Fall is an ideal time to cozy your nest as you decorate and prepare for the holidays. With October’s promise of great weather, the city will be packed with festivals, seasonal events and fundraisers. And there’s nothing like coming home to a house that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
This month we’re featuring the beautiful family home of local designer Boo Randle. Writer Amy Gabriel captured the spirit of the place in words, and you’ll find tons of inspiration, from the gorgeous color palate throughout to layered textural elements and a closet that dreams are made of.
It’s also a season that can be difficult for many. Anyone suffering a loss can experience that pain and burden tenfold during this time. For this reason, we’ve included a feature on grief with tips from local experts on how to cope and information on support systems available for those who may need them.
Our Arts Calendar is full of exciting cultural events happening this month (prepare for the Taylor takeover). Sue Strachan is celebrating spooky season with ghostly galivants, haunted tours and seasonal festivals in our monthly Around Town column.
These pages are also filled with locals making a difference fighting for change within our community. If you represent a nonprofit organization that should be featured, please reach out via our website.
We hope you find comfort and inspiration in this issue. Happy Fall!
ANDY MYER, EDITOR
On the Cover
From left: Dr. Suma Maddox (founder), Melissa Coleman (artist), Shelley Dee-Girgrah (model) and Page Goss (2024 event designer)
Photographed by Chris Scheurich at the Hotel St. Vincent; Makeup by Meggan Ory; Hair by Monique Munoz; Suma’s outfit by Suzanne Perron St. Paul and Susu Stall; Shelley’s outfit by Melissa Coleman
What happens when you combine the artistic beauty of New Orleans’ finest creators with the strength of Louisiana’s breast cancer survivors? You will see more than just a fundraiser—Fleur de Bra will show you a tribute to strength, survival, and the art of transformation. On October 6th, the newly renovated Hotel St. Vincent will shimmer with vibrant, uplifting energy. The city will hear the echoes of hope and renewal as Fleur de Bra presents its 4th annual show.
Fleur de Bra was founded in 2021, as a part of Breastoration and the Cancer Association of Louisiana, by Dr. Suma Maddox and co-chaired by CALA representative, Michelle Burtch. Fleur de Bra is a couture bra event which pairs a local artist or designer with a local professional to model their creation in a gorgeous display of love and strength.
Breastoration was founded by Kim Sport in 2011, and since its inception it has raised over $768,000 and helped 275 patients with 582 surgeries. The funds raised go directly to the patients, helping with living expenses, transportation to appointments and treatments, co-pays, childcare, and prescription payments. Our very important mission is based on providing access to resources during a patient’s entire breast reconstructive journey.
Subscriptions
40% off new subscriptions
Never miss an issue, scan and subscribe today!
*Must order online – not good for renewals, expires October 31,2024.
More information can be found at fleurdebra.com or by following Fleur de Bra on Instagram.
Suma Maddox, MD
Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery, Founder of Fleur de Bra
October
Through Oct. 6
NOLAxNOLA 2024
Various locations, neworleans.com/nolaxnola
Through Oct. 27
Envisioning Japan:
Transformational Gifts from Kurt A. Gitter, M.D. and Alice Yelen Gitter
New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504-658-4100, noma.org
3-20
Murder for Two
Le Petit Théâtre, 616 St. Peter St., 504-522-2081, lepetittheatre.com
5
Art for Arts Sake
Venues along Magazine St., magazinestreet.com/event/ art-for-art-sake
5 (through February 16, 2025)
Baldwin Lee
Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., 504-539-9650, ogdenmuseum.org
9
LPO: Haydn “The Clock” New Marigny Theatre, 2301 Marais St., lpomusic.com
11
Patti LaBelle
The Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, 504-274-4871, orpheumnola.net
11-13
Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival
Lafayette Square Park, 602 St. Charles Ave., jazzandheritage.org/ events/crescent-city-blues-bbqfestival-2024
16
Tulane University and New Orleans Friends of Music: Le Consort Tulane University, Dixon Hall, friendsofmusic.org
17-27
New Orleans Film Festival Multiple venues, neworleansfilmsociety.org
18-20
NOLA Funk Fest
New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave., nolafunkfest.com
19
Houston Ballet
Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St., 504-218-1385, mahaliajacksontheater.com
25-27
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Caesars Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr., 800-756-7074, caesarssuperdome.com
It’s finally here, the longawaited arrival of superstar Swift and her Eras Tour juggernaut, expected to draw thousands of adoring ‘Swifties’ (and their friendship bracelets) to New Orleans.
19
Maxwell with special guests Jazmine Sullivan and October London Smoothie King Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Dr., 504-587-3663, smoothiekingcenter.com
26-30
New Orleans Ballet Theatre: Dracula The Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, 504-274-4871, neworleansballettheatre.com
NOVEMBER
1
Live with the LPO: Lost Bayou Ramblers and Sweet Crude The Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, 504-274-4871, lpomusic.com
2 (through Feb. 9, 2025)
P.6.: The Future is Present, The Harbinger is Home
Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans, 900 Camp St., 504-528-3800, cacno.org
Shop Talk
Look for this and more every Wednesday in the Avenue newsletter. What local finds should we feature next? Email shoptalk@myneworleans.com
Lapeyre
America is often confused about its identity. New Orleans is not. This city, for better or worse, knows its voice and will not suffer fools who try and change it. Lapeyre, a new clothing brand launched by Martha Lapeyre, draws inspiration from this quiet confidence and unrelenting sense of self. I was lucky enough to chat with her just two days after her September launch.
What is your connection to New Orleans? My connection to New Orleans runs deep, shaping both my work and my personality. Born and raised in this city, I come from a long line of New Orleans natives; my parents even met at a Mardi Gras ball! The city’s rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit have been a constant source of inspiration for me. Growing up visiting my mother’s boutique (Peony) on Magazine Street, I’ve been immersed in the unique fashion and creative energy that define New Orleans.
What led you to create a fashion brand? I grew up in New Orleans, surrounded by its vibrant culture and fashion influences. My mother’s boutique, along with her passion for vintage pieces, was the cornerstone of my love for fashion. The rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans, coupled with my experiences in Mardi Gras societies and as a deb/Mardi Gras
queen, deeply inspired me. The need for formal wear for these events led me to design dresses for myself and friends.
How did you learn to design for yourself? After learning to sew from a local seamstress, I pursued my passion further by studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Georgia. During my time at SCAD, I interned with various fashion brands in New York City. Although my plans to study abroad were disrupted by COVID-19, my desire for global experiences remained strong. After graduating, I sought out the international exposure and attended Polimoda in Florence, Italy, where I earned my master’s degree in Creative Direction. There, I had the privilege of learning from Kris Van Assche, the former creative director of Dior menswear.
What is unique about your brand? My goal is to maintain a truly authentic brand. It is easy to get caught up in the theatrics of the industry and create a world that is unobtainable and compromise yourself as a designer. I strive to make my clothes easy and comfortable to wear which makes a huge impact on the materials and silhouettes that I use to design my pieces. Hopefully, I will create a world with Lapeyre that is inviting, warm, and conversational.
How can we shop with you? I will not have a traditional brickand-mortar store. I am selling online and going on a very extensive trunk show tour around the United States; from New Jersey to California. On this tour I will share my work, talk about my designs and connect with potential customers. For upcoming trunk show dates, please follow us on Instagram @shoplapeyre or look online at shoplapeyre.com
Meet Penn, Shop
Penn larocci is a born and raised New Orleanian. After graduating from Tulane University she lived in NYC for nine years working in sales and marketing at an investment bank. When she missed New Orleans more than she could stand, she moved back home, met her husband and started a family. She's now raising two rambunctious little boys and spending her free time on environmental sustainability projects.
Talk Blogger
What a Nightmare!
Ever wonder what your scary dreams would look like in real life? Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group does just that at its New Orleans Nightmare (319 Butterworth St. Jefferson), open until Nov. 2. This haunted house has a number of ghoulish attractions with some new themes — zombies, a malevolent scarecrow and a witches coven — and add-on experiences, such a going through a maze in total darkness. Libations are available for those who need some liquid courage — with two new secret bars to find within. neworleansnightmare.com; @neworleansnightmare_
A Walk On The Wild Side
Friends of the Cabildo is raising the spirits at its 38th annual Ghostly Gallivant at the Louisiana State Museum’s Cabildo (701 Chartres St.) on Oct. 18. This year’s theme is “Gallatin Street: A Perfect Hell on Earth.” This street (now French Quarter Place) was a notorious twoblock stretch in New Orleans where crime and vice proliferated in the 1800s. The tour includes tales about this area told by characters in period costume with libations and music in the courtyard to soothe souls after. Tours start at 5:30 p.m. and costumes are encouraged. friendsofthecabildo.org ; @friendsofthecabildo
Spooky Season in New Orleans
Halloween is one of New Orleans’ beloved get-out-onthe-streets, costume and make merry festivals. Like Carnival, it’s a time when adults and children are part of a living tableaux. Halloween is also a neighborhood celebration, with trick-or-treaters going door-to-door in Uptown or Metairie, while the French Quarter is full of adult costumers looking for their own type of revelry. It’s in these neighborhoods — and small towns — where festivals percolate and pop with offerings reflecting a distinctive October flair. Find out more with the list below!
