Sophisticated Woman Magazine | May 2024

It has often been said, “April Showers bring May flowers." With that being the case, it is a month where we can anticipate beautiful spring temperatures and fun outdoor activities, like crawfish boils, one of the best things about Louisiana. In May we will also take time to honor our Mothers and remember our fallen Veterans who gave their all. Our youth will shout, “Hooray!," because school is out, as families plan their summer vacations.

But speaking of Mother’s Day, I, like many of you, was raised by loving and caring grandparents. I was blessed in that I had an amazing God honoring grandmother. She was a strong woman that taught me many wonderful and important values. She taught me the importance of a good education, combined with hard work and ingenuity. These are important for accomplishing anything worthwhile. I also learned about setting goals and staying focused, on a purpose, hopefully the purpose God placed me here to accomplish. But I am so glad to have had such a remarkable role model as my grand”Mother!"

So I hope that you have an opportunity to spend some time this month honoring your Mother, of course if you are still blessed to have her here with you. Cherish every moment because it seems like most of the time they are taken too soon.

Barbara

Edwards Doyle

WHonoring Mothers

Mother's Day is a celebration honoring the influence of mothers in society, their unconditional love and nurturing hearts. It's a day of appreciation for the endless support and guidance mothers provide. More than just a date on the calendar, Mother's Day symbolizes the profound bond between a mother and her children, a bond characterized by love and compassion.

It is an opportunity for reflection on the significance of maternal love and the countless ways it shapes our lives, from childhood through adulthood. It's a day to honor the sacrifices mothers make, often putting their needs aside to prioritize the well-being and happiness of their children.

Mother's Day is a heartfelt celebration of the profound impact mothers have on our lives, underscoring the timeless bond and endless gratitude we hold for them. This day provides an opportunity for families to come together, to express their appreciation, and to create lasting memories that honor the remarkable women who have shaped their lives.

Sophisticated Woman Magazine

By Women. For Women. Inspiring Women.

Publisher Barbara Edwards Doyle

Editor Maureen O'Brien

Graphic Design Chris Gracia, Brad Growden

Contributing Writers Kim Bergeron, Sandra Scalise Juneau, Maureen O'Brien, Jan Windhorst

Fashion Coordinator Shari Bower

Account Executives Michelle Plaisance-Billiot, Maureen O'Brien

Contributing Photographers Abby Photo, Chuck Billiot, Linda Larkin, Maureen O'Brien, Kiki Randon

Production Barbie's Dream, LLC

Distribution Manager Anthony Figaro

Distribution for Rouses Danny Sunseri

Cover Photography

Chuck Billiot Photography chuckbilliot.com

Hair and Makeup

Miracle Penn, Air Salon & Blow Dry Bar, 1111 N. Causeway Blvd. | Mandeville 985-626-1402 | airdrybar.com

Behind the Scenes

Our Enterprising Women Photo Shoot With Brittani Naccari Farrell

The Sophisticated Woman team coordinated the photo shoot for this issue’s Enterprising Woman, Brittani Naccari Farrell. Brittani’s hair and makeup were done by Miracle Penn from Air Salon & Blow Dry Bar in Mandeville. Read more about Brittani on page 20.

Contributors

Sophisticated Woman Magazine

200 Greenleaves Boulevard, Unit 4 Mandeville, LA 70448

Phone: 985-893-7350

e-mail: editor@sophisticatedwoman.com website: SophisticatedWoman.com

©2024 Sophisticated Woman Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. Views expressed are not necessarily shared by the publisher or staff of this publication. Please mail comments or submit articles and photographs to the above address.

Distribution— Delivers to upscale businesses and homes throughout St.Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes and the Southshore. Issues are also available at area Rouses Markets, Barnes & Noble, and local businesses.

Contact us today. You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is to advertise with the Northshore's Best.

If you wish to be mailed a one year subscription for $19.95, please email info@Sophisticatedwoman.com.

Jan Windhorst is a Contributing Writer for Sophisticated Woman Magazine. She has a Master of Journalism from Louisiana State University and is a marketing consultant and freelance business writer. She also enjoys performing and playing keyboards in the band Four Unplugged.

Kim Bergeron, APR, is an independent advertising and public relations specialist and event producer. She's the founder of Northshore Cultural Economy Coalition and the Krewe of Black & Gold. Her passion is advocacy for the celebration and support of arts and artists. Kim holds a BFA from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Chuck Billiot, owner of Billiot Photography and Video, is a Certified Professional Photographer in Mandeville. Chuck is a veteran Navy photographer who specializes in weddings and events. He has photographed over 2000 weddings since starting his business 28 years ago.

Sandra Scalise Juneau A native Louisianian and resident of Madisonville, Sandra Scalise Juneau is a journalist focusing on local history, cuisine, and culture. Her book, Celebrating with St. Joseph Altars, published by LSU Press in March 2021 has received nationwide acclaim and is now in second printing.

Colors of Spring

Pink dominates summer fashion, infusing joy and vibrancy into every ensemble. From soft pastels to bold fuchsias, it electrifies the runway at Dillards in Slidell. Whether a subtle accent or full-on statement piece, pink is the ultimate in summer fashion.

Left: This two-piece linen suit is perfect for a luncheon or holiday outing.

Below: Sunshine Chic! This yellow silhouette is fun to wear and easy to care.

Elegance!

Strutting in style.

Spring swagger.

Fabulous in floral print.

The lady in red! Flowy red bride satin is a winner for the holidays or everyday. Take it on vacation and wear it dressy or casual.

of ruffles.

Classy casual.

Rainbow

A geometric look of comfort.

Thanks to Ms. Joann Chelchowski and Dillards for presenting for us all the fabulous colors of spring.

Spring cutie pies on the runway!

Weathering the Storm

"On April 10th, the Slidell community experienced the sudden wrath of Mother Nature as several tornadoes touched down in and around the city limits. Unlike with hurricanes, our citizens couldn’t prepare for the devastating damage the tornado brought. Multiple businesses, apartment complexes, and single-family homes were destroyed. Thankfully, as severe as the destruction was, there were no significant injuries reported as a result.

Immediately following the storm, cleanup and utility crews went to work to restore power to the affected homes and businesses and remove debris from the roadway. Within a few short days, power was restored entirely throughout the city. Our first responders spent tireless hours throughout the storm, and its aftermath, assisting with rescues and extra security in the affected areas, all while bearing the normal call-for-service load.

As of today, several homes and businesses still bear the devastation, but the Slidell community is doing what they do best… adapt, overcome, and push forward."

Chief Randy Fandal Slidell Police Department

photo: LINDA LARKIN

photo: LINDA LARKIN

Southern City of Southern City of ngels

There are angels among us. And they bring us miracles.

