When the time came to edit this issue, I’d just returned from a family vacation to St. John and I admit that I was still on island time. As I gradually became responsible and productive again, I opened my computer and began to read.
I can’t believe I procrastinated. I was blown away by the writing in this issue.
Becoming a great writer is a lifelong pursuit. There is a perception that it is something one is either ‘good at’ or not. And while it’s true that most creatives start with an uncommon level of talent, to attribute great writing to talent alone doesn’t do justice to the writer who has dedicated a lifetime to the profession.
The Poetic Perspective, our piece about Louisiana Poet Laureate Alison Pelegrin (page 66) is a love letter to the craft. Mimi Knight’s telling of Pelegrin’s story is concise and entertaining (as always) and Pelegrin’s poetry feels both magical and grounded at the same time. And imagine my delight at reading about Pelegrin’s mentor - writer Tim Gautreaux - who has no idea the impact he had on my own career as my creative writing instructor nearly thirty years ago at Southeastern. Thank you, Professor Gautreaux, for fostering a love of writing in generations of storytellers.
All of our writers deserve recognition for what they bring to our pages. Thank you, Mimi Knight, Karen B. Gibbs, Cayman Clevenger, Poki Hampton, and Erin Cowser for the dedication you have for your craft. Inside Northside and the entire Northsore are lucky to have you telling our stories.
INSIDE NORTHSIDE
JULY-AUGUST 2024 | VOL. 39, NO. 4
PUBLISHER
DESIREE FORSYTH desiree@insidepub.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
SALES DIRECTOR
PEMMIE SHEASBY pemmie@insidepub.com
BARBARA ROSCOE barbara@insidepub.com
POKI HAMPTON poki@insidepub.com
SHERI LEMMOND sheri@insidepub.com
STEPHANIE ROBERTSON stephanie@insidepub.com
CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORIAL
MANAGING EDITOR
MARGARET RIVERA margaret@insidepub.com
BUSINESS MANAGER
JANE QUILLIN jane@insidepub.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
JULIE NAQUIN
MEGHAN LABORDE
SOCIAL MEDIA
MAL NICHOLSON
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.
CAYMEN CLEVENGER
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.
MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT
Mimi blinked and her four kids were grown. She and her husband, David, are emptynesting it on a hobby farm in Folsom where she’s attempting to teach herself gardening, beekeeping, chicken wrangling, foraging, canning, and most recently herbalism. Mimi is blessed to have thousands of articles, essays, and Christian devotionals in national and regional books and magazine.
EDITORAL CONTRIBUTORS
Melissa Bonin, Erin M. Cowser, Audrey Dawson, Poki Hampton, Hen House Creative, Sydney Johnson, Northshore Community Foundation, Brian Pavlich, LSU Press, Emily Songer, Katie Ulmer Photography, Splash RV Park, Laura Steffan, University of Akron Press, Visit the Northshore
When Bayous Melissa Bonin
speak, listens
By Cayman Clevenger
MELISSA BONIN AND SYDNEY JOHNSON
Nestled atop a hill near the Vermillion River, shrouded by the branches of an ancient oak and a curtain of Spanish moss, I explored the Acadiana home, studio, and sanctuary of artist, painter, and poet Melissa Bonin. Bonin, whose parents owned the famed boudin purveyor Bonin’s Quality Meats, is most famous for painting Bayou Teche, a waterway she knows and paints by heart, having grown up on its shores in New Iberia.
Bonin captures the ethereal, mystic beauty of the natural world iconic in her work while perched on the front of her weathered, forest-green canoe. Her first bayou paintings emerged from a need for healing; the waters reflecting the momentum of always moving forward. Bonin channels the feminine energy of the great bayous that surround her onto the canvas, as she reflects the symbol of the triangle in her work, which she creates through perspective, as if the viewer is sitting at the wide mouth of a bayou looking
PHOTOS BY
forward as the path narrows with the cypress trees swallowing the water from each side until only a thin inlet remains. She often creates a second triangle from the inlet upward as the bayou opens into the expanse of the sky.
Her compositions are deceptively simple, typically featuring relatively thin applications of oil or acrylic on canvas, with treelines, shorelines, and moss separated by soft, indistinct edges. These forms seem to hover, pulsate, and breathe, creating a dynamic interplay between light and shadow. Bonin’s painting technique involves multiple layers of thin paint, meticulously applied to achieve a luminous, almost ethereal quality, suggesting an air of mystery many associate with the bayous of south Louisiana.
Bonin’s palette ranges from vibrant reds and oranges to somber and tranquil blues, blacks, and purples; her use of color is not merely decorative but romanticizes the way the bayou and waterways make us feel as humans. Bonin captures the emotional and profound feeling of being surrounded by a great body of water. The triangle shape draws the eye to the center and creates a sense of depth and distance
that is visually stimulating and masterful. The subtle gradations and transitions between hues create a sense of luminosity through the haze and humidity of the Louisiana skies she portrays, drawing viewers into an intimate dialogue with the canvas.
Bonin is a classically trained colorist who studied under the great plein air painter Elemore Morgan, Jr. at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now University of Louisiana at Lafayette or ULL. Formally educated under Morgan’s mentorship in the late 1970s and early ’80s, Bonin further honed her craft at prestigious institutions such as Bennington College, the Massachusetts School of Art in Boston, and in France.
Returning to her roots in New Iberia, Bonin co-founded a gallery with fellow local artists, establishing herself in the Acadiana artistic community. She then opened a dazzling gallery on Magazine Street, which she operated
until the pandemic. Now based in Lafayette, she continues to produce her evocative works, balancing classical techniques with modern abstraction.
COVER ARTIST
Bonin’s paintings are characterized by their impressionistic portrayal as she captures the emotional resonance of Louisiana’s landscape rather than its literal form. Her art conveys a deep sense of memory and spirituality. “I enlist nature as a metaphor for the human condition: life, death, transformation, and rebirth,” Bonin says.
Bonin’s work feels like a uniquely feminine and modern reinvention of the works of legendary Louisiana artist Alexander John Drysdale, though her works are truly distinct and distinguishable. She paints in more vibrant color palettes, from oranges and purples to teals and blues, capturing the waterways of the bayou state in a uniquely contemporary and romanticized hue. She compares her work more to that of Mark Rothko: “I reduced the landscape to the bare elements like a Rothko painting, but Louisiana is more humid, so it does not have sharp edges; it’s a bit more blurry.” Like Rothko, Bonin’s works are a masterful exploration of color, form, and emotion, positioning her as one of Louisiana’s notable landscape painters. Her paintings, characterized by hazy explorations of color, movement, water, moss, trees, and
light, exude a powerful, meditative quality that transcends the mere visual experience.
Galleries globally have exhibited Bonin’s work, and her paintings are part of notable private collections, including those of Emeril Lagasse, Roger Ogden, and Blake Lively, as well as public collections at the Bayou Teche Museum, and displayed in the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion. Bonin was also the first woman to exhibit at the World Acadian Congress Exposition in Canada.
Bonin’s oeuvre, however, spans nearly every aspect of fine artistry, from carving and etching, pen and ink, gold leafing, and oil on canvas. The periods of her work are varied, but they all singularly focus on capturing beauty, whether the splendor of a great natural waterway, the enchanting simplicity of a humble muddy puddle, or the melody of the written word. As a former ballet dancer, she strives to make the motion and movement in her work seem simple and natural, removing all but the necessary to achieve stillness in pursuit of capturing the stunning grandeur of the natural world.
