Social Northshore | September 2020

A Tribute to Elise Angelette

PARISH PRESIDENT COOPER YOU NIGHT: A SISTERHOOD OF HOPE GEAUX BACK TAILGATING

Rich HUES of Summer BLUES friendandcompany.com l 7713 Maple Street l New Orleans l (504) 866-5433

FROM THE EDITOR Hello, Northshore! We are beyond excited to bring to you the premier issue of Social Northshore Magazine. We are a social publication that features the people of this great area along with events and charities that are making an impact in our community. In each issue, you will find extraordinary homes, elegant weddings, charity spotlights, events, and much more!

NORTHSHORE VO L U ME 1 · I S S U E 1

The Social Northshore team has been meeting many new faces and reconnecting with some familiar ones as we kick off this first issue. We know that things are looking a little different but we are making it our goal to show off all the things that make our community great!

We know that the Northshore is all about family and amazing events. So enjoy searching for familiar faces in this issue and watch for our photographers at your next event as we see things starting to open back up.

Thank you, all. Enjoy!

PUBLISHER David Renfro EDITOR Jen Meadows CREATIVE DIRECTOR William Cross COPY EDITOR Lana Cagle

JEN MEADOWS

Editor, Social Northshore

SALES David Renfro | 731.499.1414 Jen Meadows | 985.687.8980 Nicole Davidge | 318.423.0926 PHOTOGRAPHY Jen Meadows Nicole Davidge Eugenia Lubrano of NOLA Real Estate Marketing CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Liesel Schmidt Kayla Bertucci

ON THE` COVER:

SOCIAL NORTHSHORE MAGAZINE www.socialnorthshore.com

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A Tribute to Elise Angelette

PARISH PRESIDENT COOPER YOU NIGHT: A SISTERHOOD OF HOPE GEAUX BACK TAILGATING

Jessica, Gianna Shane & Shane Klein

GET SOCIAL WITH US!

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CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2020

FEATURES

10

Supermom:

17

Community Leader:

29

Impact & Giveback:

33

The Front Porch Project:

43

Socialite:

A Tribute to Elise Angelette

Parish President Mike Cooper

10

43

You Night: A Sisterhood of Hope

Mia Jolie Photography

WDSU’s Sula Kim

29

NORTHSHORE 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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SHOP SMALL IN THE NORTHSHORE S H O P P I N G S M A L L C A N M A K E A B I G I M PA C T I N O U R C O M M U N I T Y. A flower enthusiast opens a florist shop

MAKING A DREAM COME TRUE.

LOCALS GET HIRED To help work the business.

With local workers, the business

BEGINS TO THRIVE

Increased revenue means more taxes to fund

LOCAL & COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS

CREATING A BETTER ENVIRONMENT

for new business to join our community

SEPTEMBER 2020

7

CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2020

48

Bridal:

57

At Home:

71

People You Should Know:

74

Flashback Bride:

78

Supermom:

Emily + Brandon Barger

House of Music, The Wood Family Home

48

71

Barbara Keller

Kristen + Eric Callahan

57

Kaleigh Pedersen

MAINSTAYS

80

New & Noteworthy Press releases, news, and more

74 NORTHSHORE

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SOCIAL NORTHSHORE

78

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“Regardless of what was going on, she tried to bring joy.”

SUPER MOM

A TRIBUTE TO

Elise Angelette

STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT | PHOTOS BY WWW.THEOWELPROJECT.COM

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”- Philippians 4:6-7 For Elise Angelette, those are words to take comfort in, to cling to, to find strength in. As a woman whose life is filled with the uncertainty and pain of cancer, those are words that have often given her peace in the midst of a time that could cause even the strongest faith to falter.

That strong faith is something that has made Elise a shining light in the world. It’s also one of the very things that made her husband Jason fall in love with her when they met nearly two decades ago. Now 18 years into their marriage, they’ve been through trials that could leave a lesser relationship in tatters, finding support and strength in one another and in the solid faith that they share. They’re on a battlefield they’ve been

navigating for years, fighting a force that’s unforgiving and formidable; yet they go on knowing that there is still purpose. “In all of this, Elise has always known that God has a bigger picture and that everything is going to be alright because He saved us to redeem us and call us home to heaven,” Jason explains.

That knowledge is one that has sustained the Angelette family throughout all of this—despite the cruelty of the disease that has invaded Elise’s body. First diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in 2014, she underwent treatment for a year and was given the all clear after surgeries, chemo, and radiation proved successful. For the next year, she lived in hopeful triumph and even went through the cancer support programs offered by You Night, where she formed a strong bond with other women who were going through the very same struggles she had faced. “They offered a great community of sisters who helped her through everything,” Jason recalls.

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SUPER MOM Unfortunately, Elise’s battle with cancer wasn’t truly over; and in the summer of 2016 a nagging cough proved to be the first signs that the tumors were back—this time as stage IV breast cancer that had metastasized in her lungs, liver, lymph nodes, abdomen, and brain.

The next few years were spent trying to suppress the tumors and keep the situation from worsening; and in mid-summer of 2020, an additional diagnosis was given: leptomeningeal disease. Caused by the migration of cancer cells into the cerebrospinal fluid, it has no effective treatment and is a relatively new challenge for doctors.

Even with a prognosis that leaves Elise with little time to live the rest of her life, she is still the very same vibrant, strong, and incredibly inspiring person that has touched the lives of everyone she meets.

