St. Charles Avenue Magazine February 2021 by Renaissance Publishing

FEBRUARY 2021 VOLUME 25 ISSUE 9 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

ADVERTISING

Sales Manager Kate Henry Kate@myneworleans.com Senior Account Executive Samantha Shiff (504) 830-7226 Samantha@MyNewOrleans.com

RENAISSANCE PUBLISHING MARKETING

Coordinator Abbie Dugruise

PRODUCTION

Manager Emily Andras Designer Rosa Balaguer

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., Ste. 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, © 2021 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.

CO N T E N T S

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 ON THE COVER & BEV'S NOTE 6 CALENDAR & MORGAN'S NOTE 8 KIDS PLAY Valentine’s Day: Learning and teaching about relationships and more 10 CHANGEMAKERS Candice Huber: Owner, Tubby & Coo’s 12 WHAT’S HOT Mardi Gras 14 THE DISH Pivoting for Mardi Gras: When life gives you lemons, eat Lemon Cream King Cake

FEATURE 24 ST. CHARLES AVENUE'S COUTURE WEDDING GUIDE (PANDEMIC EDITION)

PHILANTHROPIC FUN

IN EVERY ISSUE

16 OCHSNER HEALTH’S “COLORS OF THE MIND” Virtually and spread along a sidewalk, more than 250 gathered in support of the Ochsner Neuroscience Institute.

20 IPNO’S “19TH ANNIVERSARY GALA ONLINE FUNDRAISER & AUCTION” The weeklong virtual gala closed with a digital gala and DA Candidate Forum.

18 AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S “BELLES & BEAUS BALL” This annual event for the Hope Lodge went virtual.

22 NOPJF’S “STAKE-IN FOR JUSTICE” A virtual program preceded the Garden District fête to support city safety.

32 WITH THIS RING Goldberger – Morgan 34 ENTERTAINING WITH BEV New Orleans Knows How to Put on a Party: Could normal be just around the corner? 36 STUDENT ACTIVIST Sean Michael Cursain: Brother Martin High School 38 SHOP TALK Brandon Boudreaux: Lead Designer, Boudreaux’s Jewelers 40 SHOP TALK Keith LeBlanc Jr. M.D., Elizabeth Bucher M.D. & R. Corey Rougelot M.D.: Board-Certified Dermatologists, The Skin Surgery Centre 42 SNAPSHOTS 48 NOSTALGIA Carnival Cancellations: 15 previous times the revelry has been curtailed

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 3

B E V ' S N OT E

It is Mardi Gras time, and even though we won’t have the usual celebrations we’re accustomed to, New Orleanians are going to celebrate to the utmost! Be sure to check out What’s Hot for Mardi Gras for ideas for decorating and celebrating. And Nostalgia outlines 15 other times Carnival was curtailed. I just talked to Barry Kern and he, Mardi Gras World and The Advocate/Nola.com are putting on “Mardi Gras for All Y’all!” It will be February 12, 13 and 14, and will feature a virtual celebration of Carnival with music, parades and entertainment with Hoda Kotb, Emeril Lagasse, Drew Brees, the Meters, Harry Connick Jr. and many more. Over 90 million people who love New Orleans will stream this event, and this extravaganza will focus not only on the fun but the history and economic impact as well. You don't want to miss this! Be sure to check out our Couture Wedding Guide! Yes, weddings are still happening and Kelcy Wilburn interviewed Sapphire Events, Kim Starr Wise, The Royal Sonesta, The Windsor Court, Gem Printing, Rome Tuxedos, Pear’s Place, Briquette and New Orleans Creole Cookery to find out the latest trends. Because weddings are now smaller because of COVID restrictions, they can often be even better, with more attention to detail, decorations and even special masks for all attendees! Kids Play is all about Valentine’s so be sure to see all of the creative things you can do with your children. Now that school is sometimes at home and sometimes at school, it’s even more important to be creative! Have a great Mardi Gras and don’t forget to go by to see what Dian Winingder has planned for the Academy of Fine Art on Magazine Street! Her mom and dad, Gigi and JJ Coleman, would be so proud of her!

Beverly Reese Church

In the spirit of Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts at 5256 Magazine St. is swinging into action! Artists from Kern Studios have been rehired to produce an art-inspired float. Van Gogh was the inspiration with his famous sunflowers and irises. Check it out and you might even catch some sunflower beads. The Academy has over 200 students and was the brainchild of Dottie Coleman, who would be so proud to see the dream thats she brought to New Orleans come to fruition! We encourage everyone to bring Mardi Gras to their own houses and help support artists who need work! Start by visiting KernStudios.com, Krewe of Red Beans' HireAMardiGrasArtist.com or call a local artist yourself!

4 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

ON THE COVER It is time for the Greater New Orleans American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” annual event. This year, on March 5, it will be the “Go Red for Women Digital Experience!” Thanks to Co-Chairs Karen and Peter DeBlieux; Executive Leadership Team Member and CEO of New Orleans East Hospital Dr. Takeisha Davis; and Executive Leadership Team Member and Associate VP of Annual Giving and Membership at The National World War II Museum Leigh Thorpe, who promise a fabulous event! This year you’ll have the opportunity to choose your own adventure and join a breakout as part of the Empowerment Series, then join with supporters from across the community for the Power Hour. As part of this session you’ll hear from some amazing speakers – including from a fearless, successful leader and author – engage in a dance break to get guests hearts pumping, hear an inspiring story from a heart survivor and gather virtually with your "table-mates" to discuss how we can all "Live Fierce" in our daily lives! Call 872-3498 or visit NewOrleansGoRed.heart. org for tickets and more information, and follow @AHALouisiana and #NOLAGoRed on social media. Be sure to wear your red!

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

M O R G A N ' S N OT E

I am writing this the day after the latest unprecedented event of the past yearplus. Some days I'm tempted to drop my son off with his Mimi and plant myself at my favorite watering hole (Hi, 45 Tchoup and Debbie!) for the foreseeable future. But as lovely as that would be, the next day would hurt much more than it used to and it wouldn't do anything to assuage my feelings or change the state of affairs. So when a press release for the opening of Stumpy's Hatchet House came across my inbox, I almost squealed for joy. Located at 1200 Poydras St., Suite 103, Stumpy's offers the chance to try hatchet-throwing in a safe environment (They follow CDC, state, and local guidelines, and enforce social distancing, maintain private pits and sanitize all surfaces before and after use.). I foresee a new way of managing my anxieties and anger without a hangover. Visit StumpysHH.com/neworleansla to learn more. I often take to baking as another way to release stress and as an almost meditative task. But with King Cake season upon us – at least through the first half of this month – I don't need any additional sugar. So this year I'm going to try my hand at baking my own. I began by wading through recipes online and quickly was overwhelmed. Our Kids Play columnist Brittany Kennedy has a fantastic recipe that I'm going to ask her to share with me. And if I fail at that, too, Gracious Bakery (GraciousBakery.com) has a kit with everything I need. Thankfully, as the season turns to Lent we won't be without dessert opportunities as Girl Scout cookie season is also underway! Online ordering starts February 1, and this year for the first time you can order cookies through Grubhub for delivery in New Orleans and Baton Rouge February 25-March 1. Did you know that five of the nine cookies available are vegan – including Thin Mints and the new Toast-yay! Check the Cookie Finder app or visit GSLE.org for more! I want to take a moment to say that I'm so very proud of our writers, photographers, sales staff, our Art Director Ali, Bev and all of the people who touch this magazine and the work we’ve done through this past year. Though the skies haven’t parted and we haven’t returned to “normal” (whatever that was), light is trying to break through. I hope that our work has helped you to continue to find that light. This month and its usual events are all going to be different – as most things have been since March 2020. Let us all work to make certain these differences are ones that spread kindness and joy. Happy Carnival!

