St. Charles Avenue October 2020 by Renaissance Publishing

OCTOBER 2020 VOLUME 25 ISSUE 5 EDITORIAL

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

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

CO N T E N T S

IN EVERY ISSUE 4-5 ON THE COVER & EDITORS' NOTES 5 CALENDAR 6 KIDS PLAY Confetti Park: A world-wide podcast that focuses on the regional 8 WHAT’S HOT Art 10 THE DISH Mosca’s: Eschewing time throughout the ages 28 VINTAGE WEDDING Stephen Arthur Moses Weds Jaye Dee Russ: June 19, 1965

PHILANTHROPIC FUN 12 A NEW DINING EXPERIENCE NOWFE opened its socially distanced summer dinner series at Broussard’s. 14 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE A virtual trivia night with local influencers gathered an audience in support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

IN EVERY ISSUE 16 A MUSEUM MOVING AHEAD Ogden Museum celebrated its current exhibits and supported Southern artists with a massive online silent auction. 18 HEALTHY HEARTS The American Heart Association hosted a luncheon at home and honored women in healthcare.

30 SHOP TALK Jill Knight Nalty: Business Development Officer, Argent Trust Company 33 SHOP TALK Kate & Todd Novak: Principals, NOLA Learning Support 34 YOUNG BLOODS Alison Parker: Executive Director & Founder, ricRACK 37 STUDENT ACTIVIST Matthew Paul Armbruster: Brother Martin High School

FEATURE

38 SNAPSHOTS & SCHOOLDAYS

21 HEALTH TRENDS Sustaining care amidst the pandemic

48 NOSTALGIA Saint Roch: The history and future of a sacred space

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B E V ' S N OT E

Get ready for the 22nd annual “CHAIRish the Children: A Fall Feast Celebrating New Orleans” fundraiser, which will be celebrated in a very different way! The Louisiana Children’s Museum’s new location is fabulous, and thanks to the pandemic they need us more than ever! Thanks to our cover participants: LCM’s CEO Julia Bland, LCM Board President Scott Zander, Matthew Pettus representing Acorn/ Dickie Brennan & Co. and Chad Berg representing Lee Michaels. They are promising a virtual event that all of us can be a part of safely at home on October 2-3. This year’s theme is inspired by local artist Dr. Bob, who’s creating the first-ever poster for “CHAIRish the Children.” With your ticket you’ll receive a delectable take-home dinner brought to you by Dickie Brennan & Co., Rouses Markets, Louisiana Seafood and The Goldring Family Foundation. While enjoying your meal, you can bid on the auction, get your Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry raffle tickets and purchase the limited-edition Dr. Bob print available through their website. There are different price points, from $75-$160 per person and higher, so call for your tickets today by calling 266-2415 or visiting one.bidpal.net/LCMGala. We are so excited that we’re covering four philanthropic events this month, and it’s so important that you get us information for your favorite nonprofit’s fundraisers. Whether they’re virtual or a combination, it’s vital for you to support these nonprofits – especially now! We have all been home, fixing up our homes and missing the sights and sounds of the natural world. So check out What’s Hot for Art, celebrating Mother Nature. Our main feature covers Health Trends and why it’s important to keep up with appointments in person or by telehealth, along with some information on ways to keep yourself safe. On that note, look right at the photo of Dr. Bob, who’s trying to get everyone to wear a mask! Canal Place is excited to announce the opening of Nail Bar NOLA this coming fall. Located on level 2 near Saks Fifth Avenue, it will offer a plush and relaxing space where guests can enjoy manicures, pedicures, blow outs and facial treatments. Canal Place is thrilled to be reopened and welcoming guests! We are so grateful to the following advertisers who are bearing the brunt of the pandemic: Children’s Hospital, Touro, Poydras Home, The Skin Surgery Center and Jacob Schoen & Sons. Thanks to them for helping us through this crisis! Please be safe and stay positive!

Beverly Reese Church

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Dr. Bob is open and wants to see you if you have a mask on at his studio near NOCCA at 3027 Chartres St. He produced posters at his own expense to put in each neighborhood to promote mask wearing, and he's been helping local artists who are having a difficult time with the pandemic. They all need our support! Visit DrBobArt.net to find your new favorite piece or to buy a poster for your neighborhood today!

B E V ' S N OT E As you can see, thanks to a breadth of fundraisers I have a very short space this month! As I write we're experiencing that wonderful time when fall tempts us with cooler temperatures (usually before letting summer have one last go at steaming us). If you've read my notes before, you'll know that fall is my favorite time of year! While we begin to enjoy a new season, don't forget to keep your distance, mask up and wash your hands!

Morgan Packard Griffith

OCTOBER 2-3

22nd annual “CHAIRish the Children: A Fall Feast Celebrating New Orleans,” benefiting Louisiana Children’s Museum, 266-2415, one.bidpal.net/LCMGala

2-11

“Crescent City Chamber Music Festival,” benefiting Crescent City Chamber Music Festival, CrescentCityChamberMusicFestival.com

20th anniversary “Belles and Beaus Ball 2020 Virtual Experience,” benefiting American Cancer Society, BellesAndBeausBall.com

“Diliberto Law Firm Leukemia Cup Regatta,” benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, e.givesmart.com/events/igr

30th annual “New Orleans Golf Tournament,” benefiting National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana, 861-4500, KidneyLA.org/golf-tournaments

12-18 “O What a Night! Silent Art Action,” benefiting the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, OgdenMuseum.org/owhatanight 13

“2020 RMHC-SLA Golf Classic” presented by Children’s Hospital New Orleans, benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Louisiana, 486-6668, golf.rmhc-sla.org

“Power Our Promise, A Virtual Event Celebrating Our 2020 Women of Distinction and Juliette Gordon Low Leadership Honorees,” benefiting Girl Scouts Louisiana East, 355-5886, one.bidpal.net/gsle

“At Home with Ochsner featuring The Commissary,” benefiting Ochsner Health, Ochsner.org/athome

“Tails But No Black Tie,” benefiting Equest Farm, 483-9398, TailsButNoBlackTie.org

“O What a Night! Live Art Action,” benefiting the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, OgdenMuseum.org/owhatanight

“Woman Entrepreneur Summit & Pitch Event,” benefiting Junior League of New Orleans, JLNO.org/community/woman-entrepreneur-fellowship

