May-June 2016 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine

450

$

WOMEN IN BUSINESS • STEEL WOLVES • ADDISON RIECKE • MIRACLE LEAGUE

MAY-JUNE 2016 VOL. 31, NO. 3

May-June 2016

Vol. 31, No. 3

Publisher Lori Murphy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor-in-Chief Anne Honeywell

Senior Editor Jan Murphy

Associate Editor Maggie Murphy

Managing Editor Leah Draffen

Editorial Intern Rebecca Perrette Contributors are featured on page 16.

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

Art Director Brad Growden

Graphic Designer Jennifer Starkey

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

Business Manager Jane Quillin

Senior Account Executives Poki Hampton

Candice Laizer Barbara Roscoe

Account Executives Angelle Albright

Barbara Bossier Kim Camet

Jennifer Forbes Amy Taylor

Advertising Coordinator Margaret Rivera –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For advertising information phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 email sales@insidepub.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Please send items for Inside Scoop to scoop@insidepub.com.

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

On the cover

Artist Linda Trappey Dautreuil

Provisions II

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ©2016 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.

page 34

page 91

contents table of

Features 18 Arts Advocate Cover Artist Linda Trappey Dautreuil 34 NHBA Raffle House 2016 42

Celebrating the Culinary Traditions of the South Southern Food and Beverage Museum

52 Steel Wolves U-boats Prowl the Gulf in WWII 60 Advice from a Master page 52

62 Keeping His Ducks in a Row Roy Blaum of Roy’s Knife and Archery Shop 76 Generous Hearts Education Collaboration

page 62 8

Inside Northside

Women In Business Follows page 98.

contents table of

Departments

page 83

12 Publisher’s Note 14 Editor’s Note

page 128

14 Reader Resources 16 Contributors 22 INside Scoop 33 IN Other Words Now What?

50 Traces Car Seat Guardian Angels Leadership Northshore Class of 2016 Project Team 4 68 IN the Bookcase

Sweet as Sin, by Susan Benjamin 70 At the Table Mother’s Day The Good Old Way 78

Traces The Absolutely, Unbelievably Wonderful Kids of Miracle League!

82 Wine Cellar White Burgundy 83 Flourishes Extraordinary gifts and home accents

91 INside Look Lilac Dreams 97 IN Better Health The Guidry Family 128 IN Great Taste Jam Session

page 114

130 INside Dining 134 IN Love and Marriage 135 INside Peek Featuring Northshore’s Finest, Kickoff Party Young Entrepreneurs Academy of the Northshore YSB Chef Soirée Children’s Museum Celebration 2016 page 142

142 Last Bite Carreta’s Grill

Shark Tank

by Lori Murphy Now I know what it’s like to be a shark.

On an amazing night, I was on a panel that listened as students presented and requested funding for 11 business ideas. The ideas were as diverse as the students, but they had one thing in common—passion. As closing speaker Dr. Randy Moffett said, hearing these presentations gives us

Eric Schouest presents Cleco

grant to winner Grant Fowler, founder of ITV Motors.

confidence in the ingenuity and drive of the next generation.

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) of the Northshore guides middle- and high-school students through launching and running their own real businesses. Last fall, leaders Shelby LaSalle Jr. and Carla Mouton interviewed prospective participants, looking for a spark of that entrepreneurial spirit. Since then, the selected students have been mentored by an A List of area business people as they learned about product development, marketing and financial strategy. Following the presentations, each business was awarded a grant from a fund administered by the Northshore Community Foundation.

Danielle Ledet and Hannah Summersgill, seniors at Archbishop Hannan High School and Co-CEOs of Rosie’s Secret, were selected to travel to the May 5 national competition. Their innovative concept takes a Swiss-army-knife approach to the collection of make-up brush accessories many of us carry in our purse. They have a manufacturing partner in place and patents on the way.

I have no doubt these two will knock the socks off the national judges, but they weren’t alone. One student is bringing technology to school ties, and a group of three is adding age-appropriate style to socks. One team has an innovative idea to make grocery shopping more convenient, and another is working to bring well-priced, healthy and delicious options into school lunchrooms. One of the judges’ favorite presentations was from a young beekeeper who is already operating a business but hoping to grow.

A special award presented by Cleco Corporation General Manager Eric Schouest was a $2,500 grant for St. Paul’s senior Grant Fowler, who has been consulting with Cleco engineers while developing what could be our car of the future using incredible battery technology and plenty of engineering bells and whistles.

One thing I know for sure. We will see quite a bit more from each and every one of these amazing young people.

Don’t wait for Shelby LaSalle to call for help—jump in the shark tank with a sponsorship or mentoring offer.

ps…Congratulations to all who will be celebrated on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, as well as all of this year’s graduates!

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Editor’s Note

by Anne Honeywell

Reader Resources

The parents of special-needs children are amazing. Yes, the children are a gift in so many ways, but the parents have to adjust to their ‘new normal’ the moment these children are born.

Contact Us: You may contact us by mail, phone, fax or on our website:

My brother, whom I adore, has three daughters—whom I also adore. His beautiful middle daughter, Emily, a very proud 21-year-old, has some developmental disabilities. He has never treated her any differently than his other girls. He just rolls through life with her, making sure she feels safe and comfortable—but he always pushes her a little bit to show her how much she is really capable of. He doesn’t baby her; he has always strived to treat her age appropriately.

A few weeks ago, Emily proudly announced to me that SHE was playing baseball with the Miracle League. I attended her game in Baton Rouge, and am I glad I did.

These young people, both the volunteers and the players, are truly awesome! It was an uplifting and energetic atmosphere—the pure joy on these kids’ faces when they hit the ball and/or scored their runs was infectious! Emily had a great game, and she was proud to have grandparents, parents, Emily with her Miracle League team.

her aunt and cousin calling her name as she rounded the bases or made a play.

In this issue, Karen Gibbs shares with us “The Absolutely, Unbelievably Wonderful Kids of Miracle League!” on page 78, and boy, did she nail that title!

Enjoy learning about the northshore program that is helping special-needs kids and young adults enjoy the comradery of sports.

So much in this issue, including our annual celebration of fabulous Women IN Business with Maggie Murphy’s interview with young TV actress Addison Riecke. Check out the other great articles, on everything from Ann Gilbert’s tale of German subs in the Gulf in WWII (page 52) to Leah Draffen’s story about local woodcarver Roy Blaum (page 62). And Tom Fitzmorris stays home for Mother’s Day (page 70). Enjoy!

ps…June brings the often-less-celebrated Father’s Day. I hope my amazing brother, an incredible father, has a fabulous day—he deserves it!

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Inside Northside

Mail: Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148 Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 Telephone: 985-626-9684 Fax: 985-674-7721 Website: insidenorthside.com Receiving Inside Northside in Your Mailbox?

You are on our mailing list, and you will continue to receive Inside Northside every other month at no charge.

Please join us in thanking our advertisers, who make this possible.

Pick Up a Copy: At one of our advertisers’ locations or at Barnes & Noble, 3414 Highway 190, Premier Centre, Mandeville, La. Subscribe: To subscribe to Inside Northside, to our sister publication Inside New Orleans, or if you have a question about your subscription, please contact us by telephone or e-mail us at subscriptions@insidepub.com.

Subscriptions are $18 for one year or $30 for two years. To change your address, please send us both your old address and your new address. The post office does not forward magazines.

Advertising Information: For advertising information, please contact us by telephone or e-mail us at sales@insidepub.com.

Inquire and Share Ideas: Do you know a person, organization or endeavor we might consider featuring in our pages? Or a great storyteller who might want to write for us? Please contact the editor@insidepub.com.

Contributors Mimi Greenwood Knight Mimi Greenwood Knight is a mother of four and freelance writer with more than 500 article and essays in print in national and regional magazines, devotionals and 50 anthologies, including two dozen Chicken Soup for the Soul books. She lives in Folsom with her husband, David, where she enjoys martial arts, gardening, Bible study and knitting. In this issue, Mimi writes about SoFAB on page 42.

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

Leah Draffen

Tom Fitzmorris

Ann Gilbert

Maggie Murphy

Leah Draffen, managing editor at Inside Northside, sat cross-legged on the floor of her grandparent’s den intently listening to her family play the guitar, fiddle and mandolin. While she never picked up an instrument, she quickly picked up a pen learning to write poetry and creative essays. After earning a bachelor’s degrees from LSU in mass communications, Leah joined the Inside Northside team to continue her passion for writing. Leah now loves writing about music and listening to the many talented musicians in our area. In this issue, Leah’s writes about woodcarver Roy Blaum (page 62).

Tom Fitzmorris grew up in Treme, ate red beans every Monday from his CreoleFrench mother until he left home. Not long after that, he began writing a weekly restaurant review column that has continued 42 years.

In 1975, he began a daily radio feature, which grew into his current three-hour daily talk show on 1350, 3WL. He is the author of several cookbooks, more than a dozen restaurant guidebooks, a daily online newsletter (nomenu.com), and joins us At the Table on page 70.

Ann Gilbert has been a contributor to Inside Northside for many years.

Her career as a lifestyle, arts and entertainment editor for 30 years has been recognized with awards in writing, editing and design, but it is her passion for history that has graced IN’s pages most often. In this issue, she tells the story of U-boats in the Gulf in WWII (page 52). Ann and her husband, Gene, enjoy summer vacations at their log cabin in the North Carolina mountains.

Maggie Murphy is associate editor at Inside Northside.

Growing up around the business, she has always held a passion for magazines. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from SMU in Dallas, Maggie moved to the United Kingdom to obtain her master’s degree in communication studies from the London School of Economics. Maggie is happy to be back in her hometown doing the work she loves most. On page 4 of the Women IN Business section, Maggie writes about her interview with local TV star Addison Riecke.

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Inside Northside

Other Voices: Gretchen Armbruster, Susan Bonnett, Candra George, Poki Hampton, Anne Honeywell, Trudy Hurley, Bill Kearney, Rebecca Perrette and Terri Schlichenmeyer.

Arts Advocate

Cover Artist Linda Trappey Dautreuil

by Anne Honeywell

18

Inside Northside

the 1970s, while pursuing a master’s degree in creative writing, she began making paintings, but she says, “I soon found that painting and drawing proved to be the better mediums for my creative ideas.” In 1984, she completed her studies in visual arts at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and in 1996 moved her studio to Covington.

Linda immediately immersed herself into the arts community of Covington and joined the St. Tammany Art Association. “Covington

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

LINDA TRAPPEY DAUTREUIL is a vibrant, active member of the arts community on the northshore and in New Orleans. “I favor the idea that the presence of art and artists benefits the community. Public art and participation in nonprofit arts organizations help to bring more people into the community—which helps local businesses.”

Linda grew up in New Iberia and lived in southwest Louisiana for most of her life. In

always had this reputation of being an arts community. And when I got here, I felt that it was that in so many ways, but at the same time, I felt we as artists could do more. I believe there should be more support from artists within the association. We have artist members who exhibit, and there will always be a need for that, but we need more artists to volunteer and promote the organization.”

A member of the association’s Artist Advisory Board for many years, Linda has since rotated off the board, but still serves as >>

an honorary member. “The association is the arts hub of downtown Covington, especially with Spring and Fall for Art, which are phenomenal. Now, there are a lot of communities that have something like these events, but I think Covington was early in the game, which is a good thing!” Linda says proudly. “And we can’t forget the Three Rivers Arts Festival. We have so much here, but I feel we need to keep going and build on what we have. That’s what I think, anyway,” she says with a grin.

“I just returned from a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The visual arts in Santa Fe are unbelievable, and the artists there are so involved in the arts community and the city. They are not all isolated; they are working together to make their city a phenomenal place to visit and spend money. Santa Fe makes you see it is possible for visual arts/the arts to be the complete driver of an economy.”

Linda feels it is important for local artists to support the parish and state programs that require the installation of art collections in public buildings, such as the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center and the Madisonville Library.

Encouraging artists to submit artwork for such displays means that there will be more artwork in more places where people work and interact in the community.

Linda says, “I love to go places where you can see and enjoy original artwork, especially when I travel. I think visual art can make a big difference in people wanting to come visit our community and spend time here.

Look at the Southern Hotel’s public collection in the lobby and the art in all of the rooms. Look at all the galleries in town.” She notes that there are many opportunities for artists to participate in a lot of different ways around the community.

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Inside Northside

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

The art An abstract painter, Linda’s process involves building a surface slowly with thin layers of color and alternating graphic lines, which may be charcoal, wax, graphite, hard pastels, oil or other mediums.

When you look at one of her pieces, you come away with your own interpretation. “My work explores the universal themes found in folk narratives, particularly those embellished by generations of imaginative recycling,” explains Linda. Her beautiful and dynamic paintings are thought provoking and intriguing, sparking your imagination. “I don’t believe the most interesting paintings give you all the answers. There are times when I am working on a piece, and I leave it alone for a while, perhaps move it to another space.

When I look at it fresh, I realize I see it as other people see it.”

Most recently Linda was invited to participate in La Femme. Held at the New Orleans Art Center and curated by Don Marshall, this exhibition included over 100 professional woman artists. “It was an invitational, and there were a number of artists from the northshore in the exhibit, which was wonderful as it really got a lot of attention because it was such a huge show. Don had been the director of the St. Tammany Art Association, and he frequently visits.

He has always been great about including northshore

artists in activities in New Orleans. After all, we are part of the greater metropolitan area—and he views it as one big area. “ Linda has received many honors and awards throughout her career, and lucky for us her paintings are featured in several permanent collections around the area. She received a Visual Arts Fellowship from the Louisiana State Arts Council in 1998 and the President’s Award for Visual Arts in St. Tammany Parish in 2004. Her work is in the permanent collections of the New Orleans Museum of Art, the New Orleans Public Art Collection, the Hilliard University Art Museum in Lafayette, and the St. Tammany Public Art Collection.

And as she did back in college, Linda still enjoys writing, and today works as a freelance writer. She concentrates her efforts on the arts, of course. How fortunate that this multi-talented artist with such a giving soul ended up in Covington, Louisiana. She says, “I love living and painting here and find inspiration among so many talented artists in our area. We have something very special here in our community—the visual arts and artists of our area are truly unique and add to the specialness of the northshore.”

We agree, Linda. You certainly do.

Contact Linda through lindadautreuil.com.

May-June 2016 21

INSIDE the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

Slidell Jazz and Blues Festival May 28 Live music including: Big E Brass Band, Greg Barnhill, Ronnie Kole, Amanda Shaw and Michael Soulman Baptiste and the Real Soul Band. The festival is in partnership with the Northshore Community Foundation to benefit Notes for Education Northshore. Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell. 12-10pm. slidelljazzandblues.com.

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May 1 Fidelity’s Concerts in the Park: Some Enchanted Evening. Slidell Heritage Park, Slidell. 6pm. Free. lpomusic.com.

1 2nd Annual Southern Hotel Cup. Polo match hosted by the Southern Hotel benefiting the Public Art for Covington Fund. Brunch by Ox Lot 9, live music, and silent

photo: FOTO DE LIS PHOTOGRAPHY

and live auctions. Innisfree Farm, 82027 Innisfree Rd., Folsom. Gates open at 1pm; match begins at 2:30pm. $175. (844) 866-1907. southernhotel.com.

1-15 Celebrating Music. Exhibit of music memorabilia and art. Rodrigue >> May-June 2016 23

Inside Scoop Studio, 730 Royal St, New Orleans.

Rodrigue’s Aioli Dinner painting; proceeds

georgerodrigue.com.

benefit George Rodrigue Foundation

1-31 Julia Knight Launch Event.

of the Arts. May 4, Baton Rouge; May

Introducing the newest Julia Knight

7, Shreveport; May 14, New Orleans.

collection offering free gift with purchase,

6:30pm. Prix-fixe menu, $250. (504) 324-

gift wrapping and door prizes. Arabella

9614. aiolidinner.com.

Fine Gifts and Home Décor, 3902 Hwy 22 in Mandeville. 727-9787 1-21 Expressions of a Place: The Southeastern Louisiana Landscape Exhibit. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St, Covington. 8928650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

1, 6, 7 Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Cutting Edge Theater, 767 Robert Blvd., Slidell. $25-$33. 649-3727. cuttingedgetheater.com.

4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 Covington Farmers Market. Saturdays: 609 N. Columbia St, 8am-12pm; Wednesdays: 419 N. New Hampshire St., 10am-2pm.

892-1873. covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

5 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Carreta’s Grill. Live music and specials. Metairie, Slidell, Covington and Harahan locations. carretasgrillrestaurant.com.

5 Cinco de Mayo at La Carreta. Street party and live music at both locations.

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Abita Springs Farmers

812 Hwy 190, Covington and 1200 W

Market. Live music. 22049 Main St.,

Causeway App, Mandeville. 400-5202;

Abita Springs. Free. 12-4pm. 807-4447.

624-2990. carretasrestaurant.com.

townofabitasprings.com.

5 Fidelity’s Concerts in the Park: Swing

3, 10, 17, 24 Trivia Night. Sponsored

in the Park. LPO concert. Lafreniere

by the Covington Brewhouse.

Park, Metairie. 7pm. Rain date May 6,

Mellow Mushroom, 1645 Hwy 190,

7pm. Free. lpomusic.com.

Covington. 7:30-9:30pm. 893-2884. covingtonbrewhouse.com.

3 Give NOLA Day. Third annual 24-hour

6 39th Annual Whitney Zoo-To-Do. Restaurants, cocktails, live music, auction and raffle. The Audubon Zoo, 6500

online giving day benefitting nonprofits in

Magazine St., New Orleans. 7pm-12am.

St Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington

Tickets starting at $85. (504) 861-6160.

parishes. (504) 598-4663. givenola.org.

audubonnatureinstitute.org/ztd.

3-June 4 “Merry as the Day is Long”:

6 Mandeville LIVE. Jason Marsalis Quintet.

Shakespeare’s Hand in New Orleans.

Mandeville Trailhead. Free. 6:30-8:30pm.

Exhibition examines the influence of

624-3147. cityofmandeville.com.

Shakespeare’s life and work on New

6 Friday Nite Concert on the Square

Orleans. Historic New Orleans Collection,

Featuring Groovy 7. Terrabella Village

Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres

Square, 141 Terre Bella Blvd., Covington.

St, New Orleans. 9am-4:30pm. Free.

5:30-8:30pm. Free. Food available for

hnoc.org.

purchase at Forks and Corks. 871-7171.

4 Soirée d’Or. Black-tie gala celebrating 50th anniversary of the Historic New

terrabellavillage.com.

6 Veronica M Trunk Show. Rug Chic, 4240

Orleans Collection. The Orpheum Theater,

Hwy 22, Ste 6, Mandeville. 10-6pm. 674-

129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans. Patron

1070. rugchic.com.

party, 6:30pm; gala, 7:15pm. Starting at $175. (504) 523-4662. hnoc.org.

4, 7, 14 Aioli Dinner Supper Club. Unique culinary tradition made famous by George

6-8 Jazz in the Park Treme Art & Music Festival. Celebrate five years of Jazz in the Park with the first three-day festival.

Armstrong Park, 901 N Rampart St. New

Orleans. Free. pufap.org.

7 Covington Art Market. St. Tammany Art Association. Covington Trail Head.

419 N. New Hampshire St. 9am-1pm. sttammanyartassociation.org.

7 Crawfish and Roses. Second annual crawfish cook-off fundraiser for the UP21 Foundation and the Miracle League benefitting children and families affected

by Down syndrome. Coquille Park, 13505 LA 1085, Covington. 11am-6pm. $10$25. 845-7121.

7 Crawfish Mambo Cook-off. University of New Orleans Sandbar and Cove, 2000 Lakeshore Dr. Day-of tickets, $25; children 7 and under, free. 11am-7pm.

(504) 280-2586. crawfishmambo.com.

7 Fidelity’s Concerts in the Park: Swing in the Pines. LPO concert. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. 6pm. Free. Rain date May 8, 6pm. lpomusic.com.

7 New Orleans Botanical Gardens Plant Sale. The Pelican Greenhouse, New Orleans City Park. 9am-12pm. Free. (504) 483-9464 or plants@nocp.org.

7 Painted Pots for Mothers Day. Decorate a clay pot and design a card using recycled materials. The Crosby Arboretum; 370 Ridge Rd; Picayune, Miss. Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Members’ children, $3; non-members’ children, $4. Must register by May 5. (601) 799-2311. crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu.

7 Southern Hill AquaFest. A celebration of the Southern Hills aquifer featuring live music, entertainment, food, vendors and kids’ activities. 22049 Main St., Abita Springs. 4-9 pm. Free. facebook.com/abitaaquafest.

7, 14, 21, 28 Camellia City Farmer’s Market. Griffith Park, 1808 Front St. (Hwy. 11), Slidell. Rain or shine.

8am-12pm. Free. 604-7112. camelliacitymarket.org.

7, 14, 21, 28 Covington Brewhouse

>>

May-June 2016 25

Inside Scoop Brewery Tour. Tour 120-year-old building

Shakespeare. Commemorating the 400th

that houses the second-oldest brewery in

anniversary of the bard’s death. Newcomb

Louisiana. Learn about processes of brewing.

Art Museum of Tulane, Tulane University, New

226 E. Lockwood St. 11:30am-2:30pm. Free.

Orleans. (504) 865-5328. firstfolio.tulane.edu.

893-2884. covingtonbrewhouse.com.

7, 14, 21, 28 Hammond Farmers Market. 2

Circle. St. Tammany Parish Public Library

West Thomas St., Hammond. 8am-12pm.

Madisonville Branch, 1123 Main St. 10am.

Free. dddhammond.com.

sttammanylibraryfoundation.org.

7, 14, 21, 28 Mandeville Trailhead Market.

Medical Center and Art House Boston Street

845-4515. mandevilletrailheadmarket.com.

unveil over 30 works of art throughout the hospital. Art available for purchase with 25

Concert Series. 430 Lamarque St.,

percent benefitting the Wounded War Heroes.

Mandeville. 6:30-9pm. $10 at the door; food

Pelican Room, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd,

will be available for purchase next door. 626-

Covington. Opening reception, 5:30-8pm.

9604. dewdropjazzhall.com.

867-3800. lakeviewregional.com.

8 Mother’s Day Brunch. Jazz band, mimosas

12 Meet the Artists Party. Celebrating Carol

and buffet. Steamboat NATCHEZ, New

Hallock, Elizabeth Impastato and Linda

Orleans.11:30am and 2:30pm. Adults,

Dautreuil. Northshore Home Builders

$67.50; children, 6-12, $29; under 6, $10.

Association Raffle House in the Spring Haven

(504) 569-1401. steamboatnatchez.com.

subdivision off Brewster Rd. in Madisonville.

9-31 First Folio! The Book that Gave Us

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

12 Healing Arts Exhibit. Lakeview Regional

675 Lafitte St., Mandeville. 9am-1pm. Free.

7, 21 Dew Drop Jazz and Social Hall Spring

26

12 Dedication of the Walker Percy Serenity

5:30-7pm. 626-9684.

13 Mandeville LIVE. The Mystic Days of Motown.Mandeville Trailhead. Free. 6:308:30pm. 624-3147. cityofmandeville.com.

13 OnSTAGE in Covington Presents Late Night Catechism. Fuhrmann Auditorium, 317 N Jefferson Ave. 8pm. 892-1873. covla.com.

14 Sally Mann Reading and Conversation.

by the Northshore Home Builders Association.

11am-4pm. 882-5002. sthba.org.

15 Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. LPO concert.

First Baptist Church, 16333 Hwy 1085, Covington. 7:30pm. lpomusic.com.

15 Expressions of a Place: The Southeastern Louisiana Landscape Exhibit Panel Discussion. Featured artists Alan

Mann will read and discuss her memoir, Hold

Flattmann, Gail Hood, Adrian Deckbar

Still: A Memoir with Photographs. Patrick F.

and Jacqueline Bishop discuss their work.

Taylor Library, 925 Camp St, New Orleans.

2pm. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N.

2-4pm. Free with museum admission. (504)

Columbia St, Covington. Free. 892-8650.

539-9650. ogdenmuseum.org.

sttammanyartassociation.org.

14 Walgreen’s Greater New Orleans

15 Liars and Lunkers Bass Fishing

International Dragon Boat Festival. Lake

Tournament Series. Bayou Lacombe (Lake

Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, 403

Road). $50 per boat. Safe light-2pm. Chad

Saint Francis St., Madisonville. 8am-4pm.

Hartzog, 502-3217.

Free. For more information, or if you are

15 Third Sunday Concert Series. The Swing

interested in building a team, contact 892-

Set, three female singers who sing in the style

0520. gwndragonboat.com.

of the Andrews Sisters backed by a four-

14-15, 21-22 Parade of Homes. Northshore homes on display for potential buyers, hosted

piece band. Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S New Hampshire St, Covington. 5pm. Free. >>

May-June 2016 27

Inside Scoop 892-3177.

20 Concerts in the Courtyard.

Performances by Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters presented by the Historic New Orleans Collection. 533 Royal St. $10. (504) 5234662. hnoc.org.

20 Covington’s Great Futures Gala.

Benifiting Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Louisiana including a silent and live auction, food, drinks and entertainment. Money Hill Golf & Country Club, 100 Country Club Rd, Abita Springs. 7-10pm. $50. 898-3566. bgcsela.org/covingtongala.

21 Abita Springs Opry. Local Louisiana musicians playing “roots” music. Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St. 7-9pm. $18. Reserve seats at 892-0711. abitaopry.org.

21 Butterfly and Moth Gardening.

Identifying, attracting and feeding butterflies and moths in our region.