Bonin’s latest work of fine art is a book of poetry and select examples of her artwork that span her career. Her book tour has taken her across the globe, with author talks, book signings, and readings in Francophone communities, from New Iberia and New Orleans to Paris. In a room filled with members of the French and Canadian consulates, Francophiles, poetry, and art enthusiasts, Bonin regaled the audience with selections from her beautiful self-published compilation of French and English poetry.
“ ”
At nightfall, the backlit line of trees darkens a midnight blue. Perspective is sharpest at its farthest point to form the letter V.
An excerpt from “Lorsque Les Bayous Parlent, When Bayous Speak,” by
Melissa Bonin.
Bonin began where her introduction to the French language started, holding up a quotidian but well-worn antique Bible that had belonged to her grandmother, found in an armoire. She used the biblical passages to teach herself the language of her ancestors, a language once beaten out of students in schools and reserved for adults’ private
COVER ARTIST
conversations at home. With her mother tongue reclaimed, Bonin writes beautifully in French and English, telling the stories of her family, of life, love, and simplicity while celebrating the shared experiences of growing up in south Louisiana.
Melissa Bonin’s artistic journey is a testament to her profound connection with the natural world and her ability to translate its majesty into captivating works of art. Through her mastery of color, form, and emotion, she captures the essence of Louisiana’s landscapes, evoking a deep sense of memory and spirituality. Bonin’s works continue to resonate with audiences, reflecting her unique blend of classical techniques and modern abstraction. Her evocative portrayal of the waterways provides viewers with a profound and meditative connection, as well as a reminder to seek-out and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us in Louisiana.
You can find Bonin’s work and purchase her book at MelissaBonin.com.
JULY
Light Up the Lake Independence Day Celebration
Wednesday, July 3
The celebration features a patriotic tribute, live music, a kids tent, photo booth, and a brilliant fireworks show to close the night. Guests are invited to picnic in the lakefront park beginning at 10 a.m. with fireworks beginning at 8:30 p.m.The event is free and open to the public.
Lakeshore Drive between Coffee and Carroll Streets, Mandeville, (985) 6243148, ExperienceMandeville.org
Middendorf’s 90th Birthday Celebration
July 3-7
This July 4th, Middendorf turns 90! To celebrate this milestone, they will be hosting a full week of fun activities at both its original Manchac location and its second location in Slidell. For a
Tammany
Taste of Summer
August 1-31
St. Tammany Parish businesses are turning up the heat for the 7th year of Tammany Taste of Summer, delivering delicious deals on dining, hotel stays, attractions, and more. Go to TammanyTaste.com to check out all the great dining deals on The Northshore throughout the month of August.
Various Businesses Across St. Tammany, (985) 892-0520, tammanytaste.com
complete list of the week’s event, visit MiddendorfsRestaurant.com.
1951 Oak Harbor Blvd., Slidell, (985) 771-7777, middendorfsrestaurant.com
Olde Towne Slidell 4th of July Celebration
Thursday, July 4, 12 p.m.
Enjoy great food, cooling zones, kids activities and live music at three locations, and a fireworks show at dusk. Bring your lawn chairs to this family friendly event, but please leave ice chests at home. Vendors will be on site with delicious food and beverages.
2200 Block of Carey St., Slidell, (985) 285-4415, facebook.com/ OldeTowneSlidell
Abita Springs 4th of July Celebration
Thursday, July 4, 2-9:30 p.m
Bring your chairs, blankets, family and friends to the Abita Springs Trailhead
Park for the town’s 4th of July Celebration! The festival features military appreciations, live music, fireworks, food and more. Admission is free. No outside food or drinks.
22044 Main St., Abita Springs, (985) 892-0711, www.townofabitasprings.com
Madisonville Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m.
The Town of Madisonville and Keep Madisonville Beautiful invite you to the “Old-Fashioned 4th of July” on the banks of the Tchefuncte River. The celebration begins with kids’ games, cornhole and horseshoe tournaments, a Veterans’ Salute, watermelon eating and rooster crowing contests, a pie bake-off, and fireworks all on the waterfront in front of the old town hall. Bring your chairs, coolers and picnic baskets and find a spot on the riverfront to enjoy the fun! The day of family fun closes with fireworks at dusk (about 8:45 p.m.). presented by
PHOTO CREDIT: RANDY KRAUSE SCHMIDT
Water Street, Madisonville, facebook.com/ madisonvilleoldfashioned4thofjuly
Southern Nights Soirée
Friday, July 12, 7 p.m.
The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce presents its annual summer fundraiser, “Southern Nights Soirée”. Guests will enjoy an evening of food from Northshore’s finest restaurants, entertaining casino games, live and silent auctions, and an open bar for a great night out. Secure your tickets today. Admission is $150 for a single ticket, $250 per couple and $2,000 for 10 VIP tickets with reserved seating and other perks.
The Greystone, 935 Clausel St., Mandeville, (985) 273-3007, sttammanychamber.org/annual-events/#168261779388249c0721d-f010
Sizzling Christmas in July
Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m.
A blazing event with a touch of Christmas Magic! Join Southern Handmade Crafters for a fun-filled day of shopping at Mandeville Lion’s Club. Vendors will have jewelry, boutique clothing, pickles, jams, tumblers, wood crafts and much more.
Playmakers Theater presents Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance”
July 13-28, Saturdays, 7p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m.
Gilbert and Sullivan’s hilarious, hopeful farce follows young Frederic, an orphan who has mistakenly been apprenticed to an ineffectual but raucous band of pirates. He disavows the pirates’ way of life and falls for the beautiful Mabel. Frederic’s melodious tones win over the heart of Major-General Stanley’s songbird daughter, Mabel, but when the Pirate King discovers that General Stanley has lied about being an orphan to keep the pirates from stealing all of his belongings and carrying off his bevy of beautiful daughters, an “ingenious paradox” may prevent the budding romance and lead to the death of “The very model of a modern Major-General.” Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for students.
Come “pass a good time” to Cajun/Zydeco music at Abita Town Hall. The event includes free dance lessons, 7-7:30 p.m., with live music performance beginning at 8 p.m. Admission is $12 for age 18 and up ($10 for members of Northshore Cajun Dancers Club), free for kids 12 and under. A one-year membership (January to December) is $15, and includes a Christmas dinner dance in December as well as discounted admission to each dance.
The Atrium Gallery at Christwood presents Bernard Mattox: The Kantian Bridge Works – Chapter 2. The public is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, July 13, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Admission is free. The gallery is regularly open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Lobby Lounge @ The Harbor Center: Symone French & The Trouille Troupe
Tuesday, July 16, 7-9 p.m.
Join your friends at The Harbor Center in Slidell for the next “Up Close and Musical” concert featuring Symone French & The Trouille Troupe. The concert series features nationally touring acts throughout the year, focusing on artists from the worlds of indie rock, folk, country, jazz, blues and more. Performances are acoustic or lightly amplified, in a Bohemian-style, smoke-free, 124-seat venue. Tickets are $20-$100 (plus sales tax and fees). Admission to Lobby Lounge concerts is in advance only online.
100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, (985) 781-3650, eventbrite.com/e/symone-french-live-at-the-lobby-loungetickets-742551109357
Kokomo Stroll
July 20, 6-8 p.m.
