Social Northshore | October 2022

Charity

Emily Compagno

Justin Melnick & Dita

Reagan Charleston Jack Carr

Lance Moore

Jennifer Hale Kyle Morgan

Will Chesney & Cairo Max Martini

FROM THE EDITOR

Fall, is that you knocking on the door? We are excited about the events coming our way like the fall festivals, football, and the beginning of the holiday season! October for Social only means one thing, All Things PINK!

In this All About Women issue, you will read the most moving stories from ten You Night cancer survivors, the heartfelt moment that had us all in tears by Rachel Eggie Gibbs, and learn from local industry leaders in our Health & Beauty section. We hope you enjoy the touches of pink throughout this issue!

At Social Northshore, we continue to grow and showcase the amazing community that we live in. Thank you so much for the support of our publication. See you in November!

JEN MEADOWS Editor, Social Northshore

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Saint Paul’s School for 111TH BIRTHDAY

Saint Paul’s School recently celebrated its 111th birthday on September 14th which included a celebratory parade led by the legendary Marching Wolves. Saint Paul’s School was founded by the Benedictines of Saint Joseph Abbey in 1911 was later sold to the Christian Brothers in 1918, the inaugural year of the school offering a Lasallian Christian Brothers’ education to young men.

On the Cover: Bonnie Brister, Kay Byrd, Annette Dowdle, Michelle Marshall

We expanded our hospital wings to give them wings to soar.

At Children’s Hospital New Orleans, our transformed hospital was designed with kids at the center - with 50 percent more space, 40 pediatric specialties, and more than 600 pediatric providers. Today, as the Gulf South’s largest children’s hospital, there are so many big reasons to choose Children’s Hospital New Orleans. But we like to focus on the little ones. We’ve built extraordinary, because they are.

PUBLISHER

David Renfro

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jen Meadows

COPY EDITOR

Lana Cagle

SALES

Jen Meadows | 985.687.8980 David Renfro | 731.499.1414 Melissa Calico | 504.339.7326

PHOTOGRAPHY

Casey Varnado Katie Ulmer Leslie Bear Melissa Calico

Aaryn Crews Donielle Barnes Katie Coffee Photo Eugenia Lubrano of NOLA Real Estate Marketing Wedding Photos by Yehleen Photography STAFF WRITER

Liesel Schmidt

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kayla Bertucci

Casey Varnado

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Kim Mesman & Chris Shenk

SOCIAL NORTHSHORE MAGAZINE

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LOSING LOCKS, WITH LOVE

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

“Oh, Jo, how could you? Your one beauty.” ― Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

It’s a well-known line, a famous scene from the novel—and, of course, the movie—forever immortalizing the loss of tomboyish Jo’s lovely locks, beautiful hair that she sold out of love to support her family. For many women, how we feel about our hair is incredibly tied to our self-image, as though it’s our one source of beauty, something that gives us our femininity or even our individuality.

But what happens when we lose that?

That’s a reality for countless women undergoing chemo, women who, already dealing with so much, have to face the indignity of losing their hair. It’s an incredibly emotional loss, and one that can only be fully understood by others who have been through it. Recently, salon owner Rachel Eggie sacrificed her own hair in an act of solidarity and support of the many women who sit in her chair, battling cancer and the subsequent loss of hair or finally looking out from the other side, rejoicing in the return of their hair and celebrating their first haircut as true survivors.

But how she got there—to that place of shorn hair and shaved head—is a story in itself.

As the owner of EGGIE, hair is very much a part of Eggie’s life. And when a local oncologist at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center approached her with a story about one of his patients, she saw an opportunity to make a real difference with her work. Resulting from this was a partnership that has the potential to be life-changing for the women who sit in Eggie’s chair. “This partnership actually started with an experience that an oncologist had with one of his patients during her post-chemo visit,” Eggie explains. “Her hair was starting to grow back, and he asked if she was excited about going to get her first haircut. He said it was silent and extremely awkward. She had expressed how she wasn't really sure where to go or what to do with it. He told me he never wanted another patient to feel like that.”

As a leading cancer center in the area, Mary Bird Perkins saw the potential of a partnership with Gibbs and her team at EGGIE, donating patients’ first post-chemo haircuts. “We could help them find their new style, whether or not their texture has changed, and guide them on products to use and the ways to take care of their new hair,” Eggie says. “I also presented the idea to not only be a part of their journey as it grows back, but to be a part of it from the beginning. We have had several patients come in to get their heads shaved in the salon, and it’s not easy to do alone. I thought maybe once a month, we could invite them to EGGIE and shave their heads together. Sometimes it’s easier to go through something like that with others who are also going through it. This partnership will allow us to build a relationship with patients from the beginning and help them find resources for things like wigs and scalp care. Then, when it’s time to get their first haircut after treatment, they’re more than comfortable.”

“Together” is a word that Eggie takes seriously, one she realizes the weight of. So she decided to shave her own head, sacrificing her hair in honor of so many women who have lost theirs. “The idea of shaving my head was placed on my heart six months ago—before the partnership was ever even

presented to me as a possibility,” she says. “I knew that God placed it on my heart for a reason, but I wasn’t sure why. For months, I thought about it and many times I thought, ‘My entire career is about hair, my entire platform is using my hair to help people with tips and tricks.’ I thought maybe it was crazy, but I still prayed about it. A few months later, I was approached by Mary Bird Perkins asking if my salon would be interested in a partnership. When that partnership formed, that was the moment I knew I was going to shave my head. I took it as a sign. If I were to shave my head, I could help these women even more. I could help them find wig resources, as I’d also be searching some for myself. And as their hair—and mine—grew out, I could guide them with different styles. If you follow me on social, I help people with tips and tricks. Right now, I feel like this path is pushing me to help people beyond the chair.”

&

COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CARE CLINIC

Learning that you have been diagnosed with cancer is a difficult experience. It’s common to feel afraid, anxious or overwhelmed after your diagnosis. It is important for patients to focus on both their physical well-being and mental state of-mind when processing the news of a cancer diagnosis and navigating their plan of care. Knowing what to expect and how to make plans can help alleviate that worry and make a difficult experience a little easier. The Comprehensive Cancer Care Clinic at the Slidell Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center is here to do just that.

For some patients, receiving the best cancer care may require them to travel far from home. It is common for patients to see several doctors, specialists and nurse navigators during their treatment journey. This can mean traveling to several different locations to receive the care they need, creating a roadblock for starting treatment as soon as possible. The new Comprehensive Cancer Care Clinic allows patients to see all key physicians and nurse navigators at one location. What used to take patients 4 to 6 weeks, making various appointments and visiting different locations, now can all be done in just one day. Not only do patients get the convenience of staying local, it also makes it easier for them to have a support system of family and friends nearby.

In April 2021, Slidell taxpayers voted to approve a millage extension for SMH that included creating a comprehensive breast cancer treatment program. This includes the new clinic to help cancer patients receive quicker diagnoses and provide comprehensive care close to home. While construction is currently ongoing, our team at the SMH Regional Cancer Center, led by Dr. Matthew McElveen, Medical Director and Program Coordinator, has already started the program with more than 40 newly diagnosed patients.

