September-October 2014 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine1409web by Inside Publications

450

CITY PARK MEMORIES • BOGALUSA BLUES • CULTURAL GUIDE • ULTIMATE TAILGATE PARTY

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2014 VOL. 29, NO. 5

Harvest Cup Polo Classic

September-October 2014

Vol. 29, No. 5

Publisher Lori Murphy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor-in-Chief Poki Hampton Senior Editor Jan Murphy Contributing Editor Anne Honeywell Editorial Assistant Leah Draffen Contributors are featured on page 16. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Art Director Brad Growden Graphic Designer Jennifer Starkey –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Associate Publisher Candice Laizer Advertising Account Executives Kelly Alberado Caroline Battaglia Barbara Bossier Anne Honeywell Candice Laizer Barbara Roscoe Becky Slatten Amy Taylor Sales Coordinator Rachel Mellen Interns Alex Brainard Maggie Murphy Olivia Rogers Virginia Stewart –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For advertising information phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 email sales@mandlpublishing.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Please send items for Inside Scoop to scoop@mandlpublishing.com. Photos for Inside Peek, with captions, should be sent to peek@mandlpublishing.com. Submit items for Inside Input or Dining Guide to editor@mandlpublishing.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@mandlpublishing.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

On the cover Artist Scott Ewen

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 & 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.

Inside Northside

page 34

page 110

contents table of

Features

18 Cover Artist Cover artist Scott Ewen 34 A House Where Life is Lived The Clabert Home 42 City Park Memories 46 A Treasure Among the Oaks City Park 52 Remember the Beatles! 54 Grace Under Pressure U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise 60 Seductive Savannah, Charming Charleston 66 Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival The Magic City parties with the blues 72 Walk to End Alzheimer’s 75 Traces Chris Santopadre: The Original Tip Top Shoe Repair 76 Fight It Drive On Mary Kathryn Rodrigue

page 76 8

Inside Northside

82 Traces Pelican Park: Making a difference in children’s and adults’ lives for 25 years 84 The 2014-2015 Cultural Season 88 Knowing His Priorities Senator Jack Donahue 94

Generous Hearts Elevating Philanthropy: Thriving Communities have Thriving Community Foundations

98 Traces Katie Tharp of Runnymede Farm 00 Victory over Cancer 1 Kim Champagne 102 Fighting Back The women of You Night 108 The Veggie Cycle Composting and sustainable organic gardening 10 St. Joseph Abbey Celebrates 1 125 Years

Showcasing Design

120 Showcasing Design 121 Robert Graham

122 Arabella Fine Gifts and Home 124 Armbruster Artworks Studio 125 Niche Modern Home 126 EMB Interiors 126 Z Event Company 127 Connie Seitz Interiors

Business Profile

128 M. Rossie Salon

Medical Profiles 136 Advanced Pain Institute 163 Louisiana Family Eyecare 174 Ochsner Medical Center – Northshore

Harvest Cup Polo Classic following page 146

page 46

page 31

contents table of

page 138

Departments 12 Publisher’s Note 15 Editor’s Note 16 Contributors 22 INside Scoop 31 IN Other Words Pigskins and Pumpkins 32 IN Depth Lynn Kennedy, Resource Bank 58 IN Better Health Maureen Greer 92 In the Bookcase The Promise by Ann Weisgarber

131 Flourishes Extraordinary gifts and home accents 138 INside Look Cobalt, cognac and exotic prints 164 IN the Spotlight United Way Red Beans Cook-off 165 INside Peek 169 IN the Spotlight Grapes and Grain 172 IN the Spotlight Southern Nights 176 IN Love and Marriage Notable northshore weddings

page 131

180 IN Great Taste Tailgating 182 INside Dining 190 Northshore Living New or Old? Deciding which home to buy 193 Ad Directory 194 Last Bite Café Lynn page 180

Inside Northside

Telling the stories by Lori Murphy

In our office, we often talk about the importance of storytelling. It is

one of the essential elements in the creation of a community magazine like Inside Northside. That effort is at its best when the mix of voices is strong and compelling, each in their own area of passion or expertise. Over the years, we have had the pleasure of sharing some wonderful stories from some really great storytellers.

The northshore recently lost one of those endearing voices, that

of Anna Ribbeck. She began writing for us on one of her passions, gardening, in 2004. I recently learned that she didn’t earn her Master Gardener designation until she was 89. When she passed away at 93 late this summer, her legacy was secured by the vast circle of friends and family who will miss her humor and gentle nature. Thank you, Anna, for planting a seed of passion for gardening with us.

Another great storyteller, who first shared her unique and familiar

style with readers in 2001, returns in this issue. In fact, she has made two contributions. Growing up in the Lakeview neighborhood of New Orleans, Sandra Scalise Juneau spent countless days under the oaks of City Park (page 42). She looks back for us as we look ahead at what a treasure the park continues to be for all of us. It has to be one of my favorite places. She also shared a little insight into what makes her nephew tick. You probably best know him as Steve Scalise, the new Majority Whip in Congress (page 54). Welcome back, Sandra!

We are expanding our family of storytellers in preparation for our

newest venture, Inside New Orleans, which debuts next month. We’d love suggestions from you for great story ideas and writers for both the northshore and the southshore. Drop me a line at lori@mandlpublishing.com.

ps… it’s chukker time. Don’t miss the Harvest Cup Polo Classic, a quintessentially northshore day, on October 19. For tickets, log on to jlgc. net. Proceeds benefit the many programs of the Junior League of Greater Covington. I hope to see you there!

Editor’s note by Poki Hampton

Fall is the time for football, polo and politics here in South Louisiana.

With the weather just a little cooler and kids back in school, it’s time for a good read.

With football comes tailgating. On page 180 of this issue, learn how to create

an interesting upscale tailgate party setting and recipes for that special game.

The Harvest Cup Polo Classic will be held on October 19. The Polo

Special Section (following page 146) will tell you all you need to know about the game and the event. And speaking of horses, read about two artists, cover artist Scott Ewen (page 18) and Polo poster artist Morgan Cameron (Polo, page 15), whose horse paintings are definitely ahead of the pack; Katie Tharp’s story is about a young woman who has come full circle in the horse business (page 98).

Don’t miss the article on State Senator Jack Donahue and his work as

chairman of the Senate Finance Committee (page 88).

October is cancer awareness month. We help tell the stories of 24 brave

northshore women who have fought breast cancer and who gained selfassurance by becoming models in the You Night event (page 102). Helping people overcome adversity is what Mary Kathryn Rodrigue does each day. Read her amazing story on page 76.

Celebrate St. Joseph Abbey’s 125th anniversary in the pages of the beautiful

Deo Gratias story (page 110). Pelican Park is also celebrating a birthday—25 years of helping the youth of St. Tammany play sports (page 82).

Read about City Park, its resurrection, its history and all of the activities

happening there today (page 42).

The design piece on page 34 features Melanie and Kevin Clabert’s

livable home in Folsom, created with the help of designers Jennifer Dicerbo and Chris Piazza.

These are only a few of the selections in this September-October issue.

So, sit back, put your feet on the ottoman and enjoy!

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.

q Sandra Scalise Juneau Freelance writer Sandra Scalise Juneau is no stranger to Inside Northside—her “Bonne Bouchee” series was a feature for years. Her passions as a culinary arts historian, cultural and community events coordinator and fundraiser for projects like the Madisonville library have kept her involved since she moved here more than 30 years ago. Recently, Sandra represented her Sicilian heritage to the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, tracing the influences of la cucina Italiana on Louisiana’s cuisine. Sandra and her husband, Roland, reside in Madisonville; they just celebrated 54 years of marriage. For this issue, she shares reminiscences of City Park (page 42) and insights into her nephew, Congressman Steve Scalise (page 54). Leah Draffen Leah Draffen, editorial assistant at Inside Northside, knew that she wanted to write after reading her first inspirational article in Seventeen magazine. As a child, Leah enjoyed poetry competitions, creative writing and collecting magazine clippings. Throughout college, she wrote for many Louisiana publications, including Scene and inRegister. Leah earned a bachelor’s degree from LSU in mass communications with a concentration in print journalism. She loves sharing stories and advice on her personal blog while enjoying life as a newlywed. In this issue, Leah writes about one woman’s fight against breast cancer (page 100)—and also about home-buying decisions that she and her groom are experiencing (page 190).

our interns

Contributors

Alex Brainard Alex, Ponchatoula High senior, plans to attend LSU next fall to pursue a degree in broadcast journalism. Maggie Murphy Maggie is a Southern Methodist University graduate. This fall she will pursue a masters at the London School of Economics. Olivia Rogers Olivia, 2012 St. Scholastica Academy graduate, is a junior at the University of Mississippi studying print journalism. Virginia Stewart Virginia, recent St. Scholastica Academy graduate, is beginning her study of journalism at LSU this fall.

Jamey Landry Jamey Landry has been a popular contributor to Inside Northside since 2001. He has been recognized for his ability to present unique and insightful perspectives on a wide range of topics in an intimate and entertaining manner. Jamey’s skills as a freelance corporate communicator— crafting advertising, press releases, public relations, marketing and crisis communications—are sought after by several Fortune 500 companies. In his spare time, Jamey can often be found at local and regional classic car shows proudly participating as an exhibitor and volunteer. For this issue, Jamey shares all of the treasures found among the oaks of City Park (page 46).

Other Voices: Susan H. Bonnett, Erin Cowser, Candra George, Ann Gilbert, Poki Hampton, Lauren Parrish, Stacey Paretti Rase, Alice Riley, Terri Schlichenmeyer and Becky Slatten.

Inside Northside

photo: DANNY SALADINO

Finding Beauty in the Mundane Cover Artist Scott Ewen

by Poki Hampton SCOTT EWEN’S GRANDPARENTS moved to Beau Chêne from New Orleans when he was 9 years old. The rest of the family soon followed. Scott spent weekends and summers with his cousins exploring the swamps and swimming in the rivers. “My grandpa would take me fishing. I learned to sit and meditate with him, but he probably wouldn’t have called it meditating back then. I learned to appreciate both the vast spaces along the riverbanks and the claustrophobic feeling of the swamp. Both are parts of what I put into my paintings today.” This issue’s cover, Canoe, is a landscape painted from those memories of swamp and space in Louisiana. Scott has always created art. He studied anthropology at Boston University, attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and painted for fun. He held a variety of jobs ranging from sign fabricator for large corporations like Disney to working in a frame shop where he handled great pieces of art. “I was able to see the art up close and study it for a while,” he says. For a few years, Scott 18

Inside Northside

worked at the Gardner Museum in Boston. There, he was able to study the various art pieces in the building, giving him an even greater appreciation. For five years, he was a colorist for Marvel and D.C. Comics, where he learned about color theory and production art. “I liked the high contrast and the use of bold colors on these comics,” he says. All of these experiences were the steppingstones to becoming a painter himself. In 2002, Scott began painting seriously, and he hasn’t stopped since. “Painting was something I could do alone. This was very important after having children—I could hold the baby and paint at the same time,” he says. “About five years ago, I met gallery owner and art dealer Danny Saladino and started taking myself even more seriously.” “Clearly, collectors have brought Ewen’s figurative works and landscapes into their homes because they are so beautiful to look at, but it’s also what you don’t see with the naked eye, the process of painting by the ‘golden ratio’ method of composition, >>

Meet cover artist

Scott Ewen and see some of his favorite works on display at

The Southern Hotel 428 East Boston Street Covington, La.

Thursday, September 25 5:30-7:00 p.m. For more information, call

626-9684

Everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Invited!

which has been used to find ideal proportions in architecture and art as far back as 300 B.C. It is very rare that I find a young professional artist today who uses this foundation the way Scott does,” says gallery owner Saladino. Scott says, “I started painting some surreal things with figurative influences, like a nude blindfolded woman riding a donkey. I painted a lot of figurative nudes and from there began painting landscapes.” The landscapes are seldom of one particular location. “I amalgamate several scenes together. I find beauty in the mundane—a field, a swamp, a copse of trees. When I was a kid, my family would take long road trips together. My father liked quiet in the car, so I would stare out the window for hours, looking at the vast landscapes beyond and thinking how majestic but simple they were. My paintings have a lot of those memories in them. I like the feel of the wide-open spaces, and my paintings reflect that. I want the viewer to want to walk into the painting.” Scott would also think of the early settlers who crossed those vast prairies and how they depended on horses. Scott says that his relationship with horses began when he was young. “I went to summer camp and learned to ride there. My aunt was a stable manager on the northshore, and my cousins and I were always around horses. My uncle, Bill Binnings, was drawing and sculpting horses and jockeys. I painted a few horse heads one day, and it grew from there.” As he started working with horses as subjects for his paintings, Scott gained an even greater appreciation for them. Their muscular structure, power, emotion and elegance are all part of that relationship. “Horses are very expressive animals,” he says. “I’ve also learned volumes about the bond between people and the horses they love.” 20

Inside Northside

photo: DANNY SALADINO

“Whether they ride English or Western, horse people are very discerning and quick to compliment or criticize when viewing Ewen’s related oils. It is quite a challenge to impress the equestrian crowd as Ewen has, but they are a fun-loving and highly loyal group of collectors,” says Saladino. “The overwhelming response to Ewen’s paintings, from Kentucky to here in Covington, has been both exciting and humbling.” Scott’s life-sized painting of a Bavarian Warmblood horse, The Veteran, is the largest canvas he has painted to date. The Veteran was stabled in Rio Vista just outside of Austin, where Scott and his family live now. Scott photographed The Veteran when taking his daughter to summer camp. “His anatomy, the fluidity of his muscles and his potential for movement attracted me and made me want to paint him. I also have great respect for his age; the magnificent horse is 20 years old now,” says Scott. It was important to get every aspect of the painting just right, the confirmation, the muscles and the coloring. Scott made a scale drawing first, then divided the huge canvas into grids to help make sure the proportions stayed exactly correct. The Veteran now hangs in the newly renovated Southern Hotel in Covington. “I really like large pieces,”

says Lisa Ward, owner of the hotel. “At the end of the day, if you love it, you will find a place for it.” Scott says, “It is nice that this painting is displayed in a public place; I can visit it often. So many of my paintings are in private collections, and I never get to see them again after they are sold.” Painting horses naturally led Scott to livestock, bull and cows. “I like to ride my motorcycle, like to feel the wind on my face,” he says. One day, riding with his camera, he saw some cows in a pasture outside of Austin and jumped the fence to get a closer shot. One of the bulls charged him, and Scott ran out of the pasture as fast as he could. “After that, I got really good telephoto lenses,” he says with a chuckle. His painting of the bull El Patron emotes power. You can almost feel what the bull is feeling. The muscular structure and the majesty of the animal command attention. Today, Scott doesn’t feel restricted to painting any one thing. “I want to paint landscapes, which are somewhere between realism and abstract. And I love painting animals.” Scott’s work can be seen at Saladino Gallery, 409 E. Boston Street in Covington. Gallery opening in fall of 2014. September-October 2014 21

Monster Mash

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

INSIDE the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

September 1 Breathe Easier. The Better Breathers

2 The Art Beat of Olde Towne. Shop

3,10,17,24 Covington Farmers Market.

program will host an informative and

original art and crafts while meeting

Covington Trailhead. 10am-2pm. Free.

supportive event for people with lung

the artists who made them.

Jan Biggs, rosehue@charter.net.

disease. Paul D. Cordes Outpatient

Chamber of Commerce, 1808

Pavilion, 16300 Highway 1085,

Front Street, Slidell. 5pm-7pm. Free.

Preview/pre-order items from the Resort

mainstreet@estchamber.com.

2014 line. Lilly Pulitzer in Palm Village,

September help support the Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Nutrition Agent, will discuss social media.

Association by sporting a purple

St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting

extentsion in your hair. Call H2O Salon for

Center, 1505 N. Florida St. Suite B,

more info, 951-8166.

Covington. 6:30PM-7:30PM. Free. Email

2 Breast Cancer Support. Support group open to anyone being treated or completed

3 Social Media Safety. Kate Farbe, LSU

ksupan@stph.org, 898-4435. 3-31 The Myrtles Halloween Experience.

Mandeville. 10am-7pm. 778-2547. 5 Rick Samson. Live music. K.Geeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 2534 Florida St., Mandeville. 626-0530. 5-6 Jesus Christ Superstar. Cutting Edge Theater. 747 Robert Blvd., Slidell. Fri and Sat, 8 pm. $20-$25. 649-3727,

treatment. Mary Bird Perkins Cancer

Guided tours every Fri., Sat. and

Center, 1203 S. Tyler St., Covington.

Sunday. 7747 Hwy 61, St. Francisville.

7pm-8pm. Free. Email jdreudrenberger@

$12/per person. 225-635-6277,

Expo. Product demonstrations, over 100

marybird.com, 276-6832.

myrtlesplantation.com.

vendors, health seminars. Northshore

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

cuttingedgetheater.com. 5-6 The Northshore Health and Fitness

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Covington. 10am-11am. 1-31 Color for a Cure. For the month of

4 Lilly Pulitzer Resort 2014 Trunk Show.

Oct. 18 Monster Mash. Trick-or-treat village, pumpkin scavenger hunt, face painting, cookie decorating and opening parade. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. Sat, 10 am-3pm. In advance, $15/ child; $5/adult. At gate, $20/ child; $10/adult. Member, $10/child; $5/adult. 898-4435.

Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell. Sept. 5, 2 pm-8pm; Sept. 6, 8:30am-6pm. Free admission. 781-3650. 5-21 The Trip to Bountiful. Playmakers, Inc. 19106 Playmakers Rd. Covington. Fri and Sat (except Sept. 7), 8pm; Sun, 2pm. Adults, $15; students, $10. 893-1671, playmakersinc.com. 5,6,10-14,18-20 Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Le Petit Theatre Du Vieux Carre. 16 St. Peter St., New Orleans. 504-522-2081, lepetittheatre.com. 5,12,19,26 Yoga. Yoga techniques for those experiencing cancer. Led by Wendy McKee. Registration and medical release required. Free. 789-0793. 6 Rock the Road 5k Race & 1 Mile Fun >> September-October 2014 23

Inside Scoop Run. Fast, flat course with open scenery, door prizes, cash prizes for top 3 male and female finishers. Northshore Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell. 8:30am. $3/5k registration; $20/1. Mile. rocktheroad.itsyourrace.com. 6,13,20,27 Covington Farmers Market. Covington City Hall, 609 N. Columbia Street. Free. 8 am-12 pm. 6,13,20,27 Mandeville Trailhead Market. 675 Lafitte Street. 9am-1pm. Free. 8454515, mandevilletrailheadmarket.com. 6,20 Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Table. Learn the secrets to homemade tortillas and fajitas. Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mexican Restaurant. 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. 626-4342. 10 Lunch & Learn with Kevin Mizell, PT. Hosted by Community Center at Christwood. Kevin Mizell, PT with STPH will present Reason for and Prevention of Low Back Pain. Community Center at Christwood. 11:30am-1pm. Reserve your seat 292-1234, or email jportmann@christwoodrc.com. 10 Messy Play Day. Play with flubber, shaving cream and make a messy snack with your kids. St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St. Suite B, Covington. Email ksupan@stph.org, 898-4435. 12-13 Brioni Trunk Show. Brioni Master Tailor Gerardo Rasetta will take personal measurements for custom garments. Rubensteins, 102 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans. (504) 581-6666. 13 Anniversary Celebration. 6th anniversary. Snacks, crafts, giveaways. 9:30am-5pm. Silver Plum and 1, 2 Buckle My Shoe. 2891 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 674-4343. 13 Bee Informed. Educational program series. Beekeeper Ralph Roshto teaches all the facts about bees and honey. Northlake Nature Center, Mandeville. 10am. Free for members; $5 for nonmembers. 626-1238, rue@northlakenature.org. 24

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

18 Symphony Soiree at the Southern. LPO and Allegro Society will host a night of food, wine and music to celebrate the beginning of cultural season. Southern Hotel, Covington. 6:30pm-8:30pm. $125/non-member; $100/ Allegro Member. 504-523-6530. 18-19 Belle Notte Bedding Event. Eros, Mandeville. 727-0034. 19 Christian Serpas. Live music. K.Geeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 2534 Florida St., Mandeville. 626-0530. 19 Glitz, Glamour & Giving Gala. Presented by United Way of Southeast Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s St. Tammany Regional Office. Friday Night Fever themed, dinner, dancing, silent auction and fashion show. Northshore Harbor Center, Slidell. In advance, $65; at door, $75. 778-0815. 19 Sunset at the Landing concert. Columbia Street Landing, Covington. 6pm-9pm. Free. 892-1873. 19-21 Fall Juried Show and Sale. Lacombe Art Guild. Louisiana Heart Hospital Foyer, 64030 Highway 434, Lacombe. Opening reception and awards presented on Saturday. For submission information, lacombeartguild.com. 20 Conquer Chiari Walk Across America 2014. Walk, dj, face painting, craft booth and food. All proceeds benefit Chiari Malformation research, education and awareness programs. Covington Trailhead. Registration, 7:30 am; walk, 8:30am. Free participation, T-shirt with pre-registered $25 minimum donation. For more information, Lisa Haley, 2649197; conquerchiari.org; larhaley@att.net. 21 Third Sunday Concert Series. The Leroy Jones Jazz Quintet. Christ Episcopal Church. 5pm. Free. 892-3177. 25 Chamber After Hours. St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce. Food, drinks and networking. Community Center at Christwood, Covington. 4:30pm-6:30pm. $8/members until Sept. 19; $10/members, $20/nonmembers. 273-3008. 25 Mastectomy fitting event featuring September-October 2014 25

Inside Scoop American Breast Care. Bra la Vie, 221 W. Thomas St, Hammond. 10am-6 pm. 662-5065. 25 Fall for Hope. Join Eros, H20, Emma’s, Chattabox and John and Jennifer Besh at La Provence for a benefit luncheon

day pass. 205-1075, bogalusablues.com. 26-Oct 17 Regrets Only. Cutting Edge

will have beer pairing. Old Rail Brewing Company, 639 Girod St, Mandeville. For

Theater. 747 Robert Blvd., Slidell. Fri

time, ticket pricing and menu details,

and Sat, 8 pm. $20-$25. 649-3727,

email gerilyn@thebarleyoak.com.

cuttingedgetheater.com. 27 Unleashed. Fall fundraiser for St. Tammany

1 Deo Gratias. Saint Joseph Seminary College annual gala. All Saints theme,

and fashion show. Proceeds will support

Humane Society. Vintage Court, Covington.

silent auction, dinner by Chef John Besh,

Bhevi Care Point in Swaziland, Africa.

7pm-11pm. 892-7387, sthumane.org.

featured art by Pio Lyons. Saint Joseph

Tickets available at Emma’s and Eros Mandeville. 778-2200 or 727-0034. 26 Columbia St. Block Party. Covington. 6:30pm-9:30pm. 892-1873. 26 Enigma Variation. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra opens its

27-28 Mandeville Fall Craft Show. Handmade crafts, specialty foods and home décor. Mandeville Lions Hall, 720 Lafitte St., Mandeville. 10am-5pm. mandevillecraftshow.com. 31- Nov 1 The Rocky Horror Show.

northshore season. First Baptist Church,

Cutting Edge Theater. 747 Robert Blvd.,

Covington. 7:30pm. (504) 523-6530,

Slidell. Fri and Sat, 8 pm. $20-$25. 649-

lpomusic.com.

3727, cuttingedgetheater.com.

26-27 Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival. Louisiana food, blues music, arts and crafts. Cassidy Park, Bogalusa.

October 1 Collaborative 5-course Beer Dinner.

Sept. 26, 5pm-10pm; Sept. 27,

Old Rail Brewing Company and Bayou

10am-10pm. $20/two day pass. $10/one

Teche Brewing Company. Each course

Abbey, St. Benedict. 7pm-10pm. Gala ticket, $125. Raffle ticket, $25. sjasc.edu, or call Sharon Carraway, 867-2234. 1-18 Soles for Souls. Shoe trade-in. 20% off any regular-priced item with your donation. Silver Plum and 1,2 Buckle My Shoe. 2891 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 674-4343. 1,8,15,22,29 Covington Farmers Market. Covington Trailhead. 10am-2pm. Free. Jan Biggs, rosehue@charter.net. 2,9,16,23,30 Rock the Rails Concert Series. Covington Trailhead. 5pm-7:30pm. Free. 892-1873. 3 Chamber 16th Annual Golf Classic.

East St. Tammany Chamber of

Dr, Mandeville. 11am. 727-7420. Email

Commerce. Golf, food, drinks, networking

gerilyn@thebarleyoak.com.

and contests. Oak Harbor Golf Course.

4 Wild Game Cook-Off hosted by Mayor

7 Main Street Art Beat. The Art Beat of Olde Towne. Shop original art and crafts while meeting the artists who made

11am-6pm. JoBeth Kavanaugh, 643-

Freddie Drennan. Live auction, BBQ,

them. Chamber of Commerce,

5678. estchamber.com.

live performance by Witness, 12pm-4pm.

1808 Front St., Slidell. 5pm-7pm. Free.

Fritchie Park, 901 Howze Beach

mainstreet@estchamber.com.

3-5 St. Tammany Parish Fair. St Tammany

7-12 Chicago. Saenger Theatre. 1111

Parish Fairgrounds. 701 N Columbia St,

Rd., Slidell. 11am-4pm. In advance,

Covington, 892-8421.

$12. At gate, $15/adult; $5/child.

Canal St, New Orleans. For times: (504)

Mayordrennanscookoff.eventbrite.com.

525-1052. saengernola.com.

3,10,17,24 Yoga. Yoga techniques for those experiencing cancer. Led by Wendy McKee. Registration and medical release required. Free. 789-0793. 4 Art Market. Covington Trailhead. 9am-1pm. 892-8650. 4 Jazz ‘n Roll. 25th anniversary of St. Paul’s School fundraiser. Gourmet food,

4,11,18,25 Covington Farmers Market.

9 Wine & Cheese Social hosted by Lotus

Covington City Hall, 609 N. Columbia

Spa. Learn about the effects of aging

Street. 8 am-12 pm.

on skin presented by Betty Rabe of

4,11,18,25. Mandeville Trailhead Market.

Eminence Organic Skin Care. Community

675 Lafitte Street. 9am-1pm. 845-4515,

Center at Christwood. 6:30pm-7:30pm.

mandevilletrailheadmarket.com.

292-1233, lotusspa@christwoodrc.com.

5 5-Kiwanis for Kids. One mile run or

10 Downtown Art Stroll & Appraisal Fair.

live music, silent and verbal auctions,

walk and 5K race held by Mandeville

All media, antiques, collectibles appraised.

raffles. Briggs Assembly Center, 917 S.

Northshore Kiwanis. Varsity Sports,

City of Ponchatoula. Oct. 10, 9am-3pm.

Jahncke, Covington. 7pm-10pm. 892-

Mandeville. 7am registration; 8am,

$5 for one item, $10 for three items.

3200, ext 1270.

1-mile, 8:30am, 5K. Registration in

10 Rick Samson. Live music. K.Gee’s

4 Oktoberfest. Sixth annual Oktoberfest.

advance, $10/child; $20/adult. Race

Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 2534 Florida

German food specials, live music, all-

day registration, $15/child; $25/adult.

St., Mandeville. 626-0530.

day event. Barley Oak. 2101 Lakeshore

15thstreetflyers.org.

10,11 Southern Garden Symposium &

September-October 2014 27

Inside Scoop Workshops. Workshops, lectures, plant sale, book and tool sales. St. Francisville. For registration information, call 225-635-3738. 10-12 Wooden Boat Festival. Celebrate the maritime history of Louisiana. Handcrafted antique boats, free parking, contests, music and parades. Madisonville. Kick-off party at 7:30pm Oct. 10. Gates open 10am Oct. 11. For ticket information, woodenboatfest.org. 10-26 Move Over, Mrs. Markham. Slidell Little Theatre. Fri and Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. 641-0324, slidelllittletheater.org. 10,12 Bizetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Carmen. New Orleans Opera. Mahalia Jackson Theatre. 1419 Basin St., New Orleans. 504-529-2278, neworleansopera.org. 11 Warrior Dash. Twelve obstacles, 3.2 miles, wooded course. West Feliciania Parish Sports Park, 10226 West Feliciana Parkway St., Francisville. 12 The Garden Party at Summergrove Farm. To raise funds for New Heights Therapy Center. Food, auctions, entertainment. Summergrove Farm, 18379 Hwy 40, Covington. 1pm-5pm. 796-4600, NewHeightsTherapy.org. 14 Bras for a Cause. Food, bar, music, live and silent auctions. Northshore Harbor Center, Slidell. $50 advance; $60 at door. 6pm-9pm. Lisa Frazier, lisa@alltls.com or 707-2204. 14 Louisiana Family Eyecare Anniversary Celebration. One-day celebration and sale featuring Barton Perreira. Louisiana Family Eyecare. 1431 Ochsner Blvd., St. A; Covington. 10am -4pm. 875-7898. visionsource-lafamilyeyecare.com. 17 MOMIX in Alchemia. One of the most requested dance companies. Mahalia Jackson Theatre. 1419 Basin St., New Orleans. 8pm. 504-522-0996. nobadance.com. 17 Sunset at the Landing Concert. Columbia Street Landing. Covington. 6pm-9pm. 892-1873. 28

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

17-Nov 2 Blueberry Hill. Jefferson Performing Arts Center. Christ Episcopal Theatre, Christwood Blvd., Covington. Fri and Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 3pm. Jpas.org. 18 Fall for Art. St. Tammany Art Association annual event showcasing artists and businesses. Downtown Covington. 6pm-9pm. 892-8650, sttammanyartassociation.org. 18 Monster Mash. Trick-or-treat village, pumpkin scavenger hunt, face painting, cookie decorating and opening parade. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. Sat, 10 am-3pm. In advance, $15/child; $5/adult. At gate, $20/child; $10/adult. Member, $10/child; $5/adult. 898-4435. 18 Party in the Pits. IBCA BBQ competition. Chicken, brisket, ribs, cook’s choice. Ponchatoula Memorial Park. 11am-5pm. 386-2536, chamber@ ponchatoulachamber.com. 18 St. Dominic’s School Class of ’54 Reunion. Lunch-reception, Southern Yacht Club, 105 North Roadway, New Orleans. Noon - 3:00pm, followed by 4pm Mass, St. Dominic Church, 775 Harrison Ave. Reservations, Sandra Scalise Juneau, ssj1@charter.net. 19 Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2014. Benefits Junior League of Greater Covington. Polo matches, VIP lounge, live music, food from more than 30 restaurants, contests and auctions. Summergrove Farm, 18397 Hwy 40, Covington. 11:30am-5:30pm. jlgc.net. 19 Third Sunday Concert Series. Vicki Fisk and John Paquette. Christ Episcopal Church. 5pm. Free. 892-3177. 22 Lunch & Learn. Healthy Hearing presented by Dr. Amy Holden, Audiologist from Creel Hearing Center. Community Center at Christwood. 11:30am-1:00pm. Email jportmann@ christwoodrc.com, 292-1234. 23 Beautiful Autumn Affair. 2014 Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful. Metairie Club Gardens, 530 Hector Ave, Metairie.

