May-June Issue of Inside Northside Magazine by Inside Publications

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INSIDEPUB.com

STEVE TRESVIK •

CORONER’S OFFICE • TRAVELING CHANGES YOU • WOMEN IN BUSINESS

MAY-JUNE 2021 VOL. 36, NO. 3

contents table of

Travel Changes You. Page 95.

Features

Departments

14 The Pastel Palate of Louisiana Cover Artist Casey Langteau

10 Publisher’s Note

24 Getting Lost in the Wood Chainsaw Artist Steve Tresvik

18 INside Scoop

12 Contributors

32 Dealing with Death, Healing with Hope St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office

page 45

22 IN Other Words Mommy Dearest 30 Traces Swimming with the Sharks 40 Generous Hearts Sydney Vander: Pat Brister Legacy Scholarship Recipient

89 A Story of Perseverance and Faith Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary

42 Flourishes Extraordinary Gifts and Home Accents

95 Traveling Changes You 110 Summer Sippin’

45 Inside Look 98 Treasure Hunting on the Northshore 102 IN Love & Marriage 05 Inside Peek 1 Featuring: Prom 2021 49

page 24 8

Inside Northside

Women IN Business

51 Donna O’Daniels President and CEO, St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission

106 IN Great Taste Cookout-Friendly Appetizers 108 Haute Plates 112 Last Bite Tchefuncte’s and The Anchor 114 Last Look

Mom Boss The first woman in business I ever knew was Mom. As CEO of our household, she was in charge of education, logistics, healthcare— everything. She was also the de facto executive assistant to Dad, an oilfield entrepreneur. She fielded phone calls from his company engineers one minute and prepared Sunday School lessons the next. To top it off, Mom was no domestic goddess; she was just doing what women of her generation did. Her icon of the role was Irma Bombeck, not Martha Stewart. As Becky Slatten shares on page 22, Moms everywhere are just doing the best they can! I could not agree more. Things I learned from mine include leading with your heart is OK, humor can make most things better and no one is perfect. She weathered storms life threw at her and never gave up. The women who are included here in our Women in Business special section have each done the same, in their own way. Enjoy the stories they share about reaching for dreams. It is a healthy dose of inspiration.

A special way to show support for the women is your life is to sign up for the Go Red for Women Golf Tournament for the American Heart Association on Thursday, May 27, at Money Hill Golf Club. For sponsorship info or to reserve your cart, contact Tricia Otis at 504-905-8003 or tricia.otis@heart.org. 10

Inside Northside

Contributors March-April 2021 Vol. 36, No. 2

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. Karen Gibbs Longtime contributor to inside Northside Karen Gibbs is a wife, mother and grandmother who relishes the freedom and variety that comes with freelance writing. From lifestyle articles for TODAY.com to health and education pieces for a New Jersey family magazine, her subjects are ever changing and always challenging. Cayman Clevenger “Cayman Clevenger” (2021) by Hunt Slonem.

Cayman Clevenger is a New Orleans-based art broker, certified fine art appraiser, attorney, and realtor. Born in Shreveport, Cayman grew up in the small town of Many, Louisiana outside of Natchitoches. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Tulane University and a Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law in Dallas. After finishing law school, he returned to Louisiana, where he and his wife Sarah are raising their daughter Evangeline. His website is LouisianaArt.com. Becky Slatten Becky Slatten is a Natchitoches native, an LSU alumna and fanatical football fan and a mother of three; she enjoys traveling, writing and painting at her Wednesday art class. She and her husband, Scott, spend time with family and friends and relish the small town charm of life in Covington.

Other Voices: Alexis Gennusa Dill, Brad Ferrand, Brocato Photography Collective, Candra George, Grace Butzman, John Snell, Hilary Creamer, Kelly Hand Massa, Lauren Carroll Photography, Milestone Photography, Poki Hampton, Paige Henderson, Steven Mills, Susan Bonnett Bourgeois, Yvette Zuniga Jemison. 12

Inside Northside

Publisher Lori Murphy lori@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor Jan Murphy jan@insidepub.com Creative Director Brad Growden brad@insidepub.com Digital Communications Margaret Murphy ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Business Manager Jane Quillin jane@insidepub.com Operations Manager Margaret Rivera margaret@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Advertising Account Executives

Barbara Roscoe Poki Hampton barbara@insidepub.com poki@insidepub.com

Pemmie Sheasby Hilary Creamer pemmie@insidepub.com hilary@insidepub.com Jonée Daigle-Ferrand Stacey Paretti Rase –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

On the Cover

Cover Artist Casey Lan gteau. Find more on page 14.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Contact

phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 Advertising Sales sales@insidepub.com Subscriptions 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 ©2021 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.

by Cayman Clevenger

Inside Northside

CASEY LANGTEAU’S ART GALLERY was, in some sense, an accident. In 2018, she signed a short-term lease agreement for the space on Magazine Street, intending to use it for a two-week popup during Art for Art’s Sake, the signature annual festival for the burgeoning fine arts scene in a quintessential New Orleans corridor. The event was such a hit that she decided to make the space, a bright and luxurious gallery, more permanent. Langteau’s star as an artist is on a meteoric rise. She went full time only a couple of years ago. You may have already seen her art. Recently, her work was featured on the covers of two prominent local arts and culture publications.

A sea of pastels featuring hues of blues and touches of gold, a running theme throughout her work, greets guests as they enter Langteau’s gallery. It’s not uncommon for her art to feature icons and symbols of New Orleans: alligators, street cars, the French Quarter, musical instruments and the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. To create works that resonate with collectors, designers and first-time art buyers, Langteau focuses on joy. “I have a mantra that I speak aloud while I’m painting: ‘I will create a beautiful painting, and it will spark joy,’” Langteau tells me. “Even if I’m having a bad day, I repeat this out loud.” >>

photo: MILESTONE PHOTOGRAPHY Milestonephotography.com

The Pastel Palate Cover Artist Casey Langteau of Louisiana

Inside Northside

photo: MILESTONE PHOTOGRAPHY Milestonephotography.com

Langteau primarily works with acrylics on canvas, but she has also cultivated what has blossomed into something of a lifestyle brand that centers around her artwork and her love of Louisiana. She promotes her artwork and original home décor items organically on her impressive and transfixing Instagram account, @ CaseyLangteauArt, where she’s amassed a devoted following of over 20,000 followers. From hand-painted champagne flutes and contemporary acrylic trays, to large plush blankets

and beautiful beach towels that feature Langteau’s distinctive style, there is something in virtually every price-point at her gallery and her online storefront. She says her creations are not intended to live on gallery walls, but to become a part of and live in homes. “I want my pieces to become an integral part of people’s lives,” she says. The subject matter and colors used in her work are calming. “I want my artwork to represent the South while being classy, tranquil, and almost subtle. I don’t want my artwork to yell at you, but I want it to grasp your attention and pull you in, but in a way that makes you feel happy, content, and even jubilant.” Langteau fabricates her own acrylic paints, heavily applied in a way that gives homage to the unfiltered oils of old. While she brings her own unique perspective and touch to her art, Langteau’s work is reminiscent of New Orleans greats James Michalopoulos and Becky Fos. And like Fos and Michalopoulos, she primarily paints not with a paintbrush, but a palate knife, giving her work the texture and movement that brings her subjects to life. Langteau draws inspiration from the natural world and beauty that surrounds her, often painting scenes she first captures with photography. She constantly challenges herself to explore new subjects in her paintings. “I have a notebook where I keep all my ideas and sketches for artwork. I photograph a lot, and I get my inspiration from these photos and

experiences in my life,” she says. Once Langteau picks a focus or subject, she decides on a theme and then spends a great deal of time pondering the connective tissue that will link the collection together. As a result of this forethought, her art is titled in clever and playful ways that work to further animate her subjects. In her Break Free collection, featuring Louisiana wildlife, or what she calls “the graceful creatures of the coast,” Langteau named every piece in the collection after songs by the rock band Queen. For example, Rock You features a blue heron with a coif of feathers that resembles a rock-and-roll mohawk and add an extra flair to the already vibrant swamp-dweller. Although much of her work has focused on Louisiana’s flora and fauna, her most recent collection pays homage to New Orleans and its unmistakable landmarks and architecture: St. Louis Cathedral, scenes of Frenchman Street, the Superdome, and Garden District homes. “New Orleans is the most unique city in the United States, and there is nowhere else I would rather live and create art,” she says. “My desire is to paint and to bring joy to people through my art. There is no lack of inspiration coming from this state.” She’s continued working on Louisiana subjects

throughout the pandemic and has sold out her original works, sometimes before the paint was able to dry. The pandemic also provided her with a new perspective, not only on her art, but on the city and state she loves. “This gave us an opportunity to appreciate New Orleans as we remember it: electric and filled with people and bliss,” she tells me. During the lockdown, she decided to take a walk with her dogs downtown. That was when the effects of the global pandemic really hit home. “It was sobering and upsetting to see the city I love missing the human element. It made me appreciate the fond memories that I have, and when this pandemic is over, I know we will be even more grateful for the beauty that surrounds us.” After a year in quarantine, Langteau is now diligently working on an ambitious collection of Louisiana landscapes—swampy cypress trees, grand oaks and iconic natural vistas, including scenes featuring New Orleans’ beautiful parks. In celebration of the city’s beauty, Langteau debuted the collection in April during a small show at her Magazine Street gallery—accompanied by a brass band. Casey Langteau Art is located at 4700 Magazine Street in New Orleans. (504) 231-4759, gallery@caseylangteauart.com. May-June 2021 17

p resen t ed b y

The Northshore Garden & Plant Sale presented by the St. Tammany Master Gardeners Association Friday, May 28, and Saturday, May 29, 9am-4pm Plant material, outdoor furniture and garden art; vendors specializing in roses, native plants, daylilies, vegetables, shrubs and trees. Expert from the St. Tammany Master Gardeners will answer questions all weekend. Also, educational speakers, children’s activities and food concessions. Admission fee: Adults, $5; under 18, police officers and firefighters with ID, free. St. Tammany Fairgrounds, 1301 N. Florida St., Covington. For information please contact stmastergardener.org, email stpmga@gmail.com or call the LSU Ag Center office in Covington at 875-2635.

Farmers Markets Abita Springs Art & Farmers Market Every Sunday, 11am-3pm. Abita Springs Farmers Market, 22049 Main St., Abita Springs, 892-0711, ext 7. Camellia City Market Every Saturday, 8am-12pm, Camellia City Market, 1808 Front St., Slidell, 640-7112.

Information is current as of April 20, however, all dates and times are subject to change due to Covid-19 considerations. More events can be found online at LouisianaNorthshore.com.

Recurring Events

Sightseeing Carriage Tours of Covington Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday;

Covington Farmers Market Every Saturday, 8am-12pm, Covington City Hall, 609 N.

Monday, 10am-12pm, Giddy Up Folsom, 82292 LA-25, Folsom, 260-5060.

Columbia St., Covington, 966-1786.

Madisonville Makers Market Every Sunday,

Covington Farmers Market - Wednesday

10am-2pm, Madisonville Ball Park &

Lunch Market Every Wednesday, 10-2pm, Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New

Playground, Madisonville, 264-2328. Mandeville Trailhead Community Market

Hampshire St., Covington, 966-1786.

Every Saturday, 9am-1pm, Mandeville

Folsom Farmers Market at Giddy Up Every

Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville.

May Derby at Desi’s Saturday, May 1, 1 pm Join Desi

$20/person, and live music. Bring picnic blanket or chair. Reservations required at

Vega’s Steakhouse for a Kentucky Derby Bash!

beckybazile@gmail.com, facebook.com/

Admission: $10, required. Live entertainment

northshoregreens.

by Rockin’ Dopsie and Groovy 7; face painting

“The Revery Alone Will Do” Botanical Art

and Derby hats for the kiddos. Food and

Exhibition Until Friday, May 21. Wednesday-

drinks available for purchase. 1950 N. Hwy.

Friday, 12-4pm, by appointment only. Botanical

190, Covington, 276-4994.

art exhibit curated by Liv Butera presented by

Adults, $20-$40; children 4-18, $10; free

Burger Night at Northshore Greens Farm

for children 3 and under; pickup location:

Every Friday until May 21, 5-8pm Gather

at City Hall. Admission: free. Reservations: 646-

316 E. Gibson St., Marsolan Feed & Seed,

with friends and family (kids welcome!).

4375; same-day reservations available. 2055

Covington; 788-0425.

Enjoy a meat or veggie burger with salad,

Second St., Slidell, 646-4375.

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The City of Slidell in the Slidell Cultural Center

Mental Universes and the Obscurations of

22, and June 5, 19; 5-9:30pm Outdoors,

Light: Paulo Dufour Through Saturday,

so bring chairs and/or blankets, bug spray

May 22; Fridays, 10am-4pm; Saturdays,

and a flashlight. Local food vendors onsite;

11am-4pm. The St. Tammany Art

picnic baskets welcome. Please do not bring

Association presents works by glass sculptor

alcohol; wine will be available for purchase.

Paulo Dufour, owner of Incredible Glass

May 8: traditional Louisiana music with a twist

Works. Admission free. 320 N. Columbia St.,

by Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys. May

Covington, Call 892-8650 to reserve your

22: “swamp harmony” blend of Americana,

visit. sttammany.art.

rock and country with The Krickets. June 5: a

Woofstock 2021 Now until June 30 Northshore

tribute to Ray Charles with Sam Warren. June

Humane Society community veterinary clinic

19: The Pine Boys with their brand of Louisiana

offers low-cost vaccines, microchipping and

music. Tickets: $10, adults; 17 and under, free.

heartworm and flea prevention as part of

81250 Old Military Rd., Bush, 892-9742

Woofstock! Annual vaccinations, $75. Other

Let’s Be Real Woman Up at Woman Up

vaccinations/shots à la carte; microchipping,

Global Thursday, May 20, 5-8pm Come

$15. For appointment: 892-7387 x 3 or

join a network of like-minded female

clinic@nshumane.org. 20384 Harrison Ave.,

entrepreneurs, excited to meet, support and

Covington.

encourage other businesswomen in our

Corks & Cooking Dinner - Adults Only

local community with special guest, Lauren

Saturday, May 8, 6-8 pm Local chefs and

Stiebing, founder of LS International. Cured

cooking instructors host a monthly evening

on Columbia, 415 N. Columbia St., Covington

for adults! Chef Misty Marks walks guests

Holes for Hospice Golf Tournament Friday,

through culinary skills and techniques. Features

May 21, Noon-6pm Four-man scramble;

Chicken Enchiladas, Spanish Fiesta Rice,

registration at noon; shotgun start, 1pm.

Dulce de Leche, and Bread Pudding. Limited

Proceeds help indigent patients and Hospice

to 25 adults. Admission, $60/person, plus tax.

House, facility for terminally ill patients with

915 Marigny Ave., Mandeville, 727-5553.

care provided by Home Instead Senior Care.

Northshore Heart Walk Saturday, May 8, 8am Join the American Heart Association’s

201 Oak Harbor Blvd., Slidell, 643-5470. How Can I Keep from Singing? NPAS

Northshore Heart Walk and be part of

Chorale Concert Friday, May 21, 7:30

a national movement that’s helping us

pm, and Sunday, May 23, 3pm Northlake

live longer, stronger, healthier lives. Free.

Performing Arts Society sings music of

Covington Trailhead, (504) 872-3498.

Richard Rodgers, Moses Hogan, Barry

Northshore Picnic with a Purpose Saturday,

Manilow, and others. A little gospel, a

May 8, 12-4pm Safe Haven Foundation’s

little pop, a little Broadway, a lot of fun.

COVID-conscious 3rd annual event.

Admission: $15, adults; free for children under

Drive-thru Patton’s Caterers at the Salmen-

10. Tickets: npas.ticketleap.com/singing.

Fritchie House, 127 Cleveland Ave. in

Hosanna Lutheran Church, 2480 US 190,

Slidell or the First Baptist Church, 1633 LA

Mandeville, 276-9335.

1085 in Covington. Advance ticket sales:

Sunset at the Landing Concert Fridays, May 21,

Fried Catfish, $15; Boiled Shrimp, $20;

June 18, 6-9pm Free outdoor performance on

Boiled Crawfish, $25. Prices increase $10

stage overlooking Bogue Falaya River. Regional

day of event. Supports the Safe Haven

and touring artists performing jazz, bluegrass,

Project through volunteerism, fundraising

folk, blues and more. Bring refreshments

and raising public awareness. 201-7221,

and chairs or blankets. 100 N. Columbia St.,

picnicwithapurpose.org.

Covington, 892-1873.

Jazz ‘n the Vines Concert Saturday, May 8,

Northshore Yoga Festival Saturday, May

May-June 2021 19

Inside Scoop 22, 8:30am-7:30pm Full day

Wine dinners, tastings, special

of asanas celebrates mind,

events and more. Vintner’s

body, and soul by promoting

Dinners are only by reservation

health, wellness and community

made directly with restaurant.

through yoga, music, food,

No tickets sold at door. Adults,

drink and sunshine. Kids’ yoga

21 years or older. Tickets and

classes and art project. Tickets:

information: aTasteofCovington.

$75 for All Access Pass; $25 for

com, (504) 439-2543.

Observer Pass. Bhakti Farms north of Covington, 79468

June 5, 10am-2pm Juried

Keating Road, (225) 614-4765.

market of visual arts and crafts

Badges & Brews at Chafunkta

Art Association members,

3-9 pm Fundraiser for Captain

including jewelry, photography,

Vincent N. Liberto. Jr. Memorial

paintings, woodworking, fiber

Fund. Online silent auction, live

art and more. South side of Lee

music by Cypress Creek, Food-

Lane will be open for pedestrian

to-Go by Creole Tomateaux

traffic only. For more information,

and Mi Bop’s Tamales,

or to participate, contact St.

Chafuntka brews to go, including

Tammany Art Association at

inVINCEible Ale. Proceeds help

info@sttammany.art. Lee Lane,

families of fallen first responders

Covington, 892-8650. Little Shop of Horrors, The

Rd., Mandeville, 869-0716,

Musical Weekends, June

northshorefoundation.org/liberto-

5-June 20; Fridays-Saturdays,

fund.

8:30p,m; Sundays, 2:30pm This

Elite Redfish Series: Champion’s

smash musical has devoured

Team Tour Saturday, May 29,

the hearts of theatre-goers for

6am Fun-to-fish champion’s team

over 30 years. Tickets: Adult,

tour with little travel, lower entry

$19; Senior (65+), $17; Student

fees, 1-day shootout and 100

(13+), $14; Child (10 and under),

percent paybacks. Professional

$11 ( all plus online fees). 30 by

field of invited qualifying anglers

Ninety Theater, 880 Lafayette

from across the country. Free

St., Mandeville, 844-THE-3090

for spectators; entry fees for participants. 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, 641-2143.

June

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

featuring work by St. Tammany

Brewing Co. Saturday, May 29,

and military. 69123 Skybrook

Covington Art Market Saturday,

(843-3090). Crawfish Cookin’ for a Cause Saturday, June 12, 11am-5pm The 11th annual event, this year drive-through only, supports local

A Taste of Covington Food, Wine,

families affected by catastrophic

Music & Art Festival Tuesdays-

illness. Advance ticket purchase

Fridays, June 1-30. The 10th

only: $30/10 pounds of crawfish;

annual event, presented by Gulf

bags of sides, containing corn

Coast Bank, revolves around

and potatoes, $5 each. Tickets

restaurants and arts-loving

honored only for designated

culture in Downtown Covington.

pick-up at 11am-2pm OR

2pm-5pm. Pick-up at 1127 N. Causeway Blvd., Covington, accessible via US190 East Service Road. Chef Soirée 2021 Sunday. June 13, 5-9pm The 37th annual Chef Soirée, presented by Chevron, features tasting-size portions of food and beverages from northshore restaurants and food and beverage purveyors and live music. Ticket information will be announced on ChefSoiree.com. Proceeds benefit the Youth Service Bureau in St. Tammany and Washington parishes. Bogue Falaya Wayside Park and Pavilion, 213 Park Dr., Covington, 893-2570. Sunset at the Landing Concert Friday, June 18, 6-9pm Free outdoor performance on stage overlooking Bogue Falaya River. Regional and touring artists performing jazz, bluegrass, folk, blues and more. Bring refreshments and chairs or blankets. 100 N. Columbia St., Covington, 892-1873. Louisiana Bicycle Festival Saturday, June 19, 9am Swap meet starting at 9am throughout Abita Springs and in the field across from Abita Town Hall plus a bike auction at noon by Brooks’ Bike Shop. Bike ride through town, 1pm. Feel free to costume! 22275 Hwy. 36, Abita Springs, 871-5327, labicyclefestival.com. Slidell Heritage Festival Saturday, June 26 Celebrate America’s birthday in Heritage Park with food, music, games and inflatables for the kids, arts and crafts booths, specialty vendors, and a fireworks display at 9pm. Admission: $10, ages 13+; $5 for kids 4-12; free for kids 3 and under. Park-and-ride shuttle. 1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell, 643-1234, slidellheritagefest.org. Cajun Country Jam Saturday-Sunday, June 26-27 Inaugural two-day music festival, allstar tribute to our first responders. Features Grammy Award-winning supergroup Shenandoah, Country superstar Andy Griggs, Louisiana Music Hall of Famer Chase Tyler and other local bands to be announced. Abita Springs trailhead, 22044 Main St., (225) 456-3082. May-June 2021 21

IN Other Words by Becky Slatten

Mommy Dearest

THERE USED TO BE A PILLOW in my therapist’s office that read, “If it’s not one thing, it’s your mother,” and it never failed to give me a chuckle. I always thought of my mother when I saw that pillow, never the mother of my children—which would, of course, be me. So it was a good thing I was in a therapist’s office. Luckily for my kids, she cured me completely, and I’m now 100 percent sane … haha. Some of you already know that teasing my mother is one of my favorite pastimes. It drives her especially crazy to be the topic of my articles, which, I suppose, makes me just a teensy bit passive aggressive. Even though I’m an adult now, I’m still just a little ticked off about a few things from childhood, like when she pinched me on the soft inside of my arm when I misbehaved in church and made me wear that heinous outfit to the Girl Scout pow wow, to name a couple. I used to relish reminding my mother of all of her parenting atrocities and pontificating on how they scarred me for life until my little angels grew up and did it to me. My son is still mad about the one summer I made him go to camp, and my girls love to reminisce about my chronic tardiness, to name a couple. What about the one-million-andten things I did right, huh? What I’d really like is a little appreciation and a macaroni necklace. But, of course, if I demand that my children forget all of my parenting fails, that just means I’ll have to let go of all of my past grievances against my mother and perhaps also relinquish my martyrdom. It’s a tough call. In 1975, my mom was widowed with three kids, ages 9, 12 and 15, and, in an act of sheer bravery, she packed us all up and moved 22