Flip flops and boat drinks will be plentiful as crowds fill the downtown streets to taste the most scrumptious summer cocktails and craft beers served by twenty-four local CBA businesses, as well as food samples from six vendor tents. Patrons will enjoy beach-themed activities; and live music, and more as they stop at 30 outdoor tents to sample all food and beverages. Kokomo Stroll cups are $45* and is your ticket to the event and are available to purchase online. Check in and pick up your pre-purchased stroll cup at Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
St. Anselm Catholic Church’s 16th Annual Jewel of Madisonville Gala, Saturday, July 20, 7-11 p.m.
Don’t miss St. Anselm’s 16th Annual Jewel of Madisonville Gala! Enjoy a night full of cocktails, good food, dancing & fun. Specialty food will be provided by more than thirty St. Tammany restaurants. Live music for dancing by Three37 Band. Silent and Live auctions will be happening and so much more! The night’s big winner will be taking home a 2024 GMC Terrain Denali, valued at $40,000, donated by Rainbow Northshore Buick GMC. Tickets start at $60, multiple packages available.
Castine Center, 63350 Pelican Dr., Mandeville, (985) 845-7342, stanselmparish.org
HERPS Slidell Exotic Reptile and Pet Show
July 20-21
The HERPS Exotic Reptile and Pet Show hosts vendors with thousands of reptiles, amphibians, inverts, feeders, supplies and more in this two-day event. Check out the educational section for a handson experience with some of the most exotic reptiles and animals on the planet. Concessions will be available both days and admission is, for age 13 and up, $10 for one day, $15 two days; for age 5-12, $5 for one day, $8, two days; 4 and under, free.
100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, (979) 595-7831, herpshow.net/shows/ reptile-show-in-slidell-la/
United Way of Southeast Louisiana West St. Tammany Red Beans ‘N’ Rice Cook-Off
Monday, July 29, 11 a.m.
Each year on the last Monday in July, the Red Beans ‘N’ Rice Cook-Off in Covington marks the official kick-off of the United Way fundraising campaign in West St. Tammany Parish. The funds raised at this annual event support suicide prevention, mental health services and other United Way programs in St. Tammany Parish. Enjoy all-you-can-eat red beans and rice by 16-24 cooking teams as they compete for Best Red Beans & Rice and People’s Choice. Admission is $10 at the gate.
317 N. Jefferson Ave., Covington, (985) 778-0815, unitedwaysela.org/ redbeans
White Linen & Lagniappe
August 3, 6 p.m.
Time to don those cool summer whites for Slidell’s annual White Linen & Lagniappe! Featuring live music and entertainment, fine art by local artists, after-hours shopping, hot food and cool drinks, signature White Linen Night cocktails, the Ice Box Pie Contest at the Front St. Marketplace (judging at 6:15 p.m.), and much more.
2055 Second St., Slidell, (985) 646-4375, facebook.com/cityofslidell
INSIDE SCOOP
United Way of Southeast Louisiana East St. Tammany Red Beans ‘N’ Rice Cook-Off
August 5, 11 a.m.
Each year on the first Monday in August, the Red Beans ‘N’ Rice Cook-Off in Slidell marks the official kick-off of the United Way fundraising campaign in East St. Tammany Parish. The funds raised at this annual event support suicide prevention, mental health services and other United Way programs in St. Tammany Parish. Enjoy all-you-can-eat red beans and rice by 16-24 cooking teams as they compete for Best Red Beans & Rice and People’s Choice. Admission is $10 at the gate.
Bring out the family to cheer on our local first responders as they battle it out for the title of the 2024 Boots vs Badges softball tournament. This year’s event will feature fun for the whole family with inflatable, touch a truck, food trucks and more! This is a free event but donations are welcomed. All money raised will benefit the Miracle League Northshore.
The Saints 2024-2025 football season is just around the corner! Join the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce at The Sadie Jane for the Fan Up Pep Rally Luncheon sponsored by Silver Slipper Casino. Hear guest speaker Mike Detillier discuss the upcoming football season and enjoy a delicious lunch provided by The Sadie Jane. Tickets are $63 for Chamber members, $75 for prospective members and $500 for a reserved table of eight.
The Sadie Jane, 405 Country Club Blvd., Slidell, (985) 237-3007, sttammanychamber.org/annualevents/#1624031852743-64df6142-e4ef
New Orleans Saints Fan Up Pep Rally
Thursday, August 15, 4-7 p.m.
Presented by the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, the Fan Up Pep Rally is the Northshore’s largest indoor pep rally celebrating the start of the 2024-2025 Saints Football season with great food, drinks, music and a chance to win a pair of Plaza Level 2024 Saints’ season tickets...all included with ticket purchase. Event tickets are $20 per person age 10 and up, kids under 10 admitted free.
Slidell Municipal Auditorium, 2056 Second St., Slidell, (985) 273-3007, business.sttammanychamber.org/events/ details/fan-up-pep-rally-6611
Covington
White Linen for Public Art
August 17, 6-9 p.m.
Covington White Linen for Public Art, presented by the Covington Business Association, celebrates the close of summer with a free soirée in downtown Covington. Local art galleries, shops, restaurants and bars will also be open for business, providing special attractions and beverages for patrons to enjoy, as well as live music after hours. Like other “white linen” events in the region, patrons are encouraged to don their white summer attire.
409 E. Boston St., Covington, (504) 236-8827, covingtonpublicart.org
Q50 Races Bleau Moon 5 & 10 Miles
Saturday, August 17, starting at 8:15 p.m.
The Q50 Races “Bleau Moon” 5 & 10 Miler is a unique trail event. It happens at night! The annual run through beautiful Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville is a fast, flat course alongside Lake Pontchartrain. Entry fees for racers are, for the 5-Miler, $50 ($60 after July 19), and for the 10-Miler, $60 ($70 after July 19). Proceeds of the event benefit the New Orleans Mission shelter and the children housed through the Mission. As this is a nighttime race, a headlamp (and batteries) and mosquito repellent are a must, a whistle is strongly recommended, and runners should be prepared for hot weather. Registration/packet pick-up is 6:30-8 p.m.
This event is a health-centered event where members of the community are invited to participate in complementary health screenings and interactive education demonstrations to explore their overall health and well-being. While you are there, shop local small businesses’ pop-ups for a fun shopping experience to include jewelry, clothing, and more.
As you enter Erin and Nick Warner’s home in Oak Harbor through the 10-foot-tall black and glass doors, you peer into the open-space living area overlooking the luxurious backyard. The foyer is papered in mist-blue grasscloth. A round contemporary mirror, flanked by two Visual Comfort sconces, hangs over a driftwood-stained console.
Corrinn Fisher assisted the Warners in updating and refreshing their home with a large square cocktail table in rattan with a glass top, two club chairs in a light gray linen weave, and two generously sized sofas in soft gray. Two Beatrice Ball glass bowls grace the cocktail table. Windows across the back of the room flood the downstairs with light.
“We updated all of the lighting throughout the house and refreshed the entire downstairs with new lighting, soft-hued accessories, and updated hardware,” says Corrinn. The fireplace was refaced, and two burl chests give an organic feel to the
DESIGN
room. Contemporary swirl glass ginger jars top the chests, with floral paintings hanging above. The chandelier in this space is organic brass wrapped with rattan from Visual Comfort.
The kitchen table, in a raw beachwood finish, is surrounded by wooden chairs in the same finish. Two captain’s chairs are slipcovered in white linen. The palm leaf chandelier is from Julie Neil. The hardware and the three-light pendants were changed to organic brass.
