Sophisticated Woman Magazine - January 2020

Enterprising Woman Tyra Brown McGary Encore Events & Travel New Year, New Decade Shape It Up Fashions Mardi Gras Schedule

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Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

2017

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Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

2018

W The Northshore’s Best

20

On the Cover: Enterprising Woman Tyra Brown McGary, Encore Events & Travel............20 New Year. New Decade From the Roaring 20s to the Soaring 20s.............. 7 January Fashion Shape It Up. Mix It Up............................................ 14 Mardi Gras 2020 Parade Schedule..................................................... 32

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 ENTERPRISING WOMAN

CUISINE & COCKTAILS

Behind the Scenes

Recipe

Tyra Brown McGary | Encore Events & Travel

January Cocktails

HEALTH & FITNESS

MARDI GRAS FEATURES

Ingrid Rinck: Sensible Meals

Mardi Gras 2020

Kasey Sadwoski, RDH

Arthur Hardy

Ally Palmer, CCSH

Northshore Mardi Gras

Our Enterprising Woman Cover Shoot................... 5 Becoming the Star of Her Own Story ................. 20

14

Inspriring Others To Be Their Best......................... 9 New Year. New Healthy You................................ 12 Don't Let Poor Sleep Be Your Worst Nightmare...... 13

Healthy Quinoa Tabouli Salad................................ 30 The Lighter Side of Libations.................................. 31

Parade Schedule..................................................... 32 The Mardi Gras Man............................................. 33 Carnival in Covington.......................................... 34 Mande Milkshakers

BUSINESS PROFILE Grace Funeral Home

30

Welcoming Families from the

Northshore and Beyond........................................ 11

FASHION January Fashion

Shape It Up. Mix It Up.............................................. 14

4

32

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

Shakin' Up Mardi Gras......................................... 35

COMMUNITY Publisher’s Note........................................................ 6 From the Roaring 20s to the Soaring 20s............. 7 Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West............ 24 Northshore Humane Society................................. 28

LEGAL

Sophisticated Happenings.................................... 36

Christie Tournet

January Calendar................................................... 38

Estate Plans for Small Business Owners............ 26

SOPHISTICATED HOMES GARDENING January and February are Ideal for Roses.......... 29

Aimee Flowers, Home Beautiful Solutions

Holiday Organizing for the New Year.................... 41

Sophisticated Woman Magazine

By Women. For Women.

Inspiring Women.

Publisher Lorie Hollis Associate Editor Jan Windhorst

Behind the Scenes

Art Director | Graphic Design Pam Hendrix Production Coordinator Suzanne Lucido

Our Enterprising Woman Photo Shoot With Tyra Brown McGary

Administrative Manager Emily Warder Sales Manager Stephanie Norman Account Executives Angela Dutel and Suzanne Lucido Contributing Writers Jerri Blake, Snoann Willett and Jan Windhorst

We met with our January 2020 Enterprising Woman, Tyra Brown McGary, as she prepared for her photo shoot by having her hair styled and makeup done by Yolanda Perry of Second Glance Makeup Artistry. Photographer Steve Randon and the Sophisticated Woman team coordinated her cover shoot at the Columbia Theater for the Performaing Arts and Courtyard Cafe in Hammond. Learn more about Tyra and her story of survival, perseverance and success against all odds in her feature story on page 20.

Contributing Photographers Crystal LoGiudice, Kiki Randon and Steve Randon Social Media Elise Apffel Production Sophisticated Woman Magazine Distribution Manager Anthony Figaro Cover Photography Steve Randon Photography steverandon.com Hair and Makeup Yolanda Perry Second Glance Makeup Artistry 281-608-9796 | sgbhair_mua@yahoo.com Set Design S & S Event Co. 1011 NW Central Avenue in Amite 985-981-5006 | 985-687-3795 Sophisticated Woman Magazine 409 W. 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 Phone: 985-893-7350, Fax: 985-893-7686 e-mail: editor@sophisticatedwoman.com visit us at: SophisticatedWoman.com ©2020 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. If you wish to be mailed a one year subscription, please send your name and address with $19.95 for handling.

DISTRIBUTION—Your advertisement reaches approximately 75,000* Distribution is guaranteed by direct mail plus s­upplemental pick-up locations. Our upscale mailing list includes the most sought after customers in Abita Springs, Covington, Folsom, Hammond, Lacombe, Madisonville, Mandeville, Ponchatoula, Robert, Slidell and the New Orleans metropolitan area.

Call us today. You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is to advertise with the best.

NOW AVAILABLE AT ROUSES MARKETS and BARNES & NOBLE

Contributors Jan Windhorst works and plays from her home in Madisonville. She has a Master of Journalism from LSU and is a marketing consultant and photographer. She also enjoys performing in the band Four Unplugged.

Elise Apffel received her BFA with a concentration in graphic design from UL Lafayette. She enjoys practicing yoga, going on bike rides and attending community events and festivals.

Crystal LoGiudice is a freelance photographer with a passion for showcasing the beauty of life through the lens. She has a degree in Mass Communication/Journalism from LSU. In addition to photography, she teaches and designs colorguard shows.

Steve Randon is the official cover photographer for Sophisticated Woman. For more information about Steve Randon Studio, please visit steverandon.com.

*Figures based on 2.5 readers per issue.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

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publisher's note

2020 Here We Come!

NEW YEAR, FRESH START. This theme is on the minds of most people in the month of January – especially at the start of a new decade. It’s a time to re-focus, set new goals and create plans to work towards them.

One such goal is owning one’s own business. The pages of Sophisticated Woman Magazine are filled with the inspiring stories of women blazing their own trails, facing obstacles and overcoming them to find success. I encourage you to read the particularly poignant story of our January Enterprising Woman, Tyra Brown McGary. Tyra has faced many hardships from a young age and navigated through a lifetime of ups and downs with faith as her guiding light.

I know her story of courage and perseverance will strike a chord as we embark upon a new year of opportunities to embrace and challenges to meet as we work to turn our dreams into reality. Read her full story on page 20.

Our mission this year is to continue to showcase the many accomplishments of our Northshore women and present valuable articles on business, healthcare, family, lifestyle, home and garden, fashion trends, and community happenings. We also look forward to featuring those organizations and efforts that support worthwhile Northshore charitable endeavors beginning this month with stories on Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West on page 24, and the Mande Milkshakers on page 35.

And it’s never too early to begin planning as our area gets ready to put on the greatest free show on earth. Read about The Mardi Gras Man, Arthur Hardy, and see his official Northshore and Southshore parade calendar. Then, get the low down on Carnival in Covington’s Fat Tuesday parades, celebrity guests and day-long festivities on pages 32 through 34.

Finally, thanks to everyone who voted for The Northshore’s Best. We’re excited to report we had record-breaking voting response this year and can’t wait to share the list of winners in our special April edition!

Lorie Hollis 6

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

The Northshore’s Best

From the Roaring 20s To the Soaring 20s WRITTEN BY JAN WINDHORST

REVELERS WELCOMED 2020 with toasts and fireworks, and many embraced Roaring 20s themes for their festivities, harkening back to a time that is remembered for its prosperity, frivolity and even decadence. Socially and artistically, the mood was daring. Leaps forward in lifestyle and culture included the growth and popularization of automobiles, telephones, movies, radio broadcasting and consumer demand for electrical appliances, along with an appetite for technology. No wonder so many wistfully re-enacted the idealized 1920s in hopes of ushering in exciting times in the present-day decade to come.

Looking back at the last hundred years, history shows our world would not follow a straight line towards prosperity, progress, social equality, stewardship of the earth or peace as past generations might’ve hoped.

But through the century of extreme highs and lows, triumphs and devastation, we have persevered, grown, —and at the dawn of this new decade—hold out hope for our children, as our grandparents and their parents did in the progressive time that was January 1, 1920.

While world capitals and big cities welcomed this post World War I boom, the Northshore of New Orleans saw a slower introduction to the new-fangled advancements that higher population centers enjoyed. While tourism from New Orleans was popular at the turn of the century, it experienced a decline in the 1920s. The first bridge across the lake, known as the Pontchartrain Toll Bridge, didn’t allow convenient car traffic from the Southshore until 1928, leaving St. Tammany to grow at a slower pace.