The Crosby Arboretum, 370 Ridge Rd, Picayune, Ms. Free to members; nonmembers, $5. Register by May 20.

(601) 799-2311. crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu.

21 Seersucker & Sazeracs. Live music, dancing, fine food and an art auction benefiting the St Tammany Art Association. The Southern Hotel, 428 E. Boston St, Covington. 7-10pm. $50 in advance; $55 at door. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

26-29 New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. More than 250 wineries, over 100 local eateries. (504) 529-9463.

For ticket information, nowfe.com.

27 Columbia Street Block Party. Family event featuring classic cars, shops and art galleries open late, live entertainment, food and drinks. 200-500 blocks of Columbia Street in downtown Covington. 6:309:30pm. Free. 892-1873. covla.com.

27 Mandeville LIVE. Sgt. Pepper’s Beatles 28

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

Tribute. Mandeville Trailhead. Free. 6:308:30pm. 624-3147. cityofmandeville.com.

27-29 Greek Fest. Celebrating Greek culture in New Orleans. 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd, New Orleans. Entrance is $7; under 12, free. (504) 282-0259. greekfestnola.com.

27-30 Land-O-Pines Memorial Weekend/ Poker Run. Activities for the whole family. Land-O-Pines Family Campground, 17145 Million Dollar Road, Covington. $10 day use; $8, ages 3-15; $10, ages 16 & over; under 3, free. 892-6023. camplop.com.

28 Annual Slidell Jazz and Blues Festival. Live music all day benefiting Notes for Education Northshore.

Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Ln, Slidell.

12-10pm. slidelljazzandblues@gmail.com. slidelljazzandblues.com.

28 The Roamin’ Jasmine at Jazz’n the Vines. Pontchartrain Vineyards, 81250 Old Military Rd. (Hwy. 1082), Bush. 6:30-9pm; gates open at 5pm. $10/person at gate; children 17 and under, free. 892-9742. pontchartrainvineyards.com/jazzn-the-vines.

31-June 2 Kelly Gibson Foundation Junior Golf Summer Camp. Eighteen hours of instruction from PGA Tour Professional Kelly Gibson, VIP tee gifts. lunch and drink provided daily. Ages 7-17. TPC Louisiana, 11001 Lapalco Blvd, Westwego. 9am-3pm daily. $250. kellygibsonfoundation.org.

June 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25 and 29 Covington Farmers Market.

Saturdays: 609 N Columbia St, 8am-12pm; Wednesdays: 419 N New Hampshire St, 10am-2pm. 892-1873. covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

3-5 Walker Percy Weekend. Three-day literary festival in St. Francisville with food, craft beer, bourbon and live music; proceeds support the Julius Freyhan Foundation. For more information, call

>>

Inside Scoop (225) 635-4224 or visit walkerpercyweekend. org.

3, 5 An American Tribute. A celebration of American composers and music by the

#2 West Thomas St. 8am-12pm. Free. dddhammond.com.

4, 11, 18, 25 Mandeville Trailhead Market.

Episcopal School Theater, 80 Christwood

675 Lafitte St. 9am-1pm. Free. 845-4515.

Sunday, 3-5pm. Adults, $20; children under 10, free. npas.info.

mandevilletrailheadmarket.com.

4-July 16 Stroke Improvement at Franco’s.

One-hour clinic teaches children basic swim

4 Bogue Chitto Youth Fishing Rodeo. Kids

techniques. Franco’s, 100 Bon Temp Roulé,

4-12 learn the skills and fun of fishing.

Mandeville. For ages 5 and up. Saturdays,

Registration required. Pearl River Turnaround

10:15am. 792-0200. francosmandeville.com.

at I-59. 7:30-11am. $15. 882-2000. fws.gov/ refuge/Big_Branch_Marsh.

4-5 New Orleans Oyster Festival. A

5 Bayou Liberty Pirogue Championship.

64th annual event for pirogues and canoes on Bayou Liberty for races. St. Genevieve

celebration of the Louisiana gulf oyster.

Landing, 58203 Hwy. 433, Slidell. 12-7pm.

Woldenberg Park, 1 Canal St., New Orleans.

Free. 643-2581.

10am-6:30pm. Free.neworleansoysterfestival. org.

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4, 11, 18, 25 Hammond Farmers Market.

Northlake Performing Arts Society. Christ

Blvd, Covington. Friday, 7:30-9:30pm;

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camelliacitymarket.org.

6-10, 13-17, 27-July 1 STAA Summer Art Camp. Three five-day sessions of painting,

4, 11, 18, 25 Camellia City Farmer’s Market.

drawing and more! Supplies included. For

Griffith Park, 1808 Front St (Hwy. 11), Slidell.

ages 6-12. St. Tammany Art Association’s

Rain or shine. 8am-12pm. Free. 604-7112.

Art house, 320 N. Columbia St, Covington.

9am-3pm. Non-member, $220; members,

music. Pontchartrain Vineyards, 81250 Old

$200. sttammanyartassociation.org.

Military Rd. (Hwy. 1082), Bush. 6:30-9pm;

6-12, 15-21 Camp Bocamb For Boys.

gates open at 5pm. $10/person at gate;

Catholic summer camp including sports,

children 17 and under, free. 892-9742.

an outing to New Orleans, sacraments

pontchartrainvineyards.com/jazzn-the-vines.

and more for students 5th-12th grades.

11-12 5th Annual 24 in 24 Fundraiser for

Bocamb Farms, 81495 Hwy 437, Covington.

Fighting Cancer. CrossFit NoSurrender’s

conquestyouthministry.com.

fundraiser for breast cancer benefiting

9-11 30th Annual Louisiana Corn Festival.

the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center of

Festival Grounds, 208 Pershing Ave, Bunkie,

Covington. CrossFit NoSurrender,

La. Gate entrance fee 21 and up, $3; 20 and

625 Plaza Dr., Covington. 10am.

below, $1; free Thursday night. Ride bracelets

$25 pledge per workout. 509-7033.

Thursday-Friday, $20; Saturday, $25.

crossfitnosurrender.com/24in24.

Citywide parade at 10am Saturday. (318) 346-2575. bunkiechamber.net/lacornfest.

11-12 30th French Market Creole Tomato Festival. Live music, cooking

11 A Run to Remember. 5k benefiting

demonstrations, kid’s activities, tomato

Wounded War Heroes. Terrabella

eating contest. French Market, 1235 N

Village, 100 Terra Bella Blvd, Covington.

Peters St, New Orleans. 10am-7pm. Free.

Registration, 6:30am; race, 7:30am. $35. woundedwarheroes.org.

11 Gal Holiday & the Honky Tonk Revue at Jazz’n the Vines. Food, wine and

frenchmarket.org.

11-12 JuneFest. Arts and crafts show. Coquille Park, Covington. 10am-5pm. 798-5853. steinhauerproductions.com.

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May-June 2016 31

Inside Scoop 12 Crabs, Crabs, Crabs. The Bayou Lacombe Museum presents everything you always wanted to know about blue crabs. VFW Hall, 28000 Main St., Lacombe. For more information, contact bayoulacombemuseum@gmail.com.

18-19 Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival.

Armstrong Park, 701 N. Rampart St, New Orleans. 11:30am-6:30pm. Free. jazzandheritage.org/cajun-zydeco.

24 Columbia Street Block Party. Family event featuring classic cars, shops and art galleries open late, live entertainment, food and drinks. 200-500 blocks of Columbia Street in downtown Covington. 6:309:30pm. Free. 892-1873. covla.com.

25 The Iguanas at Jazz’n the Vines.

Pontchartrain Vineyards. Food, wine, music, fireworks. 81250 Old Military Rd. (Hwy. 1082), Bush. 6:30-9pm; gates open at 5pm. $10/person at gate; children 17 and under, free. 892-9742. pontchartrainvineyards.com/ jazzn-the-vines.

25-26 St. Tammany Crab Festival. Live music by Angela Winbush, Cowboy Mouth, Bag of Donuts, Tucka and Rockin’ Dopsie and more; local crab dishes; classic car exhibit. Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Ln, Slidell. 12-9:30pm. sttammanycrabfestival.com.

26 Mandeville Celebrates America.

Mandeville’s First Baptist Church,1895 Hwy 190. Free. 6-9pm. For information, contact David Watson at 626-3217 or davidwatson@fbcmandeville.org.

26 Dressing the Part. How fashion evolved from 1795 to 1985 for the ladies who lived at Oakley House in St. Francisville, La. Display of period clothing. 12-4pm.

For more information, call (888) 6772838. stfrancisville.us.

Send your event information to scoop@insidepub.com to have it featured in an upcoming issue.

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IN Other Words

by Becky Slatten

WHEN I SEE A PROUD NEW MOTHER holding a precious little baby, I have to resist the urge to offer a word of warning or advice: “You know it’s going to be a teenager one day, right?” or “Enjoy it now, because one day it will drive.” God is merciful to let us believe our little angels would never do some of the appalling things they’ll eventually do. I can personally attest to this.…never say never.

For millions of parents, the month of May brings tears—tears of sadness mingled with those of joy as their high school seniors prepare to leave home for college; sorrow is laced with euphoria as they contemplate quieter, neater homes. New empty nesters feel it most acutely; a life centered around children is abruptly void of them, leaving parents wondering what to do with themselves besides worry

anxiety. But in a strange way, the exasperation of getting them to graduation makes it a little easier to let go. That and their attitude. They love to remind their parents that they’re practically adults…until they need a snack and some gas money.

My baby will be a junior next school year, and I already know how fast it will go; her older sister turned 25 recently, and I still find it impossible to believe. It seems like yesterday that I was in her bedroom gleefully helping her pack for college, surrounded by clothes strewn everywhere (half of them mine), the remnants of fast food meals, most of my glassware and a mountain of damp towels. It took a little while to miss her, but I certainly didn’t miss her laundry or the trail of school shoes, book bag and uniform items leading up the stairs toward

about their college freshmen.

When I was a freshman at LSU (waaay back when), my mother paid me an unexpected visit. I was happy to see her, but she was not happy with me. It seems she had been trying to reach me on my dorm phone for three days with no success, so she got in her car and drove to Baton Rouge to make sure I was still alive. I was, I was just busy. I thought nothing of it then, but karma is not always kind, and I certainly get it now. Lucky for me, I can track my kids 24/7 via Find My iPhone. How did we ever survive without cell phones?

Teenaged girls and boys differ in their methods of easing the pain of separation. Of course, every kid is unique, but my research shows that, in general, girls tend to be masters of the eye roll, periodic uncontrollable crying spells and destroying a laundry basket full of clean, folded clothes searching for a favorite T-shirt. Boys produce mountains of smelly uniforms, eat a lot, tell their mothers what they want to hear and then go do exactly what they want. They also destroy laundry baskets full of clean, folded clothes searching for a favorite T-shirt. Both girls and boys are equally difficult to keep focused in the last few weeks of school, causing their parents acute

her room. Time eventually softened the memories, and we now spend our visits together as friends— when I’m not telling her how to live her life; I am a mother after all.

Unhappily, her little sister is following in her slobby footsteps, and I routinely trip over her scuffed saddle oxfords in the kitchen and find school skirts and dirty socks trailing up the stairs. Oddly, it doesn’t bother me quite as much this time around; I guess I know what’s coming, so I’ve decided to do my best to relish her remaining high school years—though I can’t promise I won’t occasionally lose it. I actually love a houseful of witty, exuberant teenaged girls, even though, when they drive away, there’s not a clean, dry towel in the house. I love it when they stampede up the stairs, crank up their horrible music and shriek and laugh and all talk at once. I don’t mind a bit when they clean out my pantry and leave me a sink full of dirty dishes, so what? I know that two years will go by in the blink of an eye, and all my towels will be clean and dry…and my house will be very quiet.

Now What?

May-June 2016 33

by Poki Hampton

EACH YEAR, members of the Northshore Home Builders Association pool their talent, time and energy to design and build a home for their “Raising the Roof for Charity” event. Since 1994, the NHBA has raised over $4.8 million for 36 northshore nonprofit organizations. This year’s recipients are Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeast Louisiana, The Food Bank of Covington, Habitat for Humanity—St. Tammany West and The Tammany Trace Foundation/ Kids Town. Drawing for the house, which was valued at $422,000 by Murphy Appraisal Services, will be June 4. Built by Dodie Adams of Integrity Builders, the house is located in Madisonville’s Spring Haven Subdivision; funding for the project was provided by Resource Bank.

The Craftsman-style, 2,600-square-foot home is of exceptional quality and features four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Dodie worked closely with Ross Hebert of Design Tech Residential Planners on the house plans and the site, a pie-shaped lot partially donated by Spring Haven. Hebert says, “Over the years, we have designed six of the Raffle Houses and feel it is such a worthwhile endeavor because the proceeds >> 34

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

NHBA Raffle House 2016

Clockwise: The Craftsman-style exterior accompanied by fresh landscape; the openconcept living room overlooking the back patio; the Coronado stacked-stone fireplace reaching the coffered living room ceiling.

May-June 2016 35

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

benefit so many local charities. Working with past NHBA president Dodie Adams was a pleasure.�

The exterior of the house features James Hardee batten board siding, pre-finished in Timberbark.

Tapered Artic White wood pillars with stacked Coronado stone bases accent the front porch. The Clopay garage doors were donated by Mark and Barbara Chauvin. The landscaping complementing the house is by Raindance Irrigation.

As you walk into the foyer, you are struck by the light from the large windows facing the back porch and yard; the windows are set into period moldings for architectural detail. The open-concept living room has a raised hearth, ventless fireplace of Coronado stacked stone by Coastal Insulation; the floating cypress mantel adds another touch of rustic charm. The beautifully coffered ceiling holds recessed >>

From left to right: The Bevolo lantern welcomes guests at the front entry; the master bedroom; the builtin outdoor kitchen; a coffee/wine bar in the master suite; the master shower and bathroom.

May-June 2016 37

white and grey kitchen; the front entryway accented by a dramatic foyer light; the mudroom with ample hooks and storage; the chic Delta faucet over the kitchen’s apron-front farm sink.

38

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

From top: The crisp

lighting as well as speakers for the sound system

by APS. Large cove crown molding from Acadian Millworks and other trim are painted in Benjamin Moore Greek Villa; the walls throughout the house are in Jogging Path, a soft grey-green. Doerr Furniture beautifully staged the living room and dining room featuring a cream linen upholstered sofa and a swivel rocker slipcovered in a muted floral linen, both from Craft Master. Occasional tables by Riverside sit on the Jaipur rug that anchors the space.

In the kitchen, beautiful Shaker-style cabinets and a custom vent hood from Milltown Cabinets are painted in Benjamin Moore Elmira. The large island holds a Kohler apron-front farm sink with a brushednickel Delta faucet from Southland Plumbing. Stone Creations donated the Vico Stone quartz countertops throughout the house. The mosaic tile backsplash, in multiple hues of soft grey, sage, sky blue, aqua, and camel, pulls the colors throughout the room, is from Carpet Showcase. Ferguson supplied the high-end stainless steel appliances, including an ice maker, six-burner stove, glass window dishwasher and wine refrigerator. The three antique brass and glass

pendants hanging over the island and other lighting fixtures throughout the house are from Pine Grove Electric.

The spacious master bedroom has high-end laminate flooring in a rustic pecan finish, which also runs throughout the house. The king-size storage bed by Vaughan Bassett is dressed in Bella Notte in dove grey and white from Hestia Luxury in Linens. The master bath has two separate sinks on Vico Stone counters and a large soaker tub; a massive walk-in shower boasts multiple sprays, a rain-head shower and built-in bench. The earth-tones of the Bliss Mosaic tile accents complement the rectangular soft-sandstone-colored tiles.

This house sports several features that would make living here a dream.

Off the master bedroom is a coffee/ wine bar with microwave. The laundry room has high-end, front-loading appliances with an ample counter for folding and a built-in sink. The mud room leading in from the two-car garage has storage underneath a built-in bench and plenty of hooks for school bags and winter coats. A central vacuum system makes housekeeping a breeze.

Lanterns by Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights hang in the mudroom as well as outside. The back porch has a built-in outdoor kitchen with an under-counter refrigerator and Blaze grill; the quartz countertop provides easy cleanup.

“It was a lot of fun and hard work building this house for the NHBA,” says Dodie. “I couldn’t have done it without my daughter Shanna’s expert interior design talent and the donations of our many sponsors. It is such a pleasure to be able to give back to our wonderful community in this way.”

Hurry to get your raffle ticket for this exceptional house. Only 7,500 tickets will be sold! Go to raisingtheroof.net for tickets and details of related events in May. May-June 2016 39

Meet the Cover Artists Party!

Celebrate

Carol Hallock, Elizabeth Impastato and Linda Trappey Dautreuil and see some of their favorite works on display at

NHBA Raffle House in the Spring Haven Subdivision off Brewster Road in Madisonville.

Thursday, May 12 5:30-7:00 p.m.

INSIDE NORTHSIDE IS PLEASED to host a Meet the Artists Party in May celebrating cover artists Carol Hallock, Elizabeth Impastato and Linda Dautreuil.

Carol Hallock’s Bows and Flows of Angel Hair was our serene January cover. Carol is known for her “loose expression” approach and her innovative use of color. Hallock paints in oils using her “wet in wet” technique, creating her signature strokes and loose painting style. She does both commissions and studio work in Lacombe and in Southern Mississippi. Carol’s work is represented in several galleries around the region; she can contacted at carolhallock.com.

Iris by Elizabeth Impastato was our March cover. This cheerful expression of spring came alive with purples and greens. Typical of her style is the use of texture and brushwork that seems to have a subtle layer of under-painting, though most of the spontaneous look comes from brushwork on the surface. Elizabeth’s paintings can be found at IMPASTATO GALLERY & ART THERAPY in Covington. Visit impastatogallery.com to learn more.

This month’s cover is by abstract painter Linda Trappey Dautreuil. Provisions II is vibrant and bright. It is the perfect cover to take us from spring to summer. Linda’s process involves building a surface slowly with thin layers of color and alternating graphic lines. Her dynamic paintings are thought provoking, sparking your imagination. Linda’s studio is in Covington; she can be reached through her website lindadautreuil.com.

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Inside Northside

Celebrating the Culinary Traditions of the South Southern Food and Beverage Museum

LIZ WILLIAMS IS A WALKING, talking encyclopedia of Southern lore and culinary tradition, history, anthropology, food politics, gastroscience (if that’s even a word) and the kind of quirky anecdotes that only come from a true child of the South. She serves as president and director of the National Food & Beverage Foundation, a non-profit institute based in New Orleans that describes itself as ‘the nation’s most comprehensive cultural institution studying food and drink.’

The foundation is an umbrella for various educational programs and entities, including the Southern Food & Beverage Museum.

At the Southern Food & Beverage Museum on Oretha Castle Haley in Central City, Williams loves her role as cheerleader, muse and Southern food ambassador for local museum-goers and 42

Inside Northside

photo: STEPHEN BINNS

by Mimi Greenwood Knight

visitors from all over the globe. On a day when she was holding court in the museum’s demo kitchen alongside cookbook author and SoFAB’s Director of Culinary Programming Jyl Benson, visitors from as far away as France and as close as the northshore settled in to watch Benson whip up a little jambalaya magic. As she introduced the flavors of onion, celery and bell pepper, Williams explained the origins of this seasoning trio New Orleans cooks know as the trinity—or, according to Williams, “the trinity plus the pope” if you include garlic.

As Benson chopped and sautéed, Williams told how this iconic Louisiana dish was originally concocted of day-old rice and whatever a family had left over.

Together with locals Matt Konigsmark and Gina Warner, she began researching this new challenge, looking for other museums that “celebrate and explore culinary history, roots of local food and drink and the cultural traditions and communities that form around food.” They found there weren’t any. “We found commercial museums like the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta and The Hershey Story Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania, which are dedicated to one food or one brand, but none like what we envisioned,” she says. “It’s amazing to me that in a city where food is so important to our culture a museum like this didn’t already exist. But we were working without a model and making it up as we went.”

Warner, Konigsmark and Williams set out in search of a location. Then Katrina hit and put everything on hold.

As the dust began to settle after the storm, they found a >>

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

photo: STEPHEN BINNS

Liz Williams.

“Jambalaya wasn’t something you’d serve to a guest,” she says. “And it wasn’t anything you’d see on a menu in a restaurant. It was always different, because today you might have a little sausage and chicken left over but next week it might be seafood. It all went in the pot.”

Before the class began, Williams took an informal poll of attendees asking how they’d heard about the museum. When no two people proffered the same answer, she was happy to see that “everything is working” getting the word out about one of New Orleans’ newest attractions. Williams gave the class a quick lowdown on the journey that landed SoFAB in the historic Dryades Market building in this up-andcoming section of the city. A former military JAG officer and former CEO of the University of New Orleans Foundation, Williams more than cut her teeth orchestrating the opening of both the National World War II Museum and The Ogden Museum of Southern Art. “I discovered I love putting together museums,” she says. Then it was time to pay homage to her love of all things culinary.

May-June 2016 43

space in the Riverwalk in the CBD, which formerly held The Limited store, and set up a rudimentary exhibit space.

“We did our first (cooking) demos on a tiny, single-burner stove,” says Benson. “We had no water source, so we had to haul pitchers of water from the bathroom and lug our dishes home to wash at night.” They dreamed of larger quarters that could accommodate a working restaurant, a bar and an authentic demo kitchen and allow them room to expand the project.

“We wanted a place where people could grab something to eat and drink and walk around enjoying the exhibits as they enjoyed some local cuisine,” says Williams. “We’re probably the only museum you’ll ever visit with trashcans in the display areas for people to toss their food trash.”

The location they finally selected seems to be made to order. Opened in 1840 as Dryades Market, when O.C. Haley was Dryades Street, it’s oozing with history and charm. “The building is our biggest artifact,” says Williams.

As Benson set her jambalaya to steam, Williams led her group around the museum and waxed poetic on such topics as New Orleanians’ cavalier attitudes toward Prohibition. “The people here never believed Prohibition would really happen and just kept right on drinking like they always had,” she says. “When someone did 44

Inside Northside

Williams told similar tales of New Orleans legends like John Schwegmann, owner and founder of what was once the largest supermarket chain in the country and the first grocery store to package food under a house brand. According to Williams, Schwegmann was known to print his own political opinions on his store’s grocery bags, whether his customers were likeminded or not. “It wasn’t something anyone could pay for,” she says. “It was his own personal choices and views and they went right on every bag that left the store.” Near the Schwegmann display at SoFAB is an arrangement of artifacts from the nation’s first gourmet mail-order service, Solari’s, established in New Orleans in 1864, and items from the first commercial ice house, also started in New Orleans.

Banks of ceiling-to-floor windows offer loads of natural light into the museum and a friendly, anything-butstuffy vibe. The exhibit space is open

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

come to trial for breaking the alcohol ban, juries gave extremely lenient sentences, usually sentencing them to time served and, because alcohol was never really treated as ‘illegal’ here, organized crime didn’t get a foothold, as it did in other big cities.” She told the story of one public official who was sent from city to city around the country to determine how quickly he could obtain illegal spirits, as a way of ascertaining how bad the alcohol problem was in each locale. His plane landed in New Orleans. He got in a cab and asked the driver where one might find something to drink in the city. The driver reached under his seat and pulled out a bottle; it had taken him less than five minutes to find a drink in New Orleans.

and casual, with food traditions from each Southern state clustered together under hand-carved signs in the shape of that state, but laid out in such a way that one state’s culinary tradition can meld into its neighboring states. Williams explained that this is by design.

“Because food trends cross over state lines, we wanted to show them flowing fluidly into one another. Visitors can walk along the culinary highway from state to state.” One example of this is whiskey barrels from Kentucky next to Tabasco products from Avery Island in Louisiana, which Williams explains was the next stop for whiskey barrels after their one-time use housing bourbon.

The state displays were created by a group of curators from each state (from food writers, historians and researchers to chefs, bloggers, and business owners) who decided which food items, recipes, people, brands, agriculture, industry and cooking techniques best represent the “food geography” of their state. The state signs were created by popular New Orleans folk artist Dr. Bob, best known for his colorful Be Nice or Leave signs found in so many New Orleans restaurants, bars, and homes.

There’s the Leah Chase Louisiana Gallery exploring Louisiana and New Orleans cuisine with an emphasis on the contributions of varied ethnic groups, the unique local food supply and the passage of time. The goal of the exhibit is to depict the development of our cuisine and iconic foods and beverages, including the process of making and enjoying sugar, the evolution of the Louisiana coffee culture and the history and heritage of some of the most famous New Orleans restaurants.

One entire wall offers a linear timeline of the evolution of the cocktail in New Orleans and elsewhere. Because of the nature of the display, this area is >> May-June 2016 45

roped off from visitors, and this bothers Williams.

Her solution? She set up “highboy” tables, like you’d sit at in a bar, topped with glass, with vintage bar napkins beneath. “You can stand at tables like you’re

46

Inside Northside

at a bar and really interact with the display,” she says. “So much of cocktail history has to do with the state in which specific spirits were developed, so we’ve integrated that aspect into each state’s exhibit as well.”

There’s an Antoine’s exhibit, celebrating this “oldest restaurant still in operation under the same family,” including kitchen equipment, tables, tablecloths, vintage dishes and menus and an original duck press. “The family had held on to so much and invited us to dig through and take what we wanted,” says Williams.

“Everything was covered with years of dust. You’d have sworn it was from the original opening in 1840, but we’ve got some real treasures to give people a true sense of the age and the wonderful traditions of that time.”