The current program, which is focused on breast cancer, brings together the entire team of treating physicians and care providers into one collaborative office space designed specifically for this comprehensive purpose. New cancer patients can expect to be seen by multiple physicians in one day and will typically leave the office with a complete treatment plan in place. Dr. McElveen notes that the length of time from diagnosis to treatment is critical in the success of cancer cure and that this new comprehensive approach can cut this time by more than 50%.

When visiting the new Comprehensive Cancer Care Clinic, patients can expect to experience a peaceful, calming and comfortable environment throughout their whole treatment journey. A patient’s case will start the night before they arrive for their appointment. All the patient’s doctors gather to discuss the patient’s case and develop a preliminary idea of how to approach it.

Each patient will leave the clinic with a targeted treatment plan prepared by their care team. This individualized care plan will help them navigate through their cancer diagnosis journey more smoothly and allow them to receive treatment and proceed to surgery much more quickly than before. Our goal is to improve the chance of breast cancer cure while alleviating our patients’ stress and worry, allowing them to focus on self-care and healing.

Matthew McElveen, MD Hematology & Oncology

Try

SISTERHOOD SURVIVORSof the

STORY BY KAYLA BERTUCCI

Sisterhood is not defined by a biological, blood relative nor is it necessary to be related even in the “step” sense. Merriam-Webster actually breaks down sisterhood with these three ideologies:

1. the state of being a sister

2. sisterly relationship

3. a community or society of sisters especially

In 2013, Lisa McKenzie decided to take sisterhood to the next level with two dear friends who were diagnosed with cancer.

“I witnessed how brutal cancer was in their lives and how sad they were,” describes Lisa. “Their confidence changed, and I felt bad being on the sidelines without an understanding of how to help. I wanted to use my background in events to make a difference in the world of others.”

Dubbed the name “You Night,” Lisa’s idea was to create a runway show starring cancer survivors. Not only would they get the chance to dress up and strut their stuff, but they would also have the option to do some runway training to help boost their confidence on stage. After the first year’s show, Lisa realized that the need for this type of emotional support and sisterhood was essential in these women’s healthcare moving forward. Fast forward to a decade later, and you’ll find that You Night is still an annual event that the community looks forward to in celebration of the strong and beautiful women battling cancer.

“What I have learned in the past 10 years of running this amazing organization is that emotional health is not a high priority at the hospital level because of

a lack of resources and a lack of time that doctors and nurses can spend with patients. Studies show that women who have socially active support groups have better health outcomes and indeed -- we have witnessed that in our programs,” says Lisa.

You Night is only one of many programs Lisa has helped organize over the years. Other group experiences have been set in motion providing empowering group experiences that help women find a path forward after diagnosis.

Besides You Night, the annual runway show that includes 10 months of empowering activities between a group of women all battling cancer, other impactful groups are also available.

ScART, which stands for "Scar Art, "is a group painting experience where participants paint their emotional or surgical scars on canvas as a way of seeing their scars through a new lens.

STORY CRAFTING is another group activity where participants come together in a small group over Zoom, identify a source of trauma or anxiety, and then deconstruct it and reconstruct it so that a powerful anthem emerges.

SPARK WORKSHOPS are also in place as another option for women to get together in a workshop on both the Northshore and Southshore where You Night is introduced, and the community can start the journey of emotional healing together.

“We provide empowering group experiences that help women find a path forward after a diagnosis,” explains Lisa. “All of our programs have been created to bring together women from every walk of life, every size, shape, ethnicity and cancer type -- to find a tribe of women who "get it". We help women learn how powerful their thoughts are by creating activities that challenge them to step outside of their comfort zones. It is amazing to see women enter the program looking sad and then over time, we watch them transform like butterflies.”

When it comes to sisterhood, Lisa has her own definition. She defines this type of unbreakable bond as something that unfolds slowly with dedicated time and acts of service. After all, time is precious and can seem fleeting when bad news breaks in someone’s life.

“Time can appear to be an enemy sometimes because when something happens, it seems like an eternity until we get to see God's plans in a difficult situation,” says Lisa. “I try to remind myself as I get older that TIME is almost always the greatest blessing. Make friends with it. Let the situation unfold. Trust God. Trust the process.”

HEAD TO WWW.YOUNIGHTEVENTS.COM TO DONATE NOW!

ABOUT LISA

Mother of two amazing children: Ryan, age 25, Halle, age 21.

HOMETOWN Covington

JUST FOR FUN Traveling

Making fun and silly videos with my friends Yoga

CHILDHOOD DREAM Broadway producer

FAVORITE COLOR Cinderella blue

FAVORITE SEASON Fall

SILVER SLIPPER CASINO

FAN UP LUNCHEON

Photos by Melissa Calico

People gathered at The Harbor Center in Slidell for the Fan Up Luncheon, hosted by the Silver Slipper Casino. Attendees got to hear guest speaker, Mike Detillier, talk about the upcoming Saints season. They also had a chance to win 2022-2023 Saints season tickets!

Shelby Forsyth, Les Heidelberg, and Alex Lentz

Tisha Batuk, Jamie Dakin, and Valerie Waeltz

Miranda Parker and Rich Chase

Jonna Turner and Stephany Ezell

Alan Case and Joseph Montelepre

Jennifer Messina and Sharron Newton

Mary Byrd, Dawhone Smith, and Nancy Barthelemy

Brian Glorioso, Yolanda Paz, Parish President Mike Cooper, Les Heidelberg, and Linda Larkin

John Ferrucci, Beverly Hall, and Mike Detillier

THIS NEW OLD HOUSE

Approaching the home shared by Louis and Janna Thompson, one can almost feel transported to another time and place, when the pace of life wasn’t quite so frenetic, and things were far more simple. Tucked away behind a gated stone wall, down a long, meandering path shaded by heritage oak trees and flanked by azaleas and horse pastures, you’ll find yourself staring at something that seems, at first, almost plucked from the pages of history. Built in the style of Southern Acadian plantation homes with architectural features of the Parlange plantation and the Pitot house, the exterior boasts an antique, reclaimed slate roof as well as antique bricks and beams used in the briquette entre poteaux (brick between posts) style so common to the French architecture of New Orleans. Echoing the

brick across the façade of the home is a hexagonal brick-work terrace at the front, with seating areas and a fountain that add to the sense of grandeur. Giving it even more unique appeal, the slate roof crowning the home was largely created using reclaimed materials from an old slave trade building on Corondelet Street in New Orleans, built by Francis Dupuy in 1858. The remaining slate on the roof was reclaimed from one of the earliest houses built on the Mandeville lakefront as well as from the Holy Name of Mary Church on Algiers Point. “People usually say that they feel like they’ve taken a step back in time when they come to our home,” says Louis, who shares the home with his wife and their two children—all of whom enjoy the company of two dogs, two potbelly pigs, and three horses.