21-25 Friends of City Park presents ”Ghosts in the Oaks: A Haunting at Home,” FriendsOfCityPark.com 22

“Games in the Gardens hosted by the Friends of Longue Vue,” benefiting the Discovery Garden for Children, 293-4722, LongueVue.com

18th annual “Louisiana Sporting Clays Classic,” benefiting The Chartwell Center, 913-7041, TheChartwellCenter.org/lscc

“Cocktails for KID smART” presented by Regions Bank, benefiting KID smART, 940-1994, cfk2020.eventbrite.com SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

K I DS P L AY

Confetti Park A world-wide podcast that focuses on the regional By Brittany Kennedy

The past few months have had most of us scouring the internet for content to “engage” our kids. In fact, “engagement” seems to be the name of the game when it comes to inspiring young hearts and minds. Finding that content, however, can be a bit of a rabbit hole. Although there’s plenty to choose from in the web, a local woman has focused her energy in collecting regional stories and music, creating a weekly podcast that may be geared toward children but that will no doubt have something to teach the entire family. Confetti Park is a children’s media workshop, weekly radio program and podcast that showcases regional children’s music, but that’s also interested in sharing local folklore and culture – particularly those that haven’t been shared before. Headed by Katy Hobgood Ray, the podcast is available online but also featured weekly at radio stations across the United States. One of her most recent shows, for example, focuses on the Le Lutin, a trickster figure common in many traditions. However, this little French hobgoblin steeped in Cajun folklore is, as the show makes clear, perhaps the reason you cannot find your keys or one of your socks. This very specific combination of folklore, music and regional history is what makes Ray’s podcast stand out among the vast majority of

music and history programming aimed at children. Ray’s background – she has a master’s in musicology from Tulane – drives her passion for finding never-heard-before songs for kids. Born in Bogalusa and raised in Shreveport, she got her start covering live music in North Louisiana. When she had her own child in 2011 and was living in New Orleans, her interests naturally shifted to finding children’s music, leading her to produce and host her podcast, which she launched in 2015 named after the Confetti Park in her Algiers Point neighborhood. While it’s no doubt a children’s program, Ray is clear that her focus in inherently local. She says, “It’s fun to pinpoint songs that kids love. A lot of amazing musicians – and we have tons in Louisiana – might write a few songs for kids, but never release an album of children’s songs. It’s fun to find these little gems. For example, Susan Cowsill has a great song called ‘Itty Bitty.’ Alex McMurray’s ‘Sing with Me’ is great for kids. And what kid wouldn’t love dancing the ‘Chicken Strut’ by the Meters? The show is G-rated, but I take a musicological and folklorist approach to producing the show, so I think it’s interesting for all ages.” While the pandemic has made some elements of her show a bit more challenging

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– she’s had to use different software to record phone interviews, for instance – the technological limitations of not being able to interview people in person haven’t been insurmountable. Meanwhile, she has been expanding the program to include more education skits. Her recent show, “Rosemary the Garden Fairy” shares gardening tips and fun facts about nature. In addition to directing the Confetti Park Players, an all-ages children’s chorus that has contributed to the soundscape of the show, Ray also is eager to include other creative works from local children. She encourages them to submit their original poems and short stories to the show.

While Ray has been recognized by a lot of local organizations and the Confetti Park Players have appeared at Jazz Fest, in these socially distant times there’s something to be said for a nostalgic gathering around a “radio” (or wireless speaker, if we’re honest) and listening to stories and songs that may be new to us but are strikingly familiar as well. ✦

➺ Just the Facts:

Confetti Park Kids For broadcast schedule, visit ConfettiPark.com/podcast For those interested in sharing their child’s original poem or story, email Ray at confettipark@gmail.com

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W H AT ' S H OT

Art By Amy Gabriel While many of the sounds and sights of our city take a temporary hiatus, it’s a unique opportunity to let the natural world come into clearer focus. Celebrate the spirit-lifting work of Mother Nature with pieces of living world art.

1. Explore the deconstructed forest tableau in Ashley Pridmore’s “Dreams of Eve,” 2020. Comprised of steel, recycled foam, found rope, papiermâché, vines and oyster shells. Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., 539-9650, OgdenMuseum.org 2. The view of Patrick Waldemar’s private hidden garden from his New Orleans studio is depicted in his watercolor on Japanese paper, “My

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Courtyard.” Stella Jones Gallery, 201 St. Charles Ave., No. 132, 568-9050, StellaJonesGallery.com 3. Petals spring to life in Bradley Sabin’s ceramic coral floral wall installation. Dimensions variable, available as individual sets. Callan Contemporary, 518 Julia St., 5250518, CallanContemporary.com Image courtesy of Callan Contemporary. Photo credit: Kayla Stark

W H AT ' S H OT

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4. In Casey Langteau’s “Protector,” she uses 24 karat gold leaf and textured paint to create this fierce staple of Louisiana’s wildlife. Limited edition prints in various sizes available. Casey Langteau Art, 4700 Magazine St., 500-8164, CaseyLangteauArt.com 5. Branches are made ethereal in Ashleigh Coleman’s “Tracing Treetops” archival print on Moab Juniper paper. Various sizes available, signed, titled and numbered. Claire Elizabeth Gallery,

131 Decatur St., 309-4063, ClaireElizabethGallery.com 6. Dip into the underwater world of Joseph Bradley via his koi on silver oil and silver-leaf on panel. Gallery Orange, 819 Royal St., 8754006, Gallery-Orange.com 7. Babette Beaullieu’s “Memory Sticks 3” is an homage to the element of ritual, combining bits of paper and nature that she collects along her journeys. Gryder Gallery, 615 Julia St., 452-9768, GryderGallery.com

