St. Charles Avenue Magazine March 2022 by Renaissance Publishing

ST. CHARLES AVENUE MAGAZINE

MARCH 2022

HEART OF THE PARK HAT LUNCHEON PRESENTED BY IBERIABANK/FIRST HORIZON

BRUNCH

LUXURY LIVING

C o n te n t s

VOLUME 26 ISSUE 8

On the Cover From left: Chenier Taylor, Boo Kallenborn, Dr. Tlaloc Alférez, Karl Hoeffer, Carmen Duncan and Karen Coaxum.

Features Let's Do Brunch 14+ suggested locales complete with must-try menu favorites 39 Luxury Living Tips from notable local designers for creating your own luxe space at home 45

In Every Issue What's New on the Web StCharlesAvenue.com 6 Andy's Note A letter from Editor Andy Myer 8 Arts Calendar 9

The New Orleans Town Gardeners and Friends of City Park are proud to partner again for the fourth year to host the “Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon” presented by IBERIABANK/First Horizon. The event will be held on April 27, 2022, at the New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park. This year as part of their initiatives, the history and work of Enrique Alférez will be featured throughout the event and his daughter Dr. Tlaloc Selway Alférez, will be honored. The featured artwork for the event and the live auction will be an Alférez original plaster relief titled ‘Soccer Players’. Proceeds benefit the maintenance and enhancement of City Park’s 1,300 acres of urban forest, which is home to the largest collection of Live Oak trees in the world, in addition to the projects of the New Orleans Town Gardeners including Grow Dat Youth Farm, Edible Schoolyard, Common Ground Relief and the Latter Library Garden Conservancy, among others. 2022 Honorary Chair: Dr. Tlaloc Selway Alférez 2022 Event Co-Chairs: Karen Coaxum, Carmen Duncan, Boo Kallenborn, Chenier Taylor 2022 Patron Chairmen: Barbara Bush, Beverly Church Event highlights include: Patron Party 11:00 a.m. Luncheon 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., live entertainment, delectable lunch by City Park Catering, specialty cocktails and spirits, experiential stations and mission-driven activities, art auction Tickets are available at friendsofcitypark.com. Photo by Jeffery Johnston

STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

Associate Publisher Kate Henry EDITORIAL

Editor Andy Myer Art Director Ali Sullivan Food & Dining Columnist Jyl Benson Web Editor Kelly Massicot Event Photo Coordinator Jeff Strout ADVERTISING

Vice President of Sales & Marketing Kate Henry Kate@myneworleans.com or 504-830-7216 Account Director Meggie Schmidt Senior Account Executive Rachel Webber Senior Account Executive Brooke Genusa Account Executive Erin Chiartano Advertising Consultant Penn Iarocci

MARKETING

Coordinator Abbie Whatley PRODUCTION

Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui Designer Meghan Rooney CIRCULATION

Subscriptions Jessica Armand Distribution John Holzer ADMINISTRATION

Office Manager Mallary Wolfe Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne For subscription information call (504) 828-1380

A Publication of Renaissance Publishing, LLC 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 MyNewOrleans.com St. Charles Avenue is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005, (504) 828-1380. Subscription rate: one year $17.95, no foreign subscriptions. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. Charles Avenue, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright © 2022 by Renaissance Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark St, Charles Avenue is registered. St. Charles Avenue is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in St. Charles Avenue are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine managers or owners.

C o n te n t s

Society Along the Avenue A Grand Carnival Tribute 18 Philanthropic Faces Keith Liederman, CEO, Kinglsey House 20 Philanthropic Events Odyssey 2021 Presented by IBERIABANK/ First Horizon benefiting New Orleans Museum of Art 22 Philanthropic Events Moonlight and Miracles Gala benefiting Ochsner Health 24 Philanthropic Events 23rd Annual CHAIRish the Children benefiting Louisiana Children's Museum 26 Philanthropic Events Judah Touro Society Award Reception benefiting Touro Infirmary Foundation 28 Philanthropic Events Boys Hope Girls Hope Gala benefiting Boys Hope Girls Hope of Greater New Orleans 30 Snapshots Quick looks at nonprofit events around town 32 Debutante Snapshots Club Elle 34 Debutante Snapshots Come Together 35 Debutante Snapshots Girls of a Feather 36

20 Celebration How to Host An Effortless Early Spring Brunch 56 With This Ring Waltemath – Wall 58

Style

Looking Back New Orleans' Oldest Mardi Gras Krewe - The Jefferson City Buzzards 60

What's Hot Home Decor 10

Finishing Touches An Enchanting Escape 72

Designer Spotlight Julie Neill, owner and designer, Julie Neill Designs 12 What to Wear Festive toppers for any occasion 14 Changemakers Aqua Stovall, founder, Special Education Leader Fellowship 16

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St ate m e n t f ro m t he P u b li sher

Thank You! Renaissance Publishing, through its predecessor company, launched St. Charles Avenue in November 1995 aided by the advice and leadership of Beverly Church and Terri Havens. Avenue was created as the voice of the area’s nonprofit and philanthropic community. Over the past 25+ years we have developed into the definitive social magazine in New Orleans. For the first issue, Bev Church wrote that Avenue was developed “to spotlight the positive people who contribute to making our city a wonderful place.” Terri Havens noted the mission of Avenue as “the first magazine designed exclusively for and about New Orleans society, entertainment and style.” Since its inception, Avenue has only

NEW

had two editors, and with this issue we announce our newest, Andy Myer. Renaissance Publishing looks forward to Andy continuing the mission of shining a light on the people working hard to help non-profits do great work, while leading the way as a tastemaker in entertaining, fashion, style and more. We thank Morgan Packard Griffith for her years of dedication and creativity, and Bev Church for her continued leadership in the nonprofit community. Avenue is stronger today because of their efforts.

On StCharlesAvenue.com

Shop Talk Blog

“

Mardi Gras is ramping up for its final debaucherous day this month. Come March 2nd (perhaps sooner), you’ll be ready to wash off the glitter, down the last few Tums tablets and find some peace and quiet. If you don’t have a recovery plan and aren’t leaving town post festivities, don’t worry, Shop Talk will guide you to greener pastures. There are loads of options for finding inner peace and outer quiet right here in the Big Easy. This month on the blog, we’ll explore day spas, escapist books to read, staycation ideas and shopping for a cause! It’s all about finding your way back to a more balanced lifestyle, at least until festival season starts!

Find Penn Iarocci’s weekly blog, "Shop Talk" every Wednesday on StCharlesAvenue.com and additional interviews and highlights Fridays on Instagram live @StCharlesAvenueMag and Facebook @StCharlesAvenue. What local finds should we feature next? Email shoptalk@myneworleans.com.

6 ST. CHARLES AVENUE MARCH 2022

Let te r f ro m t h e Ed i to r

A Note from Andy Hope, support & celebration It’s March, and that means we’ve survived Carnival season and are gearing up for the next. This time in New Orleans comes with a (short) slow-down and recovery in preparation for a busy catch-up season for our town’s philanthropic events. The weather lends itself to more outdoor festivities, which we all appreciate these days, and we’re cautiously, yet quite optimistically, gazing through the tunnel at a glimmering light as Covid rates continue to decline. It’s an extremely important time to look to our nonprofit organizations which, just like far too many of our local businesses, have taken hit after hit these past several years. With so many making the difficult decision to cancel, reschedule or completely revamp their key fundraisers due to Covid, to say that we feel proud to be able to shed a spotlight on these integral organizations, who strive to make our city a better place for all, is a massive understatement. Please look to us as your source for continued coverage and updates regarding these programs that support our community in endless ways. And while we’re all rightfully thrilled to be out and about more these days, there’s nothing quite like coming home and putting your feet up in your own sanctuary space. In this issue you’ll find sources for both entertaining at home and hitting the town in style. Be sure to check out Kelcy Wilburn’s feature with tips from talented local design experts on how to create the ultimate luxurious and pampering retreat, in addition to Amy Gabriel’s chic decor finds in What’s Hot. Don’t miss Jyl Benson’s piece on the latest in New Orleans’ impressive brunch

offerings – from Brennan’s long-standing history with the mid-morning meal, to new local hot spots and their mouth-watering fare (and libations of course). We have you covered with suggestions for every occasion and taste. Sue Strachan’s profile on Keith Liederman, Kingsley House’s CEO, sheds great insight into the organization’s incredibly significant role making strides for families and building our community. And Lindsay Mack’s interview with Aqua Stovall, Founder and Executive Director of SELF (Special Education Leader Fellowship) shines a light on the impressive impact the program has made throughout our city’s schools. You’ll also see coverage of a host of festive events – from the Rex Foundation’s 150-year anniversary celebration to parties and gatherings about town. In true Nola fashion, we’re coming back stronger than ever and New Orleanians are ready to support. We hope you will gain new understanding about and find inspiration from the amazing organizations, locals and businesses featured this month. Cheers!

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A r t s C a l e n da r

March 1

Mardi Gras, citywide

Dancing with the Stars, Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, saengernola.com

3, 17, 31 Ogden Museum Meditation, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., 504-539-9650, ogdenmuseum.org, facebook. com/ogdenmuseum

Iliza Shlesinger - Back in Action Tour, Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, orpheumnola.com

The 14th Annual Big Easy Blues Festival, UNO Lakefront Arena, 6801 Franklin Ave., arena.uno.edu

Chicago, Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, saengernola.com

12-19 #FAIL, Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 504-528-3805, cacno.org, twitter.com/cacno

Willie Nelson & Family, Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, saengernola.com

Johnny Mathis, Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-5251052, saengernola.com

Danny Barker Festival, New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave., nolajazzmuseum.org

Docent-led drop-in tour, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., 504-539-9650, ogdenmuseum.org, facebook. com/ogdenmuseum

The Price is Right, Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, saengernola.com

Nearly three decades after his death, New Orleans musician Danny Barker still towers over the city’s vibrant traditional music community. Learn all about Barker and enjoy some of his best music at the Danny Barker Festival at the New Orleans Jazz Museum on March 19.

Art in Bloom 2022, New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504-6584100, noma.org

24-26 Memory Wars: World War II at 75 and Beyond, The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St., 504-528-1944, nationalww2museum.org

Mike Epps, UNO Lakefront Arena, 6801 Franklin Ave., arena.uno.edu

Little Feat, Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, saengernola.com

BUKU: Planet B, Market Street Power Plant, 1601-1643 S Peters St., thebukuproject.com

The Woman Behind the Camera in World War II, The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St., 504-528-1944, nationalww2museum.org

April

SweetArts 2022, Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 504-528-3805, cacno.org, twitter.com/cacno

5-10

Anastasia, Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, saengernola.com

Panel Discussion with artist Dawn DeDeaux, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., 504-539-9650, ogdenmuseum.org, facebook. com/ogdenmuseum

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL P. SMITH / THE HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION

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St y l e W hat ’s H ot

Home Decor New Orleans may be your favorite place on the map, but you’ve been known to daydream about far flung destinations. Add a sense of wanderlust to your abode by exploring decor pieces that conjure up visions of globetrotting. 1

By Amy Gabriel 6

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SELECT PHOTOS BY CHERYL GERBER

