St. Charles Avenue Magazine July 2022 by Renaissance Publishing

ST. CHARLES AVENUE MAGAZINE

JULY 2022

MAKE-A-WISH

SKINCARE ADVICE

SUMMER STYLE

C o n te n t s

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2

Features A Wish Come True Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana: Ebony Hunter's Trip to New Orleans 38 Tried, True & Trending The Skinny on Skincare 44

In Every Issue Andy's Note A letter from Editor Andy Myer 8 On the Web 10 Arts Calendar 12

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C o n te n t s

18 Society Along the Avenue Travel Time 22 Philanthropic Faces Lynn Chiche, SpayMart, Founder and President 24 Philanthropic Events Commodore's Ball benefiting Southern Yacht Club 26 Philanthropic Events Mad Hatters Luncheon 2022 benefiting New Orleans Opera Guild 28 Philanthropic Events Go Red for Women Luncheon benefiting American Heart Association 30

Style

Celebration

What's Hot Summer Style 14

How to Host Home Bar Basics 56

Design Melissa Rufty, Owner and Designer Melissa Rufty Design Studio 16

With This Ring Simmons-Roser 58

Fashion Keep Your Cool 18

Finishing Touches Tabletop Oasis 64

Changemakers Rashain Carriere Williams, Executive Director, Boys Town Louisiana 20

Looking Back Mid City Bowling 60

Philanthropic Events Black & White Gala benefiting The Hispanic Apostolate of New Orleans 34 Snapshots Quick looks at nonprofit events around town 36

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Philanthropic Events Galatoire Foundation Mardi Gras Table Auction benfiting Covenant House New Orleans, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre and Galatoire Foundation 32

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Associate Publisher Kate Henry EDITORIAL

Editor Andy Myer Art Director Ali Sullivan Food & Dining Columnist Jyl Benson Web Editor Kelly Massicot Event Photo Coordinator Jeff Strout ADVERTISING

Vice President of Sales & Marketing Kate Henry Kate@myneworleans.com or 504-830-7216 Account Director Meggie Schmidt Senior Account Executive Rachel Webber Senior Account Executive Brooke Genusa Account Executive Erin Chiartano Advertising Consultant Penn Iarocci Sponsored Content Coordinator/Copywriter Eliza Fillo

MARKETING

Coordinator Abbie Whatley PRODUCTION

Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui Designer Meghan Rooney CIRCULATION

Subscriptions Jessica Armand Distribution John Holzer ADMINISTRATION

Office Manager Mallary Wolfe Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne For subscription information call (504) 828-1380

A Publication of Renaissance Publishing, LLC 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 MyNewOrleans.com St. Charles Avenue is published monthly by Renaissance Publishing, LLC, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005, (504) 828-1380. Subscription rate: one year $17.95, no foreign subscriptions. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. Charles Avenue, 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 123, Metairie, LA 70005. Copyright © 2022 by Renaissance Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. The trademark St, Charles Avenue is registered. St. Charles Avenue is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The opinions expressed in St. Charles Avenue are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine managers or owners.

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Let te r f ro m t h e Ed i to r

A Note from Andy No matter how busy I am, there’s something about July that actually forces me to pause, reflect on the first half of the year and find time to just be still. Time to focus my thoughts and to reconsider what’s truly important. Perhaps it’s the heat physically slowing us down, but there is something magical about summer in the south. When I lived in New York there was nothing I missed more than summer rainstorms. The clapping of thunder and soothing sounds of drops hitting the window. As a child growing up in New Orleans and spending half my summers in Waveland, Mississippi, like clockwork I could count on the rain to swoop in daily around 3 p.m. This arrival meant it was time to head inside and curl up with a favorite book or movie. Dive into this issue for new insight on local nonprofits making a difference in countless lives and other great advice for savoring these fleeting, yet slow summer moments. On our July cover we are honored to feature Ebony Hunter, a brave young girl battling a bone marrow disorder whose wish to visit New Orleans with her family was granted by Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. Read more about Ebony’s trip to New Orleans on pg. 38 and learn more about this truly incredible organization and how much they do for families to build hope throughout extremely difficult times. Each wish granted changes lives, not just for the recipients but for everyone involved. This summer, the organization will grant its 10,000th wish to a local child since its inception in 1984! Sue Strachan spotlights Lynn Chiche, founder and president of SpayMart, an organization offering low-cost spay/ neuter initiatives, access to veterinary care and adoption pro-

grams to eliminate the need for unnecessary euthanasia of animals in Southeast Louisiana. And our “Changemaker” for this month is Rashain Carriere Williams, Executive Director of Boys Town Louisiana. Boys Town was founded in 1989 and is an outstanding resource for at-risk children and families. The nonprofits we cover rely heavily on donations but also volunteers, who are desperately needed. For information on how you can help each thrive, please visit their websites (listed in each article) to learn more. July is the is the perfect time to reset and prioritize your skincare routine. Look to our feature on pg. 44 for advice from local industry experts on “summerizing your skincare” in addition to products that offer important protection for our body’s largest organ. Need I say it again…it’s hot out there. Look to “What to Wear” and “What’s Hot” for summer fashion advice and tips for keeping your cool. We have some exciting news coming your way in August. Stay tuned! Until then, we hope you find a quiet moment to curl up with this issue during an afternoon rainstorm and enjoy soaking in all of the resources we’ve provided on these pages. Cheers! Andy

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O n T he We b

NEW

On the Web Shop Talk Blog Shop Talk will be on summer break for a few months. Look for videos and blog posts to resume this fall.

In the meantime, Andy will begin posting content for a new blog spotlighting local creatives and culture bearers. Keep an eye on our website and social media pages for updates.

To discover more local shopping ideas, sign up for the Shop Talk newsletter and follow us @stcharlesavenuemag on Instagram. What local finds should we feature next? Email shoptalk@myneworleans.com.

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A r t s C a l e n da r

July 2

Janet Jackson, Caesars Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr., 800-756-7074, caesarssuperdome.com

4th of July Fireworks, French Quarter

Black Pride NOLA Comedy Show, Cafe Istanbul, 2372 St. Claude Ave., cafeistanbulnola.com

An Evening with Nefertari at Café NOMA, New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504-6584100, noma.org

11-22

Bob & Dolores Hope Summer Theater Camp, The National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St., 504-528-1944, nationalww2museum.org

Book Club: Curatorial Program with Tracy Kennan, New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504-6584100, noma.org

RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World Tour 2022, Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-525-1052, saengernola.com

New Orleans Kid’s Festival, Marsalis Harmony Park, 8211 Claiborne Ave.

Tom Segura: I’m Coming Everywhere - World Tour, Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St., 504-5251052, saengernola.com

NOLA River Fest, New Orleans Jazz Museum, 400 Esplanade Ave., nolajazzmuseum.org

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

Virtual Book Club Discussion: The Flowering, New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504-658-4100, noma.org

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

June 30 - July 3 The 2022 Essence Festival is the latest major festival to make a return after COVID, and this year’s lineup is better than ever. Don’t miss Janet Jackson, Niki Minaj, Kevin Hart, New Edition, and much, much more. 2022 Essence Festival, Caesars Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr., 800-756-7074, caesarssuperdome.com

August

How Did This Get Made? - Live!, Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, 1419 Basin St., 504-525-1052

Virtual Book Club Discussion: Craft, New Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 504-658-4100, noma.org

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF ESSENCE FESTIVAL

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St y l e W hat ’s H ot

Summer Style

Your summer social calendar is stacked with splashy rooftop pool dips, swoony courtyard jazz concerts and spoonfuls of sticky sweet snowballs. Whether getting around by foot, ferry, carriage ride or streetcar, outfit yourself in stylish essentials that will see you through all of your Crescent City escapades. By Amy Gabriel

2 3

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SELECT PHOTOS BY CHERYL GERBER

9. Cinch a sundress with an Isabel Marant lecce studded belt. Pilot and Powell, 3901 Magazine St., 504-827-1727, pilotandpowell.com.

1. A classic navy and white seersucker lace up one piece is the perfect look for a sunny boat day on Lake Pontchartrain. Elle Boutique, 2108 Magazine St., 504-522-4929, shopelle.com. 2. See the world sunnies side up in a pair of Gillian frames in teal and tortoise with scratchresistant lenses that block 100% of UV rays. Warby Parker, 3964 Magazine St., 504-799-2830, warbyparker.com.

3. Ever the dapper in a fedora, top him off in a Dobbs Rialto, a multi-weave Shantung straw hat with matching bound edge. Meyer The Hatter, 120 Saint Charles Ave., 504-525-1048, meyerthehatter.com. 4. Pack all your poolside essentials in a striped basket tote with woven handles. Febe, 474 Metairie Rd., 504-835-5250, febeclothing.com.