In 1920, St. Tammany’s population was scarcely more than 20,000. Today the parish has caught up and jockeyed ahead of the curve with population estimated at nearly 260,000 and a slot at or near the top of the fastest-growing list in Louisiana. Economic development organization, St. Tammany Corporation, lists many upcoming, promising projects including most recently: Medline Industries’ plans to construct an 800,000 square-foot medical supply facility estimated to create over 460 new jobs; expansion initiatives including projects by Dependable Glass Works and Mechanical Equipment Corp.; and the re-opening of an idle barge manufacturing plant by Arcosa Marine Products, Inc. creating 380 new jobs. Retail redos are in the works including the transformation of the former Kmart building in Mandeville into what will become The Shoppes at Emerald Corner. St. Tammany Corporation also cites plans for hospital expansions including St. Tammany Parish Hospital’s Expansion 2020 Project, a $19 million medical office building at Southern Surgical Hospital in Slidell, and the opening of the Northshore Medical Complex on the former Louisiana Heart Hospital site in Lacombe. Growth continues on the Northshore, from these large operations to the blossoming of sole proprietorships and every size in between. It is these small to mid-sized endeavors that epitomize the American Dream and create a legacy to pass down to generation to generation. They are the heart of our coummunity and contribute to its prosperity and character in countless ways. Even with the 1920s’ climate of optimism, it’s doubtful the residents here could’ve imagined what their small, quaint towns would become and the opportunities that would be available to so many in 2020.

Along with the post-World War 1 boom, 1920 also saw a huge milestone in the feminist movement as the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote. Having attained this status, women’s societal roles and opportunities expanded with increased numbers seeking careers, higher education and all forms of equality.

Media portrayals of strong, successful women, especially in advertising, helped bolster the movement.

Today, women make up 47% of the US workforce and there are over 8,000 women-owned businesses in St. Tammany Parish alone. Sophisticated Woman Magazine is proud to carry the torch of bolstering the growth and efforts of our area entrepreneurs and empowering the next generation of female community leaders as we all embark upon what we envision as this century’s Soaring 20s.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

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Dr. Stephanie Schwartzmann has joined Magnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology in Hammond and Livingston, which offer a full spectrum of health care for women of all ages and backgrounds.

Dr. Schwartzmann is skilled in the latest surgical techniques and is also willing to take a more natural approach if that is in line with her patient’s health goals.

To learn more, visit www.northoaks.org/magnolia.

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Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

IMPROVING LIVES. EVERY TIME. EVERY TOUCH.

Sensible Meals: Inspriring Others To Be Their Best Mandeville-based Sensible Meals is the largest meal prep company in the country.

Founder and CEO Ingrid Rinck calls both Mandeville and New Orleans home, as well as the corporate headquarters for her over 1,200 employees. As the leading lady of her eight-figure business, Rinck has been awarded Best Meal Prep Program, Entrepreneur of the Year and Top Female Achiever, and Sophisticated Woman's 2018 Enterprising Woman of the Year—just to name a few. And she accomplished it all without a mentor, a partner or even any business loans. A personal trainer for over 20 years, Rinck has been involved in hundreds of local weight loss success stories through exercise.

But unfortunately, in 2014 her son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, an autoimmune disease that rendered him insulin dependent. Rinck poured herself into learning everything she could about nutrition and controlling health through food. She altered her family’s diet and lost weight herself. Her portion-controlled meals led to the creation of Sensible Meals, which now helps tens of thousands of people lose weight, gain back their confidence and reach optimal health.

Rinck loves to show people that weight loss and health don’t have to be miserable and a constant task. It’s about doing it right most of the time and having fun some of the time. She gives clients some basic diet meals and built-in cheat meals so they don’t feel deprived, become frustrated and quit. The program is affordable and the company offers live assistance 12 hours a day. The company’s packaged meals are freshly prepared and free of preservatives. “We focus on moderation, not depravation,” she stated. She hopes to inspire clients because she struggles with the same issues. “We’re not in the business to make anyone the next supermodel,” she stressed. “We’re all about being healthy, not perfect.”

Her passion for helping people is equally as important as the success of her business.

Rinck is a major corporate sponsor and donor to many charities, including the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation. The company also pays for children’s diabetes summer camp and medical supplies. Her gym Built offers free classes to local women in exchange for donations to JDRF. She is also the founder of Leading Ladies League, a monthly luncheon on both sides of the lake where local women get together to dress up, have girl time and donate to a female in the community who needs assistance.

Rinck’s biggest motivations in her life are her three children, and they inspire her to keep pressing forward and be the best that she can be. She continues to give back and motivate others as her success and journey carry forward—all the while remembering the challenges she faced as a single mother while starting her business. “Without my struggles I wouldn’t be able to understand yours.”

Sensible Meals distributes healthy, affordable prepared meals nationwide. For more information, call 985-237-1011, visit eatsensiblemeals.com or follow @Sensible Meals on Facebook, Instrgram, Twitter and Pintrest. Look for Ingrid's upcoming columns in Sophisticated Woman where she will be a contributing writer focusing on fitness and health.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

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S T EV E R A N D O N . C OM

business profile

Welcoming Families from the Northshore and Beyond GRACE FUNERAL HOME and St. Lazarus of Bethany Memorial Garden in Covington is welcoming families from the Northshore and beyond, providing convenience and minimizing stress when planning for final arrangements.

Family Service Counselor Erica Moreau says, “With the expansion of St. Tammany Parish, especially after Hurricane Katrina, we have opened to serve the area’s growing need for funeral and burial arrangements. The property was built in collaboration with the Archdiocese, so it’s filling a need for the Catholic population on the Northshore also.”

Moreau says that what sets Grace Funeral Home apart is the Eagan family experience. “Joe Eagan has taught me so much. He is tactful, patient and truly has a kind and caring heart. He does everything with empathy and class. His qualities aren’t learned, it’s something he was born with.”

As a Family Service Counselor, Moreau meets with those who’ve just lost a loved one to discuss their burial options, and she is also available to discuss pre-planning.

Because emotions are high following the death of a loved one, Moreau recommends making arrangements ahead of time. A typical pre-planning meeting will start with a tour of the funeral home and cemetery. Moreau says the most important decision is choosing between traditional burial or cremation. After that is decided, the family can move on to selecting

a casket or an urn, choosing flowers and music, and finalizing other details. “We provide a pre-planning guide with all the questions that need to be answered. It takes the burden off of the family to know their loved one is planning everything as they wish, and it’s more economically favorable to pre-plan. Average funeral costs double every 10 years. When you pre-arrange, you lock in costs.” Along with funeral service options offered by Grace Funeral Home, St. Lazarus of Bethany Memorial Garden offers traditional family tombs, traditional family plots, niches and a garden mausoleum.

What motivates Moreau to work in a profession that is sometimes difficult? She says helping families in need is a privilege. “My mom passed away about five years ago. As an only child, planning her funeral and making all the decisions was horrific. I had to answer over 150 questions without her input. I wish I would’ve known then that pre-arrangements were available. I’m very happy to be able to give that gift to others that I didn’t have.” Moreau also credits the Eagans and the staff for making her job fulfilling. “It’s a pleasure working with everyone here. They’re patient and empathetic – which is somewhat of a lost art these days. I’m proud to sit next to the Eagans during arrangements and genuinely help people on what is likely the worst day of their lives. I don’t know how many other people can say that about their jobs.”

Grace Funeral Home and St. Lazarus of Bethany Memorial Garden are located at 450 Holy Trinity Drive in Covington. For more information, call 985-635-4745 or visit gracenorthshore.com.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020 11

health

New Year.

New, Healthy You. WRITTEN BY KACEY SADWOSKI, RDH

WITH THE NEW YEAR

beginning and Mardi

Gras right around the corner, it is that time of year again to set new goals and make time for ourselves to be the healthiest we can be. Oral health often takes the sideline when it comes to improving your overall health. Did you know that your oral health affects your overall health? We all know that you are supposed to brush twice a day, but something often neglected and left out of oral care routines is flossing. Not flossing could have a detrimental effect on your teeth, gums and overall health.

Neglecting to floss at least once a day is often the root cause of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, which is inflammation of the gums. Recent studies have shown that there is a direct link between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes and preterm birth. Gum disease increases the risk of heart disease. If left untreated, the bacteria that builds up under your gums can get into your blood stream and may eventually lead to the narrowing of arteries in your heart. Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease because the gum infection may cause insulin resistance, which disrupts blood sugar control.

Finally, gum disease can cause preterm birth because oral bacteria releases toxins, which reach the placenta through the mother’s bloodstream and interfere with the growth and development of the fetus.

In conclusion, it is important to set goals to improve your health by dieting and exercising, but do not forget about your oral health. Flossing daily, using mouthwash, or using an electronic toothbrush or water pick will help keep gum tissues healthy and will help improve your overall health. Keep up with your dental appointments. Seeing a hygienist and your doctor 2-3 times a year for a professional cleaning and exam will help assure nothing is missed. You may be pleasantly surprised to see how your overall health can improve.

