September-October 2017 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine

450

$

CULTURAL GUIDE • ADDISON RIECKE • MILNE • DEO GRATIAS

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017 VOL. 32, NO. 5

JLGC Harvest Cup Polo Classic

September-October 2017

Vol. 32, No. 5

Publisher

Lori Murphy

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor-in-Chief Anne Honeywell

Senior Editor

Managing Editor

Editorial Interns

Alexa Mamoulides

Rebecca Perrette

Jan Murphy Leah Draffen

Contributors are featured on page 16.

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

Art Director

Graphic Designer

Brad Growden Jennifer Starkey

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

Business Manager

Senior Account Executives

Candice Laizer

Barbara Roscoe

Account Executives

Barbara Bossier

Jane Quillin Poki Hampton

Jonée Daigle-Ferrand

Corrinn Fisher

Amy Taylor

Susan Wormser

Advertising Coordinator

Margaret Rivera

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

Advertise phone

(985) 626-9684

fax (985) 674-7721 email sales@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Contribute 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 editorial consideration to editor@insidepub.com.

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

On the cover

Contact

mail P.O. Box 9148

Mandeville, LA 70470 phone

(985) 626-9684

fax (985) 674-7721 Cover Artist Ashley Longshore Find more on page 18.

website www.insidenorthside.com

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

INSIDE NORTHSIDE 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. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid at Mandeville, LA. Copy­right ©2017 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

contents table of

Features

page 101

page 66

18 Painted Thoughts Cover Artist Ashley Longshore 34 Sunset in Slidell

Entertaining on the Water 40 Leader of the Band

Mandeville’s Mary Bahlinger 44 Milne—Where Miracles Happen 56 2017-18 Cultural Guide 62 Deo Gratias 2017

Featured Artist Frankie De Melo

94 Tulane’s Goldring Center for

Culinary Medicine

The world’s first medical school teaching kitchen

Harvest Cup Polo Classic 102 President’s Letter 103 Poster Artist Ryan Perea 104 Harvest Cup Polo Classic Sponsors and Committee page 86 8

Inside Northside

05 Community Partner: Lee Michaels 1

page 82

contents table of

Departments

12 Publisher’s Note 14 Editor’s Note 16 Contributors 24 INside Scoop 32 IN Other Words

Who Ya Gonna Call?

52 Generous Hearts

Donor Spotlight: David Fennelly and Carlos Sanchez

page 70

66 Traces 100 IN the Bookcase

Addison Riecke The Other Girl by Erica Spindler 70 Flourishes 112 At the Table Extraordinary gifts Lobsters & Scallops & and home accents

Mussels—Oh My! 74 INside Look

Fall Fever

116 INside Dining

121 IN Love & Marriage 82 Traces

Immaculee 123 INside Peek She was left to tell us.

Featuring Southern Nights 86 Travel West St. Tammany Red Beans ’N

The Henderson

Rice Cook-off New Luxury Resort on Florida’s Hammers and Heels Emerald Coast 130 Wine Cellar

90 Traces Old World Wines Made in

Peggy Hartdegen the New World?

ER Nurse Becomes the Patient page 112

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Inside Northside

To Your Mounts!

by Lori Murphy

Every fall, I anticipate the boots and hat I am building my outfit around. Surely the hat gave away what the look is for—the 21st annual Harvest Cup Polo Classic. It is one of the few looks I concoct before the day-of. Over the years, the temperature has varied from summer heat to winter’s chill, so it is a good idea to be flexible about the specifics.

When I think of stylish women, many friends come to mind, but I wouldn’t include myself. My wardrobe is akin to my kitchen skills. I can feed you, but I really can’t cook.

I can dress appropriately, but rarely will I pull off what some would call a statement. For Polo, you want to appear pulled together as you walk the tents, meet and greet, toast and cheer—all in broad daylight. Few occasions inspire that kind of self-awareness.

Because the boots and hat are always my favorite pieces, I like to start there.

Anything that doesn’t distract from the top and bottom is fine. For this occasion, I am looking for an orange and brown ensemble that can rock my hat! Now if we can just get assurances about the weather. Maybe the rain dancers could focus on fall breezes!

All the fun of dressing up and partying pale in significance to the important work the day makes possible. The Harvest Cup Polo Classic is the primary fundraiser for the Junior League of Greater Covington, supporting efforts that range from Girls’ Health Day and Project Homecoming to the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany.

If you have never gone, don’t miss this classic northshore day on October 8. Get tickets at harvestcuppolo.com or jlgc.net. I will watch for you on the divot stomp, or maybe I’ll see you in the great auction tents. Practice your gallery clap and cheer for the Inside Northside team. They are a sight to see traversing the grand scale of the polo field on striking horses in purple and gold.

ps… To Chad Berg and his Lee Michaels team, Riders Up!

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Inside Northside

Editor’s Note

by Anne Honeywell I love Michael J. Fox. Ok, so I don’t know Michael J. Fox personally, but I have always loved his characters—and his character. Let’s start with his ‘young Republican’ Alex P. Keaton on Family Ties, because that is the first of Fox’s characters I got to know and love. His zingers (and I love a good zinger) were always perfectly delivered, and even if you weren’t as conservative as Alex, you couldn’t help but love him. With the smash hits of Back to the Future, Fox quickly became a movie star. Marty McFly was just adorable— every time. An official Teen Idol, and certainly one of mine.

Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29. He went public with his condition in 1998 at the age of 37, and it took everyone aback. I guess this disease really doesn’t discriminate. Didn’t it know this was one of Hollywood’s favorite sons? And he was so young? A former teen idol and a leading man of both television and film? And a really nice guy?

He created The Michael J. Fox Foundation to help advance every promising research path to curing Parkinson’s. His work led him to be named one of the 100 people “whose power, talent or moral example is transforming the world” in 2007 by Time magazine. Now that’s a character I can really love.

When the books have all been written, there will be a lot on the characters Fox played during his career. But the biggest and most important chapter to him is still being written. In this chapter, his own character is the star, the advocate for a cure for this debilitating disease.

Kickin’ Parkinson’s is a northshore group whose members raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research. To date, they have raised over $1 million for Team Fox. Penny and Quentin Dastugue and the amazing Kickin’ Parkinson’s team invite you to support their efforts to find a cure while having a “WICKED GOOD TIME” at A Kickin’ Party, their major annual fundraiser, on Thursday, October 19, at Stone Creek Club and Spa.

For more information, and to get involved, visit: kickinparkinsons.com.

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Inside Northside

Contributors 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.

Angelle Albright Angelle Albright is the founder and chief marketing officer of Chemo Beanies, which supplies head coverings to women with cancer, a company she co-created with her niece after battling cancer herself. She has a BA in mass communications from Loyola University and was chief news editor at WVUE. A branding expert for independent businesses, Angelle is also a photographer, videographer, speaker, social media expert and Huffington Post blogger. She and her husband, Dr. Anthony Albright, have three children. On page 82, she writes about an inspiring woman.

Leah Draffen

Karen B. Gibbs

Bill Kearney

Leah Draffen sat cross-legged on the floor of her grandparents’ den intently listening to her brother, cousin and uncle playing their guitars as her pawpaw played the fiddle and sometimes the 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 degree from LSU in mass communications, Leah joined the Inside Publications team where she is now managing editor.

For this issue, Leah has penned the story of cover artist Ashley Longshore on page 18.

Longtime contributor and former managing editor of Inside Northside, Karen B. Gibbs enjoys writing about the fascinating people and places of New Orleans and the northshore. A contributor to Today.com and iVillage.com, Karen recently completed the biography of her father-inlaw, a WWII paratrooper.

When not writing, she enjoys traveling with her husband and spoiling their grandchild. On page 44, she tells all about the miracles at Milne.

Bill Kearney believes if you like a wine, it’s a great wine— and the best wine is shared with friends. For more than 20 years, he has added wines from many regions, grapes and friends to his private collection.

Certified as a sommelier, he serves as the wine director for Galatoire’s Restaurant, Galatoire’s Bistro and 33 Bar and Steak, where he is also a partner. A graduate of Tulane, Bill is president of Yenraek, a governmental affairs firm. On page 130, Bill shares about Old World wines in the New World.

Other Voices: Mary Bahlinger, Tom Fitzmorris, Candra George, Thomas B. Growden, Anne Honeywell, Mimi Greenwood Knight, Tracey Louthain, Alexa Mamoulides, Jeanne Martin, Rebecca Perrette and Becky Slatten.

16

Inside Northside

with interest and color. I kept returning to the foyer to see her while the photo shoot continued.

Is it too much to say, “love at first sight”? I followed Ashley on Instagram a few hours later. Instagram is an intimate look into someone’s life. Ashley has made it a diary, tell-all and cheer-me-up for her followers. “My paintings are just a portion of my thoughts. The thing that makes an artist great is the artist as a person. This [the paintings surrounding her] is just a little bit of who I am. When we think back to well-known artists throughout history, we know a lot about their lives, which is why social media is so exciting.”

Not only has Ashley used Instagram as a way to connect with her collectors, fans and friends, she has also made it into a successful business platform. “It’s

Painted Thoughts Cover Artist Ashley Longshore

FOUND DANCING, PAINTING AND BEDAZZLING, the term pop artist encapsulates who Ashley Longshore is—pops of color, pops of huge personality, pops of fearlessness and, of course, pops of Veuve Clicquot. A glance into the windows of her Magazine Street gallery makes your knees weak.

There’s so much beauty and life to take in: natural light, glossy pink floors and walls lined with Ashley’s canvases and bedazzled cut outs of hearts, butterflies and luna moths.

My first time viewing one of her paintings is a memory I’ve never been able to forget. We were shooting a breathtaking design home in the Lakefront area, and there she was. The stunning Audrey Hepburn under the foyer staircase. Jeweled to perfection, she made a simple sitting area gleam 18

Inside Northside

important to know your business, and it’s important to be able to talk about your work. Galleries don’t tell you who your clients are, and you’re really giving them all the power. Let’s say that gallery closes; you don’t know who bought your artwork. I know my clients.

The best client is already a client,” says Ashley. “This is very intimate—for someone to live with my thoughts.

I want to know who you are. My collectors are my best friends. We have an understanding. They get me and I get them. That’s really important and a rare combination.” Ashley hopes to reshape the way that artists have sold their work in the past. “I’m not saying I have a bull’s eye on galleries. There are a lot of really great galleries out there, but 50 percent commission is way too much. I just want to >> photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Leah Draffen

20

Inside Northside

messages, these thoughts that I have, out there. It’s amazing how relatable they are.”

Speaking of women, one of Ashley’s many series is The Audreys. The beautifully elaborate silhouette of Audrey Hepburn is accompanied by whatever has inspired Ashley that day. Birds, butterflies, koi fish and detailed floral headdresses can be seen atop Audrey’s head. The background often varies from solid colors to related scenes to silver or gold leaf, like our cover of Audrey with blue birds and Japanese magnolias. “Audrey Hepburn was a philanthropic

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

empower other artists.”

Power and empowerment are two ideas often crossed in many of Ashley’s series, while empowerment alone is frequently the main theme of her Instagram feed. Her posts make you laugh. They make you cheer. They make you determined. “A lot of times when I make posts about ‘getting out there and grabbing life,’ it’s a pep talk to myself,” Ashley smiles.

“I’m not scared. You have to love yourself more than loathe yourself. I feel like women need to embrace that a lot more. That’s why I try to put these little

themselves with things that are relatable, being able to paint my thoughts and make them tangible brings me peace. I feel stronger. I feel braver when I’m in here. This is my spot.”

Ashley’s gallery and studio have been open over seven years, but she has been painting for more than 20. “When I first started, I thought that galleries were the only way I could sell. I guess it takes someone like me to say, ‘wait, we don’t have to do it that old way.’

I had to do it this way, because I honestly can’t tell you how many galleries told me I wasn’t marketable.

Not that it’s important, but it feels nice.” Her gallery is filled with finished and in-progress works, but few stay for very long before going to live in their new homes nationally and internationally. Ninety percent of Ashley’s paintings leave New Orleans. >>

and beautiful woman, who to me is just a vessel representing something that I think every woman would want to be,” Ashley explains. “Whoever you are, I think it translates. Beauty is universal.” Other women who often appear on Ashley’s canvas are Frida Kahlo, Kate Moss, Anna Wintour and, of course, Wonder Woman.

“I paint and surround myself with these women because I feel like this becomes my world where I feel safe. They become my team. In the same way people decorate their home to feel comfortable and surround September-October 2017 21

Many ask Ashley, “Why not New York?”

She says: “New Orleans accepts the wildness and celebrates the arts like no other. I feel safe putting my thoughts on canvas here. I’ve been here for 13 years and love that you can absorb yourself into whatever chaos you want and the city embraces it. I also like that you can have a throw down on Monday night just ’cause. A calm night never ends up being a calm night. It’s like getting caught in a riptide, which is great if you know how to swim.”

22

Inside Northside

And, oh, can Ashley swim—thanks to her fearlessness, positivity and successful mentors. “My work is my own exploration of being a woman in America. Of the new America we’re living in, with all of its opportunity. I explore status and greed with my Trophy series—but also the roles my mother had and how liberated I’m feeling by being an entrepreneur.

When I wake up in the morning, I don’t think ‘Oh, I’m a woman. I have something to prove.’ I just feel like this being that has opportunity. So, although my work is very feminine in so many ways, my main focus is to be a badass and to be free. And to me, being free is making my own money. If there’s something I want, I work for it; if I have an idea, I paint it; if I’m having a thought, I say it. Being in that moment and being very present, that’s where I want to live.”

Ashley embraces the advice and opinion of her mentors, including Wendy Wurtzburger, former Anthropologie Global co-president and chief merchandising and design officer and now an independent entrepreneur; Fran Hauser, former president of Digital at Time Inc. and now partner at Rothenberg Ventures; and Nataly Kogan, founder of Happier. “These women are mothers running hundred-million-dollar companies. That layer of incredible wife and mother is what I respect more

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

than anything. It shows that you can get out there and do what you want. I promise you one thing, real successful women are engaging, gracious and a pleasure to be around. When you’re around them you ask yourself, ‘how can I learn from this woman?’”

Many female collectors, friends and fans ask the same of Ashley and how she has found success in what she loves. She says: “I have worked my ass off. I’ve worked 14 hours a day. I’ve cried myself to sleep. My ribs have hurt from sobbing and snot bubbles. You know, it’s funny how it all happens, because it happens how it should—especially when you work for it and nobody gives it to you. If you really understand your business, understand who your client is and understand yourself (which I do more than ever as I become an older woman). When those three things come together, it’s a very powerful combination.”

The combination of artist, businesswoman, fashion collaborator, furniture designer and now writer is quite the example of a badass woman.

Ashley’s book You Don’t Look Fat, You Look Crazy, published by Regan Arts, released in February with 160 pages of art and Ashley’s story so far. Also in the works are three global collaborations that are set to launch in 2018 and 2019. Through whatever medium—canvas, Instagram or paper—Ashley

remains humble in her successes.

“Being able to sell my thoughts. It’s very empowering. I feel very grateful and joyous. Every time throughout my entire career that someone has believed in me enough to pay me money for my thoughts, they have become a part of where I am right now. And I do not forget that. It’s a dream.”

See Ashley in action at Art for Art’s Sake on October 7 from 5-9pm. 4537 Magazine Street, New Orleans. 504333-6951. ashleylongshore.com.

September-October 2017 23

INSIDE

JLGC 2017 Harvest Cup Polo Classic Oct 8 Harvest Cup Polo Classic. Live polo matches, Lee Michael’s Rolex Raffle, live and silent auctions, live music, fabulous food and libations.

Summergrove Farm, 16191 Hwy 40, Folsom. 11:30am. harvestcuppolo.com.

the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

a Will, Power of Attorney and Living Will.

6, 13, 20, 27 Covington Farmers Market.

Covington Trailhead. 10am-2pm. covla.com.

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Camellia City Market. East

Christie Tournet & Associates, 1795

St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce

W Causeway Approach, Suite 103A,

GWP Hair Tie Critter Bracelets with

parking lot, 1808 Front St, Slidell.

Mandeville. 9am- 3pm. $500 per basic

$75 purchase; cosmetic bag with $200

8am-12pm. camelliacitymarket.org.

estate plan. 951-2177.

purchase. Palm Village, A Lilly Pulitzer

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Covington Farmers Market. 609 N Columbia St. 8am-12pm.

Trailhead Market. 9am-1pm.

covla.com. covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

mandevilletrailheadmarket.com.

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 “Legacies for All” Estate Planning Day. Schedule a time to 24

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Mandeville

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

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Abita Springs Farmers Market. 12-4pm.townofabitasprings.com.

7-10 Boarding Beauty Promotion.

Signature Store, 2735 Hwy 190, Ste C, Mandeville. 778-2547.

8 Northlake Newcomers Club Membership Coffee and Social.

Tchefuncta Country Club, 2 Pinecrest Dr,

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

September

confirm your estate plan, which includes

Covington. 10am-12pm. (803) 730-7831. newcomers41@gmail.com.

8-10 TaWaSI Antiques and Collectibles Show. Warren J Harang Jr. Municipal Auditorium, 310 N Canal Blvd, Thibodaux, La. Sept. 8-9, 10am-5pm; Sept. 10, 10am-4pm. $10. tawasi.net.

9 Northshore Women’s Expo. Castine Center, Mandeville. 10am-4pm. facebook. com/nswomenexpo.

9 Relay for Life. Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington.11am-8pm. (800) 227-2345. relayforlife.org.

9 Super Hero Run. 5K and 1-mile fun run to benefit HOPE Charities. TerraBella Village, 111 TerraBella Blvd, Covington. 7:30am.

871-7171. superherohope.com.

9-10 St. Tammany Crab Festival. Heritage Park, Slidell. sttammanycrabfestival.com.

9-30 The Intimacy of Plein Air Painting.

Paintings by Peg Usner. Miriam Barranger Gallery, St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N Columbia St, Covington. Opening reception, Sept. 9, 6-9pm. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

9-Oct 28 The Rediscovery of a Southern Regional Artist. Works of Martha Wright Ambrose. The Atrium Gallery, 100 Christwood Blvd, Covington.

Opening reception, Sept 9, 4:30-6:30pm. christwoodrc.com.

15 Hope Grows Here Fall Gala. Benefiting Boys Hope Girls Hope. The Pavilion of the Two Sisters, City Park, New Orleans.

7-10pm. $125. boyshopegirlshope.org.

15 Martini Madness. Featuring 25 daring martinis and New Orleans top restaurants.

Arbor Room at Popp Fountain, City Park, New Orleans. 8-11pm. $45-$65. (504) 483-9376. friendsofcitypark.com.

15 Milne Day Lily Project. Volunteers are welcome to help plant day lilies at each of the homes at Milneburg. 1065 Milne Crl, Covington. 10am. 327-6550. milneds.org.

16 Jane Iredale Fall Makeup Event. Gift with purchase. Oasis Day Spa, 1357 N

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September-October 2017 25

Inside Scoop Causeway Blvd, Mandeville. 9am-5pm. 624-6772.

16 Out of Africa Experience. Buffet-style meal, African attire contest, silent auction, raffles, Malawi craft bazaar and more. Hosted by Mwana Mission Project, Inc., to

433 Erlanger St, Slidell. 9am-3pm. 643-6437.

28 Harvest Jewels Trunk Show. Rug Chic, 4240 Hwy 22, Ste 6, Mandeville. 10am-5pm. 674-1070. rugchic.com.

28-Oct 1 Racquets for Reagan Tennis Tournament.

benefit the construction of a multi-purpose complex.

Presented by Bill Hood Chevrolet. Franco’s Athletic Club,

Hosanna Lutheran Church, 2480 Hwy 190, Mandeville.

100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville. Adult mixed doubles,

6-9pm. $35. 237-5467.

$99 per player. francosmandeville.com.

17 Tim Laughlin Trio. Third Sunday Concert Series. Christ

29 New Orleans’ Best Volunteer Activists Luncheon.

Episcopal Church, 120 S New Hampshire St, Covington.

Presented by the St. Elizabeth’s Guild. Hyatt Regency

5-6 pm, doors open at 4:30. Free. 892-3177.

New Orleans, 601 Loyola Ave, New Orleans. Doors

22 Dove Golf Classic. Benefits St. Scholastica Academy.

Tchefuncta Country Club, 2 Country Club Park, Covington. 7am-3pm. ssacad.com.

22-23 Immaculée Ilibagiza Retreat. Celebrating 100

open, 10:45am. $75. (504) 352-3417.

29 Brews Arts Festival. Local artists, local artisan beer, live music and art demonstrations. Behind the Arts Center, Morrison Alley Parking Lot, N Cypress St, Hammond.