The outdoor living area of the house received the most extensive makeover. The glass doors open onto the loggia, offering a beautiful view of the infinityedge pool and the canal beyond. Fire
DESIGN
bowls flank the edge of the rectangular pool. Date and mule palms were added to the landscape to create a lush tropical feel. Under the covered shaded porch, swivel chairs provide seating for eight, with oatmeal-textured performance fabric cushions and fringed throw pillows in light blue and mushroom. Two upholstered ottomans, in a leafy palm design performance fabric, serve as a cocktail table. Stacked stone fireplace and low planters were added to this space, making it a perfect place to entertain come rain or shine. Across the pool are three sunning loungers and a beautifully appointed outdoor kitchen.
From the upstairs game room, there is a large deck with a dining area that offers a great view of the canal and overlooks the pool area.
“We envisioned creating a comfortable but stylish place to live and entertain, both indoors and out,” says Erin. “Corrinn helped bring the soft colors, updated furniture, and accessories we needed to complete our vision.”
Northshore 2024 Guide Giving
sponsored by
sponsored by
At Fidelity Bank, our mission is to be HERE FOR GOOD, striving to enhance the quality of life for our clients and communities. We understand the importance of giving back because our team members not only work here but also live, shop, attend school, and raise their families here. With over 115 years of history, Fidelity Bank has a rich tradition of community support. The bank currently operates 18 branches across the metro area and plans to expand into Lafayette by 2024.
The Fidelity Bank Community Partners program is a community-based initiative demonstrating our commitment to social progress by investing in local nonprofits. Through collaboration with nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions, we have been able to leverage resources and expertise to address complex social challenges.
Partnering with local nonprofit community foundations, such as the Northshore Community Foundation, enhances our impact across the communities we serve. Since its launch in 2018, Community Partners has grown to include nearly 300 local nonprofits. Through financial contributions, volunteerism, and dedicated resources, Fidelity Bank has played a pivotal role in addressing critical community needs such as education, healthcare, affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and arts and culture.
Community Partners provides essential financial services, including business checking accounts, and offers an annual anniversary gift of up to $1,000. Madison Burris, Vice President and Director of Community Partners, noted, “We’ve learned from our Community Partners members that monetary donations or event sponsorships aren’t always sufficient to
meet their needs. Many of our Community Partners are small nonprofits lacking resources to execute fundraising events.” In response, the bank invested in an inventory of branded assets— such as tables, tents, chairs, lights, a fully equipped cooking trailer, photo booths, misting stations, decorative items, and games—to support partners at no cost.
The combination of bank-owned assets, monetary contributions, and volunteer efforts by Fidelity Bank team members has proven to be highly effective, with over 1,000 volunteer hours contributed annually. Community Partners also identified a need for enhanced financial literacy education, prompting Fidelity Bank to appoint Javier Sanchez as Assistant Vice President and Financial Literacy Specialist. Sanchez, who is bilingual, focuses on improving financial health and education across age groups, collaborating with nonprofits to offer free financial wellness programs.
“Our objective is to identify gaps and tailor workshops and seminars that affect real change today and into the future,” Sanchez remarked. “We proudly collaborate with our nonprofit partners to help drive positive impact and results.
Burris added, “Community Partners supports the communities that support us. We are committed to contributing to organizations and initiatives in the Fidelity Bank footprint.
Through a sustained commitment and comprehensive community engagement, the Bank’s Community Partners program has empowered individuals and organizations to thrivecreating lasting positive change that not only transforms lives... but is working to transform communities.”
For more information on Fidelity Bank’s Community Partners program or Financial Literacy initiatives, contact Madison Burris at mrb@nolalending.com or visit bankwithfidelity.com.
presented by
Leslie Landry, President & CEO
807 North Columbia Street, Covington (985) 893-8757
Connect with Northshore Community Foundation at NorthshoreFoundation.org
Interested in becoming a Foundation member? Scan the QR code.
The Northshore Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Members, featured in the Giving Guide, are instrumental in driving community transformation and enhancing residents’ quality of life. As a leading philanthropic organization, the Foundation serves as a bridge between these nonprofits and the resources they need to fulfill their missions. The Foundation recognizes that nonprofit organizations are the lifeblood of any thriving community. By offering training programs tailored to the unique challenges faced by nonprofits, the Foundation equips its members with the tools and knowledge needed to operate more effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, the Foundation’s networking opportunities foster collaboration and partnerships among its members. By bringing together nonprofits from various sectors, the Foundation creates a supportive ecosystem where organizations can learn from one another, share best practices, and explore potential synergies.
As a facilitator of philanthropy, the Northshore Community Foundation works tirelessly to connect donors with nonprofit organizations. Through inclusion of its Nonprofit Members in the Giving Guide, the NCF guarantees that donors can support causes close to their hearts and optimize the impact of their contributions. Adding to this resource, supporting these nonprofits is now more accessible than ever through the Foundation’s online Giving Store. This platform allows individuals and businesses to contribute their time, treasure, or talent. You can volunteer for outreach initiatives and community events (Time), provide financial support for essential programs and services (Treasure), or contribute your professional expertise to these organizations on a nonprofit board or advisory committee (Talent). Through these avenues, you can directly support these vital organizations and contribute to positive change in the Northshore region. Together, we can continue to nurture philanthropy and create a resilient community where everyone thrives.
Behind Bottle
Local Rising Stars in Craft Beverages
By Erin M. Cowser
PHOTOS BY ERIN M. COWSER
To say they have poured themselves into their work is no exaggeration. Zac and Cari Caramonta have mastered the art of craft beer with Gnarly Barley Brewing in Hammond. Paul Kelly Kennedy has found the sweet spot of craft vodka with Pontchartrain Distilling in Bogalusa. Monica Bourgeois and Neil Gernon have put down roots as vintners at Wild Bush Farm + Vineyard in Bush.
According to the Brewers Association, Louisiana is home to over 40 craft breweries. DistilleryTrail.com is an online magazine dedicated to the distillery and craft spirits business across the U.S. Its list of Louisiana distilleries points to only 25 in operation. Vivino’s Guide to Louisiana Wines purports that Louisiana’s foray into the winemaking industry is minute compared to other states with only “about 10 wineries” located within its borders.
How lucky that several of these bastions of adult beverages call the Northshore home!
GNARLY BARLEY
What started out as “brewing a batch in the garage for fun” turned into a calling and career for the Caramontas who met as undergrads at Southeastern Louisiana University.
Fast forward 10 years and the young couple now own and operate one of the fastest-growing breweries in Louisiana and even the Gulf South. Over that past decade, the Hammond brewery has produced 2.5 million gallons of beer.
“Our customers are definitely thirsty,” says Cari with a laugh. “And we’re so grateful for it!”
Zac adds that on any given day, there are 12,000 cans of Gnarly Barley beer consumed.
Flagship styles include Catahoula Common, Jucifer, Korova Milk Porter, Skater Aid and Marg Haus. With production of a core cadre of beers and a seemingly never-ending supply of fresh, fun new styles brought into rotation,
FEATURE
current South Louisiana distribution covers the Northshore, Baton Rouge, the Greater New Orleans region, Lafayette, Alexandria, Houma and Lake Charles.
Not only have their beers won bronze, silver, gold and platinum medals from such prestigious entities as the U.S. Open Beer Championship, USA Beer Ratings and the Great American Beer Festival, but two World Class and one Exceptional beer ratings are also among their honors. Even the brewery’s can and bottle designs have garnered national Craft Beer Marketing Awards.
Both Beer Connoisseur magazine and New York International Beer Competition recently recognized Gnarley Barley as Brewery of the Year. The Hammond brewery is also no stranger to the Brewers Association’s “Top 50 Fastest-Growing Craft Breweries” lists, having been included for multiple years beginning in 2017.