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

us to Athens, Georgia, so she could get her PhD from UGA. I failed to appreciate how difficult it was for her at the time, preferring to wallow in my own self-misery for having to make new friends. But kids back then were more like orbiting planets rather than the sun in the solar system, so we just adjusted and adapted and, as much as I hated to admit it, the experience forced me to become more outgoing—I still have a lifelong friend from 8th grade in Athens. Looking back as a mother, I marvel at her courage, determination and hard work; she just took care of business with little time for herself. I really don’t think I could have truly learned to appreciate my mom had I not had three ungrateful children of my own; over the years, especially when they were little, I’ve called her to just laugh or just cry or apologize or say thanks because I didn’t get it until I got it. She’s the mom who arrives to help with a newborn and shows up to help with a move, and that’s love. Hopefully, my phone will ring one day when one of mine has finally realized what it means to be a mother—dispensing love, wisdom and timeouts while doing endless laundry and making a thousand sandwiches, the rest of the time spent in the car driving kids all over town. There’s no such thing as a perfect mother; for the most part, moms just do the best they can, and some days look better than others. I really don’t ever have to wonder what parenting mistakes I may have made. My little angels are happy to remind me that they’re scarred for life; however, I do have the name of a fantastic therapist.

t s o Lin the Wood

Chainsaw Artist Steve Tresvik by Mimi Greenwood Knight

STEVE TRESVIK IS A TRAFFIC HAZARD. If you’ve been driving down Highway 25 in Covington and found yourself whipping around to see one of his towering chainsaw carvings, you know what I mean. Any thought of the road or cars ahead is gone, as you flash past a family of black bears scampering around a tree trunk or a ten-foot alligator captured in mid-dive. After engaging in some precarious rubbernecking myself, I decided it was time for a closer look before I initiated a nine-car pile-up. What I found when I finally stopped was Steve Tresvik, a soft-spoken New York transplant who remains modest about his work, despite an outpouring of praise from his new northshore neighbors. I found an interesting back story, too. Tresvik started life in Rifton, New York, a rural hamlet of a few hundred souls. As one of four sons of a stay-at-home mom and a dad he says was a “jack of all trades,” he spent his early years exploring the woods with his brothers and developing a love of nature. Tresvik entered the U.S. Navy toward the end of the Vietnam War with the dream of becoming a Navy Seal. As fate would have it though, a medical

condition precluded that dream and changed the trajectory of his life. Tresvik was assigned instead to kitchen duty, where he discovered a talent for cooking. After four years in the Navy, he enrolled in the prestigious Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, New York, and, over the next 40 years, happily worked as a chef for Hyatt Hotels in 13 major U.S. cities. During stints in locales from Los Angeles to Tampa and Seattle to New Orleans, he developed a knack for carving showstopping ice sculptures for special events. As his cooking and his ice sculpture skills sharpened, he was called upon to cater VIP events for Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and the Ambassador of Japan. He served dinners in the East Room of the White House and the Nixon Library—and even catered Richard Nixon’s funeral, with five living U.S. presidents in attendance. “I catered too many grand openings and VIP events to remember, including six Super Bowls,” says Tresvik. “I started carving ice sculptures with a simple fiveprong chipper. It was grueling work, and, by the time I finished, my hands would be bloody. At one point, I worked with a professional chainsaw artist from Japan, who taught me and guided me in buying professional ice sculpting tools.” Steve’s >>

photos: PAIGE HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.bellus.photography

g n i t t Ge

sculptures became even more elaborate with angels and mermaids, towering mountain scenes with deer and tigers, seahorses with champagne spouting from their mouths and anything else the occasion required. But it wasn’t until he retired that he was able to turn the skills he’d been honing toward chainsaw carving in wood. He says, “My passion for carving was in hibernation for about 15 years as work got in my way. But since retiring, I’ve rekindled my love for carving in wood.” There’s no doubt who Tresvik considers his muse. It’s his wife, Maria. Even after decades of marriage, his face still lights up when he talks about her. “She’s my rock,” he says. He started carving in wood—how else?—by watching videos on YouTube and soon found mentors among the amateur and celebrity carvers. “For the past year, I immersed myself on the internet, studying everything I could find about wood carving. I purchased all the tools I needed, 26

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photos: PAIGE HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.bellus.photography

and I continue to study and practice. Once you start carving the wood, time flies by. You get lost in the work. And no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn.” Tresvik began by carving bears but soon branched out into eagles, pelicans, owls, alligators and fish. His specialty is creating a sense of motion in his subjects and highly expressive faces. He set up his workshop on Highway 25, throwing open the doors and dragging out his wares for sales on periodic weekends. From nothing but word of mouth and looky-loos like me, his work began to sell. Now he’s receiving commissions from ardent followers who return again and again. “I have a guy in Golden Meadow who loves alligators, so many of the alligators I do are with him in mind,” Tresvik says. “People seem to like the pelicans, too.” As his work developed, so did his arsenal of chainsaws. He now has >> May-June 2021 27

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

photos: PAIGE HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.bellus.photography

nine different sizes for various parts of the project. “I start by blocking out a rough shape with a large chainsaw. I usually have a picture of where I want to go and can visualize it beforehand. Once it’s blocked out, I sketch it onto the wood. If I mess up, I can sand it off and start again. As it comes together, I advance to smaller and smaller chainsaws for more precise cuts.” The final touches are accomplished

with hand tools. Then, he uses a blowtorch to create depth and color. “Sometimes I paint the finished product, but often the natural wood looks better, so I just seal it to preserve the wood.” What’s his favorite type of wood to carve? “I like anything that’s free,” he laughs. “I’m offered a lot of pine that’s fallen during storms. But what I love to get is white oak and cedar.” He even has a few creations he says are carved from “Katrina wood.” Tresvik is diligent about using safety equipment, including protective chaps. (He says the number one chainsaw-carving accident occurs to the left leg.) He also wears goggles to protect his eyes and noise-canceling headphones to block the din of the chainsaw. He tried listening to music but prefers getting lost in the experience of carving rather than being distracted by anything. Although he carved a few pumpkins for Halloween and Christmas trees for the holidays, he prefers the challenge of his animal subjects, saying, “Carving a pumpkin just isn’t as rewarding as seeing an eagle soar up out of the wood. My next challenge will be carving people’s pets and really

making it look like them.” There’s no doubt he’d have a ready market for some LSU tigers, St. Paul’s wolves, Pope John Paul jaguars and Covington High lions. (Did someone say fleur de lis?) If you’re driving down Highway 25 in Covington and notice any of the above prowling along the side of the road, do your fellow drivers a favor. Stop. Pull over. Go see the creations and meet the creator for yourself. Or you can text Tresvik at 225-772-1853 to request a private viewing. While wood carving is one of the oldest-known artforms, chainsaw carving didn’t come on the scene until the 1950s and really took off in the ’80s. The first Chainsaw Carving World Championships, held in 1987, was nationally televised, gaining attention for this daring new take on an ancient art discipline. Books began appearing on the subject, and by the ’90s, chainsaw carving was promoted as performance art at fairs and festivals. The ’90s also saw more women joining in the fun. Today, chainsaw carving is enjoyed by thousands of artists and their fans across the globe.

May-June 2021 29

Swimming with the Sharks Two Mandeville moms land major investment on TV show Shark Tank WHEN NITA GASSEN AND JUDY SCHOTT appeared on ABC’s business reality show Shark Tank, they sent the celebrity investors into a feeding frenzy. The idea they pitched was aimed at making the mundane task of making a bed faster and simpler. The Better Bedder had three sharks trying to outbid each other, but in the end, it was Lori Greiner, better known as the “Queen of QVC,” that came out on top, with a $150,000 offer to secure an 18 percent interest in the company. “Just making it onto the show was surreal, but to end up having the Sharks fighting over us and coming away with a very hefty business investment by Lori is the biggest imaginable dream come true,” says Gassen. “It’s all been unbelievable,” Schott said. “We couldn’t believe we kept getting call backs from the TV producers at ‘Shark Tank,’ and then last summer we were stunned to get the call to go to Las Vegas and do the real show in front of the Sharks.” In 2018, Gassen and Schott were working together at a Covington insurance company when they came up with the idea. Schott, a New Orleans native and 30 Inside Northside

attorney by trade who serves as COO of the health and benefits management company Gilsbar, searched every conceivable way to revolutionize making the bed. Schott had just purchased new beds for a summer house, and the beds were exceptionally difficult to make. She realized that her son had been sleeping on the couch, rather than on the new bed, all to avoid having to wrestle with changing the sheets. Feeling determined, Schott called Gassen, a longtime friend and Luling native, and they began brainstorming. While both continued to work full-time jobs, the friends started using nights and weekends to pursue their dream. Their first stop was Home Depot, looking for inspiration. After lots of trial and error to find the perfect solution, Gassen had an idea. She bought a sewing machine, and she taught herself how to sew. Sitting in her living room, Gassen pieced together the first Better Bedder, which acts as a giant headband that wraps around the bed keeping both fitted and flat

Traces

sheets in place–and can even serve as a makeshift phone holder. You put it on once and then consider it a part of your mattress. From then on, instead of tucking your sheets underneath your mattress, you can tuck directly into the Better Bedder, no longer needing to lift the heavy mattress. The new imaginative bed band allows for making the bed with minimal effort. “Once the invention was created, we immediately realized this product could dramatically change the morning routine of millions of people who usually resist making the bed,” Gassen said. “More than that, it could make changing the sheets simple.” But Gassen, hardly a seamstress, was not up to the task of churning out Better Bedders. Instead, the pair embarked on a search to find a manufacturer. After considering facilities all over the region, they found the perfect sew shop in Algiers. Before long, Gassen and Schott were selling Better Bedders at local markets and online. Their adult children began to help them, taking shifts at the sales booths and creating their online presence. As their hobby turned into a family affair, the positive customer reviews poured in, and they realized they were indeed really helping people. The invention helps “seniors, the disabled, neat freaks, sleepers who run marathons at night and kick the sheets loose, and people who want to make their beds but are too lazy,” according to the website. Now, everyone can make their bed with little effort in just seconds. To date, the local entrepreneurs have sold more than 15,000 Better Bedders, with revenues nearing one million dollars and they are just getting started! It is amazing what a good night’s sleep makes possible. To learn more, visit thebetterbedder.com. May-June 2021 31

Dealing with Death, Healing with Hope St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office

When the idea for this story was presented to us my heart turned over in my chest several times. This past year of our health and wellbeing feeling so out of our own control has compounded the fear of death we can all experience from time to time. It makes me glad to share the incredible programs Dr. Charles Preston and his team bring to the northshore. I am reminded of the Serenity Prayer by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. “Father, give us courage to change what must be altered, serenity to accept what cannot be helped, and the insight to know the one from the other.” –Lori Murphy

by Karen B. Gibbs

Chris Knoblauch, Adele Bruce Smith, Ginesse Barrett R.N., Dr. Charles Preston, Tammy Switzer and Ana Welch. 32

IF YOU THINK the Coroner’s Office is only about investigating deaths and performing autopsies, you’re in for a pleasant surprise—especially if you’re from St. Tammany Parish. Here their work is also about saving and improving lives. This people-centric approach starts at the top with the coroner himself, Dr. Charles Preston. A dynamic, energetic visionary, he has expanded the coroner’s role since taking office in 2014. With inspiration from God (“He’s the one I listen to.”) and encouragement from wife Dr. Lisa Leonard (“I think she got me elected.“), Dr. Preston and his staff focus on healing those who grieve, eradicating preventable deaths, fostering mental health and pursuing truth through science—and doing it all with skill and compassion. Considering his varied experience, Dr. Preston has what it takes to lead the way. That resume includes being an ER physician, instructor at LSU

Inside Northside

School of Medicine and co-owner of Doctor’s Urgent Care in Slidell. He is surrounded by a staff as qualified and passionate as he is, and together they make outstanding contributions to our quality of life, such as those described here.

Cribs for Kids When investigator Chris Knoblauch presented the idea for Cribs for Kids to Dr. Preston, he got a resounding yes. The national safe-sleep project consists of a two-hour presentation that educates parents and caregivers on the ABCs of safe sleep: babies should be Alone, on their Back and in a Crib. Parents who participate receive a voucher for a Pack ’n Play™ crib, which is purchased from Graco with outside contributions. “There are about 3,500 sudden, unexplained infant deaths (SUIDS) per year in the country,” says

Chris. “Sadly, the majority are preventable.” The worst culprit is co-sleeping and accidentally rolling on the baby. This can be as innocent as a mother breastfeeding in bed who falls asleep and rolls on her baby. Other dangerous practices include placing an infant on its belly to sleep and propping up a baby bottle in the child’s crib. “The CDC requires we do a reenactment with parents who have lost a baby,” says Chris. “We give them a cloth doll and ask them to show us how they put the child to sleep and how the baby was found. All of a sudden, they realize the death was preventable. It breaks our hearts.” Since Calcasieu Parish began Cribs for Kids ten years ago, there has been a 66 percent decrease in infant mortality from sleeping deaths. These classes save lives and we need to spread the word. To sign up for a Cribs for Kids class or to request a presentation for your group, contact Chris Knoblauch at 985-781-1150. Donations to Cribs for Kids can be made by visiting the Northshore Foundation Cribs for Kids Page at: northshorefoundation.org/st-tammany-cribs-for-kids

SANE “One of my highest priorities when I was elected was to establish a sexual assault nurse examiner program (SANE),” says Dr. Preston. As a former ER physician, he knows firsthand that victims of sexual assault require more time and attention than an ER doctor can provide. They need nurses specially trained in forensic exams to provide one-on-one compassionate care over the course of the 3-6 hour exam. “I love that our program sends a SANE nurse to the hospital where the victim is rather than having the victim transported to a central hospital to be evaluated,” says Ginesse Barrett, SANE coordinator for the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office and former coordinator of the program for University Medical Center in New Orleans. Such a policy is much less traumatic and quickly moves the process along. The northshore SANE team has two full-time and two parttime nurses who work 24/7 and cover a five-parish region—St. Tammany, Washington, St. Helena, Tangipahoa and Livingston. Last year, they handled 132 cases. When and if these cases go to court, this team provides expert testimony to the judge and jury. (Learn more about this challenging mission on page 38)

Mental Health “Most calls that the Coroner’s Office receives are about behavioral health—a family member not acting right,” says Adele Smith, mental health outreach coordinator and project May-June 2021 33

Amanda Pennington, DNA Analyst. coordinator for Safe Haven. And the numbers bear that out. Each year, the office issues about 350 orders for protective custody plus 4,500 coroner emergency certificates and handles 4,000 physician emergency certificates. “That says something about the need in this parish,” says Dr. Preston. These emergency certificates give legal authority to transport a patient who is mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse and is a danger to self or others to a treatment facility for diagnosis and treatment for up to 15 days. Once law enforcement receives the emergency certificate, they pick up the person and typically take them to the ER for an examination. Because ERs do not have psychiatrists on staff, the person remains in a room under supervision until a bed is found in a treatment facility. This could take up to three days. “Having a loved one going through a mental health crisis is a roller coaster for the family,” says Adele, who helps families navigate the complicated maze before them. “Guilty, scared and exhausted, they breathe a sigh of relief when I tell them they’re not alone—we’re going to walk through this with them.” Dr. Preston, a staunch advocate for mental health, recognized the need for another option for persons with mental illness. He found it in Safe Haven. The vision of Jan Robert and the late Pat Brister, Safe Haven is a 24-bed crisis receiving center, open 24/7, for people going through a mental health crisis. Included on site is a federally qualified health center to meet physical medicine needs, too. Patients can enter voluntarily or be committed involuntarily for up to 34

Inside Northside

Dr. Preston and his staff

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

focus on healing those who grieve, eradicating preventable deaths, fostering mental health and pursuing truth through science—and doing it all with skill and compassion.

three days. This allows them time to get stabilized, be placed on a continuum care program and work with a case manager to connect with appropriate agencies for assistance. The Safe Haven model is a growing collaboration of services, organizations and resources aimed at creating a sustainable and healing center for behavioral health in St. Tammany. Safe Haven is located on the grounds of the former Southeast Hospital in Mandeville. For information go to safehavenstp.org.

DNA Lab Impressively, St. Tammany Parish has the only Coroner’s Office in Louisiana with its own DNA lab. Under the leadership of DNA Technical Leader Natasha Poe, the lab opened in 2007, thanks to a 2004 voter-approved property tax. Ninety-six per cent of its work is for law enforcement. The remaining 4 percent helps identify human remains. “The advantage of having our own DNA lab,” says Natasha, “is we can work anything from homicides, to sexual assault, to home invasions and burglaries—as long as it occurred in St. Tammany and is a felony offense that will be going to court.” Interestingly, most of the DNA

cases are burglaries. This is important because, according to Federal statistics, individuals who commit burglaries generally escalate into more violent crimes in the future. “We’ve seen individuals suspected in burglaries advance into more violent cases, such as sexual assaults and homicides,” says Natasha. Burglaries are also costly in terms of materials lost and damage done. Crimes fluctuate and cases fluctuate, so Natasha appreciates the support Dr. Preston offers if she needs to increase staff. “Thanks to Dr. Preston, we’ve done a pretty good job of having the staff we need to get the work done efficiently. Currently, we assign cases when they walk in the door. No delay. The average time to work the evidence, review the case file and reports and get it ready to present in court is a couple of months as opposed to a year or more throughout the country.”

Forensic Pathology When Dr. Preston was elected in 2014, the Coroner’s Office had one pathologist, Dr. Michael DeFatta, who conducted 297 autopsies. Today, the department conducts over 450 autopsies per year for St. Tammany and several other parishes—a fiscally smart move since other >> parishes pay for the

a forensic odontologist. For years, Dr. Foy has volunteered his services for the dental part of autopsies, which is crucial to identifying bodies that are burned, decomposed or traumatized. “What an incredible servant he is,” says Dr. Preston. “He works full time in his practice and then comes here in the evening as a volunteer—often bringing his own help.”

Death Investigations

Mark Ford, Deputy Director of Investigations.

Inside Northside

service. It also has a second forensic pathologist, Dr. Christy Cunningham. Considering there are fewer than 500 full-time forensic pathologists in the United States, that’s quite impressive. Also on staff are autopsy technicians and highly trained physicians, including Dr. Charles Foy,

Forensic death investigators go to the death scene, investigate the death, examine the body, photograph the scene and report findings to forensic pathologists if the death is not from natural causes. “We are the eyes and ears—and nose— of the pathologist and need to be able to sense when something’s not right,” says Death Investigator Chris Knoblauch. “We’re also there for the family, offering them closure and answers.”

Chris is a Fellow with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators—a national certification board which is regarded as the gold standard throughout the country. He is one of ten investigators in the Coroner’s Office who are ABMDI-certified. The eleventh investigator is currently going through the ABMDI process, which includes 640 hours of training. In a brilliant move for the parish, Chris, who is board certified for ABMDI and has advanced training and experience with course development and curriculum, is developing a 40-hour basic forensic death investigator course for the office. Due to be completed by the end of 2021, the course will save taxpayers $5,000 per course per investigator and generate income by offering the course to investigators throughout the country.

Chaplain Corps

The Heart of It All

During his first term, Dr. Preston saw the need for trained people to offer support and spiritual comfort to those suffering the loss of a loved one. “At the time, we were handling 300400 deaths per year.” With the help of dedicated clergy in St. Tammany Parish, he set up the Chaplain Corps, a group of about 40 clergy who voluntarily rotate being on call throughout the month. The response has been nothing short of divine. For example, one day an AfricanAmerican Baptist minister responded to the suicide of a young, white Jewish man. “I was a bit apprehensive,” says Dr. Preston, “but within two minutes, they were holding hands, praying and hugging. I knew at that moment that denomination doesn’t matter. People need a compassionate heart.”

Such compassion is at the heart of every person, every outreach in the Coroner’s Office. Tammy Switzer, the receptionist and secretary, is a prime example. She interacts daily with grieving families. “We don’t deal only with bodies. We reach out to those grieving and offer help or simply listen,” she says. “We’re very proud of Dr. Preston for letting us help the survivors with grief and other problems associated with death.” Seeing the need for something tangible to give people on grief and bereavement, Tammy and other co-workers composed a brochure. Packed with information, it explains grief, mourning and bereavement, and provides a list of counseling and support services for adults and children, as well as information on organ donation and more. To receive a brochure, call Tammy at 985-781-1150. >>

May-June 2021 37

Ten-year veteran Ana Welch is another caring part of the team. As case coordinator, she is the liaison between the coroner’s office and the family—the only person they need to call. “I’ll stay on the phone with the family as long as they need to talk. I tell them, ‘let me help you through this,’” says Ana. She also works with life insurance companies so families have no delay in getting benefits. “They shouldn’t have to worry about the financial part while they are grieving.” Such compassion starts with Dr. Preston, himself, whose email tagline sets the tone for the entire Coroner’s Office: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” Brochures on death investigation, Cribs for Kids, mental health, and sexual assault forensic exams, as well as information on pool safety, burn prevention, carbon monoxide poisoning, teen drug awareness and suicide awareness are free and available at the Coroner’s Office, 65278 Hwy. 434, Lacombe, LA 70445, 985-7811150. stpcoroner.org.

Important Information about Sexual Assault and SANE • It is mandatory to report sexual assault against children under 18 years of age or elderly or disabled adults who cannot make decisions for themselves. • People older than 18 and of sound mind do not have to report the assault right away. However, they can go to the hospital and request an unreported kit. This provides the same exam but there is no identifying information on the case. By law, police must hold that evidence for at least a year to give the person time to make a decision about reporting the crime or not. • Victims have the right to opt out of any parts of the exam. • SANE nurses respond up to 96 hours after someone’s been sexually assaulted. After that, science does not support that there’s DNA there. • SANE works closely with support groups like Metro Centers for Community Advocacy, which provides counseling and advocacy after the fact, and STAR (Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response), which supports the patient during the exam and offers free counseling for survivors and loved ones of survivors. • Thanks to Act 229 legislation, victims are never billed for SANE exams. Instead, hospitals and the coroner’s office receive reimbursement for the exams with funding from the Crime Victims Reparation program.

Inside Northside

Generous Hearts

Pat Brister Legacy Sydney Vander Scholarship A REFRESHINGLY MODEST 17-yearold living in Slidell, Sydney Vander is a results-oriented, accomplished and articulate young woman. Voted the 2020-21 Northshore High School Student of the Year, Vander is the president of her school’s National Honor Society, secretary of the Student Ambassadors Program, and a member of Beta Club, Key Club, and Juniors in Service. With an impressive 350 community service hours, she maintains an incredibly rigorous academic standard, a 4.6 GPA while still giving selflessly back to her community and fellow students. We are proud to announce that Sydney Vander is the recipient of the First Annual Pat Brister Legacy Scholarship.

Sydney Vander.