The display depicting the history of absinthe in New Orleans and around the country includes a life-size diorama of the Old Absinthe House in New Orleans in 1895. And the on-site restaurant, Purloo, features the original bar from Bruning’s Restaurant, which Williams says dates back even further than the restaurant’s 1859 opening.

The museum operates an extensive intern program for students from colleges and universities across the country. Last summer, 11 interns gave of their time and soaked up all SoFAB had to offer. Three of them worked on a future interactive exhibit

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

called Cultural Pathways, which will highlight the food contributions of Native Americans, Africans and Europeans. Another spent his summer working with soda companies and historic soda shops throughout the South, gathering artifacts to add to an upcoming Soda Trail exhibit.

One intern worked alongside Benson in the demo kitchen, and yet another helped compile information from restaurants across the country with 50 years or more years in business, for the SoFAB National Culinary Heritage Register. “We begin by finding out about each intern’s interest and résumé needs,” says Benson. “Then we do our best to tailor their job to fill in the areas they need. We’ve been fortunate to have some talented, motivated, and caring interns.”

Four of those summer interns worked with a culinary camp for second- through fifth-graders, not only teaching campers the food history of the South but teaching them to cook nutritious, healthconscious meals on their own. They began one class by asking kids about their favorite fast food and then taught them to prepare healthy versions

of their favorites. As an example, if a child said he liked Taco Bell tacos, they taught him to make tacos from ground turkey with homemade guacamole and black beans. If Waffle House was their favorite, they made waffles from scratch together, substituting Greek yogurt for oil, fresh milk in the batter and honey and strawberries instead of syrup on top.

Campers learned food groups by playing Food

>>

May-June 2016 47

Group Bingo and played Restaurant and Food Jeopardy. Another day, they played Snack Wars, where campers were partnered up, given a banana, dried cranberries, raisins, pretzels, peanut butter and a little time to create a creature, which they presented to the class before eating it.

“This is a living history museum,” Williams says. “We want everyone to engage with the exhibits. Summer camp is just another way for that to happen. Although we’re based in New Orleans, the museum examines and celebrates all the cultures that have come together through the centuries to create a unique culinary heritage across the South and provides a forum for chefs, cookbook authors, food historians and food lovers to share their passion. The museums exhibits celebrate and honor the many ethnicities—African-American and Caribbean, French and German, etc.— that have combined to create unique Southern food and drink traditions; the farmers, fishermen, and hunters/ gatherers who produced traditional Southern food; the processors, inventors, chefs and business people who run our restaurants and stock our stores with Southern products; and the home cooks and families 48

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

who’ve passed down recipes and food traditions for generations. They’re all represented here.”

In addition to the exhibit space, there are the weekly cooking demos, which include a private tour; culinary history lectures and presentations; cookbook signings, cocktail and wine tastings; classes on how to market local food products; food documentary viewings; online recipe contests and occasional tours of local private kitchens throughout the city. The museum also welcomes traveling exhibits into its space.

As Williams continued to charm her audience with local anecdotes and culinary trivia, other museum-goers milled about, many snapping away on cameras and cell phones. Interns held an animated meeting at a table between the demo kitchen and exhibit space, and the smells of the simmering jambalaya filled the building. Folks from the neighborhood cupped their hands to shield the sun, and with their faces against the glass, tried to ascertain what’s going on in this new addition to the neighborhood. Then the front doors opened, and in poured a group of 40 elementary-age kids and their chaperones, a field trip from a local tennis camp, A’s & Aces. A college-age

intern greeted them and began their tour.

By this time, the jambalaya was ready and the class was called back in to enjoy it. As visitors from Minnesota, San Antonio and Paris oohed and aahed over her culinary prowess, Benson walked them through Brennan’s-style Bananas Foster. After Williams launched into a history of that dish, she posed this question. “Many of the same cultures convened in other U.S. cities as in New Orleans, but it didn’t result in a unique cuisine the way it did here. Why do you think that is?” Why indeed.

“We’d like this to be the first place out-of-towners visit, so they can really appreciate the food they experience in this city and around the South,” Williams said. Thanks to the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, its visitors—both local and from far and wide—will not only know the story behind the po-boy, beignets or gumbo they’re eating and the Hurricane or Sazerac they’re drinking, but a bit about the rich blend of people who nurtured the culinary heritage in this place we call the South.

To learn more about the National Food & Beverage Foundation and SoFAB, including membership and volunteer opportunities, go to natfab.org.

May-June 2016 49

Traces

Car Seat Guardian Angels Leadership Northshore Class of 2016 Project Team 4

Members Eric Barnstein, Cheryl Scaglione, Dwight Evans, Angela Totora and Carrie Calvin of Leadership Northshore’s Project Team #4.

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AN AVERAGE OF 34 CHILDREN DIE every year in tragedies resulting from being left unattended in a hot car. The heat inside a vehicle rises much faster than its outside surroundings. At 104 degrees, organs begin shutting down in infants, and permanent damage can occur; at 107, death becomes a serious threat. These children have no means of defense against the heat, nor do they have a way to save themselves from being trapped behind constraints that are meant to save them; the straps of their car seats become their prison.

Cheryl Scaglione and the other members of Leadership Northshore’s Class of 2016 Project Team 4, Carrie Calvin, Eric Barnstein, Angela Tortora and Dwight Evans

Inside Northside

believe that the one such documented case of child death in St. Tammany Parish is one case too many.

Their team, Car Seat Guardian Angels, is one of six of the largest-yet Leadership Northshore classes that are working in an extensive nine-month program to enact a greater good in St. Tammany. They hope to make forgetting a child in a car a forgotten experience through this awareness campaign.

Cheryl says, “It’s a problem that affects everyone: the rich, the poor, the educated, the uneducated. There are so many distractions today that it’s impossible not to forget something.

Everyone needs help remembering, even the important things.”

“Forgetting once is regretting forever,” says another team member.

“It only takes fifteen minutes for an irreversible mistake to happen.”

Their project is centered around a gadget member Carrie Calvin carries for her own tot: a Baby Alert ChildMinder Softclip that is strapped to a car seat.

The key fob that comes with the clip makes a noise if guardians walk too far from the vehicle. These clips ensure a voice to children who are silenced behind the barrier of vehicle doors by providing parents with a constant and simple reminder.

By the end of this year, in partnership with Slidell Memorial Hospital, the team hopes to have raised enough money to distribute 1,000 car seat clips to new parents free of charge. Recent evaluations showing that

photos courtesy: BABY ALERT

photo courtesy: CAR SEAT GUARDIAN ANGELS

by Rebecca Perrette

the hospital totals about 1,000 births in a single year inspired the need to raise funds for at least 1,000 clips to be given to new parents as they leave the hospital.

The clips, $25 each, can be sponsored by either an individual or company, with no limit, and can be labeled with the sponsor’s name or logo.

With support from their community and their magnanimous sponsors, the team members hope to one day say that their help with this problem has saved police officers and unsuspecting passersby from having to witness highly preventable tragedies in response to a child stuck in a hot car.

“You don’t ever want to have that alarm go off,” says Cheryl, “but that doesn’t make it any less essential.”

Sponsor a child for only $25. Visit gofundme.com or mail to The Car Seat Guardian Angels; 1340 8th St.; Slidell, LA 70458. 504-512-2204.

May-June 2016 51

by Ann Gilbert

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A DEADLY SEA BATTLE exploded in the Gulf of Mexico during the summer of 1942, but few U.S. citizens were aware, except for coastal residents who watched the smoke and fiery glows on the horizon.

German submarines sank 57 ships in the Gulf from May through August and damaged another 18. Some 400 steamship passengers and merchant marines lost their lives. The attacks on local shipping destroyed millions of dollars in cargo—fuel, food and arms—destined for the Allies. Not only was there devastation in the Gulf, but U-boats were just as active on the U.S. eastern seaboard. World War II had come to America, but the horror was kept from the national media. The Defense Department thought releasing information would unnecessarily scare citizens.

“The U-boats were fighting machines that caught our defenses unprepared,” said historian and U-boat researcher Charles J. Christ of Houma, Louisiana, at a lecture in the Madisonville Library. “They were twice as fast as the freighters and tankers they were taking out. They had two formidable weapons—guns on the surface and torpedoes under the sea.”

Because it was “the war which did not exist,” coastal cities had a blackout of news but not of lights.

Commander Horst Degen of U-701 remembered thinking at the time, “These Americans don’t seem to know there is a war.” On-shore illumination silhouetted the freighters and oil tankers traveling between the coastline and the U-boats, which were waiting with torpedoes primed. When Galveston finally ordered a blackout, it included streetlights, stadium lights and signs—all exterior illumination, even beach bonfires.

The captains and crews of those “steel sharks” were experienced and efficient, as they had been attacking British shipping for two and a half years.

On May 5, 1942, they entered new territory in their deadly mission—the Gulf of Mexico. Sometimes three or four ships would go down in a 24-hour period.

Fishermen and shrimpers rescued burned men from the water and hauled lifeboats filled with the injured to docks, calling ahead to order ambulances. In her book, Torpedoes in the Gulf, Melanie Wiggins, a fisherman’s wife, says, “My husband is bringing in more survivors than shrimp.” >>

Locations of U-boat casualties off the coast of Louisiana, along with the resting place of the recently discovered German U-166.

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German U-boats on display.

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As a Lend Lease partner, America supplied oil and gas to Britain. Scores of ships left the Gulf every day heading up the east coast and over to Europe.

Because “abandon ship” was cried all too often that summer, freighters received additional life boats.

Guns were installed on merchant ships and tankers, with Navy gunners assigned to man them. WWI cannons were even “borrowed” from parks and

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museums for this temporary use. The mariners petitioned the Navy to stop using cork vests, as they caused broken necks when jumping 30 feet to the water.

From Grand Isle to Galveston, citizens not qualified for the draft who owned fishing boats or yachts formed the “Coast Guard Axillary.” The courageous volunteers were called the “Swamp Angels” in the Cameron area, but others labeled them the “Hooligan Navy” or the “Splinter Fleet.” By the end of May ’42, this amateur military sailed out of Galveston, New Orleans and Miami with depth charges and 50-caliber machine guns, says Wiggins.

Civil Air Patrol pilots—men and women who owned their planes—flew over the Gulf, spotting subs and survivors, and reporting mines and vessels in distress. Grand Isle had a 900-foot shell runway for CAP pilots, but one pilot said cattle on the island were eating the fabric off the fuselages of the planes.

Two ships sunk by U-boats off the coast of Louisiana, the Benjamin Brewster (above) and the Robert E. Lee (right).

photos courtesy: REGIONAL MILITARY MUSEUM

These volunteers suffered great losses because of inexperience and lack of parts for their planes, said Christ. The pilots also had to face taunts about being draft dodgers, 4-F or “rich boys with big toys.”

To provide further protection for ships in the Gulf, blimp bases were constructed in Houma and Galveston. These elephants in the sky were largely useless. Christ writes that one dropped a bomb on a golf course, and one fell into the Gulf, with the loss of nine lives. When a stiff wind tore through the prodigious Houma hanger, three blimps tumbled out and were destroyed.

Because they were coming so close to shore, the Pentagon was worried about invasions from U-boats.

One sub commander even expressed surprise after the war that they were not told to attack America’s coastal cities. Indeed, Galveston was preparing for an attack. Testing their Civil Defense sirens one day, city officials were shocked to hear the sound of canon fire from the fort. The soldiers had begun firing at the unseen sub in the Gulf, Wiggins writes.

Another event caused fear of invasion by the enemy. A driver near Lake Charles picked up two >>

hitchhikers speaking with German accents. They were two of 24 men who had fled their country, boarded a ship to Cuba and then sailed to the Louisiana coast. People panicked, and Cameron beaches (and Grand Isle) were then patrolled 24 hours a day by men with dogs and guns.

Wayland Whipple, an employee at Port Texaco south of Houma, told his boss he saw a sub in the Gulf with his binoculars. Fellow workers labeled him “Submarine Whipple.”

A few days later, fishing boats came to the port to unload the burned victims of a torpedoed ship.

Fishermen Ira Pete, his father and two brothers were in three boats, drifting and sorting their catch at dusk, when they spotted a sub drifting nearby. Its engine suddenly revved up, and it sped away at high speed. Ira recalled how the family was soon picking up burn victims from a torpedoed tanker. He never used that boat to fish again.

The tanker Benjamin Brewster burned for nine days off Grand Isle. Survivors were mostly the Navy gunners who were on board to provide protection. They had learned how to swim underwater and come up for air, swishing flaming water away.

They were able to do this, of course, by not wearing a life vest, Christ points out.

Sometimes the military’s defensive action backfired, as when hundreds of mines were laid off the east coast of Florida, and not one U-boat was sunk, but three freighters and a destroyer were blown up. A government official said, “They did not let us know they wanted to enter the mined area.”

In the midst of all the horror, acts of mercy were performed by U-boat commanders, such as firing a warning shot over a bow, giving officers and crew time to abandon ship. After the sinking, the sub sometimes would surface near the lifeboats, and the captain or an officer would shout, “Do you have water? Do you have a compass?” If the answer was no, supplies were tossed to them. Crewmen on U-507 gave some survivors cigarettes, matches, cookies and gallons of lime pulp, says Wiggins. Then the U-boat captain called, “Sorry, I can’t help you. Hope you get to shore okay.” Christ explains this offer of aid from an enemy: On the sea, the rule is you help survivors of a sinking ship.

When word reached New Orleans that a U-boat commander spoke beautiful English, a rumor circulated that Baron Edgar von Spiegel, the German consul-general in New Orleans for four years, was now captain of a U-boat in the Gulf, where he had often fished. President Roosevelt had ordered all Italian and German consul generals to leave. They were put on a troop transport in New York. But at age 57, Wiggins says, “Von Spiegel was much too old to command another sub.

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Depth charge launched from U.S. Coast Guard cutter.

Commanders were usually about 25.”

Americans also displayed humanity in the submarine war. Harry Kane, who took out U-701 off the coast of North Carolina, circled his plane back over the German survivors and ordered his crew to take off their life jackets and toss them out the window, as the plane dipped low. The story of Kane and U-701 Commander Horst Degen is told in The Burning Shore by Ed Offley.

Yet another rumor circulating in New Orleans was that U-boats were coming up the Mississippi River. Christ got the facts when he interviewed Admiral Karl Donitz, who headed the U-boat arm of the German military force. Donitz said the current was too swift, and the river was too shallow and full of floating logs. Most importantly, all ships emerged at the mouth of the river, so there was no need to enter it.

River pilot Albro Michelle was approaching the tanker Virginia at the mouth of the Mississippi when, amazingly, he saw a torpedo pass under his boat and hit the jetties. Christ explains that U-boats often miscalculated

the buoyancy of the waters around the mouth of the Mississippi when firing a torpedo. In other enemy action in that area, U-166 laid nine mines near Southwest Pass, but they did no damage to Allied ships. Later, U-166 would sink the Robert E. Lee. (See Sidebar.)

“Americans are aiding the U-boats crews, providing fuel and food,” was another rumor. Donitz told Christ that he would have never let his boats take a chance on the possibility of bad fuel or poisoned food. The Germans had supply ships, called “milk cows,” which made runs between France and the mid-Atlantic, providing diesel fuel, lubricating oil, water and groceries, including fresh bread. The supply ships also had torpedoes, replacement crew and even a physician.

Life on a U-boat, however, was one of extreme deprivation. The claustrophobic and unsanitary air was rank with mold, diesel fumes and body odor—the men never bathed, so their underwear was dyed black. Food was often moldy, and when summer storms rocked the boat, the men held on as >>

The following books were used in preparing this article: Grey Wolf, Grey Sea by E.B. Gasaway; Torpedoes in the Gulf by Melanie Wiggins; The Burning Shore by Ed Offley; The U-boats by Time-Life Books; and WWII in the Gulf of Mexico by Charles J. Christ.

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Houma Historian Solves U-boat Mystery Charles J. Christ, an avid yacht racer, was taking a celestial navigation class in 1967 when a door opened to his 50-year study of U-boats (“Untersea Boot”), the German submarines.

A friend in the class asked him if he knew U-166 had been sunk south of Houma in the summer of 1942. Christ and two scuba diving friends spent three years searching for the German sub on weekends, “to take home the periscope as a souvenir,” he says with a chuckle. His buddies lost interest, but the idea of German subs in his own backyard took hold of the Houma resident, an Air Force veteran who flew a B-29 bomber over North Korea. He researched the U-boats’ history and published two books—collections of 200 newspaper columns he had written for the Houma Courier.

Christ met a handful of other amateur historians involved in this theater of WWII, including E.B. “Libby” Gasaway. Her 1970 U-boat history, Grey Wolf, Grey Sea, sent Christ flying, literally, to her north Louisiana town. The German U-boat Admiral Karl Donitz wrote the foreword for Gasaway’s book; she, in turn, asked him to allow Christ to attend the 1978 conference of U-boat veterans in Hamburg, Germany. The group welcomed Christ as a full-fledged member, and at one of the veterans’ reunions, the dogged researcher interviewed Donitz. (Donitz’s slogan in his war on Allied shipping was Operation Paukenschlag, or Operation Drumbeat; the name was the inspiration for the Paukenschlag Society, in which Christ gathered the small group of like-minded historians.)

The highlight of Christ’s historian career was being honored by the U.S. Navy for helping to solve the mystery of where U-166 was sunk and who had really sunk her. It is the only U-boat the United States destroyed in the Gulf of Mexico.

The story begins July 30, 1942, when U-166 torpedoed the Robert E. Lee, a cargo-passenger ship packed with 270 passengers traveling from Trinidad to New Orleans. Conditions were deplorable on board, with stifling heat and a lack of food, sanitary facilities, and water. Passengers included merchant marines from two freighters torpedoed in the Caribbean.

Herbert G. Claudius commanded the PC566, which was the escort for the Lee. He twice broke radio silence using the frequency monitored by the Germans. The Lee was going too fast to zig-zag, which was the method for avoiding torpedoes. After the Lee was torpedoed, the PC566 dropped several depth charges on the sub, frightening the Lee’s survivors floating in the water. Commander Claudius did take out U-166, but this could not be

photo courtesy: REGIONAL MILITARY MUSEUM

they gobbled cheese and crackers. In Gulf waters, heat and humidity were high, and the men were allowed only one cup of water per day. Despite the hardships, crewmen interviewed after the war said tempers never flared, because “we were well trained and prepared.”

Death was a constant companion on a U-boat; 40,000 men served on German subs and 28,000 lost their lives. However, as Douglas Botting of Time-Life wrote, “They had come astonishingly close to defeating the British and altering the outcome of the war.”

As the battle in the Gulf continued during 1942, the United States military tightened defenses with convoys, air patrols, and fishermen organized with sailors.

Christ writes, “The hunters soon became the hunted, and Admiral Donitz called his wolves home.” In September 1942, the U-boats were sent south to the Caribbean and Latin America.

In 1945, when Hitler committed suicide, Donitz replaced him.

Realizing all was hopeless, the admiral began the process for surrender, which occurred 20 days later. Donitz spent 10 years in Spandau Prison in Berlin after being convicted at Nuremburg—not for his sub warfare, but for helping Hitler to rebuild Germany’s military machine after WWI.

photo courtesy: REGIONAL MILITARY MUSEUM

photo courtesy: OCEAN EXPLORATION TRUST photo courtesy: REGIONAL MILITARY MUSEUM

confirmed, and he was stripped of his command.

Later, the Coast Guard pilot of the amphibious Wigeon 54FL was incorrectly decorated for sinking U-166 south of Houma. When the German U-boat logs were released by the U.S. Military Archives in 1975, Christ began to read them methodically. He found the location of U-166 as reported to U-boat headquarters, and he learned the ship never reported the sinking of the Lee as was required immediately.

According to the logs, Christ also discovered that U-171 was the sub actually attacked by the Coast Guard pilot south of Houma, but it was not damaged.

The historian had a strong hunch that PC-566 did indeed take out U-166, but he had no proof.

In May 2001, an exploratory vessel hired by Shell/BP found U-166 broken in two at the bottom of the Gulf. (The oil companies were required to survey the sea bed before laying a natural gas pipe line.) The Lee rested two miles away from the U-boat, 45 miles southeast of mouth of the Mississippi.

Christ attended the ceremony in Washington when Herbert G. Claudius Jr., son of the PC-566 commander, received his father’s Navy medal for sinking the U-166. Also, as requested by the U-boat Veterans’ Association, the Houma historian tossed the wreath on the water during the memorial service for U-166.

Twenty-five passengers and crew died on the Lee and 52 sailors are entombed on the U-boat. Both vessels are covered with coral, and surrounded by undersea creatures. As they are maritime graves, these sites are not allowed to be disturbed.

Christ is founder and president of the Regional Military Museum in Houma. As a teen, the U-boat researcher worked at his father’s rice farm beside German servicemen from the nearby POW camp. (Some 20,000 Axis POWs were in Louisiana camps.) Today, this energetic 87-year-old historian is found at his museum Monday through Friday—when he is not giving a lecture on U-boats. Contact him at rmmuseum@gmail.com.

From top: The conning tower of the U-166 as she rests on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico; The first sonar image of the U-166; Sonar equipment.

May-June 2016 59

monogramed cufflinks, and he wore a midnight blue cashmere blazer paired with tasteful gray flannel trousers. A handsome middle-aged man, from the top of his perfectly groomed hair to the soles of his black alligator loafers. I introduced myself and embarrassingly hadn’t recognized him by sight, but I immediately knew him by name to be one of the most influential designers in our region.

I boldly went on to explain that I too, was just entering the profession of interior design, as if he could possibly be interested in this information. As we felt the engines roar and the plane gain altitude, I sheepishly returned to my tacky Cosmopolitan, wishing so badly I had made a more sophisticated reading choice.

What happened next took me so much by surprise that I’ve never forgotten it to this day. This exceptionally accomplished designer began giving me his highly coveted advice. He began rattling off favorite hues of paint, rules-of-thumb and his own personal “trade secrets” that he had painstakingly gathered over the years of a very successful career.

His rhetoric was so fascinating to a newbie like me that at one point I stopped him to ask if he would mind if I made a few notes. I reached in my little

Advice from a Master A THOUSAND YEARS AGO, when I was a young girl of 27, I still hadn’t quite made up my mind regarding exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. I painfully came to terms with the fact that my aspirations to become a prima ballerina or a famous neurosurgeon might be out of my reach. I had just started toying with the idea of following my mother’s lead in the field of interior design.

On a cool, crisp November morning, my mother and I boarded a plane for a day trip to Dallas. It was a packed flight, and she and I were somehow separated and found ourselves sitting several rows apart. I settled into my middle seat (ugh) and buried my nose in my slightly racy Cosmopolitan Magazine, seeking make-up and hair advice of the 1980s ... soooo scary.

Just as I settled in for the short flight, I glanced to my left at the beautifully manicured hands of the man seated next to me, which were wrapped around his little plastic airline cup of club soda. His white French cuffs were adorned with tasteful gold

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Kate Spade bag and pulled out the only clean piece of paper I could find, which was an envelope from a friend’s wedding shower with a nasty piece of ancient chewing gum folded into the corner ... I’m sure my new designer friend was horrified. I began scribbling down the pearls of wisdom that fell from his mouth.

He explained to me that lighting was everything and that rooms needed to be carefully “layered” with lighting sources. There should be minimal task lighting (recessed cans) and the downward columns of said task lighting must be broken by warmer, eyelevel lamp light so as not to cause shadows on the face. If a table or floor lamp required two bulbs, he liked to replace one with a pink bulb. He said it made everyone in the room look younger.

He explained that every room needed the

photo courtesy: GREEN PARROT DESIGN

by Trudy Hurley

sophistication of a touch of something black. Whether a lamp or even black lampshades, the legs of a bench, a lacquered box ... but every room needed the weight, the definition and the timeless style that black maintains.

He expounded on the importance of achieving the perfect balance of comfort and aesthetics. The main seating area in any room needs to be approachable and inviting. Once a cozy conversation area is established, then a pair of antique French chairs, or a stylish modern bench can be added for interest. The number of upholstered vs. wood-framed, skirted to the ground vs. legs showing ... all these elements needed to be considered to maintain balance and softness in the room.

He prescribed to the theory that every room needed one antique. He said even in a contemporary decor, something as large as a beautiful walnut armoire or as small as an old crusty antique picture frame was necessary for balance and weight. That slice of history grounded the room and instantly added warmth and character.

The hour flight seemed to pass in only minutes. Before I knew it, we were touching down in Dallas. I took his arm and thanked him profusely for sharing with me such golden nuggets of enlightenment. In our profession, I suppose like any other, I find most designers to be so guarded and secretive regarding their sources and connections that I was completely overwhelmed that he would be so unpretentious and kind to a fledgling like myself.

It was only months later that I learned of the passing of this gentleman and tremendous talent to a hideous pandemic virus called AIDS that was then new to the world.

May-June 2016 61

Roy Blaum of Roy’s Knife and Archery Shop

by Leah Draffen

Above: Roy fininshing a dachshund carving at the front desk of his shop.

Opposite: A carving of Roy’s “ex-girlfriend.”

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“IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE more exciting, I was going to recommend a friend of mine who can shoot a red bean from his nose,” Roy Blaum chuckles as I step into Roy’s Knife and Archery Shop. His sense of humor and skill with handcrafted objects may just put his red bean-nose-shooter-friend to shame.

On a quiet Friday afternoon, we chat about how Roy’s Knife and Archery Shop came to be a quintessential establishment of downtown Covington.