Kasey Sadwoski practices as a dental hyenist at Grand Family Dentistry located at 2083 3rd Street in Mandeville. For more information, call 985-624-8602 or visit grandfamilydentistry.com.

12 Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

health

Don’t Let Poor Sleep Be Your Worst Nightmare WRITTEN BY ALLY PALMER, CCSH

ACCORDING TO THE

National Sleep

Foundation, more than 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea­­ —many of whom are

undiagnosed.

But

improvements

in

the diagnostic testing may present a more convenient and comfortable option for those who were previously reluctant to seek help.

Do you wake up after a full night of sleep

Sophisticated Woman Magazine

and find yourself still tired? Is heavy snoring disrupting your bed partner? Do you wake up gasping for air? Do you have memory or concentration issues? If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleeprelated breathing disorder that occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses and the airway becomes obstructed, resulting in an involuntary cessation of breathing. Blood oxygen levels begin to plummet, and the heart becomes strained as it races to quickly pump blood to the brain to compensate for the lack

Coming in February

of oxygen.

When these events occur, the sufferer may appear to be restless while choking or gasping for air. These events can happen several or even hundreds of times per night, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke and other comorbid conditions.

Luckily, diagnosing and managing obstructive sleep apnea has never been easier. A sleep study

Northshore Dental Healthcare Valentine’s Day Gift Guide Makeover Month

to confirm or rule-out OSA can now be performed at home, from the comfort of your own bed! To see if you are a candidate for home sleep testing and to discuss therapy options, schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist today.

Stephanie Norman, Sales Manager

Suzanne Lucido, Account Executive Angela Dutel, Account Executive

Ally Palmer is certified in Clinical Sleep Health and works with sleep specialist Dr. James Connolly.

SLENT located at 1420 N. Causeway Boulevard in Mandeville. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 985-327-5905 or visit southlouisianamd.com.

For advertising, call 985-893-7350 or email sales@sophisticatedwoman.com Sophisticated Woman | January 2020 13

fashion

Shape It Up

Megan Python print active bra top – $76 Python print active leggings – $139 Bra Genie Elise Square-neck gold crop top – $18 Black compact cotton leggings – $49.50 Bra Genie 14 Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

fashion Elise Burgundy lattice-front bra top – $25 Bra Genie Black yoga leggings – $97 Mallie Boutique

Megan Black scoop-neck bra top – $34 Bra Genie Marbled gray yoga leggings – $97 Mallie Boutique

Photographer: Crystal LoGiudice | crystalphotos.photoshelter.com Photographed on location at HOTWORX in Mandeville and at Cheniere in Mandeville Sophisticated Woman | January 2020 15

fashion

Mix It Up

Megan

Elise

White and gray-striped sleeve top – $42

Charcoal and ochre printed kimono – $34 Charcoal leggings – $29 Cream and tan layering tanks – $18/each

Mallie Boutique Black leggings – $29 Gray headband – $14 Columbia Street Mercantile

Columbia Street Mercantile Black running shoes – $139.99 Poppy Ann’s Boutique

16 Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

fashion

Elise Louisiana logo sweatshirt – $49 Jenlyn’s Boutique Soft teal yoga legging – $97 Mallie Boutique Red/Blue running shoe – $139.99 Poppy Ann's Boutique Megan Multi-speckled v-neck sweater – $62 Navy leggings – $26 Columbia Street Mercantile Bright pink beanie – $10 Jenlyn's Boutique

Boutique Contact Information: Bra Genie | 985-951-8638 Columbia Street Mercantile | 985-809-1690 Jenlyn's Boutique | 985-234-9437 Mallie Boutique | 985-400-5220 Poppy Ann’s Boutique | 985-517-6608

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020 17

sophisticated shopper

A Great Selection of Dresses for the Carnival Season!

231 N. Columbia Street 985-809-1690 236 N. Columbia Street 985-809-1789

New Year. New Start.

Let’s make a change f the better!

Veterinary Holistic Healing Janice E. Posey, DVM, CVA

320 E. Lockwood | Covington | 985-898-3623 vetholistichealing.com

Classical Acupuncture • Herbal Medicine • Food Therapy Wellness Care • 20 Years Experience 18 Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

sophisticated shopper HOLISTIC. ORGANIC. THERAPEUTIC. UNIQUE.

2007

2009

2010 2 015

2016

2017

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2259 Carey Street in Slidell 985-265-4778

“When you know better, you do better.�

Ashley C. Geoghegan, DVM, CVA, CVFT, CVCH, CCRT 985-718-9991 | vetnaturally.com

The Northshore’s Largest Selection of Hair Extensions, Wigs, Beauty Supplies and Rhinestone Jewelry.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020 19

E N T E R P R I S I N G

W O M A N

Tyra Brown McGary

~ "After my childhood experience of not knowing if, or how, I was going to live, I was determined to not be a product of my environment, circumstance or the people who hurt me." ~

cover story

Becoming the Star of Her Own Story WRITTEN BY JAN WINDHORST PHOTOS BY STEVE RANDON

IT IS A PLACE where the lines of countless playwrights baring their souls have been performed and songwriters’ music of the heart has been laid at the audience’s feet. Amidst its lights, stages and echoes of past catharses and applause, Tyra Brown McGary has chosen the backdrop of Hammond's Columbia Theater to shine as she finds the strength of her own voice to share her personal story of tragedy and triumph.

The interview begins pleasantly enough. Tyra is charming, elegant and carries herself with a glowing confidence as she tells of her current endeavor, Encore Events and Travel. “I was heavily involved in advocacy at a young age and in 2000, my mom sat me down and asked what I wanted to do for myself. I replied, ‘I love parties,’ so my career in hospitality began. After years of experience working for other people, I asked, ‘Why not do this for myself?’ and I started my own company in 2012.”

Tyra has risen through the ranks to handle clients from American Express to the Zulu Social and Pleasure Club and everyone in between. “It could be an elaborate private dinner for two, to being part of a citywide conference hosting 300,000. I’ve worked with Jazz Fest, Essence Fest and many other productions. It’s rewarding to coordinate with other businesses and weave a huge project together, or to wow a corporate client with something out of their normal cookiecutter, expectation.”

Suddenly, there is a confusing shift in the atmosphere as Tyra begins recounting her childhood. “I grew up in New Orleans, first Uptown and then Mid City, and it was my playground.” She dreamily recounts shopping on Canal Street, reading advanced books with her mother, roller skating, and family time at City Park. “I got the Key to the City as a child for academic excellence,” she continues as she begins softly crying. “It was an amazing childhood until 11 when my mom got into drugs and was sent to jail. We were uprooted with siblings going to different places and me being bounced around Ponchatoula. One minute I was a child and the next I was fearing for my life during a sexual assault. I chose to keep my child and became a mother at just 13.”

As the ugly truth hung in the air, the silence was broken only when this beautiful woman seemed to accept what she had said out loud and continued revealing her journey of highs and lows. “After being placed in foster care, my social worker contacted my school and my saving angel, Dr. Ann Clark-McKay, adopted me and my son. I’m afraid to imagine where I’d be today without her. She taught me about life, money, and how to be an entrepreneur, but mostly, she taught me about Christ, faith and forgiving.” With support from Ponchatoula High School and Clark-McKay’s guidance, Tyra defied the odds and overcame her obstacles to successfully complete high school. “On graduation night, she gave me a cerificate reading One Silver Dollar that was obviously worth more than a dollar. ‘Don’t ever let anyone tell you you’re only worth face value,’ she said. I still have that one dollar bill as a reminder to believe in myself.”

Tyra’s determination to shine grew as she enrolled at Southeastern at 17 to study social work.

She had her own place, and with the support of Clark-McKay, was able to raise her son. “By then my mother was clean and I was blessed to have two wonderful women in my life.” Tyra’s lifechanging trauma compelled her to become a tireless advocate for others in need. She became the youngest board member of Tangipahoa CASA and a founding board member of Safe Place, offering designated drop-off places for mothers to bring babies they are unable to keep. Her work with literacy programs even earned her an audience with President George Bush, Sr. After following her mother’s advice of helping others while following her own dreams, Tyra’s star shone in business as it had in advocacy. “When I was working in hospitality in New Orleans, I became the Executive Director of the French Quarter Business Association. I learned my job was more than throwing parties and encompassed the bigger picture of tourism for the city. Representing a historical district introduced me to politics where I worked with the mayor, police chief, unions, Sophisticated Woman | January 2020 21

cover story the city council, and business leaders, and learned from amazing mentors such as New Orleans City Councilmember at Large Councilwoman Jackie Clarkson, Drew Bevolo of Bevelo Gas and Electric Lights and Lois Sutton of Where Magazine. Even though I had been dragged through hell, they taught me that I was good enough to hold my chin up and work in those circles with people as powerful as themselves."