Established this year in honor of beloved late Parish President Pat Brister, the memorial scholarship is awarded to a female graduate of a St. Tammany Parish public high school who has demonstrated a record of high academic achievement and outstanding

photo courtesy: NORTHSHORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Pat Brister.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Susan Bonnett Bourgeois

service to the surrounding community, much like the tireless service that Pat gave back to her community. Sydney Vander is all of that and more. Vander is knowledgeable and competent, and speaks with clarity and patience. She handles all of the numerous responsibilities she has taken on with grace and a noticeably positive disposition. According to her instructors, she does not simply attend a learning institution; she helps establish a culture of excellence by raising the standard for all to reach while helping them reach it. “I am honored to be the first recipient of the Pat Brister Legacy Scholarship,” says Sydney. “Her example of how to be a role model, mentor and trailblazer reminds me of my favorite scripture that is the foundation for which I live my life: ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’ God has given me many gifts, and it is my responsibility and duty to use them to improve the community in which I live.” Sydney plans to major in chemistry with aspirations to go to medical school and start her own practice where she can provide access to quality healthcare to those who are typically underserved. While her academic gifts and work ethic make her an exceptional student, Sydney Vander’s willingness to use her gifts in serving others makes her an exceptional person. She embodies the spirit in which this scholarship was created, and we know that Pat would be so pleased to have this young woman be given all of the tools she needs to achieve her dreams. May-June 2021 41

Flourishes 1 4

5 1. Alaine large gold Louis Philippe mirror. V Home & Interiors, Mandeville, 231-7411. 2. Horseshoe-shaped London Street Yoke Lantern, available in natural gas, propane, and electric; $1,100. Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, Mandeville, 249-6040. 3. Seasonal arrangements starting at $65. Florist of Covington, 6

Covington, 892-7701. 4. Alabaster contemporary lamp with solid brass shade, Greige Home Interiors, Covington, 875-7576. 5. Santorini ice bucket, $125. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045. 6. True Vanilla Bubble Bath with bergamont, dark vanilla, and amber scent; replenishing Coco Butter; skinpampering Green Tea; soothing Ginger & Lemongrass; plus moisturizers and other products and scents; starting at $22. Nest Curated Home, Mandeville, 951-2142. 7. Customize this Melissa Swivel Chair built by King Hickory American to enhance any setting. Doerr Furniture, Covington, 900-2425. 8. Linkasink Tiffany vanity sink, available in smooth brass or smooth stainless steel. Southland Plumbing, Metairie, 504-835-8411; Mandeville, 985893-8883. 9. Functional handmade pottery by Susan

Rodrigue in Louisiana. Food safe; oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. Other assorted styles, patterns and designs available. Garlic mincer in Jungle Swirl shown here, $25. Redoux Home & Market, Mandeville, 674-8811. 9 42

Inside Northside

May-June 2021 43

Flourishes 1

1. Mercury glass vase with glass garland beads, $310. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522. 2. Hexagon Eslava Street Lantern with black aluminum surface-mount post, available in four sizes, gas or electric, starting at $1,046. Gulf Coast Lanterns, Covington, 800-910-3275. Gulfcoastlanterns.com. 3. Large inflatable rainbow pool float, $60. Olive Patch, Covington, 327-5772. 4. Ledge Lounger Signature Chaise for near or in your pool. $659. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008. 5. Giraffe gold-leaf glass bowl, $55. mélange by KP, Mandeville, 807-7652.

Inside Northside

INside Look 1 2

1. Vionic Brielle flatform sandal with leather hook-&-loop closure straps, wavy details, mixed textures and layered colors, $114.

Joe’s Shoe Store, Mandeville, 626-5633. 2. Konstantino yellow gold and sterling silver morganite ring, $1,795. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000. 3. Printed halter swing dress. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1789 and 809-1690. 4. Intercoastal Turtle sport shirt with Mallard shorts. KiKi & Lolli, Covington, 900-2410. 5. Desert Clay Clutch, vegan with two detachable

adjustable cross-body straps, $74. The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797.

May-June 2021 45

Inside Northside

INside Look

1 3

1. For the month of May, all in-stock emerald jewelry is 40 percent off. Deluca’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Covington, 892-2317. 2. “What If” striped linen mix color top, $42. Redoux Home & Market, Mandeville, 674-8811. 3. Shop LaRoque sleeveless v-neck dress in blue vintage floral cotton sateen with ruffle hem and side-seam zipper closure, $268. Bliss Clothing + Home, Mandeville, 778-2252; and Covington, 276-4609. 4. Blazer, $59; paper-bag belted short, $39; bandeau top, $12. J. Ashley, Mandeville, 778-0965. 5. Ladies Omega Constellation watch in stainless steel and 18K gold with mother-of-pearl dial and diamond bezel, $8,350. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666. 6. Seychelles-Bellissima lavender puffy woven slides made in Italy, $109. Shoefflé, Covington, 898-6465. 7. Yellow gold, enamel and white sapphire orchid earrings, $375. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000. 8. Mono B Ombre Kaleidoscope Legging with Mono B

Open Overlay Tank. The Lifestyle Boutique at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200. 9. Gabby Isabella coral leopard sweater with metallic thread, available in sizes S-XL, $129. The Chiffarobe, Franklinton, 207-2200. 9 6

May-June 2021 47

W O M E N

I N

B U S I N E S S

2021

Women in our business community are known to step up, reach out and lift up those around them. This is true in

Sponsored by

civic leadership, company boardrooms and community playgrounds across the northshore. It is an environment we all benefit from. Reading the following stories offers a glimpse into the inspiration and enthusiasm that has

kept these women growing during the past year and previews what they will bring to our future.

table of contents Tammy O’Shea and Elizabeth “Liz” Broekman Fidelity Bank P.O.W.E.R.

Carrie Sanders and Elizabeth Whitney GMFS Mortgage

Sharon Bilbe The Chiffarobe Clothing for Women and Men

Dr. Christie McHughes Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital

Gretchen Armbruster Armbruster Artworks School

Micháel Burns and Kathleen Hall McCullough Greige Home Interiors

Cristin Corso Barr, Lauren K. Navarre, Audrey Gitz Fleur De Lis Law and Title Company

Brittany Taylor Redoux Home & Market

Tammy St. Philip J. Ashley Design Studio

Northlake Veterinary Hospital

Kelly Simon mélange by KP

Heather Mahoney and Holli Gaspard H2O Salon and Spa

Missy Hymel Accelerated Hand Solutions

Kristen Callahan and Connie Boudreaux KiKi and Lolli

Beverly Hobbs Shea High Road Properties, Inc.

83 84

Cristen Quick Let’s Make Plans

Lauren Yarbrough and Ellen Bajon EMB Interiors

Heather Rapalo Niche Modern Home

Lori LaFrance Nest Curated Home

Dr. Irum Alisha Qureshi Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology

Northshore Community Foundation

Lisa Swords Bliss Clothing + Home

Lisa Patrick Pat’s Seafood

Paige Henderson Bellus, A Photography Boutique

Dr. Keleigh Lascari Cornerstone Dentistry

Toni and Aliza Williams Peace, Love & Little Donuts

Angela Buonagura, MD St. Tammany Health System

Corrinn Fisher Corrinn Fisher Interiors

Holly Sanchez Slidell Memorial Hospital

McCall McDaniel, MD St. Tammany Health System

Courtney Guidry Robeaux Desi Vega’s Steakhouse Northshore and Aprés Lounge

Lesle Veca V Home and Interiors

Kelly LaRocca St. Tammany Parish Library

Pamella Aline Doerr Furniture

Jennifer Cassisa and Hailie Scharfenstein A-List Roofing

CJ Ladner State Farm Insurance

87 87

Michele Carlton Vintage Market Days®

Robin Penzato Arnold Blue Williams

May-June 2021 49

W O M E N

I N

B U S I N E S S

Donna O’Daniels President and CEO,

St. Tammany Parish Tourist

photo: PAIGE HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.bellus.photography

and Convention Commission DONNA O’DANIELS is always looking for ways to help others succeed. Her love of travel and passion for seeing small businesses thrive are what motivate her as Chief Executive Officer of the St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission. After graduating from North Carolina State University with a degree in journalism, Donna moved to a coastal city in North Carolina to work in tourism at a historic attraction. In 1995, her husband accepted a position in New Orleans, and the two moved down South. The following year, Donna was hired as the communications director for the Tourism Commission; she was promoted to CEO in 2005. Over the past 16 years, she has led the Commission through Hurricane Katrina, the BP oil spill and now, the Covid19 pandemic. Along with her team, she is responsible for developing and implementing strategic marketing campaigns that attract visitors to the area and has been instrumental in transforming the Northshore into a popular destination place for travelers. The St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission is a political subdivision in the State of Louisiana. Its annual budget comes from a 3 percent hotel occupancy tax that is collected from hotels in the area and is re-invested into marketing and promoting the Northshore to attract visitors to the area. The result of their effort is a tourism industry that brought in 2.63 million visitors and 771 million dollars in 2019 alone, with state and local taxes collected from visitors in St. Tammany saving residents close to $1,000 a year in taxes. “Everything starts with a visit,” says Donna. “Before someone decides to move here, they visit. Before someone decides to open a business here, they visit. To see so many businesses moving here and thriving motivates

us to keep going. We know that the part we are playing by keeping the visitor economy flourishing is helping small businesses succeed, while also growing St. Tammany as an economic engine for the region.” Being raised out of state has given Donna a unique perspective on what makes the Northshore a special place to live and visit. “What has remained constant are the reasons people visit St. Tammany, which are the same reasons we choose to live here,” she explains. “The beautiful outdoor attractions and vibrant culinary and art scenes are at the core of what we try to focus on, regardless of a specific situation we are facing or recovering from. Our goal is to remain focused on that message and make sure we are communicating it as effectively as we can.” In 2018, the St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission was awarded accreditation by Destinations International, joining the ranks of a select group of 200 organizations worldwide. Destinations International is an organization that promotes the professional development of destination marketing >> May-June 2021 51

Tanya Leader, Donna O’Daniels, Anna Strider, and Christina Cooper. 52

Inside Northside

businesses succeed during this challenging time. The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, St. Tammany Corporation and the Northshore Community Foundation have been working tirelessly and pulling extra weight to make sure our locals and business community come out of this intact.” Going forward, Donna and her team are putting the final touches on a strategic master plan for the future of St. Tammany Parish tourism. The master plan will detail what is needed on the Northshore to increase visibility and awareness so tourists have more reasons to visit. “When the visitor economy goes away, you can see how much businesses rely on visitors coming in and spending money. Our job at the Tourist Commission is to make sure we remain competitive in the market, because everyone is trying to get visitors back as quickly as possible. We have to make sure we are targeting the right people with the right message so that they come back and start spending money again and having fun.” Donna and her husband live in Mandeville with their two daughters and have no plans to ever leave. She is a graduate of Leadership St. Tammany and Leadership Louisiana. Donna serves in leadership roles for several local, regional and national organizations that promote tourism, including the Louisiana Travel Association and the Society of American Travel Writers.

photo: PAIGE HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY www.bellus.photography

Zondra White Jones,

groups around the world. The accomplishment was a collaborative team effort, proving to the local organization that they were operating at or above industry best practices in 94 areas. Donna and her team are constantly working to identify new ways to help promote the Northshore. Several years ago, they introduced the “Taste of Summer” event in August to help local restaurants and hotels make it through what is typically a slow month, according to industry standards. The first year of Taste of Summer created a 35 percent increase in revenue per available room from the previous year and has expanded to include additional attractions that allow people an opportunity to experience the different variety of restaurants the Northshore has to offer. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit last year and it became clear that everything was going to shut down, the Commission was quick to redirect their resources to help the local community survive. Their new focus was on the immediate community, launching the “We ♥ Louisiana Northshore” campaign to reach Northshore residents and connect them with local businesses who were ready to open their doors for curbside pickup orders. “The most gratifying thing about this was the number of businesses who have come to us over the past year to thank us for helping them. There are a lot of organizations in St. Tammany that have been focused on helping our

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Lindsey Chevalier, Elizabeth “Liz” Broekman, Lori Pausina, Tammy O’Shea, Rachel Wilhelm and Dustin Reichert.

Tammy O’Shea and Elizabeth “Liz” Broekman FIDELITY BANK P.O.W.E.R.

Fidelity Bank, a full-service community bank,

than the national average. They are changing the

issues facing women in business; and Personal

has received national recognition for P.O.W.E.R.,

landscape of our community, with over 13 million

P.O.W.E.R., a monthly blog.

its exclusive program serving the women business

woman-owned businesses employing more than

community. P.O.W.E.R. (Potential of Women

9.4 million workers. We want to support them

FOR GOOD. Providing opportunities for like-minded

Entrepreneurs Realized) combines educational

in reaching their own potential,” says Tammy

women to connect, learn and grow is just one

resources, networking opportunities and facilitated

O’Shea, Chief Marketing Officer of Fidelity Bank.

more way we live our mission,” says Elizabeth “Liz”

connections with a wide array of financial products

“P.O.W.E.R. gives women in business all the tools

Broekman, Director of P.O.W.E.R. Membership in

for entrepreneurial women.

they need to succeed, flourish and spur revenue

P.O.W.E.R. is offered to all women business owners

growth for their business.” The bank highlights

who bank their business with Fidelity Bank. In

Owned Businesses Report by American Express

and features P.O.W.E.R members in their

just three years, the program boasts over 1,200

OPEN, women opened 1,817 new businesses per

advertising, hosts events at members’ places of

members. Members may take advantage of the

day in the United States between 2018 and 2019,

business and offers the opportunity to participate

custom website fidelitybankpower.com, which

down only slightly from the record-setting 2018

in P.O.W.E.R. Plug, a monthly podcast; P.O.W.E.R

serves as a community resource by listing events,

number of 1,821. “Women business owners are

Vision, a weekly social media series; P.O.W.E.R

articles and other information relating to women

starting companies at a three-times-faster rate

Perspectives, a deep dive conversation into

business owners.

According to the 2019 State of Women-

“Our mission at Fidelity Bank is to be HERE

To learn more about P.O.WE.R., contact Liz Broekman at 504-739-9284, lizbroekman@bankwithfidelity.com or visit fidelitybankpower.com. May-June 2021 53

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B U S I N E S S you to determine what type of food will be best for its growing body and teach you how to care for your pet’s teeth while they are at home. Finally, a heartworm preventative will be chosen for your puppy or kitten, as both are susceptible to this deadly parasite. “Vaccinating is something we are always studying. Animals have different immune systems than ours. Science has proven that animals are living longer because of proper vaccinating protocols specific to each pet,” explains Dr. McHughes. “I have patients who are 18 and 20 years old; I believe that is because of good, preventative medicine and the right wellness program.” Crosspoint’s services include grooming, bathing, boarding, dental care, dermatology heartworm testing, intensive care, hospice/euthanasia, laser therapy, microchipping, nutrition counseling, pain management, pharmacy, radiology, ultrasound, and surgery. Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital also has ‘fearfree’ certified professionals on staff, another way Crosspoint goes above and beyond to try to decrease any anxiety you or your pet may have during your veterinary experience. Dr. McHughes’ tireless dedication to pet healthcare is accentuated further by her veterinary hospital’s accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association. This distinction is shared by only 12 percent

Dr. Christie McHughes

CROSSPOINT VETERINARY HOSPITAL Dr. Christie McHughes has always been hungry for a challenge. “Maybe that’s why I love veterinary medicine,” she muses. And maybe that’s why, after 11 years as a small-animal veterinary associate, Dr. McHughes decided to open her own practice—and build a state-of-the-art hospital to go with it. Well, this

of veterinary clinics in the United States and Canada. Accreditation requires adherence to over 900 quality standards in everything from pain management and patient care to team training and medical record keeping. “It means we are different from other vets. We are held to a much higher standard,” says Dr. McHughes. Growing up on a farm full of animals in Amite,

Covington native did just that. In 2015, she opened the doors to Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital,

Dr. McHughes’ interaction with, and caring for, animals

ready to provide quality care for pets and their owners from Mandeville, Madisonville and

began at a very young age. She says, “I always knew

Covington, plus other parts of St. Tammany and the surrounding parishes.

that I would like to help animals in some way when

“In the practice of veterinary medicine, every day is a challenge. Animals cannot tell

I was older. I feel very blessed that my passion for

me what is wrong or what is hurting them. I just have to know,” explains Dr. McHughes. Just

animals has turned into a livelihood.” After graduating

as in human medicine, early diagnosis is key in veterinary medicine. Crosspoint Veterinary

from Covington High School in 1996, she earned a

Hospital has the latest in diagnostic equipment, including x-ray and blood work equipment,

degree in biology with a concentration in zoology

as well as the latest medications and preventative medicine protocols.

from Southeastern Louisiana University and was then

“Our goal is to educate our clients about exceptional pet care, which always includes

accepted to the Louisiana State University School of

a strong wellness program. It is very important to prevent issues whenever possible. At

Veterinary Medicine. Her concentration was mixed-

Crosspoint, we strive to offer the most reasonable, comprehensive veterinary care available.

animal veterinary care, including small animals and

We want our clients to be involved in their pet’s care and well-being.”

equine. In 2004, after receiving her veterinary degree,

Dr. McHughes’ wellness program includes vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and blood work to establish healthy baseline values for your furry family member. She will work with 54

Inside Northside

she began her small-animal general practice career in Covington and then practiced at two other hospitals in

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a full-time veterinary associate, Dr. Eugene Jenkins, who is a crucial part of the Crosspoint team, as well as the best receptionists and veterinary nurses and assistants in the area. We strive to make each pet and owner’s experience a positive one.” Dr. Christie McHughes approaches the challenges of her life the same way she meets the challenges of her profession—head on. Married for 18 years, and the mother of three rowdy boys, her family now has a farm of their own, where they manage cattle and goats on 30 acres. “I love the fact that God has granted me the gift to manage it all.” She says that the Serenity Prayer is used a lot in her life: “Lord, grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” “In order to be a good wife, mother and doctor, you have to be a good listener and have trust. A good veterinarian must be a good listener and trust the client and what they are telling you. They know their pet better than you do. It’s my challenge to find the answer as to why the concern—a challenge I will give my all to!” the Covington and Mandeville areas. But it is not just about her veterinary practice. Dr. McHughes takes her passion for veterinary medicine beyond that. “I am very involved in veterinary organized medicine, such as the local, state and national veterinary medical associations, and take a special interest in politics that affect my profession. I also serve as a board member for the Southwest Veterinary Symposium.” Dr. McHughes also takes pride in her superb staff. She says, “I have

Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital is located at 70323 LA-1077 in Covington. 888-1566. crosspointveterinaryhospital.com. May-June 2021 55

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B U S I N E S S Cathy Clark Schroeder, Bobbie Calandro, Rachelle Woodard, Claire Friedricks Taylor, Gretchen Armbruster, Kitty Cleveland, Megan Westervelt and Cindy Trist.

For 11 years, Gretchen Armbruster has

Armbruster Artworks School because she gets to teach and mentor a diverse

has never received instruction and helping them

been teaching students in her downtown

group of wonderfully talented people. Her students

discover, little by little, their true ability.”

Covington workshop. The classes, which began

include some of the northshore’s favorite artists,

in her garage, are now in their own home on

whose works hang in galleries and museums across

Columbia Street. She says, “Covington is great

the country. Gretchen enjoys fostering the talents

because there are a variety of restaurants and

of her adult students at any level, and in many

events that take place in downtown.”

mediums, teaching them different techniques.

Gretchen says she loves her job so much

And, she says, “I love working with a student who

Armbruster Artworks is located at 502 Columbia St. in Covington. 630-6295. armbrusterartworks.com.

Rachelle Woodard

Megan Westervelt

Cathy Clark Schroeder

While Rachelle’s interior design portfolio spans

After taking many workshops, Megan

“Art is my passion, and my favorite thing is

over many decades and states, she is also a

Westervelt has found that a regular art

to paint en plein air on my rural property. My

calligrapher, iconographer and artist, working

class at Armbruster Artworks gives her the

art is naturally impressionistic,” says Cathy

in pastel, oil, and watercolor. Through her time

opportunity to paint different subjects

Clark Schroeder. Animals, waterscapes and

spent painting at Armbruster Artworks, her joy

and use different techniques with a great

nudes are her favorite subjects, oil and

and love of painting has returned. She has

teacher and support of classmates. “I love

watercolor her favorite media. “As someone

been recently inspired to paint many of the

to paint landscapes, but also love exploring

who seeks the natural experience of humans

Catholic saints, both ancient and modern day.

subjects that are out of my wheelhouse. I

and animals, I strive to make art that reaches

Rachelle’s online collection at rachellewoodard.

have enjoyed learning about layering color

the hearts of others and makes them

com includes paintings in various media, her

and seeing light in a painting. We usually

happy.” Cathy says her classes with Gretchen

interior design work, pillows, and notecards

paint in oils in class, but I also enjoy other

Armbruster encouraged her to grow with

depicting her recent saint portraits.

mediums.”

expansive subject matter.

Inside Northside

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Cindy Trist

Kitty Cleveland

Art has been Cindy Trist’s

Kitty Cleveland began

passion for as long as she

painting in oils four years ago

can remember. She says, “I

with Gretchen Armbruster.

believe that artists view the

A professional singer, she is

world differently than others.”

delighted to create beauty in a

After dabbling in acrylic

new way. Kitty’s first attempts

paintings, Cindy decided to

were to recreate the paintings

paint with oils, and joined

of ancestors William and

Gretchen Armbruster’s oil

Ellsworth Woodward. Now,

painting class three years

her joy is to paint the beauty

ago. She was chosen to be the cover artist for Inside Northside’s

of God’s creation, as well as religious subjects that spring from her

January-February 2020 issue. For 20 years, Cindy has also

deep Catholic roots. Kitty is becoming more painterly, as Gretchen

pursued her creative passion through a successful career in

encourages her to let go of perfectionism and follow her bliss. IG:

interior design.

#kittyclevelandart; kittycleveland.com.

Linda Pippins

Sue Zaunbrecher

Linda Pippins loves to paint in

“I have always loved color,

oil and watercolor. In classes

design and crafts, but when

taken at Armbruster Artworks,

I moved to New Orleans, I

she highlights Louisiana

was inspired to capture the

birds, flora and food; she also

light and beauty all around

enjoys pet portraits. Linda’s

me,” says Sue Zaunbrecher.

work was exhibited at the St.

Six years ago, she wanted

Tammany Hospital Healing

to explore oils and started

Arts program, is a part of the

classes with Gretchen. “I have learned so much, especially about value

hospital’s permanent collection, and welcomes children to

and composition. My favorite subjects are florals and landscapes.” See

the St. Tammany Pediatric Clinic. Her work can be seen at

Sue’s work at the St. Tammany Art Association, Armbruster Artworks,

Armbruster Artworks, Facebook, Art By Linda or Instagram,

suezaunbrecher.com or Instagram (@suezaunbrecher). Sue loves doing

@pippins334.

commissions, especially wedding bouquets!