5. He’ll crush at the crawfish boil in Rampart navy and white seersucker flat front shorts. Haspel, haspel.com. 6. Take a picnic in the park to new heights in a pair of Jeffrey Campbell crossband rattan platform sandals in ice suede. Trashy Diva Clothing, 537 Royal St., 504-522-4233; 2048 Magazine St., 504-299-8777.

7. A 100% cotton bandana featuring a custom oyster print is the epitome of male summer style. Billy Reid, 3927 Magazine St., 504-208-1200, billyreid.com. 8. Grabbing an iced coffee becomes a fashionable outing when wearing a tassel accented Mayan cobra necklace, handcrafted with 100% raw cotton. Saint Claude Social Club, 1933 Sophie Wright Pl., 504-2188987, saintclaudesocialclub.com.

10. Gallery hopping becomes all the more artful when wearing a midi length accordion skirt in a striking print. Em’s Boutique, 246 Metairie Rd., 504-834-2795. 11. Window shopping on Royal Street requires a stylish step. Take yours in a pair of goatskin and napa leather Miller slides, complete with tassels, pom poms and double T charms. Tory Burch, 333 Canal St. Ste. 103A, 504-581-6623, toryburch.com. 12. Sparkle at summer wedding with a wrist decked out in a 24K gold-plated brass cabaret cuff with Swarovski crystals. Ellabartlow.com.

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St y l e D e si g n

Melissa Rufty Owner and Designer, Melissa Rufty Design Studio By Stephen Maloney

Interior designer Melissa Rufty relies on a triedand-true approach to her design projects, but her approach doesn’t come from the design world at all. Rufty has a background in marketing and advertising, and while an approach originating from that world may not immediately appear applicable when it comes time to design a new space, Rufty finds a way to tie it all together. “I feel it’s very parallel to my former career,” Rufty said. “Instead of working with writers and graphic artists, I’m working with seamstresses and painters and a lot of artisans, all to sort of solve a problem for my client.” Since her approach is rooted in solving a client’s problem, Rufty said it doesn’t matter if she

is ordering an ad buy or picking out artwork. “It’s kind of a strange parallel, because you’re almost ‘branding’ people,” she said. Rufty said having a solid procedure in place also allows her to dive into a wide variety of projects. One of her favorites is a barn at a client’s getaway house in the country that was turned into a perfect spot for parties and large gatherings. “I had never done a barn before, but I’ll try anything once,” she said. Rufty dove into researching barn uses and trends for converting barns before really honing in on what the client wanted. “It’s just a phenomenal space,” she said. “That was really cool to do because I didn’t even know if I had that in me. It’s fun to kind of push yourself out of your comfort zone, and I feel like we kind of nailed it.” ✦

Melissa Rufty Design Studio, 504-899-7020, melissarufty.com, @melissarufty.

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Rufty uses slideshows and presentations to determine the goals of each design project. She and her team then create mood boards to narrow down the feel of individual rooms. All of this allows everyone involved to clearly see what direction a project is headed every step of the way. “I visualize it done, and I think anyone who is visual can relate to that,” she said. “I have to see it done so I can then go back and create it.”

PHOTOS BY ALISON GOOTEE

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St y l e Fa shio n

Keep Your Cool Embracing the heat has never looked so stylish. Sanja Alicovic shows us how dressing and entertaining is done while looking and staying cool. Bright colors and splashy prints have us ready for brunches and dinners al fresco.

Alemais dresses are sure to be a closet staple this season with their lightweight fabrics and eye-catching prints. Available at Sosusu. Sosusu.com.

Styled by Melissa Coleman Photographed by Theresa Cassagne

Mosser cake stand and pitcher are playful additions to any tablescape. Find them and the colorful on-trend Estelle glassware at Hilltop Home. hilltopshoppe.com.

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Palm hand towels by Alexa Pulitzer are the perfect amount of print to accent your place setting. Alexa Pulitzer, alexapulitzer.com.

Fresh Florals by Dunn & Sonnier, dunnandsonnier.com.

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St y l e C ha n g e maker s

Rashain Carriere Williams Executive Director, Boys Town Louisiana By Lindsay Mack

Following a lifelong passion to work with children in the New Orleans area, Rashain Carriere Williams has led Boys Town Louisiana for many years. A tremendous resource for at-risk children and families throughout New Orleans since 1989, Boys Town Louisiana has increased its programs and support in the wake of the pandemic and Hurricane Ida. Boys Town is typically known for its residential programs, although their team makes every effort to keep children within their own home. In some cases, children get placed in Boys Town Family

Homes. Here, the children live with a married couple (known as Family-Teachers) in a typical neighborhood residence. They eat dinner together, enjoy extracurricular activities, and take part in family outings. Generally, these programs are for children between the ages of 12 to 17. Williams felt particular concern for those children between the ages of 16 to 17, however, because they were aging out of the system and often lacked many connections or other support. To address this need, Williams created the Aftercare program, which helps these children

plan for housing and a career. In addition to the residential programs and Aftercare, Boys Town Louisiana also contributes a lot of community-based work. The most recent venture is an Early Head Start program that provides early childhood education based on Boys Town’s evidence-based models. Conducted in partnership with four different childcare centers, the program helps children prepare for formal schooling from a very young age. Boys Town Louisiana also offers parenting skills classes, which focus on educating the entire family holistically. The team at Boys Town

GET INVOLVED Help support Boys Town Louisiana by telling others about the organization. Visit their website or social media for current information on volunteer opportunities and ongoing fundraising initiatives. boystown.org/locations/louisiana/ Pages/default.aspx, facebook.com/BoysTownLouisiana, twitter.com/boystown_LA 504-293-7900

has helped families find housing and employment. This two-generation approach to helping families is a hallmark of the organization. “Our program is life-changing from all kinds of aspects. There are so many success stories,” said Williams. ✦

PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER

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S o cie t y A l o n g T he Avenu e

Travel Time By Diane Sustendal

Left: Smelling the roses in Paris, Above: Dinner at Clos de Vougeot

Did someone press the “All Clear” button on travel? Did the 1st of May signal the call to your travel agent, blow the dust off the passport and say time to get going? For as many people coming into the city for Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, all sorts of fests, just as many were headed to our new airport, which is a destination of its own. Like ships passing in the night, Paris was a favorite destination. I missed Courtney Ann Sarpy in Paris for a dinner and lecture by the head of restoration of Notre Dame by one

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day. Four days later, I missed Quinn Peeper and Michael Harold who were headed to Versailles, because I was headed with an intimate group to a tour of Burgundy. Then there were a handful of NO/BR close friends and family attending a wedding in Bordeaux at the Chateau Montrose. The Hansels, Dana and Steve, closed out their European odyssey in Paris after visiting Prague. Paris – how good it was to be back in Paris. Drinks at the Hemingway Bar at The Ritz, dinner at Le Soufflé, and four hours

at the Louvre catching the last day of a city-wide exhibit of Yves Saint Laurent’s haute couture brought back memories of my days as a fashion editor and seeing designer shows. The Musee de la Marine has opened after years of careful renovation and is a standout on the Place de la Concorde – a must for those who love house museums. Under the auspices of the French Heritage Society, Burgundy and its fine wines became an education. Lunch at the 800-year-old chateau of renowned designer Juan

Pablo Molyneux and his wife Pilar, tours of Beaune and its Hospices, private dinner at Clos de Vougeot, visits to Domaine Faiveley in Nuits Saint Georges, Puligny-Montrachet and the like has made me reconsider my tiny wine cellar. The minute I returned it was off to Martin’s and Ben at the Wine Seller for some serious upgrades. From France it was on to Austria. Someone tell me how have I missed Vienna all these years? Vienna’s beauty revels that of so many grand cities. The palaces, gardens (so many roses), the collections of the Hapsburg’s porcelain, silver and such are head spinning. The streets and plazas are spotless, public transport is safe at midnight. The city gleams. Then there is the music: Mozart and Strauss spilling out of concert halls, churches and as background for the millions of coffee houses. At St. Stephen’s

Left: Luncheon at the chateau of world-famous designer Juan-Pablo Molyneux, Below (top): The Hospices de Beaune, Bottom right: Vienna by night, Bottom left: The hills are alive above Salzburg.

in Vienna, we stumbled into a sung High Mass with a full orchestra and opera chorus… you bet we stayed and prayed. In Salzburg, the hills are indeed alive with the sounds of music and there is enough charm to leave smiles on visitors faces. It was hard to resist a piece of strudel with crème anglaise and I am not the dessert type. While I was in Vienna, Brian Batt and pals were in Hawaii working on their tans and attending a wedding. The Ellis Fraters too – a river cruise to Budapest, etc. The Richard

Freemans joined a National Trust trip to Holland where thousands upon thousands of tulips were in bloom. And Margaret Jones, of Scriptura fame, and her husband Dave traversed Greece - a much needed respite from the wedding, graduation, and deb invites they have worked on over the past months. Deb invites? That’s right, it’s Debutante Season again and my pal Nell Nolan at The Times-Picayune will fill you in on all off that. Meanwhile, I am off to smell more roses for a bit. ✦