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival: Oct. 27, poboyfest.com
Keep Calm and Scare On
It’s story time at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (514 Chartres St.) when it hosts a Halloween Guided Tour on Oct. 16, 24, and 30. Resident storytellers Owen Ever and Grace Kennedy are the hosts of this spirited evening which begins with an immersive look at the museum’s first floor exhibits, followed by a break for handcrafted refreshments before seating in the courtyard to finish with otherworldly stories — the museum is reportedly haunted. The tour starts at 6 p.m. and is age 18 and up. (Don’t forget! The museum’s annual gala is Oct. 12.) pharmacymuseum.or g; @pharmacymuseum
No Tricks, Only Treats
The spirits will be out in full force for the Krewe of Boo parade on Oct. 19. Starting at 6:30 p.m., the parade’s Halloween-themed 15 floats, as well as bands and about 40 marching groups (including the Rolling Elvi, New Orleans Pussyfooters and Disco Amigos), will make their way through the French Quarter and into the Warehouse District. Among the throws of beads and baubles there will be Halloween-themed PEEPS and Ghoul’s Gold Doubloons, which are redeemable at local stores for discounts. Following the parade is the krewe’s Monster Mash featuring Flow Tribe at Generations Hall. If you want to get a jump start on the festivities, the krewe’s New Orleans Zombie Run is at 9 a.m. Kreweofboo.com, @kreweofboo
Pumpkin Spice
By Amy Gabriel
While flitting down Freret Street, don a pair of Brigitte sunglasses in the Fernet colorway. The classic cat-eye silhouette and scalloped edges add just the right touch of femininity. KREWE, 619 Royal St., 504-407-2925; 1818 Magazine St., 504-342-2462, krewe.com.
Step into PSL season in style in a pair of Augusta ballet flats from Maria Luca. Crafted from luxurious suede leather, details like the square toe and the brand’s signature gold chain ankle strap make these slip-ons a darling wardrobe addition. Pilot and Powell, 3901 Magazine St., 504-827-1727, pilotandpowell.com
Carry your essentials in a chic silk velvet handbag with an always-on-trend tassel. Handmade in Turkey, the patterned clutch also comes with a gold chain for the versatile option to make it a crossbody. shopbaldiz.com.
Remain perpetually punctual with a 1988 18K yellow gold Rolex featuring a 31MM champagne diamond dial with a fluted bezel and president bracelet. Diamonds Direct, 3230 Severn Ave., 504-383-3900, diamondsdirect.com.
For an autumnal gathering, a Vested Shell is the perfect piece for a hostess ensemble. Made of 100% dupioni silk, the suit vest is the picture of sophistication, particularly when paired with highwaisted Pillar trousers, both in terracotta. In-studio consultations and fittings are available by appointment only Mon – Fri. LAKAN, 1818 Magazine St., lakan.com.
It may have started with a Brooklyn brownstone, but KV Harper’s design dream has grown New Orleans roots. Wherever she’s designing, Harper’s approach blends a reverence for history with the realties of modern living.
Harper’s professional path traversed management consulting, advertising, creative writing, strategy, and set design, but it was the 2013 foray into renovating her Brooklyn brownstone that caught the eye of local media – and sparked her interest in a design career. In 2017, Harper bought a home in New Orleans and started KEX Design + Build, whose staff now includes an architect, intern, and two junior designers working across geographies – on projects ranging from the Carrollton neighborhood to Atlanta, upstate New York, and London.
A hallmark of Harper’s work is reconciling preservation with practicality – something personally relevant as she begins renovating her family’s recently purchased home in Algiers Point. As she explained, “I believe something if was a double, it should in some ways try to preserve
being a double. If something was built in 1909 and it still has some of those historical details, we want to try to keep as much as possible. It’s a fine balance because houses were not made for modern life; there wasn’t very much privacy. So, it’s balancing having it be comfortable for a family today – but in an old home and still respecting those pieces.”
Another common theme in KEX projects is comfort with color and pattern. “Especially living in New Orleans,” noted Harper, “if you’re going to have a colorful home, this is the place to do it.” Vibrant palettes inspired by the Caribbean and Mexico infuse warm yellow kitchen accents or eye-catching shower tiles, interwoven with reclaimed materials and vintage accents.
Harper has also embraced the absence of design dogma in New Orleans – a welcome contrast to constraints she has encountered in other markets. “If you want a fuchsia house, why can’t you have it? … There aren’t any rules to design here that you have in other places… For New Orleans, that pressure doesn’t exist. We don’t need to have a certain aesthetic that everybody expects when you walk in.” – By Rebecca Friedman
The Velveteen Habit
By Amy Gabriel
A well-placed pop of print can bring a space to life, as is the case with the “Greys and Lattes” pillow. This dreamy pattern can be ordered in a cotton linen or velvet and the back can also be customized in linen or velvet. Jade, 324 Metairie Rd., 504-8754420, jadenola.com.
If a velvety vibe is on your mind, why stop at the walls? Introduce a bold pattern by way of the Modern Flock wallpaper collection from Erica Wakerly. A geometric pattern called “Scoop” in a black flocked velvet with gold luster will surely catch the eye of Saints enthusiasts. By appointment only, call to book. Spruce, 2043 Magazine St., 504-265-0946, sprucenola.com.
Add sophisticated drama to a room with velvet twill blackout curtains. Shown here in a rich cognac, the draped cotton velvet will make a ceiling to floor statement. Pottery Barn, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 504-219-0168, potterybarn.com.
Lounge in luxury upon an Andy sectional. The cozy cushions are covered in a sand-toned velvet with a subtle blush undertone. This modern design features an ottoman chaise extension that can be placed on either the right or left facing sides of the sofa and held in place by alligator clips. Eclectic Home, 8211 Oak St., 504-866-6654, eclectichome.net.
Embrace the season of Autumnal accessories with an array of velvet pumpkins from Plush Pumpkin ( plushpumpkin.com). Available in several colors and sizes, each is hand-crafted and made with real pumpkin gourd and squash stems harvested by hand. Lucy Rose, 3312 Magazine St., 504-885-0444; 600 Metairie Rd., 504-218-7386, shoplucyrose.com.
To Have & To Home
Designer Boo Randle gives a historic Uptown home built circa 1906 a fresh coat of paint and perspective.
By Amy Gabriel
Photographed by Jacqueline Marque
When interior designer Boo Randle acquired her Uptown home in the spring of 2022, the previous owners had painted every room in the house stark white. As white as the powdered sugar-colored paws on Moufette, Randle’s cat, who padded along with us on the house tour, meowing in French from room to room like a whiskered Parisian tour guide.
“I believe with or without the white backdrop I would have seen the potential,” said Randle, “but obviously having a blank canvas allows for unencumbered exercises of imagination.”
Having moved from her Magazine Street loft with two children (twins), an au pair, a dog and the aforementioned Moufette, Randle had a vision of something specific for her family, and herself.
The writing was on the white walls that this was the right space for a personal design project.
“I fell in love with the house the second I walked in the door because of its natural light, which is most heavily concentrated from mid house toward the back,” recalls Randle.
Taking a page from her own professional playbook, she went into the process as she has learned works best. “I treated it like all my projects and followed my tried-and-true process: conceptualization, design, procurement, installation. I
assembled a team - my architect, contractor, trusted fabricators, installers and artisans - right from the start to help me execute.”
Before embarking on the project, she asked of herself what she asks of her clients and took the time to ponder her aspirations for the space.
“I wanted this home to be a living, breathing expression of
my personal style that would be able to evolve and grow as time moved on. It needed to be family and animal friendly and flow well for entertaining.”
Randle’s style, which she describes as collected, layered and timeless, is apparent in the mix of antique, vintage and modern
pieces showcased throughout the home. From the pair of 1960s earthy pink wingback chairs in the front formal living room that have been through many iterations of reupholstered styles, to the glass and iron table in her living room, a piece repurposed from the home she grew up in, to the pair of mid-century mod -
ern lamps she procured from a former boss, the mix appears effortlessly curated.
Of the collection of treasures she said, “I love working with existing pieces - they tell the story of a life lived. It’s so important to have reminders of where you’ve been, and who you were, welcoming you home each day. I work really hard to incorporate clients’ special pieces in every project, and my home is no different. Sometimes things don’t work, but most of the time you can find a home for a piece that brings you joy. A lot of my furniture has lived many lives and that itself makes me happy to see all their growth over the years.”
The designer’s personal style is further highlighted in her color palette, a mélange of
greens, blues and soft pinks, as well as in every paint and wallpaper choice.
“I embraced the darker front rooms, using a richer color palette, and then changed things up as you walk into the light by using a cream paint,” said Randle, noting a combination of Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams and Farrow & Ball.
“To keep things cohesive, I used the same green trim from front to back on the main level and stuck with an overall color palette that was repeated in different combinations in each room. I actually look at the whole downstairs as sort of one piece,” noted the designer. “I see each room as an extension of the next room. It’s the overall color palette of the down -
stairs and the pattern play that makes me happy. When I stand in the kitchen, I can see all the way to the parlor. I can see the parlor from the sectional in the living room. The rug in the living room is green and the green plays off the trim – they are all connected. They all play well together so comprehensively.”
To keep guests’ heads on a delightful swivel from the moment they step foot into the home, Randle also incorporated whimsical elements throughout.
“With any space I design, I wanted it to be comfortable, inviting, functional, and of course, beautiful. I also wanted a healthy dose of fun and whimsy.”
Case in point, within the formal dining room, Randle fell in love with and brought in a music-in-
spired wallpaper from MINDTHEGAP. A melophile herself, with favorite bands and musicians like Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Soul Rebels and Allen Toussaint, this melodic motif choice adds a playful yet sophisticated component to a room where friends and family gather for a holiday meal at her Parsons dining table.
Playing with prints moving deeper into the house, she incorporated a playful touch of southern tropical wallpaper near the bar area. Offset from the kitchen and always properly stacked with ingredients for the perfect Paloma, the curated cocktail corner is even more eye-catching with bold-patterned vinyl floor covering from Spicher and Company anchoring the space. Said Randle of the multi-use coverings, “I use
them everywhere - particularly high traffic or wet areas like hallways, kitchens, bars and laundry rooms. They have fabulous patterns and are super durable. I particularly love the one in my bar area. I can’t tell you how many times people have walked across it and said, ‘oh my goodness, that isn’t tile?’”