Claire Friedricks Taylor

Bobbie Calandro

“Painting and golf are

Bobbie Calandro

how I relax. I have always

has always

turned to art when time

enjoyed painting.

permitted,” says Claire

Her first work was

Friedricks Taylor. “Now I

sold to a teacher.

make time.” Claire moved

Years passed,

to the Northshore in

and with kids, work and fundraising, she put her brushes aside.

2004, fell in love with

Later, she did Louisiana and New Orleans scenes in acrylic on

the art community and joined Gretchen Armbruster’s classes.

barstools, tables and trays. But she loved canvas and wanted to

She loves to catch the personality of dogs, horses and other

learn oils. Gretchen Armbruster became a blessing, helping her

animals, but also paints abstracts for fun. “Art is not only fun,

master skills in oils and bring her Louisiana scenes to life on

but a rewarding look into the soul! Painting makes me happy,

canvas. Bobbie’s art can be found at Armbruster Artworks and

and that is a good thing!”

the Art House. May-June 2021 57

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Brittany Taylor

REDOUX HOME & MARKET When visiting Redoux Home & Market for the first time, shoppers

name a few. There are even classes available for those interested in

will be amazed at the variety of old, new, and upcycled merchandise.

learning to paint furniture with the Fusion line of mineral paints and

Redoux isn’t just a store—it’s a marketplace filled with the goods and

brushes. Home to several area designers such as Shelly Marchetta of

services of over 70 talented local dealers, designers and artists. Owner Brittany Taylor relishes the opportunity to empower other women to own their own small business. She says, “We want to make it easy for these incredibly creative entrepreneurs to showcase their talent. Our partnership gives them the time to focus on their passions while we tend to the day-to-day details of managing the business.” Regardless of what you’re shopping for, there’s an excellent chance you find that, and more, among the huge selection of goods provided by the various vendors. Since she opened in August 2019, Taylor has been very selective about merchants and is committed to showcasing only the highest quality sellers. For this reason, there’s a waitlist of vendors hoping to be a part of this creative group. “Though we offer a very diverse range

Luche, Kim Higgins of Nola Living and Lesle Veca of Lesle Veca designs,

of goods for sale, we actually present a very cohesive and upscale

shoppers will find a wide array of aesthetics; the furnishings styles

atmosphere for our shoppers.” Customers can wind their way through

range from contemporary to farmhouse to French country and beyond.

Redoux Home & Market and find jewelry, clothing, baby gifts and

The unique business model of the Redoux Market makes many varied

clothes, collectables, antiques, garden items, candles, floral designs,

design perspectives available. “Our customers can decide what best

upscale lighting, luxury linens, architectural pieces, kitchenware,

suits their home and lifestyle,” says Taylor.

hardware, pottery and porcelain, rugs, décor and furnishings, just to 58

Inside Northside

With so many talented and creative participants in the

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Market, the environment is constantly being refreshed. Individual vendors are always bringing in new lines and offering new items. Customers like the fact that even when you visit Redoux Home Market regularly, there is always something new to see. Taylor, along with many of the vendors, attends market on a regular basis. “We feel it’s important to keep up with the latest trends and styles. Going to market helps us stay fresh and current,” she explains. And though the home décor and furnishings vendors do a brisk business, the clothing and jewelry vendors certainly keep pace with them. Christy Hastings with Verse Six Eight, Angel Haney with Belle Vie Boutique and Gifts, Amber Beverung with Blush and Gina Himpler with Tia’s are just a few who offer clothing and

Though Taylor is happy to take a backseat to her vendors, she

jewelry. “Several of the clothing and jewelry vendors have a very

does operate a space in Redoux Home & Market of her own. In it

loyal following; they keep up with the latest trends and carry nice

she features furniture, home and seasonal décor and gifts such as

lines. Their customers like knowing they can always find what they’re

candles and hand towels. “I always carry items that make perfect

looking for,” says Taylor.

hostess gifts.” Not a surprising focus for the hostess of Redoux!

Redoux Home Market has also garnered a reputation for

The atmosphere of the Redoux Home & Market is friendly

showcasing the work of some of the most talented artists from New

and collaborative. Stopping in for a “happy” to take to lunch for a

Orleans and the Northshore. The art takes many forms but features

girlfriend’s birthday can be as much fun as finding an extra-special

sculpture and paintings, jewelry designs and architectural forms. The

baby gift for your neighbor’s new blessing. Shoppers can find

talented and creative vendors bring a wide variety of handcrafted art

everything from a new sofa to a new outfit. They can add accessories

pieces to the aisles of Redoux. Collectors appreciate being able to

like a lamp for the side table or a pair of earrings to the ensemble for

consider the work of several local artists and select unusual, vibrant,

a weekend party. As one customer commented, “You can dress up

interesting and unique pieces for their homes.

your home and yourself all in one store.”

Redoux Home & Market is located at 2983 U.S. Hwy. 190 in Mandeville, 674.8811. redouxhomemarket.com. May-June 2021 59

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Northlake Veterinary Hospital It’s easy to see why the women veterinarians at Northlake Veterinary Hospital make it such a

when it comes to quality animal care. Dr. Catherine Mauberret has been one of

of Veterinary Medicine in 1990 was just an added bonus. The two became good friends, and after

special place to visit. With their warm friendly

the leading female veterinarians at Northlake

Dr. Guidry bought Northlake Veterinary Hospital,

personalities and unique team collaboration, each

Veterinary Hospital for over twenty-five years.

she began to work for him. “Dr. Guidry truly is an

doctor brings a special trait to the team. It doesn’t

Although she splits her time between Northlake

amazing doctor who has created an incredible

hurt that the facility is conveniently located right

and the Fairgrounds, her dedication to the job is

clinic. It has grown so much over the years because

off the causeway and updated with lots of top-of-

transparent. She says her favorite thing about being

of his caring nature. He cares about his staff,

the line equipment. Whether your pet is there for

a veterinarian is “helping animals that are badly

he cares about his clients, and mostly, he cares

boarding, grooming, dental care, microchipping,

hurt or sick and saving their life. It’s extremely

about the animals he takes care of. He has made

ultrasounds, surgery, annual vaccinations,

rewarding for me.” Growing up, Dr. Mauberret’s

Northlake Veterinary Hospital a wonderful place to

preventive services or even intensive care, this team

father was a vet, so there were plenty of animals

work,” says Dr. Mauberret.

has got you covered. Their highly trained expertise,

all around the house. Her love for animals was

easy-going demeanor and caring attitudes make

apparent at an early age, which is why she decided

since June 2019. However, animals have always

any client feel at ease. Doctors Mauberret, Linn,

to follow in her dad’s footsteps and become a vet.

been her passion. “I started riding horses around

Beck and Hymel are the ultimate professionals 60

Inside Northside

Meeting Dr. Craig Guidry at the LSU School

Dr. Mallory Linn has been a vet at Northlake

age 6. Horses were a big part of my life. The more I

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was around them, the more encounters I had with

animals around. I was regularly bringing home

Northlake, but she has wasted no time learning

veterinarians, which really inspired me early on.” Dr.

new pets to foster, and I knew from a young age

the ins and outs of the hospital. She says, “Going

Linn eventually went on to study animal science at

that being a veterinarian is what I was meant to

from a clinic that was only open certain hours to

LSU while working at a vet clinic as an undergrad.

do.” Dr. Beck attended Mount Carmel Academy in

a 24/7 veterinary hospital has been amazing.” Dr.

One of her favorite parts of her work is taking in

New Orleans and earned a bachelor’s degree in

Hymel spends most of her time working in the

pets who are really sick and nursing them back to

animal sciences from LSU. She persevered toward

emergency department seeing cases that always

health so that they are able to be reunited with their

her dream and earned a doctorate of veterinary

manage to keep her on her toes. “From pulling

owners. She says, “The expressions on their owners’

medicine from LSU in 2020. When Dr. Beck joined

rocks out of a dog’s intestines, to checking for a

faces when they get them back are priceless.”

Northlake last year, she knew that the team they

chipped tooth, I have seen it all. It has been so

had there was something special. “I love having so

rewarding to transition to critical care and have

fascinating to me. It is always exciting and extremely

many doctors working together at Northlake. We can

the ability to care for animals overnight. In a 24/7

rewarding.” When Dr. Linn is not working, she can be

openly consult with each other, which allows us to

veterinary hospital, you would have to worry about

found riding horses, kayaking, hiking and watching

thoroughly work up cases and make sure our clients

your critical patients and rush over in the morning

LSU baseball and football. GO TIGERS!

and patients are getting the best care.” Now, she has

to make sure they were OK. Now, we don’t have to

started another new chapter of life—motherhood.

do that—I can monitor closely all night if needed.”

animal shelter in New Orleans when she was just

As a new mom, Dr. Beck enjoys spending time with

Working nights can be exhausting, but it does

ten years old. After falling in love with animals, she

her baby girl, witnessing all of those first special

not stop this doctor from enjoying her down time.

began working at clinics alongside veterinarians,

moments. She also loves hanging out with her

When she is not working, you can find Dr. Hymel

which opened up a whole other side to caring

husband and two dogs. When she’s not busy at work

painting, hiking and spending time outside. She

for animals. From then on, she began taking in

or home with her family, Dr. Beck likes to get out and

loves to do pet portraits, and even painted the

strays and fostering animals. She says, “Luckily,

fish, garden and stay active.

lobby of Northlake Veterinary Hospital. Be sure to

She also loves doing surgery. “Surgery is just

Dr. Jeanne Beck began volunteering at a local

my parents got used to the idea of always having

Dr. Paige Hymel may be fairly new to

check it out at your next visit.

Northlake Veterinary Hospital is located at 1399 N. Causeway Blvd. in Mandeville. 626-7522, northlakeveterinaryhospital.com. May-June 2021 61

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B U S I N E S S lost a limb (hand, finger or arm) and teaching them how to use a static or dynamic prosthesis to gain function. This highly specialized team of professionals is able to care for much more than just hand injuries—they treat patients for any orthopedic problems, nerve compressions, wound care, fractures, or tendinitis from the shoulder to the hand. Whether the injuries or problems are in the acute phase or even in the progressive healing phase, Missy and her team strive to provide all of their patients excellent, compassionate care. They work closely with hand and orthopedic surgeons to begin therapy as soon as possible, with the ultimate goal of restoring full function. Having an orthopedic injury or problem of the shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand can be scary and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Hand and upper extremity rehabilitation takes time and hard work, but with Missy and her team, progress can be expected. She says, “Watching people come in with serious hand injuries, and seeing the progression of their not being able to use their hand to actually gaining functional independence again is an

Missy Hymel

ACCELERATED HAND SOLUTIONS When Missy Hymel became a National

Therapist is no easy feat. One must be an occupational

incredible journey I am able to share. Getting people back to doing the things they love, like cooking, golfing, playing tennis, working in their yard or playing with their children brings me such happiness.”

Board Certified Licensed Occupational Therapist

or physical therapist for three years and then be

31 years ago, little did she know that by 2005, she

mentored by a CHT for another two years, while

enjoys spending time with her husband of 25 years,

would open one of the few private practices on the

obtaining a minimum of 4,000 hours in direct practice

Stephen, and her two college-age children, Jordan

Northshore to serve patients with hand and arm

and treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions.

and Jared. She also loves photography and taking

injuries/conditions. Not only has the National Board

Missy and two of her other therapists, Stephanie

pictures to make scrapbooks so that her own children

Certified Hand Therapist personally owned and

McCloskey and Jordan Follis, hold this prestigious title,

can look back on her legacy. In addition to her

managed Accelerated Hand Solutions since 2012,

while the fourth therapist to join the team, Tess Danos, is

passion for hand therapy, she enjoys decorating her

but she also continues to treat patients and has

eligible to take the certification exam this year.

home and clinic for the holidays. While Missy leads

eight full-time employees, including three other therapists, who work alongside her. Becoming a National Board Certified Hand

In addition, Missy is a Certified Kinesiotaping

When Missy isn’t busy treating patients, she

an active lifestyle, she is never too busy to take care

Practitioner and a Certified i-limb Touch Bionics

of patients and her staff and looks forward to many

Prosthetic Trainer working with individuals who have

more years serving the community around her.

Accelerated Hand Solutions is located at 7047 Hwy. 190 E. Service Road in Covington, 951-2457. Please visit acceleratedhandsolutions.com for complete list of services. 62

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Lauren Yarbrough and Ellen Bajon EMB INTERIORS

Designing a new home can be a huge challenge, but it

them from start to finish. Those interested in renovating will need

doesn’t always have to be. Ellen Bajon and Lauren Yarbrough with

an in-home consultation, allowing for a new layout to be designed

EMB Interiors can help you every step of the way. Whether you’re

to maximize the use and function of the available square footage.

freshening a space, looking for the perfect accessory to complete a

With new construction clients, the staff works with all aspects of the

room, or even building from the ground up, EMB Interiors has the

project, such as refining plans, recommending contractors and of

ultimate design team ready to guide you through the process.

course, the aesthetic design of the new home. Ellen works hard to

The new location of EMB Interiors showcases two showrooms that are sure to inspire you. EMB Interiors Fine Home Furnishings

guarantee a smooth experience. Owner Ellen Bajon has been in the design industry for

and EMB Build by Design are there for all of your home project

over thirty years. Timeless has been the focus for her and her

needs. It’s a retail design studio that welcomes customers in to

dedicated team. “We are able to design rooms that are traditional,

browse. You may want to stop in for a gift accessory, art or a specific

transitional, contemporary and more while also keeping them

piece of furniture that you have been looking for. Regardless, you

timeless,” says Ellen. EMB Interiors will work with you to customize

will be sure to leave the studio with many new, fresh ideas.

a plan to fit your desires. Be sure to stop in for all of your home

If customers are interested in design services, Lauren will steer

design needs. You won’t be disappointed!

EMB Interiors is located at 1685 N. Causeway Blvd. in Mandeville, 626-1522. embinteriors.com. May-June 2021 63

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B U S I N E S S Qureshi says, “Educating parents and families certainly pays off. It improves their understanding of the disease process and lowers the frustration and anxiety leading to a better response to therapy. It also helps patients avoid the cause of their symptoms when possible.” She adds, “I would also like our broader community to be more aware of the excellent treatments now available for allergies, asthma and immunodeficiency. Moreover, these conditions are best managed by a specialist, board certified in Allergy and Immunology.” At Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology, Dr. Qureshi offers a range of testing and treatment options, including skin testing for inhalants and foods, lung function testing, patch testing for allergies to chemicals, drug allergy testing, oral food challenges, allergen immunotherapy to potentially cure allergies, immunoglobulin treatment for immunodeficiency, and biologic therapy. Dr. Qureshi specializes in the use of biologics to treat severe asthma, eczema, chronic sinus disease with nasal polyps, and chronic hives. She says, “As the name suggests, Biologic therapy treatments are derived from the cells of living organisms that are then modified to target specific and critical pathways that lead to the inflammation which cause symptoms. I work very closely with my patients to fully evaluate and assess them to understand if they truly would benefit from such therapies. The efficacy of biologics can be remarkable. They offer drastic life-changing therapy for patients that have failed traditional therapies. This can significantly improve their quality of life and decrease exacerbations, emergency room visits, hospitalizations and the need for oral steroids.”

Dr. Irum Alisha Qureshi

ASTHMA, ALLERGY, AND IMMUNOLOGY From a very young age, Dr. Irum Alisha Qureshi knew that she wanted to

Dr. Qureshi completed her residency in Internal Medicine as Chief Resident in Internal Medicine at Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans and her fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Children’s Hospital and LSU Medical Center. She and her husband, Dr. Syed Tahseen Rab, have four boys.

be a physician like her mother and many other accomplished women in her

In her free time, she likes running, reading, spending time outdoors with her

family. Now a Board Certified specialist with a practice at Asthma, Allergy, and

family, traveling and enjoying the local Louisiana cuisine.

Immunology, she offers expert diagnosis and treatment of allergic disorders, including sinus disease, asthma, eczema, hives, food reactions, reactions to

At the age of 3, Dr. Qureshi told her mother she would one day be a doctor. She has never looked back.

insects and drugs, eye allergies, frequent upper respiratory tract infections, ear infections, eosinophlic esophagitis, hypogammaglobulinemia, combined immunodeficiency and other conditions with a possible immunologic basis. Dr. Qureshi’s practice includes a comprehensive range of services that creates a high-quality allergy clinic using the most current best-practice methods in allergy, asthma and immunology. She takes great pride not only in clinical excellence, but also in personalizing quality care, saying, “To some, asthma and sinus allergies could be only seasonal, but for others, these can be very disabling and damaging leading to absence from school and work.” Working closely with patients and families to elucidate the cause, mechanism and best treatment of allergic and immunologic disorders, Dr.

Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology is located at 160 Greenbriar Blvd. in Covington, 893-5780. aai-health.com. 64

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B U S I N E S S

It’s no secret that Lisa Swords is the ultimate stylist. Her talents, honed over 30 years in the retail business, extend to both fashion and interior design. When you walk into her store, perfectly named Bliss, it’s hard not to feel inspired. In 2016, Lisa opened Bliss Clothing on Hwy. 22 in Mandeville. Her second location of Bliss just opened in the heart of downtown Covington near Coffee Rani on Boston Street. Both locations of Bliss Clothing are sleek and smart, filled with natural light and are extremely fun to shop. Luckily for her customers, the Mandeville and Covington shops carry different assortments of clothes, which ultimately gives customers a wide variety of styles to choose from and good reasons to visit both locations. Lisa stays busy keeping up with the

Lisa Swords

latest fashion trends. Whether you’re stopping by

BLISS CLOTHING + HOME

for a new outfit and accessories, or looking to get some stylish jewelry for an event, Bliss makes it

enjoyed pouring her creative energy into Bliss

modern vibe. Regardless of which style you choose,

easy. Lisa always manages to make her customers

Home. She helps clients choose furniture, custom

Lisa will make it all come together seamlessly.

feel elegant and beautiful, adding, “I enjoy

drapes, wallpaper, local artwork, lighting, and

helping customers and building relationships with

more. Lisa listens to her clients’ needs, and then

She is passionate about interior design and

my clients.”

uses their ideas to transform their homes, while

fashion, which must be why it seems to shine

keeping up with the latest trends in design. The

through everything she touches. “I have loved

end result is warm and inviting.

working with new clients and making friends with

When Lisa first started out, clothing and accessories were her main business. In fact, you may remember her from The Strawberry Patch, a

Lisa finds satisfaction in completing projects.

When clients need advice on redecorating their

so many people I have met in the retail industry,”

northshore staple for many years. However, friends

living space, Lisa offers personal in-home assistance.

says Lisa. “It doesn’t just end with design, though.

kept encouraging her to share her special hobby of

Whether you are redecorating just one room, or

Helping women find the perfect outfit for an event

decorating with customers at her store. That’s how

building from the ground up, Lisa is happy to help

is just as satisfying.”

Bliss Clothing + Home happened. The Mandeville

you take on the project. As she creates new looks

shop on Hwy. 22 features fashion, jewelry and

for homes, she always makes sure to listen to what

with her husband and two grown sons, especially

accessories on one side with furniture, accent

her clients want. Some people like keeping precious

when it involves taking trips to the beach to

pieces and home design right next door. Lisa has

antiques, while others prefer to go for a more

recharge her batteries!

In her free time, Lisa enjoys spending time

Bliss Clothing + Home is located at 4450 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville,778-2252. Bliss Clothing is at 728 E. Boston St. in Covington, 276-4609. May-June 2021 65

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B U S I N E S S certified dentist in Louisiana. Conventional implants can be “more complicated than they should be,” says Dr. Lascari. They require more bone removal due to their larger size and frequently necessitate a bone graft before placement. Ultimately, the hole and bone graft need months to heal before a crown can be placed or a denture stabilized, resulting in multiple visits to the dentist. Also, patients with complex medical histories are often not candidates for conventional implants. Thankfully, Dr. Lascari can use mini implants to solve these issues. Mini implants can use what bone is available and only require a small hole for placement, conveniently allowing patients to leave the same day with the procedure completed. Additionally, Dr. Lascari says mini implants are a great option for individuals with a complicated medical history, such as prior history of head and neck chemotherapy and/or radiation or autoimmune diseases, because the procedure is not invasive. If you’ve been told you are not a candidate for

Dr. Keleigh Lascari CORNERSTONE DENTISTRY

Dr. Keleigh Lascari followed her parents’

dental implants, it is time to revisit the subject! Dr. Lascari offers a complimentary consultation using 3D imaging to treat patients and help them find the best option for them. She wants to guide her patients

footsteps in dentistry—but built a dental practice

along the way and make them feel comforted—another

that is unique and truly her own. From the dental

unique aspect of her vision for Cornerstone.

services she offers to the entire office environment,

Since many of us feel unsettled about dental

Dr. Lascari uses the gifts, talents and abilities that

visits, Dr. Lascari worked hard to make her office a

God gave her to carry out her work.

welcoming environment. The warm tones, calm

In 2020, after graduating from LSU and

music and fresh diffusers make the area feel like a spa

working in Hammond for eight years, Dr. Lascari

instead of a typical dental office. Guests can relax in the

officially opened Cornerstone Dentistry in

five times less invasive, less discomfort, less healing

operatory chair and watch the cars drive by through

Covington and saw her personal vision come alive.

time, less visits to the dentist and less expensive.

the wall-length windows while the natural light fills the

One of the things that makes Dr. Lascari’s dental

Because of these advantages, Dr. Lascari wanted

room. Overall, the practice has a clean and classy design

practice unique is her use of mini implants. She was

to bring this procedure to Louisiana to help more

that Dr. Lascari gives all the glory to God for.

thrilled when she heard about the advantages of

patients become candidates for permanent teeth

Dr. Lascari lives happily with her husband,

mini implants compared to conventional implants

using the smaller sizes and high-tech placement

Johnathan, and their son of three years, Cohen.

and learned the procedure from Dr. Todd Shatkin, a

methods of mini implants. Dr. Lascari is the first and

They are expecting another boy at the end of

pioneer in mini implant dentistry. Mini implants are

only Mini Dental Implant Center of America (MDICA)

August and are excited for him to join their family.