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THE DISH

Mosca’s Eschewing time throughout the ages By Jyl Benson

two of their children, Johnny and Mary, and Mary’s husband Vincent took over the restaurant. Mama Mosca died in 1979, Vincent in 2004. By the time Mama Mosca retired, John’s wife, the former Mary Jo Angellotti, had been helping with the cooking for nearly 20 years and took over as chef. When Mosca’s was presented with a James Beard American Heritage award in 1999, Mary Jo apologized for not being able to attend the ceremony in New York City because she would have had to close the restaurant to accept it. Mary Jo, soft-spoken with flawless porcelain skin and a neat chignon at her neck, adheres strictly to the dishes Provino developed according to what he grew up with then adapted to work with local ingredients. Shuttered by day, at night the two-room building comes alive with the reek of garlic and old crooners blaring from the jukebox. Dishes from the relatively brief menu – Shrimp Mosca and Chicken à la Grande are mainstays – often share the same sauce of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, oregano and wine to draw flavors from the proteins. Oysters Mosca, another menu staple, is a baked casserole-style dish similar to the stuffing found in an artichoke, only loaded with plump Gulf oysters. Spaghetti Bordelaise, its al dente strands coated in a vampire-repelling sauce of oil and garlic, would be a wary parent’s choice for a teenage daughter’s first date with a hoodlum. With the exception of Creole red gravy, the menu is cooked

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Chicken à la Grande, Oysters Mosca and Italian crab salad

à la minute (to order), leaving seemingly content patrons to wait as long as 40 minutes for most dishes that are served familystyle in gargantuan portions. This is a cash-only operation with an ATM in the bar. Latenight hours are a thing of the past, but reservations are a must in the era of Covid. The restaurant was damaged by Hurricane Katrina but reopened in 2006, repaired, and with a larger, airconditioned kitchen – the only concession to the movement of time. Mary Jo continues to operate the restaurant with other family members, including her daughter, Lisa Mosca. ✦

➺ Try This:

Pop-ups are popping up everywhere as restaurants try to stay alive without fully opening their own spaces. Such was the recent case for kin, when it popped-up at the newly opened Plume, a small but mighty Indian restaurant in Algiers. Another quickly followed at Palm and Pine two weeks later, with more to come. To get in on the goodness, follow kin on Instagram @kinfordin. Mosca’s, 4137 US Highway 90 West, Westwego, 436-8950, MoscasRestaurant.com

PHOTO BY MIKE LIRETTE

No attempt has been made to adorn the white, vinyl siding-clad building, the bottom edges of which bear telltale ragged scallops administered by a haphazardly bandied weed eater. Nothing beckons passersby from the two-lane stretch of road – not a bush, a shrub, a flower or a tree. At dusk gnats buzz over an adjacent drainage canal, their cacophony keeping time with the chug-a-lug of window unit air conditioners dripping into a shell parking lot crammed with weathered pickup trucks here, late model luxury numbers there. A metal sign, “Mosca’s Restaurant,” hangs from a pair of rusty chains between a pair of rusty poles. With the current exception of a six-foot distance between tables where there used to be inches, not much has changed since Provino and Lisa Mosca opened the joint on Highway 90 across the Mississippi River, 30-ish miles and a universe away from New Orleans. Between 1946 and 1947, before the Kefauver Commission shut it down, gambling was widespread in the area. After a night in a gaming house patrons would head to Mosca’s for a late-night meal. Provino, a native of central Italy and Lisa “Mama Mosca,” had a restaurant in Chicago Heights, Illinois, before their daughter, Mary, married a Louisiana oysterman, Vincent Marconi. The parents followed Mary and opened their restaurant in 1946 in a building owned by New Orleans crime family boss Carlos Marcello, who became a regular customer. When Provino died in 1962, Lisa,

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PHILANTHROPIC FUN

A New Dining Experience

NOWFE opened its socially distanced summer dinner series at Broussard’s. By Shelby Simon

NOWFE kicked off its “Summer Wine Dinner Series” at Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, the first of a sequence of 11 intimate dinners around New Orleans. This year, especially, encourages diners to support our local economy during this time and enjoy delicious food and wine. Approximately 55 patrons dined six feet apart inside Broussard’s, which utilized all rooms in the restaurant to adhere to the city’s rules and regulations. Kitchen staff, wait staff and the wine representative wore gloves and face masks. Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard prepared the menu, with wine pairings by The Prisoner Wine Company. The delicacies of the evening featured: Duo of oysters – half-shell with pear granita and Cajun caviar and fried oyster profiterole with brie fondue paired with Blindfold White Blend 2017; sumaccrusted Tuna with saffron couscous, blistered cherry tomatoes and green olives paired with Eternally Silenced Pinot Noir 2017; coffee-crusted duck breast with ginger-carrot purée and roasted turnips paired with The Prisoner Red Blend 2018; braised wild boar belly with polenta, roasted oyster mushrooms and red wine jus paired with Derange Red Blend 2013; and foie gras torchon with dark chocolate shortbread, honey comb and strawberry jam paired with Saldo Zinfandel 2017. NOWFE Representatives were Joey Worley, NOWFE Board President and Director of Food and Beverage, Windsor Court Hotel; William Cooling, NOWFE Board Member and District Manager, Republic National Distributing Company; and Aimee Brown, NOWFE Executive Director. Winery Representatives were Niki Williams and Erica Shropshire from The Prisoner Wine Company. Williams dialed in from Napa to speak about the wines over Zoom. Broussard’s Representative was Chef Jimi Setchim. ✦

➺ Event at a Glance

1. Ian Sigl, Ashton Rabalais, Alex Rabalais, Jennifer Rabalais and Kenny Rabalais 2. Aimee Brown, Bill Cooling and Lorraine Streckfus 3. Erin Snow and Melissa Jones Cavin 4. Joey Worley and Erica Shropshire 5. Joseph Phillips and Susan Wood 6. Steven Marsalla, Rebecca Schattman and Jimi Setchim

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF STROUT

WHAT: “NOWFE Summer Wine Dinner Series at Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard” WHEN: Wednesday, July 22 WHERE: Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard

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PHILANTHROPIC FUN 1

Test Your Knowledge A virtual trivia night with local influencers gathered an audience in support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. By Shelby Simon

➺ Event at a Glance WHAT: “Virtual Trivia Competition,” benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: MSLA Chapter WHEN: Sunday, June 28 WHERE: Virtual

1. New Orleans Honored Hero Rylie and her mother 2. Brady Pisciotta, winner of the 2020 LLS Student of the Year: New Orleans Campaign 3. One of the questions attendees saw during the trivia competition 4. Rob Perillo (KATC-TV) was one of the local influencers who took part 5. Ian Auzenne won the competition in real time 6. Saints Player Malcolm Roach was one of the local influencers who took part