During the gut renovation process, which included everything from powder rooms to the primary suite, she faced a few structural challenges within the historic home.
“As most people do in a renovation, we ran into some unexpected old home challenges, so some of my more ambitious construction changes needed to be altered,” said Randle. “But in the end, I think those limitations actually led to a layout and flow that honors the original home in a more genuine way.”
Randle viewed these limitations as opportunities to pivot, particularly in the kitchen when she realized that electrical issues would limit ideas like moving the range. Brimming with creative solutions, she was inspired to swap in sleek European custom cabinetry both for aesthetics and additional storage. She also added an island made of Infinity White Quartzite in the heart of the kitchen to add prep space and create
“I wanted it to be comfortable, inviting, functional, and of course, beautiful. I also wanted a healthy dose of fun and whimsy.”
–
Boo Randle, boorandle.com , @boorandleinteriors
an open, welcoming ambience for when company is present.
“So much of my life is spent in the kitchen. It’s where my kids do their homework. When we have friends over, it’s where we all are. I love to cook I spend a lot of time in there,” said Randle, who notes her go-to hostess dish, Broiled Shrimp à la Justin, a favorite learned from a cookbook that can be found lovingly tucked away between the records and the spirits on her bar. “There’s so much light and the flow is now great for entertaining.”
Past the cozy living room where the family often gathers on the custom-made sectional that Randle describes as “a hug”, we head upstairs to the bedrooms and surrounding areas, pausing mid-climb to appreciate the stained-glass windows that evoke a feeling of Old-World charm.
At the top of the stairs, we are met with an inspired design decision that was the result of a têteà-tête on how to make the most practical and best use of the space;
to marry the two bedrooms and two bathrooms in a quad design. For this, Randle turned to longtime friend Kim Payne Allen, Architect and Design Director of Studio BKA.
Allen, who had drawn up the plans for Randle’s first renovation project in New Orleans on Magazine Street, was a natural fit for the partnership.
Said Randle, “We went back and forth on how to get these two rooms to feel like they were always together. I love Kim’s style. She came up with some fantastic ideas.”
Allen approached the space by keeping in mind Randle’s hopeful goals for the upstairs yet also understanding the realities of structure complications in an older home.
“The plan modifications were a result of function and needing more space,” recalls Allen. “In newer homes, we design large primary en suites; however, in historic homes, large en suites have to be carved out of whatever space is available or whatever space must be sacrificed for the en suite to be functional. She (Randle) gave up the fifth bedroom in order to have a large, multifunctional closet and combined two smaller bathrooms to make a larger one with the absence of a soaking tub. Prioritizing needs and wants becomes fundamental in planning renovations in old homes.”
Of this piece of the project, Allen was met with a few architectural obstacles. “That area posed quite a challenge because we wanted to avoid moving too many of the walls with existing plumbing. Once she embraced the idea of a walkthrough shower, everything else came together smoothly.”
Randle and Allen kept the idea of having ample natural light top of mind in terms of priorities throughout the combined spaces. With sunlight streaming in through the primary bedroom courtesy of wood plantation shutters that allow for a picturesque view of the pecan trees, decisions were made to have similar light in the bathroom, making the cleanlined marble more lustrous.
“I’ve always been a fan of incorporating windows in bathrooms—they’re one of my favorite architectural elements,” said Allen. “Keeping all the windows was a priority, not only because they enhance the space but also because they make the room feel more expansive.”
The result was a successful open living space that showcases a covet-worthy closet. Fun gems like a hot pink BENE crossbody bag done in collaboration with local designer Alexa Pulitzer and her signature golden gator detail are but one of the pieces among the multihued collection of shoes and purses, artfully stacked on the floor to ceiling shelves. The fashionable accessories are anchored by a view of a fireplace, an original to the house, that Allen encouraged Randle to highlight.
“For her closet, I immediately envisioned the fireplace as the focal point, framing the sightlines with her shoes and bags as a stylish backdrop,” said Allen. “I had worked on a similar project for a celebrity client, where
the shoe closet was arranged in a comparable way, and I wanted to bring that same vibe to this space. I also imagined a bench in the center, perfect for those moments of deciding which shoes to wear and which bag to carry. Once that central element was in place, everything else naturally followed: an office nook near the window, his and her closets, and a small exercise area tucked into the room’s corners.”
Of her time working with Randle, Allen found it to be a rewarding and copacetic collaboration.
“Boo is fantastic to work with. Her trust in me allows for the freedom to develop creative, out-of-the-box concepts. She then beautifully refined the space with her impeccable choice of materials and colors.”
These choices to which she refers include the expressive French artwork above the brick fireplace, the sleek Formica, wood and brass 1980s dressers in her bedroom, a mix of plush and printed rugs, and a variety of objet d’art displayed on various walls.
Said Randle, “On the second and third floors, where the bedrooms are located, I stuck with light and bright for the backdrop - really highlighting all the gorgeous natural light - while accenting with color in the upholstery, accessories and art.”
Seeing the design project come to life in its entirety and having experienced the process of renovating and outfitting her own home, Randle expressed a sense of proud contentment.
“I truly captured my ethos of ‘if you surround yourself with things that you love, you will be happy.’ This house is authentically me: it’s my favorite colors, patterns, pieces and art. It functions exactly as I intended and exudes warmth in every room.”
Recreate The Look…
Evoke a feeling of rhythmic celebration with the On the Stage wallpaper from MINDTHEGAP. The Pattern Collective, thepatterncollective.com.
a contemporary cool light from the
The chic way to accent a vanity mirror, the Sascha triple sconce offers a diffused glow to elegantly light your bathroom. Pottery Barn, potterybarn.com.
Create a cozy corner on your sofa with a linen/velvet square cushion in soft guava. JADE, jadenola.com.
Eclectic Home, eclectichome.net
Add a touch of plush to your space with an ethically sourced sheepskin pelt from New Zealand. Sunday Shop, sundayshop.co.
Cast
sleek Viper chandelier. Villa Vici, villavici.com
The Calvin three drawer side table in a dark matter burl finish provides elegant storage for any interior.
The Grief Blanket Coping with the heavy weight of loss
Written by Andy Myer
Illustrated by Hanna Barczyk
The sadness and heartbreak that comes with loss can hit you like a ton of bricks, out of the blue, in the blink of an eye. No matter the type – sudden or expected – every grief experience is extremely unique and individual.
Last year I lost my mother quite suddenly. One morning, like any other, she called to tell me that she had driven herself to the emergency room to look into a swollen leg and foot. As the days passed, we learned that her leg was completely blocked by a clot, and she had suffered a massive heart attack. She was so tough that she had mistaken esophageal spasms for a heart attack, or at least that’s what we concluded. Mom had the spasms several times in the past and knew the symptoms. But this time was of course a different scenario. As a family we went through every emotion and spent the next three weeks in the hospital discussing options with her doctors. They performed a procedure to clear her leg and she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, but we were told there was hope for
more time, on average a year or more. The doctors ultimately told us there was no more they could do and that she would be sent home. Two days later she died at home in the arms of my incredible brother who fought valiantly (along with a home health nurse) to save her. The guilt I felt for not being there in that moment with my brother was unbearable. I was, however, grateful that we were together when the doctors officially called her death and that they told my brother that there was absolutely nothing he could have done to keep her alive.
I could never have been prepared for the onslaught of shock, sadness and anger I felt once we lost Mom (and throughout her hospital stay). Why were some with congestive heart failure offered cardiac care but not my mother? Why were we told we had time and to plan for her adjusted living situation when we clearly did not? Why did my poor mother have to suffer her own grief about not realizing when she was having a heart attack and feeling like a burden in her final days? It tore me apart.
After we had some time to let the reality of her death sink in, we were able to take a step back and look at the situation in a different light. With her diagnosis, we had a very hard and long road ahead of us and instead she passed in a much more peaceful way. She was even reading the bible with my brother the morning of her death. It was her time to go and accepting that made it all a bit more bearable, but it certainly didn’t remove the intense sadness and pain I felt. It was like a weighted blanket hanging over me and there was not much I could do to throw it off, but there were things I could do to make the weight feel lighter.
After losing his wife, C.S. Lewis wrote, “I thought I could describe a state; make a map of sorrow. Sorrow, however turns out not to be a state, but a process.”
In 1969, psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced what became known as the “five stages of grief.” These stages were based on studies of the feelings of patients facing terminal illness, but many have used them to
apply other types of negative life changes and losses, such as the death of a loved one or a break-up. The 5 stages of grief, according to Ross, are: Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance
Losing someone you love is traumatic, and climbing your way out of that dark hole can feel incredibly overwhelming. Time does not heal all wounds, but it can mend them.
Pharmacist and self-care expert Dr. Alisha Reed lost her husband suddenly when her child was very young. She shares her experience openly through her platform on social media and has helped many with her guidance and insight, suggesting that giving yourself grace and taking care of yourself during this suffering is key. She says, “I want people to know that grieving looks different for everyone. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. You cannot compare your journey to someone else’s. Take it one day at a time.”
What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”
– Helen Keller
It’s the Small Things
We all experience and handle grief differently. Some retreat and some need to be surrounded by support. I’ll never forget the friends who took my daughter on playdates and lifted that load for me in small but very meaningful ways while I was able to focus on work and spend time alone. When my mother died, a friend told me that no matter how I was feeling I needed to simply get outside and take a daily walk. This small task may not work for everyone, but for me, it helped tremendously. Did I often walk the path at Audubon Park with tears in my eyes remembering my mom taking me there as a child to feed the ducks, ride a bike or have a picnic? Absolutely, but that’s what sunglasses are for. There is a reason many say that walking clears your head – because it actually does. Walking has been said to reduce stress, boost mood and help move your mind from your reactive brain to your creative brain. The physical steps you take while walking can help your mind feel like it is moving forward as well.