Tyra’s career advanced and led to a high position at a nationally known network of restaurants and resorts where her love for hospitality and tourism blossomed. With this successful experience, she was empowered to embark on owning and running her own travel and events business. After returning to Louisiana, Tyra married her childhood best friend, Carl McGary. “My life experience led me to understand the value of true friendship and unconditional love.” That love would become a beacon for Tyra in dark times ahead.

In 2015, Tyra was involved in a near fatal car accident. Her broken body lay in a ditch in the wreckage after an impact so forceful that it mangled the car and ruptured her breast implants.

While attending to her injuries, doctors found that she had breast cancer. Because her sister, A’Tiffa Wilson, also struggled with breast cancer and ultimately lost her battle, Tyra chose to undergo a double mastectomy in hopes of increasing her chances of survival. “A'Tiffa was my best friend – so proud of me and always encouraging. She was the only person in the world that knew all I had been through, so it was very hard to lose that connection.”

Even with her successes, validations and fulfilling marriage, her sister’s death, her own hardships and her illness caused Tyra to retreat into extreme privacy. Through that time of sadness and soulsearching, Tyra couldn’t forget her sister’s words of advice. “A’Tiffa had told me to stop hiding from myself. She said I had a story to tell—one that needed to be shared. But I was afraid. Afraid that I had to look and be perceived in a certain way to be deemed successful and accepted.” When Reverend John E. Hurst, Jr., the pastor at Tasker Memorial AME Zion Chapel, asked her to be a guest speaker at a service in the fall of 2019, Tyra knew it was time to face that fear. “I built great courage by praying and thinking about my sister and was led to write about my favorite Bible verse, Phillipians, Chapter 4. The message is: Don’t be your past. Look ahead to God’s gifts that are waiting for you.”

Tyra’s motivation for finding her voice and telling her story is to gift those who hear it with the benefit of her experience and hard-earned wisdom. “After my childhood experience of not knowing if, or how, I was going to live, I was determined to not be a product of my environment, circumstance or the people who hurt me. I needed to forgive everyone from my mother to my abusers. The minute you blame and hold on to the negative, you die. I couldn’t let myself hate. It wasn’t easy, but I continued to love myself and walk in my faith.”

Facing her fear has resulted in an unexpected gift for Tyra also. “People I’ve known for years told me they were proud and had no idea I was holding all that in. All that time, I didn’t need to put up a front, I just needed to be myself. All those hours pushing and advocating weren’t wasted, but all I had to do was give that one little speech to help so many people. Initially I was gearing my message towards young girls, but I got feedback from all ages, men and women saying I inspired them – even the pastor. The response has made me want to share even more.”

Now that Tyra has found her own peace and happiness and is sharing it with others, she says she feels more alive than ever despite the fact that she is facing yet another life-threatening situation.

“Even though I know I will continue to face challenges ahead, I feel like a new person. Before I hit the floor in the morning, I pray. My wonderful husband has seen me at my best and at my worst. He makes life fun and will break out into song and dance to lift my spirits. It’s unbelievable to have gone through so much at the age of 40. My son is a blessing from a horrible situation, my husband and I are expanding my business with an event center outside of Hammond, and I’ve decided to write a book called It Happens in Threes to continue to share my story in hopes that it will inspire many others.”

Tyra’s shining role in her own story comes not from a place a pretense but as a true representation of her spirit, her talent, and her inner beauty. She embodies the determination to humbly and gratefully face any and all situations life throws at her with beauty as she rewrites her fate through faith, forgiveness and perseverance. She is not simply a survivor – she is a star.

Tyra Brown McGary, CMP is the owner of Encore Events & Travel. For more information, please call 504-756-1333, email tyra@encoretrips.com or visit encoretrips.com.

22 Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020 23

community

New Year.

New Home.

New Hope.

YOU’VE SEEN THEM

on construction sites donning hard hats

while hammering, painting, pouring concrete and anything else involved During her closing, Jonay Brumfield, pictured with her mother Vitalis, receives the traditional Habitat gifts of a bible and hammer from Habitat STW President and CEO Jeff St. Romain.

in raising a house. It’s easy to tell that most aren’t construction workers, but they give their all for this labor of love. They are home-owners-tobe and volunteers all working beside the professionals of Habitat for Humanity. Since its founding in 1981, Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West has addressed the need for affordable housing by building and selling 275 new homes to low-income families.

Habitat builds houses in partnership with families who qualify based on three criteria: need, willingness to partner with Habitat and an ability to repay a no-interest mortgage. The dedication of everyone involved, from homeowner, to staff, to volunteers, makes it all happen. Habitat for Humanity works in good faith with people who often are at risk in society, knowing that owning a home can be an important step toward helping them break the cycle of poverty.

Because of Habitat's no-profit, no-interest loans, and because houses are built principally by volunteers, mortgage payments can be kept low for low-income families unable to obtain conventional financing.

Homeowners complete 60 hours of homeownership education classes and are required to invest an average of 300 hours of sweat equity - time spent building their own home or volunteering at the Habitat ReStore.

What do these opportunities mean to the veterans, low-wage workers and people in need who receive them? Jonay Brumfield says it means the world to her. “My children and I live with my parents, which I’m grateful for – but they don’t have their own room. Now that they’re 13 and 10, it’s time to give them their own space. I don’t want to rent, and even though I work two jobs, it’s hard to save for a down payment.”

Brumfield says home ownership means independence for her, and that actually helping build the house makes it even more rewarding. “Habitat helped me, but I still had to be determined to see it through. My blood, sweat and tears went into this, but now it’s mine and I’m not going anywhere. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Habitat STW also relies heavily on community volunteers. One ongoing program saw its volunteers band together in December to begin framing a house for Sharon Thornhill, a single grandmother raising two girls. Women Build 2019 fueled by Chevron has provided volunteers and raised funds to help build two Habitat homes in St. Tammany. Women Build encourages women volunteers, without excluding men, to further the mission of Habitat STW and improve the lives of local families. In 2019, over 400 volunteers contributed over 2,000 hours of service, and nearly $200,000 were raised creating dynamic change in the community through Women Build for Habitat STW. Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West is located at 1400 North Lane in Mandeville. For more information, call 985-893-3172 or visit habitatstw.org.

24 Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

Thank You For Voting!

Since 2006, the Northshore’s Best has pointed you to outstanding businesses and service providers that you can trust.

Afer 14 years of compiling thousands of votes from our loyal readers, we know our list of winning favorites truly represents the best the Northshore has to offer!

Winners Will Be Announced In Our Special April Issue!

sophisticatedwoman.com

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020 25

legal

Estate Plans For Small Business Owners WRITTEN BY CHRISTIE TOURNET

A WILL DETERMINES

how your assets are

transferred when you pass. If you pass without a Will, then a court makes decisions about who inherits assets in accord with default state law depending upon the nature of the property and if children, or other heirs, exist.

When considering a business as one of your assets, you may acknowledge customary reasons for forming a business to include limiting liability and providing a professional, coherent front to not only the owners, but also to your customers and vendors.

However, in the absence of additional business planning, businesses are also governed by default state statutes. Often, those default rules can be at odds with the business owner’s intentions.

So, how do you plan so that your business operates as you intended? An operating agreement drafted by the members can outline the rules for the business’ continued operations. The operating agreement can also address a business member’s interest in the event of divorce, death or bankruptcy.

For example, a member’s interest is usually a substantial asset that will be left to a spouse, child or other beneficiary. But, will the business all of a sudden have to deal with a family member? Or, what if a spouse or child has no interest in the business?

The operating agreement can clarify expectations for these situations. Further, a “buy-share agreement” provides guidance on how much a member’s share should be sold for and who can buy into the business.

After implementing an operating agreement, thoughtful estate planning for business owners also includes 1) creating a Will that further clears the path for all asset transfers and clarifies specific business information and your intentions as to the business’ continuation or dissolution and 2) signing a power of attorney that permits the business to continue to operate in the event of a disruption or difficult time.

Christie Tournet & Associates, LLC, provides estate planning, estate administration and commercial law services.

The practice is located at 1795 W. Causeway Approach, Suite 103A in Mandeville.

