May-June 2013 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine by Inside Publications

450

EVERGREEN PLANTATION • COVINGTON BICENTENNIAL • WOMEN IN BUSINESS • COACH ROBERTS

MAY-JUNE 2013 VOL. 28, NO. 3

May-June 2013

Vol. 28, No. 3

The community magazine of the northshore, serving St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes. Publisher Lori Murphy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Associate Publisher Poki Hampton Editor Jan Murphy Art Director Brad Growden Managing Editor Stephen Faure Editorial Assistant Lauren Smith Contributors are featured on page 12. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Business Manager Jane Quillin Advertising Account Executives Brenda Breck Poki Hampton Candice Laizer Barbara Roscoe Hali Ungar Graphic Designer Jennifer Starkey Intern Alexandra Wimley –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For advertising information phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 email sales@insidenorthside.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Please send items for Inside Scoop to scoop@insidenorthside.com. Photos for Inside Peek, with captions, should be sent to peek@insidenorthside.com. Submit items for Inside Input or Dining Guide to editor@insidenorthside.com. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Contact Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148 Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 website www.insidenorthside.com Subscriptions 1 Year $18 2 Years $30 email subscriptions@insidenorthside.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

On the cover Artist Jax Frey –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– INSIDE NORTHSIDE MAGAZINE is published bi-monthly (January, March, May, July, September, November) by M and L Publishing, LLC, PO Box 9148, Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 as a means of communication and information for St. Tamm any and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid at Mandeville, LA. Copyr ight ©2013 by M and L Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Inside Northside Magazine is created using the Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.

after page

contents table of

page 32

after page

98.

66.

departments

page 99

10 Publisher’s Note 12 Contributors 18 Inside Scoop

page 46

29 Insider Mandeville High’s Miles Berry. 30 IN Better Health Dr. John Logan.

page 88

60 Inspired Sandra Slifer.

88 Flourishes Treasures for your pleasure.

62 Book Report Three Little Shrimp by J. Steven Spires..

96 IN Love and Marriage Notable northshore weddings. page 68

99 Inside Look Sun, Sea, Sand. 06 IN the Spotlight 1 St. Tammany Cancer Fund Wine Dinner. 109 Inside Peek 116 IN the Spotlight Children’s Museum of St. Tammany Celebration 2013. 118 In Great Taste

64 IN Good Company Amanda Hover of Champagne Jewelers. 74 Book Report Women from the Ankle Down by Rachelle Bergstein 76 IN Better Health Shelly Grigor.

119 Inside Dining 124 IN Development Brister’s Team Puts St. Tammany First. 129 Ad Directory 130 Last Bite George’s Mexican Restaurant.

features

14 Infinite Possibilities Cover artist Jax Frey. 32 From Ruin to Rebirth The Peralta Old Mandeville home. 40 Coaching Winners Southeastern Lions’ Ron Roberts. 46 Evergreen Plantation An antebellum treasure. 68 Northshore Roller Girls Rule! It’s all about the attitude. 78 Key West Visiting the Conch Republic.

business profile

87 The Windsor Senior Living Community May-June 2013 9

“Women have always been the strong ones of the world.”

- Coco Chanel

by Lori Murphy

As we approach Mother’s Day, I am remembering my Mom, Joel, and her

sister, Jane. They were raised in New Orleans and would have been Irish twins if not for their strong German heritage. The Hagstette sisters did everything together throughout a life filled with highs and some very tough lows. When we lost Mom three years ago, Aunt Jane was there to carry on many of her mannerisms and keep us mindful of the special bond they shared with each other and with all of us. A consoling thought when my aunt lost her battle with breast cancer earlier this year was that Joel and Jane were back together again. These women, like the many other mothers we are surrounded by, shape our lives. Strong women make strong children, strong communities and strong futures.

This issue is filled with strong, successful women. What that success

looks like may vary, but in every case it is a demonstration of determined will and passion. Everyone benefits from that kind of investment, especially when they share the stories of bringing their dreams to life with us as they do in our most extensive Women IN Business special edition yet!

Both Matilda Gray and Katie Peralta brought dreams to life in the homes

they saved from ruin. Though they lived in two different centuries, we can learn a lot from their passionate pursuit of the possibilities of each structure. Developing possibilities is a driving force for Sandra Slifer, both in politics and people. Others include artist Jax Frey, whose work graces our cover; a team of roller divas who play for keeps; Shelly Grigor, who battled severe nearsightedness; and Amanda Hover, who continues a 65-year-old legacy. Each woman is unique, committed and focused. Each has a special gift to give our community, and it is our privilege to honor them here.

p.s. I hope you enjoy the travel story on the Conch Republic! I encourage you to have your own getaway soon.

Contributors

Contributors Erin Cowser As executive director of public and governmental affairs for Southeastern Louisiana University, Erin Cowser has the privilege of representing the third largest university in Louisiana in both legislative and public arenas. She serves on various boards and community organizations and her advocacy work has been honored at all levels. Her article on Southeastern’s football coach Ron Roberts (pg 40) is the latest of her contributions to Inside Northside. Most importantly, Erin has the esteemed privilege and honor of being 3-year-old Eliza Kate’s mommy. Poki Hampton Poki Hampton’s life is a healthy mixture of family, work and play. When not at work, Poki fills her days with her four grandchildren (three were foster adopt kids) and her more recent hobby, chalk painting. The newly learned skill continues Poki’s love of decorating. Her husband, Pete, says that if he sits still too long, she will chalk paint him! Poki’s design story in this issue (“From Ruin to Rebirth,” pg 32) brought back many memories of the couple’s renovation of the historic Magnolia House. Joel Treadwell A Covington resident since 2000, Joel Treadwell is the owner of Shot by Joel Photography, specializing in family and commercial photography. He serves on the board of the Greater New Orleans Professional Photographer’s Guild and is active in the Professional Photographers of Louisiana and the Slidell Photography Club. In 2011, he received training in photographing people with disabilities through the organization Special Kids Photography of America. Joel is also team photographer for the Lethal Ladies of the Northshore Roller Derby League (pg 68).

Contributors: Marianne Addy, Mindy Cordell, Ann Gilbert and Teri Schlichenmeyer.

from upstate New York to a West Virginia farm and then on to El Paso and Denver. For a time, she went to medical school in the Dominican Republic. Eventually settling in California, Jax, then divorced, had a few adventures of her own. She went to a culinary academy and opened a catering business, studied business, marketing and life coaching, and worked in sales at a software firm. When she left that firm, she had a new name: “Jax.” A co-worker, also from New Orleans, always greeted her by a name associated with the city, like “Mardi Gras,” “Sazerac” or “Pontchartrain Beach.” One day, he called her “Jax Beer.” It stuck, and the womanformerly-known-as-Judith became “Jax” to one and all. She says, “I could probably have gone back to Judith when I returned to Louisiana, but I brought Jax with me because it actually works as an artist’s name. And besides, I was pretty used to it by then and kind of liked it.” After studying life coaching, Jax became certified, started public speaking, wrote a book, The One Life Plan, and became the host of The Sales Diva radio show in San Luis Obispo, Calif. As a life coach and

by Stephen Faure “SIN. REPENT. REPEAT,” says a little painted plaque in Jax Frey’s kitchen. Framed by a patch of sunlight coming through the window, it seemed an appropriate concept for a visit to her home just before Mardi Gras Day and the inevitable halt of Carnival festivities by the arrival of Ash Wednesday and 40 days of Lent. While the plaque’s directive may sound unabashedly hedonistic, it’s obvious that Jax is nothing of the sort. For the soft-spoken mom of four grown children (the plaque was made by her daughter), it’s really about letting go and starting anew, something Jax has done many times during her life, or as she phrases it, during “many lives lived”— all tied together with art as a common thread. A New Orleans native from Lakeview, Jax went to St. Francis Cabrini Elementary, St. Joseph’s Academy and Kennedy High School. After her marriage, she and her husband lived “a series of adventures,” going 14

Inside Northside

public speaker, Jax worked with corporate and private clients throughout the state. Life coaching, she explains, involves helping people set a course for where they want to get to in their lives. “Basically, what I did, was take a snapshot of where they were in their life, or where their business was, and ask, ‘Where do you want to be?’” she says. One task was to keep clients looking forward. “I’d say, ‘Let’s not look back in your life.’ I’m not a therapist; I’m not qualified to do that. I’m qualified to get you from where you are now to where you want to be. That’s the way we worked.” About seven years ago, Jax left California. After a year in Sedona, Ariz., she landed “with both feet on the ground” in Covington. She says, “I’m never leaving home again.” Through all of her many journeys, Jax painted. She says, “The one thing I didn’t study in all those >>

photo: STEPHEN FAURE

Infinite Cover Possibilities Artist Jax Frey

Meet cover artist

Jax Frey and see some of her favorite works on display at the

STHBA Raffle House Maison du Lac Subdivision, 769 S. Corniche du Lac Covington, La.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013 5:30-7:00 p.m. For more information, call

626-9684

Everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Invited!

May-June 2013 15

years was art! But I did paint, and I knew that one day I would live my life as an artist. I always felt like an artist and knew it was just a matter of time. As a life coach, I always told my clients, ‘Life is art. Make it a masterpiece.’” Back in Louisiana, Jax decided she had to choose between being an artist or a life coach. She chose art, saying, “I haven’t looked back since. But I tend to paint what I used to coach. There is always an inspirational or thought-provoking message to all of my paintings.” Jax has since made a successful career as an artist, partly on the basis of painting New Orleans-area landmarks. She notes that, especially as a result of Katrina, many of her childhood landmarks have become things that “ain’t there no more.” But that’s not anything Jax dwells on. The landmarks she does paint are all very much in existence and still very much beloved. “I do fine art, and then I do a line of what I call ‘fun art,’” says Jax, whose miniature paintings (the “fun art”) can be found in area gift shops. “I call them Little Views.” The 4-by-4-inch acrylics feature a wide range of Louisiana- and

New Orleans-centric subjects; the city is covered from Jackson Square to JacquesImo’s restaurant. Our cuisine and taste for adult beverages are mini-fodder for Jax’s brush as well. Beignets; oysters and crabs; Roman Candy; and a triptych of jambalaya, crawfish pie and filé gumbo are featured, as are Dixie and Jax (of course!) beers and the Sazerac cocktail. “I did the Sazerac for the Roosevelt Hotel,” she says. Home of the Sazerac Bar, the hotel carries Jax’s Little Views in its gift shop. A miniature of the hotel itself is in the works, too. “I’m trying to develop a Roosevelt Hotel image, but for some reason it’s hard to get a bead on.” Jax’s fine art paintings, like this issue’s cover, The Gathering, present more of her spiritual side. “My fine art is usually abstract figurative, usually of women, and includes a certain kind of message—like a secret message, if you will—an inspirational message,” she says. After she moved to Covington, Jax started a group, the Women of Infinite Possibilities, which meets monthly and engages in a variety of activities. “It’s going on its fourth year now, and it’s really cool. We do a yearly retreat in

July, and we use it for networking and support. We go on trips together—we have adventures!” she says. “We’ve been canoeing together; we go to concerts; we’re planning a women’s night out; and we’re going to do a bus trip to a plantation.” The women appearing in Jax’s paintings represent their own possibilities. Some of her favorites she’s kept in her own collection. “Life Strut. It’s basically different things that can happen to you in life,” she explains about one of the paintings. “It’s a little bit autobiographical. The desert, the spirituality, walking through different parts of the country and moving forward—themes like that.” Some are more poignant. Jax says, “I painted Prayers to the Ones We Love after losing a friend and thinking about all the people we’ve lost in our lives. We think about them up in heaven—wishing them well, hoping for abundance for them and that we’ll get to see them again some time.” Jax explains how our cover painting came to be. “My paintings always have themes. For this one, I knew I wanted a group of women. I wasn’t sure they were going to be on the beach, but I always start with the women first and put the backgrounds in later.” And, just as with the inspired name of her group, the canvas seems to present Jax with infinite possibilities. “I always get the feel of the women first, but sometimes it just turns out to be someone completely different than I thought was going to show up. And that’s kind of fun.” Jax’s paintings can be found at Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Decor, Rug Chic, Simply Southern and at artbyjax.com. Her Little Views miniatures are available in area gift shops. May-June 2013 17

1-31 Mandeville City Hall Artist of the Month. Primitive artist Valree Eberle with colorful local scenes and activities. Mandeville

INSIDE

City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway App. Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm. Free. Nancy Clark, 626-3144. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Botox Wednesdays. Dr. Kelly Burkenstock’s Skin•Body•Health, 2040

the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. Limited appointments available. $265/area, $665/ whole face. 727-7676. skinbodyhealth.com. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Wednesday at the Square. Young Leadership Council concert series. Lafayette Square, New Orleans. Free. 5-8pm. wednesdayatthesquare.com. 2 Annieglass Trunk Show. Featuring latest artistic tableware collection. Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor, 3902 Hwy. 22, Mandeville. 5-8pm. Free. 727-9787. 2-5 Disney On Ice: Rockin’ Ever After. Lakefront Arena, 6801 Franklin Ave., New Orleans. Thurs, 7pm; Fri, 10:30am, 7pm; Sat, 11am, 3pm and 7pm; Sun 11am, 3pm and 7pm. (504) 280-7171. arena.uno.edu. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 New Baby Support

Louisiana Bicycle Festival

Group. Birth to 7 mos. Child development

June 15

11:15am-noon. Free. 898-4435. stph.org.

and parenting tips. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington.

An amazing collection of unique and 3 The Travelin’ McCoury’s. Columbia

whimsical bicycles are on display. Many

Theatre for the Performing Arts, 220 E.

bicycle owners will let you test ride their

Thomas St., Hammond. 7:30pm. $28-$36.

bikes! Ask nicely! Features a bicycle

543-4366. columbiatheatre.org.

parade through historic downtown Abita 3 Whitney Zoo-To-Do. Silent auction, luxury

Springs. labicyclefestival.com.

vehicle raffle, specialty cocktails and upscale cuisine. Black tie or white linen suit. Audubon

May

Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans. 8pm-midnight. auduboninstitute.org.

1 Concert Series. Christy and the Rascals.

1-29 Covington Farmers Market.

St. Tammany Parish Library, Pearl River

Wed, Covington Trailhead, 419 N.

Branch, 64580 Hwy. 41. 6pm. Free.

New Hampshire St., 10am-2pm; Sat,

863-5518.

609 N. Columbia St., 8am-noon. Free. covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

1-14 Be The Face of Northshore Square Mall. Register at guest services

1-31 Culinary Kids. Activities and classes

or online by May 14. Voting online May

for children and adults. Call or visit the

24-June 16. 150 Northshore Blvd., Slidell.

website for more information and reservations.

northshoresquareonline.com.

727-5553. culinarykidsNS.com.

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

3-5 Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival. Parc Hardy, 2090 Rees St., Breaux Bridge. Fri and Sun, $5; Sat, $10. (337) 332-6655. bbcrawfest.com. 3-5 Tickfaw 200 Poker Run. Benefitting the TPSO Marine Division. Pick up cards beginning at noon; turn in cards by 7pm. bloodrivermarina.com.

4 2nd Annual Raffle House Run. 1 mile and 5K. Maison du Lac subdivision, Covington. Warm-up, 7:45am; run, 8am. 8825002. raisingtheroof.net. 4 Jazz’n the Vines. Bring blankets, chairs and picnics for an evening of music under the stars. Pontchartrain Vineyards, Bush. 6:309pm. $10; 17 and under, free. 892-9742. pontchartrainvineyards.com. 4 Poker Run and Hot Wing Cook-Off. Benefits Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa. After party, live music and prizes. Hammond Harley Davidson, 1530 SW Railroad Ave. Registration, 8:30am. 215-1150. 4 Relay For Life West St. Tammany. Fountainbleau High School, 100 Bulldog Dr., Mandeville. 6pm. Sponsorships and donation opportunities available. relayforlife.org/weststtammanyla. 4 Zephyrs’ Run for Home. 1 mile and 5k. Portion of proceeds benefit Wounded Warrior Project. Zephyr Field, 6000 Airline Dr., Metairie. 8:30am. $20. 883-8225. is.gd/eTYfVT. 4,5 Lena Prima & Band. The Carousel Bar and Lounge, Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., New Orleans. 9pm-1am. Free. hotelmonteleone.com/carouselbar. 4, 11, 18, 25 Camellia City Market. Robert and Front Sts., Slidell. 8am-noon. Free. camelliacitymarket.org. 4, 11, 18, 25 Hammond Farmers Market. W. Thomas St. and S.W. Railroad Ave., Hammond. 9am-3pm. Terry Lynn Smith, 2775680 ext. 2. dddhammond.com. 4, 11, 18, 25 Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville. 9am-1pm. Free. mandevilletrailhead.org. 5 Cinco de Mayo All Day Fiesta. Carreta’s Grill. Live music featuring Five Finger Discount at 70360 Hwy. 21, Covington and Super Charger at 137 Taos St., Slidell. 6-10pm. Covington, 871-6674; Slidell, 847-0020. 5 Cinco De Mayo Party. La Carreta, 1200 W. Causeway App., Mandeville. 624-2990. carretarestaurant.com.

5 Crawfishman Triathalon. Benefiting Have a Heart Thru Art and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Grande Hills, Bush. 7:30am. Individuals, $85; relay teams, $165. crawfishman.net. 5 George’s Fiesta Block Party. Cinco de Mayo celebration. George’s Mexican Restaurant, 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. 11am-11pm. 626-4342. georgesmexicanrestaurant.com. 6, 13, 20, 27 Microderm Mondays. Azure Spa, 2040 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. Limited appointments available. $69. 7277799. theazurespa.com. 6, 13, 20, 27 New Baby Support Group. Ages birth to 7 mos. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 11:15am-noon. Free. 898-4435. stph.org. 7, 14, 21 Play and Learn. Ages 16 mos to 4 yrs. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 9:30-10:15am. $15/ members; $24/child for nonmembers. 8984435. stph.org. 8 European Estate Sale. Northshore Antiques and Auction House, 334 N. Vermont St., Covington. 10am-4pm. 626-7704. northshoreauctionhouse.com. 9 Blow-Dry Lounge Event. Featuring Candy Apple Blog Shop and Haute Off The Rack. 5:30pm. Studio 311 Salon, 311 E. Gibson St., Covington. 327-7775. 9 Newborn Care Class. Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington. 7-9pm. Free. 1-866-4LAKEVIEW. lakeviewregional.com. 9,10,11 Mother’s Day Trunk Show. Designs by Susannah Elle earrings, necklaces, ponytail cuffs and more. Simply Southern, 70488 Hwy. 21, Covington. 871-1466. 9, 16, 23 Cuddle Buddies. Ages 8-15 mos. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 10:30-11am. $6/month for members; $12/month nonmembers. 8984435. stph.org. 9, 16, 23, 30 New Baby Support Group. Ages birth to 7 mos. STPH Parenting Center,

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

1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 11:15am-noon. Free. 898-4435. stph.org. 10 French Masters. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra concert. First Baptist Church, 16333 Hwy. 1085, Covington. 7:30pm. $20$37. lpomusic.com. 10 Northlake Newcomers Installation Luncheon. Style show by Belk’s. Beau Chêne Country Club, 105 Beau Chêne Blvd., Mandeville. 10am. Reservations required by May 3. Members, $26; Guests, $29. 792-4926. 10-11 Interactive Art Exhibition. Alexandria Museum of Art. Riverfront area of downtown Alexandria. Fri, 4-9pm; Sat, 9am-7pm. Kathy VonBieberstein, 898-3011. 10-25 Glamour Girls. Cutting Edge Theater, 747 Robert Blvd., Slidell. Fri and Sat, 8pm. $20. 649-3727. cuttingedgetheater.com. 10-26 Chapter Two. Playmakers Theater, 19106 Playmakers Rd., Covington. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. Adults, $15; students, $10. 892-9767. playmakersinc.com. 10-31 Art & Bloom on the Northshore. Open theme art show. Slidell Memorial Hospital Cancer Center, 1120 Robert Blvd. Opening reception Fri, 7-9pm. Free during SMHCC working hours. 847-9458. slidellartleague.info. 10-June 18 Hammond Art Guild 51st Exhibit. 217 E. Thomas St., Hammond. Tues-Fri, 1-5pm; Sat, 11am-3pm. Melissa Griffin, 542-7113. hammondarts.org. 11 Book Signing. Actor Bryan Batt will sign his books, She Ain’t Heavy, She’s My Mother and Big Easy Style. Wine and cheese served. Hazelnut Mandeville, 2735 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 1-4pm. 626-8900. hazelnutneworleans.com. 11 Color Me Rad New Orleans. Unique 5K race benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. NOLA Motorsports Park, 11075 Nicolle Blvd., Avondale. 9 am. colormerad.com. 11 FORESTival 2013. A celebration of art and nature. A Studio in the Woods, 13401 Patterson Rd., New Orleans. 11am-5pm. (504) 392-5359. astudiointhewoods.org. 11 International Dragon Boat Festival. Tchefuncte River, Madisonville. (416) 9628899. gwndragonboat.com.

