St Charles Avenue April 2023

When it’s time to turn the corner into a life of comfort, security, and expert care, you will find it at the all-new Laurel on the corner of Magazine and Aline.

SOCIETY • CELEBRATION • STYLE

Associate Publisher Kate Henry

EDITORIAL

Editor Andy Myer

Art Director Ali Sullivan

Web Editor Kelly Massicot Shop Talk Blogger Penn Iarocci Penn@myneworleans.com

Event Photo Coordinator Jeff Strout

Contributing Writers Jyl Benson, Rebecca Friedman, Amy Gabriel, Megan Holt, Lindsay Mack, Seale Paterson, Sue Strachan and Jenny Vorhoff

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Vice President of Sales & Marketing Kate Henry Kate@myneworleans.com or 504-830-7216

Account Director Meggie Schmidt

Senior Account Executives Brooke Genusa, Rachel Webber, Erin Chiartano

PRODUCTION

Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui

Senior 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 $24, no foreign subscriptions. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. Charles Avenue, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright © 2023 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.

In Full Bloom

Our April issue is a colorful, mixed bouquet of seasonally inspired treats. From festivals to garden parties, it's is brimming with advice on fashion, travel and entertaining in style.

For those who are not able to attend the fests, our food and beverage expert Jyl Benson shares her tried and true crawfish bread recipe that brings guests back for more every time. For those who are, you won’t want to miss Amy Gabriel’s thoughtfully curated selections for the ultimate festival look.

Travel expert Becca Hensley has extensive knowledge when it comes to luxe accommodations and offers her top 12 picks for the best all-inclusive destinations on the planet. From a posh tented camp in Thailand set amongst a rescued elephant sanctuary to a chic eco-hotel in Peru set amid the high-altitude Sacred Valley, there is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list adventure for all interests included.

Speaking of travel, in this month’s Design column, discover how the search for the perfect weekend bag sent NOLA native Ellie Schwing on the quest of a lifetime, ultimately setting the course for the creation of a luxury handbag line.

We are thrilled to bring you into the gorgeous home of interior designer Christa Schwartz for our spring fashion feature. Each look, styled by the talented Melissa Coleman, is completely stunning and will inspire you to usher in the season in vibrant prints and a striking palate.

Our What’s Hot and How to Host pages highlight impeccable garden-inspired selections for layered tablescapes that your guests will not soon forget and advice for seasonal entertaining at its best.

Brides and grooms listen up! We publish a local wedding each month and welcome submissions. If you know of a wedding that we should consider for an upcoming issue, please submit details along with images to aveweddings@myneworleans.com.

Enjoy this festive and delightfully charming month full of local beauty and culture. And remember, don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!

Cheers!

On the Cover

In-demand interior designer and style icon Christa Schwartz invites readers into her well-appointed Garden District home donning this season's prettiest wardrobe.

Dress, Brandon Maxwell, SOSUSU, sosusuboutique.com. Earrings, Joseph Stores, josephstores.com.

Styled by Melissa Coleman

Photographed by Theresa Cassagne Hair & Makeup by Kelly Snezrud

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APRIL

13 – 16

15

April 28 – May 7

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Fair Grounds Race Course, 1751 Gentilly Blvd., nojazzfest.com

Back for its 52nd year, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival brings a carnival of music, food, and libations to the Fair Grounds. Look for musical artists including Ed Sheeran, Lizzo, Jon Batiste, Dead & Company and a spotlight on Puerto Rico at the Cultural Exchange Pavilion.

Stevie Nicks

Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Dr., 504-587-3663, smoothiekingcenter.com.

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EMCM Presents: Freddie Blue & The Friendship Circle Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, 1901 Bartholomew St., 504-9403400, ellismarsaliscenter.org.

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Music at the Museum: New Orleans Jazz Museum

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave., lpomusic.com.

13

NOBT: Romeo and Juliet New Orleans Ballet Theater, The Orpheum Theater, orpheumnola.net.

French Quarter Festival Woldenburg Park, 1 Canal St., frenchquarterfest.org.

13 – 16

New Orleans Poetry Festival Various locations, nolapoetry.com.

14

NOMA at Night featuring Kumasi Afrobeat Orchestra, GAC, and Lo Tide

New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504-658-4100, noma.org.

15

Dine and Dance with the Victory Swing Orchestra

BB’s Stage Door Canteen, 945 Magazine St., 504-528-1943, nationalww2museum.org.

Swing in the Oaks: City Park Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, The Great Lawn & Peristyle at City Park, lpomusic.com.

20 – 23

Disney on Ice: Into the Magic UNO Lakefront Arena, 6801 Franklin Ave., 504-280-7171, arena.uno.edu.

21 – 23

Panorama: Marigny Opera Ballet Marigny Opera House, 725 St. Ferdinand St., 504-948-9998, marignyoperaballet.org.

24 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln

Center: The Brahms Effect Tulane University, Dixon Hall, friendsofmusic.org.

April 20 – May 7

August Wilson’s How I Learned What I Learned Le Petit Theatre, 616 St. Peter St., 504-522-2081, lepetittheatre.com.

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Galactic Featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph + Sir Woman Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave., 504-895-8477, tipitinas.com.

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The Revivalists Fillmore New Orleans, 6 Canal St., 504-881-1555.

May ___________________________________

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EMCM Presents: Germaine Bazzle

Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, 1901 Bartholomew St., 504-9403400, ellismarsaliscenter.org.

5

Better Than Ezra

House of Blues New Orleans, 225 Decatur St., 504-310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans.

BIG SAM'S FUNKY NATION PHOTO BY JACQUELINE MARQUE

Everyone loves a good sweat, some would argue the people of Finland most of all. It is a significant part of their cultural identity. A centuries-old practice, the Finnish Sauna Society has proudly listed by UNESCO as an ‘intangible cultural heritage’ of Finland. There’s even a Finnish proverb that loosely translates to “No sauna, no home.” Not sure what the literal translation is, but the loose translation sounds definitive. Due to the rising popularity of infrared heat, there are several new at-home options available to purchase right here in New Orleans. At last, you can finally invite your Finnish friends over without judgment!

In all seriousness, saunas (specifically infrared) have become quite the rage far beyond Finland. What's the difference? A traditional steam or dry sauna heats up the air around you, which then causes you to sweat. Infrared saunas use panels that emit infrared light to heat the body directly. Because of this, infrared sauna temperatures do not have to be as high as their traditional counterparts. Thus, folks can endure longer sessions inside and experience increased benefits. What are those? According to various sources there are plenty. Most notably, an increase in blood flow and heart rate, improved sleep, faster muscle recovery and healthier skin. Of course, individual results will vary.

Erin Romney, owner of Romney Studios (and MVMT) is all in on infrared heat. As a leading wellness expert in New Orleans, she is always on the hunt to help her clients become the strongest, healthiest version of themselves. She has infrared panels installed in her studios and specifically loves the brand Higher Dose for at home use. Now, you can purchase one of three Higher Dose products directly from Romney Studios; the infrared sauna blanket, the infrared PEMF mat or the full spectrum infrared sauna. Discover why she loves the products and how you can acquire something for yourself.

What benefits from infrared heat have you experienced personally? I love using the Higher Dose infrared sauna blanket for detoxification. I feel lighter and more energized after one session but feel results with consistent use. I use the blanket as often as possible (3-4 times a week) for up to an hour.

Do you plan to implement infrared light further into your studios? We’ve used infrared technology for years at both of our studios for heated classes like power yoga, yoga sculpt and pulse. They are some of our most popular classes. The infrared heat helps deepen your stretch, elongate your body and raise your core body temperature for a higher calorie burn. The infrared heat specifically warms your body from the inside. This aids in detoxification from heavy metals and improves circulation.

Do you have a preference between the sauna blanket vs the full sauna? The blanket and mat are ideal for a small space. Both are easily wiped down and stored after use. But, if you have the space, the full sauna is the most relaxing of all three.

What is the best time to use the sauna or sauna blanket? I love using the sauna blanket in the evening to unwind and relax. It helps me reduce anxiety and get into a deeper state of sleep.

Can you try before you buy? They are not officially available to try before purchasing, but I am happy to answer any questions about the products and their technology. If you have taken one of our heated classes, you’ll be familiar with infrared heat. We think you will love the results and the convenience of having an at home option!

Meet Penn, Shop Talk Blogger

Penn larocci is a born and raised New Orleanian.

After graduating from Tulane University she lived in NYC for nine years working in sales and marketing at an investment bank. When she missed New Orleans more than she could stand, she moved back home, met her husband and started a family. She's now raising two rambunctious little boys and spending her free time on environmental sustainability projects.

Hop To It

Beer aficionados rejoiced when Urban South Brewery founders Jacob Landry and Kyle Huling opened its doors in 2016. On April 8, fans have more reason to celebrate at the Urban South Brewery Anniversary Party, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Entertainment includes live circus performances, carnival food and games, sno-balls and eight exclusive beers brewed in collaboration with eight different breweries from around the country. The festivities are in New Orleans (1645 Tchoupitoulas St.) and Houston (1201 Oliver St.). All ages are welcome; the brewery is family and pet friendly, urbansouthbrewery.com.

Green Fairy Unleashed

Since the late 18th-century, absinthe has intrigued and been imbibed by many. The absinthe mystique, including its history and the New Orleans cocktail made with it, is revealed in The Absinthe Frappé, the latest in LSU Press’ Iconic New Orleans Cocktail Series. On April 17, Garden District Book Shop and The Chicory are hosting a special book launch celebration featuring author Marielle Songy in a discussion with Sue Strachan (author of this section, as well as The Café Brûlot, also part of the series). The event, which starts at 6 p.m., also offers light bites and Absinthe Frappés. GDBS in The Rink, 2727 Prytania St. This is a ticketed event, gardendistrictbookshop.com.