He signs and dates his most recent batch of hand-carved and –painted pelicans as he begins to talk. “I’ve been in

Inside Northside

this building since October 1980. I was in two locations before making my way here to a much larger space.”

When asked why he went into business, he asks in return, “Well, you have to make a living, don’t you?” In the ’70s, Roy moved from his native Jefferson Parish to St. Tammany after a “career change” and to help his mother after the passing of his father. “Now a career change, that’s a nicer way of saying being fired. There was a job opening that I interviewed for over here that was paying $5 an hour. I asked for $6 and they wouldn’t pay me that, so I moved on to start my business.”

photos credit: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Keeping His Ducks in a Row

Roy began his business in knives after receiving a $1,000 loan from a bank. He recalls, “I went to my banker to borrow $1,000, but he wasn’t very impressed with the knives I had made.

So I walked out and went across the street to another banker who was impressed with my made-from-scratch knives. He said, ‘Come back Wednesday and maybe we can help you out.’ I went back Wednesday, and he had the check.

From then on, my business has grown into what it is today.”

At his first location in downtown Covington, Roy mostly made knives.

He spent many hours in his workshop cutting blades from steel bars, carving handles and stitching leather sheaths.

“For some of the sheaths I use an old traditional buck or saddle stitching. It’s the stitch used before we had sewing machines. I started making knives probably as a kid. We didn’t have Xbox, television, computers and cell phones.

We made stuff. If we weren’t hunting or fishing or playing ball, we were making >>

acyrlic paint with eye and nose details.

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photos credit: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Roy’s pig, or “pork chops on hooves,” carvings watch for customers, one being finished in pink

things out of wood. I was lucky enough to grow up with plenty of woods around.”

When Roy moved to his current location 35 years ago, he had much more room to expand into a retail store. “It took me a while to set my workshop back up after moving, and with the larger space, I became a retail store as well.” Including Roy’s handmade knives, he began carrying a selection of manufactured knives and archery gear. “When I first opened, I offered a traditional long bow, but in the ’80s, the compound bow became popular so I began carrying it as well.

It was great, because it gave hunters a second season hunt—gun season and bow season.

“However, as the traditionalist that I am, I now mainly carry Martin traditional bows for adults and kids, but I’m always happy to order a compound bow if someone wants one!”

As his customer base began to grow, Roy realized that knife making and helping retail customers at the same time didn’t work, so he picked up an old skill of his to do at the front desk of the shop—wood carving.

“With carving, I’ve been able to help customers and still work when no one is in the store. It’s easy to start

and stop, unlike knife making. I make most of my knives at night now.

“It’s kind of been an evolvement, I guess. Now, I’m more concentrated on carving. It also gives me something to do during the downtown festivals like Fall and Spring for Art,” says Roy. “Two years ago, I had cancer. In the past, I would generally sing and play guitar outside my store for the festivals, but during treatment I couldn’t do that, so I started doing carving demonstrations.”

Yes, Roy is also a musician. Let’s add that to his list of skills. “I don’t call myself a singer, I’m more of a screamer,” he laughs. “One time while playing at the Covington Farmers Market, I thought I was singing really well that day. Then a lady walked up and said, ‘Roy, you’re making a fool of yourself. That sounds terrible.’ I replied, ‘Sorry, honey, I don’t take requests.’”

Roy does, however, take requests for commissioned carvings. While his list of commissioned work stays long, he still finds time to keep his display cabinets full of small wood carvings of all shapes and sizes. One of his best sellers is the Louisiana state bird perched on a pylon. The process >>

A sign hanging at the front entrance of Roy’s Knife and Archery Shop noting that he sharpens knives, but also has a sense of humor.

for a painted and finished pelican is usually three days. Yet he can carve an unfinished pelican in two hours or less.

“For my pelicans, I like to finish them with paint and add white eyes with a black dot. Once that is finished, I put a little spot of varnish over the eyes to add translucence and a little life to them. I then seal with an acrylic spray so when folks handle them, the paint stays looking fresh.”

His display cases contain animals, busts and other objects, including miniature wood canvases with Roy’s “rectangle-ism” art (similar to cubism, he jokes). One of his favorites that draws a punchline is “Dr. Heiney.” “That bust right there is of Dr. Heiney. He invented the original hospital gown. His full name is Dr. Seemore Heiney,” Roy grins. “I also carve a lot of hootie owls. Now, those are educated owls. They say ‘whom’ instead of ‘who’.” Roy also carves armadillos, pigs, dogs and ducks. In fact, his ducks are his philosophical statement.

“I used to carve ducks for the kids.

Being that they were so small, I would carve them in a row, and when I would get to a certain point, I would separate them. So one day, a customer came in as I working on them and said, ‘Oh, Roy, I’m glad to see you’re keeping all of your ducks in a row’ and that’s when the light bulb came on—ducks in a row.”

His signature Ducks in a Row goes though several steps to become the smoothly carved product that it is. He cuts a block of wood from a larger piece and then begins roughing it out to make the shape of each duck. He fine tunes the finished ducks with eye and wing details.

“The Ducks in a Row has to be carved with some integrity. See, sculpture is an additive art, but carving is a subtractive art. You take away from the original block instead of adding to it. It takes time and detail to make it what you want it to be.”

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photo credit: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Roy singing and playing the original Woody Guthrie Crawdad Song.“You get a line, I get a pole, honey.”

Roy uses basswood, a traditional carver’s wood originally used by classic wood carvers in Europe. Grown in the northeastern part of the United States, Roy gets his wood supplied through a carving wholesaler. “Bass wood is consistent and easy to carve. It holds detail real well, unlike hardwoods.”

For those who would like to take up Roy’s art, the shop offers wood carving supplies. “We have a pretty good following of wood carvers who come here to get their tools. It’s something I did off and on as a kid, and a lot of people in my age bracket probably did, too.”

Outside of Roy’s knife making, carving and music playing, he enjoys spending time with his two daughters, one son and four grandsons. “I love them all so much. They’ve helped me over the years and are truly my rocks.”

While Roy carves, he can be found listening to music. “I play country and

blues and I know a jazz tune or two, but I like to listen to the old country guys like Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Earnest Tubb and Hank Snow. That’s what I grew up listening to. I also like the new guys like George Strait. I like his exes’ song, but my version is more like, ‘All my exes live in Abita Springs; that’s why I hang my hat in Covington,’” Roy jokes.

Having recently reached his 81st birthday, Roy plans to keep on knife making, carving and learning. “There’s a saying I used to really enjoy. I don’t know the exact words, but it’s something like ‘a smart person listens a lot; one that is not quite so smart, talks a lot.’ I’m a failure at that, but I strive to be better.”

So when you’re in downtown Covington, be sure to stop by and see Roy carving, playing a tune or sharpening a knife. He says, “Good Lord willing, I’ll be here to keep my ducks in a row.”

May-June 2016 67

IN the Bookcase

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Sweet as Sin: The Unwrapped Story of How Candy Became America’s Favorite Pleasure

by Susan Benjamin

THE LAST MEAL YOU HAD was very satisfying.

Everything was made the way you like it, served efficiently and pleased your palate. What you ate was delicious, and it almost filled you up, leaving just enough room for one more bite. In Sweet as Sin by Susan Benjamin, you’ll read about what you might’ve chosen.

Susan Benjamin’s mother hated candy, which was unfortunate, since Benjamin’s father loved the stuff. As a child, Benjamin sided with her father, and now it’s her livelihood: she’s a candy saleswoman and historian who says that while sweet treats have been around for millennia—paleontologists once found 9,000-year-old ABC gum— the history of candy is “a convergence of many cultures and experiences…”

Native Americans, for instance, knew all about sweets long before Europeans arrived. They found that corn and maple syrup, properly processed, made dandy candy, and that fruit, as Benjamin’s brother says, “is pretty much the same as candy.”

Europeans expounded on those ideas and learned to make root beer.

As humans cultivated sharper cravings, the world leaped to satisfy them: from a French slave, we got cheaper vanilla; from Mesoamericans, we got chocolate; both were once considered aphrodisiacs. Asia gave the world marshmallow. The peanut, it’s believed, came from Africa. Sugar cane, says Benjamin, began in India and was at least partly the reason slaves were brought to U.S. shores.

Though cacao was “most

likely” used by Southwestern Native Americans, chocolate wasn’t popular with colonists until the late 1600s— and even then, it was a drink, not a food. It took a surprisingly long time for it to become a treat, but once it did, businesses sprung up to make it, soldiers demanded it, and candy stores sold it. The first commercial candy seller, by the way, was quite involved with the Underground Railroad.

And your favorites? Many of them are here in this book, with stories that’ll tickle your sweet tooth: find out what the Sugar Daddy was originally named. See why Life Savers were created, why they’re called Milk Duds, which candy was the first in space, and what made Milton Hershey cry…

Oh, my, reading Sweet as Sin is like taking a trip back to your childhood, with history along for the ride. It’s nostalgic, but informative. Bite-sized, in both memory and fact, and as easy to dip into as your grandma’s candy dish.

With the lightest of tones and a sprinkle of the personal, author Susan Benjamin shows how candy has become a part of our culture, and how it’s stayed there despite a recently bad reputation that’s somewhat changing.

In doing so, she serves up a Baby Boomer’s treasure trove of old favorites and treats you may have forgotten you enjoyed (candy cigarette, anyone?), wrapped inside pictures and littleknown stories.

Oh, and did I mention recipes?

Yep, you’ll find some of those, too, and plenty to chew on, making a great read for foodies and former kids alike.

So look for Sweet as Sin. It’s pretty tasty.

May-June 2016 69

At the Table

by Tom Fitzmorris

Mother’s Day FOR THE TWO MOTHERS IN MY LIFE, Mother’s Day has always been the most important of observances. My mother used to talk about Mother’s Day weeks or even months before and after the day itself. Although it would be suicidal for me to compare my mother with the mother of my children, I must say that my wife is as strong on Mother’s Day as my mother was.

And there was another parallel. Both women accepted as dogma the idea that Mother’s Day should be celebrated at home, not a restaurant.

Especially if someone else would do most of the cooking. We began taking my mother to restaurants only in her waning years, when she had tired of the Mother’s Day cleanup, to say nothing of all the cooking.

Since the birth of our first child, my wife Mary Ann has insisted that Mother’s Day will be held at 70

Inside Northside

our Cool Water Ranch in Abita Springs. That’s even in the face of restaurateurs who were always asking me to come to their establishments for the feast— this is exceptional.

Here’s just how insistent MA is about it. Our daughter’s birthday party almost always takes place on Mother’s Day weekend. Sometimes it falls on the day itself. There is nothing MA wouldn’t do in celebration of our children. She lives for them.

Except. . . well, Mother’s Day. Oh, sure, we had lots of fun stuff going on for our daughter’s birthday and all her friends. (It amazes me how deft MA was in getting other moms to postpone their own Mother’s Days so they could come over with all their kids to our place.)

Mary Ann is not a gourmet. She’d be the first to admit that. In fact, she’s proud of it, quite sure that simple food is the best food. To keep any >>

Illustration: GRETCHEN ARMBRUSTER

The Good Old Way

May-June 2016 71

epicurean notes from creeping into Mother’s Day, she takes control of the menu. She is busy early in the morning grilling vegetables and sausages, making countless varieties of appetizers and massive casseroles filled with macaroni and cheese and its ilk.

I have my orders (not ideas, but commands) as to what I will be cooking. The famous root beer-glazed ham scores many points for me. (If I ever become famous for a recipe, it will be that one.) I also bake or grill some oysters, boil shrimp for a remoulade, toss some jumbo lump crabmeat with ravigote sauce and serve them on slices of plum tomatoes.

MA loves dips, and we have many of them on Mother’s Day. She tells me I make the best guacamole she has ever eaten. She does not say such things unless it is a certainty in her mind. I, of course, follow through. How could I not? I also make hummus. The night before, I bake a cheesecake. MA is proud to present her pimiento cheese and her take on stuffed mushrooms (spinach and Italian sausage are the stuffings).

At around eleven in the morning, there comes a dreaded announcement, one also heard on Thanksgiving and Christmas: “I don’t think we have enough food says MA. She starts in on another round of cooking, sometimes with a trip to the grocery store first.

After having parties like this three or four times a year for 25 years, we have never ended the day without a truckload of leftovers.

Likely reason for this: MA likes to eat leftovers even more than getting the food fresh off the grill. It’s as if she has somehow cheated the universe out of something valuable. The degree to which she pursues this is mindbending. But she gets great pleasure 72

Inside Northside

out of it, and it is Mother’s Day. It’s a lot of work for both of us. But there’s nothing quite like having all these close friends and relatives over, with their kids running around the fields and the woods. Going to a restaurant when we could be doing that is unthinkable.

But the unthinkable happens, and has. Our son is married now, and they have a baby. In Los Angeles. Our daughter will be married this fall and lives in Washington, D.C. Our classic Mother’s Day will not happen this year. But we’re looking forward to the day when the new little kids are older. It will be a vacation for them to run around Emmie’s and Poppy’s woods and fields. (Emmie and Poppy are the names we’ve chosen for ourselves to avoid being called Grandpa and especially Grandma) Here are some of the recipes for a wonderful day. More of them can be found in Tom Fitzmorris’s New Orleans Food, available from the usual book sources.

else is chopped and combined. Doing this will prevent the avocados from browning. The hard part is getting avocados at the perfect point of ripeness.

That would be when the little button at the top, left over from the stem, pops off with light finger pressure.

At this point, I’d like to apologize for the ketchup. But blind tasting doesn’t lie: the ketchup adds a nice little something.

1 medium white onion 10 sprigs cilantro, leaves only Juice of one small lime 1 Tbs. olive oil 1 large clove garlic 3 Tbs. Tabasco jalapeno pepper sauce 3 large, very ripe tomatoes, seeds and pulp removed (or leave them in if you like) 1/2 tsp. salt 1 Tbs. ketchup 4-6 Hass avocados (depending on size)

Guacamole This is a little more complicated than most guacamole recipes, and probably not authentic, but it sure tastes good. If you have fresh chili peppers available, chop about two tablespoons’ worth and substitute it for some or all of the Tabasco jalapeno.

Don’t cut the avocados until absolutely everything

1. Put the onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic and jalapeno pepper sauce into a food processor and chop finely, but don’t let it become a slush. Put this into a plastic or china bowl.

2. Chop the tomatoes coarsely and add to the bowl. Add the salt and ketchup.

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3. Cut the avocados in half.

Remove the pits. With a spoon, scoop out the flesh into the bowl, avoiding any discolored or stringy parts.

4. With a large wire whisk, mash and mix everything together. The guacamole should be on the chunky side, not a puree. Add salt and more Tabasco to taste. Serve with tortilla chips.

5. Fabulous edition: serve the guacamole with the shrimp remoulade.

The two flavors are magnificent together. (The idea comes from Chef Frank Brigtsen.)

Serves ten to fifteen.

Shrimp Remoulade with Two Sauces I think remoulade sauce is one of the most useful and enjoyable flavoring agents that money can buy. I like it so much that it’s the very first recipe in my cookbook.

There are two kinds of remoulade sauce served around New Orleans, and everybody has a distinct favorite.

My preference is for the orange-red kind that’s utterly unique to our area. White remoulade sauce, made with mayonnaise, is actually closer to the classic French recipe. It’s good

enough that in recent years I’ve taken to making both kinds of sauces, and letting people take their pick.

What they have in common is the main active ingredient: Creole mustard, a rough, brown, countrystyle mustard that has a bit of horseradish mixed in.

The shrimp for shrimp remoulade should be medium size—about 25-30 count to the pound. If you’re making only the red style of remoulade, a good trick is to slightly under-boil the shrimp, then marinate them in the rather acidic sauce. That will finish the “cooking,” in much the same way the marinade of ceviche does.

The word “remoulade,” by the way, is an old French dialect word that refers to a kind of radish that hasn’t been part of the recipe for centuries.

Shrimp Leafy tops of a bunch of celery 5 bay leaves 3 cloves 2 Tbs. Tabasco garlic marinade 1 large lemon, sliced 1/2 cup salt 3 lbs. shrimp Red Remoulade Sauce

1/2 cup chili sauce (bottled) or ketchup 1/2 cup Creole mustard 1 Tbs. paprika 1/2 tsp. salt 2 Tbs. lemon juice 1/4 tsp. Tabasco 1/2 tsp. pureed garlic 1/2 cup green onion tops, finely sliced 1 cup olive oil White Remoulade Sauce 1 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup Creole mustard 2 Tbs. lemon juice 1/2 tsp. garlic-flavored Tabasco 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup green onion tops, finely sliced

Shrimp: Bring a gallon of water to a boil and add all the ingredients except the shrimp. Boil the water for 15 minutes, then add the shrimp.

Remove from the heat immediately, and allow the shrimp to steep for four minutes, or until the shell separates from the meat easily. Remove the shrimp and allow to cool enough to handle. Peel and devein the shrimp.

Red Remoulade Sauce: Combine all ingredients except green onions and olive oil in a bowl. Add the oil a little at a time, stirring constantly, until all oil is absorbed. Taste the sauce and add more mustard or chili sauce to taste. Stir in green onion tops.

White Remoulade Sauce: Blend all the ingredients except the green onions. Then add the green onions last.

To Serve: Place the shrimp on a leaf of lettuce, sliced avocados, sliced tomatoes or Belgian endive leaves.

Drizzle half the shrimp with one sauce, half with the other. The sauces can also be served in pools for dipping.

Makes eight appetizers or six entrĂŠe salads.

May-June 2016 75

Generous Hearts

by Susan H. Bonnett 37 - Number of scholarships granted to northshore students by the Northshore Community Foundation. $370,000 - Amount of monies granted to northshore students by the NCF. 8 - Number of unique scholarship funds the NCF holds at this time.

Education Collaboration Cancer Fund Scholarship recipient Alexandra Dedinsky.

Center, top: Benjamin Newman, Hannan Miller, Mitchell Mejia, Alexandra Dedinsky. (Not pictured: Audrey Robles) Center, bottom: Irma Cry Education Foundation scholarship recipients Lindsey Williams; Nicole Oubre; Carla Mouton, presenter from the Northshore Community Foundation; Christine Corales; Amy Townson; Ron Newson, presenter from the ICEF; Kathleen Bolton; Dr. Melody Swang, presenter from the ICEF; and Marci Conrad. (Not pictured: Ryan Bel and Jason Butler.) Above right: Alexis Tymkiw being awarded the South Slidell Swimming Scholarship.

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enduring legacy.

The varied scholarship opportunities available through the Foundation speak loudly to the hearts and passions of generous donors throughout our region. The specific niche of each available scholarship is determined by the very people who create the opportunity. These funds are often created in memory of someone or used to support a specific educational institution, a group with a shared experience or a specified course of study. From cancer survivors, swimmers in Slidell or standouts from Bogalusa, each scholarship’s criteria are developed around the priorities of the good folks who establish the scholarship itself.

A Few Worthy Recipients Ironically, a life-altering diagnosis opened a door to the opportunity of a lifetime. It was her cancer diagnosis that made Alexandra Dedinsky eligible for one of the St. Tammany Cancer Fund Scholarships, which are awarded to students with cancer to help lend extra support during their college or university journey. She received a full scholarship in 2015 to the Savannah College of Art Design to study architecture. In her second quarter at Savannah College, Alexandra has a 4.0 GPA and is thriving both physically and

photos courtesy: NORTHSHORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Above, left: St. Tammany

AS ANYONE WHO VALUES our quality of life on the northshore would agree, our region’s longterm success and prosperity depend greatly on future generations and a well-educated workforce.

All too often, however, local students who are full of potential lack access to higher education learning experiences and the kinds of sufficient educational resources that will enable them to thrive well into their futures.

Based on the belief that motivated individuals should have the opportunity to further their educational goals, and by removing some of the financial burdens associated with going to, surviving in and graduating from college, the Northshore Community Foundation plays a vital role in increasing two- and four-year college access and success for dozens of local young adults.

Since our beginnings, the Foundation has helped these dreams become a reality for more than 40 local students. Almost $400,000 in scholarships have been granted to deserving applicants in the northshore region in our nine years of philanthropic work. In high school, these students began their journey of academic excellence, positive leadership and dedication to service. They are continuing throughout their careers to serve others and realize their full potential to change the world and create an

academically. “I am so honored to be a recipient of the St. Tammany Cancer Fund Scholarship. It truly means the world to me. I’ve worked very hard due to my cancer history and receiving this scholarship gives me a sense of pride in my perseverance all these years. I couldn’t be more thankful for all of your generosity; it truly warms my heart,” says Dedinsky.

Through the support of a group of community leaders in St. Tammany Parish, in 2015 eight deserving students were awarded scholarships for vocational training and industry-based certifications or associate degrees. The Irma Cry Education Foundation honors Irma Cry, a resident of Slidell and visionary leader, public servant and tireless volunteer who has dedicated her life to empowering others and working to foster positive change within her community.

When a neighborhood realized the sale of their local pool was becoming an administrative nightmare, they knew that something creative had to be done.

So the smart leaders of the homeowners’ association came to the Foundation for help. Red tape eliminated, the pool was sold and the South Slidell Swimming Scholarship Fund was created. Now, each year, student swimmers from the Slidell area are awarded scholarships to any accredited two- or four-year college or university from the proceeds of the sale of a pool. This year’s recipient is Alexis Tymkiw.

These are just a sampling of some of the many diverse scholarship opportunities available. To learn more about existing opportunities or how to start a scholarship yourself, visit the Foundation website scholarship page at northshorefoundation.org.

You can also contact Carla Mouton with any questions at 893-8757 or mail cmouton@northshorefoundation.org.

May-June 2016 77

Traces

The Absolutely, Unbelievably Wonderful Kids of Miracle League!

NINE-YEAR-OLD LAUREN BOUNDS took careful aim at the basket, shot the ball and watched as it swished through the net. In the stands, her parents, Sheri and Tim, broke into cheers while Lauren celebrated with teammate Matthew Seal.

Game-winning goal? No, but it was every bit as memorable for Lauren. You see, playing a team sport is not something children with Down syndrome get to do. At least not until Miracle League came along.

Miracle League of the North Shore makes it possible for children with disabilities in St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes to play league sports. Whether it’s basketball, baseball or soccer, kids from six-years-old and up get to enjoy the emotional and physical benefits of being part of a team.

Executive Director Gina Lorio describes the northshore’s response to the Miracle League as very enthusiastic. Since its inception in 2014, it has grown to 50 players. Considering the fact that there are lots of kids with special needs in the area, the potential for growth is great.

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“Right now, we play our games in Madisonville on a regular dirt field that Coquille Park donated,” says Lorio, “but the uneven surface makes it difficult for children in wheelchairs to get around.” To remedy that, the Miracle League North Shore is in the middle of a capital campaign to raise $850,000 for a synthetic playing surface that’s wheelchair-friendly and minimizes injuries. “We hope to have the new field installed by next spring season.”

The less-than-optimal terrain doesn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the kids, however. “To see them smile and be a kid is wonderful,” says Lorio. “Their field is right in the middle of all the other ball fields in Coquille, so it’s inclusive. Many times, people from other fields stop by and cheer the kids. It’s great!”

Because of their physical and emotional challenges, children in the Miracle League are paired with a

photos courtesy: MIRACLE LEAGUE

by Karen B. Gibbs

“buddy” who helps them play. While most of the buddies are from St. Paul’s School and Archbishop Hannan High School, anyone in the community can help. Shaye Tredinich, a junior at Hannan High, buddies with 11-yearold Ethan Lott during baseball season, something Shaye’s mom, Donna, says her daughter truly embraces.

“Being Ethan’s buddy helps me appreciate what God has given me,” says Shaye. “I love Ethan. He blesses me and brings a smile to my face.”

Ethan’s reaping benefits, too. “In the beginning, he was shy and didn’t speak much,” says Shaye. “Now he opens up and talks about his feelings.

He’s also improved his hand-eye coordination and his running.”

“Buddy” Lindsey Osbon has extraordinary passion for Miracle League. “As soon as I heard they were building a ball field for kids with disabilities, I knew I had to help,” says the 16-year-old Hannan High junior. She formed a foundation called Lindsey’s Hits for Kids and solicits individuals and area businesses to pledge money for every base hit during the softball season. During her freshman year, she raised a little over $10,000 in pledges. The following year, she brought in $7,000. This year, she’s determined to have another successful year for the kids. Lindsey donates every penny to Miracle League to help pay for the synthetic surface on its Coquille Park field.

Another buddy is Hannan High junior Tyler Howell, who’s in his third season with Miracle League. Tyler “buddies” with Dustin. “When I met Dustin, who is autistic, he ran away >> May-June 2016 79

Miracle League Executive Director Gina

and hid and didn’t want to talk to me.

But then we began throwing the ball back and forth, and he started telling me about his week. Now we’re friends, very good friends.”

According to Tyler, Dustin seems to delight in being part of a team— playing on the field, making friends with his teammates. “He gets to be just like any other kid.”

That’s exactly how Tripp Buffone, son of Cora and Frank, feels. “I almost have to hide his team jersey because as soon as he sees it, he wants to go out and play ball!” laughs Cora. “Being Down syndrome, Tripp was always a happy child. But we couldn’t help but wish he could play on a team like regular kids. With Miracle League he can. It’s brought so much joy into his life. He has a teammate, Brenna, who can communicate with him. She helps him keep focused on the field.” This is especially helpful during baseball season. “There’s so much down time between batting, Tripp tends to get distracted. That’s when he heads to the cheerleaders and plays with the pompoms.”

photos courtesy: MIRACLE LEAGUE

Lorio with Tripp Buffone.