May-June 2013 21

Inside Scoop throughout the Parish. Sat and Sun,

cover artist Jax Frey and view her available

11 Live Auction. Northshore Antiques

12pm-5pm; Thur, 5-8pm. 882-5002.

work. STHBA Raffle House, 769 S. Corniche

and Auction House, 334 N. Vermont

sttammanyparadeofhomes.com.

du Lac, Covington. 626-9684.

12 Mother’s Day in Mandeville. “A

14, 28 Figure Drawing Class. Includes

Gift to the Street” Annual Home Tour. Art,

model, wine and cheese. Bring your own

11 Madisonville Art Market. Tchefuncte

crafts and music. Old Mandeville. Tour,

drawing utensils and paper/newsprint.

River Front, Water St., Madisonville.

2-5pm. $15; students, $12. Tickets on sale

STAA, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington.

10am-4pm. Free. madisonvilleartmarket.com.

noon-4pm at Jean Baptiste Lang House,

6:30-9pm. $25. 892-8650.

605 Carroll St. Nancy Clark, 626-4975.

sttammanyartassociation.org.

St., Covington. 11am. 626-7704. northshoreauctionhouse.com.

11 New Orleans Running Systems

oldmandevillehistoricassociation.org.

Etouffee Run/Walk. Audubon Park, Shelter

16 Chamber After Hours. With the Krewe

No. 10, New Orleans. 8am. $25; 15 and

13, 20 Children in the Middle. For children

of Erin. Ponchatoula Country Market, 10 East

under, $15. nolarunning.com.

of divorcing parents. Ages 6-12 yrs. STPH

Pine St. 5:30-7pm. Ponchatoula Chamber of

Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B,

Commerce, 386-2536.

11 Second Saturday Art Walk. Downtown

Covington. 7-9pm. Register by 1 p.m. Friday,

Covington. 6-9pm. 892-1873. covla.com.

May 10. $10/per child (max $20 per family).

16 Monthly Meeting. Women of Infinite

898-4435. stph.org.

Possibilitiles. Discussion led by Pemmie

11 Swing in the Pines. Concert by the

Sheasby of Oil & Vinegar. Grace Disciples

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Bogue

13, 20 Children in the Middle. For

of Christ Church, Covington. Optional

Falaya Park, Covington. 4-7pm. Free.

divorcing parents. STPH Parenting Center,

lunch. 10am-noon. Sandra Slifer, 875-9388.

Non-perishable food donations collected

1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington.

womenofwip.org.

for the Covington Food Bank. 892-1873.

7-9pm. Register by 1 p.m. Friday, May 10.

lpomusic.com.

$30/members; $35/non-members; $10/add’l

16 “Raising the Roof for Charity” Raffle

for couples. 898-4435. stph.org.

House Early Bird Drawing. St. Tammany

11, 12, 16, 18, 19 St. Tammany Parade of Homes. Various locations

Home Builders Association Raffle House in 14 Meet the Artist. Meet Inside Northside

Maison du Lac, 769 South Corniche du Lac,

Covington. 7pm. 882-5002. raisingtheroof.net.

Brewhouse, 226 E. Lockwood St., Covington. 2-9pm. covingtonbrewhouse.com.

16 Hazelnut Ribbon Cutting and

25 Memorial Swamp Pop Festival. Hidden Oaks Family Campground, 21544 Hwy.

Opening Ceremony. Refreshments, special offers and prizes. Hazelnut Mandeville, 2735 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 5-7pm. 626-8900.

19 PurpleStride New Orleans 2013.

190 E, Hammond. Nita Vedros, 345-9244.

Timed 5K and 1 mile fun run to support the

hiddenoaksfamilycampground.com.

hazelnutneworleans.com.

New Orleans. (877) 272-6226. mpettingill@

25 Fat Boy New Orleans Run/Walk. City

pancanvolunteer.org.

Park, New Orleans. 8am. Chuck George,

fight against pancreatic cancer. City Park,

17 Meet Local Artist Keith Villere. Artisan

NOLArunning@cox.net. nolarunning.com.

Home Décor, 3535 Hwy. 190, Mandeville.

22 Empowered Parents Network Group.

5-7pm. 778-2113. artisanhomedecor.net.

STPH Family Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste.

25 Reminiscing Covington’s Walker

B, Covington. 10am-noon. 898-4435. stph.org.

Percy. Presented by Judge Frederick S.

17 Sunset at the Landing Concert.

Ellis. Fuhrmann Auditorium in the Greater

Columbia Street Landing, 100 N. Columbia St.

23 STHBA Spring Scholarship Golf

Covington Center, 317 N. Jefferson Ave.

6-9pm. Free. 892-1873. cityofcovington.org.

Tournament. Money Hill, Abita Springs.

7-9pm. Cultural Arts and Events, 892-1873.

9:30am. $125; team and sponsorship levels

covla.com.

18 His Holiness Dalai Lama. Lakefront

available. sthba.org.

Arena, 6801 Franklin Ave., New Orleans. 1pm.

25-26 Memorial Day Weekend Getaway.

Doors open at 11am; no entry after 12:15pm.

24-26, 31-May 2 Driving Miss Daisy.

Visit Ponchatoula for a day of shopping,

$25. (504) 280-7171. arena.uno.edu.

North Star Theatre, 347 Girod St., Mandeville.

dining and more. Downtown Ponchatoula.

Fri and Sat 7:30pm; Sun, 3pm. $15-$30.

10am-5pm. ponchatoulachamber.com.

18 Abita Opry. Abita Springs Town Hall,

885-2000.

22161 Level St. 7-9pm. $18. 892-0711. abitaopry.org.

27 Veterans Appreciation Reception. 25 Jumpin’ into Summer. Children’s

Bogue Falaya Hall in the Greater Covington

event and family entertainment.

Center, 317 N. Jefferson Ave. 11am-1pm.

18 Taps on the Trace. Beer, food and

Covington Trailhead. 10am-noon. Free.

Free for veterans. Cultural Arts and Events,

bands; children’s section. Covington

cityofcovington.org.

892-1873. covla.com.

May-June 2013 23

Inside Scoop 30-31 SSA Lacrosse Camp. Girls ages 9-18. SSA Athletic Fields, 122 S. Massachusetts St., Covington. 9am-3:30pm. $90. 892-2540. ssacad.com. 31 Block Party. Downtown Covington. 5:30-9:30pm. Free. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

June 1 Art Market. Covington Trailhead. 9am-noon. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org. 1 Big Green Egg Demonstration. Outloor Living Center, 2101 N. Hwy. 190, Covington. 10am-2pm. Free. 893-8003. 1 Champagne Jewelers 65th Anniversary Celebration. 65-day extended scavenger hunt. Visit the store’s Facebook page for more information. 643-2599. 1 City-wide Yard Sale. Maps available. Ponchatoula. 8am-5pm. 386-2536. ponchatoulachamber.com. 1 Raffle House Grand Prize Drawing. St. Tammany Home Builders Association “Raising the Roof for Charity” Raffle House Grand Prize Drawing. Maison du Lac Subdivision, 769 S. Corniche du Lac, Covington. 2-2:30pm. raisingtheroof.net. 1-2 Woods and Whites Tennis Event and Gala. Benefiting Hartley’s Hearts. Dinner, drinks, dancing and auction packages. Stone Creek Club and Spa, Ochsner Blvd., Covington. Gala Fri, 5:30-10pm. $75; tennis event Fri and Sat, $90. 801-7140. stonecreekclubandspa.com. 1-2 New Orleans Oyster Festival. Woldenberg Park. Mon, 1-9pm; Tues, 2:308:30pm. Free. neworleansoysterfestival.org. 1-29 Covington Farmers Market. Wed and Sat; Wed, Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St., 10am-2pm; Sat, 609 N. Columbia St., 8am-noon. Free. covingtonfarmersmarket.org. 24

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

1-30 Culinary Kids. Activities and classes for children and adults. Call or visit the website for more information and reservations. 727-5553. culinarykidsNS.com. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Camellia City Market. Robert and Front Sts., Slidell. 8am-noon. Free. camelliacitymarket.org. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Hammond Farmers Market. W. Thomas St. and S.W. Railroad Ave., Hammond. 9am-3pm. Terry Lynn Smith, 277-5680 ext. 2. dddhammond.com. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville. 9am-1pm. Free. mandevilletrailhead.org. 3 Covington Bicentennial Golf Tournament. Money Hill Golf & Country Club, 100 Country Club Dr., Abita Springs. 10am-5pm. Individuals, $150; Teams of 4, $600. Glenn Hanson, 246-0230. 3-7 Guitar Camp. Boys and girls ages 10-15. SSA Campus, Room 94, 122 S. Massachusetts St., Covington. 9am-noon or 1-3pm. $125. 892-2540. ssacad.com. 3-7 SSA Volleyball Skills Camp Week 1. Girls ages 8-14. SSA Gym, 122 S. Massachusetts St., Covington. 9am-noon or 1-4pm. $115. 892-2540. ssacad.com. 3-7 Summer Fingerprints Art Camp. STAA, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 9am-3pm. Members, $200; nonmembers, $220. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation. org. 3-23 JPAS Youth Summer Musical Theatre Intensive. Music Man. Kids in grades third through seventh will perform a musical upon completion of the program. JPAS, 1118 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie. (504) 885-2000. jpas.org. 3, 10, 17, 24 Microderm Mondays. Azure Spa, 2040 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. Limited appointments available. $69. 7277799. theazurespa.com. 4 , 11, 18 Play and Learn. Ages 16 mos to 4 yrs. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 >>

Inside Scoop N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 9:3010:15am. $15/members; $24/child for nonmembers. 898-4435. stph.org. 5 Slidell Meeting. Women of Infinite Possibilitiles. Discussion led by Kellie Holder. Slidelll Memorial Imaging Center Women’s Health Alliance Conference Room, 1495 Gause Blvd. 5-7pm. Sandra Slifer, 875-9388. womenofwip.org. 5, 12, 19, 26 Botox Wednesdays. Dr. Kelly Burkenstock’s Skin.Body.Health, 2040 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. Limited appointments available. $265/area, $665/whole face. 727-7676. skinbodyhealth.com.

8 Madisonville Art Market. Tchefuncte River Front, Water St., Madisonville. 10am-4pm. Free. madisonvilleartmarket.com. 8 Second Saturday Art Walk. Downtown Covington. 6-9pm. 892-1873. covla.com. 8-28 JPAS Youth Summer Musical Theatre Intensive. Bye Bye Birdie. Kids in grades third through seventh will perform a musical upon completion of the program. JPAS, 1118 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie. (504) 885-2000. jpas.org. 9 Concert Series. Vintage Jazz Band. St. Tammany Parish Libray, Slidell Branch, 555 Robert Blvd. 6pm. Free. 646-6470.

6, 13, 20, 27 New Baby Support Group. Birth to 7 mos. Child development and parenting tips. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 11:15am-noon. Free. 898-4435. stph.org. 7-9, 14-16 Disney’s Cinderella. Attractions Salon, 747 Robert Blvd., Slidell. Fri-Sat, 7pm; Sun, 2pm. Adult, $16.50; students, $12.50. 649-3727. cuttingedgetheater.com.

10-12 SSA Softball Camp. SSA Athletic Fields, 122 S. Massachusetts St., Covington. 9am-noon. $75. 892-2540. ssacad.com. 10-14, 17-21 Myth Busters Science Camp. Boys and girls ages 8-14. SSA Science Lab, Room 281, 122 S. Massachusetts St., Covington. 9am-noon. $140. 892-2540. ssacad.com.

10-14 SSA Student Council Camp. Boys and girls ages 8-13. 122 S. Massachusetts St., Covington. 1-4:30pm. $125. 892-2540. ssacad.com. 10-14 SSA Volleyball Skills Camp Week 2. Girls, grades first through fifth. SSA Gym, 122 S. Massachusetts St., Covington. 9am-noon. $115. 892-2540. ssacad.com. 10-14 Summer Fingerprints Art Camp. STAA, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 9am-3pm. $200, members; $220 nonmembers. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org. 10-28 JPAS Summer Conservatory Session 1. High school students study with industry leaders. JPAS, 1118 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie. (504) 885-2000. jpas.org. 11-14 SSA/SPS Cheerleading Camp. Girls entering pre-K through eighth grade. SSA Gym, 122 S. Massachusetts St., Covington. 1-4pm. $100. 892-2540. ssacad.com. 11, 25 Figure Drawing Class. Includes

model, wine and cheese. Bring your own drawing utensils and paper/newsprint. STAA, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 6:30-9pm. $25. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org. 13, 14, 15 Father’s Day Show. Sculptor Todd Goss’ wire-sculpture wildlife art. Simply Southern, 70488 Hwy. 21, Covington. 871-1466. 14 Kids Fest. Arts celebration for the whole family. Slidell Municipal Auditorium, Slidell. 9:30am-noon. Free. 646-4375. slidell.la.us. 15 Louisiana Bicycle Festival. Features bicycle parade and more. Abita Springs. labicyclefestival.com. 15 Newborn Care Class. Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington. 10am-12pm. Free. 1-866-4LAKEVIEW. lakeviewregional.com. 15 Northshore Cajun Dance. Abita Springs Town Hall, 221 Level St. Dance lessons, 7-7:30pm; live music, 8-10:30pm. 887-1485. 15 Roller Derby Bout. North Shore Roller Derby Lethal Ladies versus the East Texas

Bombers. Castine Center, Mandeville. 6pm open, match starts 7pm. $12; $15 at the door. northshorerollerderby.com. 17-21 Summer Fingerprints Art Camp. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 9am-3pm. $200, members; $220 non-members. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

26301 Hwy. 1088, Mandeville. 3-7pm. sttammanychamber.org. 20 Chamber After Hours. Networking, conversation and business. 5:30-7pm. Rosaryville Spirit Life Center, 39003 Rosaryville Rd. Ponchatoula. ponchatoulachamber.com.

18 Summer Series. Brown Bag Luncheon. Noon-1pm. Ponchatoula Rotary Hut, Memorial Park. 386-2536. ponchatoulachamber.com.

5 Monthly Meeting. Women of Infinite Possibilitiles. Erical Morgan on “journaling.” Grace Disciples of Christ Church, Covington. Optional lunch. 10am-noon. Sandra Slifer, 8759388. womenofwip.org.

18 TechSmart Educational Conference for Businesses. Northshore Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell. 8:30am-3pm. $59. 643-5678. estchamber.net.

20-23 FestiGals. Empowerment workshops, seminars, networking opportunities and an insider’s glimpse into New Orleans. The Historic French Quarter, New Orleans. $325. 1-855-GAL-WKND. FestiGals.org.

19-21 Royalettes and Golden Blues Dance Camp. Girls entering kindergarden-12th grade. SSA Gym, 122 S. Massachusetts St., Covington. 9am-12:30pm. $85. 892-2540. ssacad.com. 20 Business Expo 2013. St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce business-tobusiness trade show. Lakeshore High School,

21 Sunset at the Landing Concert. Columbia Street Landing, Covington. 6-9pm. Free. 8921873. cityofcovington.org. 21-22 TPSO Mounted Division Rodeo. Florida Parishes Arena, 1301 N.W. Central Ave., Amite. 748-5914. fparena.com. >>

May-June 2013 27

Inside Scoop 21-23 Louisiana Catfish Festival. St. Gertrude Catholic Church, 17292 Hwy. 631, Des Allemands. Fri, 5-11pm; Sat, 10am-11pm; Sun, 10:30am-8pm. Free. 7587542. louisianacatfishfestival.com. 22 Bra Genie event. Swim and bra fitting event with Fantasy and Elomi. 2881 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 10-5 pm. 951-8638. 22-26 IMA Conference and Exposition. Network with other business colleagues to acquire industry knowledge and remain current with the latest professional standards and trends. Hilton New Orleans Riverside, 2 Poydras St., New Orleans. (800) 638-4427. imaconference.org. 23 The History of the African-American Community in Covington. Presented by Dr. Eva Baham. Fuhrmann Auditorium in the Greater Covington Center, 317 N. Jefferson Ave. 4pm. Cultural Arts and Events, 8921873. covla.com. 24-28 Summer Fingerprints Art Camp. STAA, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 9am-3pm. Members, $200; Nonmembers, $220. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation. org. 26 Empowered Parents Network Group. STPH Family Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 10am-noon. 898-4435. stph. org. 28 Block Party. Downtown Covington. 5:30-9:30pm. Free. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org. 29 Bicentennial Parade. Downtown Covington. Noon. 892-1873. covla.com. 29 Hemmings Motor News â&#x20AC;&#x153;Great Race.â&#x20AC;? Motor sports enthusiasts racing from St. Paul, Minn. to Mobile, Ala. stop in Covington to show off their classic cars. Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St. 4:308:30pm. Cultural Arts and Events, 892-1873. covla.com; greatrace.com. 30 Classic Covington: Stories Behind The Prints. Presented by historian Howard Nichols and artist Suzanne King. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org. 28

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

Insider

Miles Berry

by Lauren Smith

Mandeville High senior Miles Berry has played the saxophone since he was 12 years old and has been studying jazz for about four years. He says music is what he was born to do. “It’s my purpose in life. I try to absorb myself in music 24/7.” Though he has been attracted to other instruments, like the drums, the saxophone remains Miles’ main “axe.”

photo: NEW ORLEANS CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS

Miles, who also attends NOCCA, was selected to be part of the 2013 Thelonious Monk National Performing Arts High School All-Star Jazz Sextet. The Thelonious Monk Institute for Jazz is named for the ground-breaking pianist and composer. Monk is recognized as one of the most influential figures in jazz history; the institute was created four years after his death. Originally based in Washington, D.C., the institute now has programs in New Orleans and Los Angeles. In early March, Miles traveled to Los Angeles for an all-expenses-paid trip courtesy of the Monk Institute and spent a week performing with internationally renowned jazz recording artist Terell Stafford. Together, Stafford and the all-star sextet performed for public schools throughout Los Angeles. They also participated in musical master classes in an effort to teach similarly aged audiences about jazz and the important American values it represents. “It was peer-to-peer learning,” says Miles. “We were teaching them and they were teaching us.” Miles plans to attend the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York. His heroes on the saxophone are John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins. Coltrane’s life and music have “affected me positively and the love and devotion he had for music is something very inspirational,” Miles says. While he draws from the experience and careers of musicians before him, Miles does not plan to imitate them. “There is no one whose career I would like to emulate. I want to do what I can by being myself. Being a musician is a lifelong process and it is something I will be seeking for as long as I live.” And Miles is well on his way! May-June 2013 29

IN Better Health

by Kaley Boudreaux

Health Concern: Chest pain and heart blockages Treatment: Cardiac bypass surgery

AS A PRACTICING ORTHOPEDIC SPINE SURGEON, Dr. John Logan is accustomed to treating patients and giving medical care. However, roles were reversed when Dr. Logan became the patient as he underwent cardiac bypass surgery approximately one year ago for blockages in his heart. “Kissing my kids goodbye at 4 a.m. when I left for heart surgery was the most frightening part. That is something I cannot really describe,” Dr. Logan says. “Seeing them after surgery two days later with smiles on their faces was also indescribable.” While riding bikes with his family on a vacation in Gatlinburg, Dr. Logan developed pain in his chest, left arm and neck. Being a very active person, the pain seemed strange to him. He mentioned it to his wife and, after returning home, made an appointment with Dr. Jim Smith at the Louisiana Heart Hospital. Dr. Smith ordered a cardiac catheterization to determine the cause of his pain. The test revealed blockages in his heart that required surgery. “I considered the many options of great facilities 30 Inside Northside

and surgeons for heart surgery, like the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic. I certainly wanted to make the best choice,” says Dr. Logan. “Right here at the Louisiana Heart Hospital, Dr. John Breaux is profoundly respected as a heart surgeon. I reviewed his statistics from the last 10 years, and made the best choice. “The surgery went just about as well as it could go,” Dr. Logan says, “People ask me how I am doing after my heart attack, but I did not have a heart attack. My symptoms gave me the warning I needed to get checked out.” Dr. Logan has since returned to life as normal and resumed his role as a surgeon. He is also back to fishing, hunting and spending time with family and friends. “I hold my family a little closer,” he says. “I would also like to think that I am a little calmer, but my wife and my staff would probably argue that point.” Dr. Logan is eternally grateful for the support from his family and friends, especially from his wife and children.

