St. Charles Avenue November 2020 by Renaissance Publishing

NOVEMBER 2020 VOLUME 25 ISSUE 6 EDITORIAL

Executive Editor Bev Church Editor Morgan Packard Griffith Art Director Ali Sullivan Food & Dining Columnist Jyl Benson Web Editor Kelly Massicot Event Photo Coordinator Jeff Strout

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A Publication of Renaissance Publishing, LLC 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, © 2020 with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. St. Charles Avenue is not responsible for photos or artwork and assumes that all releases have been cleared upon submission to the magazine. St. Charles Avenue is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, 110 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 123, Metairie, La. 70005, (504) 828-1380. Subscription rate: one year $17.95, two year $31, three year $43 — foreign rates vary call for pricing. It is the policy of this magazine to employ people on the basis of their qualifications and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.

CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

4-5 ON THE COVER & EDITORS' NOTES

34 WITH THIS RING Eshleman – Morales

5 CALENDAR

36 YOUNG BLOODS Beth Eidam & Chris Cameron: Marketing VISTA & Executive Director, HandsOn New Orleans

8 WHAT’S HOT Holiday Fashion Accessories 10 THE DISH Smoke & Mirrors: Fine desserts for the Thanksgiving table – then on to happy hour

37 STUDENT ACTIVIST Maya Johnson: Ursuline Academy 40 SNAPSHOTS

PHILANTHROPIC FUN 12 DINING TOGETHER, APART Ochsner Health was delighted to partner with the Ralph’s on the Park team for the August “At Home with Ochsner” virtual culinary experience. 14 LIFE IS A CABARET NCJW hosted a musical virtual gala full of song and dance. 16 CREATIVELY CONNECTING Raintree Children & Family services moved its “Paint the Town Green Gala” to an online auction this year. 18 KEEPING THE ARTS ALIVE Fourteen contemporary art galleries and various eateries in the Arts District reopened and welcomed guests on Julia Street.

42 SHOP TALK Shauna Leftwich: Lead Designer, Ashley Hall Interiors 44 SHOP TALK Tracy Brown Ph.D.: Executive Director, HomeLife in the Gardens 48 NOSTALGIA Racing Into History: The celebrated stories of Pan Zareta and Black Gold

FEATURE 20 THE NEW LUXURY Sumptuous fabrics and a softer look fuel this season's looks as we prepare for cozier nights at home and distanced nights on the town.

B E V ' S N OT E

Our annual holiday fashion feature offers fabulous outfits modeled by Martine Chaisson Linares in her own exquisite gallery! Discover your new favorite going out and staying in outfits, then add a new accessory from our What’s Hot for Holiday Fashion Accessories column! Take a break from doom scrolling and follow Avenue on Facebook (@StCharlesAvenue) and Instagram (@StCharlesAveMagazine)! In addition to featuring pieces from our current issues, we have contests, exclusive content, events and things to do and see around town! Follow today! And, don’t forget to go to “Just Say YAYA,” the virtual fundraiser on November 18, 6-8 p.m.! You will be treated to a performance by Tank and the Bangas, an art lesson from Terrance Osborne, an online auction and store featuring YAYA artists and more. Tickets can be purchased online at YAYAInc.org or by calling 520-3306. Be safe and have a great Thanksgiving!

Beverly Reese Church

ON THE COVER Get ready for the Preservation Resource Center’s 45th annual “Holiday Home Tour,” presented by McEnery Residential December 11-13. We are so pleased to have Co-Chairs Courtney Sherman Lane and Jenny Longwell; Katherine Eshleman and Ansley Marshall representing Title Sponsor McEnery Residential; and “Holiday Home Tour” homeowner Penny Francis grace our cover this month! This year’s tour invites you to be festive from your own home as the tour goes virtual. Patron Chairs Sarah Martzoff, Katie Witry and Jessie Haynes are offering a sneak peek on December 11, 7-8 p.m. when you can enjoy a three-course meal from Brennan’s with wine, PRC swag bags with gifts, a listing in Preservation in Print and see special appearances from some of the homeowners in the video series.

On December 12-13, PRC Executive Director Danielle Del Sol will lead you on a tour of six stunning private homes, all decked out for the holiday, including the homes of Mary Matalin and James Carville; Debra Shriver; our cover hosts Penny and Todd Francis; Alexa Pulitzer and Seth Levine; and Bryan Batt and Tom Cianfichi! There is even a bonus house: Pres Kabacoff and Sallie Anne Glassman’s environmentally sensitive Bywater villa! These exclusive video tours will showcase the incredible diversity of New Orleans historic neighborhoods and architecture with fascinating details about the history of each house and the community around it. If you’re a PRC member you get a discount, so join now by visiting PRCNO.org. That website is also your go-to for tickets and more information!

