September-October 2022 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine

$495 INSIDEPUB.com SALUTE TO THE ARTS • CHANGING OF THE GUARD • JAMES CRUSE • BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 VOL. 37, NO. 5 INSIDEPUB.com

6 InsIde northsIde Elegance.RefinedPage36 Features 12 Louisiana’s Resident Painter, Naturalist, Author and Conservationist Cover Artist Alex Beard 24 A Changing of the Guard New Coaches, New Promises for LSU and Saints Football 36 Refined Elegance Meets Utilitarian Performance 58 Salute to the Arts 68 The Nature Conservancy 70 Louisiana Key Academy Northshore Giving Kids with Dyslexia an Education Built Around Their Needs table contentsof page 24 page 62 74 Global Wildlife Center Eye to Eye with Giraffes and The Future 82 Louisiana Pitmaster James Cruse Business & Leadership Begins on page 43 Departments 8 Pub Note 10 Contributors 18 INside Scoop 34 IN Other Words Too Scary! 62 Flourishes Extraordinary Gifts and Home Accents 66 INside Look 76 IN Love & Marriage 77 INside Peek Southern SamaratinNightsCenter Grand Opening Back to School 80 Generous Hearts It’s More Than a Class. It’s a Community. 87 Haute Plates 88 IN Great Taste Easy Grilled Chicken Skewers 90 Last Look page 58

Also check out our Inside Peek section for some adorable smiling faces and first-day-of-school signs as our Northshore kids head back to class. Finally, don’t forget to head to the polls on November 8th. Six of St. Tammany’s fifteen school board members are not seeking reelection, so it’s important to get out and vote for your preferred candidate. Plus, you’ll receive the brand new Louisiana “I voted” sticker created by one of our 2021 cover artists, Becky Fos! for fall!

Some of our children need a school setting that is more specifically tailored to their needs. Check out our story on page 70 about the new Louisiana Key Academy Northshore in Covington. They are dedicated to unlocking the potential of children with dyslexia and is the first of its kind here in our area.

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That’s why our schools, teachers, and administration are so important to us. We are fortunate to have wonderful public schools on the Northshore that offer everything most kids need to thrive. We also have many amazing private and parochial schools for parents who choose that option. My own daughter attends Northshore Preparatory Academy, a small hybrid private school in Mandeville that is the perfect fit for our family – something we are incredibly grateful for!

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Despite the temperature and humidity, fall is almost here and for most of us that means back-to-school, football, and Halloween – all of which we touch on in this issue.

The first day of school is always a mixture of nervousness and excitement for both us and our children. We want them to have a great day, to like their teachers, to make new friends in class. We want them to eat their lunch and not complain (too much anyway) about homework. But more than anything, we want to see them grow and succeed.

September-October 2022 Vol. 37, No. 5 INSIDE NORTHSIDE is published bi-monthly (January, March, May, July, September, November) by Working Presses, LLC, 29092 Krentel Road, Lacombe, LA 70445 as a means of communication and information for St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid at Mandeville, LA. Copyright ©2022 by Working Presses, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Publisher Desiree desiree@insidepub.comForsyth Creative Director Brad brad@insidepub.comGrowden Editor Chelsea chelsea@insidepub.comAdams Business Manager Jane jane@insidepub.comQuillin Operations Manager Margaret margaret@insidepub.comRivera Marketing and Melissa Leblanc Communications Ashlan Lehmann Brielle Viator Advertising Account Barbara Roscoe Executives brenda@insidepub.comBrendapemmie@insidepub.comPemmiepoki@insidepub.comPokibarbara@insidepub.comHamptonSheasbyBreckStaceyParettiRase On the Cover phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 Advertising Sales sales@insidepub.com Subscriptions subscriptions@insidepub.com Contact Cover Artist Alex Beard. Find more on page 12. Contributors Our contributors give Inside Northside its voice, its personality and its feel. We are proud to highlight a few of them so that you can put a face with a name and get to know them. Les East Les East is an awardwinning freelance writer based in his hometown of New Orleans. He covers the Saints, Pelicans and LSU on a regular basis. East has twice been named Louisiana Sports Writer of the Year by the National Sports Media Association and was honored as the top sports columnist in America by the Society of Professional Journalists in 2014. He has won numerous awards from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and the Press Club of New Orleans. You can follow him on Twitter @Les_East Cayman Clevenger

MichalopoulosJamesbyPainted

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’s in history from Tulane University and a juris doctorate from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law in Dallas. His website is LouisianaArt.com

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Editorial Contributors: Susan Bonnett Bourgeois, Brenda Breck, Hilary Creamer, Christina Cooper, Steven Cuevas, Monica Growden, Thomas B. Growden, Poki Hampton, Paige Henderson, Yvette Jemison, Anthony “Chopper” Leone, LSU Athletics, Nathan Schweitzer, Becky Slatten and John Snell.

Beard has become a fixture of the art scene in Louisiana, painting wildlife, birds, elephants, fish, swamps, foliage and the beauty of the natural world. He has cultivated his own style that he coined “abstract naturalism.” Beard’s style pays homage to John James Audubon, Walter Inglis Anderson, and those great wildlife artists that came before him, but it is also distinctively his own.

Beard’s work is whimsical, visually rich and features bright colors. Lively greens and blues are juxtaposed with brown backgrounds that feel as though they were cut from a safari tent. His work is alive with shapes, motion and geometry, with layers of coloring and a level of precision and intention best described as mathematical. His works follow complex formulas, taking into account the divine proportion, also known as the golden ratio, with each shape and subject conforming to a mathematical principle used by great >>

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Louisiana’s Resident Painter, Naturalist, Author and Conservationist by Cayman Clevenger Cover Artist Alex Beard courtesyphotos:ALEXBEARD

WHISKEY, A KEEN AND SPRIGHTLY yellow lab, is using a sisal rug to scratch her back. She is the first and most enthusiastic greeter you will meet at Alex Beard’s light-filled Magazine Street Studio and Gallery. Sitting next to Whiskey under the branches of papier-mâché trees, with an audience of brilliantly colored, painted birds and a life-size painting of a gazelle facing off with a lion, Beard discussed his life, travels, family, and how they influenced his art.

Beard takes this mathematical and scientific approach to painting animal anatomy and adds a childlike whimsy while exuding a quiet sophistication. From the cacophony of color and shapes emerges the beauty of nature, with flora and fauna conjured from within the shapes and colors as if they had always beenThethere.son of a magazine-editor mother and a political consultant/philanthropist father, Beard grew up in Manhattan. The person most responsible for Beard’s life trajectory and his love of Africa, wildlife and the natural world crashed on the couch of his parents’ New York apartment.

14 InsIde northsIde artists from the ancient Greeks to Leonardo da Vinci and the prominent Renaissance painters.

Among the family’s famous guests, Andy Warhol left one of the biggest impressions. Beard remembers the father of Pop Art as a brilliant artist and a “master manipulator.”Beardrecounts a scheme he watched Warhol play out time and time again with Truman Capote: “They would meet these rich members of society and afterward Truman would call them and say ‘Andy just loves you, he is so enamored by you, and he really wants to paint your portrait, but he is just too shy to ask.’ So, these wealthy people of society would call courtesyphotos:ALEXBEARD

“Having been exposed to these very creative and successful people, it made sense to me that life as an artist was a life that I could lead and a life that I could aspire towards,” Beard said.

“My uncle Peter [Beard,] who wrote ‘The End of the Game,’ was an artist and photographer who lived in Africa for a long time,” he said. “And when he wasn’t in Africa when I was growing up, he lived on our sofa in Manhattan. He would move in for six or eight months at a time, and his whole world would move into Growingmine.”up, Beard also had audiences with Jackie Onassis, Andy Warhol, Truman Capote and MickTheseJagger.titans of popular culture welcomed into the Beards’ home were only some of many interesting things to cross the threshold. Beard’s family often received letters from the infamous Charlie Manson. “Our house was my uncle’s only mailing address for a time, so we would get letters from Charlie Manson because Peter had interviewed him once with Truman Capote in the 1970s, and they just kind of hit it off,” BeardBeardsaid. recalls a bevy of other interesting house guests, though not all as famous. “The guy who was a bush pilot who crashed his plane and 70 percent of his body was burned; he walked into our living room one day, and he was a very interesting person to a first grader,” he Beard’ssaid.exposure to an indelible cast of characters and brushes with influential artistic and cultural figures of the 20th century shaped his trajectory.

Beard’s childhood was not all dinner tables and fancy guests. He was interested in the natural world from a very early age, and as a teenager, he regularly traveled to Africa with his Uncle Peter. His parents believed that travel was the best education, and having traveled to nearly every corner of the globe, Beard seems to possess an almost restless, nomadic disposition. Indeed, Beard’s artistic journey is as unique as the exotic and far-flung places he has traveled, and his artistic style is informed by travel, wildlife, conservation and the universe’s movement.

“I was in India for half a year writing, taking photographs, and doing work in quill pen and ink in a travel journal. I left that journal on the top of a taxi, had my camera stolen on a train, and suddenly, I did not have any art supplies,” Beard said.

Beard’s connection to New Orleans began when he spent a year at Tulane University, indulging in the city’s excesses. He later transferred to Tufts University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History.

“All the work I had done over the course of four months was gone.”

september october 2022 15 and say to Andy ‘I would like you to paint my portrait,’ to which Andy would say ‘Of course, I would love to; that will be fifty grand!’ They would line up weeks of sittings in Paris, London, wherever they traveled.”

Knowing that art was his future, Beard then studied painting and drawing at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. After college, Beard spent several months in India. The trip proved integral to the formation of his artistic style.

Rather than bemoaning the loss of his irreplaceable artistic toil, Beard pushed onward. “I was in Calcutta recovering from dengue fever at a place called the Tollygunge Club, which was the last vestiges of an old ex-pat English gentleman’s club. I decided to find an art supply store to purchase some materials to start“Atanew.thetime, there were mass protests in the streets, and I emerged from that cacophony into this cobweb-laden, 19th-century art supply store that smelled like linseed oil and the orange scent of aged turpentine. I bought my first real supplies of oil paint and medium and set about my journey tracking tigers in the >>

Warhol also taught Beard valuable lessons: to talk less and listen more. “Andy would introduce himself and then just look intently at the other people sitting next to him at the table. When they would start talking, he would respond with ‘Oh, yes,’ listening intently as they spoke about themselves. “At the end of the dinner, Andy [Warhol] would not have said more than two words, and his dinner partner would have told him their entire life story, and so then he knew everything about you. And you didn’t know anything more about him than when the dinner had started.” Despite this, the dinner guests were always enamored by Andy Warhol. At the end of the dinner, Beard distinctly recalls one guest telling his mother, “I just loved sitting with [Warhol]; he is such an interesting man!”

The last leg of his trip to India was spent at the southern tip of the country in a small fishing village free from distractions and where he spent the remainder of his trip painting. The loss of his comfortable artistic mediums and his reliance on paint opened a whole new universe.

Beard is part of a growing artistic movement once called action work and now referred to as gestural painting. Beard explains the process: “Gestural work begins with a gesture, and everything is derived from that.”

After India, Beard considered accompanying an author on a horseback journey across Persia while illustrating the author’s travelogue. But the siren song of New Orleans beckoned. As fate would have it, Jimmy Coleman, whose family owned the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, discovered Beard’s art, purchased a few pieces and convinced him to continue his formal training in New Orleans.

Influenced by his childhood houseguests, education and travels, Beard’s artwork is at once whimsical and alive with movement and color while also reflecting the beauty of the natural world without the benefit of realism.

“In my early years, I was something between a sycophant and an apprentice to my Uncle Peter, who was taking photographs and documenting wildlife. I found my voice in a different part of the world, painting different subject matter, and I knew I was more interested in the painting medium than I would ever be in photography.

courtesyphotos:ALEXBEARD

16 InsIde northsIde wild for a magazine in New York,” Beard said.

“In fact, when I go on safari in Africa now, I do not even bring a camera,” Beard said. “When you draw an elephant, it doesn’t help you to see a photograph. You have to go and see them in the wild and see how they move. How the leg structure works and how they hold themselves can relate that to other things you see. As a result, when you find the suggestion of that movement in the gestures that I begin with it is easy to pull that out and have that be recognizable as that thing without it being cartoon or caricature,” he said.

A great deal of what gives his work dynamism is that Beard is a true wildlife enthusiast who creates puzzles with each new piece of art for himself to solve. “Because I am interested in nature and my subject matter is naturalist, my pathway to a visual conversation about the intrinsic way in nature that things move, color, and light, comes from things like the divine proportion and finding, through experience and my own surroundings, universal truths like the spiral.”

His paintings could also be described as neo-Audubon, where abstract expressionism and naturalism come together in a way that documents not only the beauty of nature but the intrinsic movement in the otherwise inanimate medium of oil on canvas. “Abstract expressionists were the culmination of hundreds of years of deconstructing that which was photorealistic, even if imagined, into its essence of color and movement and light. So you go from Fragonard to Pollock. That is quite a progression of steps to get you from romanticism to Pollock’s removing his hand as interference to get the intrinsic movement of the way that the universe works by splashing paint instead of interfering with a brush stroke. Pollock is not just splatter painting; his work is hands-free gestural painting. Abstract expressionism is the removal of that which is real to find its essence. I start from that point and then bring the life back out,” he said. Beard describes his process of extracting shapes, movement, and color from the simple and fundamental spirals he quickly sketches out beneath his complex paintings as “lying on your back in the grass looking at the clouds and looking for things that are recognizable.”

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Beard’s artwork is a captivating, revelatory and celebratory look at the splendor of the natural world, with an eye toward preservation, conservation and bringing awareness to the natural beauty surrounding us. An appreciation for animals and the environments in which they live goes far beyond just the inspiration it provides Beard for his artwork. Because of his connection and respect for nature, he created The Watering Hole Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to saving endangered wildlife and preserving Earth’s remaining wilderness. Its mission is to identify and fund initiatives that preserve natural environments and their inhabitants, both locally and abroad. The Watering Hole Foundation is partially supported by sales of hisBeardartwork.was also recently honored as the keynote artist at the New Orleans Museum of Art’s Art in Bloom, creating the official image of the evening’s gala.

Beard believes in the interconnectedness of all things and all people, and he brings this fundamental truth to his work: “I don’t think you need to know an answer as to whether or not there is a god if you can recognize that there is a connection between multiple otherwise seemingly disparate things. The spiral, the same thing that is present in the seashell is present in the arms of the galaxy, and the shape of a hurricane, and when you grid out a rectangle to find the divine proportion, that says to me that there is a greater order to the universe in which we exist. I then apply those fundamental truths to natural subjects.”