Morgan Packard Griffith

6 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

FEBRUARY 28 “French Heritage Society Annual Gala,” benefiting the French Heritage Society, dslabouisse@gmail.com MARCH 2-4 “An Edible Evening at Home,” benefiting Edible Schoolyard New Orleans, 941-0089, Bidpal.net/EdibleEvening 5 “New Orleans Go Red for Women Luncheon,” benefiting Greater New Orleans American Heart Association, 872-3498, NewOrleansGoRed.heart.org 7

“CCANO Pregnancy Services Jazz Brunch,” benefiting Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, 885-1509, CCANO.org

14 “Lark Picnic in the Park,” benefiting Friends of City Park, FriendsOfCityPark.com/event/lark-in-the-park 20 “Sinai Soiree in Slippers,” benefiting Temple Sinai, 861-3693, TempleSinaiNola.com 20 “UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball,” benefiting United Negro College, Inc., 581-3794, UNCF.org/NOLAmaskedball 26 “Mad Hatter’s Luncheon and Fashion Show,” benefiting Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association, 267-9534 27 “Ascension DePaul Foundation of New Orleans’ Keeping Our Promises Gala Presented by Louisiana Healthcare Connections,” benefiting DePaul Foundation of New Orleans, 212-9544, one.bidpal.net/dchc/welcome 28 “Parkway Promenade XXIX – An Evening at the Moulin Rouge,” benefiting Jefferson Beautification, Inc., 466-6063, JeffersonBeautification.org 31 “Art in Bloom,” benefiting New Orleans Museum of Art, 658-4100, NOMA.org

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM 7

K I DS P L AY

Valentine’s Day Learning and teaching about relationships and more By Brittany Kennedy

I will be the first to admit that I have never been a fan of Valentine’s Day. In fact, I may be guilty of having called it the “Mardi Gras Distraction Holiday” on more than one occasion. However, as we settle into 2021, it’s good time to celebrate the people we love and help support some local businesses – and getting our kids involved in that is a lot easier than it seems. While Valentine’s Day is often a holiday about parents having a “date night,” incorporating kids into the event is a great way to teach them about relationships in general and the different types of them they will have as they get older. It is also just a good way to indulge in chocolate, flowers and crafting. Perhaps the best way to get kids in the Valentine’s Day spirit is to have them make their own Valentines or even fill out store-bought ones for friends. In addition to their friends, however, this is also a time to have them do a little reflection on the people in their lives and instill a love for letter writing. Encourage them to send letters to grandparents, aunts, uncles – even if they live close by. Helping kids express love and gratitude for the various people in their lives can be something made even more special with fun stationary. Scriptura on Magazine Street can even help you create custom stationary for your child. They also always have fun and often locally themed

cards for each holiday season. While February is often colored in purple, green and gold, there’s room this year for red and pink. Now is maybe one of the best times to pick up some heart-shaped cookie cutters and molds and indulge in some chocolate treats. A Valentine’s Day breakfast with pink pancakes or a Valentine’s dinner at a local restaurant, including dressing up, can make the event seem more special. Meanwhile, there are a fair smattering of chocolate shops to indulge in. Piety and Desire Chocolate on South Broad Street has an eclectic selection of bonbons made with cacao sourced with Direct Trade or Conscious Trade principles and tempered with unrefined Louisiana cane sugar. Of course, Valentine’s Day is also about flowers, but you don’t necessarily have to buy a dozen long-stem roses to

8 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

mark the event. You can pick flowers in your garden or even go a step further and plant some flowering plants (assuming spring weather has arrived by the end of February as it sometimes does). If you want to step up your flower game, a brightly colored building at the turn downtown on Magazine Street is home to Harkins, the florist. While they’re (to date) not letting people in the shop because of COVID restrictions, their website allows you to build arrangements and arrange contactless payment and curbside pickup or delivery. They also have a series of cashand-carry bouquets that can be a quick surprise on your way home. While the stresses of the past year aren’t going to disappear immediately as we continue into the New Year, now is perhaps the best time to reflect upon and recognize the people that we care about. We have spent a

fair amount of time distanced in the last few months and sending Valentines can be another way to bring us together. ✦

➺ Just the Facts: Scriptura 5423 Magazine St. | 897-1555 Open Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Scriptura.com Piety and Desire Chocolate 2727 South Broad Ave. | 797-1709 Open Tuesdays-Saturdays 11 a.m.-6 p.m. PietyAndDesireChocolate.com Harkins, the florist 1601 Magazine St. | 529-1638 Open Mondays-Fridays 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. & Saturdays 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. HarkinsNewOrleans.com

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

CHANGEMAKERS

Candice Huber Owner, Tubby & Coo’s By Lindsay Mack

were both huge inspirations to me and lovers of books and reading, and I always said if I ever actually opened a store it would be in their old neighborhood and I would name it after them. So, here we are.” That early exposure to reading clearly affected Huber, who’s dedicated to helping others share their own stories. “Every voice deserves to be heard, and we work to build a world where all voices are equally important," Huber says. In addition to their role as a bookseller, Huber also views the shop as a “community center for nerds, geeks, queer folk, witchy folk, romance readers and anyone who doesn’t feel supported elsewhere.” And it

10 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

looks like that goal has been fulfilled. “Our biggest success has come from the way we’ve been able to build a terrific local community surrounding the store and in the ways that we’ve been able to serve that community, whether through donating books for the holiday adopt-a-family program, filling community fridges, partnering with local organizations or offering free space (before COVID and again in the future when it’s safe) for community groups to meet and be in fellowship,” says Huber. “I’m extremely proud of the community we’re a part of.” Although the pandemic has temporarily paused these gatherings, the shop will host events once it’s

safe to gather in crowds again. Deeply rooted in the New Orleans community, Tubby & Coo’s makes celebrating the geek life accessible for everyone. ✦

➺ Get Involved To help support Tubby & Coo’s (432 N. Anthony St.), readers are welcome to order online at TubbyAndCoos.com, purchase a gift card, purchase audiobooks at libro.fm/tubbyandcoos and download e-books through TubbyAndCoos. mymustreads.com. In addition, there’s a virtual tip jar on the first page of their website.

PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER

Fulfilling a lifelong goal to run a bookstore, Candice Huber opened Tubby & Coo’s in 2014. With a focus on science fiction, fantasy, queer and diverse books (including children’s books), the shop promotes inclusivity for authors and readers alike. A curated bookstore, Tubby & Coo’s offers everything from engrossing fantasy series to fresh young adult reads. Readers just might discover their new favorite author among the shop’s carefully chosen collection of books. The shop’s unique name has personal meaning for Huber. “Tubby and Coo were my grandparents, and they grew up in Mid-City in the 1920s and 1930s,” says Huber. “They

W H AT ' S H OT

Mardi Gras

�

By Amy Gabriel No ifs, ands or King Cakes about it, Mardi Gras is going to be a little different this year. Although parade routes will be paused, we can still celebrate at home by surrounding ourselves with Carnival-themed concepts that keep our laissez les bon temps rouler spirits in full swing.

� �

�

12 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

2. Stay protected and stylish in a double layer sequin face mask with adjustable ear straps. Ballin’s, 2917 Magazine St., 891-4502; 721 Dante St., 866-4367, NewOrleansKnitwear.com

SELECT PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER

1. King Cake macaroons flavored in cinnamon cream cheese with white chocolate ganache are a delight by the bite. SUCRE, 3025 Magazine St., 354-9635, ShopSucre.com

�

W H AT ' S H OT

3. Deck out your door with a Carnival crown door hanger featuring a waterproof and fade-proof print from local artist Kristin Malone. Home Malone, 629 N. Carrollton Ave., 3248352; 4610 Magazine St., 766-6148, HomeMaloneNola.com 4. Provide your pet a little “Mardi Paw” fun with a canvas cotton King Cake pet toy, complete with a cotton rope tug and two-way squeaker. Nola Tawk, NolaTawk.com 5. Sip your Sazeracs from stemless wine glasses with fleur de lis designs and 22 karat gold rims. Mignon Faget, 3801 Magazine St., 891-2005; 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 835-2244; 333 Canal St., 524-2973; MignonFaget.com 6. Keep your champagne or sparkling water chilled in a three-quart insulated ice bucket with whimsical hand-illustrated New Orleans Toile print. Katie Kime, KatieKime.com

7. Slices of King Cake will taste all the better when served on Rosanna lithographie dessert plates. Little Miss Muffin Children & Home, 766 Harrison Ave., 4828200, ShopLittleMissMuffin.com 8. If a house guest swings by for a porch party, step up your look and pop the collar on a Crawfish Mardi Gras Tattersall Sport Shirt, standard fit. Perlis, 6060 Magazine St., 895-8661; 600 Decatur St., 523-6681, Perlis.com

�

9. While reminiscing about Carnival’s past, cozy up beneath a Classy Krewe blanket, with art professionally printed on silk fur. Casey Langteau Johnson, CaseyLangteauArt.com 10. Light up the night with a luxe King of Carnival coconut soy wax candle. Wicks NOLA, ShopWicksNola.com

�

��

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

The "Elvis" King Cake from Cochon Butcher. is filled with peanut butter and banana and topped with house-cured bacon, marshmallow and Mardi Gras sprinkles.

Try This: Through Mardi Gras Bywater Bakery is offering a stellar selection of both sweet and savory King Cakes. This year’s flavors: Sweet Traditional, Chantilly, Cajun Bouille, Cheesecake, Azul Dulce Blueberry, Praline, Apple and Lemon Cream; Savory – Crawfish, Boudin and Spinach Artichoke. Some flavors are available for shipping. Opened in 2017 by Chef Chaya Conrad, beyond the obvious, the vibrant Bywater Bakery also serves as an art gallery, informal community center and live music venue. “We support all of the things we love,” Conrad says. “Bywater Bakery has become what we dreamed it would be.” The bakery has partnered with the New Orleans Musicians Clinic, Music Cares, Howling Wolf and the New Orleans Food Bank, and will donate hundreds of loaves of bread to these organizations each week.

14 ST. CHARLES AVENUE

THE DISH

Pivoting for Mardi Gras When life gives you lemons, eat Lemon Cream King Cake By Jyl Benson

PHOTO BY MIKE LIRETTE

As we do in my household every year at this time, we recently dismantled Christmas and New Year’s stowed them in the attic and hauled out Mardi Gras. This year we’ll make our home look like a purple, green and gold spaceship – only bigger, brighter and more obnoxious than usual. We will also add a theme, as opposed to just going with the usual overthe-top bright and shiny. Not sure what that theme will be just yet, as we’re in discussions with our neighbors and we plan to do this in unison – turning our entire block into something. I urge you to consider doing the same in your neighborhood. Efforts like this have sprung up all over New Orleans as the collective realization has come that now, more than ever, we must do what we can to celebrate and preserve this thing for which we are known best (in a long list of things for which we are known). Otherwise, what will we do on the last Tuesday before Lent? Just go to work like everyone else in our troubled nation? Uh, no. Not a crafty or decorative type, you say? Just as soon as Mardi Gras 2021 was “cancelled” Devon DeWulf, founder of the Krewe of Red Beans, announced

the formation of “Hire A Mardi Gras Artist,” an initiative to employ out of work artisans to decorate homes and businesses for Mardi Gras and spread the joy. “Initially we thought $10,000 per project would cover the costs,” DeWulf said. “After completing the first house we realized it will cost more like $15,000 per project.” As of mid-January, the efforts had raised $200,000, enough to fund 17 projects and jobs had been created for 30 to 35 Mardi Gras artists. The goal behind of “Hire a Mardi Gras Artist,” a crowdfunding campaign, is to decorate 40 homes across the city with each installation creating an estimated eight jobs. Donations to the project, no matter the amount, will immediately enter the donor in a raffle to be chosen at random from among all donors wishing to have their homes or businesses decorated by professional artisans. DeWulf said this egalitarian approach will serve to spread the decorated homes and businesses around the city instead of seeing them

concentrated in a few wealthy neighborhoods. Companies and homeowners can commission the decorating of a house outright by donating $15,000 online at HireAMardiGrasArtist.com. Of course, Carnival isn’t only about the floats – it’s also about the King Cakes, which are artistic creations in their own right! Executive Pastry Chef Maggie Scales of the Link Restaurant Group is offering several flavors and sizes of King Cakes. Find both traditional King Cake and French Galette des Rois, (two rounds of puff pastry filled with almond cream, topped with a small porcelain feve) at La Boulangerie. Find the traditional King Cake and the famous “Elvis,” filled with peanut butter, banana and topped with housecured bacon, marshmallow and traditional Mardi Gras sprinkles at Cochon Butcher. In place of the traditional small plastic “baby,” the traditional King Cake and the Elvis contain a petite pink pig as the Link Group’s signature token. The cakes will be available through Fat Tuesday (February 16), which is the day before the beginning of Lent. ✦

Bywater Bakery, 3624 Dauphine St., 336-3336, BywaterBakery.com Cochon Butcher, 930 Tchoupitoulas St., 588-7675, CochonButcher.com La Boulangerie, 4600 Magazine St., 269-3777, LaBoulangerieNola.com

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

PHILANTHROPIC SCENE 1

Ochsner Health’s “Colors of the Mind” Virtually and spread along a sidewalk, more than 250 gathered in support of the Ochsner Neuroscience Institute By Shelby Simon