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

with Dr. John Logan

“My wife Missy is my rock. She was profoundly strong throughout the whole thing. She and the kids supported me every day,” he says. “I am also grateful to my nurse practitioner and my physician partners who kept things running smoothly while I was out. It meant the world to me. From the guy who puts my scrubs out in the hospital each morning, to the operating room staff, to my practice manager, the list goes on—I could not have made it through this as easily without them.” Members of his concerned staff often remind him of what he should and should not be doing. Dr. Logan says, “I go to the hospital cafeteria and order breakfast—eggs, bacon or biscuits—and no matter what I order, when I get to the end of the line, it is a bowl of oatmeal on my tray!”

From Ruin to

Rebirth 32

Inside Northside

by Poki Hampton

photo courtesy: KATIE AND EMILIO PERALTA. photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN inset photo courtesy: KATIE AND EMILIO PERALTA. opposite photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Opposite: The gracefully curving spiral staircase was only partially

IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE that it took Katie and Emilio Peralta less then one year to completely transform the dilapidated ruin they bought in Old Mandeville into an elegant yet casual home for themselves and their three young daughters. “A Realtor friend sent us pictures of the house, which was just a shell,” says Katie. “My parents and I drove by one day, and my dad said, ‘Keep going.’ “At a later date, my mom and I literally climbed into the house to check it out and saw that it had really good bones. It was a beautiful shell with so much potential.” There were no floor boards on the porch, so shaky stringers were used to get inside. Doors, bathtubs, windows and moldings were stacked everywhere. “It looked like a treasure trove of incredible stuff, so we bought the house and started working.”

Katie and Emilio were able, with the assistance of EMB Interiors head designer Ellen Bajon, to create a floor plan and map out the electrical, plumbing and lighting systems. “There were no plans at all, so we had to crawl over doors, windows and boards to measure each room,” says Ellen. “I thought Katie and Emilio were very brave to tackle such a big project.” They soon learned that the previous owner had taken down the original house piece by piece, salvaging and storing everything for re-use. He began restoring it and poured 49 gracefully proportioned concrete piers for support under the house, but then put the house on the market. In classic Creole-Caribbean style, the exterior has transoms over French doors and large porches wrapping around the front and sides of the house. >>

constructed when the Peraltas bought the house. Today, it is finished in handapplied plaster, with iron balusters and cypress steps. Above: Exterior of house when first purchased by the Peraltas. Below: The transformed home, with beautiful but simple tropical landscaping, is accessed by a slate tile walk.

May-June 2013 33

Above: The family enjoys many meals at the 10-foot trestle table in the breakfast room. In the background is the spacious kitchen, with cabinets painted

paneled walls in the powder room, which are painted a deep charcoal, are original to the house. The custom mirror is set into the paneling. An intricate mosaic of Lagos Azul limestone and white Carrera marble adds interest to the floor. 34

Although the yard is small, it is filled with modern tropical landscaping. A syrup kettle fountain is the focal point of the front walk, which is made of slate tiles. The 49 columns create space beneath the house for entertaining, with a built-in fireplace for chilly nights. Katie hired carpenters and craftsmen recommended by EMB Interiors to create new moldings to match old ones, repair windows and doors and salvage every bit of hardware. There was an entire palate of old hardware among the treasures. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I found a retired doctor here in Mandeville who repairs and restores antique hardware. I took him

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

a soft grey. Right: The

everything, and he was able to resurrect knobs, latches and box locks,â&#x20AC;? says Katie. The bones of the sensuous spiral staircase were there when the Peraltas bought the house, but it was just bare wood. Wrought iron balusters and handrails were added, along with hand-planed antique reclaimed cypress boards for the treads. The

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

outside of the beautiful graceful curve is in hand-finished plaster. Hallway walls are painted in a soft creamy grey. Over the spinet piano are a small watercolor by Daughdrill, framed in an antique wooden frame, and a carved wooden sconce in Parisian grey with silver leaf and hand-blown glass teardrops. Across from the piano is a wall filled with both contemporary and traditional art. The long antique cypress bench is from a local antique shop. For the paneled walls in the powder room, which are original, Ellen chose a deep charcoal grey paint with a hint of blue. A vintage-style chest is topped with a Carrera marble slab that has an extended ogee edge. Reflected in the custom mirror inset into the existing molding are the white porcelain sink and the chrome faucet, which has faceted Swarovski crystal handles. Two silver leaf, wood, iron and faceted crystal bead sconces flank the mirror. Completing the look are four framed architectural prints. The ground of the floor is a tiny mosaic in Lagos Aqule limestone and white Carrera marble; the same limestone is used for the border. The classic Queen Anne-style dining room furniture came from Katieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandmother. The end chairs are upholstered in a heavy embroidered geometric silk while other chairs are in a solid textured grey. Draperies framing the salvaged French doors that open onto the gallery porch are in ash-color classic Colton cotton. The large two-tier chandelier is antiqued silver iron with strands of beaded crystals. Anchoring a corner is an antique-style planter with an over-spilling plant. The rug is in muted tones of silver and grey. Entertaining is a breeze with the butlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pantry. The Carrera marble top over painted cabinets from Milltown Cabinets is an excellent place to make drinks or place serving pieces. The backsplash is in shimmering geometric herringbone tiles in tones of taupe, grey and cream. A wine refrigerator and dishwasher make for an efficient space. The spacious keeping room/informal dining room is in the back of the house. Featured are an oversized sectional sofa in a textured linen weave and a tufted leather ottoman in taupe-grey, which serves as a cocktail table. The same textured linen weave fabric is used on the chairs that flank >>

Opposite page: Antique hardware throughout the house was cleaned and re-worked by a local Mandeville artisan.

An Aquatic air tub is the centerpiece of the spacious master bath. It sits on a platform of tumbled Botticino tile, backed by Moroccanstyle tiles in grey and paneled mirrors with gold leaf sconces. Cypress floors extend into the bathroomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vestibule. May-June 2013 37

photo courtesy: KATIE AND EMILIO PERALTA. photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Above: The formal dining room is decorated in soft grey and cream with silver accents. Right: The breakfast room before renovation. 38

the 10-foot-long trestle table. Two chandeliers, which carry the theme of beaded strands with turned wood, iron and silver leaf, hang over the table. Leading to the porch is a refurbished antique door with arched seeded glass. The draperies are woven textured cotton in a cream and grey damask print. Adding a pop of interest beside the table is a large abstract painting in bold colors. In the kitchen, rustic cypress beams, reminiscent of antique kitchens, were added. Three windows original to the house provide a view to the lake. Over the large island hang two bronze lanterns, and an antique French dough bowl holding plants and fruit is a natural centerpiece. The cabinets, painted in soft grey, are topped with Cristallo Quartzite, which has a translucent quality. The contemporary cabinet hardware and the antique hardware on the windows meld perfectly, creating a timeless sophisticated look. The French

Inside Northside

stove is La Cornue. The backsplash is 2-inch-by-5inch subway tiles in white crackled glass. The master bath is a study in serenity. Leading into the vestibule are reclaimed arched seeded glass doors. The focal point is the aquatic air tub, which sits on an elevated platform of tumbled Botticino tile. Moroccan-shaped tiles cover two-thirds of the back wall while paneled mirrors and gold-leaf sconces top the tile. Picking up the color of the cabinets, the oversized double sink with an eased edge is constructed of Calcutta Vagli honed marble with veining in taupe and grey. The wall-mounted gooseneck faucets are in burnished bronze. On a mirror cut to fit exactly over the sink are two goldleaf sconces with drum shades. “Working with Katie was very easy – she knew what she wanted the house to look like as an end product, which made things very easy on our end! She was a pleasure to work with,” says Dwayne Carpenter of Northlake Glass. “EMB Interiors was so instrumental in helping me along the way,” says Katie. “They recommended craftsmen who were experienced in working with reclaimed wood and loved restoration. EMB drew the plans for the whole house, moving walls, putting in plumbing and lighting. They also helped me with the paint colors.” “Katie was a dream to work with on this project,” says Ellen. “Helping her restore the house to its former glory and beyond was a pleasure. Seeing it all come to fruition is really rewarding.” Together Katie and the EMB Interiors team have created a sophisticated, stylish home where all of the details have been carefully thought out to create a seamless collection of lighting, color and fabrics.

by Erin Cowser

Southeastern Lions head foodtball coach Ron Roberts. 40

Inside Northside

Southeastern Lions’ Ron Roberts

ALL THE TROPHIES, plaques, awards, framed magazine covers, published articles and countless other photos and accolades suggest otherwise, but according to Southeastern Lions head football coach Ron Roberts, it’s not all about the X’s and O’s. When asked about the secret of his coaching success, Roberts’ immediate response is that football is as much about coaching players to be

winners in life as it is about coaching them to win on the gridiron. He does both. “It’s having a group of men take the field as a team versus having a group of boys do so,” he says. “What is a man? It’s not your age or whether you’re married or have children or a career. It’s being accountable to yourself, your family, and, in our case, your football family. Men win football games.”

photos courtesy: RANDY BERGERON, SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY

Coaching Winners

Roberts and his coaching staff strive to instill the right attitude, trustworthiness, accountability and a respect for responsibility in their players. In his 2012 inaugural season at Southeastern, this holistic approach translated into a 5-2 record in Southland Conference action, which marked the most wins in conference play since 1978. Roberts’ overall record is 52 wins and 22 losses (Gulf South Conference: 29-7 and Southland Conference: 5-2). Prior to coming to Hammond, he led his Delta State teams to two NCAA Super Region II titles, including an appearance in the 2010 NCAA Division II National Championship game and the 2011 semifinals, plus Coach of the Year praise and many other impressive accomplishments. Although he has plenty of reasons to brag, Roberts remains relatively modest. Some in the community have even called him reserved (although his coaching staff and players say otherwise—at least when he’s in the locker room or on the sidelines). On the corner of his desk sits a wellworn Coach’s Bible with Psalm 101 bookmarked. It reads, “I will live with integrity of heart in my house.” “If you go out there and do everything wrong but still win, you’re not doing a service to your players, coaches or fans,” Roberts says. “One of the best parts of being a coach is when a former player calls five or 10 years after graduation and tells me about his wife and kids, and by the way, he just got a big promotion, too. That’s when you know you’re doing something right.” It makes sense that a man who grew up at the base of a Sequoia Forest mountain in the Central Valley region of California would teach players that they can stand tall no matter what the scoreboard says as long as they’ve played >> May-June 2013 41

to the best of their abilities. “It’s the part of California where there are more cowboy hats than surfboards,” Roberts says, while donning a crisp Lions button-up and sturdy leather boots. Roberts came to Louisiana from California via Tennessee—where he met his wife, Didi, and played linebacker for the University of Tennessee-Martin— and Mississippi, where he was defensive coordinator and head coach of Delta State. He says that, while Louisiana and California are both “football states,” there’s a definite difference between the two. “Football in the South is more of a way of life than just a game. I have absolutely no complaints about the great people or the food here, either!” Roberts begins his second year as head football coach at Southeastern this fall, looking to build on the excitement of the Lions’ most successful season in the Southland Conference since the school joined the league in 2005. In Roberts’ first victory in Hammond, Southeastern rallied from a 14-point deficit to gain a 25-24 win over nationally ranked McNeese State. In addition to that win, the Lions scored victories over Northwestern State and Nicholls State, marking the first-ever sweep of the school’s in-state rivals in a season. He also has a knack for helping catapult several talented student-athletes into the NFL. He coached Pittsburgh Steeler corner Ricardo Colclough and Cleveland Browns wide receiver L.J. Castile. And by the time this article is published, former Lions cornerback Robert Alford may have been chosen in this year’s NFL Draft. “When Coach Roberts and his staff came in, they emphasized the importance of being family-oriented and showed that they cared about the players,” says Alford, who recently participated in the Senior Bowl and 42

Inside Northside

photos courtesy: RANDY BERGERON, SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY

had an impressive showing at the NFL Combine. “As a coach, he taught me a lot of things about pass coverage to prepare me to play at the next level. He and the entire coaching staff expect and take nothing less than 150 percent from you.” “I can’t control how talented the other team is or

how well prepared the other team is,” Roberts says. “I can and must, however, control how well we’re prepared. That’s my job.” It’s a responsibility Roberts takes seriously, and his coaching staff shares his ideals and vision for Lions football. “We play serious football,” said linebacker coach Karl Scott. “And we like to have fun while doing so.” One example is a recent fast and furious marshmallow toss, part of the team’s Gridiron Games semester-long competition among teams of 10 players each. Scott explains that the teams earn points throughout each semester for things like visiting local nursing homes Above: Linebacker and reading to elementary school children. #46 at the The marshmallow toss, in which each player has University of one chance to catch a marshmallow in his mouth that Tennessee at is thrown by a teammate, and an end-of-semester Martin, where dodge ball game are examples of other point-earning Roberts helped possibilities. What makes the competitions even more guide them to appealing to the players is that the winning teams in the 1988 Gulf both the toss and dodge ball contests get to then take South Conference on the coaching staff to declare domination and earn Championship. bragging rights. Who won the coaches vs. winning Left: Coach Roberts’ players team marshmallow toss playoff this semester? holistic approach With the help of a stellar marshmallow mouth catch translated to a by Roberts, the coaches can now lay claim to the 5-2 record in marshmallow toss champion title. the Southland Running backs coach E.K. Franks says Roberts’ >> Conference. May-June 2013 43

the final score of the Lions vs. Nicholls River Bell Classic.

Right: Coach Roberts. 44

Inside Northside

In order for the team’s success to continue, Roberts says he plans to recruit as many local players as possible who fit the needs of the team. “We’re going to go after the ones we want. However, I’m not one to say that if we don’t get our first choices, we’ll take someone simply because they’re local. We’ll go anywhere in the country to get the players we want— the ones who have the ability and the mindset to be a part of the Lions football family.” One of those players Roberts wanted is quarterback Brian Bennett, who came to Southeastern from the Pacific Northwest. He traded in his Oregon duck feathers and headed south to become

photos courtesy: RANDY BERGERON, SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY

Above: 35-16 was

use of activities like the Gridiron Games concept, which help the players to get to know each other and buildstremendous camaraderie for the team, is just one example of what makes Roberts such an excellent coach. “He is the real thing,” Franks says. “I’ve had the privilege of coaching under Bill Snyder at Kansas State, Barry Alvarez at the University of Wisconsin and Brett Bielema at the University of Arkansas. They are all highly respected as coaches. However, I truly feel working under Coach Roberts is the highest honor and experience I’ll have in my coaching career.” With a lighthearted quip, defensive coordinator Pete Golding adds that Roberts is a fairly good prankster. “He keeps us laughing. And he’s a horrible golfer, too.” All joking aside, where does Roberts see the Lions five years from now? He has no doubt Southeastern will be a premier program. “We’ll be a top-10 team, competing for a national championship,” he says without hesitation. Roberts wants to make sure the northshore knows there is high-quality football in Hammond at Southeastern. “When you come out to support the Lions, I guarantee you will see an exciting brand of football, and,” he adds, “you’ll be backing a winner.”

a Southeastern Lion. “When I was considering a transfer, I had a lot of people say really good things about Coach Roberts,” Bennett says. “Now that I’m here, I can say they all were true. Coach is a winner. He’s a leader. And, he’s a teacher. We have some really great things going on here. It’s exciting.” Linebacker Cqulin Hubert, who transferred from Texas Tech, agreed. “He is our family. Thanks to Coach Roberts, we have fun, but we also get business done.” Roberts adheres to the belief that it’s not about whether you win or lose; it’s how you play the game. Perhaps it’s this balanced approach to football that continues to increase the numbers in his win column. Whatever it is, we like it! GO LIONS! Season tickets for Lions football start as low as $90. Family Pride Packs of four tickets to a game are only $45. Call 549-5466 or 1-866-LION-TIX or go to lionsports.net for tickets or tailgating information. Southeastern Lions 2013 Football Schedule

Aug. 29 Southeast Missouri

Sept. 7 at TCU

Sept. 14 at South Dakota State Sept. 21 at Samford

Oct. 5 Incarnate Word

Oct. 12 Stephen F. Austin

Oct. 19 at Northwestern State

Oct. 26 Lamar (Homecoming)

Nov. 2 at McNeese State

Nov. 9 at Central Arkansas

Nov. 16 Sam Houston State

Nov. 21 Nicholls State

For kickoff times, go to LionSports.net. May-June 2013 45

Evergreen Plantation by Ann Gilbert

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

PHILANTHROPIST AND OIL HEIRESS Matilda Geddings Gray of Lake Charles was a businesswoman and also an artist, having attended the Newcomb College School of Art. Gray’s interests ranged far and wide, from collecting woven Indian costumes in Guatemala to learning book binding in France and studying with a Greek sculptor. She admired objects of exceptionally good design, whether small or large, and collected houses

turned to New Orleans architect Richard Koch, who was known for his restoration of historic Natchez properties and Oak Alley. Gray was one of several preservationists rescuing plantation homes from death by decay around that time. Others were the Crozats at Houmas House, the Stewarts at Oak Alley and the Judices at L’Hermitage, all on River Road. When Gray chose Evergreen Plantation, she acquired not only a grand house in the Greek

like some women collect shoes. When vacant and crumbling plantation homes on the River Road north of New Orleans were being leveled to make way for progress in the mid-1900s, Gray plucked Evergreen Plantation in Edgard on the west bank of the Mississippi from that fate. The year was 1946. Unmarried when her father, John Geddings Gray, died in 1921, she, not her brothers, took the reins of his oil and timber business. It was a remarkable move for the time, but she was a remarkable woman. Matilda Gray possessed a keen intelligence, a strong drive and confidence in her ability, say those who knew her. To help her re-do her country estate, she

Revival tradition, but 37 other structures, mostly antebellum (built before the Civil War). Of key historic importance in the description of this historic property are the 22 slave cabins. No other plantation in the South can boast of this many. Author Richard Sexton calls them “a melancholy Opposite: View vestige of the institution of slavery.” of Evergreen The cabins remain in their original, double-row Plantation, with configuration, and 82 live oak trees, estimated to its Greek Revival be about 200 years old, shade the cabins. This allée façade, from River of oaks is not in front of the house, as one might Road. Above: expect. Evergreen was well known for its formal Twenty-two slave garden encompassing the front lawn. The highly cabins sit beside photographed oak allée is on the side, stretching the rows of 82 back to the cane fields in a vanishing point. The >> live-oak trees. May-June 2013 47

Plantation from the rear showing the formal boxwood garden. 48

Inside Northside

achieved the nation’s highest National Landmark historic designation. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places. But Evergreen was in need of a makeover, and Gray tackled it with the confidence of the CEO that she was. When Gray acquired Evergreen, it had been sitting neglected and forlorn for about 14 years. Bought by Alfred and Edward Songy in 1894, it had been known previously as the Becnel Plantation for 100 years; the Songys named it Evergreen. Some 35 years later, hard times struck with mosaic

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

View of Evergreen

trees were reportedly planted by a slave woman whose name has been lost to history, according to Mary Ann Sternberg in Along the River Road. If the slave cabins give you pause, add one more statistic to Gray’s acquisition on River Road— 2,263 acres of land with sugar cane fields, a swamp and even a piece of Lac des Allemands. Imagine your lot measuring about three miles deep! Because of the history of the house, the agricultural heritage and the slave cabins, Evergreen sits beside Mount Vernon and Gettysburg in having

disease attacking the cane and a record-setting flood swamping the fields. The Depression followed soon after. Farmers could not recover from that many lost crops, and many plantations were taken over by banks during this period, including Evergreen.