985-951-2177, tournetlaw.com.

26 Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

E.J. Fielding:Designing Your Funeral Families come to us because they know we’re dedicated to excellent service and have the highest integrity. We’re proud to assist you in designing your funeral.

Services To Honor A Life­—A funeral or memorial service, whether traditional or contemporary, is the first step in healing. It’s about bringing loved ones together at a time of loss. Your choices include the place of celebration, day of the week and time, musical selections, prayers to be said and songs to be sung. We can also arrange tribute videos, personalized printing, memorial websites and live funeral webcasting.

Caring for Physical Remains—Usually, people are clear on their choice of burial or cremation. Most loved ones have told someone how they wish to be cared for. But it can be a hard decision for some families, especially when the wishes of the deceased were never clearly stated. Please know we’re here to help you with that decision. If you’ve chosen burial, the casket is chosen followed by the selection of vault or desired cemetery location. If cremation is your choice, the next decision will be whether the remains will be placed in a mausoleum niche or buried on cemetery grounds.

We look forward to using our generations of experience to help you create the most memorable and meaningful funeral to honor your loved one.

Since 1992, E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been helping families in their greatest time of need. We are a family-owned and operated funeral home offering full-service funeral arrangements, cremation and burial services in Covington, LA. We proudly serve families of the bereaved and honor their loved ones. We service the Mandeville, Madisonville, Abita Springs, Folsom, Bush, Lacombe, Metairie, Kenner, and Jefferson areas. Call 985-8929222 to speak to one of our staff who can assist you with all of your needs today, or visit ejfieldingfh.com.

SHE DESERVES IT BECAUSE...

SHE’S MOM

Growing up, Mom always wanted the very best for you. Now that she’s getting older, doesn’t she deserve the same?

Safe & Comfortable Apartment Homes Chef-Prepared Meals | Daily Activities Personalized Memory Care

Stained Concrete , Terrazzo or VCT Tile We can bring back the shine!

We offer full strip and waxing floor care services.

Check our website or call for a free quote!

985.317.3915

TheTraceSeniorLiving.com

19432 Crawford Road, Covington, LA 70433 SM

Independent Living | Assisted Living | SHINE Memory Care Prices, plans and programs are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Owned and operated by Discovery Senior Living. Void where prohibited by law. ©2019 Discovery Senior Living. TT-0141 12/19

Larry Breazeale & Brittany Breazeale Owners, TCB Cleaning Inc. Sophisticated Woman | January 2020 27

community

National Pet Dental Month is February 10% Discount on Pet Dental Cleanings for the month of February!

A Full Service Veterinary Hospital Including: Surgery Preventative Care Bathing Boarding AAHA Accredited Fear Free Certified Class IV Therapeutic Laser Therapy

985-888-1566

70323 Highway 1077 Covington, LA Dr. Christie McHughes crosspointveterinaryhospital.com

This Is The Place WRITTEN BY JERRI BLAKE, NORTHSHORE HUMANE SOCIETY

This is the place that houses hundreds of animals looking for a home and may be just miles from your house.

This is the place that helps strays and helps the community in so many ways it’s hard to count.

This is the place that has been here for over sixtyfive years in the same building.

This is the place where the dog that had a home for ten years was found tied to our fence.

This is the place that adopted that dog out to a new family.

This is the place where you found your best friend.

This is the place that bottle-fed your service dog.

This is the place you rushed your cat to when you found him hurt in the road.

This is the place where your puppy lived before Santa delivered him.

This is the place that cries with or for you when it’s time to say goodbye This is the place you came to when you finally felt ready for another pet.

We heal the hurt, treat the sick and loved the unloved.

This is the place that was known as the dog pound.

We are so much more than that.

And this is the place that needs you now.

Donate. Foster. Adopt. Support No-Kill.

For more information, contact the Northshore Humane Society at 985-892-7387 or visit northshorehumane.org.

28 Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

gardening

January and February Are Ideal For Roses WRITTEN BY SNOANN WILLETT , ST. TAMMANY MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION

THE BEAUTY OF roses has captivated people almost as long as they have walked the Earth. While there are several species of the genus Rosa, it is believed that the earliest known cultivation of roses began in China some 5,000 years ago. Since then, there have been numerous types grown for not only medicinal or edible qualities, but also for scent, color and form.

Rose types developed from 1867 to today are considered modern roses: hybrid teas, polyanthas, floribundas, grandifloras, climbers, miniatures and shrubs. 1867 marks the first year the hybrid tea was introduced. Those types developed prior to 1867 are known as the old garden roses: china roses, tea roses (name given from the scent of crushed, not dried, leaves), noisette and bourbon. More types and varieties are being created all the time.

To choose the type that’s right for you, peruse online catalogs and visit local nurseries that typically begin stocking roses in late January. Some are sold as bare-root whereas others are sold in containers. Plant bare-root roses in January. Container grown roses can be transplanted from late January until early May. Roses prefer well-drained soil with six to eight hours of sun.

Roses that bloom once do so on last year’s growth and should not be pruned until after their heavy spring/summer blooming is finished. These are typically the ramblers, climbers and some old garden rose types. All others are the repeat-bloomer types and should be pruned in late January to mid-February. Cut these two to three feet from the ground. The goal is to remove dead wood, stimulate new growth, and control size and shape. For optimal growth direction, prune the remaining canes an inch or two above the bud that faces away from the interior of the plant.

January and February are generally ideal months for planting and pruning roses. Knowledge of what types you already have or plan to purchase will increase your success rate of having healthy plants and being a happier gardener.

To see a fantastic display of old garden roses, visit the Armstrong Park Rose Garden. A project of the New Orleans Old Garden Rose Society since 1992, in cooperation with the City of New Orleans Parks and Parkways Department. No public funds have ever been used to create or maintain the garden. This is one of the finest collections in the world of old roses for warm climates.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020 29

Cuisine

&

Cocktails

Healthy Quinoa Tabouli Salad Ingredients:

Directions:

1 cup quinoa, rinsed well

1.Bring quinoa, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1-1/4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer on medium-low heat. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes until quinoa is tender. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

C ner Cafe Berrytown

100 West Pine Street Ponchatoula, La 985-386-5575

Monday-Saturday | 7am – 2pm Sunday 8am - 12pm | Breakfast Only

berrytowncornercafe.com 30 Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil Freshly ground black pepper

2. Whisk lemon juice and garlic in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

1 large cucumber cut into 1/4�

3. Spread out quinoa on a large rimmed baking sheet and

pieces

let cool.

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

4. Transfer to a large bowl; mix in 1/4 cup lemon/garlic dressing. This can be prepared the day before. Cover remaining dressing and quinoa separately and chill.

2/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint 2 scallions, thinly sliced

5. Add cucumber, tomatoes, herbs, and scallions to bowl with quinoa and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

Drizzle remaining dressing.

cuisine & cocktails

The Lighter Side of Libations A NEW DECADE brings a healthy twist in cocktails. From fruits and veggies to herbs and counter cultures, make a fresh start from the heavy calories of the holiday season as you enjoy these guilt-free concoctions.

November 2019

The Fittest of the Sip

It's About Thyme

1 ounce citrus-flavored vodka 1½ ounces fresh-squeezed lime juice ½ ounce agave nectar 1 stalk of celery ¼ cup chopped cilantro 1 ounce seltzer water

¾ cup fresh grapefruit juice ½ ounce orange juice ¾ ounce lime juice 1 ounce vodka Thyme for garnish

In a mixing glass or pitcher, combine celery and cilantro and muddle together with vodka, lime juice and agave nectar. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a glass filled with ice. Top with selzter. Garnish with celery greens and cilantro.

Light thyme on fire and catch smoke in snifter glass. Add the grapefruit juice, orange juice, lime juice and vodka to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously until chilled. Strain into the smoked glass and garnish with charred thyme.

Kombucha Kicker

Let's Get Fizzical

1½ ounces agave tequila 1½ ounces triple sec 1½ ounces fresh lime juice 1½ ounces plain kombucha Honey to taste Sprig of rosemary

1 ounce apple vodka ½ ounce cinnamon whiskey ¼ cup warm water ½ packet of sugar substitute 5 ounces of champagne Apple slices for garnish

Combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice and honey in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 15 seconds. Add the kombucha and stir. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass over ice. Garnish with a slice of lime and a sprig of rosemary.

Mix packet of sugar substitute with warm water until dissolved. Combine apple vodka, cinnamon whiskey, sweet water and shake with ice. Pour into a glass and top off with chilled champagne. Garnish with an apple slice.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020 31

community

Mardi Gras Southshore on the

MONDAY | JANUARY 6 French Quarter Krewe of Joan of Arc - 7:00 p.m.