Soon the Miracle League kids will don their team jerseys for another round of sports. There will be six weeks of soccer followed by eight weeks of basketball. In the fall, it’ll be batter-up for eight weeks of baseball at Coquille Park. But no matter the game, the kids will play with all their heart because for these kids, it’s more than just a sport—it’s a miracle.

To learn more, visit gnomiracleleague.org.

Wine Cellar

by Bill Kearney

White Burgundy CHARDONNAY. To most of us, that word in the lexicon of wine conjures up vivid images of white wines that possess characteristics of oak and/or butter.

There are some truly compelling chardonnay wines from California that have created legions of loyal followers across America. But let me inject into the conversation a few wines for consideration, like Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Chablis and Chassagne-Montrachet. Believe it or not, these regions also produce wines from chardonnay grapes that are extraordinary and succulent examples of white wines unique to their own area of the world.

And yes, they are all chardonnay.

The world of French wine certainly creates confusion for many Americans.

We have simplified wine by just referencing the grape, for this brings the instant gratification that we all strive for. But to inject these same parameters into the world of French wine serves as a grave injustice.

Tasting chardonnay from Meursault and then trying a Puligny-Montrachet can be as distinctly different as trying to compare two different flavors of snowballs. Travel a few blocks down the road from PulignyMontrachet, and you will encounter the very different wines of Chassagne-Montrachet, whose wines are still chardonnay.

The white wines of PulignyMontrachet deliver gorgeous notes of floral characteristics blended with a hedonistic mixture of fruit and cream, while the white wines 82

Inside Northside

of Chassagne-Montrachet have some of the same characteristics but find very pleasant notes of spice. Even more distinctive are the wines of Meursault, which are found to give off wonderful combinations of butter and minerality. To those of you who have patience and room, your experience will be exalted from letting these wines age for a few years so as to achieve their true potential.

Many Americans will have heard of Chablis but have never truly encountered the marvelous mixture of lemon and acidity that deliver a jubilant chardonnay experience.

Like many wines from France, these outstanding expressions of chardonnay will certainly seem to catapult your wine expenditure into a different monetary category. For those who desire a more moderate financial experience, there are some excellent values in white Burgundy from appellations such as St. Veran and Vire Clese. Many quality producers are making great, previously unparalleled white Bourgogne. For those who do not have the burdensome restrictions of financial parameters, try Montrachet, as it will deliver a life-changing experience.

If you love chardonnay, and the lively delivery of oak and butter is pleasurable, keep drinking American chardonnay and leave white Burgundies to others. Irrespective of whether from France or from California, if a wine tastes good to you, it is a good wine.

Flourishes 2

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3

1. Sonoma Lavender heated aromatherapy neck roll, $40. Stone Creek Club

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and Spa, Covington, 801-7100. 2. Ceramic art

by Lisa Nouvelle, $135. mÊlange by KP, Mandeville, 807-7652. 3. Original Swell insulated drink holder in assorted colors, starting at $26.95. Earthsaver’s, Mandeville, 674-1133.

4. Surfonds hall chest with subtly shaped front and top, over-sized bracket feet and animal motif in taupe and silver leaf. American Factory Direct Furniture, Mandeville, 871-0300.

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Flourishes

2

1

1. Spring Sisters, 21” x 4

30” original lithograph, $600 unframed.

Rolland Golden Gallery, Covington, 888-6588.

2. 62” 5-blade ceiling fan in distressed koa finish with tea-stain glass. Pine

3

Grove, Mandeville, 893-4003. 3. Plush 100% cotton colorframed beach towels by 5

Peacock Alley in aqua, coral, green, $77 each.

Hestia Luxury in Linens, Covington, 893-0490.

4. Hand-crafted and -painted burlap door hanger, $30. Water St. Wreaths, Madisonville, 792-7979. 5. Raw nickel scalloped foot bowl, $205. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522.

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6. Michael Aram Enchanted Garden Luxe Cheese Board in blue lapis with spreader, $850.

Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor, Mandeville, 727-9787.

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Flourishes

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2

3

1. 22” x 22” Meow aqua pillow, $150; 24” x 24” Neo Toile Coral

4

pillow, $195. The French Mix, Covington, 809-3152. 2. Crab rope and wood tray, $240.

Gild Home Décor, Mandeville, 629-4002. 3. Seasonal arrangements starting at $65.

Florist of Covington, 892-7701.

4. Large quilted hammock made with Sunbrella® fabric and oak spreader bars, $219.99. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008.

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Flourishes

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2 3

1. Outdoor lamp with 4

Sunbrella速 fabric shade in a variety of styles and heights, starting at $143. Pine Grove,

5

Mandeville, 893-4003. 2. Egg plate by LB Designs, $25.95.

Oil & Vinegar, Covington, 8081693. 3. Filet Toiras vintage stainless flatware, $80 per place setting. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045.

4. Brown Jordan Eco Fires in 10 sizes and three fuel options: natural gas, propane or bioethanol fuel; proprietary concrete composite for outdoor environment; $1,988.

Georgian Furnishing Berger Home, Mandeville, 624-3433.

5. Lantern candle holders; large $78; small, $58. deCoeur Gifts & Home Accessories, Covington, 809-3244.

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INside Look 1 4

3 2

Lilac Dreams 1. Marco Bicego 18kt yellow gold and amethyst pendant with diamond bail, $1,050; Marco

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Bicego 18kt yellow gold and amethyst earrings, $495. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000. 2. Hand-crafted necklace with 6.22ct Tanzanite surrounded by 1cttw white diamonds set in 14kt white and rose gold and accented by 2.25cttw Ceylon sapphires, $8,200. Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-5098.

3. Lavender sheath dress. The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797.

4. Purple and lavender floral dress, $46. The Lifestyle

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Store at Franco’s, 792-0270.

5. Emiko strapless jumpsuit in Nice Ink, $188; Bridgette wedge in Gold, $198. Palm Village, Mandeville, 778-2547.

6. Brazilian-made Ipanema flip flops in different colors, under $30. ShoefflĂŠ, Covington, 898-6465.

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3

4 5

Lilac Dreams 1. 2.24 ct purple sapphire pendant accented by .25cts diamond set in 18kt white gold. Call for pricing. De Boscq Fine Jewelry, Mandeville, 674-0007.

2. VSA Bicone San Benito Magdalena necklace in gold with lavender and opal, $286. Fleurt Boutique, Covington, 809-8844. 3. Grey 5-pocket capri denim jeans with cuff by Dear John, $79. One-of-a-kind statement necklace, starting at $59. Cotton v-neck tee, $30.

Brown Eyed Girl, Mandeville, 626-0100.

4. BGrey travel jersey 2-piece set by Iris Setlakwe. Ballin’s LTD., Covington, 892-0025. 5. Tacori 18kt/925 ring

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with 15.50 ct rose amethyst in sterling silver and 18kt rose gold with .51 ctw diamonds, $2,720. Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666.

6. Spacious Rebecca Minkoff gray leather handbag with simple studs, woven fringe and front zipper, $325.

Emma’s Shoes and Accessories, Mandeville, 778-2200.

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INside Look 2

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3

2

Sapphire

5

3

4

5

Lilac Dreams

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1. One-of-a-kind handmade healing gemstone necklace by Veronica Rose, $198. Rug Chic, Mandeville, 674-1070. 2. Multi-stone gold wire necklace. Private Beach, Mandeville, 985-674-2326. 3. Tailored Fit Traveler sport shirts, $79.50. Traveler Tailored Fit twill pants in grey, $99.50. Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Mandeville, 624-4067. 4. Lavender and white striped off-the-shoulder top with smocked detail, $114. Vine, Mandeville, 951-0005.

5. Clay Definer Rough Molding Pomade for GUYS! Defines hair, adds workable hold and builds texture with a matte look, $39. H2O Salon, Mandeville, 951-8166. 6. Short sleeve

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grey tunic dress with scoop neck. Juju’s, Mandeville, 624-3600. 7. Mara warm grey suede ankle-tie sandal by Rag & Bone, $425.

Emma’s Shoes and Accessories, Mandeville, 778-2200.

May-June 2016 95

INside Look

Lilac Dreams 1. 14kt white-gold pendant with .25 ct tw diamonds and 1.88 ct tw amethyst, $1,895. DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry and Gifs, Covington, 892-2317.

2. Embossed silk tunic, one size, $188. CDN Clothing, Covington, 327-

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7300. 3. One-band lady’s slippers with bow and diamante embellishment, $36; OPI Hello Hawaii Ya fingernail polish, $10. The Oasis Day Spa, Mandeville, 624-6772. 4. Romper

by Victoria M, $92. POSH Boutique,

1

Covington, 898-2639. 5. Caroline earring in amethyst from Kendra Scott, $80. Paisley, Mandeville, 727-7880.

6. Native shoes; shock absorbent, washable, waterproof, lightweight, odor resistant. Starting at $32. Olive Patch, Covington, 327-5772.

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96

Inside Northside

by Maggie Murphy

IN Better Health

Health Concern: Finding an appropriate family physician.

Solution: Concierge medicine.

photo credit: BRITTANY DUFRENE

CONVENIENCE WAS A TOP PRIORITY for Steven and Ashley Guidry when they selected a new physician for their busy family. With two young girls, it was important that they find a practice with flexible hours and personalized attention to ensure their family received the type of care they hoped for while also working with their hectic schedules.

For this, they enlisted the services of Dr. Michael Christner at Personal Care MD. Transforming the old-fashioned house call, Drs. Brandon Cambre and Michael Christner at PCMD provide comprehensive healthcare seven days a week as well as urgent care and same-day appointments to their patients in the place they feel most comfortable—their home.

“Concierge medicine is a convenient choice,” says Ashley. “Not being able to get appointments when I needed them led to frustration with other doctors.

When you have a child who’s sick, you want them better as fast as possible.

Once, we had a vacation planned when our child came down with a bug. The doctor was at our house within the hour after I called, and we were able to make our vacation. It is comforting that I can pick up the phone day or night and have Dr. Christner come to the house. I now have peace of mind throughout those sick nights knowing I can call anytime.”

Dr. Christner says, “Our members call or text us directly on our cell phones, and we meet them where they are. I have visited homes, offices; I have even visited

with The Guidry Family the school nurse a few times so that I can check on a young patient without unnecessarily taking them from school.”

“PCMD proved to be particularly valuable when my husband had a severe infection in his arm,” says Ashley. “They worked around his schedule to accommodate his needs. He never missed a beat at work thanks to treatment and follow-ups at home as well as at his office.”

In addition to being convenient, the Guidrys have found they are receiving more personalized medical care than they did in the past. Ashley says, “We don’t feel like just another medical chart. Each member of my family knows Dr. Christner on an individual level.”

She adds that concern for her family does not end with the conclusion of an appointment. “I am very impressed with their follow-up. He always checks-in post appointment to ensure that everyone is back to their best and healthiest.”

Dr. Christner emphasizes this: “With PCMD, your family gains an advocate who will make sure their wellness is the top priority.”

“We couldn›t be happier with our choice to have Dr. Christner and PCMD improve and maintain our family’s health,” says Ashley. “They have suggested certain nutrition changes based on medical and family history and have done blood work to help determine any health concerns and things to be conscious of as we age. They not only work with us right when we need them, but also help us to plan for the future.”

May-June 2016 97

2016 a publication of

“Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.”

-- Peter Drucker

Women business leaders inspire other women to pursue their dreams. And research shows that women reinvest 90 percent of their earnings in their families and communities— which means that investing in women is an investment in our collective future. Did you know over 30 percent of businesses in our area are owned and operated by women?

Running a business successfully requires big-picture perspective, attention to detail, fearless optimism and boundless ingenuity. The ambitious women featured in the following pages have found a way to thrive in their respective industries, and they are our inspiration.

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

location: FRANCO’S ATHLETIC CLUB

--Lori Murphy, publisher

2

Inside Northside

2016

Feature 4 The Dynamic Duo Jeanine and Addison Riecke

8 Allison McDonnel Fleurt Boutique 9 Grace Piro and Billie Comeaux American Factory Direct Furniture 9 Susan Currie, Allied ASID, CAPS Susan Currie Design 10 Beverly McQuaid Planet Kids Academy

17 Gild Home Decor 18 Beth Fisackerly Boat Stuf 18 Kela Bickham, DNP Reviving Minds, LLC 19 Beth Assaf Rug Chic Home Décor

11 Erin Schaumburg Eros Home and Clothing

20 Dr. Katherine Williams Southern Institute for Women’s Sexual Health

12 Christina Leal McKinley, MD Louisiana Heart Medical Group

22 Gretchen Armbruster Armbruster Artworks

13 Kathy Seiden Vine

23 Holly Shannon Get Free Get Fit

13 Kelly Simon mélange by KP

24 Ellen Bajon EMB Interiors

14 Shanna Cole and Dodie Adams Integrity Builders Inc.

24 Laura Simpson Dugas Pest Control

14 Lori Mills Pausina Fidelity Bank

25 Nicole Suhre St. Tammany Hospital Foundation

15 Lynn Dow California Closets New Orleans

26 Andrea Erwin Potter The Law Office of Andrea Erwin Potter, PLC

16 Ann Habisreitinger Barré, M. Ed. Huntington Learning Center

Women IN Business 3

The Dynamic Duo

Jeanine and Addison Riecke

she leads us to the living room. Addison, or Addie

DRIVING UP TO THEIR HOUSE in Covington, you get

as her family and friends lovingly call her, is the first

the sense that the Riecke’s are your typical northshore

to speak, talking with me about all the things you

family. Their front porch drips with Southern charm;

would expect to hear from a happy 12-year-old. She

the well-recognized flags of LSU and Louisiana hang

excitedly tells me about how she attends Riverview

prominently out front over large bushes of blooming

Camp for Girls every summer without fail: “I’m a

pink azaleas. Like many others homes in the area, tall

Shawnee,” she says proudly of her chosen tribe. “This

stacks of timber lay alongside the driveway, indicative

will be my sixth year going to Riverview, and I just love

of damage caused by the recent unprecedented

it because I get to go with my friends from Covington,

flooding. But these could not detract from the beauty

and it’s one of those places that just feels like a

and cheerfulness of the home as I drive up on a sunny

second home to me.” She continues, talking about

morning. Jared, Jeanine and their young daughter,

her school, Kehoe France, and how she is on the

Addison, welcome me on the front steps with a level of

cheerleading squad, that she loves hanging out with

hospitality only instinctual to true southerners.

her friends and playing with her boxer puppy, Coco.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” says Addison with

But Addison Riecke is not your typical sixth

a polite and soft manner as she shakes my hand. Her

grader. For the last three years, the young actress has

parents, in turn, greet me with the warmth usually

had a full-time job playing Nora Thunderman on the

only expected from family.

Nickelodeon hit-sitcom The Thundermans. The show,

“So where should we start?” asks Jeanine, 4

laughing in a comfortable yet still hesitant way as

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Maggie Murphy

Inside Northside

which was recently picked up for a fourth season

and won this year’s Kids Choice Award for Favorite TV Show, revolves around a family with superpowers trying to live a normal life. Like her character on TV, Addison has been living a double life, balancing between work and home with more grace than many women in her position who are 20 years her elder.

As Jed Springarn, executive producer and creator of The Thundermans, attests, “Addison has a crazily high level of professionalism. The joke on set is that she’s secretly 40 years old.”

Talking with Addison about her professional life tells you that she is not just passionate about what she does, but that she also holds a sense of gratitude for the success she has achieved. When I ask her about how she felt when first starting her career, she says, “When we went out to LA for the first time, it was really just my mom and me.”

Her dad interjects, laughing, “They said they would go and try for three weeks, and that was three years ago now.”

Addison laughs, continuing, “I had no idea, in my wildest dreams that it would get this far. It’s so exciting, because we all work very hard, and it’s rewarding when it pays off.” In a humble way, she adds, “What I do doesn’t define me. It doesn’t make me who I am. I love what I do, but if God decided tomorrow that he wants it to be over, I am ok with that because I know that it’s his plan.”

Startled by her eloquent description, I see a glimmer of the influence of her parents in her modest statement. I tell her, “You are definitely an old soul.”

Her mom responds, “She gets that a lot.”

Above: As the

Addison agrees, laughing: “I really do.”

Orange Carpet

Her work schedule would be daunting for many.

BOOKS, an organization that creates richly illustrated

correspondent for

As Springarn explains, “Addison’s had a full-time

books with no text aimed at igniting imagination and

Lucky Charms,

job on The Thundermans since the age of 9. She has

inspiring creativity in children. “I know some of the

Addison interviews

to learn her lines, rehearse all week, then do a live

most abundantly generous and focused people on the

her TV brother

audience show and balance that with her three hours

planet,” says Meredith Scott Lynn, the creator of WRiTE

Jack Griffo at the

of school a day, plus public appearances. There

BRAiN BOOKS, “and none of them are a close second

Nickelodeon Kids’

aren’t many kids who can do that, let alone do it at

to the incomparable Addison Riecke!”

Choice Awards.

the high level that Addie attains.” He continues, “She

Donna Edwards, first lady of Louisiana, who

Below: Addison and

is this odd amalgam of kid and adult—so shy and

recently accompanied Addison to the Youth

her other TV sibling,

polite in person, but when the camera rolls, she has

Empowerment Program in New Orleans, adds

Diego Velazquez,

the comedy chops of a comic headlining in Vegas.”

“Addison is setting a wonderful example for her

on the Paramount

In addition to her job on The Thundermans

peers and for all of us. Addison works with many

Studio’s lot where

Addison devotes a large amount of time and energy

charitable groups and shows us you’re never too

The Thundermans

working with projects she believes in, like WRiTE BRAiN

young to give to others.”

>>

is filmed.

Women IN Business 5

Addison says, “It really is the best of both worlds.”

To help her achieve this, her parents have, from the beginning, committed to constantly trying to put balance in Addison’s life to make sure she does not miss out on having a childhood. As Jeanine explains, “I think the most important thing for us has always been balance. Everyone needs balance in his or her life.”

She continues, “What has been really important to us, whether we are in Covington, Los Angeles or New York, is how we can keep her grounded, how we make sure that she stays humble and how we make sure that she does not feel like she is loosing something.”

That is not to say that Addison has not made sacrifices, like any other girl in her position, for her career. “From the very beginning she has always been willing to miss birthday parties and sleepovers because she had acting class or needed to attend an audition.

Her passion for acting and the dedication to her work is something she has always made a priority, and because

Jared, Addison

she has made it a priority, so do we,” says Jeanine.

and Jeanine Riecke

At the same time, Addison’s schooling has

in front of their

always been a major factor for her parents in

Covington home.

deciding how they would facilitate her working life.

“It’s great for us that she is able to remain in school here in Covington. Every hiatus week when they are not filming, we fly home so she can be in school.

When we are back in LA, Kehoe sends her curriculum to her on-set tutor so that when she is back in school she can pick up right where they are.” This system, like many other parts of Addison’s professional life, have been worked out over time by trial and error.

“It has definitely been a learning process for everyone,” says Jeanine. “Neither I nor her father has any experience working in the entertainment industry.

I am a nurse, and Jared is a developer. But we knew that, for us, the most important thing was making sure takes her role as a role model seriously and is

filled week, that Addison remembers that she is still 12

always doing charity appearances in her spare time.

years old and that she should embrace that.”

She knows that, to kids who love the show, meeting

Addison’s description of her life in Covington

someone from their favorite program is incredibly

reflects that. She says, “Traveling of course can get

special and memorable.”

stressful because I’m going back and forth between

It seems that for this budding young actress,

6

that at the end of the day, coming home from a work-

work and schoolwork, but it’s just so nice to get to see

her work is never finished. Excitedly talking about the

friends and relax for a second before we go back to

chance she has been given to live, literally, in two places

our crazy-fun but crazy-busy schedule in LA.”

at once, pursuing her dream in Los Angeles while

This schedule is, of course, not just hers. As

remaining the Covington girl she has always been,

Addison explains to me, “I am always with my mom,

Inside Northside

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Springarn echoes this statement, saying, “Addie

and she has been so supportive of me through this

sarcasm, devotion to Christianity, empathy. It has

entire process. We have become a lot closer through

been amazing to watch Addison grow from this little

the whole experience just being in LA hanging out

7-year-old who wanted to be an actress to the young

with each other every day.” She then turns to her

women that she is becoming with the same core

mom and quickly says, “I love you.”

values and sense of humor we have imparted to her.

Her mom, smiling, responds, “I love you too.”

I don’t think that she would be the same as she is

This small exchange between mother and

today if they had not taken this journey together.”

daughter reveals the other half of this story. It’s a

When talking about what they have planned for

story of a mother daughter team, a dynamic duo of a

Mother’s Day, Addison says that she hopes to just

talented young lady and her biggest supporter, her

spend the time relaxing with family. “It’s always go, go,

mom. Jeanine, explaining the bond they share, says,

go. Especially for my mom, it’s always go, go, go, so I

“Like Addison said, this whole experience has really

hope that she gets the opportunity to be able to relax.”

brought us closer. Especially when we first went out

Jeanine adds, “We usually stay here in Covington

there, it was just the two of us. Being together every

for Mother’s Day. We always say ‘coming back to

day, we have learned so much about each other

Covington’—it’s kind of like a vacation, even though

that we may not have otherwise come to learn. We

we are just going home.”

also have learned to have so much patience and

When I ask Addison what she thought her mom’s

understanding with each other. It’s almost like a

superpower would be if she had one, she responds,

best friend thing, but obviously different, closer. This

“I think she could be in four places at once, because

has been an incredible journey that we were lucky

she is so good at that, she handles stress so well and

enough to get to go on together.”

is always super calm.”

Jared agrees, saying, “Being on the outside

Her mom laughs, “So teleportation basically?

looking in, they finish each other’s sentences and

That would be a cool superpower. We would save

jokes. They have the same sense of humor, love for

tons of time on air travel!” she adds.

Women IN Business 7

Allison McDonnel Fleurt Boutique

Step into Fleurt Boutique’s stunning space in downtown Covington and leave feeling fabulous. Allison McDonnel’s favorite part of owning Fleurt is the interaction she is able to have with her customers. “Styling customers and being able to help them choose an outfit that is flattering and makes them feel confident is vital to me. I truly love what I do.”

Allison opened Fleurt Boutique in 2011 to carry contemporary clothing, shoes and accessories, but after a successful first year in business, she knew she needed to set Fleurt apart from other boutiques in the community. “I wanted to create a niche for Fleurt. Coincidentally, during this time, a downtown Covington bridal boutique had recently closed, and several times a week customers would stop in to ask if we carried formal dresses.

“While I was reluctant to downsize the contemporary inventory, I knew this niche was what Fleurt needed. The formal and cocktail division grew from there!”

Now in its fifth year of business, Fleurt’s racks are filled with over 400 long formal and short cocktail dresses in stock year-round. For every occasion and Louisiana season, Fleurt offers dresses for balls, prom, homecoming, bridal and mother-of-the-bride. She even has tuxedos for the lucky men accompanying the women dressed in Fleurt.

Formal designers found at Fleurt include Jovani, Aidan Mattox, Teri Jon, Terani Couture, Black Halo and Alyce Paris. Allison also carries Jovani Bridal, Jasmine Couture and Allure Bridal for that special day. Unlike most boutiques, Fleurt’s formal department offers an array of sizes ranging from 00-28. Many of the formal and cocktail gowns are offered in several colors, only taking three to five days to reorder.

Fleurt’s elegant, vibrant and fun atmosphere also hosts the high-end contemporary looks that Allison originally opened with. Find outfits for the 8

Inside Northside

weekend, date night, work and play with brands including Alice & Trixie, Madison Marcus, Young Fabulous and Broke, Nicole Miller and BCBG Maxazria.

“I always tell my customers to never look like you are trying too hard to impress anyone. And if you are willing to wear it, own it. I stress that it’s very important to look and dress age-appropriate.”

Once Allison and her friendly staff have helped you find the perfect fit, Fleurt has plenty essentials to accompany your look. All of the accessories including shoes, clutches and jewelry are available at Fleurt.

Allison keeps a beautiful collection of Virgins Saints and Angels in stock to add a touch of sparkle to any outfit.

Allison studied business in college and has always loved the fashion industry. She continues to run her business with passion, because she believes that a love for what you do is true success. When not making her customers feel confident, Allison spends time with her husband, Allan, and their two children, Alexis and Evan.

“When I was a child, my father instilled in me that my reputation is the only thing I could control. Even until this day, that statement haunts me!

It makes me strive to be my best and always be genuine with my customers.

“Anyone that knows me understands I truly love what I do, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to make a difference and help women feel beautiful!”

Fleurt Boutique is located at 820 E Boston St. in Covington.

809-8844. shopfleurt.com.

Grace Piro and Billie Comeaux American Factory Direct Furniture

During American Factory Direct Furniture’s 20 years, Billie Comeaux and her family have seen unbelievable growth.

“Our vision was to give clients a large selection of furniture with a designer look, factory-direct pricing and local service,” says Billie.

Billie and her husband, Bob, opened their first location in Mandeville in 1996 after years of working in Bob’s family’s furniture store in New Orleans. While Bob has always been about price, Billie has always been about design.

“As a family-operated business, we are able to work hard to keep overhead costs low, which allows lower prices for our clients,” says daughter Grace Comeaux-Piro.