1. Created in Paris, bask in the otherworldly glow of a dome shell light made out of Japanese washi paper. SWADOH, swadoh.com. 2. A handmade palm leaf fan is perfectly fit for foyer decor or for stashing in your suitcase to bring your own breeze. B. Viz Design, 3506 Magazine St., 504-913-4111, bvizdesign.com. 3. Can a scent transport you to the coastal towns of southern Italy? Find

out through the notes of citrus, sea salt and volcanic ash of the Saint Enzo candle. Available locally at ByGeorge inside the Hotel Saint Vincent, 1507 Magazine St., 504-3502450, saintvincentnola.com and Merchant House, 1152 Camp St., 504-233-2240, merchanthouse.co. 4. Imagine making a splash in sparkling vacation waters with a linen divers tip towel,

hand-embroidered in Vietnam. Maisonette Shop, 2727 Prytania St., Ste. 13, 504-4371850, maisonetteshop.com. 5. While flipping through travel books, rest your coffee or cocktail stylishly atop a fringed raffia straw coaster, handmade in Madagascar. Available in a set of 4 or 6 in terracotta and natural or in black and natural. Inside ZELE, 2841 Magazine St., 985-9239103, soavastore.com. 6. Bring about a moment of Mediterranean charm with an Ibiza pendant shade, crafted from raffia woven over a black iron frame. Sunday Shop, 2025 Magazine St., 504-3422087, sundayshop.co. 7. Have a divinely restful moment outside or indoors while lounging in the Indo daybed, handcrafted from bent cane and reed in the Philippines. Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 504-866-6654, eclectichome.net. 8. Take a visual journey to Italy in Robert Malmberg’s ancient romance-inspired ‘Postcards from Rome’ wallpaper. Available locally at Spruce, 2043 Magazine St., 504-2650946, sprucenola.com. 9. Because your feline friends fantasize about far off places

too, give them an in-home getaway in a woven pet hut made of elephant grass from Ghana. 35x20” Perch, 2844 Magazine St., 504-899-2122, perch-home.com. 10. From the Tapis Amis rug collection, experience the call of the wild with a hand-tufted, 100% New Zealand wool throw produced in India. Merchant House, 1152 Camp St., 504233-2240, merchanthouse.co. 11. Where better to destination dream than in a sleeping

swing? The Nozumu hanging chair is crafted with allweather rope and resin cord to allow for both indoor and outdoor enjoyment. Villa Vici, 4112 Magazine St., 504-8992931, villavici.com. 12. Integrate a feeling of wandering whimsy with a woven fringed stool that opens up as a surprise basket or planter option. Sotre, 3933 Magazine St., 711 O’Keefe Ave., 504-3049475, sotrecollection.com.

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St y l e D e si g n

Julie Neill Owner & Designer, Julie Neill Designs By Stephen Maloney

Neill said the process she enjoys the most is designing new lighting fixtures for Visual Comfort, a company that licenses her original designs. “All my lighting designs start out as pieces of sculpture that are meant to be lit and hung from a ceiling, or on a sconce on a wall,” she said. “They all start out as a piece of sculpture in my mind, and then they become a useful item.” Julie Neill Deigns, 3908 Magazine St., 504899-4201, julieneill.com, info@julieneill.com, @julieneilldesigns.com.

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For lighting designer Julie Neill, everything begins and ends as a work of art. Neill already had a fine arts degree when she enrolled at Delgado University to study drafting. While there, she happened to take an interior design course for fun, and she was hooked. Working as an interior designer, Neill was asked to create a custom lighting fixture for a showhouse. That initial piece was so well received that Neill soon found herself devoted solely to lighting design, but she never really left the art world behind. “For most of my career as a lighting designer, I drew everything by hand, because I am not a technical person,” she said. “Every piece of lighting that I design is drawn life size.” After the initial design is sketched out, one of Neill’s employees converts

the hand-drawn design into a CAD drawing, which is presented to the client. Once the custom piece moves from the design stage to fabrication, Neill works to make sure the finished product is integrated into the customer’s existing designs. “I have a client who bought a fixture from me, and then she had a round piece of art that she was hanging face-down from the ceiling,” Neill said. “Right now, what we’re doing is designing and making a border to go along that art that coordinates with the light fixture that we already did with her. It’s a great creative collaboration.” That process requires an artist’s eye and a delicate touch when it comes to marrying the fixture to the art. It's the perfect project for a designer who blends her artistic roots into everything she creates. ✦

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St y l e Fa shio n

What to Wear Kay Oplinger, member of The Women’s Guild and the New Orleans Opera Association, stylishly serves as this year's chair for the annual Mad Hatter’s luncheon. Kay sets the tone for all Mad Hatters in a suit by Frascara and a fascinator by Maria Etkind Millinery. Styled by Melissa Coleman Photographed by Theresa Cassagne

Missing the Mad Hatters luncheon? We love a hat for so many events. With Easter, Mother’s Day and wedding season around the corner, we feel inspired to top all of our spring outfits off with the perfect piece from Maria Etkind. ➺

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Maria Etkind Millinery is a custom millinery studio in New Orleans, Louisiana. Maria creates one-of-a-kind custom handmade hats, fascinators, and headpieces for women of all ages. These aren’t your grandmother’s hats! She offers a ready-to-wear line as well as custom orders, crafting hats for the Kentucky Derby, Mardi Gras, brides, garden parties, and ladies’ brunch. By appointment only. mariaetkindmillinery.com Instagram: @mariaetkindmillinery Prices upon request.

3 Fashionable fascinator Springtime in Paris is always in fashion. Channel that same feeling with this green straw fascinator with vintage hand made anemone flowers from Paris. Trés chic!

1 Sophisticated saucer Black saucer hat with silver and black bow detailing, perfect with a little black dress. Love it? This one can be made to order.

2 A-dior-able accessory Dior-inspired downturned brim hat in dark navy with hand-cut feathers and custom-dyed blue straw ribbon. We see ourselves brunching with the Easter bunny in this stunner. Made to order.

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St y l e C ha n g e maker s

Aqua Stovall Founder, Special Education Leader Fellowship (SELF) By Lindsay Mack

GET INVOLVED Moving forward, Stovall is seeking to expand the program to Louisiana communities outside of New Orleans. Any educator or school interested in partnering with SELF is welcome to reach out. www.selfnola.org Facebook @selfnola Twitter @selfnola

In 2015, Aqua Stovall founded the Special Education Leader Fellowship (SELF) as an incubated program within charter school network Firstline Schools. Stovall’s goal was straightforward: address the issues in special education that she encountered as both an educator and a student. Helping current students have a more inclusive and beneficial education is the whole idea. “My public school experience was not pleasant because I did not fit in any of the usual boxes,” said Stovall. “Later

16 ST. CHARLES AVENUE MARCH 2022

when I became an educator myself, I made it my personal mission to do everything I can to reach other kids like me. Kids with learning differences or disabilities have every right to a good education.” Stovall identified the issue as systemic and aimed to help educators work with special education students more effectively. “In my experience, educators want to do what’s best for students, but often lack the knowledge and specialized skills. I set out to give them the support they required and deserved,”

said Stovall. With this in mind, Stovall founded SELF from the ground up to build special education leadership and expertise in schools throughout New Orleans. For example, the SELF Signature Leadership Fellowship is a twoyear program that provides training, coaching support, and professional network development for special education leaders. In time, the increased support for highly-trained special education professionals throughout the New Orleans school system will help schools become more welcoming communities for

all students. This will also help close performance gaps for special education students as well. The SELF program is already making a real impact throughout the city’s schools. “We have served 74% of our schools in New Orleans,” said Stovall. “83% of our partner schools beat the state average for serving students with disabilities on state testing, and 86% of our leader fellows continue to work in New Orleans Public Schools.” The focus on greater support and training for educators is already paying off. The city’s students are fortunate to have such a devoted, insightful educator and leader in their corner. “My core belief is that all students should be met where they are and given the opportunity to excel,” said Stovall, and the SELF program is making that belief a reality. ✦

PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER

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S o cie t y A l o n g T he Avenu e

A Grand Carnival Tribute By Diane Sustendal

Officially the Carnival season begins the 12th night after Christmas when a King Cake, with a baby doll or bean, is presented to guests at everything from a backyard party to a grand ball. The recipient of the doll or bean was the king or queen of the evening and, in my home, that king or queen hosted the next party. On and on it went until the stroke of midnight Mardi Gras night when Lent began. The cake tradition originated in Europe and quickly found favor in New Orleans, a city known for celebrating. Later entire organizations, called krewes, paraded around the city beginning on January 6th. In 1872, one such group was

Christy Brown

Linda Westfeldt

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called the School of Design, Rex, and in many ways has become the standard bearer for all paraders. To honor the 150th Anniversary of Rex, the Louisiana State Museum has assembled floats, designs, costumes and glittering jewelry under the roof of The Presbytere for a specular exhibition that will continue into December of this year. For a few lucky 350, the gala held January 29th was a meeting of many courts. Co-chaired by Christian Brown, J. Storey Charbonnet, William Hines and Hunter Pierson, working with the museum’s steering committee of Murray A. Calhoun, Ben Dupuy, T. Semmes Favrot and Philip Hodges, it was a splen-

did affair. The museum’s Wayne Phillips, head of Costumes, Collections and Textiles, and Dr. Stephen Hales, historian and archivist of the Rex organization, Rex 2017 and author, curated the exhibition. The oldest living monarch, Erik F. Johnsen was honored and acknowledged as His Majesty’s Court Sponsor. Wandering throughout the galleries, rooms and dining areas were people interwoven by family, marriage and friendship. There were Reisses, Freemans, Kellehers, Westfeldts, Slosses, Poitevents, Roddys, Duncans, Brights, Browns, Whites, Geldermans, Redds, and a smiling Melissa Douglas Steiner, president of the LSMF board. Should the Rex exhibition

John and Storey Charbonnet

Arriving in style, Stephen Murray's 1964 Rolls Royce ferrying former queen of Carnival Britt Johnsen, her mother Kristie Johnsen and me.

Mike and Susu Kearney

Ann and John Koerner

not be enough Carnival for you, walk on over to The Historic New Orleans Collection which is filled to the rafters with goodies from other organizations, walking groups and the like. ✦

Semmes Favrot

Lt. Governor William "Billy" Nungesser

S o cie t y P hila n t hro p ic Faces

Keith Liederman Kingsley House, CEO By Sue Strachan

Serendipity shined on Boston native Keith Liederman when in 1994, his wife, Luanne LeBlanc, was offered a job in New Orleans. LeBlanc is from Golden Meadow, and it provided an opportunity to be closer to family. Keith asked his father, David Liederman, the CEO of Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), if there were any member organizations in New Orleans. “It just so happened that Kingsley House was a CWLA member and he had recently met my predecessor, Michael Moreau,” said Keith. “Even more serendipitous, Kingsley House was hiring for a program director for family counseling services, a position that was almost identical to the work I was doing in Tampa.” Keith had also been accepted by the Tulane School of Social Work (TSSW) to pursue a Ph.D, and his first day at Tulane and Kingsley House took place on the same day, July 6, 1994. “During both of those orientation sessions, much ado was made about the long-time partnership between both organizations and the fact that TSSW, the fifth oldest school of social work in the nation, actually began at Kingsley House,” he said. Another legacy Keith is addressing is that of namesake, Charles Kingsley, an English clergyman, author and social reformer: It was discovered he published writings and sermons completely inconsistent with the core values and mission of the organization. Keith and the Kingsley House board and leadership team are in the process of renaming the institution, to be announced later this year. Education: Bachelor of Arts, University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Master of Social Work, Yeshiva University; Ph.D., Tulane School of Social Work Age: 60

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How many years have you been with the organization? 27 years. This is my third position with Kingsley House. I began in 1994 as a program director for our counseling services, was promoted to associate director for administration in 1997, and then CEO in 2003. Tell us what your organization does. Kingsley House’s mission is to educate children, strengthen families and build community. We fulfill our mission by offering comprehensive, nationally and state accredited programs and services that help set the whole family up for success — from early learning services and workforce development to adult daycare and community and supportive services. Last year alone, Kingsley House served more than 8,000. For a more complete list of what the organization does, go to kingsleyhouse.org/what-we-offer/ What have been the biggest – or most important – accomplishments that have happened while you have been at the organization? Major accomplishments during my tenure include: • Operating budget growth from $4 million to $16 million with staff increase from 90 to more than 200. • Strategic expansion of the agency's core programs and

successful administrative restructuring to manage our growth. • Tripled number of pre-school aged children to become one of Louisiana's largest Head Start grantees. • Opened first Educare School in the Deep South. • Became one of Louisiana's first Early Head Start/Child Care Partnerships grantees. • Doubled capacity of Adult Day Health Care to become the largest licensed ADHC facility in the State. • Increased unrestricted support by 800% to nearly $750,000 annually. • Completed a $12.5 million capital campaign, property acquisition and construction of 25,000-square-foot Patrick F. Taylor Campus facility. • Formed the Kingsley Foundation, supporting growth, innovation and long-term sustainability of the agency. • Awarded expedited reaccreditation by the Council on Accreditation, the largest accrediting body for social and human services in the world. What is something about your organization that people most likely do not know about? Kingsley House was the first traditionally white-serving social service agency in New Orleans to integrate chil-

dren and youth recreational services in the 1940s, in partnership with a local trade union. In 1957, we also opened one of the city’s first two integrated public swimming pools. Kingsley House was the original home of the Tulane University School of Social Work in the 1920s. Social work in Louisiana and the Deep South was launched as a profession here at Kingsley House. Kingsley House founded the first summer camp in Louisiana, the first playground in New Orleans and the first structured recreation and academic activities for children and youth in the city, starting in the early 1900s. Louisiana's Lighthouse for the Blind has its origins here at Kingsley House. We started the state's first occupational training for the sight impaired in the early 1900s. Kingsley House has been looked to by many nationwide as a model for how strong and committed nonprofit volunteer board leadership can work in tandem with highly professional and equally dedicated staff to effectively partner with the community and program participants in order to achieve truly transformative results.