We saw it on August 29, 2005 when Slidell took a direct hit from Hurricane Katrina, making it the hardesthit city in Louisiana. More than 40 percent of houses and businesses were destroyed, and more than 90 percent of the city was submerged. It would be months before electricity was restored and people could finally come home—at least, those who were fortunate enough to have homes to which they could return. Yet no lives were lost during the storm.

We witnessed the protection of angels again when exactly seven years later, Hurricane Isaac hit Slidell and surrounding areas hard, and deja vu on August 29, 2021, when Hurricane Ida did the same. Again, no fatalities.

On April 10, we felt the presence of the divine amidst chaos when eight tornadoes spun from Slidell to Kiln, Mississippi, with four of those roaring through St. Tammany. The worst was an EF2 that pummeled the southside of Slidell, blasting out entire glass storefronts on Pontchartrain Drive while customers were inside, and damaging a multitude of homes and businesses in the area. That twister continued on to Old Spanish Trail, where it whipped ECO Builders office space into a mangled mound of metal and debris while terrified employees inside held hands and prayed. It ripped the roof off an apartment complex just across the street, necessitating emergency evacuation of more than 50 adults and children. It then traveled northeast for more than 11 miles, damaging many more structures in its path. Meanwhile, on the northern side of the city, two more tornadoes touched down near the intersection of I-10 at I-12. One headed north and another northeast, while a fourth touched down near Pearl River, all of which wreaked havoc for miles.

In the immediate aftermath, as they surveyed the damage throughout the city, both Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer and Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal were overwhelmed by the destruction, calling it the city’s worst since Hurricane Katrina. Yet again, not a single life was lost during the storms. The two deemed this statisticallyimprobable reality, “nothing short of a miracle.”

So it’s pretty fair to speculate that this place that we so lovingly call “home” has the highest number of angels per capita in the entire state of Louisiana— if not the entire country. Some have wrapped their wings around us to guard us when we needed it most. How else could we explain trees fallen in multiple directions, some barely missing homes as if swatted away, or the divine protection offered to Slidell Police Department Officer Jason Walden? He sustained only moderate injuries in a motorcycle crash while escorting the motorcade when the Governor Jeff Landry came to survey the damage.

More angels have come in the forms of human beings bearing hot meals and cold water, blue tarps, cleaning supplies, hammers and chainsaws. And most of all, love.

They’re the multitude of government employees, law enforcement agencies, firefighters, healthcare workers, utility linemen and waste management teams, civic and faith-based organizations, community volunteers and those who traveled to assist. They are too numerous to mention, yet impossible to forget.

To each and every one of you who were among the community’s angels in the aftermath of the April 10 tornadoes, “thank you” seems so woefully inadequate. You brought us hope and light and love and blessings at a time we really needed it. And in doing so, you have forever earned your Slidell Angel Wings.

WRITTEN BY KIM BERGERON

WRITTEN BY KIM BERGERON

Remembrance. Respect. Resilience.

Jazz Funeral to remember lives lost during the pandemic and honor front line workers

For those who live in Louisiana, we simply call it “home.” But to those who visit, and those who dream of visiting, the state is steeped in time-honored traditions, culture and mystique that meld a plethora of heritages into a unique cultural gumbo unlike anywhere else in the world.

So it’s no surprise that among the most popular questions New Orleans hotel concierges are asked is about one of the most legendary of all our traditions: where to experience an authentic jazz funeral. They’re often taken aback when advised that in order for that to happen, someone must indeed perish first. Oh, those pesky details.

But all that will change on May 25 when the Spirit of Louisiana Jazz Funeral and Second Line comes to New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds. Presented by the Krewe of Black & Gold, a 501(c)(3) founded by arts and culture advocate Kim Bergeron, the event was created to bring catharsis to those grieving losses that occurred during the pandemic when funerals were restricted. It will also honor front-line recovery workers from the pandemic and recent disasters. The event is free and open to Louisianians and visitors, all of whom are invited to view or participate in the procession. Remembrance. In the tradition of jazz funerals, the procession will be led by the first line, featuring Young Men Olympian Junior, the second-oldest benevolent association in the United States. Those grieving losses are encouraged to carry photos or mementos

representing their loved ones lost as they seek closure and offer final farewells. YMO President, Norman Dixon is serving as the event’s authenticity ambassador to ensure everything is presented true to the heritage, including his organization’s traditional black and white attire. TBC Brass Band will accompany YMO in the first line, along with Big Chief Bo Dollis and the Wild Magnolia Mardi Gras Indians. Respect. Following the jazz funeral is the second line, which traditionally includes those who wish to show support for families and friends mourning loss. This event will add another purpose, an opportunity for the public to show gratitude and respect for all the frontline workers for their dedication and service during the pandemic, recent hurricanes and tornadoes. This includes healthcare workers and supporting staff, first responders, law enforcement, firefighters, elected officials, government employees, waste management, utility linemen and other essential employees, faith-based and community service organizations, volunteers, and the media who worked tirelessly to keep the public informed. They have earned the respect and gratitude of the communities they have served and deserve to be honored accordingly. Resilience. It’s the trait that’s deeply ingrained in our culture. In Louisiana, we are not knocked down by challenges. In a curious sort of way, we’re empowered by them. We fall. We rise. We do whatever it takes to overcome. And oftentimes, that’s accompanied by music.

The culture bearers leading this procession represent the music and texture of our state and the heartbeats of our existence.

On May 25, beginning at 3 pm, crowds will gather at City Park’s Reunion Shelter, and at 4 pm, the procession will commence, circling the one-mile walking trail of the Festival Grounds. The Spirit of Louisiana Jazz Funeral and Second Line is presented in partnership with New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund. The event is made possible with a Community Partnership Grant from New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation and support from New Orleans Entertainment Coalition, Sophisticated Woman Magazine and United Rentals. A limited number of Krewe of Black & Gold Founding Memberships are available for those who wish to support the effort to bring this free event to the public. Memberships start at just $25 and include Founder’s gifts plus an opportunity for online dedications in memory of, or in honor of, the person or organization members wish to recognize in conjunction with this event.

The Spirit of Louisiana Second Line will return in 2025, with an event on the northshore commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. That event will honor individuals and organizations who were part of the disaster recovery efforts, especially in Slidell, the hardest-hit city in Louisiana.

Additional information is available on the website, KreweOfBlackAndGold.com.

New on the Northshore:

Flo & Glo IV Wellness Lounge

At Flo & Glo IV Wellness Lounge, our goal is to help you rejuvenate your body.

Our mission is to provide a sanctuary of wellness, offering personalized IV Hydration therapies that enhance your vitality and wellbeing. Join us on a journey to better health and a revitalized you. Your path to a brighter, more energized future starts here.

We are located in Covington in the Northpark Village Shopping Center with Starbucks and Zeas Restaurant. In addition

to our IV hydration and vitamin infusions, we do injection therapies as well as providing a Versa Spa Pro spray tanning machine, and have a European medical aesthetician offering numerous treatments and services. We are a true wellness lounge and are excited to bring our services to the community!