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY: MSLA CHAPTER

On Sunday, June 28, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society gathered participants to play virtual trivia with proceeds benefiting the charity’s Mississippi and Louisiana Chapter. Registration was $19.49, a nod to the year LLS was founded, and individuals were presented with the optional opportunity to add a donation to their ticket purchase. The event was open to all ages and skill levels and hosted on the Crowdpurr trivia platform, and offered $1,000 in prizes to be won. Executive Director Katie Triplett welcomed participants to the event. Trivia paused for brief messages from the 2020 Student of the Year Winner Brady Pisciotta from Pope John Paul II Catholic School and Honored Hero Rylie. Trivia questions were focused on music, sports, food and drink, pop culture and a mystery round consisting of all things Louisiana. Each of the five rounds had eight questions, and the eighth question of each round was specific to the mission of LLS. Participants engaged in a live discussion throughout the program, sharing thoughts about the game, exchanging comical banter and expressing gratitude for LLS. TV personality and news anchor Tamica Lee emceed the event. Local influencers joined to play trivia: Chief Meteorologist at KATC-TV Rob Perillo, New Orleans Saints Defensive Lineman Malcom Roach and Executive Producer at KATC-TV Ian Auzenne. Sixty-seven tickets were sold for the program, which earned $5,422.78 for the LLS. ✦

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PHILANTHROPIC FUN

A Museum Moving Ahead

Ogden Museum celebrated its current exhibits and supported Southern artists with a massive online silent auction. By Shelby Simon

➺ Event at a Glance WHAT: “Magnolia Ball Silent Auction,” benefiting the Ogden Museum of Southern Art WHEN: Monday, June 22-Sunday, June 28 WHERE: Virtual

1. Current exhibition “Entwined: Ritual Wrapping and Binding in Contemporary Southern Art” 2. Spine Mugs by LBP Clay were among the many items up for auction 3. “The Spirit of Secondline Sunday – Nine Times Secondline” by Ashley Lorraine was among the pieces up for auction 4. Current exhibition “Revelations: Recent Photography Acquisitions” 5. “Blue Moon Geode” by Muffin Bernstein was among the pieces up for auction 6. Artists who donated to the auction were honored online

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PHOTOS COURTESY THE OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART

Usually, the “Magnolia Ball” is a big celebration at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art with halls filled with DJs, food, drinks, art and dancing. Since patrons couldn’t safely gather this year, “Magnolia Ball” turned virtual and offered a magnificent online silent auction that featured over 60 works by Southern artists and businesses. Artists and businesses who participated in the auction were able to receive a portion of the proceeds and, in total, over $17,200 was raised. The “Magnolia Ball Silent Auction” raised awareness and funds for the museum’s mission to share the art and culture of the American South. This year celebrated the museum’s two current exhibitions, “Revelations: Recent Photography Acquisitions” and “Entwined: Ritual Wrapping and Binding in Contemporary Southern Art.” The Ogden reopened in June, and both exhibitions are still on view. The exhibitions can also be seen virtually with video tours available at OgdenMuseum.org. The auction included works of art by Muffin Bernstein, Anita Cooke, Ashley Lorraine, Juliet Meeks, Kelly Mueller, Jonathan Traviesa and many more artists. It also featured items from local businesses, including gift certificates from The Franklin and Dancing Grounds, a door hanger from Home Malone, a month-long membership to New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute’s NOCHI Together program and a gift set from French Truck. Ogden Museum released two Curated Conversation videos in conjunction with the auction. Curator of the Collection, Bradley Sumrall, spoke with Sharon Kopriva, an artist featured in “Entwined.” Photographer David McCarty had a discussion with Curator of Photography Richard McCabe. Additionally, the Ogden created a Spotify playlist to accompany the auction. The 2020 Chairmen were Shannon Moon, Meghan Parson, Sharonda Williams, Justin Woods, Matthew Moreland and Patrick Welsh. ✦

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PHILANTHROPIC FUN

Healthy Hearts

The American Heart Association hosted a luncheon at home and honored women in healthcare. By Shelby Simon

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➺ Event at a Glance WHAT: “2020 New Orleans Go Red for Women Virtual ‘Lunch-in’,” benefiting the American Heart Association WHEN: Thursday, May 7 WHERE: Virtual 1. The 2020 Circle of Red 2. Susan Lucci 3. Dance break 4. The 2020 Women in Medicine 5. Dr. Hendel 6. The 2020 Women in STEM

PHOTOS COURTESY AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

The New Orleans American Heart Association branch hosted its first ever virtual event, swapping their usual “New Orleans Go Red For Women Luncheon” for a virtual “Lunch-in” to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States, and generate critical funds for lifesaving cardiovascular research. Everyone provided their own lunch, but recipe suggestions were emailed to participants in advance. The heart healthy menu offered a grilled chicken flatbread with chopped salad and avocado yogurt, avocado banana overnight oats, turkey avocado lettuce tacos, avocado salad with tuna and an avocado berry smoothie. The keynote speaker was Dr. Robert Hendel, Section Chief of Cardiology and Director of the Tulane University Heart & Vascular Institute. Other speakers were Christine O’Brien from United Healthcare, Diane Lyons from FestiGals and Patty Riddlebarger from Entergy. Survivor Khadijah Rodgers shared her story of nearly losing her life to a severe stroke and how the science and research funded by The American Heart Association led to her remarkable recovery. Ten local “Women in Medicine” were honored in 2020 for their contributions to the community and their patients. They were: Dr. Tamara Bradford, Pediatric Cardiologist at Children’s Hospital; Dr. Colleen Johnson, Cardiologist at Tulane; Dr. Kathleen Kennedy, Dean of the School of Pharmacy at Xavier University; Leslie LeBlanc, Director of Value-Based Programs at Tulane; Cheri Miller, Director of Care Management at LCMC; Tiffany Netters, Executive Director of 504 Health Net; Dr. Sylvia Oleck, Cardiologist at Tulane; Vicki Schilling, Clinical Manager of Cardiovascular Services at Touro; Lisa Tichenor, Senior Ventricular Assist Device at Ochsner; and Tina Westbrook, Cardiac Rehab Manager at Slidell Memorial. In addition, the program featured a #MoveMore dance break from Twitch & Allison and Women in STEM presented by Entergy. A Pursenality Auction featured prizes donated by Nola Boo, Diamonds Direct, Dorignac’s, Shop Dolce, Rhonda Eckholdt, Meg Gatto, Nikki Greenway, Marjorie Handleman, Molly Kimball, LuLaRoe, Diane Lyons, Macy’s, Nicondra Norwood, Vaolbra, Suzanne Whitaker and Michael Williams. Desiree Charbonnet served as Event Chair. “Go Red for Women” is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the New Orleans Luncheon is locally sponsored by Peoples Health, United Healthcare, Entergy, Tulane Doctors, Lexus of New Orleans, Manning Architects, LAMMICO, LSU Health Sciences Foundation, Pan American Life Insurance Group and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana. Approximately $242,000 was raised. ✦