The American Cancer Society's “Shuck Cancer” event, in partnership with Superior Seafood and presented by Latter & Blum, returns for its third annual party with a purpose on November 19 via Facebook.com/ShuckCancerNOLA. “Shuck Cancer” may look a little different this year but make no mistake, it will still be the best block party in town! The online event will showcase oysters from across the country, wine pairings, musical performances and a silent auction along with to-go “party boxes” guests can enjoy from the comfort of their own home. Funds raised from sponsorship dollars of “Shuck Cancer” go toward the ACS’s local “Access to Care” program, which includes transportation grants to Greater New Orleans area health systems. These grants make a direct impact on individuals from our community who are battling cancer by providing them with much-needed transportation to treatment at no cost to them. Support the American Cancer Society – save lives and shuck cancer! Photo by Randy Schmidt Photography

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M O R G A N ' S N OT E

I am so happy to see nonprofit events returning to our calendar – even if it means I have less space here. Halloween has come and gone with trick-ortreating inside our home. It was fun, but I hope to never have to do it again. And now the holidays are zooming toward us (sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun) and we’ll all be making travel and gathering decisions as our extended families – both blood and chosen – have to decide what’s the best and safest way to celebrate. If you need to take a break from the constant decision-making, I suggest visiting City Park to take a last look at Dale Chihuly’s beautiful towering sculpture, Rose Crystal Tower, outside the New Orleans Botanical Garden. The sculpture will be removed shortly after the New Year, so there’s no time like the present! This month be present, be safe and try to enjoy celebrating holidays that will (hopefully) look like none other!

Morgan Packard Griffith

NOVEMBER 1 Eighth annual “Moonlight and Miracles,” virtual event benefiting Ochsner Cancer Institute, Ochsner.org/moonlight

14 “You Night Cancer Survivor Virtual Celebration,” benefiting You Night Events, (877) 591-5936, YouNightEvents.com

6-22 31st annual “New Orleans Film Festival,” benefiting New Orleans Film Society, NewOrleansFilmFestival.org

16 13th annual “Mark Mitchell Golf Tournament,” benefiting Cancer Crusaders, 606-7328, CancerCrusadersLA.com

5 “Magnolia Moonlight Virtual Gala,” benefiting Magnolia Community Services, 731-1397, one.bidpal.net/magnoliagala

18 “Just Say YAYA,” benefiting YAYA, 529-3306, YaYaInc.org

6-8 “You Night Cancer Survivor Virtual Runway Show & Celebration,” benefiting You Night Events, (877) 591-5936, YouNightEvents.com 6, 13 (sold out) & 14 “Odyssey Ball 2020,” benefiting New Orleans Museum of Art, 658-4121, NOMA.org 8 19th annual “New Orleans Kidney Walk,” benefiting National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana, 861-4500, kidney.rallybound.org/nola 13 “La Fete 294,” virtual event benefiting Ursuline Academy, UANola.org/la-fete-294 14 “Center Celebration 2020 – JCC’s Big Night IN,” virtual event benefiting New Orleans Jewish Community Center, 897-0143, NOJCC.org/centercelebration

19-22 “Words & Music Literary Festival,” benefiting One Book One New Orleans, (205) 310-8537, WordsAndMusic.org 19 “Touro Infirmary Foundation Gala,” benefiting the Touro Infirmary Foundation, 897-8435, Touro.com/gala 19 “Historic Houses Society Gala,” benefiting Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses, 274-0744, HGGHH.org 20 Bryan Bailey, Gregg Porter & Tommy Coleman present “Down at the Rivershack,” benefiting the CAC, CACNo.org/sweetarts 21 “Virtual Tour de Cure New Orleans,” benefiting American Diabetes Association, 889-0278, Diabetes.org/neworleanstour

W H AT ' S H OT

Holiday Fashion Accessories By Amy Gabriel The warmth of the holiday season is upon us and we’re all in search of a little comfort and joy. Whether celebrating with loved ones from a distance or gathering in intimate groups, a few take-notice accessories will add a chic touch to your ongoing season’s greetings.

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4. Relish the quality time while keeping track of it in a rose gold mesh watch with a white pearl face and mineral crystal glass detail. Vincero, VinceroWatches.com

2. Show a beloved friend just how much you miss them with a hug ring, available in 14 karat gold, bronze or sterling silver. Mimosa Handcrafted, MimosaHandcrafted.com

5. A feather adorned cuff makes for a sophisticated wrist. Judy at the Rink, 2727 Prytania St., 891-7018, JudyAtTheRink.com

3. Add sophisticated flair to a collared shirt with a Sazerac silk tie by NOLA Couture. The Sazerac House, 101 Magazine St., 910-0100, Store.SazeracHouse.com

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6. Step up your holiday gallivanting by slipping into a pair of elegant embellished slides. Similar styles available at Anthropologie. Anthropologie, Anthropologie.com

SELECT PHOTOS BY CHERYL GERBER

1. Have holiday travel plans? Silence the sound fashionably with a set of Master Dynamic noise cancelling headphones in a mix of silver metal and brown leather. Master Dynamic, MasterDynamic.com

W H AT ' S H OT

7. Wrap yourself in sophisticated comfort with the handwoven, 100 percent wool scarf in a dreamy nightfever hue. Pilot and Powell, 3901 Magazine St., 827-1727, PilotAndPowell.com

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8. Add a luxe touch to your lobes with a duo of peacock blue ostrich feather drop earrings with a sparkling stud. Hola Guava, HolaGuava.com

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9. Step out for an autumnal stroll in a pair of ontrend croc booties with a chunky heel. Wildflower Boutique, 2700 Metairie Road, Suite C, 218-8996, WildflowerNola.com 10. Carry your essentials in style with a hard shell, tortoise patterned Annabella Minaudiere clutch with detachable cross-body chain. Monomin, 2104 Magazine St., 827-1269, Monomin.com

