SOCIAL MAY 2021
NoRTHSHORE
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REAL ESTATE
ROCKSTARS OF REAL ESTATE NABOR AWARDS NOTABLE NEIGHBORHOODS
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YOUR St. Tammany Parish Tourist & Convention Commission
10,030 tourism jobs supported
for St. Tammany Parish community members in 2019 Photo: Laura Grier
Tourism Builds Community on the Louisiana Northshore Our visitors are tourists as well as our visiting family and friends, and they love our amazing community as much as we do, making St. Tammany Parish the 4th largest tourist destination in Louisiana. In 2019, we had 2.63 million visitors! It’s as if every man, woman, and child in the city of Chicago came to St. Tammany Parish in 2019 and spent $293.15 each.
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800.634.9443
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LINEUP COMING SOON
SEPT. 24-25
2021
CASSIDY PA R K BOGALUSABLUES.COM
FROM THE EDITOR As we approach the halfway mark of the year, it seems as though it’s come in the blink of an eye...Events are steadily being scheduled again, and summer is at our heels. Around this time of year, many families prepare their homes for the market before summer starts; so we welcome you to our Real Estate Issue.
SOCIAL MAY 2021
NoRTHSHORE
In this issue, we’re introducing you to agents throughout the Northshore who are truly considered Real Estate Rockstars. You’ll also learn how NABOR Association Executive Cynthia Tarver assists agents to become more involved in the community; and Brittany Picolo-Ramos, host of Selling the Big Easy, allowed us to get an insight on her life and shares 5 Tips to Selling a Home. Of course, we love being able to showcase our local charities; and in this issue, you can learn more about the impact CAC-Hope House is making. As always, thank you for being a loyal reader. We strive show the amazing people of the Northshore that make living here so great! At Social Northshore, we are excited to be your resource for all things social! See you in June!
issue
REAL ESTATE
ROCKSTARS OF REAL ESTATE NABOR AWARDS NOTABLE NEIGHBORHOODS
On the Cover: Sarah Warthan, Emily Bottner, Tracie Ohlsen, Tammy Whitehead & Erin Patterson
JEN MEADOWS
Editor, Social Northshore
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VO LU M E 1 · I S S U E 8
PUBLISHER David Renfro EDITOR Jen Meadows COPY EDITOR Lana Cagle SALES Jen Meadows | 985.687.8980 Summer Morgan Basile | 318.471.1001 David Renfro | 731.499.1414 PHOTOGRAPHY Casey Varnado Ashley George Abigail Sibley Shannon Serpas Eugenia Lubrano of NOLA Real Estate Marketing CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Liesel Schmidt Kayla Bertucci Casey Varnado GRAPHIC DESIGN Corning Publishing Company SOCIAL MEDIA & WEB DESIGN Summer Morgan Basile SOCIAL NORTHSHORE MAGAZINE www.socialnorthshore.com
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SOCIAL NORTHSHORE
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CONTENTS MAY 2021
FEATURES
14 19 22 24 26 29 30 33 34 36 37 39
Community Leader: Cynthia Tarver
Social Q&A 5 Tips for Selling a Home
REAL ESTATE ROCKSTARS:
14
19
Real Estate Rockstar: Jenna Richard
Notable Neighborhoods: Money Hill
Real Estate Rockstar: Megan Helwick
Notable Neighborhoods: Wingfield Estates
Real Estate Rockstars:
24
39
37
The Luther Team
Notable Neighborhoods: Terra Bella
Real Estate Rockstar: Jeanine Damare'
Real Estate Rockstar: Tina Mauterer
33
Real Estate Rockstar: Sadie Wilson & Katie Desselle
29 36
41
THE VIEWS AND COMMENTS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHORS ARE NOT ALWAYS THAT OF OUR EDITORS OR PUBLISHERS. WHILE EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION IN THE PUBLICATION, SOCIAL NORTHSHORE ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR RESULTANT CONSEQUENCES, INCLUDING ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE ARISING FROM THE RELIANCE ON INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION. ALL IMAGES CONTAINED IN SOCIAL NORTHSHORE MAGAZINE ARE SUBJECT TO THE COPYRIGHT OF SOCIAL NORTHSHORE, BUT NOT LIMITED THERETO. REPRODUCTION OF ANY PART OF THIS MAGAZINE WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.
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SOCIAL NORTHSHORE
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CONTENTS MAY 2021
41 42 47 61 68 75 80
Real Estate Rockstars: The LaRocca Team
People You Should Know: Brittany Picolo-Ramos
La Belle Maison: Drama & Grace
42
47
68
75
65
73
SuperMoms: Mother & Daughter Edition
Impact & Giveback: Hope House
Bride:
Lauren + Blake Andrews
Influencer: April Dilao
EVENTS
28 44 65 73
NABOR Awards Gala Beau Chene: Easter Egg Hunt Beau Chene: More Than Fore Golf Tournament Spring for Art
THE VIEWS AND COMMENTS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHORS ARE NOT ALWAYS THAT OF OUR EDITORS OR PUBLISHERS. WHILE EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION IN THE PUBLICATION, SOCIAL NORTHSHORE ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR RESULTANT CONSEQUENCES, INCLUDING ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE ARISING FROM THE RELIANCE ON INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION. ALL IMAGES CONTAINED IN SOCIAL NORTHSHORE MAGAZINE ARE SUBJECT TO THE COPYRIGHT OF SOCIAL NORTHSHORE, BUT NOT LIMITED THERETO. REPRODUCTION OF ANY PART OF THIS MAGAZINE WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.
COMING SOON TO $OCIAL NORTHSHORE
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MONEY MAKERS MEET THE NORTHSHORE’S FINANCE PROFESSIONALS 12
SOCIAL NORTHSHORE
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COMMUNITY Leader
Good NABORs By Liesel Schmidt
For some, the real estate industry is just the means to an end. Real estate agents who work only for a commission. Clients who go through a real estate agent only because it’s the most expedient way to complete the sale or close the deal. But for the real estate professionals who are REALTORS® and see their work as a calling, the transactional relationships they create soon become genuine connections, and the sales they help facilitate become the foundation of a community.
I
t is that kind of passion that drives Cynthia Tarver in her work within the Northshore. A member of the real estate industry for the past 14 years, Tarver has been the Association Executive of the Northshore Area Board of REALTORS® for the past two years. It is through her work with NABOR, however, that she feels she contributes most to her community—and her fellow REALTORS®.
A member-based trade association and local board of REALTORS® established to assist its members in the business of real estate, NABOR provides its members with discounts, continuing education, professional development, and networking opportunities. Real estate licensees who join NABOR also become members of the state association and the National Association of REALTORS®. With a mission to “empower REALTORS® as they preserve, protect, and advance the right to real property for all,” NABOR is extremely driven to meet the needs of member REALTORS® and provide both accountability and resources to further the education, efficacy, and success of the real estate professionals on its board. Naturally, that bears greatly on the client experience as well as their ability to close a deal in the most advantageous way. 14
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“I love the relationships I have established through my leadership with other Association Executive Officers, government officials, and organizations that we are affiliated with during my time as a member of NABOR,” says Tarver, who was in management for 23 years before she made the transition into real estate. “There is always an opportunity to learn new things that I am able to share with our leadership and members of our association.” In her work as an Association Executive at NABOR, Tarver assists the agents to become involved in the community through political action events such as meet-and-greets with local candidates as well as supporting local charities through fundraising for organizations like Wounded War Heroes, LynHaven, and Special Olympics. “It is highly important to give back to the community that supports our local businesses and the more than 700 REALTORS® members that we have,” says Tarver, explaining why she feels that community involvement in her work is so vital.