*Extended version online at StCharlesAvenue.com ✦

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S o cie t y

Odyssey 2021 Presented by IBERIABANK | First Horizon benefiting New Orleans Museum of Art The New Orleans Museum of Art welcomed patrons invested in ensuring the Museum’s future of exemplary arts programming and community engagement.

➺ By Shelby Simon

Odyssey 2021 presented by IBERIABANK | First Horizon brought arts patrons together at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) to raise critically important funds that support NOMA’s internationally-recognized exhibitions and educational programs. The entire museum was open for guests to wander and explore, with musical performances taking place between the Great Hall and the newly renovated Lapis Center for the Arts. Lining the walls of the Lapis Center for the Arts is the monumental plaster relief mural by Enrique Alférez, entitled "Symbols of Communication", which also served as the inspiration for this year’s theme. Chaired by Katherine and Tony Gelderman and Jennifer and Dennis Lauscha, with

NOMA Volunteer Committee Chair Robyn Dunn Schwarz, the evening began with an intimate Patron Party in the Great Hall, which offered passed hors d’oeuvres and champagne with musical accompaniment by a Latin guitar trio. Z Event Company provided event decor throughout NOMA. Patrons enjoyed live entertainment by Elan Artists - Blue Rhythm Band, Boy Band and a Hamilton rap artist performance. Ralph Brennan Catering & Events provided an international menu with food stations throughout the museum. Sazerac Co. presented libations, including a tequila bar with four tequila cocktails and tastings. Approximately 400 guests attended the ball. ✦

Follow New Orleans Museum of Art on Facebook @NOMA1910, on Instagram @neworleansmuseumofart and on YouTube @NewOrleansMuseumArt

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P hi la n t hro p ic E ve n t s

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT Odyssey 2021 Presented by

IBERIABANK | First Horizon benefiting New Orleans Museum of Art

WHEN Friday,

November 12,

2021

WHERE New Orleans

Museum of Art (1 Collins Diboll Circle)

1. Aran and Rebecca Toshav, Deanna Rodriguez 2. Dawn Wheelan, Agnes Kotler 3. Dennis and Jennifer Lauscha, Katherine and Tony Gelderman 4. Megan Evans, Jennifer Lauscha, Trinh Do 5. Rob and Pamela Steeg, Susan Taylor, Tony Adams 6. Warner and Wes Robinson, Megan Eustis

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S o cie t y

Moonlight and Miracles Gala benefiting Ochsner Health The Ochsner Cancer Institute celebrates changemakers fighting to end cancer.

➺ By Shelby Simon

Viewers learned about how the Ochsner Cancer Institute changes and saves lives every day during the ninth annual Moonlight and Miracles Gala, presented by Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation. The virtual gala, filmed on November 5, brought Gulf South supporters together on November 7 via a local broadcast aired on Fox8 and affiliate channels across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Each year, Ochsner honors a physician and a member of our community who are undaunted in the fight to eliminate cancer. The 2021 Miracle Makers, Zoe Larned, MD and David Griffin, each received their award during the program. Lori Ochsner, Mark Romig, Kelsey Davis and David Bernard hosted the 2021 gala, joined on stage by Warner Thomas (President and CEO, Ochsner Health), Dr. Robert Hart (Chief Medical Officer, Ochsner Health), Dr. Brian Moore (Medical Director of the

Ochsner Cancer Institute) and Emily Pirch (Vice President Ochsner Cancer Institute). Together, they shared the strides in oncology innovation Ochsner is making for the patients in the Gulf South -ensuring access to quality care close to home. The celebration of the advancements in cancer raised over $1.6 million to support cutting edge treatment, care and patient support for the Ochsner Cancer Institute. The annual Mercedes-Benz car raffle, presented by tGen, offered one lucky winner a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC. An online auction included prizes from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, Friend and Company, The Four Seasons and a live painting created during the broadcast by local artist Alex Harvie. Ochsner Health would like to extend a special thank you to Moonlight and Miracles Gala Chair, Gayle Benson, and to this year’s Hope Sponsor, Fault Resources and Mary Lou Ochsner and the Ochsner family. ✦

Follow Ochsner Health on social media @OchsnerHealth

24 ST. CHARLES AVENUE MARCH 2022

P hi la n t hro p ic E ve n t s

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT Moonlight and Miracles Gala

WHEN Sunday,

benefiting Ochsner Health

November 7, 2021

WHERE Virtual

(Broadcasted on Fox8 and affiliate channels)

1. Warner Thomas, Rene Doucet, Archbishop Aymond, Gayle Benson, Dr. Susan Nelson, Dr. Robert Hart 2. David Bernard, Kelsey Davis, Lori Ochsner, Mark Romig, Mikel Schaefer 3. Warner Thomas, Gayle Benson, Dr. Zoe Larned and David Griffin 4. Scott Ballard, Kristi Ballard, Michelle Dodenhoff, Emily Pirch, Dr. Brian Moore 5. Sir Saint, Ollie and Gumbo 6. Alex Harvie

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23rd Annual CHAIRish the Children benefiting Louisiana Children’s Museum Patrons of play supported LCM’s community-serving mission in an autumn-themed garden party.

➺ By Shelby Simon

The Louisiana Children’s Museum celebrated 35 years of play with their 23rd gala, auction and raffle, which took place in the lush outdoor gardens and interactive landscapes of their City Park home. The courtyard was draped with white catenary lights and Air Star Crystal lights illuminating the outdoor landscapes. The Museum’s atrium glistened with firefly lights in the background. Decorations chairperson Blaire Price chose exquisite floral centerpieces in rich fall colors and foliage placed throughout the lobby, auction gallery in the Julia Street atrium and on courtyard tables to create a warm, elegant ambiance throughout the grounds. Guests enjoyed live music under the stars by John “Papa” Gros. Dickie Brennan & Co., Louisiana Seafood and Rouses Markets provided cuisine for the 300 patrons to enjoy, with highlights including a grilled oyster bar, an extensive charcuterie station featuring exotic cheese and a s’mores station. The patron party specialty drink was a French “35,” a take on the classic French 75, in honor of

LCM celebrating 35 years of play for families in our community. An auction featured more than 100 packages, including a Friend and Company antique diamond and gold ring, beachfront vacations, dining and spirits packages, collectibles, exquisite art, wellness and fitness packages, jewelry and shopping packages. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry also awarded a $4,500 gift certificate/shopping spree to one lucky winner. True to the event namesake, there were nine one-of-a-kind chairs auctioned, including the top winning “Garden Party” chair created by float artist Caroline Thomas and “Whimsically Mechanical” chair by Nathan Author, a third generation set painter from the New Orleans Opera House. Chairs were also donated by NOLA favorite Dr. Bob, Mark Bercier, the 8th grade class at Trinity Episcopal School and others. Jennifer LaCorte Marsiglia and Michael J. Marsiglia served as Event Chairs. The Marsiglia and LaCorte Families served as Presenting Sponsors. ✦

Follow the Louisiana Children's Museum on Facebook and Instagram @LouisianaKids and on YouTube @LAChildrensMuseum

26 ST. CHARLES AVENUE MARCH 2022

P hi la n t hro p ic E ve n t s

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT 23rd Annual CHAIRish the

WHEN Saturday,

Children

November 6, 2021

Children’s Museum

Photographed by Frank Aymami

WHERE Louisiana

1. Joey and Enola Richard 2. Katie LaCorte Teen, Bill and Karen LaCorte, Billy LaCorte 3. Mike Marsiglia, Jennifer and Michael Marsiglia 4. Pierre and Allison Stouse, John Gonzalez and Tricia Weeks 5. Todd and Crystal McDonald, Carrie and Austin Marks 6. Tom Gregory, Julia Bland, Ben Waring

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Judah Touro Society Award Reception benefiting Touro Infirmary Foundation Touro honors its chaplain of more than 35 years, Fr. Doug Brougher, with the 2021 Judah Touro Society Award.

➺ By Shelby Simon

The Judah Touro Society Award is given annually to a community member who has made a significant contribution to the welfare of Touro Infirmary. This year, the award was given to Fr. Doug Brougher, who has served as the Touro chaplain for more than 35 years. Fr. Doug’s dedication to Touro and its patients is reflected in his kind spirit and genuine care for all. The event included past Judah Touro Award Honoree, Joseph Friend, and an invocation by Fr. Doug Doussan, as well as remarks by Touro Hospital CEO Manuel Linares and Touro Infirmary

Foundation Board Chair Dr. Meredith Maxwell. A special video with past honorees, Touro employees, patients and special guests, such as Archbishop Aymond, honored the 2021 Award recipient. The Audubon Tea Room was washed in Touro Pink, representing the fundraising initiative of the event, which was to support Touro’s new Breast Care Center. The Tea Room also provided catering for the event. Decor and floral centerpieces by Harkins the Florist filled the room. New Orleans Classical & Jazz with Harry Hardin provided musical entertainment for the 125 attendees. ✦

Follow the Touro on Facebook @Touro and Instagram @TouroInfirmary

28 ST. CHARLES AVENUE MARCH 2022

P hi la n t hro p ic E ve n t s

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT Judah Touro Society Award

WHEN Thursday,

Reception benefiting Touro Infirmary Foundation

November 11, 2021

Photographed by Jeff Strout,

WHERE Audubon Tea Room

1. Dr. Charles C. and Lynn Smith, Clay Smith, Katy Mallios 2. Dr. Knight Worley, Dr. Meredith Maxwell, Manny Linares 3. Dr. Gary Glynn, Fr. Doug Brougher, Mary Glynn, Dr. Tom Oelsner 4. Dr. Harris Hyman, Margaret Epstein, Dr. Sal Caputto 5. Dr. Jack and Birdie Jacob, Lis and Hugo Kahn 6. Pam Friedler, Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez

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Boys Hope Girls Hope Gala benefiting Boys Hope Girls Hope of Greater New Orleans 350 partygoers graced the New Orleans Botanical Gardens for a daytime fête supporting Boys Hope Girls Hope’s youth.