“Journaling helped me out so much. Just being able to put my feelings down on paper when I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I also found that going outside and really paying attention to the things around me helped me to shift my focus to the present and on gratitude,” said Dr. Reed.
Allison Durant, licensed professional counselor and founder of The New Orleans Grief Center says grief can be very isolating and there can be several factors at play offering the following advice:
• Grief is an all over experience - mind, body, spirit - and puts your nervous system into overdrive. It can be all some can do to remember to drink water, shower and eat something. Try to focus on basic needs and don’t judge yourself if some of your healthy habits have fallen by the wayside. Priorities will change. Inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, irritability are all symptoms of grief that we may not recognize as such. Be gentle with yourself and others around you (if you are a supporter).
• Family of origin plays an important role in how you were taught (or not) to express emotions or grieve. This leaves so many wondering if they are doing it “right.” If it feels like you are going nuts…you are on the right path.
• Your relationship to the deceased is unique to you, so you are not going to grieve the same things (as others). While it may be a parent, sibling or friend you share with someone, your relationship is different. What you will miss and what you were looking forward to in the future are specific to you.
• We are a death-avoidant society, meaning we don’t like to talk about things that may be uncomfortable. Numbing, avoidance or distractions are helpful ways to “pretend” everything is OK. Today, there are so many ways to do that. When you are grieving, it can be difficult to find someone to normalize or validate your experience, not try to fix you or make you feel better. Grief needs to not only be felt, it needs to be witnessed.
Handling the Holidays
After losing my mother I dreaded every holiday, her birthday, Easter, Mother’s Day and all major milestones or celebratory occasions. We decided to hold her funeral on her birthday, which ended up being a beautiful celebration of her life surrounded by loved ones. Mom adored her Episcopalian church and had even planned her funeral in advance, down to the readings and hymns. In true form she chose “Joyful, Joyful” as the recessional. What struck me in that moment was that the upcoming holidays may seem almost too much to bear, but if I chose to celebrate our memories, it brought a reverence and joy to the occasion that made me feel as though she was still with us.
Dr. Reed notes, “Since my loss was around Christmas, I make sure to take really good care of myself. That looks different at times. I may not want to attend a lot of holiday parties and that is okay. It’s important to set boundaries with loved ones. Another good idea is to start a new tradition so that you can create new memories. We travel for the holidays.”
It’s been the same for me and my family. We share many of the time-honored traditions my mom and other family members who are no longer with us passed down, but we have also created new ones. As kids we made Christmas ornaments with Mom, and I still love doing the same with my family to this day. But we also do things differently now. New traditions have been folded in, like a festive Christmas scavenger hunt and post-Christmas vacation.
“Remind yourself you are experiencing a new “normal” and you can dictate what that will be for you,” says Durant. “I often find people who make a plan ahead of time will experience less stress and anxiety. The plan can be as simple as lighting a candle, making a donation in their loved one’s honor, or fixing a favorite dish. Anticipation is reported to be harder than the event itself so give yourself some structure to it and don’t beat yourself up if it isn’t executed perfectly.
Acknowledgement of their absence is huge but the way you do it can be small and personal,” continues Durant.
There Is No Time Limit
I remember the pressure I felt when I hit the one-year anniversary of losing my mother. Was I supposed to feel alright or much better about it now that a year had passed? The New Orleans Grief Center states on its website:
“We know that grief is a process. Whether your loss was recent or in years past, working through the emotions is an essential part of healing and living a full life again. People suffering a loss need a safe place to work through the complicated emotions that come with it. Avoiding this part of the process can lead to disconnection and hinder us from living our fullest life.”
There is no more important time to give yourself grace than when you are experiencing the pain that comes with losing a loved one. Find what works best for you, but this is a time to push pride aside and to accept help and support. Sadly, we will all experience loss at some point in our lives. Facing the hurt that comes with it and learning how to work through it is what will benefit you and everyone you love most. There is no shame in crying or taking time to yourself when you need it. Identifying the tools that work best for me during my grief journey has helped me to better support my friends and family who have since lost their own. It’s not been easy, but with every day that passes we make new memories that help our family feel a bit more whole again.
Places to Seek Solace
The New Orleans Grief Center offers individual and group counseling as well as virtual appointments. An open group meeting is held weekly, and members can decide how often or how long they would like to attend. neworleansgriefcenter.com
Forum is an online platform that is focused on providing support for specific topics, led by peer support specialists. app.joinforum.com/support-groups
What’s Your Grief is an online community with courses, blogs and a ton of resources for grievers. whatsyourgrief.com
Wake is another organization that supports affordable deathcare and holds monthly “Death Café” meetings. wake.education
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also offers support groups and programs for those suffering with grief and depression. namineworleans.org
If you are involved in a community church, there are often support groups available within your community.
“I find so much comfort at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and the International Shrine of St. Jude. I also take walks around the Big Lake in City Park and visit Longue Vue Gardens. I also recommend seeking a therapist, finding a grief support group, and resources like NAMI New Orleans,” recommends Dr. Reed.
Suggested Reading
“It’s Ok That You’re Not Ok: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand” by Megan Devine
“A Greif Observed” by C.S. Lewis
“The Fall of Freddie The Leaf, A Story of Life for All Ages” by Leo Buscaglia (great for children)
“Forget Prayers, Bring Cake: A Single Woman’s Guide to Grieving” by (local author) Merissa Nathan Gerson
“Conscious Grieving” by Claire Bidwell Smith
“Anxiety, the Missing Stage of Grief” by Claire Bidwell Smith
“How To Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies” by Therese Rando
“The Aftergrief” by Hope Edelman (helpful for those who may have found themselves with feelings emerging from a not-so-recent loss)
SOCIETY
Written
by Sue Strachan
Trinity Loaves and Fishes Meals for My Neighbor Gala
Trinity Loaves and Fishes (TLF), a program dedicated to feeding the hungry and food insecure, is making a difference in the community one meal at a time.
On April 11, the organization hosted its annual Meals for My Neighbor Gala, a fundraising event aimed at ensuring the continued preparation and distribution of meals. Trinity Loaves and Fishes serves an impressive 50,000-plus meals each year.
The gala took place at Christ Church Cathedral, with Southern Hospitality Catering providing the evening’s cuisine and Anais St. John entertaining the attendees.
In addition to ticket sales and donations, funds were raised through a wine pull and a silent auction, which featured vacation homes in North Carolina and Florida, pottery by Susu Kearny, and a private dinner party hosted by Chef Andrew Thayer and cocktail specialist John Pitzer.
Sally Cockerham was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Toto Robinson and Brett Sutton were recognized as Volunteers of the Year.
The event was co-chaired by Phyllis Hugg and Kelly Williams.
INTERESTING FACT: TLF has a new truck that delivers over 200 hot meals to after-school programs, senior citizens and the unhoused.
EDITOR'S NOTE: St. Charles Avenue mourns the loss of Sally and Walter Cockerham, who passed away in the summer. Both were dedicated volunteers and community activists.
1. Phyllis Hugg, Danielle Brinson, Aaron Taylor, Kelly Williams 2. Rev. David duPlantier, Pastor Denise Graves, Rev. Andrew Thayer 3. Charlotte Henry, Bess Meeks, Diane Plauche, Cathy Posey, Edie Darragh 4. Ben Haney, Pat Hugg, Ben Williamson, Mark Leggett 5. Rev. Carol Spencer, Rev. John Pitzer, Beckye Taylor, Maria Elliot 6. Frances Bruton, Mary Ann Kauchak, Ashley Redd, Carrigan Smoot
Men and Women of Fashion Prix d’Elegance
If fashion and philanthropy were your passions, then the Men and Women of Fashion Prix d’Elegance/New Orleans Ballet Association Luncheon and Fashion Show was the place to be on April 23.
Held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel, the afternoon started with a sparkling champagne reception sponsored by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, where guests could accessorize with pieces from the store and pose in front of a branded backdrop.
The highlight of the event was the fashion show featuring looks from Jeff’s Haberdashery and Chatta Box.
Attendees could win big in a raffle for $2,500 gift certificates each from Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry and Rubensteins, while the door prize was a $250 gift card from Desi Vega’s Steakhouse. The excitement continued with silent and live auctions with Mark Romig as emcee.
The 2023 Best Dressed award honorees included Mindy Nunez Airhart, Andrea Apuzzo, Davon Barbour, Lisa Blessing Baynham, Ryan R. Berger, Liz Broekman, Robert A. Chaisson, Denise Clark, Ryan Daul, Mamta Melwani, Tammy O’Shea, Michael “Mike” Palamone, Paula Polito, Iggie Perrin III, Matt Rinard, Ryan Rodrigue, Suzanne Walther Rusovich, CDR Damon Singleton, USN (Ret.), Marilyn Smith and Sunae Villavaso.
Special awards were bestowed, as well: President’s Choice Award recipient was Murray Valene, and Hall of Fame recipients, chosen each year from past honorees, were Kenny Rubenstein and Gail Barnes McKenna.
Luncheon chairs were Sandra Chaisson and Gerri Valene. The event benefits NOBA’s Youth Scholarship Fund.
FUN FACT: The event surpassed attendance for a third year in a row with almost 800 people.
1. Murray Valene, Gerri Valene, Sandra Chaisson, Lee Giorgio 2. Kenny Rubenstein, Tiffa Boutté, Rhonda Eckholdt, Joey DiFatta 3. Jeff Chouest Jr., Gail Barnes McKenna, Rebecca Nordgren, Ryan Berger 4. Leo Palazzo, Jamie Moreau, Kathy Singleton, Matt Rinard 5. Iggie Perrin, Marian Gibbs, Deborah Alciatore, Mark Romig 6. Gregory Curtis, Laurie Guimont, Steve Friedman, Chad Berg
Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon
Kudos to the Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon presented by First Horizon for its blend of philanthropy and chic headwear.