“Colors of the Mind” may have looked different this year, but the 2020 virtual and in-person celebrations of the advancements in Neuroscience raised over $200,000 to support cutting-edge treatment, care and support for the most vulnerable patients being treated at the Ochsner Neuroscience Institute. The “Sidewalk Soirée” transformed the Ochsner Baptist Imaging Center parking area into a vibrant and festive scene. Guests were greeted by a model by Paper Doll Promotions and live music by The Gumbo Trio. CHL Linens provided draping and lighting. Guests were also entertained by a balloon artist and the creation of exquisite balloon sculptures and were given special gift bags to commemorate the evening’s virtual celebration. Attendees picked up their curbside curated dinner by 12 Seasons Catering, which featured a delicious three-course dinner of a summer salad, braised short ribs and Bananas Foster bread pudding. Republic Beverage and the Sazerac Company provided the libations. Following the “Sidewalk Soirée,” guests were able to watch the evening’s program, produced by Ray Bender Productions and the Galaxy Entertainment Group, while enjoying their dinner, bidding on auction items and participating in other revenue enhancers such as the 2020 Commemorative Art Piece and Kendra Scott Color Bar Bracelet Experience – all from the comfort of their own home. Erin Biro, MD and Laura McLean served as Co-Chairs. Donna and Paul Flower were the Honorary Chairs. Garland Gillen served as Master of Ceremonies. Underwriters included Genentech; Woodward Design+Build; Norris and Bob Williams; The Patrick Family Foundation; Drs. Erin Biro and Cuong “CJ” Bui; MS Warriors for a Cause; and Marsh USA. ✦

➺ Event at a Glance

1. Co-Chair Dr. Erin Biro, Dr. Susan Nelson, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart and Co-Chair Laura McLean 2. Emcee Garland Gillen, Meredith Duke and Chair, Department of Neurology and Co-Medical Director, Ochsner Neuroscience Institute Dr. Richard Zweifler 3. Vice Chair Movement & Memory Disorders, Chair for Telehealth & Digital Medicine Dr. David Houghton and Terri Houghton 4. BJ Lanier, Ann Heslin and Chair, Department of Neurosurgery and Co-Medical Director, Ochsner Neuroscience Institute Dr. Cuong “CJ” Bui 5. Dr. Cuong “CJ” Bui and Dr. Richard Zweifler 6. The Gumbo Trio entertained guests as they picked up their meals

16 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

PHOTOS COURTESY OF OCHSNER HEALTH

WHAT: “Colors of the Mind’s Sidewalk Soirée,” benefiting Ochsner Health WHEN: Friday, September 25 WHERE: Curbside dinner pickup and entertainment at Ochsner Baptist; virtual program

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

PHILANTHROPIC SCENE

American Cancer Society’s “Belles & Beaus Ball”

This annual event for Hope Lodge went virtual By Shelby Simon

➺ Event at a Glance WHAT: “Belles & Beaus Ball,” benefiting American Cancer Society WHEN: Friday, October 2 WHERE: Event website, Facebook and YouTube 1. Jordan and Co-Chair Jessika Schulman with Co-Chair and Hostess Stacy and Jim Guest at private viewing party 2. Beau Dr. Charles and Lisa Ballay with Belle Kim Starr Wise, Kurt Heckman at private viewing party 3. David Cortez-Backer, Belle Tina Dang, Beau Warren Backer and Genevieve Douglass at private viewing party 4. Auctioneer Chuck Mutz during filming 5. Guest Speaker Dr. Rebekah Gee during filming 6. Mixologist Daniel Levy during filming

PHOTOS 1-3 BY JEFF STROUT; PHOTOS 4-6 COURTESY OF AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

This annual fête exclusively benefits the operating costs of the American Cancer Society’s Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge on River Road in New Orleans, which provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and caregivers who must travel to receive life-saving treatment. Participants could join on Facebook Live and YouTube Live to view the event, which is still available on those channels for those who were unable to join at the time of the program. All honorees were unveiled during the 2020 virtual event. They will be honored in 2021 in-person, as they will remain ACS honorees for another year. The Belles are: Dr. Nelly Aoun, Tina Dang, Dr. Rebekah Gee, Heather Hays, Dr. Kendra Harris, Dr. Sarah Jackson, Deanna McLendon, Erin Pierce R.N. and Kim Starr Wise. The Beaus are: Warren Backer, Dr. Charles Ballay, Al Copeland Jr., Kevin Dolliole, Dr. Nihal Godiwala, John Nickens, Kenneth Ritter, Dr. David Silvers, Desi Vega and Dr. Jules Walters. The Royal Essence Showband provided musical entertainment for the virtual pre-show and virtual afterparty. Mixologist Daniel Levy taught the at-home audience how to make two delicious cocktails: a Classic Daiquiri and a Lemon Drop Martini. The ACS received significant support from several businesses including: Freeport McMoran, The Goldring Foundation, Tulane Medical Center, LCMC Children’s Hospital, Guest Law Firm, Fox 8, Lammico, Blue Cross Blue Shield of LA, Telemundo, Ochsner Cancer Center, Fire on the Bayou, Moongaze Copy and Artfly Design. The ACS partnered with Saba Restaurant to provide high-tier sponsors with dinner the night of the event. As the “Support Local” Sponsor, Guest Law Firm made these packages possible, which included a wide assortment of snacks, salads, dips and desserts. Stacy Guest and Jessica Schulman served as event Co-Chairs. Dr. Rebekah Gee served as Guest Speaker. Chuck Mutz was the Auctioneer. ✦

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

PHILANTHROPIC SCENE

IPNO’s “19th Anniversary Gala Online Fundraiser & Auction” The weeklong virtual gala closed with a digital gala and DA Candidate Forum

By Shelby Simon

➺ Event at a Glance WHAT: “19th Anniversary Gala Online Fundraiser & Auction,” benefiting Innocence Project New Orleans WHEN: August 28-September 6, 2020 WHERE: Online event website

1. Still from the District Attorney Candidate Forum 2. Honoree Chief Justice Bernette Johnson 3. Auction Item “Know Justice, Know Peace” cobra cuff by Serpentine Silver Queen 4. Auction Item “Moon Gaze” by Kiernan Dunn 5. Auction Item “For Dr. John” by Kewon Hunter 6. IPNO client Archie Williams during his performance

20 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

PHOTOGRAPHED COURTESY OF INNOCENCE PROJECT NEW ORLEANS

The Innocence Project New Orleans’ weeklong virtual gala culminated with a digital fundraiser and auction with a dedicated site with videos, silent auction and more, available for patrons to view between August 28 and September 6, 2020. The event culminated with the District Attorney Candidate Forum, which took place via Zoom on Wrongful Conviction Day. Three candidates for district attorney in New Orleans – Keva Landrum, Arthur Hunter and Jason Williams – were questioned by IPNO clients who were wrongly convicted in Orleans Parish about their plan to prevent wrongful convictions if elected. IPNO also honored Chief Justice Bernette Johnson for dedicating her life’s work to justice. Louisiana State Representative Royce Duplessis presented the award, designed by local artist Rontherin Ratliff. IPNO’s client Archie Williams, who recently made it to the finals of America’s Got Talent, gave an exclusive performance of “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. Auction items included special artwork: “For Dr. John” by Kewon Hunter, “Know Justice, Know Peace” cobra cuff by Serpentine Silver Queen and “Moon Gaze” by Kiernan Dunn. All of the videos are live on YouTube. Attendance to the program was free, so all proceeds to support IPNO came through donations, auction revenue and sponsorships. All funds support IPNO’s legal work and operating costs. ✦