“It is highly important to give back to the community that supports our local businesses and the more than 700 REALTORS® members that we have”
While she is original from Marrero, Tarver has come to greatly love the Northshore community. “This is such a welcoming area, with many restaurants and outdoor spaces to enjoy like The Trace, Fontainebleau State Park, and the Lakefront,” says Tarver, who loves to paint and spend time with her family and friends when she’s not working. As a Navy veteran, Tarver has some notable achievements on her resume, and she’s continued her ambitions in her real estate career. In addition to her work with NABOR, she has received many certifications through the National Association of Realtors to include C2EX, Leadership 400, Excelling in Association Leadership, REALTORS® Association Management, Professional Standards Administrator, and Advanced Professional Standards. She also successfully wrote and implemented new policies and procedures for NABOR. Another thing she takes immense pride in is, of course, her children. “I’ve raised very wellrounded, educated, and successful children; and that makes me really proud,” Tarver says. And as she works to further the careers of her fellow REALTORS® and build the community she calls home, Tarver needs only to look around to see the impact being made on the Northshore.
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MAY 2021
15
SOCIAL Q&A
What makes the Northshore GREAT? LEGIT NUTRITION
Shelbi Booth & Skyler
“The people of the Northshore are what makes it great. They are caring and will rally together to lift up the community and each other without hesitation.”
Q A
LEARNING EXPRESS
Maya Gunaldo
“The Northshore is great because I get to see all the happy kids with huge smiles come shop at Learning Express Toys in Mandeville. “
JOS. A. BANK Allie Matte
“The Northshore is a great place to live. It’s very family oriented, very safe, and has some of the best schools in the state. There’s so many different people and places to experience that makes it unique from other places around us.” 16
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New Healthcare Choices Now Available on the Northshore Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group has grown, expanded and refreshed patient care services in Slidell. In early January, Our Lady of the Lake Physician Goup opened new offices inside the Fremaux Medical Office Building at 1810 Lindberg Drive, Suite 1100, conveniently located near the Fremaux Town Center and I-10. Primary care and specialist providers offer a wide array of healthcare services, including rapid COVID-19 testing, sameday access to care, and on-site lab and x-ray services. Other services include preventive medicine, acute illness care, major injury treatment, wellness visits, physical exams, school and sports physicals and chronic disease management. The primary care clinic is located on the first floor of the building with 10,000 square feet of space and 21 exam rooms.
On the Northshore, Our Lady of the Lake offers 20 primary care providers, nearly two dozen specialists, two pediatricians and support staff who perform more than 70,000 clinic visits each year. Additionally, Our Lady of the Angels Hospital in Bogalusa employs more than 500 team members and is the center of a rural family medicine residency program that provides training for 18 LSU medical school resident physicians each year. All this means you have more healthcare choices than ever before.
The new facility has 60,000 square feet of space on three floors and was designed to accommodate future population growth. What’s more, next door to the new medical office building is the new Our Lady of the Lake Surgical Hospital, which provides outpatient surgical care, connecting you to seamless service. “We are proud to offer comprehensive health and medical services in the Slidell community,” said Rene Ragas, Northshore region president. “We’re committed to providing convenient faith-based care for Northshore residents when and where they need it.”
OLOLPhysicianGroup.com/northshore
SOCIAL Q&A
What makes the Northshore GREAT? HEMLINE
Cette Wurzlow & Margaret McKowen “The Northshore is so clean and so pretty. Also they don’t believe in cutting every tree they see down. The oaks near the Madisonville bridge is my favorite part of town. It makes the city warm and inviting.”
Q A
MARTIN WINE CELLARS
Calen Morgan
“I love the laid back atmosphere on the Northshore. It is very family friendly and the people love to be active outdoors.”
FLEURTY GIRL Ashleigh Bagley
“The Northshore is an amazing place to live and has so much to offer. If you are ever looking for a great Sunday Funday make sure to check out the bars and restaurants on the lakefront or on the river especially when it’s a beautiful day! You can’t beat the scenery!” MAY 2021
19
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Our Mission at Camp Northlake serves as a means of evangelism and service to the St. Tammany community, as well as a form of leadership training for our staff and counselors. Our counselors are all current or former Northlake Christian students.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN! 2021 SUMMER ATHLETIC & ENRICHMENT CAMPS June 1 - 4
June 21- 24
Lower School Art Camp - $155 Grades K - 4th 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Football Camp - $155 Ages 6 - 14 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
June 7 - 10
Theater Camp - $155 Grades 5th & 6th 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Boys Basketball Camp - $155 Ages 5 - 14 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Soccer Camp - $155 Ages 6 - 14 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Middle School Art Camp - $155 Grades 5th - 6th 9:00 AM - 12:00PM
June 14 - 17
Baseball Camp - $155 Ages 6 - 14 9:00AM - 12:00PM Volleyball Camp - $155 Ages 6 - 14 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cheer/Dance Combo Camp - $155 Ages PK4 - 14 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
June 28 - July 1
Softball Camp - $155 *Grades 5th - 8th 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM *Grades 9th - 12th 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
July 6 - 9
Lower School Stem Camp - $155 Grades K - 4th 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
July 6 - 9
Middle School Stem Camp - $155 Grades 5th & 6th 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Lower School Stem Camp - $155 Grades K - 4th 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Middle School Art Camp - $155 Grades 7th & 8th 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
July 12 - 15
Girls’ Basketball Camp - $155 Ages 6 - 14 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
REGISTER AT CAMPNORTHLAKE.ORG
5
5 SELLING TIPSA HOME By Brittany Picolo-Ramos
TO
1 2
3
HIRE THE RIGHT AGENT
• Interview different agents, don’t just go off a friend’s referral • Hire an agent that is going to tell you the truth about your home (what it’s true value is, what needs changing/fixing) • See their selling rate and read their reviews
DON’T DO “FOR SALE BY OWNER”
• May not get accurate value for your home • There us no second chance for a first impression • May hurt value or take away negotiation strength
FIX THOSE GLARING ISSUES BEFORE YOU LIST
• Fix obvious issues with your home that would send buyers running • Replace broken windows or doors • Clear your gutters and roof • Replace damaged screen or faucets
STAGE YOUR HOME
4 5 22
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• Take personal items out of the home • Choose a neutral paint color for interior rooms • Pick a bright color for the door to add curb appeal • You want potential buyers to envision themselves in your home • “No smell” is the perfect smell • Add a new light fixture to give a modern look • Bring a pop of color with greenery or fake plants
GET PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
• 51% of buyers purchased a home they found online That means that your photos could cinch the deal before a buyer even sees the house. • Shoot on a sunny day • Remove miscellaneous items (tv remotes, face wash on bathroom counter, etc)
DILIGENT humble INVOLVED CREATIVE genuine HONEST HARD WORKING DRIVEN GOAL ORIENTED ENTHUSIASTIC loyal
REALTOR
In the Section REAL ESTATE ROCKSTRS NOTABLE NEIGHBORHOODS NABOR AWARDS EVENT MAY 2021
23
REAL ESTATE ROCKSTR
Story By Liesel Schmidt // Photography By Jen Meadows
W
hen comparing the entertainment industry with real estate, most people wouldn’t draw parallels between the two. But for Jenna Richard, her background as a lead vocalist is something that she strongly believes has helped launch her career as a successful Realtor on the Northshore. “Entering my second year as a Realtor, my experience as an artist has prepared me for this industry in a unique way,” she says. “Both careers share a need for knowing your audience, trusting your instincts, and bringing high-energy professionalism to the (closing) table. There is an ‘art’ to home buying and selling, and I pride myself on the ability to adapt to any client’s individual wants or needs. Also, I really feel that my experience in the entertainment industry keeps me ‘in tune’ with clients and helps me deliver a service that often exceeds their expectations. That has definitely given me an edge in this industry.”