The Early Days The story of Evergreen begins with the arrival of the Germans at the port of New Orleans in the 1700s. Ambroise Heidel (which became Haydel) and his five sons lived along the west bank of the

Mississippi. The extended family eventually owned five miles of river frontage on the so-called German Coast. Ambroiseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son Christophe farmed the site of present-day Evergreen, where indigo was the predominant crop in the 1700s; later it was rice. Slaves did the field work and may have built the French Creole house, circa 1790, for Christophe and his wife, Charlotte Oubre. Christopheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brother built Whitney Plantation next door. The two raised houses were similar, with wide galleries and short wooden columnettes on the >> May-June 2013 49

upper-floor balcony. The raised living area was one-room deep and threerooms wide, called “en suite,” meaning no center hall. One walked onto the front or back porch to enter another room. Beneath the living area was an open space among the brick support columns. A brick “floor” was laid underneath the house over sand, which provided drainage for the seasonal flooding. Sometimes referred to as a West Indies design, the Heidel house was a striking salmon color, originating from the plaster used on the bricks. Christophe’s daughter, Magdelaine Heidel Becnel, inherited the plantation when he and his wife died in 1799, about 140 years before Matilda would own it. There, Magdelaine raised her eight children and her young, orphaned grandson, Pierre Clidamant Becnel, whose parents died of yellow fever. “In that day, it was customary to marry your cousins, and four of Magdelaine’s children married four Heidel first cousins who lived next door at Whitney,” says Jane Boddie, director of Evergreen.

The Becnel Plantation Magdelaine died in 1830, at the amazing age of 75, and Clidamant Becnel bought out the other heirs to his grandmother’s home. He had a great interest in architecture and traveled to Philadelphia for a year to study Greek Revival design, introduced in the early 1800s by Englishman Benjamin Latrobe, who designed the U.S. Custom House in New Orleans. Clidamant didn’t build his dream house. Instead, he reconstructed the ancestral family home, giving it a 50

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

stunning Greek Revival exterior while retaining the Above: View of one of the pigeonniers, which were French Creole interior floor plan. Boddie suggests used for raising pigeons and squab for the dinner table. he may have received advice from Samuel Hermann, Below: One of two curved free-standing staircases. who built the Hermann-Grima House in the French Quarter and was married to Clidamant’s Aunt Marie. The contract with the builder, John Carter from St. Charles Parish, still exists. It called for enclosing the open basement and adding three rooms, raising the existing floor two feet and raising the roof 31 inches. There was to be the appearance of a terrace or balcony on the roof, and “two winding stairs of grace and elegance.” The contract also noted that Carter and his two assistants would receive “bed, board and washing during execution of the work.” Carter’s pay was $1,800 at the start of the job and the same amount at completion. Clidamant was quite the recycler. He stipulated in the contract, “Do the work in such a way as to prevent a useless waste of materials.” Approximately 300,000 bricks from Uncle Sam Plantation (dismantled because the levee was being moved) were ferried across the river for use in the reconstruction. In Ghosts Along the Mississippi, Clarence Laughlin describes the striking front façade. “A pedimented portico appears to receive the two fine free-standing staircases that curve through the air >> May-June 2013 51

portrait of an early Creole woman. 52

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explains Boddie. “We have one of the old molds. The columns were open in the center, first covered with lime plaster and then coated with lime wash, as we still do now.” Standing on the gallery, one can glance at the 18-inch stuccoed brick walls, original from the 1790 French house, and see how they are scored to resemble stone. The porch floors are pine and contain an interesting detail, a bowtie-shaped piece of wood that appears to attach the planks to each other. This architectural detail is also used in the loggia in the rear, which Gray enclosed to provide more living area. (Gray also re-did—her favorite word—the kitchen in the former butler’s pantry and put bathrooms in the upstairs cabinets (cabinays), which were small rooms at the rear corners used for bathing the children or the help.) The Evergreen house seen today is the creation of Clidamant, including the six dependencies,

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

The parlor on the main floor, with a

to the second floor.” That pedimented portico is a defining Greek Revival detail. Richard Lewis in his Vestiges of Grandeur, calls the sweeping double stairway on a Greek Revival house “an unusual aspect.” Because of it, Sam Wilson suggests in Louisiana History (Winter 1990) that the designer of the Beauregard Keyes house, with its similar stairs, might have been Clidamant Becnel’s architect. But he says, “It may have been Becnel himself who drew the nine plans mentioned in the contract, which have not been found.” John Latrobe (Benjamin’s son) wrote, “The climate in the South requires all the shade that can be procured, and to obtain it, the body of the building is surrounded by galleries.” The gallery is eight feet wide. Clidamant encircled his home on three sides with massive Doric columns of plastered brick. Ever wondered how they made those round brick columns? “They used pie-shaped bricks,”

ordered and symmetrical in their placement. The two garçonnières were for teenage sons who were banished from the main house and allowed to have guests in their private quarters. Lewis writes, “They provided a modicum of privacy for unmarried male members of the family.” The two pigionniers, with interesting round windows, were considered status symbols by the French and used for raising pigeons and squab, delicacies on the dining room table. Immediately behind the big house, facing the parterre garden, was a separate building housing the kitchen and a building for the house slaves, who needed to be in proximity to their jobs— cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing and caring for the children and the sick. The architectural “piece de resistance” was the Greek Revival privy with four seats, two on either side of a dividing wall. It holds center stage behind the mansion and is just a short walk through the garden. Two famous writers commented on the extraordinarily beautiful outhouse. Clarence Laughlin wrote, “It tells us so gracefully of the height achieved in the art of living by the plantation culture.” Richard Sexton gets more to the point, describing the privy as a “diminutive 19th century temple…to human hygiene.” Evergreen today has an unusual combination carriage house/stable/ milking barn, because architect Richard Koch joined several of these service buildings into one during Gray’s restoration. The old sugar house (mill) is gone, along with many of the other buildings that served the sugar cane factory. Plantations were, indeed, factories, and their purpose was to >> May-June 2013 53

produce a cash crop on a massive scale for the international market. Before the Civil War, processing cane was a long, arduous and dangerous task that began by cutting it with a machete. Cane juice squeezed from the stalks was boiled in huge, open castiron kettles, which are re-used today as fountains in home gardens. Great progress was made in the vacuum-pan processing of cane by Norbert Rillieux, a scientist and free person of color from New Orleans, who spent years working in Paris. (He was a cousin of the famous Impressionist painter Edgar Degas.) Rillieuxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s invention was called one of the greatest in chemical engineering. Be that as it may, when he visited a plantation to introduce his invention to the planter, he could not stay in the big house, nor could he stay in the slave quarters. Special arrangements had to be made because of his mixed race; Rillieux was a quadroon, one-quarter black. >> 54

Inside Northside

Top: The slave cabins remain today in their photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

original doublerow configuration.

Left: Floral print and antiques decorate one of the bedrooms. May-June 2013 55

separate from the house. 56

Inside Northside

month to fine dresses for the mistress of the house to machinery for the mill. In redesigning the family home, Clidamant fell into bankruptcy in 1835. He no doubt filled the mansion with antiques from New York and Europe. He would have had to buy slaves, as they did not transfer with the land. Whatever the causes, he was

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

The large kitchen is

It is said there was a building for everything on a plantation, which, in reality, was a self-contained and self-sustaining village. The plantation store was the mall of its day, and several old stores exist up and down River Road. Steamboats and packets often docked right over the levee, bringing everything from guests that might stay for one

forced to sell to his cousin, Lezin Becnel, who graciously allowed Clidamant and his wife, Desiree Brou, to continue to live in the house. When Clidamant died in 1854 without children, the house was bought back by Lezin and was owned by Becnels until it was sold in 1894 to the two Songy brothers. For 100 years, the place had been called The Becnel Plantation, but the Songys named it Evergreen.

The Songy Years Four interesting stories have surfaced from the Songy era. Sternberg writes in Along the Mississippi that Evergreen may have had a ghost. A young teacher and frequent guest at the plantation died unexpectedly. Soon after, the piano began to play with no one seated at the keyboard. Although the River Road planters founded a college at Manresa, the young people were often sent off to school. One young Songy prayed that something would happen so she wouldn’t have to go away to school. About that time, the Songys lost their home. Decades later, this elderly woman told Boddie that she still had regrets about what she did. Another descendant, Sylvia Songy Davis (Alfred was her greatgrandfather) says, “We always heard the buyers wanted all the family to live together.” That makes sense, because several residential buildings on the property date to the Songy era, including the one housing the Evergreen museum and ticket office. Davis also recalls that as a child, when guests were in town, her father would ask Matilda Gray if he could take them >> May-June 2013 57

to see the house. “She always said yes. I think she understood the connection the family still had for Evergreen and felt empathy for them,” Davis says. Amazingly, though the Songys lost the property in 1930, descendants of that family still manage and work the cane fields today. “It is leased to them, but I talk to the farmers every day,” says Boddie, whose other title is president of Evergreen.

Two Matildas Matilda Geddings Gray died in 1971. She had no children, no nephews and only one niece—Matilda Gray Stream, her brother’s daughter, who was named after her. And so enters the third woman to take the reins of Evergreen. Gray almost “adopted” her niece, doting on her from birth, says Boddie. “When she was born, Gray gave the parents of her heir an antique Biedermeier cradle, which is on display in an Evergreen cabinet.” Gray groomed her namesake to one day manage and care for her many acquisitions, including the plantation and dozens of l’objets d’art. In her extensive collection, she had 59 rare and original pieces, including three of the famous Fabergé Eggs, from the House of Fabergé, which catered to the family of the Russian Czar. Pieces from Gray’s Fabergé collection are on display on a rotating basis at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Gray filled Evergreen with large portraits of Creoles painted in the mid-1800s. A “wide angle” portrait of Evergreen with all of its ancillary buildings by New Orleans artist Boyd 58

Inside Northside

Cruise hangs in a downstairs bedroom at the plantation. For more than 40 years, Matilda Stream’s life has focused on the world that her aunt left her. Evergreen remained a private home for 60 years for the two Matildas until Stream opened it for tours in 1998. Like her aunt, Stream is a world traveler and counts royalty as friends. Boddie says, “She is an ambassador for Louisiana and its culture. There is a mystique about Louisiana culture. They both took it with them wherever they moved.”

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Evergreen Today Today, Evergreen Plantation is an active archaeological site. A recent dig in the area of the slave cabins by a state archaeologist involved volunteers from St. John High School and also area citizens. Boddie wants “to involve the local community in the life of the plantation and its history.” A little museum is part of the plantation operation, with rooms dedicated to each era—the Heidels, Becnels, Songys and Gray/Stream.

“We are dependent on agriculture,” Boddie admits. “With 400 acres in cane production, I am always thinking of the weather in terms of the cane. We start planting in July and harvest through December. We never would have been here, nor be here today without cane.” She adds, “But we put the same piece of property to work in other ways, by leasing hunting rights and leasing the batture on the other side of the levee, which in front of Evergreen is the widest in this area.” The movie industry is also a source of revenue. Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Django Unchained are two movies that were recently filmed at Evergreen. Tours are another slice of the economic pie. It could be said there is a fourth woman guiding Evergreen through time and history, and that is Boddie, who has been at Stream’s side since she decorated the house in the late ’60s. “She asked if I could continue to work for her, and I said I could,” recalls Boddie, now more than 40 years later. “I run Evergreen for her. This place is my life.”

One of two oak allées on the plantation. May-June 2013 59

Sandra Slifer, President, League of Women Voters A frequent presence at meetings of the St. Tammany Parish Council and the Zoning Commission, Covington resident Sandra Slifer, the newly elected president of the League of Women Voters of Louisiana, believes wholeheartedly in private citizens getting involved in local government. “It is people who really can make a difference,” says Slifer. “The government relies on our information for help in making better decisions, whether it’s voter services or public policies.” Slifer has held a leadership role in the League of Women Voters of St. Tammany for more than 20 years. As the current president, board member and voter services chair, she is passionate about the 60

Inside Northside

By Marianne Addy

League’s mission of developing informed and engaged citizens on issues affecting their community. But it was by happenstance that she first got involved in the League. “I was meeting with an international company about their computer purchases, and the gentleman I was meeting with ended up selling me a ticket to a League event,” says Slifer. “I have a natural curiosity and was interested in politics, but not being from Louisiana, I was unfamiliar with how local government worked. It was really through the League that I found good mentors who helped educate me.” Slifer credits League board members Nancy Roe and Norma Gavin, now deceased, for taking her by the hand and showing her how voter services works and how to conduct a candidate forum. Today, she is frequently the one doing the mentoring, whether it’s a young person just getting involved in government or a new League member. Her volunteerism isn’t limited to the League. In 2007, with Rick Wilke, Slifer helped found Tammany Together, a non-profit dedicated to reaching out to neighborhoods and subdivisions about community issues. She continues to push for the need for an Office of Inspector General in St. Tammany, and is president of a local women’s organization, Women of Infinite Possibilities. At its March meeting during a Women’s History Month skit, Slifer portrayed Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a major figure in the early women’s rights movement. “Were it not for the work of the League of Women Voters, there would be no group like Women of Infinite Possibilities,” says Slifer. Membership in the League of Women Voters of St. Tammany is open to women and men, including students. For more information, visit lwvofst.org or contact Slifer at 875-9388.

photo: STEPHEN FAURE

INspired

Book Report by Lauren Smith

Three Little Shrimp by J. Steven Spires

Three Little Shrimp debuts on May 10, which happens to be National Shrimp Day. Coincidence? We think not! Either way, you should check out the book and enjoy some shrimp! Three Little Shrimp is a beautifully illustrated book about three shrimp trying to find the rest of their troop. Along the way, they encounter not one, not two, not three but four predators. The talents of 17-year-old illustrator Jonathan Caron help to bring the story to life, capturing all that we love about Louisiana. Some of our favorite Louisianan elements appear throughout the pages, like pelicans and other native wildlife, cast against the familiar backdrop of swamps and marshes. With only a few sentences on each page, the artwork really shines, and children will love the bright, vibrant colors. Readers will be as mesmerized by the colors on the pages as the three little shrimp are by the wonders of the open sea. It’s that curiosity that entices them away from the safety of their 62

Inside Northside

group. As the shrimp come upon their predators, they are dangerously close to being a snack for a family of egrets, a large redfish, a loggerhead turtle, and the main course on a fisherman’s dinner menu. Yet the three little shrimp always manage to slip away just in the nick of time! However, slipping away involves overcoming their fears, like venturing down a dark hole (one shrimp is afraid of the dark!), quick maneuvering and lucky misses. Theirs is quite the journey! Finally, at long last, the three little shrimp catch up with their troop. And once they are safe, there’s nothing else to do but…sleep! Three Little Shrimp is the creation of J. Steven Spires, aka Steve, and it’s no wonder why. Steve is a composition teacher and lives in Slidell with his wife, Evelyne, and their five children, Steven Jr., Chris, Andrew, Victoria and Ryan. Copies of Three Little Shrimp are available for order on Steve’s website, jstevespires.com.

National Shrimp Day May 10, 2013

Did you know? • Americans eat one billion pounds of shrimp every year. • The term used for uncooked or raw shrimp is “green.” • Shrimp can grow from a half inch long to more than 12 inches long, depending on where they are located. The average length of a shrimp is six inches. The world’s largest shrimp, measuring in at 16 inches long, was discovered in 2006 by a biologist in Cartagena, Columbia. • The average shrimp has 10 legs. • A shrimp’s heart is in its head. • Shrimp can only swim in a backward motion. • Prawns in the United Kingdom are the same thing as American shrimp. • The oldest reference to shrimp cocktail in the New York Times is this advertisement from December 15, 1926: Pride of the Farm Tomato Catsup. Cocktail Sauce for Christmas Dinner. Start you dinner with an appetizer. An oyster, clam or shrimp cocktail gives tone as well as relish ... For shrimp cocktail, mix the shrimp and catsup together and serve in small glass dish at each place.