Inside Scoop 6pm-9pm. planttheparish.org. 23 Sip and Stroll. Oktoberfest-style sip and stroll with beer samplings at each retailer. Niche, Bastille’s, JuJu’s and Mainstream. The Market at Chenier. 1901 Hwy 190, Mandeville. 6pm-8pm. 24 Christian Serpas. Live music. K.Gee’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 2534 Florida St., Mandeville. 626-0530. 24 Northshore’s Families Helping Families’ Halloween Gala. Vintage Court. 8pm-11pm. 875-0511. 25 Trick or Treat. Halloween event, crafts. Silver Plum and 1,2, Buckle My Shoe. 9:30am-5pm. Free. 674-4343. 25 Trickin’ & Treatin’ Kids Event. Covington Trailhead. 10am-12pm. Aimee Faucheaux, 892-1873. 25-26 Olde Towne Slidell Fall Street Fair. Shop, eat, live music. First, Second and Erlanger streets, Slidell. 10am-5pm. Marsha Rogers, 710-9122. 25-26 Yellow Leaf Arts Festival. St. Francisville. Over 50 artists and crafters, live music, crafts, jewelry, glass art, local food. Parker Park, St. Francisville. 10am-5pm. 225-635-3873, stfrancisvillefestivals.com. 29 Coffee with Mayor Cooper. Covington Trailhead. 9am-10am. 31 Columbia Street Block Party. Covington. 6:30pm-9:30pm. 892-1873. 31 George’s Halloween Party. DJ, Complimentary appetizers, costumes required, costume contest, drink specials. George’s Mexican Restaurant 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. 626-4342. $10 cover. 10pm-2am. 31 Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days & Arts & Crafts Fair. Downtown. Outdoor fair, crafts, arts, vendors from many states. 9am-5pm. 386-2536. 31-Nov 2 Annual Art Sale and Show. Lacombe Art Guild. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church and School, 4499 Sharpe Rd., Mandeville. lacombeheartguild.com. 30

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

IN Other Words

by Becky Slatten

OF OUR FOUR LOUISIANA SEASONS––carnival, crawfish, football and hunting—football is my favorite. I’m sure I’m not the only one weary of the summer heat and ready for a change in the weather and some FOOTBALL. Though September ushers in the first day of fall, the month typically does a much better imitation of summer—but soon comes glorious October. Football season is in full swing, and we can begin to guess who the Saints really need to beat and which SEC

decorations just like the ones we had as children. I was feeling nostalgic and sentimental until it hit me—I’m at an antique mall. It kinda hurt. When my children were little, we often made up their costumes, but as they got older they wanted to buy them. About 10 years ago, my oldest daughter decided to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, so we went shopping. As we perused the wall of pictures of costumes at the big costume store, I found myself wondering, “When did Halloween become so sleazy?”

teams will vie for a National Championship. The first cold snap reveals the overeager pyromaniacs in the neighborhood, such as myself, by the smoke wisping from our chimneys (so what if the A/C is on?), and Halloween decorations and costumes are on display everywhere (just ignore those Christmas ornaments two aisles over). I love Halloween. Since childhood, I get a little thrill from the jack o’ lanterns, ghosts and skeletons decorating homes and stores. As children, my siblings and I planned our costumes well in advance, though I went through a fairly long gypsy phase and knew exactly what my costume entailed—my mother tied a silky scarf around my head, knotting it in the back, and I got to wear her clip-on hoop earrings, long glass beads and exotic full skirt safety-pinned on me in about 10 places. One year, circa 1970, mom, the 1st-grade teacher, made us matching costumes. She, no doubt, got the idea from a 1st-Grade Teacher Workshop or Magazine and, I won’t lie, they were horrible—big pumpkin heads with crepe paper bodies that we managed to destroy by falling down on purpose before we rang the first doorbell. Mother was furious, but she had no choice but to march us back home to change—I, of course, happily back into my beloved gypsy regalia. She never tried that again. Not long ago, I was browsing at an antique mall and came across a display case filled with wonderful vintage Halloween items—noisemakers, costumes and

The only Dorothy costume they had left featured a plunging neckline and came with thigh-high stockings and red glitter stilettos. “Um, no thanks, she’s 12.” Another relatively new Halloween phenomenon are the mega-haunted houses that pop up in October. I admit I’m too scared to go into them; I mean, there are a lot of crazy people in this world. What if that chainsaw is real? I guess I deserve to have my childhood Halloween noisemaker under glass at an antique mall, on sale for $80, since I’m obviously turning into my mother. Maybe this Halloween we’ll just stay home and watch FOOTBALL!

photo courtesy: BECKY SLATTEN

Pigskins and Pumpkins

September-October 2014 31

IN Depth

with Lynn Kennedy

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Resource Bank

Five Key Points 1. Download the Mobile App. Bank anytime, anywhere. Reaching your account information, paying bills and finding the closest ATM is a snap with a mobile app. Just go to the app store and download to your device. It’s secure, free, quick and easy.

2. Use Mobile Check Deposit. An additional app feature is check deposit. Just snap a picture of your endorsed check and enter the deposit amount. The image and funds are securely transferred to bank personnel who verify and process it. For the customer, this is effortless and seamless—as easy as snapping a picture of the kids and texting it to grandma.

3. Sign Up for Text Updates. Set your account to alert you about transactions. You can get a text based on your chosen preferences. It’s an easy way to let you know if a check has cleared, if your account is low, or just to get daily balance update.

4. Locate Advanced ATMs. ATMs are no longer just a cash dispenser. You can now make check deposits. The industry is even introducing technology to complete account openings and let you see a teller remotely at ATM locations.

5. The Future of the Mobile Wallet. Adoption of mobile banking is increasing rapidly, and it’s beginning to impact how we make payments. Mobile wallets use nearfield communication (NFC) chips inside smart phones and tablets to transmit information. Payment, loyalty cards, coupons and sale alerts will all be incorporated into the mobile wallet. Consumers and business owners will soon see an industry shift in point-of-sale purchase experience.

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Resource Bank’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Lynn Kennedy started her banking career 37 years ago. She began at Resource Bank in 1999 as a branch manager in Bogalusa. Last year, Lynn became COO of retail banking, banking technology and deposit operations. “I have always believed that banking is based on trust and creating a personal relationship between customer and banker,” says Lynn. “With the financial industry being more regulated than ever before, saturated with choices and technology driven, the consumer wants personal service from an institution that has their best interests in mind.” When Lynn started her banking career, ATMs were not available—and now we are banking from phones. “Mobile banking has opened up so many avenues for consumers,” she says. “Whether at home or traveling, customers can have total account access wherever they are.” Paying bills, making deposits and just checking your account balance are a few clicks away. Lynn is excited about the options offered by mobile banking, but reminds her customers that Resource is just a phone call away—where a real person will always answer the line.

KEVIN AND MELANIE CLABERT were looking for land to build on when Katrina hit. After the storm, Kevin heard of a 24-acre site for sale in Folsom. It was owned by an older woman who rode the storm in a mobile home on the property and was ready to sell and leave. The area was perfect for what Melanie and Kevin had in mind. “We love the rolling hills out here, and we wanted a home that was classic in design with a simple, timeless style,” says Kevin. “We also wanted a home to live in with our three girls,” says Melanie. Kevin has a background in construction, and an MBA in construction management; he knew his way around the building business. He says, “We had to build up the site and dig ponds, along with clearing the land of the mangled mess left by the storm.” Kevin and Melanie poured over design books and gravitated to designs by Baton Rouge architect A. Hays Town. The house has many influences of an A. Hays Town home—the heart-pine floors throughout, the Old Chicago brick and the large wooden beams. “The wooden beams were milled after Katrina from the fallen trees on the property,” says Kevin. Jennifer Dicerbo and Chris Piazza of the french mix in Covington helped Melanie and Kevin with >>

Inset: Influences of A. Hays Town are seen in the elements of the Clabert’s home. Right: Arches in Old Chicago brick, roughhewn beams and heartpine floors are seen throughout. 34

Inside Northside

A house where life is lived

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

September-October 2014 35

Above: The formal living room boasts a Steinway piano, which is enjoyed by the whole family. Right: The dining room’s focus is the reclaimed-wood table surrounded by eight Louis XV-style chairs upholstered in oyster linen. 36

the interiors. “When I first walked into the french mix, I knew Jennifer was the one to help me with this project,” says Melanie. “I could just live in her store.” As you enter the house, the foyer is very simple, with a distressed French Iron chandelier with seeded glass. Two olio jars and a simple rug are the only adornments. Ahead, after the large arched brick wall, is a sideboard in a custom mineral finish with antique mirror inserts. The clear-glass lamps with parchment shades sit beside a cast metal bowl. Artwork by Covington artist Shelly Rosenbloom is hung over the piece. In the living room, you are greeted by the sound of the Steinway piano playing softly in the background. “The piano is one of our best purchases,” says Melanie, “because the girls love to come in the living room and listen. It is our

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

favorite part of the house.” Two Swedish-style demi-lune tables flanking the entrance way are topped with classic Parisian pied-à-terre mirrors that have four beveled antique silver panels. The sofa is a Mid-Century Modern style covered in an oyster-gray velvet; pillows in color block designs in shades of aqua pick up the triptych above by artist Marissa Star. Shagreen end tables with brass trim in a waterfall nesting form sit beside the sofa. Feather-gray parchment shades top the lamps, which are columns of clear fluted glass. The cocktail table is also Mid-Century Modern, in Lucite with brass trim; on the table are a natural horn bowl and art books. The walls are painted in Sherwin Williams Windsor Gray and the silk draperies are in mineral. A black-and-white Brazilian cowhide rug adds contrast. At the end of the room are free-floating renderings by New Orleans artist Adele Sypesteyn. A petrified wood stump sits between two French-style reproduction chairs, which are covered in canvas leather and have azure ostrich print pillows. “This was the perfect little >>

piece to add a rustic feel to this elegant room,â&#x20AC;? says Jennifer. The dining room is painted in Sherwin Williams Rain, a dark granite, with West Highland White trim. The rich color makes each element pop. Ten can be seated comfortably at the table, which is of reclaimed natural wood in a driftwood finish. The chairs are Louis XV style in whitewash, upholstered in oyster linen, and the clean-lined Swedish-style sideboard is painted in a distressed white. Above hangs a painting by Rosenbloom. Two turned-marble lamps with parchment linen shades contrast off the dark wall. On the opposite wall hangs a shagreen laser-cut mirror in a sunburst pattern. The chandelier is French Iron and carved wood in a cream distressed finish. A Lucite Madagascar bench in the corner is covered in faux crocodilepatterned leather. Giving texture to the room is a chevron-patterned sea grass rug with leather trim. The mineral-colored draperies are silk with contrasting banding. Custom-framed mixed-media pieces are by Sypesteyn. The 13-foot ceiling in the great room, the old brick and the wooden beams are very grand, yet homey. The raised-hearth fireplace is a French style made of Isokern, which is lightweight but durable; the stucco was hand sculpted to look like stone. Reflecting the room from over the fireplace is a hand-carved mirror, distressed in putty with platinum glazing. Atop the mantle are mercury glass apothecary jars and hand-blown bubble vases. The two sofas are slipcovered in cotton canvas for easy upkeep, making nothing off limits to the children. Pillows in a variety of fabricsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;from an aqua ikat pattern, a custom pebble velvet and a micro animal print to ribbon and shagreenâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;add color and texture to the sofas. The cocktail table is a tufted shale38

Inside Northside

Left: The serving area of the kitchen, with cabinets finished in Vanilla Bean, is enhanced by simple boxwood decorations. Below: The master bath’s white marble floors are set off by the Emporadoro granite. A 4-foot round ottoman covered in faux elephant

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

hide is the focal point.

gray leather ottoman. Beside the sofas are carved French tassel-adorned tables in distressed toffee, with antiqued mirrored tops. The bronze lamps with linen shades sit on top of the end tables. A hand-tufted Tibetan rug in silver sage anchors the seating area. The custom 10-foot credenza is finished in metallic starlight; two raw silk-wrapped glass cylinder lamps add light. Against the window wall are two modernized wing chairs covered in Belgian linen with nail head trim. On the chairs are pillows in a geometric scroll design. Between the chairs is a Windsor table with hand-applied finish and metal banding. The lamp is a column of hand-stacked oval glass with a linen shade in nickel finish.

Silk draperies in putty and artwork by Rosenbloom complete the look. Leading into the kitchen is a large arch of Old Chicago brick, which mimics the entrance arch. Barstools are painted in champagne with hand-finished metallic accents. The kitchen has vanilla-bean cabinets glazed in a cocoa gray. Stainless appliances contrast with the dark brown antique granite. “We call the oversized island ‘The Continent,’ says Kevin. “Everyone seems to gather here.” Over the island is a gas lantern by Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights. With storage and cubbies for wine, a built-in sideboard is the perfect serving surface; it is decorated simply with assorted faux boxwoods and a large French dough >> September-October 2014 39

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Above: The master bedroom is both romantic and sophisticated with tufted headand footboards upholstered in pewter crushed velvet. 40

bowl. The 72-inch round pedestal breakfast table of reclaimed wood allows for easy conversation; the French-style chairs are upholstered in feather-gray linen. Overhead is a French-style chandelier with a painted and distressed finish. While the natural shades give defused light, a sea grass rug in a basket weave delineates the space and adds texture. In the romantic, sophisticated master bedroom, the king-sized tufted head- and footboards are upholstered in pewter crushed velvet. “The light that catches on this fabric adds a certain glow to the room,” says Jennifer. The duvet in a subtle stripe-on-stripe cream sateen is complemented by the Bella Notte oversized bolster pillow done in silk chiffon with dressmaker detail. Shagreen pillows add more texture to the bed. One side table is a three-drawer chest hand finished in a natural driftwood color with an antique mirrored front and infinity line detail. The other side table is a round goldleaf metal table with a mirrored top. The subtly striped ceramic lamps have shades in shale linen. Over the bed hangs a French-style iron and wood chandelier with metal goose-head adornment in the style of Versailles. The simple-lined custom dresser is in a dark smoky gray with nickel hardware; the mirror above is hand finished and distressed in shades of quarry and stone.

Inside Northside

Two antique-style French sconces, with beaded crystals and gold leaf, flank the mirror. Across the room is a chaise longue covered in a light mushroom linen blend, with ikat pillows and an off-white throw of faux channeltufted fur. Beside the chaise is a small gold-leaf round table with a mirrored top. The distressed iron floor lamp has a linen shade printed with images of the French parliament buildings. The artwork is by Covington artist Kris Muntan. The ‘Versailles’ rug is hand-tufted silk and wool in tones of aqua and mushroom. “The master bedroom is my sanctuary,” says Melanie. The master bath is also a retreat. The white marble floors and tub surround in brown Emporadoro have a soothing appeal, while the 4-foot round tufted faux elephant-hide ottoman is the focus of the room. The arched windows allow light, and the plantation shutters give privacy. A Mary Baker piece in acrylic, burlap and gold leaf hangs above the tub. “Working with Kevin and Melanie was dream,” says Jennifer. “The serene gray palate throughout the house creates a classic, timeless feel that makes it both beautiful and highly functional.” “We got exactly what we wanted,” says Melanie. “A beautifully decorated home, but one that is not stuffy. Life is to be lived, after all.”

City Park Memories by Sandra Scalise Juneau

Inside Northside

AU DRA SCALISE JUNE photo courtesy: SAN

photo: JAMES A. DAVENPORT

MY EARLIEST RECOLLECTION of City Park has me riding the “flying horses”—going round and round inside that musical grotto of loud pumping organ tunes, dizzied by the carousel’s mirrored reflections and mesmerized by its constant monotonous course. It was my determination, midway in my single-digit years, that nearly landed me beneath the turning trundle as I stretched and reached while staying astride, trying to beat out my older brothers in grabbing onto the elusive brass ring. Less stressful were the Saturday morning art classes we attended in the late 1940s at Delgado Museum, known now as the New Orleans

Museum of Art. We were seated under the ancient oaks in small groups, set up with easels, blank canvases and tins of pastels, and then told, “Draw that tree.” I don’t recall what the other kids produced, but being always in competition with my brothers, I remember clearly. One brother drew something that resembled a Popsicle; I created what looked like connected stick figures; and our oldest brother sketched an extravagant oak tree, complete with shading and glimpses of sunlight filtering through its leaves. To our delight, early that December, a formal invitation arrived for a Saturday morning Christmas Soirée especially for the summertime >>

Above: Sandra Juneau and friends at City Park during the 1940s.

September-October 2014 43

of City Park. 44

Inside Northside

up at breakneck speed, then coasting down the many “Tickle-Belly” bridges that dotted the park, named for the effect created as you went over the top. Those adventures were usually followed by refreshing stops for snoballs at the Casino, named for the mission architecture that prevailed during the height of WPA improvements. There never was gambling there, as the name might suggest; the name is taken from the Spanish word for “little house,” but for us, the Casino truly lived up to its other meaning, a place for social gathering. As we progressed into our teens, City Park was the place for weekly tennis lessons. By our midteens, when we had discovered boys, Friday nights were reserved for Prep football games, held in City Park Stadium. I don’t think we paid much attention

images courtesy: NEWORLEANSCITYPARK.COM

Vintage postcards

art students. I’ll never forget opening those massive doors into Delgado Museum, where facing me was the most glorious sight I had even seen. A towering Christmas tree stood inside the atrium, a magical spectacle shimmering with strands of silvery tinsel, reaching all the way up to the mezzanine gallery. For me, at that time, the museum’s great works of art paled by comparison. Each time I enter through those same doors, I can still visualize that Christmas tree, despite the museum’s ill-placed kiosk now situated smack dab in the middle of that magnificent atrium. In the early 1950s, our Lakeview Girl Scout Troop had our first overnight, camping in the gnome-like stone cottage called McFadden’s Cabin. Later, we had tent-camp excursions in the rugged wilds of Scout Island, City Park’s protected site for overnight camping just off Harrison Avenue. I clearly recall abandoning our mosquito-ridden tents to spend the night in the relative comfort of our leader’s station wagon. Our rendezvous for Saturday bike rides to the park was Harrison Drugs in the heart of Lakeview. It seemed so daring on those excursions to go racing

to the action down on the field; we were way too busy flirting with those cute guys we had known for years, who suddenly had morphed into “persons of interest” for us. On Saturday nights, our neighborhood crowd of teens packed up our record players, brought stacks of the latest 45s, and headed for the Peristyle, where, in rhythm with the breezes playing through the moss, we swayed to the R & B sounds of Smiley Lewis’ I Hear You Knocking and Fats Domino’s Ain’t That a Shame, never noticing the harsh concrete floor beneath our feet. For our group of friends, it seemed we always traveled in droves, packing as many as possible into the few cars available to us. When our schools were off for Catholic holidays like All Saints Day and Easter Monday, we headed for City Park’s paddle boats, where we met the guys, who by then had gone on to the all-male Jesuit High School. There, we paired off for unofficial dates, gliding along in the Lagoon with WTIX blaring Top 20s through our portable radios. We were warned by older brothers that one area of City Park was off-limits to “nice” girls—the infamous Mona Lisa Lane, where it was reputed that on foggy nights, Mona Lisa mysteriously appeared to the inhabitants of cars parked on this lonesome stretch of road, supposedly somewhere near Marconi Drive. I can’t really attest to the facts of this legend, but just the whispered mention of Mona Lisa Lane brought shrieks of horror from the girls at slumber parties. City Park will be, for me, forever entwined with those blissful years during our “age of innocence.” As this great park has from generations past, it stands as a treasure within New Orleans, destined to shelter coming generations beneath its majestic live oaks, a sacred space for yet untold legends and memories to unfold. September-October 2014 45

A Treasure among the Oaks

by Jamey Landry

Above: The majestic oaks at City Park. 46

IMAGINE A PLACE where a rocket ship to the moon and a rare Picasso wait patiently to be discovered. Within a stone’s throw, true love and exotic flowers bloom brightly. Nearby, a lush forest complete with a mountain begging to be explored stands watch over sculptures by Enrique Alferez. In the distance, squeals of delight peal from children as majestic flying horses prance about on command, while tennis enthusiasts live out Wimbledon dreams at center court in time to pick up the kids from school. Sounds too fantastic a place to be true? It’s not a dream. It’s New Orleans City Park, a 1,300-acre utopia that is easily accessible from the northshore. City Park was established for recreational use in 1854 and steadily expanded to its current size throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. More

Inside Northside

than double the size of New York’s Central Park, City Park is the sixth-largest and seventh-mostvisited urban park in the United States. Home of the largest grove of mature live oaks in the world—the oldest trees are 600-800 years old—the park features numerous walking, jogging and biking trails. As the park grew, so too did the amenities and improvements needed to make it more user friendly. Popp Fountain, an Art Deco fountain and bandstand, was among many of the earliest planned attractions; it was followed by the Isaac Delgado Museum of Art (now the New Orleans Museum of Art), the classic Peristyle bandstand and the Italianate-styled Casino. Eventually, tennis courts, riding stables, several 18-hole golf courses, the Tad Gormley and Pan American football stadiums, the miniature train that encircles the amusement park and other improvements were added,

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

making up what is for many New Orleanians the classic version of City Park through 2005. In March 2005, the Board of Commissioners of the City Park Improvement Association adopted City Park 2018, a master plan that details the direction of park until the year 2018, the 300th anniversary of the city of New Orleans. The original plan has been reviewed and updated several times since 2005. Later in 2005, the flooding that accompanied Hurricane Katrina resulted in overwhelming destruction to the park, with up to eight feet of water in certain sections and a total of $43 million in damages. The attractions that suffered Katrina-caused damage have since been restored under the City Park 2018 plan, funded by Federal grants and private donations. The goal of the new master plan reaches beyond recovery and aggressively moves the park firmly forward into the rest of the 21st century with added attractions and revenue streams designed to make the park self-sustaining. City Park has an annual budget of just over $12 million, 85 percent of which is raised through admissions and fees. No operating funds are received from the city of New Orleans. Since 2005, improvements have included a new miniature golf course, City Putt; a free-range dog park, City Bark; and a state-of-the-art reception hall adjacent to Popp Fountain, The Arbor Room at Popp Fountain. The renovated Casino now plays host to one of New

Orleans’ most treasured culinary delights by welcoming back Morning Call coffee and beignets, the first return of the brand to Orleans Parish in more than 40 years. Ongoing plans include projects such as a Ladybug Roller Coaster, a Splash Park, a championship-level golf course and club house and a skate park. The reborn and revitalized City Park is not just a New Orleans treasure; it is a Southeast Louisiana treasure. City Park can be equally enjoyed through its many attractions or simply by roaming through the relaxing acreage of grand oaks, open spaces and tranquil waterways. Every visit to City Park is another chance to relax, learn and appreciate one’s self in surroundings that are now probably the most inviting they have ever been in the park’s history. Visit the excellent website, neworleanscitypark.com for detailed information about City Park and its attractions.

Something for Everyone The compelling appeal of City Park and its many quality attractions make it worth a special trip for visitors from New Orleans and beyond. There is indeed something for every visitor to the park to enjoy.

NOLA City Bark What better way to enjoy the park than to share it with your best friend? Well, if they’re not in the mood, you can always take your dog to City Bark, a >>

Morning Call at City Park. September-October 2014 47

photo: JAMEY LANDRY

4.6-acre landscaped area where dogs run free while their owners proudly watch. This fully enclosed dog park features separate play areas for small and big dogs, a quarter-mile walking trail, a dog wash and shady pavilions with rest rooms and water fountains for pups and their owners to enjoy. Admission is by annual permit; for more information, call NOLA City Bark at (504) 483-9377 or email at info@nolacitybark.org.

City Park/Pepsi Tennis Center Looking to get your Wimbledon on? While it doesn’t promise you’ll get that far in your career,

Inside Northside

City Park’s Pepsi Tennis Center will certainly get you started. This world-class tennis facility features fully lighted courts, 16 hard courts and 10 clay courts. There is a practice court with two backboards, as well as showers and lockers for players. Adults can really mix it up with bi-weekly “Friday Night Doubles” on the first and third Fridays of each month, when tennis, food and cocktails are all served up. For information, call the tennis center at (504) 483-9383.

Hines Carousel Gardens Amusement Park Whether you are a kid or just a kid at heart, Carousel Gardens amusement park will delight the kid in you. The park, centered on its antique wooden carousel, features 16 rides, many especially suited to the park’s youngest visitors. The wooden carousel, with its brightly handpainted collection of 53 “flying horses,” a lion, a camel and a giraffe, is more than a century old. A few of the horses date back to 1885. The carousel is one of fewer than 100 wooden carousels existing in the United States and is rightly included on the National Register of Historic Places. Other rides include a miniature train, Tilt-a-Whirl,

photo: JAMEY LANDRY

representations retell classic fairytales and children’s stories in Storyland. The delightful interactive sculptures invite the park’s littlest visitors to become part of the story or make up one of their own! Also featured are an authentic retired New Orleans Fire Department engine, a wacky house and an exciting “rocket to the moon” that invites future astronauts to explore the stars. Located directly adjacent to the Carousel Gardens, Storyland is open during seasonal hours and is available for birthday parties. Tickets are available online. Call (504) 483-9402 for more information. Musik Express, Bumper Cars, Fun Slide, Scrambler, Ferris Wheel and Wacky Shack. The amusement park is open seasonally and is available for private events and birthday parties. Tickets are available online at neworleanscitypark.com/in-the-park/carousel-gardens. Call (504) 483-9402 for more information and booking.

Storyland The gang’s all here! Captain Hook, Pinocchio, Jack and Jill, The Three Little Pigs, The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe and more than 25 other larger-than-life

City Putt Mixing a little history with a challenging 36-hole course, City Putt is an all-new miniature golf complex. The attraction is made up of two 18-hole courses, one themed by Louisiana culture, while the other highlights New Orleans history. Louisiana and New Orleans icons are lovingly represented throughout the facility, and signage along each course details the city and state’s history at each hole. Adjacent to Carousel Gardens and proudly 100 percent ADA-accessible, City Putt is open all year. Parker’s Porch offers hungry >>

duffers food, soft drinks and beer. Available for birthday parties and special events. For more information and booking, call (504) 483-9385.

Couturie Forest Couturie Forest is that little unexpected surprise that reminds us to take notice of the forest despite the trees. As the name implies, Couturie Forest is 60 acres of native trees, scenic waterways, intriguing wildlife and a mountain—smack dab in the middle of City Park. According to City Park, the forest and accompanying Scout Island are composed of eight unique eco-systems and are home to more than 40 species of birds. The “mountain,” at a dizzying 43 feet above sea level, is the highest earthen elevation in New Orleans, higher than the more famous Monkey Hill in Audubon Park. Couturie Forest features more than two miles of semi-improved trails, begging to be explored. Admission is free. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Enrique Alferez Sculptures A benefit of the Depression-era Works Progress Administration, City Park is blessed to feature

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The New Orleans Museum of Art and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden One of the South’s finest museums, the New Orleans Museum of Art has a permanent collection of more than 40,000 objects. Visit NOMA.org for detailed information. Through the generous contributions of Sydney and Walda Besthoff (of K&B Drugs fame), the Besthoff Sculpture Garden outside NOMA displays more than 60 unique works of art throughout 4.67 acres of gated, park-like atmosphere. On display in the garden are Pierre Auguste Renoir’s Venus Victorius (1914); Antoine Bourdelle’s Hercules the Archer (1947); and Deborah Butterfield’s Restrained (1999). The sculpture garden is free and open daily 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends.

Popp Fountain and The Arbor Room at Popp Fountain For couples in love, there is probably no better place for “gettin’ hitched” than City Park. The park offers three fully capable venues for weddings and special events, including the completely renovated Popp Fountain and the newly designed Arbor Room at Popp Fountain. The 60-foot-wide Popp Fountain dates to 1937 and is completely restored to magnificent working order, with dramatic underwater lighting and a

photo courtesy: NEWORLEANSCITYPARK.COM

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

numerous sculptures by famed New Orleans Art Deco sculptor Enrique Alferez. Located throughout the park in friezes and as stand-alone pieces, Alferez’s sculptures were a key contribution to the renovation of City Park as part of the greater WPA effort in New Orleans leading up to World War II.

photo: JAMEY LANDRY

30-foot spray of water issuing from the leaping bronze dolphin sculpture by Enrique Alferez. The park describes the large brick patio near the fountain as ideal for outdoor events. Nearby, The Arbor Room offers more formal surroundings for special events. The unique floor-to-ceiling windows offer a spectacular view of Popp Fountain, making for a dramatic backdrop to any occasion. The Arbor Room offers 5,300 square feet of reception space, accommodating up to 400 people standing. For booking information regarding The Arbor Room and other special event venues in the park, call City Park Sales at (504) 488-2896.

Celebration in the Oaks Light displays, thousands of white lights sparkling in the oak trees and other attractions combine to make City Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique Celebration in the Oaks one of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beloved holiday celebrations. From the Christmas trees decorated by school groups to the train ride through the exhibits to the iconic snowman Mr. Bingle and the animated Cajun Night before Christmas, there is fun for all ages. Celebration in the Oaks opens the day after Thanksgiving and runs through January 3. Ordering tickets in advance at neworleanscitypark.com is strongly recommended. September-October 2014 51

Remember the Beatles!

WHEN THE BEATLES CAME to New Orleans on September 16, 1964, 12,000 adoring fans gathered in City Park Stadium for their long-awaited concert. Each of the 12,000 has a unique story about the event. Here, Tish Casey tells what it was like for a 13-year-old who was determined to see her idols. About 36 years later, consummate fan Joe Adragna, a newcomer to the city who had not attended the concert, went to the stadium; he shares his journey on The Long and Winding Road.

Tish Casey

Tish Casey.

The entertainment section in 1964’s summer papers always had something exciting to read. For Tish Casey, The Beatles coming to town was the most exciting news she could ever flip to. Tish slaved all summer babysitting to make 25 cents an hour. Her goal: $5 for her beloved Beatles ticket. At 13 years old, Tish hitched a ride to City Park with her Girl Scout leader’s father to finally see the band she had been dreaming about. Of course, her driver was thoroughly interviewed by Tish’s parents before being allowed to take their teen. Tish and her friends arrived early, but the crowd had already formed, screaming and chanting for the Beatles as the opening acts performed. At this point, Tish’s feet had finally touched the ground after she had floated all week in excitement. Crying was the only reaction she had as they came on stage. The music? She could barely hear it due to the sea of cheering fans. But her hard work that summer and the $5 she earned were time and money well spent!

The Long and Winding Road that leads me to… Tad Gormley Stadium? by J. L. Adragna Jr. I’m a bit of a Beatles fan. OK, to be truthful, I’m a ridiculously huge Beatles fan. The kind that can play Beatles Trivial Pursuit and win—against other ridiculously huge Beatles fans. As a child, I used to get Beatles cake figures, close the blinds in my bedroom, put on the Beatles At the

Hollywood Bowl LP and move them to the music, as one would play with GI Joe dolls! So it was only natural that when I moved to this area some 14 years ago, I would seek out the place I most want to see in New Orleans. “Bourbon Street?” you ask. Nope. “Maybe the Garden District?” Nah. I wanted to go check out Tad Gormley stadium, which, when the Beatles played there in 1964 some 50 years ago, was known as City Park Stadium. I was surprised how accessible it seemed, and what a beautiful surrounding City Park provided. Nowadays, it’s taken for granted that City Park will host Voodoo Fest, which has become one of the preeminent music festivals in the country. But can you imagine the hysteria caused by the Fab Four playing here in 1964? I thought about the stories I’d read of the crowd breaking through and rushing the stage. I heard the various bootleg concert recordings from those 1964 Beatles shows in my head. I thought about the rich musical history of this city that helped create the phenomenon I loved so deeply, and I felt lucky to be here.