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S o cie t y P hila n t hro p ic Faces

Lynn Chiche SpayMart, Founder and President By Sue Strachan

Education: Masters of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences, specializing in audiology, University of Southern Mississippi. How many years with the organization? 23 years

A career change from running an audiology department at the Ochsner Foundation to starting an animal advocacy organization is a leap of faith. Lynn Chiche made that jump 24 years ago. While the career change may have seemed radical, the roots of it came from Chiche’s childhood in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where her family had a lot of pets and she got her love of animals. It was 1998 when she “decided to make animal rescue her life’s work” after she learned how many healthy animals were being euthanized in area shelters. Chiche co-founded Southern Animal Foundation that year before co-founding SpayMart in 1999 with Pam Casey. SpayMart’s mission is to eliminate unnecessary euthanasia in southeast Louisiana by offering adoption programs and proactive spay/neuter initiatives. SpayMart’s community programs have saved the lives of thousands of homeless animals. Among Chiche’s awards are the Civic Award of the Year (2014) by the Alliance for Good Government - Jefferson Parish Chapter for her outstanding work in animal welfare and the Health Hero Award (2018) from City Business for work benefiting homeless animals in the Greater New Orleans area and Gulf Coast Region. SpayMart, spaymart.org, 504-454-8200; 6601 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie; Kitten Foster program with PetSmart #1023, 1000 S. Clearview Parkway, Harahan; Shelter in Picayune, Mississippi.

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Tell us what your organization does. SpayMart’s mission is to eliminate the need for unnecessary euthanasia of animals in Southeast Louisiana. We will achieve these goals through: • Affordable spay/neuter initiatives, including TNVR (Trap/Neuter/Vaccinate/Return) • Access to veterinary care to underserved communities • Robust adoption programs • Pet owner retention services What has been the most memorable moment at the organization? Like everyone else in southern Louisiana, I will never forget the devastation Hurricane Katrina brought to our community. There were so many animals left homeless and we were out in the streets picking up lost and injured animals in the immediate aftermath, despite the authorities’ directives to remain in place. We had a facility in Mississippi that had been left unscathed and we provided shelter, food, veterinary care and love to hundreds of animals who had nowhere else to go. What is something about your organization that people most likely do not know about? SpayMart was created to provide low-cost spay/neuter services to the Greater New Orleans community. Before Hurricane Katrina hit, we had a property on the east bank, a building, and nearly all the equipment needed to begin. Katrina altered our course. First, we lost everything — building, equipment, etc. But second, the clear need in the community was search, rescue and shelter. We’ve been following that path for more than 15 years but now we are refocusing on our original intent. Look for a temporary clinic on Airline Drive by the end of this year. And then expect a more permanent structure in the future!

Is there a person (or mentor) that inspired you? If so, how? The person who inspired me to make a difference in the lives of homeless animals is Esther Meckler Grant, president of United Spay Alliance. She was the one who made me aware of the plight of so many homeless animals and was among the first to recognize and promote the only solution to the animal overpopulation crisis: spaying and neutering every animal and making this service accessible to every segment of every community, regardless of income. Is there a book, movie and/or moment (s) that changed your life? My greatest “aha moment” was when I heard a lecture about animal welfare in the early days of my journey in the field. A professor of veterinary medicine at Louisiana State University spoke to a group of aspiring leaders and told us, “We will never adopt, rescue or transport our way out of the pet overpopulation crisis in our country. Those efforts are fruitless. Spay/neuter is the only answer.” That was the moment I decided I was going to focus on someday opening a spay/neuter clinic. I am happy to say that “someday” is almost here! What are you reading now? Business plans from other successful spay/neuter clinics. What is your idea of New Orleans bliss? My idea of New Orleans bliss is a day in the future when we have no more homeless pets and we can enjoy gardening in our courtyards, listening to some great jazz and spending time with friends doing something other than rescuing animals! Secret ambition? My secret ambition is to retire to spend more time with my amazing husband and personal pets once SpayMart’s veterinary clinic is built and running successfully. ✦

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S o cie t y

Commodore’s Ball benefiting Southern Yacht Club The Southern Yacht Club upheld the timehonored tradition of passing the flag from one commodore to the next.

➺ By Shelby Simon

Since the 1849, Southern Yacht Club has hosted the biennial tradition of the Commodore’s Ball as a formal passing of the flag from one commodore to the next. On February 5, Commodore Robert “Duff” Friend, in attendance with his wife, Jan, received the honor and commodore flag from Commodore Provensal. The former then received the past commodore flag in honor of his two years of leading the SYC through the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple hurricanes and signature victories in Gulf Yacht Association and the New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, for which SYC is the only U.S. club to win twice. Commodore Friend also passed traditional

flags to Vice Commodore Tim Molony and to Rear Commodore Rocky Sanchez. Many past commodores, flag officers and board members were also present. The Grand Dining Room reception featured Andre and the Giants performing a variety of sailors’ favorite tunes, from Parrot Head classics to reggae. A delectable variety of food options on tables spanned the length of the room and a dessert station stood in the center. Gold balloon arches and dark blue fabric draped around the doorways. Tables throughout the room held floral arrangements set in some of the SYC’s most historic trophies, and the piano showcased photos of the Friend family. ✦

Follow Southern Yacht Club on Facebook @southernyachtclub and Instagram @southernyc

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P hi la n t hro p ic E ve n t s

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT Commodore’s Ball benefiting

WHEN February 5

Southern Yacht Club

Photographed by Gil Rubman

WHERE Southern Yacht Club

1. Jan Friend, Duff Friend, Richard Provensal, Angie Provensal 2. Nathan Adams, Timothy Molony, James Sanchez Jr. 3. Daniel Sullivan, Jay Kuebel, Christian Gambel 4. Bob Hughes, Mamsie Manard, Bob Kottler 5. Arthur Mann, Bill Wright, Julian Richards, Fritz Fromherz 6. Scott Sonnier, Jim Wade, Guy Brierre, Merlin Wilson

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S o cie t y

Mad Hatters Luncheon 2022 benefiting New Orleans Opera Guild 230 patrons joined a jungle-themed luncheon and fashion show to support those pursuing opera.

➺ By Shelby Simon

“Mad Hatter takes a Walk on the Wild Side” treated patrons of the New Orleans Opera Guild to a jungle-themed, festive luncheon to support youth education and sponsorships for those who wish to pursue the study of opera as well as the upkeep of the historic guild home. Guests donned animal-inspired hats of all shapes and sizes. The Metairie Country Club provided an elegant luncheon at tables featuring centerpieces of draping florals of orchids and hibiscus, ferns and golden animals. Larger “wild” animals scattered throughout the venue included visions of orangutans swinging through circular greenery. A spectacular and bright balloon arch made for a dramatic photo experience. President Sonda Stacey welcomed all the guests and Patricia Gallagher offered the invocation. Ballins Ltd provided a beautiful spring fashion show in which judges voted on participants’ hats in the following categories: Most Whimsical, Best Ensemble, Best Group and Best Original Theme.

Thatch skirts, monstera, palm leaves and other jungle motifs decorated the stage. Billy Rae McKenna, Tracee Dundas and Kathleen Jones served as judges. Key auction items included a dinner for six at home provided by Toots and Bunny, diamond earrings by Diamonds Direct and a weeklong vacation home stay in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Prior to the event, at the Patron Party, The Queen’s Circle of VIPs were invited to a champagne reception and were given gifts of a silver and crystal crown. The members of The Queen’s Circle will be recognized at Guild events throughout the year. Kay Oplinger with Kay Oplinger Event Management served as the event chairperson, and Tammy O’Shea with Fidelity Bank served as co-chair. The J. Edgar Monroe Foundation served as the Presenting Sponsor in support with other major sponsors including Fidelity Bank, Inside New Orleans Magazine, Kay Oplinger Event Management and Mr. and Mrs. Alfred E. Stacey IV. ✦

Follow New Orleans Opera Guild on Facebook @neworleansoperaassociation and Instagram @neworleansopera

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P hi la n t hro p ic E ve n t s

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT Mad Hatters Luncheon 2022

WHEN March 29

benefiting New Orleans Opera Guild

Photographed by Jeff Strout

WHERE Metairie Country Club

1. Kay Oplinger, Patty Rice and Tracee Dundas 2. Erin Fleming and Miriam Gibs 3. Kathleen Jones, Carol Hall and Billy Ray McKenna 4. Sonda Stacey, Ted Stacey and Pat Gallagher 5. Tammy O’Shea and Liz Broekman 6. Triness Kuhn, Laura Lee Blackburn, Mercy Hodge and Tricia Lincoln

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S o cie t y

Go Red for Women Luncheon benefiting American Heart Association The American Heart Association brings women standing together to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and fund lifesaving research.