May-June 2013 63

by Lauren Smith

Amanda Hover of Champagne Jewelers YES, YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN— despite what the cliché says. Amanda Hover, of Champagne Jewelers in Slidell, did just that. “At a certain point, you return to your roots,” she says. After working in the corporate world and traveling for her job, Amanda decided to return to Slidell. “When my parents were ready, they came home, and I did the same thing. I realized that you can’t have Sunday dinners if you’re far away!” Her parents moved back to their hometown when she was in junior high, and Amanda attended Our Lady of 64

Inside Northside

Lourdes and Pope John Paul II schools. She began working for the Champagne family in 2004. “I went to work for the business after knowing the family for years,” Amanda says. The store officially passed into her hands two years ago. “When I went to work for them, it was understood that no one in their family wanted to continue the business and that Mrs. Champagne was going to prepare me to take over the store.” Amanda’s first day as owner was Jan. 25, 2011, and other than a contemporary redesign, Champagne Jewelers in Slidell

remains the same store it has always been since it was established in 1970s. (There original Champagne Jewelers store was in Covington on Columbia Street. It opened in 1948.) The business has served generations of families and continues to do so. “We build relationships with our customers because we’ve been in business so long,” Amanda says. A large part of Amanda’s job is buying for the store, finding traditional and unique pieces for every customer. She says traditional styles are still the most popular, but she does put her own twist on them. Each fall, she travels to Antwerp, Belgium, where she hand selects the best diamonds for the store and her clients. “I handpick the type of stone for each customer.” Champagne Jewelers stocks many different styles and types of jewelry, from gemstone and silvery jewelry, Pandora and class rings. The store also carries a variety of gifts, including baby and home décor gifts. What Champagne Jewelers really excels in is bridal jewelry. “An engagement ring is often the first piece of jewelry a young man buys. It’s a big deal, and it can be overwhelming,” says Amanda. This is an opportunity for the staff to educate the customer about the four C’s of diamonds (cut, color, clarity and carat). “We break down the selection process, simplify it and make them feel very comfortable, because that’s what it’s about. We want to get to know their fiancée through them so we know we’re choosing the right piece. It’s about building that relationship through trust and education so that our customers feel safe.” That’s what leads to repeat customers. “I have one customer to whom I sold a high school class ring the first year I worked here. Her boyfriend then bought presents for her, an engagement

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

IN Good Company

ring and a wedding band. They have two children now, and they come in to show us the babies. It’s really a generational relationship,” Amanda says. “We have another set of customers who have been married about 30 years. He bought her first piece of jewelry when they were dating in high school. They still come in. Their children come in, and their granddaughters have had their ears pierced here. Yes, we’re their jewelers, and yes, it’s a business transaction, but you follow their lives and you know what’s going on.” It’s that family-like relationship with customers that has encouraged Amanda to give back to the community. “I’ve become very involved in the Slidell community, trying to give back. It’s just as fulfilling because I get to see ways that we could better our community.” Amanda belongs to EYP, Emerging Young Professionals, which is part of the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, and she is also a member of the Junior Auxiliary of Slidell. Last year, Amanda participated in Leadership Northshore; her small group is building a dog park, Community City Bark Park, for Slidell. “It’s amazing how many people in the community want to help, fundraise or get involved. Slidell residents really take pride in their town and want to make it better.” Champagne Jewelers has been a part of the St. Tammany community for 65 years, and Amanda is continuing the legacy. To celebrate the anniversary of the original store’s opening, Champagne Jewelers is having an extended scavenger hunt over a 65-day period starting June 1, 2013. Look for three clues a day in multiple mediums, like the newspaper and at shops around town. Visit the store’s Facebook page for more information. May-June 2013 65

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

“HIT HER, MOM! HIT HER!” screamed a very young lady at a group of rapidly moving women at the Castine Center in Mandeville. There was no reason to panic, though. Mayhem ruled over the scene, but it was under control, as the Lethal Ladies of the Northshore Roller Derby League met the Crescent City Derby Devils in a Halloween match-up titled “Slamityville Horror.” Rising out of Depression-era marathon skating exhibitions in the late 1930s, roller derby gained great popularity—it was one of the first sports ever 68

Inside Northside

televised, in 1948. By the 1950s, professional leagues were developed; they never really took off, but never really disappeared, either. In the early 2000s, the sport saw a resurgence; all-female amateur leagues developed and are now found nationwide. Combining fitness and camaraderie with a style that could be described as Goth-punk meets pinup girl, the sport has found thousands of adherents who don helmets, wheels and fishnet stockings to battle it out with each other on the track, often as their kids cheer them on.

Roller derby hit the northshore with the formation of leagues in recent years, first in the Slidell area (Pearl River Roller Derby) in 2009, and then in the Mandeville-Covington area in 2011. The Mandeville-Covington area league is the Northshore Roller Derby League, which is comprised, at the moment, of one team, the Lethal Ladies. The Pearl River league’s team is the Swamp Dolls. Many roller derby leagues have only one team, but leagues in more populous areas may have more, with an all-star team that represents the league in regional or national

tournaments. In New Orleans, there is the Big Easy Roller Derby League with the Big Easy All Stars as the “A” team and the Crescent Wenches as the “B” team. Wait. That team’s named the “Crescent Wenches?” It’s all about the attitude, and one thing that’s developed over the years has been that skaters and teams adopt witty, pun-filled names that are often >> May-June 2013 69

Lascola says she had wanted to play roller derby since she was a kid. A couple of years ago, she and some friends watched a roller derby bout, and that evolved into the idea of playing. “One of my friends started researching and found that Baton Rouge had a ‘fresh meat’ [rookie] program coming up,” Lascola remembers. “The only rule was that you had to be able to stand up on your skates. So we went to a skating rink one day and tested ourselves—we stood up! So we showed up at Baton Rouge on Feb. 1, 2011, and started fresh meat

Individual skaters come up with some great ones, too. Across the lake, we have nice young ladies like “Lake PUNCHatramp” (not to be confused with the retired “Pontchartrain BeAtch”), “Die-it Choke,” “Deb U Taunt,” “Coal Miner’s Slaughter” and “Fleur d’Lethal.” Our Lethal Ladies on the northshore are led by president “.357 Madame,” and the team includes such sweethearts as “Lola Steam-Rola,” “Brawlberry Shortcake,” “Bruiza Palooza” and “Misfortune Cookie.”

training. I was terrible. I was holding onto the sides of the walls—I was terrible for a long time. It was hard to find somebody older than me or worse than me!” They soon learned the Northshore Roller Derby League had formed and decided to get on board. “I heard there was a team five minutes from my house. Rather than driving an hour and back twice a week [to Baton Rouge], I transferred over and got involved in the organization,” Lascola says. She adds, “I think it was awesome being part of building a team instead of going onto something already established.” Lascola says there are quite a few teams within easy driving distance that the Lethal Ladies could match up with. “You have the Big Easy Roller Girls in New Orleans; Cajun Rollergirls down in Houma; Red Stick Roller Derby in Baton Rouge; Acadiana Roller Girls in Lafayette; Pearl River Roller Derby, >>

Playing the game Maria Lascola, known on the track as “Bella Lunatic,” the Lethal Ladies spokesperson, along with Shane Bard (“Pi Radical”), one of the team’s referees (or zebras, as they’re affectionately called), explains how they got started with the team and what it takes to play and put on a roller derby bout. 70

Inside Northside

racy (or raunchy) and also have a hint of violence. Like “Crescent Wenches,” which works in the roller derby world on several levels—a play on the name of a tough steel tool, the crescent wrench; a geographical reference, the Crescent City where the team is based; and an element of femininity, albeit one with an un-ladylike connotation, to close out the joke. Over-analysis aside, this means you might see teams from around the country named the “Trauma Queens,” the “Angels of NO Mercy,” “Babes of Wrath,” “Trampires” and the “Scream Puffz.”

which is kind of Slidell and Picayune together; the Mississippi Roller Girls in Gulfport; and there are teams in Jackson, Hattiesburg and Columbus, Miss., and in Mobile and along the Florida Panhandle. There’s also a brandnew team in New Orleans, Crescent City Derby Devils, an up-and-coming team that’s getting established.” Referee Bard says he got involved with the team through his spouse, Lora (“Misfortune Cookie”). He explains how the game is played. “There are 14 skaters on each team; five play at a time, four blockers and one jammer. Teams get one point for each opposing player their jammer laps, so the blockers are trying to help their jammer move forward while blocking the other team’s jammer,” he says. Bouts are 60-minutes long and are divided into two 30-minute halves. Each half is divided into two-minute “jams.” Jams are the time the game is being played and points scored; in between jams are 30-second “line-ups,” which is the time when players are substituted and lined up for the next jam. The rules are designed to keep the game as safe as possible while keeping the action going, so the chaos spectators might think they are seeing on the track is actually highly controlled. To ensure fairness and safety, penalties are assessed against players who violate rules such as cutting across the inside of the track boundary to get ahead of a player or blocking a player in the back. “If you touch someone above the neck—high blocking—it’s always a safety issue,” notes Bard. “It’s not always easy to avoid, because you’ve got 6-foot-tall girls and you have 5-foot-2 girls,” adds Lascola.

She notes that there are not many rules regarding who can play. “Women have to be 18 or over and pass a minimum skills test. There are no height or weight requirements; there is no upper age limit. Our oldest is 54, and I’m 49.” Team members come from a variety of professions. “We have a bunch of nurses, about five right now. We have an environmental scientist, a girl who works for the Corps of Engineers, housewives, marketing people, everything.” There are a few male leagues out there, Lascola says, but most are on the East and West coasts. Junior leagues are also sprouting up, and the Northshore Roller Derby League holds camps for junior skaters a few times a year that are becoming very popular. They also get the kids involved in the bouts, skating at half time and, she says, “For the national anthem, the kids hold the flag and skate around” before the game. Kids’ skate camps are just one way the league is involved with the community. It’s a non-profit organization, and Lascola says, “What we make from the door and concession sales is either put into putting on another bout or it’s donated to charity. We probably gave away $3,500 in 2012.” The league has supported groups such as the St. Tammany Humane Society, Smiles International, the USO and Autism Speaks. The team tries to participate in as many community activities as possible, with one of the most fun being the annual Running of the Bulls, the San Fermin en Nueva Orleans event. Each July, New Orleans stages its homage to the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. Roller derby players from all over the world come to play the part of the

bulls, sporting horned headgear and wielding whiffle bats to whack unlucky, or some might say lucky, runners as they crowd the streets downtown. “It’s exhausting being a bull!” Lascola says. “Last year there were four or five hundred roller derby girls from around the United States and several other countries and somewhere between 12 and 15 thousand runners.” The run used to take place in the French Quarter, but it outgrew the narrow streets and now runs in the Warehouse and Convention Center area. “It was packed. It’s free; everyone was drinking beer and sangria.” On a tamer note, the ladies have skated in the Running of the Reindeer, part of Old Mandeville’s Christmas celebration, and in the Olympia and Lyra Mardi Gras parades. “People have the wrong image for roller derby, that there’s too much body showing—we wear fishnets—but all have tights on. That’s just the style that’s evolved. We pride ourselves on being proper in the community. We get involved to show that we’re a legit non-profit that’s here to do things for the community and have fun at the same time.” The NSRDL is on the lookout for new recruits, non-skating volunteers and sponsors. Visit northshorerollerderby.com for more information and bouts schedule. Bouts run through November. May-June 2013 73

Book Report by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Women from the Ankle Down by Rachelle Bergstein

YOU ALWAYS TRY to put your best foot forward. Whether that foot is clad in a flat, heel, sandal or boot depends on the day, the weather, the look you’re attempting and your mood. Doesn’t matter; you have shoes to fit every possibility. No, you don’t need more shoes, but you need more shoes because shoes are fun. They’re like chocolate for our feet. But why? Why do we fuss over a common, often-utilitarian item? In the book Women from the Ankle Down, by Rachelle Bergstein, you’ll learn more. For thousands of years, we’ve been obsessed with footwear. Ancient Chinese women bound their daughters’ tootsies tight so they could wear teensy embroidered slippers—a fad that was outlawed a mere 100 years ago. Highranking Renaissance women wore what amounted to stilts to signify that they were wealthy enough not to have to walk. Even Cinderella (a fairy tale from the 1600s) had her glass slippers.

Bergstein dips her toes into shoe history at the beginning of the last century when eleven-year-old Italian Salvatore Ferragamo informed his mother that he was going to Naples to learn to make shoes. Later, as a young man, he immigrated to America and went to Hollywood. While there, he noticed that wearing shoes changes the way we walk. For his astuteness, Hollywood made him rich. And speaking of Hollywood, imagine Shirley Temple high stepping down the Yellow Brick Road. Yes, that almost happened: Judy Garland was MGM’s third choice to wear the ruby slippers, which in the original story were silver. Hollywood also influenced shoes during World War II. On February 7, 1943, shoes were officially rationed because of the war. Research indicated that Americans purchased 3.7 pairs of shoes per year then, but officials recognized that fashion was increasingly persuasive—women wanted to look like

Lana Turner, Betty Grable or a Varga Girl—and a shortage seemed imminent. As soon as the soldiers came home, women started quickly stepping through a succession of fads: stiletto heels, Hepburn-like flats, Birkenstocks and sneakers. Jane Fonda made us want “athletic shoes.” Nancy Sinatra said we oughtn’t be “messin’.” Carrie Bradshaw made us lust after Manolos. Today, we can wear Doc Martens by day, kitten heels by night. “And,” says Bergstein, “isn’t that the greatest pleasure of the twenty-first-century woman?” I have to admit, I got quite a kick out of Women from the Ankle Down. From the start of the 1900s through recent times, author Rachelle Bergstein walks her readers through the history of women’s shoes, but that’s not all. Along the footpath, she steps near pop culture, history, men’s fashion and science; we learn why men love heels in the bedroom; why we tolerate uncomfortable footwear; and how a polygamist put boots on a superhero. This is a serious book that’s seriously fun. I loved it, and I think any woman who owns more than 3.7 pairs of shoes will love it, too. For footwear fashionistas, Women from the Ankle Down is a book with sole. May-June 2013 75

IN Better Health

by Kaley Boudreaux

with Shelly Grigor Shelly Grigor has worn eyeglasses or contact lenses every day since elementary school. Her poor vision as a child became progressively worse over time, and as a young adult, Shelly was legally blind in both eyes. “I couldn’t even find my glasses to put them on; I had to feel around for them. I have never been able to wake up and see the time on a clock radio,” she says. Working at a bank behind a computer screen all day aggravated her eyes even more, so, frustrated with strained eyes, Shelly searched for a solution. In 2012, Shelly opted for refractive lens exchange surgery with Dr. Henry Haley at the Eye Care Surgery Center in Covington. Dr. Haley performed the procedure, commonly referred to as lens replacement 76

Inside Northside

surgery, on Shelly’s right eye in mid-November and her left eye two weeks later. The results were almost instantaneous. “I noticed a significant difference as soon as I was out of my first surgery. The very next day, I had 20/20 vision in that eye. After both surgeries, I had perfect vision up close and far away. It was incredible,” she says. Identical to cataract surgery, the procedure removes the natural lens of the eye and replaces it with an implant. In Shelly’s case, Dr. Haley used a multifocal lens, allowing her to see at a full range of distance. “The only difference between refractive lens exchange and cataract surgery is that in refractive lens exchange, we remove the lens before it becomes cloudy. Shelly has no natural lens left in her eyes. As an added benefit, she can never get cataracts,” says Dr. Haley. The procedure takes approximately six minutes per eye and requires little recovery time. Shelly’s surgeries were done on a Thursday morning, and she was able to return to work the following Monday. Shelly says the procedure is completely painless. “The most worrisome part was the preparation—the measurements and examinations—which took more time than the actual surgery. Dr. Haley’s education

photos: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Health Concern: Extreme nearsightedness Treatment: Refractive lens exchange

beforehand and patient care afterward were excellent. “After I had both eyes done, I woke up in the middle of the night and thought, ‘Oh no! I forgot to take my contact lenses out!’ I was mistaken. I didn’t have them in. After all these years, I could finally see without them! It is so nice being able to wake up and see. I just love it. I can go for a jog and don’t have to worry about glasses on my face.” Shelly wants to celebrate her new eyesight in an extreme way. “I have always wanted to go skydiving,” she says. “My three oldest children had planned to give a jump to me as a gift for my birthday, and I put it off because I wanted to be able to see really well, without the hassle of fitting the goggles over my glasses. I am looking forward to finally going in the next few months.” Unlike Lasik surgery, the results of refractive lens exchange surgery are permanent. Shelly is expected to maintain perfect vision for the rest of her life. May-June 2013 77

Visiting the Conch Republic

by Lori Murphy ERNEST HEMINGWAY DESCRIBED Key West life in the late 1920s by saying, “It’s the best place I’ve ever been anytime, anywhere, flowers, tamarind trees, guava trees, coconut palms...Got tight last night on absinthe and did knife tricks.” It is a description that could stand today with only moderate adjustments. Our drink of choice wasn’t absinthe and the games involved dice, not knives—but just weeks ago we visited the very same place he loved so much. Its soul remains the same. In early March, we were excited to hear that Southwest Airlines had added a non-stop flight directly into Key 78

Inside Northside

West from New Orleans. Though making the drive from Miami has its sights to behold, the Overseas Highway adds quite a bit of complication to a great weekend trip like one to the Conch Republic. In less than two hours, we were sitting on the deck of a friend’s beautiful sport fishing yacht having a cocktail. The harbor where we were docked was filled with names of familiar home ports—Destin, Venice, even Covington! We were perched on the southernmost tip of Florida in a place that felt like a true mix of the French Quarter and the Caribbean. The word, “key” comes from the Spanish

term “cayo” or “little island.” There are more than 800 coral islands in the string heading south from below the Everglades towards Cuba, with Key West being the last. In fact, Key West is actually closer to Cuba than it is to Miami, which may have something to do with the laid-back attitude of locals and visitors alike when they sit soaking up the breezes. On the northshore, we use the term come-heres to denote those of us born elsewhere who call this home. In Key West, we would be called freshwater Conch, even after being in residence for seven years. I like the sound of that. It honors the original Bahamian settlers and those born in the Keys, but celebrates newly minted converts to island life. A great way to enjoy the compact hamlet is to walk, and that is exactly what we did. The island is approximately four miles long and just over one mile wide. From the harbor, we strolled Caroline Street up to Simonton and across the island to have a cocktail at Louie’s Backyard, a bar situated on a prime piece of Atlantic oceanfront. From there, we passed the infamous southernmost buoy where too many tourists waited in line for a photo op. The signs point to Cuba, a mere 90 miles away, and vendors sell coconuts you drink from with a straw. We took Whitehead Street west past the Hemingway Home and the Lighthouse, stopping for brunch at the Six-toed Cat Café. We finished our walking tour with a shopping stroll down Duval Street. On foot, you can’t help but take in all of the unique wonders and great people-watching the island offers. We were passed every now and then by Conch Trains ferrying Midwesterners to points of interest, but we never hopped on. I imagine it >> May-June 2013 79

to iately shift in “We immed s ’” said Charle ‘island time, stess with our ho Macgowan, borde. Adrienne La

Inside Northside

Dan and Deenie Reese of Madisonville.

would be like riding in one of New Orleans’ horsedrawn carriages or on our new double-decker tour bus. It could be an interesting way to gather tales to tell, but you wouldn’t want to miss the experience of being on foot in either city. Duval becomes the heart of Key West nightlife after dark. Again, I am reminded of home with a feeling of Bourbon Street, perhaps a bit cleaner and with better lighting. Renowned for having more bars per capita than anywhere else in the United States, Key West has a little something for everyone. There’s a Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and a Fat Tuesday’s, both of which make you feel right at home. There is

an Irish bar, a sports bar, a biker bar—you name it. There’s even a clothing-optional bar that we decided to skip. Some of the best-known watering holes include Sloppy Joe’s Bar, a Hemingway favorite, and the Green Parrot housed in a building from the 1890s. The Hogsbreath Saloon served up some

Far left: Roosters in Key West have the >>

run of the streets, and they seem to know it! Center: Island polydactyl cats are descendents of one given to Hemingway in the 1930s. Right: The Hemingway home.

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great oysters on the half shell and the Schooner Wharf Bar on the docks had an eclectic line-up of musicians, some of whom were great and some that made us very thirsty! We never lasted until 4 a.m., but there are many who do! The rich waters that surround Key West draw fishing enthusiasts today much as they have for nearly 200 years. Today, the waters are rich in barracuda, sailfish, yellow and blackfin tuna, dolphin, bonefish, mackerel, snapper and grouper. Charter boats of all kinds fill the marina, ready to take visitors deep-sea fishing in the blue waters, snorkeling on the reefs, even diving for lobster! Perhaps you will spend the evening feasting on your very own catch of the day! Until it was named an endangered species in the mid-â&#x20AC;&#x2122;60s, the sea turtle provided the island with a thriving industry. It is interesting to note that the first can of prepared turtle soup was produced in 1895, and that the meat was used for burgers, steaks and chowders. Another catch whose popularity caused its demise as an industry was the sponging trade. Small boats plied the waters and bights (natural pools created by a bend or curve in the shoreline) of Key West and took much of the sponge of the time to market. The first industry to challenge the mariner tradition that guided Key West fortunes was the cigar industry. Transplanted from neighboring Cuba, it began with an initial factory established in 1831, but by the late 19th century, there were 166 factories and thousands of employees hard at work hand-rolling cigars, many of them escaping unrest in Cuba and making this their new home. The enormous growth of the industry required affordable housing for these employees and a building boom ensued. The ready availability of wood made it the natural choice for home 82

Inside Northside

Above: The Key West community is compact. It is an easy stroll at sunset from Mallory Square to dinner on Duval.