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11. Thanksgiving just got glamorous with a pair of Belgium-made THEO frames, available in four shapes and a variety of colors. Art & Eyes, 3708 Magazine St., 891-4494, ArtAndEyesNewOrleansLA.com

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THE DISH

Smoke & Mirrors

Brown Sugar Pound Cake topped with apple compote from Cochon

Fine desserts for the Thanksgiving table – then on to happy hour By Jyl Benson

An informal poll conducted in my Uptown neighborhood revealed that, given the extreme polarization with which we currently live, some are relieved to have toxic Cousin 'Rona still hanging around as a handy excuse to avoid gathering with family over the Thanksgiving dinner table. Others simply cannot break with tradition and are dreading conflict and struggling to find some sort of common ground upon which to gather with loved ones from whom they are ideologically polarized. Allow me to offer dessert as that safe thing around which disparate sensibilities can gather. Stay away from tried and true numbers from your traditional family menu and seek out something new, unexpected and distracting enough as to be worthy of conversation. To make it easier on your already frazzled self, allow me to further suggest that you purchase said dessert(s) from one of our fair city’s many fine bakeries or restaurants. “Pretty much anything can be had to go at this point,” says Maggie Scales, Executive Pastry Chef for the Link Restaurant Group. “The best of the best from just about any restaurant can be enjoyed at home. Just place an order. It’s the new way.”

Scales has secured a crop of Southern apples from a farm in Jemison, Alabama, for use in a variety of pies, tarts and turnovers that will be for sale at La Boulangerie bakery. At Cochon, she makes good use of the apple crop in a very soft Brown Sugar Pound Cake topped with apple compote and served with a spiced apple butter. The Orange Hazelnut Torta Scales created for Gianna is an impressive, complicated affair pairing layers of hazelnut meringue with ricotta semifreddo, candied orange and candied orange syrup. That should get them talking. After nine years of working from a home kitchen on the Northshore, Nicole Eiden and Marielle Dupre, the duo behind Windowsill Pies, recently opened their first brick-and-mortar location on Freret Street. While they have many very fine pies and tarts from which to choose, their signature Amaretto, Pear and Dried Cherry Pie is a standout. “This was one of the first desserts we ever created,” Eiden says.” It combines juicy pears and dried cherries reconstituted in Lazzaroni amaretto liqueur peeking through a golden lattice of crisp, buttery autumn leaves dusted with freshly grated nutmeg and lemon zest.” This could leave them speechless. ✦

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While our brethren to the north are heading inside to seek the heat, our turn has come to head out to enjoy the fine, dry, cool weather we have awaited so desperately. To encourage outdoor gathering the ground outside of Picnic at the corner of State and Magazine streets has been covered with AstroTurf and a collection of comfortable, socially distanced picnic tables has been installed. Happy Hour, Wednesdays-Sundays, 3-7 p.m., is a particularly nice time to visit when Vodka Gimlets, Whiskey Gingers and Old-Fashioneds are $6; glasses of Francois Montand Blanc de Blancs and Le Grand Courtage Sparkling Brut Rose are $6; and Michelob Ultra and Urban South Paradise Park are $2. A selection of value priced “Snacky Things” changes frequently.

At Lula Distillery, also offering outdoor seating, weekdays bring Happy Hour 4-7 p.m. Large (usually $12) fresh Blackberry Mojitos are available for the price of a small, $8. Chef Nathanial Zimet of Boucherie has launched a new Happy Hour every TuesdaySaturday, 5-6 p.m., at his recently reopened Uptown eatery, which includes a new outdoor space. Happy Hour specials include $5 select wines by the glass, $1 off all draft beers and a $7 Old Fashioneds or Sazeracs. There is also “Geaux Local” special for $8, featuring a local draft beer and fries. Draft beers change regularly to support local brew houses. During happy hour, food specials include mussels for $10, boudin balls for $5 and French fries for $4.

PHOTO BY MIKE LIRETTE

Boucherie, 8115 Jeannette St., 862-5514, BoucherieNola.com Cochon, 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-2123, CochonRestaurant.com Gianna, 700 Magazine St., 399-0816, GiannaRestaurant.com La Boulangerie, 4600 Magazine St., 269-3777, LaBoulangerie.com Lula Distillery, 1532 St. Charles Ave., 267-7624, LulaNola.com Picnic, 741 State St., 266-2810, NolaPicnic.com Windowsill Pies, 4714 Freret St., 381-4953, WindowsillPiesNola.com

➺ Try This:

PHILANTHROPIC FUN 1

Dining Together, Apart Ochsner Health was delighted to partner with the Ralph’s on the Park team for the August “At Home with Ochsner” virtual culinary experience. By Shelby Simon

This series provides an opportunity to support the innovative work happening daily at Ochsner all while enjoying fine dining from the comfort of your own home. The series of summertime events brought the community together virtually while helping to advance Ochsner’s mission. Fifty guests participated in the August virtual event, for which Ralph’s on the Park curated a three-course dinner for two paired with a Comte De Lafayette Rosé. Mark Romig served as the Emcee. For the first course, diners enjoyed Shrimp Daniel, a combination of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes and Gulf shrimp topped off with a French dressing and celery root remoulade. The main course featured a beef tenderloin drizzled with a red wine demi-glace with potato gratin and roasted Brussel sprouts on the side. The meal ended on a sweet note with a refreshingly tart lemon icebox pie. The Gumbo Trio provided curbside entertainment as virtual event attendees arrived to pick up meals. The August “At Home with Ochsner” event was sponsored by Reily Foods – the fourth generation, family owned company known for its iconic New Orleans brands Blue Plate Mayonnaise, French Market Coffee and Luzianne Tea. Victoria AM Smith MD additionally sponsored the program. ✦