Tickets for the WYES BEATLES TRIBUTE FEATURING THE FAB FOUR concert September 16, 2014 are general admission and can be purchased for $35 online at wyes.org. For more details, go to page 189. 52

Inside Northside

Grace Under Pressure by Sandra Scalise Juneau

Congressman Steve Scalise

WHEN STEVE SCALISE, our congressman from Louisiana’s First Congressional District, achieved first-ballot election as House Republican Majority Whip on June 19, our family joined Louisiana in proudly celebrating this native son. Steve has that unique combination of South Louisiana’s joie de vivre, the hardworking determination of his ancestors and the American spirit of optimism that polishes his common-sense idealism. From a family perspective, having witnessed the unfolding progression of Steve’s accomplishments over the years, this latest success came as no surprise to us. It was during his second grade year at James Madison Elementary, his neighborhood school in Jefferson Parish, that we first experienced Steve’s amazing ability to deliver the goods. Before an audience of teachers, students and parents, he commanded a 54

Inside Northside

packed auditorium with his straightforward delivery, fully engaging the audience with his winning smile. He wowed us with his stage presence. Early on, Steve’s parents recognized their middle child’s compelling abilities and particularly encouraged his competitive spirit. If there was a race or a game in swimming, tennis, soccer or baseball, Steve’s championship drive fuelled his passion for winning, and his persistence always put him on top. Though Steve’s athletic and academic awards were numerous, he carries his successes with modest reminiscence— yet he does recall, with a twinkling eye, “One of my proudest moments was when they announced at Saint Paul’s Summer Camp in Covington that I had been awarded ‘Camper of the Year’!” It was at Archbishop Rummel High School that Steve developed the qualities of leadership shown

“One of my proudest moments was when they announced at Saint Paul’s Summer Camp in Covington that I had been awarded ‘Camper of the Year’!” – U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise

daily in his outstanding performance as our representative in the U.S. House. Guided by the La Sallian principles of faith, social justice, community, education and respect for all, Steve has proven his facility in standing firm as he battles for his positions while keeping friendships open, even with his opposition. He has earned his Southern stripes as a fierce competitor who will always end with a sincere handshake. Of course, his winning smile is an asset that can’t be overlooked. Steve’s aptitude as a coalition builder goes back to his college days when, as a candidate for speaker of LSU’s Student Government Association, he rallied support from not only his closest friends and fraternity brothers, but also from competing factions. A credit to Steve’s leadership, his earliest supporters remain on his team. That talent for leadership will serve Steve well in “whipping up votes” in >> September-October 2014 55

Congress as he grapples daily with legislation that affects lives not just in the District One parishes of Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Terrebonne, but throughout this nation and across the world. Watching Steve in action reminds me of the many instances of his grace under pressure, never more evident than during the battle that none of us would have chosen, his mother’s long illness in her struggle with breast cancer. Always the competitor, Carol fought the good fight to her last breath. Through our prayers and tears, it was Steve’s constant devotion to his mom that sustained us all. Perhaps we can credit Steve’s abilities to his gift of good genes. On a recent visit to D.C., as I looked down the polished marble hall leading into his office, I had a hold-yourbreath moment facing the polished brass plaque aside the entry. Reading the inscription, Representative Steve Scalise, Louisiana, I thought back three generations to the dawn of the 20th century, when a young immigrant, recruited from his Sicilian village to work in Louisiana’s cane fields, arrived with just his hopes for starting a new life for his family. Through their hard work and perseverance, Steve’s ancestors—the Scalco, Schilleci, Accardo and Scalise families flourished in Louisiana. Their dreams for the opportunity to succeed have again come to fruition with Steve’s accomplishments. For Steve, family is always first, and traditions have been the binder in his path to success. True to his heritage, his favorite family celebration is the Feast of Saint Joseph. In 2005, it was March 19 that Jennifer Letuille and Steve chose for their wedding 56

Inside Northside

Roland and “Aunt Sandra” Juneau with Congressman

photo courtesy: SANDRA SCALISE JUNEAU

Scalise.

date. Steve called just days before the wedding to ask, “Aunt Sandra, do you think you can put together a Saint Joseph Altar for our reception?” I replied, “Of course, honey!” So in addition to their wedding cake, Steve and Jennifer’s guests were treated to a traditional Saint Joseph’s Altar, complete with an assortment of biscotti in flavors of anise and sesame, and with Steve’s favorite fig cookies. There was a tray of Lucky Beans, blessed with prayers for abbondanza, enough for each guest to tuck into a purse or pocket as a cherished symbol of abundance in faith, in hope and in love. After a private tour of the Capitol, as I was walking arm-in-arm with Steve into the House Chamber as he headed for a vote, I reminded him, “You know Steve, each time you enter this room, we are all here with you.” He replied, “I know, Aunt Sandra.” He then pulled a worn Lucky Bean from his pocket and said, “And I always carry this with me wherever I go.” September-October 2014 57

IN Better Health

by Leah Draffen

with Maureen Greer SHE COULDN’T RAISE HER ARMS above her head, she couldn’t drive and she couldn’t sit up with ease. Maureen Greer walked into Rehab Dynamics feeling hopeless. But after battling her health for 20 years, Maureen says she is on her path to wellness. Last year, after four years of misdiagnoses and seven months of weekly testing at the Mayo Clinic, Maureen was diagnosed with severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia. This rare form of anemia causes her red blood cells to die within 72 hours—healthy red blood cells should live up to 120 days. Maureen’s healthy blood cells attach to dead blood cells, causing them to die off continually. The anemia made her extremely fatigued and weak, her handgrip strength was minimal and daily tasks were tiring. “I would find excuses to go to my parents’ home,” Maureen says, “but I would really just go and sleep. It went on for years.” A splenectomy was needed to remove her 4-pound spleen. (An average spleen weighs 3.4 ounces.) On December 3, 2013, Maureen woke up from surgery knowing that something was not right. She was experiencing excruciating pain throughout her core, and her surgical incision ran the full length 58

Inside Northside

of her torso from chest to pelvis. She had three herniated disks and seven tears in her rotator cuffs, three in her left and four in her right. Maureen says, “I had no quality of life.” In March, Maureen walked into Rehab Dynamics with much doubt, thinking, “Okay, physical therapy isn’t going to work, but I’ll give it a week.” Physical therapist Devon Lockfield began working with her on basic stretches. “When I first met Maureen, she was in pain and felt competely defeated by the fact that she was no longer able to live her life,” Devon says. “On my first day, Devon laid me on this roll that looks like a swimming noodle,” Maureen says. “It stretches my back. I’m telling you, it saved my life.” By her third session, she could raise her arms into a “T” form. Following exercises, stretching and therapy, Maureen enters traction, which stretches her neck while she is lying on a heating pad. Ice is applied for any pain. At the end of each session, Devon works the knots and kinks out of her neck and troubled areas. “I mean, you walk out of there and you feel alive,” Maureen says. Into her first month, Maureen could run on Rehab’s AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill. The treadmill, built by NASA, reduces the amount of body weight impacting your body while you run or walk. She can now run with 70 percent of her body weight. Recently, Maureen graduated from stretching exercises to begin working on weight-bearing exercises and balance that she had lost from surgery. After surgery, fibromyalgia can be an issue. Her new goal is overcoming fibromyalgia naturally with the help of her personal trainer and physical therapist.

photos: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Health Concern: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia; after-effects of surgery. Treatment: Physical therapy.

“From not being able to drive a car or sit in a chair—even sleeping was off the table—to now I can drive the car, I can swim, I can run three miles on the AlterG,“ Maureen says. “That’s huge.” Maureen gives much of her progress credit to the Rehab Dynamics team, which has had a strong part in her healing and improvement. Devon says, “Maureen regained the ability to do the things she had been missing out on. For me to watch that happen for her was so exciting.” From the smiling receptionist to her helpful physical therapist, Maureen says that they have all been a blessing to her recovery, with the Rehab team as a whole watching and encouraging each patient. She says, “It is a well-oiled machine from the moment you walk in.” Maureen started at Rehab Dynamics weighing 219 pounds from the steroids she was taking for pain. At 155 pounds, she believes that physical therapy is just as important as an annual health check-up and now incorporates gym visits into her week in addition to three physical therapy sessions. “I never thought I would step foot in the gym again,” she says. The exercises that Maureen dreaded in the beginning are now exercises that she relies on. Her past exercises are a part of her daily routine. Her health journey has built much strength and changed her opinion about wellness as a whole. Maureen does not believe in medication; she believes it is solely about attitude. With a positive attitude, she plans to go back to work. She also plans to continue stretching her core and improving her balance. “My goal is to get healthy again. I tend to be an optimist, but I had to work through the pain,” Maureen says. “It’s something you have to want.” September-October 2014 59

Seductive Savannah, Charming Charleston

by Ann Gilbert

Above: A square in historic Savannah. Right: The gold-domed City Hall building in Savannah. Below: Traditional handwoven baskets are popular items at the historic Charleston City Market.

THE SESQUICENTENNIAL remembrance of the Civil War (1861-1865) is only one of many reasons to visit Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina. These charming and graceful waterfront towns were on my bucket list, and I visited them with Ochsner Golden Opportunity, the hospital’s “club” for seniors. I knew I would brush against rich and colorful history on this coastal escapade, but I was totally taken aback by the similarities of these cities to New Orleans. A saxophone player entertained us for tips on the bricklined seawall path paralleling Savannah’s River Street. Old cotton warehouses are now home to upscale shops, businesses, offices and seafood restaurants. Some are even decorated with wrought iron balconies. Like the Moon Walk, River Street offers really up-close views of the huge vessels hauling out grain and bringing in Japanese cars on “ro-ro” ships (roll on, roll off). Paved with ballast stones, River Street makes for a bumpy ride—but

Inside Northside

you don’t want to take your car down to River Street anyway. Park and walk in old Savannah. Our guide crooned Rollin’ on the River as he proudly announced Savannah is the third-largest port after New York and Los Angeles. (I thought New Orleans was, but fact-checker says he’s right.) I did have trouble confirming his statement that a woman designed the stunning cable bridge tying Charleston to Mount Pleasant, the starting point for many interesting activities. The open trolley car driven by our tour guide allowed a quick overall view of Savannah, but the competition of traffic noise sometimes drowned out his jokes and historical tidbits. When he opened his presentation with a pole dance (using his back, thank goodness), we knew we were in for a hilarious ride. “Slaves and pirates escaped through Savannah’s underground tunnels, where even Revolutionary-era skeletons were found,” he said. Savannah was fortunate to have a vigorous early historical preservation movement, leading to our enjoyment now of much significant architecture. Walking the historic residential area, I was surprised to see the 19th century mansions positioned on

the lots with their side to the street. Homeowners wanted privacy from street ruckus and ease in viewing their gardens behind brick or wooden fences. However, we voyeurs could peek through the tall frilly wrought iron gates to see the colorful lush landscapes. Savannah also seduces you with its 22 parks or squares, where spreading live oak trees exude a mysterious ambience. Thank James Oglethorpe for all that beautiful green. Savannah’s founder brought a set of designs for his town that included 24 parks. (Two were concreted over for a development that went bankrupt.) In 1902, the forwardthinking city fathers filled the squares with oak seedlings. I joined the many tourists busily snapping photos of the flowers and monuments, as well as the mansions lining the squares. Men and women in business attire garnered benches on which to relax and chat during their lunch hour. Pulaski Square honors the Polish hero who displayed his equestrian skills to George Washington and was promptly hired to beef up the cavalry. Casimir Pulaski died leading a charge during the 1779 siege of Savannah. I had forgotten how many Europeans joined us in our fight for independence from the mother country. A stunning white marble obelisk in Johnson Town Square marks the grave of Nathaniel Greene, the secondhighest ranking officer in the American Revolution, after Washington. Greene was honored for his service to Georgia with a plantation, but the war hero would die of heat stroke soon after moving his family there. The French Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette laid the original cornerstone for his friend Greene. Railroad buffs will enjoy the Georgia State Railroad Museum, a National >> September-October 2014 61

Historic Landmark, dedicated to this mode of transportation. The museum spreads out over a 19th century rail car plant that employed thousands and had a 27-hole privy. (Guides give us the most fascinating facts!) The campus of the famous Savannah Center for the Arts and Design is also scattered all through Old Town in both historic and avantgarde structures. Girl Scouts can visit the home of founder Juliette Low and learn how her mother Nellie MacKenzie saved the town by inviting Gen. Sherman to tea—they were old friends from childhood. (He no doubt spared the town because of the port.) The 5-yearold Juliette sat on his lap and searched his red hair for horns, as she had heard him called the red devil. We took a break from Old Town to visit Tybee Island Lighthouse, where the hearty souls in our group climbed the 178 stairs to see the 9-foot Fresnel lens. Because it was a Coast Guard Station, Tybee Lighthouse has all its historic structures intact. It offers a rare opportunity for insight into this unique life. In the museum’s film, the children of lightkeepers recall idyllic childhoods on the island. I learned lighthouses are painted with those bold designs, called “day marks,” so they can be seen 20 miles out to sea the during the day. No one leaves Tybee Island without joining in the fun at the Crab Shack, with its alligator pond, quirky art (mostly stuffed alligators) and breezy outdoor eating on the waterfront. We took the boardwalk down to the famous Tybee Island beach, where the surf was calm that day, and boarded the bus with sandy feet. I passed on the musical review playing nightly at the Savannah Theater, but those who attended said it was great fun, with singers and dancers romping up and down the aisles. A few of us took a glass of wine to the roof-top pool/patio 62

Inside Northside

at our Hampton Inn, and watched the sunset on those mighty cargo containers brushing by each other in the seemingly narrow river. Â When itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to eat, pick the Pirates House for a picturesque 1700s building with low ceiling, dim rooms and a pirate in full garb lurking around the winding passageways, or opt for the River House with its waterfront views and its own bakery. Traveling from Savannah to Charleston, veer off to Wadamalaw Island to imbibe at the Firefly Vineyard and Irvin Distillery, with its two tasting rooms for wine and liqueurs. Louisiana sugar cane is an ingredient in their liqueurs. Our favorite was the Chocolate Pecan. Bring a picnic lunch, as the site is isolated, but the drive is part of the experience. We found the Charleston waterfront not as accessible or interesting as its sister city down the coast. Much of our time was spent at Patriots Point across the bay, home to the USS Yorktown. We climbed through the bowels of the aircraft carrier, up and down narrow, steep stairs, and even ventured out onto the windswept flight deck in the rain. Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant is also where >>

Above: The Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park in Charleston. Left: The Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum.

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Above: The majestic oaks at Boone Hall Plantation. Left: The Cooper River Bridge in Charleston.

we caught the ferry to Fort Sumter, the site of the shelling that started the war between the North and South. A Confederate general from New Orleans—Pierre Gustave Toussaint Beauregard, from St. Bernard—stood front and center in this skirmish. (When the Fort Sumter park ranger 64

Inside Northside

put on a thick accent to pronounce Beauregard’s full name, laughter burst from the tourists gathered around him.) When Southern states began talking of secession, Beauregard resigned as superintendent of West Point, a position he had held for only five days, to volunteer for the Confederacy. In an ironic twist of fate, he faced his former artillery professor and old friend, James Anderson, who was the Fort Sumter commander. In the museum, we read the polite missives exchanged between the two in the days leading up to the “shot heard around the world.” Anderson refused Beauregard’s request “to abandon the fort or be fired upon.” The bombardment of the fort continued for 34 hours. Anderson was low on shells and low on food. It was a one-sided encounter. No one died until Anderson

asked permission to lower the U.S. flag with a 21-gun salute. His soldiers misfired and two were killed. We toured the Edmonston-Alston Mansion, on Battery Avenue back across the bay, where Beauregard monitored the attack. Tourists now stroll on the seawall there, past stately antebellum homes. (Beauregard is the man astride the horse at the boulevard entrance to the New Orleans Museum of Art.) After touring Yorktown and/ or Fort Sumter, enjoy the marsh and waterfront views at Vickery’s Restaurant in Mt. Pleasant. My Caesar salad came with one dozen large grilled shrimp. Crab meat was plentiful in the seafood cakes. After lunch, walk out the long pier through salt marsh to the bay, where paddle boarders, sailboats and sprawling waterfront homes share the breezes. Great blue herons freeze at your intrusion, but amazingly don’t fly off. Slaves brought the know-how of cultivating rice to the Low Country. The African culture, called Gullah, also introduced the skill of weaving baskets with sweet grass or palmetto leaves. The containers were used for winnowing the rice. The many shapes and sizes of baskets are scooped up by tourists in the Historic Charleston City Market. We took a break from barbecue joints and enjoyed a gourmet meal in Charleston with white linen tablecloths, floating candles and flowers decorating the tables at Southerly Restaurant. Right next door is the eatery’s famous culinary shop, Southern Seasons, with thousands of coffees, cheeses, chocolates and highend kitchen gadgets to choose from. We hope we have enticed you to put these two historic towns on your bucket list. Visit in the spring and fall, and take time to walk these living museums. The history will fascinate you, and their charm will envelop you. September-October 2014 65

The Magic City parties with the blues.

Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival

Vasti Johnson belts out a tune at the Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Fest. 66

NOBODY’S SINGING THE BLUES about the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival. This newcomer to the Louisiana festival scene gives its organizers absolutely no reason to sing “sad songs.” They leave that to the professionals. Only once in a blue moon does a community seize upon a cultural opportunity and make it a grand adventure from its inception. Thus is the case of BBHF, which celebrates its third year this September with triumphant yet humble fanfare for musicians, music lovers and even community members who can’t carry a tune. Having been named New Event of the Year by the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals, BBHF graces the grounds of Bogalusa’s Cassidy Park. This year, for the first time, there will be two days of performances—Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26 and 27. Organizers have assembled a slate of splendid soulful performers who will give voice to a wide, and deep, range of blues styles from the Delta

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blues to the blues twisted with Caribbean sounds. Chicago blues, New Orleans blues, Memphis blues, Texas blues, Florida swamp blues, blues rock, blues country and every type of blues in between can be found at this annual gathering of blues aficionados. For the record, “blues” songs are not necessarily slow or depressing or sad. To the contrary, Malinda White describes the blues as music that comes from deep within and tells a story that people can relate to. “Most of us struggle our way through life. It’s not sad. In fact, it’s buoying,” she says. “It’s the joyous combustion of overcoming struggles and appreciating the lessons learned.” Three years in, the 2014 BBHF lineup reflects a growing festival with a board that is in tune with the desires of festival-goers. There are nine main acts, ranging from noted grand masters to youthful musicians with blues in their blood. Big Daddy O, aka Owen Tufts, will kick start the festival at 5 p.m. on Friday. A favorite

photo: DEMIAN ROBERTS

by Erin Cowser

roadhouse, festival and recording artist, he’ll bring his authentic Southeast Louisiana Blues style to the stage to get things flowing. Saturday’s headliner, J.J. Grey & Mofro, will close this year’s festival with a performance that promises a powerful, passionate fury of down-home Southern funk. Known for a grimy blend of frontporch soul, roots-deep storytelling and laying-it-onthe-line shows that move audiences to dance and,

sometimes, to tears, this band is at the height of its game and acclaim. Grey has a past that provides abundant material and countless characters who struggle and triumph through his music. Now he’s dropped his fighter’s stance to let the songs and stories flow through him, creating themselves and finding outlet via the man who’s connected to the singing of Southern soil in all its gritty glory. In between, you’ll find performances from Ruthie Foster, who has been compared to Aretha Franklin and Bonnie Raitt but remains true to herself, with a blend of blues, soul, rock, folk and gospel. She testifies powerfully with a dripping, soulful voice, through passionate song writing and with bold, transformational takes on some of music’s finest classics. An increasingly familiar face and sound, with exceedingly familiar musical blood flowing through his veins, will brighten and enliven the festival. Devon Allman, son of Gregg and nephew of Duane (the original brothers), has gained growing acclaim as a singer, songwriter and guitar master with the blues/rock super group Royal Southern Brotherhood. He is also a respected solo artist known for his powerful voice and experimental blues stylings. Allman will treat the BBHF audience to a healthy serving of second-generation music royalty.

Another member of the Brotherhood, Mike Zito, will bring his stinging electric slide guitar and blistering, raspy vocals to Bogalusa. The Brother, who combines Texas blues roots with the signature flavor of New Orleans, is proud to proclaim his success and survival after dealing with drug abuse with the guidance of BBHF II alum Walter Trout. He knows pain and he knows how to make it feel better, celebrating his redemption through music. Johnny Sansone, a New Orleans roots music pioneer and member of the all-star Voice of the Wetlands group, who is known for his incendiary harmonica and accordion work, will fill Cassidy Park with his energetic, larger-than-life musical presence. And he’ll sweeten the experience by bringing along Mardi Gras Indians Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Honey Banister and Kerry Vessel as his guests. Performances Saturday will start at noon with 81-year-old blues legend Big George Brock, who

will root the scene and set the pace in traditional style with his gritty, wailing harmonica and raw, passionate voice. The longtime music man who was born in the Mississippi Delta before heading to St. Louis specializes in what he calls “true blues.” And this year, by popular demand, Paul Thorn, an audience favorite from last year, will bring his engaging saint-and-sinner mix back to Bogalusa. Thorn is the son of a Pentecostal minister and nephew of a pimp; a former pro boxer and an acclaimed singer/songwriter, he brings his musical stories to life >>

Top left: J. D. Hill teaches children the harmonica. Bottom right: Harmonica workshop.

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Ruthie Foster performs.

in a muscular brand of rocking roots blues. Additionally, New Orleans music icon Walter “Wolfman” Washington, who is widely acclaimed for soulful vocals and searing guitar work that are credited with helping to define the Crescent City’s unique musical hybrid, is sure to have festival-goers howling at the moon. The festival’s Heritage Stage lineup— featuring local bands and performers— will be announced in the weeks leading up to the festival. White serves as executive chairwoman of the event, which she says came to be in just nine months with the help of an energized board of directors. “I told them it only takes God nine months to make a baby, so we can do this,” she says. “We had zero dollars, but with the community’s help, we made it happen.” The first festival greeted 2,000 attendees. What’s so impressive with that number is that more than five inches of

rain fell on the festival that day. Even with a steady downpour, 1,000 tickets were bought at the gate and 2,000 people can lay claim to having attended the first-ever BBHF. White says, “We were baptized under five-and-a-half inches of rain that day. It’s a good thing blues lovers are so die-hard. A little rain wasn’t going to stop them.” White says she was by no means a “blues queen” when she got started. A trip to the Mississippi Delta where she visited the Robert Johnson Memorial left her in awe of the dedication of true music fans. Having been asked by Mayor Charles Mizell to serve on the city’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission, she recognized the potential to showcase Bogalusa alongside a tribute to music that is the backbone of so many musical genres. She began her research. Upon visiting a blues festival in Detroit, White learned that festival-goers there represented 23 different countries, and there were busloads of people arriving by the hour. “The blues genre is not main stream,” says White, “so people who are true fans will travel the world to hear it in its authentic presentation.” She

decided the blues would be a good festival theme, but would it fit in Bogalusa? The fact that last year a festival-goer traveled from Yemen to the BBHF in the piney woods in the toe of the boot that is Louisiana is proof of the affirmative. When White began tackling her charge from the mayor to revitalize the cultural endeavors of Bogalusa, she discovered a myriad of talented individuals with roots that trace to what was once home to the largest sawmill in the world. A Heritage Trail now winds its way through Cassidy Park during the festival, and it gets longer every year as new performers, entertainers and those who have influenced the entertainment industry are added to its ranks. One of the first Heritage Trail honors is none other than Professor Longhair, who was born in Bogalusa on Dec. 19, 1918, as Henry Roeland Byrd. “The blood of Professor Longhair still runs through the veins of Bogalusa,” Brumfield says. “It’s so important to remember those who have contributed so much.” If you’ve ever encountered New Orleans ladies who “sashay by,” you’re familiar with the lyrics >>

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of Bogalusa native Hoyt Garrick, who penned the song by the same name that has become an iconic musical tribute to the Crescent City. Legendary progressive rock band Kansas recorded three albums at Bogalusa’s Studio in the Country. Hit songs off the wildly popular albums include Dust in the Wind and Carry on Wayward Son. Many may not realize that the world-renowned artist Richard Thomas is another notable Bogalusa native. He painted the enormous mural of New Orleans music legends that greets visitors in the main lobby of Louis Armstrong International Airport. Those who frequent the New Orleans Jazz Festival will recognize his work as that featured on the very first Official Jazz Fest Poster of Fats Domino that was printed in 1989. As a fun side note, Thomas has agreed to design the artwork for the 2014 BBHF posters, too. The festival has been a groundswell of creativity for Bogalusa. For example, not only will Thomas lend his talents to this year’s poster, but he will also judge the contest submission of artwork with a blues theme that will be submitted by area

students. In addition, the BBHF has inspired an infusion of jazz and blues music among bands at local high schools, which are often sponsored with assistance from festival proceeds. These bands and other local school and community bands are invited to perform on the Heritage Stage at the festival. While the influx of funds that flow through the community in advance of and during the festival is great for the economy, White insists that there’s much more to it than dollars and cents. “It’s all about community,” she says. “We are putting Bogalusa back on the map and having a lot of fun doing so.” She adds that BBHF is not “owned” by the city or any entity. “It belongs to Bogalusa. Bogalusa’s nickname is ‘The Magic City’ because it grew almost overnight when the sawmill started and became the fifth largest city in the state of Louisiana. But that’s not the real magic. The real magic is in the people of this community. And it’s about appreciating roots. There’s a lot more going on at this festival than just music. We want to be a catalyst for positive energy for those who live and raise their children in Bogalusa. We want to inspire

children and instill an appreciation of music and Bogalusa’s contributions to it.” It’s working. Last year the festival greeted 5,000 guests. Organizers are expecting close to 7,000 this year as word of the festival spreads and musicians and artists that have huge fan followings are booked. White assures that the town is prepared in terms of parking and personnel if even more show

up this year. “What a fantastic way to hang on to the good rich heritage we have,” she beams. “We’ve got a lot of good juju going on here!” Tickets to the festival are $10 online and $15 at gate, per day. Check bogalusablues.com for tickets, posters, info and announcement of the Heritage Stage lineup. (Special thanks to BBHF board member Marcelle Hanneman for assistance with this article.)

Dancing and playing in the rain.

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Just as pink is for breast cancer and red is for AIDs, the color for Alzheimer’s is purple. Join us as we Color (our hair) for the Cure! Throughout September, which is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, you can add a purple extension to your hair in honor of the Honey Bunch’s efforts and all of the proceeds go to the fundraising goals of the team!

2014

Color for the Cure—Go Purple!

Walk to End

Alzheimer’s

MOTIVATED BY THE BEAUTY, strength and struggle of their mom,

the walking team they created in her honor. “We were a Top 15 fundraiser

whom everyone called Honey, Heather Mahoney and Holli Gaspard of H2O created a team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s project. Last year, the Honey Bunch raised nearly $100,000! Clients of H2O, friends of the twins and countless others joined the effort and supported Honey’s daughters and

nationwide last year,“ says Heather. “This year, we’re going for Top 10!” The Honey Bunch will be participating in the fundraising walks in our area. You can sign up to be a part of the team or donate in support of their effort. Tell them the Honey Bunch sent you!

PONCHATOULA/HAMMOND: Sat., Oct. 11, Ponchatoula Recreation Park, 9 a.m. NEW ORLEANS: Sat., Oct. 25, Lakeshore Drive, 9 a.m. NORTHSHORE: Sat., Nov. 15, Fontainebleau State Park, 9 a.m. To register and for more information, visit alz.org/walk.

Heather Mahoney and Holli Gaspard. 72

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Fighting Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Ultimately, Alzheimer’s is fatal, and currently, there is no cure. A neuroscience research effort is underway to develop a new generation of more effective treatments. Because new drugs take years to produce from concept to market—and because drugs that seem promising in early-stage studies may not work as hoped in large-scale trials—it is critical that research on Alzheimer’s and related dementias continues to accelerate. Currently, there are five FDA-approved Alzheimer’s drugs that treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, temporarily helping memory and thinking problems in about half of the people who take them. But these medications do not treat the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s. In contrast, many of the new drugs in development aim to modify the disease process itself by impacting one or more of the many wide-ranging brain changes that Alzheimer’s causes. These changes offer potential targets for new drugs to stop or slow the progress of the disease. Many researchers believe successful treatment will eventually involve a “cocktail” of medications aimed at several targets, similar to current state-of-theart treatments for many cancers and AIDS. Dr. Robert Clark, a molecular biologist in Chapel Hill, N.C., conducting Alzheimer’s research, notes there is great progress being made in its prevention and cure. He asks that you help by raising money for research, writing your local politicians to have them provide funds and finally, by donating your affected loved one’s body to science. There is still so much to be learned.

For more information on Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org.

Traces by Lauren Parrish

Chris Santopadre’s grandfather and staff in his shop in New Orleans.

IN THE ORIGINAL TIP TOP SHOE Repair, a shop decorated with blackand-white family photos and relics from a time gone by, I find Chris Santopadre during the calm before the storm prior to the doors opening at 9 o’clock. Music plays over the loudspeakers; everywhere I look, I see shoes. “This business is passion,” he says. “I love the shoes.” Santopadre says that shoe repair has changed greatly from the time his dad was in the business because the basics of shoe construction have changed. To better understand the dying art that is shoe repair, it is important to know the parts of a shoe. The upper is what holds a shoe on your foot. The sole, which is the bottom part of a shoe, is the part that comes in contact with the ground. The upper is connected to the sole by a strip of leather, rubber or plastic, which is stitched between it and the sole, known as a welt. Thread is used to hold the materials firmly together. “Shoes now are rubber-injected and all one piece. That’s why shoe repair has gotten so expensive. We have to take your shoe apart and rebuild it,” says Santopadre. Once your shoe is repaired, it can be resoled repeatedly, extending the shoe’s lifespan by years. Santopadre says a shoe can usually handle three soles. It’s all in the details. “All of our shoes come out hand-shined,” Santopadre says. “We match the thread to the original as close as possible. We re-thread through the existing holes.” Santopadre has an assistant who helps with the repairs, but he still handles

Chris Santopadre The Original Tip Top Shoe Repair

the more detailed work himself. “I do the ‘rip’ work, which is the finer detail work and the zipper repair,” he says. “It’s a tedious job—it’s what other places send to me because they don’t want to do it. The bread and butter of the shoe repair business are the heel caps and the soles. My extra is the rips—that is ‘mine,’ my thing.” Managing the front of the shop is Santopadre’s daughter, Lisa. “She’s my salvation, my right hand. I hear her explain what we do to customers, and I just wonder how she picked it up—she sounds better than I do! It’s like words coming out of my mouth!” Santopadre has been in Mandeville for 24 years. He lost his Metairie shop after Hurricane Katrina. “I lost a lot of business closing that shop. Basically, I had nothing. That was my best store.” There was also a short-lived location in Covington. After all these years, Santopadre is still passionate about his business. “It’s fun, especially when I get compliments. You know, ‘This is beautiful. I was going to throw these away, and now I don’t have to’ or ‘This looks better than when I bought it’ and ‘It’s better than new.’ “People sometimes tell me, ‘You’re the only game in town.’ I don’t want you to come here because I’m the only game in town—I want you to come here because my work is good! September-October 2014 75

Fight It Drive On

Inside Northside

LITTLE DID ANYONE KNOW when Andrew Rodrigue’s high school football coach told him during a game to “Fight It Drive On” that it would become the mantra for his life. Nor would they know that it would come to mean so much to his wife-to-be, Mary Kathryn. When they met in high school, she was 16 and Drew was 17. They hung out as friends for while, and then began dating. “It was a very typical teenage relationship,” says Mary Kathryn. Drew graduated and went to the University of Alabama. Although Mary Kathryn had always planned on going to LSU,

treated at East Jefferson Hospital for about six months with chemo and radiation; he transferred to Loyola University. After relapsing almost immediately, he went to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, travelling back and forth for six-and-a-half years. Among the many celebrations Drew missed while he was sick was Mary Kathryn’s 21st birthday. The couple looked forward to her 30th birthday, talking often about the big Clue mystery party he would throw for her. Mary Kathryn finished her undergraduate degree in psychology and history at Alabama. In

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Mary Kathryn Rodrigue she changed her plans at the last minute to join him in Alabama the next year. No one was surprised by this sudden turn of events. “Drew was a sophomore and I was a freshman when he was diagnosed in September 2002 with nodular sclerosing Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” says Mary Kathryn. “Looking back, that was the ‘okay, whoa’ moment when we made a commitment to each other. We were 19 and 20 and didn’t realize the gravity of the moment.” Drew came home to New Orleans and was

May 2005, she moved back to New Orleans, found a cute little place to live and started on her masters at UNO. When Katrina struck, it flooded her house and Drew’s house, leaving them with nothing. Mary Kathryn went to Baton Rouge, and Drew had to evacuate to M.D. Anderson, the protocol for their patients who have to evacuate. In 2007, Drew asked Mary Kathryn to marry him. He had taken a position coaching high school football in Abbeville, and she was back in New Orleans. “It seems funny that we were together for 10 >>

Opposite: A wall in the Wellness Studio is upholstered in books all turned to pages 49, 149 or 249. Above: Mary Kathryn in repose.

September-October 2014 77

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

years but only lived in the same place for about nine months,” says Mary Kathryn. “We were engaged for two years, and the running joke was that we just wanted to make sure we were sure.” They were married in April 2009. “When we got back from our honeymoon, Drew’s fever spiked and we were off to the emergency room,” says Mary Kathryn. They spent the rest of the summer going back and forth to M.D. Anderson for treatments. By this time, Drew had gone through 17 different types of chemo, eleven clinical trials and two stem cell transplants. “All I remember of that summer

is that Drew refused to give up. Between treatments in Houston, he was still going to class at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette. Refusing to take the elevator, he climbed five flights of steps to get to class. He was still coaching football with his little backpack of chemo on. He would not give in. He just wanted to go to class and to live his life. FIDO was his motto every day.” On August 8, Drew went to Houston for what they thought was just another treatment. What started as a visit for chemo ended with him in palliative care. Mary Kathryn called Drew’s professors at ULL, and within

two hours she got a call from the dean. The dean Fed Ex’d a cap and gown, and they held an impromptu graduation the next morning. Drew looked up at Mary Kathryn and said, “I can’t believe I graduated from college.” And she said “You did it! You did it!” Drew passed away the next day, August 15, 2009. In line with her philosophy, Fight It Drive On, Mary Kathryn finished her Ph.D. When she defended her dissertation, friends and family gathered around. There was an empty seat next to her. “When it was over, I felt Drew there wishing me success and saying, ‘You did it! You did it.’” Mary Kathryn started the Wellness Studio, a place for her patients to find peace, to heal and to communicate their feelings. “There have been so many points in my life that I was searching and seeking out, wanting to know more about life, what makes people >>

Top left: Scrabble letters spelling out The Wellness Studio Covington. Above: A recycled door serves as a conference table. Left: The reception desk, with the addition of an Evinrude-49 motor, is the creation of Covington artist Steve Hasslock.