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HEALTH TRENDS Sustaining care amidst the pandemic By Kelcy Wilburn

Over the past several months health news has centered almost exclusively on one subject: COVID-19. Meanwhile other health concerns – broken bones, arthritis, anxiety, heart disease – haven’t decreased despite their lack of limelight. And as communities continue to grapple with the numerous impacts of the virus, healthcare professionals across all specialties are balancing the necessity of treating normal health concerns while protecting patients from the virus, defining new trends in how and when patients are seen.

As a full-service hospital, Touro has been in the unique position of treating patients with routine health needs as well as patients suffering from COVID-19. According to Dr. Andrew Siegel, Internal Medicine Physician, the hospital saw a peak of admissions at the start of the pandemic for COVID-19-related illnesses while regular admissions dropped greatly. Only over the last couple of months have admissions and doctor’s visits unrelated to COVID-19 begun to increase. “With in-clinic and virtual care appointments available, we’re taking extra measures to keep our hospital and clinics safe,” says Siegel. These measures include isolating patients with COVID-19 or related symptoms, enhanced COVID-19 screenings of patients and staff, mandatory face masking, limiting visitors, distanced seating in waiting and exam rooms, extra cleaning measures and virtual, or “telehealth,” appointments. TOURO 1401 Foucher St., (844) 392-4640, Touro.com

Children’s Hospital also saw a sharp decline in primary care and specialty visits beginning in March, but the organization was able to quickly adapt to continue caring for patients through its rapidly expanded virtual care platform, which includes 24/7 urgent care, primary care, specialty care and behavioral health services. “Prior to COVID-19, our Virtual Care program saw on average 130 visits per month, and during the height of the pandemic we saw 7,253 virtual visits in one month,” says Dr. Amanda Jackson, Vice President of Physician Services and Medical Director of Primary Care at Children’s. While virtual care will continue to be an important offering, Jackson emphasizes the need for continuing in-person child well visits and keeping kids up-to-date with vaccines, which protect against diseases like measles, mumps and the whooping cough. Like Touro, Children’s is taking a number of safety precautions to keep families safe when visiting. CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL 200 Henry Clay Ave., 899-9511, CHNola.org

A comprehensive community health center, CrescentCare quickly set up COVID-19 testing at the center’s new flagship location on Elysian Fields early in the pandemic. Walk-up testing is still available for anyone Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Meanwhile, CrescentCare also offers primary medical care, behavioral health, health education and supportive services, dental, pediatric and psychiatric services. According to CEO Noel Twilbeck, the center has seen a continual rise in patients since March. “Part of that increase is due to the COVID testing,” he says. “It is also reflective of the need for primary medical care and behavioral health services.” Most of CrescentCare’s staff are working from home with many visits being conducted through telehealth. Some situations, though, call for an in-person visit, and the clinic requires masking and screening upon entry. CRESCENTCARE 1631 Elysian Fields Ave., 821-2601, CrescentCare.org

For many specialists across the city, the pandemic caused temporary postponements of consultations and surgeries, but fortunately for patients, these services are returning. “The state placed a moratorium on all elective surgeries at the beginning of the pandemic, which makes up 99 percent of the surgeries I routinely perform,” says Dr. Nelson Mead, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic and sports medicine surgeon at Crescent City Orthopaedics. Since the moratorium was lifted, the practice has seen an increase in consultations and surgeries, though Mead expects the increase to slow as long as restrictions on organized sports continue to be in place. Mead worries that fears of the virus will prevent people from seeking the care they need and further put their bodies at risk. “From an orthopaedic standpoint, don’t let new onset knee pain persist because you’re avoiding seeing your doctor for fear of exposure,” he says. “Visit your doctor and have the knee pain treated so that you can return to exercising.” CRESCENT CITY ORTHOPAEDICS 3600 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 233-0986, CrescentCityOrtho.com

At Surgical Specialists of Louisiana, Dr. Matthew French has seen a surprising rise in consultations and surgeries when compared with last year’s numbers. French’s practice is largely geared towards helping people lose weight, and while he attributes some of the rise to playing catch-up, he also notes that people are taking seriously the association of obesity with severe consequences of COVID-19. The majority of his visits are now done via telehealth. When in-person consults are needed, patients and staff wear masks and patients are asked to wait in their vehicles and enter alone for visits.

THE SURGICAL SPECIALISTS OF LOUISIANA 3100 Galleria Drive, Metairie, 934-3000, WhyWeight.com/matthew-french

At Aspire to Empower Counseling Services, Owner and LPC-S Deatrice Green is seeing a rise in people seeking counseling services, which she attributes to two factors: fear/isolation due to COVID-19 and social injustices that act as stressors for community members. For now, Green is only providing counseling sessions via telehealth. A Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, she has additional expertise working with children and emphasizes that they experience many of the same thoughts and emotions as adults. “So very often, the voices of children are not heard or attended to,” says Green. Adults need to be mindful that while we’ve acquired some coping mechanisms to get us through difficult emotions, many children have not. Green recommends maintaining regular counseling sessions for both children and adults as a way to work through feelings of anger, disappointment, frustration, fear and hurt. She also notes the connection of mental health with physical health – being mindful of habits like eating and creating routines that include self-care methods can help. ASPIRE TO EMPOWER, LLC 1050 S. Jefferson Davis Parkway, Suites 209 & 211, 300-9163, AspireToEmpower.com