Zac and Cari’s contributions to Tangipahoa and the neighboring region have also received accolades in the form of a Louisiana Lantern Award from Louisiana Economic Development, which honors those who practice excellence in manufacturing and outstanding service to their community.
What started out as a warehouse with 14,000 square feet now boasts a brewery complex that spans city blocks. The full Gnarly Barley property now features a tasting room, the DineGnar Restaurant, merch shop, plenty of picnic tables and grounds that host countless community festivals, inflatables for the kids, bands, singers, impromptu hacky sack tourneys and any other number of entertaining engagements and exhibitions. In fact, these events have become so insanely popular that Gnarly Barley won the 2023 Louey Award for Attraction of the Year from The Louisiana Travel Association.
The brewery’s online events calendar is jam packed with performances, trivia nights, teacher appreciation specials, brewery tours, open mic nights and the like. On certain days, one can even get a new professional headshot or take family Christmas photos at the brewery (with or without Santa and/or beverages for Mom and Dad in the pictures).
As the sign that greets those exiting the premises reads, Cari and Zac encourage everyone to “Stay Gnarly!”
1709 Corbin Road in Hammond gnarlybeer.com
PONTCHARTRAIN DISTILLING
Paul Kelly Kennedy is relatively new to the craft distilling scene. His previous career in planning and risk analysis included assignments that had him living in China, Japan, Saudi Arabia and North Africa.
During his time in the Middle East he began to dabble in distilling. It was only upon his retirement that Paul Kelly Vodka came to be.
“I’ve been around the world 25 times, but always knew I wanted to come home to the South,” said Paul Kelly, whose family is originally from Mississippi.
It’s that magnetic pull and essence of the South that he set out to capture in his sweet potato-based vodka. Using nutrient-packed sweet potatoes straight from the fields of Garber Farms in Iota and raw cane sugar from Central Louisiana, Paul Kelly Vodka is master handcrafted in a distillery that was once the C.A. Stewart Milk Bottling Plant in Bogalusa. When they’re ready
for harvest he hauls the sweet potatoes himself in a trailer that twists and winds its way through country backroads to get to Bogalusa.
“In every sip, we tell the story of Louisiana,” he says.
“It’s vibrant, complex and subtle with a hint of sass; just like Louisiana.”
If sales and demand are any indication, he has succeeded. Having been picked up by Champagne Beverage as a distributor, Paul Kelly Vodka can be found in Acquistapace’s, Rouses and Total Wine stores. Santeri Distributors also recently opted to carry the brand, expanding its reach across the remainder of Louisiana and into Georgia.
He adds that although vodka is usually intended to be tasteless and used as a mixing agent, he designed Paul Kelly Vodka to be a sipping vodka. Apparently, the judges at the national Craft Distillers Spirits Competition liked what they sipped because they bestowed him with a Gold Medal.
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“There’s a heck of a lot of chemistry involved in the process, but it all comes down to taste,” he says.
That chemistry part of the equation is something he hopes to share with local students and potential future apprentices. Having built the equipment himself, he can also add some engineering instruction into what he hopes will be future Pontchartrain Distillery tours and facility visits.
Of course, one doesn’t need to schedule a tour to come check out Paul Kelly Vodka in person. With a tasting room and front patio, which features live performances when the weather is “less lethal,” Paul Kelly invites guests to stop by and taste for themselves.
“And, we’re steadily scheduling more and more tasting events across the region,” he adds. “Once it hits your lips, I promise you won’t put up with vodka status quo ever again!”
515 West 7th Street in Bogalusa PaulKellyVodka.com
WILD BUSH FARM + VINEYARD
According to Neil Gernon, he and his wife Monica Bourgeois are in the business of making “not snooty” wines. The couple is devoted to making wine that brings forth the flavors of Louisiana’s landscape including such ingredients as honey, native muscadine, blueberries, and eventually mayhaws, crab apples, persimmons, and pears.
He describes their labels as serious wines that cater to the people of Louisiana. Fun names like Up Jump the Boogie and Absolutely Cuckoo grace the bottles and refreshing flavors flow from within.
BEHIND THE BOTTLE
Monica jokes that it’s “all Neil’s fault” and that he made her “an expensive date.” He was a wine buyer at Brennan’s and she was the first-ever female bartender at Mr. B’s. “Let’s just say I was accustomed to more budgetfriendly wines until Neil came along and started impressing me with fine vintages,” she says. “It was so sweet. He used to send waiters across the street with love notes for me when I was behind the bar.”
Twenty years later, the couple awaits their first harvest of grapes grown in St. Tammany soil. In the meantime, their current vintages are fermented and bottled in Louisiana using grapes imported from organically-farmed vineyards in California.
It’s an appropriate transition as the Stag’s Leap region of Napa Valley is where the couple cut their vintner teeth and enjoyed their first foray into wine production with a small-batch line named Vending Machine Wines. While it isn’t actually sold via vending machines, it did establish the Brother Martin alum and his Baton Rouge native wife as respected winemakers.
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When the pandemic hit, they, like so many others, took stock of their lives and began to feel the tug of their Louisiana roots. “As soon as Pontchartrain Vineyards went up for sale everyone I knew started sending me the real estate listing,” Monica says smiling. The sale was finalized in 2021, and Wild Bush Farm + Vineyard came to be. The 13 acres of rolling hills that were cultivated as Pontchartrain Vineyards for nearly 30 years were all theirs.
“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it’s also the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” says Monica, who tends to the farming with the help of her Dad, Larry Bourgeois, who once owned Covington Nursery.
His background in the horticulture business comes in handy considering Louisiana’s harsh climate, which is not easily conducive to growing grapes. Varietals are faced with the extreme Louisiana heat, potential mold and mildew threats from the tropical rains, plenty of local pests, and, of course, the bluster of possible storms and hurricanes. “You can add in drought now, too,” Monica says. “That’s one thing we never expected we’d have to deal with in the South, but last year proved we could.”
Neil and Monica have some serious agri-science, distribution and event production considerations at play. An experimental Walker grape that a University of California at Davis geneticist has been working on for nearly 20 years was just released last year. It’s special because it’s highly resistant to Pierce Disease, which decimates many grape crops and can destroy entire vines over time. Monica considers it a privilege that the vineyard was afforded the opportunity to be one of the first in the U.S. and the only vineyard in Louisiana to plant them.
“We’re truly on the cutting edge of a winemaking revolution with this. We try to limit chemical contact as much as possible and so far, so good,” she says. “Overall, we’re optimistic about all the varieties we’ve planted thus far. We’re focused on strengthening the trunks first so the fact that some are already producing grapes is lagniappe.”
The couple credit the burgeoning craft brewing industry across the state and nation with paving the way for a wider audience of modern wine aficionados. “Consumers are younger, more educated and savvier than ever before. There’s no pretense and they don’t wear blinders that make them believe wine must only come from California, Italy or France.” In other words, there’s no such thing as geographic wine snobbery anymore.
While Neil says his favorite wine is the one in his cup at any given moment, Monica laughs and says, “They’re our children. We love them all equally.”
81250 Highway 1082 in Bush wildbushfarmandvineyard.com
Northshore's Thriving Court Scene
By: Poki Hampton
In the 1960s, three dads from Washington state devised the game using a ping pong paddle, a badminton net, and a wiffle ball to entertain their children on vacation. The name "pickleball" emerged when one of the founders' dogs, Pickles, chased after the ball and ran away with it.