➺ By Shelby Simon

The Go Red for Women Luncheon, chaired by Terrie Sterling, Interim Chief Executive Officer at University Medical Center, is designed to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States, as well as generate funds for lifesaving cardiovascular research for women. A sea of red silk table cloths decorated with white florals, massive Go Red for Women-branded balloons and streamers, a stage and a fashion show runway set the scene for guests at

the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. A private cocktail area showcased hand-decorated umbrellas, which the Circle of Red members held during their Second Line welcome entrance. A fashion show led by Ballins Ltd featured local survivors. Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the New Orleans luncheon is locally sponsored by Entergy, United Healthcare, LCMC Health and Cox. The program raised more than $300,000 dedicated to critical research for women’s heart health. ✦

Follow American Heart Association on Facebook @americanheartassociation-louisiana and Instagram @ahalouisiana

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P hi la n t hro p ic E ve n t s

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT Go Red for Women Luncheon

WHEN February 4

benefiting American Heart Association

New Orleans

Photographed by Cheryl Gerber

WHERE Hyatt Regency

1. Charlotte Parent and Erika Ferrando 2. Cynthia Pazos and Mischa Naquin 3. Toni Flowers, Shelby Lombardo and Terrie Sterling 4. Heidi Melerine, Christine O’Brien and Melissa Chambers 5. Lisa Hoover and Deborah Elam 6. Toni Chargois, Laurie Schluter, Sheryl Martin-Schild and Celeste Watzke

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S o cie t y

Galatoire Foundation Mardi Gras Table Auction benefiting Covenant House New Orleans, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre and Galatoire Foundation The Galatoire Foundation auctioned dining room seats for the Friday before Mardi Gras in support of local nonprofits.

➺ By Shelby Simon

Galatoire Foundation raised $287,200 at its annual Mardi Gras Table Auction, held Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, in the famed Galatoire’s first floor dining room. This year’s beneficiaries were Covenant House New Orleans and Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre. Each year, Galatoire Foundation holds Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions to assist in supporting local nonprofit organizations. Started in 2006, the Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions have raised nearly $3 million for local charities. Each fun and lively auction allows guests the

opportunity to reserve a table on Galatoire’s famed first floor the Fridays before Christmas and Mardi Gras. Historically, reservations are not permitted in the main dining room so securing a table is a much sought-after experience. Signature Galatoire’s hors d’oeuvres and complimentary champagne were served at the lively auction. In total, 154 seats were auctioned for the Friday before Mardi Gras. Combined with the record-breaking Christmas Auction held in November, a historic $404,700 was raised for this year’s beneficiaries. ✦

Follow Galatoire Foundation on Facebook @galatoiresrestaurant-neworleans and Instagram @galatoiresnola

32 ST. CHARLES AVENUE JULY 2022

P hi la n t hro p ic E ve n t s

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT Galatoire Foundation Mardi

WHEN February 7

Gras Table Auction benefiting Covenant House New Orleans, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre and Galatoire Foundation

Photographed by Jeff Strout

WHERE Galatoire’s Restaurant

1. Eddie Bonin, Torie Kranze and Rene Fransen 2. Judy Clymens, Paul Zainsler, Glenda Ribelin and Christophe Jackson 3. Harold Bartholomew, Mary Bartholomew, Cheryl Lemoine and Jim Delcano 4. Melvin Rodrigue, Ruthie Winston and Billy Clark 5. Stephen Swain, Sandra Dartus, Joey DiFatta and Susan Guillot 6. Tammy O’Shea, Yolanda Doucette and Liz Broekman

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S o cie t y

Black & White Gala benefiting The Hispanic Apostolate of New Orleans 40 children will receive Catholic school tuition help from funds raised for The Hispanic Apostolate.

➺ By Shelby Simon

Each year, the Hispanic Apostolate of New Orleans celebrates with a gala dedicated to the Hispanic children attending Catholic schools through the Hispanic Apostolate program, “St. Thomas Aquinas School Financial Aid.” Many families receive tuition help, allowing their children to benefit from a Catholic education. This year honored Rev. Padre Pedro Nuñez, an outstanding leader of our Catholic community who has retired from ministry in the Archdiocese

of New Orleans after 44 years of service. Guests enjoyed an open bar, tasty hors d’oeuvres, live music performed by Julio y Cesar and more. A live auction featured prizes of art, wine and jewelry. Maria Bonilla and Maria Esther Cisneros served as event chairs for the gala. Thanks to the 280 patrons in attendance and a host of major sponsor support, Hispanic Apostolate raised nearly $64,000, allowing 40 children to receive tuition help. ✦

Follow Hispanic Apostolate @archdioceseofno

34 ST. CHARLES AVENUE JULY 2022

P hi la n t hro p ic E ve n t s

EVENT AT A GLANCE

WHAT Black & White Gala benefiting

WHEN February 18

The Hispanic Apostolate of New Orleans

Photographed by Jeff Strout

WHERE Magnolia Plantation

1. Rev. Padre Pedro Nuñez 2. Maria Bonilla and Maria Cisneros 3. Marla Donovan and Max Moreno 4. Casey Cowley and Mariana Montero 5. Pamela McLendon, Miriam Attila and Rev. Angel Diaz 6. Rev. Sergio Serrano, Sheyla Saballos and Rev. Manuel Solorzano

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S o cie t y

SNAPSHOTS

1. Tanya Busenlener, M.D., Joseph Kanter, M.D., Jennifer Avegno, M.D. and Juan Gershanik, M.D. gathered in early December for the Medical Association of Southeast Louisiana’s first-ever public health leadership awards. 2. Myra Kleinpeter, M.D. and George Ellis, M.D. at the Medical Association of Southeast Louisiana’s health leadership awards. 3. Harold Miller, M.D., Patrick Breaux, M.D. and Emmett Chapital, M.D at the Medical Association of Southeast Louisiana’s health leadership awards.

36 ST. CHARLES AVENUE JULY 2022

4. Mark Rubin, Carole Neff, Sue Singer and Barbara Kaplinsky celebrate together at the Jewish Children’s Regional Services Jewish Roots of Sports Gala in March. All proceeds from the event support the needs-based scholarship programs and services of JCRS for Jewish children throughout the MidSouth. 5. Susan Hess, Barbara Greenberg and Liz Yager at the JCRS Jewish Roots of Sports Gala. 6. Alan Krilov, Gayle Baer and Mark Sands at the JCRS Jewish Roots of Sports Gala.

S na p sh ot s

7. Gus Fritchie, Veronica Gillespie-Bell, Kit Fritchie, Gretchen Richards, John Richards and Troy Bell came together in March for the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights annual benefit, Celebration for Children’s Rights, to fund work with children in the juvenile legal system 8. Hiwot Sidelil, Angel Harris and Elizabeth Jones at the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights annual benefit, Celebration for Children’s Rights. 9. Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights Executive Director Aaron Clark-Rizzio and 2022 Calogero Champion of Justice Awardee Troi Bechet. (photo credit Charles E. Leche)

10. Magdalen Blessey Bickford, Paul Coughlin, Timothy G. Byrd, Jr., Allie Byrd and Casey O’Flynn at Easterseals Louisiana’s annual fundraiser, The Louisiana Sporting Clays Classic at Covey Rise in March, to benefit programs for children and adults on the autism spectrum. 11. Matthew Wallace, Dawn Kendall, Eric Odom, Tracy Garner, Folwell Dunbar, Joseph Oliveri and Rebecca Chalin at Easterseals Louisiana’s annual fundraiser, The Louisiana Sporting Clays Classic at Covey Rise. 12. Thomas Beron, Barrett Norman, George Thornton and Dan Luke gather at Easterseals Louisiana’s annual fundraiser.

STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

38 ST. CHARLES AVENUE JULY 2022

A WISH COME TRUE Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana: Ebony Hunter’s Trip to New Orleans Written by Brian Smith | Photos by Allyson Lipari Photography Hair by Ashley V Allen | Makeup by Daphne Pierce with Timeless Beauty Day Spa

Walking slowly through the crowded French Quarter,

by heart, following the footprints of the many who

a figure steps lightly on the pavement, tracing the tips

have made this same pilgrimage previously. Arriving

of her fingers along the walls of the buildings she pass-

at the entrance, the beauty of the building awes her,

es and taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the

and she pauses on the threshold. Seconds pass. Then,

city. Having never been to New Orleans, these should

she reaches out, grips the doorknob, and turns her

be brand new to her, however, as her senses process the

wrist to the right. The door opens with a slight creak—

bustling action around her, she feels a growing con-

fittingly, considering the house is more than a century

nection and familiarity—maybe not with each of the

old—and she enters.

individuals scurrying about, but to the invisible spirits that she feels, that she knows, are watching. She has a map (actually, she has a phone with a map) to her destination, but she appears to know the route

Now, she is standing in the home of one of New Orleans’ most infamous residents: Jacques St. Germain… yes, that Jacques St. Germain, the vampire. The man she came to see.

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WISHES ARE POWERFUL.