September-October 2014 79

tick and what brings people together. I created this place where people would be intrigued, stimulated and feel safe. A place that they can explore.” With the help of her friend, Project Runway star Anthony Ryan Auld of Baton Rouge, Mary Kathryn has created an interior that is representational of Drew’s spirit of FIDO and a remembrance of what a beautiful person he was. It is a showcase of life to help others share and heal. Drew’s football number was 49. The wall upholstered with books has every book turned to page 49, 149 or 249. An Evinrude-49 motor is attached to the end of the desk created by Covington artist Steven Hasslock. There is a large map in one room for patients and visitors to leave messages. The furnishings are fun and funky. And FIDO is everywhere—Fight It Drive On, Drew’s mantra that Mary Kathryn carries on today, turning calamity and grief into something positive to help others overcome hardship. “I struggle with the grieving process every day,”

Reaching Out The Drew Rodrigue Foundation was started by Drew’s friends and family to help people overcome unimaginable adversity. Whether it’s a debilitating disease, tragic accident or other challenging photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

circumstances, they help in any way they can. Young Adults Taking a Stand (Against Cancer). YATS is a young adult social networking group in the New Orleans metro area that strives to empower young adults who are affected by cancer. Cancer patients, caregivers or survivors between the ages of 21 and 39 discuss their unique issues.

she says. “I think it never really ends. Patients ask me ‘When will I get over this?’ This never sat right with me, because I don’t want to move past Drew. He was always so instrumental in my life. I still have a connection with him, even if he is not right in front of me. You can still love someone very much, and you can love other people, but you don’t have to close the chapter on that book if it’s not going to bring you to that healthy place of wellness.” As her 30th birthday approached, Mary Kathryn felt a little blue, remembering the plans she and Drew had made for the Clue party. Anthony invited her to go with him to Paris for his big fashion show at the Louvre. “It was an amazing experience,” says Mary Kathryn. “So many famous people and the extraordinary fabulous clothes—it was terrific. And a wonderful way to celebrate my 30th.” Mary Kathryn, a partner in You Night (see page 102), planned a candlelight event in August at the Wellness Studio for all of the You Night models.

Top left: Mary Kathryn Rodrigue. Above: The map room, where people can leave notes or chart a course for the future, is filled with retro furnishings.

September-October 2014 81

Traces by Olivia Rogers

Pelican Park

ON A TYPICAL SATURDAY, Pelican Park sees nearly 12,000 visitors—and a total of almost 1 million annually. Few of the visitors know that today’s Pelican Park had humble beginnings as a volunteer project of the 4th Ward Recreation. Pelican Park started with a group of volunteers wanting a place for children to play sports. In the mid-1980s, the 4th Ward Recreation met the recreational needs of Mandeville area children by donating hours of their time providing sports for them. The largest obstacle they faced was finding fields and gyms. With help from the Moore family and Our Lady of the Lake church and school principal, sites were found. As the Mandeville area grew, the 4th Ward Recreation members knew they must find a field of their own. Led by Sue McGuire, the volunteers were able to lease 50 state-owned acres. They also discovered that the parish was divided into Recreation Districts, which had authority to tax. In 1986, Recreation District #1, which served the greater Mandeville area, was reactivated, and the parish appointed five members to the district’s board. The new board established a Master Plan for the park and in 1988, 82

Inside Northside

voters overwhelmingly approved tax millages for construction and operation of the park. In 1990, phase one of Pelican Park was born, with a two-court gym, one soccer field and five baseball fields. Later in the year, five additional soccer fields and two baseball fields opened. The park began adding amenities, paving roads, building bathrooms and concessions and lighting six more fields. Voters approved a 160-acre expansion in January 1996, making no changes to the original plans. Director Kathy Foley, who in 1989 became the first employee of Pelican Park, says, “The 1996 expansion of the park was the biggest thing we’ve done.” She notes that community studies and citizen input meetings helped to decide what the needs were. Phase two additions completed in February 1999 included the 46,000-square-foot Castine Center with four basketball courts; it is also used for events. A third court was added to the Brown Pelican Gym. Ten new fields, featuring hybrid Bermuda grass, irrigation and lights, opened soon after. As Mandeville has continued to grow in recent years, the park added beginner and intermediate skateboard parks. With the skate parks came three baseball fields and two soccer fields. For those not into youth or adult sports, a 1.4-mile health trail, known as the 4th Ward Recreation Health Trail, winds through the park. The final phase of the Master Plan was built in 2008 using reserved and future funds, creating no new tax for the public. In 2009, nine-station

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Making a difference in children’s and adults’ lives for 25 years.

commercial batting cages were built. “The Cages” offer children and adults the opportunity to practice baseball and softball at a variety of speeds. In 2010, Pelican Park expanded its activity offerings from humans to dogs. Thanks to volunteers’ grass root efforts, the Pelican Bark Park opened, consisting of four fenced-in areas with separate sections for large and small dogs. Foley says, “The most surprising addition was the bark park; it was overwhelmingly successful. It has about 100-250 dogs on a nice Saturday.” The dog park includes doggie pools, human and dog water fountains, benches and a gazebo. Foley says, “Pelican Park is very diverse, offering free and paid class activities. Activities include, cooking, crafts, exercise, fitness, computers, welding, stained glass, engine repair, composting, self-improvement, beekeeping and more. Classes are offered to adults and children of all ages.” Today, Pelican Park provides important services to community residents. In addition, when facilities such as the Castine Center and sports venues are rented out, it is a source of income for the community. Even with 35 full-time employees, volunteers are still the heart of the park today, serving as commissioners, advisory board members, group directors and coaches. During the celebration of the park’s 25th birthday on Sept. 20 and 21, a “Making a Difference” awards ceremony will be held to honor the 50 people who made the largest difference in the last 25 years. “The highlights of the last 25 years were from the community. Because the community and voters said ‘yes’ to taxes, they provided the park,” says Foley. When asked about the next 25 years, she says that as technology advances, she hopes the park and sports continue to bring children and their families together. September-October 2014 83

IN the Arts

The 2014-2015

Susan Taylor DURING HER FOUR YEARS as director of the New Orleans Museum of Art, Susan Taylor has captured New Orleanians’ attention. “We are membership driven,” says Susan, “and NOMA increased its membership in 2013. We use unique exhibits and programs that allow people of different interests to find a shared love in NOMA.” Earlier this year, Susan worked closely with The NOLA Project to engage visitors with an interactive experience of dramatic art set among the sculptures of the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. “NOMA was delighted to collaborate again with The NOLA Project with a new interpretation of Alice in Wonderland, which surprised audiences and connected them with the sculpture garden in fresh, unexpected ways,” says Susan. On view now through Sept. 21 is a Spanish Colonial art exhibition, Behind Closed Doors: Art in the Spanish American Home, 1492-1898, from the Brooklyn Museum. NOMA added six objects from its 84

Inside Northside

own Spanish Colonial Collection to the exhibition’s installation. “This exhibition showcases the cultural and artistic traditions New Orleans shares with the former Spanish colonies of the Americas,” Susan says. “NOMA houses one of the most important collections of Spanish Colonial art in the United States and plans to reinstall one of its most important holdings in the Spanish Colonial collection.” Opening in November is a new exhibition, Photorealism: The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Collection. Photorealism is art painted with extreme detail so that at first glance one might think it was a photograph. It is loosely based upon the precise replication of a photograph. The collection of artwork ranges from 1969 to 2013, including many of the artists who were involved in the first wave of photorealism. The renowned artists include Chuck Close, Richard Estes and John DeAndrea. The exhibition will present one of the best photorealism collections in the United States.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Director, New Orleans Museum of Art

Cultural Season Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Jefferson Performing Arts Center

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2014-2015 northshore season begins Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. with Enigma Variations at First Baptist Church in Covington. The following performances will also take place at 7:30 p.m. at the church: Nov. 21, Mozart: Symphony No. 40; Jan. 9, Béla Fleck and New World Symphony; Feb. 20, Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances; March 20, Mahler Symphony No. 4; and May 22, Verdi Requiem. On Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m., the LPO will present Baroque Christmas-Outside the Bachs at the Church of the King in Mandeville. The LPO’s Beethoven and Blue Jeans series at Slidell Municipal Auditorium includes: Oct. 19, Beethoven Symphony No. 7; Dec. 7, Yuletide Celebration; and March 1, Beethoven Emperor Concerto. For up-to-date information, call (504) 5236530 or visit lpomusic.com.

The JPAS northshore season includes the following presentations, all at Christ Episcopal School in Covington: The Cat in the Hat, Sep. 27; Blueberry Hill, Oct. 3-12; Waitin Around the Restaurant Musical, Nov. 7-9; Ain’t Got No Home, TBA; The Lady with All the Answers, April 24-26; One Great Moment in Time, original music by Glyn Bailey, May 1-3. For more information on times and other events, please visit jpas.org.

FanFare and the Columbia Theatre Southeastern Louisiana University’s Fanfare events at the Columbia Theatre include Julie Fowlis: Scottish Gaelic singer from Disney/Pixar’s Brave, Oct. 9; Frankenstein: World premiere of Michael Shapiro’s original score to the 1931 film starring Boris Karloff, Oct. 11; and Masters of Soul: The 1960s’ artists of the Motor City, Oct. 19. Fanfare has more than 50 events, including film, art, workshops and performances. Visit columbiatheatre.org for announcements and performance information, or call 543-4366.

Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall The season will begin on Sept. 12 with Leroy Jones Jazz Quintet at 6:30 p.m., followed by Leroy Jones Original Hurricane Brass Band at 8 p.m. Deacon John will perform Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. On Oct. 10, Chris Thomas King plays at 6:30 p.m. Germaine Bazzle and Peter Harris Trio play Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Shotgun Jazz Band jazzes the stage on Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m., followed by Debbie Davis and The Mesmerizers at 8 p.m. Viper Mad Jazz Trio kicks off the show Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and Lucien Barbarin Jazz ends the night beginning at 8 p.m. A special Christmas show closes the season on Dec. 12. For more information, visit dewdropjazzhall.com.

The City of Slidell Cultural Events Art Exhibits. All exhibits are at The Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall, 2055 Second St. in Olde Towne: Slidell Art League Artists of the Year, through Sept. 19. Artist to Artist: The Works of Adam Sambola & Kenny Bridges, Nov. 14-Dec. 20. From the Vaults of the New Orleans Museum of Art, March 7-April 18. Concerts: Slidell’s Bayou Jam Concert Series in Heritage Park will feature Redline, Oct. 5; Cory Pratt Band, Oct. 12; Vince Vance and the Valiants, Nov. 2; Michael “Soul Man” Baptiste & Real Soul, March 22; Band of Brothers, April 12; and The Yat Pack, April 19. Also in Heritage Park is Some Enchanted Evening with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra on May 3, together with the Enchanted Art Walk. The LPO, the City of Slidell and the Slidell Symphony Society will present three concerts in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium: Beethoven Symphony No. 7, Oct. 19; Yuletide Celebration, Dec. 7; and Beethoven Emperor Concerto, March 1. For tickets go to lpomusic.com. Festivals: Christmas Under the Stars, Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13 in Griffith Park; Arts Evening Cultural Festival, March 7, Olde Towne Slidell. For more information about any of the Slidell events, please call the City of Slidell’s Department of Cultural & Public Affairs at 646-4375, or go to slidell.la.us.

Le Petit Theatre Du Vieux Carre Le Petit Theatre Du Vieux Carre opens its doors to the 2014-2015 season with Christopher Durang’s >> September-October 2014 85

Inside Northside

2013 Tony Award winner for best play, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Sept. 5-6, 10-14, 18-20. Other shows include the prequel to Peter Pan, Peter and the Starcatcher, Nov. 7-8, 12-16, 20-23 and Jesus Christ Superstar, Jan. 16-17, 21-25, 29-30. For more information, call (504)-522-2081 or visit lepetittheatre.com.

Cutting Edge Theater The Cutting Edge season opens with Jesus Christ Superstar, through Sept. 19. Regrets Only will be presented Sept. 26-Oct. 17; The Rocky Horror Show is Oct. 24-Nov.1. Reservations, (985) 649-3727. cuttingedgetheater.com.

New Orleans Ballet Association The 2014-2015 dance season at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre begins Oct. 17 with MOMIX in Alchemia at. MOMIX is one of the most requested companies. Alchemia will be filled with their trademark humor and invention. Stars of American Ballet begins Friday, Nov. 7; Wendy Whelan will return for the performance. For more information, call 504-522-0996 or visit nobadance.com.

New Orleans Museum of Art New Orleans Museum of Modern Art has already kicked off the 2014-2015 season with Behind Closed Doors: Art in the Spanish American Home, 1492– 1898 through Sept. 21; Robert Rauschenberg and the “Five from Louisiana” and Orientalism: Taking and Making, both until Oct. 5. Alexis Rockman: Drawings from Life of Pi exhibit is through Oct. 12. ‘FOREVER’ Mural by Odili Donald Odita is on view until April 30. Starting Nov. 8, Photorealism: The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Collection will be open. For more information and additional events, call (504) 6584100 or visit noma.org.

New Orleans Opera The New Orleans Opera opens the 2014-2015 season at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre with Bizet’s

Carmen at on Oct. 10 and 12. Dvorak’s Rusalka will be performed Nov. 14 and 16. For more information call (504)-529-2278 or (800)-881-4459 or visit neworleansopera.org.

Playmakers, Inc. The Playmakers 2014-2015 season begins with The Trip to Bountiful, Sept. 5-21, and ends with The Haunting of Hill House, Oct. 31-Nov. 16. Call (985)-893- 1671 for more information or visit playmakersinc.com.

Slidell Little Theater The Slidell Little Theater presents Fiddler on the Roof until Sept. 7. The season continues with Move Over, Mrs. Markham, Oct. 10-24; A Good Old Fashioned Redneck Country Christmas, Nov. 28-Dec. 14; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jan. 16-Feb. 1; Doubt, Feb. 26-March 15; and The Full Monty, May 1-7. For more information, call 641-0324 or visit slidelllittletheater.org.

Southern Rep New Orleans’ only year-round professional theatre’s 2014-2015 season includes Broomstick, Suddenly Last Summer, Boudin: The New Orleans Music Project and Detroit. For dates, times and locations, visit southernrep.com.

St. Tammany Art Association STAA partners with NOMA for Selections from the New Orleans Museum of Art, an exhibit featuring works of art from NOMA’s private collection, Sept. 13-Oct. 25. Fall for Art is Oct. 18. Put Your Best Square Foot Forward, Members’ Exhibit Nov. 8-Dec. 6. The exhibit will be displayed in downtown Covington during the Three Rivers Art Festival, Nov. 15-16. Children’s 3-Day Art Camp is Nov. 24-26. The Marcia Holmes and Jim Seitz Exhibit is Dec. 13-Jan. 31. For more information, call (985)-892-8650 or visit sttammanyartassociation.org. September-October 2014 87

Knowing His Priorities Senator Jack Donahue 88

Inside Northside

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

by Erin Cowser

MEET JACK. If the box doesn’t fit, he’ll either help you build a better one or suggest ways to help you think outside of it. He’ll tell you that Louisiana doesn’t have a lack of revenue, but rather a lack of priorities. And he should know. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Jack Donahue has the awesome task of making sure the state’s budget passes muster as being in balance every year. Having been elected in 2007 and having served as chairman of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget, Jack is no stranger to the state’s seemingly endless financial predicaments. According to this successful businessman, volunteer leader, husband, father and grandfather turned public servant, the financial difficulties of the state could and should be alleviated with certain policy changes. “I know how to fix the problems, but I can’t,” he says. “So, yes, it’s frustrating, but we have to keep trying.” Representing St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes, Jack has earned the respect of citizens and colleagues from across the state. Even his predecessor in the District 11 Senate seat, Tom Schedler, who now serves as secretary of state, admires Jack’s political tack. “Jack is tenacious in his role as senator. He is always going to have done his research; he is always going to ask the hard questions; and he is always going to vote his conscience,” says Schedler. “People who know Jack will tell you to be prepared when you meet with him because it’s never going to be a smile and a handshake. Jack is going to understand the issues and make sure that the interests of his district as well as the interests of the state are well served before he gives you his >> September-October 2014 89

support. At the end of the day, it’s about integrity with Jack.” Representative John Schroder also took office in 2007; his House district previously paralleled Donahue’s. Schroeder, who now resides in St. Tammany post-redistricting, has kind words for his fellow elected official. “Senator Donahue is a great guy, an upstanding statesman and a man of his word,” he says. “I have enjoyed working with him these past 7 years.” Outside his budget-balancing responsibilities, Donahue authored two specific bills on behalf of St. Tammany Parish government this year, both of which were successfully passed and have become law. Senate Bill 342 creates a levee board for St. Tammany and SB 341 addresses sanitary water standards for the parish. Both were part of the parish administration’s package of favorable bills

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for the session. “Senator Donahue has been a great champion for St. Tammany. He is always available to take our calls and to help us work through issues that arise regularly,” says St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister. However, Donahue doesn’t play favorites. He abides by a holistic approach to politics. St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes, the northshore, Southeast Louisiana and the entire state are all his charge. “When people elect you, they send you to Baton Rouge to accomplish things. They have a right to expect results,” he says. “In order to do so, you must be able to enlist the assistance of others. You cannot be myopic. It can’t just be good for your backyard. It has to be good for everyone’s backyards.” This collaborative methodology has served him well. Barry Erwin, Council for a Better

Louisiana president and CEO, says Donahue’s leadership and appreciation of the common good has helped “keep the wheels on” for the state while recent budget circumstances have been drastically less than desirable. “Jack is one of the true leaders in the Senate,” Erwin says. “He is a voice of common sense, and while he’s a strong fiscal conservative, he also knows what deep cuts can do to state priorities like higher education, and he is able to strike a balance that makes sense. When people ask me who the statesmen in the Legislature are, Jack Donahue immediately comes to mind.” “Jack is a self-made man of the utmost character and integrity, a man full of God’s grace, through which he is empowered to make tough decisions on behalf of our state and its citizens. He chose to offer himself as a senator for all the right reasons,” says St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce

CEO Lacey Toledano. “Most people don’t see the sacrifices he and his family have made to enable him to serve and lead. They are many. Yet he is loving and loved and has the support and faith to continue his devoted family life and keep his priorities in place.” Who better to share some insight into the man who is the senator than the woman who is behind him all the way? Maura Donahue, herself an accomplished entrepreneur and community leader, has this to say about her husband: “Jack’s absolute favorite week of the entire year is the week we spend in Seagrove Beach, Florida, with our blended family of six kids and 18 grandkids in one house—a total of 32 of us. He says it reminds him of the reason he is involved in all the things he does.” Jack Donahue has his priorities in place. And he’s doing his best to get Louisiana’s there, too.

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IN the Bookcase

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

The Promise by Ann Weisgarber

IT WAS A VOW YOU TOOK VERY seriously. Friends forever, you said in school. Til death do you part, you uttered in front of an altar. Semper fi, on my honor, read my lips, it’ll get done, I’ll be there. It’s easy to make a pledge to someone. It’s not always easy to keep it—especially, as in The Promise by Ann Weisgarber, if the covenant is a big one. Catherine Wainwright was well aware that she’d caused quite a scandal. It was bad enough that she’d kept company with another woman’s husband. It was brazen to touch Edward’s arm in public, and they were seen alone together at night, which made tongues wag. But what really caused Dayton’s society women to shun Catherine, to make her a pariah, was that the man was her handicapped cousin’s husband—and such audacity in the year 1900 was simply unforgivable. Her piano concerts were canceled. Friendships ended. With her

money almost gone and her mother unwilling to help, Catherine turned to a stack of letters from a suitor she’d spurned eight years before. Catherine and Oscar Williams had known one another in school, their relationship stiffly cordial. Once he moved to Texas, they spent years corresponding through the mail, but she’d wanted nothing to do with his working-class existence. Now, panicking, she wrote to him, and learned that he was a recent widower. “My Son is in need of a Mother,” he wrote three months later. “I am in need of a Wife.” And so, in desperation, Catherine packed the belongings she hadn’t already sold, and boarded the train to Galveston... Nan Ogden took pride in her roots and her stubbornness. She also knew that the word of a Texas woman was steel, so when she promised Oscar’s dying wife that she’d help Oscar raise his son, Nan was determined to keep her vow. But it wasn’t going to be

easy with the new Mrs. Williams in the house. Oscar and every man in Galveston saw Catherine’s loveliness, but not her laziness. So why couldn’t Oscar also see that Nan was really the better woman for him? One good book. That’s all you need this summer—just one book that you can put down if you need to, but that you won’t want to. And that describes The Promise. With the Galveston hurricane of 1900 as her background, author Ann Weisgarber spins a story of two women who are more alike than they’d ever admit and the reasons they eventually learn of that truth. That’s cause enough to become totally captivated by this novel, but what struck me most was the way in which this story is told: Weisgarber deftly turns the clock back

photo: CHRISTINE MEEKER

Ann Weisgarber.

115 years, immersing readers in social mores, turn-of-the-last-century life and tiny details of day-to-day survival. That, plus wonderful characters, makes this book a winner. Just be prepared with a tissue, that’s all I’m going to say. Bring a box of ’em, in fact, because this book proves that The Promise isn’t all that can be broken. September-October 2014 93

Generous Hearts FOR THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS, at the request of Inside Northside’s publisher, Lori Murphy, I have been writing about the value of philanthropy in our community. Lori knows firsthand what giving back means and thought of the Northshore Community Foundation as the best messenger for telling that story. It occurred to me, however, that while Lori knows and understands what we do here at the Foundation, many people on the northshore do not. On paper, our mission is to unite human and financial resources to enhance the quality of life in the northshore region. In real terms, we help people impact their

by Susan H. Bonnett

our best to ensure they are well positioned to succeed and fulfill their missions. Lastly, we engage in civic leadership projects when we see an unaddressed need or opportunity facing the northshore region, where we believe we can be a catalyst for good.

Funds, funds and more funds Donor Advised Funds are the backbone of any community foundation and are a highly effective tool to help donors along their philanthropic journey. A donor names and creates a fund and deposits something of value into it (cash, stock, real estate,

Thriving Communities have Thriving Community Foundations neighborhoods, communities and world in ways that matter to them. The byproduct of that is we spend our time, energy and resources building a better place. Community foundations exist all over the country and are uniquely created to serve and share one common goal: a deep commitment to “our place.” The Northshore Community Foundation considers “our place” to be St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington and St. Helena parishes. Since opening our doors in 2007, our Foundation has granted more than $5.7 million dollars to nonprofits serving the greater good and touching the lives of thousands of our neighbors. To accomplish our mission, our Foundation focuses on three distinct but related areas of philanthropy. First, we manage funds to help donors use their resources for the impact they choose. Next, we work actively with the hundreds of critical nonprofits in our region in both direct financial support and capacity building, doing

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business interest, etc.). The donor receives the tax deduction in the year of the donation and then they and their family remain actively involved in the fund’s charitable distributions for generations. Our Donor Advised Funds are very attractive, as they work in a fashion very similar to a private family foundation, but with greater tax advantages and no administrative burdens. Dozens of individuals and families in our northshore region are using this tool to let creative resources support the causes they love. Corporate Advised Funds are the Donor Advised Funds of the business world. Businesses, both large and small, start funds that basically work as their charitable checkbook. The Foundation’s philanthropic expertise helps companies create charitable programs that have the greatest possible impact in the communities they serve and engage their employees in the process. With virtually no administrative burden, businesses can maximize their charitable dollars while making their giving programs more efficient and effective.

Field of Interest Funds are based on a mission instead of a donor. These funds utilize small committees that organize around a passion for impacting a specific cause. All activity in these funds goes toward meeting the stated mission of the fund itself. Often, small groups of passionate individuals use this vehicle instead of starting their own nonprofit, as money can be raised, deposited and utilized in much the same way as a stand-alone organization. The following excerpt from Ann Hebert shows the power of these kinds of funds. “Immediately after the death of my 12-year-old son from heart disease, God placed a vision in my heart to secure a lifesaving automated external defibrillator (AED) for every St. Tammany Parish Public School. As donations were received, the need for a 501(c) 3 fund became urgent. After being introduced to the Northshore Community Foundation (NCF) and recognizing its mission to enhance the quality of life on the Northshore, my heart was filled with peace, confidence and trust of our funds. With the support of NCF and many generous donors, the students and staff in St. Tammany Public Schools are now ‘heart safe.’” Scholarship Funds allow our donors to invest in the future by supporting the education of deserving students. Each scholarship has its own unique purpose and eligibility requirements as set forth by the donor(s); the Foundation manages >>

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the identification and selection process for awards. As a great example of the scholarships we manage, in 2012, the Mandeville High Class of 1993 created the Skipper Fund Scholarship in Memory of Ivan Gabriel Zenon. Ivan was a classmate and student athlete who died tragically just weeks before graduation in 1993. In celebration of their 20-year reunion and with a desire to create a legacy, leaders from their class organized this fund to support a deserving Mandeville High senior with a $10,000 scholarship, which is now awarded annually.

Investing in our nonprofit sector When the Foundation opened its doors in 2007, it became very clear very fast that many of the critical charitable organizations serving our region were doing so on a shoestring budget, a wing and a prayer. Our Foundation board decided early on that a primary element of our mission would be to help the other nonprofits in our region get better at what they do. In addition to direct grant making, our Foundation continues to invest countless resources in doing just that. Our Coatney Center for Philanthropy is both a physical center for nonprofits to use and a training center to make them better. We host trainings for staff and volunteers on subjects like fundraising and board development, and our staff does direct intervention work with organizations that request even more. Interestingly, through that process, we have identified several organization that just need a little help to move to the next level. We have even found a few that are so broken, we and our donors can no longer support their work. What this has allowed us to do is become the “expert” regarding our nonprofit sector—and

that is an incredibly valuable resource to not only our donors, but to the entire community.

planning for our growth, rising water levels and coastal erosion, homelessness—all are examples of issues where we are a catalyst for action.

Uniquely positioned for civic leadership

A 360-degree example

In my opinion, the most valuable service our Foundation has to offer our region is the unique ability to look at issues—both challenges and opportunities—through the lenses of legacy and longevity. We are not political—we cannot be by law—so twoand four-year “terms in office” mean nothing to us. We are not parochial, so parish and city boundaries drawn on a map mean nothing to us. That freedom allows us to frame every issue we face based on what is ultimately best for the entire region in the long run. In the summer of 2010, after getting a constant barrage of emails about suicides in St. Tammany Parish, our Foundation called a meeting. Sounds pretty elementary, right? What we knew was that our staff and board did not have the knowhow to solve the problem. But we knew this community did. We sent emails to everyone we could think of to meet us at Christwood, not knowing who would come and what would happen. More than 60 people came—elected officials, mental health providers, first responders and survivor—and we talked. Three hours of an aggressively facilitated meeting led to then-Parish President Kevin Davis committing to creating a Suicide Prevention Task Force in order to develop a plan for our parish to change the horrific statistics. Now, four years later, the numbers are down, the system is better and resources are being used to make a difference. All because we called a meeting. That is the power of the leadership of a community foundation. Issues surrounding education, smart

Ironically, when David Fennelly first encountered the Northshore Community Foundation, it was to pick up a check. David was a board member of a local nonprofit, New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center, which the Foundation was supporting with a grant. The New Heights board met with our board to accept the donation and to discuss our individual missions. A few years later, our Foundation had a donor interested in what New Heights offered, so our Foundation donor and staff paid a visit to David and his staff to see firsthand the importance of New Heights’ work. From that visit, David realized New Heights needed some strategic thinking for its growth, so he came to the Foundation once again; this time for staff assistance with their organization’s evolution. It was during that process that David began to fully appreciate how the Foundation could serve him in yet another way. A few months later, he opened a Donor Advised Fund to partner with the Foundation on his philanthropic journey—not just for New Heights, but in many other ways as well. That relationship continues to evolve as David uses the Foundation to help him discover and creatively accomplish the impact he wants to have in his lifetime and beyond. What David and countless others have realized is that the Northshore Community Foundation adds incredible richness and value to “our place.” And, as hundreds of your neighbors and I can tell you first hand, being a part of something like this feels really, really good.

Traces

Katie Tharp Runnymede Farm.

SOMETIMES, LIFE DOES COME FULL CIRCLE. When Katie Tharp’s mother, Julie, was a girl, she rode horses and competed in horse shows. When Katie was born, Julie began importing Warmblood Dutch horses to train others in riding, dressage and jumping. She started by importing two mares from the Netherlands. “We would show up with a little money in our pockets and buy the best horse we could afford,” says Julie. Warmblood Dutch horses are distinguished from “cold bloods” like Clydesdales and the “hot bloods,” Thoroughbreds. “Dutch horses have incredible temperament and soundness and make great dressage and jumping horses,” says Julie. “Once, when Katie was about 5 years old, she went into the paddock, put the bridle on an unbroken horse and rode her back to the barn. Her father, Hunt, and I were just speechless. That’s when we learned how fearless Katie was and how gentle the horses were.” Young Katie started lessons and rode throughout high school. She competed up and down the East Coast, winning quite often. After graduating from SSA, Katie started college, but was distracted and missed being around horses, so, much to her parents chagrin, she left college and went to The Palm Beach Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, to be a work student. “Work students muck stalls, groom horses and ride horses all day long,” says Katie. In exchange for work, at the end of each day, Katie received training on her 98

Inside Northside

own horse. This training led to her being chosen for Young Rider’s Competition, the premier equestrian competition in North America for 14-21 year olds. In her first YRC, she placed 11th, and in her second competition she won the national title. A few years later, Katie saw an ad for Olympic champion Steffen Peters’ Arroyo Mar Training Facility in San Diego, California. She made a few calls and was soon on her way to California. Again, she was a work student. “Training with Steffen was an amazing experience,” says Katie. “His Olympic training was first rate.” During her stay in California, Katie was chosen to compete in the Sydney, Australia, CDI Three Star, an international dressage event competition. Because of the distance and long travel, the competitors were not able to take their own horses, but had to ride Australian horses instead. “The result was not what I had wanted, but the trip was wonderful,” says Katie. Katie then made finishing her education a priority. She finished college with a degree in entertainment business and moved to Nashville for an internship with Warren Music Group, where she learned a lot, but missed her horses. After returning home, Katie worked at a local farm and formulated her plan to revive the riding and training programs at her family farm, Runnymede. Today at Runnymede, Katie offers full board and care and teaches students who want to show or just ride for fun, training horses and students in dressage and jumping. Just as her mother created a business out of a hobby, Katie is doing the same today.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Poki Hampton

by Leah Draffen

over Cancer WHEN HER DOCTOR FOUND an irregular lump in her breast in 2006, Kim Champagne went for a regular mammogram and then had a lumpectomy. After her lumpectomy returned positive, Kim was diagnosed with Stage 1, non-aggressive breast cancer. Kim underwent 30 days of radiation for the tissue surrounding the lump, visiting the hospital five days a week for six weeks. She was considered cancer free, but the healing process from radiation was extensive. Blisters were left on the skin surrounding the radiated area. “I couldn’t put on a bra for six months,” Kim says. “It burns you from the inside out.” Damage caused by the radiation created new lumps in her breast. She returned to the surgeon for another biopsy, which determined that the lumps were just scar

Above: Patient Kim Champagne. Right: Drs. Sean Weiss and Kamran Khoobehi. 100

Inside Northside

tissue. However, Kim was concerned that malignant lumps could be mistaken for scar tissue in the future. She says, “I asked myself, ‘Am I going to take a chance and think that it’s scar tissue for the rest of my life?’” After another procedure to remove the lump and the radiated skin tissue took over a year to heal, Kim decided to visit Dr. Kamran Khoobehi. At this point, she was ready to remove the rest of the scar tissue that could be mistaken for cancer in the future. After reviewing her previous mammograms, Dr. Khoobehi presented the idea of a double mastectomy. He said that the lumps would otherwise always be there and the chance of the cancer returning was possible. The reality for Kim was that the cancer could come back. Dr. Khoobehi gave her information on options after the mastectomy and on a recovery time of six to 18 months. Kim knew that after her mastectomy she would need reconstruction. She researched different approaches, including saline, silicone and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. “It wasn’t a cosmetic thing for me,” Kim says. “I was worried about the cancer.” Kim chose deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap for reconstruction. DIEP removes natural fat from the abdomen or back of a patient and

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Victory

places it in the breast to rebuild natural breasts free of silicone or saline. In September 2013, Kim went in for her first surgery to remove her breasts, which took a team of doctors nine hours. Dr. Khoobehi was a part of the team that removed tissue and blood vessels from her abdomen for the reconstruction surgery. Following surgery, Kim faced a blood vessel complication, which led to another three-hour procedure. She was in surgery for 12 out of 24 hours, and then spent four days in the hospital.

fill in the tissue around her breasts with natural fat. During the almost-five-hour surgery, he found several hernias in Kimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stomach that he repaired, and then he placed mesh to protect her abdomen from further tearing. Kim now has two natural breasts, and she no longer has to worry about their becoming cancerous. There is minimal scarring, and the healing process was short. During recovery, Kim sees Dr. Khoobehi regularly for check-ups. Reflecting on her experience, Kim now says

Kim says that Dr. Khoobehi was there through the entire process, answering questions when she needed to talk. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has a wonderful bedside manner and actually gave us his cell phone number if we needed him.â&#x20AC;? In March 2014, Kim went into her second surgery, six months after her first. Dr. Khoobehi was there to liposuction tissue from her back and belly to

that she should never have received radiation, especially in as high a volume. While the mastectomy was difficult, she says the options available postmastectomy are promising. There was no surprise when Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has lost her mom, brother and sister to cancer. While cancer will always be a concern for her, breast cancer will be one less worry.