For nearly six decades, pickleball was a niche sport primarily played in the northwestern United States. About eight years ago, however, its popularity skyrocketed. Pickleball has seen a growth of over 223% in the past four years alone, with efforts underway to establish it as a robust professional sport. Even former New Orleans Saint Drew Brees has caught the pickleball bug, investing in and franchising pickleball facilities nationwide.
large waterpark with swimming pools, splash pad and a lazy river but needed something for parents and grandparents to stay active while on vacation. Pickleball turned out to be just what they were looking for.
"We had no idea how popular pickleball courts would be as an amenity at Splash!" says Gary Blossman, native of Covington and managing partner of Splash RV Resort in the NW Florida panhandle. "We have a coach who does workshops for beginners and a very active open-play schedule. On Fridays we offer tournament play, and there were 16 teams on the court this morning!" Splash RV Resort is a family destination that features a
Pickleball is easy to learn and appeals to all age groups. It's less physically demanding than tennis, making it accessible for many. The game can be set up on nearly any hard surface, contributing to its popularity as a safe outdoor activity during the pandemic. Communities nationwide, including those on the Northshore, are responding to the demand by building courts or adapting existing tennis and basketball courts.
“At Franco's, we've added pickleball to our court facilities not only because of its rising popularity but because it perfectly aligns with our mission of "creating a culture of fitness for all generations,” says Sandy Franco of Franco’s Health Club & Spa. “We love the idea that pickleball is multi-generational and ensures that everyone, from young children to seniors, can participate. Pickleball is ideal for families, allowing grandparents to play with grandchildren and creating fun, inclusive experiences. We were thrilled to find that one of the
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fastest-growing and most enthusiastic groups of players are aged 12-18. This sport is easy to learn and doesn’t require expensive equipment, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Recognizing that pickleball is a fantastic way to develop coordination, balance, and agility, we've also incorporated free pickleball into our summer camp activities. This ensures that even our youngest members can enjoy and benefit from this engaging sport.”
"Planning amenities to include in our new destination resort started with a great wish list," said Tracy Durham, Hammond native and co-owner of Splash. Including pickleball was natural because it engages guests of every age.
Pickleball is a sport for all generations, promoting physical fitness and mental agility while enhancing agility, balance, and eye-hand coordination. Burning calories and enjoying laughter are just two of the benefits of playing pickleball.
PICKLEBALL FACILITIES
ON THE NORTHSHORE
Beau Chene Country Club: Offers two indoor and four outdoor courts, with plans for expansion. Coach Brad Lazaro provides clinics, private lessons, and seasonal league play. The club features a player’s lounge, pro shop, and hosts social tournaments and private parties. Court reservations via Beau Chene app or call the tennis desk at 985-845-3504.
Category 5: Northshore’s only fully indoor facility, owned by Sarah Sullivan, Andrea MacGrath, and Coach Jeff Bourne. Lessons are offered for all age groups. Features four indoor courts, Swing Vision analytics, and a pro shop. Memberships available at Cat5pickleball.com or call 985-778-0137.
Christwood Retirement Community: The Community Center at Christwood offers two new indoor courts with memberships available for those over 55. Non-residents are welcome to join. Coaching, including beginner and private lessons, available. For details, call 985-292-1234.
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Cross Gates Family Fitness: Located in Slidell, Coach Becky Maillet offers lessons, ladder leagues, clinics, and social events on eight outdoor and four indoor courts. Socials such as Pickle and Chicken are held throughout the year. Private parties available. For information, call 985-643-3500.
Franco’s Athletic Club: Since November 2023, certified pickleball coach Robert Herrera at Franco’s has offered lessons, open play, clinics, and club and league tournaments on six dedicated outdoor courts. Junior program starting this fall. Reserve courts and arrange lessons via Franco’s app or call the pickleball desk at 985-792-0260.
Money Hill Golf and Country Club: Longest-running pickleball program on the Northshore with Coach Wade Partridge. Welcomes beginner to advanced players on twelve outdoor, fenced courts. Money Hill’s program has grown to 80 players and offers lessons, clinics and has an annual high quality tournament. Contact wade@moneyhill. com for more information.
North Cypress Fitness Center: Open to non-members and members, offering lessons, clinics, and tournament play on four
outdoor courts in Hammond. A robust, rapidly growing program led by Coach Jenn Enault. Call 985-373-8223 for more details.
Paddles Up Pickleball: Mandeville facility led by Coach Jenn Enault with group clinics, private lessons, and junior programs on four courts. Offers monthly memberships, unlimited clinics, video assessment, and coaching at tournaments. Contact 985-373-8223 for details.
Pelican Park: Eight outdoor lighted courts with four more under construction. Free outdoor play from
7am to 9pm, except during events. Parties and tournaments scheduled throughout the year. For details, call 985-626-7997.
Stone Creek Club and Spa: Covington venue led by Coach Brett Swartz has pickleball clinics which run continually, in four week sessions, on seven outdoor courts. Hosts ongoing pickleball clinics and open play sessions. Lessons available for beginners, juniors, and advanced players. Annual tournament scheduled in April. Call 985-801-7100 for more information.
Tchefuncte Country Club: Activities director Devor Dekaris and coach Shane
Tyree offer beginner and intermediate lessons, league play, and monthly social mixers on two outdoor courts for members and non-members. Private parties and outdoor lounge available. Contact 985-892-0925 for details.
FLOURISHES
Toi et Moi “you and me” Sapphire and Diamond Ring set in 14KWG. Johnson Diamond Jewelers, (985) 951-2089.
Take Scalar Wave technology everywhere you go with EESystem Scalar charged pendants and Bracelets and have protection against harmful radiant energies at all times. Healthy Body Healthy Soul, (985) 898-9445.
Lululemon Swiftly tech racerback tank, Like a Cloud bra, Varsity High Rise Pleated tennis skirt. Now available at The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, (985) 792-0200.
Lightweight Pink bubble gauze top and shorts. The Chiffarobe, (985) 327-7300.
dress. Available in multiple colors. Columbia Street Mercantile, (985) 809-0789.
Girl’s Weekend genuine leather and canvas tote. Other styles available, $48.50. Curated Spaces, (985) 264-4189.
Nude heel, also available in white. $79. Shoeffle, (985) 898-6465.
FLOURISHES
Fresh, Unique, Contemporary design Austin collection. Available in 4 finishes both gas and electric. Gulf Coast Lanterns, (800) 910-3275.
Green and white party bucket with natural handles, $190. Corrinn Fisher Interiors, (985) 888-1229.
and (985) 234-9858.
Outdoor rugs stocked in a variety of colors and sizes. Prices from $29.99 to $329.
Seasonal arrangements, starting at $65. Florist of Covington, (985) 892-7701.
Create your own summer fun collection with a light weight tote, absorbent towels, and assorted drink holders. V Home & Interiors, (985) 231-7411.
Cesano Art Glass Bottle 20, $169. Niche Modern Home, (985) 624-4045
Hand-Blown glass Woroba scented candle. Design on glass created in Italy. Greige Home Interiors, (985) 875-7576.
Outdoor Living Center, (985) 893-8008.
FEATURE
Alison Pelegrin wasn’t drawn to poetry as a child. But she did like to write, filling small memo pads with her stories. “They’d start on the first page and end on the last page, no matter what was happening,” she said. “I enjoyed that.”