➺ Event at a Glance WHAT: “At Home with Ochsner: A Virtual Culinary Experience featuring Ralph’s on the Park” WHEN: Thursday, August 20 WHERE: Virtual

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF OCHSNER HEALTH

1. Riley Donohue, Reily Foods Associate Marketing Director Jessica Carriere, Kathryn Gumpert and Ann Heslin 2. Kathryn Gumpert loaded meals into virtual event attendees’ vehicles 3. The Ralph’s on the Park team included Owner Ralph Brennan and General Manager Caleb Chafin 4. Riley Donohue with Dawn and Dr. Mike Smith 5. The Gumbo Trio provided curbside entertainment 6. Event Sponsor Dr. Victoria AM Smith and Ann Heslin

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PHILANTHROPIC FUN

Life is a Cabaret NCJW hosted a musical virtual gala full of song and dance. By Shelby Simon

➺ Event at a Glance WHAT: “A Diva Cabaret Zoom Party,” benefiting National Council of Jewish Women, Greater New Orleans Section WHEN: Saturday, August 8 WHERE: Virtual

1. Rick and Ina Davis 2. Emcee Laveau Contraire 3. NCJW President Susan Hess and Bill Hess 4. Juan and Ana Gershanik 5. Performer Kitten 6. Some of the NCJW Patrons who enjoyed the show

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN, GREATER NEW ORLEANS SECTION

The National Council of Jewish Women hosted “A Diva Cabaret Zoom Party” virtual gala on August 8 featuring the renowned theater, dance and burlesque duo Kitten N’ Lou as principal entertainment. The pair performed a medley of songs to the delight of nearly 80 patrons in attendance. Diva Laveau Contraire served as Emcee extraordinaire with a total of three costume changes amidst singing and dancing. Patrons were treated to champagne, chocolates and a colorful boa courtesy of Jeffrey Goldring of Sazerac Company. The event was the brainchild of Chairman Tana Velen. Cathay Glaser and Joyce Pulitzer served as Patron Chairs. Committee members included Susan Hess, Barbara Greenberg, Barbara Kaplinsky, Susan Kierr, Kathy Shepart, Dana Shepard, Patty Barnett, Tiffany Cotlar, Phyllis Feran, Ana Gershanik, Carole Jacobson, Beverly Katz, Sara Lewis, Pam Lyles, Loel Samuel, Flo Schornstein and Hannah Udell. Sponsors included Hancock Whitney Bank, Bill and NCJW President Susan Hess, Kabacoff Family Foundation, Latter & Blum, Inc., WVUE Fox 8, Capital One, Darryl and Louellen Berger, Henry and Karen Coaxum, Cathay and Charles Glaser, Iberia Bank, Berry Kohn, Lillian and Louis Glazer Family Foundation, Lehmann, Norman & Marcus LLC, Postlethwaite and Netterville, Joyce and Sidney Pulitzer, Pamela and Robert Steeg, Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein and Hilbert LLC, Luis Zervigon and Entergy Corporation. ✦

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PHILANTHROPIC FUN 1

Creatively Connecting Raintree Children & Family services moved its “Paint the Town Green Gala” to an online auction this year. By Shelby Simon

The “Paint the Town Green Gala” is typically held in person, welcoming luminaries from across the Greater New Orleans area. However, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged Raintree Children & Family Services to get creative in this year’s fundraising to help vulnerable children and youth throughout the region during these challenging times. Held August 3-7, proceeds from the event directly benefit over 340 at-risk children and youth served through Raintree’s programs. The virtual auction raised over $14,000 thanks to the generosity of more than 350 online bidders. Auction items included fine art from local and national artists, fine jewelry, restaurant gift cards, sports memorabilia, hotel stays and more. A virtual wine pull featured wines from around the world and a raffle with over $1,500 worth of premium wine and spirits. Olivia Ventola and Rebecca Gardner served as Event Co-Chairs. The Angel Wings Foundation was the Presenting Sponsor. Major sponsors included Lana Duke, Atmos Energy, Monroe Vos Consulting Group, Jones Walker, Freeport-McMoRan, St. Charles Avenue magazine, Outfront Media and The New Orleans Advocate/Times Picayune. ✦

➺ Event at a Glance WHAT: “Paint the Town Green Virtual Auction," benefiting Raintree Children & Family Services WHEN: Monday-Friday, August 3-7 WHERE: Virtual

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAINTREE

1. Auction item “Pink Lady Painting” by Nicole Cotten Callac 2. Gala Co-Chair Olivia Ventola 3. Auction item “Coach O” signed LSU football 4. Auction item signed Zion basketball 5. Gala Co-Chair Rebecca Gardner 6. The Raintree House

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PHILANTHROPIC FUN 1

Keeping the Arts Alive Fourteen contemporary art galleries and various eateries in the Arts District reopened and welcomed guests on Julia Street. By Shelby Simon