Story: Liesel Schmidt // Photos: Eugenia Lubrano-Gangi of NOLA RE Marketing

Those amazing views to which he refers to include the family’s fruit orchard, vegetable garden, pond, fountain, front gardens and their horses grazing in their pastures—all of which can be seen from the raised elevation of their front porch. It really is like another world, this patch of earth they’ve claimed as their own—calm and peaceful and filled with a charm that seems almost lost to modernization.

Not that their secluded sanctuary hasn’t benefited from modernity. Modern touches balance out nods to the past—the most substantial of which is the flooring that flows through the living areas and bedrooms, first growth, reclaimed heart of pine planks from the same old slave trade building in New Orleans as the slate on the roof. Creating warmth in an otherwise monochromatic aesthetic, the floors are foundational to the each of the living spaces, including the kitchen, which features a handsome black French La Cornue range with gold accents and coordinating hood vent, with a backsplash of handmade Moroccan tiles. Boasting Perrin and Rowe fixtures, stainless steel Wolf appliances, and Subzero refrigerator and wine coolers, the kitchen is truly fit for a professional chef. A massive center island offers additional prep space and storage, matching in style to the custom Shaker cabinetry along the perimeter of the galley kitchen, which were handmade onsite from reclaimed cypress wood from the Goudeau Estate in Pointe Coupee. Adding to the home’s sense of history, the attached butler’s pantry features a carrera marble countertop from the old federal courthouse in New Orleans.

Home

so

Each of the home’s five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms is a testament to the Thompson’s love of historic charm juxtaposed with more modern design elements: nickel gap paneling on the walls, Carrera marble tiles set in herringbone patterns contrasting brick-set tiles, basin sinks and cast-iron tubs, chandeliers and multitudinous windows. Clearly, style was not sacrificed to the desire to create historic appeal and charm.

Naturally, the backyard is every bit the scenic oasis as the front, featuring a courtyard with a plunge pool as well as a large rectangular pool that stretches along the property from the open-air brick pool house. “We chose this location because of its beauty, peace and privacy,” says Louis. And indeed, there is beauty and peace to be found here, in this perfect place to raise a family.

NIGHT

From Salsa dancers that wowed the crowd to authentic bites of Cuban dishes & cigars on the Terrace, Money Hill Country Club hosted their Havana Night, an event held for members & guest alike that showcased small aspect of the Cuban culture.

Kristen Girault, Renee’ and Jack Branch

Ashley Pereira, Jennifer Cothern

Shelley Sonnenberg, Kathy Perrault

Randy Hutchsinson, John Wood

Kurt Richardson, Tony Dyess, Stan Zambiasi, Curtis FranklinMelanie Dyess, Laura Zambiasi, Adelaide Franklin, Mimi Richardson

Deanna and Jim Lamz

Melissa Elliott and Brad Latham

Margo Gremillion, Julie Hayden, Erin Patterson

Photos by Katie Ulmer

Diana Russo, Donna Graham, Becky Knight Jay and Terri Watson

Anne Hunt, Ann Sumner, Barbara Cantrell

Hap Hayden, Brandon Connolly, Ashley Carlson, Bonnie McGehe

Burt Pereira, Ronnie Cothern

Kathy Cusimano, Tara Damen

Wilson & Janene Bulloch

Roxanne Chapman, Rhonda Knowles

Donna Silva, Ronald Gaspard, Jacque Gallegos

Ashton Hurst, Ivette Peterman, Ashley Pabst, Erin Heltz

Mandy and Evan Rhodes, Chablis and Matt Tate, Rocky and Courtney Weileman

Charles and Dannie Goodwin with “GiGi”

“Socialization is one of the reasons we made the move to Christwood”, says Dannie Goodwin. After enduring the lengthy COVID season and being without activities, Christwood offered them the opportunity to make new friends and continue with the activities that they enjoy. Dannie enjoys playing cards and even started a new card group on Friday afternoons.

Charles is a retired entrepreneur having owned his own alarm company and later a cabinet company. Dannie was a realtor/broker and branch manager for Latter&Blum. The two later owned and operated Beaver Lake Cottages, a group of luxurious lakeside cottages outside of Eureka Springs, ARK.

In addition to maintaining an active social life, Charles and Dannie have connected with their neighbors and enjoy warm conversations during happy hour in the evenings. Their small poodle “Gigi” has also made the transition with the greatest of ease.

Stuart Ball with “Brandy”

“The community and the wonderful food are some of my favorite things about Christwood”, mentions Stuart Ball. Stuart first came and explored Christwood several years ago with his wife. “We thought we would make the move in about five years. When Stuart’s wife passed unexpectedly, he knew he needed to make a move. “I knew I needed a community and support. It was natural for me to make the move at that time.” Since moving to Christwood he has found “the food and the service to be outstanding”.

Stuart had been a tennis player and golfer. One day he was watching the Pickleball players and thought “I think I will try it.” He now plays Pickleball about three times a week and has enjoyed the camaraderie of the other players.

“People are very accommodating to newcomers at Christwood. It’s a nice group here”. Besides playing Pickleball, Stuart is on the Remembrance Committee, CW Singers, and the Men’s Club.

“I have a great outdoor area for Brandy (his chocolate Lab). Christwood is the perfect spot for the two of us”.

A Life full of Possibilities

Allen and Myralynn Gibbs

“We did not know ONE person before we moved into Christwood”, Myralynn Gibbs says. However, the first evening they went to dinner in the Harvest Room, they remember someone calling out to them. “Ya’ll are the new couple- come over and have dinner with us”. This was the beginning of many new friendships for the Gibb’s. Myralynn recalls right after moving in there was a Lucky Dog Concert outside, by the Gazebo, they started dancing with Bob& Jeannie Martin and have been dancing ever since! Myralynn and Jeannie now oversee a weekly line dancing class in the Community Center.

Allen recalls it took about one year for him to realize, “I don’t have to worry about maintenance and the things I used to be responsible for at home. I can spend my day doing whatever I enjoy.”

They both exercise, take the Strong Bodies Classes and enjoy utilizing the equipment in the gym.

Myralynn and Allen share a love of music, “We have gone to Jazz Fest for 25 years and try to never miss it.” Their apartment features many of their favorite Jazz Fest posters. The Gibb’s other hobbies include Road Scholar Trips and gardening. The lovely flowers around their patio attract butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators. Before retirement, Myralynn and Allen operated a manufacturer’s representative business, selling environmental instruments.

Gail Grob

“I always knew I wanted to move to a Lifeplan Community”, states Gail. “My mother and her sisters lived in a Lifeplan Community in Mississippi. And now my sister lives there.”

“Originally, I was not going to move to Christwood, says Gail. ”But there are so many benefits here. I work out with Nikki the personal trainer at the Community Center and enjoy the gym. I have found it very easy to connect with people here. If you want to be social, you can be. We get together in different apartments in the evenings for a glass of wine.”

Gail’s home highlights her love of art. She has an extensive collection of original art from local artists such as Bill Hemmerling, Micholapolis and intricate bird carvings that her husband created. She first started collecting with her husband.