A South Louisiana native who graduated from the University of New Orleans, Richard is a member of the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of Realtors (NOMAR) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). As a singer, songwriter, performer, and Realtor, she maintains a diverse network of clients and colleagues that spans across South Louisiana. Richard was also recently given the honor and opportunity to sing, write, and co-produce the commercial jingle for her brokerage, NOLA Living Realty. “It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together!” Richard says. Though she considers many role models to have played a part in her professional career, Richard believes her grandfather to be the greatest among them. “As a successful business owner, he has given me priceless advice over the years about how to treat a client and why taking risks is such an important part of personal and professional growth,” she says. “I am driven by my grandfather’s greatest advice, which is also his simplest: ‘SHOW UP!’ Every day, I strive to show up with enthusiasm and confidence in my ability to get the job done.” For anyone embarking on the journey of finding their first home, she offers this advice: “No matter where you are in your journey of homeownership, don’t hesitate to meet with a professional and begin the process. A good Realtor will make you feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. And they will ultimately lead you home!”
(504) 909.0164 // jenna@nolaliving.com nolalivingrealty.com Licensed in Louisiana
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jenna
RICHARD
REALTOR®
25
MAY 2021
Notable Neighborhoods
MONEY HILL
GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB COMMUNITY LOTS STARTING IN THE $80s
Where The Heart Is Money Hill has a beautiful selection of homes and homesites with golf course, lake and woodland views, ranging from larger single-family homes and homesites to low-maintenance garden homes.
For over five generations, the Goodyear family has lovingly maintained the woodlands known as Money Hill. Initially a lumber tract, a tung oil plantation, then a family campground, over the past twenty years it has been transformed into one of the finest private golf and country club communities in the southeast United States.
With over six thousand acres nestled among the high upland hills of St. Tammany Parish, only minutes from Downtown Covington and an hour from New Orleans, the members and residents of
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Money Hill enjoy an active lifestyle of relaxed sophistication that has easy access to community and cultural centers nearby. From its Louisiana Top Ten Championship golf course, to its exceptional swimming, tennis and fitness centers; from its 186 acre artesian spring-fed lake, to its woodland trails winding among nature preserves; from its nationally ranked golf training facilities to its award-winning delicacies crafted by Chef Daniel Bourgault in The Grille restaurant and bar, Money Hill is the perfect place to live life well.
MONEY HILL
PRESENTED BY:
The Nature Conservancy The grounds at Money Hill are not only the setting of an awardwinning golf course and lifestyle community, but they are also home to the St. Tammany Parish office of the Louisiana Nature Conservancy. Money Hill is surrounded by more than 3,500 acres of nature preserves and is home to unique species of flora and fauna. Our environmental commitment has created a buffer against future development around Money Hill, and has placed it in an oasis of beauty and ecological wealth. Our core objective is to provide a sustainable future that is valued by all forward-thinking residents of the Northshore.
100 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE, ABITA SPRINGS, LA (985) 892-3300 | INFO@MONEYHILL.COM
Mimi Dossett (985) 951-2324 mimi@moneyhill.com
MONEYHILL.COM MAY 2021
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LYNHAVEN RETREAT | NABOR AWARDS GALA
Jennifer Hayes & Susan Kurzweg
Awards Gala
Sarah Warthan, Emily Bottner, Tracie Ohlsen, Tammy Whitehead & Erin Patterson
Jake Abdalla & Renee’ Ponds
Cynthia Tarver & Wayne Setliff
Pat Burgoyne & Peggy Newcomb
Jessica Gonzalez & Michelle Ballinger
Jen Meadows
The 2021 Northshore Area Board of REALTORS Awards Gala recognized agents and affiliates who have had great success in their businesses during the previous year. This annual celebration of each other’s accomplishments during a luncheon that also helps support LynHaven Retreat in Hammond, LA.
Destiny Davenport, Sheina Alleman & Summer Casebolt
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Brittany Mumme, Kevin Savoie & Jennifer Johnson
HELWICK
REAL ESTATE ROCKSTR
Story By Liesel Schmidt Photography By Jen Meadows
With a slogan of “Your Realtor, Your Friend,” it’s obvious that Megan Helwick wants to build lasting relationships with her clients. An agent since 2014, she was determined to be successful from the minute she started her career—not only in her numbers but also in helping her clients realize their dreams of owning real estate.
megan
Seven years into her career, Helwick has a great deal to be proud of: she maintains the top 20 percent of her brokerage and is in the top six percent of the more than 5,000 agents in the greater New Orleans area. She was also voted Favorite Real Estate Agent by Edge of Lake Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards for 2019 through 2021, was featured as a Rising Star in the October 2019 issue of New Orleans Real Producers Magazine, as well as being awarded #1 Keller Williams Listing Associate of the Year in 2018. As someone who loves her community, she has also involved herself in various organizations including her role as president for the 2020-2021 term for Professional Women of St. Tammany and her work on the advisory board for P.O.W.E.R. at Fidelity Bank to support women in business. Naturally, a big challenge in real estate is standing out, but Helwick has done so with great success. “I am a constant professional in my industry, and I strive for amicable deals on both sides,” she says. “I also encourage my peers in the industry to work with me to make win-win deals for our clients. It’s important to keep a cool head, maintain a calm demeanor, and keep your emotions in check!” Beyond the satisfaction of closing a deal, Helwick finds reward in the happiness she brings her clients. “Seeing the sense of accomplishment on my clients’ faces when we’ve reached the ‘finish line’ of a transaction is wonderful,” she says. “Their real estate goals have been accomplished!”
(504) 453-4665 // mhelwick@kw.com // meganhelwick.com
MAY 2021
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WINGFIELD ESTATES
Notable Neighborhoods
47 LOT SUBDIVISON 1-4 ACRES LOTS STARTING AT $130,000
Spacious Lots. Downhome Charm. This new neighborhood in Covington offers over 40 lots, all between one and four acres. Each parcel is wooded and offers an abundance of varied trees and foliage. Only five minutes or less gets you to shopping, restaurants, schools and I-12.
Wingfield Estates offers two gated entrances, blacktop roads, scenic walking paths, open spaces and so much more. Just imagine this serene setting to build your new home. Minimum home size is 2600 square feet. Fresh air. Friendly neighbors. Spacious lots. Downhome charm. These are some of the many pleasures of country living—and they can be yours when you own a home in Wingfield, a new subdivision on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain.
At the same time, Wingfield offers so much more than the allures of the country. With its convenient proximity to many local amenities as well as all the urban attractions of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Wingfield is ideally situated. Immersed in the
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serenity of nature while being close to the excitement of the cities: It really is the best of both worlds. We invite you to come see Wingfield for yourself. You may just find your next home there. Located in Covington, Louisiana, approximately 15 minutes from its historic downtown area, Wingfield is ideally situated near many neighborhood conveniences. When you and your family are ready for outdoor fun, you’ll love being only a 5-minute drive from Coquille Parks and Recreation, a sports complex with two gymnasiums, picnic areas, and walking trails. If it’s more relaxing recreation that you seek, nearby Stone Creek Health Club and Spa can pamper you to your heart’s content or help you to achieve your fitness goals.