With over 125,000 square feet in three locations, AFD has grown from its original 10,000-square-foot showroom to one of the Gulf South’s leading furniture retailers. AFD now also offers a Weekends Only Clearance Center in Covington.

Though the business has grown far beyond Bob and Billie’s expectations they still continue to stay true to their original vision of “Designer looks, Exceptional Pricing with Local Service”.

By attending over four markets a year, AFD ensures the latest trends are offered while bringing rooms together with both function and style. “Our stores have been complimented as some of the most beautiful showrooms in the region,” smiles Billie. “We are honored by how the Lord has blessed us.”

AFD Furniture Mandeville ~ Baton Rouge Long Beach ~ Covington ~ Clearance Center 985-871-0300. afd-furniture.com.

Susan Currie, Allied ASID, CAPS Susan Currie Design

Bold and vibrant colors are a trademark of Susan Currie’s design. She says, “I start with subtle shades of neutral hues as a backdrop. Then identify the color that a client is most attracted to and introduce pops of that color through artwork and accessories to create focal points in a room.”

Susan’s keen eye for color leads to interiors reflective of her client’s style and sensibilities. Her expertise allows Susan to navigate through design options that are creative and functional. She says, “Interior design is about life. It’s about how we move through a space, how we enjoy things and what we do in that environment. Listening is one of the most important things I do when working with a client. Whether designing a new home or updating a current one, I work very closely with my clients to help them realize how their design dreams can fit their lifestyle.”

Susan brings a lot of playfulness to a project. “I always make time to have fun,” she says. “Renovation or new design projects can be overwhelming so I love to take my clients on a shopping adventure to spark their enthusiasm whether it’s visiting antique shops or selecting new stone for their kitchen. If they’re excited about it, my job is that much more rewarding.”

Continually inspired by designing in both Atlanta and New Orleans, the different markets keep Susan’s designs fresh. “I can’t imagine doing anything else. Interior design is definitely a part of my soul.”

Reach Susan at susan@susancurriedesign.com or 504-237-6112. susancurriedesign.com.

Women IN Business 9

Beverly McQuaid Planet Kids Academy

“As early childhood educators, we work with the parent and child to create the child’s strong self-esteem and healthy self confidence,” says Planet Kids Academy founder Beverly McQuaid. “By addressing all three sides, we are able to bring it all together for the good of the child.”

The good of the child has been the focus for Beverly since PKA’s opening 21 years ago. The academy operates year-round, offering a full-day program on a three- to five-day-a-week basis for children ranging from 12 months to 5 years.

Beverly and her staff aim to make the space and activities inviting to kids.

Parent Courtney Kiel LeBlanc says: “When searching for a preschool, I definitely did my homework. We toured nearly every school in St. Tammany, and the moment we entered PKA we knew that we were home! Since 2013, our kids have attended PKA. The curriculum is amazing, and my children are well rounded and happy. At the end of the day, you can tell from their overall temperament and daily report that their day was lived to the fullest. My children continue to blossom every day, and every year is an exciting new opportunity for growth and development.”

Through the use of inquiry, observation, whole language and a variety of manipulative materials, the staff at PKA teaches children how to problem solve, make decisions and think creatively. “We continue to chase perfection and try to set the standard for early childhood care,” says Beverly.

Education Consultant Darlene Pevoto has been with PKA for 18 years. Darlene holds her masters in elementary education, with specializations in reading and special education. “Working intimately with both teachers and parents is highly gratifying,” says Darlene. “My consulting role magnifies that satisfaction, especially when I can provide mentorship, guidance, remediation and referrals. The successful outcomes of these collaborations create happiness and the potential for self10

Inside Northside

achievement in the children.”

Parents Ryan and Christian Goodlett say: “Once we met the staff at PKA, our pre-school decision was made.

The curriculum has contributed to the substantial development in academics and social interaction in both of our children. The staff is like family to all of us, and management is always open to all parental needs or concerns. With our daughter graduating from PKA this year, it is undeniable that the academic and social foundation she has received has given her an advantage moving forward.”

The curriculum of each class is created to provide an integrated approach to emotional, cognitive, physical and social development preparing students for the skills needed at a kindergarten level. PKA also offers art, science, Spanish, computer and even yoga.

“PKA has truly been a wonderful experience for my child. My 3-yearold is excited to go to school every morning, and the amount he has learned in one year is amazing,” says parent Jenny Carr. “I’m constantly surprised and impressed when he comes home to tell me what he has learned—everything from colors and facial features in Spanish; numbers up to 30; the entire alphabet and words that correlate; the days of the week and months of the year; and The Pledge of Allegiance. I can’t imagine feeling more comfortable and confident anywhere else. I know that he is in good hands and is growing and learning at a rate that he would nowhere else. PKA makes learning fun for Jake. It’s a place like no other.”

Planet Kids Academy is located at 317 Hwy. 21 in Madisonville. 845-0377. planetkidsacademy.com

Erin Schaumburg Eros Home and Clothing

Erin Schaumburg can’t imagine the last 20 years spent any other way. She is in awe of her loyal customers—some now fourth generation—that have blessed her since opening in 1996. As the daughter of the owner of the well-known Chatta Box Boutique in Metairie, retail was always a part of Erin’s life.

“My mother’s boutique has been open for over 50 years, even before it was common for a woman to run a business. As a young girl, I started going to markets in New York and Dallas learning the ways of the retail. Everything I know is because of my mom.”

When Erin decided to open her own store, she moved to the northshore, because she did not want to compete with her family’s business. Through college, Erin babysat for Bobbie Hebert’s family and taught aerobics at Franco’s. The friendships she created then soon became her loyal customers of 20 years.

Since inception, the store has evolved from a clothing store to include home furnishings and an in-house design service. Her mother’s impeccable eye for beauty inspired Erin’s own unique style that has served customers since she began offering interior design services in 2005. “My mother always said that you should love the next room you walk into even more than the last,” says Erin. “I want to create that for my clients—a place that they feel wonderful in.” Erin now largely focuses on design, while running her own home and keeping up with her five active boys.

When working with clients on a design project, Erin aims to get to know her clients to ultimately create a space that reflects their lifestyle. As a wife and mother, she understands the importance of durable furniture and the blessing of a family-focused space that they will never want to leave. Erin also designs a custom upholstery line that offers sofas, headboards, dining chairs and more.

Speaking of never wanting to leave, Eros’ impressive 3,200-squarefoot retail space welcomes customers with inspiration. Whether searching for an accent chair or weekend outfit, Erin continues to provide a relational shopping experience that allows customers to return feeling like a part of the family.

Gift items perfect for baby and wedding showers are also a part of the Mandeville gem’s inventory. Eros’ store manager Kathy Sims enjoys helping each customer find the perfect gift for others or themselves. “Everyone always says that Kathy is such a treat to visit,” says Erin. “She is great at what she does, and I truly believe people come back because they love Kathy!”

Erin and her family of successful business owners attend markets together each year. “As a family, we sharpen each other. It’s what allows us to create beautiful inventories. I continue to learn from my mother as well as my sisters.”

Erin’s success led her to open two additional boutiques in Baton Rouge with business partners 10 years ago. As for the next 20 years, she can’t wait to see what it holds as she continues to do what she loves. If you’ve never been to Eros, plan a visit—you are sure to be one of Eros’ next 20 years of loyal customers!

“As women, we want to love how we look and how our homes feel. At Eros, we are able to not only dress you, but also dress your home. We can do it all, which is important to busy wives and mothers.”

Follow Eros on Instagram and Facebook to see new inventory and updates! Eros Home and Clothing is located at 3906 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville, 727-0034.

May-June 2016 11

Christina Leal McKinley, MD Louisiana Heart Medical Group

Dr. Christina Leal McKinley’s path to a career in family medicine has always been about family. She says, “I found my way into family medicine by roundabout.

I was in Orlando for a trauma surgery program when my grandmother became ill.

My mother was mentally drained by the situation, and I felt the need to transfer back to Louisiana to help my family. There were no trauma programs available, but there was a family medicine residency opening. I took it, and it’s the best decision I’ve made.”

Dr. Leal McKinley’s priority in family is the drive behind caring for her patients. A native of Metairie, she moved to the northshore with her husband in 2008 and began practicing medicine there in 2011. While she continues to see patients at her Hammond office, in October 2015, Dr. Leal McKinley joined the Louisiana Heart Medical Group in Covington as a family practitioner to be closer to her home and family in Bush.

As a primary care physician in LHMG, the fastest-growing multi-specialty physician group on the northshore, Dr. Leal McKinley has access to physician partners who are board-certified specialists in cardiology, vascular, general, orthopaedic and spine surgery, among others. When patients need treatment from a specialist, primary care physicians act as the quarterback and are instrumental in coordinating the patient’s care with the right specialist.

“The benefit of having a primary care physician is that we are able to develop a relationship with our patients,” says Dr. Leal McKinley. “I care about my patients and see them as an extension of my family. Even if a patient only sees me once a year to check-in, I may be able to detect a medical problem sooner. Sometimes, I may see something wrong before the patient even knows. It’s an important part of 12

Inside Northside

maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

Also an important part of Dr. Leal McKinley’s life is her avid training for triathlons. She says, “I practice what I preach to my patients. I’m a huge health advocate and try to share the importance of taking care of yourself to prevent illnesses. I see myself as a health coach with a medical background.”

Dr. Leal McKinley completed her general surgery internship at Orlando Regional Medical Center and her family medicine residency at East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, where she also served as family medicine chief resident. Dr. Leal McKinley received her medical doctorate from LSU School of Medicine, New Orleans, and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians; she is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Active in the community, Dr. Leal McKinley is available to speak on health and wellness topics to community organizations and employer groups. She has been a guest on The Lake 94.7 radio Medical Minute show and has lectured to teens and young adults on many topics related to sports medicine and preventing injuries.

Dr. Leal McKinley is accepting new patients in Covington at 20 Starbrush Crl., 871-6020, and in Hammond at 42078 A Veterans Ave., 419-1884.

To arrange for a personal presentation, see Contact Us, Request a Speaker at louisianaheart.com.

Kathy Seiden Vine

Kelly Simon mélange by KP

Kathy Seiden has always had an interest in fashion and enjoyed helping friends find the perfect outfit. She also found it difficult to find polished outfits that would carry her from lunch to sports practices to dinner. As a busy mother of four, she shopped out of town for brands that were comfortable, affordable and on trend.

When Kathy’s good friend, Kelly Simon of mélange by KP, told her a storefront was available next to hers, she suggested a boutique would be a good addition to Turtle Creek Shopping Center. Six short months later, Vine was born. “When opening a year ago, my goal was to create a relaxed atmosphere where women could shop and not feel pressured,” says Kathy.

Customers often ask about the name. Kathy wanted to have a boutique where outfits were natural, organic and effortless—as if they were picked off a vine. She believes you should wear the clothes, the clothes shouldn’t wear you. Vine offers current looks that are clean and streamlined for women of all ages, making it easy to build a wardrobe.

Kathy carries many clothing, jewelry and shoe brands, while always considering fit, color and how it’s going to wear.

“I always want to make sure that everyone feels beautiful in what they are wearing. You can tell it in their eyes when it’s the perfect piece. And if it isn’t, we put it back on the rack and try something new.” As a result many people walk in as customers and leave as friends.

In mélange by KP’s fifth year at the Turtle Creek Shopping Center, Kelly Simon is looking forward to what the next five years hold. “I am so grateful for the business and my customers,” she says. “I truly enjoy serving such a great community and offering new and exciting items.”

While mélange by KP offers a plethora of furniture, fixtures, home accents and more, Kelly has been expanding with more furniture collections and a drapery line. She can dress your home for comfort and relaxation—much like the atmosphere of her shop. “Customers tell us how the scents, sounds and sights add to the shopping experience,” she says.

“Many will apologize for hanging around, but that’s exactly what I set out to create. A place that makes you feel good by just being here.”

You can also take that goodness home or give it to a friend. The shop now features 10 new local artists, handmade original pottery and more unique gift items. Also new are more advanced technique Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® classes.

“As we’ve grown, we want to continue to please our repeat customers, who feel like family, as well as bring in new faces,” says Kelly.

Stop in to enjoy the newly expanded inventory or to pick Kelly’s brain about how to rethink a room. She will help you find the perfect fit for your decorating, upcycling and gifting needs.

Vine is located at the Turtle Creek Shopping Center, 5200 Hwy 22, Ste. 4, in Mandeville. 951-0005.

mélange by KP is located at the Turtle Creek Shopping Center, 5200 Hwy. 22, Ste. 2, in Mandeville. 807-7652. melangekp.com Women IN Business 13

Shanna Cole and Dodie Adams Integrity Builders Inc.

With over 20 years’ experience in the home building industry, Dodie and Kenny Adams feel confident in building custom homes on time, on budget and with integrity. At Integrity Builders, the family’s focus is to provide each homeowner with quality construction techniques and features available in the current building industry. “One of our best assets is the priority we place on customers’ expectations,” says Dodie.

Dodie handles banking, billing, invoicing and helps their daughter Shanna with office management. As the customer liaison and design consultant, Shanna works customers through all design decisions during the building process. She says, “I enjoy meeting with customers to help create what they envision their home to be.”

When not building extraordinary custom homes, Dodie builds strong relationships within the community. She is on the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce board of directors and the immediate past-president of the Northshore Home Builders Association. Recently, she received the Builders Engaging Associate Members award of the National Association of Home Builders. The BEAM award is given to a member who values doing business with trade partners, suppliers and service providers who are NAHB members.

Dodie also received the Certified Graduate Builder of the Year award and the Professional Women in Building Trustee of the Year award.

Integrity Builders is proud to build the NHBA’s “2016 Raising the Roof for Charity” Raffle House. Net proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Louisiana, the Covington Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity-St. Tammany West and the Tammany Trace Foundation.

Integrity Builders Inc. is located at 949 Austerlitz St. in Mandeville, 626-3479. homesbyintegrity.com.

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Inside Northside

Lori Mills Pausina Fidelity Bank

Lori Mills Pausina started her banking career 27 years ago. As of the New Year, Lori joined Fidelity Bank as Sales and Service Leader supporting 18 branches. She shares Fidelity’s commitment to world-class client service and mission statement, “Here for Good.”

From Vancleave, Mississippi, Lori moved to Metairie after college and marrying her husband, Michael. Having worked in banking on the southshore for 12 years and 15 on the northshore, she says, “If it were not for my extended Louisiana family, I’m not sure if this Mississippi girl would have survived. I have truly been blessed in my life and career, and for that, I choose to give back by helping others.” Finding fulfillment in lending a helping hand, Lori is deeply involved in local organizations and nonprofits including Northshore Mandeville Kiwanis and STARC. “Our clients tell me they truly appreciate the personal service of Fidelity Bank; however, our online and mobile banking also offer the latest technology to make routine banking virtually effortless,” says Lori. “We are big enough to handle multi-million dollar loans for businesses, yet small enough to know your name and to ask about ‘your momma and dem.’”

Fidelity Bank was founded in 1908. As a mutual bank, it is owned by its depositors. Smart, fast decisions are made locally instead of by Wall Street. With $800 million in assets, Fidelity Bank is a full-service financial institution offering personal and business checking, savings and loan products.

Its mortgage division, NOLA Lending Group, is one of the premier mortgage lenders in the community. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.

Visit Lori at the Covington branch at 2201 N. Hwy. 190.

871-4202. For locations, visit bankwithfidelity.com or nolalending.com

Lynn Dow

California Closets New Orleans Everyone dreams of being organized, but for Lynn Dow and her husband, Doug, organization is a reality. Lynn and Doug’s story with the California Closets franchise began in 2008. After years of successfully helping loyal clients, the couple began looking for new prospects. They visited California Closets in Metairie, whose owner was ready to retire. In perfect timing, the two moved to Louisiana to take a chance on a new market for them.

Now with nearly two years in the drawer, Lynn is enjoying assisting clients from New Orleans to the northshore to Baton Rouge and Lafayette. With a design team of six, the women work to meet each need and want for clients. Barbie Ross, Dena Jackson, Erin Philley, Michele Roberts, Naomi Carter and Regan Zibilich love assisting customers all the way from the beginning stages to the end result.

“Our design consultants obtain a lot of satisfaction working with clients to get the perfect customized system,” says Lynn. “The process begins with a consultation in the desired space, followed by many questions about the space’s use. For instance, if we are planning a couple’s closet, we take into account the height of the couple. If one spouse is 6 foot 5 inches and the other petite, we build the plans to fit. We don’t want a tall client’s clothes to drag nor do we want a petite client to be unable to reach their clothes. We even count pairs of shoes to have the appropriate amount of shoe storage or shelving.”

The completely custom plan is then developed in proprietary 3-D software for the client to view. This allows you to visualize the space once it’s completed. The final design includes the client’s choice of finishes, accents, lighting and accessories.

From there, the manufacturing process begins at their shop in Kenner.

Many of the finishes offered by California Closets are exclusively made. From

sustainable materials to innovative accents, they meet the highest quality of standards, backed by a limited lifetime guarantee. Lynn and her team can provide a look that reflects the rest of your home. “Esthetically, we want the closet, media cabinet or whatever it may be to complement the rest of the space we are working in,” says Lynn.

After the system is manufactured, it is installed with a white-glove service at the client’s convenience. Installers treat the home as their own, leaving it spotless with the new system ready to be used. The next task after installation is, of course, loving and enjoying the closet.

“The finished product is a functional space that allows life to be simple and organized,” says Lynn.

“When they visit our showroom, we always like to remind customers that no matter the space, we can take any system and scale it to meet your needs.

That’s what we do best.”

The organization provided by Lynn and the team is not limited to closets.

Whether you have a charming cottage in the downtown Covington where you’d like to combine a guest room and home office to maximize space, or you have a historic home near the lakefront in which you’d like to create closet space where none currently exists, the team can create a one-of-a-kind solution tailored to your specific needs.

Lynn says, “We can design walk-in closets, reach-in closets, media centers, pantries, laundry room, wall beds and anything in between.”

Visit the Metairie showroom to get an up-close look at California Closets’ high-quality systems, unique finishes and accessories offered. Organization can be a reality.

Visit California Closets at 3211 N. Causeway Blvd. in Metairie.

(504)828-5705. californiaclosets.com.

Women IN Business 15

Ann Habisreitinger Barré, M. Ed. Huntington Learning Center

For almost 40 years, the Huntington Advantage has had proven results. Each student is treated as an individual, with personalized attention and programs to fit each need, academic goal, and schedule.

Director Ann Habisreitinger Barré, a former classroom teacher and school counselor, has been with Huntington for 20 years. She says: “What I love about Huntington is that I can do what I couldn’t do in the classroom.

There were always a few students in my class that were not able to keep up. As a teacher, you have to go from point A to point B by the end of the school year. At Huntington, we can take those struggling students individually to figure out what is needed to fix the problem.”

Huntington is the oldest provider of supplemental education in the country. Since 1977, the four-part program is proven to help kids think, learn and succeed on their own in school and later in life.

Individual testing and tutoring are available for reading, study skills, writing, phonics, spelling, math, and ACT/SAT test prep. The Huntington Mandeville location opened in 1999.

All tutoring at Huntington is individualized. Huntington begins with an evaluation followed by a personalized plan based on the results of the evaluation. The plan is then implemented by a certified teacher in individual tutoring sessions to help students learn at their own pace and level to build skills, confidence, and motivation. As progress is seen, parents and teachers are kept in the loop with regular conferences. Ann says she really enjoys seeing students improve and reach their goals.

The mother of Zacary says: “Our family moved to Mandeville last summer, but once school started, my husband and I realized that Zacary was going to need some help with reading and writing. After lots of research, we decided Huntington was the right fit for him, and we could 16

Inside Northside

not have been happier! Ms. Amanda, who worked with Zacary, was so helpful with keeping us up to date on his progress. We knew he was right on track to meet his goal of catching up to his classmates. We will always thank Huntington from the bottom of our hearts.”

“When I started at Huntington, reading was hard for me. They really helped me get better at reading. Plus, I had really good teachers,” says Zacary.

In addition to regular academic tutoring, Huntington offers test prep for state tests as well as the ACT/SAT exams. “On average, students who prep with Huntington for their ACT see a four to six-point increase in their test scores. We reach this by determining the student’s skillset, enhancing their strengths, and building up their weaknesses,” says Ann. “Whether they are trying to get into the thirties for scholarships, out-ofstate tuition waivers, or looking for the minimum score needed to get into their dream school, helping these emerging young adults start their future on the right track is very rewarding.”

High school senior Emma says: “Huntington cares about their students and wants to see every student improve in all aspects. Not only have my ACT scores improved by eight points, but my grades at school have improved as well. The study skills and techniques they have taught me will stick with me forever.”

While Huntington aims for better grades and higher test scores, the outcome is continued confidence and success. Sixth grader Grace says, “Huntington has made an improvement in my life. Before I started Huntington, my grades were dropping, and I couldn’t keep up with everyone else. As my grades started improving, I started to feel better about my abilities and myself. I now recommend Huntington to anyone struggling in school. It makes a difference in learning!”

Summertime at Huntington is a great time to prepare for the fall ACT exam and upcoming school year. Make your child’s next school year the best school year ever by summer tutoring at Huntington!

Huntington Learning Center is located at 1748A N. Causeway Blvd. in Mandeville.

727-0000. huntingtonhelps.com.

Gild Home Decor Sisters Katie O’Donnell and Kelly Fangue of Gild Home Decor are believers in fate. While looking for the perfect spot for their new business, they found a gold “gilded” wall in one space—and that was the last sign from fate they needed.

Their lifelong dream of opening a retail store together became a reality when everything seamlessly fell into place.

Armed with their passion for retail and customer service and years of retail buying experience, they partnered with their mother, Carol O’Donnell, who owned The Linen Closet in downtown Covington in the ’80s. Staffing the store themselves, one of the three personally greets and assists each Gild customer.

Together, they have chosen an impressive selection of quality furniture—hand-selected, one-of-kind pieces that not only look great today, but will be an investment to enjoy for years to come. Complimentary design consultation helps their customers select the perfect addition for each unique space.

“Bring in a photo of the room you’re decorating. If we don’t have the piece you’re looking for in the store, we can custom order one,” says Katie.

A wide array of accessories and gifts starting at $20 complements the furniture collection. Unique to the area are Henhouse Linens, Boatman Gellar personalized items, D.V. KAP Home decorative pillows and pieces from local artist Riva Caldwell.

The mother-daughters team can’t wait to welcome you as part of the Gild family—and don’t miss the large holiday display in the upcoming season!

Gild Home Decor is located at 3441 E. Causeway Approach, Suite C, in Mandeville. 629-4002.

Women IN Business 17

Beth Fisackerly Boat Stuf

There is nothing more satisfying than working with my family in a fun and dynamic business. No two days are ever the same. It’s a pleasure to help people get out on the water and enjoy boating.

My grandfather started Frank L. Beier Radio, Inc., in 1945 selling marine radio equipment and radars to supply boats. In the mid-’80s, my father and uncle opened Boat Stuf to service the recreational boating industry.

When I graduated from Tulane University in 1991, I joined the family business. In 1992, I hired my future husband, Jimmy Fisackerly. After transforming Boat Stuf into a real retail store, we convinced my father to buy out a boat dealer so we could sell boats. Since then, Boat Stuf has consistently been a “Best In Class” Yamaha dealership thanks to our top-notch staff.

At our two locations, Boat Stuf sells inshore and offshore fishing boats, as well as flat boats and pontoon boats. Our brands include Regulator, Sea Fox, Ranger, Blue Wave, Silver Wave, Twin Vee, and Alweld boats.

The family aspect of Boat Stuf is growing, with our son joining us. He loves going on test rides. Our daughter is still in high school, so we will have to see if she ever comes on board. She may have it in her blood, too, since she landed her first blue marlin last summer on our boat—aptly named Good Stuf.

Boat Stuff is located at 2499 Peters Rd. in Harvey, 504-340-4991, and at 662 Old Spanish Trail in Slidell, 985-649-9044. boatstuf.com.

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Inside Northside

Kela Bickham, DNP Reviving Minds, LLC

Relax. Renew. Revive. That’s exactly what Dr. Kela Bickham wants her patients to do when visiting Reviving Minds, LLC. “There is a social stigma attached to mental health,” says Dr. Bickham. “When opening my practice in 2015, I wanted a name that would welcome patients into a relaxed atmosphere free from judgment.”

Dr. Bickham began her nursing career as a licensed practical nurse in 2003. By 2007, she furthered her education with a bachelor’s at Southeastern Louisiana University, followed by a master’s of science specializing in psychiatry from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2014. As an advanced practice registered nurse, she opened Reviving Minds. This year, she received her doctorate in nursing practice.

“By opening an outpatient clinic, I am able to see patients in a more independent manner. My hope is to decrease hospitalization and have a more welcoming outpatient perspective than what a mental health department may offer.”

From depression to Alzheimer’s, Dr. Bickham treats all disorders with a goal of understanding what each patient is thinking. “For example, research shows in suicide cases that the victim has reached out to at least one person before acting. By listening, we are able to take those thoughts and revive the mind to a more positive thinking.”

Dr. Bickham has been married for 12 years. She and her husband have a daughter who plans to follow in her mother’s footsteps into the healthcare environment with plans to attend medical school.

Dr. Bickham is accepting new patients. She offers preventative care, mental health care and ongoing patient care. Reviving Minds, LLC, is located at 112 Innwood Dr. in Covington, 893-0693.

Beth Assaf

Rug Chic Home Décor With the addition of a beautiful rug as an anchor, a room can easily be made complete. For Beth Assaf, owner of Rug Chic Home Décor, rugs have been not only an anchor for rooms, but also an anchor in her life.