Design Mavens

It’s where fashion, florals and function meet: Longue Vue House and Gardens' annual Design Symposium. The event kicks off with a patron reception on April 20, symposium on April 21 and a round-table discussion on April 22. This year’s symposium speakers are Pedram Pasha Taheri, a graduate of LSU’s School of Interior Design, the owner, founder and designer of Pedram Couture, and Mary Palmer Dargan, a master landscape architect and botanist whose “signature designs are inspired by nourishing flourishing home utopias.” She is also a founding member of the advisory committee for The Garden Conservancy and author of books about landscape design.

The 2023 symposium will support Longue Vue's Discovery Garden for children, a garden education space. LVHG, 7 Bamboo Rd., longuevue.com – By Sue

Strachan

Ballet Balanchine Style

George Balanchine was one of the most influential choreographers in the 20th century, with many of his ballet’s permanent fixtures in a ballet company’s repertoire. On April 22, the New Orleans Ballet Association presents the State Ballet of Georgia performing two of his ballets, “Serenade” and “Concerto Barocco.” (Balanchine was from Georgia, a former Soviet republic, before he settled in the U.S.) A third work uses traditional Georgian music and was created by Yuri Possokhov, a Ukrainian-born dancer and international choreographer. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra provides live accompaniment for the night. Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St., nobadance.com.

City Park Blooms

Is your garden in need of a refresh? Then City Park’s Spring Garden Show is the perfect place to find the glow up it needs. The two-day event, April 1 and 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., is in the park’s New Orleans Botanical Garden, where in addition to plants and garden items to buy (and exhibits to admire), there are educational programs, live music, arts and crafts, and cooking demonstrations. The annual event is sponsored by the LSU AgCenter in cooperation with Louisiana Master Gardeners and Metro Area Horticulture Foundation. NOBG, 5 Victory Ave., City Park, neworleanscitypark.com.

GONE FESTIN’

By Amy Gabriel

Catch rays while you take in the sounds of the season in eye-catching frames like the BRIGITTE. The cat-eye silhouette with scalloped lenses is a nod to classic vintage style, while the poppy mirrored colorway will elevate your entire ensemble. KREWE, 619 Royal St., 407-2925; 1818 Magazine St., 504-342-2462, krewe.com.

A 100% cotton bandana, complete with whimsical floating pelicans, is a festing staple. The ideal accessory for its endless versatility, tie one around your neck or wrist with a spritz of lavender to keep cool or wind it around a top knot for an updo upgrade. 23 1/2” x 23 1/2”. Billy Reid, 3927 Magazine St., 504-208-1200, billyreid.com.

Not even a pesky puddle will prevent you from looking stylish while tromping about in a pair of CHELSEA Roma rainboots. These cozy and sleek slips ons, in a go-with-everything olive, are completely waterproof, making them a perfect fit for those rainy Crescent City outings. Feet First, 4122 Magazine St. 504-899-6800, feetfirststores.com.

Beat the heat while looking chic with a Senegalese handmade folding fan. Available in varying prints and patterns and able to be folded and tucked away when not in use, these breeze-makers from Dakar are made of West African wax fabric and leather. Voyage Living, voyage-living.com.

When galivanting from stage to stage, carry around your fest necessities in an Original Straw Traveler Bag from Hat Attack. The spacious raffia straw tote not only has plenty of room for your essentials, but smartly comes with a special built in spot for your favorite sunhat. 20” x 14”, Handle Drop 10”. Hemline French Quarter, 609 Chartres St., 504-592-0242, shophemline.com.

Ellie Schwing BENE Handbags

Ellie Schwing assumed it would be easy to find a chic leather travel bag in Italy. Nearly a decade ago, the New-Orleans-native-turned-Roman-resident began a fruitless search that turned up heavily logoed luxury or low-quality pieces – but not the bag she wanted. So, Schwing took matters into her own hands and created BENE (and a travel tote that remains her constant companion).

“Italians are always dripping in labels but not logos,” said Schwing. “That was important to me from a branding level. I wanted to be known for raised leather and craftsmanship, not because I stamped my name or gold leafed BENE on [the bags].”

Schwing describes her adopted home, like New Orleans, as “culturally eccentric,” so marrying the two influences seemed natural. BENE handbags are crafted in Italy, with exteriors that exude Italian elegance and sophistication. Interiors reflect NOLA “spirit and funk,” with custom-printed fabric liners featuring the work of female artists (to date, these have included Gretchen Howard, Artemis Antippas, Beth Lambert, and Alexa Pulitzer, all New Orleans-based).

“There are so many amazing artists out there, but a BENE artist has to be very distinct,” said Schwing. Her capsule collection with Pulitzer and the Preservation Hall Foundation raised more than 60,000 dollars, and she and Pulitzer have collaborated on a new bag, the Isabel. An upcoming limited-edition collaboration with Charlotte-based Windy O’Connor will feature that artist’s paintings on each bag’s surface.

Though she has no formal design training, Schwing began collecting handbags at an early age. The former thespian also harbors a taste for the dramatic, which may explain her preference for eye-catching hues and textures like pink metallic and emerald croc.

When Schwing created her first collection in 2015, the vision was shortterm. “I thought I would have a party, sell some bags, and that would be it,” she said, never imagining a brand with an Instagram following and placement in luxury boutiques throughout the Southeast. Above all, Schwing wants BENE to spark feeling. “If you just get a millisecond of beauty and art and inspiration… that’s what I want my customers to have every time they open their bag.” –

By Rebecca Friedman

THE SPRING BRUNCH

By Amy Gabriel

The lovely art of layering is the chicest way to create an inspired tablescape. Achieve a dynamic presentation by mixing prints and placing simple lilac flower dishes atop more pattern-rich, hand-painted stoneware dinner plates. Tory Burch, 333 Canal St., Ste. 103A, 504-581-6623, toryburch.com.

When it comes time for tea or pour over coffee, an enamel-coated stainless steel Gooseneck Kettle from Good Citizen Coffee Co. is the epitome of style. The long-structured spout makes for a sophisticated way to dispense your beverage of choice. Anthropologie, 333 Canal St., 504-592-9972, anthropologie.com.

Creating a charming ambiance includes a fragrance like the NOLA Kinda Morning candle. With notes of lemony citrus, Petitgrain and sugar cane, and a wick that makes the sound of crackling wood, each handpoured ParaSoy candle will add a delightful scent to the scene. Parish Scents Co., parishscents.com.

The darling is in the details, so outfit your settings with handcrafted spreaders by Godinger. Perfect for elegantly enjoying confitures and preserves, this set of four has a delicate handle with a springtime-inspired floral detail. Hilltop Shoppe, 3714 Magazine St., 504-533-9670, hilltopshoppe.com.

Display your savory and sweet bites in towering style with a VIDA Alegria triple tiered server from Beatriz Ball (beatrizball.com). Made of luxury melamine, the three serving rounds in graduated sizes are joined by silver-toned metal risers and topped by a circular handle, making it a cinch to take from countertop to table. Available at Hazelnut, 5525 Magazine St., 504-891-2424, hazelnutneworleans.com.

People Program NOLA

Jan Martino, Campus Coordinator and Scott Wallace, Program Director

Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1974, People Program NOLA provides an active program for seniors in the New Orleans area. Now the organization offers over 170 weekly classes, teaching seniors about fitness, fine arts and much more.

Program Director Scott Wallace and Campus Coordinator Jan Martino — a mainstay at the program for fifteen years — are thrilled to share the message about their work. For the most part, People Program’s benefits extend far beyond learning something new in a classroom.

“Here at People Program, we combat elder loneliness one senior citizen at a time,” said Wallace. “Classes are about community.” Although learning new skills in the classes is valuable, the real goal is fostering connections and friendships among participants.

For an enrollment fee of $200, seniors aged 55 and up can take any number of classes with People Program. Languages, humanities, finance, literature, science, mental health, and sewing are just a few of the topics covered.

Classes are arranged like college semesters, with spring, summer, and autumn semesters. Each course lasts for about 15 to 16 weeks.

First, People Program’s exercise classes are a popular choice, with yoga, dance, stretching and more offered each week. Participants can learn how to tap dance, play pickleball, or take a barre ballet course. Meditation and tai chi are available as well.

Next, the arts courses are also beloved, with options to learn acrylics, oil, stained glass, ceramics, pastel, and drawing, among other mediums. As Martino explained, many people never knew they had a gift for the arts until getting involved in these courses.

Additional classes teach participants how to play games such as Mah Jongg, bridge, canasta, chess and dominos. There are also plenty of music classes that cover everything from violin to ukulele.

Many courses offer practical advice as well. For instance, the Healthy Aging and the Brain class teaches participants how to understand the typical cognitive effects of aging. The course also provides evidence-based

strategies on how to reduce potential risks. Meanwhile, the Elder Scams and Financial Exploitation course helps participants avoid scams targeted to the elderly community.

In addition to the many in-person courses, People Program also provides online and hybrid classes. Participants can use Zoom to attend classes if they can’t make it to campus. This also allows people all over the world to attend classes via Zoom, so they can learn a language or participate in a book club discussion from any place. This technology provided a big boost for the program overall.

Both Martino and Wallace stressed one thing: People Program is for everyone. It’s non-denominational, nonsecular and welcomes a diverse group of participants. In fact, the interaction of people from all sorts of backgrounds is part of what makes the program so special.

People Program has an ongoing relationship with the Tulane University’s Aging Studies Program, whose interns teach classes and provide information about staying healthy while aging.