➺ By Shelby Simon

The Golden Gala, sponsored by Banner Ford Banner Chevrolet, was a fabulous day in the New Orleans Botanical Garden dedicated to honoring the success and longevity of Boys Hope Girls Hope (BHGH). The 41-year-old local nonprofit helps youth from disadvantaged backgrounds rise up and strive for more within a safe, supportive and academic-focused household. The Sunday afternoon event began with the Golden Hour Patron Party where Chef Frank Brigtsen captivated the audience with his live demo of shrimp con queso and chipotle grits. BHGH Program Director, Daniella Portillo, followed with a personal testimony. The hour wrapped up with a beautifully intimate performance by special musical headliner and talented singer-songwriter, Kristin Diable. Refried Confuzion then led the way in true New Orleans style with a Second Line into the main gala experience where partygoers were greeted with a beautiful entry step and repeat by Blooming Wall Nola. Guests roamed amongst shady oaks, blossoming rose beds and lush boxwoods of the Botanical Gardens to find their favorite food, entertainment, raffle items and refreshments.

12 beloved New Orleans restaurants shared a wide array of culinary choices ensuring no one would leave hungry. The lineup included Bonfire Catering, Galatoire’s, Cavan, Caluda’s Cottage Catering and many more. Beverages were provided by Pat O’Briens, Crescent Crown, Sierra Nevada and Southern Glazers. Partygoers were entertained by the enchanting Linda Bubbles and Stephanie Gaffney of Torregrossa Arts capturing the essence of the event in a live painting. David Doucet serenaded the audience under the oaks while Refried Confuzion kept the energy up as attendees cheered for a Saints win in the viewing area. Mateo & Company brought the magic behind the lens with their stunning photography and unique facial recognition feature that allowed guests to receive their favorite snapped moments in an instant. Kristin Diable closed out the gala with a passionate performance at sunset. Chaired by Brittany Whitsell, the event raised funds through sponsorship, ticket sales, raffle packages, Saints football squares and a Fund-the-Need providing direct program support. ✦

Follow Boys Hope Girls Hope of Greater New Orleans on Facebook @BoysHopeGirlsHopeofGreaterNewOrleans, on Instagram @bhghnola and Twitter @BHGH_NOLA 30 ST. CHARLES AVENUE MARCH 2022

P hi la n t hro p ic E ve n t s

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT Boys Hope Girls Hope Gala

WHEN Sunday,

benefiting Boys Hope Girls Hope of Greater New Orleans

November 14, 2021

Botanical Garden

Photographed by Kenny Martinez

WHERE New Orleans

1. Ashley Solomon, Anne Raymond 2. Brittany Whitsell, Sally Duplantier, Kelley Flick Moreau, Cydne Shipley 3. Chris Kenny, Frank Brigtsen, Lynne Burkart, Chuck Roth 4. Janis van Meerveld, Charlie Cerise 5. Kellie and Jason Maurin, Adeleigh Smith 6. Usha and Dr. Warren Borgeois

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SNAPSHOTS

1. Prospect.5 Co-Artistic Director Naima J. Keith poses with artist Eric-Paul Riege and CoArtistic Director Diana Nawi at the Contemporary Arts Center during the Prospect.5 opening reception in October. 2. Prospect Executive Director Nick Stillman, artist Anastasia Pelias, and gallerist Jonathan Ferrara enjoy an evening of art, music, and dancing, at the Prospect.5 opening reception held at the Contemporary Arts Center in October. 3. Prospect artist Keni Anwar, curatorial associate Lucia Olubunmi Momoh, artist Ifátùmínínú Bamgbàlà Arẹ̀ sà, and Alana Harris attend the Prospect.5 opening reception, held at the Contemporary Arts Center in October. Guests were treated to private tours of the CAC’s Prospect.5 exhibits, and a special presentation of Miami-based Barbadian filmmaker and writer Jason Fitzroy Jeffers Foggy Windows’ slow dance party. (Photos by Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee)

4. Patrick McCausland presents a $5,000 donation to Anna 4 Paws – a charity organization that donates K-9 first aid kits to working canines – during Heaven’s Pets 15th anniversary celebration at Lake Lawn Cemetery, commemorating their commitment to providing total pet death care, cremation, bereavement, and memorialization services. 5. Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home funeral directors attend Heaven’s Pets 15th anniversary celebration in October, which was attended by over one hundred pet-lovers to celebrate and honor their beloved companions – both past and present. 6. Reverend Monsignor Andrew Taormina gives Heaven’s Pets annual Blessing of the Pets at their 15th anniversary celebration held at Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery in October.

32 ST. CHARLES AVENUE MARCH 2022

S na p sh ot s

7. Mahlon and Karen Sanford pose with Tammy and Scott Crabtree, Lambeth House CEO, at the organization’s 13th annual Lambeth House Gala, presented by Bellingrath Wealth Management & Employee Benefits, Hancock Whitney, and Ochsner Health in October at the Lambeth House. 8. Lambeth House Foundation Board Chair Holly Abbott, Marietta Stirratt, and Director of the Lambeth House Foundation Anne Honeywell enjoy an evening of fine food, cocktails, and philanthropy at the Lambeth House’s 2021 Gala. 9. Carol and David Pointer share a smile with Lucy King at the 2021 Lambeth House Gala, where guests were treated to cocktails, dinner created by Lambeth House Executive Chef Jaques Saleun, and live and silent auctions curated by Auction Chair Tim Trapolin.

10. Karen DeBlieux, Brian Moscona, Dawn DiRosa, Julie Calhoun, and Jessica Waguespack at the annual Spirit of Stuart Hall Luncheon in October, where DiRosa was honored for her extraordinary contributions of her time and talents for the good of Stuart Hall School for Boys. 11. Julie Calhoun, Brian Moscona, Stacey LaCour, Karen DeBlieux, and Jessica Waguespack celebrate DeBlieux winning one of two Spirit of Stuart Hall awards during a luncheon of the same name, which is held every year to commemorate the hard work put in every year by Stuart Hall mothers. 12. Celie Howard, Marcelle Connick, and Meredith Claiborne attend Stuart Hall School for Boys’ Spirit of Stuart Hall Luncheon in October. The annual event celebrates the school’s mothers' hard work while simultaneously supporting the Nil Nisi Bonum Scholarship Endowment Fund. STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

S o cie t y D e b u t an te S nap shot s

Club Elle A debutante party in honor of Ellie White On December 22, 2021, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bright White invited guests to celebrate their daughter Elinor “Ellie” Pitot White at their Old Metairie home. Special family vacations around the world inspired the theme for the evening – “Club Elle.” Late family members “Jane White, Tita and Popsie” were there in spirit and included in photos of their trips. Guests were greeted with rose champagne and Aperol spritzes as they walked the “pink carpet” with paparazzi. During cocktail hour, an electric violin group in pink gowns played from decorative “trees.” Synchronized swimmers ushered guests from cocktails to the backyard, where they performed twice in the pool. An Annabel’s of London-themed tent off the living room was draped in pink velvet and floral fabric with a floral wall behind a mirrored bar, with Murano glass chandelier. In the main band tent, a nod to Maxim’s in Paris, Art Deco-inspired arches created seating alcoves lined in boxwood hedges and banquette seating. Framed Slim Aaron’s and family travel photos were featured throughout. The pool house was Mediterranean-inspired with rattan chandeliers and tropical wallpaper with palm patterns embellished by Fine Finishes by E. Lee. An ice room, inspired by a club visited in Prague, offered guests “Club Elle” parkas as they entered, where they were met with a martini ice bar and sofas, coffee tables, lamps and art made of ice. Specialty drinks included Moscow mules and peach bellinis. A featured seafood ice bar, passed hors d’oeuvres of escargot, beignet au fromage, maple gold leaf egg shells filled with egg and caviar and much more delicious fare (including a late-night pizza station and F&Ms fries) delighted palates throughout the night. Rhythm Collective lit up the dance floor, followed by Az-Izz, who played late into the night. Guests included Hunter and Lynne White, Kathleen and Terry White, the Paxton and Evans Whites, John and Dathel Georges, Storey and Anne Lyne Charbonnet and Barry and Tina Kern. ✦ Invitation: Angle Events Catering: Joel’s Catering Floral design: Lance Hay Photography: Elizabeth Dondis See more photos of the White family's celebration on StCharlesAvenue.com.

1. Michael Jr., Shelby, Ellie, Virginia and Michael White 2. A Club Elle pink carpet, complete with paparazzi, greeted guests. 3. A magical electric violin group playing amongst the trees. 4. Club Ellie invitation

RSVP

34 ST. CHARLES AVENUE MARCH 2022

C L U B E L L E 2 0 2 1 @ G M A I L .C O M

ATT I R E BLACK TIE OR WHITE DINNER JACKET L A D I E S : S PA R K L E A N D S H I N E

PA R K I NG

S o cie t y D e b u t an te S nap shot s

Come Together A party in honor of debutant Izzy Lane On December 30, 2021, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Merrit Lane III invited friends and family for dinner and dancing at Antoine’s in celebration of their daughter Isabel “Izzy” Susan Lane for a festive Fab Four tribute. The family’s love for the Beatles was reflected throughout with the evening’s theme “Come Together.” A vibrant, pop-art-inspired covered walkway featuring notable Beatles hits welcomed guests, who entered to find themselves among Strawberry Fields. Abby Road markings on the floors and a video backdrop of the Beatles' memorable New Orleans City Park concert delighted all. Urban Earth Studios, along with Pyramid Productions and Elizabeth Kelleher (In Any Event) crafted flowers and props creating different zones with a Yellow Submarine, Strawberry Fields, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Room and an Izzy in the Sky with Diamonds area – as well as a special University of Virginia room with hand-rolled "Coming Together" Cigars. Antoine’s served favorite dishes including shrimp and grits, crabmeat, crawfish cardinal, souffle potatoes, a yellow submarine Baked Alaska, champagne with strawberries and chicken and waffles for late-night fare. Upon arrival, guests were greeted by Ben Toman trumpeting notable Beatles tunes. Next came the sounds of Big Night Dynamite, who entertained for the first few hours. The Future Birds, from Athens, G.A., closed out the main floor (where Izzy was convinced to join the group on stage to sing). The Future Birds ended their performance with a rendition of “Come Together” before Mannie Fresh provided late-night DJ tunes. Revelers included grandparents Susan and Jimmy Gundlach and Nickie Lane, Charlie Heidingsfelder, Mary Lucie and David Lane, Susu and Andrew Stall, Liz and Poco Sloss, Susan and Robert McKay, Katherine and Robbie Saer, Brett and James Lapeyre and John and Boo Kallenborn. ✦

Invitation: Papellerie (Houston) Catering: Antoine’s Floral design: Urban Earth Studios Photography: Norris Gagnet See more photos of the Lane family's celebration on StCharlesAvenue.com.