Arts District New Orleans (ADNO), the organization that founded the popular White Linen Night event, hosted “White Linen Light” throughout the entire month of August. The event took place both physically in the New Orleans’ historic Warehouse Arts District and online. Guests were strongly encouraged to don their white linen while strolling down Julia Street to keep the spirit of White Linen Night alive. Each gallery also participated in two digital auctions during the month of August that ran for two weeks each. The first auction ran from August 1-15 at noon, and the second auction went live on August 15 at noon and was open for bidding through August 31. Art collectors and enthusiasts bid on the auction items in person at each participating gallery and online at Live.ArtsDistrictNewOrleans.com. Participating galleries included: Ariodante Gallery, Arthur Roger Gallery, Beata Sasik Gallery, Callan Contemporary, ESTALLA, Gallery 600 Julia, Jonathan Ferrara Gallery, LeMieux Galleries, M Contemporary, Martine Chaisson Gallery, Octavia Art Gallery, Soren Christensen Gallery, Spillman | Blackwell and Stella Jones Gallery. The 14 contemporary art galleries and various eateries, which compose the Arts District, have safely reopened and look forward to welcoming guests back in to visit and view their current exhibitions at a safe distance. Now more than ever, galleries, artists and businesses alike are relying on locals to support and ensure the sustainability of their neighborhoods. ✦

➺ Event at a Glance WHAT: “White Linen Light,” benefiting the Arts District New Orleans WHEN: August WHERE: Julia Street, Arts District of New Orleans

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF STROUT

1. Jonathan Ferrara Gallery Manager Amanda Fetter and Partner + Director of Jonathan Ferrara Gallery and Arts District New Orleans Vice President Matthew Weldon Showman 2. Sam Spahr and Arts District New Orleans Association Vice President Christy Wood 3. Ariodante Gallery Co-Owner Deyette Danford 4. Artist Patrick Waldemar and Stella Jones Gallery Manager Beryl Johns 5. Octavia Art Gallery Directors Emily Siekkinen and Kristina Larson 6. “Gullah Islands,” by Synthia Saint James on display at Stella Jones Gallery (Courtesy of Arts District New Orleans Association)

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Toffee sweater with detachable turtleneck and matching lounge pant by Dorothee Schumacher from Pied Nu. Diamond earrings, matching ring and gold bracelet from Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry.

THE NEW LUXURY

Fashion Stylist: Melissa Coleman Photographer: Theresa Cassagne Makeup: Midori Tajiri / Midori Makeup Artistry Hair: Jessica Palma/Palma Pro Artistry Model: Martine Chaisson Linares Location: Martine Chaisson Gallery

Sumptuous fabrics and a softer look fuel this season's looks as we prepare for cozier nights at home and distanced nights on the town.

Blue one-shoulder cable knit sweater and animal print midi skirt by Jonathan Simkhai from SOSUSU. Earrings by Rachel Comey from Pied Nu. Dark blue handbag from Perlis. Opal ring from Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry. Stretch leather wedge boots by Robert Clergerie from SOSUSU. Painting by Mallory Page.

Ulla Johnson dress from Febe. Gold hoop earrings from Perlis. (Necklace model's own.)

Coat by Rachel Comey and vegan leather pants by Dorothee Schumacher, both from Pied Nu. Python-embossed leather boots by Paris Texas from Febe. Earrings and stacked rings from Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry.

Embroidered silk and cotton faux fur jacket by Elysian from Em. Cropped flare pants by 10 Crosby from Rivers Spencer. Necklaces and ring from Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry. (Earrings stylist's own; shoes model's own.)

Multi-colored turtleneck and gathered front skirt by Prabal Gurung from SOSUSU. Boots by Kate Spade from Feet First. Jewelry from Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry.

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WI T H T H I S R I N G

Eshleman – Morales By Megan Holt

In 2014, New Orleans native Katherine Boh Eshleman was living in Austin, Texas, with her best friend from childhood, Katie. Katie had gone to college with Richard Ernest Morales, and she wanted for years to introduce Richard to Katherine. As the roommates prepared to move back to New Orleans, Katie texted Richard, who was living in Baton Rouge, to finally arrange that meeting. Richard drove in and met the two at a friend’s party. Katherine was talking with friends, and Richard walked across the room and handed her a drink with a big smile. Katherine and Richard had their first date at Slice Pizza, where they were seated in a tiny, two-person booth. The two could barely see over the large pizza to talk to one another! By the end of the date Richard knew he was going to be driving in from Baton Rouge a lot more often. The couple dated long-distance as Richard attended law school. Just as he was finishing and they thought they would finally start a normal life together, Richard got an opportunity to get his LLM from NYU. Of course, this meant another year apart and that Richard would be even farther away. Katherine had mixed feelings; while she was thrilled for him, it also meant putting plans for their life together on hold. In the end, the couple decided it was too good of an opportunity to pass up, and Katherine helped Richard move to New York City. During moving weekend, they took a picture together at the Flat Iron building. This picture set the stage for a proposal a year in the making. Richard and Katherine both knew that he would propose when he finished his education, but he still wanted it to be a surprise. He suggested that they take a picture at the Flat Iron every time she came to visit. While Katherine loved the idea at first, she soon grew tired of going there for a picture every time she was in town. By the end of the year, Katherine didn’t even want to do the picture, but Richard insisted that they get one last photo at the Flat Iron in his cap and gown. That last one became the photograph of his proposal! 34 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2020