Years of Our Lady of Fatima. Most Holy Trinity Church,

5-9pm. In advance, members, $20; nonmembers, $25.

501 Holy Trinity Dr, Covington. Sept 22, 4-9pm; Sept

Day of, $30. 542-7113. hammondarts.org.

23, 8:30am-12pm. $57 or $76 for two. 710-9595. immaculee.com.

29 Columbia Street Block Party. Downtown Covington.

6:30-9pm. Free. covla.com.

23 Pumpkin Patch Car, Truck and Bike Show.

30 STARC BBQ Fundraiser. Meals, music, inflatables and

Benefitting the Fit As A Firefighters Kids Camp.

more to benefit STARC. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church,

Sponsored by the Slidell District 1 Fire Department and

4499 Sharp Rd, Mandeville. 11am-4pm. 373-0037.

Slidell Memorial Hospital. First United Methodist Church,

ssambola.cbs@gmail.com.

26 Inside Northside

October 1 Racquets for Reagan Tennis Tournament. Franco’s

6 Camellia City Celebrity Golf Tournament. Beau Chêne Country Club, 602 N Beau Chêne Dr, Mandeville. camcityjazzfest.com.

Athletic Club, 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville. Adult

6-27 Seldom Seen. Artwork, curated by Pat Macaluso,

mixed doubles, $99 per player. francosmandeville.com.

from private collections in the Florida Parishes. 217 E

1-28 The Rediscovery of a Southern Regional Artist.

Thomas St, Hammond. Opening reception, 5-8pm,

Works of Martha Wright Ambrose. The Atrium Gallery,

Oct 6. Weds-Fri, 12pm-6 pm. Free. 542-7113.

100 Christwood Blvd, Covington. christwoodrc.com.

hammondarts.org.

3, 31 Open House. Northlake Christian School, 70104

6, 13, 20, 27 “Legacies for All” Estate Planning day.

Wolverine Dr, Covington. 635-0408. admissions@

Schedule a time to confirm your estate plan, which

northlakechristian.org. northlakechristian.org.

includes a Will, Power of Attorney, and Living Will.

4-6 LRMC Volunteer Auxiliary Semi-Annual Jewelry

Christie Tournet & Associates, 1795 W. Causeway

Sale. Proceeds benefit LRMC Volunteer Auxiliary

Approach, Suite 103A, Mandeville. Every Friday

charities. Main Entrance Lobby, Lakeview Regional

9am-3pm. $500 per basic estate plan. 951-2177.

Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington.

6, 20 Friday Nites on the Square. Benefiting the

Oct 4, 7am-5pm; Oct 5, 7am-6pm; Oct 6, 7am-3pm.

YMCA, Children’s Museum of St. Tammany and Kickin

lakeviewregional.com.

Parkinson’s. Oct 6, Bottoms Up; Oct 20, Band Camp.

4-8 St. Tammany Parish Fair. sttammanyparishfair.info.

4, 11, 18, 25 Covington Farmers Market.

Covington Trailhead. 10am-2pm. covla.com. covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

5, 12, 19, 26 Rockin’ the Rails. Covington Trailhead. covla.com.

TerraBella Village, 111 Terra Bella Blvd, Covington. 5:308:30pm. 871-7171. terrabellavillage.com.

7 Tailgating for a Cause. Watch the LSU vs Florida game and enjoy drinks and food while benefiting The Samaritan Center. Attendees are asked to donate

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September-October 2017 27

Inside Scoop non-perishable food items, personal care items or monetary donations. The Windsor Senior Living Community, 1770 N Causeway Blvd, Mandeville. Beginning two hours before kickoff. 624-8040. windsorseniorliving.com.

7 Unleashed! Rescue Me Gala. Presented

by First Castle Federal Credit Union. Four Unplugged, delicious food, premium cocktails, silent and live auctions and cork pull. Pontchartrain Yacht Club, 140 Jackson Ave, Mandeville. 7-11pm. $125 in advance, $150 at the door. 892-7387. sthumane.org.

7-8 Camellia City Smooth Jazz Festival. The Northshore Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd, Slidell. camcityjazzfest.com.

7, 14, 21, 28 Camellia City Market. East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce parking lot, 1808 Front St, Slidell.

8am-12pm. camelliacitymarket.org.

7, 14, 21, 28 Covington Farmers Market.

609 N Columbia St. 8am-12pm. covla. com. covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

7, 14, 21, 28 Mandeville Trailhead Market.

9am-1pm. mandevilletrailheadmarket.com.

8 Harvest Cup Polo Classic. Live polo matches, Lee Michael’s Rolex Raffle, live and silent auctions, music, food and libations. Summergrove Farm, 16191 Hwy 40, Folsom. 11:30am. harvestcuppolo.com.

8 Kelsey Bradley Favrot Memorial Run/ Walk. Benefiting the LSU Neurosurgery Brain Tumor Center. Audubon Park, Bldg 10, 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans.

8-11am. kelseysgoal.com.

8 Paddle for Preservation. Presented

by Land Trust for Louisiana and Canoe & Trail Adventures. Canoe, kayak and paddle board adventure! Tangipahoa River. 9am. landtrustforlouisiana.org.

8, 15, 22, 29 Abita Springs Farmers Market. 12-4pm. townofabitasprings.com.

12 Chamber After Hours. St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce After Hours 28

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

at Milneburg. 1065 Milne Crl, Covington.

4:30-6:30pm. 327-6550. milneds.org.

12 Tocqueville Award Celebration.

20-22 Ghosts in the Oaks. Fundraiser for City Park. Halloween event with trickor-treating, rides, arts and crafts, and a

Honoring J. Wayne Leonard. Hyatt

pumpkin patch. City Park, New Orleans.

Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola

(504) 483-9376. friendsofcitypark.com.

Ave, New Orleans. Reception, 6pm;

21 Fall for Art. Art by dozens of artists,

dinner, 7pm. Cocktail attire. michellep@

live music, shopping, fine dining

unitedwaysela.org. unitedwaysela.org.

and more. Presented by the St.

13 Northlake Newcomers Club October Luncheon. Speaker: St. Tammany Parish Assessor Louis Fitzmorris. Tchefuncta Country Club, 2 Pinecrest Drive,

Tammany Art Association. Downtown Covington. 6-9pm. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

21 Hammond Horror Fest 48-Hour

Covington. Doors open,10am. Members,

Film Festival. Gnarly Barley Brewing,

$26, guests, $29. (803) 730-7831.

1709 Corbin Rd, Hammond. 6-11pm.

newcomers41@gmail.com.

18-21 Hollydays. Four days of shopping

hammondhorrorfest.org.

21-Jan 20 Luxury & Leisure in Britain in

and special events to benefit the

the 19th Century. M.S. Rau Antiques,

Junior League of Baton Rouge and its

630 Royal St, New Orleans. (888) 557-

community programming. Raising Cane’s River Center, 275 River Rd S, Baton Rouge. hollydays.org.

19 Kickin’ Parkinson’s. Over 25 local

2406. rauantiques.com.

21 Monster Mash. Presented by Metairie Bank Northshore. Trick-or-treat village, games, food and more to benefit the

restaurants, premium bars, silent

St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting

auction, live music by Bag of Donuts.

Center. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington.

Benefiting Team Fox Louisiana in support

10am-3pm. In advance: child, $15;

of Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Team

adult, $5. Day of: child, $20; adult, $10.

Fox for Parkinson’s Research. Stone

11 months and under, free. 898-4435.

Creek Club & Spa, 1202 Ochsner Blvd,

sthfoundation.org.

Covington. 7pm. $150. kickinparkinsons. com.

19-20 Dove Market. Benefiting families and alumnae of Saint Scholastica Academy.

122 S Massachusetts St, Covington.

11am-6pm. 892-2540. ssacad.com.

20 Hammond Horror Fest 7. 24-hour theatre project presented by Hammond Horror Fest and Alpha Psi Omega.

22 Open House. Grades 8-12. Christ Episcopal School, 80 Christwood Blvd, Covington. 4pm. 871-9902 ext 208. christepiscopalschool.org.

22 The Garden Party at Summergrove Farm. Benefiting New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center. 1-5pm. newheightstherapy.org.

25 Open House. Early Pre-K, Pre-K

Vonnie Borden Theatre on Southeastern’s

and Kindergarten. Christ Episcopal

campus. 7 pm; show, 8pm. $7.

School, 120 S. New Hampshire St,

hammondhorrorfest.org.

Covington. 9:30am. 871-9902 ext 208.

20-22 Festival of the Lake. Live music, food, games and craft show. Our Lady

christepiscopalschool.org.

25-29 A Taste of Olde Towne. Carey Street

of the Lake Parish, 312 Lafitte St,

Farm-to-Table Dinner, vintner dinners,

Mandeville. Friday 5-10 pm, Saturday

wine tastings and Champagne Jazz

11am-10pm, Sunday 11am-5pm.

Brunch. Olde Towne Slidell Main Street.

festivalofthelake.com.

atasteofoldetowne.com.

>>

Inside Scoop 26-28 A Night of One-Act Plays.

Presented by the Northlake Christian Upper School. Fuhrmann Auditorium, Covington. northlakechristian.org.

27 Columbia Street Block Party. 6:309pm. Free. covla.com.

28 Open House. Saint Paul’s School, Briggs Assembly Center, 917 S Jahncke Ave, Covington. 1pm. 892-3200 ext 1003. stpauls.com.

28 Boo Fest 2017. Benefits ACCESS (Adapting and Changing Children’s Environments with Successful Solutions).

Trick-or-treat at over 70 haunted houses, all-abilities games, music and more.

Children’s costume contest. Northshore Area Board of Realtors (NABOR) Annual Chili Challenge. Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington. Gates open at 9am for special needs families; general public, 10am–3pm. $2. accesslouisiana.org/ boofest-2017.

28 Deo Gratias 2017. Dining, entertainment and an auction. All proceeds benefit the seminary. Saint Joseph Abbey, 75376 River Rd, Covington. Vespers, 6 pm; gala, 7pm. sjasc.edu.

28 Pumpkins in the Park. Pumpkin patch festival with food drive to benefit the Covington Food Bank. TerraBella Village, 111 TerraBella Blvd, Covington.

11am-2pm. 871-7171. terrabellavillage.com.

28 Unity in the Community. Car show, trick-or-treating, costume contest, BBQ cook-off and live music. Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St. 4-9pm. gnoproperty.com.

29 Milne Fall Festival. Trick-or-treat, costume contests, hayrides and more.

Milneburg, 1065 Milne Crl, Covington.

1-4pm. 327-6550. milneds.org.

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

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

IN Other Words

by Becky Slatten

Who Ya Gonna Call?

3:25 - Arrival Upon arrival, we checked into our hotel room and set about testing our “equipment” (i.e., iPhone ghost apps). Almost immediately, eerie things began to happen. The bathroom air vent came on all by itself, and The Editor began speaking to the suspicious vent to make contact with any ghosts hovering in there. We also attempted to conduct some EVPs (electronic voice phenomena for you ghost-show novices). However, our “equipment” was not exactly cooperating, as the ghost apps clearly state they are for “entertainment purposes only.”

We remained undeterred. We next decided to get in touch with any entities hanging out in the lobby; 32 Inside Northside

once there, we immediately felt the spirits calling us to the bar, so we rushed over to get a couple of “readings” with our complimentary drink coupons.

4:00 - The Tour Gio, one of our charming hotel managers, acted as our personal tour guide and escorted us to the most active spots in the hotel.

(The hotel offers a guided ghost tour to the public on Thursday evenings.) He pointed out the general location of the famous phantom blood stain on the grand staircase, and we also watched for the ghostly dancer in the ballroom, though neither materialized for us—nor did our “equipment” cooperate, which we were getting used to even though we were utilizing it strictly for “entertainment purposes.” Gio shared with us his personal paranormal encounters while walking the hotel halls late at night, and we hoped to have a similar experience later in the investigation. Meanwhile, he gave us access to one of the more “active” guest rooms on the 6th floor and a couple more complimentary drink coupons, so we went back to the bar to make “contact” with some more spirits.

6:00 - The Dinner Muriel’s in Jackson Square also has a long-haunted history, so we chose to dine there in hopes of being joined by some long-dead residents. Unfortunately, none showed up—at least we don’t think so. Our “equipment” malfunctioned, so it’s impossible to really know, but our food was delicious, and we enjoyed a nice bottle of wine. Manager David Gesser kindly offered us a tour of the very beautiful and spooky second floor, where many documented sightings have occurred. Sadly, we experienced nothing out of

photo: CLAYTON HARRISON

AS PROMISED in last year’s September/October issue, my editor, Anne Honeywell, and I, in observance of our second favorite holiday, Halloween, conducted our own Paranormal Investigation at a local haunted hotel. With my deadline looming, as usual (see January article about Procrastination), I called one of the most widely acknowledged haunted locations in the city, The Bourbon Orleans Hotel.

Once an opera house and an orphanage, the hotel is aptly located in practically the dead center of the French Quarter.

General Manager Mark Wilson graciously offered us accommodations for the night, and we immediately began making the necessary preparations to document the existence of life after death by downloading some highly unscientific ghost-hunting apps on our iPhones. We also bought a bottle of wine. We were ready for anything.

the ordinary, so we headed to our next adventure: The Haunted Pub Crawl.

8:15 - The Haunted Pub Crawl The scariest part of The Haunted Pub Crawl was actually some of the creepy vagrants lurking around the Quarter after dark. We were in a small group, and our guide, Doug, regaled us with an entertaining haunted history of several local bars. And we had a drink or two.

10:30 - Nighttime Hotel Investigation Following The Haunted Pub Crawl, we decided to pay a visit to our new best friend and bartender, Camille, for one final “reading” at the Bourbon O bar before heading to the very active 6th floor for our late-night investigation.

Armed only with liquid courage and some bogus “equipment,” we entered room number 642. And the fan in the bathroom came on all by itself. We were naturally ecstatic to experience yet another paranormal bathroom event until later when Eric, who works on the 6th floor, apologetically explained that all the bathroom air vents are motion activated. But I got to make fun of The Editor for talking to an air vent, so it wasn’t a complete waste of time.

In summary, no, we didn’t see a ghost, hear a ghost or feel a ghost—the only “cold spots” we felt came directly from air conditioner vents. And while we were a little disappointed that we didn’t come away with any evidence of the supernatural, I can say this: when it comes to “for entertainment purposes only,” you can’t beat ghost hunting in the French Quarter. Boo y’all.

September-October 2017 33

Sunset in Slidell Entertaining on the Water

WANDERING THROUGH THE GRAND SPACES of this home in Slidell’s Lakeshore Estates you can almost hear the island music playing in the background. Designed for entertaining, the open floor plan welcomes the outdoors in. Water is the continuing theme, beginning with the spa that is indoors—but just barely, thanks to the movable window walls. Just past those windows is an infinity34

Inside Northside

edge, saltwater pool and the lake beyond. It is a Louisiana dream home.

Whether your passion is sunset fishing on the lake or cruising the neighborhood with friends in a party barge, the 250 foot boardwalk is the place to start. It calls to family and friends of all ages.

This very special home features four spacious bedrooms and over 6,500 square feet of living area.

>>

September-October 2017 35

photos courtesy: THE SCOGGIN GROUP

36

Inside Northside

photos courtesy: THE SCOGGIN GROUP

The stained concrete floors on the lower level create a warm base for the engaging conversation area with matching arched sofas anchoring the main room. The ceiling soars over 20 feet, filling the room with sunlight and spectacular views. Bracketed on the second floor with matching wrought iron balconies, the room also includes one of several bar seating areas, one allowing conversation with the chef and easy access to the kitchen. The finishes throughout keep everyone having fun, even the hosts.

Warm leather and thick woven damask are inviting and durable.

Granite counter tops in rich brown and taupe tones glisten against the warm white wash on the cabinets. The brushed stainless steel range hood and appliances are the perfect complement.

The adjacent bar area is topped with a striking dome ceiling painted in >>

38

Inside Northside

photos courtesy: THE SCOGGIN GROUP

a dark copper tone. The built-in open shelving houses everything a guest could ask for and is topped with a unique and interesting bottle collection. No matter which team you are pulling for, this room is made for football parties. The seating here is more casual, but the views are just as striking. The waterfront setting even includes a sandy beach and a boat house. This is a family home with a vacation vibe every day.

September-October 2017 39

Leader of the Band

by Mary Bahlinger

IN DEATH VALLEY on the first gameday Saturday of the 2014 season, the band is waiting in the end zone. I have my whistle in my teeth while watching toward the west sideline for the director’s cues. The football team is leaving the field. The band director, Roy King, gives me a small nod and a point to give the double whistle blast: tweet-tweet. The band bends over and looks to the left as the hype video starts to play on the video screens and sound system in Tiger Stadium.

Listening to the video while waiting for the big point from the band director, I can’t help but think that the crowd doesn’t know my name yet. They also don’t know that it’s taken years of preparation, practice and trying 40

Inside Northside

out three years in a row to be able to take this first step onto the field in Tiger Stadium in the iconic white uniform.

With both hands on the top of the mace, right over left, tip resting on the back goal line between my feet, the video wraps up. Roy King looks right at me and gives me the big double point to go and take the first step onto the field to start Pregame. Right hand grasps and flips the mace to horizontal with my forearm as I take my first steps across the end zone. The crowd begins the low cheer in anticipation. The far left corner trumpet player cries “READY, READY,” as my first step hits the grass and the entire band ripples to stand upright at attention while I take the precise

photos: TERRILL WEIL

Mandeville’s Mary Bahlinger

number of steps across the end zone.

Hours of practice dictate that as the ripple finishes, I take my last right foot slow step onto the goal line and snap to attention.

Snap head left, center right center to make sure the field is clear for the band to take the field. Huge breath, and I begin the long whistle blast and triple mace spin to bring the band onto the field with the beat of a single bass drum. Clap-clap-clapclapclap—the crowd keeps time with the drum. We barely hear the crowd; we only hear the drum dictating the beat for us.

As the band members stop on their respective yard lines, I continue to march another 10 yards with the Colorguard to our more-forward positions. These 10 yards and what follows are my favorite part of Pregame; I can spin the mace and >> September-October 2017 41

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

make it really shine as it catches the bright lights of the stadium in front of 102,000 people. When I stop on the opposite 40-yard line in anticipation of the drumline cymbal crash that begins Pregame itself, the crowd starts a slow, dull roar, waiting through the 18 beats of drum cadence for those four iconic notes.

As I salute the west sideline, I listen to the announcer, whose voice I have heard at countless football games in the past, say the introduction and my name for all to hear: “Ladies and gentlemen, under the field direction of Drum Major Mary Bahlinger, we proudly present to you the 2014 Louisiana State University Tiger Marching Band!� The band plays; the crowd is deafening as we acknowledge all four corners of Tiger Stadium, with roaring response from the stands.

As the ending notes slowly build the anticipation of the quick pace that is to follow, we all take our last right 42

Inside Northside

photo: TERRILL WEIL

step onto our final yard lines. I move to the west sideline, and the Colorguard and first line of band members begin to advance toward the north end zone.

I see Mike the Tiger mascot running around the advancing Colorguard.

Although we have practiced the running high five before, this is the first time we have done it in Tiger Stadium, and the first time in our gameday attire.

He has known me for some time now and understands what this moment means—it’s our first home game, and I am only the third female drum major in LSU history. My friend gives me a huge point right before we slap hands, which is not what Mike the Tiger normally does during this part of Pregame.

This personal acknowledgement just for me makes me smile bigger than I could feel or put into words, even though the drum major is supposed to remain stoic throughout. That moment is the highlight and my favorite of all my gameday Saturdays in Death Valley

during my tenure as the 2014 LSU Drum Major—and a moment that I will cherish forever.

Mary is a graduate of Mandeville High School. After graduating with a bachelor’s in Interdisplinary Studies from LSU, Mary returned home to Mandeville to live and work.

September-October 2017 43

Parents of developmentally delayed children share a common worry: Who will care for my child when I am no longer here? Who will love her? Protect her from hurts? Finding the solution sometimes takes a miracle. And sometimes, miracles happen…right here in Covington, Louisiana.

Milne—Where Miracles Happen

by Karen B. Gibbs PROMPTLY AT FOUR O’CLOCK every day, the young man goes for a ride. He enjoys the hum of the car’s engine, the way the world flies by. He is happy.

All is well.

Across the way, two women pedal their bikes around the grounds, talking girl-talk, as best friends do. Later, they’ll watch a chick-flick and munch on popcorn. Could life be any better than this?