1. Sarah, Elly, Izzy, Merritt and Caroline Lane 2. A Beatles-themed entrance welcomed guests with tunes from Ben Toman on trumpet. 3. The Future Birds from Athens, G.A. wowed the crowd. 4. Come Together invitation

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S o cie t y D e b u t an te S nap shot s

Girls of a Feather A party in honor of debutants Lady Reynolds, Olivia Brown, Christy Charbonnet, Barret Williams, Adele Reynoir and Julia Nelson. On Thursday, December 23, 2021, six debutantes who have been friends for years celebrated together at a party hosted by their parents at The Civic Theatre, New Orleans’ oldest theater. The theme, “Girls of a Feather,” focused on the flock’s lasting friendships with a spotlight on New Orleans art, music and entertainment, as all parents hosting felt strongly about supporting local talent due to hardships experienced during the pandemic. The hosts included Mr. Todd D. Reynolds and Dr. and Mrs. John Carradine for Lady, Mr. and Mrs. Scott J. Brown for Olivia, Mr. and Mrs. Sid Charbonnet for Christy, Dr. and Mrs. Claude Williams for Barret, Mrs. Vance Reynoir for Adele, and Mr. Murray Nelson and Mrs. Ashley K. Nelson for Julia. The evening’s decor played off of the elegant invitation with hues of gold, white and Tiffany Blue throughout. Illuminated feather towers in addition to orchids, hydrangeas, palms and peacock feathers were intertwined in bird cages adding to the avian theme. A signature Art Deco chandelier was lowered above the large round illuminated bar at the center of the party. Attendees were greeted by feathered fan dancers and aerial acrobat performers suspended on silks pouring champagne, arranged by Carl Mack Presents. 12 Seasons Catering & Events delighted palates with an array of delicious fare in addition to a signature “Bluebird Martini.” Opening entertainment wafted from above as T-Ray the Violinist performed from the opera balcony. The Phunky Monkeys then lit up the stage as guests danced the night away. Additional guests included, Holly and Guy Perrier, Lisa and Douglas Mills, Edie and David Darragh, Gwathmey and Fritz Gomila, Virginia and John Rowan, Michele Reynoir and Kevin Clifford, Mrs. Mark Edwards and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Conway. ✦

Invitation: Betty Hunley Designs Catering: 12 Seasons Catering & Events Floral design: Herbivore Floral Designs Photography: Jessica Bachmann

1. Todd Reynolds, Lady Reynolds, Rayne Carradine, Dr. John Carradine 2. Sid, Mary Lucy, Christy, Sidney and Boo Charbonnet 3. Scott, Olivia, Lynn and Alex Brown 4. Dr. Claude, Charlotte, Barret, Kate and Laurie Williams 5. Jacques, Pam, Adele and Will Reynoir 6. Ashley, Julia and Murray Nelson

36 ST. CHARLES AVENUE MARCH 2022

STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

Let’s Do

B Y J YL B E NSON Gris Gris' Go with the Flo—crispy oysters, creamed spinach, fried eggs and Hollandaise Photo by Randy Schmidt

Brunch STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

The Big Red Hammer Bloody Mary from La Petite Grocery Photo by Denny Culbert

40 ST. CHARLES AVENUE MARCH 2022

f everybody’s working for the weekend, then brunch is our reward. The scene at New Orleans’ restaurants suggests that brunch is a meal best served with festive libations and consumed between peals of laughter. It was 1955 when the Brennan family opened Brennan’s Restaurant, a temple of French-Creole cuisine on Royal Street in the French Quarter. When Frances Parkinson Keyes’s bestselling book, "Dinner at Antoine’s," was generating business for the joint around the corner, the Brennans conceived the idea of ‘Breakfast at Brennan’s,’ ultimately leading the restaurant to serve more wine at breakfast than dinner. That was 75 years ago, and the tradition continues under Executive Chef Ryan Hacker. Favorite selections include Omelette a la Creole with shrimp, Manchego gremolata and Creole sauce, Gulf Fish Amandine, Classic Steak Diane and Bananas Foster flambeé. Just a short walk away Tujague’s, the city’s second oldest restaurant continues to serve up traditional New Orleans cuisine with robust flavors. Brunch is offered Friday-Sunday. Standouts include charbroiled oysters, hot honey chicken biscuit, shrimp and grits, Parmesan stone ground grits with andouille, roasted peppers, jumbo head-on shrimp, and New Orleans-style BBQ sauce. Beverage specials include $18 bottomless mimosas, $4 Guilhem Rosé, $4 Tujague’s private label sparkling, $5 Grey Goose or New Amsterdam martinis. After many years of working restaurant kitchens Chefs Amarys and Jordan Herndon opened Palm & Pine in 2019 as a laid-back destination for fine dining in the French Quarter. The Sunday brunch menu changes constantly, but mainstays include Hot Sausage Carimanolas, Tuna Tostadas, and Texas Wagyu and Eggs. Kimberly Patton-Bragg oversees the action at the bar, so the cocktails are top notch too. Everything about Saint John on lower Decatur Street stands out—the art, the stained glass, and a menu that explores 18th century Creole cuisine with complex dishes one might have found on Maw Maw’s Sunday dinner table. Saturday and Sunday brunch brings flights of fruit juices for pairing with bubbly for customized Mimosas. Standouts include crispy Oysters Sardou, Creole Eggs in Purgatory— eggs baked in a spicy Creole sauce with grilled andouille sausage, and Lost Bread made with a brandy milk punch custard.

Warm, inviting, and reminiscent of Provence, The Elysian Bar at the Hotel Peter & Paul in the Marigny offers brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Chef Jonathan Klaskala’s menu is limited but lovely. Look for buttermilk biscuits served with cultured butter, poached farm eggs and stoneground grits, Roasted Gulf Shrimp with Calabrian Chili Butter, and Bottarga Breadcrumbs. Everything pairs well with coffee drinks featuring Congregation Coffee. With $15 bottomless Mimosas, Toups’ Meatery, Chef Isaac Toups’ Mid-City flagship, is a brunch hotspot on Saturdays and Sundays. Favorites include Louisiana shrimp fried rice made with crab fat and ham, coffee cake with caramel, coffee sauce, and candied bacon, and seared foie gras with buttermilk sourdough biscuits, Red Eye gravy, and crispy onions. A lush hanging garden complete with fragrant wisteria vines and deep banquet seating separates the intimate outdoor dining space at Copper Vine from the bustle of Poydras Street. There are thirty wines on tap at the historic bar and Chef Amy Mehrten’s Saturday and Sunday brunch brings bottomless Mimosas for $25 per person to pair with standouts like Cornflake-Fried Chicken and Waffles with rosemary gravy, Apple Fritter French Toast made with rich Saint-Andre cheese, and Jumbo Lump Crab Benny made with a herb cheddar biscuit, whipped crab fat, and a tomato-sherry Hollandaise. As bright and showy as its name implies, The Peacock Room is a study in maximalism. Lush foliage, vivid colors and patterns, and rich textures co-mingle under a gold coffered ceiling to create a sexy vibe. Executive Chef Chris Lusk rolled out an expanded Saturday and Sunday brunch menu with the start of the new year. The menu features many specialty dishes and cocktails that are not available during the week. The Peacock Tower features deviled eggs, lobster toast, salt and pepper shrimp with vinegar, and pimento cheese and crostini. The C&A Benedict starts with a layer of crab-avocado toast topped with a poached egg and drizzled over with gochujang. Jordan Deis heads up the bar program and keeps things interesting with creations like High Tea Punch for two, a shareable bourbon punch that changes weekly and is served in a lovely tea set that seems just right in this luxe, slightly kooky (in the best way), environment.

STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

The recently opened Birdy’s Behind the Bower serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Favorites include Birdy’s boards, such as the brunch board—donut, granola, slab bacon, hot coppa, bubble waffle, fruit, seasonal jam, mini cookies, mini pancakes, house syrup, triple cream cheese, and soft-boiled eggs, a pastry board loaded with goodies, and a biscuit board. If people watching and a long hang with friends on a beautiful day is your jam, hustle over to Gris Gris, where brunch is served Friday-Sunday. Chef Eric Cook opened his hot spot restaurant in the triangular-shaped building at Magazine and Felicity in 2018. It’s a sweet spot for sure, but the real estate came with the rare, tantalizing bonus of covered outdoor seating downstairs as well as up on the deep, graceful, climate-controlled second floor balcony, which affords views of the most interesting block in the Lower Garden District. For brunch cocktails are available

42 ST. CHARLES AVENUE MARCH 2022

Tujague's

individually and Shrimp & Grits by the carafe to accompany goodness like fried chicken thighs and scrambled eggs, cream biscuits and gravy, Go with the Flo—crispy oysters, creamed spinach, fried eggs and Hollandaise, and Blueberry Bourbon Pain Perdu. It was in the early 1970s while visiting England that Dick Brennan Sr. was struck with the idea to invite a lively jazz trio to play for the post-church crowd that visited then fledgling Commander’s Palace. Restaurateur Ti Adelaide Martin remembers the day. “He made a transatlantic call—a big deal in those days— to mom (Ella Brennan),” Martin said. “I think the key was how they implemented it— without a stage but with the band wandering about. They recruited us kids to hand out flyers in the Quarter about the first jazz brunch. It was an instant success.”

In bringing together the New Orleans trifecta—booze, food and music—the Brennan family created a new genre in New Orleans dining where it was perfectly acceptable to party hardy on Sunday morning a la Saturday night then return home for a nap. The winning formula has been replicated by many and evolved by others as the Commander’s Palace original continues to thrive on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Today, the thrill of brunch continues at Commander’s Palace under the guidance of Chef Meg Bickford. Her exuberance is catching, and one could drool as she contemplates favorite dishes. “The fan favorite for sure is the Eggs Cochon de Lait,” Bickford said. “It’s Crystal hot sauce-and-garlic-rubbed-18hour smoked pork that’s gently pulled over hot buttermilk biscuits, with a caramelized onion and mushroom fricassee, topped with two soft poached eggs and

Hollandaise studded with smoked tasso. If that doesn’t make your mouth water, I don’t know what will!” “Then there’s the Land, Sea, and Air Tartine: It’s house-made buttery brioche toast, salty, smokey, whiskey drenched salmon, egg yolk, bacon, cheese and, need I say more? This dish is such a crave-able and satisfying brunch dish!” With an elegant interior and sidewalk seating wrapping the corner of Magazine and General Pershing streets, Le Petite Grocery affords plenty of people watching on a bustling block with interesting shops. Sunday brunch standouts—the Hot Iron Buttermilk Waffle, Country Fried Pork Loin with buttermilk biscuits & gravy, and Gulf Shrimp & Grits with charred corn, shitake mushrooms and tasso. From the bar, the Big Red Hammer is a meal in itself: House-made Bloody Mary mix, Tito’s vodka, poached shrimp, blue crab, and house-pickled

vegetables. This drink comes with a fork. Further Uptown, Chef Sophina Uong and husband/partner William Greenwell turned a ho-hum former corner store into a tropical roadhouse before opening in late July 2021. Mister Mao has become a go-to spot for “inauthentic” global cuisine from Uong and killer craft cocktails from Greenwell. Sunday brunch recently launched with an array of creative options, which will change frequently. Standout signature items include Kashmiri Hot Chicken Benedict, jelly doughnuts with orange flower water and cardamom sugar, Chicken Tinga Chilaquiles, and Thai Shrimp Cake with eggs, mustard greens, curry, and hot ass fish sauce vinaigrette. There is always a substantial selection of gluten-free offerings. Signature cocktails include the Hellfire Mary – Tabasco vodka, tomato juice, and sumac pickle. If you are in the mood for a Sunday

Brennan's delightful

drive, head to courtyard Photo by Chris Granger Madisonville. Chef Michael Gottlieb brought world class cuisine to the small historic town when he opened Tchefuncte’s in 2020 following a long and distinguished career that includes a 2016 James Beard Award for Creative Excellence. Overlooking its gorgeous namesake river, Tchefuncte’s has both indoor and outdoor seating for Sunday brunch. Menu highlights include Lobster Sardou, Duck Confit Popovers, Soft Shell Crab Benedict, Crab Cake Benedict, and anything involving the house-cured ham. All the restaurant’s breads —including the English muffins—are made in-house and the chef, enthusiastic for wild ingredients, incorporates the bounty from his Northshore forages into his menu as much as possible. One never knows what surprises will appear. There are far worse—and few finer—ways to usher in a new week.