In addition to celebrating City Park, this year’s event hosted by the City Park Conservancy and the New Orleans Town Gardeners (a member of the Garden Club of America) drew attention to the importance of wetlands conservation and highlighted the work of Glass Half Full, a local organization that combines glass recycling services with efforts to restore Louisiana’s fragile coast.
The afternoon fête on April 24 kicked off with a VIP party in the Botanical Garden, which was followed by a seated lunch in the Pavilion of the Two Sisters. There was also a live auction, helmed by brothers Bryan and Jay Batt, of 10 items, including the featured art of Amélie Guthrie’s “Antheia,” a 40” x 90” thread-on-canvas triptych, donated by Octavia Art Gallery.
“At the 2024 Heart of the Park Luncheon, we celebrated the beauty of our natural world and the dedicated individuals who champion its preservation,” event co-chairs Liz Bush, Liza Feoli, Margaux Krane and Kim White, collectively said.
“It was a privilege to honor Franziska Trautmann and Glass Half Full, whose unwavering commitment to wetlands conservation and coastal protection inspires us all. Together, we are nurturing City Park and the surrounding region to secure a flourishing future for generations to come,” they added.
Proceeds benefit City Park and the community projects supported by the New Orleans Town Gardeners.
FUN FACT: The Botanical Garden was funded by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and is one of the few remaining examples of public garden designs displaying the Art Deco influences of three renowned talents: architect Richard Koch, landscape architect William Wiedorn and sculptor Enrique Alférez.
5. Catherine Freeman, Linda Miller, Virginia Rowan, Karen Gundlach, Courtney LeClerq 6. Mary Wyatt Milano, Katherine Boh, Boo Kallenborn
1. Kim White, Liza Feoli, Liz Bush, Margaux Krane
Photo by Bower Productions 2. Caroline Reily, Karl Hoefer, Cathy Cary, Tony Adams 3. Barbara Bush, Lynn White, Cleland Powell, Bev Church
4. Dee McCloskey, Franziska Trautmann
Women’s Guild of the NOOA
Mad Hatter’s Magical Mystery Tour
The Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera Association got into the groove at its annual Mad Hatter’s benefit, which this year embraced a “Magical Mystery Tour,” ‘60s theme.
The lively event took place on April 19 at the Audubon Tea Room, with Aubry Killion serving as the emcee. The afternoon was packed with excitement, featuring a hat auction, a silent auction boasting over 100 items, and a fashion show spotlighting looks from SOSUSU boutique modeled by guild members and the opera’s new general and artistic director, Lila Palmer.
Adding to the enchantment, characters from “Alice in Wonderland” characters mingled with guests including Peter Brigandi as Mad Hatter; Rebecca Moseley as Alice; Karen Milanese as Queen of Hearts and Kate Ferg as White Rabbit.
A hat contest judged by Laura Buchtel and Terrance Osborne was another highlight of the afternoon.
And with DJ Liz Ellis spinning tunes, “It was wonderful to see our guests literally dancing in the aisles. This was a fabulous fundraiser for our beloved New Orleans Opera,” said event chair Laura Franklin.
FUN FACT: The New Orleans Opera Association employs up to 400 residents per opera production. This season includes: “Tosca,” Sept. 27, 29; “Samson and Delilah,” Nov. 8, 10; Opera on the Bayou: Voices of New Orleans, Feb. 5, 2025; Elixir of Love, April 4,6, 2025.
Rebeccka Coe, Joanne Mantis
Franklin,
1.
2. Hollie Kratzberg, Laura
Kay Oplinger 3. Terrance Osborne, Brandi Wattigney 4. Peter Brigandi, Rebecca Moseley, Karen Milanese, Kate Ferg Photo by Jeff Strout 5. Aubry Killion, Val Killion 6. Triness Kuhn, Marshall Harris, Deedee Martin, Kerry Davis Photo by Jeff Strout
2024 Tulane School of Architecture Design Showcase + Fashion Show
Tulane School of Architecture is renowned worldwide for the talented architects it educates.
So it was of course a visual treat on May 2 when the school hosted its second annual Design Showcase + Fashion Show at the university’s Kendall Cram Lecture Hall in the Lavin-Bernick Center.
The event featured studio work from eight design courses and over 100 students. Designs included prints pinned up, lighting and seating prototypes on display and digital work on screen.
The fashion show was about using textiles and garments in new and repurposed ways. Textiles included bamboo fiber, denim, deadstock fabrics, recycled glass, recycled plastics and unused Mardi Gras costumes.
Event co-chairs were Tiffany Lin, Meghan Saas, Hannah Berryhill, Luz Briceno (who coordinated the fashion show) and School of Architecture Dean Iñaki Alday.
FUN FACT: Richardson Memorial Hall, the historic home of the Tulane School of Architecture, is undergoing a renovation through Tulane Capital Projects leading project partners Trapolin-Peer Architects and Broadmoor LLC Construction. Scheduled completion is some time in 2025.
1. Margarita Jover, Inaki Alday, Hannah Kenyon 2. Meghan Saas, Tiffany Lin, Juan Barona, Hannah Berryhill 3. Luz Briceno, Barbara Malamu 4. Jackson Schmelter, Eladia Michaels, Robin Forman, Gefen Finn 5. Errol Barron, Patricia Fraile, Maria Redondo, Jesus Mesegue 6. Jesse Toohey, Allison Cruz, Jill Stoll
Zoo-To-Do For Kids
Presented By Children’s Hospital
The Audubon Zoo was the site of the ultimate kids' party on April 26 when it opened its gates for the 35th annual Zoo-To-Do For Kids Presented By Children’s Hospital at Audubon Zoo.
Families enjoyed a fun-filled evening of arcade games, inflatables, live animal encounters and special characters strolling the grounds. The festivities included dancers, swamp train rides, music from Sugar Shaker, crafts — even a stuffed animal clinic was on hand.
No party is complete without treats, and guests enjoyed snacks from Acorn Café, Crépes à la Cart, Shake Shack, Creole Creamery, Rosemary & Roux, Plum Street Snowball, among others.
Like the adult version of this fête, the ZooTo-Do held on May 3, this party celebrated the centennial of zoo’s historic Odenheimer Complex and Louisiana pine snake conservation efforts.
Event chair was Meredith Claiborne.
FUN FACT: The Odenheimer Complex was built in 1924, with the domed structure at the complex’s center the original Audubon Aquarium. Throughout the years, the complex changed and expanded to incorporate more exhibits and attractions, including Audubon’s Reptile Encounter and Wings of the World. The complex is named for philanthropist Sigmund Odenheimer, whose support in the 1920s helped shape Audubon Zoo.
1. Back row: Cole Claiborne, Meredith Claiborne; Front row: Courtney Claiborne, Brooks Claiborne
4. Woods Morrison, Alli Morrison, Kristie Yancey, Megan Eustis 5. Zealand Vo, An Vo
6. Autumn Coronado, Joseph Campagna
Nuoc Cham Mignonette
Courtesy of Porgy’s Seafood Market
Makes 8 ounces of mignonette. Serve with one dozen raw oysters.
1/4 cup lime juice, strained
1/2 cup fish sauce
2 tablespoons cane sugar
Pinch of salt
2 hot peppers thinly sliced
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
Half of a peeled shallot, sliced
1 dozen fresh Gulf Oysters, shucked on a bed of crushed ice
3 lemon wedges, for garnish
In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and salt until the sugar has dissolved.
Pour the liquid into to a blender and add the sliced hot peppers, chopped garlic, and sliced shallot. Process until all ingredients are fine but still visible.
Pour the mignonette into a small dish and pair it with a dozen freshshucked (preferably Gulf-caught) oysters set over ice with the lemon wedges. Serve.
What to Drink
Chef Jacobs recommends Seehof Pinot Noir Rosé from Rheinhessen, Germany.
“It is crisp and dry and can handle a little bit of spice”.
A Tray of Cold Ones
Oyster season in NOLA
With the arrival of October, we enter the second month of the season bearing the essential “R,” indicating the propriety of the consumption of oysters. There is a certain romance, a decadence, which comes with taking on a tray of the pearlescent bivalves as the season of celebration commences and the mercury starts dropping.
At the new-ish Porgy’s Seafood Market in Mid City, chef Marcus Jacobs serves them wickedly cold on a bed of crushed ice with a backer of Nuoc Cham Mignonette, which whacks the palate with more of a slap and a kiss in the best way possible. – By
Jyl Benson
The Expert
Chef Marcus Jacobs
Co-Owner, Porgy’s Seafood Market
Chef-Owner, Broad Street Ballers
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Marcus Jacobs morphed from dishwasher to pitch hitter for the pastry chef at Alana’s Food & Wine, when said pastry chef called in sick. Under Chef Alana Shock’s mentorship, Jacobs soon surrendered his Palmolive to the stove and ultimately ascended to sous chef. He later went on to work under powerhouse chef Judy Rodgers at Zuni Cafe in San Francisco. He hit New Orleans in 2010 and worked under Donald Link, Ryan Prewitt and Rebecca Wilcomb. He met his life and business partner Caitlin Carney while working as executive sous chef at Herbsaint; they opened the celebrated Marjie’s Grill in 2017 and Seafood Sally’s in 2021. Last year, they joined Dana Honn and Christina do Carmo Honn to launch Porgy’s Seafood Market. It’s safe to say Marcus Jacobs knows a few things about oysters.
