Enterprising Woman Dr. Pamela Egan Egan Wellness & Med Spa
Northshore Veterinarians Home Feature
The Exquisite Luxury of Villa Bella
Our Fashion Picks
Rush Into Sorority Life
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SophisticatedWoman.com
Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
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Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
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W The Northshore’s Best
Enterprising Woman Dr. Pamela Egan...................................................... 22 Northshore Veterinarians
Pet Talk....................................................................... 7 Home Feature
The Exquisite Luxury of Villa Bella........................ 18 Our Fashion Picks
Rush Into Sorority Life............................................ 26
AUGUST2018 ENTERPRISING WOMAN
HEALTH
Dr. Pamela Egan, Egan Wellness & Med Spa
Dr. Charles Schof
Your Partners in Optimum Health.......................... 22
NORTHSHORE VETERINARIANS
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On the Cover:
Pet Talk....................................................................... 7 Veterinarian Profiles Dr. Janice Posey......................................................... 8 Dr. Christie McHughes.............................................. 9 Pets with Personality Contest Winners.................. 10
Dental Implants: Worth It, At Any Age................... 17 Keeping Kids Focused
Healthy Summertime Snacks................................. 34
FOOD & ENTERTAINING Foodies and Friends
On the Absence of Sidewalks................................ 24 Lime, Tequila and Garlic Shrimp............................. 25 Tasty and Tropical Rum Quenchers....................... 35
Jeff Dorson, Humane Society of Louisiana
22
Take Action When You Spot Animal Abuse.......... 13
BUSINESS
Art for Cat's Sake
Chris Herting
Purr-fect Celebration of Art..................................... 15
Cyberbullying: How To Outsmart Our Kids
BEAUTY, FASHION & LIFESTYLE
HOME & GARDEN
Behind the Scenes
Our Enterprising Woman Cover Shoot................... 5 Our Fashion Picks
Rush Into Sorority Life............................................. 26
When It Comes To Social Media............................ 33
Home Feature
The Exquisite Luxury of Villa Bella......................... 18 Gardening
Bringing Vacation Home......................................... 31
Kid's Fashion
Back-to-School Fashion Finds................................ 32 Encouraging Students
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Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
Construction............................................................. 33
COMMUNITY Editor’s Note............................................................. 6 Ballet Apetrei Celebrates Anniversary................ 36 Kids Being Kids....................................................... 37
LEGAL
Notes and Noteables............................................. 38
Doug Sunseri
August Calendar..................................................... 40
Estate Planning for Blended Families.................... 16
Ribbon Cuttings...................................................... 42
Sophisticated Woman Magazine
Behind the Scenes Enterprising Woman Dr. Pamela Egan We met up with our Enterprising Woman Pamela
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Egan at Air Salon and Blow Dry Bar in Covington. She prepared for her cover photo shoot by having her hair done by Danielle Todd and makeup applied by Ashley Yacovone. While getting
Associate Publisher Laura Tobin
pampered, we asked Pam some questions so we
Editor Chelsea Adams
could get to know her a little better.
Sales Manager Lorie Hollis Art Director Pam Hendrix
SW: What book are you currently reading?
Graphic Artist Elise Apffel
PE: Healing the Self by Dr. Rudolph Tanzi
Account Executives Sharon Bilbe, Suzanne Lucido Contributing Writers Chelsea Adams, Joy Feldman,
SW: What does your ideal day off look like?
Ellis V. Lucia, Lisa Ribbeck Lyons, Casey Perrin
PE: Going to our beach house in Long Beach, Mississippi.
Robert, Mary Speed and Jill Willie Contributing Photographers Timothy Dunford,
SW: Where would you go on your dream vacation?
Cameron Payne, Michelle Preau and Steve Randon
PE: Italy
Fashion Editor Sharon Bilbe SW: Are you a dog or cat person?
Production Gallinghouse Marketing + Creative
PE: Dog. We have two dogs, and my kids are always bringing their dogs when they visit. G & A Publishing 409 W. 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 Phone: 985-893-7350, Fax: 985-893-7686 e-mail: editor@sophisticatedwoman.com www.SophisticatedWoman.com ©2018. G & A Publishing, Inc. 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 $15 for handling.
DISTRIBUTION—Your advertisement reaches approximately 75,000*
Contributors Joy Feldman, NC, JD, is the author of two books on the essential principle of “you are what you eat.” Joy writes a column on children’s health issues and blogs for Sophisticated Woman.
Lisa Ribbeck Lyons’ knowledge of the garden and all things “nature” was acquired slowly at the side of her mom, Anna Ribbeck, a Louisiana Master Gardener. She loves to share what she knows with our readers each month.
Distribution is guaranteed by direct mail plus supplemental pick-up locations. Our upscale mailing list includes
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Cover Photography: Steve Randon Photography, SteveRandon.com Hair and Makeup: Danielle Todd and Ashley Yacovone, Air Salon and Blow Dry Bar, 125 N. Theard St., Covington, 985-888-0979
Casey Perrin Robert holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design from LSU and has been a practicing designer for over 10 years. She owns Chaleureux, a custom home décor boutique in Ponchatoula.
Cameron Payne is a portrait and event photographer based in Abita Springs. Her job allows her to create beautiful images and meet some of the sweetest people and learn their stories.
*Figures based on 2.5 readers per issue. Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
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editor’s note
WOW! WHAT A RESPONSE AS WE WERE planning our Pets with Personality contest a few weeks ago, we never imagined the response we’d receive. Our goal was 20 entries, or about five per category. Needless to say, we were stunned with the response. We received 85 total entries via Facebook! You can see each category winner and read a little about them on page 10. Take my word for it — you must see the picture of Gracy the cat to believe it! I’ve really enjoyed seeing all the pictures of dogs, cats and even Orville the pig, who got my personal vote. It just goes to show how much people love their pets and enjoy showing them off to others. Animal lovers here on the Northshore are lucky. We have a wealth of compassionate veterinarians to care for our pets. In fact, when my family moved to Mandeville a few years ago, I was quite surprised at the number of vets practicing in the area. It seems like there’s a veterinarian's office on every street corner. But if you’re a pet owner, an abundance of talented vets is certainly a blessing. We’ve highlighted many of those vets in the next few pages. You can learn about the specialized veterinary services available here on the Northshore. Maybe you’ll even see your pets’ doctor! We also want to thank the vets who provided $500 customized gift baskets for each of our Pets with Personality category winners: Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital, Little Creek Animal Hospital, Mandeville Animal Hospital and VetNaturally. We appreciate your generosity, and we know our winners’ families do, too. Be sure to start snapping photos now for our 2019 Pets with Personality contest. We’ll start accepting entries in June, so please go like our Facebook page where we’ll post updates for entries and voting.
W The Northshore’s Best
NORTHSHORE VETERINARIANS If you’re a pet owner, a good veterinarian is key to your four-legged friend’s health and happiness. The Northshore is home to many general veterinarians and specialists who provide state-of-the-art care for your pets. Learn about some of the area’s providers in Sophisticated Woman’s Northshore Veterinarians section. Also in this issue, meet the winners of our first "Pets With Personality" contest. With four categories and dozens of entries, our furry friends showcased their talents and style!
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Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
: K L A T T PE
with our Northshore
Veterinarians
What can I do to address my pet’s bad breath? Proper dental care is very important for your pet’s overall health because it improves the quality and extends our pets’ lives. I recommend oral exams at least twice a year and an annual professional dental cleaning including dental X-rays to identify infection and bone loss below the gums. Your pet’s discomfort may not be obvious, but dental pain is real and can damage your pet’s organs. Understandably, pet owners are concerned about their pets undergoing anesthesia for their dental cleaning, but the procedure is safe and mandatory for a proper cleaning. Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s dental health plan, and he will thank you for fresh breath and more!