This year, Beard served as artist in residence at the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans and hosted a solo show titled “Alex Beard: From Scratch,” at the Reynolds Ryan Art Museum. For more information about The Watering Hole Foundation or to purchase Beard’s artwork, stop by Beard’s studio located at 3926 Magazine Street or visit AlexBeardStudio.com

Tickets: Adult, $29; Senior (65+)/ Military, $27; Student (13+), $24. 880 Lafayette St., Mandeville, (844) 843-3090, 30byninety.com Hank Williams and My Honky Tonk Heroes, Starring Jason Petty Thursday, Sept. 15, 7pm. More than just a Hank Williams tribute band, Jason Petty brings his shows to life with his singing and his storytelling. Be prepared to be blown away by Jason Petty’s voice, storytelling skills and friendly demeanor, live at OnSTAGE at the Fuhrmann! Tickets are $20 ($25 at the door, if available) and can be purchased online at

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$20 1-Day Admission, $25 at Gate; Kids 12 and under, free. 1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell, 768-6969. “Gypsy” presented by 30 by Ninety Theatre Sept. 10-Oct. 2, Friday & Saturday, 8pm; Sunday 2:30pm. Regarded by many theatre professionals as the finest musical ever created, Arthur Laurents’ Gypsy tells the story of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughters’ success & while secretly yearning for her own. The play is set in various parts of America in the 1920s and 30s, as vaudeville was transitioning to burlesque. Filled with humor and heart, the show is a classic for a reason.

Mandeville Live! Free Friday Concert

Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival Oct. 15-16, Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-6pm. Presented by the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, this two-day family festival attracts over one hundred classic boats, hundreds of spectator boats and wooden boat and music enthusiasts for this two-day celebration. This festival offers tons of fun for kids of all ages, including arts and crafts booths lined along Water Street, the Quick ‘n Dirty Boat Building Contest and the “Anchors Away” Cardboard Boat Regatta. Tickets are $10 per day for adults, $5 for seniors 65+, and free for children 12 and under and Active Duty Military (with ID). 133 Mabel Dr., Madisonville, 845-9200, woodenboatfest.org

petty-9-15-2022my-honky-tonk-heroes-starring-jason-events/onstage-hank-williams-and-bontempstix.com/ . 317 N. Jefferson Ave., Covington, 892-1873 Sunset at the Landing Concert Friday, Sept. 16 and Oct. 21, 6-9pm. Bring family, friends and picnics to the Columbia Street Landing in Covington for Sunset at the Landing, a free concert featuring regional and touring artists performing jazz, bluegrass, folk, blues and more. All are encouraged to bring refreshments and chairs or blankets for lawn seating. 100 N. Columbia St., Covington, 892-1873, sunsetatthelanding.org

photo:ANTHONY“CHOPPER”LEONE InsIde northsIde presented by September St. Tammany Crab Festival 2022 Sept. 10-11. The St. Tammany Crab Festival celebrates Louisiana’s succulent crabs and other aquatic delicacies reeled in from the bayous and the Gulf of Mexico. The event is fun for the whole family featuring some of the greatest entertainers in Southeast Louisiana, vintage and unique vehicles, scenic tours of Bayou Bonfouca, and free carnival rides! Personal chairs and umbrellas are welcome, but no outside food or drink is permitted. Purchase advance tickets at StTammanyCrabFestival.com

Keep Covington Beautiful’s Bogue Falaya River Sweep Saturday, Sept. 24, 9am-12pm. Keep Covington Beautiful in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the City of Covington and Canoe and Trail Adventures presents the Bogue Falaya River Sweep Litter Clean up. Volunteers should meet at the Menetre (4th Street) boat launch. Clean-up supplies will be provided, and some kayaks will be available; bring own kayak or canoe if possible. A personal flotation device (life jacket) is required for all volunteers (not provided). A picnic for all volunteers and paddlers follows the cleanup, to be held at the small pavilion in Bogue Falaya Park. 213 Park Dr., Covington, 867- >>

Northshore Oktoberfest 2022 by A Rhea of Hope Saturday, Sept. 24, 5-10pm. A traditional, German, family-friendly Oktoberfest that is also a fundraiser and awareness event for cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). Guests will enjoy German food and biergarten, live polka music by two German bands, family fun, including “Bile Duck” games and a “Bile Duck Depot” store with a variety of fun ducks for sale. Admission is $5 for adults, free for children under 12. Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville, 502-5408, events/1153676585381430facebook.com/

september october 2022 19 Friday, Sept. 23 & 30, Oct. 7,14, & 28, 6:30pm. Kick off your weekend right with great live music! Lineup includes: Swingaroux on Sept.23, Soul Revival on Sept. 30, Groovy 7 on Oct. 7, Phunky Monkeys on Oct. 14 and Gregg Wright on Oct. 28. Admission is free, all ages welcome. Concert guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets, but please leave food and drinks at home; food trucks and drink concessions will be available. Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville, 624-3147, ExperienceMandeville.org

. Columbia Street Block Party Friday, Sept. 30 & Oct. 28, 6-9pm. This free family event features classic car enthusiasts displaying their “pride and joy” over four blocks in Covington’s historic St. John District. Check out local shops and restaurants as well as live and DJ music in many of the downtown entertainment venues. The October block party is Halloween themed, with trunk-or-treating and various special events inside shops and on the street. Costumes encouraged! 200-500 Blocks of Columbia St., Covington, 892-1873, covla.com Inside Scoop

3652, keepcovingtonbeautiful.org Be Like Ashlie Gala Saturday, Sept. 24, 7-10pm. Please join us at the Cohesive Unit’s Inaugural Fundraising evet, in partnership with the Black Tie Foundation, to raise funds for the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center by attending the “Be Like Ashlie” Gala! Tickets are $100 per person and must be purchased in advance. They include a night of delicious food, open bar, and music! There will also be a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and other fun games. Cocktail attire is encouraged.

Habitat STW’s W.A.T.C.H. Social Sept. 29, 5pm. W.A.T.C.H. (Women Accepting The Challenge of Housing) is a group of dedicated ladies who ensure Women Build thrives in Western St. Tammany Parish. Join us in learning how you can promote affordable housing in our community. Women possess all that’s needed to create dramatic change in our community! Fleur De Lis Law & Title, 132 Terra Bella Blvd., Covington. Habitat STW’s Women Build Sept. 30-Nov. 19, 9am-3pm. Women Build is an annual project in which Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West empowers women, without excluding men, to build homes, enabling them to positively impact the lives of families and children by making home ownership a reality. habitatstw.org/ womenbuild Annual Al Copeland Foundation Golf Fest Friday, Sept. 30, 10am. Join us for a day of food, libations, music, fun and a little bit of golf! Enjoy chef delights on the course, at registration and following play. Toast all your birdies on the course at bars along the course, registration and following play. Presented by Fidelity Bank. $250 per golfer. Beau Chene Country Club, 602 N. Beau Chene Dr., Mandeville, (504) 620-3727, alcopelandfoundation.org

The Fleur De Lis Event Center, Mandeville, us.givergy.com/BeLikeAshlie Pelican Park Fall Fest Sunday, Sept. 25, 2-5pm . All are invited for fun activities and competitions for the whole family to enjoy, including highly anticipated competitions with judging provided for various age groups. Scare the competition during the Scarecrow Building Contest or strut your cutest costume for the Costume Contest Stroll. If that’s not enough, there’s the Pie Tasting Competitions for the best bakers of apple, pumpkin and pecan pie. It’s sure to be a fun afternoon to celebrate the fall season. 63350 Pelican Dr., Mandeville, 626-7997, pelicanpark.com . St. Tammany Parish Fair 2022 Sept. 29-Oct. 2. The St. Tammany Parish Fair Association celebrates 111 years of St. Tammany culture in 2021! Founded to showcase local culture, promote economic development and nurture community pride, the fair features agricultural and horticultural exhibits, music, food, talent showcases, a rodeo, Fair Queen/Princess and Rodeo Queen pageants, and of course, the ever-popular Midway rides. 1304 N. Columbia St., Covington, 892-8421, sttammanyparishfair.info

Bluesberry Music & Art Festival 2022 Saturday, Oct. 8, 11:30am-9pm. Bluesberry Festival is a family-friendly celebration of world-class music, art, food and culture with a blueberry twist at every turn. Regional and national Blues-centric artists perform from 12pm-9pm, headlined by award winning blues artist Samantha Fish. Local favorite food trucks will serve dishes incorporating blueberries and Abita Brewery will be serving craft beers, including the exclusive Abita Blueberry. Live art demonstrations, an interactive art tent and 20+ vendor booths featuring regional artists. Children’s Village with interactive entertainment and art activities. Tickets: free for children ages 10 and under, General Admission (ages 11+): $30 online, $40 at the gate. Bogue Falaya Park, 213 Park Dr., Covington, 789-7183, thebluesberryfest.com

Louisiana Food Truck Festival Saturday, Oct. 8, 11am-3pm. Grab your chairs, grab the family, grab your friends and head to The Harbor Center for the free Louisiana Food Truck Festival. The festival will feature food trucks, live music, a Kid’s Zone, vendors and more. The Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd., >>

september october 2022 21 October Olde Towne Pumpkin Festival 2022 Saturday, Oct. 1, 11am. Celebrate autumn and all things pumpkin at the 8th annual Olde Towne Pumpkin Fest! The festival features a Big Wheel Race, Ponies, Hay Rides, costume parade, inflatables including a sticky wall, face painting, KIDentrepreneurs, Pumpkin Chunkin’, delectable food and sweets and more. Ticketed activities under $5, food and drinks under $10. This fun, fall fest unites families through events, displays and contests and benefits the East St. Tammany Rainbow Childcare Center, the only non-profit child care center serving low income families and families in crisis in St. Tammany Parish. 433 Erlanger Ave., Slidell, 646-1603, rainbowccc.org Bayou Jam Concert: Amanda Shaw Saturday, Oct. 1, 5-7pm. Now in its 19th season, the Bayou Jam concerts in Heritage Park are free and family friendly. Concert goers are invited to bring their chairs, blankets, ice chests and picnic baskets to the park to enjoy the free concerts. Admission is free. Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Ln., Slidell, (985) 646-4375, myslidell.com

Slidell Little Theatre presents “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” Oct. 7-23, Fridays & Saturdays, 8pm; Sundays, 2pm. This stage adaptation of Ken Kesey’s celebrated novel explores the brutality of life in a mental institution with humor, candor and unforgettable characters. Tickets are $28 for adults, $22 for students and seniors, with discounts for members and season pass holders. 2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell, 643-0556, slidelllittletheatre.org

Join Louisiana Cookin’ for its premier dinner event, Chefs to Watch. Louisiana Cookin’ introduced Chefs to Watch in 2002 to recognize talented up-andcoming chefs from restaurants around the Bayou State who show passion for traditions while delivering fresh, new concepts. The annual roster has featured both Louisiana natives and transplants who draw from the state’s bounty of fresh, local ingredients as well as their own personal experiences Tickets are $175, table sponsorship (8 seats) is $2,500, and the presenting sponsor is $5,000. Southern Hotel, 428 E. Boston St., Covington, 400-5663, louisianacookin.com Fall for Art 2022 Saturday, Oct. 15, 6-9pm. The St. Tammany Art Association and Covington businesses, galleries and restaurants present Fall for Art 2022, an annual celebration of the visual, performing and culinary arts. This event showcases new works and one-nightonly shows at Covington’s art galleries and downtown shops, all by regional and nationally-renowned artists, and shopping at the many eclectic shops in the walkable historic district. All events are free and open to the public. This event is weather-permitting. 320 N. Columbia St., Covington, 892-8650, sttammany.art Bhakti Farms Fall Retreat Oct. 15-16. The weekend will showcase renowned local teachers in workshop-style classes that are educational, healing and restorative. Throughout the weekend you will be nourished with three Ayurvedic meals prepared by Katelyn Sonnier. Bhakti Farms’ secluded location allows for a restorative weekend where relationships with fellow yogis can be reinforced through a shared love of health and wellness, making it a unique experience.

Slidell, 781-3650, harborcenter.org Wild Things 2022 Saturday, Oct. 8, 10am-4pm. This free event with National Wildlife Refuge Week, a national initiative that helps people of all ages to connect with the wild things and places that make their home special. Enjoy familyfriendly outdoor activities including children’s activities, live animals, music, hayrides, face-painting, bayou boat & canoe tours and much more! Visitors will also get to learn more about Louisiana wildlife and wildlands. Food available for purchase. Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, 61389 LA-434, Lacombe, 882-2025.

Bhakti Farms, 79468 Keating Rd., Covington, 718-6262, bhaktifarms.com

Monster Mash 2022 Fun Fall Family Festival Saturday, Oct. 22, 10am-2pm. Monster Mash is a beloved fall family festival that has been engrained in the Northshore community since 1988. A fundraiser in support of the STHS Parenting Center, Monster Mash features a fun and safe Halloween experience, complete with trick-or-treating, music, cookie decorating, crafts, carnival rides and so much more. Tickets go on sale Oct. 1st at 6 am. Child: $15 Advance, $20 Gate; age 2 and under, free; Child VIP $35 (online only); Adults: $5. Bogue Falaya Park, 213 Park Dr., Covington, 898-4435, sthfoundation.org/ MonsterMash Sunset Symphony on the Lake: An Evening with the LPO Saturday, Oct. 22, 6pm. Arrive early to claim your spot on the lawn, and bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks! As Carlos Miquel Prieto conducts, guests are invited to relax amid Mandeville’s natural beauty of century old oaks adorning Lake Pontchartrain, crowned with a breathtaking sunset. The stage is located on Lakeshore Drive at Coffee Inside Scoop

Chefs to Watch 2022 Thursday, Oct. 13.

4th Annual Gulf Coast Sportsmen and Outdoor Expo Oct. 28-30, Friday, 2-8pm; Saturday, 10am-8pm; and Sunday, 10 am-5 pm. Vendors from across the Gulf States will offer their latest products and services to hunters, fishermen, campers and sports enthusiasts. The trade show will include product booths, live music on Saturday, giveaways and door prizes. Tickets are available at the door; $10 per day, $17 for a weekend pass. The Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, 7743144, gulfcoastsportsmen.com

Hops & Horror Halloween at Chafunkta Brewing Co. Oct. 29, 2-9pm. Chafunkta Brewing Company presents the 6th annual Hops & Horror Halloween with family-friendly, with fun activities for the kiddos including Trunk or Treat, face painting and a costume contest. Then the evening hours will feature live music by Kiss tribute band Love Gun and an adult costume contest (keep it PG-13!). Chafunkta Brewing Co., 69123 Skybrook Rd., Mandeville, 869-0716, chafunktabrew.com

september october 2022 23 & Carroll Streets. The event is free to the public and attendees are encouraged to bring their own food, drinks and chairs to picnic. No charcoal grills allowed. 2623 Lakeshore Dr., Mandeville, (504) 523-6530, lpomusic.com/event

Whisperings: Covington Cemetery Living History Tour Sunday, Oct. 30, 5-7pm. The City of Covington will host Whisperings, a living history tour, where participants will be treated to a twilight tour of the historic cemetery, which dates back to Covington’s founding in 1813. Modern day actors will portray historic personages who are buried in the city’s oldest cemetery. Tours will be launched in 20-minute increments, and each tour group will accommodate 20 people. Reservations are recommended, as space is limited. Audiences ages 12 and up. Covington Cemetery No. 1, 608 N. Columbia St., Covington, 892-1873, covingtonheritagefoundation.com/events

41st Annual Olde Towne Slidell Fall Street Fair Oct. 29-30, 10am-5pm. An annual, two-day family event over six blocks in Olde Towne Slidell features vendor booths of antiques, collectibles and arts and crafts. The town’s antique shops and galleries will be open, great food available and live music on three stages. The Olde Towne area is also home to the Slidell Museum, which displays artifacts and historical accounts about the Civil War. Admission is free. Griffith Park, 333 Erlanger Ave., Slidell, 641-6316, slidellstreetfair.com

24 InsIde northsIde by Les East photo:NATHANSCHWEITZER courtesy:photoLSUATHLETICS A Changingof Guardthe New Coaches, New Promises for LSU and Saints Football

NOTHING ENGENDERS the combination of excitement and uncertainty quite like the arrival of football season. The kickoff of the 2022 season proves to be especially anxiety-inducing for Louisiana football fans. With new coaches at the helm, the New Orleans Saints and the LSU Tigers are embarking on not just new seasons but new eras for the storiedTheprograms.parallel debuts of Dennis Allen as the Saints’ head coach and Brian Kelly as the LSU head coach have little in common but the timing. Allen is a familiar face; Kelly is an import from up AllenNorth. represents continuity; Kelly represents a freshAtstart.50, Allen is relatively young for his job and inexperienced as a head coach. Kelly is neither. He turns 61 in October and has been a head coach for 32 years.Both take on their new challenges from different field positions. Allen ascends from Sean Payton’s defensive coordinator during the longest stretch of sustained success in the Saints’ 55-year history. “We have a foundation and a culture of winning that has already been built,” Allen said. “I’m going to try and continue that and build on that.”