Like most teenagers, she wrote moody, brooding poetry in high school, but her early poems were so bad that even she didn’t want to read them once they were finished. It wasn’t until Pelegrin started college and was inspired by a particularly tough English professor that she began exploring the art form. Even then, it never occurred to her that poetry could be a career choice.
“I was scared to death of Professor Tim Gautreaux. I still am,” Pelegrin laughed. “He was reserved in his praise and liberal with criticism. I honestly thought he hated everything I wrote.”
Then one day, Pelegrin visited the professor in his office. “He hadn’t returned a poem all semester,” she said. “The semester was almost over, and I had no idea what my grade was.” She entered his office and found the walls papered with rejection letters from prestigious publications like The Atlantic Monthly. “His work was just being recognized at that time,” Pelegrin said. “He was just breaking through.”
Gautreaux’s first question stopped Pelegrin in her tracks. He asked, “Where are you coming from that you write like this?” He gave her a book by a former student of his named Sheryl St. Germain. The book was ‘Making Bread at Midnight’ (Slough Press).
The Poetic Perspective
By Mimi Greenwood Knight Louisiana Poet Laureate
Alison Pelegrin
“I loved every word of it,” Pelegrin said. “It was one of the first poetry books I read that really meant a lot to me, and it was the first time I realized a poet could be a living person, not just someone in a book.” Once Alison began her own poetry career, she and St. Germain’s paths began crossing at book festivals and writing conferences, and the two struck up a friendship. They’re still friends today, and Professor Gautreaux remains a mentor. “He has supported me throughout my career,” Pelegrin said. “He wrote letters for me when I applied for fellowships, but it’s still very much a teacher/student relationship, even now that he’s retired.”
Like many new writers, Pelegrin was obsessed with getting published. “When I finally sold a poem to a tiny journal somewhere, I thought, ‘That was then, and this is a new world.’ In a lot of ways, I’ve never been as excited about anything as I was about that first sale, not even with major publications. I was 20 or 21. It was nothing, and it was everything.”
All of this was before the internet became widespread, making it difficult for Pelegrin to access the publications she wanted to read. She did find an anthology of southern poets called “The Made Thing” (The University of Arkansas Press).
“It was mostly male poets, and there was a man called Jim Whitehead who was a professor at the University of Arkansas, which at the time had a prominent MFA program,” Pelegrin said. “It was the first time I realized you could actually study poetry.”
Not only did Jim Whitehead teach there, but so did Miller Williams, who was Bill Clinton’s inaugural poet. “I decided I was going to go,” Pelegrin said. “I was so naive. I had no idea how difficult it was to get into the program. I folded up my GRE scores, threw them in an envelope, and sent them off.”
Her naivety paid off when she was awarded a full ride to the MFA program at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She had recently read a short story by Ocean Springs writer Ellen Gilchrist called “Going to Join the Poets” about
Gilchrist’s own trip to study with this program.
So, Pelegrin put a sign on her car that read, ‘Going to Join the Poets’ and headed toward her future at UAF where she says she was eaten alive, especially in the first year. “All these other writers were very competitive,” Pelegrin said. “Everyone was out for blood. It wasn’t healthy. I really got piled on in workshop.”
Professor Jim Whitehead, however, welcomed her with open arms. “As soon as he found out I was from New Orleans, he embraced me,” Pelegrin said. “I’d go to his house, and he’d go over my poems with me. So, I had a mentor who was really helping me, I just wasn’t getting that from the other students. When I won a chapbook contest, it was for the very poems they’d been making fun of for two years.”
That chapbook award was just the beginning for Pelegrin. In 2007, she won the Akron Poetry Prize for her Katrinainspired musings in “Big Muddy River of Stars” (University of Akron Press). She was awarded a creative writing fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, an individual artist grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, and an ATLAS grant from the Louisiana Board of Regents. Her books “Hurricane Party” (The University of Akron Press), “Waterlines” (LSU Press), and “Our Lady of Bewilderment” (LSU Press) all received acclaim and broadened her readership.
In 2023, Pelegrin was named Louisiana poet laureate. Until the end of 2025, she will serve as Louisiana’s literary ambassador, traveling the state and encouraging her fellow Louisianans to engage with poetry and the South’s vibrant poetry scene. She has taught at Southeastern Louisiana University for more
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than twenty years, inspiring other poets and serving as writerin-residence.
“As a poet, you don’t have many restrictions, but you don’t get much attention either,” Pelegrin said. As poet laureate, however, she was getting attention and had to decide what to do with it.
“People kept asking me what I was going to do, and I honestly didn’t know,” Pelegrin said. “Then, prisoner advocate Marianne Fisher-Giorlando invited me to teach a poetry workshop at Angola (Louisiana State Penitentiary). I loved it! Everything was stripped away, and for the first time in a long time, I was aware of the focus that poetry demands. I was reminded how important it is and how writing is its own reward.”
Pelegrin and her students could only accomplish so much in that first workshop, so the participants asked for independent work (requesting her not to call it “homework,” since the prison is not their “home”). “I made up a sheet based on the things we’d discussed in that first class and was able to return three months later,” Pelegrin said. “They’d all done the work and were eager to share.” The group is already planning their next class focused on sonnets.
The experience renewed Pelegrin’s enthusiasm. She applied for and received a grant from The Foundation for Louisiana to continue her work in Louisiana prisons. “I proposed a series of visits with a men’s prison, a women’s prison, and a juvenile facility to take place over the course of a year,” Pelegrin said. “Each visit will be followed up by a packet of independent work based
on the things that come up in our conversation. My next group will be juveniles, which will be a little different, but not really because looking at the world and really seeing it is the same no matter who you are, where you are, and how old you are.”
This summer looks to be a busy one for Louisiana’s poet laureate. As Pelegrin takes the summer off from teaching, her calendar is filled with literary festivals, poetry readings, workshops, book signings, and extensive travel. But what inspires her most is the time she’ll be spending in Louisiana’s prisons. “I’m finding it very rewarding,” she said. “Poets are usually invisible. Now that I’m poet laureate and occasionally get some attention, what better use can I make of my platform than to gently gesture to the fact that these are humans with voices that deserve to be heard?”
Experience Pelegrin’s poetry at AlisonPelegrin.com and find upcoming readings at apelegrin on Instagram.
As I Stand on a Paddle Board for the First Time in June, I Plan for October's Eclipse after James Wright
Knowing full well the folly of counting on tomorrow, I resolve to be on Bayou Castine for the eclipse coming in 100 days. I've got solar glasses and a flashlight to wear around my neck, and I'll pack a flask, because if you're not reading boat names and sipping bourbon on the bayou during the total eclipse, why even bother?
But now it is summer, and I live for darkness where it is cooler, roaming the yard in board shorts and Crocs. How do I, who barely have my balance, dare dream of gliding among cypress stoic in black waters?
Tonight's crickets salute the thunder moon. Those that will sing their confusion to the future have just taken root.
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN 64 PARISHES.