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Birdy’s Behind the Bower, 1320 Magazine St., 504-302-2992, birdysnola.com Brennan’s, 417 Royal St., 504-5259711, brennansneworleans.com Commander’s Palace, 1403 Washington Ave, 504-899-8221, commanderspalace.com Copper Vine, 1001 Poydras St., 504208-9535, coppervine.com Gris Gris, 1800 Magazine St., 504272-0241, grisgrisnola.com Le Petite Grocery, 4238 Magazine St., 504-891-3377, lepetitegrocery.com Mister Mao, 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., (entrance on Jena St.), 504-345-2056, mistermaonola.com. Palm & Pine, 308 N Rampart St., 504814-6200, palmandpinenola.com

Peacock Room (in the Hotel Fontenot), 501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504324-3073, peacockroomnola.com Saint John, 1117 Decatur St., 504-5818120, saintjohnnola.com Photos clockwise from top Brunch at The Peacock Room, Mister Mao Brunch Spread Photo by Paprika Studios Tchefuncte's Assorted Cocktails, Gris Gris' Blueberry Bourbon Pain Perdu Photo by Randy Schmidt

The Elysian Bar, 2317 Burgundy St., 504-356-6769, theelysianbar.com Tchefuncte’s, 407 St. Tammany St., Madisonville, 985-323-4800, tchefunctes.com Toups’ Meatery, 845 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-252-4999, toupsmeatery. com Tujague’s, 429 Decatur St., 504-5258676, tujaguesrestaurant.com

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TIPS BIG AND SMALL TO MAKE YOUR LIVING SPACES FEEL LUXURIOUS By Kelcy Wilburn

Hand-crafted pillows from Rebecca Vizard, antique textile pillow designer and owner of B. Viz Design, bvizdesign.com.

he word “luxury” gets a lot of use in the hotel and auto industries, so it’s no wonder it conjures silky-smooth bedding, plush robes, sparkling champagne, and a day at the spa for some or, for others, high-end leather interiors, impeccable audio, and a supremely quiet engine that can accelerate or stop on a dime. While these industries hope you’ll chase luxury outside the home, there’s really no reason you can’t achieve luxury within your own confines. Home should be your place of respite, and with a few tips big and small, you can enjoy added comfort and lavishness to create an escape that doesn’t involve, well, escaping. What exactly is luxury, anyway? For Nicole Ruppel Jones, interior designer at Legend Interiors, luxury living is a combination of elegance and taking your need and elevating it to a want. I need a floor, but I want an amethyst border inlaid in French white oak. I need a kitchen island. I want a quartzite countertop waterfall on either side. Everyone needs a towel after a bath. Why not a plush, warm, personalized towel? For Jones, even something as small as a floral arrangement on the breakfast table can add elegance by delighting your senses. For Designer Tara Shaw, luxury living means combining comfort and extravagance, and having a home “that is comfortable, suits your lifestyle, and cocoons you with items that are meaningful to you.” Defining what items and moods are meaningful to you is a great first step in increasing your home’s luxury appeal.

PHOTO COURTESY OF Z EVENT COMPANY OPPOSITE PAGE: RING FROM BOUDREAUX'S JEWELERS STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

Not merely relegated to your finishes or furnishings, luxury can emanate from a scented candle that helps you relax or a single-serve espresso machine that inspires your first joyful sigh as you rise for the day. From the art on your walls to the soap in your shower, items that intrigue and engage your senses can heighten your enjoyment of your living spaces and your time within them. For the bedroom, Shaw recommends creating a bed with bedding so appealing to you visually and sensually that it becomes your safe haven after a long day. Chad Graci, owner and lead designer of Graci Interiors, agrees, stressing the need for quality. “Quality items that last and stand the test of time and trends are a must for luxury living,” he says. “Invest in quality bedding and pillows—it makes a huge impact on comfort, style, look and longevity.” Investing in quality fabrics is one of the most recommended ways to add luxury. According to Graci, nothing says luxury like a 100% silk rug with a subtle sheen and unparalleled comfort underfoot. Other designer recommendations include velvet throw pillows for changing the vibe of a room or adding a silk or silk and cashmere jacquard throw to a living room couch or bedroom chaise. “But even better,” says Grace Kaynor, owner of Grace Kaynor Designs, “add an alpaca throw with a creative finish such as tassels. Alpaca is gathered in a very safe and environmentally friendly process, and unlike cashmere, it doesn’t pill.” According to Kaynor, beautiful fabrics are luxury defined. Natural and organic fibers, silk, alpaca, cashmere, wool, cotton, and handwoven and hand-embroidered fabrics—especially in deep saturated hues—add a touch of luxury to any application. Hand-crafted is a term that comes up often in combination with luxury, and according to Rebecca Vizard, owner and antique textile pillow designer for B. Viz Design, items that are slowly and

Photos cockwise from Left

purposely created—whether food, clothing, or other products— will add luxury to your surroundings. There is an obvious uniqueness imbued in an item lovingly made over hours and hours that you won’t find in mass-produced and manufactured goods. “Especially the metallic embroideries, which are removed from distressed textiles by carefully cutting around the antique hand stitching and then precisely measured and re-stitched to a sturdier fabric,” says Vizard. “We had one pillow take 66 hours of hand work.” At B. Viz, even the candles come in hand-thrown terra cotta pots. Similarly, at Sotre, Grace Kaynor can’t get enough of the Baobab candle collection, which uses blended French perfumes that are hand-poured into hand-blown, hand-painted vessels. Marian

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Chad Graci suggests adding luxury to a room with velvet or silk throw pillows and other quality fabrics, graciinteriors.com. Photo by Sara Essex Bradley Kitchen (far left) and living room (above) designed by Tara Shaw, tarashaw.com.

DeMeyers of Marian DeMeyers Designs also frequently uses handmade objects or objects of interest in her work, from vintage ashtrays and light fixtures to horns or hand-thrown pottery. Lighting also factors into your luxury. Putting dimmers on light switches is a fairly easy update that—on or off of a remote—will improve the ambiance of a room. “Picture lights and directional lighting highlighting art or sculpture are easy things to add to your home,” adds DeMeyers. Additionally, antique lighting elements can increase the wow factor in rooms like kitchens and dining rooms. Not skimping on lamps and lampshades can make a room, as each lamp showcases its own personality while adding ambiance. “Most people go small and safe with the table lamps in their homes,” says Maria Barcelona, owner of Maria Barcelona Interiors. “I love a large lamp that makes a statement and commands attention.” Other small, simple ways to add luxury to your living spaces include a few room-specific tips. For example, in the dining room, use your fine china. “Too many people wait for a special occasion to pull it out,” says Chad Graci. “Make every meal an occasion and entertain on a family level. Ditch the paper plates.” Along with the china, use nice glasses, says Rebecca Vizard. “Even a glass of lemon water can feel special in a nice glass.” To add luxury to a powder room, Maria Barcelona recommends wallpaper for adding drama and sophistication. Tara Shaw echoes this idea and adds that an unexpected sink, mirror, or sconces will make you and your guests experience something out of the ordinary in this typically small space. Powder rooms are also perfect places for those candles that waft your favorite scent. For larger-scale design improvements that add luxury, the sky’s the limit. From adding and renovating all new spaces to specially

Kitchen designed by Legend Interiors, legendinteriors inc.com. Sitting room designed by Chad Graci Photo by Greg Miles

designing “smart” homes, luxury comes in all manner of bells and whistles. With today’s technological advances, luxury can mean pressing a button and having your work done for you. Remote-controlled blinds and curtains allow you to close and open your window treatments from your bed or couch, and a warming drawer in the bathroom will afford you the ultimate luxury of a warm towel after a lavish bath. Grace Kaynor calls a full bathroom renovation “the ultimate luxury.” Spa-like bathrooms can create an oasis for relaxation with wet rooms, steam showers, large soaking tubs, infrared saunas, warming drawers, heated floors, and dedicated vanities all making the list of top bathroom renovation wants.

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Marian DeMeyers Designs

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“A master bath makeover is a wonderful way to invest in your home and your well-being at the same time,” says Maria Barcelona. Rethinking space in the home to add room for a “want” is another way to add luxury, and Barcelona recently helped a client realize one of her dreams for her home—a small, dedicated space for working out, just enough room for a Peloton and Mirror smart gym. “We rearranged the current closet spaces and found just the right square footage,” says Barcelona. “We mirrored one wall, added a small TV, and painted a funky mural on another wall, and ‘ta-da!’ The cutest pocket gym was born.” According to Marian DeMeyers, building a custom bar out of underutilized space is another way to add luxury. Bars are a great way to create drama and display special pieces that might otherwise be stowed behind closed doors. “Bars really sparkle whether you are entertaining or not,” she says. DeMeyers recently completed a project where she rethought the possibilities of an unused outdoor porch and created better party flow and access for the home’s dining room, breakfast room, and pool. “Many times, an unused closet, a cabinet, or porch in your home can be converted to create a mini mudroom, bar, powder room, or coffee/toaster cabinet depending on the size and location,” says DeMeyers. Bars are another place where one can invest in luxury bells and whistles, and Rebecca Vizard likes to design her bars with two ice makers, “One with large cubes for cocktails like Old Fashioneds or scotch, and one with ‘sonic ice’ for others, especially Mint Juleps during the Kentucky Derby,” she says. In the kitchen, Nicole Ruppel Jones’ tips for useful gadgets include hidden under-cabinet USB and outlet strips to eliminate outlets from sight on the backsplash. A large-scale luxury addition might include an expansive 60-inch galley workstation kitchen sink with mobile levels of cutting boards, wash stations, a condiment station, utensil caddy and more. Whether it’s modifications to the home, additions of high-tech conveniences, or simply adding a sumptuous throw over the back of a chair to evoke coziness, keep in mind that the greatest luxuries for you are the ones that stimulate your senses, bring joy, and create comfort. Take advantage of these tips, and that five-star hotel or high-powered sedan will be mere blips on your luxury radar.

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C e le b rat io n H ow to H os t

An Effortless Early Spring Brunch Whether sending off weekend guests with a bit of festivity or welcoming others anew, a brunch gathering is an easy one when set against New Orleans’ beautiful, blooming early spring backdrop. By Jyl Benson

Two New Orleans Women-Owned Businesses Bring the Power to the Bart Cart Commander’s Palace cocktail mavens, Ti Adelaide Martin and Lally Brennan, have joined forces with Christa Cotton, CEO of El Guapo Bitters to create a line of cocktail mixers that make entertaining a breeze— just combine one part mixer with one part alcohol, shake and serve. The 8-ounce mixers are available locally at Le Petit Bleu (Commander’s Palace’s to-go market next door to the restaurant) or nationwide, and can be purchased individually or as a set online at commanderspalace.com. The flavors—all non-GMO, gluten free, responsibly sourced, and made with no added sugar—include Original Lime Daiquiri, Tequila Mockingbird #2, Papa Doble and the Adelaide Swizzle. Le Petit Bleu also carries whole pecan pies, Creole cream cheesecakes, quarts of Turtle Soup and Gumbo, and daily menu specials from Commander’s Palace. Le Petite Bleu, 1423 Washington Ave., 504-899-8221, commanderspalace.com/to-go

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Add Festive Sparkle and Subtle Color with Iridescent Glassware Classic shapes, luminous rainbow iridescent inflected surfaces, and luxurious gold halo rims are hallmarks of Beatriz Ball’s new Mother of Pearl glassware collection. Special enough for haute entertaining, enduring enough to bring a touch of luxury to the everyday. Beatriz Ball, 504-366-1661, beatrizball.com

Timeless Heirloom Linens

Make the Table Founded in New Orleans in 1996 by Jane Scott Hodges, Leontine Linens is the arbiter of the contemporary linen trousseau. A table dressed in custom, handcrafted, monogrammed linens sets the stage for a memorable event no matter what you are serving. Such linens are an investment in your home, one worthy of passing to future generations to share the stories they hold. Leontine Linens, 3806 Magazine St #3, 504-8997833, leontinelinens.com

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C e le b rat io n W i t h T hi s Rin g

Waltemath-Wall By Megan Holt

When Christopher Baron Wall planned his proposal to Kelly Kristine Waltemath in October 2020, he knew how important her family and their second home in Florida were to her. Therefore, it seemed only natural to lure her onto the family’s yacht in Sandestin by telling her that he had been roped in to being the photographer for the Waltemath Christmas card. The next thing Kelly knew, Chris was down on one knee! She joyfully said yes and soon after began wedding planning. When she thought about her vision for the big day, Kelly saw an outdoor ceremony in Watercolor, Florida. She envisioned flowers everywhere, a champagne wall, and their families dancing with their closest friends. Kelly and Chris knew they wanted two priests very dear to them, Doctor Father Joseph Michael Krafft and Reverend Terry Hayden, to marry them. The priests agreed to marry the couple according to Catholic doctrine indoors in a church, and later to celebrate an outdoor ceremony. The church teaching and COVID combined to make it possible for Chris and Kelly to have two weddings. The first took place on August 7, 2021, at Notre Dame Seminary Chapel in New Orleans, which was turned into an exquisite pink floral wonderland. Only seventeen people were present, though Kelly knew that others were there in spirit. She wore three lockets, each one in memory of a special