Kelly’s new program is just two seasons removed from catching lightning in a bottle as Orgeron oversaw the group led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow that won the 2019 national championship. By any measure, it was as dominant a season as any college team has had.But LSU plummeted from the top of the college world in historic fashion. The team slipped to 5-5 in 2020 and opted out of a bowl game >> “You’re looked at in terms

It was arguably the best one-season coaching job done by Payton, who was one of the most successful NFL head coaches of his generation before taking what most observers expect to be a briefPaytonhiatus. guided the Saints to a Super Bowl title after the 2009 season – his fourth as head coach – and led nine playoff teams, including seven division champions, in his 15 seasons.

(The 2012 Saints finished 7-9 but are not on Payton’s resume since he was suspended that season.)The Saints’ string of four consecutive NFC South championships came to an end in 2021, but their cumulative record during the last five seasons is second-best in the NFL, behind only the Kansas City Chiefs.

here,”championshipsofKellysaid.“Iwantthat.”

The Saints have had a winning record for five consecutive seasons, narrowly missing the playoffs last season with a 9-8 record despite a monthlong displacement due to Hurricane Ida and an inordinate number of absences from key players and coaches due to injuries and COVID-19 issues.

Kelly arrives from Notre Dame to replace Ed Orgeron in the wake of the most dramatic peakand-valley juxtaposition of seasons in the Tigers’ 129-year history. He described his new job as “the great opportunity to restore championship-level football to LSU.”

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Winning championships is the presumed goal of all football coaches, though just how realistic a goal varies widely from job to job. Allen certainly seems to have a head-start on Kelly in that regard – though no one is predicting a championship for either coach right away.

Payton’s unexpected departure in January came just nine months after the retirement of future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees. It could have led the Saints to tighten their belt in free agency or trade veteran players for draft choices as part of a multi-season transition to the new era. But the brain trust decided this group isn’t done as championship contenders, even amid the seismic personnel changes.

Loomis said Allen’s relatively low-key

“You’re looked at in terms of championships here,” Kelly said. “I want that.”

“This is not a rebuild,” said Executive Vice President of Football Mickey Loomis, who, along with Saints’ owner Gayle Benson and President Dennis Laucha, chose Allen over five other candidates.Allendescribed the opportunity to succeed Payton, whom he called “a Hall of Fame football coach,” as simply “a great example to follow.”

They finished the 2021 season at 6-7.

The Saints signed a handful of key veteran free agents – most notably two former LSU stars in defensive back Tyrann Mathieu (a New Orleans native) and wide receiver Jarvis Landry (a native of Convent, La.) – to bolster the roster.

In addition, the virtually seamless transition from Payton to Allen and the retention of most of Payton’s widely respected staff demonstrates that the franchise’s success under the former coach is expected to continue.

courtesy:photoLSUATHLETICS

They traded next year’s No. 1 draft choice and other assets to move up in the draft and grab firstround picks in wide receiver Chris Olave and tackle Trevor Penning to address pressing offensive needs.

Orgeron, an assistant on Payton’s 2008 Saints staff, succeeded Les Miles on an interim basis four games into the 2016 season and gained the job on a full-time basis from a reluctant administration. He won a national championship in the third season of what became a tenure of a mere five full seasons before he was fired.

26 InsIde northsIde opportunity in hopes of mitigating anticipated sanctions from a still-ongoing NCAA investigation.

september october 2022 27 demeanor is somewhat different from Payton’s fiery personality, and whatever differences there might be between the two coaches’ approaches have been kept behind closed doors. “I don’t think you’re going to look out at practice and go, ‘Oh my God, everything is different,’” Allen said. “There’s going to be a lot of similarities.”Themost obvious difference is Payton was an offensive coach and Brees’ brilliant execution of his creative play calling was the lynchpin of the team’s“Teamssuccess.do take on the personality of your head coach,” Loomis said. “The whole team took on the personality of Sean Payton, and that’s been a good thing.”Allen is a defensive coach. His side of the ball complemented the offense in Brees’ final seasons and now appears to be the stronger unit. Saints fans became accustomed to watching Payton on the sideline studying his play sheet as he called most plays during his tenure, though his longest-tenured lieutenant –Offensive Coordinator Pete Carmichael – periodically assumed play-calling responsibilities and had Payton-like success.Allen said the post-Payton offense as directed by Carmichael won’t be “too dissimilar” to what it was under Payton and Carmichael. As for the defense, Allen took the uncommon step of assigning co-coordinator duties to two of his most trusted lieutenants: Defensive Line Coach Ryan Nielsen and Secondary Coach Kris Richard. But on game days, fans can expect to see Allen looking a bit like Payton with his play sheet in hand, calling the defensive plays. >>

“It’s hard to turn your baby over,” he said. No one knew it then, but everyone got a sneak peek at Allen as Saints head coach late last season when he served as acting head coach in a game against Tom Brady and the reigning Super Bowl champion Buccaneers when COVID-19 sidelined Payton.

“Dennis is a grinder,” Loomis said. “He’s set-jaw, a little bit of an old-school soul,Allen,tough-minded.”anativeof the Dallas area who played defensive back at Texas A&M, began his NFL coaching career as a low-level defensive assistant on Payton’s first staff in 2006. After two seasons, he was promoted to secondary coach, and two seasons later, he was part of the staff that guided the Saints to the franchise’s only Super Bowl title. His contributions to Payton’s success earned him a reputation as one of the brighter young assistants in the NFL. The Denver Broncos hired him to be their defensive coordinator in 2011 and after one season, the Oakland Raiders hired him at age 39 to be their head coach.The combination of a rookie head coach and a largely anwelcomedgamesseasonfourmix.organizationdysfunctionalwasapoorAllenwasfiredgamesintohisthirdafterwinningeightandlosing28.TheSaintseagerlyhimbackasassistantin2015and

The Saints defeated the Buccaneers 9-0, holding a team led by Brady scoreless for the first time in 15 seasons.

promoted him to defensive coordinator in 2016. “We hated it when he left in 2011, and we couldn’t have been more excited in 2015,” Loomis said. In all, Allen was a part of the Saints staff for 12 of the 16 seasons that comprised the Payton era. He “Dennis is a grinder,” Loomis said.“He’s set-jaw, a little bit of an old-school tough-minded.”soul,

september october 2022 29 spent the last seven seasons working alongside Payton in preparation for the next head-coaching opportunity, which has now arrived. “I’m much further along. I’m much more comfortable sitting in this seat than I was at that point in time,” Allen said on the eve of Saints training camp. “I was 39 years old and had been a coordinator in this league for one year. I’ve seen a lot more happen between that time and this time. I’m much more relaxed and comfortable in that environment now.”

The coaching change in Baton Rouge may not offer the same continuity but brings an experienced coach to guide the Tigers into the post-Orgeron era. Kelly has a comfort level borne of a series of successful tenures as a head coach: at Grand Valley State (13 seasons), Central Michigan (three >>photo:NATHANSCHWEITZER

His hiring at LSU marked the first time in 114 years a Notre Dame head coach left of his own volition to coach at anotherDespiteschool.having held one of the marquee jobs in all of sports, Kelly described the attraction of LSU – in addition to a 10-year, $100 million contract – by saying, “I want to be on the Broadway stage.” He wanted to compete in the most competitive conference in college football – the SEC. He wanted to win a national championship –something each of his most recent LSU predecessors attained. Kelly realized Notre Dame’s academic standards and the relative recruiting fertility in basketball-rich Indiana versus football-rich Louisiana meant getting to the CFP might be more realistic with the independent Fighting Irish, winning it would be more realistic with the SEC’s Tigers. He said his first experience recruiting Louisiana players revealed their passion to become Tigers was akin to baseball players from the Northeast wanting to play for the Yankees and hockey players from Montreal wanting

The only thing missing from Kelly’s resume is a national championship. He brought the Fighting Irish to the national championship game during the 2012 season and the CFP semifinals in 2020. Both times, his team fell well short against an Alabama program that now represents his biggest rival in the SEC KellyWest. won more games than any other coach in Notre Dame history –more than Knute Rockne’s teams won for “The Gipper” (or anyone else), more than Frank Leahy won, more than Ara Parseghian, more than Lou Holtz.

30 InsIde northsIde seasons), Cincinnati (three seasons) and Notre Dame (12 seasons).

Throw in a series of significant injuries – not unlike the one that hampered the Saints in 2021 – and the Tigers barely had enough scholarship players available (38) to field a team for their 42-21 loss to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl in January.Kelly scrambled to salvage a recruiting class from high schools ranked No. 12 in the country and judiciously utilized the transfer portal to welcome players via the same avenue that led players out of Baton Rouge.

>>

The transition from a Cajun head coach (Orgeron) to a Yankee head coach (Kelly) was stark for LSU, but winning championships transcends all that – as does losing as many games as you win. Kelly has won 284 games as a college head coach. His teams have failed to have a winning record just three times.

september october 2022 31 to play for the Canadiens.

“You should look at our football team and have an expectation of what a head coach has been doing for 32 years. This should be a prepared football team that plays hard for four quarters, that is ready to play every game,” KellyButsaid.even Kelly admitted the 2022 squad is unlikely to look like what LSU fans have come to expect nor what Kelly expects his future Tiger teams to look like. Orgeron’s program began to wither within days of winning the national championship as players chose to leave early for the NFL or enter the NCAA transfer portal in search of a more advantageous opportunity.

“Brian Kelly is the most accomplished football coach this university has ever hired,” LSU President William F. Tate IV said. On a caravan throughout the state this summer, Kelly told Tiger Boosters in Metairie to keep their expectations high.

Saban’s first season wasn’t anything special. The Tigers finished 8-4, but the season laid the foundation for a pivotal tenure that led to the school’s first national championship in 45 years. Regardless of past successes, fans of both teams will have to wait and see what happens as the 2022 season unfolds.

“I love the people,” he said. “They love football. They love family. They love food. That fits me really well. I guess I should have been in the South all along.”Theprecedent for the Saints and LSU starting the same season with new head coaches has happened once before.In 2000, Jim Haslett took over for Mike Ditka as the Saints’ head coach and Saban took over for Hal Hunter, who had coached the last game of the 1999 season after Gerry DiNardo was fired. Both of those changes demonstrated the first season isn’t always a predictor of how a coach’s tenure will go.

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Haslett guided the Saints to a division title and the franchise’s firstever playoff victory in his first season, but none of his subsequent five teams would make the playoffs.

Despite putting together a roster “creatively,” LSU is still short of the NCAA maximum of 85 scholarship players, though the verbal commitments Kelly has for the 2023 class suggest a bonanza might be on the horizon.When Kelly was hired, the Massachusetts native said he and his family were “going to immerse ourselves into the culture of Louisiana.”Afewmonths later, he said he had “gotten to love where I’m at.”

Lil’ Golden Girl set available in sizes 12/18MGame Day Reversible sequin tee available 3. Girl’s LSU smocked dress. Available in sizes 12M-4T. 4. Smocked LSU Jon Jon. Available in sizes 6M- 4T. 5. Knit LSU football player and cheerleader. 6. Smocked LSU Girl’s Short Set. Available in sizes 12M-6Y. 7. Boy’s Smocked LSU short set. Available in sizes 12M-6Y. 8. Metallic Pom Pom. 70515 Hwy. 21, Covington • (985) 900-2410 • 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 2.3. 1.

4. The Social Security Office in Lacombe. Call before you go because you could easily encounter a dark, empty building void of any signs of life. They apparently keep very mysterious hours in Lacombe, especially after noon on Wednesday when the employees seemingly vanish into thin air.

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3. The Traffic. Starting about 2 p.m., anyone who lives or works in Covington or Mandeville should be all too familiar with this “witching hour” when, during the school year, time seems to stand still. At least that’s how it feels having to drive 15 miles per hour for blocks and blocks and hours and hours…well, two, but it seems longer. Traffic on I-12, Highway 190, Highway 21 and Highway 22 all slow to a nightmarish crawl until after the evening rush hour and a quick errand that should only take a few minutes instantly becomes a maddening, hours-long foray into bumper-to bumper traffic by Becky Slatten

5. Chuck E. Cheese. A favorite haunt of the 8 and under crowd, this popular pizza place features shrieking children, large birthday parties, flashing lights, noisy attractions and a large robotic rodent. And if that isn’t frightening enough, countless parents have reported that after arriving with ample cash, they’ve left with nothing but a hot pink plastic slinky and an oversized pencil. The pizza’s pretty good though.

Other WordsIN

As a public service to my readers and in keeping with this spooky time of year, I’ve researched some of the most terrifying locations and activities on the Northshore and surrounding areas. For those of you hearty enough to brave some genuinely frightening experiences, I offer the following with a strong caution to tread carefully and keep your wits about you.

WITH A HINT OF FALL in the air, it’s time for three of my favorite things: college football, Halloween and sweater weather. I’m sure I’m not the only one impatient for the first cool snap and an excuse to break out the boots. I still experience a childish thrill this time of year when the Halloween decorations hit the stores and the campy old “horror” movies begin to pop up on TV; there’s nothing better than an old black and white monster flick to give you a fright on a chilly fall night.

6. The Mortuary. Located in New Orleans, this funeral-home-turned-Halloween attraction is purportedly haunted by real spirits. Plagued with huge crowds the entire month of October, this “haunted house” must be a huge eye-roll for the poor ghosts doomed to roam the halls of the gloomy mansion alongside overwrought teenagers and young adults clutching each other in irrational fear. Their eerie moans and rattling chains are no doubt drowned out by the whining of fake chainsaws and shrill screams of pubescent girls. Plus, it costs around $30.

1. The Gas Station. Who knew a tank of gas would become the new luxury status symbol? With fuel prices doubling since last year in many locations, the gas station is easily the most terrifying place on the Northshore and around the globe; even more frightening, there’s currently no real plan to end this nightmare. Ya know, the more I think of it, a haunted stroll through the Mortuary sounds very relaxing.