Société Des Champs Elysée - 7:30 p.m.

Uptown Phunny Phorty Phellows - 7:00 p.m.

Funky Uptown Krewe - follows SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 1 Marigny Chewbacchus 7:00 p.m.

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 7 Marigny Krewe Bohème - 7:00 p.m.

SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 8 French Quarter Krewe du Vieux - 6:30 p.m. krewedelusion - follows SUNDAY | FEBRUARY 9 New Orleans East Krewe of Nefertiti - 11:00 a.m.

Metairie Little Rascals - Noon Marigny ‘tit Rex - 4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 14 French Quarter Krewe of Cork - 3:00 p.m.

Uptown Oshu - 6:00 p.m.

Cleopatra - 6:30 p.m.

Alla - follows Metairie Excalibur - 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 15 Chalmette Nemesis - 11:00 a.m.

West Bank Adonis - 11:45 a.m.

Uptown Pontchartrain - Noon Choctaw - follows Freret - follows Sparta - 5:30 p.m.

Pygmalion - follows Metairie Madhatters - 5:00 p.m.

Krewe of Centurions - 6:00 p.m.

SUNDAY | FEBRUARY 16 French Quarter Krewe of Barkus - 2:00 p.m.

Uptown Femme Fatal - 11:00 a.m.

32 Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

Carrollton - follows King Arthur - follows Metairie Kings - 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 19 Uptown Druids - 6:15 p.m.

Nyx - 7:00 p.m.

THURSDAY | FEBRUARY 20 Uptown Babylon - 5:30 p.m.

Chaos - 5:45 p.m.

Muses - 6:00 p.m.

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 21 French Quarter Krewe of Bossom Buddies - 11:30 a.m.

Uptown Hermes - 5:30 p.m.

Krewe d’Etat - 6:30 p.m.

Morpheus - 7:00 p.m.

SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 22 West Bank NOMTOC - 10:45 a.m.

Uptown Iris - 11:00 a.m.

Tucks - Noon Mid-City Endymion - 4:15 p.m.

Kenner Isis - 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY | FEBRUARY 23 Uptown Okeanos - 10:00 a.m.

Mid-City - 11:00 a.m.

Thoth - 11:15 a.m.

Bacchus - 5:15 p.m.

Metairie Athena - 5:30 p.m.

Pandora - follows MONDAY | FEBRUARY 24 Uptown Proteus - 5:15 p.m.

Orpheus - 6:00 p.m.

FAT TUESDAY | FEBRUARY 25 Uptown Zulu - 8:00 a.m.

Rex - 10:00 a.m.

Elks Orleans follows Crescent City follows Metairie Argus - 10:00 a.m.

Elks Jefferson follows Krewe of Jefferson follows

Mardi Gras Northshore on the

SATURDAY | JANUARY 11 Covington Fools of Misrule - 6:00 p.m.

SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 8 Slidell Krewe of Bilge - Noon Krewe of Poseidon - 6:00 p.m.

SUNDAY | FEBRUARY 9 Slidell Krewe of Slidellians - 1:00 p.m.

Krewe of Perseus follows Krewe of Pearl River Lions Club - 1:00 p.m.

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 14 Mandeville Krewe of Eve - 7:00 p.m.

Hammond Krewe of Omega - 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 15 Slidell Krewe of Paws - 10:00 a.m.

Krewe of Titans - 6:30 p.m.

Madisonville Krewe of Tchefuncte - 1:00 p.m.

Covington Krewe of Olympia - 6:00 p.m.

SUNDAY | FEBRUARY 16 Slidell Krewe of Dionysus - 1:00 p.m.

Abita Springs Krewe of Push Mow - 1:00 p.m.

FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 21 Slidell Krewe of Selene - 6:30 p.m.

Mandeville Original Krewe of Orpheus - 7:00 p.m.

SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 22 Bush Krewe of Bush - 9:00 a.m.

SUNDAY | FEBRUARY 23 Franklinton Krewe of Tepe - 2 p.m.

FAT TUESDAY | FEBRUARY 25 Covington Covington Lions Parade - 10:00 a.m.

Krewe of Covington - follows Lacombe Krewe of Chahata - 1:00 p.m.

Folsom Krewe of Folsom - 1:30 p.m.

community

The Mardi Gras Man ARTHUR HARDY IS to Mardi Gras like red beans are to rice and fleur de lis are to the Saints. The ubiquitous Mardi Gras Guide can be found all over town during Carnival season. A fifth generation New Orleanian, Hardy has been featured in magazines, books, radio and TV, including the Today Show and National Geographic. With its concise parade routes and incredible krewe details —want to know what throws you’ll catch from Eve? — it’s no wonder Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide is now in its 44th year of print.

Hardy’s love of all things Carnival started when he was a five-year-old boy and attended parades in Mid-City. He recalls cutting out the newspaper photo of the king’s float the next day. His parents weren’t the biggest fans of Mardi Gras but Hardy was hooked from day one. His earliest participation was in the 1958 Thoth parade when he was at Beauregard Junior High and carried the American flag.

The intrigue grew from there. When he attended Warren Easton from 1963-1965, Hardy played trumpet in parades. He laughs that he got to participate in Carnival before he studied it.

Hardy graduated Loyola University in 1970, then taught in the public school system for three years. He then went on to become band director at Brother Martin High School. He was there for 16 years and was able to march with his band in many parades, leading to friendly relationships with Carnival captains. That came in handy when he decided to create the Guide. He saw a need for more detailed information about the parades; in 1977, the only way anyone knew which parades were rolling where and when was to buy the morning paper. Although he loved Mardi Gras, Hardy’s motivation to develop the Guide was strictly financial.

He viewed it as a means to supplement his teaching salary. But as he studied Carnival’s origins and history, he became more and more fascinated with its unique traditions. He found out everything he could about Mardi Gras and synthesized it into his annual publication. No detail is too obscure for this Carnival connoisseur; he collects Mardi Gras trivia like some people collect comic books. It’s what makes the Guide as essential as fried chicken and comfortable shoes during Carnival season. If you’ve ever wondered how krewes are formed, why riders throw beads or how Mardi Gras got started, his Mardi Gras Guide will fill you in.

The Guide got off to a rocky start. Some 5,000 copies were printed but only 1,500 were sold. But he persevered and in a few years it was making money. Hardy also inspired other publications to offer more in-depth Carnival coverage. Today, the Guide has sold more than three million copies and has reached collectible status.

Mardi Gras Guide keeps Hardy busy all year long, but when Carnival season ends and Ash Wednesday begins, he is relieved. But it also comes with a touch of sadness and an inevitable letdown. There’s always a wish for just one more parade.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020 33

community

Chef Pat Gallagher, Vince Vance, Saints Superfans Lead Covington Mardi Gras Parade 2020 FOOD, MUSIC AND FUN

– Covington’s Mardi Gras Celebration 2020 Parade and After-Party

captures it all, come Fat Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020!

Pat Gallagher, the Northshore’s famed chef, will be the Grand Marshal of Covington’s 2020 Lions Club Parade, while Vince Vance (of the Valiants) will serve as the parade’s Celebrity Grand Marshal! Joining Vince on his float will be the Saints Superfans.

Gallagher, Vance and the Superfans all coalesce to perfectly fulfill the overall theme of the parade: “I Can Seafood Clearly Now 2020!”

“This is a spectacular lineup to lead the parade,” said Larry Rolling, chairman of the Carnival in Covington Parade Committee. “We are humbled to have Pat, Vince and the Superfans participate and support our expanding, family-friendly Mardi Gras Day of fun,” added Rolling. “And, equally exciting, Vince Vance and the Valiants will supply the music at our Carnival in Covington Free-For-All After-Party.”

“We are delighted with the growth of Covington’s Mardi Gras celebration,” said Bill Woessner, Lions Club President. “2020 marks the 61st anniversary of the Lions parade, and we already know this year will be the biggest and best ever,” added Woessner.

Gallagher is a life-long St. Tammany restaurateur, known for Gallagher’s Grill in Covington and 527 Restaurant and Bar in Mandeville. He opened his first St. Tammany restaurant in Folsom in 1978 and has been going strong ever since.

Vance has been making music in, around and outside New Orleans for more than 40 years. He and the Valiants capture the magic of the city and its rich culture in their elaborate performances, including their super-hit, “All I Want for Christmas is You” and “I Am New Orleans.”