WISHES TRANSFORM LIVES AND UNITE COMMUNITIES.

“She” is Ebony Hunter, a 15-year-old from Coshocton, Ohio, and

porter Chip Blondeau. After a personal tour of the residence by

she has made her first visit to The Big Easy with her mother, step-

Blondeau, Ebony and her family took photos inside and outside

father and sister. Located 75 miles east of Columbus, Coshocton

of the renowned building, as she absorbed the vibe that seemed

is home to 11,000 people, or, it seems, about half of the number

to follow them into each room.

gathered in the French Quarter on this Sunday afternoon.

After the tour, they concluded the afternoon with a stroll

Although willingly entering the home of a reputed vampire

through the Quarter, experiencing the vibrant buzz of the area

would frighten most people, Ebony and her family traveled

and taking more photos at some of the most iconic locations. It

more than one thousand miles for this opportunity. Ebony is not

had been a tiring day, but, for Ebony and her family, it marked

afraid, for she has already faced something far scarier: a battle

a major milestone in her wish journey. “Thank you,” she said,

with a bone marrow disorder.

“Just thank you to everyone!”

After being diagnosed with this critical illness a little more than two years ago, she began treatment at facilities near her home. There, a social worker told the family about Make-A-Wish and referred Ebony’s case to the local chapter.

Wishes are powerful. Wishes transform lives and unite communities. The inspiration for Make-A-Wish came from one young boy’s wish in 1980…

When asked to select her wish, Ebony chose a family vacation

Like most great endeavors in life, it started with two seeming-

to New Orleans. Since she has a fascination with the occult and

ly simple concepts: a wish—and a desire to make a difference for

paranormal, Ebony was eager to immerse herself in the history

someone else.

of the city. “I’ve been to the beach enough times, and I want to

Christopher James Greicius was only five years old when he

go somewhere different with a lot of culture,” Ebony told her

was diagnosed with Stage 4 leukemia. Despite the challenges

wish coordinator.

caused by the illness, Chris maintained his trademark positiv-

Make-A-Wish granted Ebony’s wish, handling every aspect of the trip from booking travel and accommodations to scheduling

ity and devoted his time to pursuing his number one wish: to become a police officer.

a vampire/voodoo tour of the city and an airboat ride through

As a friend of the Greicius family, Tommy Austin knew well the

the bayou. However, the highlight of her wish—what she wanted

details of Chris’ journey; as a federal agent with the US Customs

the most—was a professional photoshoot in the French Quarter.

Service, Chris’ wish was especially meaningful to Tommy. With

Working with a local partner in the New Orleans business

his counterparts in local and state agencies around Phoenix,

community, Make-A-Wish arranged for a professional stylist

where Chris lived, Tommy created a plan to grant Chris’ wish.

team and photographer to coordinate Ebony’s afternoon excur-

On April 29, 1980, having been told that Chris was near the

sion. After lunch at the family’s rental home on the shore of

end of his journey, Tommy and his colleagues brought his wish

Lake Pontchartrain, Ebony and her mother, Alia Everhart, and

to life, as he became the first—and only—honorary Trooper in

sister, Keyra Hunter, sat for custom hair and makeup looks as

the history of the Arizona State Police. Wearing his official ASP

Leon McDuffie, Ebony’s stepfather, observed.

uniform, Trooper Greicius rode in a police helicopter, patrolled

Once the ladies were ready, they drove to the French Quarter, where Ebony got her first look at the historic buildings and

his neighborhood, and even drove a police motorcycle. Shortly after, Chris passed away. He was seven years old.

alleyways from her favorite witch- and vampire-themed books

The impact of Chris’ wish was felt throughout his commu-

and television shows. The photoshoot started at the former

nity. For Tommy, and the other officers who granted it, the

home of St. Germain, currently owned by Make-A-Wish sup-

experience sparked a sobering thought: although Chris was a

40 ST. CHARLES AVENUE JULY 2022

Wish kid Ebony (center) with her family at their rental home on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain (from left: sister Keyra Hunter, Ebony, stepfather Leon McDuffie and mother Alia Everhart).

STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

Chris Greicius, the 7-year-old whose wish inspired the creation of Make-A-Wish in 1980.

unique child, the battle he had faced was not.

nesses of New Orleans to rally around these kids and bring

Realizing that more wishes needed to be granted, Tommy,

their wish to life,” said Yara Elsayed Guest, President and CEO

Linda Pauling (Chris’ mother), and several others created what

of Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. “Volunteers

is now the Make-A-Wish Foundation, turning one wish into an

work with local kids, and every dollar raised funds local wish-

international movement that has transformed millions of lives.

es. These are kids you talk with at the store and wave to as you

Make-A-Wish

Texas

Gulf

Coast

and

Louisiana

grants

drive through your neighborhood.”

life-changing wishes for local children battling critical illness-

One of the most common misconceptions about Make-A-Wish

es, serving 47 counties in Texas (from Lufkin to Corpus Christi)

is that the organization only provides a “last wish” for termi-

and the entire state of Louisiana. Each year, the organization

nally children. In fact, Make-A-Wish grants wishes for kids bat-

grants nearly 100 wishes to local kids in Louisiana. Of the more

tling hundreds of critical illnesses, and the overwhelming ma-

than 900 kids currently on a wish journey, 103 (11 percent of all

jority of them (more than 70 percent) live into adulthood, often

the organization’s wish kids) live in the New Orleans region.

beating their illness completely.

“There is a tremendous opportunity for the people and busi-

42 ST. CHARLES AVENUE JULY 2022

This summer, the organization will grant the 10,000th wish

to a local kid since its inception in 1984. Also, Make-A-Wish

and a key component of achieving the 2025 goal.

Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana has set the bold vision to dou-

“Wishes transform lives: those of wish kids, their fami-

ble the number of wishes granted annually by 2025; based on

lies, our staff, our volunteers. Anyone involved with a wish is

current trends, that would mean granting more than 1,000

changed by the experience,” Guest said. “We thank the New

wishes (nearly three per day!) every year in Louisiana and

Orleans community for the kindness and hospitality shown to

southeast Texas.

Ebony and her family during her trip, and, hopefully, we’ve

“Make-A-Wish is truly a community-led endeavor,” Guest

transformed New Orleans for the better today with her wish.”

said. “Whether as a donor or volunteer, there is almost no limit

Reflecting on their experience after returning to their rental

to the way in which you can make a real, positive difference for

home, Ebony expressed her gratitude at having her wish grant-

a local child. Your contribution stays in your community.”

ed, and her mother spoke of the lasting impact of it on the fam-

Despite having nearly 300 kids across Louisiana on a wish journey, there are currently only 89 active volunteers in the state. Increasing this number is a top priority for Make-A-Wish

ily, saying, “This is probably going to be the most memorable trip of our lives.” Bring a local wish to life today at wish.org/texgulf.

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THE SKINNY ON

SKINCARE By Amy Gabriel Our skincare journeys aren’t always paths paved with 24- karat gold primer. On occasion they may even resemble a second line that steps into a few potholes

along the way. Trying out trending treatments and incorporating new ingredients into our regimens is a trial-and-error discovery session, sought out with finger-

crossing benefits. Whether you’re a skincare product hound, always intrigued by

the latest and greatest potions, lotions, solutions, serums and theorems, or you’re the three-step cleanse, tone, moisturize type who thinks tinctures and tonics are

best relegated to your bar cart, there is always new information to glean. We put our magnifying mirrors to good use and scouted the city for how we can all put our best exfoliated face and sloughed foot forward.

44 ST. CHARLES AVENUE JULY 2022

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An invitation for a celebration is one New Orleanians rarely turn down. Looking and feeling your best before a fête is priority and remedying the party damage is oftentimes a necessity. These pre and post spa treatments will help prep you for when the good times to roll, and then tidy up the aftereffects.

Pre-Party Primp MDT5 Facial Excellent for special occasions when you’re hoping for a pre-event glow, this clinical treatment for all skin types is based on dispersing vitamins A, B-5, B-3, C, D and E to the dermal level for the décolleté, arms and hands. H2O Salon + Spa, 441 Metairie Rd., 504-835-4377, h2osalon-spa.com. Citrus Drench Body Treatment Get glowing with this highly concentrated Vitamin C scrub and wrap paired with a body soufflé mask to protect against dryness and give a boost to your skin. The Waldorf Astoria Spa at The Roosevelt, 130 Roosevelt Way, therooseveltneworleans.com. Osea Body Cocoon This sea salt and botanical body scrub increases circulation, softens and exfoliates dull skin to prepare it for a decadent marine body mask to firm, tone and deeply moisturize. Earthsavers, 5501 Magazine St., 504899-8555, 3301 Veterans Blvd., 504835-0225, earthsaversonline.com.