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Fighting Back

The women of You Night ON OCTOBER 9, THE 24 WOMEN of You Night St. Tammany’s Class of 2014 will strut the runway donned in clothing from local retailers and dolled up by local salons—but their stories are what make them beautiful. You Night is a unique Breast Cancer Awareness Month event for local breast cancer survivors or current fighters to celebrate their own victories in their battle against cancer. For them, the journey is about empowerment. As Roxie Meyers, one of You Night’s models, says, “Today, breast cancer is not a death sentence.” Carol Bell participated in You Night last year. As she explains, You Night requires eight weeks of professional model training, and the process 102

Inside Northside

inspires confidence. “Just to get up and be in front of those people on the stage really was like an ‘A-ha!’ moment. After going through all the surgeries, things are never quite the same. You Night gave back a lot of confidence that was taken away.” The comradery of the community and the models adds to the empowerment of current and past participants. One 2013 model, Tammy Radecker, wants to stay involved with this organization and the positive message it sends for women everywhere. “I want other women to feel the way I felt that night— like a rock star,” Tammy says. “I’ve never felt so much love in my life from strangers.”

Young and Fighting For three of the 2014 models, cancer struck at what should be the most exciting time in their

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Virginia Stewart

lives. When she was 29, Stacey Moore was expecting her second child when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Stacey was given chemotherapy above the placenta to keep the baby safe. After six months of chemotherapy, Stacey gave birth to her daughter Madison at 36 weeks. Her daughter was born happy and healthy. Kristy Bondi, a mother of four girls, was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma two days after her husband left for South Korea. She has fought the odds of six TAC chemotherapy regimens, 32 radiation treatments, shingles, endocarditis and four surgeries to date. At age 33, Kristy says that her husband and children have kept her going. “Today, I am stronger than I’ve ever been,” she says. The youngest of this year’s models is Sydney Sanderson, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 23. “When I first started this process, I felt lost and alone because I was so young,” Sydney says. “I now want to be that person young people can talk to about this experience.”

More Than Medicine As these women have learned, it is more than just medicine and treatments that keep a woman or man thriving during cancer. The love and support of those around them plays an important role in staying positive and active in the fight. Louise Dill and her husband battled cancer together. Louise discovered her cancer just weeks after her husband’s prostate cancer diagnosis. “My husband would drop me off at the hospital for my chemotherapy on his way to his radiation treatment,” Louise says. “Our experience of coping with cancer diagnoses together created a >> September-October 2014 103

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bond that strengthened our 41-year marriage.” While medicine can heal, the support of doctors is crucial. Many northshore fighters are thankful for their treatment experiences so close to home. Sharon Street walked away from breast cancer seven years ago. “I know that some people travel long distances for cancer treatment, and to have such wonderful care given to me just down the road is a blessing,” Sharon says. Two-time cancer survivor Deborah St. Germain enthusiastically explains that with the help of her doctors she was provided medical services that completely changed her life. “I live with a constant

that then spread to her right hip and lymph nodes in her chest and back. “I have great family and friends for support through all of this,” Elizabeth says. “I would love to shout to the world that I’m a survivor through and through.” Shortly after Loey Pilote’s 31st birthday, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She says that her life became a relentless cycle of chemotherapy, surgeries and appointments. “My family and friends were extremely supportive,” Loey says, “and the care I received from all doctors, nurses and facilities was outstanding.” “With the help of so many wonderful people, I

reminder of the fragility of life,” Deborah says. “I pray that I may share the source of my peace with others on this journey so that they may experience the same comfort.” Elizabeth Thomas began her battle with cancer in 1995. As an LPN, she spent her days in the hospital working but also receiving treatment for her bouts with cancer. She began with breast cancer

am a cancer overcomer,” Wendy Bowers says. Wendy was diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma at age 39. She says that the love and prayers from her family and friends is what drove her through.

Inside Northside

Proactive Empowerment Part of beating cancer is early detection. Whether regular screenings or self breast exams,

catching it is the first step. Local survivors Amy Montet, Jennifer Gioia, Amanda Eyes-Delchamps and Kama Lobue would agree. “I found the lump myself during a self breast exam and went to the doctor to check it out,” Amy says. With no family history, the news came as a shock to her. However, she has won her battle and wants to encourage others to be positive about their cancer fight and experience. After battling cancer at an early stage, Jennifer Gioia stays on top of her situation. Jennifer had a double mastectomy after diagnosis and because of her decision, no further treatment was needed. “I still see my doctor every six months for checkups, and I continue to do self exams near my scar tissue,” Jennifer says. Amanda Eyes-Delchamps thanks her primary care doctor for her life. Her doctor strongly encouraged her to have a mammogram because of her family history. The mammogram revealed breast cancer that required six rounds of chemotherapy,

a double mastectomy and radiation. “I’ve learned a lot throughout my cancer journey, but most of all I’ve learned that cancer takes people out of our life, but also brings amazing people into it.” Like Amy, Kama Lobue detected an unusual lump in 2012. She was going for an annual mammogram appointment in a few months, so she decided to wait until then to get it checked. As months progressed, she noticed the lump becoming larger, and her breast began to invert. She knew then that she shouldn’t have waited. Kama is currently celebrating one year in remission but says to other women, “Do not ignore your body.”

The After-Empowerment After getting through all of the obstacles cancer can throw at you, the light at the end of the tunnel can be saturated with strength, wisdom and knowledge. Donna Baldus enthusiastically proclaims, “I can honestly say that my life has been enriched through my journey, as it changes >>

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your perspective on life all together in a good way. I even feel that I have laughed much more than I ever had.” JoAnn Fandal saw the diagnosis as a journey to help others. “None of us are in control of our future. We can only live minute by minute, and we need to live those moments with grace and humility.” And cancer shouldn’t make anyone stop living his or her life. Beth Morris continues to do the things she loves. “I have been in recovery for about one and a half years. I play tennis on the northshore, and I was able to compete the entire time of treatment except for the weeks following surgery.” Ysonde Strecker feels empowered by her victory against breast cancer, saying, “With a positive attitude and the power of prayer, I feel there is nothing I can’t overcome.” Cheryl Dendinger offers this advice: “Stay positive. People come up to me and tell me I inspired them because of my positivity. I stayed positive the whole time, and I eventually was able to beat the cancer.” Peggy Lorino doesn’t hide behind fear, but rather attacks the cancer head on. She says that sharing your fear can be very helpful and be a part of the healing process. Susan Bertoniere hopes one day to offer someone in this position some good advice, letting them know that they can do it. “It may be hard,” she says, “but it makes you strong.” “A smile can make all the difference,” Helene Fleming says. When she meets those recently diagnosed, she tries to encourage them. “I truly believe people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.” 106

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Fighting On Some of these women continue to battle breast cancer today, including Julie Miller and Delia Schilling. With the support of friends, family and members of the community who make events like You Night possible, those that are still fighting can also share their incredible stories. Julie Miller, who is undergoing treatment at present, says, “Although I would not have chosen this journey, it has been filled with many blessings.” Delia Schilling is also currently in treatment and hopes to be a voice for a younger generation

of women going through this. “I want them to know it’s going to be tough, but in the end it will be ok.” One of You Night’s organizers, Susan Bopp, who has also battled cancer, says, “You have to recreate your identity when you go through your own cancer journey.” You Night challenges participants to hold themselves in a new light. Family and friends get the opportunity to watch their loved ones walk on the stage full of life, despite the battle they fought. “It’s so much more than a runway show.”

You Night St. Tammany 2014 Benefits Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital

Thursday, October 9 Fleur de Lis Center, Mandeville. Welcome Reception, 6 p.m. Runway Show, 7:20 p.m. Post Party, 8:20 p.m. General Admission: $125. (Includes signature drink, buffet stations, open bar, desserts, raffle prizes and entertainment, including post-party following the event). Corporate Sponsorship Packages (VIP Balcony Seating) available from $500-$10,000.

For detailed information and tickets, go to younightevents.com.

The Veggie Cycle Composting and sustainable organic gardening. by Alex Brainard

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STATELY OAKS OR FRESH CUCUMBERS, all plants start at the roots. How you treat the roots often determines how the plants grow. Organic soil is a great way to start. Composting is an organic method of creating your own soil for plants and gardens. The method begins with the repurposing of organic plant materials. Fruit and vegetable peels, leaves, grass clippings and weeds are the base of your new organic soil. “Compost gardening requires gathering materials. Anything out of the yard. When you’re gathering those materials, you’re keeping those materials out of the dump and landfill,” says master gardener Dracos Morzant. “When you keep them in the compost bin, you’re encouraging the good bacteria and the worms to make new soil.” The apple peels after your morning snack, the ends of your squash— things that would normally be

Inside Northside

thrown in the disposal can all be part of the cycle of growing new plants and veggies. Composting fits hand in hand with sustainable gardening. The technique of sustainable gardening begins with sustainable plants and soils. A lowquality garden producing high-quality plants can sustain itself while creating leftover materials for new soil. Fresh veggies can be grown in composted soil without the need of pesticides that harm the environment. Want to start your own composting? Begin with a compost bin from a local hardware store. The bin, whether self-constructed or store bought, should have a frame, venting system and handle or shovel to turn the compost. Homemade bins can easily be constructed with wooden spikes, chicken wire and a staple gun. The best locale of a bin is directly on soil. Soil-to-soil contact keeps the bottom of the mixture moist and warm. A bin creates a system and safe haven for the compost to thrive. The bin protects the materials while they begin to breakdown into smaller pieces.

Just as a plant needs air and water to grow, compost needs the same. To keep the mixture organic, the best method of watering the mixture is rain. However, in dry months, watering is better than letting the mixture become dry. A little water helps to keep the bin moist to continue the deterioration process. Compost requires mixing throughout each stage of decomposition. With the help of a few extra materials, including wood chippings, dead leaves and eggshells, density will build. Adding the dry materials to the moist materials gives texture. In the early stages, mix and turn the materials once a week. Mixing the materials gives air to the bottom materials and keeps the new soil fresh. As the compost begins to develop into heavy soil, only mix the top layer in the bin. When the bin is full, apply the new soil to enrich existing soil or plant new vegetables in pots containing the mixture. The sustaining process is easy to maintain and will benefit your garden for years to come. Your fresh squash and cucumbers will be growing organically in no time. September-October 2014 109

St. Joseph Abbey Celebrates 125 Years

Abbey from across the lake.

THE BENEDICTINE MONKS at St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College on the Bogue Falaya River north of Covington culminate a year-long celebration of the 125th anniversary of the arrival of Benedictines in Southeast Louisiana with a Mass Saturday, Oct. 4. Presiding at the invitation-only liturgical service in the abbey church will be the monastery’s abbot, Father Justin Brown and Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans. Also gathered about the altar in the historic

The Spring 2014 student body and staff. 110

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church will be Benedictine abbots from throughout the country and bishops from the southern dioceses served by the abbey’s seminary college. The eyes of the guests may have a difficult time focusing on the ceremonies in the sanctuary, as they will be drawn to the magnificent murals decorating this space painted by Dutch monk and Benedictine priest Dom Gregory de Wit. The painter’s work in the church and the monk’s refectory are said to

images courtesy: ST. JOSEPH ABBEY

A view of St. Joseph

by Ann Gilbert

be his crowning masterpieces. The 49 bold and colorful murals draw visitors from near and far to the monastery on River Road. They encompass just a small part of what these monks have offered to St. Tammany Parish and beyond by their presence. “Our physical presence as a monastery here on the northshore for 125 years brings something unique to this area,” says Brown. “Our ministries, such as the seminary, retreat house and cemetery, draw us closer to people in this area and throughout the South. With our introduction of new and expanded liturgies and music, the spiritual and cultural life in the area has been impacted. Years ago, an LSU music professor annually brought his students to hear the Gregorian Chant.”

Seminary Primary Ministry The seminary college was the reason the Benedictines came to Louisiana, and it remains their primary apostolate. Father Gregory Bouquet is president-rector, president of the college and rector of the seminary. He attributes the significant jump in seminary enrollment, from 80 to 145 in the last two years, to several factors. “First, because of the priest crisis; we had reached the bottom. I see young men who wanted to take up the lead, and felt called to be a part of the renewal in the church.” He says, “We attract young men because we are consistent in providing excellent formation [for the priesthood], and we have an excellent academic curriculum.” Diocesan vocation directors “feel positive about us.” The uptick in enrollment is also due to the increase in the number of Hispanic seminarians, consistent with their population rise in the United States. The abbey has increased the number of dioceses it draws from in the Deep South and Texas. In addition to prayer, studies, athletics and relaxation, the seminarians do regular community service in religious education, the Girls and Boys Club, a nursing home, a mental health facility, a hospice program and with disabled persons. Good health is part

of the regimen, too, and seriously overweight men must adopt a healthier lifestyle, the rector says. The faculty is a mix of laity (men and women), monks and clergy. “We can’t do it by ourselves. But Benedictine monks occupy the major positions at the seminary college,” Bouquet points out. “We want monastic ownership and spirituality.” Franciscan, Dominican and Salesian priests also teach at the seminary. Bouquet and the seminary academic dean Father Charles Benoit visit bishops across the South on recruiting trips for the seminary. But the Benedictine monks cannot actively recruit for their monastery from the ranks of the seminarians. Those young men represent dioceses “back home,” and are destined to become parish priests. “Our life as a monk recruits,” says Bouquet. “Both Abbot Justin and I were studying here for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, but we chose life as a Benedictine monk instead.” Brother Ephrem Arcement, the monastery’s vocation director says, “Almost every student in the seminary, at some time, goes through the phase of thinking of becoming a monk. So by our just being a positive presence, young men are drawn to be a monk.” He revamped the monastery website and produced a new film on life as a monk at St. Joseph Abbey. “The number one place young men go to research when discerning their vocation is the Internet,” he says.

Why Join the Benedictines? “What I like about the Benedictines is the vow of stability,” says Father Augustine Foley, who grew up in New Orleans. “We don’t join an order, such as the Jesuits, Dominicans or Franciscans. We join an abbey. A vocation to be a Benedictine monk means a specific monastery will be your home for life. I liked the idea of a Louisiana home.” Arcement, says, with a hearty chuckle, that he is a monk because “I did not want to be a parish priest! I needed an environment for solitude and prayer. Now I have both, while doing work I enjoy, in the education >> September-October 2014 111

and spiritual formation of future leaders of the church.” Arcement will be ordained in St. Joseph Abbey church in April 2015. It’s the manner of prayer observed by Benedictines that most appeals to Brother Emmanuel Labrise. The monks chant the Divine Office four times a day as a group in the church. A handful of area residents often join them. (Times are 5:30 a.m., matins; 7 a.m., lauds; 5:30 p.m., vespers; and 7:15 p.m., compline.) Daily Mass is at 11:15 a.m., and church is usually full with the seminarians, plus town folks. Area residents flock to the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass, although the abbey is not a parish church. “When you cross over that bridge [on the Bogue Falaya River], you enter another world,” Brother Simon Stubbs said in an interview in the July/ August 2006 issue of Inside Northside.

Life of an Abbot

Above: The baptismal font. Right: Laying the cornerstone at the Abbey. 112

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images courtesy: ST. JOSEPH ABBEY

Abbot Brown has faced some tough decisions, such as closing KC Camp Abbey, where thousands of young people had great summer experiences over the last four decades. “It needed major repairs, and there was the issue of liability insurance,” explains the abbot. (The Archdiocese of New Orleans now runs a youth camp and retreat center there.) Upon becoming abbot in January 2002, Brown had to complete a major renovation of the 75-year-

old monastery because of a fire started by a candle burning in the room of a monk. Lightning seemed to strike twice when a fire in the main computer server room led to extensive renovation of the administration area and a dormitory. The abbot relaxes in his own small flower garden and vegetable plot, tucked away in a corner of the monastery grounds. “I believe in the value of having contact with the earth. It is so important to me, spiritually and emotionally,” he says. Four abbots have served St. Joseph Abbey in the last century, averaging 25 years in office. Asked about his chances of doing the same, Brown says with a smile, “Abbots are elected for an indefinite period and are at the service of the community of monks.”

Early Monastery History In 1889, the predecessors of the Benedictines on River Road came to Louisiana and settled on swampy land near Ponchatoula, which they called Gessen. They established St. Joseph Priory and opened a seminary. Some ten years later, the prior wrote his superior at St. Meinrad (Indiana) Monastery that they had to change location because of malaria, poor soil and the reputation of the civil parish, known as “bloody Tangipahoa.” The monks stacked all their possessions, even the chickens, onto a barge, which they had built themselves. The cattle were driven overland. In the fall of 1902, they pushed off down the Natalbany River into Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, up the Tchefuncte River, and finally, to the Bogue Falaya River and home. It took one day for the barge to reach the 1,200 forested, blufftop acres they had purchased for $5,000 from the Hosmer family. The property included the Hosmer house, called Cedar Hill, which still exists. Some of the land was under cultivation, but most of it was >> September-October 2014 113

virgin pine forest. To support themselves in those early decades, the monks cut timber and raised sugar cane, dairy herds and beef cattle.

Ethnic Prejudices The original group of monks were natives of Germany or of German ancestry. Although operating the seminary at the request of the Archbishop of New Orleans, the Benedictines felt the heavy hand of the French clergy in the Crescent City, which made repeated attempts to have the seminary closed. Ethnic prejudices were not the monks’ only problem. In his book on the early history of St. Joseph Abbey, Father Jonathan DeFrange, OSB, details the lack of support the monks faced from their own motherhouse. When the ties between St. Joseph and St. Meinrad were severed June 30, 1903, and Father Paul Schaeuble was elected the first abbot, the little monastery continued to struggle with a lack of manpower and money. The abbot sent a letter to his former superior with this terse condemnation, “You have a moral obligation (to help us), as you set St. Joseph (Monastery) free before adequately preparing it

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for independence.” Prejudice of a different sort existed within the monastery itself, as it had existed in Europe for centuries. The priests and brothers lived socially segregated lives, not sharing meals, housing or even praying together. Brothers were considered second-class citizens. But all that changed with the Second Vatican Council, which mandated that priests and brothers are equals and must share their lives in community. Against all odds, the little abbey near Covington began to thrive, assuming more and more ministries in service to the greater church, and to provide funds to sustain it. In addition to the seminary, the monks ran a business college in Covington, named St. Paul’s after the abbot’s patron and housed in the old Dixon Military Academy. It is the site of St. Paul’s School today.

Tragedy Strikes After settling on their riverside property, Abbot Schaeuble, in short order, initiated the construction of a seminary, monastery, dormitory, sisters’ residence, exhibit hall and gym and started on the church. They used unseasoned timber from their forest. On a cold

image courtesy: ST. JOSEPH ABBEY

morning, Nov. 30, 1907, a monk over-stoked the fire, and flames leapt through a break in the flue. In just two hours, all seven buildings were destroyed. Standing before the smoldering ruins, the abbot canvassed his community, and they agreed to stay and rebuild. The fire made national news. Andrew Carnegie

sent a box car of steel from one of his mills, and the Fabacher family of the Jackson Brewery in New Orleans backed a construction loan of $50,000. With World War I, the ethnic prejudices were fanned and enrollment dropped in the school. It didn’t help that the monks often resorted to speaking German

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image courtesy: ST. JOSEPH ABBEY

Roof construction on the Abbey.

when agitated by misbehaving students. DeFrange writes that after recruiting around Lafayette, the monks, whose primary language was German, were teaching subjects in English to students whose primary language was French! After the war, 16 veterans entered the seminary. Most of them smoked, so a special smoking lounge was set aside for the veterans out of sight of the young seminarians, who were not allowed to smoke. During World War II, three monks served as chaplains, and ten years ago, Father Matthew Clark served as a chaplain in Kuwait.

Seminary gets Facelift In the late ’50s, some major changes at the seminary came about because a group of lay men and women called the Cooperative Club were aggressive in raising funds to build a gym and a swimming pool for the seminarians. On the heels of that success, they decided the seminary needed other buildings and started a new campaign. The major campus facelift in 1960 included new dorms, classrooms, a library and seminary offices in the Mid-Century Modern 116

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Style. It was largely unwritten by the Archdiocese of New Orleans. This past winter, the seminary did an interior redesign of St. John Vianney Hall, which had been vacant. The historic exterior of the dorm was kept intact, and for that, the abbey received historic tax credits.

Pastoring Area Parishes The Benedictine monks are not cloistered. They reach out in service with many ministries and in service to the greater church. In their early years in Tangipahoa Parish, they served the newly-arrived Italian immigrants at three missions. Immediately after becoming abbot, Schaeuble arranged with the Archdiocese of New Orleans for the monks to pastor six mission churches on the northshore—in Slidell, Lacombe, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Madisonville and Bogalusa. These missions had been largely ignored by the French priests, according to DeFrange. The Benedictines formed them into parish churches and gave them full-time priests. Father Odillo Ault, a Dutch monk who came to America to preach to the Plains Indians, ended up at the Covington >>

Saint Benedict, Founder It was not Saint Benedict’s primary intention to found a worldwide monastic organization. Abbot Brown says, “He founded a way of life, not an order. His Rule was originally written for lay people and adopted by his monks later.” Benedict (480-547) said his monastery was “a school for the Lord’s service.” A monastery is a “company town” where the employees work for God and are ever aware, in the optimum sense, of his presence, guidance and love permeating their lives. The abbot explains, “The heart of Benedict’s teaching is to ‘seek God,’ and that search, that discovery of God, is every day over a lifetime, as one deepens one’s relationship with God, and one’s understanding of God.” The operating principle of the Benedictine philosophy is Ora et Labora - Pray and Work. But Benedict was sensitive to the fact that all people are not the same; each has different gifts. So he wrote, “the job must reflect the gift.” Saint Gregory the Great, a Benedictine pope, collected oral history on Benedict’s life and published it some 50 years after the monk’s death. He said Benedict left “his father’s house and wealth” to become a hermit, which at the time was considered the height of holiness. When called out

of his hermitage to be an abbot, Benedict warned the monks they would not like his style. In fact, they tried to kill him twice—first with poisoned wine, which he blessed and the goblet shattered, and then with poisoned bread, which a crow carried away. Benedict’s twin sister, Scholastica, founded the Benedictine nuns. She traveled once a year to spend a day with her brother in conversation and prayer in a cottage just outside his monastery, Monte Cassino. During what would be their last visit, she asked him to stay for the evening, and he told her he could never spend a night out of his monastery. A fierce storm suddenly swept over the cottage, preventing him from leaving. Scholastica reportedly told her brother, “I asked thee and you would not listen. I asked God and he heard me.” Scholastica died three days later. She and Benedict are buried in the same tomb at Monte Cassino. (Scholastica’s o r d e r established St. Scholastica Academy in Covington in 1902. At the same time, another group of Benedictine nuns—the Sisters of St. Gertrude—did the cooking, washing and ironing for the monks until 1957. Vintage Court on Highway 25 north of Covington was their chapel.)

abbey. Riding a horse, he rounded up Catholics in the early 1920s, and founded missions in Husser, Folsom and St. Benedict. His journals later tell stories of getting stuck in wagon ruts with his car, a gift from a parishioner. He also wrote that he was attacked by the Klu Klux Klan for ministering to black people. Benedictine priests from the abbey today serve as pastors at only two churches. DeFrange is at St. Benedict Church near Covington, and Father Peter Hammett is at Holy Family Church in Franklinton. The abbot says few monasteries staff parishes now, but the monks do fill-in at parishes on Sunday mornings when the need arises. They also serve as chaplains for the Carmelites, the Teresians, Rouquette Lodge, St. Paul’s School, area nursing homes and Northlake Behavioral Health System in Mandeville.

Reaching Out Hospitality and service are two principles governing Benedictine monks. St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College serves the community with multiple ministries that help to sustain the self-supporting monastery.

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Pennies for Bread and the Abbey was suggested by a former seminarian so that the monks could share the bread they baked with the poor. This Good Samaritan was a businessman who worked in downtown New Orleans and witnessed homeless people curled up on the sidewalk. PBA began in 1990 with a few hundred loaves. Today, supported by donations, 2,000 loaves are baked twice weekly and delivered to 30 charitable organizations of all denominations on the northshore and in New Orleans. Christian Life Center is the site of silent retreats and secular conferences. Abbot Brown is among the monks who give the talks at the spiritual retreats. Retreat Director is Father Paul Hart and the CLC director is Deacon Mark Coudrain. The facility has 40 private rooms. St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery opened to the public some 20 years ago and has 2,400 plots. Brother Brian Harrington, who is also the abbey prior, is manager of the cemetery. Woodworks is a shop where monks and community volunteers build cypress caskets and urns for the public. The coffins come in two designs: the

monastic style, which is essentially a box with a flat top and metal handles; and the traditional style, which has a raised top and wooden handles. Deacon Mark Coudrain is the manager. The Gift Shop, with its staff of volunteers, is managed by Father Scott Underwood. Spiritual books and traditional devotionals are available in addition to religious works of art from around the world. Benet Auditorium has been the site of several cultural performances this year marking the 125th anniversary of St. Joseph Monastery and Seminary College. Community groups also use the auditorium, such as Ballet Apetrei and St. Scholastica Academy, which stages its annual musical production in the hall. Monk Soap is a new ministry at the abbey created by Brother Andrew Feraci. Monk Soap is available in the Gift Shop. For 125 years, the presence of the Benedictine monks, with their 1,500-year-old tradition, has impacted the northshore. It continues to do so today, with their service to the greater Catholic Church and their many ministries that reach people of all faiths.

Deo Gratias Fundraising gala for Saint Joseph Seminary College Saint Joseph Abbey Saturday, November 1 6 p.m. Vespers 7 p.m. Supper by Chef John Besh The Abbey Church.

Silent auction features a water color, The Abbey Church, by Pio Lyons, noted New Orleans architect and artist. Gala, $125; raffle tickets, $25.

To sponsor or purchase tickets and raffle tickets, go to sjasc.edu, or call Sharon Carraway, 867-2234.

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Showcasing Design OUR DESIGN SPECIAL SECTION is a celebration of the people and companies who make our area a more stylish place to live. Here we present an array of designers—lifestyle, interior and clothing—whose products and talent add panache to our way of life. Learn what is new and what to avoid in your aesthetic world, and discover some of the most talented and innovative people in the industry. Featured above is the Palm Village Mandeville’s printed Lilly Pulitzer Murfee silkand-cashmere blend scarf. Designed especially for the store by Lilly’s print designers, the exclusive print is centered around iconic New Orleans and Louisiana images of magnolias, crawfish, pelicans, Mardi Gras, French Quarter scenes and the streetcar.

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Meet Robert Stock, the man behind the phenomenon

Robert Graham Collection

KNOWN FOR ITS ARTSY, conversationprovoking style, the Robert Graham American Eclectic clothing line began in 2001 with wildly-popular men’s sport shirts and has branched out to include denim, footwear, t-shirts, shorts, sunglasses, and outerwear. They’ll soon be launching a fragrance line and, by popular demand, have even created a few coordinating pieces for women. But it’s the shirts, with their bold patterns and design surprises, that have stirred up a cult-like following. The most exclusive of these can include details such as genuine gold thread and Swarovski Crystal buttons. And devotees across the world are known to have 400 to 600 handmade, limitededition Robert Graham shirts in their collection. Founder, Co-chairman and Chief Creative Officer Robert Stock blew through New Orleans recently and we chatted him up about the over-the-top success of his American Eclectic design style. “In school, I was a dreamer,” he said. “I was the kid staring out the window, watching the trees blow in the wind; watching the colors change. I was always interested in the visual world. I did love history though, and there’s so much history in fashion.” “Fashion should be fun and it should be for whoever wants to wear it,” he said. “We have great athletes and great musicians, doctors, lawyers and scientists who collect our garments. These are people who love great cars and great food. They love travel and great wine. Collecting our garments is just another part of their lifestyle.” Experience the New York City-inspired Robert Graham Fall Collection now at Saks Fifth Avenue New Orleans. September-October 2014 121

Arabella

Fine Gifts and Home Décor For 12 years, creativity, quality and impeccable customer service have been the hallmarks of Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Decor. The Mandeville business is actually a two-part operation. The retail store on Highway 22 sells fine gifts and home décor, but owner Patrice Senac also stays busy with her interior design services, accommodating any request and any budget. Patrice studied interior design in college and has a long and growing list of satisfied clients. Janie VanDeventer has been on that list for about eight years. VanDeventer says Patrice is a pleasure to work with—she’s upbeat, full of fresh ideas and a stickler for detail. Another client, Leslie Lanusse, asked Patrice to help renovate and design her home. Calling her responsive and easy to work with, Lanusse says that thanks to Patrice’s services, she loves her house. “The biggest thing about Patrice is that she listens to what you want and helps you realize your vision. The vision turns out even more fabulous than you could have ever imagined.” Patrice has done design work on everything from yachts to offices to existing homes, as well as brand new homes. Simply want to rearrange the furniture you already have? Call Patrice. Or, perhaps you need help fine-tuning your floor plans before they’re finalized—Patrice can offer advice. Maybe you need another opinion before you accept your building plans. Patrice will be glad to receive your inquiry and offer her services. But she doesn’t do it all alone. She has a team of highly qualified painters, craftsmen, seamstresses and upholsterers to help her get the job done—and done right. One of her secrets to success is the attention Patrice pays 122

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to the needs and wants of her clients. She says her individual clients are her inspiration. “If someone walks into a room and says ‘Oh, that’s Patrice,’ then I am not doing my job,” Patrice says. “My work should reflect my client—not me.” The same tone rings true for Arabella. Customers at the store are met with unparalleled customer service and products that suit their taste and fill their gift-giving needs. Top-flight designers such as Michael Aram, Annieglass and Edgar Berebi highlight Patrice’s unique selection of items that covers everything from entertaining and décor to home fragrances and seasonal items. Whether your budget is $15 or $1,500, you’ll not go home empty-handed. “Really, we have something for everyone,” says Patrice. Patrice and her assistants travel to markets throughout the country to bring the residents of the northshore the best of the latest in fine gifts and home décor. The store’s services include gift wrapping, shipping, delivery, holiday decorating, bridal and gift registries, corporate gift giving, gift certificates and private and personal after-hours shopping. The Arabella business model is rooted in strong customer relations. Patrice and her team believe in exceptional customer service so much that the store keeps track of its customers’ purchases — just in case your husband tries to buy you the same gift for Christmas this year that he gave you for your birthday last year. “It’s hard to find the personal human element these days,” Patrice says. “Anyone can go online and purchase something, but you can’t receive that same personal attention to your precise needs online that you will in the store.”

Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor is located at 3902 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville. 727-9787. Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. or by appointment.