Liza Ledet, DVM Mandeville Animal Hospital 419 Girod St., Mandeville 985-377-0800 • mandevilleah.com
My pet isn’t sick. Does he need acupuncture? Yes, all animals and people can benefit from acupuncture. Acupuncture can be used to treat illness, but a better way to use it is to prevent illness. Acupuncture promotes balance in the body, and in a balanced body disease does not exist. Ashley Geoghegan, DVM, DVA, CVFT VetNaturally by Dr. G 985-718-9991 • VetNaturally.com
What is one of the deadliest plant toxicities that you see? Sago palms are a popular landscaping plant in Louisiana, but are very deadly to animals. All parts of the plant are highly toxic. Symptoms can begin within 15 minutes of ingestion, which can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and lethargy with eventual progression to neurologic signs and liver failure. Even with aggressive treatment, the survival rate is only about 50 percent. If you have pets and have sago palms in your yard, it’s best to have them removed. If your pet is exposed to sago palm, get them to your veterinarian right away. Early treatment could save their life. Dr. Kelli Urbina Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital 70323 Highway 1077, Covington 985-888-1566 • crosspointveterinaryhospital.com
What should I do after adopting a new pet? First, give them a lot of love and attention. After a couple of days, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a meet and greet. (You may wish to bring a stool sample for a parasite check). While there, schedule a routine immunization visit for another date. At home begin by handling your pet. Massage their feet and be sure to get between their toes. Check and clean ears weekly. This is especially important for floppy ears. Don’t forget their mouth. Start by rubbing your finger along their gum line and continue to use a fingertip toothbrush designed for pets daily. Shannon Comeaux-Brown, DVM Little Creek Veterinary Hospital 22053 E. Koop Drive, Mandeville 985-237-1333 • littlecreekvethospital.com
What type of conditions are helped with acupuncture and herbal formulas? Besides pain and arthritis, many diseases and conditions can be managed including neurologic diseases (disc disease and weakness, Wobbler's, laryngeal paralysis, seizures), allergies, behavioral, gastrointestinal (megacolon, megaesophagus), chronic respiratory (asthma, collapsing trachea), geriatric issues (cognitive, incontinence, kidney) and even some cancers, lengthening lives with a feeling of well-being. Janice E. Posey, DVM, CVA Veterinary Holistic Healing 320 E. Lockwood St., Covington 985-898-3623 • vetholistichealing.com
The contents of Pet Talk are for informational purposes only. Always seek advice from your veterinarian regarding medicalSophisticated conditions ofWoman your pet. | August 2018
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northshore veterinarians
Janice Posey, DVM, CVA Veterinarian and Acupuncturist VETERINARY HOLISTIC HEALING
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• DVM - LSU School of Veterinary Medicine • Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist - International Veterinary Acupuncture Society • Chinese Herbal Medicine and Food Therapy - Chi Institute WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A VET? I've always loved and been drawn to helping animals since childhood. I have been a caretaker to mice, fish, hamsters, cats, dogs and a horse. It was definitely my dream job. WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO CARE? My focus is on natural, supportive methods to prevent and treat disease. I sought out natural medicine methods because I became disillusioned with the Western medicine approach of using multiple drugs to treat individual symptoms instead of looking at the whole animal. WHAT SERVICES DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN? I offer classical acupuncture, trigger point therapy, Chinese herbal medicine, Tuina massage and food therapy in which I recommend specific foods to keep animals balanced or treat conditions. I formulate balanced recipes if owners choose to cook for their pet(s). I also do basic diagnostics, bloodwork, core vaccines tailored to each pet's lifestyle, as well as titers to determine protection from major pathogens. HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE HELP PETS? Acupuncture creates balance and health by restoring energy flow in the body and working closely with the nervous system to release neurotransmitters that decrease pain and inflammation and promote well-being.
"I strive to help animals live long, healthy, balanced and pain-free lives by supporting and nourishing them through the use of whole foods and supplements, herbal formulas and the ancient art of acupuncture." - Dr. Janice Posey SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 8
Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
WHAT IS UNIQUE TO YOUR BUSINESS? We provide a quiet, relaxing atmosphere using diffused essential oils, soothing music and species-specific pheromones as well as comfortable mats. Pets think they are visiting friends instead of going to the vet!
Veterinary Holistic Healing 320 East Lockwood St. | Covington, LA | 985-898-3623 vetholistichealing.com
northshore veterinarians
Christie McHughes,DVM Veterinarian CROSSPOINT VETERINARY HOSPITAL • DVM - LSU Veterinary School • BA, Zoology Southeastern Louisiana University • Fear-Free™ Certified
DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BECOME A VET? Growing up on a farm and always being an animal caretaker, I have always known that I had a passion to become a veterinarian. I did at some point think about how fun it would be to ride and train killer whales. However, I am not very fond of water. WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO CARE? Our goal is to nurture the human-animal bond through progressive, thorough and thoughtful medical care for our patients and education for our clients. We strive to work within client constraints and focus on providing exceptional, empathetic customer service. We empower each other with trust and respect in an open, fun and family-oriented environment. WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART? We follow guidelines set forth by the American Animal Hospital Association. We are among only 12 percent of veterinary hospitals in the United States and Canada who do so. It means your pet is receiving care that has passed the highest standards in veterinary care. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE FEAR-FREE CERTIFIED? Fear Free has become one of the single most transformative initiatives in the history of companion animal practice, providing unparalleled education on emotional well-being, enrichment and the reduction of fear, anxiety and stress in pets.
"Our goal is to educate our clients about exceptional pet care and public health while promoting healthy pets and happy clients. We strive to offer the most reasonable, comprehensive veterinary care available." - Dr. Christie McHughes SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
DO YOU HAVE PETS AT HOME? We live on a farm so we have plenty of animals. We raise Simmental and Angus cattle. We have quarter horses and a donkey. We also have 13 chickens and seven Nigerian dwarf goats as well as three cats and three dogs.
Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital 70323 Highway 1077 | Covington, LA | 985-888-1566 crosspointveterinaryhospital.com Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
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PETS WITH PERSONALITY
CONTEST WINNERS We asked our readers to submit photos of their pets for the 2018 contest and the response was overwhelming! Our Facebook fans voted for their favorite in each of the four categories.
Congratulations to our winners!
Laziest
TURBO
Best Dressed
ROCKY
Turbo is a beautiful black labrador who started her life in training to be a hunting retriever. However, her trainer said she didn’t have the heart for it. She came to live with us in her fur-ever home. She’s our girl and has a heart full of love, loves to play catch, cuddle and go everywhere we go.
Rocky is a 6½ year old lovable Bernese Mountain dog. He is a giant teddy bear! He was a Christmas present for our youngest son. He comes from a household with two other well dressed siblings. Rocky's favorite thing to do is play with his pup friends at Camp Bow Wow.
Kathy Lowery
Scarlett Dalton
Face only a Mother could Love
ALLIE
Most Talented
GRACY
Allie was surrendered to the Northshore Humane Society by her previous owner for being “too old.” She was then adopted by her current family, who have a deep love for senior rescue animals. She was recently diagnosed with cancer, so each day they have left with her is a gift.
Gracy found her way into our hearts a year ago. She was only a kitten when found in the middle of the road in the wee hours of the morning. Gracy is an extremely smart cat and self taught. We noticed her observing the toilet, and before we knew it, she was using it herself.
Ashleigh D’Addezio
The Hunt Family
10 Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
TM
“When you know better, you do better.”
“Dr. G is amazing! Chinese herbs and acupunture really work. Bubba has a new lease on life since he started his treatment. He was completely paralyzed and within a couple of months, he’s running like a puppy again!” ~ Deb Rollo
Ashley C. Geoghegan, DVM, CVA, CVFT 985-718-9991 | vetnaturally.com join #teamvetnaturally
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Compassionate Care in the Heart of Old Mandeville L o re m
Little Hospital. Big Heart.
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veterinarians
PETS WITH PERSONALITY
Thank You!
Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital Little Creek Veterinary Hospital Mandeville Animal Hospital VetNaturally
who sponsored our
Pets with Personality Contest and provided each winner with a $500 customized gift basket.
I grew up on a farm raising quarter horses, participating in rodeos, showing Texas Longhorns in livestock shows and even raising draft horses and bison. We hooked the draft horses and mules to wagons and went on trail rides. I loved the animals. My mom always said I would rather sleep in the barn with my cows and horses. I worked as a veterinary Christie McHughes, DVM assistant during high school, so becoming a veterinarian was a no-brainer. After receiving my doctorate in 2004, I practiced at a few veterinary clinics on the Northshore. Something was missing though — practice management. “That’s not the way I would handle that situation” was always my complaint. Ingrained in my brain is “do everything as you would do unto the Lord.” If it’s not your best, then it’s not acceptable. In September 2015, Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital was born. With a staff of 13 and associate veterinarian, Dr. Kelli Urbina, we end our staff meetings with “do your absolute best and you will sleep easy at night.” Crosspoint does not take your pets’ well being lightly. Between this hospital, the pet owner and the pet, we strive for the absolute best care possible. We have excelled at our practice. We have been AAHA accredited, Fear-Free certified and have added to our continuing education and hospital equipment to make Crosspoint the best veterinary hospital in the area. Crosspoint Veterinary Hospital is located at 70323 Highway 1077 in Covington. For more information, please call 985-888-1566 or visit crosspointveterinaryhospital.com.