MARCUS JACOBS PHOTO BY KAT KIMBALL
NOLA Wedding Resources
Whether readying your Fall wedding plans or preparing for the future, these Wedding Resources are here to make your big day one to remember
Cristy Cali Cristycali.com
Cristy Cali offers the highest quality jewelry as well as Wedding Cake Pulls with sterling silver charms and handmade gemstone bracelets to match the theme of the wedding, starting at $495. Private showings are available on Saturdays or by appointment. Book online or text 504-722-8758.
Kilby Custom Suiting
3955 Magazine St, New Orleans Kilbysuits.com | 504.406.1418
Kilby Suiting Atelier creates custom menswear that blends New Orleans’s laid-back elegance with top-tier craftsmanship. Founded by James Collier and Kristen Engelsen, Kilby offers a personalized suiting experience in a stylish, character-filled space on Magazine Street.
A luxury club just 14 miles outside New Orleans, the Chateau Golf & Country Club is the pinnacle of Southern decadence, steeped in romance, culture, and hospitality. Let us make your big day a perfect one. Learn more at chateaugcc.com.
Elevate your skincare experience at The Skin Bar New Orleans. We are a premier skin care clinic and the exclusive EMFACE provider in Metairie. Your destination for curated, sciencebacked skincare products and procedures. Let our experts guide you to your best skin ever at any age. Glow, Brighten, Lift, and turn back the clock. Visit us at theskinbarneworleans.com and on Instagram @the.skin.bar to start your elevated skin experience.
Get Wedding Ready with SkinFit at Pure Dermatology
3100 Galleria Suite 203, Metairie Puredermnola.com | 504.226.7873
Our customizable monthly membership offers over 25 procedures for healthy, glowing skin. All treatments are directed by board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Holcomb and Dr. Haseltine, with different levels to fit every budget. Book a FREE consultation and see how we can help you stand out on your big day!
The Josephine
2400 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans thejosephinenola.com | 504.212.5301
Nestled on oak-lined Napoleon Avenue in Uptown New Orleans, The Josephine is set to open in late 2024 in a beautifully renovated 90-year-old venue offering over 8,000 square feet of stunning event space. With expansive vaulted ceilings, a charming courtyard, and versatile amenities, it’s perfect for weddings and special events.
Healthy Halloween Magic
Witches' Brews & Toy Tattoos: The Non-Candy Guide to Festive Treats
By Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD
I’m not giving up, y’all. I’ve been on a bit of a crusade for the past decade or so to normalize the concept of ‘non-candy’ treats at Halloween.
The response has been, let’s just say… less than robust. Maybe one or two people here and there embraced the idea, but otherwise, it’s been pretty much crickets for any type of feedback.
Last year, though, brought a glimmer of hope. A handful of people – we can safely say more than 10 – shared that not only did they go the non-candy route for Halloween, it was also surprisingly successful.
I’m hopeful that more will join in this year, handing out fun toys and other novelties that encourage kids’ creativity and imagination, essentially, Halloween treats that support a strong mind as well as a healthy body.
Embracing a Healthier Halloween
It’s not about being a Halloween scrooge, by any means. Trust me, even if you and I choose not to hand out sugary treats, kids are still going to get candy everywhere they go for Halloween.
So, they’re excited to get something new, something different than they’ve already received up and down the street.
And it’s not like we're giving away dental floss and nickels. It’s fun stuff, like Halloween-themed tattoos, stickers, bubbles and glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth and bracelets. We’ve also handed out themed Play-Doh, slime, bouncy balls and more.
Each year we have at least a few kids who ask their parents to come back to our house a second time, occasionally even a third round, collecting a different Hallow een-themed treat every time.
We were recently at a restaurant in our neighborhood and a family stopped by our table. The parents said that the two little girls wanted to say hello because we’re “the ones that give out the fun toys at Halloween.” It was such a gratifying, validating interaction.
Balancing Act: Teaching Healthy Attitudes Towards Food Brittany Craft, registered dietitian who leads strategic growth for our Ochsner Eat Fit team, beautifully balances the mom perspective with a dietitian’s philosophy.
With a three-year-old daughter, Nora, and a husband who each have had their share of food allergies, Brittany has become incredibly skilled at navigating challenging conversations around food, approaching it with balance and neutrality – in everyday life, as well as special occasions like Halloween.
“Halloween can be a stressful time for parents to try to figure out how they want to approach candy in their homes, but I like to see it as an opportunity of how we can model our attitudes toward different foods, making space for balance in our lives and teaching our children how to listen to their bodies and experience some independence with the foods they eat,” said Brittany.
“I’ve wanted to go the non-candy route for the past few years, but it seemed like just one more thing to do, one more stop to make in an already busy schedule,” she said. “Last year, though, Nora’s school asked parents to buy little Halloween themed toys instead of candy –
really pleasantly surprised to see how well-received it was by kids of all ages.”
“Speaking from the perspective of a toddler, whenever we do get non-candy treats, those are the ones that we treasure the most. One year, Nora got a rubber duck from one of the houses at Halloween, and that was the one treat that she carried all through the rest of the evening.”
Something for Everyone/The Teal Pumpkin Project
An added bonus is that virtually all festive toys and nonfood treats are also automatically allergen friendly.
Events like Halloween can be particularly challenging for those with food allergies; kids can have a tough time enjoying all that trick-or-treating has to offer because of certain food limitations and concerns about cross-contamination.
The Teal Pumpkin Project is specially created for kids with food allergies, encouraging people to provide options that are free of common allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat and gluten. To participate, simply paint a pumpkin teal (or opt for a reusable, teal-colored metal or plastic pumpkin, available in some retailers) so that trick-or-treaters know you have allergen-free treats.
The Switch Witch
Even if you’re opting to hand out non-candy, it’s almost inevitable that kids will still end up with an entire pumpkin full of candy.
One approach to offset potential candy overload is the concept of the Switch Witch – think of her as something of a Halloween-themed Tooth Fairy.
After trick-or-treating, kids get to pick out a few pieces of their favorite candy, then they leave out the rest for the Switch Witch. In the middle of the night, the Switch Witch takes the candy and leaves a toy in its place. It can be whatever is age-appropriate – a small trinket-y toy, or something more significant – that’s up to the Switch Witch (and parents).
Similarly, what the Switch Witch does with the candy is up to him or her. They might donate it to organizations such as pediatric hospitals, churches and youth groups, or may choose to discard it another way. Regardless, the candy is gone, replaced with a little gift.
Dishing Out Healthful Halloween Handouts
Consider joining me this Halloween in offering creative trick-ortreat alternatives that support our children's whole-body wellbeing. Whether it's through providing allergy-friendly options marked by a teal pumpkin or swapping candy for fun toys and creative activities, every small step gets us closer to a healthier Halloween celebration.
Amanda Jane DeWitt and Andrew Joseph LeBlanc were both undergraduates at LSU when, purely by chance, they happened to be in the same bar at the same time. Amanda’s sorority sister introduced them, and soon they struck up a friendship. As their friendship grew, they began attending some of Andrew’s fraternity events together. After a long friendship, the two went on their first official date, enjoying the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody ” and sharing a bottle of red wine. More dates followed, and they became a couple in October 2018.
Five years later, Amanda and Andrew took a vacation to the Bahamas on a cruise. They booked an excursion to tour the island by jeep, and one of the stops was a private beach. While they were walking along the beach, Andrew said “Look at those boats.” Amanda turned around to see where he was pointing, and when she turned back she found Andrew down on one knee with the ring of her dreams!
Of course, Amanda joyfully said “yes,” and the couple began planning their New Orleans wedding. Being married in a church under the eyes of God was very important to them, and when they saw the beauty of St. Mary’s Catholic Church they knew it was the perfect place to say “I do.” On June 1, 2024, Father Thomas Voorhies pronounced them husband and wife as light from the stained-glass windows poured into the church.
DeWitt-LeBlanc
The celebration continued at another place known for its stained-glass windows—the Hotel Peter and Paul, which was adorned with white, pale pink, and silver for the reception. Andrew and Amanda created unique ways to capture all the special moments of the day, including having Pixure Booth on site for guests to take beautiful black and white photos as takehome mementos, and using FeteFone—an audio guest book—instead of a traditional guest book so that family and friends could leave them fun, heartfelt messages.
Guests relaxed in the cigar bar with a wide array of premium cigars while enjoying specialty cocktails, an old fashioned for the groom and a paloma for the bride. These cocktails were beautifully complemented by the menu created by Bacchanal Food and Wine. Everything was delicious, but the devilled eggs, shrimp & grits, Greek salad, and mac & cheese were special favorites of the newlyweds, who love cooking together. One of the
musicians on their cooking playlist is Frank Sinatra, making “Fly Me to the Moon” the natural choice for their first dance.
Cooking is not the only hobby Amanda and Andrew share. They also love exploring, hiking, and surfing together. They did all these things during their 10-day honeymoon to Hawaii, which offered them the perfect blend of activity and relaxation in a stunning place. They then returned to their home in Delray Beach, Florida, where Andrew is the president of a real estate investment company called TARE and Amanda works as a first-year podiatry resident at the local hospital. – By Megan Holt
Rehearsal Dinner Location: Antoine’s Restaurant
Coordinator: Amanda Price
Celebrant: Father Thomas Voorhies
Wedding Gown: Romona Keveza at Bergdorf Goodman Bridal
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: AMSALE
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Perlis
New Orleans
Engagement Ring: Melancon’s, Abbeville, LA
Bride’s Wedding Band: Allain’s, New Iberia, LA
Groom’s Wedding Band: Lee Michaels, Lafayette, LA
Florist: NOLA Flora
Invitations: PaperWhite
Cakes: Bittersweet Confections
Photographer: Catherine Guidry
Content creator: Captured by Chloe
Hair: Beth Washington
Makeup: Melissa Vaccaro
Music: Divine Play
Waterbury’s
Carl C. Waterbury opened a drug store on the uptown corner of Canal and Camp streets in early 1930, calling it Waterbury’s. One of his first hires was pharmacist and store manager Avit W. Cancienne, who bought the store within the year.