Mayor of Slidell

Flo & Glo IV Wellness Lounge, 206 Lake Dr., Ste. 5, Covington. 985-234-9513 flongloivcovingtonla.com

I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Team Slidell (Slidell Police, Fire District #1, Acadian Ambulance, City employees, City Council members), ATMOS, CLECO, WSTE, linemen and utility workers, DOTD, and our recovery response contractors for your bravery during the recent tornado and your efforts to help our citizens recover. Your teamwork demonstrates the true spirit of collaboration in serving our community. Your actions have been an inspiration to all of us.

To our citizens, your acts of kindness and generosity towards family, friends, and neighbors showcase the strength and compassion that define our community. Your support for one another during these difficult times exemplifies the resilient spirit of Slidell.

I am also deeply grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support from local businesses, non-profits, faith-based organizations, and volunteers. Your assistance and contributions have provided crucial aid to those in need, and I can’t thank you enough for the hard work and generosity shown to our community.

I would also like to thank Governor Landry and the State of Louisiana, State Police, local State Representatives and Senators, St. Tammany Parish and STP Council members, and all the other government agencies and organizations who have helped Slidell during our recovery.

In times of crisis, it is the collective efforts of Team Slidell and our citizens that truly make a difference. Together, we will rebuild and emerge stronger than ever.

Greg Cromer Mayor, City of Slidell

May the Force [Majeure] be with You

Everyone’s familiar with the saying “April showers bring May flowers.” But sometimes those showers also ruin the ability of a party to perform a contract. So, before you find yourself in that position, there’s a few things you may want to know about how Louisiana law treats natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and flash floods (aka, the typical weekly weather forecast in Louisiana).

Louisiana law calls this “force majeure” events or “acts of God.” Force majeure is defined as a “superior or irresistible force” that may sometimes render performance of a legal obligation impossible or impracticable. Because of this, contracts often contain a force majeure clause to address the options available to a person impacted. These clauses are common in construction contracts because of the deadlines within which construction projects must be completed. For example, a construction contract may provide that if a project site is completely destroyed by force majeure, then the construction company may be given more time to finish the project, they may be entirely excused from doing any further work on the project, or less often, the company may be entitled to more money to cover the increased costs of completing the project. However, not every force majeure event entitles someone to an easy out. Force majeure must be exclusively due to natural causes without any human intervention. So, with April showers and hurricane season approaching, make sure to keep these in mind. And most importantly, may the force [majeure] be with you.

Josh Allison, Attorney at Law

207 E. Gibson St., Covington Office: (985) 302-5630 www.allisonlawcorp.com LA-24-16404

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1. Treat Mom to a Spa Day With Massage, Facial and Beauty Treatments from The Spa and Lifestyle Store at Cross Gates. Non-Members Welcome! Spa at Cross Gates, 200 N. Military Rd., Slidell. 985-214-2922 thespaandlifestylestore.com

2. You & Me Jewelry Kits by DJECO have everything you need to make 2 charming pieces of jewelry. Keep one for yourself and gift the other to a friend. $14.99 Bayou Kids, 2385 Gause Blvd. E., Ste. 9, Slidell. 985-214-9496.

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3. Drew Marie by Maggie Sottero. Fit-and-flair Pearl bridal gown with illusion corsetry and vintage-inspired buttons. $2298. Bliss Boutique & Bridal, 2306 Front St., Ste. 23, Slidell. 985-502-5849 bridalbybliss.com

4. Gift cards make a perfect Mother's Day gift! Flo & Glo IV Wellness Lounge, 206 Lake Dr., Ste. 5, Covington. 985-234-9513 flongloivcovingtonla.com.

5. Gift certificates can be used for waxing treatments, products, and of course, nails! Polish Nail Bar & Boutique, 167 Gateway Dr., Ponchatoula. 985-467-0290.

Art OF THE COCKTAIL

The 7th Annual Art of the Cocktail event was held in downtown Hammond on February 24th at 211 E Thomas St. The idea came from a previous Hammond Regional Arts Center executive director, Katherine Marquette. She decided to create a fundraising event during Mardi Gras time centered around mixology. The mission at Hammond Regional Arts Center is to enrich lives through the arts, and the combination of art and mixology created a unique cultural experience. Art of the Cocktail was the perfect event that also helped the organization support and promote talent within the community, which extended beyond the realm of visual arts.

It was quite an event indeed! Delicious cocktails were prepared for VIP Guests and general admission alike. Attendees chose the winners. Contestants could win in one of two categories, People's Choice or Judge’s Choice. But the costumes, worn by many, certainly added to the fun and flair of the night. They did not disappoint the crowd! Beautiful attire, cosmic and space costumes, NASA uniforms, Star Wars costumes, along with a tinfoil hat and tie helped to create a unique, fun, cosmic night to remember. While decorations, attire and more were fabulous, the job at hand was to

select the best cocktails. Here are the winners:

People's Choice Award:

1st Place - The Depeaux - "The Dark Side of the Moon" by Ryan & Kim Oliphant (ryan@thedepeaux.com)

2nd Place - Truth Hookah Lounge"Rockin' Morrocan" by Thomas Moore

3rd Place - Salty Joe's BBQ - "Coconut & Pineapple Martini" by Lanie Fincher & Francisco Esqueda

Judge's Choice Award:

1st Place - Jacmel Inn Restaurant"Bourbon's Buttery Belt" by Julia Cervini (jacmelinnrestaurant@gmail.com)

2nd Place - The Depeaux - "The Dark Side of the Moon" by Ryan & Kim Oliphant

3rd Place - Our Mom's Restaurant & Bar - "Mom's Creme Brulee Martini" by Abbigail Noland, Jake Caillout, & Sydney Hickman

It was a great night, however, there was a sad note to the evening also. Before his untimely passing last August, the former Vice President, Brandon Mulina was planning the 2024 Art of the Cocktail. He had a tremendous passion for Star Trek and wanted to bring the outer space theme to

life during the Arts Center event. The board was excited to host New Orleans light mapping artist Brennan Steele to help transform the center into an immersive outer space experience for the guests. In addition, two Hammond Regional Arts Center board members, Denise Tullier-Holly and Pat Macaluso, worked together to create a painting in Brandon’s memory. The artwork was unveiled during Art of the Cocktail and will remain on display at the gallery as part of the art center's permanent collection. His memory, and recognition of his passion for art, will live on.

WRITTEN BY MAUREEN O'BRIEN

Art

OF THE COCKTAIL

Rockin-Moroccan

Truth Hookah Lounge

1.5 oz of Date Puree

1.5 oz of Coco Lopez coconut cream

1.5 oz of Jumex Apple Nectar

1.0 oz of Bacardi Silver

1.0 oz of Bacardi Spiced Rum

Combine above mentioned ingredients in a shaker with ice until completely chilled.