The Saints Superfans are the costumed die-hards that can be seen roaming the Dome during games.

Known for their intensity, devotion, effort and insanity, the Superfans will rock the parade and the afterparty at the Covington Trailhead.

Covington’s Mardi Gras Parade rolls through the city’s historic downtown at 10 a.m. on February 25, 2020, with the after-party starting at noon at The Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire Street.

The after-party lasts until 4 p.m. and will feature food, beverages, music, dancing, second-lines, activities for children, and much more.

For more information and to join or support the parade, contact Larry Rolling, 985-502-8586, or, Theo Mullen, 865-776-8612. Visit carnivalincovington.com and our Facebook page, @CarnivalinCovington for additional details.

34 Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

community

Mande Milkshakers Shake Up Mardi Gras WRITTEN BY JAN WINDHORST

EVEN THOUGH THEY’VE only been shakin’ since 2017, the Mande Milkshakers have become an instant classic and staple of Mardi Gras on both shores.

But the Northshore’s first marching group is about so much more than parading.

Milkshakers’ founder and Captain, Tina Rhinehart, says the original marching group evolved quickly into a women’s organization where members benefit from camaraderie and social events while giving back through community and fundraising events. “For years I watched other marching groups and wanted to create that here for myself, friends and family. On a whim in early 2017, some friends and I put together a dance, and it just resonated with us. I contacted Mardi Gras organizations thinking we’d be ready for 2018, but Dionysus wanted us immediately. In just a month, we chose our ‘50s-inspired housewife theme, ordered costumes, and our new group hit the lakefront to practice. From there it took on a life of its own.”

After three months, the group’s red and white polka dotted diner uniforms became synonymous with fun and frivolity as their Facebook following grew to over 3000. Rhinehart recognized early-on that the Milkshakers were meant for more and worked with her mother-in-law to create a non-profit with the pillars of fun, fitness, friendship, and philanthropy. “We wanted girl time, to get off the couch and dance again, and to use our notoriety to give back. We choose a different charity every two years and direct most of our resources to them. This year it’s Safe Harbor. We still contribute to past partners but find value in changing our focus to bring attention to multiple Northshore causes.”

The Milkshakers has grown to 65 women, but joining the family takes quite a commitment. Says Rhinehart, “There was fear of losing the family feel with growth. We didn’t want to be exclusive but did want the right fit for new members.”

Candidates commit to an eight-week practice schedule culminating in a final live audition. They also attend events to understand the time commitment and members’ roles. Says Rhinehart enthusiastically, “You have to put yourself out there – not only to spectators, but also to other members of the group. How we interact with each other is important.”

The Milkshakers’ January 11 King’s Day Parade along the Mandeville Lakefront kicks off 2020. A busy parade season is followed by event appearances including the Mandeville Family Reunion and Mande Independence Day, and the year rounds out with fundraisers such as their Sock Hop, Shoe Drive, and Polka Dots and Pearls Ball and Charity Auction.

One can hear the emotion in Rhinehart’s voice as she describes what the Mande Milkshakers means to members. “So many girls thank me for getting them excited and out of a rut. It gives them a whole new outlook because it’s fun and we’re doing something good for the community at the same time.”

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020 35

S O P H I S T I C AT E D

H A P P E N I N G S

community

Sophisticated Woman Pitches in with Habitat for Humanity STW Members of the Sophisticated Woman Magazine staff volunteered at the construction site of Jonay Brumfield's Habitat St. Tammany West home in Covington. From left to right: Angela Dutel, Jan Windhorst, Elise Apffel, Suzanne Lucido, Stephanie Norman, Lorie Hollis, and Emily Warder.

St. Pierre Accepts University of Maine Scholarship Northshore High proudly announces Aubrey St. Pierre's acceptance of a Div. 1 athletic scholarship to swim with the University of Maine in Orono. Front left to right: Gabrielle St. Pierre, Scott St. Pierre, Aubrey St. Pierre, Kendra St. Pierre, Sydney St. Pierre; Back left to right: Principal Frank Jabbia, Ross Hedrick, Sarah Herrington, Katie Starks, and Athletic Director Danny Davis.

Newly Opened Grace Funeral Home Hosts Business After Hours From left to right: Erica Moreau, Family Service Counselor, Grace Funeral Home; Nancy Todaro, Office Manager, Grace Funeral Home; Jessica Hester, Director of Operations, St. Tammany Chamber; Joe Eagan, General Manager, Grace Funeral Home; Hope Walley, Dir. of Events, St. Tammany Chamber; Mari Silva, Receptionist, Grace Funeral Home; and Vincent Williams, Grounds and Facilities Specialist, Grace Funeral Home.

Cleanse Med Spa Hosts Open House Cleanse Med Spa owner Dana Naccari invited clients and future clients to enjoy food, drink and service and product specials at their 2019 year-end open house. Guests were treated to product samples, hair and make-up demonstrations and beauty consultations. Pictured left to right: Raven Moore and Kristen Luchsinger.

Fontainebleau High Cheerleaders Win 2nd Place at Dixie Championship A 2nd place title in the UCA Dixie Championship regional competition in the small varsity coed division earned FHS a bid for the upcoming national competition. Front left to right: T. Rallis, C. Dufrene, K. Gagnon; Middle left to right: G. Farris, A. Battistella, K. Kieff, S. Miller, H. Martin, C. Holmes, K. Rousse, E. Heap, L. LoCicero; Back left to right: J. Howe, L. Schilling, S. Martinez, H. von Eberstein, C. Dalton, D. Brown, A. McGuire, H. Hunt and H. Owens.

Parker United Methodist Church, Ballantines Donate to Habitat STW Tom and Carol Ballantine presented United Methodist's $10,000 donation and made a personal matching donation to Habitat STW. From left to right: Habitat STW VP of Development Jennifer Messina, Tom Ballantine, Carol Ballantine, Habitat STW Board Chair Celia Palazzo, and Habitat STW President and CEO Jeff St. Romain.

36 Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

community

Asthma Allergy & Immunology 187 Greenbriar Boulevard, Suite A in Covington

James W. Christopher, MD, General Surgery 233 St. Ann Drive, Suite 3 in Mandeville

Covington Behavioral Health 201 Greenbriar Boulevard in Covington

Kangen Oasis Watering Hole of Mandeville 4700 Highway 22, Suite 21 in Mandeville

Red River Bank 70561 Higjway 21 in Covington

Rose' Beautique 200 Greenleaves Boulevard, Suite 12 in Mandeville

H A P P E N I N G S

Take 5 Oil Change 653 Highway 190 in Covington

S O P H I S T I C AT E D

Pleasure Pools Northshore 68470 Tammany Trace Drive in Mandeville

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020 37

community

J A N U A R Y C A L EN DA R 1-31 Christwood Atrium Gallery Exhibit.

Opening reception - January 11, 4:30–6:30 pm, Free, Christwood Retirement Community, 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington, 985-590-8816, johnmaginnis2@gmail.com.

9 St. Tammany Chamber B2B Networking. 8–9 am, Free for members, Chamber Board Room, 610 Hollycrest Blvd., Covington, Registration required, 985-892-3216, sttammanychamber.org.

Bridal Show at Fleur De Lis Event Center. 7–9:30 pm, Brides and Grooms-Free, Guests-$10, Fleur De Lis Event Center, 1645 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985-626-9118, fleurdeliseventcenter.com/bridal-show-2-2.

10 Northlake Newcomers Club January Game Day. 10 am, $16, Beau Chene Country Club, 602 N. Beau Chene Drive, Mandeville, Reservations required, northlakenewcomers.com.

LPO Presents Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, Eroica.

Pre-concert talk with Conductor - 6:30 pm, Concert - 7:30 pm, Adults $20-$55, Students $10, First Baptist Church, 16333 Hwy. 1085, Covington, 504-523-6530, lpomusic.com.

10-12, 17-19, 24-26 9 to 5, The Musical. 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 2 pm Sundays, $27.50-$35, Cutting Edge Theater, 767 Robert Blvd., Sidell, 985-649-3727, cuttingedgetheater.com.

Blithe Spirit. 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 2 pm Sundays, $10-$18, Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr., Slidell, 985-643-0556, slidelllittletheatre.org.

11 Melt Method Introductory Workshop. 1–4 pm, $40, Women's Center for Healing and Transformation, 71667 Leveson St., Abita Springs, 985-892-1111, Reservations required, womenscenterforhealing.org.