Cornerstone Dentistry is located at 16564 E. Brewster Rd, Suite 104, in Covington. 869-8020, cornerstone-dentistry.com. 66

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After 18 years in the home furnishing and design industry, Corrinn Fisher decided it was time to branch out on her own. “It has been my heart’s desire to have my own design business and to be able to use my knowledge and experience to help clients make their home a place they love to live. After much prayer and consideration, God showed me—now is the time,” she says. “Last year, when the pandemic began, the store where I was working closed for several months. I was so fortunate to make the best of a terrible situation,” says Corrinn. The unexpected down time gave her the ability to set up her business by drawing on her design and retail management experience. “Having worked for other furniture businesses, I had the opportunity to learn and grow as a designer from some of the best in our area.” Her business savvy and personal aesthetics were the perfect balance needed. From new construction design, home renovations, to home furnishings installation, Corrinn is the project manager, overseeing the entire process. “I am able to provide full design services from floor to ceiling, from custom window coverings and custom upholstery, to rugs.” Her

Corrinn Fisher

CORRINN FISHER INTERIORS

vision of a well-designed home is centered around

character. I want the changes in their interiors to

talented artists, vendors, and contractors, and have

the fundamentals of function, proportion, durability

reflect them, not me. It’s all about the client.”

wonderful working relationships with them. I am

and quality craftsmanship, creating a home that

Corrinn uses textures and colors, with style

thankful for all of them as they help to make my job

is not trendy but current, and makes a strong

imagined from craftsmanship and quality materials.

easier. And for all my clients who have trusted me

enduring style statement. By mixing history with

Her sophisticated vision conjures up beautifully

with their homes, I am grateful. We have developed

more current layers, Corrinn is able to create an

layered interiors that define the client’s world. “I

lasting friendships and it is their encouragement,

exciting mix that transcends time. “I believe that

want my clients to feel as though I have designed

and God, that help me be the best that I can be.”

a person’s home should tell their story, reflecting

an interior that will stand the test of time. And one

what they love most and who they are, allowing the

in which they can escape from a world governed by

spend quality time with her growing twin boys,

home to echo their personality. I like to incorporate

technology into a serene, soulful home,” she says.

Alex and Isaac; son Ethan; oldest son, Gabriel; and

antiques, vintage finds and art to give a home

“Over the years, I have worked with many

Through all of this, Corrinn is still able to

husband Steve.

Corrinn serves the northshore and surrounding areas and can be reached at 985-276-9585 or corrinn@corrinnfisherinteriors.com. May-June 2021 67

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B U S I N E S S School in 2003 and began working at Outback Steakhouse in Marrero, where her passion for service grew. Later, she enrolled at the University of New Orleans to pursue a hotel, restaurant and tourism degree. Courtney remembers her first HRT elective class as the deciding factor in her career choice. “Everything we discussed or learned in that class was specifically related to my experience with my family’s businesses, and it was so incredibly familiar and something I was so passionate about, I knew immediately that I wanted to make this my lifelong profession.” During her college years, Courtney was General Manager for another family restaurant, the Garden Room in Harvey. After graduating from UNO in 2008, she became the Event Coordinator and Operations Manager for La Maison Creole. Courtney moved to Covington in 2015 with her husband, David Robeaux Jr., and put her career on hold for three years as they welcomed their son (Davey, 4) and their daughter (Chloe, 2) to the world. Upon returning to the professional world, Courtney sought employment at a beautiful new venue known as the Aprés Lounge. Being employed by Shawn Breaud and Shane Songy

Courtney Guidry Robeaux

DESI VEGA’S STEAKHOUSE NORTHSHORE AND APRÉS LOUNGE As Events Manager for Desi Vega’s Steakhouse

has been a truly inspirational experience for her. “Watching these guys in action is amazing to see! Everything they touch turns to gold. All of their

Creole, in Harvey. Courtney’s grandmother and

businesses are successful, and they’ve given so

Northshore and Aprés Lounge, Courtney Guidry

grandfather opened their establishment in 1979,

many employment opportunities to people all over

Robeaux is the face of customer service for the

and for forty years, her family thrived in a successful

Louisiana. They treat each of their staff members

restaurant and lounge. She coordinates all events

hospitality business where weddings, corporate events

as family. Their work ethic, combined with their

at the restaurant, offering an exquisite ambiance

and family celebrations were held. They also provided

compassion for people, is unprecedented, and they

and fine dining experience for cocktail parties,

off-site catering at numerous venues, such as The

have given me an incredible opportunity to be a

business meetings and milestone celebrations,

National World War II Museum, Gallier Hall and the

part of their team.”

handles day-to-day operations and is the VIP Host

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

for Aprés Lounge. Courtney comes from a long line of all stars

Under the direction of her father, Glenn

Helping her clients organize their monumental occasions, watching the event come

Guidry, Proprietor and Executive Chef of La Maison

to fruition and serving them and their guests is

in the hospitality industry. Born and raised on the

Creole, Courtney began learning the ropes of

fun and fulfilling for Courtney. She has a heart for

Westbank, she grew up cooking, serving, and hosting

running a successful business in the service

serving others, and the hospitality industry allows

events at her family’s catering venue, La Maison

industry. She graduated from Immaculata High

her to do so in the most exciting ways.

Desi Vega’s Steakhouse Northshore and Aprés Lounge are located at 1950 N. Hwy. 190 in Covington. 276-494, desivegasnorthshore.com. 68

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“Doerr is one of the last furniture stores on both the Northshore and Southshore to have solid wood furniture that is made in America. The quality is simply like no other,” says Pamella Aline, manager of Doerr’s Covington store. Finding high quality furniture can be a daunting task. Creating custom furniture that will last decades may be even trickier, but not when Pamella and her team at Doerr Furniture help you. When Charles Doerr started Doerr Furniture in the Marigny on Elysian Fields over eighty years ago, he knew he was creating something special—and it inspired homeowners all over town to upgrade their furniture. Doerr was a hardworking man who passed on his work ethic to his kids. Eventually, Charles’ daughter, Marilyn, married Lloyd Mutter, who would later run the company. Their children began working at a young age, learning the ropes. Julian, Gary, David, Randy and Melanie are now officers of Doerr Furniture and continue to carry on their grandfather’s legacy by creating one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted furniture. After expanding to the Northshore three years ago, they needed someone to manage the Covington location. Pamella Aline knew that Doerr Furniture was something special and that her knowledge

Pamella Aline

of the Northshore would help make the new

DOERR FURNITURE

store a success. As a Northshore native, Pamella is familiar

themselves on offering well-made custom furniture

Furniture, she enjoys spending time with her

with the many different types of design her clients

at reasonable prices. Doerr’s design consultants

two sons, Storm and Braeden, or cuddling up

want in their homes. Doerr Furniture offers custom,

allow you to make as many changes as you want,

with her golden retrievers, Caspian and Sahara.

traditional, contemporary and even transitional

making it more of a fun, creative experience rather

Planning with her fiancé, Dr. James Rehkopf, for

furniture for all styles of homes. “The difference

than your typical furniture-buying process. Pamella

their wedding in October is a priority now. Pamella

with Doerr is that you are getting top-grain leather,

says, “We want you to love every piece you choose.

also enjoys writing, traveling, and reading novels,

real wood that is harvested and processed in

You will never feel pressured or discouraged when

especially on the sandy white beaches of Florida.

America and a guarantee that this piece of furniture

you come to Doerr Furniture. Whether you are

is strong, durable and will last for many years.”

looking for a lamp, or furnishing an entire home,

always manages to go above and beyond for her

Doerr also offers a made-in-America bedding line

we want to help you. What’s inside your furniture

clients. “Doerr Furniture strives to provide excellent

from Shifman, a 100-year-old bedding company

and how it’s made should be just as important as

service, ensuring that you won’t just feel like

that produces handmade cotton mattresses.

what’s inside a person.”

another customer; instead, you feel more like you

Today, the Mutter family still prides

When Pamella isn’t managing Doerr

While Pamella leads a busy schedule, she

are part of a family.”

Doerr Furniture is located at 1645 N. Hwy. 190, Suite 600, in Covington. 900-2425, doerrfurniture.com. May-June 2021 69

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B U S I N E S S have about buying the home of their dreams.” With over two decades of experience, Carrie knows the ins and outs of the industry. She started in the banking industry over thirty years ago, working her way up from file clerk, to bank teller, loan servicing consultant, loan processor, branch manager and underwriter, which eventually led her to loan origination. Before joining GMFS Mortgage, she built homes with her late husband for almost twenty years, so it is safe to say she has a special talent with new construction loans. When Carrie is not busy working, she enjoys being active, serving at her church, spending time with her family, decorating and entertaining. She also serves on various committees for the Northshore Home Builders Association, Sales and Marketing Council, Associates Council, The Charitable Trust, Political Action Committee and is a past Board Member. Elizabeth Whitney is another crucial part of the GMFS team. With experience in the hospitality industry, she knows how to help clients find exactly what they need. She, too, is a licensed originator who has worked with GMFS Mortgage for two years. A wife and mother of one, with one on the way, Elizabeth loves to spend time with her family. At GMFS, customer care is important. Carrie and her team are true professionals who are there to help you every step of the way with a variety of loans. Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA and Rural

Carrie Sanders and Elizabeth Whitney GMFS MORTGAGE

GMFS Mortgage is a full-service mortgage

Development loans are just a few of the loan types they offer. One of the things that set GMFS Mortgage apart from many other lenders is the local processing

financing. Carrie says, “I love what I do every day.

here in their office in Terra Bella. There is no need to

lender located right here in Terra Bella on the

The satisfaction of helping people purchase a new

call someone out of state and wait for a response.

Northshore. The company is based out of Baton

home never gets old. Financing is such a big part

Instead, Carrie and her team believe in having face-

Rouge and has been around for over twenty

of it, and fulfilling each client’s needs is what I

to-face conversations in the office so that the loan

years. Carrie Sanders has been a Mortgage Loan

am here to do. I like to see the process all the way

experience is highly efficient. Potential clients are

Officer for many of those years. Her passion for

to the closing. Each client is very special to me—I

always looking for the easiest, most comfortable way

new construction has led her to many builder

love hearing their stories and understanding their

to receive the best quality care, and it is no secret

relationships and helping people with construction

needs, as well as sharing in the excitement they

that GMFS Mortgage provides it.

For more information, contact Carrie Sanders today for a free consultation, at 985-231-1648 NMLS #586409. GMFS Mortgage is located at 119 Terra Bella Blvd. in Covington NMLS #881184. Gmfsmortgage.com/carrie.sanders. GMFS LLC NMLS #64997 is an equal housing lender. 70

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Micháel Burns and Kathleen Hall McCullough GREIGE HOME INTERIORS

From the exterior, Greige Home Interiors may seem like just a retail shop, but it’s so much more. Offering full-service interior design options from preconstruction to the finished home, Greige’s expansive showroom serves as a retail

part of the design of the room, which is sometimes neglected. I feel that a room is finished when the windows are addressed!” When the options seem overwhelming, Micháel and Kathleen are ready to

and inspiration space to help you choose the latest in decor and design.

assist. Kathleen says: “I want people to know that I am a catalyst to help them put

Whether you’re freshening up or starting new, designers Kathleen Hall

together a beautiful home that reflects their individual personalities. Every home

McCullough and Micháel Burns are happy to help clients in their choices. The design team at Greige believes in providing luxury designer furniture and one-of-a-kind items that cannot be found anywhere else, ensuring the highest caliber of quality and style. From handcrafted furniture built by third and fourth generations of perfected craftsmanship, to antiques that are rare finds, Greige offers the perfect

should be unique and reflective of the people who dwell there. “I help my clients make selections for their home that reflect their unique personal style—from furniture and window treatments to light fixtures, art and the final accessories.” Lighting choices are endless with Greige’s latest addition—Luxury Lighting

mix to complement any room. The retail space, also featuring original art from

by Greige. Boasting 20,000 square feet of luxury, it serves as the largest Visual

artists throughout the Greater New Orleans and Gulf Coast regions, enables

Comfort Gallery in Louisiana. Luxury Lighting by Greige believes in providing a

clients to visualize how something may look in their home.

vast range of incomparable lighting choices that can adorn your home or design

With combined design experience of nearly 50 years, Kathleen and Micháel take on projects large and small. Micháel often specializing in whole-house projects

project with opulent style. Excited about the design trends of the year, Kathleen and Micháel are

from start to finish, she says: “Most of my work begins with pre-construction and

more than ready to implement fresh updates into their clients’ homes. “Color is

ends with us choosing from floors to wallpaper and finishing with install.

back,” Micháel says. “Green is very strong this year along with other fresh and

“Our design plans are in no way cookie cutter and are structured around the client’s needs. We meet with them, put a presentation together based

saturated hues.”

on their wants, needs and budget, then scale the rooms using our software program so that everything is a perfect fit. Our plans are completely tailored to each and every client.” Kathleen, who has been a registered Interior Designer for 20 years, is able

The team provides design services to residential and commercial clients on both the north and south shores, as well as the Gulf Coast to Baton Rouge.

to offer expert advice when searching for the perfect accents and furniture. “One

Greige Home Interiors is located at 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste. 10, in Covington.

of my specialties is window treatments,” Kathleen shares. “It’s such an important

985-875-7576. greigehome.com. May-June 2021 71

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B U S I N E S S on the runway. J. Ashley Design Studio was able to supply all of the dresses, jewelry, shoes and more for the big event. Tammy is happy to share that she will be helping with You Night again this year, calling it a life-changing event that has made her job sweeter. Participants feel the very same way. J. Ashley Design Studio is located in the heart of Mandeville, in the center with Martin Wine Cellar. The studio offers apparel, accessories, jewelry and a selection of gifts for the home. As a stylist, Tammy taps into what trends are happening in fashion and home décor to bring fresh looks to her customers. “Getting to know what my customers are looking for this past year and watching the store grow has been a blessing and a privilege,” says Tammy. “Every woman of every age should be able to reward themselves, regardless of their budget,” she says. If you are looking to further define your personal look, consider a private styling session with Tammy, available by appointment. She can relate to her customers very well by drawing on her own life. Through a year filled with change, setbacks and a range of emotions, Tammy chooses to shine through the chaos. She believes regardless of what life throws your way, if you face it with courage, kindness, style and most importantly, faith, dreams really do come true. Tammy has been married to her husband Chuck St. Philip for 29 years, and they have two grown children. Tyler, who is 25, and Jordan, who is 22, have been so supportive, watching

Tammy St. Philip

J. ASHLEY DESIGN STUDIO Tammy St. Philip quickly realized that retirement was not for

her follow her dreams to create this special boutique, a true reflection of who she is. In her free time, Tammy is one of

her! Two years ago, she began to pour her ideas and energy into

two places, her backyard or in

J. Ashley Design Studio, named after her daughter, Jordan Ashley.

Destin with a good book. Her

She is right where she was meant to be. “I love helping women

favorite genre are inspirational

embrace their confidence. Working with women of all ages to feel

or motivational tomes that

good about themselves brings me such joy,” says Tammy.

further her commitment to

A favorite example of this opportunity is the volunteer

embracing your true self.

work she has taken on with You Night, a sisterhood that

Tammy has certainly done that

empowers women battling cancer. Each year, there is a fashion

in her own life with the creation

show where survivors get glammed up and strut their stuff

of J. Ashley Design Studio.

J. Ashley Design Studio is located at 2881 US 190, Suite D-3, in Mandeville,778-0965. jashleydesignstudio.com. 72

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B U S I N E S S personal touch during tough times that brought me such joy.” Mélange by KP’s new location is right across from Fresh Market, just next door to Joe’s Shoes in the heart of Mandeville. It attracts more foot traffic and allows Kelly to focus her energy on helping customers find one-of-a-kind gifts. It’s easy to see why customers are drawn to her store, given the aesthetics. As soon as you walk in and hear the calming music, smell the divine, locally made candles, and see the beautiful sights, it’s hard to walk out of the store. Kelly prides herself on creating a relaxing experience for all of her customers. She even offers religious-inspired uplifting gifts that can suit anyone’s needs. In Kelly’s free time, she enjoys staying active and participating in the yearly St. Jude marathon weekend in Memphis with her family. Whether her husband and two kids walk in the marathon or run with her the whole way, they always make sure to support the cause. Kelly even puts certain items on sale throughout the year, including a candle line, to donate a portion of the proceeds to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. When Kelly is not training, she likes to relax at home with family. Her two children are heavily involved in several different sports, so that takes up much of her time. However, when she

Kelly Simon MÉLANGE BY KP

At mélange by KP, Kelly Simon offers home décor, furniture and unique gifts, as well as local

complete a particular space in your home. Growing up, Kelly’s mother and grandmother

does get some down time, she loves traveling to Colorado, North Carolina and Florida, to name just a few of her favorite places. Kelly is never too busy for her customers. She invites you to stop in mélange by KP and

artwork, cutting boards, candles, notecards, jewelry

inspired her to paint and follow in their footsteps

enjoy the store. “As the business grows, I am so

and much more. Kelly has been in the retail

by letting her creative juices flow. Nowadays, Kelly

grateful for my two helpers, Karen and Mary who

industry for over a decade. Through the years,

prides herself on making customers happy. She

do more than their share to keep the store running

mélange by KP has transitioned from being a

says, “I am always so touched when a customer

smoothly. I have found happiness in helping repeat

furniture store that was heavily known for carrying

says I helped them find just the right gift for that

customers, who feel like family, as well as building

the popular Annie Sloan chalk paint to now a more

person who has everything. COVID was really hard

relationships with new customers. I am thankful to

diverse store that focuses on special gifts for any

on my business, but creating an online ordering

serve such a great community and offer new and

event and stylish furniture pieces that will help you

system and hand-delivering gifts really added a

exciting items each year.”

mélange by KP is located in Northlake Shopping Center at 1814 N Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. 807-7652, mymelangebykp.com. May-June 2021 73

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B U S I N E S S on a Nuna model. It was at the top of every list but unfortunately, not available in their store. KiKi and Lolli jumped through the extensive hoops required to become a Nuna retailer. “An experienced mom might understand the safety difference, but the firsttime mom might not. I know we can help her make that ‘best choice,’ because I’ve done the research myself,” says Kristen. She adds that one surprise of parenting in 2021 is the involvement of dads in studying which product options are best—and they love the Nuna line. In addition to high-quality equipment, KiKi and Lolli sells a complete array of clothing and accessories for children from newborn to tween-size 20! Originally, the store carried clothing up to size six, but as client relationships grew with moms and grandparents, so did the kids! Connie says, “It has been fun to really get to know them as they grow up.” Finding the perfect new-baby gift can be a challenge, and Connie and Kristen are a great help. Though they recommend always considering the mom’s style first, a great go-to is the well-loved Pixie Lily line of snugly super soft, pima cotton classic layette options, accented with sweet knit trim. Some in-demand lines are northshore born

Kristen Callahan and Connie Boudreaux KIKI AND LOLLI

and bred, including the most popular clothing line they sell, Lullaby Set, from Covington’s Kelly Stewart. They like that it is completely designed

When mother-daughter team Connie

together. Though Connie had previously considered

and distributed right here, as are Little Louanne

Boudreaux and Kristen Callahan decided to open

opening a shop, nothing compared to doing it with

by Kaleigh Pederson and Remember Nguyen from

KiKi and Lolli children’s boutique, sister Peyton

Kristen. As they perused the baby and children’s

Kim Ho, whom they have known since St. Peter’s

expressed a few doubts. “Am I going to have to pick

retail world and how they might bring something

elementary school days. These northshore women-

sides if you two disagree?” she asked. She needn’t

unique to the northshore, KiKi and Lolli was born.

in-business love doing business with others just

have worried because working side by side with an

They haven’t looked back.

like themselves whenever possible.

intensely shared love for what they do has made the dynamic duo even closer than they were before.

In addition to the shop, the three years since

For quality children’s clothing from newborn

the wedding planning have also made them mother

to toddler or big kids to tweens, stop in and

and grandmother to 18-month-old Rhett, a great

introduce yourself to Kristen and Connie. They look

Kristen’s wedding. In Atlanta doing mother-

touch point for product evaluation. An example of

forward to sharing the wonderful items they have

daughter stuff, they decided to check the market

this is that after extensive research on safety ratings

for northshore children, parents and grandparents

out for business ideas they might enjoy doing

and reviews for the “perfect” stroller, Kristen settled

to enjoy. Unique and special are their forte!

It all started when they were planning

KiKi and Lolli is located at 70515 Hwy. 21, Ste. D, in Covington, 900-2410. 74

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B U S I N E S S her clients to throw in an exciting design element like a vibrant color pallet or unexpected wallpaper. From picking out paint colors to completing full renovations, Heather showcases her abilities through all forms of design. Her opportunities at Niche have brought her exciting projects where she has expanded her talents across the country, from a high-rise condo in Washington, D.C., to beach houses in Rosemary Beach. Whether the project is a small powder room or new construction, Heather’s goal is to make the space feel like a timeless, fashionforward, curated space that is home. “We don’t have a cookie-cutter design, but try to plan each home by bringing out people’s personalities, catering towards the individual and working with any price point,” says Heather. “We also make sure the selected pieces are red wine-, kid- and dog-friendly.” Heather, along with the other Niche designers, are always finding new and interesting ways to stay within their client’s budget. Often, Heather and the Niche team will repurpose furniture pieces the client already owns, either to use in a different room or in a new way. Niche’s team of designers works hard to provide a stylistic, yet approachable, design service. In addition to Niche’s personalized design

Heather Rapalo NICHE MODERN HOME

Heather Rapalo always had an attraction to

services, Niche also offers a blend of furniture in-store. Guests can find that perfect, classic chair with modern character or a table that’s transitional

local community. While working with Connie Seitz,

and smart. The store also holds unique artwork,

design and detail. She brought her talents to Niche

Heather learned the balance of mixing old and new

lamps, accessories, custom etched charcuterie boards

Modern Home, where she has been for the past five

to create a timeless space. Now, she uses that same

and gifts, among other unique items.

years and is currently the lead designer.

design principle in every project she approaches to

After receiving her bachelor’s in interior design from LSU in 2015, northshore native Heather

create a rich, collected look. Heather entered her career young, but was

Whether in the store or in a client’s home, there is always something new for Heather to learn about the design world. “I love the design

returned to Mandeville to pursue her design career,

confident in her abilities, jumped right into her job,

work that we do. I enjoy being able to develop

knowing the opportunity for growth was there.

faced challenges and proved she had a knack for

close relationships with my clients and work

She developed her design eye and expanded her

design. She says, “I might be one of the youngest

closely through the design process with them. The

knowledge during internships with Connie Seitz

designers in the area, but I can bring a fresh eye.”

relationships I build with them are exciting and

Interiors and Sheryl Gruenig, designers in the

Her love for color and texture allows her to challenge

rewarding.”

See some of Heather’s finished projects and her personal favorites on Instagram at heather_rebekah_interiors. May-June 2021 75

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B U S I N E S S and incredibly approachable—just like her. Before Jeanne joined the team, the Foundation did important work and achieved great things, but sadly, no one knew about it. Her ability to take seemingly complicated details and make them understandable, interesting and joyful is a real gift, and that enriches the effect of the work in immeasurable ways. Leslie Landry, the most recent addition to the NCF team, brought a fresh perspective, unwavering professionalism and home-grown Northshore street cred to the Foundation four years ago. Her growing up in Covington, mothering a young family and having management and fundraising credentials a mile long add depth and capacity to the Foundation that serve it well, now and into the future. Her knowledge of the goodness of how things “used to be” makes her that much more determined to ensure it remains wonderful for generations to come. The legacy-building aspect of the Foundation’s work fits perfectly with her personal desire to contribute to the community that has been her family’s home forever. Susan Bonnett Bourgeois leads the team and has spent her 15 years with the Foundation Leslie Landry,

Susan Bonnett Bourgeois, Carla Mouton and Jeanne Martin.