As a child, I would sneak my dog into my family’s home, despite my father insisting that animals stay outside. Helping animals is what I have always wanted to do, which led me to a career in veterinary medicine. After 17 years practicing on the Northshore, I opened my own practice, Little Creek Veterinary Hospital, in Mandeville. From routine care to complex surgeries, our focus is on Shannon Comeaux-Brown, DVM improving patient outcomes. In-house diagnostic tools not only allow for expedited treatment, but also alleviate unnecessary worry for clients who are waiting for results. Laser therapy modalities are available to reduce pain and speed healing in patients suffering from musculoskeletal conditions as well as to aid in post-operative healing of incisions and skin trauma. And our state-of-the-art surgery room features a fully-heated surgery table along with constant monitoring of blood pressure, body temperature and other vitals. New technologies, tools and techniques certainly make my job easier, but the real advantage is to the safety and health of my patients. Whether it be stimulating the healing process, identifying a pre-existing condition or decreasing sedation time, the goal is to improve my patients' care. It may have been my destiny to become a veterinarian, but it is my good fortune to have a loving husband who supports me. Jim handles human resources and marketing efforts at Little Creek, so that I can continue to do what I was meant to do.” Little Creek Veterinary Hospital is located at 22053 E. Koop Drive in Mandeville. For more information, please call 985-237-1333 or visit littlecreekvethospital.com. 12 Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
veterinarians
Northshore residents are extremely passionate about their pets. From our location on Girod Street in Old Mandeville, I often see people walking their dogs to and from our beautiful lakefront. It's clear to me that pet owners strive to keep not only themselves, but their pets at the peak of health. After graduating from LSU's School of Veterinary Medicine, Liza Ledet, DVM Mandeville was the obvious choice for my practice. I have continually grown my practice here, supported by clients who value my expertise and thorough approach to care. Mandeville Animal Hospital offers state-of-the-art care in a comfortable setting. Digital radiographs, in-house lab work, routine surgeries, dental cleaning, grooming and boarding with evening walks are just a few of our services. My goal at Mandeville Animal Hospital is to treat pets during the course of their life – not just when they are sick. I involve clients in the overall care of their pets, taking into account special needs and goals for their health. I know that every pet is different. Even dogs of the same breed require a different approach to care. That's why I treat each animal as an individual. Doing so allows me to recommend appropriate treatment to the owner with the ultimate goal of reducing the number of medications. I'd love for you to stop by and discover why my practice is consistently voted "The Northshore's Best General Veterinarian" Mandeville Animal Hospital is located at 419 Girod Street in Mandeville. For more information, please call 985-377-0800 or visit mandevilleah.com.
TM
“Jake is old, he doesn’t move much.” “Petey can’t jump in our car like he used to.” “Sam is just old. He’s not interested in playing with toys” I am so passionate about what I do that these statements are physically painful to hear. Since when does “old “ mean your senior pet doesn’t get to have a joyful, vibrant Ashley C. Geoghegan, DVM, CVA, CVFT life? Your senior dog should run around like a puppy! He should gobble up his breakfast, dinner and all of his snacks! He should walk, run and sit without pain and without drugs! This is what we do at VetNaturally. I am an integrative medicine practitioner. I have been to both Western and Eastern veterinary medical schools. True integrative medicine is the combination of Western (conventional) and Eastern (holistic) to give your pet the most wonderful life possible. Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine has incorporated acupuncture, herbs, tui-na and food therapy for 3,500 years. The basic premise to Eastern medicine and acupuncture is that a balanced body is free of disease. By placing needles into acupoints, changes occur within your pet. The needle will stimulate nerve bundles and triggers inflammatory cells, blood vessels and endorphins to respond. Most pets completely relax under needles and enjoy the experience. If you have a pet with arthritis or any chronic condition, come see what we can do for your fur baby. We work with your regular veterinarian to form an integrative team approach and help your pet thrive. For more information, visit vetnaturally.com or join us on Facebook and Instagram.
Take Action When You Spot Animal Abuse WRITTEN BY JEFF DORSON, HUMANE SOCIETY OF LOUISIANA
ONE OF THE primary functions of our humane society is to help both concerned citizens and law enforcement agencies properly identify animal abuse and take steps to address it. We've helped draft and pass more than a dozen laws at the state level that help to define and expand anti-cruelty laws. We are often asked to explain what constitutes cruelty. Each case is obviously different, but generally, all animals must be provided with adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care. If you see an animal that obviously belongs to someone and it looks in poor condition, we advise concerned individuals to discreetly take one or more photos from different angles, either from a public vantage point or from a place you have permission to be. Document the time, date and location of the animal(s). Next, determine which agency has jurisdiction. You may have to call your local animal control agency, the police or sheriff's department. Remember, not all Louisiana parishes have government-funded animal control departments. In fact, only 33 out of 64 parishes have animal control services. When you report the information, write down to whom you spoke for future reference, and ask that they send an investigator to follow up on your tip and call you back with their findings. If you feel further investigation is warranted or the situation has not been adequately resolved, please contact our agency by filling out a complaint form on our website, humanela.org. Our humane society also provides cruelty investigation and prevention training workshops for humane organizations and law enforcement agencies. We also supply resources and guidance to more than a dozen police and sheriff's departments on a regular basis. Sophisticated Woman | August 2018 13
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veterinarians
COMING SOON! 2130 Monroe Street in Old Mandeville 985-773-2866 | Like us on Facebook
Paige Massey, DVM Alissa Whitney, DMV
A Purr-fect Celebration of Art WRITTEN BY CHELSEA ADAMS
Shop for art, laugh at funny cat videos and support research of feline diseases at the Covington Cat Art and Film Festival planned for Aug. 25 at Fuhrmann Auditorium. Proceeds go to Art for Cat’s Sake, a nonprofit that supports efforts to find cures for feline disease. The festival is the brainchild of Dr. Karen Miller Becnel, a semi-retired veterinarian, and her husband Tim. After receiving an overwhelming response selling cat-inspired art at American Association of Feline Practitioners conventions, the couple expanded upon the idea locally. Starting in 2015, the festival was held on the Southshore where Becnel owned the Cat Hospital of Metairie for many years. This is the first year the event will be held on the Northshore where the couple lives and works . “Covington is an art town so we thought we’d give it a try and see how well it is embraced,” she said. Feline-related works of art by some 30 artists will be displayed. Along with art, cat-related jewelry, gifts, office supplies, decor and novelty items will be available for purchase. Educational workshops will be held on topics like litter-box issues, feline CPR and keeping your furniture safe without declawing your cat. Highlighting the festival will be humorous cat videos shown in the auditorium. Three rescue groups will be on-hand with cats for adoption. Proceeds benefit the Winn Foundation or Morris Animal Foundation which Becnel says conduct research for feline diseases. “As a vet with 47 years of practice, I realized that we do not have resolutions for some of the same diseases we were treating when I first started practicing,” Becnel said. For more information or to buy tickets, visit artforcatssake.org or the group’s Facebook page.
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legal
Estate Planning for Blended Families WRITTEN BY DOUG SUNSERI
UNFORTUNATELY, DIVORCE IS a common occurrence in the 21st century. Tragically, 50-to60 percent of all marriages end in divorce. Many divorced parents subsequently remarry or enter other long-term relationships and form “blended“ families. One of the most difficult issues faced by couples with blended families is determining how assets should pass at their deaths. Often, there are financial disparities between the parents in a blended family. As a result, there are difficult questions as to how to treat “my kids, your kids and/or our kids” upon death. Are the children from different unions to be treated equally or in accordance with the financial disparities at the time of remarriage? How do you equalize or re-allocate assets to the children upon death? These questions are addressed through preparing a detailed last will and testament. The parents must decide the following in connection with the estate planning: • Allocation to the surviving spouse, • Allocation to all children • Administration of assets to the minor children, preferably through trusts, • Designation of beneficiaries of life insurance policies, IRAs, 401Kss and/or annuities. In addition to a will, estate planning for a blended family can be accomplished through:
ts c a F n u F about
s e i b a B r u F and
ds n e i r F d Feathere
DOGS
Dogs have about 100 different facial expressions, most of them made with the ears. Most domestic dogs are capable of reaching speeds up to about 19 miles per hour when running at full speed. Experiments have shown that dogs can locate the source of a sound in 6/100ths of a second. Domesticated for more than 10,000 years, the dog was one of the first animals tamed by humans.
CATS
A cat’s memory can last as long as 16 hours, exceeding even that of monkeys and orangutans. A cat’s tongue is scratchy because it’s lined with papillae, tiny elevated backwards hooks that help to hold prey in place
• • • •
Trusts activated upon death, Life insurance trusts, IRA or 401k trusts, Usufructs, whereby the surviving spouse will have full use of the deceased spouse’s property including the family home, • Prenuptial agreements or marriage contracts. Without an estate plan, there may be heart-wrenching, unintended consequences which may result in family strife and possibly, expensive litigation. It is essential that a last will and testament be prepared to specifically state the intentions of the parents of a blended family upon death.
Dogs can see shades of blue, yellow, green and gray. The color red registers on a gray-scale in a dog’s vision.
A pack of kittens is called a kindle, and a pack of adult cats is called a clowder. Cats have more than 100 vocal sounds. A cat can jump as much as seven times its height.
BIRDS
To survive, every bird must eat at least half its own weight in food each day. A bird’s resting heart beat is 400 times per minute. Americans own more than 60 million pet birds.
Doug Sunseri is a partner with Nicaud Sunseri Law Firm, where he specializes in making complex subjects understandable. For more information, please visit nslawla.com or call 504-837-1304. 16 Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
Larger parrots such as macaws and cockatoos live more than 75 years. In crested birds, a raised crest indicates the bird is excited or happy to see you. A completely flat crest indicates fear.
health
Dental Implants – You are Worth It, At Any Age WRITTEN BY DR. CHARLES SCHOF
THE MEN AND women of our generation can relate to juggling a running to-do list of college tuition, co-pays, summer camp and home repairs, to name a few. As we work to provide for our families and children, it’s not uncommon for us to see busy professionals let their dental needs fall to the back burner. When it comes to dental implant treatment, sadly, one of the questions I always hear in the consultation room from middle age professionals and baby boomers alike is, “At my age, am I really worth it?” This question may seem gloomy, but many patients attempt to calculate if there is an
The REALITY is, placing your dental needs first is NOT VANITY, it is HEALTH. age that makes dental implants impractical. Patients can become wracked with guilt as they look to justify the cost to themselves or their family. The reality is, placing your dental needs first is not vanity, it is health. Chronic dental problems can quickly compound and hinder our ability to eat healthy foods or feel confident sharing a meal with friends. How quickly these limitations can take a toll on our physical health and happiness! There is no better time than the present to address dental issues. Patients should consider the long-term prognosis of their smile and evaluate the treatment options that will have the most positive impact on quality of life, time and money in the long-run. When the long-term prognosis of a patient’s natural smile is poor, dental implants provide supported dental function, and can be a costefficient alternative to the treatment and re-treatment of those natural teeth in the long-run. You are worth it, at any age!
Dr. Charles Schof practices at the Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence located at 240 Dalwill Drive in Mandeville. Call 985-626-4401 or visit charlesschof.com for information. Sophisticated Woman | August 2018 17
home
t he
Exquisite Luxury of Villa Bella WRITTEN BY CASEY PERRIN ROBERT PHOTOS BY TIMOTHY DUNFORD
18 Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
home
CHANGE, THE ONLY
constant in our
exterior of the home. Outside, the grounds
lives, often comes in phases. After losing her
already featured lush, formal landscaping
husband, Deborah Bellina decided to retire
in the traditional Tuscan style. The
and sell the company they owned. All this
structure and color gave a tranquil,
happened within months of Hurricane Katrina,
private ambience with stunning vignettes
another life-changing event. With family on the
around every turn. A full tennis court and
Northshore, she decided to relocate.
a whimsical nine-hole miniature golf
Bellina searched for a home all over, but
course offered afternoon entertainment
could not find quite what she was looking for.
options for athletic visitors. Bellina added
“I looked in all the obvious places, but I really
the sparkling pool and cabana area. A
wanted some land,” she said. Her niece, an
Sicilian artisan did all of the marble work
experienced realtor in the area, told her she
throughout the inside and outside of the
might need to look outside of town to get the
home, adding extra touches of authenticity.
space she sought. A drive to the north side of
On the interior, Bellina confidently took
Covington proved fruitful. While she and her
on the design aspect of the project herself,
niece were visiting other homes for sale, Bellina
carefully selecting the formal furnishings
happened upon a “for sale by owner” sign at the
and luxurious custom touches found around
front gate of the Villa Bella Estate. One visit was
every corner. She was intent on completing
all she needed to fall in love with the house,
the Tuscan impression that the style of the
whose name means “beautiful home” in Italian.
home conveys. From exquisite materials
Every aspect of the house and the meditative
on the walls, windows and floors to the
quality of the grounds were exactly what she
incredible collection of art and sculptures, a
wanted in a home for her new chapter of life.
step into the home is like a vacation abroad.
She bought the place immediately.
Having visited a Las Vegas hotel property of
Bellina spent several months putting
close friend Steve Wyn, Bellina witnessed
finishing touches on both the interior and
firsthand how perfectly constructed the SophisticatedWoman Woman| |August August 2018 19 Sophisticated
home
EVERY ASPECT of the house and the MEDITATIVE QUALITY of the grounds were EXACTLY WHAT SHE WANTED in a home for her NEW CHAPTER of life.
20 Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
home signature
elements
of
Italianate
buildings could be. The work being done at the hotel was so exquisite that she brought home the idea for her master bathroom design. The paneled doors in that suite are now a sophisticated combination of cream, black and gold leaf that she first saw in Las Vegas. From the inlaid floors to the textured walls, the master suite is as well appointed as any five-star hotel. The magnificent four-poster bed was made to order in Italy and is complemented by symmetrical gilded mirrors over matching nightstands. Opulent silk draperies and custom bedding complete the world-class resort feeling. Even the guest suites are
luxuriously
appointed
for
anyone who is invited to rejuvenate themselves on the property. One of Bellina’s favorite ways to use her home is to host fundraisers and events for organizations that are close to her heart. Her charitable organization, The
Joseph
&
Deborah
Bellina
Foundation, focuses on better health for children. The close proximity of her home to St. Joseph’s Abbey creates a natural venue where she and husband, Thomas, can host both intimate dinners or larger gatherings. The baby grand piano in the formal living room provides a beautiful focal point for any event. Even the kitchen area is luxurious at Villa Bella, with richly upholstered barstools for perching and more touches of Italian marble surrounding the room. Soft lighting surrounds the room creating a peaceful, cozy place for visiting with loved ones. The double-height ceilings of the living room with iron-trimmed balconies above convey a luxe oldworld look. Bellina dedicated months to commissioning custom draperies, elegant furnishings and artisan painting techniques, elevating the house from classic elegance to ultimate opulence. From the time it was built until now, the Villa Bella Estate has undergone growth and change to become what it is today. The same is true of its owner. Though her life has changed significantly, Bellina has grown in the process and found peace and comfort in coming home. Sophisticated Woman | August 2018 21
cover story
Your Partners in Optimum Health WRITTEN BY JILL WILLIE PHOTOS BY STEVE RANDON
DR. PAMELA EGAN, a board-certified adult/
ENTERPRISING WOMAN
DR. PAMELA E GAN 22 Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
family nurse practitioner and board-certified diplomate in anti-aging/integrative medicine, has practiced preventative medicine for men, women and children since 2005. She has completed a doctorate of nursing practice, two master’s degrees (one in adult mental health and another in metabolic and nutritional medicine), and is a certified diabetes educator. Egan has trained with hormone expert Dr. Thierry Hertoghe of Belgium and continues to improve her expertise, most recently adding a second nurse practitioner to her staff. Cindy Otillio joined Egan Wellness & Med Spa after spending 27 years as a clinical nurse at Tulane University Medical Center. She is not a stranger to the practice as she has been a patient of Egan’s for more than 15 years. In fact, it was Egan’s thoughtful approach to functional medicine that inspired Otillio to follow her dream of becoming a certified family nurse practitioner. “I believed in Dr. Egan’s philosophy and experienced the benefits first-hand in my own life. I admired every aspect of her practice, from the comforting waiting room to the length of time she took with me during each visit. Her philosophy of personalized, holistic medicine is evident the minute you walk into the office. It was a philosophy I wanted to emulate in my own practice,” Otillio said. “I wanted more freedom to interact with my patients, so I went back to school to become a nurse practitioner.” Noting it was more about the person than about the timing when she decided to bring Otillio on board, Egan said, “We share the same approach to medicine and the same passion for our patients. She has completed the hormone module with A4M and is mentoring with Lyme disease expert, Dr. Jonathan Forester in an effort to offer an integrative approach to Lyme disease treatment. It is a great fit. Now, we have extended our ability to treat patients—whether walk-in or by appointment—and partner with them in achieving optimum health.” At its core, integrative/functional medicine takes into account the entire person when assessing health issues. Additionally, environmental inputs such as nutrition and exercise, the mind-body connection and genetic makeup are all addressed. “It is all about
cover story
balance,” Egan said. “We perform in-depth lab analyses that goes beyond routine blood work so we can identify nutritional deficiencies or hormone imbalances that can affect overall health. Our goal is to balance the body naturally before resorting to prescription medication. I often see patients who are on multiple medications, taking one medicine to counteract the side effects of another. It can become a vicious cycle—one that inevitably leads to further imbalance. We work with our patients and give them the tools they need to restore optimal function.” Basing the practice on cutting-edge research and scientific evidence, Egan has become a specialist in the area of hormone replacement therapy. In fact, she wrote a book on it. Compelled by her own struggles with hormone replacement, she took every course she could on the subject. Her book, Managing Menopause with Bio-Identical Hormones, will be available this fall. “I personally lost 15 years of my life feeling sick and tired following a tubal ligation. I did not want that to happen to my patients,” she said. “This is my purpose. What I went through is not by accident. It is God’s plan for me to help people regain their health and vitality. It is truly a transformative experience for them.” For those who want to look as good as they feel, Egan’s med spa offers a variety of skin care services and procedures including specialized facials, chemical peels, collagen treatments, lasers, Botox® and facial fillers. Organic skin care lines and pharmaceuticalgrade vitamins and supplements are also available to treat the body inside out. Egan’s mission to bring people to optimum health extends beyond the wellness center. The
home health business she and husband Peter created out of their home office 30 years ago has evolved to Egan Home Health & Hospice. With 300 employees covering eight locations throughout Southeast Louisiana, the company has been nationally recognized for its cost efficiency, length of stay and outcomes. “For over 30 years, we have set the standard for home health treatment,” Peter said. “We see the highest percentage of post-acute patients in the region. We do more than treat patients, we teach them how to continue their recovery process. With a focus on empowering patients to take an active role in their recovery, we provide the highest quality level of intervention that has resulted in outcomes that are consistently higher than both state and national averages.” As part of the continuum of care, the company provides hospice and palliative services in the New Orleans and Northshore areas. “We are blessed with a team of dedicated, loving and compassionate professionals who provide treatment and comfort during a very difficult time. The heart of hospice is in the nurses. They are a treasure to us, to their patients and to the families who are watching their loved ones reach the end of their lives,” Peter said. Celebrating three decades in healthcare, a new book and five consecutive years as Northshore Best’s Nurse Practitioner, Egan shows no signs of slowing down. “I love what I do and pleased to offer cutting-edge interventions for our patients. It’s the best anti-aging remedy I know.” Egan Wellness & Med Spa is located at 1116 W. 21st Ave., in Covington. Call 985-892-3031 or visit pamelaegan.com for more information. Learn about Egan Healthcare Services at eganhealthcare.com. Sophisticated Woman | August 2018 23
foodies
On the Absence of Sidewalks WRITTEN BY ELLIS V. LUCIA
AN ELEGANT FIGURE
of casual grace, Mr. Sharkey took a daily measured stroll on the treelined streets in our neighborhood. A pause, a casual glance at the watch on his fob, a personal nod and a few kind words were exchanged with passersby. Sharkey, an unpretentious man, was as lean as the sidewalk and a fellow traveller on our ribbon of social highway. My wife and I loved to walk our neighborhood. It was mostly for exercise, but we always enjoyed seeing what others had done with their most valued possession. We lived in a modest 90-yearold traditional double on a street in a mature setting where most residents took great pride in their handiwork. Porches were popular as were swings that were usually featured on side galleries or tucked tight in the narrow front of a shotgun double. That’s where the eldest usually held court on a wide range of topics. The audience’s age varied greatly and, in consideration of delicate ears, one might overhear the conversation seamlessly change to a French patois in a moment of polite profanity. When my wife and I moved to the Northshore on a post-Katrina wave, we had to adapt to a new
24 Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
landscape. Gone were the small lots with homes of random design that crowded narrow streets. Stoops, proper front porches and sidewalks gave way to new home construction with generous setbacks and covenants that mandate the look of a subdivision. For us, the personal touches that define an owner’s esthetic, moved from the front to the back yard. Azalea, gardenia, iris, liriope, sasanqua, once curbside features, are typical backyard landscaping. It is an accessible and a mighty calming view. Everything is neat and orderly. And while there is much to be said for the uniformity of HOAs and covenants, there is no allowance made for the individuality of a simple walk around the neighborhood on a sidewalk with your leashed dog. For better and for worse, there are concessions for change that I will make. Hopefully, I’ll live long enough to one day be that dignified, dapper gent with a bentwood cane…although, I’ll reserve the right to stand in the street and shake it in contempt at the cars, bicycles, baby strollers and golf carts overflowing with laughing children. I miss my sidewalks.
foodies
Lime, Tequila and Garlic Grilled Shrimp Ingredients: 4
bamboo skewers, soaked in water
24 large (10-12 ct) shrimp tails, with last part of shell intact 6 cloves garlic, crushed ¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup lime juice ¼ cup tequila 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon sriracha 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon hot sauce 2 leaves from rosemary stems
Directions: 1. Combine all ingredients in a resealable bag. Add shrimp. 2. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 mins. 3. Preheat grill to hot. 4. Thread six shrimp on a bamboo skewer that’s been soaked in water. Thread the skewer through the shrimp twice, once at the thickest part and once at the tail. Space them closely so they’ll stay together when turning with tongs. 5. Grill two minutes, turn and cook another two minutes or until done. 6. Remove to a pan and cover until ready to serve. Serve with grilled corn on the cob that’s been seasoned with lime juice and sea salt.
Sophisticated Woman | August 2018 25
fashion home
Rush Into Sorority Life!
Round 1
"Ice Water" Lightweight, comfortable and casual sundresses or rompers are polished and perfect!
26 Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
fashion
Round 2 "Philanthropy" Most rushees choose stylish shorts that are just the right length. Comfy shoes are a must!
Getting Ready for Rush! WRITTEN BY SHARON BILBE PHOTOS BY MICHELLE PREAU
MANY YOUNG WOMEN will soon be heading off to college and are planning to join a sorority. These are exciting, fun and fashionable times! From comfortable rompers and sundresses to sassy shorts and chic dresses, you can find all of your rush wardrobe needs at the Northshore's best local boutiques!
Left Page - ROUND 1
Right Page - ROUND 2
Grace
Madi
Aqua floral sundress, $40 – Columbia Street Mercantile
Pastel striped high-waist shorts, $39 – Cameo Boutique
Backless brown slip-on sandals, $25 – Shoeffle’ Ashley Madi
Royal scallop-hem shorts, $44 – Columbia Street Mercantile
Gray off-shoulder romper, $36 – Simply Chic Boutique Gray stone double-strand necklace, $19 – Shoeffle’ Rose gold sandals, $79 – Shoeffle’
Ashley
Grace Floral shorts with rose velvet pockets, $65 – Cameo Boutique White pico v-neck tees, $34 – Columbia Street Mercantile
Dusty rose floral sundress, $46 – Columbia Street Mercantile Necklace, $119 – Cameo Boutique Taupe suede slip-on sandals, $39 – Shoeffle’
Sophisticated Woman | August 2018 27
fashion
Round 3
"Sisterhood" Feel pretty in outfits that are a bit more sophisticated and showcase your individual style!
Boutique Contact Information: Cameo Boutique, 985-231-1332 Columbia Street Mercantile, 985-809-1690 Shoeffle’, 985-898-6465 Simply Chic Boutique, 985-778-2010 Location: The English Tea Room Special thanks to: Creating U, Covington, 985-893-2218 28 Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
fashion
Round 4
"Preference"
Go chic for Greek! Be the best dressed with flowing fabrics or fanciful ruffles, and don't forget to accessorize!
Left Page - ROUND 3
Right Page - ROUND 4
Ashley
Ashley
White-on-white polka dot high-neck dress, $46
Navy butterfly sleeve dress, $80
– Columbia Street Mercantile
Pearl necklace, $189 – Cameo Boutique
Madi Floral v-neck wrap dress $89 – Cameo Boutique
Grace
Rose-gold drop necklace $98 – Cameo Boutique
Lavender ruffle tank dress, $52 – Columbia Street Mercantile
Grace
Keep accessories light and simple with pastel colors and natural stones. Prices range from $19 - $39 – All items from Shoeffle’.
Gray platforms, $69 – Shoeffle’
Sky blue ruffle sleeve dress, $44 – Columbia Street Mercantile White and gold-tone necklace, $228
Madi
– Cameo Boutique
Royal blue high-neck dress with tie, $46
Gray wedges, $129 – Shoeffle’
– Columbia Street Mercantile
Sophisticated Woman | August 2018 29
sophisticated shopper
228 N. Columbia Street | 985-898-6465
222 N. Columbia Street Covington
30 Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
gardening
Bringing Vacation Home WRITTEN BY LISA RIBBECK LYONS
ONE OF THE
happiest times of the year is the week of family vacation. If you bring home some items that remind you of your vacation, you can make the good times last much longer than a week! If the beach is your family vacay spot, bring home some beach sand, shells, driftwood and anything else you find on the beach or in the ocean. In a jar, layer the sand with some potting soil. Purchase some small succulents or bromeliads, and plant them in your container. Place your driftwood and or shells on top. Adding some green and blue glass rocks could also remind you of the lovely ocean water. Do not cover this container and water only once a week. And please do not pull up the dune grass to create this project. Maybe you and your family love to vacation in the mountains. This spot could easily be recreated in a lovely terrarium. Any large jar with a big mouth would do. Poke some holes in the lid to allow the container to breathe. While on your trip, collect some moss and keep in a sealed baggy until you return home. Use twigs and pebbles or rocks to decorate the container. You will need some potting soil and a small fern or ivy plant. Again, a small bromeliad would do well here. If you are traveling out West, the treasures you see would make a great background for a living lizard terrarium. Rocks, sand, cacti and a lizard or two in a glass container with a screen top would be fun for the whole family. After spreading the sand or gravel you collected and adding some red rocks, bury a jar lid to make a watering hole and plant a cactus or two! Now, if you are brave, add your lizard and cover tightly with the screen material. Visit the pet store for some advice in care and feeding. Place near a bright window or warm light source, and you are in for hours of fun observation. Keep the dialogue and memories of vacation going by creating a living presence of things that surround us in nature. You will be surprised what an effect those creations can have on your day-to-day life. After all, who doesn’t look forward to vacation every day?
WITH A NOD to our original name and purpose, Sophisticated Woman’s retail program offers local businesses maximum exposure. Contact us to reserve your ad space today!
email: lorie@sophisticatedwoman.com
Sophisticated The
Shopper
Program For Retailers Sophisticated Woman | August 2018 31
kids fashion
Kids Fall Fashion Picks 2 irt, $4 ing sh h is f Fly 36 rts, $ Boy: e sho s, $72 Orang t dres n a s a pe Tassel Girl: Patch Olive t a ble Availa
Girl: Nav y embroid ered blou se, $52 Denim skin ny jeans, $59 Boy: Astro naut grap h ic tee, $24.5 0 Rustic red shorts, $2 9.50 Available at Olive P atch
ck, $26 ot backpa Space rob x, $18 Lunch bo le! ts availab More prin s ns for Kid at Fashio Available
32 Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
business
lifestyle
Construction WRITTEN BY DR. MARY SPEED
Cyberbullying: How To Outsmart Our Kids When It Comes To Social Media WRITTEN BY CHRIS HERTING
THE DOG DAYS
of summer are nearing an end, and kids are about to head back to school. That might come as a relief for parents trying to keep them busy or out of trouble. For those parents, resurrecting your school routine can most certainly provide a breath of fresh air. On the flip side, the first day back can be riddled with anxiety for both parents AND children. Your child is one year older and he/she will undoubtedly experience new and different obstacles that come with age, freedom and increased responsibility. New classmates. New teachers. An added sense of peer pressure that complicates things. As our children age, there tends to be a heightened desire to fit in with the “popular” crowd. It’s no secret that teen bullying is on the rise. Facebook “depression” is real, folks. Countless studies have shown that cyberbullying and “de-friending” on social platforms can lead to symptoms of depression. According to stopbullying.gov, a federally funded website managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the most common places where cyberbullying occurs are: • Social media like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter, • Text messages, or • Instant message or email. The digital world is constantly evolving with new social media platforms, apps, and devices. Consequently, our kids’ exposure to
inappropriate content, cyberbullying and even sexting increases as additional social media platforms emerge. Cyberbullying is a real and omnipresent threat. Here are some quick tricks to outsmart your kids when it comes to social media: 1 Establish rules about appropriate digital behavior, content and apps. 2. Get to know the technology and digital slang used by teens. 3. Put limits on your child's online time. 4. Monitor your child's posts, photos and browsing history. 5. Get your child’s user names and passwords. 6. Friend your teen on social media sites or have another trusted adult do so. 7. Warn your children of the dangers of geotagging that reveal his or her location. 8. Educate your child about the importance of their online reputation. Everything they do, post and say online will not simply disappear over time. Are you prepared? Complacency can be your own worst enemy. Chris Herting is a digital and social media specialist at Gallinghouse Marketing + Creative. He has experience delivering innovative digital solutions for hundreds of brands, including the NFL’s Washington Redskins. Gallinghouse is located at 409 W. 21st Ave., Covington. For more information, call 985-893-7631 or visit gallinghouse.com.
I KEEP SHOE BOXES. How many? Enough that when my grandboys visit, they have plenty of “material” for building. They take great glee in making towers and even greater delight, as is evidenced by their squeals, in seeing the towers tumble. Sometimes I silently protest the premature downfall. My conflicted emotion reminds me of Bridge on the River Kwai. In this movie, prisoners of war build a bridge for their Japanese captors during World War II. At the completion of the project, the allied commander unearths a wire leading to dynamite intended to blow up the bridge. The commander was so intent on the magnificent soundness of the bridge and the excellent construction, he appears to have forgotten which side of the war he is on. Suffering from tunnel vision, he desperately tries to save the bridge from being blown up. In a similar fashion, students will arrive to study this month. When you get to be their “commander in learning,” please help your students focus on discovery and not single tests. They are in the process of life construction. Missed marks are part of the learning process. A couple of my missed marks. I was confused by math word problems containing both decimal points and periods at the end of sentences. And, I misunderstood the words “figures” and “fingers” so that, in grade 3, when I was directed to write the figure in the box below, I traced my whole hand, wondering to myself, “Why do they keep wanting me to draw my fingers?” That is the key. Please encourage your students to wonder aloud. Sophisticated Woman | August 2018 33
health
Healthy Summertime Snacks WRITTEN BY JOY FELDMAN, NC JD
CHILDREN ARE ACTIVE during the hot summer months, so it is important to stay nourished and hydrated. We all know that the more active kids are, the hungrier they become. All that swimming, biking and hiking will really kick up their appetites. Remember, a healthy snack will provide nourishment for those long stretches between meals. For example, nutrientdense snack foods, such as almond butter on a celery stick, stabilize energy and help kids maintain focus. So what other type of superfoods do we feed our hungry little children? Here are some great ideas: Holy Moly Guacamole - Studies have shown that dipping is a favorite way for kids to eat their vegetables. Carrots, celery and bell peppers are perfect to dip into guacamole. Date Nut Snowballs - This will be really cool, pun intended, in the summer months. Spread unsweetened coconut on a plate. Put dates, almonds, cinnamon and salt in a food processor and process until finely chopped. Form the mixture into rounded ½ teaspoonfuls with your fingers. Roll in the coconut, pressing to coat. Frozen Yogurt Bark - Combine yogurt with honey. Add cranberries and raisins, mixing the ingredients well. Line a baking tray with foil and spread the yogurt mixture to about ½ inch thick. Sprinkle strawberries and coconut on top. Freeze. When frozen, break bark into pieces. Here’s to your health! 34 Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
entertaining
Tasty & Tropical RumQuenchers HOT SUMMER DAYS beg for crisp, cool concoctions. Sit on the porch or splash in the pool with these fresh and fruity cocktails that are sure to keep you chilled!
August Breeze
Beachy Peachy
3 or 4 sprigs fresh mint 1 tablespoon lime juice 3 tablespoons pink grapefruit juice 1 1/2 ounces white rum Lime and grapefruit slices
1 1 1 4 1
Muddle mint leaves and lime juice in a cocktail glass until mint is bruised and oils released. Add grapefruit juice and rum. Stir to combine. Pour into an ice-filled glass and garnish with a sprig of mint, lime slice and grapefruit slice.
Peel, slice and freeze the peaches at least 4 hours ahead of time. When frozen, place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add superfine sugar if you’d like it sweeter. Pour into two glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
It Takes Two To Mango
Crystal Blue Persuasion
3 ounces pineapple coconut juice 3 ounces coconut rum 1 ounce mango juice 1 ounce orange juice Splash of grenadine Lime slices and/or orange zest for garnish
1 1 2 1 1
Stir together juices and rum. Pour over ice and add a splash of grenadine for color. Garnish with lime, orange zest and edible flowers, if desired.
ounce white rum 1/2 ounces coconut rum tablespoon lime juice large peaches cup ice
ounce light rum ounce blue Curacao liqueur ounces pineapple juice ounce cream of coconut cup crushed ice
Combine rum, blue Curacao, pineapple juice, cream of coconut and 1 cup crushed ice in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a chilled highball glass and garnish with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry. Sophisticated Woman | August 2018 35
community
Ballet Apetrei Celebrates 30th Anniversary, Welcomes Dancer Frederick Davis WRITTEN BY CHELSEA ADAMS
BALLET APETREI WILL welcome renowned dancer Frederick Davis for a week-long residency this month. Davis, a world class ballet dancer, will teach classes to Ballet Apetrei Company dancers and offer ballet classes open to the public beginning Aug. 18. Davis will also choreograph a dance for the Ballet Apetrei Company, which will hold auditions on Aug. 18 for dancers 11 and older with one year of pointe experience. Born in Brooklyn, Davis was discovered in Chattanooga, Tenn., through Dance Alive, an initiative by Ballet Tennessee and the city’s department of parks and recreation. Dance Alive was designed to reach inner city children, offering them exposure to dance with the potential of scholarship assistance. Davis received a full scholarship with Ballet Tennessee and later moved to New York City where he was given a full scholarship to train with the Joffrey Ballet School. He later danced as a member of the company at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. As a freelance dancer, he has performed with multiple ballet companies, and he is principal guest artist at Ballet Tennessee and Ballet Tucson. A documentary about his life produced by a PBS affiliate was released in 2017. The film, "From the Streets to the Stage: The Journey of Fredrick Davis,” received an Emmy earlier this year. Kelly Fortier, Ballet Apetrei’s co-founder and artistic director, 36 Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
said Davis’s story resonated with her. Last year, she approached the Boys and Girls Club of Covington about creating a similar program. Thanks to the partnership, seven students who might not otherwise have the opportunity began training at Ballet Apetrei in 2017. The students also appeared in the school’s 2017 performance of “The Nutcracker.” “They have been such a gift to me,” Fortier said. “These kids are hungry to learn and hungry to be inspired.” Ballet Apetrei, a nonprofit dance company in Mandeville, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Along with the partnership with the Boys and Girls Club, Fortier has also began collaborating with local artists by giving them a place to display their work. Called the Artwalk, local artists display pieces at the Ballet Apetrei studio. The first show consisted of 19 artists with the second set to open on August 11. New York-based artist Renaldo Davidson will be the featured artist. A reception, featuring the artists and performances by the company’s dancers, will be held from 6-9 p.m. It’s free and open to the public. To learn more about Ballet Apetrei or for more information on Davis’s residency, please visit the company’s Facebook page or call 985-624-3622.
community
KIDS BEING KIDS
North Oaks Names Student Athletes of the Year Jazmyn Womack of Ponchatoula High School and Kade Bleakley of St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School have been named 2017-18 Student-Athletes of the Year by the North Oaks Sports Medicine team and North Oaks Physician Group orthopedic surgeons. Recipients were selected from all Student-Athletes of the Month for both Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes based on the number of votes received via an online poll conducted in June. Womack graduated from Ponchatoula High School where she was a strong forward for the Lady Waves basketball team and a four-year letterman. She is a member of the Ponchatoula High School’s 1,000 Points Club and has signed with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Ragin’ Cajuns women’s basketball team. St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School’s Kade Bleakley played basketball for the Falcons for four years. Bleakley also belonged to the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Key Club, Light Team and Campus Ministry. He served St. Thomas as a school ambassador and as a Wendy’s High School Heisman school representative.
Thank You! To everyone who submitted photos for our Pets with Personality Contest! Since they bring so much love and happiness to your homes, we think all your pets are winners! Please like our Facebook page for updates about next year's contest! We plan to add more categories and more exciting prizes!
Sophisticated Woman | August 2018 37
community
NOTES & NOTEABLES
Attorney Practice Receives Link Award The Greater Hammond Chamber awarded its June Link Award to Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, located at 901 W. Thomas St..The Link Award is presented monthly to a greater Hammond area business that helps keep the city beautiful and welcoming to residents and visitors alike.
22nd Judicial District Court Receives 20-Year Award Earlier this year, two judges were recognized by the Louisiana Association of Drug Court Professionals for 20 years of successfully operating the 22nd Judicial District’s drug court program. In 1998, Judge Elaine DiMiceli and Judge Peter Garcia worked together to create the judicial district’s drug court. In 2002, the U.S. Justice Department named this court one of 16 mentor courts to train other judges on the implementation of drug courts. Since the inception of drug court, the judicial district has established more specialty courts than other jurisdiction in the state. Judges volunteer their time to operate three adult divisions of drug court, a sobriety court, a behavioral health court, a family reunification court, a re-entry court and a veteran’s court. Each program targets specific populations and provides resources to address needs within the population.
38 Sophisticated Woman | August 2018
DAR Recognizes Car Dealership The Daughters of the American Revolution, Wharton Chapter, presented the DAR Flag of the United States of America Certificate to Bill Hood Chevrolet of Covington for the proper use, correct display and patriotic presentation of the American flag. Helen Newman, the DAR’s chapter treasurer, presented the certificate to Mark Dufour and Mike Scarle, the dealership’s general sales manager and general manager, respectively.
Mele Printers Mele Printing has been named a 2018 Top Workplaces honor by Nola.com/The Times Picayune. The list is created from employee surveys conducted by a third-party company administered by research partner Energage. Only 50 local companies were awarded a Top Workplaces honor in 2018.
community
NOTES & NOTEABLES
Patel Named Lakeview Regional Medical Center CEO Tulane Health System has named Hiral Patel chief executive officer of Lakeview Regional Medical Center. Patel succeeds Bret Kolman who was recently named CEO of a medical center in Missouri. Patel served as Lakeview Regional’s chief operating officer for the past two years, helping shepherd several key initiatives for the hospital such as becoming a campus of Tulane Medical Center and becoming the first and only trauma center in St. Tammany Parish. She also served as assistant chief operating officer for Tulane Health System. Patel is a graduate of Armstrong State University and has a masters of health administration from Tulane University. She serves as the vice-chair of the Youth Service Bureau Board of Directors in Covington and is a CASA volunteer.
Page Promoted to North Oaks Vice President of Clinics Kanna Page has been promoted to vice president of clinics for North Oaks Health System. In this role, Page will provide leadership for North Oaks Physician Group’s network of more than 30 primary, specialty and walk-in clinics. Page joined North Oaks Physician Group in 2015 as the regional director for primary care services. She provided oversight for the physician group’s patient access team and the health system’s switchboard operators. Page graduated magna cum laude from Howard University in Washington, D.C., with a bachelor’s degree in health care management. She earned a master’s degree in health care administration from the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans. While pursuing her master’s degree, she was recipient of the Tulane Epstein Leadership Award. She also is a graduate of the National Council for Behavioral Health’s Addressing Health Disparities Leadership Program.
Quigley Named Director of Lakeview Regional Behavioral Health Lakeview Regional Medical Center has named Cindy Quigley director of the Lakeview Regional Behavioral Health Center. Quigley served as physician provider relations director for behavioral health at Lakeview Regional and Garden Park Medical Center in Gulfport, Miss., for the past five years. She is currently completing the final year of the management development program through HCA Healthcare, the parent company of both Lakeview Regional and Garden Park. Quigley previously assisted with business development for behavioral health services, including planning and implementing a military outpatient behavioral health program at Garden Park. A licensed social worker and member of the hospital leadership team, Quigley is a community advocate for mental health and received HCA’s Frist Humanitarian Award in 2017.
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AUGUST CALENDAR 1–AUGUST 18 53rd Annual National Juried Artists Show, presented by the St. Tammany Art Association, 320 Columbia St., Covington, sttammanyartassociation.org.
1–2 Craft Soda Tour. 1 1:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., $2.50, Abita Brewery and Tap Room, 21084 Highway 36, Covington, abita.com.
4 Northshore Cajun Dance at Abita Town Hall. Dance lessons at 7 p.m., live music at 8 p.m., $10 non-members/$8 members, Abita Springs Town Hall, 22161 Level St., northshorecajundancers.com.
6 United Way East St. Tammany Red Beans & Rice Cook-Off, benefiting St. Tammany Suicide Prevention & Crisis Response and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., $10, Slidell City Auditorium, 2056 Second St., Slidell, unitedwaysela.org.
7–18 A Taste of Art with Wildlife Painter Deana Goldsmith. Tuesday through Saturday from 6:30–8:30 p.m., free, Barrel Wine Bar, 69305 Highway 22. Covington, barrelwinebar.com.
Standing Events EVERY 2ND & 4TH MONDAY St. Tammany Outreach for the Prevention of Suicide SOS Survivors of Suicide Support Group. 6:30–8 p.m., First Baptist Church, 1895 Highway 190, Mandeville, 985-237-5506, stops-la.org.
EVERY TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY Northshore Table Tennis Club, 6:30–9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. on Saturdays, 22519 Highway 36, Abita Springs.
EVERY WEDNESDAY Covington Farmers Market. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St., covingtonfarmersmarket.org.
EVERY 3RD TUESDAY LIFE Lab Lecture Series, presented by Avanti Senior Living. 6 p.m., free, 2234 Watercross Parkway, Covington, avanti-sl.com/events.
EVERY 3RD THURSDAY Women of Infinite Possibilities. 10 a.m.– noon, St. Anthony’s Gardens, 601 Holy Trinity Dr., Covington, 985-867-5234, womenofwip.org.
EVERY THURSDAY AND SATURDAY Lafitte Street Market. 4–8 p.m. on Thursdays; 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturdays, 698 Lafitte St., Mandeville.
EVERY FRIDAY “Legacies for All” Estate Planning. 9 a.m.–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.
EVERY SATURDAY 11 Corporate Spelling Bee, presented by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Covington. 6 p.m., free for spectators, Covington High School, 73030 Lions Drive, Covington, kcovington.org. Second Saturday Art Walk. 6–9 p.m., downtown Covington art galleries on Columbia, Boston and Rutland streets, 985-892-1873. Puttin' on the Glitz Sock Hop for Scholarships. 6–10 p.m., The Greystone, 935 Clausel St., Mandeville. pwst.rocks
12 Yoga on Tap, benefiting the Northshore Humane Society. 4:15–5:15 p.m., $15 for class and pint of beer, Abita Brewery and Tap Room, 21084 Highway 36, Covington, dobayouyoga.com.
Covington Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–noon, 609 N. Columbia St. on side lawn of the Covington Police Department, covingtonfarmersmarket.org. Hammond Farmers Market. 8 a.m.–noon, corner of W. Thomas St. and S.W. Railroad Ave., downtown Hammond, 985-277-5680, dddhammond.com. Camellia City Market. 8 a.m.–noon., 1808 Front St., Slidell, camelliacitymarket.org. Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Mandeville Trailhead Cultural Interpretive Center, 985-624-3147, mandevilletrailheadmarket.com. Pearl River’s Honey Island Art and Farmers Market. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 64378 Highway 41, Pearl River, 985-807-4447.
EVERY 2ND & 4TH SATURDAY Folsom Village Market. 9 a.m.–1 p.m., 13401 June St., 985-507-6496.
EVERY SUNDAY Abita Springs Farmers Market. Noon–4 p.m., Abita Trailhead, 985-807-4447, mrnmedic@gmail.com. Ponchatoula Farmers Market. Noon–4 p.m., 10 E. Pine St., 504-390-5769.
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community 10–25 “Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know,” presented by Cafe Luke Dinner Theater. 153 Robert St., Slidell, 985-707-1597, cafeluke.com.
17 “Beach Blanket Bimbos” Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. 6:30–9 p.m., $85, Annadele’s Plantation, 71518 Chestnut St., Covington, annadeles.com. Sunset at the Landing Concert. 6–9 p.m., free, Columbia Street Landing, Covington, sunsetatthelanding.org.
18–SEPTEMBER 2 “Much Ado About Nothing,” presented by 30 by Ninety Theatre. 800 Lafayette St., Mandeville, 844-THE3090, 30byninety.com.
18 Covington White Linen Night for Public Art, presented by the Covington Business Association. 6–9 p.m., free, downtown Covington, gocovington.org.
19 Third Sunday Concert Series with Johnny Rankin and Harry Hardin. 5–6 p.m., free, Atrium Gallery at Christwood Retirement Community, 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington.
24–SEPTEMBER 9 “Wife After Death,” presented by Playmakers Community Theater. 19106 Playmakers Road, Covington, playmakersinc.com.
24 Hammers & Heels Fashion Show, benefiting Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West. 11 a.m.–1 p.m., $45, Maison Lafitte, 402 Lafitte St., Mandeville, habitatstw.org.
25 The Covington Cat Art and Film Festival, benefiting Art for Cats' Sake. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., $12–30, Fuhrmann Auditorium, 317 N. Jefferson Ave., Covington artforcatssake.org.
31 Columbia Street Block Party. 6:30–9:30 p.m., 200500 block of Columbia Street in downtown Covington. Sophisticated Woman | August 2018 41
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RIBBON CUTTINGS
Golden Corral, 1748 SW Railroad Ave., Hammond
Carte du jour Bakery, 100 North Tyler Square, Ste. 11A, Covington
Engel & Vรถlkers, 1437 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville
Mercedes-Benz of Covington, 8080 Westshore Drive, Covington
The Garden House at the Southern Hotel, 406 East Boston St. Covington
Bra Genie, 6021 Pinnacle Parkway, Covington
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Avanti Senior Living and Sophisticated Woman present
Glamorous SIP | SHOP | SPA | SOCIALIZE
Quality time for moms, daughters, girlfriends and anyone else who loves being pampered! SUNDAY, AUGUST 26TH | 2 - 5 PM Avanti Senior Living | 2234 Watercross Parkway | Covington
• Kendra Scott Trunk Show • Pop-up Boutiques: Ruby Ribbon, Kay-la Handbags and Young Living Essential Oils • Chair Massages + Hair and Make-up Tips • Intro to Yoga Class by Avanti Fitness Instructor Julie Rideau • Champagne Bar & Spa-inspired Hors d’Oeuvres
RSVP to 985.590.3454 or HelloCovington@Avanti-SL.com sponsored by
Sophisticated Woman Magazine The Northshore’s Best