Gail is an active volunteer and joined the Christwood Newspaper team during COVID. She also participates with the “Fold & Stuff” Club on Fridays and also serves on the Christwood Resident Council. Gail is involved with friends both on and off campus. She is planning a trip to California with friends next month.

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center relies on generous community support to offer the compassionate, comprehensive, high-quality care that makes us so special. This month, we invite you to GEAUX PINK in support of patients fighting breast cancer.

Scan the QR code to learn more.

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NOW AN IMAGEThat's

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

Undergoing treatment for cancer is so much more than just the brutal effects of the fear and the torturous sessions of chemo and radiation. There’s what it does to the rest of you: the loss of things that make you feel like a human, like an individual— like a woman. Hair. Breasts. Energy. It’s all stolen away, and it feels as though there’s nothing you can do to reclaim your femininity or your dignity.

But that feeling is one that Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center offers a solution to, now that they’ve opened the doors to their new Image Recovery Room. A private, intimate room located directly next to the Ben Blanchard Infusion Suite, the IRR is truly about giving cancer patients a place to reclaim—and recover—their self-image. It will provide a range of services to patients including wigs, chemo beanies, scarves and other head coverings in addition to post-breast surgery apparel, prosthetics and bras. Tentative plans for future expansion of services include oncology massage therapy as well as facial treatments and cosmetology.

The Image Recovery Room was made possible by a partnership with Chevron and a recent grant of $20,000 from the corporation, which has a long history of support for the Cancer Center and its patient-driven programs as well as prevention and early detection education resources. “We’re inspired by the medical professionals at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and patients who are bravely fighting against cancer each day,” says Leah Brown, Public Affairs Manager for Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit. “Cancer impacts every aspect of patients’ lives as well as the lives of their families. Chevron is proud to partner with Mary Bird Perkins and collaboratively help get these heroic community members started on their post-cancer journey.”

What makes something like the Image Recovery Room so important is the psychosomatic effects of what it’s offering the women who come to use its services. “As patients undergo cancer treatment, both their physical appearance and emotional wellbeing are often impacted,” says Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington administrator Mike Miranda. “Those changes can potentially lead to depression and additional anxiety, which can play a role in outcomes. By providing a space dedicated to improving self-esteem, patient confidence can be restored throughout treatment, placing them in a better state of mind.”

Clearly, Chevron’s support of this effort shows their belief in its mission. In addition, they have also endowed the Cancer Center with a further $5,000 to support the Live Well Northshore 2022 event, which offers free cancer screenings on October 22nd in Covington. “Partners like Chevron make all the difference in the effort to make our community healthier,” Miranda notes. “This generous gift will allow us to reach more people by bringing life-saving cancer screenings directly to them.”

Naturally, avoiding the cool, clinical environment of treatment rooms and creating an atmosphere of hope and vibrancy in the Image Recovery Room was critical, there is a bright and inspiring mural depicting colorful flowers on the wall. The fresco itself is a message of encouragement painted by mother and daughter Marilyn Cothren and Madalyn Goff. Cothren is herself a twotime cancer survivor, and she and her daughter are both devoted supporters of the Cancer Center in Covington.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MARY BIRD PERKINS CANCER CENTER COVINGTON, VISIT MARYBIRD.ORG.

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The American Heart Association held it’s Go Red for Women Luncheon at Tchefuncte Country Club with a fashion show, auction, and more! Many women came dressed in red to show their support and awareness for this empowering movement.

Bonnie Brister, Kay Byrd, Annette Dowdle, Michelle Marshall Lynn Abide, Courtney Guillen, Patti Ellish

Mikelle Fagan, Jamie Hitte

Desiree Allums,Heather Rietschel

Jesse Bouchard, Rachel Jones

Jen Messina, Heather Doolittle, Jenny Mutter, Kacey Zillner

Yvette Jamison, Grace Johnson

Nicolle Psilos and Coretta Lagarde

Erinn Legendre, Lindsay Maxedon, Jennifer Garin, Bette Hingle

Bonnie Brister and Angela Groner

Photos by Melissa Calico

Sabrina Delpit, Lodie JaveryAmy Wall, Clair Miller, Brinley Miller Stephanie Ezell, Jennifer Ricks, Leigh Harrison

Diane Cory, Sue Gomila, Donna Stumpf, Jeanne Gallo Brandi Williams, Michelle Marshall, Annette Dowdle, Michele King

Savannah Saltaformaggio, Toni StevensCharlie Shelton, Sophie Dagro, Kayla Canizaro

Casey Alford, Nicole Stutson, Erica Williams

Becky Slatten, Suzanne Blanchard, Laurie Murphy, Susie Villere, Heather Mahoney

Kelly Hess, Wendy Guichard, Leah Lee, Cher Nungesser, Adel Smith, Racheal Apken

Michelle Bowers, Jane Leggett, Josephine Anderson, Elizabeth Sims

Cara Vanm, Holli Story, Jeanne James, Sally Svendson, Kelly Orgeron

Lauren Andrews, Maura Donahue, Rhonda Eckholdt

Laurie Schneiderham, Misty Theriot, Emily Schock

Peggy Cromer, Megan Haggerty, Adele Smith

RENEE

GIRAULT-BRANCH

By Liesel Schmidt

A two-time survivor of cancer, Renee Branch understands the importance of living every moment. First diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1990 and then breast cancer in 2018, her years of remission are now approaching an accumulative three decades plus, with 30 years in her rearview mirror from cervical cancer and four years of remission from breast cancer.

Recently retired from her 30-odd years of working as a legal secretary, Branch now calls herself a “domestic engineer,” happy to be spending time working in her yard, golfing and playing pickleball. A wife, mother of two and grandmother of two, she lives life “intentionally

and fully,” and offers this advice to anyone facing a diagnosis of cancer: “Be your own patient advocate and educate yourself with what you can do to decrease your risk of cancer through your lifestyle and the foods you eat,” she says. “Get involved with support groups or empowerment groups. Knowledge is Power! Also, let friends and family help you during this time. Give each a specific task to help with so you are not on this journey alone.”

Branch is actively involved with You Night and joined the organization in 2020 after she underwent a double mastectomy and needed to find a circle of encouragement that would lift her up. “You Night has been a godsend for me,” she says. “I have found the support, love and sisterhood I needed to carry me forward through life after cancer!”

REBECCA

LOVINGOOD

By Liesel Schmidt

For four-time survivor Rebecca Lovingood, the past four decades have been a hard road of diagnoses, treatment and remission—but those nearly four decades have also proven her mettle. Initially diagnosed in 1984 at the young age of 24 with stage 2 asymptomatic Hodgkins Lymphoma, she subsequently went into remission and then had a repeat diagnosis as well as two separate breast cancer diagnoses due to the radiation during her treatment for Hodgkins. Thankfully, she is now in her eighth year of remission from her second bout with breast cancer. Through all of this, Lovingood found her strength through her faith in God and the support of friends. “Plus, I am hard-

headed, stubborn and obstinate, which has come in handy when fighting cancer,” she jokes.