Effects of the pandemic have been felt by all age groups, but isolation has significantly impacted older adults who are known to be at higher risk. As retirement communities moved to limit visitors, many families brought their senior loved ones home. These moves have led to a rise in caregiver hours and inquiries with companies like Home Care Solutions. “Many families are under additional pressure to provide care for an aging loved one, and as many of them are also coping with massive changes to their own schedules and lives, we can step in and provide an extra arm of support while providing less risk of exposure than at a retirement community with the added benefit of loved ones not being isolated from their families,” says Rachel Palmer, Community Liaison. Home Care Solutions supplies caregivers with masks, hand sanitizer and gloves, which are only meant for use with personal care of a client. The company sees this as an opportunity to provide for aging loved ones’ needs while providing comfort and stability in uncertain times. HOME CARE SOLUTIONS 3421 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 502, Metairie, 828-0900, HomeCareNewOrleans.com

PROTECT YOURSELF Creativity abounds in New Orleans, where people like to have fun with everything – that includes masks and protective accessories such as hand sanitizer cases, clips and chains. “We’re such an expressive community in New Orleans – you might not be able to see our smiles, but we can wear a part of our expressiveness in our masks,” says Martha Claire Breland, Owner of local gift shop Judy at the Rink. Judy at the Rink stocks locally made, colorful and luxury masks, mask chains, touchless tool key rings and hand sanitizer. “We have hand sanitizer, masks and disinfectant at the store,” she says. “We only allow five customers in the store at any given time. We’re trying to do our part.” Sazerac Company, maker of Sazerac Rye and the company behind local whiskey museum Sazerac House, normally centers its business on the production of aged spirits but pivoted early in the pandemic to fill an immediate need across the country for hand sanitizer.

Gold touch-less tool available from Judy at the Rink.

Bottling of hand sanitizer from the Buffalo Trace Distillery plant in Frankfort, KY. Photo provided by Sazerac Company.

“To date, we have made 120 million ounces of hand sanitizer,” says Amy Preske, Public Relations Manager. “We have supplied the world’s largest companies in the financial, airline, retail, healthcare and government industries,” she says. The company intends to continue making hand sanitizer as long as necessary while continuing production of its spirits, such as Buffalo Trace bourbon, Sazerac Rye, Southern Comfort and Myers’s Rum. The sanitizer is available for purchase at BuffaloTraceGiftShop.com.

JUDY AT THE RINK 2727 Prytania Street, Suite 11, 891-7018, JudyAtTheRink.com SAZERAC COMPANY, INC. 101 Magazine St., (866) 729-3722, Sazerac.com

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V I N TAG E WE D D I N G

Stephen Arthur Moses Weds Jaye Dee Russ June 19, 1965 By Bev Church

Stephen Moses and Dee Russ had known each other from an early age. Their parents were best friends and ate dinner together every Sunday and Thursday night, so Dee and Stephen were destined to be together! At the end of ninth grade, Stephen asked Dee to go to a special party and that was the real beginning. They dated on and off for years, and after graduation from Tulane University Stephen knew he would be going into the service as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy. Stephen took Dee to a movie at the Lowe’s Theatre and popped the question while Dee was watching the show and eating popcorn! Not the most romantic idea, but Stephen knew that he could be stationed anywhere and wanted Dee to be his bride. Of course, she said “Yes!”, and her Mom started planning the wedding right away. They were engaged on February 3 and were married four months later. There were nonstop parties – the engagement party at the Russ’, luncheons, dinners, cocktail parties, bridal showers and more! Stephen's grandparents had a beautiful party for them at the Rib Room. The rehearsal dinner was held at the Lakewood Country Club and the wedding on June 19 took place in the Grand Ballroom at the Roosevelt Hotel. Dee’s mom called on Rohm’s Floral Designs to create the magical chuppah and flowers for the ballroom including peonies, orchids, roses, flowers for the cake and the bouquets for Dee and her bridesmaids. Dee’s dress and her bridesmaids’ dresses were from Kreeger’s. The wedding began at 7 p.m. with Rabbi Leo Bergman as the officiant. After a beautiful cocktail buffet and traditional Jewish ceremony, Dee and Stephen left for the airport, having drinks with friends

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before they were off to their honeymoon suite at the Americana in Puerta Rico. Dee and Stephen have been married for 55 years. They have had a 25th and a grand 50th

anniversary, all with the help of close friend Ralph Brennan. They have two wonderful children and two grandchildren and call New Orleans home! ✦

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S H O P TA L K

Jill Knight Nalty Business Development Officer, Argent Trust Company By Lani Griffiths

What is the Argent Trust Company? Argent Trust is a subsidiary of Argent Financial Group. Argent is a leading independent wealth management firm providing comprehensive wealth management solutions to individuals, families, businesses and institutions. What are some of your responsibilities? I am responsible for new client outreach and strengthening current customer relationships in the Greater New Orleans area. What additional services does Argent offer? We offer trust and estate planning; investment management; family office services; retirement plan consulting; governmental services; charitable organization administration; mineral (oil and gas) management; retirement and estate planning; funeral and cemetery trusts; as well as custody and escrow services. What is your specialty? At our core, we’re a trust company, meaning we as a fiduciary are held to the highest standard in our industry. Why should people consider Argent over other financial institutions? We are local; we have offices in downtown New Orleans, and our home office is based in Ruston, Louisiana. We have a history of over 30 years of client-focused service. Ensuring and safeguarding our clients’ wealth is paramount for us. We are responsible for over $30 billion in client assets with 31 market locations in 12 southeastern states. 30 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2020

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about yourself or your company? I have over 13 years of banking experience in New Orleans, having previously served the banking community at Hibernia National Bank and First Commerce Corporation. I have spent the recent decades on fundraising efforts in the nonprofit sector in the New Orleans community. In particular, I’ve worked with Children’s Hospital, Ochsner Pediatrics, Junior Achievement and the Audubon Institute, and currently serve on the Board of Baptist Community Ministries. In addition, I’ve been involved with a number of New Orleans activist groups such as Women of the Storm, Katrina Krewe, Girls on the Run and Heart of Passion. I feel proud that Argent is committed to impartial, transparent fiduciary wealth management. Our focus is on keeping our clients’ best interests at the forefront of every action we take. Argent Trust Company, 201 St. Charles Ave., Suite 2420, 291-8800, ArgentFinancial.com