2. The Grocery Store. With nationwide production and supply chain issues creating shortages of essential items such as diapers and baby formula, not to mention the havoc on the wallet created by the specter of inflation, wandering the aisles of the grocery store can be a frightening experience these days.

september october 2022 35 with no end in sight. And heaven forbid there’s a wreck on any of our major thoroughfares, thus creating an indefinite gridlock with no means of escape. I’ll take a haunted house filled with poltergeists any day over driving Highway 190 to Mandeville at 5 p.m.

photos:THOMASB.GROWDEN

NICK AND KELLY BUCHANAN SOLD their house in Madisonville and moved into their new home in Covington’s Natchez Trace neighborhood in April 2022.

“We love our home! The neighborhood is wonderful and full of great people,” Kelly said. “We love our location because our lot backs up to green space, making our backyard very private and parklike.”

Refined Elegance Meets

Performance

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The exterior of the home is painted brick with black trim. The Buchanans wanted lots of large windows to let in the natural light. They found designer Corrinn Fisher from a Women In Business profile that appeared in the May 2021 issue of Inside Northside. by Poki Hampton Utilitarian

“Corrinn is a true professional and master of her craft. She was instrumental in the selections for our new home build, including exterior and interior finishes. We worked with Corrinn on the interior furnishings, and she executed them flawlessly,” Kelly said. “I am in love with how everything turned out; it’s even better than we had imagined. We are so grateful for Corrinn’s talent. She is so easy to work with and made this whole process so much fun.”

The interior of the house is airy and open. Interior walls were kept to a minimum so the living, dining and kitchen areas flow naturally into one another. The >>

september october 2022 37

Acrylic and matte gold barstools, white cabinets with matte gold hardware and Taj Mahal Quartzite countertops give the kitchen a sophisticated feel. The backsplash behind the eight-burner range is mother of pearl Thassos Marble mosaic, while the >> photos:THOMASB.GROWDEN

Simplicity reigns in the foyer. A matte gold metal table with glass top is topped by four gold-framed watercolor paintings, which Fisher sourced. A home office is off the entrance. Soft grays and blues in the rug are reflected in the Tremeau mirror that hangs over a washed gray credenza. The chandelier is from the Ralph Lauren Designer Collection. A large Gabby chandelier crowns the living room. The sofa is a performance textured white linen. The cocktail table is taupe/gray leather.

walls throughout the house are painted Dove White; the furnishings are neutral and white with splashes of color. The interior is cohesive, with engineered hardwood flooring in European Oak throughout.

A contemporary painting by New Orleans artist Jennifer Poe hangs on a side wall, while a handknotted rug in charcoal gray, taupe and soft blue anchors the room. The spacious kitchen island has seating for five.

“Performance fabrics are important to clients who have small children. They are easy to clean and hold up to little hands,” Fisher said. The console table is covered in blue-gray grasscloth with a beveled glass top. Two freeform, hand-baked ceramic lamps with white linen shades sit on top. The traditional fireplace is flanked by two built-in bookcases that offer ample storage.

photo:THOMASB.GROWDEN

The dining area’s windows feature natural woven Roman shades. A Phillip Scott turned trestle table in washed gray is surrounded by cane backed chairs with light gray performance fabric seats. Two Parsons chairs in washable, white textured fabric sit at either end of the table. A pair of white egret paintings hang on the side wall. The focus of the master bedroom is the upholstered king bed. The same colors that run throughout the house lend the bedroom serenity.

backsplash under the cabinets is handbaked white subway tiles. Two mercury glass and antique brass chandeliers hang over the island.

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The free-standing tub topped by a soft landscape giclee serves as the focal point of the bath. His and her vanities feature White Silk Quartzite and are topped with gold-framed mirrors and acrylic and brass sconces.

The outdoor living space carries the soft blues and grays from the interior, and a pop of yellow is added in the throw pillows. Textured cushions on the outdoor wicker make a comfortable seating area for yearround entertaining. “I can’t say it enough. We love our new home,” Kelly said. “We look forward to living here for many years.”

september october 2022 43 Business Leadership& 44 Honda of Covington and Covington Powersports 46 Christwood Retirement Community 47 NOLA Lending Group 48 Fleur De Lis Law & Title Company 49 HUB International Gulf South 50 MDVIP 51 Money Hill Golf & Country Club 52 Rediscover Aesthetics 53 Slidell Memorial Hospital 54 Yes Tech 55 Chivos Mexican Bistro & Cantina 55 Comprehensive Physical Therapy 56 The Office Market 56 Ruffino Custom Closets

The team continued to expand, acquiring Gator Powersports in 2020, adding Can-Am and Sea-Doo product lines. That led to a rebrand as Covington Powersports.

Although accessibility and a hands-on approach keep McCants keyed in, she credits her team for her organizations’ success. “My executive assistant, department managers and controllers at each store are solid. I couldn’t be successful without them. I’ll work until I’m 80 because the hardest thing for me would be to leave these employees,” she said. “During the pandemic, we managed to retain all our Honda of Covington and Covington Powersports

Laurie McCants

McCants is a fixture at each dealership, tackling day-to-day duties as well as big-picture concepts. She has created a culture at all her dealerships based on excellent customer service, integrity and professionalism. These pillars make Honda of Covington and Covington Powersports perfect choices when looking for a new vehicle or a weekend joy ride.

The opportunity to partner with Honda of Covington in 1998 led McCants to settle in Louisiana. By 2013, Laurie and her partners had acquired Garrett Honda, locating it alongside Honda of Covington to bring synergy for all things Honda.

McCants grew up in Hattiesburg but ultimately moved to one of the most well-known centers of car culture – Southern California.

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Laurie McCants loves automobiles and everything else about the automotive world. As a young professional working in banking, she even enjoyed working through the automobile loan process with clients. “The loans acquired for really cool cars grabbed my attention,” she said. So, it’s no surprise that she is currently the managing partner of three award-winning dealerships on the Northshore: Honda of Covington, Covington Powersports and Mercedes-Benz of Covington.

“The weather is so nice. Everything is happening outside there. So much to do – surfing, swimming, running, golf, tennis, exercise –it’s all done outdoors,” she said. Regular participation in outdoor activities complemented her competitive nature and natural athletic aptitude. Additionally, it honed her skills in leadership, confidence, risk-taking and selfdiscipline. Today, McCants holds those core values near and dear and calls on them to operate her companies.

Covington Powersports is a major retailer of ATVs, motorcycles, side-by-sides and Sea-Doos. A new building for Covington Powersports opened in 2014 and has ranked as high as #4 nationally. “We’ve expanded the Powersports building three times and added a boat display for the Sea-Doo Switch. Honda cars started out on Highway 190, and we moved into this building in 2008. We’ve expanded this building at least three times as well,” McCants said.

The dealerships have very little staff turnover and still have employees who have been on staff since day one. The dedication from this exceptional team of professionals has allowed Honda of Covington to receive Honda’s President’s Award 10 times overall and six times consecutively. It’s Honda’s highest honor for a dealership.

Covington Powersports, 152 Holiday Square Boulevard, 985-892-9730

“Honda has some new models – redesigned CRV, HRV and Pilot are all coming soon. We will have them in stock, or you can put your name on one arriving soon and come pick it up,” she said. “We are grateful for the overwhelming support of the St. Tammany community and beyond!”

Honda of Covington, 100 Holiday Square Boulevard, 985-892-0001

“The staff has longevity, large followings, and after 24 years in the community, I can sell cars and ATVs at 7 a.m. or 9 p.m. via text or email. We all enjoy that part of our jobs. We have salespeople who can sell as many as 40 units in one month alone because of their great work ethic and great customer base,” McCants said. “Our customers from St. Tammany and the surrounding parishes are the number one reason for all the awards, expansions and successes we’ve had. We are so grateful to have such a strong connection to our community.”

There are no plans to slow down progress. The physical footprints and inventory of each location is ever evolving and continuing to expand. Walk into any of the showrooms to experience McCants’s version of the perfect shopping experience. She and her team await the chance to assist throughout the entirety of the purchasing process.

McCants, her staff and her businesses are active members of local organizations and worthy causes. McCants has served on the St. Tammany Parish Hospital Foundation board for 12 years, two as chairperson. She has held past and present board posts at Safe Haven Foundation and St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce. A founding member of the Northshore Business Council, she enjoys other philanthropic efforts, including the Harvest Cup Polo Classic, American Heart Association and Kelly Kicking Cancer.

employees and provide outstanding service with limited inventory at all dealerships. The supply chain issues still exist to some extent, but we are still able to provide exceptional service to customers looking for a new vehicle. Honda and Covington Powersports make it easy to put your name on a new vehicle that’s coming to the store.”

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Christwood Retirement Community just celebrated its 25th Anniversary, and its Board of Directors has been looking toward the future. In March 2021 the Board of Directors assembled a Master Plan task force. The team’s objective was to update the Master Plan, which had last been updated in 2012 and resulted in the construction of a state of the art Memory Care facility opening in 2017. The task force included Board members, staff members, management company members, and Greenbrier Development Company members with whom Christwood had worked previously on expansion plans.

The team reviewed the history of Christwood’s growth from 2007-2019 and conducted on-site visits, charrettes with staff, residents, Board members, prospective members, and Community Center members. From this intensive research and planning, the task force developed a preliminary land use study that supports the Christwood mission. Updates to the plan include a comprehensive review of the current campus and plans for future use of the 60 adjacent undeveloped acres that Christwood has owned since 2012. Under consideration is the possible addition of 80 new independent living apartment homes and cottages, new common space for community activities including indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, an ancillary clubhouse, bocce ball, and croquet courts.

New indoor and outdoor pickleball courts are envisioned in the first phase of the Master Plan project to complement the Community Center’s indoor heated pool and senior fitness offerings on campus.

Also under consideration is a new health center, which would offer residences for those needing assisted living or skilled nursing. The task force is consulting with Greenbrier Development and PRDG Architects to explore all facets of a possible expansion. A market feasibility study was recently conducted by ProMatura.

Christwood is also exploring an extension of the Community Center, which would include an indoor pickleball facility designed essentially, but not exclusively, for people 55-plus years of age. The center would be dedicated to promoting healthy living and would offer state-of-the-art facilities and programs.

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, enthusiasm for the racket sport of pickleball has grown by almost 40% over the past two years, making it the fastest growing sport in the US.

“Christwood is exploring the addition of a pickleball facility with three indoor courts and one outdoor court to keep up with popular demand by its residents and Community Center members,” said Steve Holzhalb, Christwood Executive Officer.

The Christwood community has a history of reinvesting in its campus. A significant remodel of the independent living corridors was recently completed. They offer concierge living to more than 270 residents with access to resort-style amenities, convenient services, and easy access to quality healthcare. Situated on 117 acres in Covington, LA, Christwood is a not-forprofit Continuing Care Retirement Community.

Christwood Retirement Community is located at 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington. 898-0515. christwoodrc.com

Christwood Retirement Community

Mortgage Sales Manager Leigh Harrison said combining the latest technology with personable service and an extensive selection of products make Fidelity and NOLA Lending Group a one-stop shop for customers’ financial needs.  “We love being a part of this community, and are invested in its and your success,” she said. “Production, marketing, and training are my primary functions, but my passion is finding solutions for our customers. Even after 25 years, I still love the challenge and excitement when we come together as a team and can make a customer a homeowner.”

september october 2022 47

“We don’t fit all clients to one product; we find a product to fit each client,” said Loan Officer Mia Hegwood.LoanOfficer Jennifer Ricks said seeking out the right product is the key to success.

“When my husband and I bought our first and current home, our mortgage lender held our hand every step of the way. I have been in your shoes and know purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments in your life. Now I get to be the one to help guide, and I respect the depth of that responsibility,” she said.

When NOLA Lending Group became a division of Fidelity Bank in 2014, their already flexible index of products expanded. The result is more flexibility and customization options for client needs. Finding the right solution is an everyday task for everyone at NOLA Lending Group, said Courtney Jenkins, senior loan officer.  “Home ownership is a dream for so many, but it’s my job and joy to make it a reality. Not every loan is a slam dunk, but I’m a problem solver. Our clients know we will take the time needed to find a way,” she said.

“I love how many new people you meet in this industry,” said Loan Officer Nathan Hubbell.

“Whether the project is big or small, I will do everything in my power to help clients reach their goals. From selecting the best product to customizing a step-by-step plan, I’m here for the entire journey,” she said. “It’s so rewarding to be able to congratulate a family on the new home they never thought they could have. That’s why I became a loan officer. I love helping others.”  Educating clients is another way NOLA Lending Group lives their mission to be HERE FOR GOOD.

NOLA Lending Group Nathan Fouquet, Mia Hegwood, Courtney Dorris Jenkins, Stephany Ezell, Leigh Harrison, Courtlin Donner-Noggerath, Jennifer Lovecchio, Nathan Hubbell and Jennifer Ricks.

Reach out to the local lenders of NOLA Lending Group, a division of Fidelity Bank, by visiting nolalending.com. (NMLS #488639) Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

“Great relationships have been vital to my success. Recommendations happen organically when you leave people with a positive experience. I want every customer to feel as if they are the most important person in the world. I want to be that resource that will go above and beyond and will be available long after the transaction.”  Senior Loan Officer Courtlin Donner-Noggerath underscores the importance of a lasting relationship.

“Understanding the choices that they are making helps my clients sleep better at night,” said Senior Loan Officer Jennifer Lovecchio. “I love educating clients on our products and on making sound financial decisions. This helps to ensure their future success.”

“Our loan officers don’t take a cookie cutter approach to lending and take time to review each client’s specific scenario with underwriters to ensure they receive the best service and product available,” said Nathan Fouqet, another of NOLA Lending Group’s loan officers.

Loan Officer Stephany Ezell said she knows the importance of a caring and dedicated loan officer from personal experience.

“You should think of your loan officer as your mortgage concierge. My goal is to be a lifetime advisor and help our clients build long-term wealth through residential real estate,” she said.

Visit fdllawandtitle.com or call 985-277-5550 for more information. Fleur De Lis Law & Title Company 48 InsIde northsIde

“Our consults are always free, and we’d be grateful to have you take part on the journey with us,” he said.

Stephens said the community should put the firm’s positivity and proficiency to the test.

Saucier said the Northshore has welcomed FDL with open arms. “Our momentum and dedication continue to build,” she said.

“There are already plenty of things to worry about in our lives, so being able to help people properly plan for the dispositions of their estates – to take that off their list of things to worry about – is gratifying. Plus, we make that process very simple, yet very effective, and we get to meaningfully connect with people in the process, which is also something for which I am thankful,” he said.

Rebecca Norton Saucier, a Denham Springs native and seasoned civil attorney, also focuses on successions, estate planning and business. A passion for helping people is what initially set her on her“Ijourney.lovewhat I do because the legal industry is full of opportunities to resolve problems and protect people,” Saucier said. “Clients come to me with their end goal, and I figure out how to get there, whether it is buying a home tied up in a succession, starting a business or figuring out the best way to protect their assets. At times, I can see my client’s demeanor change from tense to relaxed during our first meeting.”