WINGFIELD ESTATES
PRESENTED BY:
Catherine Eppling (985) 807-4238
Jennifer Rice (985) 966-1321
1321 W. CAUSEWAY APPROACH, MANDEVILLE (985) 951-2324 | LICENSED BY LREC
WINGFIELDSUBDIVISION.COM MAY 2021
31
LYNHAVEN RETREAT | NABOR AWARDS GALA
Herbert Dubuisson & Wayne Setliff
Chris Morris, Kristen Simpson, Clare Rogers & Misty Lopez
Janet Hickman, Kelli Baumann, Nicole Reese & Theresa Rowe
Brandon Duracher, Sarada Bonnett, Megan Helwick, Clare Rogers, Daniel Munn, Linda LaRocca
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Candice Landers Barnes & Debbie Long
REAL ESTATE ROCKSTRS Story By Liesel Schmidt Photography By Jen Meadows There are those couples who share the same interests and work together to become “power couples.” Jon and Jodie Luther have become just that, parlaying their combined expertise and passion for the housing industry to create a reputation for themselves throughout the Northshore and beyond. “As new real estate sales professionals with Entablature Realty, we are very excited to work together as ‘The Luther Team,’ harnessing more than 40 years of combined housing industry experience to provide exceptional service and consultation for our valued clients,” says Jodie, who served for several years as a national builders’ account manager with Kohler Co., and is currently a builder sales vice-president with Southland Plumbing, Lighting, Appliances, and Generators. Earlier in his career, Jon was a land use and real estate development attorney in Washington, DC, and more recently served as CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans. “We thrive on making true connections with our clients and supporting them as they make some of the biggest decisions of their lifetimes. We also know housing and believe in the power of home ownership to boost communities, neighborhoods, and individual lives.”
The LUTHERTeam Jodie & Jon Luther, REALTORS® // Licensed in Louisiana (504) 782-0746 // (504) 327-5868 // JJ@Entablature-Realty.com
#TheLutherTeam // #HomeOwnershipMakesUs
Entablature-Realty.com
Naturally, a major part of what sets them apart in the real estate industry is their background. “Our experience provides us with an expansive network of housing industry contacts, from trade professionals to materials suppliers and service providers; and we have the unique ability to respond immediately to our clients’ diverse needs, which invariably arise throughout the home-buying or selling experience,” says Jon. The Luther Team works with a wide range of clients, both locally and regionally based, as well as out of state, and have closed transactions at varied price points. While based on the Northshore in Slidell, they also service the Southshore and will soon be licensed in Mississippi.
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BELLA TERRA Notable Neighborhoods VILLAGE
A NEIGHBORHOOD LIKE IT WAS MEANT TO BE
Traditional Neighborhood Development We look back at the great cities of our past and revive what made them work. It’s the philosophy of the New Urbanism movement.
New Urbanism is the return to the traditional neighborhood and the inspiration for the TerraBella Village masterplan located off of Bootlegger Road in Covington.
Intimate scale. A town square. Green space. Public spaces mingled with homes, parks, and footpaths all lined with front porches and gardens. It’s an accessible way of life that takes cars out of the equation and keeps them in back lanes and garages, and puts the charming architecture front and center, just as it should be. TerraBella believes that our environment not only affects the visual aspects of our life, but also the patterns and types of choices that we make. The idea behind Traditional Neighborhood Development is to artfully mix homes, shops, businesses, education, entertainment, and other important civic services all within close proximity to each
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other to encourage walking, social interaction, and a strong sense of community. TerraBella is a community that you can live, work, shop, dine and play just steps from your front porch. Whether you prefer to live close to the town square, overlooking a park, or with a view to the water and nature preserve, you won’t just find a better way to live at TerraBella, you’ll be able to build the home you’ve always dreamed of. The town square is where the character of the neighborhood shines brightest and is the “hub” of the community. A sense of place and quality lifestyle is unique to TerraBella and sets the community apart from other conventional subdivisions. It’s the Friday night concerts, hiking the trails, quick trips to the shops, cooling off at the pool & cabana, and the restaurant that knows your order when you walk in that makes TerraBella feel like home.
TERRA BELLA VILLAGE
“The beautiful homes and unique neighborhood initially drew us to TerraBella but the community and our friendly neighbors have made this our home. We love all of the social events in our village square, from concerts to holiday celebrations, that truly make this development unique. We love TerraBella now and can’t wait to see how the neighborhood continues to grow and develop!” -Zane & Madeline Kirby, TerraBella Family
111 TERRA BELLA BLVD. | COVINGTON, LA 70433 985.871.7171 | INFO@TERRABELLAVILLAGE.COM
TERRABELLAVILLAGE.COM MAY 2021
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REAL ESTATE ROCKSTR
Story By Liesel Schmidt Photography By Jen Meadows
jeanine
As much as selling a home requires the art of marketing, a keen eye for detail can be a great asset. For Jeanine Damaré, her background in graphic design and marketing is utilized every day in her work as a Realtor. “That knowledge and expertise gives me the ability to recognize the best features of a home to highlight through custom designed marketing and advertising materials,” says Damaré, who has been licensed for more than a decade. “I am also able to offer staging and interior design advice, which paves the way for my clients to receive the highest market value for their home.”
DAMARÉ As someone who loves working with people, helping others, and thrives in a fast-paced environment, Damaré is perfectly suited to the work she does as a Realtor. “This is such a fulfilling and rewarding career, and I love getting to know each one of my clients. Being a good listener helps me identify their goals. I genuinely enjoy the challenge of finding that perfect home and being there every step of the way to provide guidance, from contract to closing,” she says.
c 504.858.9028 // o 985.951.2324 JeanineDamare@gmail.com Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred, REALTORS® 1321 West Causeway Approach // Mandeville, LA Each office is independently owned & operated.
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Early in her real estate career, Damaré worked alongside one of the most influential and top producing agents in the New Orleans market. The experience taught her many things about what it takes to be a successful Realtor, including the fact that one never gets a second chance to make a first impression. "I quickly realized that being a good Realtor is much more that just making a sale. It is ensuring a smooth collaboration with our colleagues as we work together to build happy vibrant communities in which we are all proud to live, work, and play."
tina MAUTERER
REAL ESTATE ROCKSTR
Story By Liesel Schmidt Photography By Jen Meadows Holding a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Forensic Science from Loyola University, Tina Mauterer worked as a licensed Radiologic Technologist at both North Oaks and Our Lady of the Lake hospitals for five years before she had the Aha! moment that brought her to her true calling. Over a glass of wine with a friend one night, she realized that she needed a new career to fulfill her, and real estate seemed to check all the boxes.
Over the past six years, Mauterer has made a name for herself in the real estate community along the Northshore, first as a Realtor with Gardner and now with RE/MAX Northlake Associates. What drives her is, first and foremost, her clients. “Real Estate is not just about selling houses or the next transaction,” says Mauterer, who has been married for nearly 17 years and has two daughters. “For me, it’s about building lifelong relationships and showing value. I will always try to deliver more than is expected because I want my brand to be a representation of who I am, how I differentiate myself from others, and attract a clientele that fuels my desire to succeed. Repeat clientele and referrals are crucial; and in this industry where technology is stripping away the human connection, it is important for me to show my value as an agent, staying with that human connection but being technologically savvy.” Her philosophy for client relations shows in the way she devotes herself to each of them and works tirelessly to fulfill their needs. “I love working with all clients, first-time homeowners to investors,” she says. “I pride myself on being a matchmaker, and I have a keen awareness to the needs and priorities of my clients. I'm intuitive, real, honest - with an approachable demeanor, and completely dedicated.”