People Program’s overall mission – to support seniors’ need for com-

munity – is a vital one. In fact, Harvard University followed a cohort of people from 1938 to 2023 to study human happiness and well-being. As Robert Waldinger, author of The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness, remarked on the research: “[T]he finding that surprised us was there is tremendous predictive power in predicting who’s going to be happy and live longer in the quality of their relationships, that the people who have the warmest relationships and the people who are most connected to other people in their lives are the people who stay healthier and live longer.” It was one of the most critical findings from this massive 85-year-long study.

As Martino explained, the classes and friendships offered by People Program go a long way toward alleviating senior loneliness and building these crucial relationships. “People will stop by my office and say, every day is a good day at People Program,” said Martino. “People are engaged, learning, laughing and enjoying themselves.”

– By Lindsay Mack

GET INVOLVED

Martino described People Program as the “best-kept secret in the area,” and welcomes anyone interested to get in touch. Give them a call, check out the website, or visit either campus for more information. In addition, donations are always welcome. People Program also hosts a yearly gala and auction for additional fundraising. It’s a simple way to support the robust community of active seniors who make People Program so vital.

Locations:

Lakeshore

2240 Lakeshore Drive

New Orleans, LA 70122

504-284-7678

Westbank

Holy Spirit Catholic Church

6201 Stratford Place

New Orleans, 70131

504-394-5433

BY BECCA HENSLEY

12 LUXURIOUS ONE PRICE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

THESE AREN’T YOUR GRANDMOTHER’S ALL-INCLUSIVES

A glamorous tented camp in northern Thailand set on a rescued elephant sanctuary. Marlon Brando’s own island in Tahiti. A former summer hideaway for the Rockefeller family poised on a lake in upstate New York. A chic eco-hotel in Peru set amid the high-altitude Sacred Valley. A cliff hung romantic retreat in Big Sur, shaded by ancient redwoods. A safari lodge in Kenya where Out of Africa was filmed. A ranch in Montana with contemporary treehouse suites beneath the big sky.

What could possibly connect these alluring upscale destinations? Are you sitting down? Each one offers all-inclusive pricing, freeing you from worrying about pesky details during your stay, proffering tons of complimentary things to do, promising first-class food and drink and guaranteeing five-star service, shelter and amenities. While all-inclusives at this tier can’t be called inexpensive, travelers will experience abundance and pampering and will return home sated, refreshed and bursting with treasured memories. Ready to go? Here are 12 of our favorites.

Photos provided courtesy of each venue.

THE GREEN O, MONTANA

Secluded in a meadow-y alcove beneath a canopy of trees like a hidden elves’ village, diminutive the green o, by the founders of upscale dude ranch The Resort at Paws Up, is the sort of place that makes guests want to wax poetic a la John Muir (the father of the our national park system), rephrasing his words to fit the mood of this unique hideaway and its 12 design-forward, fairytale-like accommodations. “The green o is calling and I must go,” you’ll likely say (with apologies to Muir) to the surrounding forest, hearing your voice echo through 37,000 acres of Montana wilderness that comprise the Paws Up enclave. Eco-conscious and standalone, the suites (called hauses) take on different shapes, each fusing with nature via large windows that bring in the view. With its own restaurant, the green o invites guests to partake of a vast array of activities from horseback riding to snow shoeing to art classes in season. The green o, thegreeno.com.

THE BRANDO, TAHITI

Marlon Brando fell in love at first sight with the small atoll of Tetiaroa. For him, it had an almost medicinal calming effect—something that he wanted to share first with a handful of his Hollywood peers, then later with the public at large. Envisioned to honor the land and keep it unspoiled, the still undeveloped paradise celebrates the pursuit of stillness, the majesty of raw nature and the glory of Tahitian culture. Woven into secluded nooks amongst the pandanus and coconut trees, just 35 thatched beachfront villas beckon, each authentically—but comfortably—appointed.

LEED Platinum certified and carbon neutral, The Brando leads the way to embrace sustainability using solar power, seawater air-conditioning, organic pest control and gardening, as well as a variety of other renewable power methodologies. Spend days at your private pool, enjoying water sports in the ocean, taking custom boat tours or learning about Polynesian culture—among other options. Grab a bar stool at Bob’s Bar, Marlon’s original tiki beach bar, to sip a Dirty Old Bob, Marlon’s favorite cocktail. The Brando, thebrando.com.

AMAWATERWAYS, AROUND THE WORLD

Most people expect a cruise to contain both a gluttony of included items, as well as a final bill sticker shock of trickery of extras. Some cruises do the bare minimum in the most base level way. Not so with AmaWaterways, which puts the “p” in posh cruising. A luxury river cruise line exalted for its top-of-class curated experience throughout Europe, Asia and Africa, Ama offers itineraries as electrifying as sails on the Nile River to view the pyramids and sphinx, safari river cruises down the Chobe River in Africa, or wine and music themed trips on Europe’s Danube. Locally inspired meals, on board experts (think genealogists and sommeliers) and unforgettable off ship outings seal the deal. AmaWaterways, amawaterways.com.

THE POINT, NEW YORK

Truffled popcorn or hot, just baked chocolate chip cookies at midnight? Happy Hour on a jaunty boat cruise in summer? Champagne bars hidden in corners, closets—even atop an icy lake? Tuxedos at night worn in rooms where the Rockefeller family dined with their friends the Astors and Vanderbilts in similar attire? That’s the vibe at The Point, North America’s first Relais and Châteaux hotel. Positioned lakefront on mirror-like Upper Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks, this summer home of the Rockefeller clan was built as a Great Camp. With a quixotic log mansion and 11 distinct guest rooms knitted into four original buildings, including a boathouse, The Point specializes in conjuring and replicating that 19th-century sensibility of “roughing it” with the helpful padding of unfettered opulence. Make like a Jazz Age reveler and enjoy combating the outdoors with ice skates or hiking boots in season, but always with a drink in your hand. The Point, New York, thepointresort.com

ALILA VENTANA BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA

The television series Mad Men’s finale put Big Sur into the vernacular for a new generation of travelers. But, the region’s been a draw for eons— long before Esalen tinkered with hippie-inspired light seeking and heart opening. Just ask the 600-year-old giant redwood trees that thrive along this rugged Atlantic coastline in northern California. They’re the true prize of renowned Highway 1. Centuries old, stretching to the sky, the trees have been watching over this forest-scape for hundreds of years. Recreated on the grounds of a bygone, laid-back hotel for Hollywood glitterati, wedged into the redwood forest, Alila Ventana Big Sur upped the opulent ante. They’ve turned the former retreat into an adults-only transformative bolthole, one of North America’s most gratifying hotels. Stay for the gastronomic fare, the plethora of activities from nature hikes to astrology readings to meditation, the spa, the onsen pools, and the mindfully curated suites—each equipped with notable amenities, such as rugged walking sticks, binoculars, and pens made from fallen tree branches. Alila Ventana Big Sur, ventanabigsur.com.

FOUR SEASONS TENTED CAMP GOLDEN TRIANGLE, THAILAND

Remotely located in northern Thailand on the Ruak River within a bamboo jungle, fringed by tea fields, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle feels dreamily exotic and fanciful. On a rescued elephant sanctuary, it conveys travelers to an almost storybook sphere of rugged luxury. Kitted out with artifacts and furnishings that reflect both the region and the imagined era of foregone explorers, the suites coddle with immense soaking tubs, overstuffed chairs, telescopes, Turkish fabrics, local artwork, lavish beds and antique accoutrements. You’ll arrive to the resort by boat, then be led through the purposefully rambling property, a joy of winding pathways and bridges, including an Indiana Jones-reminiscent suspension bridge that swings over a ravine. A pool and spa tempt, but you’ll relish time with the elephants—feeding them, caring for them and connecting. Imbibe at the Burma Bar, whimsically adorned with vintage flourishes, and sporting outstanding vistas. Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, fourseasons. com/goldentriangle/.

GRAND VELAS LOS CABOS

Sometimes you just want a margarita—in Mexico! But you’ve heard about those Mexican all-inclusives: hard beds, broken air conditioning, generic food and watered-down drinks. Enter a whole other type of all-inclusive in Mexico: Grand Velas Los Cabos—rated Forbes 5-star, the first and only all-inclusive resort in Mexico to receive such prestigious acclaim. The brainchild of Mexican jet setters who wanted to create an all-inclusive that was worthy of their peerless expectations and high standards, the Grand Velas brand, with several hotels across Mexico, continues to impress across the board. On the Baja Peninsula, this stunning hotel struts its stuff on a blue flag beach between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Check in begins with a glass of Veuve Clicquot and the love only gets stronger throughout your stay. From plunge pools to a restaurant helmed by a Michelin starred chef to a slew of complimentary activities, butlers and a colossal, yet tranquil spa, this resort lives out Calderón de La Barca’s quote: La Vida Es Sueño: Life is a Dream. Grand Velas Los Cabos, loscabos.grandvelas.com.

GUANA ISLAND, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Easily possible fodder for something written by Robert Louis Stevenson, this treasure of an island encompasses 850 acres of paradise with space for only 32 guests to share the largesse—including seven pristine beaches. Like a most enchanted shipwreck fantasy, accented by lavish touches of course, the island feels uninhabited, with honor bars tempting day drinking and kayaks urging you to work off lunch. Invisible staff scurry in at just the right time to refresh, renew and retool—as needed. Honoring a long-held drinks before dinner tradition, Guana invites all guests to mingle before dinner, sharing tidbits about their day and perhaps making friends for life. Brimming with hiking trails edged with an astonishing array of plant life for such a small island, Guana also screens films at night at an outdoor movie theater. Enjoy knowing that Guana Island reigns as a sustainable eden with an organic farm and orchard, a rigorous wildlife conservation program and a commitment to eco-conscious tourism. Guana Island, guana.com.