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S H O P TA L K

Kate & Todd Novak Principals, NOLA Learning Support By Lani Griffiths

What is NOLA Learning Support? NOLA Learning Support is a private educational therapy practice on Oak Street. We provide academic support and remediation for students from kindergarten through college, and our specialty is working with students who have dyslexia and other mild to moderate learning differences. With myself (Kate) being the only educational therapist in Louisiana, we’ve found that there’s a great need for students who don’t necessarily qualify for special education services in their schools. Our dyslexia support is Orton-Gillingham based. What are your responsibilities with NOLA Learning Support? As a husband-and-wife team, we’re the principals of our business and have recently hired two former teachers to help us with providing support for students. What services does NOLA Learning Support provide? We partner with our students' parents, teachers and specialists to develop confidence and skills. I (Kate) have graduate-level training in academic assessment and remediation for monitoring student progress in the areas of reading, writing and spelling, while my husband has 18 years of experience as a high school English teacher and administrator. We develop remediation plans – from assessments and observations to learning support appointments – six days a week. For older students in middle school and above, we provide remediation within the work that they’ve been assigned at school.

How have you adapted your education services to remote learning? Since March, we have held our consultations, assessments and appointments on Zoom. It has been an easy transition and we’re equipped with all of our materials to work online with students. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about yourselves or NOLA Learning Support? My husband Todd and I have two dyslexic children who now attend Tulane University. We are very passionate about helping families through some of the same challenges we faced with our own children. Having met when we were 16 years old in prep school, our children followed in our footsteps, both attending New England prep schools. This year we’ll be adding a new consultation service for families interested in boarding school. For more information on educational therapy, please visit the Association of Educational Therapists, AETOnline.org. NOLA Learning Support, 8131 Oak St., No. 100, 919-1833, NolaLearningSupport.com SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

YO U N G B LO O D S

Alison Parker Executive Director & Founder, ricRACK By Lindsay Mack

With a background in costuming for films, TV shows and even Cirque du Soleil, Alison Parker was always surrounded by clothes, costumes and fabric. Parker picked up sewing skills in home economics classes, but she realized that resource isn’t always available for today’s kids in New Orleans. If children here wanted to learn how to sew, they had to pick up the skill from a family member or other outside resource. Parker founded ricRACK (Repurposed and Altered Costumes for Kids) to help teach kids in New Orleans these sewing and fabric repurposing skills. “If there’s any place where a child should be able to learn how to sew, it should be here,” says Parker. After all, most people in the city already have a well-stocked costume box. Prior to the coronavirus quarantine, ricRACK provided sewing classes for both children and adults, teaching students how to work with all types of fabric. Parker has also partnered with local schools (including KIPP) to provide costuming for school plays out of repurposed clothing. In these classes, kids learn basic hand-sewing stitches, giving them great pride seeing their finished products on the stage. In July, the organization typically works with an Ogden Museum summer camp, teaching kids and teens about repurposing fabric. This camp highlights the waste created by fast fashion, as well as the

ways to recycle or repurpose textiles. Many of the students leave with new ideas about how to fix or mend clothes without having to buy something new. Educating others about the environmental impact of textiles is a huge goal with ricRACK. Not all fabrics are biodegradable, Parker explains, and some contain chemicals and dyes that can bleed into the ground if left in landfills. However, ricRACK’s

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efforts at repurposing fabrics have already made an impact on the local environment. “We’ve easily diverted close to 15,000 pounds of fabrics,” says Parker. Mending clothes to extend their lifespan, avoiding fast fashion and shopping at local garment manufacturers are some simple steps that can help make a big impact environmentally. By breathing new life into old fabric, ricRACK helps spark

creativity and environmental awareness, all while creating cool costumes in the process. ✦

➺ Get Involved Follow ricRACK’s social media or website to see when classes will be available again, and tell friends and family about them. Financial donations are also welcome on ricRACK’s website: RicRackNola.com.

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36 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2020

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

Matthew Paul Armbruster Brother Martin High School

PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER

By Mallory Lindsly

“Giving back to communities is a selfless and humbling experience, which causes us to look at life from different angles and perspectives. The new outlooks we gain from our service experiences, hopefully, allow us to change our lives for the better by increasing understanding and tolerance in the world,” says Matthew Paul Armbruster a senior at Brother Martin High School. One of Armbruster’s most rewarding experiences as a volunteer is working with the Miracle League. During his time with Miracle League, Armbruster was able to help kids play baseball, while also growing himself. Armbruster says, ”I have always admired the advice that if we can have an impact on the life of one individual, then we have made a difference and our job on earth is fulfilled.” While volunteering at the Miracle League, Armbruster realized that there is so much in his life that he can appreciate and he was rewarded by giving back. Armbruster has also volunteered at the Second Harvest Food Bank. He first started volunteering to fulfill the required service hours for school. During this time Armbruster realized that he wasn’t just packing donations to put on a shelf, but was helping hungry families meet a basic need. “I found out that I liked helping others who may not be as fortunate as myself, which caused me to start appreciating things I had previously taken for granted - things like spending time

with family and friends or waking up with a happy home or having food on the table, things I realize now that you can’t truly put a price tag on,” says Armbruster. Robert Armbruster, Armbruster’s late grandfather, inspired him to become an activist. Robert’s work with the church, ushering, holding doors, and assisting with the collections, are just a few things that Armbruster looked up to his grandfather. “My favorite thing about him was that anytime he was needed somewhere, he would drop whatever he was doing and be there as soon as possible to lend a hand. He was a very selfless individual,” says Armbruster. Armbruster is undecided on where he wants to attend college next school year but wants to continue to play tennis at whatever school he attends. Armbruster wants to study something in the health field, whether that is veterinary medicine, physical therapy, pathology, and sports medicine, the next few years will help him decide. No matter where his career brings him, Armbruster wants to continue serving others. ✦ SAINTCHARLESAVENUE.COM