Welcome to Milne, where miracles happen every day. Nestled in the leafy arms of Covington’s Waldheim community, it is a paradise where extraordinary people thrive. Here live forty-four 44

Inside Northside

women and four men, remarkable souls who are buoyed, not overwhelmed, by life’s challenges. In this idyllic setting of pastel cottages, cozy screened porches and inviting rocking chairs, the world is a beautiful place marked by love, peace, acceptance and joy.

In 1838, Alexander Milne bequeathed funds to build “asylums for destitute and orphan boys and girls.” In 1918, the girls’ home redirected its mission to care solely for developmentally delayed women. Through the years, Milne has changed from an institution-type facility to today’s group home community. Ironically, in part, it was the destruction

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

of the Gentilly Milne home by Katrina that enabled the metamorphosis.

At that time, the residents of Milne temporarily relocated in Laurel, Mississippi. To be sure, times were tough. The women (there were no men in Milne at the time) had lost their possessions, their home and their comfortable environment. Likewise, Milne, itself, was reeling financially. It desperately needed its own Moses, someone to lead its people back to the Promised Land of Louisiana.

That’s when Danny Lamier came on board. “I was initially called in as a consultant to bring the facility up to code as an assisted living facility/school,” he explains. To say he was prepared for the job is an understatement. With a lifetime career in managing longterm care facilities, Lamier is wise, efficient—and uncommonly

compassionate. “There’s a secret to that,” he says.

“Fifteen years ago, our son, Logan, was born with Down Syndrome. For the first time in my life, I was sitting on the ‘other side of the desk.’” Being the father of a developmentally delayed child has given him a renewed passion for the job that years of administrative work could never instill.

Despite the financial, logistical and emotional upheaval that befell Milne after the storm, Lamier always had a ready smile and a friendly word for the residents. Meanwhile, he looked for ways to boost Milne’s bottom line. From past experience, he knew that residents were eligible for Medicaid along with their Medicare, something they had not previously received. Acquiring this additional funding provided much-needed financial relief.

For the ten long years that Milne was in Laurel, Lamier and his staff encouraged the women of Milne as they patiently awaited their return to Louisiana.

They buoyed their spirits, challenged their intellect and made sure they had plenty of field trips and fun.

In the meantime, Lamier and the board navigated the red tape that inevitably comes with rebuilding and scoured the area for a suitable location. Ultimately, they purchased fifty-five acres in Covington where it was >> September-October 2017 45

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Café Milne 1052 Milne Circle, Covington 327-6579

high, dry—and safe. Most impressively, they adopted a better model for Milne. Instead of having all residents live in a single residence, plans were drawn for a community of twelve individual group homes, each housing four residents. The new development also included buildings for administration, community gatherings, maintenance and a restaurant. They named the subdivision Milneburg—a place tailor-made for their mission.

Groundbreaking took place on May 9, 2013. This brought a wave of excitement to the residents in Laurel, many of whom came by bus for the occasion. Once construction began, they received regular updates on the progress of the project. While beauty and comfort were part of the planning, so was hurricane protection. “To help Milne withstand another hurricane, we installed underground electric and cable lines, storm shutters that can withstand more than 200 m.p.h. winds, and huge generators capable of sustaining the needs of the residents for an extended time,” says Johanna Averill, president of the board. “We don’t ever want them to go through what they experienced after Katrina destroyed their residence in Gentilly.”

After two years, the residents were given the delightful chore of selecting colors and bedding for their individual bedrooms. For most of them, this would be the first time they’d have their own room. Finally, on April 15, 2015, they began moving in. Beautifully landscaped, with sidewalks connecting the cottages, Milne was idyllic.

With its screened porches, rocking chairs, bicycles and pond, “Milne felt like a family, a real neighborhood, and not an institution,” says Averill.

Saturdays, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.;

Whistle while you work

Sundays, 10 a.m.– 6 p.m.

One of the most exciting changes that came with moving back to Louisiana was the introduction of the Milne Work Opportunity Program. Since October 2016, this program has provided residents with vocational training in the culinary and service industries. For longtime resident Patricia, having a job is a high point of her life. “Pat wants to come to work. She loves it,” says Executive Assistant Megan Galey. “It brings her such joy to work in the office.”

The same is true of Marian, another resident worker in the administration building. Galey says, “She does a phenomenal job of answering the phone, especially while our regular receptionist is out. I hear her telling people, ‘Yep, I’m working today. Shelly is out, and Megan really needs my help.’ Hearing that makes me feel good.”

Over at Café Milne, the community restaurant that’s

Director of Food and Beverages: Jonathan Robinson

Specializing in steaks, seafood and cuisine prepared with a touch of Cajun goodness. Catering available from tailgate parties to weddings, from meetings to parties. Delectable creations from pastry chef Jordan Waguespack: king cake bread pudding, peach cobbler, tres leches cake and gourmet cookies. The restaurant is also available outside business hours for large group meetings. Call for reservations.

46

Inside Northside

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Open: Fridays, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.;

open to the public, Amy greets patrons with an ever-ready smile and a big dose of hospitality. Behind the scenes, other residents are busy, too. Milne’s oldest resident, 91-year-old Grace, rolls silverware while Danna keeps the glass doors and windows sparkling clean.

While these women relish the opportunity to work and earn their own money, there’s an even bigger part to this picture—something money can’t buy. Marcus Hock, Patricia’s brother, says it best. “This work gives Pat a purpose, a reason to get up every day.”

Pat’s week revolves around Tuesdays and Thursdays—the days she dons her business clothes and heads to the office.

Programs at Milne Unlike Pat, Marian, Amy, Grace and Danna, not all residents at Milne are ready to hold a job—at least, not yet. Nevertheless, they are constantly being challenged to achieve their maximum potential. To assist the staff in carrying out that goal, every resident is evaluated by a team of qualified professionals—medical, psycho-social, intellectual and adaptive behavior—to identify strengths and weaknesses and determine level of function.

Working with this information, the team develops a comprehensive service plan with goals and objectives for each resident. These include: grooming and hygiene, housekeeping, recognizing life safety signs, money management, >> September-October 2017 47

cooking, pre-vocational, vocational and social skills (like punctuality and attendance), current events, mobility skills, how to access transportation, lawful behavior and using leisure time effectively.

To the casual observer, these subjects may seem insignificant, but to the residents of Milne, these are keys to independence. Carol Mesa, whose son, Tony, became Milne’s first male resident, knows firsthand the effectiveness of this approach. “We used to think Tony would be best served in a most restrictive environment, but Milne has shown us how independence is good for Tony. Since coming to Milne, Tony is becoming more social and is watching TV with the other residents in his house, instead of alone in his room.” He’s also taking responsibility for his own belongings. “Tony used to lose or break his iPod on a weekly basis,” adds Carol.

“Since he’s at Milne, this doesn’t happen as often. He even plugs it in himself.”

Carol has high praise for the staff, too, saying they approach their job as a privilege and take a personal interest in the residents. Tony is the young man cited at the beginning of the article. He likes to go for rides in a car, so, at 4 p.m. every day, a staff member takes him on a car ride. Bolstered by these regular rides, the once reclusive Tony now gets out and does things in the community, like going to Wendy’s for a Frosty. “For most of us, that may not be special,” says Carol, “but for Tony, it’s a big deal. He even went to Milne’s crawfish boil.”

Tony is also becoming more compassionate, responding to other people’s needs. The woman who lives next door to him is not verbal, so she screams to express her emotions. “The other day, we heard her. Tony wanted to sing to help her calm down,” relates Carol. “I told him it was her birthday and asked if he wanted to sing Happy 48

Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Birthday to her.” Tony made his way to where the woman and her family were celebrating. Peering through the screen, he began to sing Happy Birthday.

The woman grew silent, her face became peaceful and she rocked back and forth. Somehow, Tony knew what she needed.

Stephen, the twenty-eight-year-old son of Donna and Stephen St. Cyr, is Milne’s newest man on campus. He arrived on March 20 of this year.

Although he is verbal, Stephen has autism and an intellectual disability. He functions at a kindergarten level. Prior to coming to Milne, Stephen lived at home with his parents because they found little available in the area to meet his needs.

Abruptly sending Stephen to live apart from them could have been traumatic, but the St. Cyrs

crafted a transition plan. “We came to Milne with Stephen every day for two months and spent the day,” says his mom. “During that time, I got to see the attitude of the workers and staff. It is rare to find people who are dedicated to the developmentally disabled and who treat them with respect. The staff soon realized that Stephen didn’t want to be stuck in one spot, so they were okay with letting Stephen be himself. These guys ‘get it.’”

Obviously, the atmosphere at Milne agrees with Stephen. “He’s happy and content. Having so many people come in and out is good for him. They all treat him so gently. He loves them and blows kisses to the nurses. To see him happy in his home situation means a lot to us,” adds Donna. Stephen calls Milne his “grown up” home—the same term his siblings use

>>

September-October 2017 49

to refer to their own homes. And they call their parents’ home their “childhood home,” something Stephen is also doing.

“This is a relief to our hearts,” says Donna.

Lend a hand Milne is looking for volunteers to assist with daily activities, share a talent and work on fundraisers. “Read a book, sing, play music, teach a lesson, help with arts and crafts, become a special buddy to residents who don’t have visitors,” suggests Galey. “Follow us on Facebook. If you’re already involved in a charity golf, softball or tennis tournament, consider adding Milne’s name to the beneficiaries.” On One Friend of Milne, Samantha Ditchendorf, has a developmentally delayed child of her own. To help Milne, she donates a portion of the sales of her elderberry syrup to the organization. To learn more, visit NaturallyWellwithSamantha.com.

For the outdoors folks, Lamier suggests, “Volunteer to teach residents how to care for the horses and to work on the raised-bed gardening program we are planning. Finally, urge your legislators to support programs that provide services to the developmentally disabled. Send letters, make phone calls—the more they hear, the more they’ll respond.”

Peace of mind Tony’s mom, Carol, offers these words of reassurance. “We all wonder who will give our child the same love, encouragement and respect that we do once we’re gone. Milne can create the peace of mind you need. At Milne, no one judges another. No one points at you and makes remarks. There is no perfect situation, but this is the best place for a special needs person—it’s even better than being at home.”

Pat’s brother, Marcus, echoes 50

Inside Northside

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Megan Galey and Danny Lamier.

that sentiment. “The biggest benefit to Pat is that she’s in a very sheltered environment, protected from so much of the world. Also, the level of attention Pat receives is incomparable. She is in a community daily. Her weekends are filled with church, shopping, the Saints and Baby Cakes games. During the week, she goes to classes, takes walks, works and visits the miniature horses.”

Miniature horses? Yes! In partnership with Ken Roche of Equestrian Angels, these therapeutic horses, Snickers and Boogie, arrived on the scene in 2017, much to the delight of all. Tony’s mom knows for a fact that these mini-equines have helped her son.

“Tony and I were having lunch on the patio at Café Milne. Tony finished eating before I did. He surprised me when he got up and walked across the street to see the horses! This is remarkable! Tony felt independent enough to leave me and walk by himself to see them!”

Yes, indeed. Miracles happen at Milne.

Join the residents of Milneburg for their Fall Fun Fest on October 29 from 1-4pm. For more information or to volunteer, contact Megan Galey at MGaley@milneds.org or 327-6550, or visit milneds.org or facebook.com/ AlexanderMilneDevelopmentalServices.

September-October 2017 51

Generous Hearts

by Jeanne Martin

David Fennelly (left) and Carlos Sanchez at Summergrove Farm, their home in Folsom.

52

FUNNY HOW IT ALL COMES FULL CIRCLE. In 2007, the early days of the Northshore Community Foundation, we were given the privilege of granting $1 million to nonprofits on the northshore who were still dealing with the impact of Hurricane Katrina. In an effort to meet and start relationships with the nonprofits we would ultimately serve, we decided to deliver all grant checks in person and ask to meet a board member.

As we delivered a modest grant check to New Heights Therapy Riding Center, David Fennelly was there to receive the grant on their behalf. It is one of the greatest ironies of the ten years of our Foundation’s success that we first met one of our most impactful, prolific donors when we were handing HIM a check.

Care, deliberation and going beyond the expected are what philanthropy is all about. It is being an involved giver, and few people are more involved in the northshore region than David Fennelly and Carlos Sanchez. Always humble, easily moved and quick with their generosity, the two are

Inside Northside

photo courtesy: NORTHSHORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Donor Spotlight: David Fennelly and Carlos Sanchez

the embodiment of the modern philanthropist.

Originally from Ireland, David’s mother ran a nursery school, which was connected to their home. “Every day, 30 or so kids would come to the school,” says David. “Some would be skipping or running, but others were not. Some of the kids had real physical and developmental challenges.

My mother never saw any of that. She treated every one of them with the same love and respect. The kindness she showed instilled in me a sense of equality that drives much of what I do today.”

David moved to this country at 21 to chase the American dream. At 27, he arrived in New Orleans as a fledgling businessman. Today, he is chairman of maritime services companies Associated Terminals and Turn Services and has become one of the Super Region’s leading visionaries, philanthropists and businessmen.

David’s philanthropy leadership and generosity inspires the people around him to get involved.

From those of modest means to those of great wealth, David’s compassion is as infectious as his humble nature is endearing, inspiring others to give.

Articulate, passionate and impeccably dressed, Carlos has been living a life of philanthropy since he was a small child growing up in Venezuela.

“During our time living in Mexico while my father was finishing studying for his medical career, he was very much in touch with the community. We were living by the foot of a mountain, and every

day I saw the farmers come down the mountain and pass in front of our house to sell their produce and meats in the nearby farmer’s market.

Everyone knew about the soon-to-be ‘doctor’ in town and would ask my father to ‘fix’ their children. He never refused, and he always wanted to help.

In exchange, they paid my father with produce and/or meat, especially live chickens. It was funny to see the live chickens running in our backyard as payback for his good deeds. In the last few years before his death, he took great pleasure in hearing about what David and I were accomplishing here with New Heights and other organizations. I think it brought him as much joy as it brings us.”

After graduating from Loyola in business management and finance, but recognizing the important role of the arts in the cultural life of the community, Carlos worked with his true passion as an art collector and patron. Today, when he is not working as the director of Fenchez, LLC, he brings his artistic expertise to the many organizations and boards he serves on, such as the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Foundation Board. The Healing Arts Program helps to bring healing through beauty to people hospitalized and suffering with cancer and other illnesses.

“When I was first approached about the program by Ms. Diane Winston, I initially assisted on a few projects at the Women’s Pavilion in Covington. I remember the story of a patient who was battling cancer. While she was undergoing chemotherapy treatment, she shared the difference of staring at a blank wall space during this difficult process as opposed to having a beautiful piece of art to look at and admire. Visual art has a strong, positive physiological effect on the brain and is >> September-October 2017 53

David and his mother, Kay

being used in hospitals across the world to aid in healing. I was absolutely going to be a part of that!”

David and Carlos have woven their love for the northshore and their desire to impact the causes that move their hearts into the very purpose of the Fennelly Sanchez Fund at the Foundation. They call this place home and look to the systems and expertise of the Foundation to be their compass in local philanthropy. Their fund has now become the vehicle they use to impact this region in very powerful and creative ways.

Among the many other organizations and missions which they help bolster, the Fennelly Sanchez Fund is the lead funder of the Northshore Community Foundation’s newly opened Northshare Campus because David and Carlos see the immense value in everything it represents. Northshare is a co-working campus of collaborative space used to help nonprofits maximize the impact of community solutions on people’s lives.

“The building is a beautiful physical representation connecting the business and social corridor of Columbia Street with the opportunities and challenges facing the adjacent West 54

Inside Northside

photos courtesy: NORTHSHORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Fennelly, at the Bertel Awards.

Carlos, his mother, Nila Dominguez Sánchez, and David at the grand opening of the NCF’s Northshare Campus.

30s neighborhood,” says Susan Bonnett Bourgeois, CEO of the Foundation.

David and Carlos have been partners for 23 years, and it is evident that they complement each other’s giving spirits. Their drive to invest in the community where they felt an instant connection is both inspiring and infectious. In 2006, the two first channeled their energy and resources to benefit New Heights Therapy Center. The combination of David’s soft heart for special-needs children and his personal passion for horses with Carlos’ love for and contacts in the art world provided a remarkable foundation for New Heights support.

Hosting their annual fundraising Garden Party and silent auction highlights the talents and passions of both men to help serve the mission of the therapeutic riding center.

Carlos and David consider Summergrove Farm in Folsom their home base. Both enjoy the rich culture of New Orleans and maintain a residence there as well as another in Kentucky.

The two are active in the arts and the economic development in downtown Covington, frequenting small businesses, restaurants, and attending community events throughout the year.

September-October 2017 55

EVEN IF YOU’RE AN ODD COUPLE, a beauty and a beast or maybe even a white winged dove, it’ll take an act of God to keep you away from this year’s cultural season.

Filled with classic performances, familiar melodies and fresh productions, it’s far from disenchanted. So, grab your playbill and jump on a streetcar named Desire because you’re only 45 seconds from Broadway.

Tango Fire.

photo courtesy: NEW ORLEANS BALLET ASSOCIATION

Abita Springs Opry The Abita Springs Opry offers another toetapping show on Sept. 16 with the Steve Anderson Group, Coobie Joe Cajun Band, Julio and Caesar, and King James and the Special Men. On Oct. 21, hear the Chris Talley Band, The Trustys of Davo Crossing, Ric Robertson Band and Gentilly Stompers. On Nov. 18, Last Chance Bluegrass Band, Delta Reign, Choupique Cajun Band and The Trad Stars. For tickets, call 892-0711 or visit abitaopry.org.

Cutting Edge Theater Opening Sept. 1-16, Cutting Edge Theater presents Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike; on Sept. 22, White Winged Dove an Evening of Stevie

CulturalGuide 2017-2018

Nicks Music with Nina Cain. For more listings and information, call 649-3727 or visit cuttingedgetheater.com.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Hammond Regional Arts Center

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The Hammond Regional Arts Center opens its season with Aboreal Musings, featuring fiber artist Linda Beach’s works, Sept. 8-28. On Oct. 6-27, view Seldom Seen, curated by Pat Macaluso, from private collections in the Florida Parishes. For information, call 542-7113 or visit hammondarts.org.

Jefferson Performing Arts Society The Jefferson Performing Art Society will begin its cultural season Oct. 6 with Chicago the Musical.

>>

On Dec. 8-17, Tuck Everlasting Orchestra followed

by The Hunchback of Notre Dame Feb. 23-March 4; Catch Me If You Can, April 13-22; and Alice in Wonderland, May 18-20. For more information, call (504) 885-2000 or visit jpas.org.

Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall The legendary Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall opens Sept. 22 with Los Hombres Calientes (Bill Summers). On Oct. 6, listen to Morning Star and St. Rose de Lima Men’s Ensemble. On Oct. 20, hear Chris Thomas King with Henry Gray; The Pfister Sisters, Nov. 3; Indian Blue-Sansone, Fohl & Boudreaux, Nov. 17; David L. Harris, Dec. 1, and Peter Harris Trio & Germaine Bazzle, Dec. 15. For show times and information, visit dewdropjazzhall.com.

Le Petit Theatre Du Vieux Carre The theatre celebrates its 101st cultural season on Sept. 15-Oct. 1 with Once On This Island.

Disenchanted! rolls Nov. 3-19; A Streetcar Named Desire on March 9-25; An Act of God on May 11-27;

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and Crowns on June 15-July 1. For more information, call (504) 522-2081 or visit lepetittheatre.com.

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will begin its 2017-2018 northshore season with Bolero on Sept. 15 at the First Baptist Church, Covington.

Other performances at First Baptist Church include: Tchaikovsky’s ‘Pathetique,’ Nov. 17; Baroque Christmas, Dec. 15; Romance and Fantasy, Jan. 5; Pines of Rome and Bela Fleck, March 16; and Carmina Burana, May 17. The LPO will play Evening at the Cinema on Oct. 13 at the Columbia Theatre in Hammond and on Oct. 14 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Slidell. On Feb. 16, Beethoven Meets The Wild West at the Columbia Theater and on Feb. 17 at Our Lady of Lourdes. For more information, call (504) 523-6530 or visit lpomusic.com.

New Orleans Ballet Association The New Orleans Ballet Association kicks of the season Oct. 21 with Ballet Hispánico at

the Mahalia Jackson Theater. On Nov. 10-11, watch Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, co-presented with The NOCCA Institute at NOCCA’s Freda Lupin Memorial Hall. At Mahalia Jackson Theater, watch Tango Fire on Jan. 27, Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo in Roméo & Juliette on Feb. 24, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago on April 7. For show times and more information, visit nobadance.com.