On a more serious note, she offers this advice: “Let your friends and family help and don’t keep your diagnosis a secret. You’ll be amazed at how many others have similar experiences or who want to help make your life a bit easier. Sit down with your family and come up with a list so that when people ask to help, you can offer them suggestions. People want to help, but don't know how. By giving them the opportunity, you’re giving them a gift.”

The retired Physical Oceanographer is passionate about greyhound rescue and is involved in her church. She is also active in You Night. “It’s a wonderful support group that uses different activities for women to connect and support each other.”

“Be your own patient advocate and educate yourself with what you can do to decrease your risk of cancer.”

“People want to help, but don't know how. By giving them the opportunity, you’re giving them a gift.”

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BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

As a teacher for the past 20 years, Krystle Hyman has had to guide a lot of children through their days—and then there are the three kids she has of her own at home. While she could easily check out at the end of the day, she puts every ounce of herself into her family.

“Life as a working mom can be chaotic,” she admits. “I feel like it never stops. From the time the alarm goes off until my head hits the pillow at night, it’s go, go, go. There are few breaks, very few opportunities to relax and regroup, little to no time for self-care. It’s a constant balancing act of home and work life. Who has to be where, which kids have things due for school or clubs or sports, are they eating enough, does someone have a doctor’s appointment, do they feel fulfilled and happy with their lives, am I drinking enough water, is my husband feeling loved, what are we making for dinner, who needs clothes washed for school tomorrow, did I get everything prepped for the next day at work, do I have an engaging day planned for my students, does a child in my class need a hug or someone to notice they are struggling, can I help a coworker by taking something off of their plate, am I checking in on my friends often enough… Everything doesn’t always balance, but every day I can honestly say I’ve done my best. That’s all I can really do. I am only one person, and I’m not Superwoman. I’m just a full-time teacher and full-time momma trying to make sure I’m doing my part to make the world a better place.”

SUPERMOM Krystle Hyman

Part of making the world a better place is the example she sets for her kids, who will one day become adults and parents themselves. “I think having them see me do all that I do and watching the way I respond to my work and home life helps them to learn how to balance and problem solve in their own lives,” says Hyman, who teaches first grade at Marigny Elementary School. “My kids are always watching, and I’m constantly aware of that. How I respond to a broken glass or a lost opportunity, a bad day, or a milestone helps them to develop their own mindset of how to apply that to their own lives.”

How she has responded to health challenges over the years has also been an important example for her family, as well—and a great point of pride for her. “After our youngest was born in 2018, I had a really tough case of postpartum anxiety (PPA),” she explains. “I didn’t really know what was happening as I was going through it, I just realized that something wasn’t right with me. I think women especially struggle with mental exhaustion and anxiety from everything we try to balance. With medication and counseling, I was able to come out on the other end of it and feel even more blessed and grateful than I was before. But the first step was admitting that I was having a problem I couldn’t control and being willing to accept help from others. That was tough for me, but I’m proud of myself for doing it and allowing myself grace that helped me be a better mom and teacher. I also battled breast cancer in 2021. People are astonished that I pretty much worked full-time while I was going through chemo treatment and surgeries, but staying at work and being a mom kept me busy. I had the biggest support team ever at both work and home. I truly believe that I was meant to overcome PPA so that I could handle breast cancer with a positive outlook and a fighting spirit. On the other end of both of these health challenges, I no longer have bad days. Am I stressed and overwhelmed with the day-to-day sometimes? Of course! But I’m here, I’m alive, I’m influencing others, I’m raising tiny humans, and I have already lived so much of a life well lived.”

As her kids grow into adults, Hyman hopes to leave them with the memory of her understanding and empathetic spirit—and the ways that she showed them her love. “I hope they always remember how it felt to cuddle up under a blanket together and how it made them feel when they crawled into our bed in the middle of the night,” she says. “I hope they remember feeling safe and loved long after I’m gone and they’re grown.”

an In

KRISTEN

MONROE

By Liesel Schmidt

Back in the late ’90s, there was no bell to ring when Kristen Monroe was given the news that she was in remission from the osteocarcoma she’d been battling for five years, having undergone four massive rounds of chemotherapy and surgery to obliterate it. Eighteen years later, in 2015, she heard words that she hoped she’d never hear again. This time, she was facing invasive ductal carcinoma. Treatment was aggressive, and in the space of a year, she went through 12 rounds of chemo, 28 rounds of radiation, a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. “It was a lot in a very short amount of time!” says Monroe, who proudly rang the bell at Mary Bird Perkins after completing radiation in 2016.

As challenging as going through treatment twice has been, Monroe’s greatest source of strength has been her family. As she has gone through her most recent diagnosis, she has learned the importance of having the support of others who have experienced the same battle. “My advice to other women who are diagnosed with any type of cancer would be to ask questions, inform themselves and also find a support group,” says Monroe, who is actively involved with local group YouNight. “I love that it’s local and that I know I can call on the other women for anything, at any time. There is a ton of love inside of the organization, and we lift one another up and support one another through our struggles.” Monroe is in the restaurant business and loves staying active by practicing yoga and Pilates as well as spending time with family and friends.

PAM KROEPER

By Liesel Schmidt

Despite a brutal diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma at the base of the tongue with bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy (HPV positive) in October of 2019, Pam Kroeper has never let the battle overtake her joy for life. “It’s important to realize that cancer is very limited,” says the retired Early Intervention Itinerant Teacher, who loves staying active by walking and playing pickleball and is currently learning how to play the guitar. “It can’t take your faith, your hope or your love. It can’t take your joy, your courage or your spirit. It can’t take your memories, your family or your friends. It can’t take your voice or all of your blessings, so hold on to the things that you can do and all of the joy that they bring!”

While the term “remission” has never been used by her medical team, Kroeper rang the bell on December 18, 2019, to “signify the end of a very unexpected season in her life and begin a new one.”

Faith and family have been crucial over the past three years of Kroeper’s life—as has the support of the women she has met in You Night. “The You Night ‘sisterhood’ was the greatest gift that I received during this journey,” she says. “It provided an emotional support that I didn’t know that I needed. When I was told that I had cancer, I felt a whisper in my heart, ‘For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you,’ Isaiah: 41. These encouraging and inspiring words continue to bless and strengthen me.”

“The You Night ‘sisterhood’ was the greatest gift that I received during this journey. ”

“My advice to other women who are diagnosed with any type of cancer would be to ask questions, inform themselves and also find a support group.”

All About the Hair

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

When Stephanie Mayeaux was a little girl, the signs were all there that she had something that would take her places. “I’ve always been a very quiet, creative person,” she says. “As a child, I was always making dresses for my Barbie dolls, cutting their hair and putting marker ‘makeup’ on them. In my later teens, I knew I wanted to explore special effects makeup, so when I was 19, I moved to Los Angeles. I attended the Studio Makeup Academy inside the Sunset Gower Studios located in Hollywood and was certified as a master special effects makeup artist.” During the course of the class, Mayeaux’s was given the opportunity to work on-set and assist with makeup— and then an actor asked if she also did hair. At the time, she did not have a cosmetology license, but the idea of being able to create both hair and makeup effects on-set naturally appealed to her. By the next month, she had enrolled in cosmetology school.