Northshore Community Foundation Members of the Northshore Community

“speaking things into being,” as a board member noted. In a region still reeling with the impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2006, she started with “a good idea” and enlisted a dream-team board that partnered with her and founded the NCF. With a

and professionally as she does the fundholders and

resolute drive and unapologetic boldness, she will

Foundation team spend their days making life

members who drive the work of the Foundation.

cast a vision and share it with anyone who will listen.

on the Northshore better for all of us. While the

Carla’s desire to take care of people and make a

Her ease of communicating convinces others to

Foundation’s mission to enhance our quality of life

difference led her to this calling, and we are all better

want to make a difference as well. That unavoidable

remains consistent, how the all-women staff makes

because of her tireless effort.

momentum propels the Foundation to this day.

that happen is as varied as they are. Carla Mouton, the true core of the team, has

Jeanne Martin is the creative genius behind

Together, this team is unstoppable, and that is

every picture, social media post and story about

very good for the Northshore. Their talent and hard

been a part of the Foundation since it opened its

philanthropy through the Foundation. Her passion

work have enabled the Foundation to move over $60

doors in 2007. Her warm smile and gracious attitude

to help others, coupled with her irreplaceable wit,

million dollars for the greater good, and there is no

are her greatest assets, and she serves the strangers

makes the brand and perception of the Foundation

end in sight. As the business of philanthropy goes,

who walk into Northshare off the street as kindly

exactly what it should be: authentic, impactful

there is no better group of people to get it done.

The Northshore Community Foundation is located in Northshare at 807 N. Columbia St. in Covington. 893-8757, NorthshoreFoundation.org. 76

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B U S I N E S S a pleased and loyal customer base. This reputation for offering the freshest fish coupled with customary New Orleans and Cajun delicacies has paved the way for the newest addition of Pat’s to open and thrive on Highway 21. Ralph, growing up in the business, introduced his wife, Lisa (Melancon) Patrick, a native of Covington, to the seafood industry early on in their marriage. At first she learned from afar, as Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in French with a Master’s degree in Administration, as well as her teaching certifications, and was busy building a career as a teacher. With the birth of the couple’s first child, Lisa switched her focus to raise a growing family. Lisa and Ralph have four children, and Pat’s Seafood is definitely a family affair. Currently, their oldest son, Connor, works with and manages the business daily and encouraged his mother to grow Pat’s in a way that was out-of-the-box. Always able to rise to the occasion, Lisa thought about where she would like to bring the business, both in locale and to give it a fresh energy. Enter the new location on Highway 21 … Lisa used all of the knowledge gained throughout the years from front-of-the-house service to kitchen and cooking know-how to ordering fish and even boiling seafood! She wanted the new store to be a reflection of her open and inviting personality – and it sure delivers. Lisa went into this venture with a specific aesthetic in mind – the custom penny tile flooring and glass fish cases did the trick. This new shop looks like a market straight out of New Orleans. The fragrant aroma of homemade gumbo and bisque fill the space and more often than not, customers are friends and neighbors enjoying each other’s company while being waited on by the friendly staff. Also, Lisa intended for this arm of Pat’s Seafood to delve deeper into the catering aspect of the business. The galley style kitchen turns out

Lisa Patrick PAT’S SEAFOOD

The Covington area is fortunate to be home to certain local businesses

delicious menus tailored to customers’ needs and events. The new shop has a daily poboy menu of fried seafood and other grilled options, as well as all of the deli items valued Pat’s customers know and bring home to their family tables. Lisa in her own words, “I appreciate the opportunity to serve the

that make this historic town unique and all our own. Pat’s Seafood is counted

community in two locations in the same town. I love waiting on customers and

among those institutions lending its quality, expertise and charm. Pat’s, a true

building relationships. I’ve watched kids grow up through the years returning

neighborhood seafood market, is rooted in community and continues to offer

as adults, shopping for themselves and their families.” She continues, “This

personalized service and traditional dishes that are pure nostalgia.

[seafood] is a happy industry and I feel humbled to have learned this trade and

Began on the Southshore in the 1960s by the Patrick family, Pat’s is an

excited to present all that Pat’s Seafood has to offer to a community that I feel

authentic legacy business with the second and third generations of Patrick family

so connected to.” In meeting or knowing this hometown girl, Lisa Patrick, be

members at the helm. Ralph Patrick took his cues from his father and opened his

assured you have a friend for life, welcoming all with a warm smile and sense

own Pat’s Seafood store on Collins Boulevard 32 years ago and has maintained

of place – right here in Covington.

Visit Pat’s Seafood at its newest location at 70456 Highway 21, in Covington, Monday through Saturday, 985-400-5800. May-June 2021 77

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B U S I N E S S reveals, Easter, Halloween, Christmas—any occasion you can think of. She says, “We can create the perfect dessert to match the theme.” Toni enjoys partnering with area schools, nonprofits and other local businesses and organizations. “It’s fun to introduce something totally new and different to the community, and we always gain repeat customers once they taste them.” In addition to the amazing little donuts, Toni also serves a fantastic variety of coffees and other beverages. “We source our coffee locally from Abita Roasting Company, and we also offer nitro coffee from St. August Brewing Company.” Her orange juice is freshly squeezed daily, and she serves Peace Tea by the can as well as a delicious and refreshing probiotic ginger tea on tap with several flavors available to add. The fun, funky atmosphere is perfect for birthday parties or just working on your laptop with a great cup of tea or coffee. “We love it when our customers come in and connect to our Wi-Fi and just hang out. And we’re also dog-friendly,” says Toni with a smile. “In fact, our doggie treats are

Toni and Aliza Williams PEACE, LOVE & LITTLE DONUTS

Toni Williams and her daughter Aliza love to

the different toppings that make them each uniquely

one of our most popular items.” The treats consist of a donut topped with a doggie bone and then lovingly decorated by Aliza, an avid dog-lover. This mother-daughter duo, along with their

welcome new faces to taste their unique donuts; they

delicious. Maple Bacon, Apple Pie, King Cake, Cinnamon

friendly staff, look forward to meeting all of their new

know that new customers quickly become regulars

Sugar and Salted Caramel Macchiato are our best

patrons—and their dogs. As Toni says, “All it takes is

once they’re introduced to Peace, Love & Little Donuts.

sellers.” Other flavors include Strawberry French Toast,

one little donut, and they’re customers for life.”

When the Williams family moved to Louisiana from

Birthday Cake, Samoa, PB&J and Raspberry Truffle, just

West Virginia three years ago, Toni wanted to bring

to name a few. And with a two-dozen minimum order

something completely new to the area, and her donuts,

and 30-minutes notice, Toni can make them gluten-free

which taste like little cakes, are unlike any others on the

or vegan. She can also change the batter and create red

northshore. But don’t let their diminutive size fool you—

velvet donuts for Valentine’s Day or pumpkin donuts in

they are packed with delicious flavors and very filling.

the fall, for example. “We welcome special orders and

Up at dawn, Toni walks through the door of her shop early every morning to prepare the donuts; with over 60 varieties to choose from, there’s a flavor to please any palate. She says, “Every donut starts the same. It’s

can offer them boxed individually, by the dozen or three dozen—there’s no order too big or too small.” Aliza has created adorable donuts for birthday parties, “prom-posals,” baby showers, gender

Peace, Love & Little Donuts is located at 70493 Hwy. 21, Covington. (985)400-9780. 78

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B U S I N E S S truly don’t know how I would have made it through this pandemic without Holly’s leadership.” Staffing became a big challenge throughout the pandemic, with out-of-state hospitals and agencies offering top dollar to recruit SMH caregivers. “Funding has been a challenge in healthcare for as long as I’ve been in the industry,” says Holly. “It continues to be more difficult to keep expenses down while also providing quality care, which was all elevated during the Covid19 pandemic. Thankfully, we have an extremely dedicated team at SMH, and through that dedication and teamwork, we were able to keep a core team together and survive.” While her career has been filled with many large projects, Holly is about to tackle the largest and most exciting project to date: a three-story operating room suite addition. SMH is currently campaigning for bonds to fund the $36 million O.R. suite expansion that will replace the existing suites, which were built in the 1970s. The new state-of-the-art suites will handle high-end surgical technologies that the current facilities are too small to accommodate. “We are also developing some new technology for in-patient tele-medicine, which became really popular during Covid-19,” says Holly. “Doctors will be able to talk to a patient through a monitoring system outside of the room to help reduce contact.”

Holly Sanchez

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, SLIDELL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Over the last ten years, Holly Sanchez has

Behind the technology upgrades is Holly’s commitment to her community and her passion for creating a better healthcare system that will

business systems, in addition to implementing

benefit everyone. “It’s all about listening. Active

been at the forefront of modernizing Slidell

new electronic medical record systems. The new

listening is something that I practice every day so

Memorial Hospital’s technology systems.

systems assist the SMH team in providing quality

I can understand everyone’s challenges and help

care for patients and allow for easier healthcare

them come up with a solution. It is the single most

Information Officer to Chief Operating Officer in

access to the community. “Holly’s ability to

important thing for anyone in a leadership position.”

August 2020 and now oversees daily business

understand the workflow processes involved with

operations as well as the information technology

caring for patients—not just IT functions—is what

healthcare industry includes time spent as assistant

department. She was first brought into the SMH

sets her apart,” says CEO Sandy Badinger. “She has

director of IT at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans,

team as an independent consultant in 2007 to

done outstanding things in her short time as our

assistant director of management information

help sort out IT issues. After accepting a leadership

Chief Operating Officer, has had a huge impact

systems at Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital

position in 2011, she spearheaded a complete

on all of Slidell Memorial’s facilities and has been

in New Orleans and IT/engagement director at

transformation of the hospital’s clinical and

instrumental throughout our Covid-19 response. I

Siemens Medical Solutions in Pennsylvania.

Holly made the transition from Chief

Holly’s 35 years of experience in the

Slidell Memorial Hospital, 1001 Gause Boulevard, Slidell, LA 70458, (985) 280-2200, SlidellMemorial.org. May-June 2021 79

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B U S I N E S S

to shop and to look through fabrics, wallpaper or rug samples and furniture and lighting catalogs to create custom orders for items that are not on the showroom floor. “Our community is full of wonderful stores. We are pleased to be one of them and try to make ours a helpful and enjoyable experience,” says Lesle. “I love what I do, and I take pride in the aesthetic and feel of my store and the style that I offer to my clients and customers.” Priding herself on her design experience, Lesle cherishes helping her clients find just the right pieces in order to make their home beautiful. They also offer perfect gifts for any occasion—full candle lines, dishes, lamps, decor, gifts for brides and a baby line for those spring and summer showers, and plenty of gifts for the most important women in our lives, our mothers. Lesle says that she has always been passionate about interior design; it is a skill that runs in her family. Many women have pioneered the way for her. “My mother was a designer, as well as my aunt.” That legacy eventually channeled into her personal passion, leading her to open her

Lesle Veca

V HOME AND INTERIORS The moment you step foot in V Home and Interiors, you get a feeling of calm surrounded by the store’s light and airy aesthetic—a feeling that

own store with David. Lesle considers herself to be very privileged and lucky to work alongside her husband every single day; it is one of her greatest

furnish their entire home from furniture, decor and

blessings. “It makes it even better that we have

lighting to drapes, rugs and wallpaper.

the same taste!” She says that, when working

In the store, they offer a vast inventory, from

alongside your husband, the most important aspect

Lesle Veca strives to help all of her clients bring

in-stock options to custom designs. “We know

is “finding the happy medium.” They complement

into their home. When Lesle and her husband,

having product in stock can be a limited commodity

one another well, and they both enjoy working with

David, decided to open V Home and Interiors on

these days, but so is time, so we try to keep a large

the customers that come in to their store each day.

Hwy. 190 in Mandeville, her vision was to bring her

amount of inventory in stock to make shopping

design expertise and aesthetic together in a one-

for the home easy for our customers.” They also

feel like work. It’s a joy to me because my job is

stop shop where people could come to design and

welcome other local designers and their clients

what I love: creating inviting spaces.”

Lesle says, “For me, I love what I do. It doesn’t

V Home and Interiors is located at 2981 Hwy. 190, Suite 100, in Mandeville, 231-7411. vhomeandinteriors.com. 80

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Robin Penzato Arnold Jennifer Cassisa and Hailie Scharfenstein

A-LIST ROOFING “Exceeding client expectations and taking care of our customers by paying

BLUE WILLIAMS

If it were inherently easy, it wouldn’t be meaningful. The key is deep investment in what matters most to maintain a balance. Robin Penzato Arnold is a businesswoman, mom, and lawyer in our community. Maintaining a thriving family law practice is only one side of the coin. She’s also a mother to Eleanor,

close attention to details are what set us apart from other roofing companies,”

Cecilia, Luke, Henry, Vivian, and Claire, making her hands full both in her work life

say Jennifer Cassisa and Hailie Scharfenstein of A-List Roofing. Not only do these

and her personal life.

women specialize in roofing, but they also do insurance restoration work and help

“It is done with a lot of help, professional courtesy, and in partnership

mitigate the cost of full-roof replacements. After working together for a local roofing

with my husband. When you work hard, and you also are respectful to those

company and seeing the need for better customer service in the roofing industry,

you work with or even… against… it makes your practice and the ability to

Jennifer and Hailie knew they could be the team to bring that to the table.

juggle things a lot easier.”

Once starting A-List Roofing, the pair began building relationships with the

Robin is truly passionate about what she does because she definitely

community by making sure clients’ needs are taken care of even when it may

considers herself “a family person.” Her family law practice centers on complex

be a tougher case. They say, “It is easy for other roofing companies to go after

issues of community property partitions, spousal and child support, and custody.

vulnerable clients just hit by a storm—that’s just not us. We have always been

Being assertive yet empathetic has proven valuable for her maintaining her

dedicated to working with real people in our community who need assistance,

practice as well as the responsibilities of motherhood.

even when it may not be the easiest case.” Being licensed in Louisiana is also an important factor when finding a reputable roofing company. Not only does A-List Roofing serve the northshore area, but they also travel all over the state. With a combined work experience

“When you’re working for people rather than corporations and institutions, you get to see your clients’ lives change right before your eyes. It can be truly inspiring.” Arnold has been in the law field since 2008. She spent her first two years

of 8 years, it’s easy to see why clients continue to choose this company. Clients

clerking for a New Orleans Civil District Judge and has been in private practice

recommend A-list Roofing because they make the roofing process EASY.

ever since. “Working within the court system provided a great foundation of actual

Work may take up a lot of Jennifer and Hailie’s time, but they still make

application of the law, not just the theoretical. It also solidified my relationships with

time for CrossFit, dancing, antiquing and being local foodies at many of the

other family law attorneys, which helps me meet my clients’ needs. The family law

northshore’s hotspots. They have also started a female networking group called

niche is small; those professional relationships really matter.”

“Woman Up.” If you are a female entrepreneur and would like to meet with other business women, check out their page for upcoming events.

Robin considers her biggest inspiration to be her mother. “My mother was an attorney before she became a judge. That was a time when women–especially in the law–weren’t able to have strong careers while also devoting themselves to their family. Women can now do both.”

For more information, alistroofing.com, @alist_roofing on Instagram,

The attorney responsible for this advertisement is Steve Pizzo, who can be

alistrenovations.com, 614-0527.

reached at 3421 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002 (504) 831-4091. May-June 2021 81

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Cristin Corso Barr, Lauren K. Navarre, Audrey Gitz Sharon Bilbe

THE CHIFFAROBE CLOTHING FOR WOMEN AND MEN Sharon Bilbe recently opened The Chiffarobe in Franklinton to be part of the re-emerging downtown community. Having worked with some beloved

FLEUR DE LIS LAW AND TITLE COMPANY

Fleur De Lis Law and Title Company in downtown Covington has been a part of the St. Tammany business community for a decade; the firm operates several offices in Louisiana, including a second St. Tammany Parish location in Slidell. Owned and operated under the management of attorney and CEO Jeff A.

northshore retailers, she was inspired to venture out on her own. The Chiffarobe

LeSaicherre, the firm first specialized primarily in real estate closings and title

brings a combination of menswear and women’s fashion together, focused on

work. Believing there was a need in the community for a more diverse array of

quality options and completing the full look, from head to toe. Offerings include

civil law services, the firm sought out team members who would bring these

on-trend fashion and accessories—even including skin care—and reasonably priced

additional skills to the table. Attorneys Cristin Corso Barr, Audrey Gitz and Lauren

custom-fit suits for men.

Navarre are part of the civil law team assembled to offer expanded legal expertise

Whether you are pulling together a special occasion outfit or adding spring

to their clients.

color to your closet, you’ll find it at The Chiffarobe. “It is fun to help customers

Cristin Corso Barr graduated from Loyola New Orleans College of Law after

find confidence in looking great, wearing clothes that fit well and are styled to

earning her MBA from LSU; Audrey Gitz received her bachelor’s and law degrees

their best advantage,” says Sharon. The women’s fashion lines include Locke &

from LSU. Lauren Navarre manages the Slidell office of Fleur De Lis Title and is

Key, Tribal, Chiao Milano, Charlie B and Isle, and Lazy Jack Press, Onward Reserve

experienced in several areas related to business law as well as estate planning

and Flag & Anthem, are the backbones of the men’s department. “I love seeing

and successions.

customers walk out of our doors feeling like a million bucks!” Building relationships with customers is what Sharon enjoys most about

Focusing on wills, estate plans, trusts and successions as well as franchise packages, business formations and legalities, Barr, Gitz and Navarre add that

owning The Chiffarobe. Getting to know what they like and might be looking for

needed dimension to the firm’s title services. “We wanted to provide legal

helps her make good recommendations from the many options in the racks. “We

experience in these areas to enhance and complement our title work and real

have something for every budget and every lifestyle.”

estate closings,” says attorney Jared Miguez, “so we assembled a team that

Though fashion is what brings customers in the door, the unique offerings

specializes in successions, wills, trusts and estate planning so we can be a more

and friendly service are what brings them back, time and again. There is also a

complete resource to our community.” He adds, “We can ask our clients at the

collection of special gift items, whether you’re looking for a girlfriend’s birthday

closing table if they need any of these services, offering the added benefit of

gift or a finishing touch for your own home.

convenience, and the realtors we partner with can also use us as a resource for

Ask about our delivery options for the northshore!

their clients who may need assistance with a variety of legal issues.”

Fleur De Lis Law and Title Company is located at 207 E. Gibson St. The Chiffarobe is located at 1009 Cleveland St. in Franklinton, 710-2677. 82

Inside Northside

in Covington, 985-273-3666. fdltitle.com.

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Heather Mahoney and Holli Gaspard H2O SALON AND SPA

Holli and I have had the privilege of doing what we love for the past 33 years, making people look and feel beautiful inside and out. The beauty business has been a part of our DNA since we were young girls; our mother loved being a hairdresser and modeled it every day. It was a natural progression for us to attend cosmetology college and start our brand, H20 Salon and Spa. Passion and hard work kept us moving forward to create new and different experiences for our clients and communities. Looking to what was next, we wanted to expand and grow our brand, team,

Beverly Hobbs Shea HIGH ROAD PROPERTIES, INC.

Beverly Hobbs Shea is a bit of a maverick. That might sound somewhat pointed, but considering that she is known for being fiercely independent, candid, and effective, it’s more true than not. Her real estate story began in 1975 when she was first licensed as an agent and again in 1978 when she became the youngest broker

clients-and ultimately, build our new Northshore location. Our salon added a

in the State. For an individual slated to be a writer, journalist or

Spa, Café, and Emma’s Shoes and Accessories. Guests can truly spend the day

attorney, her journey to where she is now is a longer story than we

receiving customized facials and beauty treatments, getting their hair and make-

can share here. Suffice it to say that after the years of earning multiple

up done, eating lunch, and finding the perfect outfit.

designations, running brokerage offices and excelling at special

Our Hair salon became a Care salon.

projects, she is finally enjoying the fruits of her labor. Her focus

Always learning and gaining new wisdom to our craft by staying true to

has continued in general sales of residential and light commercial

our message… “building people one style at a time.” Ageless beauty is about

properties and real estate consulting via her independent company

timeless relationships.

High Road Properties, Inc. which she founded in 1980. She’s high

Being a part of Intercoiffure Atelier has connected us with Beauty Icons

energy, quick, deliberate and knowledgeable as all who know her

that have influenced us to continue to grow and pass on our education to our

can attest. But Bev is the first one to say that the years’ lessons

incredible team.

have taught her how to be a better listener, better person, and

As we faced COVID and everything stopped, we saw this as a set-up, not a

better Realtor. After being in the business all these years, having

set-back realizing we are better together bringing ageless beauty and wellness to

achieved NOMAR’s Realtor Emeritus status and a career volume

the North and Southshore.

in excess of $337,000,000, as well as a multitude of awards, Bev

We are grateful to our wonderful clients who have supported our vision

recently confided to IN that she’s thrown away all evidence of past

and growth over the last 33 years, and cheers to the third generation as Molli

achievements and success, and has instead focused on bringing

Mahoney graduates from the Aveda Institute this coming fall. It is with that we

transparency, integrity, and significance to every interaction.

continue the tradition of living well and appreciating one another. Our industry is continuously evolving, and we are excited to be launching our new consulting company fall of 2021!

H2O Salon is located at 643 Lotus Dr., Mandeville,

Beverly Hobbs Shea can be reached at (504) 669-8826

(985) 951-8166, h2osalonnorthshore.com.

bev@BeverlyHobbsShea.com. May-June 2021 83

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Cristen Quick

Lori LaFrance

LET’S MAKE PLANS

Growing up in a big family gave Cristen Quick many opportunities to help

NEST CURATED HOME

Nest Curated Home in Mandeville is the realization of a dream for

with events. The required creativity and detailed planning come natural to this

Owner Lori LaFrance who has always had a passion for home décor. After

northshore native. While Let’s Make Plans is fairly new, it is truly unique. Cristen

thirty years of working in corporate America Lori decided it was time to make

specializes in all types of events, whether it’s for a business, birthday, holiday,

her dream a reality.

shower, engagement, wedding—or a bachelorette trip. No event is too big or too

Lori began her journey in a local vendor market where she was able to

small for Cristen and her team to handle. She says, “Planning events down to

quickly expand, “I was able to grow my business because of the support from

every last detail is a huge stress reliever for me. It’s the little details that make the

people around me.” Lori says, “My mentor believed strongly in empowerment

big difference.”

and encouraging others, so today I pay this forward by featuring many women-

Cristen gets great pleasure from making her client’s wishes come true. She

owned businesses in my shop. Everyone has a dream and it’s important that we

does all of the designing, planning, coordinating and behind-the-scenes tasks

encourage and support those dreams.” The result is warm and inviting, with rich

that make any good event a huge success. Being detail oriented is a big deal to

natural tones and textures. The shop offers furniture, décor, art, lighting, gifts

this entrepreneur.

and more. The common thread is the touchable, inviting feeling they instill.