RE/MAX Northlake Associates REALTOR® licensed in LA 504.931.9659 // 985.867.3629 tina@tinamauterer.com // tinamauterer.com 403 W 21st Ave, Covington, LA 70433
MAY 2021
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LYNHAVEN RETREAT | NABOR AWARDS GALA
Tyler Chapman, Dale Sabathier & Brandon Durocher
Kathy Delatte & Elaine Mier
Stacie Ray, Jill Strain & Shawn Fox
Haley Brooks & Gina Smith
Aimee Felder, Richard Farmer, Sharon Latino, Melissa Mullis & Felicity Kahn
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Melinda Dahmer & Cillen Meisler
REAL ESTATE ROCKSTRS
sadie WILSON Sadie Ponstein Wilson // (504) 228-1838
Story By Liesel Schmidt Photography By Jen Meadows Lifelong friendship is hard to find, but for Katie Desselle and Sadie Wilson, the close relationship they’ve had since infancy is something they hold out as a standard, taking their loyalty and commitment to one another and putting that same effort into their clients. Each with a decade of sales experience in their backgrounds, the women have used that expertise in their work in the real estate industry. While Desselle began her career five years before Wilson, the two women have an equal dedication to their industry and meeting the needs of their clients. “We specialize in both buyer and seller transactions; and through our relationships with our clients, we are able to assist in buying, selling, rentals…You name it!” says Desselle, who has been in real estate since 2016, when she joined her brother-in-law's brokerage with Pennant Real Estate. “Rain, wind, snow, freeze, or any other crazy conditions will not stop us from finding our clients the home of their dreams. A lot of hard work and dedication on our part gets the job done,” adds Wilson, who became a Realtor in January 2021. In today’s fast-paced market, the women give this advice: “You can’t sleep on it if you want to sleep in it.”
propertypartners@pennantrealestate.com www.pennantrealestate.com
katie DESSELLE Katie Moore Desselle // (225) 615-4448
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LYNHAVEN RETREAT | NABOR AWARDS GALA
Ashley Nguyen, Suzette Hubbell, Melinda Dahmer & Cillen Meisler
Sally Buquoi & John Fridge
Scott Guidry & Anna Bottolfs
Ken Rayer, Holly Braselman, Sharon McLeese, Gina Rowbatham & Kathy Hayward
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Debbie and Albert Long
Rachel Ringen & Lisa Nunez
REAL ESTATE ROCKSTRS
Story By Liesel Schmidt // Photography By Jen Meadows Having been mentored by Linda LaRocca, Nick’s mother, with 40 years of experience in the real estate industry, it’s no wonder that Nick and Patrice LaRocca have been met with success since beginning their own real estate team 15 years ago under the Keller Williams banner. As agents with such a well-recognized company, the couple have a strong name backing them, though it is their own integrity and dedication to their clients that have been their greatest asset. “We’re a family of Realtors and take pride in being able to help other families each year open and close new chapters in their lives,” says Patrice. “We are partners on both our buyer and seller transactions and share a vision for the experience our clients have with both of us. We strive to protect all of our clients as though each home purchase or sale is our very own. We believe in being direct with them and are not afraid to consult against a decision we do not think is in their best interest. It’s not just a house…it’s a place that holds everlasting memories. When we meet, the goal is to lead them to a new destination. This is a memorable point in their lives, and we are honored to be a part of that journey.” During their tenure, both Patrice and Nick have had the opportunity to consistently serve on the board of directors for Keller Williams, provided mentorship to agents, and maintained leadership roles within their office. They have also been recognized as Top 500 in the Greater New Orleans area and top five percent in their brokerage on the Northshore. 2015-2020 have been the highlight of their career, during which time they have maintained multi-milliondollar-level productions. “While there are a lot of great Realtors out there, we believe what sets us apart is having two different perspectives on every transaction,” says Nick. “Our goal is to continue to serve our community, and our hope is to protect the assets of our clientele while efficiently and effectively delivering the best customer experience and creating lasting relationships.”
the LaROCCAteam (985) 727-7102 Nicklarocca@kw.com // Patricelarocca@kw.com Keller Williams www.laroccateam.kw.com
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PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW
THE REAL ESTATE
Renegade BY LIESEL SCHMIDT While the title of Realtor might not have been one that Brittany Picolo-Ramos ever expected to wear, it’s one that she has found suits her. Over the course of her career in real estate and as host of Selling the Big Easy, she has used her skills with people and unapologetic honesty to create a reputation across the Northshore and the surrounding areas for knowing her stuff and not pulling any punches. But above all, she’s known for going to the mattresses for her clients and working on their behalf to get them the best possible deal—and finding them the perfect place to call home. SOCIAL NORTHSHORE: How long have you been in real estate? BRITTANY PICOLO-RAMOS: I’ve been in real estate for eight years. SN: What first interested you in the profession? BPR: Actually, I didn’t want to get into real estate; but I hurt my back and couldn’t walk, so it was sort of the only thing available to me at the time. Fortunately, I found out how much I loved it because it was more about protecting and defending people in a really vulnerable situation. SN: What are the areas you cover? BPR: I cover the parishes of Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, St. Charles, St. John, and St. James.
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SN: What is your favorite thing about your work? BPR: I love making new friends, developing relationships, and protecting people. When I first sold and bought a home, I felt very vulnerable. I felt very scared and weak, and I never want anyone to feel that way. I love being able to get people top dollar and even sometimes more than they are expecting. Also, I love matchmaking, so I love matching people with their perfect home. SN: What do your clients love most about working with you? BPR: They appreciate the fact that I always tell people the truth, even if it hurts. I’d rather people know the truth than not know and make a bad decision because they don’t have all of the information they need. SN: What sets you apart from your competitors? BPR: I’m real and honest, and my clients can literally come to me with any question or concern, whether it’s financial or personal, and I will do everything I can to help them through it. If I don’t have the answer for them, I’ll find it for them. SN: What are your biggest challenges? BPR: Balancing home, life, filming, real estate, coaching, and still making sure my clients are top priority. Making sure no part suffers— which is why I have built a great team to help me.
PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW SN: What have been your biggest points of pride? BPR: Building what we’ve built over eight years has been an enormous point of pride for me. Also, building a great reputation amongst other realtors, because you can be liked by your clients, but to be liked by your peers and people in the industry is still really important. SN: How have you stayed successful in the midst of everything happening with COVID? BPR: At the end of the day, we’re in an industry where people always need to have a house and place to stay. We stayed focused on helping people with whatever need they had. Instead of being consumed with the fear of the unknown, we just kept looking for people who needed help and helped them. SN: What are some of the things you like to do in your free time? BPR: I love to go to church, write movies and plays with my husband, and shop and go out to eat and travel with him. SN: What is one thing that most people don’t know about you? BPR: I used to do improv and stand-up comedy for many years and had my own comedy show.
If swinging into summer doesn’t go as planned... We’re here for every oops, ouch, and uh-oh. Locations and hours Algiers, Gretna, Clearview, Lakeview, Covington, Marrero and Uptown Monday-Friday 8am-8pm | Saturday-Sunday 8am-5pm LCMChealthUrgentCare.com
Walk-In
Check-In
Virtual Visits MAY 2021
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BEAU CHENE | EASTER EGG HUNT
Keri & Olivia Cannizzaro
Mariel & Nolan
Elly Wunsch, Christina Heap & Thomas Heap-Calore
EASTER EGG HUNT
Don Beaver, Val Montgomery & Warren Montgomery
Ashley, Michael & Palmer Arnaud
Photos by Abigail Sibley
Under clear, sunny skies, the Beau Chene Easter Egg Hunt provided guests with the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful breakfast, have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny, and participate in an Easter egg hunt. Such a wonderful way to celebrate the spring season, and it was great to see all the kids out having a ball! Sellers & Alma Gray McClanahan
David, Rachel, Greta & Liza Gerhardt
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Mary Jenks & Katie Lape
Philissa Bickham, Taylor Robinson, Makayla Wilson, Molly Snyder & Kristy Thibodeaux
Kent, Less, Kennedy & Quinn Hall
Our 400+ pediatric specialists are here for your little one. Since 1955, Children’s Hospital New Orleans has provided extraordinary care for children and families across Louisiana, including on the Northshore. With our all new, expanded pediatrics, specialty care and outpatient therapy location in Covington, choosing specialized care for your little one close to home has never been easier! To schedule an appointment today call 504.896.2888.