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woman who had guided her. She wore them again during the second ceremony in Watercolor on October 23, 2021, which was everything she envisioned. Kelly walked down the aisle at Cerulean Park surrounded by stunning white fresh flower arrangements everywhere she looked. Fathers Krafft and Hayden pronounced Chris and Kelly husband and wife under a beautiful blue sky. The celebration continued at the Watercolor Lakehouse, where the main attraction was a Veuve Clicquot Rose feature wall. When guests walked into the reception, they immediately saw a wall with greenery, abundant flowers, and a neon sign that said “I Veuve,” surrounded by elegant decorations and hundreds of glasses of Veuve Rose. A balloon display with a light up “W” for Wall contributed a festive touch, while the white twinkle lights and sheer fabric that adorned the ceiling with two large hanging installs of greenery and florals created a dreamlike atmosphere. As the newlyweds officially kicked off the party with their first dance to “Speechless” by Dan & Shay, guests were wowed by the huge ten-foot sparklers that lit up! After an evening filled with dancing, their grand exit was equally fantastic. Guests walked past a “treat hallway,” where they received a custom candle with monogrammed matches, a chocolate sand dollar, and a KC chocolate

bar made in Paris. Chris and Kelly hopped onto a golf cart decorated with balloons as sparklers went off and guests waved goodbye with shakers. After a honeymoon in St. Lucia,

they returned to New Orleans, where Kelly runs The Kelly Waltemath Group real estate team and Chris is a Construction Manager/Lead Estimator at Crowley Holdings. ✦

See more from this wedding on StCharlesAvenue.com.

Wedding Dinner: (New Orleans) Corrie Pellerin, Something Pretty Rehearsal Dinner: (Watercolor) David Kessler, Café 30A Reception Décor: Sally Lacourse, Florals By The Sea; H&M Event Rentals; Mingle 30A Coordinator: Kristi Purvis with Kiss the Bride Weddings (Watercolor) Ceremony Décor: Stephen Sonnier of Dunn and Sonnier (New Orleans); Sally Lacourse, Florals by the Sea (Watercolor) Wedding Gown: Martina Liana Luxe Gown, Town & Country (New Orleans) Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Sorella Vita, Town & Country (New Orleans) Groom’s Attire: Black tux with white bow tie, John’s Tuxedo (Metairie) Groomsmen attire: Black tux with black bow tie, John’s Tuxedo Engagement Ring: Family diamond ring Groom’s Wedding Band: Diamonds Direct (Metairie) Favor: Heidi LoCicero, Frillseekers Gifts (Watercolor); Beth Harris, Relish (New Orleans) Invitation: Diane Holdsambeck, My Lady Dye (invitation); Heidi LoCicero, Frillseekers Gifts (save the date) Caterer: Cheryl Walton, WaterColor Inn & Resort Wedding Cake: La Louisianne Bakery (New Orleans); Heidi McAnulla, Bake My Day (Watercolor) Groom’s Cake: La Louisianne Bakery (New Orleans) Photographer: Greer Gattuso (New Orleans); Dear Wesleyann Photography (Watercolor) Videographer: Sixpence Studios (Watercolor); Dustin Wheeler Bride Film (New Orleans) Hair: Destin Mobile Makeup Box + Maritza Valle from Hair Loft Studio New Orleans Makeup: Shannon Gauthier (New Orleans); Brittany Sigler & Allison Viviano with Destin Mobile Makeup Box (Watercolor) Music: Az-Izz Band through Music Garden Bands

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C e le b rat io n Lo o k in g B ack

Buzzing About New Orleans’ Oldest Carnival Marching Club By Seale Paterson

Founded in the late 1880s, the Jefferson City Buzzards are the oldest Carnival marching club in New Orleans. The allmale club was founded by brothers Lee, Sidney, and Wilbur Simpson along with William Markel. As a loosely formed group of merrymakers guided only by their rules of mirth and pleasure, they called themselves the Muddy Graws until they officially received their charter in 1890 and became the more organized but still fun-loving Jefferson City Buzzards. Over the years, the Buzzards have hosted many social events that did double-duty as fundraisers for the club and outside charities. In the earliest decades, they held annual trolley rides, picnics and masquerade balls. Once their clubhouse, The Roost, was built on Annunciation Street in 1907, they hosted countless dances and banquets. Through the 1920s-30s, euchre and lotto parties at the clubhouse and moonlight cruise dances on steamboats were

all the rage. The 1950s-60s brought dances back to the clubhouse. In 1961, they opened up Friday nights as a teenage nightclub, serving soda and live music to the underage crowd. But what they are really known for are their Mardi Gras marches, full of music and humor, which has made them one of the most popular features of Carnival. Beginning with their first parade appearance, they started out early

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Uptown, accompanied by jazz and brass bands, and paraded along their meandering path, stopping for (mostly liquid) refreshments at neighborhood bars, timing their arrival at St. Charles and Louisiana Aves. before the arrival of Rex. They would lead Rex down to the business district and then work their way home. While a few significant improvements have occurred, not much has

changed for the Buzzards in the last 132 years. They still follow the same general route on Mardi Gras, but now they rely on chartered buses to get them home at the end of the parade instead of drudging home by foot. While they no longer have their own brass band and drum corps like they did in the 1900s, they still bring music and humor to their march, and are still beloved by the crowds. ✦

The Jefferson City Buzzards with retired NOPD Superintendent Henry M. Morris and his wife, circa 1990. The club is known for handing out beads and doubloons during their marches and will exchange paper flowers (as seen here) for kisses. According to newspaper reports, there have been some deviations from the norm: in 1954 a member threw out live chickens from a sack tossed over his shoulder, and in 1964, a few onlookers received baby alligators. See what you can catch on Mardi Gras or during the St. Patrick’s Day parades. Image provided courtesy of the City Archives and Special Collections, New Orleans Public Library.

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Contents

Spring 2022

3 Letters from the President and Editor 4 Sustainer of the Year

LAGNIAPPE STAFF Editor and Communications Council Director: Ashley Millet

6 League Talks Q & A

Assistant Editor: Michelle Michler

8 Stopping Traffic: The Movement to End Sex-Trafficking

Photography Editor: Katherine Crawford Andrews Writers: Katherine Crawford Andrews, Lacy McManus

On the Cover

JLNO BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Shannon Brice President Elect: Holly Paczak

Sustainer of the Year Laura Shields Photo by Delana Lynn Photography

Secretary: Elizabeth Hubbard Treasurer: Nene Gianfala Assistant Treasurer: Nancy Kirkeby Business Council Director: Emily Liuzza Communications Council Director: Ashley Millet Community Council Director: Alyse Mouledoux Membership Council Director: Kimberly Allen Planning & Development Council Director: Ashley Llewellyn Ways & Means Council Director: Susan Kliebert Nominating Committee Chair: Ty Salvant Sustaining Advisor to the Board: Katherine Raymond, PhD

PUBLISHER STAFF

WE FELLOWSHIP PITCH COMPETITION April 5, 2022 Location: TBD

RUN, WALK, GIVE

Production Manager: Rosa Balaguer Production Designer: Meghan Rooney Chief Executive Officer: Todd Matherne

TOUCH A TRUCK April 23, 2022 Location: TBD

April 16, 2022 Location: TBD

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Art Director: Ali Sullivan

| jlno.org

Letter from the President

elcome to the Spring issue of Lagniappe. Spring is a time for renewal and growth. It is also in the Spring when Junior League of New Orleans honors our Sustainer of the Year. This once-a-year award is the highest honor given by the league. And it is with the utmost excitement that we announce the 2022 Junior League of New Orleans Sustainer of the Year Laura Shields. The Sustainer of the Year award is based upon a lifelong commitment to volunteer service in the community. Laura Shields exemplifies and embodies JLNOs mission to promote volunteerism, develop the potential of women, and improve communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. As you will read, this year’s recipient made a tremendous impact by giving her time and talents to many organizations in the New Orleans area. We are extremely proud of the impact our members make in the community. This impact is seen through our programs such as our partnership with the Abolish movement, WE fellowship and through member experiences shared in the article League Talks. I want to thank the 2021-2022 Board of Directors for all your hard work and dedication. You have led with grace. We have grown together professionally and personally. It is one of my greatest honors that I have had the pleasure of working and learning from each one of you. Lastly, I thank you for your support of JLNO as we continue our legacy of Women Leading for a Greater New Orleans. #makingadifference Thank you,

Photo by: Jessica Bachmann

Shannon Brice, 2022 President

Letter from the Editor

oday marks the first day of women's history month and I am very excited to introduce our readers to the Junior League of New Orleans 2022 Sustainer of the Year Laura Shields. As you will read in our feature article she comes from a long line of not only Junior League of New Orleans members, but also Sustainer of the Year recipients! This honor is a testament to her dedication to JLNO, the community, and family values. Speaking of women's history month, we recognize the efforts of all of the amazing women that have broken barriers, pushed forward to advance our lives, and spoken up for those unable to. Although it may seem difficult to feel like we are making a historical difference in the lives of those around us at the moment, I feel it is important to pause and reflect. As an educator and mother it is sometimes difficult to recognize the long term impact of our day to day actions. The students that I taught years ago that came to me unable to read and some not yet able to communicate are now in high school thriving with the foundational skills learned in Kindergarten. Our collective efforts may not be on the news, but they are life changing for sure. From signing up for a volunteer shift at the JLNO diaper bank to supporting fundraising efforts that further the reach of advancing the wellbeing of women. When women are supported in the community, we all benefit! In this issue we feature a Q & A of ways members can stay active and connected to the league during the age of Zoom. Our membership has a variety of comfort levels and JLNO is happy to provide opportunities for members to participate in person as well as virtually to accommodate the varying needs of our members. For those members who feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or at a standstill, take this as your opportunity to take small steps to reconnect to the league, invest in your community, and lean on your fellow JLNO member. No one person can do the work alone, but if we all work together doing what we can, when we can, in the capacity that we have then we can make large historical impacts. By supporting women, JLNO elevates the entire local community.