GARNISHMENT

1. House made whip cream (see instructions below)

2. Dehydrated Limes

3. 151 Rum

3. Cinnamon

Top with house made whip cream add

1.0 oz of 151 Rum to Dehydrated Lime Lite on fire and sprinkle Cinnamon for smoking sweet taste.

DATE PUREE RECIPE

1. Bring about 4 cups of water to a simmer. Place 12 oz. of pitted Medjool dates into a 4 cup glass measuring cup. Cover the dates with the water and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.

2. Reserve 1.5 cups of the soaking water and then drain the dates. You will use about 1 cup of this soaking water ... maybe more depending on how thick or thin you'd like your date paste to be.

3. Add the dates and 1 cup of the soaking water into a high speed blender and blend until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the blender to make sure it is blended well.

4. Pour the date paste into a clean storage container and cover.

HOUSE MADE WHIP CREAM

Add whipping cream, powdered sugar, cayenne pepper, and vanilla extract to the chilled bowl of a standing mixer (or chilled mixing bowl). Use the wire whisk attachment to a standing mixer, or a hand-held mixer, and beat the ingredients together, starting on low speed and increasing to high slowly as it begins to firm up

Bourbon's Buttery Belt

Jacmel Inn Restaurant

Brown Butter Fat Washed Bourbon (2 1/2oz) Vanilla BeanSyrup (1.5oz-1.75oz depending on how sweet you like your drinks) Angostura Bitters (4 dashes)

For each bottle of bourbon is one pound of butter. Brown the butter. Pour your bourbon into a large container. Then pour brown butter into the bourbon (not straight from the pot). Give this a really good mix with a whisk or spoon. Cover the container and allow it to sit in the cooler for at least 2 days. Remove hardened butter on top (you can use this butter for so much, for example pancakes) and double strain your brown butter bourbon, then it is ready to use! This Fat Washing process gives the bourbon a velvety mouth feel on the tongue and a buttery aroma on the nose.

SYRUP: (Makes 1 quart)

Pure Vanilla Bean Paste (2 ounces)

.50 quart or 16 ounces of brown sugar

.75 of a quart or about 22 ounces of boiling water

Mix until all is melted and allow to sit and cool.

The Caramel Martini

1oz of Vanilla Vodka

2oz of Bailey's Irish cream

1oz of caramel sauce

2oz of half-and-half creamer

Chill your martini glass by filling it to the brim with ice and water. Set it aside while you prepare the cocktail. Add ingredients to a mixing glass. Use a mixing spoon to stir the mixture in a circular motion until it’s ice cold. Strain the mixture into the cold glass.

Mom's Creme Brulee Martini

Our Mom's Restaurant & Bar

Brittani Naccari Farrell

CHUCK BILLIOT

BY

WRITTEN BY JAN WINDHORST PHOTOS

“

There I was with a two-year-old, newly pregnant with twins and about to take the leap to go full-time in aesthetics. It was a wild time in my life, but I just knew it was right!”

Brittani Naccari Farrell recounts her journey to become an Enterprising Woman with the same enthusiasm and energy she shares with clients at Timeless Touch Medical Aesthetics in Covington. Being a mom had always been a dream of hers, but Brittani didn’t realize medicine was her calling until later.

“I began taking care of my grandmother, who lived with us, and a lightbulb went off. I was in pre-pharmacy at the time, but realized I wanted to be a more hands-on caregiver and applied to LSU School of Nursing.” As would be a recurring theme in her life, Brittani was all in. She earned her Nursing degree in 2012 and was quickly recognized, winning the Florence Nightingale Rookie of the Year Award for Louisiana after her first year as a Registered Nurse. Next, she graduated with honors from ULL with a Master of Science in Family Practice Nursing. “I loved working in primary care and for five years, gained a wealth of knowledge with Drs. Levy and Glorioso in Metairie and then with Dr. Culasso in Slidell. I feel well rounded with my Primary Care background in treating sick patients, as well as the hands-on training with procedures that I did with Dr. Culasso. It was a great foundation and helps me better understand and treat clients now.”

Another solid foundation of Brittani’s success is strong with family ties. “My dad is an identical twin and along with being close to my brother and sister, I’m close to my cousin Megan, his twin’s daughter who is my business partner at Timeless Touch. They’ve all helped bring Timeless Touch to life. My dad is the office manager, my brother helped with the legal work and my sister also works in the office. My husband and brother-in-law helped remodel Timeless Touch while my mom, step dad and in-laws helped with the kids. A couple of years after graduating

TimelessTOUCH HANDS FULL Heart Full

as an NP, I began working at Megan’s med spa, Saintly Skin, on the Southshore to build the injectable side.” What started with certifications in Botox® and dermal fillers grew to a passion for learning and innovation in the beauty industry.

In 2019, Brittani began PDO thread training in Las Vegas for non-surgical lower face lift and facial enhancement, making her one of the first in the area to perform some of these procedures. She pursued advanced training from world renowned plastic surgeons and is the only local practitioner performing all areas of advanced body lifting, reverse face lifting, and neck lifting. “Now I’m a trainer,” explains Brittani, “and my ideas helped the company develop the first threads made specifically for use on the body.”

Brittani continues to serve her clients at Saintly Skin, but after going from one to three children, the motivation to practice on the Northshore grew. “I felt like it was meant to be. Colston, age 4, was thriving in school and the twins, Frankie and Charlie, were just about to start school at age 2. I wanted to take my next step closer to home if I was going to go back to full time hours. I’d always drive around hoping to find office space in downtown Covington and couldn’t believe it when this location became available. Since I was on the way to meet my dad for breakfast, I took that as a good sign. I knew my kids would always come first, but I also knew that I could have balance and be successful with both. It’s tiring and there are sacrifices, but it’s totally worth it. I hope I’m an inspiration to other women showing they can do it, too, if they put the work in.”

It’s early morning as Brittani relates her story from Timeless Touch’s comforting space. She pauses

to take a call, answering with a greeting usually reserved for family members. When the doors open, her first client is welcomed with a hug.

“One concern I had transitioning from primary care to aesthetics is that the connection wouldn’t be as strong as to patients with life-altering issues. Then I realized the care I give my clients is also life-altering because so much of their well-being and confidence is linked to their appearance. I’ve treated issues like cleft lips and facial nerve damage with results that are game changers for them. I’m a friend and confidant about things they aren’t comfortable talking to others about and am happy to take part in the best and worst times of their lives. Aesthetics is so much more than just Botox®. People’s looks are a reflection of themselves, and I can make a big difference with that, get to know them and help their whole self-image.” And her clients have shown their love back, voting her The 2023 Northshore’s Best Nurse Practitioner and choosing her as favorite Anti-Aging Specialist in a local readers’ choice survey.

As she navigates her new adventures, Brittani is propelled by an innate enthusiasm and aptitude for the technical and personal aspects of caregiving and balanced by the rudder of strong family support and connection. With her three children at home, and with growing her extended family of clients on N. Columbia Street, her hands are more full than ever. And, happily, she reports, so is her heart.