Schedule today on the Northshore. chnola.org/northshore
Join Us For Happy Hour Tues & Wed | 5PM – 7PM
1/2 price house wine, beer, cocktails & martinis Tuesday 50% off bottles of wine (up to $100) Lunch | Dinner | Sunday Brunch
Closed Monday tchefunctes.com
NORTHSHORE’S MOST PREMIER DUAL DINING EXPERIENCE 407 St. Tammany Street, Madisonville | 985-323-4800
COME HANGOUT ON THE RIVER Enjoy cocktails & snacks while listening to live music. Family friendly outdoor game area & dockside boat parking. Wed – Sun | 11AM – 8PM
theanchorla.com
and BY LIESEL SCHMIDT
W
hile drama may be something we all largely try to avoid in our lives, it can be extremely attractive in a home. For the house at 144 Oleander Court in The Sanctuary, drama is built into its foundation and echoed into its every corner. Nestled into a corner lot of the community, the sprawling house is spectacularly impressive on approach, with a style evocative of a classic Charlestonian townhome. Boasting immaculately manicured landscaping; steeply sloping roofs stair stepped in elevation; massive, shuttered windows; and clean lines, the home nods to tradition while still bearing a distinct sense of modernity.
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Naturally, all those windows are a great source of light into the home, spilling it onto every room and hallway. While white may be the overall pallet for the entire house, the lack of color serves as a blank canvas for decorative accents—though the many architectural features keep such a monochromatic color story from seeming at all uninspired. High baseboards and thick crown moulding trace out the rooms, grounding all of that white and giving it dimension, while wide plank wood flooring warms up the spaces in the entertaining areas and the bedrooms, flowing from one to the next to provide cohesion and continuity.
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Perfect for owners who entertain, the grand New Orleans-style center hall is flanked by a study, the master suite, powder room, dining room, wet bar, and a spacious open-concept living room and kitchen. Twelve foot ceilings throughout the first floor create an even more open feel and draw the eye upward, providing the perfect setting for the custom chandeliers that hold pride of place in the living and dining rooms.
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Adding dynamic interest and the perfect amount of drama to the otherwise unbroken white features of the home, owners Frank Stuart, Jr. and Vince Liuzza III have populated the spaces with art, furniture, and window treatments whose exploration of grey and charcoal provide an ideal juxtaposition in the spaces. “We remodeled our previous home in 2016 with a very monochromatic color palette, and we wanted to add color to this home. One of the most notable ways we achieved that was through the original art, created by David Harouni. All of our décor is unique: a glass vase created from volcanic ash in Santorini, Greece, a Catrina statue from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We wanted to create something chic, eclectic, modern, and warm; and this home truly speaks to our aesthetic and our sense of design,” says Liuzza, owner and broker of Liuzza Realty Group.
In 2020, he and Stuart launched Southern Window Accents, which specializes in interior shutters, blinds, draperies, shades, and outdoor shading systems—and that specialization shows in their home, most notably in the window treatments and the automated shading on windows of the master suite, kitchen, and courtyard patio screens. “Our goal is to be the South’s premier window accents company, providing high quality products for all budgets,” says Stuart, a Nurse Anesthetist who also works as a real estate developer and speculator.
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Serving St. Tammany Parish since 2002!
Home never looked so good. I have moved around a lot, and this was my fourth new home all in the same price range. This is the best home I have ever had because of the detail & care that went into building it! KPM has been great to work with, and they truly care about the homeowners they build for.” - DR
Currently providing residential construction in Guste Island, Grand Oaks, Bedico Creek, Abita Ridge, Coquille, Brentwood, and Brookestone subdivisions.
985.630.5141 | kpmconstruction.com
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Where Your Home Tells Your Story
In the kitchen and adjacent wet bar, Taj Mahal Quartz counters crown the white Shaker-style custom cabinetry of the perimeter as well as a large center island, while Thermador Professional Series appliances add a sleekness to the space. Steps away, doors lead to the backyard, which features a cabana and a 70-foot swimming pool that is both cooled and heated, with app-controlled lights and water features. With a depth of four feet, the pool also has a sun pad, swimming lane, a bench across the entire back, and a hot tub with an infinity edge. The cabana features a fireplace and TV, with a placement on the grounds that provides breathtaking views of the entire pool, lush landscaping, and the 40-foot greenspace behind the house.
3441 E Causeway Approach | Suite C Mandeville, LA 70448 | Phone: 985-951-2142
nestcuratedhome.com MAY 2021
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While all bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms with marble flooring, the master suite is naturally the most luxurious of them all, boasting a spacious bedroom adjoining a lavishly appointed ensuite complete with dual vanities, a freestanding bathtub, and a glass-enclosed walkin shower.
YOUR SALE IS OUR GOAL
NOLA
Real Estate Marketing
We combine expertise in the Real Estate Industry, as well as Marketing & Graphics Design to assist Real Estate Agents in selling their listings & gaining credibility to garner more referrals.
www.NOLAReMarketing.com | 985.624.5390 MAY 2021
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Naturally, a couple as busy as Stuart and Liuzza would have a home office, and the second floor provides the perfect space. Adding a finishing touch is a gorgeous side courtyard with a Ritz-Carlton vibe, along with climate-controlled garages and an artificial turf dog run. As busy people whose business revolves around helping others find their perfect home, they’ve found theirs—and it’s a sanctuary.
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(985) 900-2410 | 70515 LA-21 SUITE D | COVINGTON, LA
SUPERMOMS
AND
Reba Weymouth Madison Skinner “When people ask me how it is working with my daughter, I say quite the opposite of what people would expect,” adds Weymouth, a nurse practitioner and owner of the med spa. “It’s been BY LIESEL SCHMIDT perfect; and Madison came to help my business when I needed her most, which gave my husband orking with family can sometimes be a the opportunity to babysit our grandchild when tricky situation, but for Madison Skinner he retired. She keeps me grounded, focused, and and Reba Weymouth, the dynamic between organized; and she makes Timeless Rx a priority. mother and daughter is one that has created a She truly realizes how hard it is to run a business successful work environment—and brought them and has made every effort to mirror the image I closer together. Having worked together for four have made with our patients and community to years at Timeless Rx, each of the women have give the best professional service with pride. I’m so learned things about one another that they never grateful to have this opportunity and couldn’t have knew and gained a new respect for each other, made it this far without her.” both as working women and mothers.
SUPERMOMS
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“Working together as mother and daughter has actually been a lot of fun!” says Skinner, who serves as office manager. “It’s scary how much a like we really are. We sometimes say the exact same thing and finish each other sentences. In working with her, I’ve learned so much about my mom. For one thing, she is strong! She’s also a wealth of knowledge in the medical field. I’d put money on her professional opinion any day.”