After getting her license, Mayeaux’s career took off. “I was so blessed to have some training by the most amazing celebrity artists,” she says, referring to time spent training under stylists to Jennifer Aniston, the Kardashians and Hillary Duff. “I also got to work on multiple high-profile celebrities myself and traveled from L.A. to New York and Florida working on sets and photo shoots while also training under these fabulous hairstylists. The more training I received and the more time I spent behind the chair, the more I fell in love with doing hair. But not just doing hair—what truly gave me a passion was the fact that I made someone’s day. I have the opportunity to change someone’s attitude, to give wise counsel, to pour life into whoever sits in my chair. That’s what I love the most. So I moved back home to Louisiana and began my journey strictly behind the chair.”

In 2015, she became a Wella Color Brand color educator and began travelling in the southeast region territory to teach color and styling classes to new and seasoned stylists, as well as working full time behind the chair. “I’m so blessed that creating hair art with my hands was a gift that God gave me,” says Mayeaux, who is now the owner of her own salon, called McKenzie Lane: A Luxury Boutique Salon. “I pray each morning that God works through my hands, that He speaks through my lips and shows Himself through my actions.”

KAREN

ZIEBARTH

By Liesel Schmidt

When Karen Ziebarth was diagnosed with Catastrophic Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia on October 2, 2009, she wasn’t just hit with life-changing news. She also had a near-death experience that kept her in the ICU for the next six weeks. Through treatment, faith and determination, she became a survivor and has celebrated ten years of remission.

After spending 17 years as a nurse before her diagnosis, Ziebarth is now a visual artist, finding release and expression in acrylic and watercolors. Having been given a second chance at life, her creativity is like a manifestation of her vibrancy—and the determination that she

encourages in others: “Advice that I would give anyone diagnosed with leukemia would be to keep going and stay positive. It’s okay to let other people be strong for you in your hardest struggles and weakest moments. Not every day will be easy. Several times during my treatment I wanted to give up, to stop. But you just have to keep going!”

Ziebarth has been involved with You Night since 2018 and walked the runway that same year with the graduating class. She is also a member of a local cancer support group called Leah’s Girls and on the leadership team for Spark. “I enjoy trying to help newly diagnosed or longtime diagnosed people with cancer,” she says. She also has a Facebook support group specifically for APL fighters and survivors.

DEIDRA

LANGRIDGE

By Liesel Schmidt

As many times as Deidra Langridge has heard the word “cancer” over the past 30 years, she could have lost her faith—but she still sees angels in the every day.

Since 1990, Langridge has been diagnosed with three different types of cancer, the first of which was melanoma. She was treated surgically and closely watched for five years post-surgery. Then, in October of 2006, she was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After three years of treatment, she was declared in remission.

But her reprieve only lasted five years before she was diagnosed with two types of breast

cancer in one breast in December of 2014. She opted for a double mastectomy as treatment along with a ten-year course of estrogen blockers. “I have a little more than two years left to go, and I will celebrate the day I take my last pill,” says Langridge, who retired in 2012 from the pharmaceutical industry.

After retiring, she began volunteering at Mary Byrd Cancer Center. “I’ve never felt more valued in my life,” she says. “I don’t necessarily give advice to patients; I just tell them my story. I share what helped me and things that didn’t. It’s through these moments I feel a sense of true purpose. That God is working through me to help others in their most difficult times.” Langridge has also been involved with You Night since 2014, first as a board member and then as a participant in the 2015 class. “It’s been a great sisterhood to be a part of,” she says.

“God is working through me to help others in their most difficult times.”

“Several times during my treatment I wanted to give up, to stop. But you just have to keep going!”

The Elle lounge is a modern, boho aesthetic salon. We are a team of 6 licensed estheticians. We specialize in lash extensions, brows, and facial treatments. We have a love for all things beauty. Our owner, Gabrielle, has been in the beauty industry for going on 8 years. She has hand-picked her team of six empowering women. Her goal is to make everyone feel and look their best.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: lash extensions, custom facials, microblading, brow transformations, spray tans, teeth whitening, makeup, and lash lift & tints, and much more.

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Polka Dots and Pearls

The 4th Annual Polka Dots and Pearls Ball and Charity Auction with music, dancing and oh so much fun was Saturday, September 17th. Guests dined on food from local vendors all over the Northshore and live music from the Molly Ringwalds! The auction included over 400 items for bid with all proceeds benefiting NAMI of St. Tammany and the StandWithJennee cancer cause.

Natalia Lovel and Erin Vacari

Cindy Riecke and Kim Henry

Cyndi Koll and Joanne Brookover

Danny Coen and Shana Lamy

Juliana Wellman, Melissa Cargo, Ayla Dijon, Sandra Gibson, and Erica Yoes

Cheryl Maccoy, Angel May, and Nancy Bergeron

Laurie and Mark Maloney

Michelle LaVergne and Tiffany Jourdan

Jennifer Delp and Amy Myers

Photos by Leslie Bear

Ball and Charity Auction

Mande Milkshakers Presents

Billy and Tanya Gatewood

Jose Trujillo and Egla Trujillo

Debi Robert and Billie Jo Dietz

Karla Partridge, Amanda Thrasher, and Zeb Thrasher

Melissa and Christian SherpasRay and Amber Dejean

Vicki and Travis Core

Calvin and Michael Foster-Billiot

Tommy and Kathy Sharp

Promoting Health and Wellness

Our goal is to help you feel beautiful inside and out

Our Mission

We aim to improve, change and sustain the overall physical health of our patients, and provide exceptional medical care through a personalized program based on a specific patient needs to achieve an overall improvement in health and well-being.

Why Restore Health and Wellness

• We are a telemedicine only weight loss/ wellness clinic.

• We offer medically managed weight loss , peptide therapy, and Lipo injections to improve your overall health and subjective well-being.

• We look forward to helping you reach, not only weight loss goals, but a healthier you.

• We will medically manage you through your weight loss journey and help you make long term changes to help you keep the weight off.

Anti Aging

Weight Loss

Jessica

Alison

Thornhill

Julie Santangelo Ponder

As women, we often put our health and well-being on the back burner, prioritizing the needs of our family, career and all that life throws at us. But, according to Julie Santangelo Ponder, WHNP, APRNCNP, with Magnolia Obstetrics & Gynecology, we shouldn’t feel selfish loving and taking care of ourselves or prioritizing our health and happiness.

Women have unique health care needs and experience a variety of health concerns across their lifespans. As a whole, we face a greater risk of developing chronic diseases and conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes—which are women’s leading causes of death. And, as we age, the risk of obesity, arthritis and osteoporosis increases. Additionally, those who wish to become mothers also have pregnancy to think about, which can present its own health worries.

It can seem overwhelming. But fortunately, these conditions can potentially be treated or prevented if identified early enough.

“At each stage of a woman’s life, essential preventive health care steps can help detect medical problems early,” noted Ponder. “That’s why it’s crucial to see a specialized health care provider regularly. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns you may have about your body.”