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

PHILANTHROPIC SCENE

NOPJF’s “Stake-In for Justice”

A virtual program preceded the Garden District fête to support city safety By Shelby Simon

➺ Event at a Glance WHAT: “Stake-In for Justice,” benefiting New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation WHEN: September 17, 2020 WHERE: Virtual

1. President and CEO NOPJF Melanie Talia, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson and Event Chair Elizabeth Boh 2. NOPJF Development Chair Darrah Schaeffer and NOPJF Board Chairman Semmes Walmsley 3. NOPJF Board Chairman Semmes Walmsley, GM Sheraton New Orleans Hotel Jim Cook and President and CEO NOPJF Melanie Talia 4. Anthem Singer Sgt. Troy Lyles, Invocation Rev. Deidre Houston Magee of Cummings Wilson AME Church 5. General Manager Sheraton New Orleans Hotel Jim Cook 6. Title Screen to begin the virtual program

22 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

PHOTOS BY FRANK AYMAMI COURTESY NEW ORLEANS POLICE & JUSTICE FOUNDATION

The virtual “Stake Out for Justice Patron Party,” available for viewing on NOPJF.org, supported the New Orleans Police Department in its efforts to make New Orleans a safer place to live, work and visit. Honorees were NOPJF Founders Sandy Shilstone and John Casbon. Badge of Honor Recipients were Officers Raymond Boseman Sr. and Mark Hall Sr., and Sharon Williams. The program featured a performance of the National Anthem by Sgt. Troy Lyles of the New Orleans Police Department and an opening prayer by Rev. Deirdre Houston Magee, Associate Minister of Cummings Wilson African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and Academic Director of Municipal Training Academy, NOPD. Auction items included artwork by Alexis Walter, a gold and diamond bracelet by Friend and Company, rose gold and diamond earrings by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, a one-week homestay in Destin, Florida by Tom Winingder, a football autographed by Payton and Eli Manning, an autographed Saints logo football and liquor donated by Sazerac House. Elizabeth Boh served as Event Chair. Also in attendance were Board Chair Semmes Walsley, NOPJF President and CEO Melanie Talia and NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson. Major sponsors included Shell Oil Company, Dian and Tom Winingder, FreeportMcMoRan and Stewart Capital. The in-person Patron Party will be held in 2021 at the Garden District home of Katherine and Tony Gelderman. ✦

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

24 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

This & opposing page: Kim Starr Wise floral design Photos by Unique Design Studios

According to famed American psychologist Albert Ellis, “The art of love is largely the art of persistence.” And in the era of COVID-19, couples who have planned to tie the knot have found that persistence, accompanied by creativity and flexibility, can bring their wedding dreams to life despite the hindrances brought on by a pandemic. Weddings in 2020 and 2021 have had much to contend with, from changing guidelines and restrictions to venue cancellations, closings and hesitant participants concerned for family and friends. Despite the unpredictability of the times, love continues to prevail, and not without help from local vendors who have pivoted with the times to find solutions for couples ready to making the ultimate commitment.

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

According to Valerie Gernhauser, Owner & Principal Planner at Sapphire Events, the biggest impact of the pandemic on weddings is reduced guest lists, which she and many wedding vendors have found to have positive effects on the overall experience. As a local specialist in destination weddings, her company had previously worked with guest counts of around 200 to 400, and is now seeing reduced counts of around 50 to less than 100. Gernhauser expects this trend to continue even beyond the pandemic. “Bringing an elevated experience to a small number of important guests is really appealing,” she says. Since the number of guests directly affects the overall investment, a smaller guest list enables couples to make their money stretch farther and curate an experience that not only reflects their individual taste but can also account for the precautions the couple chooses to take.

26 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

In October, Sapphire Events helped one cautious couple create a safe, all-inclusive wedding, where every detail of the 25 guests’ weekend was planned to a "T" to achieve maximum safety for guests as they gathered for an unforgettable, love-filled few days of intimate celebrations that reflected both the best of the couple and of New Orleans. Located in the French Quarter, the Royal Sonesta New Orleans has long been a popular destination for New Orleans weddings with its various dining and entertainment venues, 20,000 square feet of event space (including an outdoor courtyard), and hundreds of guest rooms. During the pandemic, though, the hotel was ready to accommodate smaller celebrations with “minimony” and micro-wedding packages, which the organization plans to continue to offer even after pandemic-related restrictions are lifted.

“Royal Sonesta’s minimony and micro-wedding packages allow guests to plan within COVID-19 guidelines while still having that quintessential New Orleans experience,” says Brigette Folse, Regional Sales Director, South Region. “Couples can even choose to add on a Zoom option so guests from far and wide can still attend their special day.” Meanwhile, on-site guests can experience the decadence of New Orleans with chargrilled oysters from Desire Oyster Bar, beer-battered crab beignets from Restaurant R’evolution, and a brandy freeze as an end-of-the-night delight, suggests Folse. At Windsor Court Hotel, Catering Sales Manager Haley Kennel is finding that clients who have downsized their guest list are enjoying the ability to be more creative with food and beverage options. Couples are upgrading their catering choices to include specialty items, hosting longer celebrations than the standard

Opposing page: Kim Starr Wise floral design. Photo by Unique Design Studios Top left: Catering options from Windsor Court Hotel. Photo by Emily Songer Photography Bottom Left: Tramonto's Caviar Staircase from Restaurant R'evolution at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans. Top Right: Personalized Details from Gem Printing Co.

three-hour event, and tacking on fun, late-night food and drink options that end the celebration on a high note. For added safety, many offer individual wedding cakes for guests, seated meals with wine pairings, and tableside cocktail service instead of bar setups. One pro tip from Kennel includes splurging for the additional getting-ready space for the day before the event. “While we understand the cost involved with paying for an additional night in a suite, having to not be worried if you’re going to get an early check-in makes the day of events run much smoother,” she says. --------------------------Like hotels, New Orleans restaurants have commonly been a part of local wedding celebrations as guests choose to take advantage of the city’s exceptional food culture. With two restaurants that each offers its own wedding or rehearsal dinner experience, restaurateur Anna Tusa has found that by not charging rental fees and instead offering varying buy-out options, couples enjoy more options for their space and budget. According to Tusa, couples are making the most of the courtyard with traditional wedding rehearsals and receptions at the French Quarter’s New Orleans Creole

Cookery while the private Wine Room at Downtown’s more contemporary Briquette continues hosting microwedding functions. Tusa has noted a trend toward earlier wedding and brunch receptions, where clients have enjoyed pre-set mimosa and Bloody Mary stations upon arrival. The restaurants offer customizable menu options and staffed, socially distanced buffet service. --------------------------From wow-inducing table flowers, small boutonnieres and bouquets to exquisite, unique ceiling installations, flowers continue to help couples define their space and color scheme, pandemic or no pandemic. Floral Designer Kim Starr Wise hopes that smaller events stick around after the pandemic, as they’ve offered a fun outlet for floral design work, now complemented by her new flower shop on Magazine Street. “Small dinner parties give me the opportunity to really create an amazing atmosphere with all of the detail,” says Wise. As more pandemic-era weddings utilize the full seated dinner, creativity can abound with everything from the flowers to the linens and china – couples can get more of an impact from carefully chosen, specific items and textures.