Though both mother and daughter may have had decidedly different paths—Skinner spent time in the Air Force, while Weymouth went back to school to pursue a different career path in her late 30s—both have balanced motherhood with work. “Although there are several disadvantages of being a working mother, the advantages far outweigh them when raising a daughter,”
Weymouth maintains. “You become a role model, showing independence, self-confidence, and selfreliance. As a working mother, I also learned better time management for that work/life balance.” “I truly feel as if I’m setting an example for my children,” Skinner agrees. “Especially for my two girls, I’m showing them that women can do anything and that I can provide for them just as much as my husband does. Seeing me go to work every day teaches my kids that hard work and dedication pays off and that they can literally do and be anything.” Naturally, as a woman who set an example as a working mother, seeing her daughter pursue her own career goals has made Weymouth incredibly proud. “To say that I feel pride for what my daughter has become as a working mother is an understatement,” she says. “Madison is beautiful, driven, funny, shows strength, independence, and empathy; and she is an inspiration to her own MAY 2021
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Where children experience the joy of learning! Preschool through 7th Grade Cedarwood admits qualified students regardless of race, color, gender, national or ethnic origin, or religious affiliation.
Madison is beautiful, driven, funny, shows strength, independence,
607 HEAVENS DRIVE, MANDEVILLE, LA | 985-845-7111
CEDARWOODSCHOOL.COM
and empathy; and she is an inspiration to her own daughters.”
SPRING 2021 CALENDAR MAY 1/2 8/9 15/16 22/23 29/30
Derby Matches & Innisfree Cup Mother's Day Matches USPA Mardi Cup Challenge Cup (Point Clear) USPA Governor's Cup
JUNE
5/6 12/13
daughters. In the workplace, she makes critical decisions, gets the job done, and runs with an idea and accomplishes it to the end. She also has a true passion for life—like me!”
19/20 26/27
Carpathia Cup NOPC Summer Classic & Champagne Chukkers Cup Father's Day Matches Final Spring Season Matches
As Skinner raises her children, she has hopes that they will remember more than just her dedication to her work. “I want them to never forget that I was always there for them and how fun and crazy I really am! I believe it’s important to work hard and party harder, and I want them to remember that about me,” she says. “Right now, my kids are young, so we are just starting with our traditions. But wearing matching family pajamas for Christmas and baking and decorating cookies for Santa is one of our favorite things. Also, family vacations are so important, because they give us a chance to make sweet memories together.” From one generation of working mothers to the next, there’s more than just the example of hard work being passed down—there’s a model of love, dedication, and a passionate pursuit of life.
NewOrleansPoloClub.com Photo By: Ron Jenkins
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Coming Soon
THE MEN’S ISSUE JUNE/JULY 2021
Featuring Men's Health Fitness and More!
Contact Social NorthShore to reserve your spot! Jen@VipSocialmag.com Summer@VipSocialmag.com David@VipSocialmag.com
SOCIAL MAY 2021
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100 HOLIDAY SQUARE BLVD | COVINGTON, LA | 985.892.0001 | HONDAOFCOVINGTON.COM
BY LAND, BY SEA & WITH SPEED! We put the POWER in POWERSPORTS...
Pioneer is only for drivers 16 years and older. Multi-purpose utility vehicles can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, be responsible. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and appropriate clothing. Always wear your seat belt, and keep the side nets and doors closed. Avoid excessive speeds and be careful on difficult terrain. All muv drivers should watch the safety video “multipurpose utility vehicles: a guide to safe operation” and read the owner’s manual before operating the vehicle. Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, on public roads or with more than one passenger. Driver and passenger must be tall enough for seat belt to fit properly and to brace themselves with both feet firmly on the floor. Passenger must be able to grasp the hand hold with the seat belt on and both feet on the floor. Respect the environment when driving.
COVINGTONPOWERSPORTS.COM
985.892.9730 | 152 Holiday Square Blvd | Covington, LA
MORE THAN FORE GOLF TOURNAMENT | BEAU CHENE
Jared Breaux, Josh Foster, and Randy Benefield
Grant Clayton, Scott McLaughlin and Ken Leader
MORE THAN FORE
Mace Bourgeois, Jason Peallot and Mark Brown
Ryan Schimpf and Johnny Bordes
Sarada Bonnett and Lauren Fitts
Jarrid Ryan and Matt Saucier
Adrian Fairchild and Jake Roudkovski
GOLF TOURNAMENT Photos by Summer Basile
Beau Chene Country Club came together with other local sponsors to host More Than Fore Golf Tournament benefitting St. Jude. The 2021 tournament raised funds for national childhood cancer research programs and to help families, children, and healthcare providers on a local level with 100% of the money raised going toward this mission.
Paul Roy and Kyle Lawson
Megan Helwick and KaCey Conklin
Stephen Manning, Dustin Bupepe, Mitchell Bozentka and Arlan Brown
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FREE DELIVERY | AUTO REFILLS
GREAT SERVICE
We have the best selection of gifts for your Mother on her day!
OUR SERVICES Baby Department Multi-Dose Medication Packaging by Dispill® Gifts Hospice & Long-term Care Services Medication Therapy Management Flu and Strep Testing Shingles, Flu, and Pneumonia Vaccination Compression Hosiery
1107 S Tyler Street • Covington, LA 70433 • 985-892-0818
braswelldrugs.com
In Loving Memory
of a Friend to so many people
By Liesel Schmidt
B
efore Emily Webber purchased Braswell Drugs in 2018, she had the security of a comfortable corporate job where she had achieved prestige as one of the top three of ranked business consultants across the country for a Fortune 500 company. As a pharmacy business consultant with Cardinal Health, she was regularly working with independent pharmacy owners, helping them develop strategies to compete with national chain pharmacies. The more she worked with them, the more she found that her true passion was in keeping retail pharmacies independently owned and profitable. “I saw the difference that they made in their communities and in the lives of the patients they served,” she says.
She soon took a leap and bought the pharmacy, becoming a local business owner and joining the ranks of the independent pharmacies she so believed in. Since then, she has expanded many of the services offered, including a vaccination program. She has also invested in technology for better medication adherence. “Patients have more access to their pharmacist at their local pharmacy than they do any other healthcare professional, Webber says. “We see our customers an average of 24 times a year, and we speak to them much more often than that. What I do each day allows me to truly serve and contribute to the health of my community and make a difference in our customers’ lives.” As a strong business leader, what makes Webber so successful is the passion she has for her work and the fact that she believes in what she’s doing. “We have the ability to improve the quality of someone’s life,” she says. “We treat everyone with the same level of care, compassion, and respect and put ourselves on the sidelines to make that happen. My staff is 90 percent women, and I am constantly inspired by their ability to have a healthy work/life balance while caring for others just as if they are family. Watching my staff go above and beyond is incredibly inspirational to me.” Braswell Drugs is a proud supporter of the Youth Service Bureau through Chef Soiree, the Junior League of Covington, James Samaritan, and local schools such as SSA, St. Paul’s, and Covington High. “We want to continue to invest in the next generation as well as support other local businesses. Giving of our time, resources, knowledge, and encouragement is something I never regret.”
IMPACT & GIVE BACK
A Hope and a Future By Liesel Schmidt
We’ve all heard about it: children being abused or trafficked, living in fear—often of the very family members or friends that they trusted to keep them safe. Perhaps we’ve even seen it. But so often we feel powerless to help, to rescue these children and give them a future of hope. Hope is exactly what Jimmy Hingle and Curt Keay of the Exchange Club of West St. Tammany wanted to give when they established CAC-Hope House in 1994, creating the third Child Advocacy Center in the entire state of Louisiana. The response to their efforts was extremely supportive: in 1996, the Northshore Home Builder’s Association built their headquarters in Covington. Six years later in 2002, the Junior League of Greater Covington played a tremendous role in expanding Hope House, which enabled them to provide counseling services. Then, in 2006, Hope House established a site in Bogalusa that extended their reach to the entire 22nd Judicial District. Last year in 2020, efforts by the In Jesus’ Name Foundation enabled another expansion of the facility.