Here are some of the health topics and screenings you should discuss with your provider depending on your age and risk factors:

BREAST EXAMS AND MAMMOGRAMS: 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their life, and over 43,250 will die from it this year. Clinical breast exams, mammograms and breast self-awareness can help identify cancer early when it’s more treatable.

PELVIC EXAMS: Recommended starting at age 21 for healthy women to look for any irregularities. However, women with heavy bleeding, painful periods or unusual vaginal discharge might need a pelvic exam sooner.

PAP SCREENINGS: Detect cervical cell changes that could lead to cervical cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). In 2022, there have been over 14,100 cases of cervical cancer, with an estimated 4,280 deaths related to the disease. Pap smears are recommended starting at age 21 and then every three years for women up to age 65.

FAMILY PLANNING AND PREGNANCY CARE: For women who are pregnant or considering motherhood, specialized care is vital from conception through the post-partum period to reduce risks and increase the likelihood of a happy, healthy experience.

THYROID SCREENINGS: Brain fog, weight gain and hair loss are symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. Screenings are recommended for women aged 35 and older unless you have a family history or risk factors.

GLUCOSE SCREENINGS: Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the country. Glucose screenings generally start at age 45 but depending on your family history, weight and other risk factors, screenings could begin earlier.

HEART HEALTH: Stroke and heart disease are the two leading causes of death in women in the U.S. By regularly monitoring your cholesterol and blood pressure, potential issues can be caught early to prevent more serious illnesses.

COLONOSCOPY: Colorectal cancer, the second deadliest cancer, is also one of the most preventable and curable. The recommended starting age for a

colonoscopy is 45, and should be done every ten years after. However, one may be recommended sooner if you have risk factors or a family history of colorectal health issues.

BONE HEALTH DENSITY SCREENINGS: Osteoporosis affects about 25% of women who are 65 years or older. Bone density screenings are recommended for women age 65 and older and younger women at higher than normal risk for a fracture.

Women are extraordinary and have unique needs, and only by prioritizing our health will we be able to live our best lives! Schedule a visit with your health care provider to talk about your needs and how to stay healthy through all of womanhood’s milestones.

KATIE BIRD-BRUPBACHER

By Liesel Schmidt

When Katie Bird-Brupbacher was diagnosed with stage 3 fallopian tube cancer in September of 2017, she retired from her 35-year career in the wine business to put all of herself into battling the rare form of ovarian cancer that threatened her life. “My prognosis was that I had a 35 percent chance of living,” she says. “But as I say, cancer doesn’t have to make you a statistic.”

Now celebrating five years of remission, BirdBrupbacher is extremely active in a number of cancer support groups including YouNight. “They taught me to go beyond my comfort zone and introduced me to many amazing survivors,”

she says. She also attends an annual ovarian cancer women's retreat in Montana called Camp-Mak-ADream—“It’s my happy place.”

In addition, she is a speaker in the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance program called Survivors Teaching Students, in which a group of survivors tell their diagnosis experience to interns at LSU and educate them about ovarian cancer. She was recently accepted into a survivors’ dance group called The Bionic Babes: Dancers of Hope. “It’s always been on my bucket list to dance in a Mardi Gras parade!” she says excitedly.

As much as she depends on the support of fellow survivors, Bird-Brupbacher credits her family as her greatest source of strength. “I have so much support from my brothers and sisters, my husband, and my children and grandkids.”

RACHEL

STRAIN

By Liesel Schmidt

Any type of cancer is a scary diagnosis— but even more so when it’s one that not many people have faced. Diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer called anaplastic oligodendroglioma in 2012, Rachel Strain had to deal with the uncertainty of the illness as well as all the factors that stemmed from being such an uncommon case. Still, she came through treatment with strength and determination, and she’s now looking forward to celebrating ten years with no new evidence of cancer.

Passionate about her family, traveling, drawing, photography, swimming and playing pool,

Strain loves to stay active and engaged with life—especially having been given a second chance to live it to its fullest. “When you’re facing cancer or any kind of chronic condition, it’s so important to try to stay as positive as you can and continue to fully live your life,” she offers. “Also remember that it’s okay to ask for help.”

Strain has found incredible support in the other members of You Night as well as a few Facebook groups including Brain Tumor Talk, Brain Tumors with Humor and Brain Tumor Support. “Having access to that kind of encouragement is so important, and it really meant a lot and continues to,” she says. “What has gotten me through all of this has been my faith in God as well as the unwavering love and support of my family and my friends. I am so grateful to all of them.”

“When you’re facing cancer, it’s so important to try to stay as positive as you can and continue to fully live your life.”

“My prognosis was that I had a 35 percent chance of living. But as I say, cancer doesn’t have to make you a statistic.”

BARBARA

“BEBE” CORIELL

By Liesel Schmidt

With a large family that includes three grown children and 11 grandchildren, Barbara “BeBe” Coriell has plenty to keep her busy as a “domestic engineer.” But a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma in June of 2020 threatened everything she had—right in the middle of COVID. “They found a 2.6-centimeter tumor in my right breast and a 1.6-centimeter tumor in the lymph nodes under my right arm,” she recalls. “I did 23 treatments of chemotherapy during the onset of COVID, starting in July of 2020, going every 3 weeks.”

Then, in December of 2020, she underwent a double mastectomy, removing 15 lymph nodes

because they were in a cluster. She continued chemo until November of 2021 to ensure that the cancer was completely eradicated, even after her mastectomy. “It’s so important to stay positive and not let the diagnosis define you,” she says. “Your mind is very powerful, and it can bring you down if you allow it. I'm a woman of faith, so throughout this journey, I just prayed and trusted Jesus to guide us to the right medical professionals. Everything fell into place, and we knew He was guiding us.”

A member of YouNight since 2021, Coriell treasures the friendship and support that she has found with the organization. “We get together once a month for fellowship dinners and to catch up,” notes Coriell, who also loves photography, spending time with family, traveling, motorcycle riding with her husband, exploring nature, monthly lunches with “sista friends” of 25 plus years and dinners with friends.

COLLETTE

MARIETTA

By Liesel Schmidt

As a scientist working in the field of clinical research of medical devices, Collette Marietta has seen all of the ways that technology has changed the practice of medicine. In the more than 40 years since she received her first diagnosis of cancer, she’s also experienced firsthand the ways that cancer treatments have advanced.

First diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called adenoid cystic carcinoma in 1980 at the age of 17, Marietta went through treatment and then into remission before bouts with thyroid cancer in 2011, breast cancer in 2013 and then squamous cell in her ear canal in 2016. Fortunately, treatment of each case

was successful, and Marietta is in full remission. To anyone facing cancer themselves, Marietta offers these words of hardwon wisdom: “Work with your friends and family. I feel that, as the one facing cancer, we know that we must just move forward and do what we have to do. Those around us who love us, however, feel helpless because they want to help but don’t know how. Give them something to do that will make life easier on you, and you’ll also make them feel as though they are doing something to help.”