SHELDON CHALET, ALASKA

Many people only see Alaska from the porthole of a cruise ship—or maybe on an off-ship outing. At Sheldon Chalet, which straddles a private 4.99-acre nunatak {glacier rock outcropping}, located in Denali National Park, you can do so much more than look at the scenery. You’ll immerse in it to drink up this microcosm of Alaska, a state known as “The Last Frontier.” With space for only up to ten guests in five bedrooms, this true sanctum from urbanity can only be reached by air. Conceived for adventurers, the diminutive lodge comes complete with chef, concierge, guides and gear. You’ll trek a glacier, gaze at the aurora borealis, rappel of the mountain, build igloos, rock climb and much more. Sheldon Chalet, sheldonchalet.com.

ANGAMA SAFARI CAMP IN THE MAASAI MARA, KENYA

Most travelers to Kenya’s Maasai Mara find their safari adventure life changing. Whether its the wildlife, the wide-open spaces, the ancient gravitas of the terrain, the edginess of being so far away from real life, the sundowners or the camaraderie, the safari experience speaks deeply to the soul. At Angama Mara, a family- owned, award-winning safari lodge, travelers have two choices. Stay in the original outpost, a refuge of rustic elegance on a hill overlooking the Maasai Mara (the spot where a portion of Out of Africa was filmed), in spacious lodge suites. Or, glamp at the resort’s new soleuse tented camp, situated further afield in a lesser trammelled part of the Mara Triangle. Ideal for larger groups traveling together, such as friends or families, the Angama Safari Camp comprises four tents, capable of sleeping up to eight guests. Deep in the heart of the savannah wilderness, guests will activate all their senses becoming one with beat of the land. At both inclusive

Angama Mara and Angama Safari Camp children are welcome and days are customized to your desires. Angama Safari Camp, angama. com/stay/angama-safari-camp/.

MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE, NEW YORK

Farms, vineyards, orchards, woods, and lost-in-time villages compose the calendar photo perfect pastiche of the Hudson Valley. Mohonk Mountain House, founded (and still family owned and operated) by the Smiley family since 1869, has been the region's storied refuge for urban dwellers in search of sylvan pastures —as it were—since. A sprawling retreat that manages, nevertheless, to feel like a home, the Victorian chateau-like hotel anchors amid 40,000-acres of nature and fresh air. Its historic ambiance—rocking chairs, porches, fireplaces—soothes and its state-of-the-art modernity satisfies (think refreshing farm-to-table meals and a geo-thermal powered spa). Attractive to families for its myriad activities (fishing, archery, tomahawk throwing, yoga, spa, tennis, abundant hiking trains and more) and laid-back attitude towards children (“Let kids be kids!”) the hotel also excels in the romance category. Mohonk Mountain House, mohonk.com.

EXPLORA SACRED VALLEY, PERU

Gambol through quinoa fields, struggle up steep inclines, rest beneath eucalyptus trees, pet a llama and celebrate atop mountain peaks in Peru’s Sacred Valley, seeing the ancient homeland of the Inca like a true slow traveler. Setting itself apart, Explora Sacred Valley offers more than 50 complimentary, expertly guided, small group hikes, bike (and e-bike) rides and cultural activities each day. You might call this their secret sauce. Conceived for guests of all levels (all that’s required is curiosity and ambition), the activities run the gamut from easy to difficult, incorporating a bevy of interests and off the beaten track experiences. Each evening, guests meet with a dedicated staff member to customize the next day’s itinerary during a happy hour where they share their day. A friendly retreat, situated in bucolic surroundings amid Inca ruins, Explora features pampering amenities in the suites—from soaking tubs to dreamy beds. Don’t miss a meal at the farm-to-plate restaurant helmed by acclaimed Michelin starred Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez. Explora Sacred Valley, explora.com.

A N ew Season in Bloom

In demand interior designer and style icon Christa Schwartz takes us on a spin through her well-appointed Garden District home in this season's prettiest wardrobe.

By Melissa Coleman

Photographed by Theresa Cassagne

Hair & Makeup by Kelly Snezrud

A fashionable landscape

One of our favorite looks of the season, this dip-dyed Brandon Maxwell (complete with pockets) has us twirling in circles.

Dress, Brandon Maxwell, SOSUSU, sosusuboutique.com. Earrings, Joseph Stores, josephstores.com.

Garden soirée

Dance the night away under twinkling lights in this silk chiffon dress by Aliette.

Dress, Aliette, Saks Fifth Avenue, saksfifthavenue.com.

Necklace, Lizzie Fortunado, Pilot and Powell, pilotandpowell.com.

Shoes, vintage Charlotte Olympia..

A glam night in

That moment at the end of the night where you kick off your shoes and curl up for a nightcap? We say do it in Proenza Schouler. Dress, Proenza Schouler, Pilot and Powell, pilotandpowell.com.

Groundbreaking florals

Only Proenza Schouler could make a floral gown look so effortless.

Schouler,

Gown, Proenza

Pilot and Powell, pilotandpowell.com.

Fashion on cue

Christa and pup Snoopy, perfect from lunch to cocktail, in La Double J that knocks our socks off. Pair with a platform to be on trend. (Dog optional but recommended.)

Dress, La Double J; Platforms, Prada Both available at Joseph Stores, josephstores.com.

The executive suite

For an interior design firm owner and CEO of her home, this dress screams all play and no work. The gold metal straps play well with the metallic pump for a look that says, "I’m taking the day off."

Dress, Galvan London; Shoes, Gianvito Rossi Both available at Joseph Stores, josephstores.com.

Necklace, Tendenza, SOSUSU, sosusuboutique.com.

Turquoise and Diamond ring, Milestones by Ashleigh Bergman, ashleighbergman.com.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, Andrew LaMar Hopkins at the Louisiana Museum Foundation Founders Ball IV

The National WWII Museum Victory Ball

The National WWII Museum's supporters gathered on Nov. 11 to support the museum and to celebrate the men and women who served our country in the military at the Victory Ball: Spirit of Hope presented by The Ray and Jessica Brandt Family Foundation.

This event was held in multiple spaces in the museum located in the Warehouse District, including the U.S. Freedom Pavilion’s BB's Stage Door Canteen, which was transformed into Bob Hope's Hollywood Canteen, and The American Sector Restaurant and Bar, where guests could find specialty cocktails. The food for the night was curated by The American Sector's Executive Chef Jeremie Janise.

Entertainment came from the Victory Swing Orchestra and The National WWII Museum's Victory Belles and of note, there was an exclusive showing of “Expressions of America" in the Col. Battle Barksdale Parade Ground.

The top VIPs this night were the veterans and active military who attended, including guest of honor, Medal of Honor recipient, Sgt. First Class Melvin Morris, U.S. Army; Sgt. Major Rosalia Scifo, U.S. Marine Corps (Morris and Scifo spoke at the event); and World War II veterans Dr. Tom Fitzpatrick, Marion Ferdinand Hess Sr., C. Paul Hilliard, Ralph Hopkins, Frank Heuer and Bob Wolf. There were 270 activity duty and veterans at the event.

Linda Hope was the honorary chair of the event’s host committee.

• The museum was founded June 6, 2000, and was originally called the National D-Day Museum. The day was chosen as the D-Day operation was on June 6, 1944.

1. Bill Gallagher, Mike Bell, Dr. Nick Mueller

2. Jeff Scurlock, C. Paul Hilliard, Kathryn Scurlock, Ted Weggeland 3. Kathy Knittel, Jeff Knittel 4. Randy Scifo, Sgt. Major Rosalia Scifo, Jessica Brandt, Sal Randazzo

5. Louellen Berger, Frank Heuer 6. Sarah Wehlage, Ray Chain, Dr. Tom Fitzpatrick

FUN FACTS

Louisiana Museum Foundation Founders Ball IV

They could have danced all night at the Louisiana Museum Foundation Founders Ball IV. The scene at The Cabildo on Nov. 18 definitely recalled a Regency period ball — women came in Empire-style dresses and stylized wigs, men in period frocks or black-tie (a nod to the present day) — but one thing was for certain: all came to celebrate the opening of “Creole New Orleans, Honey! The Art of Andrew LaMar Hopkins,” which the foundation sponsored.

Hopkins is a self-taught artist whose detailed and colorful paintings of 19th-century Creole culture in New Orleans have met with rave reviews — and are part of this exhibit, which is on view through Sept. 30, 2023. This exhibit also features artifacts from the Louisiana State Museum archives directly depicted in Hopkins works.

The Max Moran Trio kicked off the entertainment at the patron party, segueing into the Virtuosa Quartet, which played popular music in classical style, accompanied by period costumed dancers to create a Bridgerton ballroom-themed atmosphere.

Traditional Creole cuisine from foundation board members Ralph Brennan and Dickie Brennan, along with other New Orleans dishes were served, and were paired with French and Spanish wines.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser presented honorees Nathalie Beras, Consul General of France in Louisiana; Maria Isabel Page, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Spain; and Jacqueline Simon, cultural representative of Haitian history and culture, with proclamations for their contributions to the state.

As the annual fundraiser for the Louisiana Museum Foundation, the funds raised from this year’s event supported the creation and opening of the exhibition and will fund related educational programming. Event co-chairs were Renee F. Carrere, Mary L. Cavanaugh and Jeremy C. Corkern.

FUN FACTS

• This gala was a notable night of firsts! “Creole New Orleans, Honey! The Art of Andrew LaMar Hopkins” is the first solo museum show for Hopkins and the first exhibit in the Cablido of a living Black artist.