She says, “I want to help my clients create an experience. It’s not just

Nest Curated Home is a description of her style that resonated with Lori

an event or party to me. I want to give them the complete experience.” Client

as she prepared to share her vision with customers. “I love nature, all things

satisfaction is her ultimate goal. Cristen works with her clients every step of the

natural, and your “nest” is your home. I love vintage and antique, so finding

way to the end to make sure they are completely happy with their event’s results.

what I like to call “treasures” to complement the new pieces in the shop rounds

A recent bride says, “I’m someone who has a hard time making choices.

out my vision of a collected look.” By mixing old and new Lori has been able

Cristen made the decision-making process so easy and enjoyable! She provided

to create a curated look that her customers respond to. Lori says, “Your home

options, and all I had to do was pick the one I liked best! She really listened to

should tell your story – it should be a collection of things that you love and

what I wanted and made those ideas come to life!”

make you feel good.”

If planning stresses you out, Cristen is your planner!

Contact Cristen today at cristen@letsmakeplans.co for pricing

Nest Curated Home is located at 3441 E. Causeway Approach,

on packages or a free consultation for your next big event! 985.264.6675

Mandeville, 951-2142 nest-curated-home-llc.shoplightspeed.com.

Inside Northside

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Angela Buonagura, MD Paige Henderson

BELLUS, A PHOTOGRAPHY BOUTIQUE

From dressing and posing her Barbie dolls as a young girl to scouring

BREAST SURGEON

ST. TAMMANY HEALTH SYSTEM

When speaking to Dr. Angela Buonagura, it’s easy to see why her patients love her. She makes you feel totally at ease, like you can ask her anything—and

fashion magazines as a teenager, Paige Henderson has long been enamored with

isn’t that what we want from any doctor? Dr. Buonagura has been in practice

the beauty industry.

for 20 years, 10 in St. Tammany. As one of the area’s only dedicated breast

She rediscovered her love of photography while photographing her four

surgeons, she focuses her practice exclusively on breast cancer surgery as part

children but became frustrated when she was not able to recreate what she

of the high-risk breast disease clinic at St. Tammany Health System Women’s

had envisioned. She then decided to study photography more seriously. “I am

Pavilion in Covington.

obsessed with learning and always strive to be the best at whatever I undertake,

Dr. Buonagura always knew she wanted to be a doctor. From the age of

and photography has been no different. I study with the best photographers so

four, she had big dreams of helping others. It is safe to say that she has done a

that I can fulfill my dream of fashion photography for everyday people.” Recently,

great job fulfilling all of her hopes and dreams. Along with breast-fellowship-

Paige received three bronze medals for work she submitted to the Portrait

trained radiologists and the region’s most respected reconstructive surgeons

Masters Accreditation program.

specialized in breast care, Dr. Buonagura rounds out the team for the Women’s

Paige’s lifelong dream came true with the January opening of Bellus, A

Pavilion. Women can come here for mammograms, biopsies, imaging

Photography Boutique, in Mandeville. The Bellus mission is simple—to spotlight

and more—everything in one place. It is one of only a handful of centers of

the inner beauty of everyone who enters. “When I capture the client’s beauty

excellence in Louisiana, with national accreditation from American College of

with my camera, it thrills me to see the transformation in them as they see it too.”

Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and the American

The Bellus Portrait Experience was born with this belief and is about celebrating

College of Radiology.

you! Starting with a consultation at the studio, the portrait comes to life with wardrobe, set design and hair and makeup. Bellus is a full-service portrait studio whose goal is to create a portfolio

Breast cancer can be incredibly emotional and difficult for patients. Dr. Buonagura knows this and is there every step of the way, helping to discern and implement the best plan of action. She says, “It’s all about the personal

of images that you will treasure for a lifetime. Portrait sessions are customized

touch we have for each patient. We never want our patients to feel like they are

and designed for each client’s needs, from head shots and personal branding

just a number or statistic.”

to boudoir, senior portraits and contemporary glamour style. Paige also creates

Away from work, Dr. Buonagura enjoys spending time with her husband,

magazine-style photo shoots for men! “We believe in transformation, in seeing

who is also in the medical field, and her daughter, the light of their life. They

yourself as valuable and worthy, in showing you your most gorgeous self.”

enjoy typical Louisiana activities like biking, boating, horseback riding, playing tennis and celebrating Louisiana’s unique culture.

Bellus, A Photography Boutique, is located at 5150 Hwy. 22

The STHS Women’s Pavilion is located behind Movie Tavern at 301 N. Hwy. 190,

in Mandeville, 503-8229. bellus.photography.

Suite C-2, Covington. 985-773-1500, StTammany.Health/BreastCare. May-June 2021 85

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McCall McDaniel, MD PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDIST

ST. TAMMANY HEALTH SYSTEM

From fractures and sports injuries to conditions like scoliosis or neuromuscular disorders, Dr. McCall McDaniel is the northshore’s pediatric orthopedist. Parents and kids alike trust this board-certified surgeon, and they love her kid-side manner. “I believe strongly in speaking directly to my patient,”

Kelly LaRocca

ST. TAMMANY PARISH LIBRARY St. Tammany Parish Library Director Kelly LaRocca wants to get the word out: “The library is open and ready to serve St. Tammany Parish.” Though the pandemic did cause the library to close temporarily, the staff

says McDaniel. “Even if mom and dad are answering my questions, the child is

continued to serve the public throughout the quarantine while also enhancing the

the patient and needs to know that I see them as the focus. Visiting the doctor can

virtual and online resources for those residents uncomfortable leaving their homes.

be a frightening experience for a child. My goal is to provide a comfortable and

“I recommend everyone explore the website at sttammanylibrary.org to discover

welcoming environment.’’

everything we have to offer the community,” says LaRocca. The library has countless

Dr. McDaniel has been with the Bone and Joint Clinic of St. Tammany

resources for children, teens, college students and adults, either in person or virtually.

Health System for five years. She has been instrumental in the system’s expanded

“We’ve issued about 3,000 virtual library cards to residents of St. Tammany Parish;

pediatric specialty capabilities, including the northshore’s only pediatric

these cards permit access to thousands of downloadable ebooks, audio books, music,

emergency department and pediatric intensive care unit, in partnership with

movies and various virtual programs and tutorials,” she explains. For example, using

Ochsner Hospital for Children. All of these added pediatric specialty services

one of three apps, library members can download a book or a movie for 28 days, at

enabled Dr. McDaniel to begin providing pediatric spine surgery close to home

which time the rental expires, preventing the reader from incurring any library fines.

for northshore families in 2019.

(Fines are suspended for the time being because of the pandemic.)

Influenced by her OBGYN grandfather, Dr. McDaniel was inspired to pursue a

The library has also stepped up the resources for students who are learning

career in medicine. After graduating from Louisiana State University School of Medicine

virtually, including a large selection of research materials available in person

in New Orleans and completing a residency at Tulane Department of Orthopaedics, she

or online. From small children to teens, there’s an amazing array of activities

completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopaedics at University of Utah.

and resources, such as take-and-make crafts, Storywalk (RTM) for Families at the

As soon as she could, Dr. McDaniel returned to her northshore roots. She

Northlake Nature Center, Graphic Novel Book Club for ages 8-11 and virtual

enjoys spending time with her family, and being a mom to three wonderful

story time over Zoom. There’s an entire section devoted just to teens, offering

children gives her special insight as to what kind of care parents deserve when

everything from age-appropriate crafts to free ACT practice tests.

choosing a doctor for their kids. “Caring for patients who have been with me

Whether you want a quiet place to study with exceptional Wi-Fi that can

since just after birth and watching them grow is the best part of my job. Getting

also be accessed from the parking lot, books presented to you curbside, or a

children back to running, jumping and playing while being a major stepping

myriad of downloadable entertainment or study materials, St. Tammany Parish

stone in their personal process is truly rewarding.”

Library is open to serve you.

St. Tammany Health System Bone and Joint Clinic is located at 71211 Hwy. 21 in Covington. 985-893-9922, StTammany.Health/BoneJoint. 86

Inside Northside

For more information, go to sttammanylibrary.org.

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CJ Ladner

STATE FARM INSURANCE State Farm Agent CJ Ladner has been a fixture in St. Tammany Parish for almost 30 years. And when she’s not assisting her clients with their insurance needs, you might find her and

Michele Carlton

VINTAGE MARKET DAYS®

Michele Carlton fell in love with Vintage Market Days®, an upscale

her team members in hard hats building a house for Habitat for

vintage event where strangers from all across the country come together for one

Humanity or walking miles to raise awareness for heart disease

unforgettable weekend, and brought it to Southeast Louisiana.

at the AHA Heart Walk, because Ladner and her crew are as

Michele was introduced to Vintage Market Days® in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2014,

passionate about their community as they are about providing

where she sold her homemade candles, and she realized this event was more than

their customers with the best products and services available.

an average craft fair, flea market or barn sale. She was instantly captivated by the

“Though we’re probably most commonly known for our auto, home and property insurance, some don’t know that State Farm is

environment and said to herself, “I’ve got to bring this event to Louisiana.” So, five years ago, Michele became the owner of Vintage Market Days® of

actually one of the largest holders of life insurance in the United

Southeast Louisiana, which attracts amazing vendors from all around the United

States,” says Ladner. She’s also planning to reenter the financial

States who are picked for variety, originality and quality to create “the vintage

services arena in the future in order to offer her clients those benefits

experience.” In addition to vendors, live music and unique food trucks fill the arena.

as well. She and her team members specialize in identifying and tailoring their products to perfectly suit their clients’ needs. “We are staffed with 10 licensed, educated agents who love helping our customers, but we strive to be more than just a

“When I invite you to our event, I want you to be our guest and enjoy shopping, the live music, eating at our food trucks, or just wandering around with your best friends enjoying a girls’ getaway or a family weekend together,” says Michele. Michele is planning the next Vintage Market Days® for October 15-17 in

business partner in St. Tammany. We feel it’s just as important to

Amite at the Florida Parishes Arena with a “Holly Jolly” Christmas theme. About

be a community partner,” says Ladner. “We are deeply involved in

90 vendors plan to showcase their talents with vintage, home décor, clothing,

giving back to our community and particularly seek activities and

jewelry, antiques, art, garden and so much more.

events that serve the less fortunate.” She says she understands that

“Vintage Market Days® is my passion,” says Michele. “During the process,

members of the St. Tammany community want to partner with those

you watch everyone build up the event together, take it down together, and

who care about its people. “I feel we’ve gained a number of clients

become a family. My favorite thing is seeing the smiles on customer’s faces when

simply because they see how involved we are in so many important

they enter and when they leave. They become part of our Vintage Market Days®

community causes.”

family, and we love to see them returning again and again.”

Fully licensed in all lines of the insurance business, as well as with a “Series 6” financial services designation, Ladner celebrates a total of almost 40 years as a State Farm Insurance Agent.

CJ Ladner Insurance Agency, Inc. is located at 1972 U.S. Hwy. 190

For more information, email selouisiana@vintagemarketdays.com

in Covington. (985) 892-5030, cjladner.com.

or go to vintagemarketdays.com/market/se-louisiana. May-June 2021 87

WITH THE OPENING of Lake Pontchartrain Causeway’s second span in 1969, following completion of the original span in 1956, the population of the Northshore began to swell. And Covington’s Christ Episcopal Church was growing as well. The original chapel, built in 1846, now sits beside the larger main church, established in 1967 to accommodate an ever-increasing number of parishioners. Further expansion continued with the addition of Parish Hall. Later, mission-related expansion began with the establishment of Christ Episcopal School in 1984, “fulfilling our mission from God as a minister to the young,” as stated by the Reverend L. Stephen Holtzhalb III, then rector of the church. In 1991, Father Steve, with the support of the Christ Church vestry, announced to the congregation and the world that, “with the aging of America, and of St. Tammany Parish, we must step forward now to fulfill our mission from God as a ministry to the elderly.” Soon after that, Father Steve and Jack Lohman, a vestry member with a keen interest in establishing the thoroughbred industry in St. Tammany Parish and an equally strong interest in creating a continuing care facility for the elderly, began researching and visiting communities that had adopted the intergenerational model of ministry, involving education and guidance for the young and care and comfort for the elderly, delivered in contiguous facilities. “We were particularly interested in such a model in Bucks County, Pennsylvania,” Father Steve recalls. “We learned quite a bit from that visit.” There were many site visits, amidst ongoing research and discussions of possible locations for a continuing care facility, all, as a friend put it, “on their own dime.” Eventually the efforts of this dedicated pair created an undeniable momentum. And public attention began to focus on the need they espoused. The following item appeared in the New Orleans Times-Picayune on April 11, 1991: “By now it is hardly a secret that St. Tammany Parish is high on national lists as a preferred location for retirees. A recent issue of USA Today again ranks St. Tammany as one of the better places in the nation for retirement.” In June of 1991, the Christ Episcopal Church

A Story of Perseverance and Faith

Christwood Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary vestry adopted the name Christwood and established a corporation as the sole owner of the community. The first board of Christwood included John Lohman, executive director; the Rev L. Stephen Holzhalb, president; Pamela D. Freeman, vice president; Virginia H. Carlson, secretary; Harbert G. Gregory, treasurer; Elton Arceneaux, Anita G. Barfield, Ann M. Butts, Ronald Cambre, Claude Duet, Judge Frederick S. Ellis, Thom Franklin, M.D., Suzanne Graham, Gerald Heep, John R. Mayer, Ralph Menetre Jr., Lucy Rausch, Russell Rudolph, Clinton W. Shinn, Esq., and Raymond Tremont. Many long-standing St. Tammany residents will recognize more than a few of those names. The vestry also authorized a $100,000 mortgage of Christ Church to initiate the fundraising efforts that would follow. In a letter to parishioners and the public, Father May-June 2021 89

Steve began: “I doubt that in 1845 when those first few folks gathered in someone’s living room to talk about forming a church for the English settlers in British West Florida, that there was one among them who could envision what needs for ministry would emerge in the years ahead. They doubtless were taking one step at a time, to build a simple country church in which to thank God, to marry, baptize their children, and bury their dead. “Each step along the way for this growing church was a challenge to courage and faith. We don’t know what opportunities were lost when faith failed or the challenge was not met. We’ll never know what needs went unmet because the arguments against faith and courage prevailed. We do know when this church and this community responded in faith and courage. Never easy, they ventured to the next step and built a place to worship, provided space for fellowship, and provided for the spiritual education of children in an excellent academic setting through Christ School. “We are now faced with that next step, a challenge to faith and courage. Would you not be a part of this next step?...CHRISTWOOD.” Following this solicitation a $250,000 anonymous gift arrived as did numerous smaller donations. In the five years that elapsed between the initial solicitation and the opening of Christwood’s doors in May of 1996 with Jack Lohman as its first executive director, there were many challenges. But these challenges eventually were met and overcome, because faith and courage 90

Inside Northside

prevailed among the many pioneers who supported this worthy cause. Today, under Father Steve’s direction as Executive Officer, and with the guidance of a 16-member volunteer Board of Directors, Christwood offers concierge living, resort-style amenities, convenient services, and easy access to healthcare to more than 270 residents. Nestled on a 117-acre wooded and beautifully landscaped campus in Covington, adjacent to Christ Episcopal School, the Christwood Retirement Community is a not-for-profit ‘Life Plan Community,’ also known as a continuing care retirement community, offering independent and assisted living, as well as cognitive memory, skilled nursing and rehabilitative care. The Community is now complemented by the adjacent Community Center at Christwood, a unique multi-purpose fitness center that serves not only Christwood residents, but many other members of the Northshore 55+ community. In addition to providing the latest in exercise equipment, the Community Center also houses a 25-yard heated indoor pool, an aerobics studio, a Pickle Ball court, day spa, game room, art studio, and the Forever Fit Kitchen. Designed to promote health and wellbeing, the center has become a hub of residential and communitywide activities that include frequent

social events, musical performances, health fairs, on-site land-based and aquatic physical therapy, and wellness educational programs. “Christwood was really, really blessed,” Father Steve said as he reminisced about the journey – ultimately the successful journey – that led to the opening of the community. “Being sponsored and nurtured by a small church such as ours, I mean, today not all efforts like that succeed. “But now I look back with gratitude for those pioneers, those pilgrims, who chose to live with us to make Christwood the wonderful place it is. Still maturing, learning, developing, I see the community growing gracefully, with increasing wisdom and understanding, as we hope will be the case for each of the residents. God has blessed us in a vision become reality. There is so much for which to give thanks.” One of these early pioneers is Anne Butts, whose support of Christwood began when she agreed to serve on a Christwood steering committee in 1985. She then sat on the board of directors May-June 2021 91

from 1991 to 2005, and is still active in promoting the institution as a volunteer. She remembers interviewing residents for an early in-house newsletter she wrote. “There were only nineteen residents in Independent Living at that time as I remember, and they all loved the place. I’ll never forget, one of the ladies I interviewed – a most elegant lady she was – told me she was excited ‘because this is my last chance to make new friends.’” Today Anne walks the halls of Christwood visiting old friends and making new ones. “What makes Christwood special,” she says, “is the people – the people who run it, the people who live here and the wonderful staff that support them. It all works together in harmony.” And then there is Ethyl Mary Dameron Manard, who is, by her reckoning, the longest Christwood resident. “I have loved Christwood from the first day I set foot here,” she said recently. There is such a personal touch here. Do you know to this day I get handwritten birthday notes from Father Steve? And I love the staff and count many of them as close friends. I still read a lot, but I also like spending time with my fellow residents and with my friends on the staff. I am very comfortable and happy here.” Christwood’s management team is planning a year-long celebration of its 25th anniversary, including a number of events honoring employees, an anniversary oak planting in May, a celebratory mass and reception at Christ Church on September 26, and an open house in the Christwood atrium on October 23. The open house will coincide with an exhibition of the community’s Healing Arts initiative presented by Northshore artist and Christwood resident Emery Clark, along with Christwood Foundation Interim President Ray Rabidoux. 92

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Traveling Changes You. I FOUND OUT I was pregnant in an airport bathroom. We had been living in Angola, Africa, for five months, and the one thing I wanted during that time was ice cream. Oh, what I would’ve paid for a pint of Haagen Daas! When I landed in Dubai, a layover on my way to Amsterdam, I found it! In between Dior and duty free was an actual Haagen Daas ice cream shop. It was as if I had manifested it myself! However, as I awaited my turn, my body began to go against what my mind was longing for. And when I reached the counter, instead of ordering, I promptly emptied my stomach contents in the nearby trashcan. Twenty minutes later, after 10 years of marriage, I’d see a positive sign on a Clear Blue and Easy. You really can find anything in the Dubai airport. When I arrived in Amsterdam to meet my husband, I got to tell him he was going to be a father. It was Father’s Day 2011. Traveling changes you. There are places and moments that live in your heart forever. Paris is another example. I had always wanted to go to Paris. Daydreaming, I imagined buying couture, speaking French and being madly in love. While I got my fairytale, it was completely different. I was seven months pregnant, I ate chocolate croissants every day, and I bought the only thing that would fit—jewelry. In awe at the Eiffel Tower, I tearfully asked a lady in French, “Will you take my picture?” She laughed and replied with a Southern accent thicker than mine, “Oh, Darlin’, I don’t speak French!” She was from Oklahoma and took one of my favorite photos I have of myself expectant.

My travel tastes have always been a little more than adventurous. One favorite involved sleeping in a train car in the heart of Angola, Africa, and then vertically hiking a 344-foot waterfall. In February 2020, days before the shutdown, I was photographing the Aurora Borealis in the remote village of Wiseman, Alaska. Its population of 14 live off the land 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle. I’ve never been happier to be out at 2 a.m.—in -47º, with my eyelashes coated in ice. My son, now nine years old, gets to join some adventures. He loved sledding down the frozen Yukon River but wasn’t thrilled to use an outhouse. Now with Covid, travel is a different kind of adventure. Vaccinated and ready to run, my husband >>

by Candra George

May-June 2021 95

negative Covid test or quarantine, and if they’ve implemented a tourist tax. Many have added a tax either upon arrival or departure. Most can easily be paid online and scanned on your phone at the airport. • Excursions are a great way to spread out, unmask, and have some normalcy. If you’re going to be limited on indoor entertainment, plan on something fun outdoors. Many of the excursions were less expensive and private! AT THE AIRPORT

and I decided to take a chance on our little spot in Mexico. It’s a place where we truly relax. Valentin Imperial Maya is about 30 minutes outside of Cancun. We’ve been before, but this time took some friends along with us. I have to say that not only did we have the best trip, but I learned a lot about how to navigate the changes in travel. Here are a few things I’d like to pass along. PLANNING

• Everyone has an idea of how they feel safe. Decide where feels safe for you, and research the protocol requirements they have in place. We found that our resort was only at 30 percent capacity, and while still offering a 5-star experience, all indoor entertainment was canceled. Many activities were moved outdoors and restaurants social distanced. • Check and see if your destination country is open for non-resident travelers, if they require a

Inside Northside

• Arrive earlier than you think you should, and pack some kindness in your carry-on. Airlines are attempting social distancing, and everything is taking a bit longer. Apply for TSA pre-check, and do as much as you can digitally. • Also online are immigration forms. Flight attendants no longer pass out forms for declaration upon arrival in a new country. Now, all can be done days ahead from your phone. You’ll have a smooth transition with a QR code at immigration. • Take some snacks in your carry-on. Many airlines aren’t offering food and beverage service on all flights. Grabbing a water and snack after going through security can help hold you over until you can get tacos by the pool. • The CDC requires all incoming international travelers to provide a negative Covid test within five days prior to arriving to the United States. This is required even if you have been vaccinated. Many resorts and hotels provide this service free of charge. After five glorious days in Valentin Imperial Maya, the six of us boarded our flights home with memories and our souls renewed. Laughing with my husband, and sunrise walks with the girls are worth every ounce of effort it took to get there. And while none of us took an airport pregnancy test, when we landed back in New Orleans, the pilot came across the intercom with a message. He said, “I’m going to need all of you to get off this plane in a hurry. I’ve got a hot date! If you’re headed to the Quarter, I’ll see you there!” All signs point to clear skies, more traveling, and lots of adventure in our future! My next stop? Hiking Moab, Utah.