Cult Facial Integrative + Holistic A customized progressive peel, microcurrent treatment, LED light therapy, connective tissue facial massage, and gentle extractions, followed by a cocktail of amino acids, vitamins, pre-and-probiotics, micronutrients and trace minerals will leave skin plump, toned and hydrated for a luminous complexion. Ritual Body Studio, 2521 Jena St. Upper Ste., 504-5541008, ritualbodystudio.com. The Method Augustinus Bader Facial with Microdermabrasion A standout for its replenishing and glow-inducing powers, worldclass products combined with a lifting and firming facial massage, hydrating and technique can transform the skin with just one treatment. Spa at Windsor Court, 300 Gravier St., 504-523-6000, windsorcourthotel.com.

The Day Après Rose Quartz Radiance Facial Brighten, resurface and restore skin back to balance with a deep cleanse, diamond tip exfoliation, LED light therapy, hydrating oxygen serum and a rose quartz crystal face mask. Glasskin, 4025 Magazine St., 504-5818356, getglasskin.com. Organic French Clay Detox Wrap Begin with an exfoliating polish of apricot seed, orange oil and walnut shells, then allow the French green clay seaweed to stimulate circulation and assist in the flushing of toxins. The Waldorf Astoria Spa at The Roosevelt, 130 Roosevelt Way, therooseveltneworleans.com.

The Body Method Ideal to de-puff after a night on the town, this full-body massage is designed to boost collagen production, sculpt away deposits, facilitate lymphatic drainage and flush away inflammation. The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, 2 Canal St., 504-434-5400, fourseasons.com/neworleans/spa. Ultimate Radiance and Renewal Facial Cooling, calming and perfect after a night out, restore skin’s vitality for a smooth and radiantly youthful-looking skin with replenishing moisturizers and lymphatic drainage. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans Spa, 921 Canal St., ritzcarlton.com/neworleans.

Fascia + Buccal Facial A corrective treatment that encourages cell turnover, microbial diversity and restores the skin’s optimal pH, this two-part facial promotes relaxation and increases microcirculation and lymphatic movement to help remove waste while nourishing cells with oxygen and nutrients. Ritual Body Studio, 2521 Jena St. Upper Ste., 504-554-1008, ritualbodystudio.com.

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THE GREEN PEEL FROM UPTOWN CHARM

48 ST. CHARLES AVENUE JULY 2022

Why let the skinfluencers have all the fun? When next you’re in the mood for something fresh, consider these curated treatments for an adventurous boost. Cryotherapy: A cold therapeutic treatment that offers

collagen production, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, can

Crystal + Herb Facial with Gua Sha: Begin with Thai

lation, giving you a healthy glow. Spa at Windsor Court,

of organic herbs to warm muscles and skin, then

lessen the appearance of pores and boosts microcircu300 Gravier St., 504-523-6000, windsorcourthotel.com.

Hydrojelly Masks: These next generation "peel off" Esthemax masks are primarily made from algae, which con-

tain many beneficial electrolytes to help the skin achieve a natural moisture balance. The Skincare Lounge, 8723 Oak St., 504-320-2227, theskincareloungela.com.

Nano-Channeling: Restore and renew your skin using

nanotechnology to temporarily create micro-channels in the skin’s surface, allowing products and nutrients to

be deeply penetrated to the dermal layer where collagen stimulation happens. The Skin Edit, 4530 Magazine

Herbal Poultice facial massage, a warm compress

enjoy the process of circulation, tissue softening and detoxification in preparation for facial Gua Sha. Ce-

lestial Skin | Integrative + Holistic Skin Therapies, 1772 Prytania St., 504-777-0468, celestialskinstudio.com.

Green Peel: Using no acids, only crushed all-natural

herbs, you’ll see new skin in only 5 days. Ideal for dull skin in need of regeneration, tightening and firm-

ing. Medically developed and biologically based to reverse signs of pigmentation, aging and scaring. Uptown Charm, 7638 Maple St., 504-533-9632, charmnola.com.

St., 504-439-8757, theskinedit.square.site.

A Multi-Modality Mindset Looking for a fresh perspective in skin maintenance? A calming holistic inhale can be found in Jessica M Shamburger, LE, esthetician and owner of Celestial Skin | Integrative + Holistic Skin Therapies. “I've always believed skincare is one of the most important forms of self-love,” says Shamburger. “Our skin is essentially our nervous system turned inside out, so curating a skin care ritual that is specific to you is vital. When you make the effort to take care of your skin, you're not only rewarded physically but also mentally and emotionally.” Within the cozy confines of her studio on Prytania Street, Shamburger incorporates a holistic whole-body approach for all skin types, textures and tones, merging European, Asian and American esthetics for her services. “Combining modalities from around the world allows me to go beyond allopathic medicine, dig deeper and see what each individual client needs to heal from the stresses of modern-day living.” Shamburger, who offers customizable facials that range from restorative botanical lymphatic drainage to auto immune and allergen support, encourages her clients to be kind to themselves in the way they view their skin journey. “Society wants to make us believe that aging and fine lines are ‘bad’. In reality they are a gift because they're a sign that you're living,” said Shamburger, citing one of her favorite examples of crow’s feet. “It's always a client’s first complaint, but if you refer to face mapping they're called ‘joy lines.’ It means that person knows how to smile, laugh and have a good time. And isn't that a beautiful trait to have?”

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Mineral-Based Sun Protection Products

The number one rule of SPF is to abide and apply. An uptick of mineral-based sunscreens have us rethinking our former drugstore store go-tos. Here, some sun-savvy options to protect you from the rays while maximizing the minerals.

Supergoop! 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Olive Fruit Extract SPF 50: A go-to for active lifestylers, this stick is made with olive fruit

extract and is perfect for your face, ears and lips. Bluemercury, 5601 Magazine St., 504-891-3574, bluemercury.com.

July Sky C-Shells SPF 30 Sunscreen: Mineral sunscreen infused with Vitamin C that

works like a brightening serum. Lightweight and leaves no white cast. Glasskin, 4025

Kinfield Daily Dew SPF 35: Daily moisturizer

Magazine St., 504-581-8356, getglasskin.com.

meets sport-ready sunscreen, this 100% mineral lotion blends into hydrate skin,

while keeping your face protected with broad-spectrum SPF 35. Polite Society, politesocietynola.com.

All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad

Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30: An oil-free, fragrancefree, 100% mineral sunscreen that protects against UVA/UVB, photoaging, pollution and blue light. This

lightweight non-greasy finish blends easily and layers well under makeup. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans Spa, 921 Canal St., ritzcarlton.com/neworleans.

Kari Gran Essential SPF 28: A physical, broad-spectrum facial formula with

plum and red raspberry seed oils that

Earthsavers Anti-Aging Mineral Sunscreen: A sheer, natural

protects against both UVA rays that age

that gives superior UVA/UVB protection and hydration.

Market, 3811 Magazine St., 504-206-4419,

SPF 30 of titanium and zinc oxide fortified with antioxidants

skin and UVB rays that burn skin. Vibrant

Earthsavers, 5501 Magazine St., 504-899-8555, 3301 Veterans

thevibrantmarket.com.

Blvd., 504-835-0225, earthsaversonline.com.

50 ST. CHARLES AVENUE JULY 2022

SPF In Style

Think outside the bottle with UPF-infused fabrics and sun protective accessories to pair with your sunscreen of choice.

Shoreline Lightweight Sun T-shirt: This

local label is designed to keep you cool and safe from the sun’s harmful rays with men’s and women’s garments

certified at UPF 50+ UV protection. Ray Ward, raywardapparel.com.

Sunshine UMBY Umbrella: Made from recycled plastic bottles, block the sun with a parasol complete with vented windproof features. Earthsavers,

5501 Magazine St., 504-899-8555;

3301 Veterans Blvd., 504-835-0225, earthsaversonline.com.

Coolibar Sun Hats: Wide brimmed and fedora style hats with built in UPF 50+ protection. The Waldorf Astoria Spa

at The Roosevelt, 130 Roosevelt Way, therooseveltneworleans.com.

KREWE Sunglasses: The new Dante

frame in Milano provides 100% UVA and

UVB protection while keeping your view sharp and crystal clear. KREWE, 809

Royal St., 504-407-2925; 1818 Magazine St., 504-342-2462, krewe.com.

Body Glove Rash Guard: The two-

piece style features long sleeves, a

crew neck and sun-protective UPF 50 fabric with a hint of shine. Bra Genie,

3054 N. Causeway Blvd., 504-644-2500, thebragenie.com.

Weekender Sportswear Mingo

Hawaiian Embroidered Men’s Shirt: He’ll be dressed to impress while

having SPF 50 protection. California

Drawstrings, 812 Royal St., 504-523-1371, shopcaldraw.com.

Wallaroo Gabi Ponytail Hat: Top your tresses with a sun hat that has UPF

50 protection and fabric that blocks 97.5% of ultraviolet rays. Bra Genie,

3054 N. Causeway Blvd., 504-644-2500, thebragenie.com.

STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

Medicine Medicine Cabinet Cabinet Since skincare starts from the inside out, we checked in with Spencer Maxwell Shilstone, owner of MaxWell Nutrition (2727 Prytania St. Ste. 4, 504581-8641, maxwellnutrition.com) to give us his take on the four musts we should incorporate into our daily regimen.