Timeless Touch Medical Aesthetics is located at 317 N. Columbia St., in Covington. 985-234-9528. timelesstouchmedicalaesthetics.com

Celebrating the Feast of Saint Joseph

WRITTEN BY SANDRA SCALISE JUNEAU PHOTOS BY ANTHONY “CHOPPER” LEONE AND MAUREEN O'BRIEN

Anyone who has hosted, or helped with preparing for a Saint Joseph Altar can attest to having encountered many “little miracles” – unexplained incidents or blessings, inspired by and received while honoring the Feast of Saint Joseph.

Usually manifested through the many helping hands who lovingly come together, to bake, to cook, to prepare for the display of breads and specialty foods, all is then shared in a communal feast. This ancient Sicilian tradition is replicated each year with celebrations at home, through church communities, or in public spaces, such as the Covington Country Club which hosted its First Annual Saint Joseph Altar this past March.

According to legend, following a lengthy drought that decimated the Isle of Sicily during the twelfth century, the starving farmers prayed

to San Giuseppe for relief from the famine. What began as a thanksgiving to their patron was handed down orally from family to family. The three-tiered altar displays represent the Holy Family, Jesu (Jesus), Maria (Mary) and San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph). The tradition, brought to Louisiana by Sicilian immigrants in the late 19th century continues today. Each year, not only on the Feast Day of Saint Joseph, March 19th, the food ladens altars honoring Saint Joseph appear throughout the month of March across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia and Sicily.

Inspired by the traditions of his “Cradle Catholic” upbringing, Daniel Sinclair, Jr. felt a spiritual connection to the many saints who guided his life. He knew in 2021, after purchasing and restoring the Covington Country Club, that he wanted to breathe new

life into that gathering spot near his boyhood home. The Saint Joseph Altar was his way of bringing families back to his personal sacred space, where his growing up years were filled with many family celebrations and activities. As he explains,” I remember riding my bike to Country Club, being on the swim team, and diving off the high board.”

Our first planning meeting, held at the Covington Country Club on January 2, 2024, set the tone for what we envisioned. Mr. Sinclair determined at that meeting that all donations received would be given to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Latin Mass Chapel in Covington, and immediately called Fr. Damain Zablocki to schedule the date and time for the blessing. As plans developed for hosting the First Annual Saint Joseph Altar, we had no

photo:

idea how amazingly successful our tribute to San Giuseppe would become!

Growing up in New Orleans, and for Lagniappe having two Sicilian-born grandmothers who taught me about food as art and love, my soul was infused with the flavors and blessedness of Saint Joseph Altar traditions. As a young child, I remember hearing the advice provided by my maternal grandmother, “Saint Joseph Provides.” We truly experienced this phenomenon through the many volunteers who appeared weekly from January through March to bake the decorative breads and assorted Sicilian cookies,. These were stored in freezer containers, ready to be placed on the altar and enjoyed by guests who came to Covington Country Club on Sunday, March 17th for the Blessing and Reception.

With the help of amazing volunteers, the Saint Joseph altar was built, dressed in vintage hand embroidered linens, embellished with candles and bouquets of fresh lilies – which are symbols of Saint Joseph’s purity. Also included

were fresh fruit and vegetables – symbols of the good things of the earth. Antique religious icons, decorative breads and Cuccidati (handcarved fig cakes) were all centered by the statue of Saint Joseph, Protector of the Holy Family.

Over 200 guests attended the Blessing of the Altar, which was officiated by Fr. Damian Zablocki, Chaplin of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Latin Mass Chapel, and assisted by members of his congregation. Throughout the day, many visitors came to view the Saint Joseph Altar, and each was given a small bag which contained a prayer card, a medal of Saint Joseph, a Sicilian biscotti, a bit of blessed bread and blessed fava beans, known locally as “Lucky Beans.” According to legend, it was the hardy fava bean that was able to grow in the parched earth, became the life-saving crop during the famine, and became their symbol of resilience. Along with their love and strong religious faith, it was this gift of hope that sustained the early Sicilian immigrants in Louisiana. Today, the Saint Joseph Altar Tradition is a manifestation of Abbondanza, the abundant Blessings that this sacred tradition celebrates.

photo:

Modern Masterpiece

WRITTEN BY JAN WINDHORST PHOTOS BY KIKI RANDON

Why do certain people seem to always excel in their endeavors? Is it luck? Timing? Talent? Entrepreneur Magazine lists several characteristics that the most successful businesspeople share. Among them are vision, focus, passion, lifelong learning, hard-working, integrity and gratitude. When talking to Greg Troyer about his ultra-luxury home building enterprise, he completes the ‘success punch list’ beautifully.

At an early age, Greg learned to turn his passion into lucrative endeavors. By 12, his talent for music inspired visions of a career. “I was driven towards the music industry. By the time I was in high school, I had a studio in my parents’ garage and was recording professional musicians. I found a niche that needed filling, put an ad in the newspaper, and was booked almost every evening. After graduation, I worked that business with

great success until my late 20s.”

The search for a family home in 1998 would change his focus and develop in him a new passion, but his goal-driven attributes and the formula he developed for business success served as a blueprint for fabulous things to come.

“My dad was instrumental in me discovering my next passion. After showing him houses I was considering buying, he said, ‘Son, you can do much better

than this – just build your own.’ I found that I loved the building process, and I was good at it. Like music, it sparked my creative energy and became something I wanted to immerse myself in.”

Greg went on to gather the right team, incorporate Troyer Builders and deliver the highest quality for clients seeking impeccably crafted homes with a serious wow factor. “I’m self-taught at building, just like my music, so my approach is fresh and different. I’m the lead designer on every project, and I put my creativity into every piece of tile, paint color –every detail - to achieve my unique vision for the overall design.”

The maverick builder explains another difference. His company does all the interior design along with the client. His design professionals plan the whole house in alignment with their clients’ needs to produce a final product that is spectacular and functional. “When you have separate parties working on different aspects of the build, the problem becomes figuring out how to put it all together. It’s frustrating for clients to coordinate different players who don’t have the same vision. Having just one expert team takes away miscommunication and finger pointing. It’s all our baby and all our responsibility.”

Assessing the family’s lifestyle and needs is also part of the process. Architectural plans continue to be developed until clients are happy with the design as well as the budget. Then begins the whole building process, including interior design, culminating in the one-of-a-kind masterpiece that is the final product.

“I’m crazy about quality and assess how to make each house better than the last one. I walk through each project with my site supervisors and if something isn’t quite right, we tear it out and start again. My dad taught me to always treat people like you want to be treated and you’ll do well in life. He also

instilled in me the old-fashioned thought that your reputation is all you have. It costs to run a business that way, but it’s worth it. We’ve earned our great reputation. I’m proud that each project reflects my values and my creativity. That’s why this business is so exciting for me and why the demand for our product keeps growing.