1. Andrew LaMar Hopkins, Kristin C. Shannon, Sweet Dupuy, Benjamin A. Dupuy 2. Mary L. Cavanaugh, Jeremy C. Corkern, Renee F. Carrere

3. Permele Doyle Robinson, Garner Robinson

4. Susan Maclay, Don Maclay 5. CJ Lotz, Mariah Bencik 6. Nathan Drewes, Chad Graci, Collin Magee

Poydras Home Holiday Tree Lighting & Music Festival

When the 30-foot holiday tree is glowing at the Poydras Home corner of Magazine Street and Jefferson Avenue, it’s the start of seasonal celebrations!

To mark the occasion, Poydras Home hosted its the fourth annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Music Festival on Dec. 1, and what was so special was that the event was back to being a fully in-person benefit since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The party was inside and out, where residents, their families and friends could enjoy performances of holiday songs and hymns by the New Orleans Council on Aging Community Choir and soprano vocalist Sarah Jane McMahon; photos with Santa Claus (played by the New Orleans Council on Aging Director of Community Services Martin Huber) and a holiday craft and baked goods sale.

A favorite for all was the Stocking Stuffer raffle: a $25 ticket bought a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to one of six iconic New Orleans eateries (with six winners in total): any restaurant within the Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group; Clancy’s; Creole Creamery; Galatoire’s; Langenstein’s; and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

FUN FACT

• Poydras Home originated in 1817 as an orphanage for female children of widows left destitute by the yellow fever outbreaks in New Orleans. The first location was in what is now the Warehouse District and in 1857, Poydras Home relocated to its current location in Uptown New Orleans, which was considered to be a sprawling countryside at that time. • While traditional holiday classics were performed at the festival, both Poydras Home and the event were nondenominational.

1. Brenda Smith, Santa, Bob Smith 2. Brooks Ryan, Elise Ryan, Suzanne Thomas 3. Janis Gissel Letourneau, MD, Byrde Letourneau, John Godfrey 4. Pete Towns, Hughes Towns, Caroline Towns, Elizabeth Towns 5. Gene Shapiro, William Murray, Nanette Shapiro 6. Sarah Jane McMahon, Erin Kolb

New Orleans Jazz Museum Improvisations Gala

What other gala has an entertainment line-up this awesome? Germaine Bazzle featuring Charlie Gabriel; Irma Thomas; Galactic featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph; Tim Laughlin Trio; Detroit Brooks Quintet; Aurora Nealand Quintet; Mahmoud Chouki; Shake’Em Up Jazz Band; Lukasz L.U.C. Rostkowski; Victor Atkins; and the Treme-Lafitte Brass Band — and that’s before we get to the Social Improvisations production!

The gala in question is the Improvisations Gala presented by the Herb Alpert Foundation, a benefit for the New Orleans Jazz Museum held on Dec. 3.

More than 1,200 supporters were spread throughout the museum and its grounds, located at the Old US Mint. Music was everywhere, with stages set throughout and the new-this-year Social Improvisations, which consisted of Trumpet Mafia, Opera Creole, The Next Generation Jazz Band, Hibriduz, Orquesta Nacional de Jazz de México, The New Orleans Chorus Girls, Dila Que NOLA, N’Awlins D’Awlins Baby Dolls and Big Queen Mary K. Stevenson & the Original Wild Tchoupitoulas performing from the museum balcony and second lining around the building.

Another creative enticement was the Sound Collage by Virtual Krewe of Vaporwave, a magical experience that intersected visual art with illuminated installations and dancing.

“All proceeds from Improvisations will further enhance exhibits, cultural programming, events and the Jazz Museum Education Center,” said museum Executive Director Greg Lambousy.

Event co-chairs were Dr. Henry L. Bart and Wendy Lodrig Bart, and David Piscola and Lisa Ramsay Piscola. Honorary co-chairs were Herb Alpert, Jon Batiste, Randy Fertel and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.

FUN FACTS

• Since 2014, the Jazz Museum has had its own record label, Gallatin Street Records, which was conceived as a means of preserving public domain archival recordings from the museum’s collections or have never been made public before, making them available to a larger audience.

1. Dr. Henry L. Bart, Wendy Lodrig Bart, Lisa RamsayPiscola, David Piscola 2. George Corey, Cynthia Krus, Greg Lambousy 3. Stacey Messina, Randy Fertel 4. Michael Sawaya, Valerie Grubb 5. Kerri Becker, Debbie Holzenthal 6. Dickie Brennan, Caitlin Cain, Jerry Reyes

Son of a Saint Gala

While many people talk about solving a problem, Son of a Saint founder and CEO Bivian “Sonny” Lee III took action and created a solution. In 2011, Lee launched Son of a Saint to address how to help fatherless boys in the New Orleans area, a cause near to him as his own father, New Orleans Saints player Bivian Lee Jr., died at a young age. Since its inaugural class of 10 boys, Son of a Saint has grown to its current group of 200 young men.

On Dec. 9, the organization hosted its annual gala in partnership with the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans Hotel. The event raised funds to continue Son of a Saint’s mission of providing programming such as holistic mentorship, life skills and educational opportunities.

The night started with a patron cocktail party followed by the gala featuring music from the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, a three-course dinner and live and silent auctions.

Son of a Saint Board of Directors Vice Chair Carol G. Asher was honored with a special tribute award.

When the official agenda was completed, an after party followed with The Soul Rebels performing. Dance party entertainment was provided by DJ RQ Away. Many also enjoyed Sonny’s Margarita, which was served at the gala as well as at the after party. The drink is also available at a range of local hotels, bars and restaurants, including Barrel Proof, the Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone, Sofia Nola, Zocalo and The Windsor Court to raise money for the organization.

The gala, which was presented by Ochsner Health, was chaired by Ochsner Health CEO Pete November.

• Son of a Saint mentees and brothers Malik and Malakhi Jackson co-hosted the event and helped open the show as masters of ceremony.

1. George Lilly, Cheryl Lilly, Rosie Nowhitney, Bivian “Sonny” Lee III 2. Laverne Saulny, Kevin Green Jr., Stephanie November, Pete November 3. Tamica Lee, Jason Williams, Liz Marcell Williams 4. Mary Hines, Bill Hines, Mike McKay, Kim Perret 5. Ryan Burks, Stephanie Burks 6. Bobby Dandry, Allison Shapiro Dandry, Elliot Hutchinson

FUN FACT

New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation Azúcar Ball

The New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s Azúcar Ball returned Dec. 10, with the theme Parranda Navideña, which recalls holiday celebrations of Puerto Rico and was chosen to honor its resilience, rich culture and festive spirit.

And as an event considered the “Best Dancing Party in New Orleans,” it certainly delivered with AshèSon, Julio & Cesar, and DJ Felipe Estrada creating the dance floor mood, while there was an additional performance by Liquid Rhythm.

Food abounded and among the dishes served that night, two were Puerto Rican dishes — arroz con gandules and pernil asado Puertorriqueño — made by New Orleans Love Chef Jazzelyn Williams.

On a more serious note, the late writer and producer Suzanne Pfefferle Tafur was honorary chair and celebrated at the start of the event with a speech from Board President Lauren Mastio, who presented a commemorative poster to her husband, Dr. Jose Tafur on behalf of the organization.

Bill Hines received the 2022 Gálvez Cup recipient, which is the highest recognition awarded by the NOHHF, for his support for the organization and the community. The award is named after the governor of Louisiana during the Spanish governance period (1776-1783), Don Bernardo de Gálvez.

Presented by Pan American Life Insurance Group, the gala was at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and event co-chairs were Caroline Crumley, Jo Anne Keck and Kirsten Rinck.

FUN FACT

• The Azúcar Ball raises funds for underrepresented local high school students that receive scholarships from the NOHHF every year.

• Since 1993, the NOHHF awarded more than 1,082 high school and freshman-year college scholarships.

1. Amanda Redmann, John Redmann, Lauren Mastio, George Fowler 2. Kirsten Rinck, Jo Anne Keck, Caroline Crumley 3. Carl Ayestas, Anna Ayestas 4. Dr. Marcia Davilia, Dr. Emmett Zimmerman 5. Jose Suquet, Ileana Suquet, Deanna Rodriguez, Sonia Perez, Javier Perez 6. Maria Leon Vallejo, Louis Rodriguez, Heidi Keisling

PRC HOLIDAY HOME TOUR PATRON PARTY

WHEN: December 3, 2022

WHERE: The home of Amy and Garrison Neill

WHAT: Supporters of the Preservation Resource Center attended a patron party to kick off the 47th annual holiday home tour presented by Gallo Mechanical. New this year was a VIP hour which included a champagne welcome, exclusive performances and a specialty culinary experience. The PRC preserves New Orleans’ historic architecture, neighborhoods and cultural identity through collaboration, empowerment and community service.

BRIGHT SCHOOL THANK-YOU RECEPTION

WHEN: Dec. 7, 2022

WHERE: The home of Virginia and Michael White

WHAT: The Bright School and Virginia and Michael White hosted a reception to thank donors and school staff. The school is the Greater New Orleans area’s only early intervention pre-school for the deaf or hard of hearing and was established in 1959 by the Bright and White families to meet the needs of their deaf grandson and son, Michael White (who is now a board member.)