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

For the time being, Wise has waived minimum order fees for weddings, giving couples more freedom to easily meet their needs as they navigate wedding planning during uncertain times. Melissa Mortillaro, Co-Owner of Gem Printing Co., agrees that the small details are what makes a wedding stand out. A specialist in personalized items like invitations, cups, napkins, second-line handkerchiefs and much

more, Gem Printing Co. was around for the last pandemic – the Spanish Flu of 1918 – and fully intends to keep printing through this one as well. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve been printing a lot of ‘change the date’ or ‘postpone the date cards,’” says Mortillaro. “Couples are having to set safety guidelines before the wedding, and many couples are sending out small cards two weeks beforehand to let their guests know how they are planning to practice safe habits at the wedding and what they expect from their guests in return,” she says. In addition to these items, Gem Printing Co. is also now offering personalized masks and hand sanitizer favors, which couples see as a great way to incorporate the “new normal” into their wedding. With a wide assortment of items, styles, and price points, Mortillaro recommends couples stop by the store early in planning to start window shopping and see what they both like and can agree upon. Kevin Rome, Owner of Rome Tuxedos offers similar advice when it comes to suit rentals and purchases. According to Rome, the suits for the groom and groomsmen are often an afterthought, with couples expecting to be able to make a quick decision. But with more styles than ever before, clients are often surprised by just how many different looks they are drawn to.

Opposing page: Kim Starr Wise floral design. Photo by Unique Design Studios Top: A wedding in the courtyard at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans. Photo by Serendipity Studio Right: Windsor Court Hotel. Photo by Emily Songer Photography

“Give yourself time in case you’re stuck between two options and also to give your guys time to come in and get fitted,” says Rome. Rome also suggests looking at the benefits of buying a highquality suit and accessories versus renting if you have a larger budget thanks to a reduction in guests. According to Rome, a fun twist of late that men are enjoying is the gift of fun, creative socks for grooms and groomsmen. Not up-front enough to disrupt formal photos, silly dress socks create a memorable keepsake and open up possibilities for when the photographer yells, “And now for a fun one!” And last but not least – in fact, likely first and foremost for most brides – is the dress. “The biggest change that we are see-

ing is having to get your dream dress in a time crunch – weddings dates have been changing by the minute,” says Jordan Schulman, Owner of Pearl’s Place, a family-run, full-service bridal shop located in Metairie. “We have a direct line to our manufacturers and are knowledgeable about what gowns we can get in quickly, even in days,” she says. This timeline stands in stark contrast to the traditional four-to-six-months that dresses typically take to arrive. In addition to its large selection of dresses, Pearl’s Place is offering a pandemic-era must-have for brides: the lace bridal mask. These artfully crafted, tasteful safety measures sell for about $25 and will certainly be a memorable token of history years from now. “We never want to stop selling, but we’ll be happy to do away with these sooner than later,” laughs Schulman. Meanwhile, she reminds us that love cannot be cancelled. “We promise that although these times are different and unexpected, your happy memories will last forever,” she says.

Briquette 701 S. Peters St. 302-7496 Briquette-nola.com Gem Printing Co. 1904 Veterans Blvd., Metairie 834-9580 GemPrinting.com Kim Starr Wise 2036 Magazine St. 390-0563 KimStarrWise.com New Orleans Creole Cookery 510 Toulouse St. 524-9632 NewOrleansCreoleCookery.com Pearl’s Place 3114 Severn Ave., Metairie 885-9213 PearlsPlace.com Rome’s Tuxedos 3213 17th St., Metairie 324-7227 RomesTuxedos.com Royal Sonesta New Orleans 300 Bourbon St. 586-0300 Sonesta.com/us/Louisiana/neworleans/royal-sonesta-new-orleans Sapphire Events 900 Camp St., Suite 358 383-4376 SapphireEvents.com Windsor Court Hotel 300 Gravier St. 523-6000 WindsorCourtHotel.com

Windsor Court Hotel. Photo by Emily Songer Photography 30 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

SPONSORED

BRIDAL RESOURCE DIRECTORY Beauty Services

Menswear

The Spa at Windsor Court 300 Gravier St., New Orleans 888.441.0137 On Instagram: @WindsorCourt WindsorCourtHotel.com/spa

John’s Tuxedos 3200 Houma Blvd., Metairie 504.455.5553 On Instagram: @JohnsTuxedos JohnsTuxedos.com

Custom Invitations & Personalized Items GEM Printing 1904 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie 504.834.9580 or 504.831.1762 On Instagram: @GemPrinting GemPrinting.com InvitoBella 985.269.0806 On Instagram: @InvitoBella InvitoBella.com

Flowers Kim Starr Wise Floral Events 2036 Magazine St., New Orleans 504.315.5607 On Instagram: @KimStarrWise KimStarrWise.com Mitch’s Flowers 4843 Magazine St., New Orleans 504.899.4843 On Instagram: @MitchsFlowers MitchsFlowersNola.com

PERLIS Clothing New Orleans, 504.895.8661 French Quarter, 504.523.6681 Mandeville, 985.674.1711 Baton Rouge, 225.926.5909 On Instagram: @PerlisClothing Perlis.com

Venue’s & Private Dining Briquette Restaurant 701 S. Peters St., New Orleans 504.302.7496 On Instagram: @BriquetteNO Briquette-Nola.com Chateau Golf and Country Club 3600 Chateau Blvd., Kenner 504.467.1351 On Instagram: @ChateauGCC ChateauGCC.com

Houmas House & Gardens 40136 LA-942, Darrow 225.437.9380 On Instagram: @HoumasHouse HoumasHouse.com The Windsor Court 300 Gravier St., New Orleans 855.942.0794 On Instagram: @WindsorCourt WindsorCourtHotel.com

Wedding Gifts Art Gumbo On Instagram: @ArtGumboDesigns www.whitneymjeffreys.com

Wedding Gown Preservation Liberto Cleaners 4814 Prytania St., New Orleans 504.897.2161 On Instagram: @Liberto_Cleaners LibertoCleaners.com

Compass Point 200 Opelousas Ave., New Orleans 504.366.1768 On Instagram: @CompassPointEvents CompassPointEvents.com