St. John Fools of Misrule Twelfth Night March. 6 pm, Free, Historic St. John District, Downtown Covington, Starts at Seiler Bar/Columbia Street Tap Room and Grill, 434 N. Columbia St., and ends at the Covington Trailhead, 504-615-9655, foolsofmisrule.com.

11-12, 17-19, 24-26 Of Mice and Men. 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 pm Sundays, $17-$29, 30 by Ninety Theatre, 880 Lafayette St., Mandeville, 844-843-3090, 30byNinety.com.

14 City of Mandeville Mayoral Forum Luncheon.

11:30 am–1 pm, $35 Chamber members, $45 Non-members, $430 reserved table for 8, Benedict's Plantation, 1144 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985-892-3216, sttammanychamber.org.

38 Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

Standing Events EVERY 2ND & 4TH MONDAY SOS Survivors of Suicide Support Group. 6:30–8 pm, First Baptist Church, 1895 Highway 190, Mandeville, 985-237-5506, stops-la.com.

EVERY LAST MONDAY St. Tammany Democrats—DPEC, 6:45–8:30 pm, 21490 Koop Dr., Mandeville.

EVERY TUESDAY, THURSDAY & SATURDAY Northshore Table Tennis Club, 6:30–9:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30–8:30 pm on Saturdays, 22519 Highway 36, Abita Springs.

EVERY WEDNESDAY Covington Farmers Market. 10 am–2 pm, Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St., covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

EVERY 3RD TUESDAY LIFE Lab Lecture Series, presented by Avanti Senior Living. 6 pm, free, 2234 Watercross Parkway, Covington, avanti-sl.com/events.

EVERY 1ST THURSDAY Mandeville Republican Women's Club, 11:30 am, Beau Chene Country Club, 602 N. Beau Chene Dr., Mandeville, 504-782-2920.

EVERY 3RD THURSDAY Women of Infinite Possibilities. 10 am–noon, St. Anthony’s Gardens, 601 Holy Trinity Dr., Covington, 985-867-5234, womenofwip.org.

EVERY THURSDAY & SATURDAY Lafitte Street Market. 4–8 pm on Thursdays; 9 am–1 pm on Saturdays, 698 Lafitte St., Mandeville.

EVERY FRIDAY “Legacies for All” Estate Planning. 9 am–3 p.m. $500 per basic estate plan that includes a will, power of attorney and living will, Christie Tournet & Associates, 1795 W. Causeway Approach, Suite 103A, Mandeville, 985-951-2177.

Free Wine Tastings at Martin Wine Cellar.

4:30–6:30 pm 2895 Highway 190, Mandeville, 985- 951-8081.

EVERY SATURDAY Covington Farmers Market. 8 am–noon, 609 N. Columbia St. on side lawn of the Covington Police Department, covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

Hammond Farmers Market. 8 am–noon, corner of W. Thomas St. and S.W. Railroad Ave., downtown Hammond, 985-277-5680, dddhammond.com.

Camellia City Market. 8 am–noon., 1808 Front St., Slidell, 985-640-7112, camelliacitymarket.org.

Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. 9 am–1 pm, Mandeville Trailhead Cultural Interpretive Center, 985-624-3147, mandevilletrailheadmarket.com.

Pearl River’s Honey Island Art and Farmers Market. 10 am–2 pm, 64378 Highway 41, Pearl River, 985-807-4447.

Covington Brewhouse Tours.

11:30 am and 12:30 pm, free, 226 E. Lockwood St., Covington.

EVERY SUNDAY Abita Springs Art & Farmers Market. Noon–4 pm, Abita Trailhead, 985-892-0711 ext. 7, market@abitaspringsla.gov.

community 17-19, 24-26 You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 2 pm Sundays, $15-$30, Playmakers, Inc. Community Theater, 19106 Playmakers Rd., Covington, 985-893-1671, playmakersinc.com.

18 Northshore Cajun Dance. Dance lessons 7–7:30 pm, Live music 8–10:30 pm, $11 non-members, $9 members, Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St., Abita Springs, 504-583-8603, northshorecajundancers.com.

18-19 HERPS Exotic Reptile and Pet Show. 10 am–5 pm Saturday, 10 am–4 pm Sunday, 1-Day Pass: Adult $10, Kids 5-12 $5; 2-Days: Adult $15, Kids 5-12 $8; Kids 4 and under Free, Northshore Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, herpshow.net/slidell.

19 History on the Bayou at Bayou Lacombe Museum.

2–3 pm, $3 for ages 18-64, $2 for 65+, $1 age 6-17, Free for age 5 & under, Bayou Lacombe Museum, 61115 St. Mary St., Lacombe, 985-788-1403, bayoulacombemuseum.com.

Sadie Jane Bridal Show. 10–3 pm, Free for brides and grooms, $10 for guests, The Sadie Jane Event Center, 405 Country Club Blvd., Slidell, 985-643-6892, thesadiejane.com.

20 Leadership Northshore Class of 2020 Project Presentations. 6 pm, Free, Slidell Memorial Hospital Cancer Pavillion, 1150 Robert Blvd., Slidell, 504-913-3359.

24 LPO Chamber Concert at OLL Slidell. 7:30 pm, $25-$37, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 400 Westchester Blvd., Slidell, 504-523-6530, lpomusic.com.

24-26 Jazz in January at Christ Episcopal Church.

Friday and Saturday evening concerts - 7 pm, Sunday Jazz Mass - 9 and 11:30 am, Evening concerts $40-$50, Jazz Mass - Free, Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington, 985-892-3177, christchurchcovington.com.

25 Cards4Kids Presented by Grant's Gift Foundation.

7–11 pm, $75, Tchefuncta Country Club, 2 Country Club Place, Covington, 985-778-1797,grantsgiftfoundation.org.

Big Deal Burlesque at Wharton's Green Room.

10–11:30 pm, $8, Ages 18+ only, Wharton's Green Room, 521 E. Boston St., Covington, 985-249-6424, facebook.com/BIGDEALBURLESQUE/.

Mardi Gras Masquerade Mask Making Workshop.

12–4 pm, $50 for STAA members, $60 for non-members, St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington, 985-892-8650, sttammany.art.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2020 39

40 Sophisticated Woman | January 2020

feature column

HOME STAGING FOR PREMIUM RESULTS

Organized Impressions is an Award-Winning, Certified & Insured full-service home staging design firm specializing in marketing the interior of a property for sale.

Holiday Organizing for the New Year WRITTEN BY AIMEE FLOWERS, HOME BEAUTIFUL SOLUTIONS

WITH THE START of the New Year, you may be thinking about getting more organized. Putting away all of those ornaments can be an unpleasant task, but

As a boutique lifestyle staging firm we are catering to home sellers on the Northshore looking for a competitive marketing edge when selling real estate.

ORGANIZEDIMPRESSIONS.COM

504-421-2569

staying organized for the New Year doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are a few tips on getting started.

Start by deciding what you want to keep, donate or throw away. Use different color post-it notes for a quick visual aid.

• Keep holiday items together in storage totes or use holiday-themed boxes to store ornaments. Place the boxes under the tree as decorations and then use them for quick storage.

• If you have space, store your holiday decorations in the room where you use them. For example, keep holiday soap, hand towels and accessories­ in a storage box under the bathroom sink or in an adjoining bedroom closet. This will make placement much quicker when decorating for the following year.

• Leftover wrapping paper? Slip a curtain hook through a binder ring and hang the hook on the closet rod.

• Breakable ornaments? Place them in egg cartons or plastic cups lined with tissue paper or paper towels.

• Tired of spending time untangling lights?

Place two adhesive hooks on a garage wall and wind them neatly around the hooks. You can also place them in the back of a closet the same way. The hooks won’t cause damage and can be repurposed for other items too.

Aimee Flowers is the owner of Home Beautiful Solutions, a full-service junk removal and professional organizing company serving the Northshore and the Greater New Orleans area. For more information, call 985-788-3665 or visit homebeautifulsolutions.com.

Sophisticated Homes | January 2020 41

Find YOUR NICHE

at Niche Modern Home

sofas • chairs • dining • gifts • candles • louisiana inspired • lighting • rugs • local artwork • side tables • prints • pillows • mirrors • picture frames

Located in The Market at Chenier next to Greenleaves Subdivision.

1901 Hwy 190, Suite 3, Mandeville • 985-624-4045 Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am-6pm

www.nichemodernhome.com

Shading Places Custom Draperies | Plantation Shutters Blinds | Shades | Bedding 20 Years of Experience Free In-home Design Services

Jennifer Pacione 985-373-4134 | jennpacione@icloud.com 42 Sophisticated Homes | January 2020

44 Sophisticated Woman | January 2020