1. Amy Neill, Garrison Neill 2. Carling Dinkler, Danielle Del Sol, Sarah Martzolf 3. Hartley Crunk, Naydja Bynum, Adolph Bynum, Rochelle Ford, Catherine Hales

1. Laurie Mayer, Tim Bright, Linda Frantz, Manny Bright 2. Megan Nelson, Willie Nelson, Ashley Bright, Edgar Bright 3. Bright School staff - Sophia Cortez, Jamie Smith, Elliot Thomas, Linda Frantz, Whitley Hill, Malayia Burns, Laurie Mayer

SNAPSHOTS

PATIO PLANTERS OF THE VIEUX CARRÉ HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

WHEN: December 18, 2022

WHERE: French Quarter

WHAT: Guests gathered to savor the holiday spirit as Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré presented French Quarter residences dressed for the season. The self-guided walking tour included interesting architectural styles and home furnishings, as well as a variety of collections of Christmas decorations. This December fundraiser is a prelude to and helps provide funding for the highly anticipated Caroling in Jackson Square later in the evening.

2023 YMCA OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS ANNUAL MEETING

WHEN: January 19, 2023

WHERE: Cars of Yesteryears

WHAT: The Annual Meeting honored Pool Corporation with the C. Allen Favrot Humanitarian of the Year award and Belle Chasse YMCA volunteer Dominque “Dom” Thomas with the Mildred Wild Volunteer of the Year Award. The event was also a welcoming celebration of new YMCA board members and a grateful acknowledgement of board members completing their years of service. Attendees admired the spectacular collection of 165 meticulously maintained antique cars, toys, and memorabilia at the private museum of philanthropist Henry Shane.

1. Celia Collins, Jeff Collins, Tony Marino, Frances Cordell

2. Frances Salvaggio, C.J. Blanda, Lea Siegel

3. Ott Howell, Stephen Swain, Sandra Dartus, Mary Bartholomew, Joey Difatta

1. Scott Finnan, Andrew Boudoin, Christy Bloom, Jennifer “Jenn” Neil 2. Marlin Gusman, Jr., Elder Gwin, Richard Yancey 3. Dominque “Dom” Thomas, Jodi Nohra

Jazzfest Quality Crawfish Bread

Makes 12 Servings

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cups finely chopped onion

1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1-pound boiled, peeled Louisiana crawfish tails with fat (can also be made with shrimp or fresh pork sausage)

1/3 cup very thinly sliced scallions

Tony Chachere’s More Spice, Less Salt seasoning OR salt and pepper to taste Louisiana hot sauce to taste (about ½ tablespoon to 1 tablespoon)

1 (48-ounce) package frozen bread dough, such as Bridgeford (3 loaves), defrosted

1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Melted unsalted butter for brushing

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the bell pepper and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the peppers soften and the garlic is fragrant, about 8 minutes. Add the crawfish, scallions, Tony’s seasoning (or salt and pepper), and hot sauce. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Cover and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Roll each defrosted loaf of bread dough out on a lightly floured surface to a 20 x 5-inch rectangle.

If you would prefer to have six smaller finished loaves instead of three large ones, cut each rectangle in half to form two pieces that are 10 x 5-inch rectangles.

Divide the crawfish mixture evenly along the centers of each piece of dough. The mixture should be moist, not runny. Drain off some liquid if necessary.

Divide the cheeses evenly atop the crawfish mixture taking care to keep it centered on the dough. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal, fully enclosing the filing. Cut 2-inch slits on top of the filled dough to vent. Place the loaves on a greased baking sheet and brush the tops with melted butter. Bake until golden brown and the cheeses are bubbling from the slits in the dough, about 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Cool 10 minutes—if you can keep grabbing hands at bay for that long. Slice and serve warm.

Festival Food at Home

When Jazzfest was cancelled in 2020 and 2021, Beth Arroyo Udderback, General Manager of WWOZ radio station, recalled her parents “Festing in Place” from their garage when her mother became unable to visit the festival in person. The concept proved brilliant, and the radio station played extensive sets from festivals of years past. If, for whatever reason, you are unable to attend the festival in person, the magic of WWOZ and a portion of this easy to make festival favorite have the power to transport you there. –

By Jyl Benson

What to Serve with Stuffed Crawfish Bread

Abita Amber is particularly nice, as the beer has the potency to cut through the richness of the cheeses while also holding its own against the spices and seasonings.

Notes

1. Loaves may be cooked halfway, cooled, wrapped in foil, and frozen. Bring to room temperature, unwrap and complete cooking to serve.

2. To transport the loaves wrap each hot, just-baked loaf tightly in foil to keep it intact and retain ambient heat.

3. Shrimp may be substituted for the pre-cooked, peeled crawfish. If doing so, use 1½ pounds peeled, raw shrimp (chop if large) and allow them to cook with the aromatic vegetables until they are fully pink. Drain off some liquid if the mixture seems runny before proceeding.

4. For a thrifty stuffed bread that will still get you feeling the spirit, remove the casings from 1 ½ pounds fresh Cajun pork sausage and sauté until the fat is rendered out and the sausage is brown, about 8 minutes.

The Expert - Jyl Benson I have spent a lifetime living for Jazzfest. I am also skilled in recipe development. Years ago, I spent days tinkering with the recipe that is now a dead ringer for the version Panaroma Foods (in Marksville) usually sells at Jazzfest in the spring. Figuring this out made me feel as though I had cracked the nuclear code. If I want my daughter to come home and invite all her friends, I need only to mention this is on the menu.

Why not dress the part?

Delilah Dress, SOSUSU Boutique, 504-309-5026, sosusuboutique.com

Garden Inspired

Recently I asked a handful of friends, “What is your springtime inspiration?” The imagery that soon flooded my inbox was brimming with florals. While ranging from colorful to monochromatic, English gardens to tropical vistas, the consistent thread was the arrangement of said botanicals in a natural manner: an ode to the garden. The union of nature & our domestic enjoyment is perfect to celebrate in the form of an April dinner party.

Get in the mood with a Paloma Rose

• 2 ounces reposado tequila

• Juice from 1 fresh grapefruit

• 1 ounce of rose flavored simple syrup

• Grapefruit flavored sparkling water to taste

Add first 3 ingredients to a cocktail shaker, shake, pour over ice and top with sparkling water to taste.

The perfect backdrop Philippe Deshoulieres Jardins de Florence, Adler’s, 504-5235292, adlersjewelry.com

Garden or Trellis? No need to choose! Reversible Kantha Table Cover in Foxgloves, Maisonette, 504-437-1850, maisonetteshop.com

Set the stage by moving your houseplants into your dining room. Trees, ferns and potted plants will serve as a thematic but elegant nod to your evening’s decor. Hang votives from the trees and plants whose scale and strength allow. Use botanical themed linens. Serve drinks in colored glassware, a mixture of stemmed and stemless. Set your table with decorative china. Light candles and arrange amongst smaller plants & cuttings from your garden - or let your own inspiration drive the scene. If you can’t stop looking at images from the Chelsea Flower Show, make cuttings and arrangements with roses or camelias. If you’re more inspired by Ann Rice, mystical New Orleans or nighttime gardens, gather vines and darker colored florals. Wildflowers & flowering weeds make magical and unexpected arrangements when mixed with rich greenery.

Serve elegant food, keep the drinks flowing and the music playing. It will be a memorable evening for all. Cheers! – By Jenny Vorhoff

Rose colored glasses

Estelle Regal Goblets in Smoke, Hilltop Shoppe, 504-533-9670, hilltopshoppe.com

New Orleans’ Smartest Nite Club

In 1934, brothers Leon and Louis Prima started their club-owning partnership by opening Prima’s, “New Orleans’ Smartest Nite Club,” at 229 Bourbon Street. Prima’s was an immediate success. Dancing, dining, and drinking were accentuated by three nightly floor shows (at 11:15 p.m., 2:15 a.m. and 4:15 a.m.) and kept the crowd at capacity all night. While the floor show, featuring comedians, singers, magicians, variety acts and dancers – including sultry “hot cha artists” like Dimples Dalton – were popular, the big draw was Louis, known then as America’s hottest trumpeter.

A year later, the club was renovated, redecorated and reopened for the 1935 season with a new name: Prima’s Shim Sham Club. The glamorous, modern redesign featured a 3-foot-high raised half-moon shaped dance floor that had space for the musicians, the entertainers and dancing customers. While Louis had since found musical fame in NYC, he came back for a fiveday run at the new club during opening week.

own dance chorus of six girls called the Shim Shamettes, described by one writer as “something luscious to glimpse.”

In the fall of 1937, the club underwent another renovation and reopened for the winter season called simply: Prima’s. The new décor included an improved dance floor and furnishings, and the entertainment lineup featured Leon’s 10-piece orchestra. And as usual, with the start of a new season and a new club name, Louis spent a week there in between his other engagements.

229 Bourbon St. in April, 1938. This was reportedly the first place in New Orleans where patrons could dance on an elevated dance floor, which was shared with the club entertainment.

In its final iteration of a Prima club, the space reopened in March of 1938 as The Swing Club, featuring swing music and low prices. By mid-July, it had shut down for good, and all the contents were auctioned off.

The Shim Sham, like its predecessor, put on nightly variety acts and was an instant hit with the late-night set, but it had something new: its

Following the liquidation sale, 229 Bourbon Street was first reopened as short-lived Alexander’s Ragtime Club, and then spent two years as Marty Burke’s boxing gym and nightclub. Leon Prima went on to open and operate famed burlesque nightspot Prima’s 500 Club, at 441 Bourbon St.

–

By Seale Paterson

McLendon-Mutz

In 2013, Deanna Rebecca McLendon was alone at a Jefferson Chamber of Commerce luncheon and had been randomly assigned to a table sponsored by Charles Lee “Chuck” Mutz, who immediately made her feel welcome. Soon after, they saw each other again at an East Jefferson Business Association meeting, and thus began their friendship.

After five years of friendship, Chuck and Deanna suddenly began to see each other differently. While driving across the Twinspan, Chuck remarked that the lake looked so peaceful he might take his boat out. Deanna seemed interested in a cruise around the lake, so Chuck invited her along. Their excursion on the water was followed by dinner at Tiger Eye. At the time, neither considered it special; in hindsight, it absolutely was their first date.