New Orleans Museum of Art On view until Oct. 8, Jim Steg: New Work and Regina Scully’s Japanese Landscape: Inner Journeys; ending Nov. 19, African Art: The Bequest from the Françoise Billion Richardson Charitable Trust; ending Dec. 31, Orientalism: Taking and Making. On Oct. 6-Jan. 7, view East of the Mississippi: NineteenthCentury American Landscape Photography and Nov. 4-April 8, Personalities in Clay: American Studio Ceramics from the E. John Bullard Collection. For more information, call (504) 658-4200 or visit noma.org.

New Orleans Opera Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the New

Orleans Opera opens its season with Piazolla’s Maria de Buenos Aires: A Tango Opera on Sept.

9-10. On Oct. 6 and 8, Mascagni Cavalleria Rusticana and Leoncavallo Pagliacci; on Nov. 10 and 12, Orpheus in the Underworld; on March 9 and 11, Terence Blanchard’s Champion: An Opera in Jazz; and on June 1 and 3, Menotti’s The Medium. On April 20 and 22, join the Opera for the 75th Anniversary Celebration: 75 Years of Glorious Singing With the Great Stars of New Orleans Opera.

For ticket information, call (504) 529-3000 or visit neworleansopera.org.

Northlake Performing Arts Society The Northlake Performing Arts Society begins its performances with Bound for Glory on Oct. 20 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Slidell and Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mandeville on Oct. 22. Here We Come A-Caroling at Hosanna Lutheran Church on Dec. 8 and Our Lady of Lourdes on Dec. 10. Have date night with NPAS on Feb. 17 at the Abita Quail Farm. NPAS closes

>>

Mummenschanz.

the season with Revolutionaries of Rock-n-Roll at the Greater Covington Center on May 25 and 27. For show times and information, call 276-9335 or visit npas.info.

Playmakers, Inc. On Sept. 1- 17, Steve Martin’s The Underpants opens at Playmakers, Inc. The season continues with several productions, including: August: Osage County, Oct. 20-Nov. 5; Wanted: Santa Claus, Dec. 14-17; All the King’s Men, March 2-18; The Graduate, May 4-20; and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, June 15-July 1. For times, tickets and more information, visit playmakersinc.com.

Guys & Dolls kicks off Rivertown Theaters’ season on Sept. 8-24. On Nov. 2-19, watch The Odd Couple; on Jan. 12-28, Million Dollar Quartet; on March 2-18, Steel Magnolias; on May 4-20, Little Shop of Horrors; and on July 12-22, Beauty and the Beast. For tickets and information, call (504) 461-9475 or visit rivertowntheaters.com.

Slidell Little Theatre Slidell Little Theatre’s MacBeth opens the season on 60

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photo courtesy: COLUMBIA THEATRE

Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts

Oct. 6-22. The Happy Elf musical shows Nov. 24-Dec. 10; Peter and the Starcatcher, Jan. 19-Feb. 4; 45 Seconds from Broadway, March 9-25; and The Addams Family musical, April 27-May 13. For more information, call 643-0556 or visit slidelllittletheatre.org.

Southeastern Louisiana University Columbia Theatre/Fanfare The Columbia Theatre curtain opens Oct. 5 with Southeastern Opera/Theatre Workshop’s presentation of A Night on Broadway. The Heart Behind the Music follows on Oct. 18; The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience starring Joby Rogers on Nov. 3; Hamlet on Feb. 24; and Mummenschanz on April 18. Missoula Children’s Theatre will make a return visit Dec. 11-16 with a production of Gulliver’s Travels for area youth. Fanfare’s 32nd season schedule can be found online at southeastern.edu/fanfare.

For tickets, times and additional information, call 543-4366 or visit columbiatheatre.org.

Southern Rep Theatre On Sept. 27-Oct. 22, Fun Home kicks off Southern Rep’s season. Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly, Nov. 29-Dec. 22; And Tell Sad Stories of the Death of Queens by Tennessee Williams, March 21-April 1; All the Way, Feb. 28-March 25; and Eclipsed, May 30-June 24. For locations, tickets and details, call (504) 522-6545 or visit southernrep.com.

St. Tammany Art Association Opening Sept. 9-20, view The Intimacy of Plein Air by Peg Usner at the St. Tammany Art Association Art House.

On Oct. 14-Dec. 3, view Self/Reflection: Selections from the New Orleans Museum of Art, by Brassaï, Jaroslav Rossler, Florence Henri, Clarence John Laughlin and others. Join STAA in downtown Covington on Oct. 21 for Fall for Art featuring new work from dozens of artists, live music and entertainment. On Dec. 9-Jan. 27, view After the Wetlands

by John Valentino. For additional events and information, call 892-8650 or visit sttammanyartassociation.org.

30 by Ninety Theatre The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde opens 30 by Ninety Theatre’s season on Sept. 9-24. The season continues with The Boy in the Bathroom on Oct. 28-Nov. 12; Babes in Toyland the Musical Book on Dec. 8-17; The Foreigner on Feb. 17-March 4; Rabbit Hole on April 14-29; and Nunsense on June 9-24. For show times and tickets, call (844) THE-3090 or visit 30byninety.com.

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s a i t a r G o e D 017 2

Featured Artist Frankie De Melo

by Alexa Mamoulides 62

Inside Northside

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

“THIS WAS LIKE A DIRECT LINE to heaven kind of thing,” says artist Frankie De Melo about the invitation to create a work for the annual Saint Joseph Seminary College fundraiser. Frankie is the featured artist for the 2017 gala, Deo Gratias—Latin for “Thanks be to God.” Thankful is certainly the attitude Frankie displays as she shares the story behind Abbey Reflections, her painting that will be auctioned off at the October event.

She glances up toward the beautiful painted ceilings of the Abbey church as she recalls how she was painting outside on Lafitte Street in Mandeville when a car pulled up beside her. Jane Brown emerged and began conversing with her. Jane, longtime Deo Gratias volunteer, says that right after praying that “God would just send somebody” to be their featured artist, she came across Frankie painting outside, which seemed like a direct answer to prayer.

Frankie indeed turned out to be the perfect woman for the job. When asked about the inspiration behind Abbey Reflections, she tells us, “Everything I do, I do for the glory of God.” To her, the opportunity to create a piece that would help raise money for the seminary college is “pretty much a direct glorification of God.” Frankie was thrilled to be able to fulfill her desire to worship God through her work and looked at this piece “as a really cool way to give back.” Of

course, the college was equally happy to gain such a willing partner for the event.

Abbey Reflections depicts the beautiful Saint Joseph Abbey grounds outlined by trees and reflected serenely in the lake. The green of the trees pops around the burnt umber colors of the building.

Frankie also incorporates her signature elements, gold and silver leaf, into the reflection and the sky above, giving the painting even more of a rich, textured feel.

She feels that this piece represents her style well and that the coloring and gold and silver leaf make the painting recognizable to those in the area who are familiar with her work.

A native of Southeast Louisiana, Frankie earned a Bachelor of Arts from St. Bonaventure University in New York. She has since returned to the South with her husband; their family now numbers six. Frankie says that they were very thankful to find a home with a perfect space for her studio behind the house. The separation helps get her out of “mom mode” when she paints late in the evenings after her kids have gone to bed. Although she likes some separation while working professionally, she tells us that her kids do love to paint as well and can be frequently found around town covered in paint.

Frankie and her family live in Madisonville, where she gleans her inspiration for her landscape paintings. >>

Frankie with her son, Jude.

September-October 2017 63

Above: Abbey Reflections.

Left: Frankie De Melo in the Saint Joseph Abbey church.

Commissioned pieces make up most of her work, which she custom designs with her clients for their homes. She has also recently added a new aspect to her business, live event paintings, in which she entertains at public or private events by painting for the live audiences. Meet Frankie at Deo Gratias 2017 on October 28.

“The Abbey and our Seminary College would not be where they are today without the prayers and support of our loyal community,” says Abbot Justin Brown, O.S.B. “In the midst of our recovery and rebuilding, we continue our daily life based on the Benedictine motto, “Ora et Labora” (prayer and work). We look forward to a record class of seminarians studying in our Seminary College and the reopening of our Retreat Center in early January.”

Since the March 2016 flood, Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College have made considerable progress in rebuilding efforts. Many departments have continued to be operational amidst recovery. Saint Joseph Woodworks began producing caskets and urns several weeks after the flood.

In December 2016, a dedication and blessing of the Saint Ambrose Honey House was held. The Honey House includes equipment that allows volunteer Jeff Horchoff to easily extract 64

Inside Northside

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Abbey Flood Recovery Update

and bottle the honey. In the flood, Jeff lost all but two of his hives but worked hard this past spring and summer to rebuild the bee population. In July 2017, Jeff procured, processed, bottled, and labeled over 70 gallons of honey for sale in the Gift Shop.

Also in July, the monks moved back into the first floor of the monastery. To mark the occasion, Archbishop Aymond blessed the monastery following Mass on the Feast of St. Benedict, July 11.

Vianney Hall, the seminary dormitory, is nearing completion to be ready for another record enrollment of 156 seminarians, who represent 22 archdioceses and dioceses from seven states across the Gulf South region, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Jackson, Mississippi.

Renovations of the Christian Life Center are scheduled to be complete in December in time for reopening in January 2018. Construction of a new library for the seminarians is scheduled for completion by summer 2018. As the student body continues to grow, the new library is essential to Saint Joseph’s master plan to enhance its academic and formation programs. To learn more about flood recovery efforts, visit HelpTheAbbey.com.

Deo Gratias 2017 Saint Joseph Seminary College will host its Deo Gratias gala at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 28 at Saint Joseph Abbey at 75376 River Road in Covington. The outdoor gala will feature dining, entertainment and an auction. All proceeds benefit the seminary. The evening will begin with vespers at 6 p.m. in the church with the Benedictine monks. Visit sjasc.edu for more info.

September-October 2017 65

Traces

Addison Riecke Above: Madewood Plantation House was the backdrop for The Beguiled.

Opposite page: Addison (in gold), the cast and director of The Beguiled pose as a group for the photographers on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.

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AT JUST THIRTEEN YEARS OLD, Covington’s own Addison Riecke has already showcased her talent through her work on stage, film, and television.

Addison currently stars on Nickelodeon’s hit show, The Thundermans, which is airing its fourth and final season.

And recently, Addison could be seen on the big screen for the first time, starring in The Beguiled from writer and Oscar-winning director Sophia Coppola.

The critically acclaimed The Beguiled is an adaptation of the Thomas Cullinan novel of the same name. Set in 1864, The Beguiled tells the story of a wounded Union soldier who is taken into The Miss Martha Farnsworth Seminary for Young Ladies to be cared for. Addison plays academy resident Marie, alongside the stellar cast of Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning and Colin Farrell. Focus Features released the film to theaters this past summer. This

Inside Northside

Civil War-era drama was set in Virginia, but was shot in south Louisiana.

“This was my first movie ever, and the fact that I was able to film it in my home state, close to my home, was amazing. During Thanksgiving, we invited some of the cast members to our home for dinner to show them some Southern hospitality,” beams Addison.

Her hit television show, The Thundermans, is a live-action, half-hour comedy series taped on a Hollywood set. It is about a family of Superheroes trying to live a normal life, despite their super-human powers. Addison plays Nora Thunderman, who causes mischief with her laser vision and spirited personality.

The show premiered in November 2013 to an average of 2.1 million viewers and in 2016 won Favorite TV Show at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.

When discussing the experience of filming a movie as opposed to her television series, Addison said, “Filming a movie was so fun! We got to film in a real house for Beguiled as opposed to a set for Thundermans.

Being in an actual house made it feel so real, like I was in the true setting of the movie. Also, The Thundermans is a multi-camera show, as opposed to a singlecamera-shot movie. Both are so much fun, and I am so thankful I have had the opportunity to experience

photos courtesy: JEANINE RIECKE

by Anne Honeywell

both.” Not to mention her stretch from comedy to drama.

The cast of The Beguiled, including Addison, traveled to the Cannes Film Festival last spring. There, its director, Sofia Coppola, made Cannes Film Festival history by becoming the second woman in the event’s 70-year history to win Best Director.

Addison has this to say about her director: “Ms. Sofia completely set the tone on and off set. The cast got together the week before we started filming the movie. We took sewing classes, French lessons and manner classes; it was a great way for the cast to bond before filming began. We all became very close, and we still stay in touch. Ms. Nicole, Colin, Kirsten and Elle were so warm and loving. The cast and crew became our family. It was the most incredible experience, and I am so grateful to Ms. Sofia.”

And Cannes itself? “Cannes was a surreal experience that I will never forget. Ms. Sofia has the biggest heart. Our first night in Cannes, we went to a dinner thrown by Focus Features at a restaurant that her father would take her to when she was younger.

It was an honor to be part of the film that awarded her Best Director at Cannes,” says the proud and grateful young actress.

Addison, the daughter of Jeanine and Jared Riecke, was born and raised in Covington, Louisiana. She discovered her love for acting, singing and playing musical instruments at age four. Gaining experience through a variety of camps and workshops, including the Kehoe-France Drama Camp, Addison was able to begin her career on stage both in theatre and musical theatre. In August 2011, she enrolled in the John Robert Powers Performing Arts Academy in Metairie.

During her time with JRP, Addison gained performance knowledge that helped lead to her successful audition for the International Presentation of Performance. In January 2012, >> September-October 2017 67

Nicole Kidman takes a selfie with Addison on the set.

More selfie fun with director Sofia Coppola and Kirsten

Above: Girls just want to have fun: first row, L-R, Angourie Rice, Addison Riecke, Oona Laurence, Kirsten Dunst; second row, L-R, Elle Fanning and Emma Howard.

Below: Addison Riecke and Angourie Rice at Madewood Plantation House.

she won a number of awards through IPOP’s convention, including Child Actor of the Year, Winner of Child Monologue and Winner of Child TV Beauty Commercial. Addison has also appeared in ABC’s How to Live with Your Parents (for the Rest of Your Life), on stage in 101 Dalmatian Kids and in national commercials for Lunchables and PlayStation. She is now advancing her career in the Los Angeles market.

Addison has a big heart and enjoys giving back. In 2013, she raised over four thousand dollars for the Red Cross to benefit the victims of the Oklahoma tornadoes. Always thinking of others, in 2014, she donated her birthday gifts to the children at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and in 2015, she requested pet supplies instead of birthday gifts and donated

photos courtesy: JEANINE RIECKE

Dunst.

Emma Howard, Addison Riecke, Angourie Rice and Oona Laurence.

the supplies to the St. Tammany Humane Society. An avid supporter of ant-bullying, Addison presented an award at the 2015 NO BULL Teen Video Awards in August. Additionally, she participated in Custom Ink’s 5th annual “Be Good to Each Other” campaign to support PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center by designing an exclusive Celebri-tee for CustomInk, with 100 percent of the profits from the shirts going to PACER. She has also been involved in hometown charities, including Holidays for Kids, Hartley’s Heart Foundation, STARC and Food Bank of Covington.

In keeping with her love of philanthropy, Addison recently raised over ten thousand dollars for Write Brain Gives, the philanthropic initiative of Write Brain Books that gives underserved children and underfunded organizations the opportunity for selfexpression, improved literacy and inventive storytelling. Her passion for reading and writing inspired her involvement—and she emphasizes the importance of putting pen to paper and using your imagination.

Keep it up, Addison. Your future looks as bright as the star you have become!

September-October 2017 69

Flourishes

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5 1. Ivory velvet with plumage feathers 40” pillow, $545. The French Mix by Jennifer Dicerbo Interiors, Covington, 809-3152.

2. Rustic yet elegant sphere chandelier. American Factory Direct, Covington, 871-0300.

3. Cranes, feather detail, 44”,

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$95 each. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008.

4. Traditional 9’ x 12’ handwoven wool and bamboo silk rug. Nola Rugs, New Orleans, (504) 8913304. 5. Gold fragment accent

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in case, $180. Rug Chic Home Décor, Mandeville, 674-1070.

6. Napoleon Fleur de Lis throw pillow with the Napoleon Bee background; 19” x 19”, $240.

Made in France for Beth Claybourn Interiors, New Orleans, (504) 342-2630. 7. Indoor/outdoor dining chair available in custom finishes and fabrics. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522. 8. Ceramic cachepot with Greek flower design, $129.99. Niche Modern 8 70

Inside Northside

Home, Mandeville, 624-4045.

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Flourishes

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1. Ethel table lamp with cream distressed finish and off-white linen shade, $105.

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mélange by kp, Mandeville, 807-7652.

2. English oil painting of a bird dog with

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game from the late 19th Century, $685.

History Antiques & Interiors, Covington, 8920010. 3. Art Deco Scallop interlocking glass tiles, handcrafted by Allison Eden Studios.

Exclusively at Stafford Tile & Stone, New Orleans (504) 895-5000, Baton Rouge (225) 925-1233, staffordtile.com. 4. Bamboo sheet sets in an array of colors and sizes.

Hestia Luxury in Linens, Covington, 8930490. 5. Stephen Joseph quilted backpacks, $27. Auraluz, Metairie, (504) 888-3313 or shopauraluz.com. 6. Lightly glazed gold leaf on forged metal table with antiqued mirror top; 24” W X 26” H X 24” D. Pine Grove Electrical Supply, Mandeville, 893-4003.

7. Seasonal arrangements starting at $65.

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Florist of Covington, 892-7701.

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INside Look 1 2

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Fall Fever

1. Red crinkle tunic, $90. CDN clothing, Covington 327-7300. 2. Boudreaux’s Signature

Ruby and Diamond Earrings featuring 2.00 ct tw matched oval rubies and 1.15 ct tw diamonds set in white gold, $5,995. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Mandeville, 630-1666. 3. 2.33 ct pear-shape Mozambique ruby with 0.40 ct tw diamonds set in 14kt gold pendant,

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$6,995. DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Covington, 892-2317. 4. Red floral spaghetti-strap top, $92; grey jeans, $178. Vine, Mandeville, 951-0005. 5. Red fit-and-flare dress with strap detailing across the chest, $79. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 8091789 or 809-1690. 6. Tough Girl lightly padded balcony bra

by Prima Donna Twist in Rising Sun Red, sizes 30-38 D-G, with matching Rio bikini bottom. Bra Genie, Mandeville, 951-8638.

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INside Look

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3 2

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Fall Fever

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1. Saylor long pendant necklace, $85, and Lyn drop earrings, $75, in Bordeaux Tiger’s Eye by Kendra Scott.

Paisley, Mandeville, 727-7880. 2. New fall colors in Jin

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Soon polish, $18.95 each. Earthsavers, Mandeville, 674-1133. 3. Men’s gray shirt, $89.50; jacket, $398; 100 percent silk red tie, $79.50; and pocket square, $24.50. Jos A. Bank, Mandeville, 624-4067. 4. Red hooded raincoat with gold detail by Lilli Sucre, $228. Exclusive to Ballin’s Ltd., Covington, 892-0025. 5. 18k white gold rubelite, ruby and diamond ring, $18,500. Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry, Metairie, (504) 832-0000. 6. Cotton red dress with hand embroidery, $38. Just Imagine, Mandeville, 951-2455. 7. All-leather envelope clutch made by women taken out of poverty and human trafficking rings globally and locally, $98. Also available in blush.

Suella Boutique, Covington, suella.org.

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INside Look 1 2

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Fall Fever

1. Crystal pendant with tassel, $18.99. Private Beach, Mandeville, 674-2326. 2. Wishlist 4 5

charcoal satin dress, $48.

Franco’s, Mandeville, 7920200. 3. Long-sleeve, twisted hem Heather Nep Tee. The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797.

4. Gray short-sleeve shift, $78; necklace with goldtone bar, $28. POSH Boutique, Covington, 898-2639.

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5. Less is Norse OPI nail polish, $10; Jane Iredale Pure pressed eye shadow in Platinum, $22, and Pure Moist lipstick, $25. The Oasis Day Spa, Mandeville, 7

624-6772. 6. Shu Uemura Color Lustre Brilliant Glaze Thermo-milk formulated with lipids that protect from color fading and damage and restore the hair’s natural varnish. H2O Salon, Mandeville, 951-8166.

7. Estate emerald-cut diamond ring, 2.04 cts, certified G/VS1, set in platinum, circa 1940. Crown Jewels, Mandeville, 504-554-1102.

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INside Look 1

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Fall Fever 1. Sacred Heart Oval Necklace by Virgin, Saints and Angels from Mingle of Port Allen. Retail, $227, but show special at Junior League of

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Greater Baton Rouge’s Hollydays, Oct. 18-21, River Center, Baton Rouge. juniorleaguebr.org.

2. Hand-embroidered cherry dress, $80. Olive Patch, Covington,

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327-5772. 3. Luxurious terry cloth

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robe, $119 The Pontchartrain Hotel, New Orleans, (800) 708-6652. 4. Dr. Scholl’s pewter snake slip-on sneakers, $98.