Left: This West Indies Conch house features porches to catch the breeze.

construction in Key West during the second half of the 1800s. As an added benefit, the wood could withstand high winds and humidity much better than plaster, which would crack and decay in the tropical environment. Simple native cottages are often called Conch houses, but architectural styles in Key West run the gamut from Victorian to Revival and from West Indian to Queen Anne. They are, however, generally presented in smaller, simpler versions than seen elsewhere in Florida and beyond. Many of the homes were built by ship carpenters and captains who used the forms familiar to them in the construction of their homes. There are shotguns and center-hall cottages so familiar to New Orleans and generous porches and hinged shutters from the Bahamas. Decorative

cupolas, turrets, dormers and widowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s walks adorn homes of all styles, and fretwork is found on rooflines, fences, porches and pergolas, illustrating the personality and whimsy that speaks loudly everywhere you turn. The treacherous underwater landscape of the Keys created a wreckerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise between Havana and Key West. Former New England seafarers jumped at the opportunity of salvaging ships that sank on the coral reefs. When a law was passed requiring all ships wrecked in American waters to be brought to the nearest U.S. port, the industry grew, reaching a peak in 1855. A court was established on the island to determine a value for the rescued cargo. Many stately homes of the period were built with salvaged lumber and furnished with top-quality cargo raised >>

Above: The back patio at Louieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offers a spectacular view of the Atlantic coast. Below: The pool at the Conch Harbor Marina.

from the surrounding waters. The courts were not the first government presence on the island. When Florida was ceded to the United States in 1822, the Navy established a base on the island to curb an outbreak of piracy that threatened the growing economy. During the Civil War, the Union troops that held Fort Zachary Taylor at Key West and Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas were able to deter the movement of Confederate blockade

Inside Northside

runners through the channel to the Gulf of Mexico. Their presence had a powerful impact on the outcome of the war, despite the Southern sympathies held by most residents of the Keys. Today, the complex at Fort Zachary Taylor has a host of amenities in addition to its historic roots. The beautiful surrounding park offers one of the best sunset views on the island. The other very popular, and crowded, locale for catching the sunset is Mallory Square

at the foot of Duval Street—complete with roaming roosters and swordswallowing entertainers. Another “must see” spot in Key West is the Hemingway Home, occupied by the novelist and his wife Pauline from 1931-39. It is ground-zero for the island’s population of polydactyl (sixtoed) cats. Originally built by “wrecker” Asa Tift in 1851, it had fallen into disrepair and was extensively remodeled by Pauline while Hemingway spent his days fishing with friends and writing in the pool house out back. There is something almost revered about independence in Key West. It is an accepting culture that indulges creativity in many forms. In fact, Key West seceded from the United States as recently as 1982. The Conch Republic, as the secessionists called the newly formed country, was created as a tongue-in-cheek reaction to a very real threat to tourism. The Border Patrol set up a road block on U.S. 1 just south of Florida City to search vehicles traveling to and from Key West for drugs and illegal immigrants. After repeated protests and pleas to officials went unheeded, organizers decided that if theirs would be treated as foreign soil, they might as well become a foreign nation. The rebellion declared war, which lasted for one minute before they surrendered and applied for foreign aid! The Conch Republic has become a well- accepted moniker, and the rebellion is celebrated annually with a lot of fanfare. The mingling of history, personality, architecture and a real laissez les bon temps rouler philosophy defines the community of Key West. No wonder we felt so at home. We enjoyed good food, new friends, great storytelling and a total escape in America’s southernmost city. May-June 2013 85

Inside Northside

U P

S R

I O

N F

E I

S L

S E

If the mention of eldercare leaves you eyeing your offspring suspiciously, certain they are plotting to take revenge for ever dressing them in Peter Pan collars or Mary Jane shoes, fear not. It is safe to read on. The Windsor Senior Living Community is NOT a nursing home. It is not even a facility. It is an apartment community that caters to seniors—a

wish to shed some of the burden of everyday chores

The Windsor Senior Living Community

and take advantage of opportunities to be engaged

feature live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and

physically, mentally and socially.

cocktails (non-alcoholic drinks are also available).

community of vibrant, active individuals who are involved with each other and with the greater St. Tammany community. It is a place where people go to live independently in their later years when they

Residents can choose from studio, one- and

Regular outings to museums, theaters, casinos and

two-bedroom floor plans and are provided with

sporting events, games, activities and exercise

daily meals, weekly house cleaning services

classes help residents to live very full lives.

and transportation, all included in the Windsor’s

For those residents who find themselves in need

surprisingly low rates. Each apartment has a full

of assisted living services, The Windsor offers a full

kitchen should a resident wish to cook. Residents

assistance package or residents can choose our a la carte assistance customized to the resident’s needs and the length of time needed. In either case, The Windsor’s caring staff maintains the utmost confidentiality while providing these services. Since opening in 1998, the locally owned Windsor Senior Living Community has been steadfast in the fulfillment of its mission to provide housing to seniors who are not in need of ongoing skilled nursing care. Suffern says that many who come through their doors for the first time are surprised by all that they have to offer. She frequently encounters the misperception that there

may still drive their own cars or use the Windsor’s

is nothing available for the phase between mature

transportation for doctor appointments and social

adulthood and infirmed old age. Suffern confronts

activities. The Windsor’s unobtrusive check- in and

this misperception head-on. “People don’t come

emergency pull cord features provide the comfort

here to die,” she says. “They come here to live!”

of knowing that, should they need help, it would be timely in coming. At first glance, the Windsor’s jam-packed monthly calendar might look like something you would encounter on a cruise ship. “It’s definitely a

The Windsor Senior Living Community,

carefree lifestyle,” says Patty Suffern, the Windsor’s

1770 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985-624-8040,

Director of Marketing. The weekly happy hours

windsorseniorliving.com. May-June 2013 87

1. Stylish service. 100% recycled glass rustic wave plate and polished alabaster tasting dish, $25.90. InfusĂŠ, Mandeville, 778-0903. 2. Color of the sea. Handblown aqua vases with tiny bubbles starting at $68. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522. 3. Fresh from the oven! Handmade stoneware basket that goes 2

from the oven to the dishwasher, $37.The Grapevine, Covington, 893-2766. 4. Porcelain jewelry box with gold accents, $300. Lynn Stirling Antiques, Mandeville, 626-7704. 5. Keep green. Permanent botanical arrangement, $85. Florist of Covington, Covington, 892-7701. 6. Sun kissed. Label Me Beautiful dark bronzer, $35. Private Beach, Mandeville, 674-2326.

Inside Northside

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Inside Northside

1. Don’t stop the music. Kohler Moxie showerhead wireless speaker, $150. Delivers up to seven hours of music, news and more. Southland Plumbing,

Mandeville, 893-8883. 2. Colorful comfort. Hand-painted pillows, $25 each. Available in multiple designs and colors. Artisan Home Décor, Mandeville, 778-2113. 3. Tranquility. Decorative glazed ceramic garden seat or accent table in aqua and black, $129.99. American Factory Direct, Mandeville, 871-0300. 4. Shabby chic. Distressed frame for 8x10 photo, $114.95. DeLuca’s Expressions in Gold, Covington, 8922317. 5. Handmade oyster plate by New Orleans artist. Accents & Things, Slidell, 649-4273. 6. Safe keeping. Super-strong, recyclable, expandable paper-thin

wallet, $12. Tear and water resistant. Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor, Mandeville, 727-9787. 7. Perfect gift. Soy lovebird candles by Mixture, $19 each. deCoeur Gifts & Home Accessories, Covington, 809-3244.

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1. Beach memories. Mother-of-pearl frame, $24. The Spa at Stone Creek Club and Spa, Covington, 801-7100. 2. Deep sea fishing. Oversized glass paper weight with jellyfish, $108. Berger Home, Mandeville, 624-3433. 3. She sells sea shells. Seaside shell keepsake box with 5

mother-of-pearl sides and bottom, $32. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045. 4. Swim little fish! Driftwood angelfish, $75. MĂŠlange by kp, Mandeville, 807-7652. 5. Colorful centerpiece. Natural prickly bush coral on glass base, $120. Welcome Home and garden, Covington, 8933933. 6. Luxurious tresses. Unite Beach Day Texturizing Spray, $24.95. Downtown Chic, Covington, 809-3860.

Inside Northside

Professionalism is more than just a coat and tie. Executive suites—the perfect setting for a northshore practice.

• Private offices • Full-time receptionist

• Conference room • All-inclusive packages

The Village Executive Office Suites 2895 Highway 190, Mandeville

(next to N’Tini’s Restaurant) • Contact: Christina Bodenheimer

(985) 727-6700 • thevillageexecutiveofficesuites.com

May-June 2013 93

Inside Northside

1. Cherub love. Puti, c1700, $2,500. St. Romain Interiors, Madisonville, 8457411. 2. Elegant reflection. Baroque-style hand-painted gold leaf mirrored tray with center crest, $60. Rug Chic, Mandeville, 674-1070. 3. Sweet scents. Liquid soap and room diffuser by Nest Fragrances. Soap, $22; diffuser, $34. Several scents to choose from. Oasis Day Spa, Mandeville, 624-6772. 4. Gone fishinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Large ceramic fish-shaped serving bowl, $126. Hazelnut, Mandeville, 626-8900. 5. Froggy fishing!

Yard bird made of metal and glass by Fishing Frog, $48. Simply Southern, Covington, 871-1466. 6. Backyard breeze! Adjustable outdoor standing fan with weighted base, $249. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008. May-June 2013 95

M A R R I A G E

After seven years of dating, Jules Galiouras and Jennifer Perrett celebrated their “big, fat Greek wedding” in New Orleans. The bride wore a custom-made gown. In keeping with the black-and-white color scheme, her attendants wore black Jim Helm cocktail dresses and carried red roses. The couple included many of Jules’s family’s Greek traditions during the reception, like breaking plates and tossing money at the bride and groom. Guests dined on oysters and traditional Greek fare. Jules is the vice president of market development for Townsend, and Jennifer is a Ph.D. candidate in the history department at Louisiana State University. The couple lives in Covington with their 5-year-old Golden Retriever, Miss Lillie. 96

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photos: AUGHT FIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Perrett-Galiouras

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SUN • SEA • SAND

1. Belair sweater, $200; white tank, $33. Izabella’s Villa, Slidell, 649-5060. 2. Strapless dress with sheer maxi skirt in citrus

yellow by Ark & Co., $79. Laurier, Covington, 875-0823. 3. 100% linen yellow threequarter sleeve shirt by CP Shade, $163. Eros, Mandeville, 727-0034. 4. Open-toe tritone suede heel in aqua, blue and yellow with strap and side-buckle closure by Sigerson Morrison, $425. Emma’s Shoes and Accessories, Mandeville, 778-2200. 5. Yellow and aqua summer beach bag made of jute by Two’s Company, $18.75. the french mix, Covington, 809-3152. 6. 100% cotton men’s Traveler short-sleeve collared pique polo shirt, $79.50 each. Jos. A. Bank, Mandeville, 624-4067.

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5. Bra-sized bandini swim top

and ruched bottom in seafoam green by Skye. Top, $92; bottom, $62. Bra Genie, Mandeville, 9518638. 6. Lightweight, flexible

and slip resistant gray and aqua Elise sneakers from Dansko, $100. EarthSavers, Mandeville, 674-1133. 7. 3.55ct. cushioncut blue sapphire and 0.5cttw diamond ring in platinum, $9,995.

3 4

Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666.

SUN • SEA • SAND 1. Lady’s sterling silver cross pendant and chain with .58cttw round brilliant and baguette shaped diamonds, $300 each. Available in blue and yellow diamonds. Champagne Jewelers, Slidell, 643-2599. 2. 100% cotton blue and aqua paisley print button-down shirt by Cino, $130. Bastille’s Clothing Company, Mandeville, 6264220. 3. Knit dress with diagonal tucking in cove turquoise from London Times, $82. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1789. 4. Silk knotted scarf print top by Fifteen-Twenty, $198. Fleurt, Covington, 809-8844.

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1. Light turquoise ponytail cuff with 14k gold plate non-tarnish metal wire wrap by Susanne Elle, $36. Available at The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797, and Simply Southern, Covington, 871-1466. 2. Sleeveless faux wrap v-neck dress in jade with high/low hem and gold accents by Double Zero, $48. JuJu’s, Mandeville, 6243600. 3. Aqua and white chevron printed shift dress by Everly, $46. Paisley, Mandeville, 727-7880.

4. Seafoam green silky plaid sundress by Dolce Vita, $126. POSH Boutique, Covington, 8982639. 5. Blue patent two-inch Volatiles, $55. Shoefflé, Covington, 898-6465. 6. Very J Lace button blouse in seafoam,

$39.99. The OSpa Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200. 7. Garden of Hope 100% silk men’s short-sleeve button-down shirt by Tommy Bahama, $110. H.W. Rosenblum, Mandeville, 727-9955.

SUN • SEA • SAND 5

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SUN • SEA • SAND 1. 4.55cttw pear-shaped center blue topaz stone accented with 2.6cttw purple iolite blue topaz trillion ring set in 18k white gold by Bellari, $1,245. Lowe’s Jewelers, Mandeville, 845-4653. 2. Strapless Alice Trixie dress, $395. The Mix, Mandeville, 727-7649. 3. Tie-dyed, highlow, polyester-lined dress by Renee C, $58. Three Sisters Boutique, Ponchatoula, 368-8680. 4. Trollbeads bracelet. Beads starting at $28. Purple Armadillo Again, Slidell, 643-2004. 5. Beaded sequin cocktail dress with nude illusion sides, $398. Southern

Bridal, Mandeville, 727-2993. 6. Fun N Games strappy sandal with ankle strap and buckle closure by BC Footwear, $49. Available in tan and teal and vachetta and yellow. brown eyed girl, Mandeville, 626-

0100. 7. Jungle Beat rainbow zebra print flip-up sunglasses and sunglass wallet. Glasses, 6

$12; wallet, $10. Blossom Girl, Mandeville, 626-6280.

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IN the Spotlight St. Tammany Cancer Fund Wine Dinner

The most successful St. Tammany Cancer Fund Wine Dinner to date raised more than $40,000 for northshore cancer patients. Dinner guests at La Provence in Lacombe enjoyed an evening of cocktails and fine wines and cuisine, plus an exciting live auction featuring rare wines and items of art, travel and entertainment. The Wine Dinner started in 2009 in conjunction with the Annual Patron Party and The Goodyear Memorial Golf Tournament. St. Tammany Cancer Fund supports a college scholarship program for local youth diagnosed with cancer as its primary objective. The organization also provides funds to local hospitals and cancer-based organizations for the purchase of equipment, programs and services that benefit a broad range of cancer patients in our community. For more information on St. Tammany Cancer Fund, please visit sttammanycancerfund.org.

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INside Peek

Go Red ch air Kathleen Robert at th e American Association Heart ’s Go Red luncheon.

Stroke survivor Sarah Arbusley.

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May-June 2013 113

INside Peek Mchugh at Kids’ Lemoine and Susan Laurie Spurlin, Tony Duck Regatta Race, anza with Rubber r. Town EGGStravag nal Medical Cente gio Re hosted by Lakeview Top Gun’s Mike “Maverick” and Stacey “Charlie ” Rase at St. Paul’s Ce lebrity Waiters dinner.

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Jesse Hearin and daughter, Alma, take a La. Derby Day break at the memorial to Black Gold, Fair Grounds and Kentucky Derby Day champion.

May-June 2013 115

IN the Spotlight Children’s Museum of St. Tammany Celebration 2013

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“An Evening of Marvels” was a fitting theme for the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany’s 6th annual Celebration. The St. Paul Jazz Wolves warmed up the soldout crowd for Soul Revival who took to the stage sponsored by Ochsner Health System. The talented youth of St. Tammany were well represented by patron party musician Michelle Hasenkampf of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Slidell; vocalist siblings Claire and Paige Putnam of Lakeshore High, along with sister Bethany; live artists Elise Viola of Northlake Christian School; Camille Ehrhardt of St. Scholastica Academy; and photographer Kaitlin Dougherty of Mandeville High School. More than 35 area restaurants vied for the title of “Celebration’s Choice”—an honor that went to Liz’s Where Y’at Diner for the second consecutive year. Mistress and Master of Ceremony were Margaret Orr and Jim Henderson, who were joined by Hokie Gajan as auctioneer. The event culminated in the announcement by Parish President Pat Brister, along with Bruce Wainer, president of the Tammany Trace Foundation, and Lisa Barnett, president of the Children’s Museum Board of Trustees, of a “first stop” for the Children’s Museum—Kids Town, a new mini-town project at the Koop Drive trailhead. Plans were also revealed for a proposed new Cultural Arts District for St. Tammany Parish to be located adjacent to the Colonial/Pinnacle retail property on Hwy. 21. The district is slated to be the future home of the Children’s Museum.

ACTIVITIES Horseback Riding Swimming Ropes Course Tennis Canoeing Golf Basketball Gymnastics Dance Archery Arts & Crafts Outdoor Living Campfire Fun Rope Swing Volleyball Soccer Riflery Aerobics Chorus & Drama Trip Day Counselors-In-Training Climbing Tower River Water Blob Cheerleading Flag Twirling Sports Riverview Camp for Girls is a community where your daughters grow in confidence and maturity - all while having a great time in a safe, carefree and wholesome environment. Susan and Larry Hooks, Owners and Directors • For more information, call (800) 882-0722. Riverview Camp for Girls, P.O. Box 299, Mentone, AL 35984 www.riverviewcamp.com

LONG-TERM SESSSIONS 1st Session: June 9-June 21 2nd Session: June 23-July 5 3rd Session: July 7-July 19 4th Session: July 21-August 2 A B C D E F

SHORT-TERM SESSIONS Session: June 9-June 14 Session: June 16-June 21 Session: June 23-June 28 Session: June 30-July 5 Session: July 21- July 26 Session: July 28-August 2

IN Great Taste

Louisiana culture and cuisine is the crème de la crème! There’s no better time to celebrate all that our state has to offer than the summer. Seafood abounds, as do warm temperatures and sunny days. Below you will find a few of our favorite events, festivals and dances in the area. Consider this your starting point! May 3-5 Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival. Parc Hardy, 2090 Rees St., Breaux Bridge. Fri and Sun, $5; Sat, $10. (337) 332-6655. bbcrawfest.com. 5 Crawfishman Triathalon. Benefiting Have a Heart Thru Art and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Grande Hills, Bush. 7:30am. Individuals, $85; relay teams, $165. crawfishman.net. 11 2nd Annual Crawfish Mambo. University of New Orleans – Lakefront Campus, 200 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans. 11am-7pm. Tickets, $15 in

Celebrate

Louisiana Culture and Cuisine This Summer

advance; $20, day of. (504) 280-2586. crawfishmambo.com. June 1-23 New Orleans Oyster Festival. Hard Rock Café, 418 N. Peters, New Orleans. neworleansoysterfestival.org. 15 Northshore Cajun Dance. Abita Springs Town Hall, 221 Level St. Dance lessons, 7-7:30pm; live music, 8-10:30pm. 887-1485. 21-23 Louisiana Catfish Festival. 17292 Hwy. 631, Des Allemands. Fri, 5-11pm; Sat, 10am-11pm; Sun, 10:30am-8pm. Free. 758-7542. louisianacatfishfestival.com.