Four years later, Chuck saw the perfect opportunity for a proposal. Deanna was an honoree at the American Cancer Society Ball, so many family members were visiting for the occasion. It happened to be around the same time that Chuck, his mother, his brother, and Deanna’s father all celebrate birthdays. They gathered their families and close friends for a big birthday celebration. Chuck made a speech about his love for Deanna, got down on one knee, and opened a ring box. Deanna said yes, but Chuck didn’t hear her, so he asked again! There was no mistaking the second yes.

Chuck not only shares a birthday with Deanna’s father, but also a love of woodworking, as do her grandfather and brother. When Deanna walked down the aisle of St. Charles Ave Presbyterian Church on Janu-

ary 20, 2023, she carried a bouquet of wooden flowers as a tribute to the special men in her life. She had arranged it by hand, along with all the other wooden bouquets and boutonnieres.

The woodworking motif was also notable at the reception, which took place at the Audubon Clubhouse. The venue was bedecked in ivory and silver, and at the center of each table was a wooden round with the couple’s initials burned into it. In addition, the groom’s cake looked like a tree stump with an axe sticking out of it as a nod

to the groom’s firewood company; once cut, it was lumberjack plaid!

This cake and the wedding cake— four tiers of different flavors—were a huge hit. The cakes were complemented by the Blue Dog Martini, Chuck’s signature drink. As they sipped their cocktails, guests cheered on the newlyweds during their first dance to “Joy” by Andy Grammar, a song that reflects the separate journeys they had toward each other.

Their first journey together as husband and wife was a two-week honeymoon to Australia, where they toured a

reef by helicopter, took in La Boheme at the Sydney Opera House, and ziplined through a rain forest. They returned to their home, where Chuck is a Benefit Auctioneer Specialist and owner of both Black Tie Auctions and Chainsaw Chuck and Deanna is a Certified Financial Planner at Wells Fargo Advisors. –

By Megan Holt

Rehearsal Dinner Location: Lula

Restaurant Distillery Reception

Décor: Michele Zeller, Just Married

Y’all Coordinator: Michele Zeller, Just Married Y’all Celebrant: Sarah Chancellor-Watson Ceremony Music: Steven Blackmon Wedding Gown: Martina Liana Luxe custom gown, Town & Country Bridal, New Orleans

Bridal hair comb: Yvonne LaFleur, New Orleans Bridesmaid Dresses: Floor-length gowns of bridesmaid’s choosing, in a shade or gray or silver. Groom’s Attire: Tuxedo by Rubenstein’s Groomsmen attire: Tuxedos by Men’s Wearhouse Engagement Ring: Asscher and trillion diamond ring by Ron Jewelers in Kenner Bride’s Wedding Band: Diamond band by Ron Jewelers in Kenner Groom’s Wedding Band: Yellow gold and redwood band by Ron Jewelers in Kenner Florist: Harkins the Florist Favor: S’mores Invitation: Designed by Ashley Rosenbaum for Minted Caterer: Audubon Clubhouse Wedding Cake and Groom’s Cake: Marian Mote of Better Batter Bakery, Slidell Photographers: Kathy

Anderson and Doug Parker, Kathy

Anderson Photography Videographer: Vincent Eide, of Commercial Media

Management Hair: Candice Kennedy of Glam Nola Makeup: Ashley Love of Glam Nola Music: Organ, Steven Blackmon; bagpipes, Bob Grubb

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LAGNIAPPE STAFF

Editor and Communications Council Director

Kristin Durand

Assistant Editor

Kylie June Tahana

League Photography Vice Chair

Bailey Morrison

Writers

Kristin Durand, Taymika Sharrieff, Angela Vance

Photographers

Jennifer Bigelow, Kristin Durand, Rachel Kellogg, Delana Lynn Photography, Karen Phan, Kendra Reade

PUBLISHER STAFF

Art Director

Ali Sullivan

Production Manager

Rosa Balaguer

Production Designer

Meghan Rooney

Chief Executive Officer

Todd Matherne

JLNO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Holly Adkins Paczak

President Elect Ashley Llewellyn

Secretary Elizabeth Vincent Frein

Treasurer Nancy Kirkeby

Assistant Treasurer Trish Thibodeau

Business Council Director Tara Waldron

Communications Council Director Kristin Durand

Community Council Director Kathryn McLeod

Membership Council Director Lindsey Labadie Raborn

Planning & Development Council Director

Erica Washington

Ways & Means Council Director Amy Flower

Nominating Committee Chair Michelle Clarke Payne

Sustaining Advisor to the Board Jeanne Boughton

Addressing Diaper Need JLNO’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

Written by: Angela Vance |

“What are you doing for others?” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed this to be one of life’s most persistent and urgent questions. The ladies of the Junior of League of New Orleans (JLNO) answer that question by improving the lives of women and families across the Greater New Orleans area every day; however, on the holiday dedicated in Dr. King’s honor, JLNO volunteers spent their day off from work and school making a direct impact in their community.

During its annual MLK Day of Service, over 40 JLNO members pitched in packaging baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and period supplies for families at the JLNO Diaper Bank Warehouse. Eighteen women even dedicated a full day to volunteering from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Together, the volunteers sorted enough diapers to provide 50 diapers a month for more than 280 children. This translates into 570 weeks of childcare for babies and infants who may not have otherwise had access to clean diapers.

“I chose to work the MLK Day of Service diaper bank sort to improve and give back to the community,” says Kabrina Smith, JLNO Diaper Bank Committee member. She was happy to make new friends and learn new skills during the day-long event. “We worked as a team and put our hearts into the task at hand,” Kabrina continues. “At the end of the day, I felt a sense of accomplishment, pride, and self-satisfaction.”

Diaper need is defined as the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers to keep a baby or infant clean, dry, and healthy. Babies without clean diapers are at a higher risk of health problems including painful rashes and urinary tract infections. Many families are often faced with making the tough choice of deciding between personal care products, like diapers, and buying food.

The National Diaper Bank Network estimates more than 20% of the over 15 million children under the age of three in the United States are living below the federal poverty level. A study by the Diaper Bank of Connecticut found that parents missed an average of four days of work because they

did not have an adequate supply of diapers to send with their children to childcare – a burden disproportionately shouldered by women. It’s statistics like these that motivate the Junior League of New Orleans to partner with numerous nonprofit organizations to offer much needed outreach.

• Covenant House Executive Director, Rheneisha Robertson - “We could not keep our promise to provide relentless support to our young people, including those with children, without the partnership of the Junior League of New Orleans. Diapering supplies are an essential health and wellness need, but many of our youth have little to no income and diapers are not covered by any government program.”

• Yvette Sapp, Operation Pathways Forest Park - “This program gives the resident and neighboring apartment complex residents a financial break that allows them to take care of other responsibilities they may have had to put to the side. They are appreciative of this blessing and do not take it lightly. Junior League staff are always helpful, friendly and courtesy to their partners. I give them great appreciation and thanks for all that they do to assist us.”

• Melonie Pichon, Giggles Child Development Center - “The JLNO Diaper Bank is a lifeline to more than 55 families throughout Orleans and Jefferson parishes! My families no longer have to make a choice between a diaper or dinner! Thank you, JLNO!”

The Junior League Diaper Bank is one of four diaper banks in Louisiana and one of more than 300 around the country working to eliminate diaper need by providing families with diapers. If you would like to donate diapers, dollars, or host a diaper drive, we invite you to visit jlno.org/diaper-bank or email diaperbank@jlno.org •

Photos by: Rachel Kellogg

Daphne Stratton and Joanna Kuebel sort diapers during JLNO's Day of Service

Toni Harrison, Sydni Raymond and Elena Kraatz volunteer at the Diaper Bank during JLNO's Day of Service

Sustainer of the Year Elizabeth "Liz" Creel

Written by: Taymika Sharrieff | Photos by: Delana Lynn Photography

For nearly a century, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) has been a fixture in the humanitarian landscape of the Crescent City. Women with a desire to share their time and talents to improve their community have chosen JLNO as the vessel to pour themselves into – one that gives back ten-fold to the people it serves. This description is embodied by our Sustainer of the Year, Liz Creel.

Liz has been the proprietor of the Park View Historic Hotel for fourteen years. She has a bright smile and offers hugs of welcome. As soon as you walk inside the front doors of this charming bed and breakfast on St. Charles Avenue, you see a quaint room to the right adorned with a beautiful bar. Liz states with some amusement, “Some people had COVID babies; I had a

COVID bar. We got our license in June, and it’s one of my favorite rooms in the house.” The name of the bar is the Gilded Perch, where her bartenders enjoy crafting cocktails, many of which use ingredients sourced from their farm. Behind the bar and over the mirror is a beautiful peacock named Kipling who once lived on her farm where she and her husband breed peacocks.

An ornate mural on the wall is made to look like the front porch looking out onto Audubon Park. Liz explained how the artist put in several “Easter eggs” if you look closely. “There are Sacred Heart cardinals, because I went to Sacred Heart; and honeybees because my husband and I are beekeepers. I have pet camels on my farm, so there is a camel in the distance. And this is Ida - the cat that showed up during Hurricane Ida - who we feed and take

“Always be open to possibilities, and always pay it back.”

- Liz Creel

care of. It really just tells a story.” There’s even a carved heart in a tree with the initials “T + L” – an homage to Liz and her husband, Terry.

Seated in the hotel’s parlor, Liz recounts her experience during her years in Junior League. She joined in 1991 when she was a newlywed - before she had her four sons. “At that time, it was just something we all did. So I joined out of a sense of duty, and over time I came to just love it.” She felt fulfilled by developing deeper relationships with her fellow League members and loved learning from a group of such extraordinarily intelligent women.