We could all use help in navigating the complex business and personal transactions that are part of life. Receiving that support from someone you trust is critical to growth and peace of mind. With twelve locations across the state, the enterprising team at Fleur De Lis Law & Title (FDL) is your hometown support krewe for real estate closings, business law and contract matters, franchising, title insurance, estate planning and more. John Stephens helps lead FDL’s Civil Department. Certified by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in estate planning and administration, Stephens focuses primarily on comprehensive estate planning, successions and probate, business and corporate matters, and contracts and obligations. One of his favorite services provided by FDL is comprehensive estate planning.

“I consider myself a utility player, going where I am needed. It’s an overarching mindset here – to go above and beyond for our clients. The Northshore is home, and I’m thrilled to help people in a community that has given so much to me,” she said. “I encourage everyone to attend one of our events, like the Art of Law, and to follow us on social media where we regularly share educational material.”

Audrey Gitz DeAgano, a Covington native and lead title file management attorney for the Northshore market, said she appreciates the feeling of family and synergy created by FDL founder and CEO Jeff LeSaichierre. She credits fellow attorney Jared Miguez for helping establish the growth and camaraderie of FDL on the Northshore.

Annette Dowdle, RHU, CCWC, CHRS

The right team can simplify benefits for employers and employees. The problem solvers at HUB International are readily available and equipped with common sense applications and insightful collaboration. “It’s so very rewarding to take the mystery out of employee benefits for people,” said Annette Dowdle, Senior Vice President of HUB International Gulf South. After all, it’s people who inspire Annette to lead her team each day. “We want to go above and beyond. We take the whole experience and make it surprisingly better by streamlining the process, which helps employers create an engaged culture with their employees. Then, it becomes more than just benefits,” she said.As the largest privately owned brokerage/ consultant within the U.S. and Canada, HUB aims to build high-performing companies through highperforming employees. Annette’s resources and consulting options include voluntary benefits, data analytics, health and performance, program design and implementation and much more. “Employers want to retain and attract good talent. We create that for them with a little bit of art as well as science, but it always comes back to the human element of it all,” she said. As a third party, HUB gives employees a point of contact to discuss sensitive topics. “Someone who is dealing with a serious medical condition has a lot of claims. They might need some hand holding, and we do that for them,” Annette said. “This arrangement makes them feel comfortable enough that they can ask the questions they don’t really want to ask their employer.” Employees can engage with HUB consultants wherever they prefer. “Because the world and technology have changed, we’re digital, paper and telephonic. We can meet each generation or person in whatever channel they are most comfortable,” AnnetteThesaid.many stories of how HUB has made a difference in people’s lives drive Annette to continue learning and collaborating. “I work with phenomenal team members who are passionate about what they do. They care about our clients and the work they do together,” she said. “All of that is very deliberate. Our HUB employees are just as much customers as our customers. They’re going to give our customers a really good experience and work really hard for them if they’re happy working for not only HUB, but for me.”

Annette is a graduate of Leadership St. Tammany and Leadership Louisiana. “Leadership training and networking give me avenues to connect with people inside and outside of my network,” she said. “It allows us all to draw from each other’s experiences to help our businesses and our communities as well.”

“People take insurance for granted until it’s needed, but it’s then that it can change people’s lives. We are making a difference,” she said. “It’s not just about insurance. It’s about helping people get the right kind and having them understand it.”

Annette.dowdle@hubinternational.com. 504-491-5576 HUB International

Annette recently completed Loyola Women’s Leadership Academy and is co-chair for 2022 American Heart Association Northshore Heart Walk. Additionally, she is a member of National Women in Construction and serves on HUB’s National Best Practices Task Force.

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James M. Robinson, M.D.

“The high level of efficiency with this type of practice allows me to address each patient’s individual needs and, together, establish their specific goals,” he said. “I have had this type of practice for over 10 years – the longest of its type on the Northshore. Most of our staff have worked with me for 10-25 years, which makes us a very cohesive unit. We are all committed to making each patient a priority.”

“My primary goal as a physician is to provide individualized care and attention with an emphasis on prevention and wellness. My job is to help keep you well but also be here for you when you are sick” he said.

MDVIP-affiliated doctors typically see an average of nine patients a day – about half that of the typical internal and family medicine practices. Having that extra time means appointments are available on the same or the next day, appointments start on time, patients are not rushed in and out and have time to discuss concerns and ask questions. Patients will also be able to reach their doctor for urgent needs, even after hours.

“I enjoy the diagnostic process and helping people feel better. My father was a pediatrician and learning from him had me interested in the profession early on,” Dr. Robinson said. With more than 27 years of internal medicine experience, Dr. Robinson continues to serve the people of St. Tammany and its surrounding parishes with a personalized healthcare approach.

If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, then MDVIP’s comprehensive annual wellness exam is one of its most important offerings. The practice’s Wellness Program includes more screenings and lab tests than the average annual physical exam. This helps to identify risk factors early on to prevent chronic illnesses and disease.

50 InsIde northsIde Husband of 30 years, father of four, and grandfather to one (so far), James M. Robinson, M.D., knew what he wanted to do from a young age.

“Our focus is on preventative care and corporate wellness in addition to all aspects of primary care,” Dr. Robinson said. Also affiliated with St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Dr. Robinson works with patients every day to implement prevention strategies. “Some of my professional interests and areas of focus include cardiovascular health, diabetes prevention and management, weight loss and maintenance and aging in the healthiest possible way,” he said.

“It is an honor to serve patients on the Northshore and surrounding areas, and I would love for you to schedule a meet and greet, explore our website or give us a call to learn more,” he said.

Dr. Robinson is located at 190 Greenbrier Blvd., Suite 106 in Covington. Call 985-809-7171 or visit mdvip.com/doctors/jamesrobinsonmd today for more information.

With an intentionally limited practice size, Dr. Robinson offers a welcoming and warm atmosphere.

MDVIP

For over a century, five generations of the Goodyear family have served as faithful caretakers of Money Hill Country Club and Community in Abita Springs, building a legacy of exceptional service that shines through every facet of the club’s many amenities.

Now, armed with plans for renovations and expansion, Money Hill is poised to be better than ever.  One of Money Hill’s shining achievements is its 18-hole championship golf course. The course spans 250 acres, an oddity for most courses, but especially rare in South Louisiana where space comes at a premium.

“The key attribute to Money Hill is the family-oriented community culture that has grown exponentially over the years,” Klemp said.

Even as the community and amenities change and grow, one thing will remain constant: its commitment to exceptional amenities and community culture.

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Money Hill Golf & Country Club is located at 100 Country Club Dr. in Abita Springs. Call 985-709-8431 or visit www.moneyhill.com for more information.

“Construction is underway for our new stay-and-play cottages that have a beautiful view overlooking hole number 10 on the course,” Klemp said. “Finally, in the near future there are plans to open a new residential section and a second 18-hole golf course.”

Most courses average 150 acres, said Greg Klemp, Money Hill’s chief operating officer and general manager. It’s not just its size that makes Money Hill’s course unique. “The undulation and rolling fairways that wind through the property is something that is just not found at other courses in South Louisiana,” Klemp  said.  The natural landscape offers opportunities for unique land and water features. “Money Hill’s golf course offers wide open fairways and large greens, whereas South Louisiana courses tend to have low or no undulation with tight fairways and/or small greens due to space limitations,” Klemp said. Additionally, Money Hill’s last five holes surround an impressive 60-year-old springfed lake, creating challenges that entertain both novice and master golfers alike.  Indeed, the Money Hill course holds a rarified space in the state. It was recently ranked among the top three privately-owned golf courses in Louisiana by GolfWeek of USA TODAY Sports. While Money HIll’s golf course could rest on its laurels, its story is about to begin an exciting new chapter. The course is undergoing a major renovation and redesign by accomplished golf course architect Mike Gogel.  “Mike Gogel has redesigned every hole while utilizing Money Hill’s beautiful existing site features that give our course its character,” Klemp said. “Mike has arrived at a strategic design that will provide golfers of every level an unmatched golfing experience. All green complexes have been completely excavated and rebuilt to USGA specifications along with all brand new bunker design and construction.”

Money Hill Introducing Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, Greg Klemp Greg Klemp

The newly renovated golf course is set to open on OctoberAlong1st.with the renovation of the golf course, Money Hill Country Club and Community is experiencing more growth. Currently underway, The Village at Money Hill will include an Our Lady of the Lake health clinic and a boutique grocery store.

Arden Ballard, MS, PA-C, ATC, AAOPM, and Katherine Ballard, RN

“Our goal is to keep you looking like you, but a more refreshed and rejuvenated you,” Arden said.

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Rediscover Aesthetics was formed with the idea that cutting-edge medical aesthetic technology can be personalized and made accessible by providers who truly care about their clients. The Ballards are excited to have the opportunity to get to know clients on an individual level by personalizing treatment plans according to the client’s specific goals and needs. With their unique “get to know you” experience, the Ballards will walk alongside you throughout your journey from consultation and treatment/procedure to follow-up and aftercare.“Weare invested in your results and want to help you achieve your goals,” Arden said.

Dermal fillers are another popular procedure. These treatments lift and sculpt the face and restore lost volume. Results are seen quickly and can last up to 18 Rediscovermonths.Aesthetics also offers specialized laser technology that helps patients with hair removal and improves skin texture. This treatment can smooth fine lines and reduce the appearance of spots and sun damage. Rediscover Aesthetics offers these treatments as well as chemical peels, microneedling, and PDO Thread Lift.

Rediscover Aesthetics has received a grand welcome since taking up residence in Franco’s O Spa. “We are overwhelmed with the support we have received from the Franco family, the members and our new clients. We have been so blessed and hope to serve this community for many years to come,” Katherine said. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the services at Rediscover Aesthetics; you do not have to be a Franco’s member. The team at Rediscover Aesthetics is eager to replenish, enhance and rediscover your natural beauty with you. Rediscover Aesthetics is located at 100 Bon Temps Roule in Mandeville. For an exclusive offer for Inside Northside readers, visit rediscoveraestheticsla.com/ northside or call (985) 322-3005.

That investment includes making sure each client is fully informed of the latest developments in available treatments. Neurotoxin injections like Botox® are the number one cosmetic aesthetic treatment in the US. The procedure only takes a few minutes, and results can last for three-tofive months. It can also alleviate headaches due to grinding teeth if placed in the jaw area and excessive sweating if placed in the underarm area.

Rediscover Aesthetics

Rediscover Aesthetics provides world-class medical aesthetics services with a personal touch. Co-owners Arden Ballard, MS, PA-C, ATC, AAOPM, and Katherine Ballard, RN, are a husband and wife team on a mission to help you rediscover your naturalParentsbeauty.to Kayden, Karsen and Klaire, the Ballards want all their clients to know they will be treated like family. Over the past 14 years, Arden has had an extensive career in the medical field. He has performed in a variety of specialties and worked with clients from all backgrounds, but one thing has remained consistent. “In every specialty I have worked and with every patient I have served, my objective has always been to leave the patients in better condition than they were when I met them,” he said. Katherine, a Metairie native, had a nursing career in intensive care, wound care and home health and has enjoyed her transition to aesthetics. “I am in love with what I do! When people come to us, they are feeling self-conscious about their skin’s condition. It is rewarding to help them feel more confident in their own skin,” she said.

In recent years, breast cancer has become an increasingly complex disease to treat. To help navigate treatment, the program facilitates appointments so that patients see all their physicians on the same visit. The physicians then discuss the plan in a post-visit conference, and the patient leaves that visit with a complete treatment plan. Treatment typically begins 7-10 days after this initial“We’vevisit. dramatically compressed the amount of time from diagnosis to treatment,” Dr. McElveen said. “Outside of a comprehensive program like ours, that time frame can be 6-8 weeks. We’ve seen a minimum of 50% reduction in that.”

A Slidell resident and New Orleans native, Dr. McElveen received his undergraduate degree from the University of New Orleans. He received his medical degree and completed an internal medicine residency and oncology fellowship at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. His 18 years of practicing in St. Tammany give him a special connection with his patients here. “I graduated medical school and had some difficulty finding exactly where I wanted to be until my first rotation in oncology, and then I knew that’s where I belonged. Cancer medicine is a little different from other fields in that you spend a lot more time with your patients and a part of you goes through the treatment process with them,” he said. “You get to know your patients’ lives, their families, their children and even their grandchildren. They are the most gracious and thankful people for everything you do. That affects me deeply and is a reward I just can’t explain.”

The new comprehensive breast cancer program is being piloted through Dr. McElveen’s existing office while construction of the clinic is completed. To date, 40 patients have been through the new program and the outcomes have been “Weexceptional.average 7-21 days from diagnosis to treatment. Just that alone is an absolute win for our area. Patient response has been incredible. At the same appointment, your treatment plan is made and scheduled, and you walk out with everything you need from that appointment,” Dr. McElveen said.

Slidell Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center

Dr. Matthew McElveen

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Dr. Matthew McElveen is a medical oncologist and director of SMH Regional Cancer Center. “My professional mission is to improve cancer success rates and chances of cancer survival,” he said.

Slidell Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center has launched its comprehensive breast cancer program and clinic. The clinic brings together the disciplines that participate in breast cancer care, including medical and radiation oncology, cancer surgery and reconstructive surgery to provide cohesive and compassionate patient care.

The SMH Regional Cancer Center is recognized by the Commission on Cancer from the American College of Surgeons as a Comprehensive Community Hospital Cancer Program. The new comprehensive cancer care clinic is slated to open at the end of this year.

In 2021, taxpayers approved a millage renewal in part to fund this new program. “I say thank you for investing as a community and seeing this as an important issue. We all know people who have been affected by cancer. I feel privileged to work in a community and for an organization that takes seriously its commitment to improve the care and treatment options of breast cancer patients in our region,” Dr. McElveen said.

SMH Regional Cancer Center, 1120 Robert Boulevard, Slidell, LA 70458 (985) 280-6600, SlidellMemorial.org

The many facets of technology in the workplace can be overwhelming for businesses just starting out and established businesses that want to keep up with the transforming environment. Helping people navigate the technical environment is what Caston loves to do. He has carefully curated a knowledgeable team to provide friendly customer service to businesses from Southeast Louisiana to Houston.   “IT support is a customer service industry and treating our clients with respect is the first job requirement,” Caston said. “Using industry best practices, we value every client. We want to know their end vision, build it and support it the right way. We know what works and what doesn’t – from power, internet service, local and wide area networks, data storage, data encryption, regulatory and compliance requirements, cloud computing, cloud migrations, telecom vendors, Windows, Linux, Mac… the list is endless. We work hard to make sure each clients’ systems are safe, reliable, and easy to Ransomware,use.”

54 InsIde northsIde Ben Caston has been a computer user and enthusiast since second grade. Growing up in Abita Springs, where he was affectionately referred to as a “nerd,” prompted him to bury himself in anything related to computers, both at home and in local libraries. Caston’s continued love of computers and tech led him to start  helping people around the Northshore, mostly senior citizens, with tech and computer issues.  His love for all things tech and his desire to help people led him to create Yes Tech in 2015. Caston’s passion for computer usage, friendly service, online privacy and the safety of his clients drives him to stay engaged and to continue learning as the technology landscape is ever-changing.