Gretchen Armbruster Gretchen Armbruster has been working with interior designers for many years to create just the right accent for a room. “It can sometimes be hard to find the exact piece to set off the style of a space and I love being able to create that special element,” she says. Studying with area artists such as David Robert Rosbach, Alan Flattman and David Jinks gave Gretchen a strong background in traditional painting styles, working mostly with oils, watercolor and pencil. After studying at LSU, she continued at John McCrady Art College in New Orleans. It was that experience that she recalled when she decided to share her love for painting with a whole new group of budding talent. She opened Armbruster Artworks fine art school and studio in Covington several years ago. The opportunity to help students discover and nurture talent has brought a lot of joy to Gretchen and sometimes even a new

perspective to her work. She has seen her art workshops become so popular that now more classes are offered and the curriculum has expanded. This month, she is taking her first art excursion group to the highlands of North Carolina for a plein air workshop. “I could never have imagined loving a job so much. Teaching such talented and wonderful people is truly a wonderful thing to wake up and do every day!” Gretchen is a well-known portrait artist and paints for galleries across the country, including Southern Breeze in Jackson, Miss., Taylor Clark Gallery in Baton Rouge and Pineapple Gallery and Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor in Mandeville. Some of her notable work includes the 2004-06 Crescent City Classic poster artist, 12 years of elaborate Bacchus designs and extensive murals in the historic French Quarter Old Absinthe House. She was featured in the May issue of the national American Art Collector magazine in its Art of the Horse issue. Her paintings can also be seen in STPH, West Jefferson and Oschner hospitals and many restaurants and homes in the area. Her work was even seen on the big screen in the movie, He Said, She Said.

Armbruster Artworks Studio is located at 420 N. Vermont St. in Covington. 630-6295. armbrusterartworks.com. 124

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TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS AGO, Steve Macloud noticed that there was something missing on the northshore. “I created Niche Modern Home in Mandeville to fill a niche,” he says with a smile. Originally from New Orleans, Steve lived in Washington, D.C. and Manhattan for 12 years before returning to this area. His background is in the advertising industry as an art director, working with clients’ creative needs. He says, “I opened the store focusing on unique gifts, accessories and some furniture. As the business grew and I

has more than 20 years’ experience in the

Niche Modern Home

home furnishings industry. They had the perfect synergy to

Steve. The American-made sofas are high quality, as well—

create a brand and a look of their own.

hardwood frames with corner blocks that are screwed and

had more requests for design services, I asked Jeff McNeely to join the team.” Jeff

Niche Modern Home has been so popular that they have recently expanded into 3,000 square feet in Chenier. The

glued, the benchmark used by high-end manufacturers. “Our sofas are meant for everyday use by families,”

name “Niche” is their take on the simple, soft, modern style

says Jeff. “Our clients love their comfortable, relaxed feel. The

you find inside. With an eye for the unique, this duo shops

sofas offer a high-end look at a reasonable price.” A down

market for small showrooms and vendors with artisan-made

up-grade is available, and all sofas come with two pillows

pieces that fit into the showroom’s philosophy of great design

covered in any grade fabric, at no extra charge.

at a very affordable price point. “We seek out vendors who help us be who we are,” says Steve. “We help clients create aesthetically pleasing rooms

Jeff and Steve found incredible rugs that have the look of antique silk Oushaks, but are soap- and water-friendly at only a fraction of the price—another salute to family living. The aged,

that are also very functional. We design whole houses or

washed-out colors and patterns work perfectly with today’s

just one room for clients,” says Steve. Believing a home

trend toward lighter, airier furniture, rugs and accessories.

should be a reflection of the owners, not the designer, they

In addition to home furnishings, the shop has great

work with blueprints, make suggestions and often decorate

accessories, gift items and art by Abby Sembera, Peggy

an entire house.

Hesse, Alexandra Drake and Camille Quintana. Niche’s

“Sometimes we only help clients find a new place for

friendly staff—Alison Alvarez, Kim Bantom and Lauren

a piece or just rearrange their existing furnishings for a

Bowers—are very knowledgeable about all items in the store

new look. Clients often need help in pulling together the key

and those available for special order. “Their contribution to

elements of scale, proportion and color,” says Steve. He and

the team is very important because they strongly believe in

Jeff have arranged the store in vignettes that help people see

doing what is best for each customer,” says Jeff.

what a grouping looks like and imagine how it will look in their home. “We want clients to love new pieces that they add, because if they love them, they will keep them a long time.” “We have practical, slip-covered sofas in an array of styles and more than 300 fabrics. Our criteria are that the sofas be red wine-, kid- and dog-friendly, and that the

Niche Modern Home is located in The Market at Chenier,

slipcovers are washable, tailored and fit really well,” says

Mandeville, 624-4045. nichemodernhome.com. September-October 2014 125

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P R O F I L E

EMB Interiors

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 Bajon, owner of the firm. Whether updating one room or drawing the floor plan for brand new home, Ellen and her design team help turn her clients’ visions into reality. “We meet with our clients and assess a variety of criteria, such as taste and lifestyle, as well as the special wants and needs for their future,” says Ellen, For a new construction project, the design process actually begins right after the purchase of the property, “We know the right questions to ask to properly assess the homeowner’s true goals.” EMB Interiors also specializes in renovations and updating – either an entire house or just a room. “We enjoy our small projects as much as our large ones,” says Ellen. In addition to their expert design services, EMB Interiors also maintains a fabulous selection of beautiful, high quality furnishings and home accessories; from sofas to lamps to stunning art, shoppers can find everything they need to create a comfortable, elegant home. “We want people to come in and look around,” says Ellen, “and if they need some help – well, they’ve come to the right place.”

EMB Interiors is located at 4510 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville. 626-1522. www.embinteriors.com. 126

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B U S I N E S S

P R O F I L E

Susan Zackin

When Susan Zackin sits down with a client to discuss the special occasion they want to celebrate, she brings a vast array of experience to the table. Starting her career as an interior designer gave her a grasp of the overall look and feel an event should have, and her 25 years of planning the details of parties large and small helps her bring that vision to life. Susan lived and worked in Palm Beach for more than a decade before coming back home. “I have always loved the inspiration New Orleans provides. I grew up seeing things a little out of the box,” she says. It is that artistic eye that creates just the right environment for a great gathering. Her company, Z Event, can do everything for your next celebration from the inception of the idea to sending your guests on their way with goodie bags at the end of the evening. That includes everything from invitations, decorations, florals, lighting and arranging services like party pics, music/entertainment, transportation and catering—you name it. As one client put it, “With her experience and vision, she has saved me money in areas that I hadn’t even imagined.” “I don’t specialize in any particular type of party or gathering,” says Susan. “I love doing it all, from small private social functions and weddings to large corporate events and fundraisers. It keeps it all ‘fresh’ for me. I have been fortunate enough to work with many distinguished clients over the years and have been able to produce elegant to outrageous affairs in a variety of budget ranges.” One of Susan’s favorite job hazards is participating in “tastings” with clients—especially in South Louisiana! As a result, when she’s not working, you can usually find her on a tennis court or at the gym.

For wedding planning services, destination events, social and corporate celebrations, Susan Zackin can be reached at Z Event Company. 1-800-714-9050 and www.zeventco.com

Connie Seitz Interiors For more than 25 years, Connie Seitz Interiors has been creating beautiful, distinctive environments for its clients. “We take the time to understand the client’s needs and expectations to best provide a family with an elegant, comfortable and functional place they enjoy coming home to. One thing that keeps our job interesting is the way each client’s taste and expectations vary and require a unique design approach. We work to create a ‘collected’ look, not a procured room,” says Connie. The design juxtaposes old and new by mixing one-of-akind antiques—some of which Connie hand selects on buying trips to France—with contemporary items the team discovers while attending trade markets from New York to Atlanta. Connie says, “Our clients often have family heirlooms and items collected from their travels that we incorporate into the finished design. This brings a personal touch to their home.” Connie and her team of Christine Diggs and Heather Borgstede practice the design principles of form, function and proportion with a meticulous eye for detail. The most successful projects involve the collaboration of client, architect and designer from the early stages prior to construction. This gives the team a unified vision that best meets the client’s needs. After a thorough review of the floor plan, the design team draws a detailed furniture plan customized to the client’s lifestyle. Clients are presented with inspiration boards, which often include watercolor renderings of the proposed design. These tools enable the client to fully envision the finished home; they are also used in renovations and single-room designs. The firm also offers

LEED- and CAPS-certified services. With an encyclopedic knowledge of antiques, and a vast insight into art, Connie finds just the right piece for each area of her client’s home. She says, “We are blessed to have such a rich resource of local artists in South Louisiana, and we love to place these original pieces in our clients’ homes.” For that elusive item, the design team has a network of local artisans and craftsman that fabricate custom furniture and lighting. Connie is thankful for a loyal client base. Because her client relationship transcends the normal working relationship, she enjoys working with the next generation of her client base. She says, “It’s rewarding when we are called by a client to design their home after they have relocated to another state or to help with their children’s homes.” The attention to detail and quality of design sets Connie Seitz Interiors apart.

Connie Seitz Interiors is located at 839 Heavens Drive, Suite A, in Mandeville. 630-7102. September-October 2014 127

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

M. Rossie Salon

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Inside Northside

M. Rossie’s evolved style takes shape and form

or have years of experience under their belt. I love

to new levels in her latest salon venture. The new M.

sharing my knowledge and experience with them, as

Rossie Salon incorporates her design, business and

well as learning from what they have to offer.” Rossie

experiential history into a comprehensive approach to

strives to create a positive, welcoming atmosphere for

LUXE service.

her staff and her clients. “I sincerely believe in the win/

At only 23, Rossie opened The Zoo in Hammond, a high-volume, fast-paced salon. After five years

win philosophy, both personally and professionally.” Rossie sums up her fundamental professional

of booming business, her next venture—M. Rossie

vision: “I want my clients to, first and foremost, feel

Salon in downtown Covington—was a chance for

respected and appreciated. And then I want them to

her to emphasize the personal touch that makes the

relax in a beautiful, soothing atmosphere and know

Rossie experience unique! She continued to hone her

that we will take good care of them.” As she likes to say

skills with advanced training, always incorporating

as her clients describe what they are seeking in a cut,

new understanding and technique into her work.

color, or style: “We’ve got this!” And Rossie always does

These years of experience and study have married

“get it,” allowing her customers to leave feeling relaxed

her natural eye for artistry with her high-level

and confident. Customer service is the defining element

understanding of both the geometry of cutting and the

of her 24-year career. “I want my customers to know that

chemistry of color. The result is an elegant blend of

I do my best every day to make them glad they chose

balance and beauty.

me.” Her goal is for clients to be greeted with grace and

And now, on September 1, Rossie is opening her

humility whether they are in slippers or satin, workout

newest and most exciting project to date: The new M.

clothes or scrubs. She wants clients to be at once

Rossie Salon, now located on Hwy. 22 in Mandeville.

removed from daily life and also totally at home. “I love

This brand new space is specifically designed for and

my clients, and they seem to like one another.”

dedicated to the comfort and privacy of the customer.

In a fast-paced world with many high-volume

Private suites with carefully selected furnishings create

salons to choose from, Rossie chose to go in a different

an intimate one-on-one feel. Clients can relax in

direction. “I wanted to offer a new and different

private accommodations, never feeling rushed through

option—a fresh approach to the experience.” She says:

appointments. Access to Wi-Fi and complimentary

“You should be the best version of yourself—and I want

beverages (ranging from coffee and tea to wine and

to help you find that version, starting with your hair!”

cocktails) will be provided. High-end quality products will be available for purchase. Rossie has shared her vision and philosophy of first-class customer service with her new personnel and she is excited about the opportunity to mentor others in the business. “I’m very passionate about the level of skill and service we will provide. The formula really isn’t too complicated: When we give our clients the best, they keep coming back. It’s about building a relationship of respect and trust.” One aspect of her career in which she has taken a particular interest is mentoring stylists new to the industry. “I have always supported the ambitions of my colleagues and have helped some start new businesses of their own. I’m always looking for talented hair designers—whether they are new to the industry

The new salon is located at 3916 Hwy. 22, Suite 3. 985-867-8906 Hours: Monday—Friday, 9-7; Saturday, 9-5. September-October 2014 129

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6 1. Craig McMillin’s Something Blue 42” wide, $3,200. Tripolo Gallery, Covington, 789-4073. 2. Mid-century modern pendant can hang from chain, pulley cord or stem, $225. Bevolo, Covington, 249-7145 3. Seasonal floral for the big game, starting at $85. Florist of Covington, 892-7701. 4. Lobby bench, 84”W x 22”D x 18”H in white leather with a movable grey wash tray and legs; also available in 96” width with a selection of over 300 fabrics or leather, $2,865. Villa Vicci, Covington, 504-899-2931. 5. LSU painted metal mailbox, $80. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008. 6. Complete women’s designer household toolkit and Fashion Red carry case by Tiffany’s Tools, $95. Arabella Fine Gits and Home Décor, Mandeville, 727-9787.

September-October 2014 131

4 1. Thought Machine I, 16 x 24 contemporary art and steel art easel, $195 and $95. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522. 2. Personalized vase and wine bucket, $225. Welcome Home and Garden, Mandeville, 893-3933. 3. Maple Leaf at Home personalized wood cutting board, $145. Mia Sorello, Slidell, 781-3909. 4. Lady Primrose powder, lotion and candle, starting at $25. Hestia Luxury in Linens, Covington, 893-0490. 5. Bamboo bench with sustainable 100% cotton blue floral machine washable cushion, $275. Hazelnut, Mandeville, 626-8900.

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NEW for the Northshore Dr. Weimer offers the Fastbraces速 system in Mandeville. Some of the benefits of Fastbraces速: n Results in 3 months to about a year n Free bleaching after treatment n Just a few visits to the office n Pain reduction n Minimal retainer wear n Very affordable n Available in clear with tooth color wire

Visit us now through October 31, 2014 for

$250 off Fastbraces速!

Straighten Your Smile FAST

Dr. Weimer is practicing orthodontics as a general dentist.

(985) 727-1800 weimerfamilydentistry.com 807 Asbury Drive, Mandeville

September-October 2014 133

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2 3

5 1. Dried boxwood wreath, $58. deCoeur Gifts & Home Accessories, Covington, 809-3244. 2. Ceramic turtle shell by artist Lisa Nouvell, starting at $55. mélange by KP, Mandeville, 807-7652. 3. Antique Italian kitchen jar shown with fresh lavender, sold separately, $350. St. Romain Interiors, Madisonville, 845-7411. 4. Handmade pure beeswax dinner candles by Perin Mowen. Available in 12” and 16” in white and natural, 12”, $26; 16”, $35. Rug Chic, Mandeville, 674-1070. 5. 18”x18”x3” abstract artwork with resin overlay, $275. the french mix, Covington, 809-3152. 6. Thomas chair available in over 300 7

fabrics; $899 as shown. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045. 7. Italian sea salt and herb mix with grinder, starting at $19.99. Oil and Vinegar, Covington, 809-1693.

September-October 2014 135

Drs. Steve Lee, Eric Royster, Artemus

Advanced Pain Institute Easing Pain, Enhancing Lives

THE WORD PAIN means many things to

as diabetes. A pain management specialist is

many people. Pain can range from distracting

a physician with special training in evaluation,

to debilitating and can interfere with work,

diagnosis and treatment of all types of pain.

relationships, recreation and all-around quality

Fellowship-trained

of life. Chronic pain (pain that lasts six months

All of the physicians at Advanced Pain

or longer) can result in not just physical but

Institute have completed fellowships (an

emotional and psychological discomfort.

additional year of training in pain medicine,

“No one can be everything they want to

after completing medical school and residency)

be when they’re in pain,” says Dr. Artemus

at some of the most prestigious institutes in the

Flagg of Advanced Pain Institute. “The pain our

country, including Johns Hopkins University and

patients report is often the tip of the iceberg.

Harvard Medical School.

With it can come financial loss, depression, addiction (to pain medication), loss of relationships, loss of function and much more.” Because Dr. Flagg and his colleagues,

Individualized care “Chronic pain is as unique in character as are the millions of people who suffer from it,” Dr. Flagg says. “When you suffer

Flagg, David Dykes NP, Anastasia Fischer, Michael Fischer, Mohamed Elkersh and Barrett Johnston.

Advanced Pain Institute specializes in treatment for all types of chronic and acute pain, including: • Abdominal • Arm • Back • Cancer • CRPS • Joint • Leg • Neck • Nerve • Shingles • Shoulder

Drs. Mohamed Elkersh, Barrett Johnston, Steve

from chronic pain, the pattern, intensity and

Lee, Eric Royster and David Dykes specialize in

frequency of your pain and your response to

The Institute offers same-day

pain, they are trained not only to diagnose and

treatments may be different from someone

procedures, including:

manage pain but to recognize and intervene

else with the same diagnosis. We aim to

in these other aspects of chronic pain as well.

diagnose the cause of your unique pain

Through a multi-disciplinary approach—which

accurately and to provide treatments that are

often begins with the patient’s own primary

tailored to your individual condition.”

care physician and may include a network

Advanced Pain Institute physicians have

of physical therapists, neurologists and

privileges at North Oaks, Lakeview and St.

acupuncturists—they are able to treat not just

Tammany Parish hospitals and are now

the pain but the person behind the pain.

accepting new patients. They give back to our

Pain management specialist Pain is actually a wide spectrum of disorders including acute pain, chronic

community in many ways, including mission trips, wounded warrior programs, March of Dimes and military mentoring programs.

pain and cancer pain—and sometimes a combination of these. Pain can arise for many different reasons, such as surgery, injury, nerve damage and metabolic problems such 136

Inside Northside

985-345-PAIN (7246) AdvancedPainInstitute.net info@PainExperts.com

• Spinal cord stimulator • Intrathecal pump implants • Cervical and lumbar radiofrequency • Epidural steroid injection • Kyphoplasty • Lumbar disc decompression • Peripheral nerve stimulator • Discogram • Trigger point injections • Joint injections

Comprehensive Neurological Solutions The Care, Compassion and Expertise You Deserve Partnering with the physicians of Advanced Pain Institute are Drs. Anastasia and Michael Fischer of Comprehensive Neurological Solutions, who concentrate on the treatment of a variety of diseases and disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. If there’s one thing that sets their practice apart, it’s the rapport they foster with their patients. “Our time and genuine concern are the greatest things we can offer our patients,” Dr. A. Fischer says. “I am the same person with my patients that I am with my family and friends. Some of them make appointments because they just need someone to talk to—to feel like they have a doctor who they can trust. I’m honored to be that doctor.”

Personalized care

FRAS FRGS FRSA. Together, they offer the latest

Above: Drs. Michael and

neurosurgery techniques and a full array of state-

Anastasia Fischer.

the medical side of our patients’ problems, but how

of-the-art technology. Dr. Koga is a specialist in

Inset: Dr. Sebastian Koga.

these problems are affecting their day-to-day lives

brain tumors and complex spinal disease. He

and their family relationships,” Dr. M. Fischer says.

has trained at the University of Virginia, Tulane

“Many neurological or neurosurgical issues cannot

University and at renowned international centers

be cured. Our goal is to allow our patients to have

in England, Germany and Japan. He’s an expert

the best quality of life that modern medicine can

in microsurgery and provides services to patients

“We pride ourselves in understanding not only

offer. To do that, we work closely with therapists,

at St. Tammany Parish

imaging facilities, local hospitals and other treating

Hospital and North Oaks

physicians, as well as hospice, to be involved in our

Health System.

patients’ care for life.”

Partnering with patients for life Dr. A. Fischer says, “I’m honored to help my patients understand what’s going on with their

Dr. Koga employs next-generation technology, such as artificial disc replacement procedures

bodies, to help them cope to the best of their

allowing patients to maintain mobility and avoid

abilities and to educate their family, loved ones and

spinal fusion and deep-brain electrodes to provide

friends to help foster a strong support network.”

patients relief from Parkinson’s disease symptoms

“It’s our role as physicians to help our patients

and essential tremors. The premier physicians at

understand their medical problems and the options

Comprehensive Neurological Solutions are bringing

available, allowing them to make informed, guided

the future of neurological care to the northshore

decisions for themselves,” says Dr. M. Fischer.

today and are currently welcoming new patients at their Hammond and Covington locations.

WORLD-CLASS NEUROSURGERY ON THE NORTHSHORE Joining the Fischers at Comprehensive Neurological Solutions is Dr. Sebastian Koga,

15752 Medical Arts Plaza, Suite 100 , Hammond (985) 246-3053 19345 Sunshine Avenue, Covington (985) 246-3053

Both Drs. Fischer are fellowship-trained and offer diagnosis and treatment of: • Back pain • Neck pain • Headaches • Migraines • Concussions •Traumatic brain injury • Neuropathy • Multiple sclerosis • Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) • Parkinson’s disease • Seizures • Stroke • Dementia • Pinched nerve • Spinal cord abnormalities September-October 2014 137

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Fall into Cobalt

1. Sapphire blue sleeveless knit dress, $60. Posh Boutique, Covington, 898-2639. 2. Pendant with a 7.11ct sapphire and 1.43cttw diamond embellishments, $7,500. David Pierson, Covington, 871-0457. 3. Cobalt blue and white scarf, $12.99. Mandeville Party Co, Mandeville, 674-1605. 4. 14K white gold ring with a 2.55 carat Ceylon Blue Sapphire surrounded by a halo of white diamonds, $1,965. David 8

Pierson, Covington, 871-0457. 5. Cobalt blue shirt dress with a cutout embroidery on the front and back and curved hem, $64. Paisley, Mandeville, 727-7880. 6. 18K white gold earrings with 6.24 carats of sapphires and .94 carats of diamonds, $6,000. David Pierson, Covington, 871-0457. 7. Royal blue lace dress by Laundry, $395. The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797. 8. Peep toe blue suede sandals by Steven, $98. ShoefflĂŠ, Covington, 898-6465.

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Fall into Cobalt

1. Pear-shape white sapphire pendant surrounded by blue sapphires and set in 14kt white gold, $1,850.

Lowe’s Jewelers, Mandeville, 845-4653. 2. Blue tie-dyed tunic top, $65. California Drawstrings Northshore, Covington, 327-7300. 3. Royal crisscross back faux wrap dress, $82. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1789. 4. Cobalt blue rhinestone fashion jewelry necklace and earring set, $24.99. Private Beach, Mandeville, 674-2326. 5. Warm brown tailored fit Traveler striped sport shirt complements the tailored fit Traveler suit in cobalt; shirt, $87.50 and suit, $275. Jos. A. Bank, Mandeville, 624-4067. 6. Julian Chang royal blue silk maxi dress, $218. Bora Bora, Mandeville, 951-8454. 7. 1.5ct oval sapphire surrounded by .35 cttw white

diamonds set in 14kt white gold, $3,180. Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-5098. 8. Seamless low-plunge Simone Perele “Inspiration” dark blue bra with multi-position adjustable straps, $78. Bra La Vie, Hammond, 662-5065. 9. Matching

mother and daughter embroidered navy and white Gretchen Scott tunics, $98 and $58. George’s Girls, Bay St. Louis, 228-216-0558.

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Fall into Cognac

1. Sleeveless short romper, $48. JuJu’S, Mandeville, 624-3600. 2. Ring with .70cttw of natural round brilliant chocolate diamonds set in 18kt yellow gold, $1850. Champagne Jewelers, Slidell, 643-2599. 3. Daytime Eye Shadow Kit with brush by Jane Iredale, $48. The Oasis Day Spa, Mandeville, 624-6772. 4. Gold necklace with .75k diamonds and citrine drop, $1,395. DeLuca’s Expressions in Gold, Covington, 892-2317. 5. Oliver Peoples glasses, $330. Louisiana Family Eyecare, Covington, 875-7898. 6. Big Buddha shoulder bag in cognac with chain, $65. OSpa Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200. 7. 18kt white gold ring with 1.10 cttw natural cognac diamond surrounded by .83 cttw white accent diamonds, $8,175. De Boscq Jewelry, Mandeville, 674-0007. 8. Fit Flops with Microwobbleboard™ technology, $125.95. Earthsavers, Mandeville, 674-1133. 9. Girls’ Volatile Cowgirl boots with stitching, metal studs and textured faux leather, $57. Silver Plum and 1, 2 Buckle My Shoe, Mandeville, 674-4343. 10. Sterling silver Konstantino bracelet with oval cognac, topaz and citrine, $1,495. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000. 11. Genuine leather crossbody bag with studs and magnetic closure, $105. Bastille’s Clothing Company, Mandeville, 626-4220. 12. Luxe taffeta sweetheart strapless gown with beaded lace and jacket, $460. Southern Bridal, Mandeville, 727-2993. 11

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Fall into Exotic Prints

1. East Meets West Saint Rosary in tortoise, $257. Fleurt, Covington, 809-8844. 2. Organizer purse insert, $52. The Mix, Mandeville, 727-7649. 3. Leopard print earrings and cuff, $18 each. Azure Spa, Mandeville, 727-7676. 14K white and rose gold ring with .50 carats champagne diamonds and .46 carats of white diamonds, $3,450. David Pierson, Covington, 871-0457. 4. Earrings in rose gold and smoked quartz with diamond, $850. Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666. 5. Lucida dress by Equipment, $268. The Mix, Mandeville, 727-7649. 6. Lilly 6

Pulitzer Layton Dress in Full Entourage, $188. Palm Village Lilly Pulitzer, Mandeville, 778-2547. 7. Animal print stretch knit palazzo pant, $72. Mainstream Boutique, Hammond, 770-9143. 8. Women’s “Jama” Old West® leather boots in brown with stitching, $149. [brown eyed girl], Mandeville, 626-0100. 9. “Reva” leopard-print calf hair flats finished with a signature metal logo by Tory Burch, $250. Emma’s Shoes and Accessories, Mandeville, 778-2200. 10. Brighton leopard crossbody handbag designed by Vera, $210. Accents and Things, Slidell, 649-4273.

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Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2014 Dear Friends, I am excited to invite you to one of the premier fundraising events on the northshore. The Junior League of Greater Covington will be hosting our 18th Annual Harvest Cup Polo Classic Sunday, October 19, 2014, at Summergrove Farm in Folsom. This year, our event has a new and exciting look with the addition of a beautiful pavilion. The best restaurants and bars on the northshore will again serve delicious food and beverages, and our auction committee has gathered a variety of items for live and silent auctions. For those cheering on the Saints against the Detroit Lions, the air-conditioned VIP tent will have special food and drink items. Entertainment will follow the matches, with a new diverse band. And of course, all will enjoy the beautiful ladies participating in the Pretty Woman Hat Contest. It is only with the support of our Community Partners—Champagne Beverage and Covington Brew House, Inside Northside, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry and United Way—and our advisory boards, patrons and friends that we are able to serve our community and fulfill our mission: Promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving our community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our members touch the lives of others with many projects. Focusing on literacy with our Read for the Record 2013 event, we put more than 300 books in the hands of St. Tammany children, thereby better preparing them for success in school. Career Closet and Project Prom help women create a positive image, whether for job interviews, a new occupation or for an important high school experience. We educate kids and their parents on healthy life styles with our Girls’ Health Day, Kids in the Kitchen and Spring Stomp Fun Run. These programs help fight childhood obesity and promote family interaction. The extraordinary women of the Junior League frequently roll up their sleeves to work in the community. We have built houses with Habitat for Humanity; hosted art exhibits and nonprofit meetings at our headquarters, Dogwood Cottage; and worked Boofest and Sweet Soirée for ACCESS. Members have helped at the Three Rivers Art Fest and at the New Heights Garden Party, and we assisted New Heights riders during lessons. Our volunteers have also served at Hope House’s Mad Hatter Tea, Safe Harbor’s Real Men of St. Tammany Gala and many other events. Looking to the future, our signature project, the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany moves closer to becoming a reality. A site has been secured, an exhibit design team has been hired and community meetings are underway to give the people of St. Tammany a voice in what will be in their museum. As president of the Junior League of Greater Covington, let me share the members’ gratitude for our community’s continued support. I hope you can join us for a day filled with food, fun and friends centered around community service—and of course, Polo! See you at the field! Sheila Dugger President, 2014-2015 Junior League of Greater Covington

contents 3 President’s Letter Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2014 Committee and Advisory Council 4 All about Polo 6 Event Sponsors Polo Equipment for Horse and Rider 8 People of Polo 12 Gucci Loves Polo 14 Auction Items 15 Poster Artist Morgan Cameron

Standing (left to right): Sharon Lo Drucker, Cindy Petry, Michael Williamson, Bailey Morse, Jennifer Colella. Seated (left to right): Janice Perkins, Phoebe Whealdon, Caitlyn Hunter, Tammy Karas Griggs, Tab Shepherd, Michelle Davis, Sheila Dugger. Not pictured: Chad Berg, Jaime Burchfield, Caroline Devereaux, Crystal Cook Ferris, Daphne Meyer, Lori Murphy, Celia Palazzo, Doug Parsons, Vee Pigg, Nikki Plunkett, Sandra Sims, Katherine Trahan, Leigh Anne Wall.

Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2014 Committee and Advisory Council Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2014 3

photo: DENNIS DONOHUE

by Stacey Paretti Rase

All about Polo IMAGINE A BLOODY SPORT played in the Middle Ages by Genghis Kahn and his warriors in which players rode atop very short horses and scored points by reaching down to scoop up their enemies’ decapitated heads from the ground and pitching them through goal posts. Doesn’t sound very polished or dignified now, does it? Yet, these barbaric acts of nomad warriors over two thousand years ago are thought to be the origin of the highly sophisticated sport of polo that we continue to enjoy today. Polo is said to be the oldest organized sport in the world, as the first recorded polo tournament was in 600 B.C. when the Turkomans beat the Persians in a public match. The game spread quickly across the eastern world and took hold in India, which is still referred to as the “cradle of modern polo.” The British cavalry drew up the earliest rules of the game in the 1850s, firmly establishing 4

Junior League of Greater Covington

the game in England. The sport, which came to be known as “the game of kings,” was brought to the United States by James Gordon Bennett, an American publisher and adventurer who was captivated by it and introduced it in New York in 1876. Its popularity in the United States exploded over the next 50 years as it became an Olympic sport and drew crowds of more than 30,000 at matches played at the historic Meadow Brook Polo Club on Long Island. At present, there are an estimated 250 United States Polo Association member clubs, with more than 4,500 players. Polo Basics

Polo is played on a 10-acre grass field, 300 yards in length by 160 yards, which is the approximate area of 10 football fields. Goal posts are set eight yards apart on either end of the field. The object of the game is to move the ball downfield, hitting the ball

through the goal for a score. Teams change direction after each goal. Two teams, made up of four players each, are designated by shirt color. The mallet, made of a bamboo shaft with a hardwood head, is the instrument used to hit the polo ball. The formerly wood, now plastic, ball is about three inches in diameter and three-to-four ounces in weight. During half-time of a match, spectators are invited to go onto the field to participate in a polo tradition called “divot stomping,” which helps replace the mounds of earth (divots) that are torn up by the horse’s hooves. (Care should be taken to avoid “steaming divots.”)

dedicated is safety. The right-of-way is defined in accordance with a player’s position relative to the direction of travel of the ball. This is the imaginary line that extends forward which, if followed, will create traffic patterns that then enable the participants to not only play at top speed, but to also avoid dangerous collisions. In general, play will flow backward and forward, parallel to an imaginary line extended ahead of, and behind, the ball. The line of the ball may not be crossed except under special circumstances, and only in such a way as to legitimately gain control of the ball. When a player has the line of the ball on his right, he has the right-of-

There are six periods, or chukkers, in a match, each seven minutes long. Play begins with a throwin of the ball by the umpire at the opening of each chukker and after each goal. Only penalties or injuries may stop play, as there are no time-outs or substitutions allowed, except for tack repair. The four basic shots in polo are distinguished by the side of the pony on which strokes or shots are made: “near side,” left side of the mount and “offside,” right side. This creates the near-side forward and back shots and the off-side forward and back shots. Variations of the basic shots can be made under the pony’s neck, across his tail or under the belly, which is difficult. A team is made up of four players, each wearing a jersey with numbers 1 to 4, which correspond to their assigned positions. Number 1 is the most offensive, concentrating on opportunities for scoring. Number 4 is the defensive player. Usually, the most experienced and highest-rated players are at positions 2 and 3, with the pivotal player being number 3, who must serve as an effective field captain, or quarterback. Number 3 coordinates the offense and passing the ball up-field to his teammates as they press toward the enemy goal. The primary concept to which all rules are

way. This can only be taken away by “riding off” and moving the player off the line of the ball by making shoulder-to-shoulder contact. The speed and athletic skills of the horse and the rider, and the ability of the player to strategize and anticipate the flow of the game are some of the most important elements of polo. They combine to make the fast-paced action of polo one of the most exciting sports in the world.