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photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

St. Gertrude Catholic Church,

INside Dining MCC: Major credit cards accepted ME: Menu Express delivery RR: Reservations recommended

ABITA SPRINGS Abita Barbecue, 69399 Hwy. 59, 8920205. Ribs, brisket, chicken, pulled pork and boudin. MCC. Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St., 8925837. On the Trace. Good food, great beer. Lunch, dinner. abitabrewpub.com. MCC. Abita Springs Café, 22132 Level St., 867-9950. Southern cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tues-Sun. MCC. Breakaway Cafe, 71667 Leveson St., 809-8998. Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm. Camellia Café, 69455 Hwy. 59, 8096313. Traditional seafood and New Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.com. MCC. Mama D’s Pizza & More, 22054 Hwy. 59, 809-0308. Great pizza, sandwiches, pasta, fresh homemade bread. Lunch, dinner. mamadspizza.com. COVINGTON Acme Oyster House, 1202 Hwy. 190, 246-6155. Established 1910 in New Orleans, 1995 on northshore. Seafood, sandwiches, local favorites. Lunch, dinner. mamdspizza.com. MCC. Albasha, 1958 Hwy. 190, 867-8292. Mediterranean cuisine. albashabr.com. MCC. Annadele’s Plantation, 71518 Chestnut St., 809-7669. Yellow fin tuna, domestic lamb & much more. annadeles.com. MCC, checks. Bear’s Restaurant, 128 W. 21st St., 892-2373. Best po-boys in the world. Buster’s Place, 519 E. Boston St., 809-3880. Seafood, po-boys, steaks. Lunch, dinner. MCC. Carreta’s Grill, 70380 Hwy. 21, 8716674. Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served in a family-friendly atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Kids eat free every Wednesday! Private events and catering also provided. carretasgrill.com. MCC. The Cheesesteak Bistro, 528 N. Columbia St., Covington, 875-9793. Original cheesesteak sandwiches, soups, salads, gumbo and super spuds. Breakfast, lunch. All under $10. MCC, checks. The Chimes, 19130 W. Front St., 892-5396. Lunch and dinner. thechimes.com. MCC. Coffee Rani, 234-A Lee Ln., 8936158. Soup and salad specialists. coffeerani.com. Columbia St. Seafood, 1123 N. Columbia St., 893-4312. Seafood platters and po-boys. columbiastreetseafood.com.

Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill, 434 N. Columbia St., 898-0899. Daily specials, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, soups and burgers. Live music Thurs-Sat nights. Lunch, dinner. covingtontaproom.com. MCC, ME. Copeland’s, 680 N. Hwy. 190, 809-9659. Authentic New Orleans cuisine. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Online takeout orders at copelandsofneworleans.com. MCC, ME, RR. Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy. 190, 892-3712. Contemporary Louisiana cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients. thedakotarestaurant.com. MCC, RR. Del Porto Restaurant, 501 E. Boston St., 875-1006. Northern Italian cuisine. delportoristorante.com. MCC, RR. Di Martino’s, 700 S. Tyler St., 2766460. Great food and reasonable prices. Lunch, dinner. dimartinos.com. MCC. DiCristina’s Restaurant, 810 N. Columbia St., Ste. C, 875-0160. Conveniently located next to the new Covington Courthouse. Italian and seafood. dicristinas.com. MCC. Don’s Seafood Hut, 126 Lake Dr., 327-7111. Lunch and dinner. donsseafoodonline.com. MCC. El Portal, 1200 Business 190, 867-5367. The English Tea Room, 734 Rutland St., 898-3988. Authentic English cream teas. Special event teas, English scones, crumpets and cakes. Serving breakfast and lunch. Mon-Sat, 7:30am-6pm. englishtearoom.com. MCC, RR. Four Seasons Chinese Buffet, 600 N. Hwy. 190, 893-3866. MCC. Gallagher’s Grill, 509 S. Tyler St., 892-9992. Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sat. gallaghersgrill.com. MCC, RR. Isabella’s Pizzeria, 70452 Hwy. 21, Ste. 500, 875-7620; 1331 Hwy. 190, 809-1900. Salads, gourmet pizza, sandwiches, paninis, calzones and pasta. isabellaspizzeria.net. Italian Pie, 70488 Hwy. 21, 871-5252. Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in or carry out. italianpie.com. MCC, checks. Jerk’s Island Grill & Daiquiri Bar, 70437 Hwy. 21, 893-1380. jerksIslandgrill.com. Lola, 517 N. New Hampshire St., 892-4992. Lunch, Mon-Fri; Dinner, Fri-Sat. Closed Sundays. Daily lunch specials, local produce, Louisiana seafood, everything housemade. lolacovington.com. Mattina Bella, 421 E. Gibson St., 8920708. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. MCC, checks. McAlister’s Deli, 206 Lake Dr., Ste. 15, 898-2800. Great sandwiches, salads, overstuffed potatoes. mcalistersdeli. >> com. MCC, checks.

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Megumi of Covington, 1211 Village Walk, 893-0406. megumirestaurant.net. Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers, 1645 Hwy. 190, 327-5407. Salads, pizzas, calzones. MCC. mellowmushroom.com. Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, 104 Lake Dr. #1, 898-6362. menchies.com. New Orleans Food and Spirits, 208 Lee Ln., 875-0432. Grilled fish, smothered rabbit and voodoo crawfish rolls. Family owned and operated. neworleansfoodspirits.com. MCC. Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery and Caffè, 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste. 5, 893-1488. Full service, year-round bakery. Luncheon salads, panini, catering, donuts, kingcakes, cupcakes and wedding cakes. Tues-Sun, open at 7am. nonnaskingcakes.com. MCC. North Island Chinese, 842 N. Collins Blvd., 867-8289. Northshore Empress, 31 Louis Prima Dr., 871-6975. northshoreempress. com. Osaka 21 Japanese Restaurant, 70340 Hwy. 21, 809-2640. Osaka West Japanese Restaurant, 804 N. Hwy. 190, 871-8199. osakawest.com Pardos, 69305 Hwy. 21, 893-3603.

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An American bistro with a blend of multi-cultural cuisine with local flair. Frutta del mar pasta, rosemary-grilled shrimp, roasted chicken. Lunch, TuesFri; Dinner, Tues-Sun; Happy hour, Tues-Fri, 4-7pm. Private parties and catering. pardosbistro.com. MCC. Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun Deli, 1248 N. Collins Blvd., 892-7287. Jambalaya, gumbo, stuffed artichokes. MCC, checks, ME. Peck’s Seafood & Grill, 70457 Hwy. 21, Ste. 108, 892-2121. Po-boys, seafood, burgers and lunch specials. MCC. PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 70456 Hwy. 21, 875-7894. Catch your morning buzz at this convenient drive-thru! Catering. MCC. Pizza Man of Covington, 1248 N. Collins Blvd., 892-9874. Checks, ME. Renaissance Antiques & Gifts with the Original Soda Fountain & Café Cabaret, 322 N. Florida St., 892-7220. Nostalgic soda fountain for lunch and after school, six days a week. Sala Thai, 315 N. Vermont St., 2496990. Special salads, spring rolls, soups, noodle and curry dishes. Sun-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm. Lunch buffet weekdays, 11am-3pm. salathaibysu.com. MCC. Schwing’s Restaurant, 1204 W. 21st Ave., 893-1899. Fresh seafood and home cooking. schwingsrestaurant.com. MCC.

Sicily’s Pizza, 301 N. Hwy. 190, 8930005. Pizza, lasagna, salad bar, dessert pizzas. MCC, ME. Sweet Daddy’s, 420 S. Tyler St., 898-2166. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs. sweetdaddysbarbq.com. MCC, ME. Thai Chili, 1102 N. Hwy. 190, 809-0180. Thai Spice, 1581 N. Hwy. 190, 8096483. Thai Taste, 1005 N. Collins Blvd., 809-7886.

HAMMOND Adobe Cantina & Salsa, 1905 W. Thomas St., 419-0027. Fine Mexican cuisine, good spirits, great friends and fun. Ceviche (marinated fish) and Mexican pasta. Live band. adoberestaurant.com. MCC. Brady’s, 110 SW Railroad Ave., 5426333. bradysdowntown.com. Cocoa Bean Bakery and Cafe, 910 E. Main St., 345-2002. Specialty cakes, pastries. Serving breakfast and light lunch. Specials. thecocoabeanbakery.com. MCC.

Thai Thai, 1536 N. Hwy. 190, 809-8905. Tony Bosco’s at TerraBella, 141 TerraBella Blvd., 612-7250. Authentic Italian cuisine. Lunch, dinner, private meeting room, catering. tonyboscos.com. Vasquez Seafood & Po-Boys, 515 E. Boston St., 893-9336. Cuban sandwiches and more. vazquezpoboy. com. MCC, checks, ME. WOW Café & Wingery, 501 N. Hwy. 190, 892-9691. Wings, burgers, wraps and more. MCC. Yujin Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, 323 N. New Hampshire St., 809-3840. Japanese cuisine and sushi in a casual atmosphere. MCC. Zea Rotisserie & Grill, 110 Lake Dr., 327-0520. Inspired American food. zearestaurants.com. MCC.

Don’s Seafood & Steak House, 1915 S. Morrison Blvd., 345-8550. donsseafoodonline.com. MCC. Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris St., 542-0043. Casual fine dining including Creole, Italian, Caribbean and Southern cuisines. Handtrimmed steaks, seafood and specialties. Dinner, Tues-Sun; Lunch, Wed-Fri; Sunday Brunch; Closed Mondays. jacmelinn.com. MCC, checks. Kirin Sushi, 221 E. Cate St., 5428888. First Japanese sushi restaurant in Hammond! Dragon roll, Kirin roll, sake. kirinjapanesecuisine.com. MCC. La Carreta Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 108 N.W Railroad Ave., 4199990. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh food from traditional recipes, outstanding service and value. Live music. Lunch and dinner seven days

i a week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC. Old MacDonald’s Smokehouse, 1601 N. Morrison Blvd., 542-7529. BBQ brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage. oldmacdonaldsmokehouse.com. MCC, checks. Tommy’s on Thomas, 216 W. Thomas St., 350-6100. Pizza, pastas. Lunch, dinner. tommysonthomas.com. MCC, checks. Tope là, 104 N. Cate St., 542-7600. Contemporary delights. topela.com. MCC. Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 2100 N. Morrison Blvd., 345-6789. Innovative quality Chinese food served in Imperial surroundings. treyyuen.com. MCC, checks. VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2108 W. Thomas St., 345-1131. “Taste our Magic.” voodoobbq.com. MCC. Yellow Bird Café, 222 E. Charles St., 345-1112. A great place to start your day. Breakfast, lunch. MCC, checks. LACOMBE Janie Brown’s Restaurant, 27207 Hwy. 190, 882-7201. Casual dining with a great atmosphere. MCC, checks. La Provence Restaurant, 25020 Hwy. 190, 626-7662. Owner John Besh combines hospitality with French cuisine and welcoming hearths. Dinner, Sunday brunch. laprovencerestaurant.com. MCC, checks. RR.

Sal & Judy’s, 27491 Hwy. 190, 882-9443. Great food and line of retail products. Family-owned for 27 years. Veal is the house specialty. salandjudys.com. MCC, RR.

MANDEVILLE The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore Dr., 727-7420. Serving 130 styles of beer, call and premium liquors. Lunch and dinner. thebarleyoak.com. MCC. Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 1809 N. Causeway Blvd., 674-9090. Bear’s po-boys and more.

Country Kitchen, 2109 Florida St., 6265375. countrykitchenrestaurants.com.

Broken Egg Café, 200 Gerard St., 624-3388. Excellent choice for brunch! Pasta, specialty salads, sandwiches. anotherbrokenegg.com. MCC.

Water St. Bistro, 804 Water St., 845-3855. Casual ambiance on the Tchefuncte. Lunch and dinner, WedSun. mortonsseafood.com. MCC.

Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 Lovers Ln., 626-4557. Traditional New Orleans cuisine. Dinner, Sunday brunch. benedictsplantation.net. MCC.

Frog’s Pizzeria, 302 Hwy. 22, 8459500. frogspizza.com.

Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar, 702 Water St., 845-4970. Relaxed atmosphere, seafood, daily specials. Lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.

using the finest ingredients. MCC.

Bosco’s Italian Café, 2040 Hwy. 59, 624-5066. boscositalian.com.

Keith Young’s Steakhouse, 165 Hwy. 21, 845-9940. Steak, crab cakes. Lunch, dinner, Tues-Fri. keithyoungs.net. MCC.

bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.

MADISONVILLE Cafe Madisonville, 410 Covington Hwy., 792-4506. Soups, salads, sandwiches and lunch specials.

Hook’d Up Riverside Bar and Grill, 100 Marina Del Ray Dr., 845-8119. Burgers, wings, hot dogs and specials.

Café Lynn Restaurant and Catering, 3051 E. Causeway App., 624-9007. Casual fine dining for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch by Chef Joey Najolia. Catfish remoulade, pasta du jour. TuesFri, lunch: 11am-3pm. Dinner, 5pm. Catering provided. cafelynn.com. MCC. Casa Garcia, 800 N. Causeway Blvd., 951-8226. Redefining Mexican food one meal at a time. MCC. Causeway Café, 527 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-9997. MCC. Chili’s Bar & Grill, 3420 Hwy. 190, 727-2771. Fajitas and the Awesome Blossom. Lunch, dinner. chilis.com. MCC, ME. Coffee Rani, 3517 Hwy. 190, 6740560. Soup and salad specialists. Coscino’s Pizza, 1817 N. Causeway Blvd., 727-4984. New York hand-tossed pizza and Italian foods cooked on stone

Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59., 809-2929. Breakfast, lunch, TuesSun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast served until 10:30am on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday. Reserve Fat Spoon Cafe for your next party. fatspooncafe.com. MCC. Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse, 1841 N. Causeway Blvd., 624-9704. Fresh fish daily, aged beef, traditional Italian. Lunch, dinner. fazziosrestaurant. com. MCC, ME, RR. Franco’s Grill,100 Bon Temps Roule, 792-0200. Fresh organic foods for breakfast, lunch and takeout. myfrancos.com/dining. MCC. George’s Mexican Restaurant, 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4342. Family owned. Fajitas, George’s nachos, Carne al la Parrilla. Best top-shelf margaritas in town. georgesmexicanrestaurant.com. MCC, ME. Gio’s Villa Vancheri, 2890 E. Causeway App., 624-2597. Sicilian specialties by 5-star chef Gio Vancheri. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat. giosvillavancheri.com. MCC. RR. Hong Kong Restaurant, 2890 E. Causeway App., 626-8222. MCC. Isabella’s Pizzeria, 2660 Florida >>

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g St. (in the Florida Street Market), 674-5700. Salads, gourmet pizza, sandwiches, paninis, calzones and pasta. isabellapizzeria.net.

Old Mandeville. Gnocchi, escargot, filet mignon, linguini fruta di mare. Dinner. Open seven nights a week. MCC. nuvolaris.com.

Italian Pie, 4350 Hwy. 22, 626-5252. Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in or carry out. italianpie.com. MCC, checks.

Old Mandeville Café (formerly Kickstand Café and Bike Rental), 690 Lafitte St., 626-9300. kickstand.bz.

Izumi, 2660 Florida St., 624-8664. Sushi, Japanese specialties. izumi.com. MCC.

Pal’s Ice Cream and Yogurt Shop, 2201 Eleventh St., 626-0293. “Only 8” all-natural no-fat yogurt, banana splits, smoothies. Soups, sandwiches. MCC.

K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 626-0530. Featuring Louisiana seafood with raw oysters 1/2 price on Tuesdays. Express lunch and daily lunch specials under $10. Mon-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm. kgeesrestaurant.com. MCC. La Carreta Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 1200 W. Causeway App., 624-2990. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh food from traditional recipes, outstanding service and value. Live music. Lunch and dinner seven days a week. carretasrestaurant.com. MCC. La Madeleine French Cafe, 3434 Hwy. 190, 626-7004. lamadeleine.com. The Lakehouse, 2025 Lakeshore Dr., 626-3006, events 807-5014. Special events venue open 7 days for private events. Call for reservations. lakehousecuisine.com. MCC. Little Tokyo, 590 Asbury Dr., 727-1532. littletokyosushi.com. Louie & The Redhead Lady, 1851 Florida St., 626-8101. louieandtheredheadlady.com. Macaroni Grill, 3410 Hwy. 190, 7271998. Penne rustica, pasta Milano, other Italian favorites. Lunch, dinner. macaronigrill.com. MCC, ME. Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App., 6269047. Serving breakfast and lunch, daily specials. Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in Azalea Square Shopping Center, 674-9883. Seafood, Creole and Italian. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat. mandinasrestaurant.com. Maw Maw’s, 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., Ste. 11, 727-7727. Soups, salads, stuffed potatoes, sandwiches, po-boys. Megumi Japanese Cuisine, 4700 Hwy. 22, Suites 11 and 12, 845-1644. Yakimono and sushi bar. Lunch, dinner. megumirestaurant.com. MiMamacita’s New Mexican Cuisine, 2345 Florida St., 674-1400. Great food and margaritas. Lunch, dinner, catering. MCC. Monster Po-Boys, 1814 N. Causeway App., 626-9183. Lunch, dinner. N’Tini’s, 2891 N. Hwy. 190, 626-5566. Steaks, martinis. Lunch specials. Mon.Sat. ntinis.com. MCC. Nuvolari’s, 246 Girod St., 626-5619. In

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Petunia’s Place, 2020 Hwy. 59, 6743436. petuniasplace.com. Pinkberry, 3460 Hwy. 190, 612-7306. Sun-Thurs, 11am-10pm. Fri-Sat, 11am-11pm. Pinkberry is the original tart frozen yogurt that is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy paired with high quality, fresh cut fruit and premium dry toppings. pinkberry.com. PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy. 190, 674-1565. Catch your morning buzz at the convenient drive-thru! Catering. pjscoffee.com. MCC. Rip’s on the Lake, 1917 Lakeshore Dr., 727-2829. Ristorante Carmelo & Pizzaria, 1901 Hwy. 190, 624-4844. Family-oriented Italian cuisine. Lunch and dinner. MCC. Rusty Pelican, 500 Girod St., 778-0364. Lunch, dinner. rustypelicanbythelake.com. MCC. Sake Gardens Japanese Restaurant, 1705 Hwy. 190, 624-8955. Sesame Inn, 408 N. Causeway Blvd., 951-8888. Finest Chinese cuisine. The Scotts’ Coffee Bar, 201 Carroll St., 231-7632. Open seven days. Gourmet coffee & tea. Breakfast and lunch items available. Evening tapas menu - Fri and Sat, 6-10. thescottscoffeebar.com. Shuck & Jive, 643 Lotus Dr., 6261534. shucknjivemandeville.com. MCC Smoothie King, 1830 W. Causeway App., 626-9159. Smoothies. smoothieking.com. MCC, checks. Subway, 1665 Hwy. 190, 674-0733. Sandwiches, salads. Low-fat available. subway.com. MCC. Taqueria Noria, 1931 Hwy. 59, 7277917. Lunch, dinner. Times Bar & Grill, 1896 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-1161. Famous hamburgers, starters, steaks and more. Lunch, dinner. timesgrill.com. ME, MCC. Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 600 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4476. Quality China cuisine with Louisiana flair. Lunch, dinner. treyyuen.com. MCC, checks. Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St., 624-5683. A full café menu with over 120 loose leaf and speciality teas.

i Breakfast, lunch. viannes.com. MCC. VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2999 Hwy. 190 E., 629-2021. “Taste our Magic.” voodoobbq.com. MCC. PONCHATOULA Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant, 30160 Hwy. 51, 386-6666. middendorfsrestaurant.com. Rox, 147 N.W. Railroad Ave., 370-0930. Crafted cuisine and martini bar Open 7 days a week. roxrestaurant.com. MCC. Sister’s Coffeehouse & Cafe, 18440 Hwy. 22 E., 370-9424. Warm, friendly atmosphere, unique food, gourmet coffees, teas. MCC, checks. Taste of Bavaria Restaurant & Bakery, 14476 Hwy. 22, 3863634. Charming Bavarian bungalow, European-style breakfast, German-style lunch. tasteofbavariastaurant.com. MCC, checks. SLIDELL A Touch of Italy Café, 134 Pennsylvania Ave., 639-0600. Seafood, veal, steaks, daily specials. Lunch, dinner. kathrynandcompany.com. MCC, checks. Assunta’s, 2631 Hwy. 190 W., 6499768. Italian food, extensive wine selection. Dinner. assuntas.com. MCC, checks. Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 550 Gause Blvd., 201-8905. Po-boys and more. bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.  Bistro de la Reine, 2306 Front St., 288-4166. Sunday brunch, live entertainment, fine wines and spirits. Open seven days a week. bistrodelareine.com. MCC. Bonnie C’s, 1768 Front St., 2885061. Home-style Italian, seafood, and barbecue. Camellia Cafe, 525 Hwy. 190, 649-6211. Traditional seafood and New Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.com. MCC. Carreta’s Grill, 137 Taos St., 847-0020. Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served in a family-friendly atmosphere for lunch and dinner. carretasgrill.com. MCC. Eddie D’s, 39510 Hwy. 190 E., 847-1000. KY’s Olde Towne Bicycle Shop, 2267 Carey St., 641-1911. Casual dining in former bicycle shop. Kids’ menu. Lunch, dinner. kysoldetowne. com. MCC, checks. La. Pines, 1061 Robert St., 641-6196. Meet under the water tower for Ahhhfullwaffles, Sugar Watcher specials. Breakfast, lunch. lapinescafe.com. MCC, checks. Michael’s, 4820 Pontchartrain Dr., 649-8055. Steaks, seafood, veal, duck, eggplant au gratin. Extensive wine selection. Dinner.