After five years of a long-distance relationship, nothing was going to stand in the way of them getting married. Though they planned a rehearsal dinner at Commander’s Palace and a wedding at the Louisiana Children’s Museum, Covid restrictions transformed their wedding into an intimate ceremony at Katherine’s mother’s house. On the big day the house was bursting with flowers, with Katherine’s favorite blue hydrangeas setting the theme. This flower appeared not only in the décor, but also on the bridesmaids’ dresses, which were white with a green and blue hydrangea floral pattern. Robert Eshleman, Katherine’s brother, pronounced the couple husband and wife on March 21, 2020, as their dog, Camp, proudly looked on. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds danced their first dance to Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing” and enjoyed a reception catered by Chez Nous. Atop their wedding cake was the bride and groom topper used by Katherine’s grandparents in 1956. After the wedding Katherine and Richard took a “staycation” at the Ritz-Carlton in the French Quarter before returning to their home

in Uptown New Orleans. Katherine works as a real estate agent and Richard is a lawyer. One of Richard’s prized possessions is his old cell phone, where he has saved a message from his college friend, Katie, telling him he had to drive in to meet her roommate. ✦ Ceremony Music: Curated by Logan McClellan, brother-in-law of the bride Wedding Gown: Suzanne Peronne Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Perlis Engagement Ring: Bride’s grandmother’s Bride’s & Groom’s Wedding Band: Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Florist: Lance Hayes Florist Favor: “Katherine and Richard” matchbooks, cozies and cups Invitation: Scriptura Caterer: Chez Nous Wedding Cake: Flour Power/Café Aquarius Groom’s Cake: Cakes by Kait, Kaitlynn Ordemann Photographer: Paul Morse Hair: H20 Salon Makeup: Tisa Camet, Tisa Beauty Bar Welcome Gifts: Sweet Olive Gifting

WI T H T H I S R I N G

YO U N G B LO O D S

Beth Eidam & Chris Cameron Marketing VISTA & Executive Director, HandsOn New Orleans By Lindsay Mack

Developed in 2005 as a response to Hurricane Katrina, HandsOn New Orleans evolved from a disaster response project into a thriving volunteer center that provides service opportunities throughout the city. Despite a small team (bolstered by Americorps members), the organization is able to make a big impact throughout the city. Currently, “HandsOn supports over 213 nonprofits in the seven-parish metro area and specializes in volunteer recruitment, community revitalization and disaster management,” says Beth Eidam, Marketing VISTA. Chances are, many New Orleans residents are already familiar with work done by HandsOn. This group helped initiate the Lutheran Youth Gathering in 2016, placing 11,000 volunteers with 38 partners over three days of service. “Two years later in 2018, our team led the City of New Orleans Tricentennial 300,000 Service Hour Challenge and flew past that goal to complete 349,290 service hours with 29,349 volunteers,” says Executive Director Chris Cameron. “This eagerness to achieve what no one else has done is a core value and characterizes the spirit of HandsOn.” With this track record of service already in place, the team was ready to jump into action when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. In March 2020, the HandsOn New Orleans team launched NOLA RISES, the New Orleans

August Biship, Jai Patel, Beth Eidam and David Owusu are pictured distributing supplies to Hurricane Laura evacuees at the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center.

Resiliency Initiative So Everyone’s Served, a program dedicated to promoting food security and alleviating isolation among the city’s senior population. The first meal delivery served 98 senior residents, and only four days later 745 residents were served. These initial efforts were made possible through collaboration with local government and civic leaders, non-government organizations, foundations and corporate partners. Additional partnerships with DoorDash and World Central Kitchen made it

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possible to increase capacity even more, and within five months NOLA RISES had reached 42 percent of food insecure seniors in the city, having delivered over 700,000 meals. For the most part, the HandsOn New Orleans team plans to keep growing and supporting the city. In addition to continuing the NOLA RISES program and expanding connections with local partners, the team will also offer both virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities throughout the New Orleans area. “That being said,

our ultimate goal at HandsOn is to put ourselves out of business,” says Cameron. “We envision a socially just community with happy, healthy and prosperous people, and we’ll only stop when that’s a reality.” ✦

➺ Get Involved Anyone interested in supporting HandsOn New Orleans is welcome to donate via their website or Instagram profile (@HandsOnNOLA), and current volunteer information is available on their website: HandsOnNewOrleans.org.

S T U D E N T AC T I V I S T

Maya Johnson

PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER

wBy Mallory Lindsly

“I feel I’ve gained a voice to speak up about the injustices occurring across the nation and the world. I’ve learned the importance of being educated about topics that affect different groups of people,” says Maya Johnson a senior at Ursuline Academy. This past year, Johnson helped established a Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Task Force that is dedicated to celebrating and honoring multiple cultures and communities “In this group, we’ll discuss ways we can become racially literate and culturally competent,” says Johnson. “I will do everything in my power to make sure that future generations can live in a country where minority groups aren’t discriminated or oppressed,” she says. “This country still has a lot of changing, progressing and growing to do, and I’m determined to do my part in bringing about this change.” At Ursuline, students are dedicated to a lifelong commitment of serving. The school teaches the value of giving back to the community. Each grade level focuses on areas of service for the community. “I have many memories filled with joy and pleasure, so it’s difficult to name just one rewarding volunteering experience,” says Johnson. “Being able to step out of my comfort zone and build relationships with the people I served was certainly (one).” Johnson is also highly involved at Ursuline through The National Honor Society, The National Art Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. These allow her additional opportunities to give back to the community. Johnson is also a member