Shoefflé, Covington, 898-6465.

5. Marco Bicego 18k white gold

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and diamond ring from the Goa Collection, $4,500. Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry, Metairie, (504) 832-0000. 6. Anavini romper, sizes 3-24 months, $52. Baby and Me, Mandeville, 6260267. 7. Streetcar bracelet, $29. Necklace also available, $29. DeCoeur Gifts & Home Accessories, Covington, 809-3244. 8. Ophelia swing dress with bateau neckline and threequarter sleeves in Seaside Aqua Coconut Cove, $178. Palm Village, A Lilly Pulitzer Store, Mandeville, 778-2547.

September-October 2017 81

by Angelle Albright

Immaculee She was left to tell us.

WHEN A FRIEND GAVE ME a last-minute ticket to hear a woman speak at a sold-out event back in 2009, I had no idea how accepting that invitation would change so many lives forever.

I was already riveted when I first heard Paulette Renaudin’s heartfelt introduction describing her three-

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year journey to get this woman to speak at Mary Queen of Peace Church in Mandeville, but when this angel, this living saint, took the stage, I could barely breathe as she started telling her story.

Immaculee Ilibagiza was almost glowing as she shared her harrowing tale of how she survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide by hiding in a 3-by-4-foot bathroom with seven other women for 92 days. She came out weighing only 62 pounds and barely alive to find out she had lost nearly every person she had ever known and cared about. Yet, she gained something so much greater in those three horrifying months that would shape the rest of her life—the gift of true faith and forgiveness that only Heaven could grant.

Immaculee shares the details in her New York Times Best Selling Book, Left to Tell, and I always tell people, “Don’t open the pages of this book unless you are ready for your life to change!” She has spoken around the world to millions of people and been summoned by two popes and three presidents to share her story. Even though she lives in New York and has been featured on CNN and 60 Minutes, this world-renowned speaker and recipient of the Mahatma Ghandi reconciliation and peace award has deep ties to our community.

After being so moved by her story, Jane Harvey and I decided to join Immaculee on her first-ever pilgrimage taking people back to her homeland of Rwanda. We headed to Africa in March 2010 with only 15 other pilgrims. We visited Kibeho, the site of the only Vaticanapproved Marian apparition on the continent of Africa.

When Mary appeared to three college girls there from 1981-1989, she said her messages were meant for the whole world. One of the reasons the church approved the messages so quickly was that Mary predicted the genocide 12 years before it took place. Immaculee grew up with complete knowledge of the messages Our Lady gave to the visionaries, and many people believe she survived the bathroom so that she could share those messages with all of us.

We came home wanting to share all we learned on that pilgrimage, knowing many people would be too frightened or unable to travel so far, so we decided to hold a weekend retreat to allow others to learn what Heaven wanted us to know. The Polish priest who hosted us in Kibeho flew in for the retreat at St. Joseph Abbey in 2010, and we surprised him by showing >>

photos courtesy: ANGELLE ALBRIGHT

Traces

Celebrating 100 Years of Our Lady Fatima Retreat, September 21-22, Most Holy Trinity Church, 501 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington. For more information, email angell@mac.com or call 985-710-9595. immaculee.com 84

Inside Northside

photos courtesy: ANGELLE ALBRIGHT

a video of one of his working projects, building a school for 100 of the local children. Our community came through. We collected over $105,000 dollars, and we are proud to say that the state-of-the-art school now has over 1,000 children.

Since that time, through Immaculee’s good works, our community has pitched in with other Americans to help build a medical center and a bakery, repaired orphanages, sponsored college education for eager students, rebuilt run-down schools, and is working on building a seminary and the basilica Mary herself requested during the apparitions. Seven years later, over 20 people from St. Tammany have accompanied Immaculee to Rwanda as well—Fr. Robert Cavalier, Kitty Cleveland and Kara Klein, just to name a few.

Immaculee is a remarkable example of what is good in this world. Once, she told a group of pilgrims in the Holy Land that she wished she had gotten to see what Mary looked like. Jim Caviezal, who played Jesus in the Passion of the Christ movie said to the crowd, “Immaculee, you should look in the mirror.

That’s what Mary looks like.” The whole bus was silent. For she truly is a special miracle to those who get to hear her story.

I hope you can join us on September 21-22 at Most Holy Trinity Church in Covington to see for yourself. Be prepared to learn how to forgive through her powerful words, and be prepared for your life to change!

September-October 2017 85

The Henderson

New Luxury Resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast

by Tracy Louthain

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into this project,” says Bill Dunavant III, president and CEO of Dunavant Enterprises. “After a decade of development and meticulous planning, our family is thrilled to offer a level of luxury that was previously unavailable between New Orleans and Sarasota.”

The Dunavants wanted to bring something truly authentic and special to the Gulf Coast, and there are many personal touches. From the collection of vintage Destin photographs that grace the hallways to 465 original works of art created by 13 local and regional artists, the resort reflects the beauty and personality of the Emerald Coast.

The Henderson’s wood shingles and steep gable roof lines complement the original Henderson Park Inn, which is located to the south of the new resort complex. Enhancing the resort’s beauty is the five-star service. Managed by Salamander Hotels & Resorts, the staff at The Henderson is gracious, welcoming and makes each guest’s stay nothing short of spectacular.

From running to our car in valet for our sunglasses to preparing a special cocktail at the spa, the thoughtful

photos: MODUS PHOTOGRAPHY

Cruising over the Mid-Bay Bridge, the Choctawhatchee Bay glistened like a million diamonds in the afternoon sun. The time had arrived for our romantic escape to The Henderson, a Salamander Beach & Spa Resort. Located along Florida’s Emerald Coast, Destin’s newest luxury resort is nestled between white, sugar-sand beaches, the Henderson Beach State Park and the charming Crystal Beach neighborhood.

Towering above the street, The Henderson appeared as a majestic manor. As we entered, the grand living room was stately yet unpretentious. With walnut floors, reclaimed-wood beams defining the vaulted ceilings and Old-World style chandeliers, the interior felt like it has been part of the coast’s landscape for decades. It was late afternoon when we arrived, and the floor-to-ceiling windows filled the room with natural light while providing a spectacular view of the 200-acre Henderson Beach State Park.

Owned by Memphis-based, family-owned business, Dunavant Enterprises, Inc., The Henderson has been a labor of love. The project was a vision of the family for more than a decade and took two years to build. “An incredible amount of work has been invested

team provided exceptional service with a smile.

Our Gulf-side room overlooked the preserve. With a comfortable couch on the terrace, we were drawn outside to feel the warm coastal breeze.

The spacious room was beautifully decorated, and shutters adjacent to the bath tub open to the bedroom, offering views of the preserve.

Next, we headed down to the adult pool to bask in the warm Florida sun.

Greeted by the courteous staff, we were escorted to pool chairs and offered towels, water and anything else that would make our stay more enjoyable.

The resort features two pools—an adult pool and a zero-entry, family pool with splash pad for the kids. We stayed long enough to soak up the sun and find relaxation listening to the pattern of the water spraying from the fountains.

Horizons, the lobby-level lounge bar, features hand-crafted cocktails, wine and local craft beers, among the options.

With its rotunda design, marble fireplace and spectacular views of the park and the Gulf in the distance, Horizons is the ideal indoor setting to watch the sunset. “The H” and a “Spicy Mule” are two signature drinks that infuse jalapeno, adding a spicy kick to our sunset libations, and the complimentary barbecue pecans and roasted black-eyed peas are a delicious accompaniment. We were told that the Henderson also hosts a Salutation Celebration on the 5th floor Sunset Vista with Captain Joe ringing the bell at sunset.

For dinner, we headed to the main dining room, Primrose. Named after the area’s oldest commercial fishing vessel, Primrose is dressed in nautical hues and serves fresh, local cuisine.

Led by Executive Chef Michael Katz, the Primrose menu ranges from fresh seafood and sushi to prime steaks and >> September-October 2017 87

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photo: MODUS PHOTOGRAPHY

chops. After dinner, the park-side firepit provided a relaxing, outdoor gathering spot for after-dinner drinks.

Beginning the next day with a long leisurely walk on the soft white sand beaches was a joy. Nestled along the state park, this stretch of beach offers pristine, untouched beauty. Breakfast at Primrose was filled with healthconscious choices as well as some decadent options. We opted for The Hammy, the signature ham, pineapple and egg sandwich.

With each paid room night, guests have the choice of two hours of select activities, including stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, beach bikes, kick boards, fitness classes and nature tours.

We opted for the beach cruisers and headed out to explore the Crystal Beach neighborhood. Pedaling by colorful beach cottages, we traversed the coast, stopping at beach access points along the way.

The centerpiece of The Henderson is the Salamander Spa, bringing together health, wellness and relaxation, a theme that permeates throughout the resort. In addition to the fitness center, the spa also offers wellness classes and programs. However, on this day, we were visiting the spa for purely indulgent reasons. We began our services with “couple’s playtime.” The 90-minute couple’s experience is ideal for busy couples craving time together.

Entering the private suite, couples are welcomed with a big Jacuzzi bubble bath, chocolate-covered strawberries and decadent treats. A bowl of vegetable-

based mask let us apply each other’s facial. One of only a few spas in the United States that offer ocean views, The Henderson’s luxury suite features a terrace where guests can lounge outside overlooking the park.

Next, we entered a special treatment room for a couple’s massage. With a blend of relaxing techniques and deep tissue massage, the therapists worked their magic while we enjoyed a quiet moment together. Private men and women lounges with steam room, experience shower Jacuzzi and more await guests after their service. For ultimate relaxation, hide away in the Lavender Lounge, overlooking the park, with a glass of Lavender Bubbles, a mix of lavender simple syrup, La Marca Prosecco and Miraval Rose. The finale was a visit to the salon for a pedicure.

The delicious service includes coconutbutter scrub and pineapple hydrating lotion—it’s like a Pina colada pedi.

No car, no worries. The Henderson also offers car service to nearby shopping and dining options, including the Destin Harbor. Before departing, we took one last moment to sit on the veranda and enjoy the coastal breeze while banana leaf fans gently circled overhead. We agreed that we must return with the kids. With its family pool, Sprinkles Ice Cream shop, Kids Club and white sand beaches just steps away, The Henderson is well suited to cater to entire family.

The Henderson is located at 200 Henderson Resort Way in Destin.

(855) 741-2777. hendersonbeachresort.com.

September-October 2017 89

Traces

ER Nurse Becomes the Patient

Above: Peggy Hartdegen (center) with EMT April Corrales and paramedic Bret Bosarge.

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Wednesday, March 15, 2017, is a day that ER nurse Peggy Hartdegen will never forget. She had completed a shift as night charge nurse of Lakeview Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Room early that morning and recalls suffering with back pain towards the end of her shift. Peggy had only returned to her job a couple of weeks before, having been in recovery for over three months following a hip surgery, so she attributed the pain to simply being tired. “I had worked all night, and I was supposed to go home and sleep for a bit, then return back to work for a 3 p.m. meeting,” she says. “I remember being so tired that I said I would rather die than come back to that meeting in the afternoon.”

Peggy regrets saying that now. She had no idea at the time that she was about to stare death in the face just hours later.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017, is also a day that will

Inside Northside

photos courtesy: LAKEVIEW REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Peggy Hartdegen

forever stand out in Brett Borsage’s memory. He had only recently completed his certification to transition from EMT to paramedic and was still new at being the lead man on the truck.

On that particular morning, a call came in for a woman in Covington reporting back pain, and the call was dispatched to Brett’s team.

“Back pain calls are common, and usually we find patients that may be seeking medical care, but not usually anything that is a true emergency,” he says. But this call was not the usual back pain patient. When Brett entered the home, he immediately recognized the patient as longtime emergency room nurse, Ms. Peggy. “I could tell she was very sick and that she was in significant pain,” he remembers. “That’s saying a lot when you’re talking about an ER nurse.

The adrenaline kicked in at that point.”

Brett and his partner, EMT April Corrales triaged the situation. It was unclear what the issue was, but Brett knew that Peggy had recently had a hip surgery, so he feared based on her complaints that she may have a blood clot related to that surgery. There was definite urgency in transporting Peggy to the hospital.

Peggy doesn’t remember even dialing 9-1-1 that morning. What she does recall is waking from sleep and

feeling extreme pain and absolute numbness in her legs. She couldn’t move and was virtually paralyzed from the waist down. She recalls calling her daughter, who lives nearby. But everything from there is a blur.

The series of events following that emergency call were lightening quick.

And, according to all involved, they were also serendipitous. When the paramedic team arrived at Lakeview, word had already reached the ER team on duty that one of their own was on the way in and that it may be serious. Doctors Greg Benton and Chad Muntan were waiting for her upon her arrival at the ER. “I don’t remember the 9-1-1 call or the ride to the hospital,” says Peggy with a far-off look. “But I do remember Dr. Benton being by my side the entire time I was there in the ER. I’ve worked alongside him for a long time and I’m like his ‘Mama.’ And he’s my ‘Baby Benton.’ He stuck like glue to me that day, making sure I was going to be all right, while Dr. Muntan found the right doctors to help me. I’ll never forget that.”

Benton and Muntan quickly suspected that Peggy was suffering from an aortic dissection, a serious condition in which the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel branching off the heart, tears. Tests quickly confirmed their suspicion. Time was precious following the diagnosis because after an aortic dissection, blood flows quickly through the tear, causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to separate.

Unless quickly repaired, the condition is often fatal.

“This is when I consider myself to be extremely lucky. The stars just seemed to be aligned,” Peggy says, >> September-October 2017 91

referring to the fact that the Louisiana Heart Hospital in Lacombe had recently closed and the two heart surgeons that were capable of handling her condition, Drs. Louis Hebert and John Breaux, were in Covington that day instead of in Lacombe—they were upstairs at Lakeview Hospital partnering on a bypass surgery. When the surgical staff in the operating room received the phone call with details of Peggy’s emergent situation, Dr. Hebert was able to hand off the bypass surgery to Dr. Breaux so that he could tend to Peggy’s time-sensitive situation. Dr. Hebert moved her immediately into surgery.

Peggy’s prognosis was extremely poor. She had significant blockage of her aorta, and blood supply had been cut off to her entire lower body, causing her paralysis. Surgery would have to repair the tear and restore blood flow to Peggy’s body. “Dr. Hebert told me later that I really should have died at home,” says Peggy. “But I woke up three days later. I wasn’t really sure at that point what had happened.”

What Peggy does know is how lucky she is to have survived. And she is incredibly thankful to the men and women she’s worked with every day for 12 years for taking care of her in her time of need. “It’s not easy to take care of your co-worker when you’re in this profession. There’s so much pressure to do everything perfectly.

And they look at things differently than other people maybe would,” she says. At one point, there was talk that Peggy’s legs might need to be amputated due to the lack of blood flow. “At that point, my co-workers weren’t just praying that I’d live. They 92

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were also praying that I wouldn’t live with compromised health. They know how important my work is to me.”

An ER nurse since 1989, now with a master’s degree, Peggy could choose to use her skills to teach or to branch out in other medical areas. But she doesn’t want to give up the work she’s done for decades. Before her hip surgery, which required a long recovery, she also suffered double arm fractures two years earlier that left her incapacitated and out of work for a good while. “Before my arm injuries, I really thought I was going to retire. But I realized quickly that I couldn’t just stay at home. I’d be miserable. I’m not a really good stay-athome person,” she laughs.

Peggy will be in cardiac rehab for at least six months before returning to work. She admits there is no such thing as going back and taking it slow in ER nursing. “There’s no taking it light in the ER,” she says. “But that’s why I love it.”

She also realizes just how fortunate she is to simply be alive today. When asked if she has ever researched the odds of surviving her condition, she shakes her head and just smiles. “No way. I would never Google it! I know how close I came to dying. I’m still trying to figure out why I lived.”

But Peggy may have survived simply to impart these final poignant words of advice she’s gained from her experience.

“You have to live every day as if it’s your last. Working in this field, I see it so often. I see the healthy 40-year-old have a heart attack and die on the spot. I see random things all the time. I don’t take anything for granted. People say I’m a miracle. And I know they’re right.”

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AT FIRST GLANCE, they just looked tired. Very, very tired, like they’d expended most of what they had—mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. No surprise, for a group of first-year medical students. As they took their places around conference-style tables at the new Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine at Tulane University, there was nary a smile among them. As the chef in resident began a spirited knife safety demonstration, their reactions were stoic at best.

students and their future patients.

Here within the world’s first teaching kitchen affiliated with a medical school, Chef Sarris and her team spend days like this teaching med students, residents, doctors, chefs and members of the community about selecting food, deciphering nutrition labels, preparing meals, calculating portion sizes, choosing healthy food alternatives and achieving flavor without saturated fat and sodium—in general, the basics of healthy cooking and food as medicine.

Standing to one side, on this particular day, were

Tulane’s Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine But fifteen minutes later, as they gathered in teams of three in the gleaming 4,600-square-foot showcase kitchen, a low murmur of voices began. A stray chuckle and a few tentative questions. Fingers fumbled with apron strings, and twenty-somethings looked dubiously at the implements assembled in front of them. Set out before each group were a recipe card and an assortment of pots, knives, measuring cups, a cutting board, a dish towel and the ingredients to make three servings of spaghetti with lentils.

As they began to measure and mix, Executive Chef Leah Sarris tossed out questions like, “What’s the recommended sodium intake for one day?” and “How many calories are in a tablespoon of olive oil?”

Nobody knew. She offered the answers and explained why the information is important to the

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The world’s first medical school teaching kitchen

two practicing local physicians. “Many times, we’re asked to advise our patients about diet,” one said. “We know the stats: two in three Americans are overweight.

We know most of us could stand to eat better. But this class makes us realize how little we actually know about food nutrition. And how can we advise our patients about something we ourselves don’t know?”

According to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, the typical American diet exceeds the recommended intake levels in calories from solid fats, added sugars, refined grains and saturated fat.

And about 90 percent of Americans eat more sodium than is recommended for a healthy diet.

But does your doctor know the >>

by Mimi Greenwood Knight

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food photo: CANDRA GOERGE mycreativereality.com

- Hippocrates

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students ate their work together as they went over the nutrition content of each dish, learning how traditional recipes can be easily altered to reduce calories and increase nutrition without losing any flavor. In fact, in many cases the favor is improved.

At the Tulane Clinic, one pilot study on diabetes care is offering half its subjects nutritional information and counseling alone and the other half the same information as well as hands-on cooking classes at The Goldring Center to track patient progress and help determine the success of the program.

Community classes are tailored to different groups, such as seniors, Spanish-speakers, children and others.

Medical students cook alongside them and lead discussions on the importance of the things they’re learning, while at the same time bolstering their own confidence in counseling with patients.

“It’s like Home Ec for the 21st century,” says Chef Sarris. Well, it is if your Home Ec classroom included eight highly professional cooking stations, where any five-star chef would feel at home, and a fully outfitted chef’s presentation area with overhead LCD screens. “Most of us aren’t learning to cook at home anymore, so few of us feel confident in the kitchen,” says Sarris.

With her degree in culinary nutrition, she also offers popular six-week classes free to the community and oversees a lush on-site community garden.

One neighborhood resident who participated in the community classes was Janell Perry. She credits the classes with teaching her to shop healthier and to cook food that helps her medicate her diabetes and hypertension, rather than relying on so many pharmaceuticals.

“Rather than just telling them to lower salt and fat, I can tell them, ‘Why

photos: CANDRA GOERGE mycreativereality.com

recommended levels?

In fact, less than 25 percent of U.S. physicians say they feel confident talking to their patients about diet, and fewer than one in eight medical visits include any nutritional counseling. With help from The Goldring Center, the Tulane University School of Medicine is attempting to change all that. Its goal is to help doctors feel confident in their knowledge about food so they can pass that knowledge on to their patients, doing more than simply advising patients to “eat better.” They can teach them how practical dietary changes can improve their health and wellness, beginning with the food they buy and the ways they prepare and consume it.

“Our goal is to teach medical students and residents how to cook and how to translate the information they learn into the conversations they’re going to have with their patients about food,” says Dr. Timothy Harlan, a Tulane internist, former chef and executive director of The Goldring Center. The program’s philosophy is based on the Mediterranean diet, which includes more vegetables, beans, fruits, nuts, whole grains, fish and healthy plant-based fats, while limiting dairy, meat, and alcohol.

“First-year students are required to take three mandatory classes, but can opt for a total of nine,” says Chef Sarris.

Students learn about food allergies and food-related autoimmune disorders they’ll encounter in their practices, such as celiac disease. They also work in groups on case studies to practice applying what they’re learning.