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Parts of this article are based on information from the United States Polo Association website.

Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2014 5

Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2014 Event Sponsors 2014 COMMUNITY PARTNERS Fine Jewelers & Distinctive Gifts

Cash Sponsors

Special Thanks to Our In-Kind Donors

Ten Goal Chevron USA Chukker

Dunavant Wealth Group • Capital One Bank • The NORTH Institute The Truitt Law Firm, LLC • Summergrove Farm • Innisfree Farm Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights • The Heart of the Forest.com Integrated Insurance Solutions • Lisa Bossier, Realtor Coldwell Banker TEC

David Fennelly and Summergrove Farm for providing the polo field and patron party location. Allison Badely Photography Northshore Satellites for VIP Lounge audio/visual

Stirrup

Summers Neurosurgery • Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans • Bezou Law Firm

Polo equipment for horse and rider Helmet. Hard surface, lined and strapped. The helmet protects its wearer from swinging mallets and rifle-hit balls with speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour.

Regulation white polo breeches. Double seated, traditional and functional for polo.

Mallet. Made of cane or bamboo shaft with hardwood head. Head beveled on one end to allow for full swing flush to ground. Mallet shaft is highly flexible and can make a complete arc under pony’s neck or tail when swung hard. Mallets come in different lengths to accommodate player’s swing and size of pony.

New Orleans Rhythm and Blues for live entertainment Old New Orleans Rum

Polo is played on a grass Clipped mane. Eliminates interference of pony’s mane with mallet shaft. Allows better visibility and less encumbrance generally.

field, 300 yards in length by 160 yards, which is the approximate area of nine

Polo saddle. Leather construction with stirrup. Differs from jumping saddle, which has extra pads, and from western saddle’s horn mount.

football fields. Goal posts are set eight yards apart on either end of the field.

Saddle blanket. Along with special polo saddle, puts minimum weight on the polo pony.

160 Yards

Bridle. This series of strapping and supports gives the player steering control of pony.

Braided tail. Allows less interference with mallet swinging in the execution of back and tail shots.

Junior League of Greater Covington

American western riding boots (and their English counterpart). Give leatherto-hide compatibility for horse and rider.

Football Field

8 Yards

300 Yards

Polo spurs. Traditional blunt riding spurs have no point or sharpness. Depend on pressure to bring pony’s instant response.

Bandages. Protective wrappings protect pony’s forelegs against contact with polo ball.

FOLSOM RAIN HAMMERS the barnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tin roof as polo players gather for their photos. Male, female, tall, shortâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;as they arrived it was evident that the sport of polo accepts and loves everyone. The backgrounds of these nine players display the diversity of polo on the northshore. Players like these from Argentina, New Hampshire, Guatemala, Louisiana and everywhere in between will have mallet in hand October 19 for the Harvest Cup at Summergrove Farm.

Junior League of Greater Covington

Elio Yanes

Gregorio Simiones

Professional polo player Playing for: 12 years Hometown: Guatemala City, Guatemala Favorite horse: Eva

Professional polo player Playing for: 19 years Hometown: Open Door, Argentina Favorite horse: Negrida

Philip Sage

Maggie McMillin

Artist Playing for: 30 years Hometown: Manchester, NH Favorite horse: Widget

Volunteer at New Heights Therapy Playing for: 1 year Hometown: Folsom Favorite horse: Corona photo: DENNIS DONOHUE

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2014 9

Janet Klenk

Doug Parsons

Neurosurgeon Playing for: 7 years Hometown: Mandeville Favorite horse: Tipitina

Veterinarian Playing for: 12 years Hometown: Covington Favorite horse: Choco

Polo Club manager Playing for: 23 years Hometown: Baton Rouge Favorite horse: Hershey

Junior League of Greater Covington

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Lori Summers

Bobby Jewel

Professional polo player Playing for: 15 years Hometown: Corrientes, Argentina Favorite horse: Blue

Horse trainer Playing for: 7 years Hometown: Covington Favorite horse: Pacifico

photo: DENNIS DONOHUE

Fernando Ayala

Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2014 11

loves polo!

Fine jewelry and polo go together. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry has collaborated with the Junior League of Greater Covington as a major sponsor of the Harvest Cup Polo Classic for many years. Chad Berg of Lee Michaels says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the exclusive local Gucci jewelry retailer, we are excited to partner with a brand so closely associated with the equestrian industry.â&#x20AC;?

Junior League of Greater Covington

Be a winner! Win a $5,000 Gucci shopping spree at Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry. Only 200 tickets sold. Drawing at the Harvest Cup Polo Classic, October 19, 3:30pm. Must be present to win.

With sleek lines and pave

For more than 90 years, Gucci has been handcrafting

chocolate diamonds set in

impeccable leather goods, making it one of the

18k gold, the elegance of

world’s most desired brands. Artisans in Gucci’s

Gucci’s new Horsebit Jewelry

Florence, Italy, workshops produce handbags, shoes,

Collection is unmatched.

ready-to-wear and jewelry for their discerning clients.

These timeless pieces are the

The Horsebit icon has been used on leather goods,

embodiment of luxury.

scarves and shoes almost from Gucci’s inception.

Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2014 13

Auction Items

2. 3.

1. Bevolo 24” Governor pool lantern. 2. Beauty 2, 24”x 30” painting from EMB Interiors. 3. Gold and Silver of Louisiana sterling silver women’s earrings made of retro sterling silverware. 4. Gold and Silver of Louisiana sterling silver cufflinks. 5. Painted metal fish on repurposed cypress board by Keith Villere. 6. Go for a Win, 48”x 36” acrylic and gouache painting by Elizabeth Impastato.

Junior League of Greater Covington

AT THE TENDER AGE OF 22, Morgan Cameron is a bit of a Renaissance woman. She plays the mandolin, she trains dogs and she belly dances—but most of all, she paints. One of her paintings, Ahead of the Pack, was selected to be used for the Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2014 poster. As a child, Morgan watched her father sketch horses, and then she began drawing ponies on her family’s 100-acre farm in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, about 35 miles from Bangor. She rode horses and loved being around the barn, riding, jumping or just mucking stalls, and participated in horse shows before and during high school. This love of horses and animals in general led her to the University of Maine in Orono and then to Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, where she honed her craft. Morgan painted only horses for a long time, but then began to branch out to other animals. “I am definitely into animals; they fascinate me,” she says. Today, Morgan’s paintings are loose, but

Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2014

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Poster Artist Morgan Cameron focused. She paints with remarkable skill as she captures the tenor of a hawk, whose eyes seem to look directly at you, while leaving the background almost abstract. “I like to paint animals using a palette knife and gritty brushstrokes. I want the animal to look realistic but loose and moving, because animals don’t sit still and pose.” She loves raw, earthy animals. “I find birds, in particular, very poetic,” says Morgan. Foxes have beautiful vibrant color, which she paints with a mature eye. “Foxes are amazing to paint and make great subjects.” Her gray horses are visually very strong despite their almost monocratic palette. Gray Stallion was an experimental piece, based on a memory of her own Andalusian horse

in Maine. “This painting was a bit tricky because I used a photo of a bay horse and not a gray.” The piece shows the muscular definition of the horse so well. “Morgan has been in our gallery for almost a year now, and our clients really like her work. They gravitate toward the horses most of all,” says Donna Duffy of Tripolo Gallery in Covington. Morgan met her husband, Cliff, while in high school. He is in the Navy Band of New Orleans at Belle Chase, which is what brought her to our area. Together, they love exploring the city and venturing across the lake to enjoy the northshore. After the Navy, Cliff plans to attend the Julliard School in New York, while Morgan will continue on her painting career path. Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2014 15

LOUISIANA FAMILY EYECARE first opened its doors on the northshore 10 years ago. Doctors Shelly and Jeff Anastasio and Ty Primo were fellow students at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis; upon graduation, they wanted to start a practice in a growing market, and the Covington-Mandeville area was a perfect fit. Within a couple of days of their one-year anniversary in business, Katrina arrived, scattering the doctors and their families along with their patients across the country. As residents returned to St. Tammany, so did many more

LA Family Eyecare “Providing the best eye care and customer

who lost homes in other parts of the state. Louisiana

service possible is always our first priority,” says Dr.

Family Eyecare experienced an influx of new patients

Ty. “We wouldn’t be here without our loyal clientele,

displaced by the storm.

and we realize, appreciate and understand how

The growth in their practice prompted them to open a new, state-of-the-art facility in 2012,

important it is that they recommend us to others.” “Thank you to our clients and community for

and the doctors continue to expand their services

10 great years,” says Dr. Jeff. “As Louisiana Family

and expertise. Apart from routine eye exams,

Eyecare looks forward to the next 10 years, we are

they also treat many types of eye disease, from

committed to continued excellence in eye care,

infections to glaucoma, and can perform most of

customer service and fashion eyeware.”

the necessary testing in the office. They are able to handle advanced diseases and co-manage surgical procedures as well. The practice is fortunate to work closely with several ophthalmologists that see patients here. “When needed, we have an ophthalmologist, a retinologist and a neuro-ophthalmologist to ensure that all of our patients receive the right care,” says Dr. Jeff. “Often, some surgeries can be performed in the office.” The staff is another important element of the business. “We have a wonderful, dedicated team working with us,” says Dr. Shelly. “We couldn’t do it without them.” From checking the patients in to helping them find eyeglass frames and sunglasses, the office personnel keep things on track. Along with the services and equipment, the

Please join Dr. Shelly, Dr. Jeff, Dr. Ty and their staff

scope and selection of eyeware in the boutique are

for an anniversary celebration and sale featuring

constantly updated. “We carry the latest, most popular

Barton Perriera on October 14 from 10 a.m. until 4

designer frames and sunglasses,” says Dr. Shelly.

p.m. Louisiana Family Eyecare is located at 1431

“Gucci, Oliver Peoples, Barton Perreira, Tori Burch,

Ochsner Blvd., Suite A, in Covington. 875-7898.

Coach, Maui Jim and Ray Ban, just to name a few.”

visionsource-lafamilyeyecare.com. September-October 2014 163

IN the Spotlight United Way Red Beans Cook-off The 5th Annual West St. Tammany United Way Cook-off was held at the St. Tammany Parish School Board Building. The Knights of Columbus Hall in Slidell was the site of the 10th Annual East St. Tammany United Way Cook-off. The Cook-Off was presented by LOOP LLC and hosted by St. Tammany Fire Protection Districts #1, #4 and #12 and the St. Tammany Department of Fire Services. Cook-off goers enjoyed all the red beans they could eat.

164

Inside Northside

INside Peek

3 1. Gerry Cooley, Saks General Manager Carolyn Elder, Krisy Herrold and Suzanne

Prats at the grand opening of Tom Ford Cosmetics at Saks Fifth Avenue in New Orleans. 2. Robert Stock, creator and designer of the Robert Graham men’s line,

with limited edition shirt collector Bobby Major Jr. at the Robert Graham shirt signing

at Saks. 3. Saks Marketing Vice President Steven Putt, Julianne De’Chaump and Lisa Castro 4. Sally Cornelson of Chanel, customer Tiffa Boutte and Chanel Department Manager Gerry Cooley. 5. Mimi Greenwood Knight and Lee O’Hara at the July-August 7

Inside Northside Artist Party featuring Bernard Mattox’s favorite works at the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce. 6. Ronnie Kole and Ghost Town played throughout the artist party. 7. Johanna Heller, Barbara Doyle, Phil Galatos and Kerri Lawless. 8. Sharon Delong with Bill and Sharron Newton. 9. Dawn Sharpe-Brackett and Kerrie Lawless.

September-October 2014 165

INside Peek 1 2

1. Alysia Bennett with her daughter Lindsay Bennette and Cassidy Fisher at Nuvolari Ristoranteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final wine tasting of the season. 2. Wine specialist Nick Dischler and Wayne Forman. 3. Cathy West and Renee Csintyan. 4. Nicole Mathis and Beau Smith at Southern Repâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fundraiser at Windsor Court. 5. Bill Jacobson, Cindy Schmidt and Anne Jacobson. 6. Brian and Leslie Boudreaux. 7. George Pence, Susan Sarasca and Richard Mathis. 8. Tom Mathis, Jean Mathis and Richard Mathis.

6 5

8 7

Send your submissions to peek@mandlpublishing.com.

IN the Spotlight Grapes and Grain

The Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation held its annual Grapes and Grain event in the Castine Center at Pelican Park. The fine-wine and craft-beer soirĂŠe celebrated with tastings, gourmet food and a silent auction. Silent auction items included a Marques Colston-signed football, original artwork and hotel stays around the United States. Music by The Yat Pack entertained the guests. All proceeds benefitted the Louisiana Chapter of CFF.

September-October 2014 169

INside Peek 1. Brandi Najolia of Café Lynn restaurant and Kim Barrois at the Sweet Soiree at Stone 2

Creek. 2. Faith Baggett being crowned as the Greater New Orleans’ 78th Floral Trail Queen by Cathy Schwab. 3. Floral Trail girls of the northshore, (front row) Sophia Dusang,

Past Queen Chandler Burkenstock, Grace Larmann, Queen Faith Baggett, (back row) Margo Weese and Shelby LaSalle.

170

Inside Northside

1. Salon owner Glenn Millet with wife, Sheree, at the reopening of Glenn Michael Salon in Metairie. 2. Lane Hinderman and Mary

5. The Confrérie de la

Hinderman. 3. Todd Murphy, John

Chaîne des Rôtisseurs

Young and Glenn Milliet. 4. Angelle

at the Grand Ballroom of

Milliet and Hayley Oliver at Glenn

Royal Sonesta Hotel.

Michael’s reopening.

Send your submissions to peek@mandlpublishing.com.

IN the Spotlight Southern Nights

St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce held its first Southern Nights fundraising event at the newly renovated Southern Hotel. Two hundred guests in seersucker and linen enjoyed a night of fine dining from restaurants such as Jubilee, Nuvolari’s Ristorante, Buster’s, Dakota, Annadele’s Plantation, Gallagher’s Grill, N’Tini’s, OxLot 9, Pardo’s and The Lakehouse. A silent auction with chances to bid on trips to other southern hotels was also part of the evening. Humana Health Benefit Plan was the premiere sponsor for the event. Co-chairs Jennifer Messina and Paul Myers contributed hard work to make the night and celebration a success.

172

Inside Northside

INside Peek 1

1. Teresa Guzzetta, Gerri Valene and Sonda Stacey at New Orleans Ballet

Association BRAVO’s Gala des Etoiles at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre. 2. Miguel Blanco of the Joffrey Ballet with Dagmar and Alfredo Vichot and

Joffrey Ballet’s April Daly. 3. Jenny Hamilton, Mike and Juli Illanne and Ashley Wheater. 4. Sheila Davlin, Phyllis Taylor, Jacquee Carvin and Charlotte Bollinger. 5. Maurice and Carmen Brown. 6

6. Mary Martin Roth, Semmes and Julie Hughs at Whitney Bank’s White Linen Night. 7. Rufus Harris, Clif Saik and Carl Chaney. 8. Gary Lorio and Lori Pausina. 9. Claudia and Jim Nelson.

8 7

September-October 2014 173

From left to right: Smita S. Patel, M.D. FHM Tamara Popp, Debra Santalucito, LPN Jeannette Schmitt, RN, Kimberly Marshall, MA, Beverly McCoy, FNP, and Elsa Trascher, RN.

Quality Patient Care till 8PM at Ochsner’s Priority Care Center in Covington TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE when it comes to receiving medical care. Being able to make sameday appointments with a healthcare provider for minor conditions such as sinus infections or for more serious issues such as complications from diabetes is a big advantage for patients. Earlier this year, Joseph Galiano benefitted tremendously from an appointment at Ochsner’s Priority Care Center located at the Ochsner Health Center in Covington. Galiano suffers from diabetes and hypertension, and when his blood glucose levels

is necessary. A timely visit

Beverly McCoy, FNP

spiked, he made a visit to an emergency room.

can help patients like Galiano

discussing treatment

When it was recommended there that he schedule

stay out of the hospital by

options with patient

an appointment with a physician, he made a same-

providing same-day access

Colby Hahn.

day appointment with Dr. Smita Patel at Ochsner’s

to a healthcare provider. You

Priority Care Center. She was able to stabilize him.

can also be seen at the Priority Care Center for less

Since that time his glucose levels have remained

serious issues such as fevers, upper respiratory

stable and his hypertension is under control. He has

infections, simple lacerations, earaches, eye

continued his care with his primary care physician.”

infections, and more. You can even schedule to

The Priority Care Center provides same day appointments for patients with any medical

174

have same-day laboratory work or X-rays. Because not all patients can come in for an

conditions that are not considered serious enough

appointment during normal business hours, the

for an emergency room but where prompt attention

Covington location is conveniently open from noon

Inside Northside

until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. This way, you have the opportunity to schedule your lab work or to see a physician for any issue you may be experiencing at a time that is convenient for you before your condition worsens. And with same-day appointments readily available, you will have peace of mind knowing that your issue is being addressed in a timely fashion by an extremely qualified healthcare professional. As always, for existing Ochsner patients, staying within the Ochsner system ensures that your medical history is known and new conditions and treatments are added. Dr. Patel, who serves as the center lead physician, is board certified in hospital medicine and has been in practice for more than 13 years. She is joined by a highly experienced team that helps deliver a high level of care. In addition to taking care of your medical condition, the Priority Care Center places a tremendous focus on educating patients and coordinating care with other specialists. “Time is often

makes sure all patients understand their discharge

Smita Patel, M.D.

our biggest factor in giving a patient what he or she

instructions and the proper way to take their

with patient

needs,” Patel said. “We’re going to get you the care

medicines. And if a patient needs to see a specialist,

Joseph Galiano

you need in the time you need it. We are going to give

they make sure he can get an appointment within

full attention to why you are here, and we are going to

an appropriate time frame. As Patel explained, “The

do it with respect, and with a lot of compassion.”

transition between hospital and back to a primary

Galiano experienced that firsthand. “I truly believe if not for Dr. Patel and her staff, I would have ended up back in the hospital,” he said. “My daughter

care doctor is the riskiest period where a patient can end up back in the hospital.” Dr. Timothy Riddell, Associate Medical Director of

and girlfriend were with me that day, and we were all

Ochsner Medical Center-North Shore, said this center

very impressed with the amount of time she gave me.

is a wonderful gem he hopes more members of the

I imagine she does that with all of her patients.”

community will begin taking advantage of. “It’s such a

Aside from the convenient care aspect,

new concept – we’re the only health system in the area

Ochsner’s Priority Care Center also serves as a

doing this – so we want our patients to understand it is

transitional care center that focuses on patients being

there for them and hope it can benefit many of them.

discharged from inpatient facilities to home. Dr. Patel

Dr. Patel and her staff are committed to giving all

reviews the patients’ hospital notes and schedules

patients excellent care that is convenient for them.”

follow-ups for all discharged patients within seven days. “Leaving the hospital can be one of the most stressful episodes that a patient and their family go through,” Patel explained. “Usually, there are a lot of questions and confusion about medicines and discharge instructions. There is a need for timeappropriate follow-up, continued education and coordination of post-discharge needs.” The staff at Ochsner’s Priority Care Center

Ochsner’s Priority Care Center is located at 1000 Ochsner Blvd., Covington, LA 70433 Call 985-875-2828 for a same-day appointment. ochsner.org/northshore September-October 2014 175

M A R R I A G E

Hurdle-Entzel

photo: DANNY K PHOTOGRAPHY

L O V E

A N D

Rachel Hurdle and Kyle Entzel were married at the historic First United Methodist Church in Holly Springs, Mississippi. The bride wore a vintage ’40s sheath-style gown of hand-tatted lace and silk charmeuse. The maids’ champagnehued dupioni silk dresses complemented her gown. At the reception at Montrose, family and friends danced the night away to live music by Dance Street Band. Guests

I N

enjoyed an airy four-tier hummingbirdaccented wedding cake. The couple honeymooned in Italy, visiting the Amalfi Coast, Rome, Tuscany, Portofino and Milan. They now reside in New Orleans.

Mignon Borne and Christopher Hess exchanged vows at Beau Chêne Country Club. The groom’s father officiated the marriage. The bride wore an ivory trumpet gown with a sweetheart neckline and rhinestone-studded belt. Honoring a family tradition, she wore her grandmother’s antique diamond wristwatch. Cream, white, and blush garden roses and hydrangeas were featured in the bouquets and décor. After the nuptials, guests, including the bride’s 97-year-old great aunt who flew from Amarillo, Texas, enjoyed Jaguar’s live music and cakes provided by Maple Street Bakery. The newlyweds honeymooned in Rome and Paris and now reside in Albany, Louisiana. 176

Inside Northside

photo: BETHANIE DARDANT PHOTOGRAPHY

Borne-Hess

September-October 2014 177

178

Inside Northside

I N

photo: HILARY LACOMBE PHOTOGRAPHY photo: CINDY MCCRORY www.blueroomphotography.com

Gambel—Catlett Two million viewers watched anxiously as Kyle Catlett proposed to Covington’s Molly Molloy Gamble on live television in August 2013 during the Rose of Tralee Festival in Tralee, Ireland. She said, “Yes”—and they immediately began planning their nuptials in Point Clear, Alabama. They were wed at the historic Sacred Heart Chapel on the shore of Mobile Bay. The bride wore a Judd Waddell classic ivory lace A-line gown; her cathedral veil was a family heirloom. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Fairhope Yacht Club. The party was decorated in a summer theme complete with a Lilly Pulitzer Tent for Molly and Kyle’s signature cocktail, the “Irish Monkey.” The couple exited by second line to a boat waiting to whisk them away. They now reside in Tampa, Florida. September-October 2014 179

M A R R I A G E

headpiece added to her vintage ensemble. A sweet and intimate ceremony led into a night of dancing and dining. The reception decorations were “all things ’20s,” complete with white billowed feathers, deco accents and the bride’s cake atop a vintage suitcase. The couple honeymooned in Nassau, Bahamas, before returning to their home in Covington.

A N D

Leah Kaden Stogner and Jacob Reid Draffen exchanged vows at Chesterton Square in Ponchatoula. The bride wore an ivory crinklechiffon gown with flowing ruffles down her back. Her mother’s wedding

L O V E

Stogner-Draffen

IN Great Taste

by Poki Hampton

Tailgating Early fall is the perfect time for tailgating. Cooler weather and outdoor games call for fun, simple and tasty food that is easy to transport and serve. Here are some recipes to get you thinking about your next tailgate party.

CROWD PLEASER CHILI 2 lbs ground chuck 1 16 oz-package hot Italian sausage

SUPERB SPINACH CHEESE DIP 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened 1 C grated cheddar cheese

ITALIAN POTATO BITES

1 medium white onion, diced

½ C grated pepper jack cheese

4 stalks celery, diced

½ C mayonnaise

24 small new potatoes

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 green onions, finely chopped

1 T vegetable oil

3 cans diced tomatoes

½ fresh spinach, chopped

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

2 cans kidney beans, rinsed

½ tsp Cajun seasoning

8 oz hot Italian sausage

1 can ranch beans

10 Ritz crackers, crumbled

¼ C bell pepper, diced

2 C beef stock

10 slices bacon, cooked

¼ C onion, diced

1 6 oz-can tomato paste 2 T brown sugar

and crumbled Pita chips for serving

3 T chili powder 2 tsp cumin 2 tsp Cajun seasoning Sour cream and cheddar cheese for topping

In a large pot, cook sausage and ground chuck until browned. Add onion, celery and garlic. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, stock and spices. Bring to simmer and cover. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep from sticking. Serve with cheese and sour cream. 180

Inside Northside

½ C pepperoni, diced 1 C shredded mozzarella cheese 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine cheeses and cream cheese with mayonnaise. Add green onions, spinach and Cajun seasoning. Pour into shallow baking dish and top with crumbled Ritz crackers. Bake about 15 minutes until heated through. Remove from oven and top with crumbled bacon. Serve with pita chips.

Plain Greek yoghurt, for serving

Heat oven to 425°. Place potatoes on baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with oil and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, tossing to coat. Roast about 30 minutes until tender. Set aside to cool. In medium skillet, brown the sausage, drain grease. Add bell pepper, diced onion and diced pepperoni. Sauté and set aside. Slice potatoes in half; use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out most of insides. Leave about ¼ inch of potatoes intact. Divide sausage mixture among potato skins and top with shredded cheese. Bake about 5 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and sprinkle with green onions. Serve yoghurt on side.

Tout de Tailgate by Leah Draffen

As the summer heat cools and the fall breeze begins to blow, tailgates lie down for an outdoor party. All of the comforts of indoors can accompany the party, including linens, dishes and, of course, furniture. With a few stops around the northshore, your outdoor tailgate will be ready to park. A Bella Notte velvet ruffled comforter in Pacific from Hestia Luxury in Linens spreads across the tailgate of Paretti’s black Range Rover. On top of the comforter are a wine caddy, blue-stemmed acrylic glasses and a frosted white salad bowl, all from Niche Modern Home. Striped grey and white natural wood servers from Niche are used in the salad greens, which are dressed with Infusé oil and vinegar. Roc De Segur wine from Acquistapace’s Covington Supermarket accents the kabob grilled on Outdoor Living Center’s Cobb Kitchen-in-a-box Premium Plus grill. An Earthsavers’ citronella candle keeps the fall bugs away near Outdoor Living’s cushioned French folding chair on Rug Chic’s Luna sea green rug. Hestia’s Square Feathers geometric pillow provides cushion and color. The easy-to-move tan table from Outdoor Living Center can be used for the grill or for resting drinks. After dining, clean up with Niche’s fleur de lis oat hand towel. Plants from Florist of Covington add a cozy and fresh atmosphere to the tailgate party.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

September-October 2014 181

IN Great Taste

ME: Menu Express delivery

The Chimes, 19130 W. Front St., 892-

MCC: Major credit cards accepted

Private events and catering also provided. carretasgrill.com. MCC.

5396. Lunch and dinner. thechimes.com. MCC.

ABITA SPRINGS

1 package cole slaw mix dressing

and dinner. Kids eat free every Wednesday!

RR: Reservations recommended

POKI’S FAMOUS COLE SLAW 1 C bottled cole slaw

INside Dining

PULLED PORK SLIDERS 3 lbs pork butt roast

Abita Barbecue, 69399 Hwy. 59, 400-

Coffee Rani, 234-A Lee Ln., 893-

5025. Ribs, brisket, chicken, pulled pork

6158. Soup and salad specialists.

and boudin. MCC.

coffeerani.com.

Juice of 1 lime

3 garlic cloves, minced

Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St., 892-

Columbia St. Seafood, 1123 N.

1 fresh jalapeño,

1 T Cajun seasoning

5837. On the Trace. Good food, great

Columbia St., 893-4312. Seafood platters

beer. Lunch, dinner. abitabrewpub.com.

and po-boys. columbiastreetseafood.com.

finely diced

1 T mustard powder

3 T chopped cilantro

2 T brown sugar

½ C golden raisins, soaked

1 12 oz beer—not light beer

to plump

Slider rolls

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together and serve with pulled pork sliders.

Heat oven to 225°. Make the rub with dry ingredients. Massage into pork. Put pork into roasting pan, cover tightly with foil and roast in oven for 3 hours. Turn roast over every hour. Roast another 1½ hours. Remove from oven, loosen foil and let rest for at least 30 minutes. Shred the pork using two forks. Remove fat and gristle. Add pan juices and salt and pepper to taste. Serve on slider buns with a drizzle of your favorite barbeque sauce.

MCC. Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill, Abita Springs Café, 22132 Level

434 N. Columbia St., 898-0899. Daily

St., 867-9950. Southern cooking for

specials, appetizers, sandwiches, salads,

breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tues-Sun.

soups and burgers. Live music Thurs-Sat

MCC.

nights. Lunch, dinner. covingtontaproom. com. MCC, ME.

Camellia Café, 69455 Hwy. 59, 8096313. Traditional seafood and New

Copeland’s, 680 N. Hwy. 190,

Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.com.

809-9659. Authentic New Orleans

MCC.

cuisine. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Online take-out orders at

Mama D’s Pizza & More, 22054 Hwy.

copelandsofneworleans.com. MCC,

59, 809-0308. Great pizza, sandwiches,

ME, RR.

pasta, fresh homemade bread. Lunch, dinner. mamadspizza.com.

Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy. 190, 892-3712. Contemporary Louisiana

COVINGTON

cuisine using local and seasonal

Acme Oyster House, 1202 Hwy. 190,

ingredients. thedakotarestaurant.com.

246-6155. Established 1910 in New

MCC, RR.

Orleans, 1995 on northshore. Seafood, sandwiches, local favorites. Lunch, dinner.

Del Porto Restaurant, 501 E. Boston

mamdspizza.com. MCC.

St., 875-1006. Northern Italian cuisine. delportoristorante.com. MCC, RR.

Albasha, 1958 Hwy. 190, 867-8292.

PECAN SQUARES Crust: 1 C flour ¼ C packed light brown sugar 1 tsp salt ½ C chopped pecans 6 T cold butter, cut into chunks Filling: 2 large eggs, beaten 1 T vanilla extract 1 C roughly chopped pecans ½ tsp salt ¾ C packed light brown sugar ½ C molasses 1/3 C light corn syrup 4 T butter, melted 1 T dark rum 182

Inside Northside

Heat oven to 350°. Line 8”x 8” pan with parchment paper, overhanging each side. For crust, put butter, pecans, brown sugar, salt and flour into food processor. Pulse until combined. Press mixture into pan; bake until light brown, 25-30 minutes. Make the filling by beating together sugar, molasses, corn syrup and butter. Add rum and vanilla with eggs. Add salt. Add pecans until coated with mixture. Pour mixture over crust and bake another 25-30 minutes. Cool completely before removing from pan. Cut into squares.

Mediterranean cuisine. albashabr.com.

Di Martino’s, 700 S. Tyler St., 276-6460.

MCC.

Great food and reasonable prices. Lunch, dinner. dimartinos.com. MCC.

Annadele’s Plantation, 71518 Chestnut St., 809-7669. Yellow fin tuna, domestic

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 69292 Hwy. 21,

lamb & much more. annadeles.com.

871-2225. Locally-owned and -operated

MCC, checks.

franchise. Kids eat free on Sundays. MCC.

Bear’s Restaurant, 128 W. 21st St., 892-2373. Best po-boys in the world.

DiCristina’s Restaurant, 810 N. Columbia St., Ste. C, 875-0160.

Blue Hickory BBQ, 570380 Hwy. 21,

Conveniently located next to the new

Ste. 9, 871-4216. Meats smoked on

Covington Courthouse. Italian and

site, handmade sausage; brisket, ribs,

seafood. dicristinas.com. MCC.

chicken, seafood and salads. Drive-thru. Open 7 days a week. bluehickorybbq.

Don’s Seafood Hut, 126 Lake

com. MCC.

Dr., 327-7111. Lunch and dinner. donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

Buster’s Place, 519 E. Boston St., 8093880. Seafood, po-boys, steaks. Lunch,

Downtown Deli, 400 N. Thread St.,

dinner. MCC.

234-9086. Chicken salad, burgers and poboys. Mon-Fri, 10:30am-2:30pm.

Carreta’s Grill, 70380 Hwy. 21, 871-6674.

MCC.

Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served in a family-friendly atmosphere for lunch

El Portal, 1200 Business 190, 867-5367.

i The English Tea Room, 734 Rutland

and Cafè, 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste.

St., 898-3988. Authentic English cream

5, 893-1488. Full service, year-round

teas. Special event teas, English scones,

bakery. Luncheon salads, panini, catering,

crumpets and cakes. Serving breakfast

donuts, kingcakes, cupcakes and

and lunch. Mon-Sat, 7:30am-6pm.

wedding cakes. Tues-Sun, open at 7am.

englishtearoom.com. MCC, RR.

nonnaskingcakes.com. MCC.

Four Seasons Chinese Buffet, 600 N.

North Island Chinese, 842 N. Collins

Hwy. 190, 893-3866. MCC.

Blvd., 867-8289.

Gallagher’s Grill, 509 S. Tyler St.,

Northshore Empress, 31 Louis Prima

892-9992. Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sat.

Dr., 871-6975. northshoreempress.com.

gallaghersgrill.com. MCC, RR. Osaka West Japanese Restaurant, Garcia’s Famous Mexican Food, 200

804 N. Hwy. 190, 871-8199.

River Highlands Blvd., 327-7420.

osakawest.com

Isabella’s Pizzeria, 70452 Hwy. 21,

Oxlot 9, 488 E Boston St., 400-5663.