“I have always been interested in hand-knotted rugs. When I was young, I learned the art of rug selection from an antique dealer,” says Beth. “From there, I worked in other professions, but always found myself interested in rugs.”

Beth opened Rug Chic Home Décor 17 years ago in Mandeville. “Rugs instantly add texture and color to a room,” Beth says. “I see hand-knotted rugs as useable art.”

Rugs found at Rug Chic are hand knotted in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, Nepal and other regions that are home to master weavers. “We work closely with weavers in the world’s best rug-making regions to find fine-quality, one-of-a-kind, hand-knotted rugs. We are able to source rugs that translate

well in our local marketplace and only choose items that are made with 100 percent child-free labor.”

After opening, Beth decided to expand the store’s offerings into furniture and home décor. Rug Chic sells furniture for any room in your home, including sofas, chairs, beds and accent pieces. “Like our relationships with our rug weavers, we have a wonderful relationship with Lee Industries, our upholstery manufacturer in North Carolina. We go to the factory and work with them to get the best quality for the price.”

In addition to upholstery and slipcovered furniture, Beth curates a selection of fine wood furniture made in Italy. Antique furniture and rugs are also found throughout the store to add character to your home. And if you don’t see what you’re looking for, Beth can have your piece specially made.

“This year, we are working on a new production of cool-toned rugs.

They will be available this fall after

sunning this summer in Turkey,” says Beth. “We are also working to offer case-good furniture that will give our customers more versatile, lower-pricepoint options.”

Once you have made your selections at Rug Chic, Beth’s team delivers and installs your rugs, furniture and more. “We are happy to deliver and install everything we have in the store.

We enjoy working with designers who allow us to go into a home to install our rugs and furniture. We can also offer help in room layouts and furniture and rug placement.”

To accent your traditional, transitional, contemporary, natural fiber or antique rugs, Rug Chic has décor that will complement them. “We have many unique décor options and plenty of local art to add to your home.”

From pottery to lighting to pillows, the distinctive inventory found at Rug Chic has been appreciated for many years by the store’s loyal designers and customers. Beth is always thrilled to share her love of hand-knotted rugs and fine home décor with her customers, making each day and year in business more exciting than the last.

“I enjoy the start-to-finish transition seen in the rug industry,” says Beth. “We work on designs that take a full year to complete. Once the finished rug has arrived, I love seeing it find a new home in our community.”

Rug Chic Home Décor is located at 4240 Hwy. 22, Ste. 6, in Mandeville, 674-1070. rugchic.com.

May-June 2016 19

Dr. Katherine Williams

Southern Institute for Women’s Sexual Health Sexual Dysfunction in Breast Cancer Patients More now than ever, women confronting breast cancer are prevailing in their campaign against the disease. That’s the magnificent news. Unfortunately, many breast cancer survivors struggle to lead a post-treatment life they recognize— one resembling their life prior to their illness. Dr. Katherine Williams, chief gynecologist-obstetrician (OBGYN) of the Covington-based Center for Women’s Health, has now opened the Southern Institute for Women’s Sexual Health (SIWSH) to not only aid breast cancer survivors but help all women suffering from sexual dysfunction.

“I want to improve breast cancer survivors’ quality of life, and that includes healing any sexual dysfunction they may be experiencing,” explains Williams.

“For survivors to achieve quality intimacy again, many women must have their breast reconstructed and their health return, but they lose their sexual being. I want to provide a place where they can learn to regain that and truly live again.”

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Inside Northside

For too long, whether because of society or culture, women have internalized their physical intimacy obstacles, says Williams. “There could not be a worse time for this phenomenon than when a woman wrestles with the physical trauma and mental anguish that accompany taxing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.”

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) cites research that suggests at least 50 percent of breast cancer patients “experience long-term sexual dysfunction,” and yet there is little indication that sexual counseling factors into oncology treatment or is addressed by any of the patient’s healthcare professionals. This is despite the evidence that dysfunction issues may persist well past the first couple of years of disease-free survival and may “remain constant and fairly severe or even continue to increase” into the future, reports NCI. “I think we as the medical community for so long have been focused on finding the cure for cancer, and with great results—I have more and more patients who are 10-, 15-, 20-year survivors,” affirms Williams.

“Now, progressing forward, it is time we talk about how to live with cancer.

I think this is the moment to encourage more dialogue. It is time for women to stop suffering.”

Breast cancer patients have increased susceptibility to sexual

“It is time we talk about how to live with cancer. I think this is the moment to encourage more dialogue. It is time for women to stop suffering.”

- Dr. Katherine Williams dysfunction issues because of the nature of their disease and its treatment, explains Williams. “Their hormones are often diminished because they have had their ovaries removed as a preventative measure, or as risk reduction for recurrence of breast cancer. Also, (hormones may be diminished) if their ovaries were overwhelmed by the chemotherapy, forcing them into early menopause, or as a result of the medication they are taking.”

Moreover, body changes arising from surgery—such as a mastectomy, for example—may lead to disturbances of a woman’s self image, clinically known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder. “They just don’t feel like a sexual female anymore,” Williams clarifies.

The conditions Williams witnesses most among her breast-cancer surviving patients include: - Pain with intercourse, often severe, preventing an ability to have sex; - The absence of, or a diminished sex drive; and - Depression or anxiety from underactive reproductive hormones, stress, Body Dysmorphic Disorder or any combination of these.

At SIWSH, Williams and her partners offer expert, curative strategies to assist all women, including breast cancer survivors, over these hurdles associated with sexual dysfunction.

“The best course of treatment is a comprehensive history and evaluation that allows the doctor to understand the whole patient. This cannot be done with a simple office visit, period,” emphasizes Williams. “In order to formulate the best treatment plan, I start most consults with a discussion that allows the patient to tell me her story and verbalize her problems. I do an exam that gives me a preliminary diagnosis, and I order a battery of tests specific to female dysfunction.”

Williams also provides a 140-part questionnaire— something her patient can complete at home, in privacy— which she reviews before the patient’s next visit. She says,

“This is a vital element in all of my strategies—listening to my patient’s individual needs. On the second visit, I perform a vulvoscopy to examine the area of concern with a microscope, allowing me to discern any physical abnormalities. I review her questionnaire with her. All of this provides me with better understanding of the patient, her history and medical condition, in order to formulate the best treatment plan.

“Again, you can only do that once you understand the patient,” declares Williams. “And you can only understand them when you promote openness and honesty. The extensive questions and health information I assimilate is designed to best help the patient.”

She gives an illustrative example: “Some breast cancer patients who come to see me are so miserable. They tell me they are very unhappy—the hot flashes, the menopause— all of it. I ask them, ‘What is the scariest thing to you: not living the life you had before or getting cancer again?’

When they say, ‘Not living the life I had before,’ I discuss multiple options to assist each patient, encompassing the risk and benefits related to all plans of care.”

Williams believes most treatment plans apply a multifaceted approach—one that endows strategies specific to each individual woman’s needs—and which she roots in three main tiers: physical therapy, medical therapy and psychotherapy. Her ambition to equip patients with every necessary resource during the healing process motivated Williams to recruit a well-respected oncologist, Dr. Jay Saux, to SIWSH. Saux, much beloved in the oncology community because of his excellence and dedication, provides risk counseling for patient treatment relative to their diagnosis. This adds to a robust arsenal of expertise, allowing Williams and her SIWSH team to restore patients’ sexual health.

Dr. Williams is a board certified OBGYN and fellow of the International Society of Women’s Sexual Health. Currently, she accepts patients at two locations: Center for Women’s Health, 104 Innwood Drive, Covington, LA 70433; and at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, 1717 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130. For additional information or to schedule a new patient appointment, call 985-871-0707.

Women IN Business 21

Gretchen Armbruster Armbruster Artworks

Gretchen Armbruster opened her fine art school and studio in Covington more than four years ago. Her workshop classes are popular, attracting students from Metairie, New Orleans and the entire region. She teaches classes in all mediums, with a special focus on oils. She says, “I couldn’t have imagined loving a job so much. Teaching such talented and wonderful people is truly a great thing to wake up and do every day!”

With the success of her school, Gretchen has outgrown her current building, and she is relocating to 502 Columbia Street in downtown Covington. “I am so excited to be moving to a larger space. There will be room for the school and a gallery,” she says. Gretchen and her students will be right in the middle of every downtown activity. “The location will be ideal for the many arts festivals that take place in Covington. We are looking forward to the traffic the festivals bring as well as being able to participate in so many great events.”

Gretchen’s paintings have graced the walls of countless galleries over the years, including Southern Breeze in Jackson, Mississippi; Taylor Clark Gallery in Baton Rouge; Pineapple Gallery and Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor in Mandeville; and Gallery 526 in New Orleans. Her commissioned portraits don the walls of some of the finer homes in Louisiana. No matter the subject, an Armbruster is always identifiable. “It’s my use of light and contrast of values in a painting,” Gretchen explains. “It’s very dramatic.”

Her notable works include the 2004-06 22

Inside Northside

Crescent City Classic posters, 12 years of elaborate Bacchus designs and extensive murals in the historic French Quarter Old Absinthe House.

Her paintings can also be seen in St. Tammany Parish Hospital, West Jefferson Hospital, Ochsner hospitals and many restaurants and homes in the area. She was featured in the Art of the Horse issue of the national American Art Collector magazine. Her work was even on the big screen in the movie He Said, She Said.

Gretchen’s original 24-by-36 painting The Dictator, which appeared on the cover of the February 2015 issue of Inside New Orleans, portrayed a very colorful Carnival scene. She says, “I moved to the northshore about 18 years ago. As a New Orleans girl, born and raised, I have to say I was surprised at how quickly my family and I embraced life over here. Although I consider myself a South Louisiana artist, my favorite subject is New Orleans. I just love the energy that New Orleans provides in a painting.”

As a young artist, Gretchen studied with local artists such as David Robert Rossbach, Alan Flattmann and David Jinks. She studied at LSU, the John McCrady School of Fine and Applied Arts and the New Orleans Art Institute.

As an instructor now, Gretchen loves fostering the talents of students of all age levels and experience. “I tell my students they need to try every medium and learn all the different techniques because you don’t know your style until you try,” says Gretchen.

“I love working with a student who has never received instruction and helping them discover, little by little, that they have great ability.”

Armbruster Artworks School is at 502 Columbia St. in Covington.

985-630-6295. armbrusterartworks.com.

Holly Shannon Get Free Get Fit

Holly Shannon was a young entrepreneur with a big dream when she opened her first salon in 1996. Salon Centro quickly became a leading color destination in New Orleans, winning several awards.

As Holly’s salon grew, so did her family, and she recognized the need for balance between the two. In April 2012, an opportunity to move toward a healthier lifestyle presented itself: a body wrap that would tighten, tone and firm any area of the body where it was applied. Skeptical at first, she decided to give it a try. She thought, “It probably won’t work, but if it does, every client will want it!”

Holly had incredible results. Knowing that this was something she had to share with everyone she knew, she created her own wellness company, Get Free Get Fit. She loves introducing life-changing products to people of all different walks of life. Her new goal is to help as many people as possible reach their own health and wellness goals.

“Whether you’re trying to lose weight, tighten and tone, get clearer skin, or just be healthier overall, we have something for you.” Get Free Get Fit not only offers healthy lifestyle supplements—including vitamins—but total beauty, health and fitness services that focus on the whole individual.

Holly considers herself a “life stylist” and has helped countless others on their own journey to wellness. She says, “At 40 years old, as a busy stylist, wife and mom of three, if I can do it, anyone can.”

Holly can be reached at (504) 388-1328.

For more information, visit getfreegetfit.com.

Women IN Business 23

Ellen Bajon EMB Interiors

For more than 25 years, timeless has been the focus for Ellen Bajon and her dedicated team. “We approach new-wave trends lightly,” says Ellen. “We are able to design rooms that are traditional, transitional, contemporary and more while also keeping it timeless.”

Ellen’s experienced staff works closely with clients and retail customers to understand their individual wants, needs and style, whether for one room or an entire home. The team can also assist in the design and implementation of new construction and home renovations.

With new construction clients, the staff works with all aspects of the project, such as refining plans, recommending sub-contractors and, of course, the aesthetic design of the new home. If clients are interested in renovating, the team schedules an in-home consultation. A new layout is designed to maximize use and functionality of the available square footage, and materials are hand-selected by the designer and the client through a collaborative effort.

The 5,000-square-foot showroom provides a retail experience featuring carefully selected furniture, artwork and accessories. Furnishings can also be custom designed and ordered. “To update a room, accessories are a great way to do so,” Ellen says. “You should never have to change out an entire look for it to feel new.”

In EMB’s Design Studio, the team will work with you to customize a plan to fit your needs. Ellen and her team gather for daily meetings to discuss their client projects, using the talents and strengths of each woman to guarantee a wellrounded, timeless design experience.

EMB Interiors is located at 4510 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville.

626-1522. embinteriors.com.

24

Inside Northside

Laura Simpson Dugas Pest Control Laura Simpson enjoys fixing people’s problems—their bug problems, that is. Since 1996, Laura has been the primary licensee and president of Dugas Pest Control. Her father passed the company on to her when he was ready to retire.

She says, “Before I transitioned into owner, my dad taught me all aspects of the business. I did routing, office work, chemical ordering, routes and inspections, but now I handle strategic planning and finances.” The business is truly a family affair— Laura’s husband, son and daughter-in-law are all involved.

Dugas Pest Control originated in Baton Rouge over 50 years ago and has since expanded its commercial and residential services throughout Southeast Louisiana, moving into St. Tammany Parish in 2014. The northshore is now a major focus for the company, where it has a Covington location and is hiring additional staff. “We are excited about becoming even more involved in the northshore community,” says Laura.

The company saw 25 percent growth in 2015, and Laura is pleased with the performance of her team. She says, “Our team continues to amaze us. We almost always receive a fivestar rating on customer reviews. We also promote from within and develop our employees with continued training.

“It’s exciting to watch some of our employees grow personally and see the bigger picture. A little bit of training with the right person can go a long way! I guess it’s the mother in me that makes me so proud of our employees.”

Dugas Pest Control’s Covington office is located at 201 Holiday Blvd., Ste. 400. 888-606-9282. dugaspestcontrol.com.

Nicole Suhre

St. Tammany Hospital Foundation “We pride ourselves on helping our donors accomplish great things,” says Nicole Suhre, newly named Executive Director of St. Tammany Hospital Foundation.

St. Tammany Hospital Foundation was established in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization after a volunteer group of community leaders recognized the hospital’s need for support to achieve excellence. The foundation raises funds through planned giving and charitable gift annuities, tribute gifts and general donations, corporate partnerships, major gifts, special events, mailings and an employee campaign.

“As I sit down at my desk each morning, I always focus on our motto, ‘Keeping St. Tammany Parish Hospital Healthy Keeps Our Community Healthy,’” Nicole says. “We raise money to support the hospital, which in turn benefits the community.”

St. Tammany Parish Hospital is the not-for-profit community hospital for west St. Tammany and surrounding areas. It is the largest hospital in the parish, with the widest spectrum of services and locations available on the northshore. The support of its foundation helps STPH deliver on its promise of world-class healthcare close to home.

After college, Nicole started her career working at a destination management company in the French Quarter.

“It was fun, but I would get home and not feel fulfilled with what I was doing. There was no sense of purpose,” explains Nicole. “When a position opened at Audubon to plan the Zoo-To-Do, I jumped on it. It was there that I realized the best jobs are nonprofit jobs.”

In 2006, Nicole and her husband, Eric, moved to the northshore. She was hired into the STH Foundation team

and soon promoted to foundation specialist. Nicole quickly established herself as an expert fundraiser.

This year, the opportunity arose for Nicole to apply for the executive director position. “I was heartbroken to see Charley [Strickland, Foundation Executive Director] retire.

She mentored me from day one and provided a fantastic blueprint for how to be a great leader and how to run a foundation. Learning from her for the past ten years has prepared me to lead our organization as the new director.”

Nicole is thrilled to learn as she dives into her new role.

She has set many goals that she would like to accomplish in the coming years, with an emphasis on corporate giving and technology among the first in line. “I see the foundation as a true leader among northshore nonprofits. We aim to use the best practices to raise the most funds,” says Nicole. “I want us to take advantage of the many tools available to nonprofits and to create a sophisticated online presence to better interact with our donors and hopefully engage millennials as well.”

Another goal for Nicole is to further develop the foundation’s planned giving program, which allows donors to leave a bequest in their wills. However, Nicole would like to see donors identifying themselves within their lifetimes.

“Often, we don’t get to thank the donor,” says Nicole. “There’s a saying, ‘I’d rather hug you while you’re here than shake your family’s hand when you’re gone.’ We want our program to allow for that personal thank you.”

Nicole says the STH Foundation Board of Trustees is excited to see “what’s next.” Their recent Pediatric Capital Campaign surpassed its $3-million-dollar goal before it closed in April. “The campaign has helped meet the need of dedicated emergency care for younger patients. It allows for kids to be seated in a pediatric waiting area surrounded by healing art geared toward children,” Nicole says. The exciting expansion also adds five pediatric treatment rooms with smaller sized equipment, special beds, pediatric family consultation rooms and nursing stations.

“After the success of the capital campaign, we will be looking for ways to keep the momentum going. We plan to keep accomplishing amazing things by rallying this wonderful community where we live.”

St. Tammany Hospital Foundation is located at 1202 S. Tyler St. in Covington, 898-4171. sthfoundation.org.

May-June 2016 25

Andrea Erwin Potter The Law Office of Andrea Erwin Potter, PLC

Making plans for the future is always the focus at The Law Office of Andrea Erwin Potter. Andrea opened her firm in Mandeville after moving from Metairie with her husband, James, and their soon-to-be-born daughter. “We love the northshore. It’s a safe place to raise our child,” says Andrea.

Family law was Andrea’s primary service when opening her office, but as she learned the area, she realized the community’s need for estate planning services. She says, “Proactive estate planning can bring peace of mind to families. The absence of an up-to-date estate plan when unexpected life events such as death, marriage or remarriage occur can add unnecessary stress and put you at risk of losing control over your hard-earned wealth.”

Andrea says that every estate should consist of a living will, a durable power of attorney, a testament, and in certain cases, a trust. A living will creates clear direction for family and doctors regarding prolonged artificial support, while a power of attorney allows the appointment of an agent if you’re incapacitated. A last will and testament dictates to whom you gift your possessions and wealth after your death. When considering a trust, however, there are key facts that should be noted.

“In the case of a trust, family law and estate planning 26

Inside Northside

do overlap,” says Andrea. “For example, if you have minor children, there’s a need for a trust in the will. Without a trust that appoints a trustee to distribute assets to your children, an ex-spouse could get control of what you leave behind. It’s important to plan and protect not only yourself but also your family.”

Trusts also come into play in the case of a disabled child. “If a disabled child receives benefits from the government, then there is a limit to the amount of assets the child may own. A special needs trust can disperse assets inherited throughout the lifetime of the child so the government benefit will not be affected. Trusts can also be put in place for spendthrift children, or in some cases, even grandchildren.”

Andrea enjoys working with clients to create the best plan for their needs. The firm can draft several types of trust instruments as well as donation inter vivos, last will and testament, power of attorney and advance directive (living will). Outside of estate planning, Andrea counsels clients in divorce, custody, support and community property, prenuptial and antenuptial agreements, adoption, pet law and juvenile criminal defense.

Andrea’s interest in law began at a very young age. “As the product of a high-conflict divorce, I knew that I wanted to study law. I went into law school with a focus on child advocacy. My past motivated me to pursue this field in hopes of touching kids’ lives and helping them have a safe home.”

Andrea received her Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. While studying at Loyola, she won third place in the Howard C. Schwab Memorial Essay contest by the American Bar Association Family Law Section and was awarded Best Direct Examination by the Loyola Trial Advocacy Program. She interned under the Honorable Nancy Amato Konrad at the Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court and the Honorable Mary Devereux at the 22nd Judicial District Court. Upon entering the legal industry, Andrea joined the firm of Venezia & Associates in New Orleans before opening her own in practice in 2014.

The Law Office of Andrea Erwin Potter, PLC, is located at 1070 W. Causeway App., Ste. B, in Mandeville.

504-457-8208. erwinpotterlaw.com.

28

Inside Northside

IN Great Taste

photo: YVETTE JEMISON

by Yvette Jemison

128

Inside Northside

IT’S STRAWBERRY SEASON, and you’ll find that Southeast Louisiana grows some of the sweetest strawberries in the country. It’s the perfect time to make strawberry jam.

Making a batch of jam doesn’t have to be intimidating. This jam recipe is easy to prepare and doesn’t require processing the jars for long-term storage. Simply store the jars in your refrigerator. Trust me—it won’t last long.

When there’s homemade jam in my refrigerator, it

gains a new life with both sweet and savory dishes. Whisk a spoonful into vinaigrette to balance acidity. Stir red-pepper flakes into jam and glaze chicken or ribs. Layer into cake batter for a sweet surprise such as my Strawberry Poppy Seed Cake. For a dreamy dessert, drizzle strawberry jam on cloudlike meringues, which are always a springtime favorite. For additional recipes, visit Ydelicacies.com. For the latest kitchen scoop, visit y_delicacies on Instagram.

Jam Session Chocolate Meringues Servings: Makes 12 6 egg whites 2 teaspoons cornstarch >> 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup powdered sugar 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped into thin chips 1/2 cup strawberry jam

1. Preheat oven to 275°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites, cornstarch and salt on medium speed until

frothy, 1-2 minutes.

3. While beating the egg whites, slowly add the granulated sugar and beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, 5-7 minutes. Slowly add the powdered sugar, and beat on high speed until glossy and stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes.

4. Fold the cocoa powder and chocolate into the egg whites to create chocolate streaks.

5. Mound 12 meringues on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake until dry and firm, 1 ½ hours. Serve with a drizzle of strawberry jam.

Strawberry Jam Makes 2 cups

2 pounds strawberries, stems removed 1 cup sugar 1 Tablespoon lemon juice Two 8-ounce jars with lids

1. Crush each strawberry with your hands until almost falling apart.

2. Place crushed strawberries and any released juices, sugar and lemon juice into a medium heavy pot. Bring to a boil, frequently stirring, until sugar is dissolved and more juices are released, 3-5 minutes.

3. Reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook until the juices reduce to a jam-like consistency, 30-40 minutes. >> 4. Divide between jars, cover and chill. >> May-June 2016 129

INside Dining

carretasgrill.com. MCC. The Chimes, 19130 W. Front St., 892-

MCC: Major credit cards accepted

5396. Catering, Sunday brunch, daily

ME: Menu Express delivery

lunch specials, 72 beers on tap. Lunch

RR: Reservations recommended

and dinner. chimesbeeru.com. MCC.

ABITA SPRINGS

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

Abita Barbecue, 69399 Hwy. 59,

6158. Soup and salad specialists.

400-5025. Ribs, brisket, chicken,

coffeerani.com.

pulled pork and boudin. MCC. Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill, Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St.,

434 N. Columbia St., 898-0899.

892-5837. Good fun and great

Lunch, dinner. covingtontaproom.

beer. On the Trace. Lunch, dinner.

com. MCC, ME.

abitabrewpub.com. MCC. Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy. Abita Springs Café, 22132 Level

190, 892-3712. Contemporary

St., 867-9950. Tues-Sun. MCC.

Louisiana cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients.

Camellia Café, 69455 Hwy. 59,

thedakotarestaurant.com. MCC, RR.

809-6313. Traditional seafood and

Strawberry Poppy Seed Cake Servings: 10-12

Del Porto Restaurant, 501 E. Boston

com. MCC.

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

2 cups granulated sugar

Mama D’s Pizza & More, 22054

1 cup butter, softened

Hwy. 59, 809-0308. Lunch, dinner.

Di Martino’s, 700 S. Tyler St., 276-

mamadspizza.com.

6460. Great food and reasonable

4 large eggs

prices. Lunch, dinner. dimartinos.

2 teaspoons almond extract

COVINGTON

com. MCC.

2 cups all-purpose flour

Abita Roasting Company,

2 Tablespoon poppy seeds

1011 Village Walk., 246-3345.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 69292 Hwy.

abitaroasting.com.

21, 871-2225. Locally-owned and

1 teaspoon kosher salt

-operated franchise. Kids eat free on

2/3 cup strawberry jam

Acme Oyster House, 1202 Hwy.

2/3 cup sliced almonds

190, 246-6155. Lunch, dinner.

1 Tablespoons powdered sugar

mamdspizza.com. MCC.

Inside Northside

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

Albasha, 1958 Hwy. 190,

Italian and seafood. dicristinas.com.

867-8292. Mediterranean cuisine.

MCC.

albashabr.com. MCC. Don’s Seafood Hut, 126 Lake Annadele’s Plantation, 71518

Dr., 327-7111. Lunch and dinner.

Chestnut St., 809-7669. Yellow fin

donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

tuna, domestic lamb & much more. annadeles.com. MCC, checks.

The English Tea Room, 734 Rutland St., 898-3988. Authentic

Bear’s Restaurant, 128 W. 21st St.,

English cream teas. Special event

892-2373. Best po-boys in the world.

teas, English scones, crumpets and cakes. Serving breakfast and

Buster’s Place, 519 E. Boston St.,

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

809-3880. Seafood, po-boys, steaks.

englishtearoom.com. MCC, RR.