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

1. Outgoing Commodore Guy Brierre performed the transferring of the ceremonial flag to incoming Commodore Richard Provensal at the Southern Yacht Club’s biennial “Commodore’s Ball” in January. 2. Margot, Richard, Angie, Meredith and Kathryn Provensal attended the Southern Yacht Club’s “Commodore’s Ball” in January, honoring the beginning of Richard Provensal’s tenure as Commodore of the SYC. 3. Commodore Richard Provensal presented Vice Commodore Robert “Duff” Friend with a ceremonial burgees at the Southern Yacht Club’s annual “Commodore’s Ball.” More than 400 SYC members and guests joined to witness the Transferring of the Flags ceremony, a 170-year tradition. 4. Commodore Richard Provensal bestowed a ceremonial burgee on Rear Commodore Dr. Timothy Molony at the Southern Yacht Club’s 2020 “Commodore's Ball.” The annual event was held at the SYC in January, where more than 400 guests were treated to live music from BRW R&B and a lavish buffet meal prepared by SYC Chef Jason Klutts. 5. Commodore Richard Provensal posed with Secretary-Treasurer James Sanchez Jr. at the Southern Yacht Club’s annual “Commodore's Ball” in January. 6. Bryan Jourdain, Cree Merriman-Jourdain, Brian Monk, Gabriel Virdure, Amanda Credeur and Stephen Roques enjoyed an evening at the Opera Guild Home for the Sylvain Society-Young Professionals of New Orleans Opera’s annual fundraising event, the “Big Wig Ball,” in January.

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

7. New Orleans Opera Association President Jay Gulotta and event Sponsor Susan Talley attended the “Big Wig Ball,” an annual celebration and benefit to kick off the Carnival Season and raise funds to support free Student Night Out performances of opera at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. 8. Elaine Grundmeyer, Midori Tajiri-Byrd, Danielle Smith and Michael Roussel (seated) showed off their festive attire and wackiest wigs at the 2020 “Big Wig Ball.” This year’s ball featured live entertainment, food, libations, music, a raffle, a jewelry pull by Porter Lyons, a glitter bar courtesy of Elektra Cosmetics and a wig and costume competition to crown New Orleans’ official “Big Wig.” 9. Anna and David Jouandot got into the Christmas Spirit during the “2019 Holiday Home Tour,” presented by the Ladies of the Shield to benefit Brother Jean Sobert, S.C. Student Activities Endowment at Brother Martin. 10. Kendra Coco, Leah Winfrey, Susan Coco, Cissy Yakelis, Bonnie Rando, Roberta Stewart and Michelle Scalise kicked off the holidays with a festive tour of four of Uptown New Orleans’ historic and beautiful homes, while raising funds for Brother Martin’s S.C. Student Activities Endowment. 11. Brother Martin’s Culinary Crusaders Joshua Edel, Carson Kennair, Chase Alseich, Gabe Metoyer, Gavin Ruth, Jacob Kinberger, Kody Morris, Bryan MacDowell and Daniel Winstein served up tasty treats for the Lady of the Shield’s annual “Holiday Home Tour” fundraiser in December 2019, concluding with a Patron Party at the home of Alissa and Jeff Schmidtke (’97). 12. Dr. Keith Lescale and Brother Carl Bouchereau, S.C., were photographed at the Lady of the Shield’s “2019 Holiday Home Tour.” Guests were treated to a festive afternoon and parade of beautiful and historic homes, and the opportunity to do their Christmas Shopping from Sandy’s Kustom Embroidery, Nola Gifts and Décor and Kendra Scott. Proceeds from the event benefit the Brother Jean Sobert, S.C. Student Activities Endowment at Brother Martin.

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40 ST. CHARLES AVENUE OCTOBER 2020

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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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+1.504.908.0289 emcnulty@gardnerrealtors.com www.neworleansluxuryliving.coM

Coveted condo with world class amenities at prestigious One River Place. Swimming pool | Gym | Valet Parking

7934 Maple Street New Orleans, LA 70118

2 bedrooms

2 bathrooms

1,723 sqft

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N OS TA LG I A

Saint Roch The history and future of a sacred space By Seale Paterson

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Saint Roch Chapel in 1920, photographed by John Mendes. Based on chapels in Germany and Hungary, it was noted as one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in the United States. Saint Roch, also the patron saint of dogs, is depicted in statue with his faithful dog at his feet. To the right are handwritten and carved letters of gratitude; to the left are ex-votos from healed devotees. The chapel’s cornerstone was laid on September 6, 1875; it was dedicated on August 16, 1876, on the feast day of Saint Roch, and the first Mass was offered on All Soul’s Day, November 2, 1876. When Rev. Thevis died in 1893, he was buried beneath the center aisle.

IMAGE APPEARS COURTESY OF THE HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, GIFT OF WALDEMAR S. NELSON, 2003.0182.286.

In 1867, during the height of the yellow fever, German priest Rev. Peter Thevis came to serve Holy Trinity Church’s largely German congregation. Rev. Thevis fervently prayed for his parishioners to be saved from the disease; according to church history, none of them died. To give thanks, he constructed a chapel to Saint Roch, patron saint of the afflicted, in the cemetery he had established known as “Campo Santo.” By the early 1900s, the chapel was a top attraction for pilgrims and sightseers. It was promoted in tourism guides and a Canal Street shop sold commemorative silver spoons depicting the chapel. Many came to pray for healing from their various maladies. Some came for relief from afflictions of the heart; young women were known to offer a novena to Saint Roch in hopes of finding a husband. Others came to offer thanks for Saint Roch’s intercession, leaving offerings of gratitude at the altar. These talismans represented the giver’s affliction: plaster limbs, crutches, braces, false teeth and replicas of hearts, lungs, ears, brains and more. By the mid-1940s, these gifts almost totally obscured the altar from view. After structural damage was discovered the chapel was fully restored in 1948, and the ex-votos were moved to a small alcove near the altar where they still reside today. A statue of Saint Lucy, patron saint of the blind, also stands in this room, holding a platter of eyes. To mark the reopening of the chapel in 1949, an official first-class relic of Saint Roch was procured from Italy. This sliver of bone was displayed during novenas and Stations of the Cross. The relic, along with other holy objects, was stolen sometime after 1984. In 2017, structural damage was again discovered. The chapel remains closed for ongoing renovations; when finished it will be reopened for visitation. The ex-voto room is the only interior area that won’t be touched, leaving the offerings left behind undisturbed. The archdiocese is hoping to find another relic to replace the one that was stolen and mark the rededication of this sacred space. ✦