of Ursuline’s Key Club and the president of Ursuline’s Diversity of Women Club, where Johnson hopes that one day, every person at Ursuline feels seen, heard and represented. “Activism gives you something to fight for and allows you to discover your true self. I’m forever grateful for my activism and I look forward to the future knowing that it is an essential part of my life now,” she says. William “Bill” Rouselle, Johnson’s grandfather known as “Paw Paw,” inspired her to become interested in activism. Rouselle was the first Black news reporter for WDSU. “He has a committed voice for justice, and bravely fought for civil justice during a time when speaking out was dangerous for African-Americans. I consider him a legendary activist who paved the way for many Black individuals here in New Orleans,” says Johnson. Johnson is still undecided about where she may go to college next fall, but she’s leaning towards becoming a pharmacist so she can make an impact in the health industry. ✦

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S N A P S H OT S & S C H O O L DAYS By Marie Gabriel

1. Rabbi Mendel Ceitlin, Sam Fradella, Mike Gennaro and Rabbi Yossie Nemes attended Chabad Metairie’s annual donor appreciation event, “Thanks for Giving,” in January. (Photo by Gil Rubman) 2. Jill Halpern and Billy Henry shared a smile during Chabad Metairie’s “Thanks for Giving” event, sponsored by Metairie Bank and Trust and held in appreciation for the organization’s donors. (Photo by Gil Rubman) 3. Rabbi Mendel Ceitlin, Michael Barnett, Robert Caplan and Randy Pick enjoyed a night of socializing at Chabad Jewish Center in Metairie with other supporters of the center during their “Thanks for Giving” event in January. (Photo by Gil Rubman) 4. Kishin and Susan Mirpuri attended “Thanks for Giving,” Chabad Jewish Center’s annual donor appreciation event. Guests were treated to an array of Kosher wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts. (Photo by Gil Rubman) 5. Robert Sernhell and Michael Harold enjoyed an intimate dinner hosted by the French Heritage Society in January at the historic Beauregard Keyes House to celebrate an FHS grant gifted to the Beauregard Keyes House to restore the building’s front facade. 6. YuanYuan and Consul General Vincent Sciama celebrated the FHS’s grant to the Beauregard Keyes House that will be used to restore the historic building’s front facade. Guests were treated to a five-course dinner prepared by Christopher Vasquez, Executive Chef of Red Fish Grill and Ralph Brennan Catering.

40 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2020

S N A P S H OT S & S C H O O L DAYS By Marie Gabriel 7

7. Greg Morey and Sarah Freeman attended a gala and celebratory dinner at the Beauregard Keyes House, hosted by the Louisiana Chapter of the French Heritage Society in January. 8. FHS Gala Co-Chairs Suzie and Pierre Villere posed with CeCe Colhoun at the Beauregard Keyes House during the “2020 FHS Gala.” The event featured an intimate five-course dinner presented by Executive Chef Christopher Vasquez. 9. Incoming YMCA Board Chair Elder Gwin posed with new Board Members Marlin Gusman Jr. and Reverend Gregory Manning, and Outgoing YMCA Board Chair and C. Allen Favrot Humanitarian of the Year Award recipient Richard Yancey at the Metairie Country Club during the YMCA Annual Meeting in January. 10. East Jefferson YMCA Executive Director Candace Schrag and Mildred Wild Volunteer of the Year Award recipient Craig Swiber attended the “YMCA Annual Meeting,” held at the Metairie Country Club in January. 11. YMCA Board Member Hallie Lanier Boh and her husband Stephen Boh are pictured at the YMCA Annual Meeting, where three new board members were welcomed to the YMCA. 12. YMCA Emeritus Board Member George Wilson and his wife Nell Wilson enjoyed the YMCA’s Annual Meeting, held at the Metairie Country Club in January. During the meeting, three new board members were welcomed to the YMCA and the C. Allen Favrot Humanitarian of the Year and the Mildred Wild Volunteer of the Year awards were presented to Richard Yancey and Craig Swiber, respectively.

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S H O P TA L K

Shauna Leftwich Lead Designer, Ashley Hall Interiors By Lani Griffiths

What does an average day look like at Ashley Hall Interiors? It could be an installation day where we would be pulling and packing up all the lamps, accessories and embellishments from our showroom to polish off our installation. If we were preparing for a presentation, we would be selecting fabrics, furniture, paint colors or wallpaper from our vast collection of manufacturers. Other days we are tying up loose ends and checking in on projects. What are some of the steps that go into designing an interior for a client? We always like to spend a little time getting to know our clients to get a general feeling for their preferences. Do they like French, industrial, modern or retro? What color palette do they lean toward? Everyone seems to have colors that make them feel happy, peaceful or excited. We try and figure out the size and purpose of the client’s space. The client’s lifestyle is essential to designing a space that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

your indoor space. There are so many beautiful outdoor furniture and textile options now. All of these wonderful options for outdoors can be multifunctional and used indoors as well.

What other services do you provide? Along with our design services, a lot of the time we become something like project managers. It seems rather fitting since we have great working relationships with a lot of contractors and subcontractors, and we’re very specific about the design details.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about Ashley Hall? Since we’ve been in business for 53 years, we’ve designed almost everything, both large and small. Our designs are as unique as our clients. We try not to be repetitious and we want every project to have its own beautiful look. One of the big secrets of Ashley Hall is that we have a retail showroom filled with furniture, accessories, mirrors, lamps and rugs. We have been a part of the downtown neighborhood long before it became a residential hot spot. It has been very exciting to watch the transformation.