GENEROUS HEARTS
HIGHLIGHTING PHILANTHROPY ON THE NORTHSHORE
Our partners at the Northshore Community Foundation exist to make it easy for each of us to make a difference in our own backyard. In their 18th year, the Foundation has touched over $80 million dollars in philanthropic fuel, focusing on simplifying, organizing, and magnifying philanthropy at every turn. The Foundation has reached those remarkable numbers through three primary ways. First, they engage hundreds of individuals, families, companies, and nonprofits in a membership model that
Civic Leadership: Relief in Action – In response to the devastating tornadoes that struck the East side of St. Tammany Parish on April 10, the Foundation activated the Northshore Weather Relief Fund. With generous contributions from Boeing, Amazon, various corporations, nonprofits, and individuals, the Foundation swiftly mobilized essential resources to support those most affected. To date, $150,000 has been distributed to frontline nonprofits engaged in recovery efforts, providing crucial aid to impacted communities. When disasters strike, community foundations across the nation remain nimble and ready to respond.
promotes active connections and charitable work. Secondly, they take the paperwork out of “doing good” by administering funds that act as charitable checkbooks for any purpose. Lastly, they step into big roles when the need is great – especially in times of disaster. Through these three unique and critical roles, the Northshore Community Foundation uses its expertise and resources to magnify the incredible charitable work so prevalent in our region. Below is a sample of the good people and projects that are changing lives every day on the Northshore.
Fund Management: Empowering the Future - The Foundation proudly highlights the impact of its 12 scholarship funds, attracting 73 applications this year. Through a meticulous process, 16 outstanding students have been awarded $262,800 in scholarships. Each scholarship, supported by dedicated fundholders, reflects diverse criteria such as high school location, commitment to in-state universities, fields of study, and community involvement. Are you interested in impacting the lives of our students by supporting their future education? Reach out to NCF on how to open a scholarship fund.
Engaged Philanthropy: Time for Opportunities - Management Coach
Anna Dearmon Kornick delivered an insightful "Be the Visionary" time management training, at Ampirical Solution’s YOUniversity center to the Foundation's members and partners emphasizing effective strategies for balancing work and life. Participants were able to walk away prepared to implement their time management skills. Do you know a nonprofit organization that could benefit from exclusive trainings and other opportunities? Contact the Foundation to learn how to become a nonprofit member.
McClenahan-Scheuermann
KELLEY MCCLENAHAN & PARKER SCHEUERMANN
February 24, 2024
Photographer Emily Songer
Wedding & Reception Venu Maison Lafitte
Caterer Maison Lafitte
Cake Nana Randazzo’s
Florist Berry Blossom
Invitations Speedway Printing
Wedding gown store Olivier Couture
Bridesmaids dresses Azazie
Ring Family Heirlooms
Hair and Makeup Wanderlust Beauty
Entertainment Countdown Sound Productions
Second Line Band Family Affair Brass Band
Rentals Coles
Honeymoon destination St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
Women in Business Luncheon 2024, Sponsored
by Visit the Northshore
Inside Northside’s highly popular annual event was sponsored this year by Visit the Northshore, The Greenwood | A Southern Hotel Property, and Livio Designs. We want to thank all the attendees for making it an afternoon of inspiration, support, and good vibes. Special thanks to keynote speaker Lauren K. Navarre with ARENA Collective and event manager Katie Rose McConnell with Southern Hotel for being extra generous with their time and spirit.
See you all again next year!
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Preferred Realtors celebrates the success of their realtors from across the region and welcomes Felicity Kahn and Associates and Liuzza Realty Group as partners.
Annual Volunteer Program Empowers Families to Achieve Homeownership
We are thrilled to celebrate the realization of the 2023 Annual Women's Build, honoring the dedication and hard work of Danielle Pilon and Maria Lopez. Best wishes to them as they embark on their next journey of homeownership.
This year, we raised an incredible $262,617, thanks to a community effort involving the team at the Habitat offices, the construction crew, job site volunteers, Women Accepting the Challenge of Housing (WATCH) members, and the Hammers & Heels event.
As we mark the 21st year of this program, we are deeply thankful and grateful for the many people who have made Danielle and Maria's dreams come true. This achievement would not have been possible without the collective efforts of everyone involved.
EAT & DRINK
TCHEFUNCTE’S
MADISONVILLE
Indulge in a culinary journey at Tchefuncte’s, where our chefs masterfully craft Louisiana and American cuisine with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. The upscale atmosphere, paired with the breathtaking scenic view of the Tchefuncte River, sets the perfect stage whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a long, leisurely meal, we’ve got you covered. To ensure that you have the best experience possible, we recommend making a reservation. For large parties and events, email us at EVENTS@TCHEFUNCTES.COM
PARDOSAN AMERICAN BISTRO
MANDEVILLE
Pardo's Fine Dining offers European and American Cuisine in a flavorful and relaxing atmosphere with a variety of foods from handmade pasta to Prime steaks, from specialty beers to artfully hand-crafted cocktails; there is surely something to please every palate.
5280 HIGHWAY 22
MANDEVILLE LA 70471
WWW.PARDOSRESTAURANT.COM
PARDOSCATERING@GMAIL.COM
(985) 893-3603
GALLAGHER’S
SLIDELL AND COVINGTON
Award-winning entrées featuring sizzling steaks, pork chops, and the best seafood Louisiana has to offer. Whether you’re looking for fine dining in a comfortable setting, or a lunch that’s a cut above the rest, we specialize in creating the perfect experience for your needs.
407 SAINT TAMMANY ST., MADISONVILLE (985) 323-4800
THEANCHORLA.COM
CREOLE TOMATEAUX
MANDEVILLE
Featuring authentic Creole Cuisine with a Cajun Flare, from crispy fried seafood to renowned Fried Green Tomateaux’s, overstuffed Po-boys, and tempting desserts. Creole Tomateaux promises quick, delicious bites without compromising the rich flavors synonymous with Creole dishes.
French inspired and locally sourced, The Gloriette invites you to experience a sweet and savory escape right in the heart of downtown Covington inside the Southern Hotel. For a taste of something fun and bright, join us every Friday for French Fridays with $5 champagne, rose, French 75s and French wines along with authentic French dishes.
428 E BOSTON ST. COVINGTON, LA 70433 (985) 202-8090 THEGLORIETTE.COM
LAST BITE
Prepare your taste buds for a month-long culinary celebration as Visit The Northshore proudly presents the highly anticipated 2024 Tammany Taste of Summer event. From August 1 to August 31, 2024, residents and visitors can enjoy the diverse flavors of St. Tammany's vibrant food scene with exclusive deals at participating restaurants. This parish-wide event, accessible via www.TammanyTaste.com, features a variety of prix-fixe menus catering to all budgets.
Now in its seventh year, Tammany Taste of Summer highlights the culinary excellence of St. Tammany's restaurants through their carefully curated prix-fixe menus, promising a memorable dining experience for guests.
"Tammany Taste of Summer celebrates our parish's rich culinary heritage,” says Donna O’Daniels, President and CEO of Visit The Northshore. “The event allows restaurants of all price points to participate, providing something delectable for everyone's palate and budget."
This year's participating restaurants showcase the thriving food scene in the area. Noteworthy establishments such as Cured. On Columbia (Covington), Pat Gallagher’s 527 (Mandeville), Restaurant Cote (Slidell), and Tchefuncte’s Restaurant (Madisonville) are among the venues offering inventive prix fixe menus and exclusive dining discounts.
For a complete list of participating restaurants and their menus, visit https://www.visitthenorthshore.com/tammanytaste/restaurants/. Diners can expect dishes bursting with authentic Louisiana flavors and fresh ingredients, regardless of where they choose to dine.
Tammany Taste of Summer not only delights food enthusiasts but also provides a crucial opportunity for restaurant owners and chefs to thrive.
The event boosts revenue during a typically challenging season for the industry and contributes positively to the economic impact of St. Tammany Parish.
Visit TammanyTaste.com to explore the offerings of this exceptional culinary celebration. Discover the flavors of St. Tammany Parish and indulge in a dining experience like no other!