Marietta has been a You Night alumnus since 2019 as well as a member of the Facebook AACOI support group. “Since I am the third longest survivor, they are asking if I will be an ambassador,” she says. Her greatest source of strength in all of this has been her faith, her husband, and her outlook on how lucky she is to be alive. “I really am so blessed,” she says.

“It’s so important to stay positive and not let the diagnosis define you.”

“Work with your friends and family. Give them something to do that will make life easier on you.”

LIST OF CUSTOM SERVICES FOR

BLOCK PARTY DowntownCovington

Photos by Katie Ulmer

The Covington Block Party was full of classic cars and local vendors. Car Enthusiasts enjoyed live music, beverages and much more as they strolled the streets. Covington Block Party is an end of summer must for everyone to enjoy!

Nathaniel Roche’, Nola Roche’, Andrea Jones, Nathaniel Jr, Chris Green, Chris Jr.

Lane Firmin, Peyton Gauthier, Callie Battle, and John Birdsong

Darren Marse, Yohanna Lorio, and Jon Lorio

Daniel, Aiden and Ashley Wilson

Almetta Sanders, Logan

Bob and Pat Stelz

Noah and Felicia Ridge

Sheila Thomas and Sara Powell

Sean, Caitlin and Jones Gray

BOYET JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

TEACHER FEATURE

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

Who, specifically, in your life influenced your decision to become a teacher?

There are two influences in my decision to become a teacher, my mom, and my dad. I guess you could say it was in my genes. They both taught math, which is what I teach, and the year I was born my dad was named principal at Mandeville Elementary and served in that position for 19 years. My mother and father were both in education for 30 plus years, and their love and dedication to the students they taught, and the district of St. Tammany is highly regarded by many. I am now in my 24th year teaching 8th grade and have been in education for 26, as I worked as a paraprofessional several years before getting my degree in education. I too have my Masters in Educational Leadership but decided my greatest impact was in the classroom.

How do you make learning fun for your students?

I LOVE what I teach! In 8th grade, I on occasion bring humor into my instruction, but I also like to change up the activities. Math can be difficult for many so by bringing in a game as a class or stations with small groups, you give students fun ways to learn or practice concepts, but also it allows for you to reach students with different styles of learning.

Strength comes from within. Sometimes it takes something extremely hard to find that strength. Losing my parents, a diagnosis of breast cancer, and then a serious Jeep accident all within three years have tested my will a little more each time. You can sit back and continuously ask, "Why me" or you can live your life. Live your best life. You only get one shot at it. Your attitude sets the stage for each day you face. If you stay positive and have faith, you can face any obstacle that is put in your way. Each day is a new start, a fresh page, a new chapter, so rewrite it as many times as you need to. You may not be able to change the world, but you can change yourself and it

TA I L G A T E & FIELD C E R EMONY

Photos by Katie Ulmer

The atmosphere was electric at Northlake Christian School as the Wolverine nation gathered to celebrate their new football field with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. The night began with a tailgate party for families to enjoy while anticipation was building for the football team to take the field for the first time. The Wolverines capped off the night with a decisive victory over the Varnado Wildcats.

Micah Mendoza, Sam Palencia, Carter Hutchinson, Gavin Angelo, and Christian Diggs

Kyle Harris, Nicole Harris, and Jenni Vega

Sean Englert, Gage Ulmer, Evan Welch, and Matt McCune

Carley Ulmer and Ava Pepper

Chauncey, Carolina, Estellea, and Elias Serigny

Evie Burns, Annabelle Popham, Avery Olver, Maitland Popham, and Bonnie Busenitz

Chaka Tavengwa, Shamiso, and Mallery Callahan II

Sara Burns, Peyton Vetter, and Phoebe Breshears

Carla Diggs, Amanda Henderson, and Carlie Vandervelve

Lillian Cooper, Kaeleigh Kirby, Gabrielle Savoye, Caden Galloway, and Justin Jernigan

MACKENNA CONNERand

CAUGHT UP IN LOVE

Story by Liesel Schmidt // Photos by Katie Coffee Photo

he chase is a great part of a blossoming romance between a man and a woman, and it was no different for Mackenna Richardson and Conner Smith when they met at track practice in high school in 2011. “Prior to this day, I had never personally met Conner, but I sure knew who he was,” says Mackenna, who was a junior at the time, while Conner was a senior. “Our mutual friend, Franco, was hanging around the track and introduced us. I had exchanged words with Franco about how cute I thought Conner was, so I knew he was up to something. I was getting ready to run 400-yard sprints when Conner walked over to me and said, ‘I know I don't know you, but will you go to prom with me?’ I thought this was a joke he and Franco had planned since it was April Fool's Day, so I said, ‘No. If you want me to go, you can ask me again tomorrow so I know you're serious.’ The next day, Conner asked me to prom and of course I said yes.”

The two became best friends and then began seriously dating in college. “Our relationship has been long distance for the majority of the time, but that only made our love grow stronger,” Mackenna notes. That strong bond became even stronger when, on November 16, 2019, Conner asked Mackenna another question that would forever change their fate. “It was such a beautiful proposal—the Cabo beach in the background and my family there to witness,” says Mackenna. “I had no idea, so I was totally surprised!”

Just over two and a half years later, on June 11, 2022, Mackenna walked down the aisle at Milicevic Farm & Vineyard in Abita Springs to meet Conner at the altar. Wearing a classically elegant, simple satin ballgown with boning on the bodice, Mackenna exchanged vows with her husband-to-be, happy that, after having to postpone their special day because of COVID, their time had finally come.

After being pronounced married, the newlyweds joined their guests for a reception on-site, indulging on passed hors d’oeuvres and charcuterie followed by a mixture of classic Louisiana food including jambalaya and crawfish pasta as well as tenderloin, turkey, salad and vegetables. As highly anticipated as the day was, there were naturally some very memorable moments: “Conner’s best man, Keith, was thrown up in the air by several of the groomsmen, then they got my dad and tossed him, followed by my mom,” says Mackenna. “All of them were tossed up in the air, caught, and then tossed back up, over and over again. It was hilarious.”

Having had their fun, the couple cut into their cakes, a five-tier confection of white chocolate raspberry and white chocolate cake with fresh strawberries in alternating layers, covered in white frosting with flowers cascading down the sides, accompanied by a white chocolate groom’s cake with chocolate mousse created to look like a YETI cooler filled with fish. “Both cakes were from Zoe's Bakery in Covington, and we had everything we could have possibly wanted for our cakes,” says Mackenna.

After being sent off with well-wishes for a happy future from their 200 guests, the Smiths honeymooned at the Four Seasons in Fort Lauderdale with a detour to West Palm Beach. Now back home in Houston, the happy couple is looking forward to starting their life together, knowing that the distance is behind them and that they can overcome any hurdles ahead.

LINDSEY LANSON

A lifetime Louisiana native now residing in Madisonville, Lindsey Lanson has built her life around art, music, and theatre. She splits her time between serving as a gifted and talented theatre teacher and painting. She welcomes commissioned artwork and enjoys collaborating with her clients to provide the perfect piece for them. Her work is available at V Home & Interiors.

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