Find yourself googling lengthy beauty product labels filled with elements you can’t define or pronounce? Kick the chemicals to the curb and seek out skincare solutions made from clean ingredients. 1. Kinfield Golden Hour Bug Spray: Repel

7. Universal Mask by Dr. Alkaitis mixed

Indonesian citronella that smells of citrus and

superfood smoothie for your face that

pesky mosquitos with a unique strain of

vanilla. Polite Society, politesocietynola.com.

with Activist 850+ Manuka Honey: A

soothes and heals sunburns, cleanses and purifies the skin, and calms acne. Vibrant

What are the top supplements we should consider adding to our daily diet? Multivitamin, Omega-3, collagen and a probiotic.

2. Esker Restorative Oil: A multifunctional

What is a general rule of thumb or misconception regarding the time it takes for supplements to start producing visible results? People are impatient and if you want healthy, hydrated skin, it takes time and consistency. Our diets play a large role in our skin appearance. The "Western Diet" has a lot of Omega-6 fatty acids in it, and while Omega-6 is an important fatty acid, too much leads to inflammation problems. Acne and other skin issues can derive from that inflammation. That is why it is important to have Omega-3s in our diet, because it helps lower inflammation. When it comes to wrinkles and fine lines, well that can take longer. Collagen is probably the most important protein for skin. Depending on your diet you may not be getting enough. Try taking 10 - 20g a day. That being said, in some studies it could take up to 8 - 24 weeks to see results.

3574, bluemercury.com.

How can the addition of supplements create a more well-rounded approach to achieving better looking and feeling skin? In a perfect world with a perfect diet we would not need supplements, but that just is not the reality for many of us. People that are vegetarians or vegans will have to overcome the lack of collagen protein and Omega-3s in their diet. While you can get Omega-3s in foods like flax and chia, it is the ALA form which then has to turn into EPA then into DHA, whereas fish oil contains high amounts of both EPA and DHA. So, for them taking an algae-based Omega-3 product would be helpful. Also, as we age our collagen production slows down and we start to lose muscle more rapidly due to sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle tissue), so getting enough protein and collagen specifically will help combat the effects of aging. Taking a solid multivitamin would fill in any deficiency in our diet too. Think of it as a seatbelt, you don't always need it, but you should use it just in case you do. Lastly our gut biome plays a big part in our skin health, from fighting off harmful pathogens to keeping our body's pH levels in line. Taking a good probiotic goes a long way not just for your skin, but your overall health.

5. Earthsavers Collection Correcting Vitamin

Market, 3811 Magazine St., 504-206-4419,

and transformative oil created specifically to

thevibrantmarket.com.

balance and moisturize the skin all over the

body. Bluemercury, 5601 Magazine St., 504-891-

8. Miracle Skin Oil: Specifically designed for the face, a mix of plant oils and

grapeseed extract provide repair and

3. OSEA Ocean Cleanser: This pH balanced

regeneration to help with anti-aging.

formula with mineral rich seaweed removes

Coco Nola, coconolaskincare.com.

surface impurities, excess oils and gently

exfoliates to minimize the appearance of

9. Pre-Cleanse No. 60 Balm: A vegan daily

899-8555; 3301 Veterans Blvd., 504-835-0225,

pressed oils of rosehip, pomegranate

pores. Earthsavers, 5501 Magazine St., 504earthsaversonline.com.

4. No. 42 Blue Tansy Facial Oil: A combination of

Blue Tansy and Blue Yarrow essential oils promote clear and healthy skin, with their concentration of Azulene, a potent anti-inflammatory and

cleansing balm made with organic coldand safflower seed oil dissolves traces of

long-wear formulas while gently removing excess oils and impurities. Botanical Nail and Skin Studio, 541 S. Rendon

St., botanicalnailandskinstudio.com, nmbotanical.com.

antibacterial that reduces redness and clarifies the complexion. Botanical Nail and Skin Studio,

10. Wildflower Clay Mask: Made of

nmbotanical.com.

tone and replenish cells for clearer,

541 S. Rendon St., botanicalnailandskinstudio.com,

C Serum: Improves the signs of aging,

French green clay, the natural minerals fresher detoxified skin. Oxalis Apothecary, oxalisapothercary.com.

targets fine lines and wrinkles, and firms while

11. Monastery Attar Repair Concentrate:

504-899-8555; 3301 Veterans Blvd., 504-835-

barrier against makeup or any airborne

brightening. Earthsavers, 5501 Magazine St., 0225, earthsaversonline.com.

impurities while fighting acne, moisturizing and healing skin. Ritual Body Studio, 2521

6. Brazilian Arabica Cacoa Shea Butter: A delicious hand-whipped shea butter with

This multi-purpose balm adds a glowy

Jena St. Upper Ste., ritualbodystudio.com.

coconut oil to moisturize your skin. November Fields, novemberfields.com.

Top Five Tips To “Summerize” Your Skin Routine

Ditch heavier products like cream moisturizers and get a light moisturizer for your skin type. Even oily

skin needs moisturizer, but use one that is lightweight, gel-based, and non-comedogenic that doesn’t block your pores.

Incorporate Vitamin C. It's

another layer of protection and helps prevent and treat un-

wanted pigmentation. A serum with Vitamin C, growth factors

or peptides would be better in

the morning, under sunscreen.

The Clean Scene 2

3 4 Only use retinol

Choose a cleanser that doesn’t

retinoids in the

washing. Clean your face no

or prescription

evening when not spending time in the sun.

leave your skin tight after

more than twice a day, or just

once, if you have dry skin. Avoid

washing for that squeaky-clean feeling because that means

your skin’s natural oils are gone.

Apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF 15 minutes before heading

outdoors, as it takes a while for

sunscreen to activate. Darker skin tones actually need more sun

protection because hyperpig-

mentation is harder to correct.

Meet Raquel Dawson,

founder of The Candy

Shop (8700 Lake Forest

Blvd., Ste 110, 504-232-9165,

candyshopnola.com). The

licensed esthetician and beauty

instructor provides her top tips for keeping up with your skincare when the temps soar.

On On Trend Trend Tools Tools

1. Dr. Dennis Gross Spectralite

Facewear LED Mask: This full-face

Transform your powder room into a spa sanctuary and curate an at-home toolbox with these modern skin maintenance essentials.

mask combines the power of LED

lights to smooth wrinkles, firm skin,

diminish discoloration, and clear mild to moderate acne. Spa at Windsor

Court, 300 Gravier St., 504-523-6000, windsorcourthotel.com.

2. PMD® Clean Pro Gold: A smart

facial cleansing device that uses SonicGlow™ and ActiveWarmth™ technology. Bluemercury, 5601 Magazine St. 504-891-3574, bluemercury.com.

3. Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar: This 24K gold-plated vibrating skin-

sculpting tool smooths, sculpts, and contours facial skin. Spa at Windsor

Court, 300 Gravier St., 504-523-6000, windsorcourthotel.com.

4. ZIIP Beauty Nano Current Device: This next generation device boosts radiance, enhances lymphatic

drainage, kills acne bacteria and accelerates cellular repair with electric currents that go deep

into pores. Spa at Windsor Court, 300 Gravier St., 504-523-6000, windsorcourthotel.com.

5. Sonic Crystal Vibrating Roller:

Created in house, the massaging vibrations tighten, tone and help

reduce the appearance of fine lines

and wrinkles. Glasskin, 4025 Magazine St., 504-581-8356, getglasskin.com.

6. Foreo Illuminating Eye Massager: Inspired by the lymphatic eye

massages, the IRIS is designed to

gently massage and smooth the eye contour. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, New

Orleans, 921 Canal St., 504- 670-2929, ritzcarlton.com/neworleans.

7. NuFACE Trinity PRO Facial Toner: In as little as 5 minutes per day, sculpt

your facial contour, improve skin tone and smooth fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful complexion with this

device that delivers 400 microamps at max intensity. Vibrant Market,

3811 Magazine St., 504-206-4419,

thevibrantmarket.com.

8. Dermaflash Luxe: A handheld

dermaplaning tool for exfoliation

and peach fuzz removal. The Ritz-

Carlton Spa, New Orleans, 921 Canal St., 504- 670-2929, ritzcarlton.com/ neworleans.

54 ST. CHARLES AVENUE JULY 2022

Lauren Trostorff, founder of Vibrant Market, shares her

favorite products to slip into

your makeup bag this season.

Suntegrity Mineral Sunscreen Lip Gloss SPF 25: A lightweight, creamy formula delivers zinc

oxide based broad spectrum SPF 25 protection, hydration, color and sheen, without harsh

Quinoa Water

chemicals or stickiness.