“Great personal style is an extreme curiosity about yourself.” - Iris Apfel by Hilary Creamer Whether with fashion or home décor, experimenting with new trends is always fun. However, sacrificing personal style for a trend is something I strive to avoid. Integrating vintage accessories into your wardrobe is a great way to complement trends and show your one-of-a-kind style. Our local northshore antique and vintage shops are the perfect resource for finding that unique accessory that says, “This is me; here I am.” Easily change your look by adding a pretty scarf to your bag. Add a signature brooch to a favorite hat. Transform a plain vase to add beauty to the arrangement inside. The possibilities are endless! Trends are temporal and uncomplicated. It takes a dash of courage to stand out from the crowd. And if you worry that trying something new is too much of a risk, remember these words from the indomitable Mae West: “It is better to be looked over than overlooked.” Shop small. Shop local. Shop often. Happy Hunting! ♥︎ Hilary Check out our listing and tell them Inside Northside sent you! If you are also a treasure hunter, I would love to know which trophies you prize most. And if you enjoyed this hunt and want to see more, let me know at hilary@insidepub.com. 98

Inside Northside

Floral arrangements provided by Florist of Covington.

Clayton House Marketplace 1600 Collins Blvd., Covington. 985-892-6368 claytonhousemarketplace.com Clayton House Marketplace is the home of 80+ small businesses in one convenient retail location. Their store is over 30,000 square feet and contains everything from locally crafted furniture, artwork, and gifts, to one-of-a-kind collectables and furniture.

C.J.’s Antiques & Collectibles, 160 SE Railroad Ave., Ponchatoula. 985-386-0026 cjsantiques.com From Farmhouse to Victorian and everything in between, CJ’s has a large selection of antiques and collectibles. “New” old treasures arrive every week to our 15,000 sq. feet of inventory. “The Iron Guy” has the perfect yard art to spruce up your garden. Like us on Facebook! Open every day, 9am-6pm. Trail’s End Antiques 157 East Pine Street, Ponchatoula. 985-386-5776 trailsendantiquesla.com Trail’s End Antiques has been in business since July of 1997. “Something for everyone.” Here you will find a wide array of glassware, furniture, cast iron skillets, pots, and much more! Looking for something fun? Check out their collection of man toys, old gas pumps, porcelain signs, and more.

Northshore Antique Shops

MADISONVILLE Acadian Home Fashions 300 Covington St. , 985-792-7007

ABITA SPRINGS Attic To Awesome 22107 Hwy. 36, Ste. B 985-888-1870

MANDEVILLE Mae's Antiques 420 Girod St., 985-373-1857

COVINGTON Clayton House Marketplace 1600 Collins Blvd., 985-892-6368 Copper Rooster 222 Lee Ln., 985-892-5171 Cottage Antiques 205 Lee Ln., 985-892-7995 Eclectic Inn 214 Lee Ln., 985-327-9788 On a Whim 826 Rutland St., 985-960-2117

S&S Consignment 813 Florida St. , 985-626-8881 Tallulah’s Vintage Market 149 Girod St. , 985-951-2300 White Elephant Trading Co. 1953 Hwy. 59, 985-624-5200 PONCHATOULA B2 Antiques 145 W. Pine St., Ste. D, 985-634-4747 CJ’s Antiques & Collectibles 160 SE Railroad Ave., 985-386-0026

Patina Interiors 4001 Hwy. 190, 985-892-3733

Roussel’s Fine Jewelry & Antiques 177 West Pine St., 985-386-9097Z roussels.com

Retreat Home & Lifestyle 1501 N. Hwy. 190, 985-892-8202

Trail's End Antiques 157 East Pine St., 985-386-5776

DENHAM SPRINGS Denham Springs Antique Village N. Range Ave., 225-665-4666 denhamspringsantiquedistrict.com

SLIDELL Slidell Historical Antique Association 985-265-4551, slidellstreetfair.com

Roussel’s Fine Jewelry & Antiques, 177 West Pine St., Ponchatoula. 985-386-9097 Roussels.com Roussel’s is a family owned and operated business that offers you a retail shopping experience like no other. Here at Roussel’s, we offer custom Fine Jewelry, Jewelry Repair, Cajun Gifts, Scents and Candles, Exquisite Antique Furniture, and a large selection of Antique Collectibles. We’re a one stop shop for everyone. So come on in, and find your treasure of a lifetime. Denham Springs Antique Village DSantiquevillage.com We invite you to take a leisurely stroll and shop with us at the Denham Springs Antique Village. Over 25 locally-owned shops in a two block area. Antiques to boutiques, book stores to gift stores, jewelry to art we have it all!! Schedule a painting, pottery or stained glass class for you and your friends. Sit and sip a specialty coffee and/or enjoy a wonderful meal at one of our restaurants. May-June 2021 99

Christwood Without Walls

CHRISTWOOD CATERS TO MORE THAN JUST ITS RESIDENTS!

Christwood, the northshore’s Premier Retirement Community, has had a very strong—and very clear—mission from its beginning: To help all seniors live with dignity and independence. Christwood’s vision has always included expanding into the local community to create, in a sense, a Christwood “without walls,” and they have done just that! Christwood’s newest division, At Your Service by Christwood, is

repositioning/moving and much more. The At Your Service in-home care program includes personal assistants for those who would like help with tasks like scheduling and keeping appointments, personal correspondence, errands, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, meal preparation and more. For the more dependent clients, At Your Service by Christwood offers

a comprehensive in-home maintenance and in-home care program designed

caring companions who can do all that the personal assistants do, but can also

for those adults who wish to remain at home and age in place surrounded by

help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, personal grooming,

the people and things they love but who want trusted providers.

and repositioning, with a strong focus on overall personal wellness.

What makes

For additional

At Your Service so

reassurance, At Your

comprehensive is that

Service guarantees

it offers an array of

that all of its service

general home services.

representatives are

Maintaining a home

Christwood employees,

can sometimes be

thoroughly vetted

daunting, even for the

through background

fittest of the fit, but

checks and drug testing.

At Your Service can

And just as important,

help with a variety of

there are no contracts

services, such as home

or membership fees.

organization, full-

Services are simply À La

service housekeeping,

Carte where and when

and gardening/

you need them at a price

landscaping, as

you can afford.

well as handyman

Christwood also

services such as

offers many on-campus

gutter cleaning,

services for those

pressure washing,

clients living in our

changing lightbulbs

local community. The

and smoke detector

Community Center at

batteries, hanging

Christwood, a state-

light fixtures, furniture

of-the-art health and

100

Inside Northside

fitness center, complete with the first and only indoor heated swimming pool in Covington, gives northshore adults 55+ a great place to stay fit and socialize. Whether you’re an avid swimmer, experienced exerciser or just seeking to maintain or enhance your fitness, you can do it all at your own pace in a friendly and encouraging environment. The exercise room boasts userfriendly equipment including Precor treadmills and recumbent bikes, Octane ellipticals, NuStep, CyberCycles and Hoist ROC-IT weight machines. The aerobics studio offers low-, medium- and high-intensity classes, yoga, tai chi and more. The indoor pickleball court and game area are great ways to stay active and socialize. The 25-yard multi-lane swimming pool with an accessible ramp makes it easy for all levels of aquatic takers. Additionally, there are fitness specialist on staff and personal trainers available to help create a program designed for anyone’s specific needs. Inside the Community Center, the Lotus Spa at Christwood is an oasis of relaxation, a fullservice spa and hair salon for men and women. From manicures, pedicures, facial and body waxing, and brow services, to soothing facials and eight different types of massage, there’s something for your every mood. The Lotus Spa also offers a full line of skin-care products to pamper and help inspire ageless living. Christhood’s overall mission is very clear and simple: To help all seniors live with dignity and independence. They are doing just that! For more information, www.christwoodrc.com. May-June 2021 101

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

The wedding of Hannah Elise Rudolph of Covington and Gregory Taylor Williams of Raleigh, N.C., was held in the intimate setting of the Madisonville Presbyterian Church with The Reverend Zac Ritchie officiating. The bride’s dress, by Rita Vinieres, was from I Do Bridal Couture in Covington. Her attendants were attired in colors of taupe, ivory and green. Coordinating flowers for the bridal party were from Leaf and Petal in New Orleans. Following the ceremony, family and friends joined the bride and groom in a Second Line down the riverfront to the reception at Tchefuncte’s Restaurant on the river—the first-ever Second Line in Madisonville! All enjoyed Southern cuisine featuring shrimp remoulade rolls, boudin balls, duck crepes, oysters and shrimp. The bride’s white almond cake, decorated with greenery, was from the Maple Street Bakery in Abita Springs, as was the groom’s king cake tiers. The Escalade Show and Dance Band provided music for dancing on the outside patio overlooking the river, where greenery and flowers cascaded from the railings. At the end of the evening’s celebration, the bride and groom departed on a flower-draped boat on the Tchefuncte, the river where the bride grew up. Their original plans for a trip to Bali have been rescheduled for their first anniversary, but they enjoyed a honeymoon in Tulum, Mexico, before returning to their home in Charlotte, N.C. 102

Inside Northside

photos: LAUREN CARROLL PHOTOGRAPHY

Rudolph-Williams

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

Kaylan Elizabeth Fairburn, of Mandeville, and Brennan William Minor, of Metairie, exchanged wedding vows at St. John the Baptist Church in New Orleans, continuing the meaningful Minor family connection to the church. The bride wore a fit-and-flare Maggie Sottero custom design from Town and Country Bridal. To her delight, the church was decorated for Christmas, but additional floral arrangements for the ceremony and the reception were by Beth’s Flowers in Metairie. The reception was held at The Country Club of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. The food, served cocktail style at stations, also included passed hors d’oeuvres of boudin balls and caprese skewers. Highlights were shrimp and grits, short ribs, gumbo, and crawfish beignets, The cakes, designed by the bride and groom, were from Gambino’s Bakery in Baton Rouge. The bride’s cake was a 5-tiered white corkscrew design with fresh flowers and eucalyptus. The groom’s cake was a crawfish pot sitting on top of an LSU-inspired square cake topped off with an Abita beer. The talented Dat Band kept friends and family on the dance floor all night. An added touch was live painter, Morgan Barranco. Because of Brennan’s school schedule, the couple has postponed their honeymoon. Brennan attends Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, Michigan, where Kaylan is a registered nurse. 104

Inside Northside

photos: BROCATO PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTIVE

Fairburn-Minor

INside Peek Prom 2021

IN Great Taste by Yvette Zuniga Jemison

enliven grilled bread, but why stop there? All of these toppings are incredible when spread on grilled vegetable planks, burgers and steak. It’s a versatile way to turn up the flavor on your backyard grilling. With a little weekend prep you can enjoy all of these flavors for your weeknight grilling or your next backyard get-together.

Grilled Bread Servings: 8-10 1 loaf country style bread, sliced into 1/2-inch slices ¼ cup olive oil 2 cloves garlic

1. Lightly brush bread slices on both sides with olive oil. 2. On an outdoor grill or grill pan on mediumhigh heat, grill bread until grill marks appear, about 1 minute on each side. 3. Cut a clove of garlic in half and rub on the top surface of each grilled slice of bread. Transfer to serving dish.

Chimichurri Dipping Sauce Servings: 1 ½ cups

Cookout-Friendly Appetizers

Up your snack game while you’re heating up the grill

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2 garlic cloves 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 cups packed parsley leaves and tender stems 2/3 cup olive oil 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar

ITS GRILLING SEASON and you know the routine. You light up the grill and instantly everyone begins to make a few sweeping passes to see if dinner is

2 Tablespoon lemon juice

ready. Your best defense, when everyone is hungry, is to keep a few make-ahead items on hand that can transform grilled bread into the easiest appetizer while the grill heats up for the main course. Grilling bread takes minutes, and if you happen to make it garlicky it’s hard to resist. A few simple toppings like chimichurri, charred red pepper dipping sauce and herbed goat cheese are easily prepared and store well for days when chilled. These refreshing flavors

zest from one lemon

Inside Northside

1 teaspoon dried oregano ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

1. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse garlic and salt until minced. Add parsley, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano and red pepper flakes. Pulse until finely chopped and well blended. 2. Stir in lemon zest and serve with grilled bread. Pour into an airtight container and store in a refrigerator up to 1 week.

Charred Red Bell Pepper Dipping Sauce

Herbed Goat Cheese

Servings: 1 ½ cups

Servings: 6-8

2 large red bell peppers

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

¼ cup whole almonds, toasted

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

1 garlic clove

2 Tablespoons capers

2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

12 oz. goat cheese, cut into ½-inch rounds

½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ cup olive oil

1. On an outdoor grill or on a gas cook top, using high heat, place the bell peppers directly over flame. Using a pair of tongs, rotate the peppers until all of the skin is charred, 8-10 minutes. 2. When the peppers are cool enough to handle, remove stems and seeds. 3. Transfer peppers to the bowl of a food processor. Add almonds, garlic, red wine vinegar and paprika. Pulse until coarsely chopped. 4.With the processor running, slowly add oil and blend until smooth. Serve with grilled bread. Store in an airtight container chilled up to 1 week.

1. In an 8x8 dish, mix parsley, basil, capers and red pepper flakes until combined. 2. Coat cheese slices on both sides with herb mixture and nestle slices into dish. 3. Pour olive oil into dish until cheese is covered. Serve with grilled bread. Refrigerate herbed goat cheese up to 5 days. We’d like to see how you enjoy leftover crawfish, so share your creation by tagging us on Instagram at @InsideNorthside and @y_delicacies. For more recipes, go to YDelicacies. com or follow on Instagram at @y_delicacies.

Haute Plates

A selection of restaurants and haute dishes found around the northshore and beyond.

Creole Tomateaux

Desi Vega’s Steakhouse

Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar

MANDEVILLE • 951-2650

COVINGTON • 276-4994

MANDEVILLE • 778-2176

1851 FLORIDA ST.

1950 HWY 190

CREOLETOMATEAUX.COM

DESIVEGASNORTHSHORE.COM

There’s nothing better than

Our USDA Prime steaks are

2891 HIGHWAY 190 FELIXS.COM

Felix’s has been dedicated to

Half Shell Oyster House 70367 LA 21

COVINGTON • 276-4500

HALFSHELLOYSTERHOUSE.COM Local Gulf oysters and a variety

enjoying a down home meal in a laid

carefully selected, hand cut and aged for

absolute freshness for our entire 70+

of Gulf Coast seafood with a New

back atmosphere. From fresh fried

tenderness, then seared to perfection

years. With our always-changing

Orleans flair and influence that

seafood, to our famous Fried Green

and served on a sizzling plate. Start

daily specials and the widest variety

extends throughout our ambience

Tomateauxs, to overstuffed Po-boys, to

your meal off with appetizers such as

of preparations anywhere, you’ll

and menu. Steaks, chicken, pasta and

appetizers, desserts, and everything in

fried green tomatoes, turtle soup or

always discover something new.

so much more. Lunch, dinner, daily

between, we have a little something for

bacon-wrapped gulf shrimp stuffed with

And you will always be enjoying the

happy hour, Sunday brunch.

everyone. Catering available.

crabmeat.

freshest oysters.

one thirteen

Pat’s Seafood

113 N. OAK ST.,

1248 N. COLLINS BLVD.

ONETHIRTEENRESTAURANT.COM

STE 400, COVINGTON

HAMMOND 402-3481

One Thirteen seeks to enliven the senses through an inspired mid-

AND 70456 LA #21,

892-7287 • 892-7287

Fresh local seafood and a large

Peace, Love, & Little Donuts

Si Señor Taqueria

COVINGTON • 400-9780

SISENORTAQUERIA.COM

70493 LA-21, STE. 100

PEACELOVEANDLITTLEDONUTS.COM Great place for friends or

1905 W. THOMAS ST., STE. V HAMMOND • 393-0090

Whether you are looking for an enhanced dining experience or a

century modern setting, graceful

offering of deli to-go items, such as

family to gather in the morning or

happy hour, Si Señor Taqueria is the

service and new American cuisine

boiled crawfish, gumbo, crawfish pie,

afternoon. Enjoy over 60 flavors of

best spot for authentic Mexican dining

that simply tastes delicious. Menu

corn and crab bisque, crabmeat au

donuts, coffee, juice and a variety of

in Southeastern Louisiana. Experience

items include chicken, beef, seafood,

gratin and po-boys. On-site catering

other drink choices. The atmosphere

our upbeat atmosphere while enjoying

wood-fired flat bread, and house-

available.

will leave you feeling like a hippie in

our fresh cocktails, like the House

the ‘70s.

Paloma with fresh agave nectar.

made desserts. 108

Inside Northside

Nothing Bundt Cakes

1111 GREENGATE DR. #D COVINGTON • 888-6555

NOTHINGBUNDTCAKES.COM Our goal is to bake a cake that not only reminds you of home but also opens you to a new world. And while that’s no easy request, the handcrafted recipes are more than up to the task. Each recipe uses the finest ingredients to bring you Bundt Cake perfection.

Tchefuncte’s

407 ST. TAMMANY ST.

MADISONVILLE • 323-4800 TCHEFUNCTES.COM

Overlooking the river, Tchefuncte’s celebrates the highlights of the season, rooted in classic Southern cuisine. Executive Chef Michael Gottlieb sought the world’s best ingredients and found most in the Northshore area. Tchefuncte’s partners with community purveyors for the best seafood, meats and produce. May-June 2021 109

r e m m Su ippin’ S

Melon Ball Tini 2 oz Tanqueray gin 1 oz Midori Egg white foam topping ½ oz Lime juice ½ oz Agave

Combine all the ingredients into your cocktail shaker for 15 seconds without ice. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with melon ball. one thirteen 113 N. Oak St., Hammond. ONE MINT JULEP was the cause of it all, or so says the northshore’s most famous jazzy resident, Louis Prima, in his 1953 classic of the same name. Though the recipe that brought him to wedded bliss and beyond isn’t included here, we do have some fun suggestions for summertime sippin! Face it, after the April rains we had, we could all use a bit of vitamin D. Here are some of our favorite signature summer drinks and where to find them. The recipes are closely guarded secrets, so, for you amateur mixologists out there, we have included are our takes on these classics. For the real deal, we suggest going to the source.

110

Inside Northside

Jalapeno Melon Ball ®

2 oz Pearl Cucumber vodka 1 oz Midori muddled with fresh jalapeños Sweet & sour 2–3 Fresh jalapeño slivers

In a pint glass, muddle Midori with fresh jalapeños. Add 2 to 3 fresh

slivers of jalapeno slices, add in Pearl® Cucumber Vodka, shake, pour over ice in a tall hurricane glass and top with club soda. Half Shell Oyster House, 70367 LA 21, Covington.

Cucumber Linen Martini 2 oz Grey Goose vodka 1 oz St. Germain ¼ oz simple syrup Muddled cucumber Fresh lime

Add Grey Goose vodka, St. Germain, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill with a handful of ice and shake until cold. Strain the drink into a coupe or martini glass and top with a splash of soda water, if desired. Garnish with cucumber slices and serve. Desi Vega’s Steakhouse, 1950 Hwy 190, Covington. May-June 2021 111

Last Bite

Tchefuncte’s and The Anchor

Paneed Veal Chop, Ricotta Tortolloni and Tomato Butter Sauce.

Whisky Sour 2 oz Old Forester Bourbon .75 oz lemon juice .75 oz rich simple syrup 1 whole egg white A few drops of Angostura bitters

Add bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white to a shaker and dry-shake for 30 seconds without ice. Add ice and shake again until well-chilled. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with 3 or 4 drops of Angostura bitters. Top with a maraschino cherry on a spear. Tchefuncte’s, 407 St. Tammany St., Madisonville.

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Inside Northside

EXECUTIVE CHEF Michael Gottlieb oversees operations at two of the northshore’s favorite restaurants. While they share a perfect address on the Tchefuncte River in Madisonville, what makes them both very special is what is unique about each. The Anchor provides great food in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere, complete with play yards and boat docks. Menu highlights include house-made boudin, smoked meats, fried Gulf seafood and killer burgers. It’s the spot to be on weekend afternoons this spring. Tchefuncte’s, her sister restaurant located on the second floor, is undoubtably the ying to her yang. Step into the foyer of Tchefuncte’s and

favorite destination anywhere in the country. And that is before they even set the first appetizer on the table. Among Gottlieb’s many accolades is the James Beard Foundation’s Creative Excellence Award. His style can be described as a Southern twist on classical Creole cuisine. Chef Gottlieb leads a culinary team that is bustling in the open kitchen, creating foods that are French rooted, worldly influenced, with a nod to Louisiana. The intricately layered flavors highlight the best of the South and the region. One of the many blessings of his Georgia roots is some of the best bread you have ever tasted. The family bakery first opened in Savannah in

you are transported. Sleek and elegant, the grey and silver décor accented with banquettes and floor-to-ceiling windows puts you immediately into an elevated mood. When we visited there was live music in the bar, the river glistened in the background and the glass of wine was crisp and perfect. You could literally be in your favorite restaurant in your

1884. “I come from many generations of foodies,” says Gottlieb. The northshore is blessed by that legacy. Tchefuncte’s and The Anchor are located at 407 St Tammany St. in Madisonville, 323.4800. Private rooms for 10-50 guests. tchefunctes.com, theanchorla.com.

May-June 2021 113

Last Look by John Snell

The pier at Fontainebleau State Park by FOX 8’s John Snell. 114

Inside Northside

May-June Issue of Inside Northside Magazine

Articles inside

Michele Carlton

CJ Ladner

Kelly LaRocca

McCall McDaniel, MD

Angela Buonagura, MD

Paige Henderson

Lori LaFrance

Cristen Quick

Beverly Hobbs Shea

Heather Mahoney and Holli Gaspard

Cristin Corso Barr, Lauren K. Navarre, Audrey Gitz

Sharon Bilbe

Robin Penzato Arnold

Jennifer Cassisa and Hailie Scharfenstein

Lesle Veca

Holly Sanchez

Toni and Aliza Williams

Lisa Patrick

Northshore Community Foundation

Heather Rapalo

Kristen Callahan and Connie Boudreaux

Kelly Simon

Tammy St. Philip

Micháel Burns and Kathleen Hall McCullough

Carrie Sanders and Elizabeth Whitney

Pamella Aline

Courtney Guidry Robeaux

Corrinn Fisher

Dr. Keleigh Lascari

Lisa Swords

Dr. Irum Alisha Qureshi

Lauren Yarbrough and Ellen Bajon

Missy Hymel

Northlake Veterinary Hospital

Brittany Taylor

Armbruster Artworks School

Dr. Christie McHughes

Tammy O’Shea and Elizabeth “Liz” Broekman

Donna O’Daniels

Last Bite

Summer Sippin

IN Great Taste

A Story of Perseverance and Faith

Traveling Changes You

Inside Look

Flourishes

Dealing with Death, Healing with Hope

Publisher’s Note

Getting Lost in the Wood

The Pastel Palate of Louisiana

Generous Hearts

Swimming with the Sharks