Troyer Builders operates from 3117 18th Street in Metairie, but their reputation and stunning beauty of their portfolio are leading to growing popularity across the lake as well. As more people on the Northshore seek out the highest level of design and craftsmanship for their custom luxury homes, they are turning to Troyer for his one-of-a-kind offerings. “Once we built our first house on the Northshore, word of mouth among that clientele spread quickly. It’s the perfect market for us with room to grow and create new and different design that’s outside of the box. I’m very excited about it.”

Despite executing homes that are majestically magazine-worthy, Greg is refreshingly casual. He checks off the success boxes of passionate, hard-working, focused visionary, but also possesses those grounding qualities of integrity, gratitude and family values that add longevity to success. It is evident that he is living his best life and loves what he is doing at work and at home.

“I’ve stayed in the New Orleans area because I love the people, the culture, the food and the Saints, and I want to be close to family. I still have a recording studio and enjoy doing that for myself, but I know I live a charmed and lucky life for having found something that eclipsed even my love for music. Building and design satisfies that same creative itch. I use parts of my brain and parts of my soul and have applied my talents to build an excellent business where I strive to learn and be better every day.”

Troyer Builders can be reached at 504-400-5150. troyerbuilders.net

SpringFling

WYES’ newest Northshore event, WYES Northshore Spring Fling Presented by LCI Workers' Comp , held in March, invited attendees to mix and mingle at the newly renovated beautiful home of Jen and Seth Smiley on Lakeshore Drive in Mandeville. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in St. Tammany Parish.

WYES would like to thank homeowners Jen and Seth Smiley, the event committee, Honorary Chairs Sue & Jack McGuire and Cathy & Mike Saucier, and Event Co-Chairs Paula Kelly Meiners and Phoebe Whealdon.

The event helped shine the light on WYES' commitment as the storyteller for New Orleans, southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. For 67 years, WYES has earned a reputation for quality PBS programming, awardwinning local documentaries and cooking series. WYES continues to be a vital source of education, information and entertainment — on air and online.

PHOTOS BY ABBY PHOTO

Above, left: Homeowners Seth and Jen Smiley with event committee members Phoebe Weldon, Paula Kelly Meiners, Sue and Jack McGuire, and Cathy and Mike Saucier.

Above, right: WYES’ Peggy Scott Laborde with Zoe’s Bakery Owner Shane Gorringe.

Right: Pierre and Susan Villere with their grandchildren.

Northshore Food Bank

Feeding the Multitudes

In 1984, a coalition of Covington churches addressed concerns about food assistance for families in need. That formative organization became the Northshore Food Bank, which now serves approximately 300 families each week. That calculates to almost 5,000 individuals annually.

During those early years, the only food distributed was donated by church members, and only those items were available on any given day. Under the direction of CEO, Yvette Roussel and a Board of Directors that includes Northshore leaders from the business, financial, medical, and religious community, they have evolved programs to fit the changing needs of our community.

Of those served today, 70% are families and 30% are single family households. These households include: 31% one-person households; 44% households that include individuals from 18-59 years of age; and 25% senior households of 60+years of age, many of whom are now raising their grandchildren.

The Northshore Food Bank serves our region through a variety of outreach activities which include:

Weekend Food Program

Therapeutic Food Pantry

Feed The Gap Program

Grow to Geaux Garden

Fresh Produce Program

Summer Stock Program

Kids Weekend Program

Homebound Senior Program

The Community Cupboard

Mobile Distribution Program

The Holiday Meal Program

WRITTEN BY SANDRA SCALISE JUNEAU PHOTOS BY JOEL TREADWELL

A key component of income is from the Resale Shop, which provides 15% of all revenue for the Northshore Food Bank. In 2023, it provided 367,842 pounds of food for families in need. Located at 830 N. Columbia Street, the Resale Shop accepts donated items including new and gently used clothing, furniture, household gadgets, jewelry, antiques, major appliances in good working order, and more. Items may be donated on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:30am until 4:00pm, and can be dropped off on the side of the building on W. 29th Avenue. The Resale Shop is open to the public and hours are from 9:30am until 12:30pm, Monday through Saturday.

Along with grant funding from St.Tammany Parish, the greatest portion of funding comes from donations and income received from special events. Planned for this coming May 14th is the Annual Northshore Food Bank Golf Tournament, to be held at Beau Chene Country Club. All proceeds will support nutritional programs. For More Information, Contact: events@northshorefoodbank.org or Call 985- 893-9958.

Planned for Friday evening, November 8th, the “Pallets with a Purpose” Warehouse Sale will be held. For their 40th Anniversary, on Sunday, April 21st, the day was celebrated as a milestone of serving our community with a Resource Fair, health screenings, children’s activities, and cooking demonstrations that

included a cookbook giveaway.

The effect of those past years on our northshore community is incalculable. As stated by CEO Yvette Roussel, “We are privileged to have been able to serve our community in such an impactful way for the last 40 years and look forward to what more we can do to serve St Tammany’s food insecure population.  We continue to be steadfast in our commitment to reach more people so no one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from.”

The Northshore Food Bank relies on our community for food, funds, and volunteers. To learn how you can help, visit northshorefoodbank. org or call 985.893.3003.

Northshore Rehabilitation Hospital, a 30-bed inpatient medical rehabilitation hospital in Lacombe, offers deep clinical expertise and national experience in medical rehabilitation along with convenience and the comfort of local, community-based care, that can best address your needs and goals.

Our unparalleled scope of programs and services includes stroke, amputee, spinal cord and brain injury, orthopedic, neurologic and medically complex rehabilitation. Northshore Rehabilitation Hospital’s expert care, treatment and advanced technologies help patients overcome medical, physical, cognitive, vocational and social challenges. Our patients regain strength, skills and the strategies needed to move forward in life.

Upon arrival, patients meet our team of rehabilitation experts – physicians, nurses, therapists, case managers and other dedicated staff. They work in close collaboration to provide the care, treatment and support required in guiding our patients’ recovery.

Patients are supported by a dynamic rehabilitation environment. They benefit from evidence-based care plans that are tailored to the individual. Northshore Rehabilitation Hospital offers compassionate care in a modern setting that houses a spacious therapy gym. The gym features a variety of therapy tools such as advanced robotics and technologies along with an activities-of-daily-living suite. Our certified, expert therapists help patients regain function while ensuring their comfort, safety and progress.

Our patients often find that what they can do will far exceed what they cannot. We work closely with them to them overcome the medical, physical, cognitive and emotional challenges they face.

Northshore Rehabilitation Hospital, 64030 LA-434 in Lacombe. For more information, please call 985-218-4661 or visit: northshore-rehab.com.