Cancienne proved to be a capable businessman through his combination of merchandising skills, customer service, strong work ethic, and pharmaceutical acumen. Waterbury’s also was open 24 hours a day and offered free motorcycle delivery to anywhere in the city, which kept them busy day and night.
In 1935, Cancienne opened a new location at 1036 Canal St. Two years later, a third store was opened uptown at the corner of Dryades and Euterpe. Cancienne had visited over 500 drug stores around the country to custom design his newest and largest store at 1632 Dryades. It featured a prescription room with glass walls to invite public view and a soda fountain area that would attract the entire neighborhood in a space that was called one of the most modern drug stores in the nation.
Waterbury’s at 1036 Canal St., on April 4, 1955. On the corner of Rampart St., store no. 2 was also open 24 hrs a day, ensuring that Waterbury’s was the busiest druggist in New Orleans. Waterbury’s is remembered fondly by many people who worked and played downtown, and also memorialized in Benny Grunch song “Ain’t Dere No More.”
In the mid-1950s, change happened quickly. The Canal and Rampart location lost its lease and had to close. Hopes for additional stores were put on hold for a few years when Avit Cancienne died in 1955. His nephew Jimmie Ford, who started at Waterbury’s as a drug clerk in 1941 when he was 17, took over ownership of the business. And two years later in 1957, Ford opened a location in Lakeview on Harrison Ave.
The Lakeview location was bought out by Rexall in 1961, and the Dryades location closed soon after that. The original location on Canal and Camp, however, continued to thrive.
In the late 1970s, Sheraton Hotels started buying the property around the original Waterbury’s at Canal and Camp, clearing lots to build a brand new hotel, with only a long-standing lease to keep Waterbury’s safe. Eventually selling the last couple of years of their lease to Sheraton, Waterbury’s closed for good in 1984. Sheraton built a small conference center on the site that still honors the legendary store with their Waterbury Ballroom. – By Seale Paterson
On the Cover:
President 2024-2025 Tara Waldron, President 2023-2024 Ashley Cangelosi Llewellyn, President-Elect 2024-2025 Michelle Clarke Payne
Photo by Delana Lynn Photography
Fall 2024
LAGNIAPPE STAFF
Editor: Megan Kurtz
Assistant Editors: Katie Odell and Erica Jackson
Writer: Cree Jourdain
Photographers: Delana Lynn Photography, Kendra Reade, Kristin Durand, Carol O'Connor
PUBLISHER STAFF
Art Director: Ali Sullivan
Production Manager: Rosa Balaguer
Production Designers: Ashley Pemberton and Czarlyn Ria Trinidad
Chief Executive Officer: Todd Matherne
President's Message
I am honored and humbled to serve as the 101st President of the Junior League of New Orleans.
The mission of JLNO "is to advance women's leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training." Our members are living our mission through key projects and partnerships, and we have plenty of upcoming opportunities for the community to get involved between our nonprofit board training program, financial literacy program, the JLNO Diaper Bank and fun, interactive events that fund our programming like TOUCH-A-TRUCK® and Holly Jolly Market. Our team is already working hard on these and other programs as we prepare to close out our Centennial year this fall by working with other nonprofits to try and close economic and societal gaps that prevent women in our region from being able to grow educationally and financially and by giving out another $50,000 in grant funding to other area nonprofits.
I look forward to working alongside our members and community as we continue to celebrate our Centennial throughout the remainder of 2024 and step boldly into our second century of service.
Tara Waldron
JLNO President, 2024-2025
JLNO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Tara Waldron
President-Elect: Michelle Clarke Payne
Secretary: Melissa Nunn
Treasurer: Paige Farrell
Assistant Treasurer: Genevieve Anderson
Business Council Director: Shelby Wynne
Communications Council Director: Carol O’Connor
Community Council Director: Catherine Rigby
Membership Council Director: Tabitha Mangano
Planning & Development Council Director: LeeAnn Moss
Ways & Means Council Director: Christine Rigamer
Nominating Committee Chair: Erica Washington
Sustaining Advisor to the Board: Brady Whisnant
Photo by: Delana Lynn Photography
A Cheers to A New Century And New Leadership
By: Katie Odell
A century of service concludes and a new one begins for the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO). On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, League members and the greater community gathered at the League’s Carondelet Street Headquarters, for Centennial Cheers and the 100th Passing of the Gavel Ceremony. This event was the first time since Hurricane Ida that JLNO returned to its headquarters to host the event. The evening’s agenda honored a century of JLNO’s accomplishments and awarded scholarships and grants to members of the greater community, while setting forth the new League year’s leadership transition. The room sparkled with excitement as JLNO members, clad in traditional green, mingled with the broader community, honoring the evening's distinguished guests, scholarship winners and grant recipients, all coming together to celebrate their remarkable achievements and contributions.
Celebrating 100 years of service to New Orleans, the Centennial Year of JLNO showcased its commitment to the community with impactful initiatives including scholarships, the Community Assistance Fund (CAF) and The Woman Entrepreneur (WE) Fellowship. This year, scholarships were awarded to four female nursing students at Louisiana State University and Herzing University, helping them advance their careers in healthcare. In honor of the centennial, JLNO pledged $100,000 to the CAF, which supports nonprofit organizations focused on improving the wellbeing of women in New Orleans. At the event, six organizations received a total of $50,000 in grants, including St. Thomas Community Health Center, New Orleans Women and Children's Shelter, Teresa Talks, Emergency Legal Responders, Stem Heads and the Bright School for the Deaf. Another grant cycle will distribute the remaining funds in fall 2024. Finally, Kaitlin Guerin of Lagniappe Baking Co. was honored with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Fellowship.
Reflections on the League’s success over the year and century began as
2023 - 2024 League President Ashley Cangelosi Llewellyn took to the podium to initiate the time honored tradition of Passing the Gavel to the leaders of the new League year. The 2023 - 2024 League year took the theme to "reintroduce, reimagine, and reengage," and its accomplishments proved just that. Over the year, the League welcomed over 90 New Members and celebrated 10 years of the Junior League Diaper Bank with the distribution of over 9.5 million products to individuals in need. Llewellyn explained, “This year has seen dynamic engagement by our members. We know that when women join JLNO, their yes here means a no somewhere else.”
For the 101st time, the helm of the League transitioned allowing the opportunity for new women to take the lead. Those turning over from Active Members to Sustainers were all recognized in a new tradition of stating all their names before Llewellyn passed on her role to the 2024 - 2025 League President Tara Waldron and 2024 - 2025 President-Elect Michelle Clarke Payne. Llewellyn described Waldron as “The right woman at the right time, with focused intentionality and ability to make others feel heard and appreciated.”
The pivot into a new century and the League’s 101st year are in strong hands with Waldron’s direction. “We’ve been able to overcome the obstacles of the pandemic and natural disaster which proves time and time again that the women of New Orleans can overcome any challenges that come our way,” Waldron expressed, setting forth her commitment to transparency and relevance to empower the Women Leading for a Greater New Orleans.
Llewellyn concluded the evening by saying, “I truly believe that the best days of the Junior League of New Orleans are ahead of us.” They are already blooming with a strong foundation set forth by a century of service from the women whose collective impact paved the way.
Empowering Our Community The Impact of the JLNO Diaper Bank
By: Erica Jackson
One in two families in the United States have difficulty providing their child with clean and dry diapers and 28 percent of parents experiencing diaper need reported skipping meals to afford diapers, according to The National Diaper Bank Network Diaper Check: 2023: Diaper Insecurity among U.S. Children and Families study. This not only impacts the children of these families, but also impacts a family’s ability to earn a wage and find childcare, creating a ripple effect of poverty and distress.
Since 2014, the Junior League of New Orleans Diaper Bank has collected and distributed diapers to help counter this staggering need. As of August 2024, the League has distributed nearly 10 million diapers to the greater New Orleans community - a colossal milestone in helping curb the diaper crisis.
In 2019, as a logical extension of the Diaper Bank, JLNO joined the Alliance for Period Supplies and began partnering with community organizations to distribute both period supplies and adult incontinence products to individuals in need.
The Diaper Bank’s network of partners is an integral part of how diapers are distributed locally to meet the need where it’s greatest. Some of our current 21 partners include Boys Town, CASA New Orleans, Community Center for Life, Covenant House, Cuddly Bear, First Pilgrims Baptist Church, Kenner Hispanic Resource Center, Luke’s House Clinic. St. Thomas Community Health Center, and ACCESS Pregnancy Center. This fall, the JLNO Diaper Bank will open applications for new partners, particularly focused on partners who can offer direct distribution to the community. Please keep an eye on our socials and website for more information.
What is most needed?
• Size 2T/3T and 4T pull ups
• Adult Incontinence diapers: M, L, XL
• Period pads How can you contribute?
• Donate in person
Drop-off disposable diapers of any size (including open packages) at JLNO Headquarters, 4319 Carondelet St., New Orleans, LA 70118, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am until 4:30pm or at JLNO Diaper Bank Warehouse, 1109 North Al Davis Road, Unit A, New Orleans, LA 70123, Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
• Donate via online order
Already ordering from Walmart or Amazon? You can ship directly to JLNO!
• Donate dollars
Make a tax deductible donation to JLNO specifically for diapers. This can be done via our website or by a mailed check.
• Host a Diaper Drive
Think your work colleagues, church small group or child’s class might want to help? The JLNO would be glad to help you arrange an organized effort! Just send an email to diaperbank@jlno.org for more information.