Nathan’s Restaurant, 36440 Old Bayou Liberty Rd., 643-0443. Waterfront dining featuring seafood, steaks and pasta. MCC. Nola Southern Grill, 1375 Gause Blvd., 201-8200. Burgers, ribs, steaks, pasta, sandwiches and seafood. MCC. Palmettos on the Bayou, 1901 Bayou Ln., 643-0050. palmettosrestaurantslidell.com. Peck’s Seafood Restaurant, 2315 Gause Blvd. E., 781-7272. Po-boys, seafood, burgers and lunch specials. MCC. Phil’s Marina Café, 1194 Harbor Dr., 641-0464. philsmarinacafe.net. Shenanigans Irish Pub & Restaurant, 2165 W. Gause Blvd., 288-5286. Authentic Irish food, drink and entertainment in a traditional pub atmosphere. Smoothie King, 150 Northshore Blvd., 781-3456. Low-fat health drinks. smoothieking.com. MCC, checks. Steak Out, 1325 Gause Blvd., 6458646. Eat in or delivered to you. steakout.com. MCC. Tacos and Beer, 2142 Front St., 6414969. Lunch, dinner and late-night. Times Bar & Grill, Front St., 641-4969. Famous hamburgers, starters, steaks and more. Lunch, dinner. timesgrill.com. ME, MCC. The Wine Market, 2051 E. Gause Blvd., 781-1177. Deli restaurant, lunch, 11am-3pm. Sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps. MCC and checks. WOW Café & Wingery, 2170 Gause Blvd. W., 661-9692. Wings, burgers, wraps and more. MCC. Young’s Restaurant, 850 Robert Blvd., 643-9331. Steaks, seafood, nice wine selection. Dinner. youngssteakhouse.com. MCC, checks. NEW ORLEANS/SOUTHSHORE Café Giovanni, 117 Rue Decatur, (504)-529-2154. Chef Duke’s New World Italian Cuisine. Dinner, SunThurs, 5:30-10pm. Fri-Sat, 5:30-11pm. Live Entertainment Wed, Thurs, and Friday Evenings. Perfect Catering for next social or business event. Cafegiovanni.com. RR. Criollo Resturant and Lounge at Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St., (504)-523-3340. hotelmonteleone. com/criollo/. MCC, RR R’evolution, 777 Bienville St., (504)553-2277. Located at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Offering modern, imaginative reinterpretations of classic Cajun and Creole Cuisine. Triptych of Quail, Gulf Shrimp, Grits “Villages de L’est and Oysterman’s spaghettini. Revolutionnola.com. RR.

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IN Development

Brister’s Team Puts St. Tammany First FOR PARISH PRESIDENT PAT BRISTER, building a successful administration that serves the people of St. Tammany Parish exceedingly well involves not only steadfast principles but also the right people. “As we move forward in our second year, we continue to place the needs of our citizenry first and concentrate on specific areas we feel are vital to the continual smart growth of the parish,” she says. “However, we remain focused on customer service, transparency, accountability and cooperation.” With these principles in place, Brister has strategically selected 124

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people she feels will nourish her vision and enhance the productivity of the parish government.

Sidney Fontenot Sidney Fontenot, director of the Department of Development, has seen the evolution of his department in real time since Brister took the oath of office. “The planning, permits, parts of the environmental, and even some engineering departments are now embedded into the Department of Development,” Fontenot says. “The construction

process is a trying experience under the best circumstances. Now that we are in one building, we can generally answer any question concerning construction in St. Tammany Parish—whether you are building a backyard shed or you are building a subdivision—in one single stop. If we do not have the answer, we will find the person who does.” Fontenot says his department earned stellar reviews during recent customer service training; he adds that citizens’ ideas are always welcome. Combination inspectors (inspectors qualified in several different areas) now reduce the number of trips to each inspection site, reduce the cost to government and reduce the cost to the developer. In addition, the mypermitnow.org feature allows access via the web to project and inspection updates. Permits for commercial construction, as well as single family residences, increased in both 2012 and the first quarter of 2013. “Over the past 15 years that I have worked in St. Tammany, I have seen the parish evolve from somewhat of a teenager in an identity crisis, trying to figure out who we are, to a largely independent community with a streamlined government,” Fontenot says. “If someone is willing to meet our quality standards, it is my job to uphold these standards and make it as easy as possible for them to build here.”

Don Shea Don Shea will tell you that he wakes up every day thinking about ways to enhance the current economic climate in his role as St. Tammany’s first director of the Department of Economic Development. “The citizens of this parish already have high expectations, in part because they are forward-looking,” Shea says. “This is exciting for me in the sense that I have no act to follow; I can move forward without trepidation and find my place as part of the sum. President Brister is

unequivocally committed to economic development and smart growth, and I am excited about my role in harnessing the energy of the citizens. I am charged with the task of bringing together the residential, commercial and retail industries, and achieving a harmonious balance among them.” With his background in several diverse markets, Shea brings fresh ideas to St. Tammany on par with the high standards already in place. “St. Tammany is all about live, work and play. We have it all here,” he notes. “We have a broad-based economy, which is actually a buffer against things outside of our control that can affect the economic climate. I envision directed development that can do the most good to maintain our living, breathing, full economy. St. Tammany is no longer the bedroom community ‘across the lake.’ The people here are talented and committed to the advancement of a versatile economy and job creation.” With a vision that includes innovative strategies to retain and attract businesses, Shea places heavy emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation. “People will locate their businesses where they feel fulfilled. We have the right formula for fulfillment—quality of life, diverse activity, mild climate, our tax structure, the arts and many forms of recreation. The concept of co-working is a way to attract an independent, techsavvy workforce and give them the confidence that this is the place where they can make their mark.” Shea stresses that everyone has a role in the economic success of St. Tammany. “Every citizen is a stakeholder in the future. My role is to articulate our collective vision and to do my part to see it through to fruition.”

Beverly Gariepy When Brister trimmed more than $3 million from the parish operating budget in 2012, she solidified her commitment to fiscal responsibility in

May-June 2013 125

government. When she hired Beverly Gariepy as St. Tammany’s chief financial officer, she reaffirmed that commitment. (Gariepy will fill the role of outgoing First Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Kim Salter, who will retire later this year.) “My role is multifaceted and ever-evolving in that we continue to explore how we can most effectively be good stewards of public funds—essentially other people’s money,” Gariepy notes. “It is all about good governance, not putting up road blocks, but being facilitators. Fortunately, I can build on the sound financial practices already in place. “The operation of this government starts with the one at the top, and our citizens have high expectations,” she notes. “It is our job to do the most that we can with the resources that we have. This parish is full of people who have unlimited potential that we continue to develop. Government is by its nature a collaborative endeavor; the staff here continues to exceed expectations because we find people’s strengths and leverage their potential every day. I appreciate that no one can do this by themselves.”

Ronnie Simpson Communication between parish government and the public is essential to maintaining transparency. “People want to feel they know what is going on when it comes to their community,” says Ronnie Simpson, director of the newly formed Department of Public Information. “Our part in this administration is to utilize every form of communication at our disposal to bring to the public information that is at times of vital importance and at other times simply a matter of community outreach. We are the liaison between the entire operation of parish government and the citizenry.” The Department of Public Information also 126

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houses Access St. Tammany, the local governmentaccess television station. “Access St. Tammany is one of only three government access channels in the United States to carry high definition programming,” Simpson says. “We bring to the public not only government programming like parish and city council meetings, but also local cultural events like the Abita Opry; Health Quest, which discusses pertinent health topics with local health care professionals; ArtSpark, which spotlights the arts in our community; and our newest show, Home, which introduces local and widely known celebrities who call St. Tammany home.” Simpson continues to build on the digital aspect of communication through utilizing social media, web access and Vimeo (a video sharing service). “We want citizens to be plugged in, so we are designing our communications to meet the changing way people get information. For instance, you can sign up for various departmental email lists and fine tune your communication with us to suit your needs. You can watch Access St. Tammany through either On Demand or live streaming via the website, stpgov.org. We want everyone in St. Tammany to take an active role in shaping their government; our job is to keep you informed so that you can be an educated participant.” Brister continues to build on her second-year agenda. “We work every day to make the most efficient, yet productive, use of your tax dollars and my job is to put a team in place that will take this task seriously,” she says. “I am committed to a transparent, efficient government that works, and to the longterm success of St. Tammany Parish. With these four individuals and the rest of our hardworking staff, we will accomplish just that.” Visit stpgov.org to sign up for email alerts and to learn more about St. Tammany Parish government.

May-June 2013 127

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Directory of Advertisers ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE 10/12 Properties.................... 985-626-8200 127

ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE Gallery D’Art Francais............. 504-581-6925 26

ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE Outdoor Living Center............ 985-893-8008 41

Accents & Things.................... 985-649-4273 89

George’s Mexican Restaurant..... 985-626-4342 119

Paisley................................... 985-727-7880 101

Advanced Hand Specialists..... 985-674-4170 57

GNL Contractors.................... 985-288-5112 58

Pan American Power............... 985-893-1271 13

Agena, Dr. Gary M. - OBGYN.... 985-845-7121 28

GNO Property Management... 504-528-7028 67

Pardo’s................................... 985-893-3603 122

Al’s Plumbing Co.................... 985-845-9390 54

Gomez Pine Straw.................. 985-264-3567 128

Paretti Jaguar.... 866-751-0237, 504-455-2101 65

Arabella Fine Gifts.................. 985-727-9787 17

Grapevine, The...grapevinegiftsandgallery.com 89

Pinkberry.................................pinkberry.com 121

Artisan Home Décor............... 985-778-2113 90

H.W. Rosenblum..................... 985-727-9955 105

Plaisance, Dr. Kevin M............. 985-893-3777 63

Asset One.............................. 985-727-2834 75

Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West.........

POSH Boutique...................... 985-898-2639 105

Azure Spa.............................. 985-237-1980 74

..............................................habitatstw.org 79

Private Beach......................... 985-674-2326 94

Bamboo Gardens....... bamboogardensla.com 36

Hazelnut................................ 985-626-8900 114

Purple Armadillo Again.... purplearmadillo.net 101

Bastille’s Clothing Company... 985-626-4220 98

Home Bank....................... home24bank.com 120

Rehab Dynamics .................... 985-871-7878 41

Bedico Creek Preserve............ 985-845-4200 27

Honda of Covington............... 985-892-0001 IFC, 85

Resource Bank...............bankonresource.com 79

Bella Cucina........................... 985-626-7886 90

Infusé Oils & Vinegars............ 985-778-0903 53

Rick’s Professional Painting Service................

Bennett’s Waterskiing and Wakeboarding School

Integrated Spine & Disc.......... 985-626-0999 63

............................................. 985-845-0533 128

............................................. 800-869-7297 94

Integrity Builders, Inc.............. 985-626-3479 28

Riverview Camp for Girls........ 800-882-0722 117

Berger Home.......................... 985-624-3433 21

Istre Hearing Care.................. 985-845-3509 45

Rug Chic................................ 985-674-1070 112

Berry, Dr. C.M......................... 985-345-2555 35

Izabella’s Villa........................ 985-649-5060 3

St. Joseph Abbey......... saintjosephabbey.com 85

Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights... 985-249-6040 19

Jim Stone Co.......................... 985-882-5907 89

St. Romain Interiors................ 985-845-7411 90

Blossom Girl........................... 985-626-6280 105

JLGC - Polo........................................jlgc.net 75

St. Tammany Home Builders Association.........

Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers...... 985-626-1666 7

Jos. A. Bank............................ 985-624-4067 82

............................................. 800-715-1387 128

Bra Genie............................... 985-951-8638 97

Ju Ju’s Boutique..................... 985-624-3600 102

St. Tammany Parish Hospital..... 985-898-4000 71

Broussard’s Pianos................. 985-503-5038 62

KentJacob Color Salon............ 985-845-8011 82

St. Tammany West Chamber ... 985-273-3006 66

brown eyed girl...................... 985-626-0100 98

Lake After Hours..................... 985-375-9979 73

Scott Sandage Homes............. 985-542-2724 12

Brown Family Orthodontics..... 985-626-8297 24

Lakeview Regional Medical Center....985-867-3800 IBC

Scotts’ Coffee Bar, The............ 985-231-7632 119

Café Lynn............................... 985-624-9007 123

Latter & Blum - Jennifer Rice.. 985-892-1478 127

Shoefflé.....................................shoeffle.com 98

Carreta’s Grill........ 985-871-6674, 847-0020 4

Latter & Blum - Stevie Mack... 985-630-1934 128

Simply Southern..................... 985-871-1466 93

Cedarwood School................. 985-845-7111 45

Laurier................................... 985-875-0823 98

Slidell Memorial Foundation... 985-280-8820 61

Champagne Jewelers............. 985-643-2599 24

LCI Workers Comp.................. 985-612-1230 86

Southern Bridal...................... 985-727-2993 97

Christwood Retirement Community...............

Leadership Northshore........... 985-643-5678 65

Southern Pain Center............. 985-727-7275 123

......................................... christwoodrc.com 15

Louisiana Custom Closets....... 985-871-0810 58

Southland Plumbing Supply, Inc..... 985-893-8883 80

Church of the King................. 985-727-7017 21

Louisiana Heart Hospital................................

State Farm Insurance, C J Ladner... 985-892-5030 105

Columbia Street Mercantile.... 985-809-1789 101

........................... louisianahearthospital.com 8, 31

Stone Creek Club and Spa...... 985-801-7100 5

Computer Troubleshooters...... 985-624-2302 128

Lowe’s Jewelers..................... 985-845-4653 53

Stone Source.......................... 985-892-0695 127

Covington Cardiovascular Care.... 985-871-4140 25

Lynn Stirling Antiques............. 985-626-7704 83

Studio 311............................. 985-327-7775 97

Culinary Kids.......................... 985-727-5553 128

Mariette Fortenbery Interior Design................

Studio MV.............................. 985-867-5601 41

deCoeur...................................... decoeur.net 93

............................................. 985-206-5173 94

Surgical Specialists................whyweight.com 17

Designs in Windows............... 985-209-1689 93

Martin Wine Cellar................martinwine.com 113

Tchefuncta Club Estates.........tchefuncta.com 39

Downtown Chic..................... 985-809-3860 101

Mary Bird Perkins...............marybird.org/stph 81

TerraBella............................... 985-871-7171 54

Earthsavers............................ 985-674-1133 97

Mix, The................................. 985-727-7649 102

Three Rivers Gallery................ 985-892-2811 90

Etan Enterprises..................... 985-966-7042 110

Moody Law Firm.................... 985-542-1351 50

Three Sisters Boutique............ 985-386-8680 102

Eye Care Surgery Center......... 985-892-4858 6

MoreSmiles-Dr. Jim Moreau ... 985-809-7645 115

Town & Country Travel, Inc...... 504-838-8702 62

Fairway Medical Surgical Hospital..................

Niche Modern Home.............. 985-624-4045 84

Tran, Dr. David........................ 985-893-1070 10

......................................fairwaymedical.com 77

North American Insurance Agency.... 985-871-5480 72

Vantage Point........................ 985-259-7774 16

Fazzio’s Restaurant................. 985-624-9704 121

NORTH Institute, The.............. 985-871-4114 20

Village Executive Office Suites,The... 985-727-6700 93

Fertility Institute..............fertilityinstitute.com 111

North Oaks Health System........northoaks.org 42

Welcome Home and garden... 985-893-3933 94

Fielding Photography.............. 985-626-7549 86

North Shore Square Mall........ 985-646-0661 11

Windsor Senior Living Community, The...........

Fitness Expo........................... 504-887-0880 57

Northlake Glass...................... 985-626-9788 36

............................................. 985-624-8040 87

Florist of Covington................ 985-892-7701 77

Northshore Harbor Center...... 985-781-3650 22, 23

Wood & White Tennis Tournament.................

Franco’s Athletic Club............. 985-792-0200 BC

N’Tini’s................................... 985-626-5566 122

.....................................985-674-4307 x202 89

french mix, the....................... 985-809-3152 73

Oasis Day Spa, The................. 985-624-6772 102

Youth Service Bureau.............. 985-893-2570 107

Ochsner Medical Center - North Shore... ochsner.org 50 May-June 2013 129

George Espinal and Egla Trujillo of George’s Mexican Restaurant

by Lauren Smith

When you’re driving on North Causeway Boulevard in Mandeville, it’s easy to tell when it’s Cinco de Mayo. The service road at the intersection with St. Ann is lined with the parked cars of all the folks enjoying the annual block party at George’s Mexican Restaurant. George Espinal and his sister, Egla Trujillo, have been serving up Latin-American fare for loyal northshore diners for nearly 30 years. They’ve been throwing their Cinco de Mayo celebration for 12 years, and it keeps on growing. “What can I tell you?” Egla says. “It takes two months to prepare for it. I have to triple-order everything and start cooking a week in advance.” It’s a family-oriented fiesta, with the entire shopping center parking lot blocked off to accommodate the 700-800 people who attend. It’s also for the adults, of course, as Coronas and margaritas flow. “We go through 40 cases of Corona, and where I usually order four cases of tequila a week, we get 30 just for Cinco de Mayo,” says Egla. Live music outdoors and a DJ inside keep the crowds moving. Their most popular drink is the George’s Special, a top-shelf margarita made with Sauza Gold tequila, Cointreau, a splash of grenadine and fresh lime juice, the key ingredient in all their margaritas. More than 20 premium tequilas round out the fully stocked bar. The menu at George’s features all the Mexican staples (including a new tableside guacamole) and daily specials, as well as dishes that reflect the family’s Honduran roots, like Sizzlin’ Pork Plate. Their signature item is fajitas. The meat is marinated for 24 hours, which Egla says is important for the dish’s fantastic flavor. “We’ve been serving the same food for more than 29 years,” Egla says, “Consistency is the key to our success. We get to know our customers. I know what they like to eat, what they like to drink and I try to sit with them as much as I can. To us, everyone is family, and we treat everyone like family. You know when you come here that this is your second home.” George’s Mexican Restaurant is located at 1461 N. Causeway Blvd. in Mandeville, 626-4342. georgesmexicanrestaurant.com. 130

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photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Last Bite