Others have been caught off guard by downloading free software that promises to clean up slow PCs but instead installs ransomware and encrypts crucial data leading to loss of revenue and credibility. Yes Tech takes steps to keep their clients up and running before, during and after natural or man-madeTechnologydisasters.inthe business world is a constant, and there is always a lot of work to do.

Yes Tech is proud to serve clients and looks forward to continuing to build long, lasting relationships. They pride themselves on knowledge sharing, hard work, friendliness, attention to detail and fast response times. Its mission is not only to give excellent customer service to clients but to become a part of  clients’ teams – guiding, building and providing long-term support to ensure that their goals are also Yes Tech’s goals.

Ben Caston

Yes Tech can be reached at 985-276-9123 or at yesmsp.com. Interested parties can email them at newbusiness@yesmsp.com Yes Tech

viruses, insurance companies and even natural disasters are all key considerations before any business connects to the internet. Caston says small businesses just starting out don’t consider themselves worth the investment of a technology management company like Yes Tech. But nothing could be further from the truth.

For instance, many small businesses were caught off guard following Hurricane Ida when they had no internet or landlines for months. Those who acknowledged the importance beforehand and laid the right groundwork allowed them to keep working during and after the storm.

CPT’s commitment to heal and rehabilitate the Northshore community grows stronger with every patient’s achievement.

Sergio Olin

“We have an extensive array of state-of-the-art equipment and methods,” said Wes Lee, a physical therapy assistant from Mandeville. “We offer physical, manual and vestibular therapies, dry needling, migraine relief and fall prevention—all in a warm, friendly atmosphere where you can heal in peace.”

PhysicalComprehensiveTherapy

The primary goal of Comprehensive Physical Therapy is to help people in the community live free of pain. “Our patients are the reason we do what we do,” said Owner Billy Beaudreau, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, FAAOMPT. “So many people live with pain daily and don’t realize the options available at CPT! We are here to guide you to your greatest physical potential and provide relief from pain.”

Husband to Sarah and father to Liam, Luke and Eloise, Beaudreau’s passion for mentorship is exercised daily with his team at CPT’s Mandeville location.

Applying a hands-on approach, the professionals at CPT work one-on-one with each patient at every visit. Patient care begins with a thorough evaluation and establishment of a treatment plan. Because each patient is unique, treatment plans are tailored to meet their specific needs and goals.

Chivos Mexican Bistro & Cantina

“Our customers enjoy our special recipes. Salsa, beans and rice…it’s all made from scratch and tastes homemade—the way it does in Mexico” said Owner Sergio Olin. Sergio got his start in the hospitality industry at an early age. “My older brother was a hotel manager, and he’d give me jobs during summer break. I learned a lot from watching him and liked being around people,” he said. After working in local restaurants for several years, Sergio decided to open one of his own. “Opportunities can come at the least expected time; you have to be ready to go for it,” he said. Sergio credits his mentors and co-workers for his success. “I’ve been fortunate to have had people in my life who’ve taught me how to lead by example. My principal role is supporting my team. When I see them happy to come to work, it makes me happy, too. We’ve become a family. I feel so lucky to have them because, without them, none of this would be possible,” he said. You’ll find fresh and familiar ingredients in Chivos’ seafood dishes like the crawfish dip appetizer, seafood enchiladas and tacos and Acapulco shrimp cocktail. “We aim for excellence starting with the ingredients,” Sergio said. “Local seafood is better quality, and it’s important for me to support other local businesses.”

Enjoy Chivos’ authentic selection of street tacos, enchiladas or fajitas. Try one of their signature drinks like Tulum or Paloma, and you may discover that you have a new favorite cocktail. For dessert, pick from traditional favorites like fried ice cream and sopapillas. “I’m proud to be a part of the Mandeville community. The support Chivos has received is humbling, and I look forward to serving the Northshore for years to come,” Sergio said. Visit Chivos at 2999 Highway 190 in Mandeville, or call 985-778-2298 to place a takeout or catering order. See the full menu at chivosmexicanbistro.com

Physical therapy is a safe and effective way to rehabilitate a variety of injuries and ailments. CPT offers specialized regimens to help you recover from an accident, rehabilitate after surgery, relieve pain and prevent future injuries.

If your mouth waters at hearing the words “ceviche campechano” and “barbacoa taco,” you’re in for a treat. Chivos Mexican Bistro and Cantina’s motto is “Making Mexican food great again.”

“We’ll evaluate your symptoms, discuss your medical history and any constraints or concerns you have to create the best recovery plan for you. We’ll be here for you at every step in your rehabilitation,” said Jeff Cresson, a Madisonville native and physical therapist at CPT.

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“The gratitude we receive daily for helping our patients get their lives back motivates us to do more. We come to work each day rooting for your recovery and can’t wait to see you thrive,” said Adam Cookmeyer, a physical therapy assistant and Mandeville native. Visit cptnola.com or call 985-272-1017 for more information on how you can start living pain-free.

The Office Market Anthony Giovingo Sr.

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Storage-focused areas like closets, cabinets and garages are some of the most important spaces in a home. A well-maintained home with a comfortable environment is possible with effective, refined storage solutions. The process of finding the right storage solution can often be disheartening, with big-box builders offering cookie-cutter units that don’t meet individual needs. That is where Ruffino Custom Closets steps in. “In a world of cut-corners and fast-talking builders, I’ve always believed in a different way of doing business,” said Christian Russell, owner of Ruffino Custom Closets.“ Ruffino Custom Closets is a full-service company in every sense. Instead of just flipping through photos in a catalog, we’ll invite you to our facility to preview your options for designs and materials.”

The Office Market’s 10,000 square foot showroom has an extensive amount of inventory, and its catalog includes more than 28,000 items that can quickly be made available. In addition to furniture and office supplies they offer breakroom equipment and cleaning essentials. They provide office and residential moves for which you can receive a free quote. Office supplies have free next-day delivery, and furniture delivery and set-up by their professional team is quick and provided for a small fee. Furniture will be delivered assembled and ready for use. “We don’t deliver boxes. Everything will be set up when delivered. That is part of the personal service quality that our customers can expect,” Giovingo said. The Office Market is a family-run business with Giovingo’s sons, Anthony Jr. and Brian, working alongside their father. “I’ve been in the office supply business 48 years. For me, family and business have always been intertwined,” he said.

Every aspect of the storage solution is designed and built custom for each customer’s particular style, budget and needs. “Because we are a local Louisiana business and not a corporation, we have the freedom to give you the personal, one-on-one attention you deserve, so that your project is truly made to meet your individual needs, both now and in the future,” Russell said.

The team at Ruffino Custom Closets works with both new constructions and redesigns and provides service throughout south Louisiana, with a showroom in Mandeville. Contact Ruffino Custom Closets for a free consultation and estimate.

Visit The Office Market at 68486 LA-59, Mandeville, or their website www.eofficemarket.com

Ruffino Custom Closets

Ruffino Custom Closet is located at 111 Campbell Ave., Mandeville, 985-809-7623, ruffinocustomclosets.com

Owner Anthony Giovingo Sr. is proud to celebrate The Office Market’s 25th year of operations on the Northshore, which looks much different than it did when he first moved his family here. “The area was a lot smaller then but it was beginning to grow. I saw a need for an office supply company that would cater to the needs of a growing business market. And we’ve happily grown along with it,” he said. While the area has grown, the mission of The Office Market has remained unchanged since its founding: to provide high-quality products at competitive prices with personalized service. “We service offices of different sizes and with different budgets. Whether your office has two or 100 employees, we’ve got you covered,” Giovingo said.

Different from nation-wide corporate builders, Ruffino Custom Closets offers a local, dedicated team, including owners Christian Russell and Matt Ruffino, that builds the storage on site instead of using prefabricated designs.

“We’ve assembled the perfect team of designers and craftsmen to provide you with absolute world-class service for your next project,” Russell said.

The Office Market team is ready to usher in the next quarter-century of business on the Northshore. “I invite everyone to visit our showroom, sit in the chairs, touch the fabrics and see all of the possibilities we have to offer. We live, work and shop locally just like you. Thank you for shopping local and thinking of us first,” Giovingo said.

Below: MandevilleOrchestraPhilharmonicLouisianawillreturnwiththeSunsetSymphonyontheLakefront.

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The city’s artistic heritage is known the world over. Most folks know New Orleans birthed the quintessential American sound that became jazz. But the Crescent City can claim other firsts. In 1796, it hosted the first documented performance of an opera (It was “Sylvain,” if you’re curious.). A century later, Vitascope Hall opened its doors on Canal Street as the nation’s first fixed-seat movie theater. Then, some 100 years later, the New Orleans Philharmonic was established as the oldest full-time, musician-governed orchestra in the United States. It’s an impressive legacy to be sure, and one we love to celebrate on the pages of Inside Northside. Our annual Cultural Arts section highlights some of New Orleans’ most renowned artistic talents. Here, we offer a look at the upcoming seasons of the New Orleans Ballet Association, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and New Orleans Opera Association. Mark your calendars now. You don’t want to miss these performances.

ArtsSalutetothe

Above: Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE will perform at NOCCA.

THE ARTS AND NEW ORLEANS are inextricably linked. They’re like beignets and powdered sugar. Red beans and rice. Crawfish and springtime. You simply can’t have one without the other.

New Orleans Ballet Association Jenny Hamilton didn’t mind rearranging the New Orleans Ballet Association’s schedule when it received a singular opportunity that will stand as another first for New Orleans. Indeed, NOBA’s executive director for the past 24 years jumped at the chance to host the Kyiv City Ballet. The ballet company left Ukraine in February for a tour of France, but has been unable to return home due to the Russian invasion. The October performance will be the Kyiv’s first appearance in the United States and one that Hamilton is happy to host.

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra After 17 years as the Louisiana Philharmonic’s musical director and principal conductor, Carlos Miguel Prieto is stepping away after this season. Prieto joined LPO in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina and is credited with helping the LPO grow artistically and developing signature educational programs.

A celebration of NOBA’s partnership with the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts with a performance by Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, a generational choreographer and dance company, in November. Brown will perform a new work, “Equality of Night and Day” along with his iconic work “Grace,” at NOCCA’s beautiful Lupin Hall.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo returns in January. This physical comedy features an all-male drag ballet troupe that parodies the conventions of romantic and classical ballet. The “Trocks” have toured the world, with prolonged engagements in major cities. In 2008, they performed for Prince Charles at the Royal Variety Performance. Monix, a New Orleans favorite, will return during an exclusive state tour in March. Moses Pendleton, founder and choreographer, has used his fantastical and extraordinary imagination to bring his interpretation of Alice in Wonderland to life. Momix combines acrobatics, dance, gymnastics, mime, props and more in a theatrical setting that brings magic to the stage. The State Ballet of Georgia is on an exclusive tour and has chosen New Orleans as one of the four cities to visit this season. Planned for April, this production will partner with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. For 31 years, NOBA has provided tuition-free dance classes for the community. This year is no different when 1,000 classes will be held for ages 4-80+ at 13 community centers. Classes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. NOBA also offers a professional program for students between 7 and 18 who are interested in careers in dance. This is a year-round, rigorous academic program that teaches students life skills like discipline, focus, determination and time management. Some programs are taught by worldrenowned choreographers like Trey McIntyre. NOBA offers various other programs and summer camps, including a senior fitness program and a Parkinson’s program.

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Learn more about performances or classes at nobadance.com

“We support these artists while they are stranded and honored to welcome them to New Orleans in October,” she said.

Highlights of the 2022-2023 Season

In April, Swing in the Oaks at City Park will bring student performers together with the LPO’s 67 musicians to perform an array of music, including an operatic repertoire and John Williams scores.

Kalena Bovell, a conductor of international acclaim, will bring Sibelius No. 2 to the stage in March.

QuarterTheperformAssociationOperawillaversionofBarberofSeville,setintheFrenchofantebellumNewOrleans.

LPO also has extensive educational programs including Young People’s Concerts, Early Explorers, Music for Life, Soul Strings and more. Both the tuition-free programs and open rehearsals help local youth learn to appreciate the beauty of music. Learn more or buy tickets at lpomusic.com

Vinay Parameswaran, formerly of the Cleveland Orchestra and Nashville Symphony, will conduct Dvorak and Price Symphony in November. Rei Hotoda, music director of the Fresno Philharmonic, will whisk the audience away with Scheherazade and more in March.

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New Orleans Opera Association Expect the unexpected during the New Orleans Opera Association’s 2022-2023 season.

Highlights of the 2022-2023 Season

The 2022-2023 season will celebrate Prieto’s contributions by hosting guest conductors from across the country. The season kicks off on Sept. 15 with Prieto conducting Mahler’s Titan Symphony at the Orpheum Theatre. The debut will also feature the world premiere of a LPO-commissioned work by Grammy-nominated composer Juan Pablo Contreras and Paquito D’Rivera’s Concierto Venezolano played by Pacho Flores. During the season, Prieto will also lead Ravel & Debussy, Britten & Elgar, The Violins of Hope, Haydn’s The Seasons, Beethoven 7 as well as the season finale, Copland: Symphony No. 3. Other notable conductors scheduled for the seasonMattinclude:Kraemer, music director of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, will lead the orchestra in Fountains of Rome and Tchaikovsky 6 in RobertSeptember.Moody of the Memphis Symphony, will lead Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition in October.

LPO will also return to the Northshore in October with the ever-popular Sunset Symphony at Mandeville’s Lakefront Park. Other Northshore performances include Dvorak: Symphony No. 8 in November and Britten & Elgar in January, both at Covington High School and Peter and the Wolf in March at St. Paul’s School. December brings two family entertainment programs, including Home Alone in Concert at the Mahalia Jackson Theater and the Orpheum Sessions: Holiday Spectacular that features seasonal favorites. In February, LPO brings The Music of John Williams including movie tunes from E.T. and Jaws at the Orpheum Theater.

Schnyder’s Charlie Parker’s Yardbird is about jazz great Charlie Parker’s dream to bridge the two worlds of classical and jazz music and takes the stage in January. Finally, if you think you have seen all Madame Butterfly has to offer, you’ll think again when you see NOOA production in March. Aria Umezawa, a JapaneseCanadian stage director, will direct the performance that features Hiromi Omura, a French-Japanese soprano, and Bryan Hymel, a New Orleanian tenor with an international career.

Based on Pierre Beaumarchais’ French comedy for the ages, this version of The Barber of Seville is set in the French Quarter of antebellum New Orleans. The brand new vision will take the stage with a diverse cast on Sept. 30 and Oct. 2 at the Mahalia Jackson Theater.

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra provides the music for each of these incredible performances. Before each Friday evening and Sunday afternoon opera performance, ticket holders can attend a free, 90-minute PreParty featuring live music, giveaways and photos. After each opera, cast members discuss the opera production process.

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NOOA continues to present opera throughout the community with its Community Conversations during production week. Those on the Northshore are familiar with Opera on Tap at the Abita Brew Pub. NOOA also offers community education opportunities. A partnership with the Marsalis Center, Career Day teaches middle and high-school students about careers in the arts. The ALLONS Zoom series is for adult/college participants to watch free online lectures. Student Night Out allows students and chaperones to attend the final dress rehearsal of an opera. Masterclasses feature NOOA and international artists teaching local university students. The J. Donald Wood Competition offers regional high school singers an opportunity to compete for a chance to apply for the Wood Advancement Grant. To buy tickets, please visit neworleansopera.org

”You can expect a dazzling selection of fully staged, live performances that offer every bit of magic, spectacle and joy you have come to expect from New Orleans Opera,” said Clare Burovac, NOOA’s general and artistic director. With international performers, high-profile American singers and a few New Orleanians, too, audiences will be surprised by some of the interpretations of old favorites.