Liz admits when she became JLNO President, she was nervous walking into the auditorium. She made it a habit to find someone who was standing alone. She would begin talking with them and bring other people into the conversation. She admits, “That skill which was born out of my own discomfort has served me in every capacity. It’s what I do running a hotel. It’s what I do in fundraising. I make people feel welcome and comfortable.”

She speaks passionately about a historic property she and her husband purchased outside of Jeanerette on Bayou Teche named Albania Mansion. They first found the property twenty years ago, but it was purchased by an artist from New York named Hunt Slonem, who saved the property and stabilized it. The land came on the market again after COVID started winding down, so they bought it. The passion in her voice when she speaks about the surrounding community and their efforts at promoting racial reconciliation is captivating.

“A year later, we find ourselves at the very epicenter of hope and potential. This family of Creoles of Color and their White cousins have come together as a unified group to show their support for racial reconciliation and town renewal. We invited this group to come together, because we feel that owning this complicated property requires us to help solve some of the challenges the surrounding community faces.”

Upon reflection, she states, “Of all the things I’ve ever done, this is quite a remarkable experience. I’ve learned that we must talk, we must listen, and we must be open. The possibilities the world will bring to you if you are open to dialogue are unbelievable.”

Liz is highly invested in her church Parish. Not only do she and her husband help prepare couples for marriage in the Catholic faith, but she is also helping to lead the Capital Campaign for the Holy Name of Jesus. She has volunteered over the years with Boys Hope Girls Hope in a variety of ways from helping to fundraise to welcoming the kids into their home annually to see the Muses Parade, and she has helped raise funds for Café Reconcile. She believes her most important community service is her involvement in the racial reconciliation in Bayou Teche. Her training in the League has helped her become a servant leader, and she strongly believes we are led to where we are supposed to be.

When asked why the Junior League was important to our community, she doesn’t hesitate. “We train women volunteers to become leaders - whether they are on a nonprofit board or in a corporate boardroom. And the training is second to none. You can always tell when you are meeting someone who’s been trained by the Junior League.”

Liz takes extreme pride in the fact that the Junior League of New Orleans has reached its 99th year. After Hurricane Katrina, Anne Dalton with the Association of Junior Leagues International told her the most important job was to ensure the survival of JLNO. And that’s what the Board of Directors did. They set about ensuring the Junior League of New Orleans would still be here for their 99th anniversary. Liz says, “I am so grateful my board and I played a role in making sure we would still be here to mark this celebration.”

As a Sustainer, she expresses how much she loves being part of the Sustainer’s Garden Club. “I did not think I would ever be in a Sustainer club, but I love spending time with these women. I love that - after all the work associated with your active years - there’s still this great opportunity to really have fun and learn things together.”

Liz believes it is critically important for JLNO to continue bringing women together through training and voluntarism. She speaks directly to the variety of opportunities offered to League members, any one of which could prove to have life-changing impacts. She admits some of her fondest memories were made simply by folding clothes at Bloomin’ Deals Thrift Shop with a fellow provisional – a woman who ended up becoming one of her closest friends.

One of the most impactful moments she experienced during her time in JLNO was standing up at the Annual Conference after Hurricane Katrina and inviting the entire membership to come to New Orleans to help with a rebuilding project. She said, “Wendy Barron and Ellen Coleman, my two immediate predecessors and mentors, came on board and the three of us co-chaired the League’s Rebuilding New Orleans Project. It was such an extraordinary experience.”

Liz is grateful for the lessons she learned and the opportunities that have come her way due to her involvement in the Junior League of New Orleans. She is always willing to answer that phone call, text, or email that says, “Liz, would you be willing to…”. It’s that everlasting willingness to serve along with her convivial personality that makes The Junior League of New Orleans proud to call Liz Creel our Sustainer of the Year. •

League Faces

JLNO Provisional Emily Anderson arrives at YEP with donations from Sustainers on December 3, 2022.

Photo By: Rachel Kellogg

Committee members were merry and bright at the annual Holly Jolly Market, held at The Academy of the Sacred Heart. Photo By: Delana Lynn Photography

(L-R) JLNO President-Elect Ashley LLewellyn, JLNO Past-President Jennifer Couvillon, and JLNO President Holly Paczak share the spirit of the season together at the Sustainer Holiday Party held at Jennifer's home on December 8, 2022. Photo By: Kristin Durand

JLNO Provisional Parker Miller helps to sort and stock the Covenant House closet on December 2, 2022.

Photo By: Rachel Kellogg

Members packed into JLNO's newly renovated headquarters building for the first time since summer 2021 at the February General membership Meeting.

Photo By: Kristin Durand

JLNO Members brave the cold to catch some throws at the February Front Porch Friday which was held on the parade route during the Krewe of Cleopatra Mardi Gras parade on February 10, 2023. Photo Submitted By: Karen Phan

Merchandise Committee Chair and Vice-Chair and JLNO Actives, (L-R) Emily Sandefer and Kelsey McKell, show off some of our fantastic branded items for sale at the February GMM at JLNO Headquarters. Photo By: Kristin Durand

Run, Walk, Give Committee Members start training (and meeting) early to get our members ready to #runonpurpose as JLNO charity runners during this year's the Crescent City Classic 10k race. Photo Submitted By: Jennifer Bigelow

JLNO Active Kylie June Tahana shows off her creative skills at the Ellen MacComber Headdress Workshop held on February 13, 2023 at The Shops at Canal Place.

Photo By: Kristin Durand

JLNO members to the rescue! When a delivery arrived at the JLNO Diaper Bank Warehouse a day early, these volunteers unloaded 78,000 period products that will soon be distributed to women across New Orleans. Thank you! Photo Submitted By: Kendra Reade

Seeking Shelter From the Storm The ABOLISH Movement Advocates Awareness for Human Trafficking

Written By: Kristin Durand | Photo By: Kristin Durand

It was a dark and stormy night. As the rumblings of a winter cold front pushed its way through New Orleans on January 24, over 150 members of the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) signed on to address a different kind of storm. The ABOLISH Committee was hosting a virtual panel discussion to raise awareness of the plight human trafficking has inflicted on thousands of women across the state of Louisiana.

ABOLISH Chair Juana Lombard and Vice-Chair Melissa Nick took turns emceeing throughout the hour-long discussion. Their guests included Sgt. Nicole Barbe with the Louisiana State Police Department as well as Jennifer Best, Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Clinical Director of JLNO community partners at Eden House New Orleans. Participants were also given a first-hand account of the realities of this crime by a human trafficking survivor who found their way out of the trafficking world.

Eden House has been operating in New Orleans for just over a decade, offering residents two different long-term care options. “We provide a plethora of services for survivors of trafficking … anywhere from seeking safety to life skills to budgeting,” says Jennifer. Residents can stay onsite for up to two years, but they can leave whenever they feel like they have accomplished their goals. For those women who need emergency placement, Jennifer was thrilled to announce the opening of their emergency care center which can house up to nine women in need of short-term housing.

Jennifer was particularly proud of the low barrier to entry for this program. “The only criteria that we have for a woman to be admitted into our program is that she is a survivor of human trafficking.” That may lead some to ask what constitutes human trafficking or differentiates it from domestic violence. The key differentiating factors are force, fraud, and coercion.

The survivor (who will remain anonymous) was able to speak directly to this point. They grew up in an abusive environment, making them easily manipulated by anyone showing them attention or affection. “The person who groomed and trafficked me was a woman. She did not fit the typical ‘boogeyman’ stereotype.” They went on to say how the interest they were shown by their abuser was balanced by a sense of fear and worthlessness, which kept them from ever trying to leave. Despite these challenges, they eventually found their way to Eden House and now operate as a peer advisor, sharing a message of hope and recovery to Treatment Centers across Greater New Orleans. “Eden House has given me my life back.”

Sgt. Barbe provided insight on how the Louisiana State Police handle the investigation process of human trafficking. The law defines a trafficker as any person who will “knowingly recruit, harbor, transport, provide, solicit, receive, isolate, entice, obtain, patronize, procure, purchase, hold, restrain, induce, threaten, subject, or maintain the use of another person through fraud, force, or coercion to provide services or labor.” Often, her victims were underage runaways who were approached online through social media channels. “Some of our most [at-risk] victims are underprivileged kids, runaways, kids who are having trouble at home, or kids in the foster care system, but really it could happen to just about anybody.”

The ABOLISH Movement Committee is entering its fourth year of involvement in JLNO. This is Melissa’s second year on the committee. She says, “As a social studies teacher, the idea of trafficking was not new [to me] - forcefully moving people from one area to another or exploiting them for personal gain is evident throughout history. Learning more about this issue and helping to educate others by joining the ABOLISH Committee just seemed like a natural step.” What keeps her motivated is finding out other organizations dedicated to this fight, including Truckers Against Trafficking, the Polaris Project, and the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force. •

If you suspect somebody is a victim of human trafficking, call The National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1.888.373.7888 or text 233733.

You can also visit:

The ABOLISH Movement - abolishmovement.org

Eden House New Orleans - edenhousenola.org

The Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force - nolatrafficking.org

The Polaris Project - polarisproject.org

Jennifer Best, LPC Clinical Director Eden House New Orleans

Sergeant Nicole Barbe Louisiana State Trooper Louisiana State Police

(Clockwise from TL) The ABOLISH Committee Vice-Chair Melissa Nick, JLNO President Holly Paczak, JLNO Community Council Director Kathryn McLeod, and The ABOLISH Committee Chair Juana Lombard

PUBLISHER’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 General’s Office at 1-800-273-5718.

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