Foundation by

Eyes That Tok PlantBased Mascara: This

Ere Perez: Super

mascara looks like your

feels like water,

longer and fuller. Bonus

lightweight, actually

eyelashes, but better,

and offers light to

- it won’t run with sweat.

medium coverage.

Vital Skin Pressed Powder by Westman

Sappho New Paradigm Buffer Brush: This

are micro-milled into setting powder

although some use it for application as

and protect skin’s natural radiance.

thousands of soft cruelty-free bristles so

Atelier: Supercharged skincare actives form. Sweep away shine, set makeup

Chamomile Eye Palette by Ere Perez: Made with calming

brush is meant to buff your foundation well. It leaves an airbrush finish due to tightly packed together.

chamomile for sensitive eyes, get a gorgeous golden glow with earthy matte and shimmer shades.

STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

C e le b rat io n H ow to H os t

Home Bar Basics All the rage in the 50s and 60s, like everything associated with the mid-century lifestyle that revolved around stylish home entertaining, the home bar, be it an ornate cabinet or an open cart to be wheeled about for easy imbibing, has made a comeback. Stashing your hooch and cocktail apparatus in a corner on the kitchen counter adds nothing to your home décor, but an interesting cabinet or beverage trolley will bring a sense of class and sophistication to cocktail hour. By Jyl Benson

Contemporary bartender’s cocktail shaker of stainless steel with a black and grey speckled pattern. Recipes for five popular cocktails are printed on the interior glass cup. The Shop at the Historic New Orleans Collection, Historic New Orleans Collection, 520 Royal St., 504-523-4662, hnoc.org.

56 ST. CHARLES AVENUE JULY 2022

Set of six hemstitched cocktail napkins by Louisiana artist Hunt Slonem. Hazelnut, 5525 Magazine St., 504-891-2424, hazelnutneworleans.com

Circa 1920s wooden home bar cabinet inlaid with bone and finished with brass fixtures. Sterling Provisions. Sterling Provision pop-up market, 917-309-0259, sterlingprov.com.

Channel Greta Garbo as you execute your martinis from this beautifully restored 1930s French chrome and walnut bar cart. Chairish, chairish.com.

Stunning Martini set with pitcher in the Pisa design. Made by Culver Ltd., New York 1960s. Vintage 329, 329 Royal St., 504-5252262, vintage329.com.

Etched stainless steel ice bucket featuring a wrought iron fence design by Kate Lacour. The design was inspired by rye, corn and sugar cane. The Sazerac House, 101 Magazine St., 504-9100100, sazerachouse.com

Lucite serving tray by Wearable Art. Little Miss Muffin, 766 Harrison Ave., 504-482-8200, shoplittlemissmuffin.com

STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

C e le b rat io n W i t h T hi s Rin g

Simmons-Roser By Megan Holt

When Katherine Kergosien Simmons’ mother met Austin Todd Roser at a local sushi place, she had that mother’s gut feeling. She told Austin that he must ask her daughter out because they would get along great. The next day, he asked Katherine for a date. They went to Cafe B, and though Austin was a little upset that that Katherine secretly paid for half of the meal, they soon knew that they were meant to be together. Three years later, Katherine joined the Roser family for their vacation to the Bahamas. Little did she know that Austin had a surprise planned. As they walked

58 ST. CHARLES AVENUE JULY 2022

on the beach before dinner, he proposed out of the blue! There were photographers hidden in the bushes to capture the moment she said yes. Unbeknownst to Katherine, the entire Simmons family knew about the proposal before she did and had flown down to the Bahamas to celebrate the big moment. That celebration surrounded by loved ones continued at the couple’s rehearsal dinner, with traditional New Orleans food by Galatoire’s at their new event space, Galerie de Galatoire. The couple knew they wanted a classic New Orleans feel, yet

something new at the same time. In keeping with the classic New Orleans feel, they chose to marry at the iconic St. Patrick’s Church on April 9, 2022. After being pronounced husband and wife, the festivities continued at the Four Seasons, where the ballroom had been transformed into a springtime garden with lots of florals throughout, green vining on the windows, and two magnificent floral installations suspended from the ceiling. The light pastels with blue accents created a truly magical feeling. Everyone loved sipping expresso martinis while watching the newlyweds’ first dance to “Rhythm of Love” by the Plain White T’s, an upbeat, fun song that set a festive mood for the entire night. As the party continued, the band amped up and kept

guests on the dance floor—fueled by late night friend chicken and biscuits that had everyone raving! After the festivities ended, Katherine and Austin enjoyed a relaxing honeymoon. They spent two nights in Athens, Greece, then seven nights in Santorini. Katherine is a huge Mamma Mia fan and had been dreaming about a trip to Greece for years, and Austin, a history buff, wanted to explore Greece’s historical monuments and buildings, so it was the perfect choice for their first trip as husband and wife. The couple recently moved to Dallas, where Austin works for Standard Mortgage and owns his own business as a political consultant, and Katherine is a preschool teacher, as well as being professionally trained as a chef with her own business, “Kitty’s Kitchen.” ✦

Celebrant: Deacon Terry Ceremony Music: St. Patrick’s organist, plus a trumpet player Coordinator: Z Event Company Florist: Kim Starr Wise Floral Events Wedding Gown: Suzanne Perone custom design Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Marchesa from Chatta Box Groom’s & Groomsmen Attire: Perlis Engagement Ring: Empire Antiques 1930s vintage setting Bride’s Wedding Band: Emerald cut from Aucoin Hart Groom’s Wedding Band: Austin’s grandfather’s wedding band Invitation: Scriptura Caterer: Four Seasons Wedding Cake & Groom’s Cake: Four Seasons Photographer: Candra George Photography Videographer: BrideFilm Hair & Makeup: H2o Music: Blue Rhythm Band

STCHARLESAVENUE.COM

C e le b rat io n Lo o k in g B ack

Mid City Bowling Center

Mid City Bowling Center, circa 1964. The Knights of Columbus logo is on the sign above it. Photo appears courtesy of the Historic New Orleans Collection, Charles L Franck / Franck-Bertacci Photographers Collection, 1994.94.1.138

By Seale Patterson

Jimmy Wittenberg fell in love with bowling during business trips to Chicago. An almost lifelong resident of New Orleans, he decided to bring his passion closer to home and opened New Orleans’ first full-size public bowling alley in 1938 in the CBD. It was an immediate success, so he opened a second alley. Located in a newly constructed second-floor space at the Air-Line Shopping Center at Tulane and S. Carrollton Aves., Mid City Bowling Center opened in October of 1941. The modernized 18-lane alley was another instant hit, booked

60 ST. CHARLES AVENUE JULY 2022

weeks before opening. Exhibition matches, tournaments, bowling leagues, NORD clinics and summer camps for kids, and free bowling classes helped sustain the craze during the 1940s. In the 1950s, Wittenberg started trying out new tactics to create more bowlers. Ads proclaimed that bowling could help you sleep better, help workers unwind after work and was a great way to bring the family together. One of his most successful promotions created a popular weekday morning bowling league for housewives. He converted the meeting room

to a nursery – complete with cribs, toys, television, and a free babysitter – so moms could bowl “unworried about the welfare of their children.” A 1958 upgrade brought in state-of-the-art automatic pinsetters. While most were thrilled with the efficiency of the new feature, others bemoaned the loss of pin-boys running down the lanes to reset the pins… and the noise. Four months later, Wittenberg had to install new acoustical ceiling tiles to soften the clamor of the 18 one-ton, 6-foot-tall machines. In March of 1963, Wittenberg

sold Mid City Bowling to the Knights of Columbus. From all appearances, KoC used the bowling alley more as a clubhouse than a public entertainment venue. When it was bought by John Blancher in 1988, it was not a profit-making enterprise. Blancher turned that around soon after when he introduced live music to bowling and created Rock ‘n’ Bowl. A few years after Hurricane Katrina, Rock ‘n’ Bowl moved down the street, and Shamrock, an adult gaming bar, opened in the space. The only bowling in the building these days is two mini-lanes. ✦

St. Charles Avenue Magazine July 2022

Articles inside

Looking Back Mid City Bowling

With This Ring Simmons-Roser

How to Host Home Bar Basics

Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana: Ebony Hunter's Trip to New Orleans

White Gala benefiting The Hispanic Apostolate of New Orleans

Luncheon 2022 benefiting New Orleans Opera Guild

Snapshots Quick looks at nonprofit events around town

Foundation Mardi Gras Table Auction benfiting Covenant House New Orleans, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre and Galatoire Foundation

for Women Luncheon benefiting American Heart Association

Ball benefiting Southern Yacht Club

On the Web

SpayMart, Founder and President

Fashion Keep Your Cool

Andy's Note A letter from Editor Andy Myer

Along the Avenue Travel Time

Arts Calendar

Changemakers Rashain Carriere Williams, Executive Director, Boys Town Louisiana

Design Melissa Rufty, Owner and Designer Melissa Rufty Design Studio