In one class, students prepared a typical supper of spaghetti and meat sauce using four recipes, with each recipe including progressively fewer calories, more nutrition and more fiber per serving. At the end of the class,

don’t you go from whole milk to two percent; instead of using all that salt, why don’t you try to add a little acid like lemon juice or vinegar, which will bring out the flavor just as well?’”

Another neighborhood resident, Kathy Read, says the classes taught her to snack differently.

“Rather than reaching for potato chips or chocolate, I can make healthier choices, and I learned to really enjoy cooking for the first time.”

The Goldring Center, a 501(c)(3) organization, is funded by celebrity chef dinners, other fundraisers and a spattering of grants. As a world leader in culinary medicine, it has generated a curriculum that is used by other schools and offers one-on-one, physician-referred nutrition counseling with patients.

“This is something new for us,” says Sarris. “Just like the doctors, patients are learning nutrition, not from a book or a pamphlet, but from hands-on experience, preparing food and eating what they themselves prepared.”

Sarris began working with a farm-to-school program in her native Rhode Island, and then went on to teach culinary nutrition at Johnson & Wales University College of Culinary Arts. When local philanthropist and Tulane graduate Bill Goldring donated the seed money to establish The Goldring Center, she was brought in to help run it. The school began in a much smaller facility, but in August 2015 relocated to North Broad Street at Bienville Avenue in New Orleans within the ReFresh Project in what was once an urban food desert.

“We like to consider ourselves a community health hub now,” says Sarris. “ReFresh includes one of only a few urban Whole Foods in the nation, with food that’s priced lower to accommodate the neighborhood, and Liberty Kitchen, which provides employability and life skills training to vulnerable New Orleans youth while offering freshly prepared, nutritious meals to area school children. Upstairs are the main offices of the First Line Schools; Sprout NOLA hosts farmer’s markets in our lobby.”

The project takes up a full city block; surrounding it on three sides are gardens, some available to the neighborhood and others growing the food for Liberty Kitchen and The Goldring Center.

“Plots are available free of charge to anyone in the neighborhood who wants to try growing their own >>

SEVEN TIPS FROM EXECUTIVE CHEF LEAH SARRIS • Rethink your drink. Ditch the soda and sugarsweetened beverages. A 20-ounce Coke contains the equivalent of 17 packets of sugar.

Be wary of fruit juice and processed orange juice, which are surprisingly high in sugar. A tasty alternative is water with citrus.

• Make your own breakfast. Go-to staples are high-fiber cereal with bananas or egg sandwiches with spinach and feta on a wholewheat English muffin.

• Opt for whole grains instead of processed carbs. That includes brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and whole-grain bread.

• Eat less meat and load on the veggies.

Substituting half the meat in a recipe for more vegetables reduces costs while raising nutritional value and fiber content. Avoid too much meat. It’s high in saturated fat and calorie-dense.

• Measure your salt before you use it. Most of us easily eat two to three times the 2,300 milligrams daily recommended limit of salt.

• Use more plant-based fats to improve heart health. This includes olive oil, vegetable oils and nut-based oils.

• Become label conscious. Learn how to read nutrition labels, paying close attention to serving sizes, total calories and the amount of sugar, salt and trans fats. Look for foods high in fiber and try to raise your fiber intake to 30 grams per day.

September-October 2017 97

Macaroni and Cauliflower Cheese Bake

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Serves: 8 ½ medium cauliflower (or approx. 3 cups frozen cauliflower) 8 oz. low-fat shredded cheddar cheese 4 oz. shredded parmesan cheese

photo: CANDRA GOERGE mycreativereality.com

food, and all the herbs and flowers grown outside the fences are there for the neighborhood to pick,” says Sarris.

“We host field trips for schools and homeschool parents and run a popular summer camp free to neighborhood kids. More and more, physicians are referring their patients for classes, and we’re hoping to be working soon with insurance companies who’ll be underwriting our cost.”

Across the country, other medical school are starting to take note of the Tulane program. Twenty-seven schools and a handful of healthcare centers have licensed Tulane’s culinary medicine curriculum to begin their own programs. Sales of the curriculum with help fund the center.

Meanwhile back in the kitchen, the med students were ready to try their creations. One admitted she’d never tasted lentils, but liked them. Another said he cooked at home every night, but often just cooked chicken, without any sides. There’s much more conversation now and lots of questions. The excitement is mounting, as students look forward to the next installment of the class, where they’ll garner more culinary medicine knowledge. Soon, they’ll be imparting that information to their patients, helping to foster a new mindset where Hippocrates’ millenniaold vision can be realized. Food truly will become our medicine, and our medicine will truly become our food.

1. Wilt spinach in a steamer and set aside. Rinse cauliflower well, cutting off outer green leaves and stalk, and then chop into bite-sized pieces. Add together cheeses, sour cream, salt and pepper.

2. Bring slightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cauliflower. Cook according to package directions (usually 6-8 minutes). While the macaroni is cooking, place the bowl of cheese mixture over the pot and stir occasionally to incorporate melting cheese and sour cream. Once melted,

4 oz. baby spinach 10 oz. dry whole-grain macaroni 8 oz. sour cream or crème fraîche ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp ground black pepper

remove the cheese from the heat.

3. Drain macaroni and cauliflower, reserving one cup of the cooking liquid. Return pasta to the pan with the wilted spinach. Stir to integrate spinach. Pour on melted cheese, and stir well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved liquid.

4. Serve the macaroni as is. Or add 2/3 cup of the reserved liquid, stir well, and transfer everything to a 9×13 baking pan. Bake in a preheated 400° oven until golden and bubbling (5-10 minutes).

IN the Bookcase

Erica Spindler

The Other Girl

by Erica Spindler

A RITUALISTIC MURDER of a college professor sends a small-town cop back into the trauma she thought she’d left far behind her. As the torments of her past and the horrific murder case become intertwined, the seasoned cop will be forced to give this case everything she’s got, if it’s the last thing she does ...

In her chilling new thriller, The Other Girl, Mandeville’s own Erica Spindler once again proves that she is a master of suspense.

Officer Miranda Rader of the Harmony, Louisiana, Police Department is known for her honesty, integrity, and steady hand in a crisis—but that wasn’t always so. Miranda comes from the town of Jasper, a place about the size of a good spit on a hot day, and her side 100

Inside Northside

of the tracks was the wrong one. She’s worked hard to earn the respect of her coworkers and the community.

When Miranda and her partner are called to investigate the murder of one of the town’s most beloved college professors, they’re unprepared for the brutality of the scene. This murder is unlike any they’ve ever investigated, and just when Miranda thinks she’s seen the worst of it, she finds a piece of evidence that chills her to the core: a faded newspaper clipping about that terrible night fifteen years ago. The night she’d buried, along with her past and the girl she’d been back then. Until now that grave had stayed sealed, except for those times, in the deepest part of the night, when the nightmares came: of a crime no one believed happened and the screams of the girl they believed didn’t exist.

Then another man turns up dead, this one a retired cop. Not just any cop—the one who took her statement that night. Two murders, two very different men, two killings that on the surface had nothing in common— except Miranda. Will she find the killer before it’s too late?

More evidence emerges, and Miranda finds herself under the microscope, her honesty and integrity doubted, her motivations questioned.

Alone, the way she’d been all those years ago, Miranda realizes she must face her past to find the truth—before it’s too late. For her … and the other girl.

Catching a summer cold changed Erica Spindler’s life forever. Up until that fateful malady, Erica planned on being an artist. She had studied for that profession, earning both a BFA and MFA in the visual arts. Then in June 1982, she stopped at a drugstore to pick up cold tablets and tissues; the cashier dropped a free romance novel into her bag.

Once home, with nothing to do but sniffle and watch daytime TV, she picked that romance up—and was immediately hooked. For the next six months, she read every romance she could get her hands on. Sometime during those months, she decided to try to write one herself, but it was when she leapt from romance to suspense that she found her true calling.

Erica has published more than thirty novels all over the world. Critics have dubbed her stories as “thrill-packed, page turners, white-knuckle rides, and edge-of-your-seat whodunits.” A USA TODAY, New York Times and Amazon.com bestseller, Erica and her novels have won many awards, including the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence.

Erica and her husband met in art school. They traveled to New Orleans to see the King Tut exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Without advance tickets, they had a choice: wait in line all day or spend the day sightseeing. They chose the latter and fell head-over-heels in love with New Orleans—and, eventually, the northshore, where they live with their two sons.

President’s Letter Highway 190 Beautification Project. True to our founders, our growing membership of over 200 women continues to develop projects that impact the community. Current Community Impact Projects include Project Homecoming, Project Prom and Girls’ Health Day. For our third annual Project Homecoming, JLGC provided dresses, shoes, accessories and hair and make-up tips to 100 high school young ladies. Speaking with some of the parents revealed the impact that the League has had in the lives of these young women, who had the opportunity to participate in a high school experience feeling confident and comfortable without increasing the financial burden on their families.

Seeing the young women light up with excitement, along with the generosity of the JLGC members and the community, provided a sense Many images and thoughts come to mind when the Junior League of Greater Covington is mentioned—from

of accomplishment of the League’s mission!

In addition to our Community Impact Projects, JLGC supports

volunteers and Project Prom to the Harvest Cup Polo Classic and

The Children’s Museum of St. Tammany, our Signature Project.

Project Homecoming. The Junior League of Greater Covington

League members volunteer to assist the museum throughout the

encompasses all those things and more!

year at programs such as Museum without Walls and Kids Town. Our

JLGC is a women’s not-for-profit volunteer organization

Community Research Committee continues to evaluate issue-based

whose mission includes a commitment to promoting voluntarism,

needs within the community to guide future planning of our Community

developing the potential of women and improving the community

Projects. Community Assistance Grants that match our focus areas of

through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

education, youth, elderly, cultural enrichment or community awareness

In 1977, nine women sharing a vision of voluntarism and a commitment to their community established the service organization

remain available annually through application and review.

To support our community projects and allow us to fulfill our

that would become the Junior League of Greater Covington. Our

mission statement, the Junior League of Greater Covington hosts

founding members’ vision continues today as we begin our 41st

fundraising events during the year. This year marks the 21st Anniversary

year serving the community. Over the years, JLGC developed many

of our Harvest Cup Polo Classic, which will be held on October 8, 2017.

projects-turned-independent organizations that still exist today. The

The League, supported by our partners in the community, continues

League played an instrumental role in the development of the YMCA

to offer a unique opportunity to view live polo matches while enjoying

for Western St. Tammany, Meals on Wheels, Youth Service Bureau, Kris

a taste of the best restaurants on the northshore. Participate in the

Kringle (now called Toys for Tots), the Northlake Nature Center and the

Pretty Woman Hat Contest, the Divot Stomp, silent and live auctions, the Lee Michaels Rolex Raffle and much more while strolling along the

Get Your Harvest Cup Polo Classic Tickets Now! October 8, 11:30am-6pm Summergrove Farm

picturesque white tents! Visit 501auctions.com/jlgcpolo to purchase tickets and learn more about our event.

Thank you for taking the time to read about what the Junior League of Greater Covington is and what our volunteers do for the community. Join us at one of our community or fundraising events to see JLGC in action! A special thanks to our Community Partner, Inside Northside, for supporting our fundraising events and community projects throughout the year. To learn more about the

General Admission Ticket

VIP Parking Ticket

$150

Junior League of Greater Covington or becoming a member, please

$25

visit our website at jlgc.net. We look forward to meeting you!

Cynthia L. Bellina

Go to www.harvestcuppolo.com or www.jlgc.net to purchase tickets.

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Inside Northside

Inside Northside is proud to partner with

JLGC President, 2017-2018

the Junior League of Greater Covington.

Poster Artist Ryan Perea

by Rebecca Perrette

WITH THE STROKE OF A BRUSH, the chukker has started. Harvest Cup Polo Classic’s 2017 poster artist Ryan Perea’s painting of the horse and its rider exudes the horse’s power as it pushes down the field. The polo player is caught in the midst of making his hit, and the bright green field is unaware of the divots it will inevitably receive. “I enjoyed creating the drama between the cloudy, overcast skies and the green of the polo field,” says Ryan. “As for the horse, he’s a Frankenstein of several different horses.”

Ryan divides his time between parenthood, teaching talented art and painting. He has been painting professionally for seven years since moving back from New York, where he trained under Rob Zeller, a New Orleans artist. Ryan recounts his time in New York as a rediscovery of his art. “I was taking trash out at my loft and there sat three or four big canvases in the trash with a bag of paints. I hadn’t painted in six years. I had no idea what I was doing, but I loved it.”

This personal renaissance continues still. Since moving back, a daughter, Harper Eden, has been added to his family, and he is pursuing new avenues in his craft.

“Currently, I’ve been trying to break down my work so that it doesn’t have to be so perfect.

In other words, I’m loosening up to become more painterly.”

The Louisiana native notes that people don’t often like buying paintings with strangers’ faces on them. After taking time to ponder this setback, Ryan decided to begin painting scenes people were familiar with and fond of, such as Mardi Gras, to attract his New Orleans audience. To keep from drowning in a crowd of other artists, Ryan paints only scenes that capture a spirit that enthralls him and places him in the moment.

His polo painting is an example of such efforts.

The polo player’s face remains anonymous allowing the generic form to reflect an entire event rather than identifying an individual. The scene conveys energy and movement, showcasing the kind of fluidity Ryan

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

has been practicing.

September-October 2017 103

Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2017 Event Sponsors 2017 PRESENTING SPONSOR

2017 COMMUNITY PARTNERS Fine Jewelers & Distinctive Gifts

Special thanks to our sponsors: Gear Services Inc.

Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans

Summergrove Farm & Innisfree Farm

Pool Corp

Security National Life Insurance Company

We Heart Veterans

Summers Neurosurgery LLC

Reagan & Reagan CPA, LLC

Fidelity Bank/NOLA Lending

Kickin’ Parkinsons

Truitt Law Firm

Talley, Anthony, Hughes and Knight

IBERIABANK

Gallagher, Westholz & Potter, LLC

Thank you to our in-kind donors: Bartlett Farms

New Orleans Bourbon Festival

Bourgeois Designs

Michael & Allyson Sanderson

The Lakehouse Restaurant

Sophisticated Woman

Megan Westervelt Floral Design

Veuve Clicquot

The JLGC Harvest Cup Polo Classic Committee

The JLGC Harvest Cup Polo Committee gathered to celebrate 20 successful years of polo and prepare for the upcoming fundraiser on October 8.

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Inside Northside

Inside Northside is proud to partner with

the Junior League of Greater Covington.

Community Partner: Lee Michaels

LEE MICHAELS FINE JEWELRY started with one store in Baton Rouge in 1978 and is now one of the largest independent jewelry stores in the United States. Lee Michaels features quality lines such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, David Yurman and Montblanc, as well as three Pandora stores. Now a second-generation business, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry has attained a level of excellence few first-generation businesses can match.

“We have made exceeding our customers’ expectations our tradition. We consider our customers our friends and provide them the personal attention and professional expertise that have become our hallmarks,” says Vice President Chad Berg.

“Lee Michaels is proud to be part of the worldwide network of Official Rolex Jewelers. This means we are allowed to sell and maintain Rolex watches. Our team has the necessary skills, technical know-how and special equipment to work with Rolex. We guarantee the authenticity of each and every part of your Rolex purchased at Lee Michaels,” says Berg.

Date Rolex for the event’s first ever ROLEX RAFFLE,” explains Berg.

Tickets for the ROLEX RAFFLE are $20 each, and only 750 will be sold. The drawing will take place at 3:30 p.m. at the Harvest Cup Polo

This year, this longtime team sponsor and community partner of

Classic, but the winner need not be present. Tickets are available for

the Harvest Cup Polo Classic and the Junior League of Greater Covington

purchase from any JLGC member in advance and also at the event until

decided to up their game.

they sell out. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Junior League of

“Lee Michaels is proud of our lengthy relationship with JLGC and to be a sponsor for their 21st annual Harvest Cup Polo Classic. In honor

Greater Covington and its Community Projects.

“Polo has consistently been one of our favorite events each year

Chad and Vanessa

of the JLGC’s 40th Anniversary year, we at Lee Michaels decided to go big

because we love the mission of the Junior League and what they do for

Berg at The Harvest

this year! We have donated a beautiful ladies 31mm Oyster Perpetual

the community,” says Berg.

Cup Polo Classic.

The Lee Michaels Rolex Raffle Tickets for the ROLEX RAFFLE are $20 each and only 750 will be sold.

The drawing will take place at 3:30pm at The Harvest Cup Polo Classic, but the winner need not be present.

Tickets are available to purchase from any JLGC member leading up to the event and available at the Harvest Cup Polo Classic while they last.

Make sure to bid on this year’s fabulous auction items including: a Private Bourbon Tasting for 10 People compliments of the New Orleans Bourbon Festival; a handwoven artisan carpet donated by Virginia Dunn Interiors; and beautiful lights and accessories, including an iconic French Quarter Lantern, from Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights.

September-October 2017 105

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P R O P E R T I E S

September-October 2017 107

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P R O P E R T I E S

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P R O P E R T I E S

September-October 2017 109

A Better Way of Banking Arrives on the Northshore Keesler Federal Credit Union

There’s a fresh, new financial institution with a familiar name on

innovative services they won’t find elsewhere. We embrace Louisiana’s

the scene in St. Tammany Parish and it is generating considerable buzz

warm, vibrant and unique culture and are 100 percent committed to

among local consumers and businesses. Keesler Federal Credit Union,

contributing to the region’s dynamic growth and continued success.”

the largest Mississippi-based credit union, opened its first Louisiana

Many on the Northshore already recognize the Keesler name

branch in Slidell in early 2014. Now, by strategically expanding its

thanks to branches located just across the state line in Hancock and

regional presence with newly minted branches in Mandeville and

Pearl River counties and, of course, the long-standing presence of

Covington, and with a second Slidell branch slated to open its doors

Keesler Air Force Base in nearby Biloxi. Indeed, the association with

for business this October, Keesler Federal is fast becoming not only a

the military base began in 1947, when a group of 10 civil service

friendly face in the neighborhood but a go-to financial resource.

employees came together to create what is now known as Keesler

“I speak on behalf of everyone here at Keesler Federal when I

Federal Credit Union. In the 70 years since then, Keesler Federal

say how thrilled we are to finally be part of the St. Tammany Parish

has grown into a thriving, full-service financial institution managing

community,” states Andy Swoger, President and CEO. “Many of our

more than $2.5 billion in assets and serving over 200,000 members

existing members reside in Louisiana. These offices make it much more

worldwide.

convenient for them to conduct financial business and it also allows

Perhaps you’re thinking, “Members? What exactly does that mean

us to offer a better solution for banking to a whole new audience. We

for me?” Well, the difference between credit union members and bank

are proud to offer the Northshore community a comprehensive array of

customers is actually an important distinction that is at the very heart

financial solutions including free checking, lower rates on mortgages

of the credit union philosophy. First and foremost, credit unions are

and vehicle loans, higher yield savings options, and many other

not-for-profit organizations that are owned by their account holders,

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Inside Northside

or members, and exist solely to serve their needs. Unlike traditional

Giveback program. “Every month, we reward 35 randomly selected

banks, credit union earnings do not go toward paying profits to

members with prizes ranging from $100 up to $2000. It could be a

investors; instead, earnings are channeled back into the credit union

match of your car note or mortgage payment, or just cash back for

itself to offer members lower loan rates and fees, higher interest rates

using an everyday service like online bill pay. I don’t know any banks

on deposits, and greater rewards. Keesler Federal members also differ

that can compete with that!”

from bank customers because they have a voting voice in the running

Along with her Keesler Federal colleagues Jesse Hebert, Slidell

of their credit union through the selection of its all-volunteer Board

Branch Manager; Nell Schmidt, Business Development Officer; and

of Directors.

Jill Jennings, Director of the Western Region, Jeandron is active in St.

Credit unions’ membership eligibility requirements sometimes

Tammany business organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce.

lead people to think they are not qualified to join, but nothing could

“We participate in local functions and fundraisers. Plus, often I

be further from the truth. “At Keesler Federal, members come from all

will take one of my tellers or financial services representatives on

walks of life. You don’t have to be military or associated with Keesler

meet-and-greets at nearby shopping centers and other businesses

Air Force Base,” explains Denise Jeandron, branch manager of the

just to introduce us. We drop off goody bags and it’s a wonderful

Mandeville and Covington locations. “There are many ways to join

opportunity to nurture relationships and find out about what matters

the credit union. We offer membership through numerous employee

to people in the community.”

groups and other association affiliations. In addition, if you have a

With three convenient branches now available to serve your

family member who is already a Kessler Federal member, you are also

financial needs in St. Tammany Parish, Keesler Federal invites you to

eligible to join. We encourage people who are interested in joining

stop by and discover a “better way of banking,” or visit us online at

to ask their employer if they are among our select employee groups

KFCU.org for more information.

or to consider becoming one.”