In November, Hansel and Gretel will provide an amazing opportunity to dazzle children with incredibly beautiful music provided by Meechot Marrero, a Puerto Rican soprano flying in from Germany where she sings with an opera house.

62 Ins Flourishes 1. Automobile beverage coolers, 40-48” long, starting at $799. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008. 2. Distressed, carved wooden credenza. DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts, Covington, 892-2317. 3. Austin Contemporary Lantern by The CopperSmith. Available in gas or electric, 2 sizes and 3 mounting styles. Gulf Coast Lanterns, Covington, 800-910-3275, gulfcoastlanterns. com 4. Contemporary brass vessels with handles. Greige Home Interiors, Mandeville, 875-7576. 5. Seasonal arrangements, starting at $65. Florist of Covington, Covington, 8927701. 6. Make fresh updates to any space with decorative throw pillows that complete your favorite look. Several styles and fabrics available. Prices vary. V Home & Interiors, Mandeville, 231-7411, vhomeandinteriors. com 7. NUNA Rava Convertible car seat in Lagoon. Kiki and Lolli, Covington, 900-2410. 2 1 3 465 7

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Flourishes

Christoper Designs L’Amour Crisscut eternity band featuring 3.82cts set in Platinum, $19,900. Boudreaux’s Jewelers, Mandeville, 626Contemporary chandelier in matte gold and white. Southland Plumbing, Covington, 893-8883. 3. Lapis Clover Station Necklace, $450. Lee Michaels Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000. 4. Executive high-back chair features a mesh seat and ergonomically designed high mesh back for the natural curvature of a person’s back, $298. The Office Market, Mandeville, 674-1875. 5. Ice design bowl and vase, starting at $63. Corrinn Fisher Interiors, Covington, 888-1229. 6. Governor Carriage with a bracket mount. Available in 2 sizes, gas or electric, and copper or stainless steel. Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, Mandeville, 249-6040. 7. Oneof-a-kind artisanal handmade tiles and natural stones sourced from quarries worldwide. Stafford Tile & Stone, showrooms in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Down Filled Pillow, $239. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045. 3 4 6 5 7 8 64 northsIde

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3. Magenta moto jacket with zipper detailing, $159. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1690 or 809-1789. 4. White Gold 2.48 Carat Green Amethyst and Diamond Halo Post Earrings, $1,350. Lee Michaels Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000. 5. Our Brynn Top features a butterfly raglan sleeve and elegant shirring around the neckline, complemented with a front keyhole opening. Its relaxed fit is all you need for a breezy and romantic look. The Villa, Mandeville, 674-9797. 6. A foam-cushioned footbed cradles each step you take in this chic slide grounded by a lofty platform wedge. Shoeffle, Covington, 898-6465. 7. Reveal a vibrant complexion with nutrient-rich vitamin C products - antioxidant skincare for all ages. Royal Retreat Day Spa, Mandeville, 231-7329. 1 43 6 5 7 66

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1. Glam wrap front flutter sleeve party dress in raspberry charmeuse, $69. Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0270. 2. An asymmetrical one shoulder neckline adds chic style to this sleeveless ruched midi dress. Redoux Home & Market, Mandeville, 674-8811.

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Many rare plants live in these preserves, some listed as endangered and only found in this area of Louisiana. Among the vast biodiversity are several varieties of orchids and—what piqued my interest— several carnivorous plants. I could see carnivorous pitcher plants at both locations, although the Abita Creek site had a lot of variety within easy viewing along the boardwalk. Both locations had an expansive array of wildflowers.

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The East Gulf Coastal Plain, which extends from the eastern part of the Florida Panhandle to the Southeast Louisiana region, contains a broad area of longleaf pine flatwoods and savannas.

According to The Nature Conservancy, it’s important to preserve these areas since only a small fraction of the original, vast acreage of longleaf pine savannas remains today. Further, there is a great need for conservation concentration in the flatwood areas.

While the Talisheek Preserve doesn’t allow public access, I had the chance to visit Lake Ramsay Preserve and the Abita Creek Flatwoods Preserve.

The Nature Conservancyby Hilary Creamer

LOUISIANA HAS MANY unique qualities – our culture, food, music, language and the general way we live. That goes for our lands as well. Much has been written about the importance of our coastal areas and the Atchafalaya Basin, but we’ve got some impressive and unique land here in St. Tammany worthy of note.

Of that sweeping range, The Nature Conservancy, an environmental nonprofit that works to preserve lands throughout the world, is working to preserve and restore three areas of St. Tammany Parish. The Talisheek Pine Wetlands Preserve, Lake Ramsay Preserve and Abita Creek Flatwoods Preserves make up The Nature Conservancy’s Southeast Louisiana Pine Wetland Mitigation Bank.

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And while I did not encounter a gopher tortoise or any other of the rare animals that inhabit these sites, I was ringed by a small swarm of beautiful ebony jewelwings as I crossed one of the two bridges along the raised boardwalk. The walking trail at the Abita Creek Flatwoods Preserve is just over half a mile. Two sections of the trail are boardwalks and bridges over the water with a few places to sit and educational placards to read. The rest is on the ground.

The Horse Branch Trail at the Lake Ramsay site is about twice as long and can be a bit more challenging in some areas. Both trails gave me broad views. fresh air to soak in and that feeling of significance that comes when you know you’re witnessing something special. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy’s efforts in Louisiana, the Southeast Louisiana Pine Wetland Mitigation Bank, and the rules and regulations for visitors to the Lake Ramsay and Abita Creek Preserves, we-work/united-states/louisiana/www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-visit

AMY CUEVAS FIRST NOTICED HER SON, Alexander, had trouble with basic reading skills in kindergarten. In the first grade, he still struggled to sound out words, would mix up letters and hesitated to read, even after receiving extra help.

Alexander had a large vocabulary for his age and he was bright, so his teachers assured Cuevas she had nothing to worry about. Even so, her instincts told her something was off. As his firstgrade year progressed, so did Alexander’s difficulties with“Hereading.began saying he wanted to quit school, everyone could read except for him and calling himself dumb,” Cuevas said. At the age of 7, Alexander was evaluated by the public school system and by the Center for Dyslexia & Other Learning Disorders at Nicholls State University. He was diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disability that impacts a person’s ability to read, write and spell.

70 InsIde northsIde Amy Cuevas and her son, Alexander.

“I remember feeling overwhelmed, alone and not knowing where to turn for help. Even so, we were fortunate to find a certified dyslexia therapist who could immediately start working with Alexander,” she said.Alexander’s private therapist met with him after school every day for three years. It was expensive, but Cuevas was determined to give her son the tools he needed to succeed. “One in five kids are dyslexic, most high school dropouts are dyslexic, and a significant percentage of the prison population is dyslexic,” she said. “When you know this, you realize if this challenge had been addressed properly in childhood, society could be much different,” she said.

While Cuevas was able to provide her son with the help he needed, she worried about families that couldn’t afford private therapy. by Hilary Creamer

Louisiana KeyNorthshoreAcademy Giving Kids with Dyslexia an Education Built Around Their Needs

photo:STEPHENCUEVAS

Cuevas said Alexander needed resources to address his dyslexia in a way that could help him feel empowered instead of left behind. However, with a national shortage of certified language therapists in public schools, many parents opt for private therapy.

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She began to advocate for kids with dyslexia and banded together with other parents and educators to found the St. Tammany Parish Dyslexia Awareness Community Event. The event is held every October as part of Dyslexia Awareness Month. The group also created a Facebook page called Parents of Students Living with Dyslexia in St. Tammany to connect parents, teachers and offer support.

The group’s grassroots efforts attracted the attention of the Louisiana Key Academy, a Baton Rouge charter school that focuses on educating children with dyslexia. The school evaluated St. Tammany for a possible satellite location. As it turns out, LKA decided Covington would be perfect for a second location. In August, Louisiana Key Academy Northshore opened its doors to children for the 2022-2023 school year. Longtime St. Tammany resident Jessica Stubbs, Ph.D., sits at the helm as principal. Stubbs is a career educator, school administrator and certified academic language therapist (CALT). “I am honored to serve as the principal of Louisiana Key Academy Northshore, and I am so excited that LKA Northshore will bring evidence-based instruction to dyslexic children and stand as an excellent model and resource for other schools and communities,” she said. As an educator, Stubbs noticed many smart, creative and talented children had unexpected difficulty with reading. “As I progressed through my career, I was fortunate to befriend professionals in the dyslexia community. I was surprised to learn how common yet misunderstood dyslexia is. Once I started studying dyslexia in earnest, I realized helping children with this disability was my calling,” she said. Along with serving as a special- >>

“Their brains work in a different way, and we know how to help. We work to ease their anxiety by giving them the science and support behind the learning,” she said. “The students are encouraged to be creative and use hands-on techniques and multi-sensory modes of learning. We see them soak up the information, practice over and over and then apply the concepts. Their confidence explodes. They feel they have a place at Louisiana Key Academy–they make friends, find commonalities and realize they are not so different and can change the world, starting with theirs.”

“By the 2025-2026 school year, we will serve children in grades 1-8,” Stubbs said. “As we grow, we will be able to offer many opportunities for

purpose charter school for children with dyslexia, LKA Northshore offers high-quality teacher training through its sister organization, The Dyslexia Resource Center. “Through this training, we will continue to build the growing community of excellent certified academic language therapists right here in St. Tammany,” Stubbs said.

Located in Covington, LKA Northshore serves students in grades 1-4, but plans to add a grade level every year over the next four years.

While there is an extensive focus on building foundational written language skills, all subjects are taught with dyslexia in mind and by dyslexia experts. Teresa Abram is one of those experts.

TeresaTherapist,Abram.

“In my private practice, I always felt there was never enough time to help more students. I am eager to be a part of the LKA Northshore campus, and I’m overjoyed more children will get the instruction they need, that we know works and that is created by research and data. This is prescriptive and diagnostic instruction not only in reading but for the entire school day in a dyslexic child’s life,” she said.

Abram has a masters degree in education and is a certified academic language therapist. She serves as special education coordinator/dyslexia specialist for the newOriginallyschool.from Iowa, Abram has taught in a variety of settings from private to public, K-8th, regular and special education. “I always strive to support learners of every kind to love learning and continue growing towards their success, but I felt something was missing in my teaching toolbox,” she said.After completing her education and certifications, she opened a private practice for dyslexia therapy but sought to do more.

Abram said many kids have low self-esteem and feel inadequate and defeated from prior school experiences. LKA staff members are keenly aware of the struggles the kids face every day and offer both educational and emotional support.

courtesyphotos:LOUISIANAKEYACADEMYNORTHSHORE

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Above: Principal Jessica Stubbs, Ph.D. Below: Certified Academic Language

september october 2022 73 our students to engage in clubs and experiences, which will help them to develop and explore a variety of interests and Establishingtalents.”LKA Northshore has been a true community effort, Stubbs said, adding that she and the staff at LKA Northshore appreciate the generous community support, donations, referrals and word of mouth advertising.

“Alexander finished dyslexia therapy at the end of his fourth-grade school year and is now doing great in sixth grade. He can read! I credit this to dyslexia therapy, and I want all dyslexic children to have access to this specialized instruction,” Cuevas said.

“We are all so appreciative of our courageous students who are pioneering a brand new school. We are so excited to see them grow in literacy and confidence,” she said. “The ability to read well opens portals to learning, opportunities, health and understanding of the world around us. Writing allows us to share our thoughts and connect with others. Think of how often you text every day. Imagine what it would be like if you could not access the written Alexanderword.”didn’t get a chance to attend a school like LKA Northshore. But thanks in large part to St. Tammany Parish’s grassroots efforts to grow awareness and resources, other kids struggling with dyslexia will.

LKA Northshore is a tuition-free charter school. A family’s ability to pay for this specialized education will not affect access for children who need it. To learn more about the school, visit www.lakeyacademy.com. Learn more about the Dyslexia Resource Center at www.dyslexia1n5.com To learn more about dyslexia, visit www.dyslexia.yale.edu

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Executive Director Christina Cooper, attending veterinarian Dr. Jonathan Bergmann and the Global Wildlife Foundation board of directors are setting plans in motion to help Global Wildlife realize its potential as a world-class center of excellence in wildlife conservation and education. It feels like Africa in Louisiana as visitors explore Global Wildlife Center’s expansive 900acre preserve via a covered wagon safari or a private Pinzgauer tour.

FOLLOWING THE PASSING of founder Ken Matherne in the autumn of 2021, the leadership team at Global Wildlife Center in Folsom has been developing a strategic plan to guide the center’s future.

Home to thousands of animals from around the by Christina Cooper Global Wildlife Center Eye to Eye with Giraffes and The Future

photos:THOMASB.GROWDEN

The secret to up-close-andpersonal animal encounters is in the special herbivore diet, which can be purchased by the cup, bucket or even sack. As free-roaming wildlife approach the safari wagons or private tours to be fed by guests, a guide teaches about conservation and shares fun facts about the animals who live there, including their natural behaviors, status in the wild and habitat.

september october 2022 75 world, Global Wildlife offers guests the chance to learn through touch. Opportunities abound to feel the wooly fur of bison, get nuzzled by an alpaca or get eye to eye with giraffes.

Pre-booking a reservation is strongly recommended at www.globalwildlife.com

“The personal interaction with our animals at Global Wildlife Center has always been such a treasured experience and makes for magical memories. Touch is the most valuable teaching tool there is. When our visitors wiggle a camel’s hump, feel the velvet of a deer’s growing antlers or stroke a giraffe’s neck, it creates a bond and solidifies the importance of conserving these animals in the wild,” Cooper said. “We’ve got big plans for Global’s future. It’s a very exciting time to be a part of the organization.”

76 InsIde northsIde Hanson-DeLuca HEATHER JOYCE HANSON AND ANDREW MICHAEL DELUCA March 26, 2022 Madison Camille Photography Venue The home of Charles and Janet DeLuca Videographer Masters Photo & Video Rings ������������������������������Deluca’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts Dress & Veil ���������������I Do Bridal Couture Covington Seamstress Sew Custom Cake Suga Momma Cakes Make-Up Hope Hanson from The Elle Lounge Hair Demi Riordan from The Refinery Hair Co Band Taylor Made Band Bar Services Acquistapace’s Covington Catering �������������������������������������������� Judice’s Catering Rentals�������������������������������Northshore Tents & Events Flowers Etsy Honeymoon Seaside, FL

side PeekIN Southern Nights The Inn at La Provence was the perfect setting for the St. Tammany Chamber’s Southern Nights Gala in July. The more than 200 people attending the festive event enjoyed entertaining casino games; delectable food from some of the Northshore’s finest restaurants; bidding on live and silent auction items for memorable experiences and sought-after items; and open bar—a great night out! september october 2022 77

side PeekIN Samaratin Center Grand Opening The Samaritan Center held the Grand Opening of the new food bank located in the heart of Old Mandeville. With a teaching kitchen in the center of the 8000 square foot building, Samaratin Center will be able to better serve families in St. Tammany Parish and to enrich the services they already provide by offering nutrition and gardening classes. To find out more about the food bank and how you can support their mission, please visit samcen.org

Back to School Summer is over and the kids of the Northshore are headed back to school!