Crawfish Cookin for a Cause

April 13, 2024, was a beautiful day for the 14th Annual Crawfish Cookin for a Cause on the Mandeville Lakefront. There were 20 Teams boiling in competition for placement in the following 3 categories: Celebrity Judging, People’s Choice, and Peer Judging. The 2024 Grand Champion was awarded to the Boiling Team that placed highest in all three categories combined.

WINNERS FOR 2024

Celebrity Judge Award

1st Ricky Bobby

2nd Smoketree Landscape

3rd Christian Brothers Automotive

People’s Choice Award

1st Paretti Family Dealerships

2nd Marquette Transportation

3rd Liberty Self Storage

Peer Judging Award

1st Northern Invasion

2nd Silty Pleasures

3rd Knee Deep Blends

2024 Grand Champion

Smoketree Landscape

The local celebrities who judged were Garrett Hartley, D’marco Jackson, Albert Huggins, Parish President Michael Cooper, Mandeville Mayor Clay Madden, Mandeville City Councilwoman Jill McGuire and Heath Allen.

Crawfish Cookin for a Cause was originally started by a group of Mandeville High School

Graduates who wanted to help fellow graduates with medical expenses for required around the clock medical care. Each year the event continues to grow, and they are able to collect more money to share with others in need of special medical care.

The 2024 beneficiaries are Grant’s Gift Foundation and The ALS Association for the benefit of Beth Crutcher Giacone. Additionally, Grant’s Gift Foundation assisted with putting on the event with the intention of providing assistance going forward. Grant’s Gift Foundation’s primary purpose is to provide a network of resources to improve the lives of individuals with special needs. The primary focus is on underprivileged and disabled children so that they can grow and prosper in order to reach their fullest potential. Grant’s Gift Foundation was formed by a group of friends who decided that they could make a difference in the lives of children with special needs in South Louisiana, specifically in St.Tammany Parish.

Beth Crutcher Giacone, is a 51-year-old mother to 24-year-old Joshua. She has suffered with a debilitating condition called ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) since her son was two years old. Beth is a native of Covington and graduated from Mandeville High in 1991. Through the assistance of the ALS Association, Beth will receive financial assistance with the financial burden this terrible disease has placed upon her and her family. Funds will go toward the aroundthe-clock care not covered by insurance.

Rotary Club of Slidell Scholarship Chair Kurt Bozant presented Katy Ellis from Pearl River High School with a check for $1000.

Swinging for Scholarships Golf Tournament

Benefitting St. Tammany Chamber’s Scholarship Fund, held at Money Hill in Abita Springs.

Sage Lake Senior Living Grand Rebrand Event

STARC’s 13th Annual Art Night Chamber Business After Hours hosted by In-Telecom.

Starlight Ball STARC Board Members.

STARC’s 13th Annual Art Night Chamber Business After Hours hosted by In-Telecom.

Governor visits Slidell Following Tornadoes Sen. Bob Owen, Rep. Stephanie Berault, Gov. Jeff Landry, Rep. Brian Glorioso, Parish Pres. Mike Cooper, & Mayor Greg Cromer.

Storm Recovery United Way crew at Fritchie Park volunteering  after the tornado.

Bubbly on the Bayou

JoAnn Chelchowski, Ellen Lamarque, Linda Larkin, Dionne Graham and Stephanie Oswald.

Krewe of B's Social Aid and Pleasure Club

St Tammany Cancer Center Open House

Mike Cooper, Maureen O'Brien, Joan Coffman, Sandy Martin, Jimmy Strickland and Jack Khashou.

Tangipahoa's Women Mean Business 2024 Conference Event sponsors

Ribbon Cuttings

OnPath Federal Credit Union St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce

St. Tammany Business Alliance

Bayou Title East St. Tammany Business Alliance

Tres Co. Boutique

East St. Tammany Business Alliance

Ribbon Cuttings

Flo & Glo IV Wellness Lounge

St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce

Queyma Food Market St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce

BR Mattress Outlet St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce

Your Local Pediatrics on Demand St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce

Elite Etiquette School of Protocol

St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce

Goldfish Swim School and Urban Air Adventure Park

St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce

3

May Calendar

Mandeville Live ! Free Friday Concert: “Mike the Soulman” Baptiste & The Mystics 6:30pm-8:30pm

Mandeville Trailhead Amphitheater 675 Lafitte St. Mandeville

Mandeville Republican Woman

Monthly Meeting 11am-1pm at Keith Young’s Steakhouse (504) 782-2920

StTammanyRepublicans.org

4

Bennett’s Story Benefit Car Show

Presented by Tangipahoa Parish Fair

Live Music - Food Vendors - Silent Auction 8am-2pm Admission is free Florida Parish Arena 1301 NW Central Ave. Amite, LA 70422 Facebook.com/BennettStoryBennefit

3,4,5

The Importance of Being Earnest

8pm Friday and Saturday, 2:30pm Sunday, $22 Adults, $20 Seniors/Military, $17 Students, $14 Children 12 and under, 30 by Ninety Theatre, 880 Lafayette Street, Mandeville, 844-843-3090, 30byninety.com

9-19

Rapunzel !!!! A Tangled Tale (the Musical) Thur. May 9th- Fri. May 18th, 7pm Sun. Mat 19th Matinee 2pm For Discount Tickets Text (985)285-6666 or E-mail brian@cuttingedgetheater.com Cutting Edge Theater 757 Robert Blvd.,Slidell

10

Bushwacker Classic Golf Tournament

Proceeds benefit The Slidell Ladies for Liberty, Shriners Hospital for Children and Navy SEAL Foundation. Check-in 9:30 am Tee Time- Shotgun Start, 11am. Four-Person Scramble. Oak Harbor Golf Course 201 Oak Harbor Blvd., Slidell (985) 646-0110 Facebook.com/ OakHarborGolfCourse

11

Northshore Heart Walk

Check-in 8am, Walk Begins 9am Covington Trailhead, 419 North New Hampshire St., Covington (504) 872-3440 www.Heart.org

12

Jazz’n the Vines Ft. Paul Sanchez + The Rolling Road Show

6:30-9pm $12 Adults, $5 Children(Online Only package 2 tickets + a bottle of wine $30) (985) 892-9742 WildBushFarmAndVineyard.com

14

Northshore Food Bank’s 22nd Annual Golf Tournament 10am Registration 11am Shotgun Start Amateur Scramble formate4 Player Teams. Beau Chene Country Club, 602 N. Beau Chene Dr. Mandeville E-mail Events@NorthshoreFoodBank.org NorthshoreFoodBank.org

17, 19

Northlake Preforming Arts Society Presents “Pop Through the Decades” 7:30-9pm on the 17th 3- 4:30pm on the 19th $15 Adults Kids 10 and under 80 Christwood1701 Blvd. Located at Christ Episcopal School Theater, (985) 276-9335 NPASSingers.org

18

Louisiana Veterans Festival

A Day of Tribute for All Veterans! 3-9pm $15 Adults

Free for veterans and kids 12 and under 1701 Bayou Ln., Slidell (985) 639-0656 LaveteransFestival.com

St John Fools of Misrule 4th Annual Fools Fest Something for everyone, Country, Rock, Jazz 1:30pm-9pm Free Bogue Falaya Park, 213 Park Dr., Covington FoolsOfMisrule.org

Picasso At The Lapin Agile

7pm Saturdays and 2pm Sundays

$15-$ 20 Play Makers Theater of Covington 19106 Playmakers Rd. Covington (985) 263-0055 PlayMakersInc.com

19, 20

Donaldsonville Fiesta Italianna

May 19th 6:00–9pm May 20th 10am-10pm Free, Louisiana Square 308 Railroad Ave. Donaldsonville (225) 473-4247 Donaldsonville-la.gov

Please Note: All calendar events are subject to change. Call or visit websites for any updated information.