Jeandron, a native of St. Bernard Parish, is a 38-year veteran of the banking industry with experience at such well-known institutions as Whitney, Hibernia and Regions banks. “Keesler Federal is my first credit union, and the difference between it and banking has been a remarkable eye-opener. I’m a credit union believer for life now,” she enthuses. “At a credit union, every employee is focused on building real value for our members by assessing their individual needs, not simply pushing the ‘product of the day.’ At Keesler Federal, there is no such thing. It’s all about finding the right financial solution for each member.” Jeandron also feels positive differences from a workplace standpoint. “Words like ‘team’ and ‘family’ are used frequently, but at Keesler Federal, that genuine spirit permeates our organization from the highest levels to the newest teller. No one is

1-888-KEESLER (533-7537) Kfcu.org Federally Insured by NCUA

above getting hands-on to help one of our members.” Another topic Jeandron enjoys talking about is Keesler Federal’s popular Member

Slidell Branch 1338 Gause East Blvd

Covington Branch 2101 N. Hwy 190, #107

Mandeville Beau Chene 4250 Highway 22 Unit C September-October 2017 111

At the Table

by Tom Fitzmorris

ALL THE MOST WISTFUL, moving songs I know involve the same two elements: the arrival of autumn and the departure of things you did last summer. The only things remaining are the unique foods of fall.

Although I almost never leave our local waters in composing these columns, the things I ate during trips to New England and the Canadian Maritimes stay with me the whole year through. The New Orleans Eat Club—an ad hoc assemblage of my readers and radio listeners—has accompanied me during five cruises from New York to Quebec, digging daily into the foods of the region.

While our own seafood cuisine stands up against any other, the edibles of the Northeast are classy enough that they have become very popular in our local restaurants, too.

Most noteworthy of them are lobsters, scallops and mussels, all of which are near the top of any list of American seafood delicacies.

I was inspired to learn about the piscine picture in New England when, many years ago, I jumped on US Highway 11 at Powers Junction in eastern New Orleans. I headed northeast on a vacation with no other aim than to remain on US 11 all the way to the Canadian border. That done, I headed toward Cape Cod where, for the first time since I left New Orleans, I found 112

Inside Northside

illustration: GRETCHEN ARMBRUSTER

Lobsters & Scallops & Mussels– Oh My!

the cooking interesting. Everywhere I went for dinner, I talked with chefs who complained about the end of the high season and the end of their jobs. I sent a lot of these guys down to New Orleans, where openings were many. In exchange, they gave me a course on the food in this land of quaint little villages here and there.

So much did I like the area that I was

disappointed when my hotel shut down for the year. I had developed a liking for the seafood of the region. In addition to the mollusks I mentioned at the beginning, here, too, were fish that were new to me. Cod, naturally, but also haddock and scrod. Also, there were oysters of the same species we have in Louisiana, but smaller and a bit more assertive in flavor. Something new every night. I walked around singing wistful songs and eating lobster rolls.

It took a few decades before the first New England seafood of quality made its way to New Orleans. In the same way that our redfish, crawfish, shrimp and soft-shell crabs were flown out to the rest of the country, we have adopted scallops and mussels. It wasn’t easy for the chefs who tried to serve such things. Typically, they ran mussels as a special and wound up having to eat most of them.

The local customers weren’t interested yet.

And not even chefs knew much about scallops.

The little ones are most often fried and pretty bad.

The big ones—I’ve seen a few the size of small filets mignon—are tender and delicious enough to become common, at prices that make three or four of them qualify as an entrée. And a gourmet entrée at that.

Even New Orleanians with a taste for scallops don’t understand them fully. The part we eat is the muscle that the scallops use to hold their shells closed. (They can also flap the shells and sort of fly through the water.) This muscle is analogous to the one that oyster shuckers cut while plying their trade. Also inside the scallop shells (which are depicted on the sign of every Shell gas station in the world) are sometimes roe and a lobe that’s like the best part of an oyster.

Neither of these is particularly good.

But of all the problems that chefs get wrong in serving scallops, the worst is that the whole thing gets scraped along the sea bottom during the harvest, and even a little bit of sand gives a gritty texture. This can be avoided by rinsing the scallops very well before seasoning and searing them. Even the best chefs don’t always seem to know this. >> September-October 2017 113

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While scallops are now easy to find, the two best restaurants for them have been very consistent for a long time. Mr. B’s puts a savory crust on the top and bottom of the scallop that is always perfect.

Meanwhile, learning how to do scallops seems to be a required course for working in the kitchen at Gautreau’s. If you want to convert a friend to liking scallops, those are the places to go.

Mussels are a bit trickier. The big problem is that two batches of mussels have a way of varying wildly. The good batch will have plump musselmeats about the size of your thumb’s nail part. It will have some mussels with a creamy color (female) and others a pail orange (male). If you see this color differential, you almost always have great mussels. If not, the mussels will shrink alarmingly while cooking to the point that it becomes hard to get an actual musselmeat on your fork, and you become a dreamer with empty hands.

Chefs think this is a secret, but it isn’t: mussels are cheap, and an entrée portion of them should include at least two dozen mussels. Few New Orleans restaurants will give you that many.

Cape Cod or Nova Scotia mussels come in that number. If you’re eating mussels in Belgium—the mussel capital of the world— you’ll get a bucket of them with some four dozen shells to open, its contents to savor.

photo: DAVID TOMPKINS davidtompkinsphotography.com

The European style of serving mussels includes pommes frites, cut and fried to order. Why they put the fries on top of the mussels is a mystery. It makes the fries limp. Tell them to serve the fries first with your cocktail or wine.

Lobster is the best known of the New England and Canadian seafood bounty we now find around our town. The crustaceans have been familiar in New Orleans since Tom Pittari introduced them to New Orleans eaters in the 1950s. His restaurant on Claiborne Avenue was the first place where live (or dead, for that matter) lobsters were served routinely. At the time, New Orleans eaters could get Caribbean spiny lobsters, but they are much inferior to Maine lobsters. (Speaking of which, most lobsters in America come not from Maine, but Canada.)

Drago’s is now the place for lobster in our town, with not only many treatments of the crustaceans, but affordable prices.

If you ever find yourself on my New England cruise (I do them every two or three years) or one like it, you’ll go to a place called Peggy’s Cove, right in the

middle of the lobster fishery in Nova Scotia. There you’ll also find roadside eateries serving what I think you’ll find are the best lobsters of your life.

It’s good to live it again.

That last line is from one of the many songs about autumn and lost romances that I’ve embedded in this column. Have fun looking for them, and send me any you thought of yourself. And if you ever cross my path in autumn, ask me to sing a wistful song for you.

Bounty Of The Sea Cajun boiled seafood bucket from The Crazy Lobster.

INside Dining MCC: Major credit cards accepted ME: Menu Express delivery RR: Reservations recommended ABITA SPRINGS Abita Barbecue, 69399 Hwy. 59, 400-5025. Ribs, brisket, chicken, pulled pork and boudin. MCC. Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St., 892-5837. Good fun and great beer. On the Trace. Lunch, dinner. abitabrewpub.com. MCC. Abita Springs Café, 22132 Level St., 867-9950. Tues-Sun. MCC. Camellia Café, 69455 Hwy. 59, 8096313. Traditional seafood and New Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.com.

MCC.

Hwy. 59, 809-0308. Lunch, dinner. mamadspizza.com.

COVINGTON Abita Roasting Company, 1011 Village Walk, 246-3345. abitaroasting.com.

Acme Oyster House, 1202 Hwy. 190, 246-6155. Lunch, dinner. mamdspizza.com. MCC. Albasha, 1958 Hwy. 190, 867-8292. Mediterranean cuisine. albashabr.com. MCC. Annadele’s Plantation, 71518 Chestnut St., 809-7669. Yellow fin tuna, domestic lamb & much more. annadeles.com. MCC, checks. bacobar, 70437 LA-21, 893-2450.

International street food with South Louisiana soul. bacobarnola.com.

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

MCC. Beck ‘n’ Call Cafe, 534 N. New Hampshire, 985-875-9390. Lunch Cafe, Breakfast. MCC. Bud’s Broiler, 1250 N. US 190, 985-

Inside Northside

Buster’s Place, 519 E. Boston St., 809-3880. Seafood, po-boys, steaks.

Lunch, dinner. MCC. Carreta’s Grill, 70380 Hwy. 21, 871-6674. Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served in a family-friendly atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Kids eat free every Wednesday! Private events and catering also provided. carretasgrill.com. MCC. The Chimes, 19130 W. Front St., 892-5396. Catering, Sunday brunch, daily lunch specials, 72 beers on tap.

Lunch and dinner. chimesbeeru.com.

MCC. Coffee Rani, 234-A Lee Ln., 8936158. Soup and salad specialists. coffeerani.com. MCC. Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill, 434

Mama D’s Pizza & More, 22054

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803-8368. Hamburgers. MCC.

N. Columbia St., 898-0899. Lunch, dinner. covingtontaproom.com. MCC, ME. Copeland’s. 680 N. US 190, 985809-9659. Creole. MCC. RR. Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy. 190, 892-3712. Contemporary Louisiana cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients. thedakotarestaurant.com. MCC, RR. Del Porto Restaurant, 501 E. Boston St., 875-1006. Northern Italian cuisine. delportoristorante.com. MCC, RR. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 69292 Hwy. 21, 871-2225. Locally-owned and -operated franchise. Kids eat free on Sundays. MCC. DiCristina’s Restaurant, 810 N. Columbia St., Ste. C, 875-0160. Italian and seafood. dicristinas.com. MCC. DiMartino’s, 700 S. Tyler St., 2766460. Great food and reasonable prices. Lunch, dinner. dimartinos.com.

MCC. Don’s Seafood Hut, 126 Lake Dr., 327-7111. Lunch and dinner. donsseafoodonline.com. MCC. The English Tea Room, 734

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Rutland St., 898-3988. Authentic English cream teas. Special event

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers,

Sala Thai, 315 N. Vermont St., 249-

Tope là, 104 N. Cate St., 542-7600.

teas, English scones, crumpets

1645 Hwy. 190, 327-5407. Salads,

6990. Special salads, spring rolls,

Contemporary delights. topela.com.

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

pizzas, calzones. 20 craft beers on

soups, noodle and curry dishes.

MCC.

englishtearoom.com. MCC, RR.

tap. Open 7 days a week. Lunch and

Sun-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat,

dinner. MCC. mellowmushroom.com.

11am-10pm.Lunch buffet weekdays,

Yellow Bird Café, 222 E. Charles St.,

11am-3pm. salathaibysu.com. MCC.

345-1112. A great place to start your

Fat Spoon Café, 2807 N Highway 190., 893-5111. Breakfast, Lunch,

Mugshots Grill & Bar, 300

Tues-Sun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast

River Highlands Blvd., 893-2422.

Sugarbear’s Sweet Shop, 100

severed until 10:30 on weekdays and

mugshotsgrillandbar.com.

Tyler Square, 276-2377. Creative

all day Saturday and Sunday. Reserve Fat Spoon Café for your next party.

New Orleans Food and Spirits, 208

fatspooncafe.com. MCC.

Lee Ln., 875-0432. Family owned

Gallagher’s Grill, 509 S. Tyler

day. Breakfast, lunch. MCC, checks.

La Provence Restaurant, 25020

sugarbearsweetshop.com.

Hwy. 190, 626-7662. Dinner, Sunday brunch. laprovencerestaurant.com.

and operated. neworleansfoodspirits.

Sweet Daddy’s, 420 S. Tyler St., 898-

com. MCC.

2166. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs.

St., 892-9992. Lunch, Tues-Sat

LACOMBE

cakes and assorted sweets. Tues-Sat.

sweetdaddysbarbq.com. MCC, ME.

11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner, 5-9:30pm.

Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery

gallaghersgrill.com. MCC.

and Cafè, 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste.

Tchoupstix, 69305 LA Hwy. 21, 985-

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

892-0852. Japanese. MCC.

MCC, checks. RR. Sal & Judy’s, 27491 Hwy. 190, 8829443. Veal is the house specialty. salandjudys.com. MCC, RR.

Garcia’s Famous Mexican Food,

bakery. Luncheon salads, panini,

200 River Highlands Blvd., 327-7420.

catering, donuts, kingcakes, cupcakes

Vasquez Seafood & Po-Boys, 515

Abita Roasting Company, 504

and wedding cakes. Tues-Sun, open

E. Boston St., 893-9336. Cuban

Water St., 246-3340. abitaroasting.

at 7am. nonnarandazzo.com. MCC.

sandwiches and more. vazquezpoboy.

com.

Glory Bound Gyro Company, 500

com. MCC, checks, ME.

River Highlands Blvd., Ste. A, 8710711. Open 7 days a week, lunch and

Osaka West, 804 N. US 190, 985-

dinner. A new age American restaurant

871-8199. Japanese. MCC.

concept with Mediterranean influences. gloryboundgyroco.com. MCC.

MADISONVILLE

Ox Lot 9, 428 E Boston St., 400-

Keith Young’s Steakhouse, 165 Yujin Japanese Restaurant and

Hwy. 21, 845-9940. Lunch, dinner,

Sushi Bar, 323 N. New Hampshire

Tues-Fri. keithyoungs.net. MCC.

St., 809-3840. MCC. Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar,

5663. Hotel. Dinner, Sunday brunch.

Italian Pie, 70488 Hwy. 21, 871-

oxlot9.com. MCC.

5252. Dine in or carry out. italianpie. com. MCC, checks.

Papi’s Fajita Factory of Covington,

Zea Rotisserie & Grill, 110 Lake Dr.,

702 Water St., 845-4970. Lunch,

327-0520. Inspired American food.

dinner. MCC, checks.

zearestaurants.com. MCC. Orlando’s, 304 Hwy. 22 West, 985-

1331 N. Hwy. 190 Ste. 100, 893La Carreta Authentic Mexican

1382. Kids eat free on Tuesday nights.

HAMMOND

Cuisine, 812 Hwy. 190, 624-

Open 7 days a week for lunch and

Brady’s, 110 SW Railroad Ave., 542-

2990. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

dinner. MCC.

6333. bradysdowntown.com.

outstanding service and value. Live

Pardos, 69305 Hwy. 21, 893-3603.

Don’s Seafood & Steak House,

music. Lunch and dinner seven days a

Lunch, Tues-Fri; Dinner, Tues-Sun;

1915 S. Morrison Blvd., 345-8550.

week. carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

Happy hour, Tues-Fri, 4-7pm. Private

donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

fresh food from traditional recipes,

com. MCC.

4992. Lunch, Mon-Fri; Dinner, Fri-Sat. Closed Sundays. lolacovington.com.

Water Street Bistro, 804 Water St., 985-845-3855. Contemporary Creole.

190, #7, 985-951-2246. Breakfast.

542-0043. Catering, special events,

MCC.

weddings. jacmelinn.com. MCC,

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

checks.

Jambalaya, gumbo, stuffed artichokes.

985-892-6550. Contemporary Creole.

MCC, checks, ME.

MCC.

MANDEVILLE

Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris St.,

Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun

Mac’s On Boston, 324 E. Boston St.,

MCC.

Another Broken Egg Cafe, 1901 US

parties and catering. pardosbistro.

Lola, 517 N. New Hampshire St., 892-

845-4446. Seafood. MCC.

The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore Dr., 727-7420. Serving 130 styles of beer,

Kirin Sushi, 223 S. Cate St., 542-

call and premium liquors. Lunch and

8888. kirinjapanesecuisine.com. MCC.

dinner. thebarleyoak.com. MCC.

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 70456 Hwy. Mattina Bella, 421 E. Gibson St.,

21, 875-7894. Catch your morning

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

Beach House, 124 Girod, 985-

892-0708. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

buzz at this convenient drive-thru!

Cuisine, 108 N.W Railroad Ave., 419-

624-9331. Neighborhood Cafe.

MCC, checks.

Catering. MCC.

9990. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

beachhousemandeville.com. MCC.

fresh food from traditional recipes, McAlister’s Deli, 206 Lake Dr., Ste.

Pizza Man of Covington, 1248 N.

outstanding service and value. Live

Bistro Byronz, 1901 Highway 190,

15, 898-2800. Great sandwiches,

Collins Blvd., 892-9874. Checks, ME.

music. Lunch and dinner seven days a

985-951-7595. American. MCC.

salads, overstuffed potatoes. mcalistersdeli.com. MCC, checks.

week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC. Raising Canes, 1270 N. Hwy. 190,

Bosco’s Italian Café, 2040 Hwy. 59,

809-0250. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut

Tommy’s on Thomas, 216 W.

Megumi of Covington,

fries, coleslaw, texas toast, signature

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

1211 Village Walk, 893-0406.

secret dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go

Lunch, dinner. tommysonthomas.com.

Café Lynn Restaurant and

megumirestaurant.net.

and catering. MCC.

MCC, checks.

Catering, 2600 Florida St., 624-9007.

118

Inside Northside

624-5066. boscositalian.com.

i Casual fine dining for lunch, dinner and

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

Sunday brunch by Chef Joey Najolia.

Cuisine, 1200 W. Causeway

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

App., 624-2990. Festive Mexican

5pm. Catering provided. cafelynn.com.

atmosphere, fresh food from traditional

MCC.

recipes, outstanding service and value.

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Live music. Lunch and dinner seven Coffee Rani, 3517 Hwy. 190, 674-

days a week. carretasrestaurant.com.

0560. Soup and salad specialists.

MCC.

Coscino’s Pizza, 1809 N. Causeway

La Madeleine, 3434 US 190, 985-

Blvd., 727-4984. Italian. MCC.

626-7004. French. MCC.

El Paso Mexican Grill, 3410 US

The Lakehouse, 2025 Lakeshore

190, 624-2345. Made fresh from our

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

family to yours, happy hour, 2-7pm.

Restaurant open. Call for reservations.

elpasomex.com. MCC.

lakehousecuisine.com. MCC.

Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59.,

LaLou, 200 Girod St., 985-231-7125.

809-2929. Breakfast, lunch, Tues-

Breakfast. doyoulalou.com. MCC.

Sun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast served until 10:30am on weekdays and all

Little Tokyo, 590 Asbury Dr., 504-

day Saturday and Sunday. Reserve

727-1532. Japanese. littletokyosushi.

Fat Spoon Cafe for your next party.

com. MCC.

fatspooncafe.com. MCC. Liz’s Where Y’At Diner, 2500 Florida, Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse,

985-626-8477. Breakfast, Diner. MCC.

1841 N. Causeway Blvd., 6249704. Fresh fish daily, aged beef,

Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App.,

traditional Italian. Lunch, dinner.

626-9047. Serving breakfast and

fazziosrestaurant.com. MCC, ME, RR.

lunch, daily specials.

Franco’s Grill,100 Bon Temps

Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in Azalea

Roule, 792-0200. Fresh organic foods

Square Shopping Center, 674-9883.

for breakfast, lunch and takeout.

Seafood, Creole and Italian. Lunch and

myfrancos.com/dining. MCC.

dinner, Mon-Sat. mandinasrestaurant. com.

George’s Mexican Restaurant, 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4342.

New Orleans Hamburger &

Family owned. Fajitas, George’s

Seafood Co., 3900 LA 22, 985-624-

nachos, Carne al la Parrilla. Best

8035. Sandwiches. MCC.

top-shelf margaritas in town. georgesmexicanrestaurant.com. MCC,

Nuvolari’s, 246 Girod St., 626-5619.

ME.

In Old Mandeville. Italian cuisine for fine dining daily for dinner or special

Gio’s Villa Vancheri, 2890 E.

events. MCC. nuvolaris.com.

Causeway App., 624-2597. Sicilian specialties by 5-star chef Gio

The Old Rail Brewing Company,

Vancheri. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

639 Girod St., 612-1828. Homemade

giosvillavancheri.com. MCC. RR.

American cuisine with fresh, local ingredients. Family-friendly

K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 626-0530.

atmosphere. Lunch and dinner. Closed

Featuring Louisiana seafood with

Mondays.

raw oysters 1/2 price on Tuesdays.

Express lunch and daily lunch specials

Pat Gallagher’s 527 Restaurant and

under $10. Mon-Thurs, 11am-9pm;

Bar, 527 N. Causeway Blvd, 778-2820.

Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm. kgeesrestaurant.

Lunch, Tues-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm.

com. MCC.

Dinner, Tues-Sat 5-9:30pm. gallaghers527restaurant.com.