Photo by: Delana Lynn Photography

Ashley Millet, 2022 Lagniappe Editor

JLNO Lagniappe Spring 2022 | jlno.org

Sustainer of the Year 2022 Laura Shields by Lacy McManus | Delana Lynn Photography

or Laura Shields, engaging in the New Orleans community and the Junior League of New Orleans have come naturally. “I grew up in a Junior League household,” says Laura, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) 2022 Sustainer of the Year. “Volunteerism definitely runs in my family.” As a New Orleans native, Laura followed in her mother's and sister's footsteps when diving into JLNO. It is also fitting that she follows both in receiving the Sustainer of the Year award: her mother, Helen Martin Shaw, was honored in 1972 when Laura was a

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| jlno.org

senior in high school, and her sister—former JLNO President Betsy Shaw Nalty—held the title in 1999. Sharing the title of Sustainer of the Year with her younger sister comes as no surprise to Betsy, who says, “Laura’s commitment to voluntarism personifies the mission of the Junior League!” While Laura is proud to continue this impressive family legacy, her Junior League journey has been her own. When Laura joined the League, she was a full time Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and was pregnant with her son. At the time, JLNO lacked much of its current

flexibility for working women. Laura still rose to the occasion, completing all of her provisional requirements at the thrift shop without the benefit of evening shifts. She also quickly discovered a way to marry her profession with her community service, serving as the Treasurer for the Thrift Shop and before spending two years on the JLNO Board as Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer. When reflecting on her time in the League, it is her tenure on the Board that Laura says impacted her the most. “Serving on exec was probably one of the most rewarding experiences,” she says. Given her two year commitment in the treasurer role, she had the opportunity to see firsthand the leadership styles of two different JLNO Presidents and to hone lifelong skills: “The Junior League is such an incredible training ground,” Laura recalls. In addition to facilitating meetings, negotiating group dynamics and mastering the art of compromises, Laura also leveraged her board experience to conquer a fear of public speaking. “I was terrified of public speeches—my knees would shake,” Laura says. “I remember at Junior League, I’d have to get up and give presentations on budgets and things like that.” Laura’s Junior League trainings were only some of the benefits she gleaned from her time in the League. As Laura says, “The other thing about the Junior League was opening my eyes to the needs in the New Orleans community.” Laura was able to replicate the same combination of professional expertise and community passion by serving as treasurer on a host of other boards: from St. Andrew’s Episcopal School to Dress for Success, to the New Orleans Botanical Garden Foundation—just to name a few. Former JLNO President and Sustainer of the Year Chair Jennifer Couvillon recognizes this impressive reach across the community, saying, “Over the years, she has dedicated her time, talents and treasure to positively impacting and improving our New Orleans community. As a thoughtful leader, she exemplifies the mission of JLNO by serving others.” Laura’s leadership qualities clearly extend far beyond her accounting acumen. As her sister Betsy says, “Her calm, steady, inclusive, fair and thorough leadership qualities—together with a wonderful sense of humor—have made her a favorite of many!” These qualities have positioned her to serve as an Elder and Clerk of Session at her church, St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, on three different occasions, and they led to deep engagement in various neighborhood boards and associations as well. Her civic involvement also reflects her commitment to children and education, having served as an Advisory Board Member for the Cowen Institute, as well as on the Board of the Parenting Center of Children’s Hospital and Voices for Children, amongst other educational and children’s causes. Perhaps Laura’s greatest passion in the New Orleans’ community is her beloved alma mater, the Louise S. McGehee School, where she has served as Chair of the Alumnae Association and Endowment Committee and has been a Board Member since 2006, Board Chair since 2019 and was the receipient of the Distinguished Alumni award.

Though she retired from her fulltime accounting career in 2017, it is easy to believe Laura when she says “I like to stay busy!” Like so many JLNO members today, Laura has spent a lifetime juggling family, work and community activities. “Time management is critical,” Laura emphasizes. She found success in explaining to her family why she was engaging in the projects she undertook, and including them in those activities when she could. As Laura says, “Not only does it help continue the thread of volunteerism in your children and spouse or partner, but it instills pride in them for what you’re doing.” For Laura, having her family support her leadership across the New Orleans community has made those endeavors even more special. Laura has also learned, however, that there are times to lead and times to follow. For JLNO members striving to find balance and stay engaged, Laura advises seeking a supporting role if one’s personal and professional life won’t support a leadership position. The structure of the Junior League is especially conducive to this approach: “The connections you make with people are invaluable,” Laura says. She also remains “absolutely amazed” at all JLNO has done and continues to do through the pandemic. From her perspective, this take both dedicated leaders and members to keep the organization growing and thriving at this level. These days, in addition to her community service, Laura spends her retirement with her husband, Lloyd “Sonny” Shields, and their blended family of five children and seven grandchildren. She is proud to see her and her parents’ legacy of volunteering carried on through her sons’ civic engagements and her McGehee involvement continued by two of her granddaughters. Though Laura says she is “in awe of this [Sustainer of the Year] honor,” it is undoubtedly a fitting accolade for a lifetime spent bettering New Orleans. As Jennifer Couvillon says, “We are grateful to Laura for her dedication and are honored for her to recognize her as the 2022 JLNO Sustainer of the Year.” •

JLNO Lagniappe Spring 2022 | jlno.org

League Talks By Katherine Crawford Andrews

As we all know, the past two years have looked very different for New Orleans and the members of JLNO. We all went from being easily connected to the city and its people to a mainly virtual world, where we garnered connection and volunteered through a screen. Looking towards a new League year, we asked our members to share advice with the Lagniappe readers and other members on how they can stay more active, meet more people and feel more connected to New Orleans and the League.

Lynn Spearman Active • 6 Years

Lindsey Chapman Active • 8 Years

Did you feel that it was challenging to be as active in JLNO this past League year compared to years past? In some ways yes, but in others no. I think we still have good virtual options. It was challenging to not be able to physically see and interact with other members, and particularly to do volunteer work, but I found that some of the virtual opportunities actually enabled me to interact more directly and personally with members I may not have been able to in a larger space/format.

What activities/volunteer opportunities have made you feel more connected? I was glad to have volunteer opportunities after Hurricane Ida. I don’t have the skills/ability to gut or rebuild houses, so it was great to have extra opportunities with the Diaper Bank and Second Harvest. We all wanted to help out, but we were dealing with the effects of the storm here in New Orleans as well.

What activities/volunteer opportunities have made you feel more connected? I found that virtual committee meetings and council meetings sometimes enabled more connection surprisingly, since it was easier for some members to join and to be able to more easily put names and faces together. What advice would you give members who have only known the virtual years of JLNO and are struggling to feel connected? We have so many fun activities and opportunities in a normal circumstance that we are all excited and hopeful to be able to do it again at some point in the future. Your time in the League is always going to be what you make of it, so do your best to stay engaged however you can. Join clubs that you are interested in, and those will be really helpful to make connections through. The League is so big that I highly recommend finding ways to interact in small groups so that you can make more connections. And stick with it—we will get back to in-person fun one day!

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What advice would you give members who have only known the virtual years of JLNO and are struggling to feel connected? Volunteer! I’ve met so many great women at Second Harvest and Diaper Bank shifts. Go to Esprit events if you can. Everyone is excited to be there and wants to meet you. Do you have any advice for those who are looking to join JLNO this year? If you are looking to spend more time volunteering or becoming a better leader, JLNO is the place for you. It’s overwhelming to choose where to spend your time/ energy in a city like ours. JLNO provides so many opportunities, and you can tailor your experience to your schedule.

Megan Kurtz Active - Transfer from St. Louis 2 years with JLNO 5 years total

Lacy McManus Active • 7 years

Did you feel that it was challenging to be as active in JLNO this past League year compared to years past? A bit, but I enjoyed the opportunity to attend almost all meetings virtually, as I have a 10-month old now. I think having “hybrid” opportunities (virtual and in-person) for members going forward will be important. What activities/volunteer opportunities have made you feel more connected? Diaper Bank sorting or pick up shifts! I always end up meeting lots of great people that have different placements and have great conversations with others that are working these shifts. What advice would you give members who have only known the virtual years of JLNO and are struggling to feel connected? Look at special interest groups to get involved in. Book club, running/exercise groups. Volunteer shifts for me have been some of the best ways to connect with others and meet new people. Do you have any advice for those who are looking to join JLNO this year? Dive right in! If leadership opportunities interest you, pursue them or let a committee lead know. If you’re comfortable, join a front porch Friday event or sign up for another Esprit activity. But definitely think about what you want out of your Junior League experience. For meeting others and getting more connected to the local community, volunteer shifts have been my number one avenue for doing that.

Did you feel that it was challenging to be as active in JLNO this past League year compared to years past? Yes! The virtual world definitely made it difficult to connect with folks and form relationships like I had in past years. What activities/volunteer opportunities have made you feel more connected? Being on the JLNO Board through the pandemic was a very unique experience: on the one hand, I missed the regular convenings with my fellow Board members, but on the other, I think we’ve made more of an effort to get together after our Board experience to make up for what we lost. The last year of our non-Board tenure has actually been a blast! What advice would you give members who have only known the virtual years of JLNO and are struggling to feel connected? Hang in there! Look for ways to get value out of your membership while we’re still navigating the pandemic. Maybe making friendships is a bit harder virtually, but can you tune into more meetings and events virtually instead? Find a path to add value. Do you have any advice for those who are looking to join JLNO this year? It’s still a great time to be a member, and the focus on virtual experiences might actually give you a better chance to ease into League activities.

Touch “big trucks” and a variety of vehicles and meet the people who protect, serve, and build Metro New Orleans!

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Sponsorships Available *Truck Participation *Vendor Participation Email: Touchatruck@jlno.org Get involved with Touch A Truck 2022

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“Stopping Traffic: The Movement to End Sex-Trafficking” Spreading Awareness Through Film human trafficking noun

: an unlawful act that uses of force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of compelling a person into labor or services, or to induce a commercial sex act, or in which the person induced to perform such a commercial sex act has not attained 18 years of age.

s part of their commitment to educating the public on the issue of human trafficking, Junior League of New Orleans’ ABOLISH Human Trafficking Committee presented an online panel on December 15, 2021 on “Stopping Traffic: The Movement to End SexTrafficking,” a 2017 award-winning film showcasing heroes of the anti-sex-trafficking movement working diligently to raise awareness and provide solutions. Speaking on the panel was director of “Stopping Traffic,” Sadhvi Siddhali Shree, the first North American Jain female-monk, a U.S. Army Iraq-war veteran, an international and TEDx speaker, author and activist. Shree was not familiar with human trafficking before she started working on the film. She says the experience was eye opening and made her realize the severity of the issue. Throughout the filmmaking process, Shree met with survivors of trafficking, nonprofit professionals, government leaders, human rights activists and other movement heroes. “When we first learned about human trafficking, we were shocked, and it caused us an inner pain,” says Shree. “We were inspired to make a film because we wanted to educate our spiritual community. We didn’t realize it would become something bigger.” One of Shree’s biggest takeaways was learning that trafficking can happen in every community, and victims can be of any age, social status, race, gender or nationality. “One misconception that I had was that it was mainly in third-world countries, but I learned quickly it’s everywhere in the United States,” explains Shree.

Due to the coercive nature of human trafficking, it is difficult to pinpoint the reach of the industry. What we do know is that in 2020, 10,583 situations of human trafficking were reported to the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline involving 16,658 individual victims. These statistics barely scratch the surface and are not fully representative, given that most cases are never reported and many victims do not realize they are being trafficked. Human trafficking is a subject that’s hard to talk about, but if we keep having these difficult conversations, we can help prevent traffickers from preying on individuals’ vulnerabilities such as unstable housing, economic hardship and substance abuse. “There is a growing movement,” says Shree. “When people become aware, they talk about it, they report. There is a collective energy that can bring about change, and we’re seeing it.” During the online panel, attended by 70 people, Shree was joined by Sadhvi Anubhuti, assistant director of "Stopping Traffic"; Kara Van de Carr, founder and CEO of Eden House; and Susan Dold, Systems Administrator for Truckers Against Trafficking. A recording of the panel event along with information about ABOLISH and other resources are available at www.jlno.org/abolish. •

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline. 1(888)373-7888

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St. Charles Avenue Magazine March 2022

Articles inside

14+ suggested locales complete with must-try menu favorites

Tips from notable local designers for creating your own luxe space at home

Feather

Together

Debutante Snapshots Club Elle

Miracles Gala benefiting Ochsner Health

Snapshots Quick looks at nonprofit events around town

Society Award Reception benefiting Touro Infirmary Foundation

CHAIRish the Children benefiting Louisiana Children's Museum

Girls Hope Gala benefiting Boys Hope Girls Hope of Greater New Orleans

2021 Presented by IBERIABANK/ First Horizon benefiting New Orleans Museum of Art

CEO, Kinglsey House

Arts Calendar

Changemakers Aqua Stovall, founder, Special Education Leader Fellowship

Along the Avenue A Grand Carnival Tribute

Julie Neill, owner and designer, Julie Neill Designs

What's Hot Home Decor

What to Wear Festive toppers for any occasion

Andy's Note A letter from Editor Andy Myer

What's New on the Web StCharlesAvenue.com