• Volunteer
It takes a lot of hands to prepare our diapers for distribution. If you or your organization would be interested in volunteering, please email diaperbank@jlno.org.
• Share
Unable to donate, but have some friends or followers who might? Share some of our posts to your social media and encourage friends and loved ones to help fill this important need in our community.
Please join the Junior League of New Orleans in empowering women and supporting the ongoing needs of the community through the JLNO Diaper Bank.
To learn more about the ways you can support the JLNO Diaper Bank and help end diaper need in the greater New Orleans community, please visit jlno.org/diaperbank.
Celebrating Resilience Covenant House New Orleans Brings Joy to Youth in Need
By: Cree Merriman-Jourdain
According to Child Protect Children’s Advocacy Center, more than 3 million cases of child abuse are reported annually, and there are an estimated two unreported incidents for every reported incident. Statisticians from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) report that Orleans, Caddo and East Baton Rouge parishes account for having the highest number of juvenile trafficking victims in the state. Overall, it is estimated that 1 in 7 runaways will be a victim of trafficking.
In addressing the pressing issue of unhoused youth and abuse, Covenant House New Orleans serves young people aged 16 to 22 who seek refuge from such circumstances. For more than thirty years, the center has served as a safe space for victims of human trafficking, physical and psychological abuse, and those who are unhoused. It provides essential services, including shelter, meals, educational and vocational training, and on-site medical care through Tulane University’s School of Medicine. Recognizing the complexities of their residents’ lives, Covenant House has also developed the Rites of Passage Program, which empowers young adults with financial literacy training and mentorship, helping them navigate the transition into independence. In an uplifting collaboration, the Junior League of New Orleans has teamed up with Covenant House to throw monthly birthday parties for the residents.
“Covenant House and its residents value its relationship with the Junior League of New Orleans. Many residents have never celebrated their birthdays. Some move into the facility on their 18th birthday with their belongings in a garbage bag, because their foster parents put them out once they are unable to receive funding for housing them. The birthday parties are a highlight and they look forward to them.” says Rheneisha Robertson, Executive Director of Covenant House New Orleans.
To celebrate, League members transform the dining room into a reception hall filled with bright balloons, colorful birthday banners, vibrant streamers and other cheerful decor for its residents. Bundt cakes and ice cream are served as members play multiple rounds of Bingo with League volunteers. Gifts are presented to the celebrants, and exciting door prizes are issued to the lucky winners of Bingo. “The excitement on everyone’s faces makes the event unforgettable,” says Lindsey Labadie, co-chair of the Covenant House committee for JLNO.
Marquesa Gilmore, co-chair of JLNO’s Covenant House committee, finds hosting these parties an enriching experience. “The Junior League has given me a great opportunity to work alongside phenomenal ladies as we host monthly birthday parties for the residents at Covenant House. I love planning parties and advocating for our youth. Getting to know the residents, their likes and dislikes, life experiences, and their outlook on life has opened my eyes to their perspectives. Many of them do not have their birthdays acknowledged. So, this gives us a space to celebrate them. The joyous expressions on their faces are priceless!” says Gilmore.
The Junior League of New Orleans is proud of its partnership with Covenant House and committed to working together to advocate for those in need, transform lives and bring a little joy and celebration to the residents during their birthday month.
JLNO Members hosted one of its monthly birthday parties for residents at Covenant House on August 27, 2024.
Photo by Kendra Reade
Building Confidence in Caregiving JLNO’s Award-Winning Safe Sitter® Program Extends into the School Year
Written by: Megan Kurtz | Photos by: Delana Lynn Photography
Every summer, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) offers its Safe Sitter® program for kids in grades 6 to 8, providing them with essential life skills related to childcare and emergency responsiveness. This day-long course teaches valuable techniques, such as how to handle choking incidents and respond during severe weather. Participants engage in hands-on simulations with CPR/choking rescue mannequins, ensuring the skills they learn are practical and effective.
The Safe Sitter® program, established over 40 years ago by Patricia A. Keener, M.D., and adopted by JLNO in the 1990s in conjunction with The Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital, continues to be a key resource for teaching young adolescents life and safety skills in New Orleans.
The program includes a comprehensive handbook covering childcare safety, first aid and essential business skills. Through both group and smaller sessions, the instructors promote understanding and curiosity about caregiving roles. At the end of the training, participants receive a certificate of completion, which stands as proof of their newly acquired skills.
Starting in 2023, JLNO extended the availability of Safe Sitter® classes throughout the school year, thoughtfully coordinating with school holidays. With this change, the Junior League of New Orleans was recognized as a Gold
Level Safe Sitter® provider for training more than 125 students in a year - a goal the committee hopes to achieve again this year. The expanded schedule allows even more adolescents the opportunity to attend the program and become certified. In line with this, the League will host additional Safe Sitter® classes in the spring on March 8 and 9, the weekend after Mardi Gras.
JLNO is also offering private classes to groups upon request.
Parents interested in having their children certified as Safe Sitters® can visit www.jlno.org or email training@jlno.org for upcoming class registration. For inquiries or group bookings (e.g., church, scout and school groups), please contact training@jlno.org.
A Call to Action on the Status of Women in New Orleans
By Katie Odell
A crowd gathered at the Junior League of New Orleans at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 14 as the JLNO Headquarters released its centennial gift to the region– The Status of Women in New Orleans 2024 Study– via a press release that included an overview of the findings by the executive director of the Newcomb Institute, Anita Raj, and comments on the report’s impact on the future of the region by League President Tara Waldron, New Orleans Health Department Deputy Director Meshawn Siddiq and New Orleans City Councilmember Lesli Harris.
“We do not want this report to sit on the shelf,” Waldron explained. JLNO is excited to bestow this report to the local community and provide an opportunity to bring together nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and lawmakers to delve deeply into the data contained therein and develop
ideas, collaborations, and solutions to the priority areas identified in the study. In cooperation with the Newcomb Institute and Women United of United Way of Southeast Louisiana, JLNO will embark on a series of facilitated Community Convenings, the first of which will take place at JLNO Headquarters on Friday, Nov. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dr. Toya BarnesTeamer of Teamer Strategy Group will facilitate the November convening.
Be on the lookout for the Winter edition of Lagniappe, as that commemorative edition will include a summary of the findings and initial thoughts from the November Community Convening. If you or your organization wishes to be part of the November convening, please email 100yearimpact@jlno.org.
League Faces
Members joined the Esprit committee for a 45-minute barre class at Barre3® Uptown on Saturday, July 20, enjoying an opportunity for physical activity and social connection.
JLNO Members kicked off the 2024-2025 League year at Port Orleans on Wednesday, June 12 for our monthly Front Porch Wednesday event. These family-friendly events are open to all JLNO members, prospective members, and friends and family.
JLNO Members participate in the first diaper sorting volunteer shift of the 2024-2025 League year. Members can volunteer in a number of ways that support the work and mission of the JLNO Diaper Bank. Photo by Carol O’Connor
Representatives of the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO), Tulane University Newcomb Institute, New Orleans Health Department and Women United of United Way of Southeast Louisiana convened for the announcement of The Status of Women in New Orleans 2024 Study. The first in a series of facilitated Community Convenings to share the findings will take place at JLNO Headquarters on Friday, Nov. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Photo by Jeff
JLNO
Photo by Kristin Durand
(L-R) 2023-2024 Community Council Director Rachel Robinson, 2023-2024 Communications Council Director Allison Shapiro Dandry and 2024-2025 Communications Council Director Carol O’Connor enjoy the historic centennial celebration of the Junior League of New Orleans at the Orpheum Theater. Photo by Delana Lynn Photography
Photo by Carol O’Connor
In May, the gavel officially passed from 2023-2024 JLNO President, Ashley Llewellyn (right), to 2024-2025 JLNO President, Tara Waldron (left). Photo by Delana Lynn Photography
Strout
Calendar Corner
October 5, 2024
JLNO HEADQUARTERS
4319 CARONDELET ST.
December 2 and 3, 2024
VIP SHOPPING OPPORTUNITY
ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART - ROSARY CAMPUS
4521 ST. CHARLES AVE.
November 2, 2024
PONTCHARTRAIN CENTER
4545 WILLIAMS BLVD., KENNER
March 14, 2025
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL 444 ST. CHARLES AVE
Run, Walk, Give Crescent City Classic
April 10, 2025 April 19, 2025
JLNO HEADQUARTERS 4319 CARONDELET ST.
SUPERDOME START FINISH AT CITY PARK
Ballins LTD
Ballinsltd.com
Fall Fashion & Accessories
Cooler weather is here. Check out these seasonal looks to start your Fall off right!
721 Dante St, New Orleans
504.866.4367
2917 Magazine St, New Orleans
504.891.4502
Canal Place Shopping Center 333 Canal St, New Orleans
6070 Magazine Street, New Orleans | 1281 N Causeway Blvd, Mandeville 8366 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge | perlis.com | 800 725-6070
For a dreamy date night or a glamorous event, puffed mesh sleeves embellished with tiny pearls give a romantic touch to this silky knit fitted top by Joseph Ribkoff. Available Magazine Street and Baton Rouge only.
The Levy by
transitions from a wallet to a clutch or a crossbody thanks to a removable, adjustable strap. Organizational elements include four credit card slots, two bill drop pockets, a transparent ID slot, and a cell phone pocket.
TROVELORE Pomegranate Brooch Pin, $72
Bella Comforto Suede Pump with Multicolor Heel, $280
Diamant 3D Shoulder Bag in Calf Leather – MCM, $1300
Ball Star in Golden Swarovski Crystals with Milk-White Leather Star Golden Goose - $1500
Sparkle in a 24k Gold plated bracelet by Julie Vos featuring elongated oval links textured with braided bolden wire fused with smooth connecting links.
Hammit
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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