Kazoku Sushi, 1680 LA Hwy. 59, 985-626-8118. Japanese. locu.com.

Pinkberry, 3460 Hwy. 190, 612-7306.

MCC.

Pinkberry is the original tart frozen

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September-October 2017 119

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yogurt that is the perfect balance of

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

Palmettos on the Bayou,

sweet and tangy paired with high

Cuisine, 147 N.W. Railroad

1901 Bayou Ln., 643-0050.

Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant, 1713

quality, fresh cut fruit and premium

Ave., 370-0930. Festive Mexican

palmettosrestaurantslidell.com.

Lake Ave., 504-831-4141; 841 Iberville

dry toppings. pinkberry.com.

atmosphere, fresh food from

St., 504-581-1316. Louisiana seafood

traditional recipes, outstanding

Peck’s Seafood Restaurant, 2315

prepared in Creole seasonings, available in

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy.

service and value. Live music. Lunch

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

Bucktown or the French Quarter for lunch

190, 674-1565. Catering. pjscoffee.

and dinner seven days a week.

seafood, burgers and lunch specials.

and dinner. deanies.com. MCC.

com. MCC.

carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

MCC. Gautreau’s, 1728 Soniat St., 504-

Pontchartrain Po-Boys, 318 Dalwill

SLIDELL

Dr., 985-626-8188. Sandwiches.

A Touch of Italy Café, 134

MCC.

Pennsylvania Ave., 639-0600. Lunch,

Speckled T’s, 158 S Military Rd.,

899-7397. Open Monday through

985-646-1728. Seafood. MCC.

Saturday. Dinner. gautreausrestaurant. com. MCC, RR.

dinner. kathrynandcompany.com.

Vera’s, 2020 Gause Blvd W., 985-

MCC, checks.

690-9814. Seafood. MCC.

fries, coleslaw, texas toast, signature

Assunta’s, 2631 Covington Hwy.,

Young’s, 850 Robert Blvd., 985-643-

and soups, ship nationwide. Lunch

secret dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go

985-649-9768. Italian. assuntas.com.

9331. Steak. MCC.

and dinner. gumboshop.com. MCC.

and catering. MCC.

MCC.

Rip’s on the Lake, 1917 Lakeshore

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 550 Gause

Andrea’s, 3100 19th St, 504-834-

Quarter, 95 French Market Place,

Dr., 727-2829.

Blvd., 201-8905. Po-boys and more.

8583. Northern Italian and local

504-522-9500. Casual dining in a fine

bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.

seafood. Lunch, dinner, Sunday

dining atmosphere with experienced

brunch. andreasrestaurant.com.

waitstaff, fresh dishes and made-

MCC.

from-scratch menu items. Lunch and

Raising Canes, 3801 Hwy. 22, 6742042. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut

Gumbo Shop, 630 Saint Peter St., 504-525-1486. Award winning gumbo

NEW ORLEANS/SOUTHSHORE

Rusty Pelican, 500 Girod St., 778-0364. Lunch, dinner.

Blue Bayou Cafe, 1101 East Howze

rustypelicanbythelake.com. MCC.

Beach Rd., 985-649-3264. American.

MCC.

SWEGS Kitchen, 4350 Hwy 22, Ste H, Mandeville, 951-2064. Healthy pre-

Blue House Grill, 2170 Gause Blvd

made comfort food. SwegsKitchen.

W., 985-288-5544. Sandwiches.

com, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook.

MCC.

MCC.

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen French

dinner. lpkfrenchquarter.com. MCC. Antoine’s Restaurant, 713 Saint Louis St, 504-581-4422. antoines.

Mellow Mushroom, 3131 Veterans

com. MCC.

Memorial Blvd., 504-644-4155. Pizza, 30 craft beers on tap, lunch and

Bayona, 430 Rue Dauphine, 504-

dinner. mellowmushroom.com. MCC.

525-4455. Fresh local ingredients,

Taqueria Corona. 1901 US 190.

Bonnie C’s, 1768 Front St., 985-288-

balanced yet complex dishes. Lunch

Messina’s Runway Cafe, 6001

5061. Creole Homestyle. MCC.

and dinner. bayona.com. MCC.

Stars and Stripes Blvd., 504-241-

Camellia Cafe, 525 Hwy. 190, 649-

Brennan’s, 417 Royal St., 504-

6211. thecamelliacafe.com. MCC.

525-9711. Creole traditions

985-778-2135. Mexican. MCC. Taqueria La Noria. 1931 LA 59.

5300. Tues-Sun, 8am-3pm. messinasterminal.com. MCC.

and contemporary influences.

Nola Beans, 762 Harrison Ave.,

Carreta’s Grill, 137 Taos St., 847-

Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

504-267-0783. nolabeans.com. MCC.

Times Bar & Grill, 1896 N.

0020. Great Mexican cuisine and

brennansneworleans.com. MCC. RR.

Causeway Blvd., 626-1161. Lunch,

margaritas served in a family-friendly

dinner. timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

atmosphere for lunch and dinner.

Caffe! Caffe!, 4301 Clearview Pwky.,

Bienville St., 504-553-2277. Located

carretasgrill.com. MCC.

504-885-4845; 3547 N. Hullen,

at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Triptych

Metairie, 504-267-9190. Breakfast,

of Quail and Oysterman’s spaghettini.

lunch and coffee. caffecaffe.com. MCC.

Revolutionnola.com. MCC. RR.

985-727-7917. Mexican. MCC.

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 600 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4476. Quality

Copeland’s, 1337 Gause Blvd., 985-

China cuisine with Louisiana flair. Lunch,

643-0001. Creole. MCC.

Restaurant R’evolution, 777

Carreta’s Grill, 2320 Veterans Blvd.,

Riccobono’s Peppermill, 3524

Felipe’s Taqueria, 176 Town Center

504-837-6696; 1821 Hickory Ave.,

Severn Ave., 504-455-2266. Seafood,

Usual Suspects. 1680 LA 59.

Pkwy., 985-288-1210. Mexican.

Harahan, 504-305-4833. Mexican,

filets and Italian. Breakfast and

985-674-3333. Chicken Fingers.

felipestaqueria.com. MCC.

lunch and dinner. carretasgrillrestaurant.

lunch. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday.

com. MCC.

riccobonos.com. MCC.

dinner. treyyuen.com. MCC, checks.

usualsuspectschicken.com. MCC. Michael’s, 4820 Pontchartrain Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St.,

Dr., 985-649-8055. Creole French.

Criollo Resturant and Lounge at

Sala, 124 Lake Marina, New Orleans

624-5683. A full café menu with over

michaelsrestaurantslidell.com. MCC.

Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., 504-

504-513-2670. Cocktails and

523-3340. Creole dining for breakfast,

shareable plates. salanola.com.

Nathan’s, 36440 Old Bayou Liberty

lunch and dinner. hotelmonteleone.com/

MCC.

Rd., 985-643-0443. Contemporary

criollo/. MCC, RR.

120 loose leaf and speciality teas.

Breakfast, lunch. viannes.com. MCC. PONCHATOULA

Dat Dog, 5030 Freret St., 504-899-

St, 504-322-2188. Lunch and dinner

Osaka, 792 I-10 Service Rd., 985-

6883; 3336 Magazine St., 504-324-

specials, Monday-Friday. Brunch,

643-9276. Japanese. MCC.

2226; 601 Frenchmen St., 504-309-

Saturday-Sunday, 9am-3pm.

3363. datdog.com. MCC.

warehousegrille.com. MCC.

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant, 30160 Hwy. 51, 386-6666. middendorfsrestaurant.com.

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Inside Northside

Warehouse Grille, 869 Magazine

Creole. MCC.

M A R R I A G E A N D photos: ALAN SMITH

L O V E

Ungar-Scott

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Hali Ungar and Kory Scott gathered close family and friends for their destination wedding at Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica. The sunset offered the perfect backdrop for the vows under the pergola in the sand.

The late afternoon ceremony on the shoreline was the highlight of a fun weekend full of gatherings at various locations on resort property, like the rehearsal dinner in a large thatch hut on the beach with breezes blowing.

The overall effect was very warm and special.

Hali, in a flowing sweetheart gown from Southern Bridal, graced the aisle with her parents, Sally and Bob Ungar, by her side. Kory and his mother, Vicki, greeted them at the front of the aisle. Kory and his groomsmen wore tan linen, perfectly suited for the warm island vibe.

The bridesmaids were beautiful in flowing lilac chiffon gowns and carried simple and elegant bouquets of white hydrangeas and roses. After sunset, the newlyweds and their guests convened inside the resort for cocktails and dinner ‌and to dance the night away. The happy couple returned home to Covington following their honeymoon in the islands.

September-October 2017 121

M A R R I A G E A N D L O V E I N

Lee Baker Treadway and Michael Norton Pittman Jr. wed on the lawn at Money Hill Clubhouse surrounded by their families. Family friend and wartime chaplain Jerry Houge officiated the vows. Lee wore a strapless, A-line gown custom made by Mary Williams; her veil was a family heirloom dating back to the 1940s. She carried a bouquet of white peonies, freesia and roses. White petunias lined the aisle. Following the ceremony, the couple and their families joined friends at Maison Lafitte to celebrate. Guests enjoyed music by Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos and petit fours in lieu of traditional wedding cake. For late-night food, Lucky Dogs were served.

Denise Hopkins live-painted the evening, and a caricaturist drew posing guests. The newlyweds honeymooned on a Mediterranean cruise before returning to their renovated house in Old Covington.

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Inside Northside

photos: MATTHEW FOSTER PHOTOGRAPHY

Treadway-Pittman

Southern Nights

photos: CHUCK BILLIOT

St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce hosted its fourth annual Southern Nights at the Southern Hotel.

For the fun gathering of business and community leaders, 200 tickets were sold-out two weeks prior to the event!

At registration, guests were treated to one of two signature cocktails.

Signature dishes from these restaurants were enjoyed by all: Annadele’s Plantation Restaurant and Bed & Breakfast, Dakota Restaurant, Due North

by Legacy Kitchen, Gallagher’s Grill, Keith Young’s Steakhouse, Ox Lot 9 and The Lakehouse. Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery had a beautiful display of deserts.

The live auction by Chamber board member and certified auctioneer Doug Ferrer included Saints suite tickets, original artwork by Jim Seitz, a progressive dinner, condo vacation in Perdido Key and fishing trip by “the guru,” Mike Saucier.

September-October 2017 123

INside Peek

1. The Jazz on the Bayou committee at the Jazz on the Bayou 2017 wrap-up dinner.

2. Mark Baham, Pam Franklin, Ronnie Kole, Diane Baham, Elizabeth Schneider, Diane Trembley and Meredith Wright. 3. (Front) In-Gyu Jang, Margaret Wetzel, Diane Bilbe; (back) Scholarship Chairwoman Sandy Cedotal, Hailey Crausby, Hannah Miller, Melissa Mankin, Jessica Coalson at the

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Professional Women of St. Tammany’s Scholarship Luncheon. 4. Marie Rudd Gregory, In-Gyu Jang and Sandy Cedotal.

5. Leadership St. Tammany board members at the Class of 2018 induction ceremony.

6. Leanne Weeks, Walter Keller, Beth Assaf and Jennifer Messina at Rug Chic’s Lee 2

Gives Back event for Habitat for Humanity.

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7. Bob Calobrese, Henry Knue and Shannon Garrett at Keesler Federal Credit Union’s annual golf tournament to support Combat Wounded Veterans of South Mississippi. 8.

Colby Bass, Ryan Ratcliff, Trey Davis and Quentin Bremenkamp. 9. The Treadway family enjoying the Fourth of July festivities on the Cashiers Green in North Carolina.

10. John and Shelly Ellinghausen with Rick 4

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and Molly Smith.

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10 Inside Northside

West St. Tammany Red Beans ‘N Rice Cook-off

photos courtesy: UNITED WAY OF SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA

The United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Eighth Annual West St. Tammany Red Beans ’N Rice Cook-Off was held in the Northlake Christian School Gym. St. Tammany Parish Fire District #9 took home the Best Beans title, with Northlake Christian School in second and St. Tammany Parish Fire District #2 in third. Mayor Mike Cooper, Mayor Don Villere, Ashley Rodrigue and Patrick McMath put their taste buds to work trying each of the 20 entries.

Kim Bergeron and Aimee Faucheaux judged the booth décor and dessert categories. LOOP, LLC, had a successful day winning People’s Choice, Community Spirit and Best Decorated Booth. “We sincerely appreciate our Presenting Sponsors, LOOP, LLC, and Keesler Federal Credit Union, as well as our other Diamond, Ruby and Friends of United Way Sponsors,” says Charlotte Champagne of United Way of Southeast Louisiana.

September-October 2017 125

INside Peek 1

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1. Greenleaflawson Architects staff at the Run to Remember at Terra Bella Village benefitting The Wounded War Heroes.

2. Members of Disco Amigos boogied down in the Playmakers Theater production of Saturday Night Fever.

3. Ken Camp demonstrating the Holland Grill at Outdoor Living Center.

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4. Dr. Michael Hill (center) presenting Dr. Nathan Ranney and Dr. L. Phillips Jenkins with the second quarter St. Tammany Quality Network Medical Director’s Award. 5. Jennifer Carter and Christina Rusca at the Tasting on the Tchefuncte event at the Lake Pontlchartrain Basin Maritime Museum.

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1. The 2017 Northshore’s Finest Honorees at the Northshore’s Finest Luncheon at Tchefuncta Country Club. 2. Chef Kevin Lavalle, Patty Suffern and Chef Matt Standefer of The Windsor Senior Living Community provided shrimp and grits

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for the St. Anselm’s Gala. 3. Bill Davis, Townsend Underhill, St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister, Patti Ellish and Warner Thomas announcing the plans to lease the former Louisiana Heart Hospital property as a Post-Acute Care Hospital in partnerships with Ochsner Health System, Slidell Memorial Hospital and St. Tammany

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Parish Hospital. 4. Brennan Hoffstadt, Jackson Hudson, Zachary Wainwright, Matthew Melvin and Connor Reese being honored among the other 26 junior volunteers at Lakeview Regional Medical Center’s appreciation party. 5. Lynn Dwyer, Anna Dwyer and Kristen Marsh celebrating Anna at her baby shower.

September-October 2017 127

INside Peek 1. Members of the St. Scholastica Academy Class of 1967 touring the campus as part of their 50-year reunion activities. 2. St. Tammany Parish Girl Scout Gold Award recipients Jazmine Pittman, Heather O’Mahoney and

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Alexa Wen Fisher at the reception and pinning ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion. 3. Dr. Agnes C. Miller celebrating as the Resident of the Month at The Windsor Senior Living Community. 4. Melissa Bordelon, Mark Dispenza, Pat Tucker, Frances Chauvin, Joe Lobue and Jessica Shirey announcing Pat’s $10,000 grand prize win at the Greater

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Hammond Chamber of Commerce’s Chillin’ with the Chamber event. 5. St. Tammany Parish Hospital volunteer students at the close of their Volunteer Program. 6. Michelle Davis, Suzy Kessenich, Elizabeth Westervelt, Abby Dumatrait and Celia Palazzo at tea to celebrate JLGC’s 40th anniversary and to prepare for the 2017 Harvest Cup Polo Classic. 7. Tea hostesses Emily Geigerman and Janice Perkins. 8. Michelle Davis,

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Elizabeth Westervelt, Bonnie Sarver and Cyndi Bellina. 9. Brent Applewhite, George Matherly, Kim Wheaton, Sharon Bouche, Sharon DeLong, Gene Bellisario, Barbara Gravois, Johnny Venezia and Trudy Shaddinger at the East St. Tammany Red Beans ’N Rice Cook-off.

10. Chris Kaufmann, Charlotte Champagne, Ashley Rodrigue, Glenda Drennan, Mary Swann, Gene Swann, Kevin Swann and Gene Bellisario.

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10 Inside Northside

photos courtesy: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ST. TAMMANY WEST

Hammers and Heels Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West hosted the first annual Hammers and Heels at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club to benefit Women Build 2017. Women Build empowers women, without excluding men, and enables them to positively impact the lives of families by making homeownership a reality.

During the luncheon, which was sponsored by Keller Williams, current and potential Women Build supporters learned about the Habitat for Humanity mission, the impact the affiliate’s work has on low-income families and how to become involved. Habitat for Humanity STW President Jeff St. Romain gave an overview of Habitat’s future plans, and Habitat homeowner Sharon Strong shared her story while guests dined amongst glittered heels and tools.

Orchestrated by the 2017 Women Build Committee, the room was filled with individuals and companies that support Habitat for Humanity STW’s annual Women Build project. Local artist Gretchen Armbruster is donating an oil portrait to benefit Women Accepting the Challenge of Housing (W.A.T.C.H.) 2017. W.A.T.C.H. members pledge $1,000 each year to ensure Women Build continues to thrive in western St. Tammany. Each W.A.T.C.H. member this year will be entered in a drawing to win the portrait sitting.

Women Build 2016 raised $110,000 to purchase construction materials for two homes in Covington. Nearly 400 volunteers contributed 3,000 hours in October to help build the two homes. To learn more about Women Build and W.A.T.C.H., visit habitatstw.org/womenbuild.

September-October 2017 129

Wine Cellar

by Bill Kearney I RECENTLY RETURNED from my first trip to the Oregon wine country. The occasion was the Oregon Wine Country Pinot Camp, which was celebrating its 18th year. It was an extraordinary event, with over 270 industry professionals who hailed from 41 different states in America and represented 11 different countries. Oregon has been known for producing some fairly outstanding pinot noir, though it has been diligently attempting to emerge from under the longstanding shadow of neighboring California.

While it has an established identity for pinot noir red wines, Oregon has predominantly produced pinot gris for white wines. This reliance on pinot gris for whites occurred as a result of planting the incorrect clone for chardonnay and

qualities that will only be enhanced with time and certainly do create Burgundian comparisons. While I am not always a fan of ratings and scores, I suppose there were many well-founded rationales for Wine Spectator awarding Domaine Serene’s 2014 Evenstad Reserve Chardonnay with the #2 Wine of the Year and their top White Wine for last year.

The wines of Domaine Serene have received some distinguished ratings the last few years for both chardonnay and pinot noir. While Wine Spectator has bestowed the Evanstad Reserve Pinot Noir with multiple awards and scores, the wine world was somewhat shocked when the Francophile wine journal known as Decanter awarded the Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir as the best pinot noir in the world, thereby surpassing both Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines in Burgundy. Indeed, Domaine Serene is producing wines that are being compared to, and in some cases surpassing, the great wines of Burgundy.

It is often said that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” and thanks to the efforts of many in Oregon, pinot noir and chardonnay are receiving some heralded attention. Whereas the Oregon wine country is certainly youthful in terms of history, it is growing by leaps and bounds, from less than 50 wineries to over 700 wineries in the last 40 years. While there are many pioneers of the Oregon wine industry, few can be credited with the dedicated vision of quality and excellence like owners Grace and Ken Evenstad of Domaine Serene. Their unwavering focus of never compromising or creating shortcuts in attaining the very best wine has raised the bar for all of Oregon.

The Evenstads have created a world-class winery in Oregon and recently completed the purchase of Domaine de La Cree in Burgundy, thereby pioneering a reverse trend in Americans going to Burgundy as opposed to Burgundians coming to America. Domaine Serene in Oregon is truly a gem and trophy to the world of wine created by a wonderful and endearing couple who give selflessly of themselves to others.

The characteristics of Grace and Ken can be described as charm and elegance, and these traits are abundantly apparent in their wines. We are the beneficiaries of the largesse of their dedication to great Old World wine made in the New World.

If you are a fan of wines that deliver these characteristics, I suggest you find the wines of Domaine Serene, as Oregon chardonnay and pinot noir have certainly arrived!

Old World Wines Made in the New World? then deciding the soil and climate were not sufficient for good chardonnay production. The default was to plant pinot gris until several years ago when a brilliant gentleman started planting the correct clonal variety for chardonnay, for which we will all be eternally grateful.

Throughout the wine-making world, the highest compliment for pinot noir and chardonnay production is the elusive comparison to Burgundy. New World (read American) winemakers spend small fortunes and lifetimes trying to reproduce wines that will be complimented by the term “Burgundian in style.” Few would argue that there is anywhere in the world that can produce wines that are as prodigious as the pinot noir and chardonnay wines of Burgundy. Creating wines in the New World (United States) that compare to the Old World (France) is considered to be the highest compliment.

While I was certainly aware of the pinot noir wines of Oregon, its exciting production of chardonnay was a great surprise. These are not wines that are influenced by oak- and butterlike qualities; rather, they are wines of great finesse and style. These wines elicit intriguing

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