What are you excited about currently? The thing that we’re particularly excited about recently is that your outdoor space can be as beautiful as

Ashley Hall Interiors, 832 Howard Ave., 524-0196, AshleyHallInteriors.com

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S H O P TA L K

Tracy Brown Ph.D. Executive Director, HomeLife in the Gardens By Lani Griffiths

What kind of care options do you provide? HomeLife in the Gardens is a senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care and respite care services. How has the pandemic affected your business and policies? We continue to follow the recommended guidelines provided by our governing agencies and have instituted the suggested updates to our policies and procedures to minimize exposure, reduce risk and enhance the safety of our residents, staff and community. We have established safe visiting areas for families; separated furniture and equipment; maintained an adequate supply of masks and other forms of personal protective equipment; and assisted residents with virtual experiences, such as video calls. We have been vigilant in our efforts to keep our community safe and are fortunate to say our residents and staff have been Covid-free since day one! What options set HomeLife apart from other care facilities? One of the central ideas behind the senior living experience at HomeLife in the Gardens is to achieve the optimal balance of independence and support for our residents as their needs change, allowing them to age gracefully in place. What changes or programs are you looking forward to? As we begin to cautiously reopen, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking forward to resuming in-person visits between residents, family and friends. In the past few weeks there have been a number of new directives from both state

and federal health officials related to community reopenings and visitations. We are working hard to assure that we are in compliance with these requirements and have the necessary tools in place to implement them as soon as possible. Our priority, as always, is the health and safety of our residents and staff. We continue to grow and learn and are looking forward to establishing a new normal at HomeLife in the Gardens. Is there anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about yourself or your business? My background is in clinical mental health, and I have a doctorate in counseling education and supervision. I have spent the last years researching how to impact the quality of life of long-term care residents. I am passionate about the work that I do and the residents in our community. Providing the best possible care, improving each residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality of life and resident satisfaction is my ultimate goal.

HomeLife in the Gardens, 1101 Aline St., 894-6100, HomeLifeInTheGardens.com

PREMIER PROPERTIES

PUBLISHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTICE: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Ace and the Louisiana Open Housing Act, which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. For more information, call the Louisiana Attorney Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office at 1-800-273-5718.

46 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2020

PREMIER

PROPERTIES

$1,998,000 ELIZABETH B MCNULTY +1.504.908.0289 emcnulty@gardnerrealtors.com www.neworleansluxuryliving.coM

7934 Maple Street New Orleans, LA 70118

2237 Constance Street Stunning Victorian Mansion Meticulously Restored Creating the Perfect Blend of Charm and Modern Comfort 7 bedrooms 2 Guest Quarters

5.5 Bathrooms Salt Water Pool

5,426 sqft Gated Parking

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N O S TA LG I A

Racing Into History The celebrated stories of Pan Zareta and Black Gold By Seale Paterson

18, 1928, back at the Fair Grounds racetrack, Black Gold was mid-race when his foreleg broke at the ankle, leaving no option but to euthanize him. Due to his immense popularity, he was honored with burial next to Pan Zareta. Pan Zareta’s grave was first marked by the giant live oak she was buried near. Black Gold’s grave was originally marked with whitewashed

48 ST. CHARLES AVENUE NOVEMBER 2020

stones set in a star shape. Both were marked by square stone monuments with a saddle atop each before the current obelisks were placed. Both horses have races named after them, which take place at the Fair Grounds annually. Traditionally, winners of those races have placed their winner’s wreaths on their graves in honor of the legendary horses. ✦

Texas-born chestnut Pan Zareta, pictured here in 1916 at the Fair Grounds, was named after Pansy Zareta, whose father was a mayor of Juarez and a family friend of the horse’s owner. She raced with a solid-gold bit, considered to be her lucky charm. Kentucky-born Black Gold was named after his dark coat and his owner’s oil rights-based income. He has been memorialized in both a 1947 movie and a children’s book from 1992; both are titled Black Gold.

IMAGE BY JOHN MENDES, PROVIDED COURTESY OF THE HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, GIFT OF WALDEMAR S. NELSON

In the infield of the New Orleans Fair Grounds are two small white obelisks inscribed with the names Pan Zareta and Black Gold. They mark the burial locations of two of the most popular and celebrated racehorses of the early 20th century. Pan Zareta, the “Queen of the Turf,” won or placed in 128 of the 151 races she ran from 1912 to 1917, making her the winningest mare in history. She raced on 24 racetracks throughout the United States and Mexico and held the world record in five furlongs. Pan Zareta fell ill with pneumonia and died at the Fair Grounds on January 19, 1918, at age 8. Local horsemen quickly came together and petitioned to have this very popular horse buried in the infield of the Fair Grounds at the 16th pole. Black Gold ran his first race at the Fair Grounds in 1923 as a 2-year-old and won 18 of his 35 career races. But it was his four-derby winning streak in 1924 – Kentucky Derby, Louisiana Derby, Ohio Derby and Chicago Derby – that catapulted him to fame. The following year, he was retired to stud. When that proved futile, an attempt at a comeback came in 1927, despite public concern about his condition. On January