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An independent, non-profit organization dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse in St. Tammany and Washington Parishes, Hope House provides a path to recovery and a bridge to justice for these young victims of abuse. “Hope House begins and continues the healing process for child abuse victims and works with law enforcement to help ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” explains Thomas Mitchell, Executive Director of CAC-Hope House. “All the professionals involved—the forensic interviewers, clinical therapists, advocates, investigators, and others—meet with kids and families at our center, and the St. Tammany Parish and Washington Parish Multidisciplinary Teams are both headquartered at CAC-Hope House.” The work done at Hope House is clearly invaluable—not only for the children themselves, but for the different agencies who work to remove them from their situation. Over the past three and a half decades, Hope House worked with more than 5,500 children. In 2020, they performed 333 forensic interviews for 317 kids, provided evidence-based counseling to 115 children, and provided abuse prevention training to 533 adults—all of which were record-breaking. “When kids walk through our
doors, they are often experiencing severe traumatization; and we empower healing, trust, and hope through our approach,” says Mitchell. “We love seeing the kids heal and graduate from therapy, which really signifies they have completed the process and have reclaimed their childhoods. When they first come to Hope House, they are often broken, in a state of sadness and shame, guilt and confusion. Once they begin receiving advocacy and therapy, they demonstrate such bravery and courage in processing their experiences. They truly heal and recover; and when they leave our CAC, they have healing, hope, and—most importantly—they get to just be kids again. We also help take perpetrators off the streets, which prevents access to other vulnerable children. The impact we make is endless and immeasurable.” Naturally, that impact requires funding—most of which comes from the community. More than half of their operating budget comes directly from an annual fundraiser, individual donations, and corporate partnerships. Unfortunately, some of the funding that they have been able to count on in years past has become impossible because of COVID.
Hope House provides free online child abuse prevention trainings for adults and children each month. Individuals can get more information or register for themselves or their children at www.cachopehouse.org/prevention.
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Even with the threat of COVID blanketing the globe, however, Hope House never closed their doors, tirelessly continuing their work to help children and prosecute their abusers. Sadly, COVID has exacerbated the issue, spiking the number of cases and severity of the abuse. While so many other organizations have been able to move to take advantage of virtual platforms in their work, a majority of the work done at Hope House cannot be done virtually, and their role as first responders has taken them right to the front lines. Recently, Hope House announced a raffle to raise needed funding— and the prize is hard to resist. Thanks to the Northshore Home Builder’s Association, one ticket holder could win a brand new, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home for only $100! This year’s Raising the Roof for Charity home is located in Covington, valued at $375K. Proceeds benefit local charities: CAC-Hope House, Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West, and NAMI St. Tammany. Ticketholders also have four chances to win $5,000 cash prizes, with drawings on April 15, June 15, July 13 and August 13. The grand prize drawing is September 26. For tickets, visit www.cachopehouse.org/events As they work with children, CACHope House is doing more than just giving hope for the now. They’re giving hope for the future—and that’s a beautiful mission. For more information, visit www.cachopehouse.org. 70
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SPRING FOR ART | COVINGTON
Shiloh Moates & Michael Hunley
Lynne, Jolyne, & Joe Campo
Kristin Leribeus & Elizabeth Acevedo
ST. TAMMANY ART ASSOCIATION
Photos by Abigail Sibley
The annual Spring for Art festival was held in Historic Downtown Covington. The St. Tammany Art Association curated nationally acclaimed local artist Paulo Dufour’s “Mental Universes and the Obstructions of Light” solo show. The event also featured members of art house’s works and are available to be viewed by the public throughout the month of May. Many of the local businesses were open, so attendees were able to stroll through other art galleries in the area, as well as eat and shop. This was an event for all ages to enjoy and free to attend.
Steve Ahrons Sr. & Sharron Demarest
Emily Brown & Mike Tusa
Mickey & Howard Weitsen
Lori & Eric Seals
Stephanie Chamblin & Tony Ellezy
Sonny & Evelyn Cathey
Bob & Louise Grieshaber, Ron & Beverly Garrity Sue & Bob Capitelli
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HAIR + MAKEUP FOR WEDDINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS GrayandGrahamsalon.com @grayandgrahamsalon 101 St Ann St l Madisonville, LA 985.792.7256
BLAKE + LAUREN
BRIDE
By Liesel Schmidt
The words “blind date” are often not without negative connotations attached, a roll of the dice that typically falls the wrong way. Who will you meet, and will you even like them? It’s an interesting situation to find oneself in; but when a friend of Wendell “Blake” Andrews suggested a blind date with an acquaintance back in 2017, the VP/Managing Member of B&K Construction Company, LLC, was excited at the prospect. Even so, it wasn’t until a few months later that the introduction to the woman in question actually happened.
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F
ortunately, when Blake first reached out to Lauren Laudun, the two had an obvious connection. Over the next few months, they continued texting, becoming friends whose commonalities seemed to outshine the differences. “There was absolutely no way that I was going to go on a blind date—there is no telling how bad I would have embarrassed myself !” Lauren says with a laugh. “Blake turned out to be a great guy. Correction: Blake turned out to be the nicest person I have ever known and the person that I had been praying for.” After finally meeting in 2018, the two became a couple and dated for the next two years. Then, on an anniversary trip to New Orleans on January 17, 2020, Lauren and Blake became much more. “I’d made Blake this awesome keepsake box that I’d found on Pinterest and filled it with tickets of all the events that we had gone to together,” Lauren goes on, the pride she took in the project evident in her voice. “Blake gave me a card and a handful of lottery tickets, which we used to scratch off together. I got to the last ticket, and I felt my face getting hot. I scratched off two diamond rings, and then I went to scratch the third. I said I thought I’d won, and he immediately asked what I’d won. I started to scratch the last little box; and at that moment, Blake went to the corner of our hotel room and grabbed a Ziploc baggie of roses petals and threw them on the ground. The scratched-off box said, ‘Will you marry me?’ and Blake got down on his knee. I could not contain my joy, and I started jumping up and down.”
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Ten months later on November 21, 2020, Lauren walked down the aisle at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Covington, wearing a floral baroque lace gown embroidered with beading and embellished with Chantilly lace and tulle. After exchanging vows, the couple joined their guests for a reception at Tchefuncte Country Club. “Our wedding was better than anything that I’d ever dreamed of having,” says Lauren of the day that came in just under the wire on the changing COVID gathering restrictions. “Our blended family includes three kids. Blake’s son was his best man, and his daughter was a bridesmaid, while my daughter was my maid of honor. It was special to have our children stand beside us.” After dining on a sumptuous dinner catered by Kenny LaCour of Dakota’s Restaurant and Grand Events, it was the dance floor that got all the attention as the Phunky Monkeys kept things lively. Guests were also treated to cigars rolled on-site by The Cigar Factory. Sweetening the occasion was a five-tier wedding cake adorned with white roses and greenery as well as a chocolate groom’s cake made to look like a replica of LSU stadium complete with LED lights—both of which were made by Zoe’s Bakery.
Ready for their honeymoon, the newly married Andrews drove off in a golf cart, streaming cans behind them as they went. Now back home, “We are just peaceful, content, and happily married.”
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BRIDE
Wedding Planner: Kenny LaCour, Laura Thomas - Grand Events Church: Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church Reception: Tchefuncte Country Club Florist: Dunn and Sonnier Antiques & Flowers LLC Photographers: Julia Bailey, Max Bailey, Nichole Cannatella Cake: Zoe's Bakery Catering: Kenny LaCour of Dakota’s Restaurant and Grand Events Band: Phunky Monkeys Transportaion: Royal Coach
Get Engaged with Friend & Company Be it something old or something new, we’ll find the ring that’s just right for you.
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