Lunch, dinner. MCC. Fat Spoon Café, 2807 N Highway

photo: YVETTE JEMISON

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line the bottom of a 10” x 3” round pan with parchment paper.

Grease and flour the sides and the parchment.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and butter until combined into a pebbly texture. Add the eggs and almond extract and beat until light and creamy, 2-3 minutes. Add the flour, poppy seeds and salt and mix until combined.

3. Evenly spread half the batter into the prepared pan. Spread the jam on top of the batter leaving a 1-inch border of batter. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top, and evenly smooth the batter. Sprinkle the almonds on top, and bake until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 90 minutes. Cool completely before removing from pan. Dust the top with powdered sugar and serve.

130

New Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.

Carreta’s Grill, 70380 Hwy. 21,

190., 893-5111. Breakfast, Lunch, Tues-

871-6674. Great Mexican cuisine and

Sun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast severed until

margaritas served in a family-friendly

10:30 on weekdays and all day Saturday

atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Kids

and Sunday. Reserve Fat Spoon Café

eat free every Wednesday! Private

for your next party. fatspooncafe.com.

events and catering also provided.

MCC.

Gallagher’s Grill, 509 S. Tyler St.,

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

892-9992. Lunch and dinner, Tues-

bakery. Luncheon salads, panini,

Sat. gallaghersgrill.com. MCC, RR.

catering, donuts, kingcakes, cupcakes and wedding cakes. Tues-Sun, open at

Garcia’s Famous Mexican Food,

7am. nonnaskingcakes.com. MCC.

200 River Highlands Blvd., 327-7420.

Ox Lot 9, 428 E Boston St., 400Glory Bound Gyro Company, 500

5663. Hotel. Dinner, Sunday brunch.

River Highlands Blvd., Ste. A, 871-

oxlot9.com. MCC.

0711. Open 7 days a week, lunch and dinner. A new age American restaurant

Papi’s Fajita Factory of Covington,

concept with Mediterranean influences.

1331 N. Hwy. 190 Ste. 100, 893-1382.

gloryboundgyroco.com. MCC.

Kids eat free on Tuesday nights. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

Italian Pie, 70488 Hwy. 21,

MCC.

871-5252. Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in or carry out.

Pardos, 69305 Hwy. 21, 893-3603.

italianpie.com. MCC, checks.

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

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

parties and catering. pardosbistro.

Cuisine, 812 Hwy. 190, 624-

com. MCC.

2990. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh food from traditional recipes,

Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun

outstanding service and value. Live

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

music. Lunch and dinner seven days a

Jambalaya, gumbo, stuffed artichokes.

week. carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

MCC, checks, ME.

Lola, 517 N. New Hampshire St., 892-

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 70456 Hwy.

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

21, 875-7894. Catch your morning

Closed Sundays. lolacovington.com.

buzz at this convenient drive-thru!

Catering. MCC.

Mattina Bella, 421 E. Gibson St., 892-0708. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Pizza Man of Covington, 1248 N.

MCC, checks.

Collins Blvd., 892-9874. Checks, ME.

McAlister’s Deli, 206 Lake Dr., Ste.

Raising Canes, 1270 N. Hwy. 190,

15, 898-2800. Great sandwiches,

809-0250. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut

salads, overstuffed potatoes.

fries, coleslaw, texas toast, signature

mcalistersdeli.com. MCC, checks.

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

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

Sala Thai, 315 N. Vermont St., 249-

megumirestaurant.net.

6990. Special salads, spring rolls, soups, noodle and curry dishes.

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers,

Sun-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat,

1645 Hwy. 190, 327-5407. Salads,

11am-10pm.Lunch buffet weekdays,

pizzas, calzones. 20 craft beers on

11am-3pm. salathaibysu.com. MCC.

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

Sugarbear’s Sweet Shop, 100 Tyler Square, 276-2377. Creative

Mugshots Grill & Bar, 300

cakes and assorted sweets. Tues-Sat.

River Highlands Blvd., 893-2422.

sugarbearsweetshop.com.

mugshotsgrillandbar.com.

Sweet Daddy’s, 420 S. Tyler St., 898New Orleans Food and Spirits, 208

2166. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs.

Lee Ln., 875-0432. Family owned and

sweetdaddysbarbq.com. MCC, ME.

operated. neworleansfoodspirits.com.

MCC.

Vasquez Seafood & Po-Boys, 515 E. Boston St., 893-9336. Cuban

Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery

sandwiches and more. vazquezpoboy.

and Cafè, 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste.

com. MCC, checks, ME.

>>

May-June 2016 131

i

n

s

i

d

e

d

i

n

i

n

g 1841 N. Causeway Blvd., 624-

Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App.,

Yujin Japanese Restaurant and

Abita Roasting Company, 504

MADISONVILLE

9704. Fresh fish daily, aged beef,

626-9047. Serving breakfast and

Sushi Bar, 323 N. New Hampshire

Water St., 246-3340. abitaroasting.com.

traditional Italian. Lunch, dinner.

lunch, daily specials.

St., 809-3840. MCC.

fazziosrestaurant.com. MCC, ME, RR. Friends Costal Restaurant, 407

Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in

Zea Rotisserie & Grill, 110 Lake Dr.,

Saint Tammany St., (985) 246-3370.

Franco’s Grill,100 Bon Temps

Azalea Square Shopping Center,

327-0520. Inspired American food.

geauxfriends.com.

Roule, 792-0200. Fresh organic foods

674-9883. Seafood, Creole and

for breakfast, lunch and takeout.

Italian. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

myfrancos.com/dining. MCC.

mandinasrestaurant.com.

zearestaurants.com. MCC. Hook’d Up Riverside Bar and Grill, HAMMOND

100 Marina Del Ray Dr., 845-8119.

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

Don’s Seafood & Steak House,

George’s Mexican Restaurant,

N’Tini’s, 2891 N. Hwy. 190, 626-

Keith Young’s Steakhouse, 165

1461 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4342.

5566. Steaks, martinis. Lunch

Hwy. 21, 845-9940. Lunch, dinner,

Family owned. Fajitas, George’s

specials. Mon.-Sat. ntinis.com. MCC.

Tues-Fri. keithyoungs.net. MCC.

nachos, Carne al la Parrilla. Best top-shelf margaritas in town.

Nuvolari’s, 246 Girod St., 626-5619.

Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar,

georgesmexicanrestaurant.com.

In Old Mandeville. Italian cuisine for

702 Water St., 845-4970. Lunch,

MCC, ME.

fine dining daily for dinner or special

1915 S. Morrison Blvd., 345-8550. donsseafoodonline.com. MCC. Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris St.,

dinner. MCC, checks.

events. MCC. nuvolaris.com.

Gio’s Villa Vancheri, 2890 E.

542-0043. Catering, special events, weddings. jacmelinn.com. MCC,

Water St. Bistro, 804 Water St.,

Causeway App., 624-2597. Sicilian

The Old Rail Brewing Company,

checks.

845-3855. Lunch and dinner, Wed-

specialties by 5-star chef Gio

639 Girod St., 612-1828. Homemade

Sun. mortonsseafood.com. MCC.

Vancheri. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

American cuisine with fresh,

giosvillavancheri.com. MCC. RR.

local ingredients. Family-friendly

Kirin Sushi, 223 S. Cate St., 542MANDEVILLE

8888. kirinjapanesecuisine.com. MCC.

atmosphere. Lunch and dinner.

The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore

Jubilee Restaurant and Courtyard,

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

Dr., 727-7420. Serving 130 styles of

301 Lafitte St., 778-2552.

Cuisine, 108 N.W Railroad Ave., 419-

beer, call and premium liquors. Lunch

Contemporary Louisiana cuisine for

Pinkberry, 3460 Hwy. 190, 612-7306.

9990. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

and dinner. thebarleyoak.com. MCC.

dinner, lunch by Chef Tory Stewart.

Pinkberry is the original tart frozen

Casual fine dining, daily lunch/dinner

yogurt that is the perfect balance of

fresh food from traditional recipes,

Closed Tuesdays.

outstanding service and value. Live

Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 Lovers

specials, private events, catering.

sweet and tangy paired with high

music. Lunch and dinner seven days

Ln., 626-4557. Traditional New

jubileerestaurantcourtyard.com.

quality, fresh cut fruit and premium dry

a week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

Orleans cuisine. Dinner, Sunday

Tommy’s on Thomas, 216 W.

toppings. pinkberry.com.

brunch. benedictsplantation.net.

K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 626-0530.

MCC.

Featuring Louisiana seafood with

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy.

raw oysters 1/2 price on Tuesdays.

190, 674-1565. Catering. pjscoffee. com. MCC.

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

Lunch, dinner. tommysonthomas.

Bosco’s Italian Café, 2040 Hwy. 59,

Express lunch and daily lunch specials

com. MCC, checks.

624-5066. boscositalian.com.

under $10. Mon-Thurs, 11am-9pm;

Tope là, 104 N. Cate St., 542-7600.

Café Lynn Restaurant and

Contemporary delights. topela.com.

Catering, 2600 Florida St., 624-

MCC.

9007. Casual fine dining for lunch,

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

secret dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go

dinner and Sunday brunch by

Cuisine, 1200 W. Causeway

and catering. MCC.

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China,

Chef Joey Najolia. Tues-Fri, lunch:

App., 624-2990. Festive Mexican

2100 N. Morrison Blvd., 345-6789.

11am-3pm. Dinner, 5pm. Catering

atmosphere, fresh food from

Rip’s on the Lake, 1917 Lakeshore

treyyuen.com. MCC, checks.

provided. cafelynn.com. MCC.

traditional recipes, outstanding

Dr., 727-2829.

Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm. kgeesrestaurant.

Raising Canes, 3801 Hwy. 22, 674-

com. MCC.

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

service and value. Live music. Lunch Yellow Bird Café, 222 E. Charles

Coffee Rani, 3517 Hwy. 190, 674-

and dinner seven days a week.

Rusty Pelican, 500 Girod

St., 345-1112. A great place to start

0560. Soup and salad specialists.

carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

St., 778-0364. Lunch, dinner.

Coscino’s Pizza, 1809 N. Causeway

The Lakehouse, 2025 Lakeshore

Blvd., 727-4984. MCC.

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

Times Bar & Grill, 1896 N.

Restaurant open. Call for reservations.

Causeway Blvd., 626-1161. Lunch,

lakehousecuisine.com. MCC.

dinner. timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

your day. Breakfast, lunch. MCC, checks.

rustypelicanbythelake.com. MCC.

LACOMBE La Provence Restaurant, 25020

Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59.,

Hwy. 190, 626-7662. Dinner, Sunday

809-2929. Breakfast, lunch, Tues-

brunch. laprovencerestaurant.com.

Sun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast served

Little Tokyo, 590 Asbury Dr.,

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 600 N.

MCC, checks. RR.

until 10:30am on weekdays and all

727-1532. littletokyosushi.com.

Causeway Blvd., 626-4476. Quality

day Saturday and Sunday. Reserve

China cuisine with Louisiana flair.

Sal & Judy’s, 27491 Hwy. 190, 882-

Fat Spoon Cafe for your next party.

Macaroni Grill, 3410 Hwy. 190, 727-

Lunch, dinner. treyyuen.com. MCC,

9443. Veal is the house specialty.

fatspooncafe.com. MCC.

1998. Lunch, dinner. macaronigrill.

checks.

salandjudys.com. MCC, RR.

com. MCC, ME. Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse,

132

Inside Northside

Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St.,

624-5683. A full café menu with over

Carreta’s Grill, 2320 Veterans Blvd.,

120 loose leaf and speciality teas.

504-837-6696; 1821 Hickory Ave.,

Breakfast, lunch. viannes.com. MCC.

Harahan, 504-305-4833. Mexican, lunch and dinner

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2999 Hwy.

carretasgrillrestaurant.com. MCC.

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

Criollo Resturant and Lounge at Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., 504-

PONCHATOULA

523-3340. Creole dining for breakfast,

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant,

lunch and dinner. hotelmonteleone.com/

30160 Hwy. 51, 386-6666.

criollo/. MCC, RR.

middendorfsrestaurant.com.

Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant, 1713 La Carreta Authentic Mexican

Lake Ave., 504-831-4141; 841 Iberville

Cuisine, 147 N.W. Railroad Ave., 370-

St., 504-581-1316. Louisiana seafood

0930. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

prepared in Creole seasonings, available in

fresh food from traditional recipes,

Bucktown or the French Quarter for lunch

outstanding service and value. Live

and dinner. deanies.com. MCC.

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

Gautreau’s, 1728 Soniat St., 504899-7397. Open Monday through

SLIDELL A Touch of Italy Café, 134

Saturday. Dinner. gautreausrestaurant. com. MCC, RR.

Pennsylvania Ave., 639-0600. Lunch, dinner. kathrynandcompany.com.

Gumbo Shop, 630 Saint Peter St.,

MCC, checks.

504-525-1486. Award winning gumbo and soups, ship nationwide. Lunch

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 550 Gause

and dinner. gumboshop.com.

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

Mellow Mushroom, 3131 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-644-4155. Pizza,

Camellia Cafe, 525 Hwy. 190, 649-

30 craft beers on tap, lunch and

6211. thecamelliacafe.com. MCC.

dinner. mellowmushroom.com. MCC.

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

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen French

Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas

Quarter. 95 French Market Place,

served in a family-friendly atmosphere

504-522-9500. Casual dining in a fine

for lunch and dinner. carretasgrill.com.

dining atmosphere with experienced

MCC.

waitstaff, fresh dishes and made-fromscratch menu items. Lunch and dinner.

Palmettos on the Bayou,

lpkfrenchquarter.com. MCC.

1901 Bayou Ln., 643-0050. palmettosrestaurantslidell.com.

Restaurant R’evolution, 777 Bienville St., 504-553-2277. Located at the

Peck’s Seafood Restaurant, 2315

Royal Sonesta Hotel. Offering modern,

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

imaginative reinterpretations of classic

seafood, burgers and lunch specials.

Cajun and Creole Cuisine. Triptych of

MCC.

Quail and Oysterman’s spaghettini.

Revolutionnola.com. MCC. RR.

NEW ORLEANS/SOUTHSHORE Bayona, 430 Rue Dauphine, 504-

Riccobono’s Peppermill, 3524 Severn

525-4455. Fresh local ingredients,

Ave., 504-455-2266. Seafood, filets

balanced yet complex dishes. Lunch

and Italian. Breakfast and lunch. Dinner,

and dinner. bayona.com. MCC.

Wednesday-Sunday. riccobonos.com.

MCC.

Brennan’s. 417 Royal St., 504525-9711. Creole traditions

Warehouse Grille, 869 Magazine

and contemporary influences.

St, 504-322-2188. Lunch and dinner

Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

specials, Monday-Friday. Brunch,

brennansneworleans.com. MCC. RR.

Saturday-Sunday, 9am-3pm. warehousegrille.com. MCC.

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M A R R I A G E

Amy Elizabeth Havemann and Adam Lawrence Shields exchanged vows at the quaint Abita Roasting Co. in Madisonville. The bride wore an ivory lace gown by Mori Lee featuring an open back accented with delicately beaded scalloped lace. The bride’s sister, Cindy, stood next to her for the nuptials.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Friends Costal Restaurant. Guests enjoyed dishes prepared by the restaurant and, for dessert, ice cream from Stone Cold Creamery, a favorite of the bride and groom. Entertainment included a DJ and a flipbook booth, where partygoers could make favors to remember the evening! With the theme being Texiana—a blend of the bride’s home state of Texas and the groom’s, Louisiana—the fun atmosphere ensured that guests were cutting loose late into the night. The couple honeymooned in Costa Rica before returning home to Slidell.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Havemann-Shields

photo: ELIZABETH BURRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

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Seal-Miller Sarah Elizabeth Seal and Thomas Everett Miller married at First Baptist Church in Covington. Sarah’s beaded lace gown by Allure Bridals featured a mermaid-style silhouette and a keyhole back; a veil with beaded trim completed the look. Her bridesmaids wore floor-length, dust-blue dresses in a variety of styles. In keeping with the color scheme, the groom donned a dust-blue suit with a madras bow tie. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Vintage Court.

As a romantic touch, the couple’s first dance song was written by the groom, who performed it with his father and friends. Following the celebration, the happy couple hit the slopes in Breckenridge, Colorado, for their honeymoon.

Kaitlin Chase Dastugue and Michael Henry Nelson wed underneath the gothic arches of the Wightman Chapel on the Vanderbilt Campus in Nashville, Tennessee. The bride’s gown, designed by Modern Trousseau, featured taupe silk with a delicate ivory lace overlay. White silk ribbons hung from Kaitlin’s organic bouquet of ranunculus, poppies and small dahlias matching the celebration’s theme of natural hues mixed with pinks, French blue and greenery. The bridesmaids wore French blue organza dresses with lace detailing.

The reception was held at The Cordelle, a rustic venue in the heart of downtown Nashville’s historic Rutledge Hill neighborhood. The décor, which included eucalyptus-draped bars, wine barrels and chandeliers decorated with flowers and greenery, was designed by florist Emily Daniel.

Guests danced to the Scat Springs Band and were surprised with a late-night snack of shrimp po’boys and a second line as a nod to the bride’s hometown of Covington. The happy couple now reside in Nashville.

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photo: JUSTIN WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

Dastugue-Nelson

INside Peek photo: Jeff Strout

1. Jennifer Gillis, H2O Northshore artistic director, and Jennifer Palpallatoc, Haute Off the Rack blogger, at the H2O Salon

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in Mandeville. 2. Covington Mayor Mike Cooper, Gambel Communications President Betsie Gambel and St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister at the grand opening

photo: Jeff Strout

office. 3. The Gambel Communications team on the steps of their new office in Mandeville. 4. Mandeville City Councilwoman

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photo: Jeff Strout

of the Gambel Communications northshore

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Carla Buchholz, District II; St. Tammany Parish Councilwoman Maureen O’Brien, District 10; and Mandeville Mayor Donald Villere. 5. Celebrating Courtney Caufield and Jennifer Fell’s birthdays at Forks & Corks.

6. Members of the SSA Student Council Emily Ruli, Annie Schwartz, Amanda Foto, Anna Kate Broussard, Claire Dubreuil, Grace

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Galeziewski, Mary Carter, Alyssa Kelly and Mary Kate Murphy at LASC in Pineville.

7. Warren Carey Sr., Lead Nurse Practitioner Scott Landry, and Brittany Carey, holding son Deuce, at the NICU Reunion at North Oaks Medical Center. 8. Caroline Hingle and her grandfather at the Archbishop Hannan High School’s Grandparents Mass. 9. Gayle

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Faulk, David Eilers, and John Faulk. 10. Karl Schreiner, winner of the Genentech Emperor Award, with Dr. Donalyn Hassenboehler, dean of academics at Archbishop Hannan High School. 11. The children’s choir of Mary Queen of Peace church with Archbishop Gregory Aymond.

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Northshore’s Finest Kickoff Party The Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation hosted its annual kickoff party for Northshore’s Finest at The Chimes in Covington. Guests snacked on light fare while listening to powerful presentations given by individuals who are working closely with the foundation on the northshore.

Northshore’s Finest honors rising young professionals and introduces them to the work of the CF Foundation and area families that benefit from their involvement with the Louisiana Chapter. They are tasked with running a fundraising campaign that will culminate in their being honored at an event in August sponsored by Hornbeck Offshore Services and Inside Northside.

Look forward to learning more about the 2016 honorees in our next issue!

Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) of the Northshore culminated its program at the St. Tammany Parish Council Chambers, where 30 middleand high-school students presented their 11 business ideas to a panel of judges.

Each business was awarded a grant from a fund administered by the Northshore Community Foundation.

Over five months, the students developed their concepts for the “shark tank”-style presentations under the watchful eye of northshore executives.

Included in the plans were competition reviews, financial planning, marketing strategy and implementation timelines.

Archbishop Hannan seniors Danielle Ledet and Hannah Summersgill, CEOs of Rosie’s Secret, were selected to go to the May 5 national competition. They use a Swiss-army-knife approach to organize make-up brush accessories.

May-June 2016 137

INside Peek

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5 4 1. Mary Cristina, Carol Schmidt, Pat Williamson, Chef Jeff Cristina, Alma Dunlap dining at Ox Lot 9 in Covington. 2. Dr. Davis, Dr. Ananth and Katie Brooks at Girls’ Health Day at Lakeview Regional Medical Center. 3. Volunteers show off the Car for KIT program. 4. Dr. Davis and Katy Jones, certified nurse practitioner. 5. Stephanie Miller

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Murphy, Debbie Haley, Janet Fabre Smith at the Phenomenal Woman’s Retreat hosted by the Professional Women of St. Tammany organization. 6. Connie Fisher, Joy Feldman, Lorie Hollis and Joanne Crespo. 7. Shiela Gunderson, sponsor Marie Hillman, Parish President Pat Brister and Stephanie Miller Murphy at PWST luncheon. 8. Sherry Camus Balestra, Danette McGee, Cindy Caruso,

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Barbara Mikelonis and Annette Bolton at the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women Crawfish cookoff. 9. Fun in the sun for Blake Hammer, Kim Melvin and Nicholas Hammer at Lakeview Regional Medical Center’s 2016 “Eggstravaganza.” 10. Martha Arias and Tish Bodet. 11. Lizzette and Libby Alvarado. 12. Hannan High School National Honor Society Valentine visit to Christwood Retirement Center in Covington.

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Inside Northside

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photo: HAROLD SPINNER

enjoying delicious food and drinks from over 70 local restaurants and beverage purveyors.

The drum lines of Archbishop Hannan High School and Franklin High School paraded to kick off the festivities.

Featured entertainment included performances by August Rush, Groovy 7, Gypsy River, Voo Doo Funk & Soul and The Wagners.

The grand prize for the raffle, a red 2016 Ford Mustang donated by Banner Ford in Mandeville, was one of several prizes presented during the evening.

All of the proceeds from Chef Soirée go toward supporting the programs of the Youth Service Bureau that provide advocacy, counseling, education and intervention for at-risk youth and families in St. Tammany and Washington parishes.

photo: HAROLD SPINNER

The Youth Service Bureau hosted its 32nd annual Chef Soirée at the Covington Trailhead. The streets of Covington were filled with guests

photo: HAROLD SPINNER

YSB Chef Soirée

May-June 2016 139

photos: FRANK AYMAMI PHOTOGRAPHY

Children’s Museum Celebration 2016 The Children’s Museum of St. Tammany recently hosted its 9th annual Celebration benefit at the Castine Center in Mandeville. Celebration 2016: Dreams Take Flight, included enchanting butterfly displays, ethereal face painting and edible artwork

by Zoe’s Bakery of Covington.The Lakeshore High School Jazz Band and the Louisiana Spice Band provided music for guests.

Local TV personalities Margaret Orr of WDSU and Doug Mouton of WWLTV emceed the evening’s activities, which included an address by Parish President Pat Brister and a live auction.

Event Co-chairs Nicole Gonzales and MaryLeigh Wolf introduced celebrity guest Delvin Breaux of the New Orleans Saints, who drew for the raffle.

The Culinary Showcase’s 5th annual Celebration’s Choice winner was DiCristina’s Italian and Seafood Restaurant of Covington.

140

Inside Northside

INside Peek

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4

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6 1. St. Tammany Parish Hospital President and CEO Patti Ellish (l) and then-Executive Director of the STH Foundation Charley Strickland (r) accepting a donation of $12,000 from STPH Guild President Ron Rome.

2. Madi, Thomas, Penelope and Jessica Cardinale Gomez enjoy SSA’s Alumnae Easter Egg Hunt. 3. Beth Assaf with Dana Bordelon at Lee loves Local event at Rug Chic in Mandeville. 4. Semmes Hughs, Julie Hughs, Stephen Bouanchaud, Elizabeth Hughs, Madison Bouanchaud and Kay Bouanchaud at the annual Hughs Turkey Fry. 5. Members of the SSA varsity swim team Anna Rawls, Katherine Stolin, Brittany Pierce and Emma Hladky at SSA’s athletic awards. 6. Jacob Broussard, Harrison Prieto, Timothy Bedford, Parker Edwards, Skyler Herbet and Devonte Allen at the St. Paul’s Basketball Award ceremony.

May-June 2016 141

Last Bite

Carreta’s Grill

by Leah Draffen

Carreta’s Grill’s four locations include: 137 Taos St., Slidell; 70380 Hwy. 21, Covington; 2320 Veterans Blvd., Metairie; and 1821 Hickory Ave. in Harahan. Log on for more information at carretasgrillrestaurant.com.

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Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

MARGARITAS WILL BE FLOWING for the Carreta’s Grill Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, but that is not all you can expect! The block-party atmosphere is family friendly and takes advantage of live music, great food and door prizes to make this an all-day party you don’t want to miss. There is even a costume contest! Enjoy the Carreta’s Grill special brand of fiesta hospitality at their four locations in Covington, Slidell, Metairie and Harahan. There will be mariachi bands, signature margaritas and plenty of chips and salsa to go around.

One of our favorite dishes is Carreta’s fresh Monterrey Shrimp, grilled to perfection with select jumbo shrimp, served with cheese dip, rice and seasoned steamed vegetables. Follow that up with a savory Tres Leches Cake or Flan.

It wouldn’t be Cinco de Mayo without music, and Carreta’s Grill is going all out on the northshore with 5 Finger Discount playing in Covington and Supercharger rocking the new patio in Slidell. Sipping a Carreta’s signature Maestro Dobel Tequila margarita will get you in the dancing mood for this special event, but they can help you throw your own fiesta anytime!

Carreta’s Grill welcomes private parties and events.