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

WI T H T H I S R I N G

Goldberger – Morgan By Megan Holt

Thirty years ago, Clem Goldberger met William Arthur Morgan at a coffee shop. While neither remembers exactly what they said to one another, Clem does recall Bill telling her that she was pretty. Bill asked Clem on a date to UNO’s Jazz Club, the Sandbar. They were a couple for many, many years before deciding to get married. On Clem’s birthday, Bill gave Clem her gifts and then left the room. When he came back, he had one more present for her: a ring they had bought as a souvenir from a trip to Africa. Knowing he wanted them to design the engagement ring together but wanting to keep the element of surprise, Bill proposed with this “placeholder” ring. After she said yes, Tiffany Adler helped them create a ring using family diamonds worn by generations. Clem had always loved the Pavilion of the Two Sisters at City Park, both for its architectural features and the fact that made an indoor/outdoor event possible. On the evening of Sunday, October 25, 2020, the couple was married in the Pavilion’s Camellia Garden. Under a chuppah created with gold iron screens and columns, heavily covered with white and ivory flowers and foliage with hanging votive candles, they exchanged vows and rings, with Clem putting Bill’s father’s ring from 1944 on his finger. As luck would have it, the place Clem already loved was also the perfect place to have a wedding with COVID restrictions! There was ample room at the Pavilion of Two Sisters to

created by City Park’s catering staff under the direction of Pat O’Shaughnessy. Everyone raved about the food, especially the crabmeat ravigotte, crab cakes, shrimp dishes and grilled tenderloin. Bill and Clem were having so much fun that they completely forgot about their first dance! They had jokingly planned to play “At Last” by Etta James, because they had been together for so long. After the wedding, they spent a few days on “staycation” before returning to their home here in New Orleans, where Bill has retired from a career in social work and Clem has recently ended her career at The National WWII Museum. Decades in the making, this wedding was right on time in 2020, reminding us that love inspires creativity in the face of adversity. ✦ space out chairs and tables to accommodate guests while still abiding by the mayor’s guidelines. COVID restrictions were a factor in other aspects of the celebration, including the rehearsal dinner co-hosted by Dr. Raphiel and Karen Benjamin, Clem’s aunt and uncle, and Joan and Julian Feibelman. Palate New Orleans created a socially distanced cocktail supper. The meal took place throughout the Feibelmans’ home and included eclectic passed hors d’oeuvres, a landscape of entrée bites in individual clear containers and a buffet attendant serving the main course from hammered copper chafers. Clem and Bill also created COVID-inspired wedding favors. As guests entered, they were

32 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

encouraged to sign the guest book with a personalized ballpoint pen that doubled as a keepsake. Guests also received face masks imprinted with the names of the bride and groom and the wedding date. These masks could be seen throughout the evening at the reception inside the Pavilion, which was decked out in the same white and ivory as the Chuppah, providing an elegant complement to the venue’s greenery. Soaring arrangements of orchids appearing to bloom on willow branches rose from tall glass trumpet vases. This color scheme also appeared on the tables, which featured white linens with ivory organza toppers and satin borders. Sitting at those beautiful tables, guests enjoyed the menu

Coordinator: Melanie Martin, New Orleans Celebrations Celebrant: Rabbi Barry Weinstein; Rev. Robert Massett assisting Music: Ceremony: Harry Hardin, String Quartet; Reception: Ben Schenck & Panorama Jazz Band Wedding Gown: Martina Liana, MaeMe Bridal Boutique Groom’s Attire: Tie & cummerbund from Perlis Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Adler’s (custom made with Tiffany Adler) Florist: Stephen Sonnier of Dunn & Sonnier Antiques, Flowers & Gifts Invitation: Crane, Betty Hunley Designs Caterer: Pat O’Shaughnessy, City Park Catering Wedding Cake: Swiss Confectionery Photographer: Jeff Pounds Photography Hair: Sandy Dantin, Brooks & Company Makeup: Shay-Leigh Gill, Brooks & Co.

WI T H T H I S R I N G

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

E N T E R TA I N I N G WI T H B E V

New Orleans Knows How to Put on a Party Could normal be just around the corner? By Bev Church

In September 2019, The Garden Club of America’s New Orleans Town Gardeners, Inc, hosted members from five Southern states! We are a city that knows how to entertain, educate and excite everyone who comes to visit; of course, this was before the pandemic. President of Zone 1X Barbara Bush, along with her committee, planned dinners in members’ homes, garden tours, visits to the Edible Schoolyards, in City Park, in the new Kitchen Garden, at Grow Dat Youth Farm and more! The photos here were taken at Caroline and Bo Reily’s home in the Garden District. I was asked to create the flower arrangements along with Caroline and

other garden club members. Please help get us back to a new normal so we in New Orleans can do what we do best! Let us get our vaccinations, keep wearing masks, washing our hands and social distancing so we can laissez les bons temps rouler! ✦

34 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

E N T E R TA I N I N G WI T H B E V

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

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

Sean Michael Cursain Brother Martin High School By Mallory Lindsly

PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER

36 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

“Being involved in my community matters to me because it allows me to have a say in what kind of world I want to live in and hope my small actions may inspire others to do the same,” says Sean Michael Cursain, a senior at Brother Martin High School. Cursain began volunteering at University Medical Center during the COVID-19 pandemic to help alleviate the workloads of the healthcare workers. While volunteering, Cursain assembled 1,000 COVID-19 kits, hundreds of COVID-19 information packets, answered patient calls on the Neuro/Stroke unit and provided assistance at the information desk. “The most stressful of these tasks were the Neuro/ Stroke unit and the information desk, as I never knew what would be asked by the person on the other side of the phone or desk, and if I would be able to handle that

request,” says Cursain. Other times, Cursain escorted patients to the COVID-19 testing areas, where patients would be tested for the virus before having a procedure performed. During this time, Cursain saw the same kits that he assembled being used to help ease the minds of patients and medical professionals. “This feeling of knowing I was able to play a role in improving the wellbeing of people in my community while also alleviating the workload on the exhausted healthcare workforce kept me going back to University Medical Center, happy to serve.” Cursain’s cousin, Dr. Jennifer Avegno, inspired him to become an activist. Dr. Avegno has always put others first, he says, whether they were her family, patients or her residents. When Dr. Avegno became the Health Director for the City of New Orleans, her positive impact on the

community helped address systemic problems such as homelessness, mental disorders and COVID-19. “This example of someone who manages to do something she loves, take care of her family and serve her community simultaneously has left me with a strong role model to follow,” says Cursain. When Cursain isn’t volunteering, he loves training dogs with his father. At this time, Cursain is unsure where he wants to go to college, but he does want to go into the medical field and carry out his activism. At Brother Martin, he competes in varsity track and wrestling, serves as President of National Honor Society, VicePresident of Student Ambassadors and as a member of Student Ministry, Mu Alpha Theta and Excalibur National Science Honor Society. ✦

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

S H O P TA L K

Brandon Boudreaux Lead Designer, Boudreaux’s Jewelers By Lani Griffiths

What are some of the services you offer at Boudreaux’s? We are a full-service jeweler, offering top-end designers, watch brands and our own signature collection designed and crafted in-house. We also offer jewelry and watch repairs as well as custom jewelry services for clients looking to design their own pieces. Do you offer financing or layaway? We offer both layaway and financing to make paying for your dream piece of jewelry a little easier. What is your role at Boudreaux’s? I’m our Lead Designer, so I’m charge of designing and curating our Boudreaux’s Signature collection, but I wear many other hats as well, such as Graduate Gemologist and Diamond Buyer. What are some of your favorite pieces right now? The new Omega Seamaster collection is one of my favorite releases this year; look for them to be featured in the upcoming James Bond movie. What are the most popular designers? Tacori and Jude Frances are the two that stand out among the rest. They both have pieces starting from under $500 up through $25,000, so they’re both collections that really appeal to a wide range of price points. Do you offer a signature collection? Our Boudreaux’s Signature collection is designed and manufactured in our studio. It is something that is constantly evolving so we add designs to the collection monthly. Tell us a little background about Boudreaux’s. Our family has been in this business for four generations; my great-grandfather, Gilmore, founded the company in 1933 as a bench jeweler and manufacturer and we have stayed true to those roots for over 87 years. We still pride ourselves on the utmost quality in our products and exclusive designs. In addition to your location in Old Metairie, do you have any others? We have three locations: Old Metairie, Mandeville and Baton Rouge.