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by Susan Bonnett Bourgeois

Created by and managed through the Northshore Community Foundation, the Fellows program is fully funded by Chevron. The six-month fellowship engages leaders to meaningfully advance their connections and become part of a growing network of leaders.

A FEW YEARS BACK, there was a television commercial where a hyper-focused young man is hooking up the wires to a giant TV and surround sound system. The spot ends with him breathing a sigh of relief and uttering the words, “It’s all connected.”That’sa pretty common refrain around the Northshore Community Foundation office. We encounter community linkages daily. There’s no better example of “how it’s all connected” than the Chevron Community Fellows program. Chevron is a committed and critical partner to dozens of our local mission-based organizations. It is also a global corporation that promotes smart management, administrative efficiencies and meaningful collaboration. The completely homegrown, wildly successful Chevron Community Fellows program is a natural fit for the corporation’s business philosophy. First, the program helps local organizations identify common threads that link their missions. This creates efficiencies within the nonprofit community so our organizations can do more social good.

Selection is based on the individual’s current and future potential for community impact, a demonstrated commitment to the Northshore and a broad base of transferable skills with a willingness to work collaboratively toward shared goals. “We’re excited to help empower community organizations, supporting them in order to make a greater impact in our region. Through this initiative, the Northshore Community Foundation shares knowledge and resources – and ultimately improves the quality of life for local residents,” said Leah Brown, public affairs manager of Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit.

Throughout the program, Fellows connect with community leaders who mentor them and help develop their skills. Each session is innovative and creative, with local business and philanthropic leaders helping spark growth and fully expose Fellows to the Northshore business and nonprofit community. For example, the most creative session followed a “Shark Tank” model, allowing Fellows to randomly partner in trios and create and pitch a meaningful idea within 30 minutes. The best collaboration won funding. Our panel of “sharks were so impressed with the quality

Second, the Chevron Community Fellows program invests in the next generation of emerging leaders in the social sector and community. Participants advance their leadership skills, increase their social capital and become embedded in a robust professional network that often propels their careers into organizational leadership roles.

It’s More. Than a Class. It’s a Community.

Generous Hearts

The 2021 Graduating Fellows: Suzanne Freret, St. Tammany Art Association; Christy Myers, Children’s Museum of St. Tammany; Jennifer Bushnell, Commission on Cultural Affairs; Kristi Trail, Pontchartrain Conservancy; Jim MacPherson, Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum; Lisa Maddox, St. Tammany Parish Public Parks; Margie Lewis, Pelican Park/Northlake Nature Center; Donna O’Daniel, St. Tammany Parish Tourist & Convention Commission; Cleveland Wester, Youth Service Bureau; Ron Smith, Boys & Girls Club Metro Louisiana; Lisa Murphy, James Samaritan; Thomas Mitchell, Child Advocacy Center/ Hope House; Mary Slazer, Northshore Technical Community College; Ashley Llewellyn, St. Tammany Corporation; Noble Bates Young, Northshore Business Council; Gerrin Narcisse, Bayou Lacombe Cardinals. To learn more about the program and to meet the incoming 2022 Class, please visit chevron-fellowsnorthshorefoundation.org/

september october 2022 81 and speed of the ideas generated, they funded two projects. “Once the participants got to know and trust each other, the innovative collaborations blossomed, and we are all better off because of it,” said Susan Bonnett Bourgeois, CEO of the Northshore Community Foundation.

The graduation ceremony in June marked the end of the program for the 2021 class and welcomed the new 2022 class. Following the ceremony, each of the two classes of Fellows hosted a nonprofit expo for Chevron employees.

82 InsIde northsIde LouisianaPitmaster

INSIDE NORTHSIDE: You’ve been getting a lot of attention lately. You’re coming off ‘BBQ Brawl’ with Bobby Flay on the Food Network, your team took second place for ribs at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. So what do you consider the highlight of your career to date?

JAMES CRUSE: Winning the world championship last year at Memphis in May! What’s crazy is that we’ve now been in the finals for three straight world championships — only the second team ever to do that. They didn’t hold Memphis in May in 2020, but I was third in the world in 2019, first in 2021, and second in 2022. We lost by 16 hundredths of a point this year. Louisiana isn’t exactly synonymous with barbecue. Is that something you actively want to change? We’ve always been a live fire state, and we’ve always been an outdoor cooking state. We can barbecue for a solid 10 months of the year. So once we figured it out, there’s nothing that is going to stop us. Our palates are more developed than everyone else’s so we’re going to bring more balance than anyone else — we’re going to cook with more robust flavors. New York can claim the fanciest restaurants but the best food in the country comes from right here in Louisiana, and I think that translates to barbecue as well. And what makes Louisiana barbecue different from say, Texas or Carolina barbecue? It’s the influence of the multiple cultures that have settled here. The style of cooking we do here is influenced by Spanish, French, African, Italian, South American, the Canary Islands. Southern Louisiana really is a big gumbo pot. And all the flavors come together to inspire and create new things that we translate into our barbecue. I’m not going to cook barbecue that’s offensive — meaning there’s not one flavor that stands out. No one will say, “James’s barbecue is too spicy, or too salty, or too sweet, or tastes too much like xyz barbecue.” It just tastes like well balanced barbecue and that’s what I pride myself on. Did you grow up around a kitchen? Both sides of my family cooked a lot. Both sides are from big families. My mom’s one of nine kids, my dad’s one of nine kids. So they both grew up in families that cooked all the time. My dad’s family cooked a lot of country style food, and my mom’s family was more of a cajun/creole style. So I kinda grew up cooking both. And I’ll put a gravy on anything. Didn’t you just win an award for your gravy? (Laughing) I did. I’m the current national gravy champion and I’ve got the championship gravy boat to prove it! That was a contest from Honeysuckle White and the National Turkey Federation. Thing is, I grew up a block and a half away from the original Popeyes, and they’ve got great gravy. So I guess I got it honest (laughing). So when did you know that this was something you not only wanted to do, but knew you could do? That’s a good question. I mean, I’ve always liked to cook but that’s not what I do every day — I’m in sales day-to-day. But I cooked my first real dish >> James Cruse is out to convince the world of just one thing — that the very best barbecue comes from right here in the Pelican state. The quick witted, down-toearth, salesman-by-day is arguably the most decorated pitmaster in Louisiana history, and he’s got the awards to prove it. From almost two decades on the competition circuit, to endorsement deals and TV shows, to his own line of rubs, Cruse is a man with a lot of irons in the fire. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

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at 13 — Kung Pao Chicken — because I loved that dish, and when we weren’t at a game or at practice on Saturdays, we were in the kitchen cooking. But as far as barbecue goes, I grew up loving it. We’d cook it all the time, especially on my dad’s side of the family. And I’m one of those people that if I like something and I want to learn it, I’m going all in on it. So I learned how to cook ribs. I started to cook it for friends and family and I got pretty good feedback. Then me and my cousin entered our firstever barbecue contest and we took first place in ribs. Our very first contest ever! At that point I was just hooked. That was 17 years ago. And I’ve always said that I’ll stop when I’ve learned everything there is to know about barbecue. So what are some of the things that people don’t realize go into these competitions? The amount of work leading up to it. The amount of prep you do during the week — sourcing ingredients, shopping — there’s a lot of work you do before you even show up on site. And then once you’re on site, you’re up against a clock. No one’s timing you

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courtesyphotos:JAMESCRUSE

How has your success on the competition circuit helped on the endorsement side? When companies are looking to you for a sponsorship or a partnership, we’re really all helping each other out. My partners’ customers are looking to me as an expert in the field. What better expert than someone who has actually used the product, has had success with it, and has put it through every test you could think of? I won’t endorse products I don’t use. And you’re currently working with Desi Vega on a barbecue joint in Mandeville that will be opening in September. Tell us about that. I’ve signed on to be their barbecue consultant. And I couldn’t be more excited for what these guys are doing. They’re basically elevating the barbecue dining experience on the Northshore. They aren’t serving barbecue on a metal tray or paper plate. >>

I make a really good peanut butter and jelly sandwich (laughing). No, I made a name for myself in ribs. Lots of people like my brisket, but I became Louisiana’s first barbecue world champion in ribs. I have three first place finishes for ribs at Hogs for the Cause. It’s the first thing I learned how to barbecue, and it’s the one thing that I put that extra sprinkle of passion into.

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in your backyard. If you’re hosting a party at your house and the ribs aren’t done, you drink another beer or two until they are done. You can’t do that in a competition.

How many competitions do you normally compete in over the course of a year? I’ve done upwards of 22, 23, but these days I’m probably doing 10 to 15, at most. I try to focus more on the bigger competitions now. And what do you consider your specialty?

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They’ve got the Desi Vega name to live up to. When you think of Desi Vega, you think of service, the best quality ingredients, and an elevated atmosphere. They’re sourcing some really nice highend meats. I tell people that if you ever wanted to eat barbecue on a date night, this is the place. So what’s next for James Cruse? Seasonings! During the day I’m the national sales manager for Deep South Blenders and Cajun Land Products. I’m collaborating with them now on my own product line - Stockyard Landing. It’s a line of rubs that I’ve used to win the world championship. We have three of them coming out — two barbecue rubs and a steak/burger/ brisket seasoning. And what’s the significance of the name Stockyard Landing? I’m from Arabi, and Arabi was once a part of New Orleans. It’s where all the stockyards and slaughterhouses were located. When New Orleans passed an ordinance that there couldn’t be any slaughterhouses within city limits, this little area broke off to become its own city called Stockyard Landing (later changed to Arabi). We have a long tradition of handling beef, pork, chicken, you name it. Some of the houses in Arabi still have the old blood traps in the backyard. So while I may not come from an area known for its barbecue, I definitely come from an area that knows quality product and meats. So what advice can you give the amateur pitmaster trying to impress his friends? Honestly, just keep it simple. When you try to be overly impressive, you can mess up and forget the fundamentals — fire, heat, smoke and flavor, the basics of barbecue. If you can get those basics right, you’ll nail even the simplest dish.

Making Mexican Food Great Again. Enjoy everything from burritos to fajitas to tacos and more, all made from scratch. Stop by to enjoy our daily lunch specials. Happy Hour every day from 2-6pm. Be sure to try one of our signature margaritas.

Food can be ordered online and delivered. Si Señor 1905 W. THOMAS ST., STE. V HAMMOND • SISENORTAQUERIA.COM393-0090 Whether you are looking for an enhanced dining experience or a happy hour, Si Señor Taqueria is the best spot for authentic Mexican dining in Southeastern Louisiana. Experience our upbeat atmosphere while enjoying our fresh cocktails, like the House Paloma with fresh agave nectar. La Carreta CARRETARESTAURANT.COMANDMANDEVILLE,COVINGTON,HAMMONDPONCHATOULA Exuding a tropical, exotic atmosphere, La Carreta is the perfect place to wind down with friends, sample internationallyinspired Mexican cuisine, and sip on margaritas. Daily lunch specials, fiesta time daily and family friendly. Desi SteakhouseVega’s 1950 HWY 190 COVINGTON • DESIVEGASNORTHSHORE.COM276-4994 Our USDA Prime steaks are carefully selected, hand cut and aged for tenderness, then seared to perfection and served on a sizzling plate. Start your meal off with appetizers such as fried green tomatoes, turtle soup or bacon-wrapped gulf shrimp stuffed with crabmeat. september october 2022 87 Haute Plates A selection of restaurants and haute dishes found around the Northshore and beyond.

Pat’s Rest Awhile 2129 LAKESHORE DR. MANDEVILLE•FACEBOOK.COM/951-2173PATSRESTAWHILE Casual, waterfront seafood restaurant and bar helmed by renowned chef Pat Gallagher. Enjoy local favorites such as Gulf Fish Almondine, Oysters Rockefeller and Gumbo, alongside classics such as grilled steaks and burgers, while overlooking Lake Pontchartrain. Half OysterShellHouse 70367 LA 21 COVINGTON • HALFSHELLOYSTERHOUSE.COM276-4500 Local Gulf oysters and a variety of Gulf Coast seafood with a New Orleans flair and influence that extends throughout our ambience and menu. Steaks, chicken, pasta and so much more. Lunch, dinner, daily happy hour, Sunday brunch. BundtNothingCakes 1111 GREENGATE DR. #D COVINGTON • NOTHINGBUNDTCAKES.COM888-6555 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 • TCHEFUNCTES.COM323-4800 Tchefuncte’s chef Ryan Gall specializes in Louisiana and American cuisine highlighting the local area’s freshest ingredients. The scenic view of the Tchefuncte River provides the perfect setting for date night, parties and events, or a special weeknight dinner. Make reservations on OpenTable.com. Chivos Mexican Bistro & Cantina 2999 HWY. 190 MANDEVILLE • CHIVOSMEXICANBISTRO.COM778-2298

Easy GrilledChicken Skewers

ANYTHING ON A SKEWER is a hit in my home, and these prep-ahead chicken skewers are a family favorite grilling option. The yogurt marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavors, and grilling creates charred edges on the marinated chicken. The tender chicken is wrapped in flatbread and topped off with a tangy salad. It couldn’t be easier to prepare the tomato and cucumber salad, and it delivers big taste with minimal fuss. When it comes to delicious simple flavors, this dinner ranks high.

Easy Grilled Chicken Skewers Makes 6 skewers 1 cup plain yogurt ½ medium onion, grated 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 ½ teaspoons salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon thyme leaves 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs 6 skewers, wooden or metal Flat bread, pita or naan for serving 1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt,

88 InsIde northsIde IN Great Taste by Yvette Zuniga Jemison

Tomato and Cucumber Salad Servings: 6 1/3 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 2 large tomatoes, coarsely cut 2 medium cucumbers, coarsely cut 2 tablespoons fresh mint, parsley or dill, chopped ½ cup feta, crumbled

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3. If you are using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before adding your chicken to the skewers. Metal skewers are ready to go when you’re ready to assemble the skewers. Meanwhile, prepare your grill by lightly oiling the grates with vegetable oil, and preheating to medium high heat.

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1. In a medium bowl, whisk the oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper until emulsified.

We’d like to see which recipe you’ve made, so share with us on Instagram @insidenorthside and @y_delicacies. Scan QR code to go to @y_delicacies by Yvette Jemison on Instagram. onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and thyme until well combined.2.Cut the chicken into 1 inch pieces and place into the bowl with the yogurt marinade. Stir until the chicken is well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour and up to 4 hours.

4. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving about two inches of space at each end. Discard the leftover marinade.5.Place the chicken skewers on the grates on the indirect heat side of the grill, and close the lid. Grill, turning half way through, until the chicken is charred in spots and cooked through, about 6 minutes on each side. Serve warm with tomato cucumber salad, on flat bread that has been warmed on the grill.

2. Add the tomatoes, cucumbers and mint and stir until well coated. Stir in the feta and serve chilled or at room temperature.

90 InsIde northsIde Last Look by John Snell Summertime Bloom by FOX 8’s John Snell.