Ste. 500, 875-7620; 1331 Hwy. 190,

Hotel. Dinner, Sunday brunch. oxlot9.

809-1900. Salads, gourmet pizza,

com. MCC.

sandwiches, paninis, calzones and pasta. isabellaspizzeria.net.

Pardos, 69305 Hwy. 21, 893-3603. An American bistro with a blend of multi-

Italian Pie, 70488 Hwy. 21, 871-5252.

cultural cuisine with local flair. Frutta del

Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in

mar pasta, rosemary-grilled shrimp,

or carry out. italianpie.com. MCC, checks.

roasted chicken. Lunch, Tues-Fri; Dinner, Tues-Sun; Happy hour, Tues-Fri, 4-7pm.

Jerk’s Island Grill & Daiquiri

Private parties and catering. pardosbistro.

Bar, 70437 Hwy. 21, 893-1380.

com. MCC.

jerksIslandgrill.com. Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun Lola, 517 N. New Hampshire St., 892-

Deli, 1248 N. Collins Blvd., 892-7287.

4992. Lunch, Mon-Fri; Dinner, Fri-Sat.

Jambalaya, gumbo, stuffed artichokes.

Closed Sundays. Daily lunch specials, local

MCC, checks, ME.

produce, Louisiana seafood, everything housemade. lolacovington.com.

Peck’s Seafood & Grill, 70457 Hwy. 21, Ste. 108, 892-2121. Po-boys,

Mattina Bella, 421 E. Gibson St., 892-

seafood, burgers and lunch specials.

0708. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. MCC,

MCC.

checks. PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 70456 Hwy. 21, McAlister’s Deli, 206 Lake Dr., Ste. 15,

875-7894. Catch your morning buzz at

898-2800. Great sandwiches, salads,

this convenient drive-thru! Catering. MCC.

overstuffed potatoes. mcalistersdeli.com. MCC, checks.

Pizza Man of Covington, 1248 N. Collins Blvd., 892-9874. Checks, ME.

Megumi of Covington, 1211 Village Walk, 893-0406. megumirestaurant.net.

Raising Canes, 1270 N. Hwy. 190, 809-0250. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers,

fries, coleslaw, texas toast, signature

1645 Hwy. 190, 327-5407. Salads,

secret dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go and

pizzas, calzones. 20 craft beers on tap.

catering. MCC.

Open 7 days a week. Lunch and dinner. MCC. mellowmushroom.com.

Renaissance Antiques & Gifts with the Original Soda Fountain & Café

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, 104 Lake

Cabaret, 322 N. Florida St., 892-7220.

Dr. #1, 898-6362. menchies.com.

Nostalgic soda fountain for lunch and after school, six days a week.

New Orleans Food and Spirits, 208 Lee Ln., 875-0432. Grilled fish,

Sake 21 Japanese Restaurant, 70340

smothered rabbit and voodoo crawfish

Hwy. 21, 809-2640.

rolls. Family owned and operated. neworleansfoodspirits.com. MCC.

Sala Thai, 315 N. Vermont St., 2496990. Special salads, spring rolls, soups,

Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery

noodle and curry dishes. Sun-Thurs,

September-October 2014 183

g 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm. Lunch buffet weekdays, 11am-3pm.

Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris St.,

salathaibysu.com. MCC.

542-0043. Catering, special events, weddings. Casual fine dining, chargrilled

Sweet Daddy’s, 420 S. Tyler St.,

steaks, gulf fish, fresh seafood, house

898-2166. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs.

specialties. jacmelinn.com. MCC, checks.

sweetdaddysbarbq.com. MCC, ME. Kirin Sushi, 221 E. Cate St., 542Thai Chili, 1102 N. Hwy. 190, 809-

8888. First Japanese sushi restaurant in

0180.

Hammond! Dragon roll, Kirin roll, sake. kirinjapanesecuisine.com. MCC.

Thai Spice, 1581 N. Hwy. 190, 809La Carreta Authentic Mexican

6483.

Cuisine, 108 N.W Railroad Ave., 419Thai Taste, 1005 N. Collins Blvd.,

9990. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh

809-7886.

food from traditional recipes, outstanding service and value. Live music. Lunch

Tony Bosco’s at TerraBella, 141

and dinner seven days a week.

TerraBella Blvd., 612-7250. Authentic

carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

Italian cuisine. Lunch, dinner, private meeting room, catering. tonyboscos.com.

Old MacDonald’s Smokehouse, 1601 N. Morrison Blvd., 542-7529.

Vasquez Seafood & Po-Boys, 515

BBQ brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage.

E. Boston St., 893-9336. Cuban

oldmacdonaldsmokehouse.com. MCC,

sandwiches and more. vazquezpoboy.

checks.

com. MCC, checks, ME. Tommy’s on Thomas, 216 W. Thomas Winos and Tacos, a 321 N. Columbia

St., 350-6100. Pizza, pastas. Lunch,

St., 809-3029. Fresh, innovative cuisine

dinner. tommysonthomas.com. MCC,

by Chef Joel Brown. MCC.

checks.

WOW Café & Wingery, 501 N. Hwy.

Tope là, 104 N. Cate St., 542-7600.

190, 892-9691. Wings, burgers, wraps

Contemporary delights. topela.com. MCC.

and more. MCC. Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 2100 N. Yujin Japanese Restaurant and Sushi

Morrison Blvd., 345-6789. Innovative

Bar, 323 N. New Hampshire St., 809-

quality Chinese food served in Imperial

3840. Japanese cuisine and sushi in a

surroundings. treyyuen.com. MCC,

casual atmosphere. MCC.

checks.

Zea Rotisserie & Grill, 110 Lake Dr.,

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2108 W. Thomas

327-0520. Inspired American food.

St., 345-1131. “Taste our Magic.”

zearestaurants.com. MCC.

voodoobbq.com. MCC.

HAMMOND

Yellow Bird Café, 222 E. Charles St.,

Adobe Cantina & Salsa, 1905

345-1112. A great place to start your

W. Thomas St., 419-0027. Fine

day. Breakfast, lunch. MCC, checks.

Mexican cuisine, good spirits, great LACOMBE

friends and fun. Ceviche (marinated fish) and Mexican pasta. Live band.

Janie Brown’s Restaurant, 27207

adoberestaurant.com. MCC.

Hwy. 190, 882-7201. Casual dining with a great atmosphere. MCC, checks.

Brady’s, 110 SW Railroad Ave., 5426333. bradysdowntown.com.

La Provence Restaurant, 25020 Hwy. 190, 626-7662. Owner John Besh

Cocoa Bean Bakery and Cafe,

combines hospitality with French cuisine

910 E. Main St., 345-2002.

and welcoming hearths. Dinner, Sunday

Specialty cakes, pastries. Serving

brunch. laprovencerestaurant.com. MCC,

breakfast and light lunch. Specials.

checks. RR.

thecocoabeanbakery.com. MCC. Sal & Judy’s, 27491 Hwy. 190, 882-

184

Inside Northside

Don’s Seafood & Steak House,

9443. Great food and line of retail

1915 S. Morrison Blvd., 345-8550.

products. Family-owned for 27 years.

donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

Veal is the house specialty. salandjudys.

i com. MCC, RR. MADISONVILLE

5375. countrykitchenrestaurants.com. Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59.,

Hook’d Up Riverside Bar and Grill,

809-2929. Breakfast, lunch, Tues-Sun.

100 Marina Del Ray Dr., 845-8119.

7am-2pm. Breakfast served until 10:30am

Burgers, wings, hot dogs and specials.

on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday. Reserve Fat Spoon Cafe for your

Keith Young’s Steakhouse, 165 Hwy.

next party. fatspooncafe.com. MCC.

21, 845-9940. Steak, crab cakes. Lunch, dinner, Tues-Fri. keithyoungs.net. MCC.

Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse, 1841 N. Causeway Blvd., 624-9704. Fresh fish

Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar,

daily, aged beef, traditional Italian. Lunch,

702 Water St., 845-4970. Relaxed

dinner. fazziosrestaurant.com. MCC,

atmosphere, seafood, daily specials.

ME, RR.

Lunch, dinner. MCC, checks. Franco’s Grill,100 Bon Temps Roule, Water St. Bistro, 804 Water St.,

792-0200. Fresh organic foods for

845-3855. Casual ambiance on the

breakfast, lunch and takeout. myfrancos.

Tchefuncte. Lunch and dinner, Wed-Sun.

com/dining. MCC.

mortonsseafood.com. MCC. George’s Mexican Restaurant, 1461 MANDEVILLE

N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4342. Family

The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore Dr.,

owned. Fajitas, George’s nachos, Carne

727-7420. Serving 130 styles of beer, call

al la Parrilla. Best top-shelf margaritas in

and premium liquors. Lunch and dinner.

town. georgesmexicanrestaurant.com.

thebarleyoak.com. MCC.

MCC, ME.

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 4700 Hwy. 22,

Gio’s Villa Vancheri, 2890 E. Causeway

674-9090. Bear’s po-boys and more.

App., 624-2597. Sicilian specialties by

bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.

5-star chef Gio Vancheri. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat. giosvillavancheri.com.

Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 Lovers

MCC. RR.

Ln., 626-4557. Traditional New Orleans cuisine. Dinner, Sunday brunch.

Hong Kong Restaurant, 2890 E.

benedictsplantation.net. MCC.

Causeway App., 626-8222. MCC.

Bosco’s Italian Café, 2040 Hwy. 59,

Isabella’s Pizzeria, 2660 Florida

624-5066. boscositalian.com.

St. (in the Florida Street Market), 674-5700. Salads, gourmet pizza,

Broken Egg Café, 200 Gerard St.,

sandwiches, paninis, calzones and pasta.

231-7125. Excellent choice for brunch!

isabellapizzeria.net.

Pasta, specialty salads, sandwiches. anotherbrokenegg.com. MCC.

Italian Pie, 4350 Hwy. 22, 626-5252. Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in

Café Lynn Restaurant and Catering,

or carry out. italianpie.com. MCC, checks.

3051 E. Causeway App., 624-9007. Casual fine dining for lunch, dinner and

Joyce and Johnny’s, 1461 N.

Sunday brunch by Chef Joey Najolia.

Causeway Blvd., Ste. 11, 727-7727.

Tues-Fri, lunch: 11am-3pm. Dinner, 5pm.

Soups, salads, stuffed potatoes,

Catering provided. cafelynn.com. MCC.

sandwiches, po-boys.

Chili’s Bar & Grill, 3420 Hwy. 190, 727-

Jubilee Restaurant and Courtyard,

2771. Fajitas and the Awesome Blossom.

301 Lafitte St., 778-2552. Contemporary

Lunch, dinner. chilis.com. MCC, ME.

Louisiana cuisine for dinner, lunch by Chef Tory Stewart. Casual fine dining,

Coffee Rani, 3517 Hwy. 190, 674-0560.

daily lunch/dinner specials, private events,

Soup and salad specialists.

catering. jubileerestaurantcourtyard.com.

Coscino’s Pizza, 1817 N. Causeway

K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 626-0530.

Blvd., 727-4984. New York hand-tossed

Featuring Louisiana seafood with raw

pizza and Italian foods cooked on stone

oysters 1/2 price on Tuesdays. Express

using the finest ingredients. MCC.

lunch and daily lunch specials under $10. Mon-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat,

Country Kitchen, 2109 Florida St., 626-

11am-10pm. kgeesrestaurant.com.

September-October 2014 185

g MCC.

ingredients. Family-friendly atmosphere. Lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesdays.

La Carreta Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 1200 W. Causeway App., 624-

Petunia’s Place, 2020 Hwy. 59, 674-

2990. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh

3436. petuniasplace.com.

food from traditional recipes, outstanding service and value. Live music. Lunch

Pinkberry, 3460 Hwy. 190, 612-7306.

and dinner seven days a week.

Pinkberry is the original tart frozen yogurt

carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

that is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy paired with high quality, fresh

La Madeleine French Cafe, 3434 Hwy.

cut fruit and premium dry toppings.

190, 626-7004. lamadeleine.com.

pinkberry.com.

The Lakehouse, 2025 Lakeshore

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy.

Dr., 626-3006, events 778-2045.

190, 674-1565. Catch your morning buzz

Restaurant open. Call for reservations.

at the convenient drive-thru! Catering.

lakehousecuisine.com. MCC.

pjscoffee.com. MCC.

Little Tokyo, 590 Asbury Dr.,

Raising Canes, 3801 Hwy. 22, 674-

727-1532. littletokyosushi.com.

2042. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, texas toast, signature secret

Louie & The Redhead Lady,

dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go and

2820 E. Causeway App., 626-6044.

catering. MCC.

louieandtheredheadlady.com. Rip’s on the Lake, 1917 Lakeshore Dr., Macaroni Grill, 3410 Hwy. 190, 727-

727-2829.

1998. Penne rustica, pasta Milano, other Italian favorites. Lunch, dinner.

Ristorante Carmelo & Pizzaria, 1901

macaronigrill.com. MCC, ME.

Hwy. 190, 624-4844. Family-oriented Italian cuisine. Lunch and dinner. MCC.

Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App., 6269047. Serving breakfast and lunch, daily

Rusty Pelican, 500 Girod

specials.

St., 778-0364. Lunch, dinner. rustypelicanbythelake.com. MCC.

Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in Azalea Square Shopping Center,

Sake Gardens Japanese Restaurant,

674-9883. Seafood, Creole and

1705 Hwy. 190, 624-8955.

Italian. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat. mandinasrestaurant.com.

Sesame Inn, 408 N. Causeway Blvd., 951-8888. Finest Chinese cuisine.

Megumi Japanese Cuisine, 4700 Hwy. 22, Suites 11 and 12, 845-1644.

The Scotts’ Coffee Bar, 201 Carroll St.,

Yakimono and sushi bar. Lunch, dinner.

231-7632. Open seven days. Gourmet

megumirestaurant.com.

coffee & tea. Breakfast and lunch items available. Evening tapas menu - Fri and

MiMamacita’s New Mexican Cuisine,

Sat, 6-10. thescottscoffeebar.com.

2345 Florida St., 674-1400. Great food and margaritas. Lunch, dinner, catering. MCC.

Smoothie King, 1830 W. Causeway App., 626-9159. Smoothies.

Monster Po-Boys, 1814 N. Causeway

smoothieking.com. MCC, checks.

App., 626-9183. Lunch, dinner. Taqueria Noria, 1931 Hwy. 59, 727N’Tini’s, 2891 N. Hwy. 190, 626-5566.

7917. Lunch, dinner.

Steaks, martinis. Lunch specials. Mon.Sat. ntinis.com. MCC.

Times Bar & Grill, 1896 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-1161. Famous hamburgers,

Nuvolari’s, 246 Girod St., 626-5619.

starters, steaks and more. Lunch, dinner.

In Old Mandeville. Italian cuisine for fine

timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

dining daily for dinner or special events. MCC. nuvolaris.com.

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 600

The Old Rail Brewing Company,

China cuisine with Louisiana flair. Lunch,

639 Girod St., 612-1828. Homemade

dinner. treyyuen.com. MCC, checks.

N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4476. Quality

American cuisine with fresh, local

186

Inside Northside

g Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St., 624-5683. A full café menu with over 120

La. Pines, 1061 Robert St., 641-

loose leaf and speciality teas. Breakfast,

6196. Meet under the water tower for

lunch. viannes.com. MCC.

Ahhhfull-waffles, Sugar Watcher specials. Breakfast, lunch. lapinescafe.com. MCC,

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2999 Hwy.

checks.

190 E., 629-2021. “Taste our Magic.” voodoobbq.com. MCC.

Michael’s, 4820 Pontchartrain Dr., 649-8055. Steaks, seafood, veal, duck,

PONCHATOULA Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant,

eggplant au gratin. Extensive wine selection. Dinner.

30160 Hwy. 51, 386-6666. middendorfsrestaurant.com.

Nathan’s Restaurant, 36440 Old Bayou Liberty Rd., 643-0443. Waterfront dining

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

featuring seafood, steaks and pasta. MCC.

Cuisine, 147 N.W. Railroad Ave., 370-0930. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

Nola Southern Grill, 1375 Gause Blvd.,

fresh food from traditional recipes,

201-8200. Burgers, ribs, steaks, pasta,

outstanding service and value. Live music.

sandwiches and seafood. MCC.

Lunch and dinner seven days a week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

Palmettos on the Bayou, 1901 Bayou Ln., 643-0050.

Taste of Bavaria Restaurant &

palmettosrestaurantslidell.com.

Bakery, 14476 Hwy. 22, 386-3634. Charming Bavarian bungalow, European-

Peck’s Seafood Restaurant, 2315

style breakfast, German-style lunch.

Gause Blvd. E., 781-7272. Po-boys,

tasteofbavariastaurant.com. MCC, checks.

seafood, burgers and lunch specials. MCC.

SLIDELL A Touch of Italy Café, 134 Pennsylvania

Smoothie King, 150 Northshore

Ave., 639-0600. Seafood, veal,

Blvd., 781-3456. Low-fat health drinks.

steaks, daily specials. Lunch, dinner.

smoothieking.com. MCC, checks.

kathrynandcompany.com. MCC, checks. Tacos and Beer, 2142 Front St., 641Assunta’s, 2631 Hwy. 190 W., 649-

4969. Lunch, dinner and late-night.

9768. Italian food, extensive wine selection. Dinner. assuntas.com. MCC,

Times Bar & Grill, 1827 Front St.,

checks.

639-3335. Famous hamburgers, starters, steaks and more. Lunch, dinner.

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 550 Gause

timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

Blvd., 201-8905. Po-boys and more. bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.

The Wine Market, 2051 E. Gause Blvd., 781-1177. Deli restaurant, lunch,

Sapphire, 2306 Front St., 288-4166.

11am-3pm. Sandwiches, soups, salads,

Sunday brunch, live entertainment, fine

wraps. MCC and checks.

wines and spirits. Open seven days a week. bistrodelareine.com. MCC.

NEW ORLEANS/SOUTHSHORE Café Giovanni, 117 Rue Decatur,

Bonnie C’s, 1768 Front St., 288-

(504)-529-2154. Dinner, Sun-Thurs,

5061. Home-style Italian, seafood, and

5:30-10pm. Fri-Sat, 5:30-11pm. Live

barbecue.

Entertainment Wed, Thurs, and Friday Evenings. . Cafegiovanni.com. RR.

Camellia Cafe, 525 Hwy. 190, 649-6211. Traditional seafood and New Orleans

Criollo Resturant and Lounge at Hotel

cuisine. thecamelliacafe.com. MCC.

Monteleone, 214 Royal St., (504)-5233340. hotelmonteleone.com/criollo/.

Carreta’s Grill, 137 Taos St., 847-0020.

MCC, RR.

Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served in a family-friendly atmosphere for lunch and

Restaurant R’evolution, 777 Bienville

dinner. carretasgrill.com. MCC.

St., (504)-553-2277. Located at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Offering modern,

188

Inside Northside

KY’s Olde Towne Bicycle Shop, 2267

imaginative reinterpretations of classic

Carey St., 641-1911. Casual dining in

Cajun and Creole Cuisine. Triptych of

former bicycle shop. Kids’ menu. Lunch,

Quail and Oysterman’s spaghettini.

dinner. kysoldetowne.com. MCC, checks.

Revolutionnola.com. RR.

Northshore Living BOTH MILLENNIALS LOOKING for their first home and seasoned homeowners who want a change have to make many decisions. One common question is whether to buy new or old. If an older home is your choice, be prepared for the renovation costs that may come with that beloved gem. With the Old World-charm of wood plank floors, limitless crown molding and crystal doorknobs, smoked-colored glasses can hide the repairs that may be needed. Older homes often require electrical and ventilation work. For electrical work in a small home, estimates can run anywhere from $200 to $3,000,

charged by the foot. Bringing life back into those pine planks can cost $1.50 to $3.30 per square foot. Bathroom and kitchen renovations can make an older home more comfortable for modern living. If porcelain-footed tubs and tiny toilets arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your preference, bathroom renovation may be to your liking. A full bathroom renovation can start at $3,000â&#x20AC;&#x201D;it ends when your budget is reached. Kitchen renovations also range in price; a quick and simple makeover can begin at $8,000 or more, and the sky is the limit. Choices such as quartz versus granite counter tops or tile versus laminate flooring can add to the cost.

New or Old? Deciding which home to buy. depending on the perplexity of the project. Energy efficiency is not a strong suit of older homesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;less insulation, thinner walls and thin windows. For heating, air conditioning and ventilation, renovations can range from a simple thermostat update to attic ventilation. Thermostat updates start at $250. Attic ventilation and system updates can cost up to $4,000. Fireplaces are great accents in older homes. Offthe-ground houses can be chilly in the winter months. A fireplace will keep the house warm and cozy. Wood-burning fireplaces are easy to update. Some need a simple cleaning, while others may require a complete renovation ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. To keep the heat or the cool inside, new windows may be on your renovation list. Storm windows or double-insulated panes can pull $60 to $500 per window out of your pocket. New windows may be a great investment, insulating and bringing in natural light. Original wood floors can be a great find, even under linoleum or checkered tile. If the floors are in good condition, a simple sand and refinish may be the only need. Refinishing, much like new flooring, is generally 190

Inside Northside

by Leah Draffen

To have all the bells and whistles under a newly shingled roof, a new-build is the option. Newer homes require fewer repairs and less maintenance. Most are energy efficient, have more storage and are built to code regulations. New homes tend to have less outside space but more interior footage. Larger lots are often in short supply in developments, and a new home built in a development instead of on an original property may not have mature trees and plants. If a bowing oak is on your must-have list, a new-build may not be in the cards. Charming older homes are frequently found in established neighborhoods with mature vegetation, large lots and plenty of character. However, homes surrounding downtown on the northshore tend to be more costly. With added renovation costs, this can result in less space for a more expensive price. If character drives your taste, prepare to give the medallion-accented ceiling and original wood plank floors tender loving care. Much like a puppy, you have to coddle and train an older home, but one day it will be your best companion. All estimates derived from oldhouseweb.com.

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Directory of Advertisers ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE 10/12 Properties........................985-626-8200 191 Accents & Things........................985-649-4221 133 Acquistapace’s Covington Supermarket............. .................................................985-893-0593 134 Advanced Pain Institute..............985-345-7246 136,137 Agena, Dr. Gary M. - OBGYN......985-845-7121 106 Air Blow Dry Bar & Salon............985-626-1402 166 All American Chiroptractic..........985-893-2223 133 American Factory Direct...........1-888-969-9499 123 American Red Cross....................... redcross.org 38 Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor................. .................................................985-727-9787 122 Armbruster Artworks Studio........985-630-6295 124 Artistry of Light..........................225-247-8963 4 Asset One..................................985-727-2834 170 Bantings Nursery........................985-882-5550 93 Barley Oak, The..........................985-727-7420 6 Bastille’s Clothing Company.......985-626-4220 139 Beau Provence Memory Care Assisted Living..... ...........................................BeauProvence.com 28 Bedico Creek Preserve................985-845-4200 101 Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights.......985-249-6040 7 Bisso Towboat Company.............504-861-1411 56 Blue Williams LLP.......................985-626-0058 20 Bora Bora...................................985-951-8454 144 Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers..........985-626-1666 33 Bra la Vie!..................................985-662-5065 59 [brown eyed girl]........................985-626-0100 146 Brown Family Orthodontics.........985-626-8297 51 Café Lynn Restaurant & Catering...985-624-9007 183 California Drawstrings Northshore....985-327-7300 143 Candra George Photography......985-871-6990 70 Carreta’s Grill............985-871-6674, 847-0020 61 Cedarwood School.....................985-845-7111 95 Champagne Beverage Co................................. .................................champagnebeverage.com 14 Champagne Jewelers.................985-643-2599 62 Chevron........................................ chevron.com P7 Chris Wynne Designs........................................ ..........................chriswynnedesigns.tumblr.com 192 Christwood Retirement Community.................. .............................................christwoodrc.com 23 Columbia Street Mercantile........985-809-1789 143 Connie Seitz Interiors.................985-630-7102 127 Covington Dental Care...................... 985-400-2568 26 Culinary Kids..............................985-727-5553 192 DA Exterminating.......................985-893-2071 30 Dakota Resturant.......................985-892-3712 186 David Pierson Designs Inc...........985-871-0457 139 De Boscq Jewelry.......................985-674-0007 74 deCoeur..........................................decoeur.net 134 DeLuca’s Expressions in Gold......985-892-2317 177 Designs in Windows...................985-209-1689 10 Divorce Care..............................985-727-9200 55 Dr. Burkenstock, Skin Body Health...985-237-1960 92 E.K. Lozano and Company, CPA....... lozanoCPAs.com 178 Eagan Insurance.........................504-836-9600 133 Earthsavers................................985-674-1133 130 EMB Interiors.............................985-626-1522 126 Emma’s Shoes and Accessories...985-778-2200 140 Eros Home & Clothing................985-727-0034 140 Etan Enterprises.........................985-966-7042 89 Fazzio’s Restaurant & Bar...........985-624-9704 188 Fielding Photography..................985-626-7549 115 Fitness Expo...............................504-887-0880 68 Fleurt.........................................985-809-8844 25

ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE Florist of Covington....................985-892-7701 103 Franco’s Athletic Club.................985-792-0200 BC french mix, the...........................985-809-3152 121 Friends of City Park................... 504-483-9376 106 George’s Girls............................228-216-0558 146 George’s Mexican Restaurant.....985-626-4342 185 Glenn Michael Salon..................504-828-6848 17 GNO Property Management.......504-528-7028 97 Gomez Pine Straw......................985-264-3567 192 H2O Salon.................................985-951-8166 73, 104 Habitat for Humanity..................985-639-0656 186 Hazelnut Mandeville...................985-626-8900 57 Heritage Bank of St. Tammany....985-892-4565 118 Hestia Luxury in Linens...............985-893-0490 134 Hollywood Casino Bay St. Louis........................ ............................................ hollywoodbsl.com 30 Home Bank........................... home24bank.com 91 Hosanna Christian Preschool......985-624-5525 113 Huntington Your Tutoring Solution....985-727-0000 38 Infusé Oils & Vinegars................985-778-0903 25 Integrity Builders, Inc..................985-626-3479 28 Istre Hearing Care......................985-845-3509 65 JaRoy Pest Control......................985-892-6882 109 Jennifer Rice Realty Group..........985-892-1478 191 Jill Gibson, MD, LLC....................985-898-5990 32 Jos. A. Bank................................985-624-4067 144 Jubilee Restaurant & Courtyard...985-778-2552 183 JuJu’s Boutique..........................985-624-3600 139 K. Gee’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar....985-626-0530 185 Key to the Cure...................................saks.com 168 Khoobehi & Associates...............504-779-5538 13 Kickin’ Parkinsons............ kickinparkinsons.com 56 Kinsley, Dr. Elizabeth...................985-893-3737 113 Knight Integrative Medicine........985-867-5516 78 La Bella Vita Laser and Vein........985-892-2950 45 Lake After Hours.........................985-375-9979 89 Lakehouse, The...........................985-626-3006 184 Lakeview Regional Medical Center.................... .................................................985-867-3800 IBC LCI Workers Comp......................985-612-1230 48 Lee Michaels Jewelers......................... lmfj.com IFC,3 Louisiana Custom Closets...........985-871-0810 114 Louisiana Family Eyecare............985-875-7898 163 Louisiana Heart Hospital.......louisianaheart.com 11,19,49 Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra...504-523-6530 86 Lowe’s Jewelers.........................985-845-4653 55 M. Rossie Salon..........................985-867-8906 128,129 Magnolia Obstetrics and Gynecology...985-230-7650 90 Mainstream Boutique.................985-674-6600 139 Maison Lafitte............................985-778-2045 184 Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence........... .................................................985-626-4401 5 Mandeville Dental Care............. 985-400-2571 26 Mandeville Party Co....................985-674-1605 64 Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center....................... .............................................marybird.org/stph 105 mélange by KP...........................985-807-7652 130 Mercedes-Benz..........................504-456-3727 P2 Metlife Premier Client Group......985-969-0591 130 Mia Sorella.................................985-781-3909 146 Michalopoulos Gallery................504-558-0505 51 Mix, The.....................................985-727-7649 144 Mobile Memories.......................985-290-9060 61 Money Hill Golf and Country Club....985-892-3300 29 Monmouth Historic Inn...............601-442-5852 69 Monster Mash............................985-898-4435 119

ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE Natchez Grand Hotel and Suites....601-446-9994 69 New Orleans Ballet Association.....504-522-0996 86 New Orleans Opera Association....504-529-3000 86 Niche Modern Home..................985-624-4045 15,125 North American Insurance Agency....985-871-5480 59 North Shore Square Mall............985-646-0661 37 Northshore Academy of Dance....985-893-1143 171 Northshore Dermatology ...........985-641-5198 24 Oasis Day Spa, The.....................985-624-6772 177 Ochsner Medical Center - Northshore............... .................................................ochsner.org 167,174,175 Oil & Vinegar..............................985-809-1693 134 Oktoberfest................................985-727-1417 83 Old Rail, The...............................985-612-1828 6 Outdoor Living Center................985-893-8008 57 Ox Lot 9.....................................985-400-5663 187 Paisley.......................................985-727-7880 140 Palatial Stone & Tile....................985-249-6868 107 Palm Village...............................985-778-2547 144 Pan American Power...................985-893-1271 80 Paretti Jaguar.............................504-455-2101 83 Pelican Athletic Club...................985-626-3706 P16 Personal Care MD......................985-778-2330 65 POSH Boutique..........................985-898-2639 146 Private Beach.............................985-674-2326 177 Profit on Hold............................800-569-4653 192 Real Results Weight Loss Clinic...985-590-4061 96 Rehab Dynamics LLC..................985-871-7878 116 Resource Bank.................. bankonresource.com 109 Rick’s Professional Painting Service...985-845-0533 192 Roosevelt Hotel of New Orleans, The................. .................................................504-335-3190 20 Rug Chic....................................985-674-1070 62 St. Paul’s School.........................985-892-3200 93, 116 St. Romain Interiors....................985-845-7411 178 St. Scholstica Academy...............985-892-2540 93 St. Tammany Parish Hospital.......985-773-1500 53 Saks Fifth Avenue.......................504-524-2200 9 Scotts’ Coffee & Tapas Bar, The...985-231-7632 188 Shoefflé........................................ shoeffle.com 143 Silver Plum and 1, 2, Buckle My Shoe, The......... .................................................985-674-4343 143 Slidell Memorial Hospital............985-280-2200 27 Southern Bridal..........................985-727-2993 177 Southern Rep. Theatre............. southernrep.com 86 State Farm Insurance, C J Ladner.....985-892-5030 178 Stone Source..............................985-892-0695 191 Summergrove Garden Party.............................. .....................................newheightstherapy.org 95 Tchefuncta Club Estates............ tchefuncta.com 41 TerraBella...................................985-871-7171 103 Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers......985-626-5098 117 Tripolo Gallery............................985-789-4073 178 Villa Vicci...................................504-899-2931 71 Villa, The....................................985-626-9797 140 Water Street Wreaths.................985-792-7979 192 Weimer, DDS, Patrick..................985-727-1800 133 Welcome Home and Garden.......985-893-3933 10 West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission.......... .................................................800-789-4221 130 Windsor Senior Living Community, The.............. .................................................985-624-8040 45 Winos & Tacos............................985-809-3029 12 Wreaths by Laura.......................985-569-4653 192 WYES.........................................504-457-2934 189 Zevent co................................1-800-714-9050 126 September-October 2014 193

Last Bite

Café Lynn

by Poki Hampton

NOTHING SAYS FALL like Duck Confit. Chef Joey Najolia of Café Lynn creates this sumptuous French dish with salt-brined duck quarters that have been baked until the skin is crispy. He then serves the duck on a bed of pan-roasted new potatoes with a fresh green bean and asparagus medley. All of this sits in a delicious Creole mustard cream sauce. Most entrées at Café Lynn come with a side dish, a vegetable and a house salad. The new Lemon Basil Martini is already a favorite. Combining fresh lemon juice, muddled basil, simple syrup and Hendrick’s Gin—whose subtle flavors include cucumber, rose petals, juniper and coriander—makes for a refreshing cocktail. Café Lynn is currently located at 3051 East Causeway Approach in Mandeville and will be moving to their new location at 2600 Florida St. this fall, 624-9007. cafelynn.com. Café Lynn owners

together create a cozy, relaxed atmosphere with French-influenced cuisine to rival any on the northshore.

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photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Chef Joey Najolia and his wife, Brandi,