s Athletic Club............. 985-792-0200 BC french mix, the....................... 985-809-3152 79 George’s Girls........................ 228-216-0558 121 George’s Mexican Restaurant..... 985-626-4342 191 Girls’ Health Day.................... 985-867-3900 91 Glenn Michael Salon.............. 504-828-6848 23 GNO Property Management... 504-528-7028 48 Gomez Pine Straw.................. 985-264-3567 85 Gulf States Real Estate Services.... 985-792-4385 43 H2O Salon............................. 985-951-8166 177 Hollywood Casino Bay St. Louis..................... .........................................hollywoodbsl.com 98 Home Bank....................... home24bank.com 129 Infusé Oils & Vinegars............ 985-778-0903 43 Integrity Builders, Inc.............. 985-626-3479 79 Istre Hearing Care.................. 985-845-3509 88 Jacmel Inn.............................. 985-542-0043 60 Jill Gibson, MD LLC................ 985-898-5990 18 Jos. A. Bank............................ 985-624-4067 125 Jubilee Restaurant & Courtyard.... 985-778-2552 195 JuJu’s Boutique...................... 985-624-3600 125 K. Gee’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar... 985-626-0530 194 Kehoe France......................... 985-892-4415 69 Khoobehi, MD, Kamran........... 504-779-5538 19 Koko Fit Club......................... 985-746-4161 92 La Bella Vita Laser & Vein....... 985-892-2950 95 Lake After Hours..................... 985-375-9979 107 Lakehouse, The....................... 985-626-3006 192 Lakeview Regional Medical Center................. ............................................. 985-867-3800 IBC LCI Workers Comp.................. 985-612-1230 80 Lee Michaels Jewelers......................lmfj.com IFC Louisiana Custom Closets....... 985-871-0810 81 Louisiana Family Eye Care....... 985-875-7898 91 Louisiana Heart Hospital... louisianaheart.com 11, 27 Louisiana Polo Farms, Inc........ 985-796-9130 198 Lowe’s Jewelers..................... 985-845-4653 128 Maison Lafitte........................ 985-778-2045 192 Mandeville Animal Hospital.... 985-377-0800 110 Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence........ ............................................. 985-626-4401 5 Mandeville Party Co................ 985-674-1605 39 Martin Wine Cellar................martinwine.com 37 Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.................... .........................................marybird.org/stph 33 Med Spa @ Rapid Urgent Care... 985-674-4464 114 Mellow Mushroom................. 985-327-5407 65 Michalopoulos Gallery............ 504-558-0505 30 Mignon Faget......................... 985-892-0025 121 Money Hill Golf and Country Club... 985-892-3300 38, 130 Monmouth Historic Inn.................................. ............................................. 601-442-5852 56 Montage Jazz Band................ 985-778-9993 193 N’Tini’s................................... 985-626-5566 201

ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE Natchez Grand Hotel and Suites.... 601-446-9994 56 New York Life, Michael Mire... 985-246-6188 184 Niche Modern Home.............. 985-624-4045 W-8 North American Insurance Agency... 985-871-5480 73 North Oaks Health System........northoaks.org 36 North Shore Square Mall........ 985-646-0661 13 Northshore Academy of Dance... 985-893-1143 66 Ochsner Medical Center - North Shore........... .................................................. ochsner.org 108, 185 OHR O’Keefe Museum of Art....georgeohr.org 57 Oil & Vinegar.......................... 985-809-1693 113 Old Rail Brewing Co., The....... 985-612-1828 14 Outdoor Living Center............ 985-893-8008 59 Paisley................................... 985-727-7880 118 Palatial Stone & Tile................ 985-249-6868 21 Palm Village........................... 985-778-2547 125 Pan American Power............... 985-893-1271 49 Paretti Jaguar......................... 504-455-2101 72 Patriot Title............................. 985-778-1921 200 Pelican Athletic Club............... 985-626-3706 8 Personal Care MD.................. 985-778-2330 171 Private Beach......................... 985-674-2326 117 Profit on Hold........................ 800-569-4653 200 Purple Armadillo Again.... purplearmadillo.net 44 Rapid Urgent Care................. 985-674-4464 114 Real Results Weight Loss Clinic ... 985-590-4061 41 Rehab Dynamics LLC.............. 985-871-7878 60 Resource Bank...............bankonresource.com 35 Richard C. Dalton LLC............. 985-778-2215 32 Rick’s Professional Painting Service................ ............................................. 985-845-0533 200 Riverview Camp for Girls........ 800-882-0722 W-39 Roosevelt Hotel of New Orleans, The ............................................. 504-335-3190 30 Rug Chic................................ 985-674-1070 35 St. Paul’s School..................... 985-892-3200 72 St. Scholastica Academy......... 985-892-2540 69 St. Tammany Home Builders Association......... ............................................. 800-715-1387 127 St. Tammany Parish Hospital... 985-898-4000 103 Scotts’ Coffee & Tapas Bar, The... 985-231-7632 193 Shoefflé.....................................shoeffle.com 122 Slidell Memorial Hospital........ 985-280-2200 39 Southern Pain Center............. 985-727-7275 114 Stone Creek Club and Spa...... 985-801-7100 17 Stone Source.......................... 985-892-0695 113 Surgical Specialists................whyweight.com 97 TerraBella............................... 985-871-7171 45 Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers.... 985-626-5098 29 Tran, Dr. David........................ 985-400-5483 110 Villa Vici......................................villavici.com 6 Walker House......................... 985-867-4878 200 Weimer, DDS, Patrick.............. 985-727-1800 110 Welcome Home and garden... 985-893-3933 10 West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission....... ............................................. 225-635-6769 122 Whitney Bank.... whitneybank.com/mortgage 9 Windsor Senior Living Community, The........... ............................................. 985-624-8040 82 Youth Service Bureau.............. 985-893-2570 199 May-June 2014 201

Last Bite

Carreta’s Grill

THE NORTHSHORE is buzzing about the new flavorful—and healthy— wraps from Carreta’s Grill in Covington and Slidell. Spring greens, avocado and a choice of grilled shrimp, shredded chicken or steak are wrapped in a spinach, whole wheat or flour tortilla. With three amped-up sauces for dipping— avocado ranch, cilantro sour cream and chipotle ranch— diners will be dancing on their sombreros! Big flavors, bold colors and a family-friendly staff always make Carreta’s a fun experience.

Soon-to-be-famous watermelon margaritas flow nonstop, made with Maestro Dobel Tequila, a unique blend of 100 percent blue agave that is personally selected for Carreta’s customers.

by Poki Hampton

Watermelon Margaritas!

! é l O

Carlos Valencia, owner of Carreta’s Grill, says, “The Maestro Dobel Tequila is treated like a good scotch or bourbon and is aged 15 to 20 years. We are excited to offer this exceptional tequila, which we hand-selected for our customers, in an exclusive limited edition of 230 bottles.”

202

Inside Northside

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with mouth-watering

Finger Discount in Covington and Supercharger

food, delicious margaritas and specialty drinks

in Slidell. It’s guaranteed to be a fantastic party,

during the All-Day Fiesta at Carreta’s Grill. At 5

complete with prizes and sombreros! For more

p.m., the block parties begin with live music—Five

information, visit carretasgrillrestaurant.com.