38 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

Boudreaux’s Jewelers, 701 Metairie Road, 831-2602, BoudreauxsJewelers.com

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

S H O P TA L K

Keith LeBlanc Jr. M.D., Elizabeth Bucher M.D. & R. Corey Rougelot M.D. Board-Certified Dermatologists, The Skin Surgery Centre By Lani Griffiths

What is The Skin Surgery Centre? The Skin Surgery Centre© is a state-of-the-art facility for Dermatologic Surgery, where we strive to provide individualized, focused care for each patient in a warm, caring environment. Our mission is to make each patient’s experience as pleasant as possible from booking to discharge What do the Physicians at The Skin Surgery Centre do? We are board-certified and fellowship-trained dermatologists who primarily perform Mohs micrographic surgery for the removal of skin cancers located in cosmetically sensitive areas. We perform same-day repair or reconstruction of the defect left behind when the skin cancer has been removed completely. In addition to Mohs surgery, we perform other dermatologic surgeries such as cyst and lipoma removal, excision of suspicious skin lesions or thin melanomas and nail surgery for suspicious or cancerous growths of the nail. Why is skin health so important? Skin cancer is the most common cancer of the human body. There is a higher incidence of skin cancer in the United States annually than there are of breast, prostate, colon and lung cancers combined. Thankfully, the large majority of these skin cancers are non-fatal and can be cured effectively with an in-office procedure like Mohs micrographic surgery when appropriate. What are some of your recommendations for skin safety and health? We cannot stress enough the daily use of sunscreen and appropriate sunscreen application. We recommend the use of a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher (which denotes a level of protection against UVB rays) as well as a label that says “broad spectrum,” which denotes protection from UVA rays. Even those who work inside are exposed to ultraviolet radiation for brief periods throughout the day, and longer periods if they work near windows, which generally filter out UVB but not UVA rays. Additionally, shade and protective clothing are the best ways to protect yourself from the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the UV index is the strongest. For extended periods of sun exposure, be sure to re-apply thoroughly every two to four hours, depending on how much you sweat and whether you’ve been in water or not.

40 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

The Skin Surgery Centre, 1615 Metairie Road, Suite 101, 644-4226, TheSkinSurgeryCentre.com

Is there anything else you'd like to include? As the largest organ of the body, your skin is incredibly important to your health and overall well-being. Any UV radiation to which the skin is exposed is harmful and tanning rather than burning with sun exposure doesn’t make it safe. Even minor exposures can still lead to DNA damage in the cells of the epidermis (or top layer of skin) that can lead to premature aging and the development of skin cancer over time. It is extremely important for all people to have their skin examined by a board-certified dermatologist at least every two years and more frequently in the case of new or changing growths or pigmented lesions. Those patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer may benefit from more frequent skin exams.

SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

S N A P S H OT S By Marie Gabriel 1

1. Camille Whitworth, Simone Bruni, Sandra Dartus, Betsie Gambel and Margarita Bergen celebrated the birthday of Queen Yolande of Aragon at Palace Cafe in August. Queen Yolande was the mother-in-law of the Dauphin King and the royal ruler who was credited with helping fund the campaign in support of the Maid of Orleans. In honor of her birthday, local women who portrayed Queen Yolande in the 2020 Krewe du Jeanne d’Arc procession gathered at Palace Café for a Queen’s Cake Luncheon. 2. Vice President and Board Member of Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful Jackie Madden poses with Co-President and Board Member Carey Hammett, Henry Shane and Sue Ellen Canizaro are pictured at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Canizaro in March 2020 for a cocktail reception for Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful’s “20th Annual Tree School” fundraiser. Hammett received special recognition from Governor John Bel Edwards and a painting for her hard work and dedication to Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful. 3. Joseph C. and Sue Ellen Canizaro hosted a cocktail reception for Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful’s “20th Annual Tree School” fundraiser in March 2020. 4. Jefferson Parish Councilman Deano Bonano, Jefferson Parish Director of Planning Juliette Cassagne and Steven Dwyer attended a cocktail reception for the Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful’s “20th Annual Tree School” fundraiser. 5. Dr. Kathy Wolf and Janel Breaux enjoyed a cocktail reception for the Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful’s “20th Annual Tree School” fundraiser. 6. Ethan Diliberto’s “The Imagery of the Musician,” won first place senior entry in the The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts annual visual art contest. The 2020 contest theme was “The Art of Sound,” showing the connection between music and visual art through an original work of art or song. Diliberto is a senior at Christ Episcopal School in Covington and was awarded a $6,000 scholarship for his piece.

42 ST. CHARLES AVENUE FEBRUARY 2021

S N A P S H OT S By Marie Gabriel 7

7. Brooks Ritter’s “Hearing It for the First Time” won second place in the senior category of The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts annual visual art contest, which awarded a total of $55,000 in college scholarships to 18 high school students across Louisiana. Ritter is a senior at Southside High School in Youngsville and won a $5,500 scholarship for her piece. 8. Mary Usher’s “A Holistic Harmony” won third place in the senior category of The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts annual visual art contest. Usher is a senior at St. Joseph’s Academy and was awarded a $5,000 scholarship for her entry. 9. Jefferson Performing Arts Society Leading Ladies Guild held its installation of officers and counselors in June. Officers installed for the 2020-2021 fiscal year include Corresponding Secretary Amy Carbonette Cioll, Vice President of Fundraising Dolores Hall, President Ginger Crawford, JPAS Board President and Installing Officer Steve Dwyer, Vice President of Membership Jeanne Duhe and Recording Secretary Linda Watson. Past President Valarie Hart and Treasurer Jolene Ryan are not pictured. 10. Leading Ladies Guild Counselors and Board Members Faith Peperone, Robbin Hardee, Carrel Epling, Olympia Accardi, Lynne Duvernay, Barbara Alleman, Barbara Lawler, Janet Schwary, Margaret Wagner and Rubye Noble Evans posed together at Jefferson Performing Arts Society Leading Ladies Guild’s installation of officers and counselors in June 2020. Brenda Chetta and Shirley Rappold are not pictured. 11. Quinten Crump received a Son of a Saint surprise in May 2020 with a chef-curated breakfast, balloons and a congratulatory yard sign in celebration of his graduation from Lusher High School. Son of a Saint is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring mentorship and transforming the lives of fatherless boys. 12. Miles Stewart was surprised by the Son of a Saint team in honor of his graduation from Lusher High School in May. Son of a Saint surprised five of its mentees who are class of 2020 high school graduates with a gourmet breakfast from Made in New Orleans Foundation Alumnus and Owner of 2Brothers1Love Chef Byron Bradley Jr., balloons in their school colors and a congratulatory yard sign, produced by Image360. SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM