Sophisticated Woman Magazine January 2018

January 2018 The Northshore’s Best

Enterprising Woman

Missy Hymel, LOTR, CHT, CKTP Accelerated Hand Solutions Home Feature

Classic Creole Meets Modern Comfort

Fashion

A Hazy Shade of Winter

Carnival Fun

on the Northshore

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SophisticatedWoman.com

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

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Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

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W The Northshore’s Best

Carnival Fun on the Northshore........................... 12 Home Feature Classic Creole Meets Modern Comfort................. 18 Enterprising Woman

Missy Hymel............................................................. 22 Our Fashion Picks

A Hazy Shade of Winter.......................................... 24

J A N U A RY 2 0 1 8 ENTERPRISING WOMAN

FOOD AND ENTERTAINING

Missy Hymel

Our Favorite Mardi Gras Cocktails....................... 13

Accelerated Hand Solutions Restoring Function to Life........................................ 22

Foodies and Friends Meatloaf: A Revisionist History............................... 32 Meatloaf Recipe...................................................... 33

A NEW BEGINNING Dana Brewer-Palzinic Meet the Owner........................................................ 7 Dr. Nancy Gravel Firing on All Cylinders............................................... 8 Realistic Resolutions.................................................. 9

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Garden Guests for the New Year........................... 17 Home Feature Classic Creole Meets Modern Comfort ................ 18

Behind the Scenes

Chris Herting

Our Enterprising Woman’s Cover Shoot................. 5

Digital Marketing in 2018 ..................................... 16

Brett White Time to Dot the Eyes............................................... 11 Live for Today The Present............................................................... 16

Dr. Michael Haas

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

Feathered Friends

BUSINESS

A Hazy Shade of Winter.......................................... 24

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HOME & GARDEN

BEAUTY, FASHION & LIFESTYLE

Our Fashion Picks

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On the Cover:

Laser Away that Unwanted Hair............................. 30

HEALTH

LEGAL Christie Tournet Probate: It’s Not as Scary as You Think ................. 34

COMMUNITY Editor’s Note............................................................. 6 Carnival Fun on the Northshore........................... 12 Fun Facts about Mardi Gras Parades................... 14 Ribbon Cuttings...................................................... 35 Notes and Notebles............................................... 36 Kids Being Kids....................................................... 38

Avoid the Fat

January Events........................................................ 40

A Healtlhy Mardi Gras............................................. 15

Northshore Mardi Gras Parades .......................... 41

Sophisticated Woman Magazine

Behind the Scenes Enterprising Woman Missy Hymel We met up with our Enterprising Woman Missy Hymel at Air Salon and Blow Dry Bar in Mandeville. She prepared for her photo shoot by having her makeup done by Gina Hua and her hair styled by Taylor Moody.

While she was getting pampered, we asked Missy some questions so we could get to know her a little better.

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Publisher Joanne Gallinghouse Editor Chelsea Adams Sales Manager Lorie Hollis Art Director Pam Hendrix Graphic Artist Kristi Probst Senior Account Executive Gina Smith

SW: What did you eat for breakfast this morning?

MH: A salted caramel protein shake and a Greek yogurt parfait with berries.

Account Executives Stephanie Bromley, Suzanne Lucido Contributing Writers Chelsea Adams, Joy Feldman, Lisa Ribbeck Lyons, Kristi Probst, Casey Perrin Robert, Mary Speed and Jill Willie Contributing Photographers Timothy Dunford, Michelle Preau and Steve Randon

SW: What were you doing before you arrived for hair and makeup?

MH: Answering an email about work and signing a lease for a new location.

Videographer Van Dixon, iFilmLife Media Fashion Stylist Sharon Bilbe Intern Meghan Carrigan

SW: What are you reading right now?

MH: Class Castle by Jeannette Walls.

Production Gallinghouse Marketing + Creative

SW: What does your ideal day off consist of?

MH: Mani/pedi and massage, relaxing, scrapbooking.

409 W. 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 Phone: 985-893-7350, Fax: 985-893-7686 e-mail: editor@sophisticatedwoman.com www.SophisticatedWoman.com ©2018. 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* 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 and Slidell. Why waste your advertising dollar on “throw away” publications when you could be advertising in Sophisticated Woman Magazine for pennies per mailbox? Call us today. You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is to advertise with the best.

Cover Photography: Steve Randon Photography, SteveRandon.com Hair and Makeup: Gina Hua, makeup, and Taylor Moody, hair, Air Salon & Blow Dry Bar, 1111 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985-626-1402.

Contributors Michelle Preau is a local photographer who loves capturing special moments for her clients. Her eye for beauty and passion for photography affords her the ability to provide beautiful, lasting memories.

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

Sharon Galatas Bilbe resides in Covington with her husband Charlie. Although they are empty nesters of the human kind, they have five fur babies to care for. Second to her passion for family is her passion to help women look and feel their best from the inside out.

Ellis V. Lucia was born in New Orleans March 3, 1950, and worked as a photojournalist for 33 years. He lives in Covington with his wife, Bevil Knapp, and their two dogs.

*Figures based on 2.5 readers per issue.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

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editor’s note

A CONSTANT STATE OF CHANGE THE PROVERB

“a rolling stone gathers no moss” may have a negative connotation for some, but I think it’s better interpreted as a compliment to those who embrace change. By staying in a constant state of “motion,” you’re better positioned for creativity and balance.

Indeed, when things perpetually stay the same, you risk becoming stagnant or even stale. That’s why the new year is the right time to examine yourself and work to make changes that benefit your life.

The same is true of our magazine. For 30 years, Sophisticated Woman has constantly reinvented its look. Our magazine has adeptly changed to stay current with trends and our readers’ high expectations of a high quality publication.

With the new year, we are pleased to introduce our new “look.” The magazine’s cover has a refreshed design that remains true to our roots as the Northshore’s premier magazine for women.

Inside, you’ll find pages that are more streamlined to enhance readability and draw attention to our hyper-local content. From an editorial perspective, we’ll be bringing you useful, relevant information you can use to continually improve your quality of life.

We know you’ll like the magazine’s new appearance and will continue to find it a useful source of information in the coming year. In 2018, we’re also looking forward to providing you with new, exciting features about the Northshore’s businesses and service providers.

Please let us know what you think about our new look. Let us know on our Facebook page or feel free to email me at editor@ sophisticatedwoman.com. We look forward to engaging with our readers and making Sophisticated Woman the best it can be!

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Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

W The Northshore’s Best

A NEW BEGINNING When the calendar turns to a new year, use the opportunity to turn over a new leaf. It’s the perfect time to renew your body, renew your mind or renew your outlook on life.

In this month’s issue, we’ve given you plenty of ways to reinvent yourself. From med spas to fitness gurus to selfhelp tips, you’ll find everything you need to start 2018 off right.

health

Meet the Owner Dana Brewer-Plazinic AFTER 25 YEARS of studying how the body works, Dana Brewer-Plazinic has come to believe that movement is the best way to prevent disease, aches and pains as you age.

“I believe in the power of circulation in the body. I think the most important thing people can do to prevent disease and injury is to move,” she said. “But the key is to move with proper mechanics, in correct alignment, and with awareness of correcting muscular imbalances.”

That’s why she’s putting her 25 years’ experience in dance, somatics, kinesiology and body mechanics to work at Izzy Moving Fitness.

By offering adults personalized fitness options, Brewer-Plazinic aims to keep her clients healthy, active and moving.

“I am passionate about the body—how it moves, how to take care of it, how to heal it,” she said. “I want to transfer my knowledge to others and give them the tools they need to take care of their own bodies. Information is power and we all need to take charge of our health.”

A Hammond native, Brewer-Plazinic has a

masters of fine arts in dance from Mills College in Oakland, Calif. After returning to Louisiana, she taught dance at Southeastern Louisiana University for nearly 20 years and directed the dance program at Lusher Charter Elementary School for five years. She is certified in pilates, yoga and pediatric and adult CPR. Her studio is a welcoming, non-intimidating environment where clients receive a personal exercise prescription based on their individual needs. By combining the use of resistance bands, exercise balls and weights with the use of your own body weight, classes consist of a well-rounded and complete body workout aimed at a satisfying and energetic response.

She teaches small group classes and private fitness sessions in her Covington studio and is available to conduct corporate fitness classes, training for athletic teams and possibly homebased sessions for people recovering from illness or injury.

To learn more about Izzy Moving Fitness, please visit izzymovingfitness.com or call 985-705-0279.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

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health

Have You Had Back Pain In The Last 30 Days?

Firing On All Cylinders!

WRITTEN BY NANCY D. GRAVEL, BS, DC, BCN

FREE BACK PAIN & SCIATICA WORKSHOPS

January 6 & February 3 at 10 am 340 Falconer Drive • Covington, LA 985-893-2485

January 20 at 10 am

29301 North Dixie Ranch Rd. • Lacombe, LA 985-951-2242

REGISTER ONLINE starptclinics.com/workshops www.starptclinics.com

JUST LAST WEEK, I saw a short video on an internal combustion engine. Every part has to work together with every other part for it to run properly. If one part is not adjusted properly, that will affect every other part, and your automobile will not take you down the road in the proper manner you want.

We are like that, too! It’s important to be out in the world, being 100 percent so we can be the best at work, family, school, as a wife/mother, husband/father and daughter/ son. Life is meant to be joyful, and we now do whatever it takes to help people achieve joy and health.

It’s amazing to learn of the many neurological “issues” that people are plagued with! One “part” not adjusted properly will cause us all kinds of problems in life.

I have learned that human beings are three-part beings. Each of us has a body, and in that body is our spirit and our soul.

Our soul consists of our minds, our wills and our emotions. As a person lives life, events take place (we think of them as bad or good) and everything is recorded in our brains. This takes place, by the way, in the amygdala. This is an almond-shaped section of nervous tissue located in the temporal lobe (side) of the brain and part of the limbic system within the brain, which is responsible for emotions, survival instincts and memory. Everything that ever happens in life is recorded and stored there!

So many people are faced with challenges in their lives that can be helped in one way or another. I urge you to reach out and get the help you need.

Remember, “as a twig is bent so grows the tree.” We have to recognize what life events have been keeping us from total wellness and take appropriate action to seek out the proper corrective care.

Dr. Nancy D. Gravel specializes in BrainCore Neurofeedback therapy at Care Chiropractic, 2201 11th St., Mandeville. Call 985-626-4422 or visit braincoretherapyoflouisiana. com for more information.

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Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

lifestyle

Realistic Resolutions WRITTEN BY KRISTI PROBST

EVERY DAY WE wake up, and every day we choose. Choose to live, love and just exist in general. How we perceive ourselves has a direct impact on our day-to-day joy and general well-being.

Life can get crazy—the pressure of the job, the messiness of the kids, a schedule fit for superman and roots from hell. Sometimes just finding time for our friends and extended family can seem insurmountable and like a burden.

We can find ourselves traveling through this life with little or no intention, not really being IN a given situation—but instead pushing forward to the next thing on this hypothetical “list” we pin to our bra strap daily. Here are some simple ways to change this pattern. It’s not as hard as you might think and does not involve yoga or any form of exercise or dieting!

Stop Mind Reading Are you doing way too much reasoning in your mind and then scrambling to make a million adjustments because of perceived answers? When the preconceived answers start flying around our brains, we have a tendency to make decisions on assumptions. These behavior choices can leave us feeling bitter and angry. Instead, take control of your thoughts. Don’t make decisions on preconceived notions. Ask yourself what information you DO have and what your next step should be. Then do only that.

Start Taking Care of Yourself This may look like reading six or 60 pages of a book in your PJ’s or taking the time to put your makeup on before you get in the car. Maybe it’s a bubble bath or coffee with a friend. Maybe it’s a moment to just sit and breathe. The world isn’t going to stop, the kids aren’t going to die, and your husband certainly won’t starve if you take a time out to be kind to yourself. More importantly, stopping the schedule to just sit and be in the present will make a world of difference.

If It’s Stressing You Out, Just “Sit With It” Taking a moment to stop and pay attention to your thoughts and feelings can be a game changer. If we stop, just for a second, and ask ourselves “How do I feel about this or that?” then acknowledge internally “I’m sad” or “I’m feeling lonely” or maybe “I’m really kinda scared” and just sit with the feeling, the stress will subside and our brains will be free to accept a solution when it comes. The problem won’t go away, but this exercise will shift your focus. You’ll have confidence to do the hard things and accept that it’s not the end of the world.

Remember today that you are lovely. There is no one like you and you have a purpose that no one else can fill. It’s okay to be however we are– we have a right to feel. And these feelings don’t need to be a bad thing.

In fact, they help guide us. Mistakes are things of the past, so don’t judge yourself. Reach deep sister. You have so much to offer.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

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ANSWERED PRAYER!

Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care

The Northshore’s premier senior living community in Covington.

Call (985) 605-5950 to schedule a visit.

601 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA 70433

www.StAnthonysGardens.org Committed to providing equal housing opportunities for all races, religions and ethnic groups, and disabilities.

10 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

beauty

Time to Dot the Eyes WRITTEN BY BRETT WHITE

WITH THE NEW

year, we wanted to touch base on a few things we have covered in past articles. The reason for revisiting is the importance of making sure you know which specialist is legally able to offer you certain services. Also, we want to drive home the importance of making sure you are working with a trained, licensed and certified professional. After all, if anyone could perform the services, why the need for schools, licensing and the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology at all?

Estheticians are trained and licensed to perform hair removal, lash extensions and skin care that does not go beneath the top layers of skin. Estheticians are not licensed to perform any services for your hair (coloring, cutting, etc.), and they are not licensed to work on your nails. They can only provide skin care, lash extensions and hair removal.

Nail techs are not allowed to perform any waxing, skin care, hair care or any services other than nails. They are not properly trained or licensed, and it is against the law to perform any other services other than nail services.

Cosmetologists are trained and licensed to perform all services listed above, including all hair services. Although cosmetologists are licensed to perform nail, skincare and hair removal services, most opt to concentrate on hair services.

Remember, these are your services. These services are being performed on your body.

Unfortunately, we have seen it way too often. Someone goes to a place to “save a few dollars� and has a terrible experience.

Always protect yourself from issues that could, and usually do occur, when using someone who is not properly trained and licensed. Because, unfortunately, some businesses just will not tell you.

Brett & Michelle White are the owners of Wax’d, a full body waxing and esthetics salon. They are located at 1675 Hwy. 190 in Mandeville. For more information or to book an appointment, call 985-778-2005, or visit waxdbody.com.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 11

community

Carnival Fun on the Northshore WRITTEN BY CHELSEA ADAMS

IF YOU ATTENDED the Mardi Gras parade in downtown Covington

while creating a festive, traditional Mardi Gras atmosphere in Covington.

60 years ago, you were likely to see people riding in the backs of

Businesses can sponsor an entire float with 20 riders for $2,500 or

pickup trucks, riding bicycles or even pushing a wheelbarrow down

half a float with 10 riders for $1,400. Individual riding sponsorships are

Boston Street. “They did a little bit of everything back then,” said Bill

also available for $150. Rolling said one of the unique selling points for

Woessner, president of the Covington Lions Club, which organizes the

businesses is the ability to distribute logo branded throws from floats

event each year.

during the parade.

Over the years, the parade hasn’t changed that much. It has retained

Family-friendly entertainment will also be a part of the day’s

a hometown feel where people felt safe bringing their families for a

festivities at the Covington Trailhead. Food will be available for

few hours of fun on Fat Tuesday.

purchase, and parade winners will be announced.

Now, 61 years after the first Mardi Gras-day parade rolled through

Throughout the years, the Covington parade has drawn visitors who

Covington’s streets, the event is set for an upgrade. Thanks to a

like having room to spread out in a safe environment, Woessner said.

partnership between the City of Covington, the Lions Club and the

“People like that they can let their kids roam around safely. In the

Northshore business community, five professional floats as well as

20-odd years I’ve been involved, we’ve never had an incident at the

a post-parade party will be incorporated into Carnival in Covington

parade. We don’t want that to change,” he said.

on Feb. 13.

“We’re slowly trying to turn things around to be more of a traditional

The goal is not to alter the parade’s hometown feel. Bands, marching groups, golf carts, pickup trucks and bikes are still welcome to join the fun.

parade,” said Larry Rolling, Covington councilman who serves as the

“We want it to have a family atmosphere where people don’t have

city’s parade committee chairman. Rolling and the parade committee

to worry about crazy things happening,” Rolling said. “Then, it will

have been working alongside Woessner to enhance the parade over

become something people look forward to attending every year.”

To learn more about float sponsorship opportunities for Carnival in Covington, please contact Rolling at 985-502-8586 or email llrollingjr@aol.com, Mark Johnson at 985-788-4598 or email coachmarkj@gmail.com or Theo Mullen at 865-7768612 or email theomullen@yahoo.com.

the past year. “We want Covington to be the Northshore’s destination for Carnival,” he said.

By offering Northshore businesses the opportunity to sponsor a float, Rolling and Woessner hope to build community involvement 12 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

entertaining

Our Favorite Mardi Gras Cocktails

CELEBRATING MARDI GRAS with specialty cocktails that are parade-worthy is a New Orleans tradition.

Here are four recipes that will put you in the Carnival Spirit!

Purple Reign

Voodoo Kiss

1 ½ ounce vodka 1 ounce blue Curacao 1 ounce cranberry juice 1 ounce pineapple juice 1 ounce grenadine Lime

2 ounces dark rum 4 ounces ginger beer ½ cup ice Lime

Combine all ingredients, shake and pour over ice. Squeeze fresh lime juice, and serve with a slice of lime.

Combine rum and ginger beer in a glass. Stir, then add ice. Garnish with lime.

Neutral Ground

Mardi Rita

1 ounce amaretto liqueur 1 ounce Kahlua coffee liqueur 1 ounce vodka 2 ounce cream Shaved chocolate

1 cup tequila ½ cup triple sec 6 ounces fresh lime juice 1 fresh lemon juice 2 cups ice cubes

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Shake well, and strain into a glass. Garnish with shaved chocolate.

Mix all the ingredients in a blender till well blended. Dip rim of margarita glasses into Grand Mariner then into salt. Pour and drink away!

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 13

MON-FRI 8:30AM-6:30PM SAT 9AM-2PM

Throw Me Something Mister!

Fun Facts about Mardi Gras Parades

The first parade was held in New Orleans in 1837. The floats were horse-drawn wagons.

“We specialize in Customer Care” Tossing “throws” to the crowd started in the 1870s by the Twelfth Night Revelers.

FREE DELIVERY

Mardi Gras colors represent faith (green), power (gold) and justice (purple). They were selected in 1892 by Rex, the King of Carnival.

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Fax: (985) 888-1167 70457 Hwy. 21, Suite 118 COVINGTON

The term “krewe” is thought to have originated from the Mistick Krewe of Comus which formed in 1856.

Mardi Gras’ first female group, Les Mysterieuses, was founded in 1896. The first female parade krewe was Venus, which first rolled in 1941.

Bacchus was the first Krewe to name a Hollywood celebrity as its parade monarch.

laytonfamilypharmacy.com

14 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

healtlh

A Healthy Mardi Gras WRITTEN BY JOY FELDMAN, NC JD

NO MATTER HOW

you celebrate Mardi Gras, high-calorie food is sure to be a part of the festivities. The real question is how to have fun without sabotaging your body and your health. I know it sounds challenging, but it is doable.

Here are a few ideas for you and your kiddos: 1. Bring healthy dishes like the one below.

2. Make a healthy breakfast, including a protein. (e.g. eggs). Proteins help fight hunger by stabilizing blood sugar.

3. Load your plate with healthy options first.

Choose lots of veggies and lean proteins.

4. Be mindful of your food. Think about where your food came from and all the work that many people did so that you can enjoy this food. Smell and delight in your food, chewing it and enjoying the many tastes and textures. With this awareness, you will eat less because you are more present of what you are consuming.

Here is a healthy dish for your Mardi Gras event.

Decadent Baked Apple Surprise 6 large baking apples 2 cups water ½ cup of almond slices ½ teaspoon of cinnamon Directions: Core apples and place in baking pan.

Sprinkle cinnamon on top and place 2 cups of water in the bottom of the pan. Bake at 325°F for 2 hours or until apples are tender.

Here’s to your health!

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 15

business

lifestyle

The Present WRITTEN BY DR. MARY SPEED

WILLIAM WORDSWORTH WROTE,

Digital Marketing in 2018: It’s All About You WRITTEN BY CHRIS HERTING

SURE, WE CAN sit here and forecast “What’s Next?” in digital marketing. But, every other marketer out there will be feeding you the same information about emerging trends until you’re blue in the face. No thank you!

That would be a disservice to you, and our valued readership.

We’ll politely decline the invitation (and pressures) from our industry to deliver information that quite honestly has become status quo year after year. Fact of the matter is most “trends” remain the same. Content marketing, online advertising — specifically, search (Google) and Facebook, real-time relevance, social media, mobile and email marketing are all things that should remain priorities at the top of your strategic “To Do” list in 2018. Quality over quantity is something we practice and we preach.

We’re certainly not going to bombard you with quick and easy New Year’s Resolutions either. Sorry to disappoint! Chances are likely you just don’t care, and you already know what you need to do to improve the quality of your marketing for your business. It’s up to you to take the plunge.

That’s why we’re here to tell you to forget that nonsense. Buck the trends!

That’s right. Ignore the noise and focus on you. This means find your niche and define a strategy that sticks to your strengths.

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There’s no need to rewrite the book in 2018.

An integrated, omni-channel approach is one that often leads to success. Have faith in knowing that your customers will continue to value authenticity and place an emphasis on social responsibility. The powerful art of storytelling will always remain tried and true.

The one thing we can promise you in 2018 is that technology will continue to evolve at an unpredictable, incomprehensible rate of speed. This phenomenon will mean posts from “experts” containing the latest and greatest trends will, for the most part, be outdated by the time our February issue hits newsstands.

The best advice we can give you is to check this column each month. It’s the greatest New Year’s Resolution money and happiness can buy! Kidding aside, we will continue to help you stay informed each month with the latest trends in digital marketing with monthly updates that cut to the core. The truth is, we love having these discussions and staying ahead of emerging trends.

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 985-8937631 or visit gallinghouse.com.

“Life is divided into three terms—that which was, which is, and which will be.” Anything can be tolerated in the present moment.

Rarely, however, are moments perceived without the overshadowing of the past.

What I mean is, say someone is stuck in traffic. No big deal as an isolated occurrence, just a few minutes more and traffic ought to move. What typically happens though is that frustration is compounded by remembrances of past incidents of waiting. Of greater concern is our anxiety of what may happen in the future, such as, you might be late, again.

We can examine the truth of Wordsworth’s words according to how our bodies work.

Which was: We can not take in breath from the past. Nor can we see what has gone by.

The past, glorious or infamous, is spent. We cannot actually hear from the past; we can repeat recordings, but when we hear, we hear in the present. This is true of what we see also.

Which is: The God-given capacity to breathe is for this very moment. We do not have to prompt ourselves to breathe, we just breathe...until we don’t. Hearing and seeing are for now.

Which will be: We cannot breathe ahead of time nor save up breath for later. I think if we could we would save some breaths for the last moments, likely not so much for ourselves, but for the ones who might have something more that they might want to say to us or hope to hear from us. We cannot see into the future either. What we imagine might be is experienced now, not then.

I agree with Wordsworth and with this awareness, hope that I with you too, in 2018, will embrace the sweetness of hearing and seeing the present.

“To begin, begin.” – William Wordsworth

gardening

gardening

Garden Guests for the New Year WRITTEN BY LISA RIBBECK LYONS

BELLS AND HORNS may have announced the New Year for you, but how do our backyard guests know a New Year has arrived? They really don’t, unless you make your garden a welcome winter haven! Many beautiful birds from northern habitats head to our Northshore gardens to start their New Year in a more hospitable climate.

Maybe you have seen nuthatches, pine siskins, black-capped chickadees, tufted titmice, a warbler or two, and even a dark-eyed junco!

We are blessed year round with cardinals, sparrows, doves, crows, robins and lots of woodpeckers. How do you make your garden the best winter haven for native birds and visitors?

• Provide different feeders and keep them clean and functional. Suet feeders are great for woodpeckers and other insect feeders. A flat hanging platform is great for perchers and also serves as a place to smear a little peanut butter. Mealworms in bowls are nice for bluebirds, and don’t forget a mesh sock for the finches! Remember that wet or spoiled seed will encourage pests or sicken birds, so store seed

properly and give the feeders a weekly cleaning!

• Fruit trees, nectar-producing flowers and insects are natural sources of bird food. They may not be readily available all winter, but they will let birds know you have a friendly place for them to come in search of food.

• Hummingbirds may have already headed further south, but they will return soon, so clean their feeders and have them ready at the first sign of spring thaw.

• Keep bird baths free of leaves and filled.

If temperatures drop below freezing, pour hot water over the ice.

• Bird houses provide a safe nesting place for winter birds. Nail one to a tree at a height where you can clean out last year’s debris.

A great New Year activity would be to start a garden journal with dates and citings of your winter guests. Also note the frequency of feeding and places visited in your garden. Make a resolution to make 2018 your best and most fulfilling year ever in your garden!

Email your gardening questions to Lisa at shakeslyons@aol.com.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 17

home

Classic Creole m e e t s Modern Comfort 18 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

home

WRITTEN BY CASEY PERRIN ROBERT PHOTOS BY TIMOTHY DUNFORD

WHEN ASKED HIS

thoughts about his

pool and gardens. Discon, an enthusiastic

home, Scott Williams laughed softly and said,

gardener and self-proclaimed tree hugger,

“You never know where you’ll end up.” The

adores the soil of Mandeville. An attorney in

Carolina native who landed in Mandeville

the area, he also currently chairs the Parks

after living in Atlanta was referring to himself,

and Parkways Commission of Mandeville. He

but the statement is equally appropriate for

spends almost all his time at home outside,

the home he shares with Scott Discon in Old

digging and planting in the fertile, sediment-

Mandeville. The 1930s bungalow was floated

rich dirt. He says anything will grow here,

over from the Southshore on a barge more

and his lush gardens are living proof that

than 40 years ago and has since been lived in,

he’s right.

leased, sold, flooded, raised and renovated.

The windows reveal views of tall bamboo

With four dogs and two companies between

and the tops of palm trees, making the whole

them, the two Scotts have their hands full on

place feel like a treehouse, a welcomed

a daily basis. Their respite from the daily grind

escape from the everyday. What began as

is this bit of Caribbean life, just a block from

a 900-square-foot bungalow somewhere in

the lakefront. During the househunt in 2004,

Gentilly has evolved into a 2,800-square-foot,

Discon accidentally shined his headlights

multi-story home that almost everyone who

onto a “For Lease” sign one night after having

enters finds hard to leave.

dinner nearby. A few weeks later, they were

The sidehall, camelback-style house

living in the house and ready to buy it. Four

features Caribbean heart pine floors that

short months later, Hurricane Katrina ravaged

have been stained a cool grey tone. The

the neighborhood. “That’s when we really

laid-back vibe envelops everyone who

felt invested in the house and the area and

walks into the building, sits on the porch or

wanted to see it reach its potential,” he said.

swims in the pool. Light colors and bits of

Since then, the house has been raised from

natural material bounce through each room

the ground, providing a casual, ground-floor

easily, lightheartedly, as comfortably as the

entertaining space that leads right out to the

homeowners move through the space.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 19

home

WHAT BEGAN AS a 900-square-foot BUNGALOW SOMEWHERE IN GENTILLY has evolved into a

2,800-SQUARE-FOOT, MULTI-STORY HOME that almost every who enters finds hard to leave.

20 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

home Williams, who runs The Scotts’ Coffee Bar at the Southern Hotel, loves to cook, and his professionalgrade kitchen is the place where he spends the most time. It is a natural fit to curl up near the kitchen of this house, with lots of cozy seating and a fireplace.

The most recent renovation took out some of the original doorways, replacing them with taller, glasspaned French doors. Adding the ceiling-level height to the doors gave an modern touch to the whole space, and the glass gives a breezy, open feeling, even when they’re closed.

“We always talked about being able to see from the front door through to the back,” Discon said. Both men credit their dear friend Marianne Lipscomb, with whom they spent hours daydreaming about the future design of the house. Giving life to her designs in the more recent phase of work on the house has been a lovely remembrance to the designer who passed away in 2015. “She suggested the wall of shiplap long before it was in style to do that,” he said.

The casement windows are almost always partially open, giving even more of a Caribbean vibe to the entire home as breezes blow through from the lake.

Lots of easy going shades of white take on softer tones in the evening light, inviting anyone who visits to stay for an extra drink. Don’t be alarmed if a neighborhood frog hops in, too. In this neck of the woods, all are welcome to land here and stay a while.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 21

cover story

ENTERPRISING WOMAN

Missy Hymel

22 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

Restoring Function to Life WRITTEN BY JILL WILLIE PHOTOS BY STEVE RANDON

MISSY HYMEL’S NURTURING spirit is evident in everything she does. Whether visiting her children’s schools, cheering at the ballpark or worshipping at her church, Hymel makes people feel at ease.

Nowhere is this more evident than at her clinic, Accelerated Hand Solutions, where she treats traumatic and complex hand injuries including amputations, fractures, tendon injuries, burns and wound care. After more than a dozen years’ experience treating patients on the Northshore, Hymel has moved her practice to an expanded, free-standing clinic in Covington.

“We have seen a substantial increase in hand injuries since I started in the field 28 years ago.

Increased activity—whether it be from seniors who have become more active or from children who are now participating in highly competitive, year-round sports programs—has impacted our practice,” Hymel said. “There is also a growing awareness of hand therapists in general, and their ability to understand and manage the complexities of hand injuries in particular.”

Hymel is a licensed occupational therapistregistered and a certified hand therapist.

Certification requirements, according to the American Society of Hand Therapists, include three years of clinical practice and at least 4,000 hours of direct treatment for hand and upper extremity disorders. Certified hand therapists must also regularly pass a rigorous certification exam to demonstrate their competence in the practice of hand therapy.

As someone who experienced a traumatic hand injury herself, Hymel understands that restoring function to one’s hand can be a long and arduous journey. She believes that understanding and compassion are as important to a patient’s success as strengthening and flexibility exercises.

“You don’t know how dependent you are on your hands until you can’t use them anymore. Patients experience a combination of frustration, fear, pain and joy as they make progress. It is important to us that we tailor individual therapy sessions based on the patient’s emotion that is the strongest on that particular day. We start by providing comfort through heat or massage and progress from there,” she said.

cover story

HOW DEPENDENT you are on YOUR HANDS until you CAN’T USE them anymore

You don’t know

Having a solid rehabilitation program in place allows Hymel and her team to adapt sessions based on how patients are handling therapy and reacting to pain. The plan is based on the injury itself, the patient’s goals and the therapist’s expectations. It includes a realistic time frame for progression based on clinical therapy as well as adherence to an at-home regimen.

“There is a misperception that therapy is painful,” she said. “The adage, ‘no pain, no gain’ is not accurate when it comes our patients.

We focus on soothing the pain, not pushing through it. We don’t want them to dread appointments. Ultimately, the more they look forward to therapy, the better their outcomes will be.”

In addition to pain management techniques such as heat treatments, instrumented assisted massaging, ultrasound and scar management, the clinic offers rehabilitation exercises and equipment to treat patients. From high-touch sensitivity re-education to the high tech BTE Simulator II that accelerates strength training, the therapists and technicians utilize a variety of tools to help restore function.

In-house capabilities also include custom and pre-fabricated splints. This is critical in emergency situations where physicians may be reluctant to stabilize using hard casts. The clinic can often accommodate emergency patients as soon as the physician order is complete, with customized splints completed within one hour.

While much of her time is spent encouraging her patients, Hymel makes sure her employees are taken care of as well. She takes her responsibility as a business owner seriously, offering health insurance and retirement accounts—benefits almost unheard of for a business with only six employees. She also fosters an environment that puts family first, allowing flexibility with scheduling so team members can attend important events in their children’s lives.

“One of the reasons I started my own therapy business in 2005 was because I wanted the opportunity to be more involved with my children, Jordan and Jared who were five and four years old at the time. Now that they are in high school and on the verge of college, I am so grateful for the time I’ve had with them. It means a lot to be

able to provide that same opportunity to my own employees,” she said.

The Accelerated Hand Solutions’ team includes a second hand therapist, Stephanie Accardo, who has been with Hymel since being mentored by her seven years ago. They are assisted by therapy technicians Adam Cookmeyer and Alexa Kestler. Office manager Mireya Barkley and administrative assistant Jenna Corkern have managed the daily operations of the clinic.

“Having a group of experienced, loyal professionals has allowed me to focus on the behind-the-scenes business administrative responsibilities and treat complex post-operative cases with the confidence that Stephanie is fully capable of handling all the clinical responsibilities.”

Hymel said that her staff may be responsible for putting her vision in action, her husband Stephen is who helps make her vision a reality. “He is the glue to everything. Whether it was selling his truck to help with the initial down payment for the clinic or rearranging his schedule to help with the kids, he is always there to pick up slack when I needed it,” she said. “As we enter the next phase of the clinic and move to an expanded location, I am most thankful for the hand that has held mine for the last 24 years.”

Accelerated Hand Solutions is located at 7047 Highway 190 East Service Road, Covington. For more information, please call 985-951-2457 or visit acceleratedhandsolutions.com.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 23

A Hazy Shady of Winter 24 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

fashion

Warm and Cozy Style WRITTEN BY SHARON BILBE PHOTOS BY MICHELLE PREAU

LOOK AROUND. The leaves are brown and the sky is a hazy shade of winter.

Enjoy a cozy day sharing the warmth of a roaring fire and hot beverage while you cuddle up in the season’s softest of knits, suedes and velour. The shades of winter need not be boring or blah! Take a look at these be sumptuous ensembles and stunning accessories. You don’t need to be out on the town to be dressed to impress others. Impress yourself and feel like a million bucks in the comfort of your own home.

Gretchen

Sweater knit, flat brimmed hat, $28, sage faux suede tunic, $50 – Simply Chic Boutique Dark wash skinnies, $110 – Columbia Street Mercantile Gold labradorite necklace with black Swavorski crystals, $242 – The Vine Dust and cognac ankle boots, $139 – Shoeffle’

Hailey

Light grey one shoulder sweater, $89, blush waxed denim super skinny ankle, $255 – The Vine Muted multi-hued blanket scarf, $19, medium grey velvet ankle boots, $129 – Shoeffle’

Katie Olive crushed velvet bomber jacket, $158, green and navy sweater dress, $99, black all-weather suede ankle boots, $169 – Shoeffle’

Bridgette Heather grey bell-sleeved sweater with velvet bows $79, handmade pewter & 24 karat gold cuff with Swarovski crystals, $220, black moto boots, $160 – The Vine Onyx travel legging, $98 – The Vine

Katie

Camel cashmere shawl with leather accents, $275 – The Vine Ivory velour skinnies with palm embellishment, $188, sand dune tassel necklace, $78 – Palm Village Long sleeve white tee, $49 – Columbia Street Mercantile Caramel knit hat, $19, open-toe perforated wedges, $129 – Shoeffle’

Hailey

Ivory cowl-neck sweater tunic, $86 – Columbia Street Mercantile Faux fur pompom knit cap, $19, gold sunset safari fringe crossbody bag, $128, mink suede over-the-knee boots, $99 – Shoeffle’ Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 25

fashion

Boutique Contact Information:

Columbia Street Mercantile, 985.809.1789/ 985.809.1690 Palm Village, 985-778-2547 Shoeffle’, 985-898-6465 Simply Chic Boutique, 985-778-2010 The Vine, 985-951-0005

26 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

fashion Katie Taupe, long-sleeve tunic, $34, oatmeal openfront cardigan, $68, blanket scarf, $24 – Simply Chic Boutique Dark wash skinnies, $120 – Columbia Street Mercantile

Gretchen Taupe and gray wrap jacket, $149, charcoal crop-top sweater, $32, dark wash jeans, $110 – Columbia Street Mercantile

Hailey Burgundy, v-neck sweater poncho, $38, burgundy leather and gold splattered earrings, $26 – Simply Chic Boutique Grey staggered hem/zipper jeans $120 – Columbia Street Mercantile Raspberry wedge shooties, $59 – Shoeffle’

Gretchen Black velvet smoking jacket, $239, plum and black velvet burnout cami, $79, wine velvet skinnies, $198 – The Vine Dark gray cow suede ankle boots, $99 – Shoeffle’

Katie True velour zip hoodie, $118, matching velour track pant, $98 – Palm Village Gold hoop earrings, $29, gold peep-toe d’orsay pump, $69 – Shoeffle’

Hailey Camel cashmere shawl with leather accents, $275, navy vegan and ponty skinnies, $125 – The Vine Neutral, reversible crew-neck sweater, $72 – Columbia Street Mercantile Faux leather and druse bracelet, $49 – Shoeffle’

Hailey Cheetah, open cross-back sweater, $34 – Simply Chic Boutique Black slim leg trousers with slit-front ankle, $42, black lace bralette, $15 – Columbia Street Mercantile

fashion

Open-toe perforated wedges, $129 – Shoeffle Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 27

sophisticated shopper

Shopwishboutiques.com @shopwishboutiques

@shopwishboutiques

70457 highway 21 suite 110-2 | Covington 985.276.4994 | Store hours: Tues-Thurs 11-6 | Fri & Sat 11-5 28 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

sophisticated shopper

228 N. Columbia Street | 985-898-6465

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 29

beauty

Laser Away That Unwanted Hair WRITTEN BY DR. MICHAEL HAAS

SHAVING,

WITH A NOD to our original name and purpose, Sophisticated Woman is launching a new retail fashion program.

Contact us to reserve your ad space today!

PLUCKING,

email: lorie@sophisticatedwoman.com

Sophisticated The

Shopper

Program For Fashion Retailers 30 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

WAXING,

electrolysis and laser treatments can remove unwanted hair. Laser hair removal technology has advanced greatly in the last five years. The light energy that destroys hair follicles is very target specific, very “laser” focused!

These new advances have made the treatments much more comfortable, effective and available on more skin types. The laser works by heating up an active hair follicle enough to destroy it. It does this by targeting just the follicle without harming the surrounding tissue.

Hair continuously goes through phases of resting and falling out along with its normal growth phase. Hair can only be destroyed during the growth phase, so treatments need to be spaced at least a month apart to get all the hair. The hair follicle needs to be present for the laser to destroy it. So, avoid such things as hair removal creams, waxing, tweezing or bleaching four-to-six weeks prior to treatment.

The treatment itself is very quick, depending on the area involved. An upper lip for instance can take less than five minutes, and a bikini less than 15 minutes. Someone with long legs may have up to 45 minutes of treatment time.

Within days to weeks, you will notice hair falling out and slow regrowth. Good results come between four-to-seven treatments, depending on many factors. The blacker the hair and the lighter the skin, gives the best results. Laser hair removal has its limitations though. Fine, white or light peach fuzz cannot be removed with a laser.

Treatment prices have also come down with the improvements in technology. So, get ready for summer – laser now!

Dr. Michael Haas has 30 years of experience in medical lasers. He is a leading authority in cryosurgical skin care and the inventor of the CryoPen® Cryosurgical Skin System. He owns Paradise on Columbia Med Spa located at 200 N. Columbia St. in Covington.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit paradiseoncolumbia.com or call 985-892-8876.

New Year. New Ideas. New Strategies.

Big Marketing Solutions.

Boutique Agency.

Relationships.

985. 893. 76 3 1 g a l l i n g ho u s e.c o m Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 31

Meatloaf: A Revisionist History WRITTEN BY ELLIS V. LUCIA

THERE’S A FAMOUS art installation in Amarillo, Texas called the Cadillac Ranch, where a line of classic wing-tipped, fin-tailed Cadillacs are half-buried, nose first in the stark dirt.

I’ve always loved the striking visual—decadent post-WWII luxury roadsters arranged in a line of 10, as if they had hit the earth from outer space doing well over the enforced speed limit. For me, conceptual art is usually the least approachable media to communicate an idea. But the Cadillac Ranch has always spoken to American consumerism and the earnestness that defines a young, energetic, creative, disposable society.

Recently a friend returned from a road trip out West, and he shared photos of the 43-year-old installation. The ranch was relocated many years ago, and the cars are now covered with graffiti. In my view, this was akin to revisionist history and unsettling. It was confusing, as I feel art and culture define us and should be protected. In that sense, the art was sacred to me, and as a result, I’ve had to rethink that aspect of art, evolution and history.

Recently, my wife and I delivered cherished, old-school photographic images for a gallery showing of multiple artists’ work. I looked at all 32 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

the new techniques other artists offered that were meant to dazzle the viewer with color and energy.

Somehow, it brought to mind the Cadillac Ranch. A clearer understanding about the nature of things came into focus. Some things are meant to live forever, some constantly change and yet everything is connected in some way. Where those evolutionary lines are drawn is up to the individual. If you don’t like it or are unwilling to accept inevitable change, it might be best to stay in bed.

There is a relationship between the classics and reinvention, between art and food. Whether it’s tomato sauce (the red gravy your mama made) and marinara, or the explosion of versions of macaroni and cheese, classic dishes can be reinvented while retaining vestiges of the original.

In testament to that theory, I am offering a version of an American classic that I have tinkered with my entire life and am confident that my investigatory work is now complete. This meatloaf, while similar to original recipes, has layers of added flavor that make it the best I’ve ever tasted. Well wrapped, it freezes extremely well for a long period, making it easy to have a home-cooked meal any time.

foodies

“Throw Away Your Other Meatloaf Recipe” Recipe Yield: Two loaves – you’ll want to freeze one!

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons canola, olive oil or butter 2 onions, chopped 2 ribs of celery, chopped 1 red, orange or yellow bell pepper, chopped 3 tablespoons minced garlic 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped 2/3 cup fresh flat leaf parsley 1 teaspoon hot sauce ½ teaspoon cayenne 4 eggs 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard ½ cup ketchup 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons Pickapeppa sauce (optional) 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup parmesan or romano cheese 1 ½ cup panko, sourdough or regular bread crumbs 3 pounds ground chuck 1 pounds ground pork or pork breakfast sausage 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon black pepper 8 slices of bacon (optional)

Directions: 1.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

2.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat and sauté the onions,

celery and bell pepper for five minutes or until soft and beginning to brown.

Add the garlic and herbs, and cook for two minutes more. Remove from heat

and set aside to cool in a large mixing bowl.

3.

When cool, add the eggs, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire, hot sauce,

Pickapeppa, cayenne and cream to the mixture. Mix just until combined. Less

mixing keeps the loaf less dense. Add the chuck, pork and breadcrumbs, salt

and pepper, and mix thoroughly, but lightly.

4.

Divide the mixture between two loaf pans. Top with bacon slides. Bake for 50

to 60 minutes or until done.

5.

You can pour ketchup, tomato sauce or any pasta sauce atop the bacon

covered loaves. The sauce will dehydrate a bit and become more intense as it

bakes.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 33

business

Probate: It’s Not as Scary as You Think WRITTEN BY CHRISTIE TOURNET

2 016

Our lifestyle is all-inclusive, so residents can enjoy the simplicity of paying one price for everything. From rent, to dining, to care - we've got you covered! Our safe and secure community has all of the comforts of home, without all of the maintenance.

CUSTOMIZED SENIOR-LIVING CARE PLAN SAFE, SECURE, & FRIENDLY COMMUNITY

IN LOUISIANA, PROBATE is also called a “succession.” Succession is the avenue for the deceased person’s beneficiaries to receive title to assets, including real estate and vehicles, and it provides access to bank and investment accounts.

Often, people are initially apprehensive to open succession after hearing accounts from residents of other states with more lengthy and costly processes. Fortunately, Louisiana provides several quick and cost-effective routes to complete a succession.

The Small Succession Affidavit. This process is available, if the deceased did not have a will (or had a will probated outside of Louisiana), had property valued at $125,000.00 or less, and the heirs meet the statute’s requirements. This process requires no judicial filings, but only recordation of the affidavit, if real estate is involved.

Succession Without an Administration.

Administration is not required, if the deceased did not owe significant debts and the property can be easily divided among all heirs. The process is limited to gathering the deceased’s asset and debt information and filing the pleadings to immediately place the heirs (or legatees, if a will exists) in possession. This avenue can be relatively quick (most often within 30 days) and affordable.

Independent Administration. Sometimes, administration of the estate may be needed to gather complete information or sell an asset.

Still, the beneficiaries can proceed with this streamlined method, if the deceased left a will permitting it, or if all intestate (no will) heirs agree. The administrator proceeds without having to obtain court approval for all actions, and this process can still be relatively quick and affordable.

It is best for beneficiaries to confirm the appropriate avenue with counsel and start succession earlier than later, as time passage permits greater chance for lost documents and difficulty in attaining good values and coordinating beneficiaries.

PEACE OF MIND FOR YOU & YOUR LOVED ONES

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Prices, plans, programs and specifications subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Void where prohibited by law. ©2017 Discovery Senior Living. TT0106 11/17

34 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

FOLLOW

US!

Managed and Operated by National Award Winning

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.

community

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Red Water Staffing, 21489 Koop Drive, Ste. C3, Mandeville.

<

< Longbranch Recovery Center, 21516 Highway 36, Abita Springs.

End of the Lane, 415 Palace Drive, Hammond.

<

< Bedell & Menke Investigations and Consulting, 200 Mariners Plaza Drive, Ste. 205, Mandeville.

Foti Financial, 1111 West Morris Ave., Ste. A, Hammond.

<

< The Jambalaya King, 1320 North Morrison Blvd., Hammond.

<

< Captain Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 2444 West Thomas St., Hammond.

St. Tammany Eye Care, 1107 Village Walk Rd, Covington.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 35

community

NOTES & NOTEABLES

<

< Professional Women of St. Tammany Professional Women of St. Tammany hosted Chris McMahon, CEO of Longbranch Healthcare, at its November meeting held at Tchefuncta Country Club. McMahon is pictured with PWST President Stephanie Miller Murphy.

LRMC Hosts Toy Drive During December, Lakeview Regional Medical Center collected 500 items for St. Tammany Project Christmas, Inc. The organization facilitates funds and gifts from the community for those in need so children can have toys to unwrap on Christmas morning and families can enjoy a holiday meal. The nonprofit provided Christmas items to 1,700 people in 2017.

< Best Place to Work New Orleans CityBusiness has named North Oaks Health System as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Place to Workâ&#x20AC;? for 2017. This marks the eighth time that North Oaks has received this recognition from the business publication. North Oaks is the only health system headquartered on the Northshore honored this year. North Oaks was chosen as a finalist based on workforce data, such as average salaries, benefits, retention levels and opportunities available for employee advancement. An online survey completed by North Oaks employees provided insights into the workplace culture.

36 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

community

Family Celebrates Home Dedication Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West celebrated with the Brown family at their home dedication in early December. During the ceremony, the home was blessed

by New Beginnings Pastor Eddie Swan and homebuyer Timeka Brown received a hammer and Bible representing the hard work that went into making her house a home. Brown also received a wreath made by players from the Mandeville Soccer Club as a housewarming gift.

<

< Top Travel Advisor Stephanie Miller Murphy has been recognized as a Top Travel Advisor at Brownell Academy, an annual meeting of the world’s finest travel advisors, hoteliers, cruise line reps and tour operators. Stephanie received the prestigious “Devonian” award, which signifies more than $1 million in sales. Miller Murphy is the owner of Miller Murphy Travel and is an independent affiliate of Brownell.

<

< Schmidt Named Chief Nursing Officer Lakeview Regional Medical Center, a campus of Tulane Medical Center, has named Jennifer Schmidt, MSN, RN, as chief nursing officer. Most recently, Schmidt was the associate chief nursing officer at Tulane Medical Center and the onsite nursing leader for the Lakeside Hospital for Women and Children. She joined Tulane Health System more than 20 years ago as a staff nurse and advanced progressively to larger roles serving as clinical supervisor of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, clinical manager of Tulane Hospital for Children, director of pediatrics and director of women’s and children’s services.

Mandeville Artist Selected for Saints’ Campaign For the second year in an row, Mandeville Artist Christina Pappion was selected as featured artist for the New Orleans Saints’ “My Cause My Cleats Campaign.” Pappion completed 15 of the 20 Saints’ cleats during the campaign to raise awareness of players’ charities and causes. Two of Pappion’s designs were chosen by CBS News Media as among the “best of the best.”

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 37

community

KIDS BEING KIDS

< LHS Congratulations to the Lakeshore High School Titans football team for making it to the Class 4 State Title Game held in December at the Superdome. Though the team lost to eight-time champ Edna Karr High School, the team pulled off a 14-0 regular-season record. Congratulations on a job well done!

< Local Schools Place at State Swim Meets St. Scholastica Academy won its seventh Division II LHSAA swim meet in November. The team won all three relays and three individual events. Lakeshore High School swimmers received a total of 20 medals and placed third overall at the meet. The boys’ relay team placed third and the girls’ relay team placed sixth. Several individual swimmers also placed in the top three, receiving individual swim titles. At the Division I State meet, Northshore High senior Maddie Byrd won the Girls Division I state titles in the 200-yard butterfly and the 100-yard backstroke. It marked the second straight year that Northshore won the 200-yard medley relay state title with Byrd as the lead leg. Byrd was also named the LHSAA Girls Division I Most Outstanding Swimmer. Fontainebleau High senior Maggie Beyrau won the state title in the Girls 50-yard freestyle.

<

<

Students Learn to Eat Healthy Darlene Randolph, cafeteria manager at Madisonville Elementary School, taught Judy Helmstetter’s kindergarten class how to choose a healthy plate. The class also got to sample foods from each of the different food groups. Randolph is pictured with Kylie Barcelona and Cooper Zeringue.

YAP Club Raises Funds The Youth and Pets Club at Lake Harbor Elementary School sold baked goods to support the St. Tammany Humane Society at an adoption event held in December at Baldwin Motors in Covington. Twenty dogs were adopted, and the club raised $110.

38 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

community

< Riverside Elementary School Citizen of The Month Riverside Elementary recently had its first Citizen of The Month awards of the 2017-18 school year. The students enjoyed visiting with family and friends and were treated to snacks by the PTA. Congratulations to all of the recipients!

< St. Paul’s Students Hold Food Drive In November, Students at St. Paul’s School collected more than 13,500 pounds of food for the Northshore Food Bank in Covington. That equates to 15 pounds of food per student at St. Paul’s. Twenty juniors and seniors delivered the goods to the food bank that serves 325 families each week.

<

< Ponchatoula Student Athletes Recognized Two Ponchatoula students have been named Student-Athletes of the Fall Season by North Oaks Health System’s athletic trainers and orthopedic physicians. Hailey Gianatano is a junior with a 3.93 grade point average at Ponchatoula High School. She lettered in basketball and volleyball, and was named the district MVP in basketball.

Peyton Ryan, a senior at Ponchatoula High School, has a 3.9 grade point average and scored a 32 on the ACT. He throws javelin and has committed to Southeastern Louisiana University’s track and field team. Ryan also plays middle linebacker for PHS and had 67 total tackles, one interception, one pass breakup and nine tackles for losses this season.

Northshore Football Player Scores Perfect ACT Northshore High School junior Austin Thombs scored a perfect 36 on the ACT. Thombs, a defensive end for the Panthers, helped Northshore win a 24-18 road game at Ponchatoula on Oct. 27. The next morning, with only six hours of sleep under his belt, Thombs recorded Northshore’s second perfect ACT score of the school year. Thombs was also named the STPPS District Junior High Student of the Year in 2014-2015 and is an NHS Ambassador and a member of Team 1912 Combustion robotics team.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 39

community

JANUARY CALENDAR 1–27 “After the Wetlands” art exhibition featuring the works of John Valentino.

10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturdays, free, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington, sttammanyartsassociation.org.

12–13 Downtown Covington Film Festival. Southern Hotel, 428 E. Boston St., Covington, filmfreeway.com/dtcfilmfestival.

12–27 “That 70s Show,” a musical tribute to the music of the 1970s, presented

by Cutting Edge Theater. 8–10 p.m., $28.50–$30, 767 Robert Blvd., Slidell, 985-649-3727, cuttingedgetheater.com.

19–21 Jazz in January. Ticketed concerts on Friday and Saturday nights, Sunday morning jazz masses are free and open to the public, $40$50, Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New Hampshire St., Covington, christchurchcovington.com.

19-FEB. 4 “Peter and the Starcatcher,” presented by Slidell Little Theatre. 2024 Nellie Drive, Slidell, 985-641-0324, slidelllittletheatre.org.

5 Romance and Fantasy with Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy with Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. 7:30 p.m., $20-55, First Baptist Church of Covington, 16333 Highway 1085, Covington, lpomusic.com.

6 Back Pain and Sciatica Workshop, presented by Star Physical Therapy.

Free, 10 a.m., 340 Falconer Drive, Covington, starptclinics.com/workshops, 985-893-2485.

8 Antioxidant Screening by Biophotonic Scanner Screening.

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., free, The Green House Salad Co., 104 Lake Drive, Covington, 985-898-6380.

18 Annual Winter Rod Run Car Show. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Clarion Inn and Suites Conference Center, 501 N. Highway 190, Covington, 985-801-0266.

2018

Northshore Mardi Gras Parades SATURDAY JAN 6.

Krewe of St. John Fools of Misrule, 6 p.m., Covington

SATURDAY, JAN. 27 Krewe of Bilge, noon, Slidell Krewe of Poseidon, 1 p.m., Slidell Krewe of Mona Lisa & Moon Pie, 7 p.m., Slidell

SUNDAY, JAN. 28 Krewe of Slidellians, 1 p.m., Slidell Krewe of Perseus, 2 p.m., Slidell

FRIDAY, FEB. 2 Krewe of Eve, 7 p.m., Mandeville

SATURDAY, FEB. 3 Krewe of Paws, 10 a.m., Slidell Krewe of Push Mow, 11 a.m., Abita Springs Krewe of Tchefuncte, 1 p.m., Madisonville Krewe of Olympia, 6 p.m., Covington Krewe of Titans, 6:30 p.m., Slidell

SUNDAY, FEB. 4 Krewe of Claude, 1 p.m., Slidell Krewe of Dionysus, 2 p.m., Slidell

FRIDAY, FEB. 9 Krewe of Selene, 6:30 p.m., Slidell Krewe of Orpheus, 7 p.m., Mandeville

20 Back Pain and Sciatica Workshop, presented by Star Physical Therapy.

Free, 10 a.m., 29301 North Dixie Ranch Road, starptclinics.com/workshops, 985-951-2242.

27 Mardi Gras Murder Mystery Dinner, a fundraiser hosted by Oaks Montessori School. $50, Le Fleur De Lis Reception Hall, 111 N. 6th St., Ponchatoula, omstickets.com.

40 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

TUESDAY, FEB. 13 Krewe of Bush, 9 a.m., Bush Krewe of Lions, 10 a.m., Covington Mystic Krewe of Covington, noon, Covington Krewe of Chahta-Ima, 1 p.m., Lacombe Krewe of Folsom, 2 p.m., Folsom

community

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

Troubadours Songwriter Night, presented by the Northshore Songwriters Circle.

6:30–9 p.m., free, Covington Brewhouse, 226 East Lockwood St., Covington, 985893-2884, facebook.com/TroubadoursSongwriterNight.

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 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.

EVERY 2ND SATURDAY Madisonville Art Market. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Water St., Madisonville, 985-643-5340, madisonvilleartmarket.com.

Second Saturday Art Walk. 6–9 p.m., downtown Covington art galleries, Columbia, Boston and Rutland streets, 985-892-1873.

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.

Sophisticated Woman | January 2018 41

42 Sophisticated Woman | January 2018

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