27

Covington Memorial Day Ceremony and Reception

10am 1: 00pm Free

St.Tammany Parish Justice Center 701 N. Columbia St. (985) 892-0677

VisitTheNorthshore.Com

29

City of Donaldsonville Memorial Day

Celebration Parade at 8:30 am Parade at 9am from City Hall to Louisiana Square

The ceremony begins at 10am in the square (225)473-4817 Donaldsonville-la.gov

31 Hats Off!

Sophisticated Woman Magazine’s Celebration Enterprising Woman of the Year Luncheon

Join us for inspiration and celebration while supporting a great cause as we honor our Enterprising Woman. Silent Auction, Cocktails, Lunch, Keynote Speaker and Best Hat contest. Supporting Brooke It Forward.

11 am–2pm, Tickets $ 75 Sponsorships are available. Southern Hotel 428 E. Boston St., Covington (985) 893-7350 SophisticatedWoman.com

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Weekly Markets

Covington Farmers Market. 10am–2pm, Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire Street, Covington, CovingtonFarmersMarket.net

EVERY THURSDAY & SATURDAY

Lafitte Street Market. 4–8pm Thursdays, 8am–Noon Saturdays, 698 Lafitte Street, Mandeville, facebook.com/LafitteStreetMarket/

FIRST & THIRD SATURDAY

Pearl River’s Honey Island Art & Farmers Market. 10am–6pm, year round 64378 Highway 41, Pearl River, 985-640-5482 LouisianaLandCan.com

EVERY SATURDAY

The Giddy Up Market. 10am–2pm (weather permitting) Giddy Up Folsom, Live Music from 11am-2pm 82292 LA-25, Folsom, (985) 705-1091, GiddyUpGrounds.com

Camellia City Market. 8am–Noon, rain, or shine 1808 Front Street, Slidell, 985-640-7112, facebook.com/CamelliaCityMarket

Covington Farmers Market. 8am–Noon, 609 N. Columbia Street on side lawn of the Covington Police Department, CovingtonFarmersMarket.net

Hammond Farmers Market. 8am–Noon, corner of #2 W. Thomas Street and 106 N.W. Railroad Avenue, Downtown Hammond, 985-277-5683 dddhammond.com

Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. 9am–1pm, Mandeville Trailhead 675Lafitte St.,Mandeville, 985-624-3147, CityofMandeville.com

EVERY SUNDAY

Abita Springs Art & Farmers Market. 11am–3pm, Abita Trailhead, Drive-thru and pedestrian service, 985-892-0711 ext. 7, market@abitaspringsla.gov

Claiborne Place Makers Market. 10am–2pm, Claiborne Place, 1000 US-190, Covington, facebook.com/ClaibornePlaceMakersMarket

Hope and Life for Women

The Pregnancy Help Center in Slidell, which opened it’s doors in 1986, offers hope and life for women in need of help during pregnancy and beyond. Since that time, The Center, which is located at 550 Gause Blvd. in Slidell, has served over 35,000 women and babies. The Center offers free pregnancy tests, medical referrals, help with vocational education, housing needs, counseling, and maternity baby resources. They also offer referrals to community resources that network together to assist with care for both mother and child.

The Center also began new partnerships with Passion4Purity and Speakhope.net Passion4Purity is is an outreach for youth that assists them to understand they were born with purpose, value and worth. Speakhope.net reaches women and teens at risk of predatory relationships and sex trafficking. Speakhope.net also helps women who’ve become pregnant due to sex trafficking by offering free pregnancy help, resources, rescue, recovery, and healing.

Cynthia Collins, a hope and life advocate, is a founder of community and national outreaches. She stated, “Our mission has always been to be a community of care for this chosen generation. Together, we bring hope, healing, new life, and the transforming love of Jesus Christ.” Collins has written a book, Redemptive Beauty, given freely to each woman who comes for help and healing.

The Slidell based outreaches are supported by community donations and do not receive government funding.

Pregnancy Help Center crisispregnancyhelp.org and speakhope.net Contact: radiantovercomer@gmail.com (email), 985-643-4357 (call) or 504-233-2832 (text) for more information.

New on the Northshore:

Urban Air Adventure Park and Goldfish Swim School

PHOTOS BY RANDY KRAUSE SCHMIDT

Northshore community leaders and local families gathered for the ribbon cuttings of Urban Air Adventure Park and its adjacent Goldfish Swim School – both now open for business in Covington. The event, held in cooperation with the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, marked the culmination of more than five years of redevelopment efforts of a highly anticipated family entertainment corridor on the Northshore. Located at 50 Park Place Drive in Covington, the site of the former Rouses Grocery Store, Urban Air occupies about 48,000 square feet of the 58,000-squarefoot property, with Goldfish Swim School occupying the remaining portion.

Urban Air is the largest indoor adventure park operator in the world, providing healthy, active entertainment for thrill-seekers of all ages. Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged 4 months to 12 years using a research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay. The Goldfish brand operates more than 160 schools in over 30 states, and the Covington location is its first in Louisiana. Both of the Covington franchises are owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Rachelle Nurse and Joe Goodly, who oversee

two other Urban Air parks.

“Five years ago, we identified family entertainment as a gap in our marketplace and in our quality of life on the Northshore. We knew that one thing that could help round it out was a regional concept like this –something centrally located and large enough to serve the entire Northshore from Hammond to Slidell and up through Washington Parish,” said Mike Saucier, President of Gulf States Real Estate and Construction Services, the developer for the project. “We identified this site about three years ago through our relationship with the Rouse family. We knew that they were repositioning stores on the Northshore and that this was one that would be in play for redevelopment. After we secured a purchase with Rouse, we then went to find the best in the business in family entertainment. We felt Urban Air was that concept that was perfect for the Northshore community. We are extremely excited about this venture and grateful to Joe and Rachelle.”

For more information about Urban Air, visit www.urbanair.com/louisiana-covington.

For more information about Goldfish Swim School, visit www.goldfishswimschool.com/covington.

Cynthia Collins