Determined not to be overcome but to be the overcomer, she still works to serve others in need and be an example of faith to her children. As one can easily see from the blog that she once actively wrote, Elise has much to give—and she will give it with every ounce of her being, never losing sight of Christ who is her Rock.

It is her steadfast trust in God’s plan that has made Elise an incredible mother, even in the midst of such struggle. As a woman whose deepest desire was always to have a family, the love she pours into her children is a clear reflection of the blessing she feels in being given not just one child, but five—five young lives to mold and inspire and nurture, even through whatever pain she might be feeling. “When she was first diagnosed, she really wanted to make sure that the kids didn’t feel the weight of it,” Jason recalls.

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“Regardless of what was going on, she tried to bring joy.”

For a creative spirit like Elise, part of bringing joy meant making her children feel that they were still her focus. “Even when she was feeling really sick, she would wake up early in the morning and get dressed up in a platinum blonde afro wig and then go in to wake the kids up for school by dancing around and saying, ‘Rise and shine, it’s afro time!” Jason says with a smile. While she could easily get lost in her own battle, she never forgets the little things, making sure that each of her children has what they need for school—complete with notes carefully tucked in their lunches.

Regardless of what she’s doing—reading stories to schoolchildren dressed in fairy wings and wearing a cotton candy pink wig with pig tails, putting her creative skills to work on making costumes for her kids’ plays as part of St. Paul’s Marian Players, or writing letters to her children telling them how loved and how beautiful they are—she exemplifies selfless motherhood. Her children are her life, a living, breathing reflection of Christ’s own love for us; and her greatest wish is that they always remember her absolute love for them and how much purpose they gave her every breath.

During the course of publication, Elise was called home to heaven on August 16, 2020. Read more about her personal journey at https://every-little-thingblog.com.

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COMMUNITY Leader

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

ST. TAMMANY PARISH PRESIDENT

MIKE COOPER

W

hen Mike Cooper took on the role of St. Tammany Parish President at the beginning of 2020, he could never have foreseen

the events that the nation would soon face. Like any good leader, however, he was ready to meet whatever challenges came his way, ever mindful of the impact his decisions would have on the parish under his watch.

As a nation, we’ve been stalled by COtVID-19 and the many ways it has devastated us—whether emotionally, physically, or financially. We’ve been cut off from one another as we practice social distancing, and for such a social community as St. Tammany Parish, the past months have been like a shadow cast over our vibrant spirit. Fortunately, we are working our way back to one another as the community is opening up again; and we look forward to becoming socially active once again.

Naturally, safety is paramount, and Cooper is deeply dedicated to leading the community in his care to a new normal that still allows St. Tammany to thrive. “Social events are part of who we are here in St. Tammany,” he says. “How they will change going forward remains to be seen, but we do know that things will be different. The new norm for social events will be like so many other facets of our lives, and we will adapt and adjust as the

We each have the choice to either detract from our progress or to contribute to our recovery. Let’s all choose to move toward recovery for the benefit of our communities.”

situation warrants with the health of our citizens and the health of our economy as our top priorities.”

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Part of maintaining health during these social events will, of course, be maintaining vigilance about our own roles in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Practicing good hygiene, wearing a mask, and safe physical distancing will all play a big part in keeping the community safe in social situations and get us closer to a time when we are free from worry. “Remember, we’re all going through this together,” says Cooper.

As parish president, Cooper knows well the importance of making his community feel heard and taken care of. In fact, those duties are the very things that make him passionate about his work. “I love learning about what citizens across St. Tammany need and having the opportunity to provide a solution for those needs. I want to serve the citizens and do so with their input. This is our parish, and we are all owners of how we shape it.”

Shaping it to thrive is incredibly important to Cooper, and he has clear plans for strengthening the parish he has sworn to lead and protect. “My primary role in keeping our parish strong is to lead us forward through times of opportunity as well as through times of challenge,” he says. “We have seen many challenges since I was sworn in; and in those challenges, we’ve also seen many opportunities to grow, adapt, come together, and exercise the innate resiliency at St. Tammany’s core. I will continue to implement my key initiatives: rebuilding trust between Parish Government and

St.

Tammany

citizens,

increasing

accessibility to elected leaders so that citizens can voice their concerns, streamlining services to increase efficiencies in Parish Government to reduce operating costs, and partnering with local and state leaders on issues that impact citizens including infrastructure and economic development.”

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For a vibrant and active community like St. Tammany Parish, one of the issues impacting its citizens is the cancellation of the social events that usually keep its calendar filled and many of its organizations funded. “Many of these social events are organized and planned by our local non-profits and social organizations,“ Cooper explains. “Our social gatherings are how we celebrate, mourn, and lift each other up in times of need. More than that, these events are another recovery milestone. The cancellation of these events has resulted in loss of revenue, which is essential for supporting so many great causes. This is why I continue to ask everyone to take personal responsibility and do your part to slow the spread of the virus. We each have the choice to either detract from our progress or to contribute to our recovery. Let’s all choose to move toward recovery for the benefit of our communities.”

As we all look toward a future that is still uncertain, we hold fast to the faith that we will once again be able to gather together— even if a little bit differently.

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Supporting Local Businesses 20

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We all know that supporting local businesses is essential to a thriving community but following the spring’s COVID-19 closures, it’s more important than ever to support the stores, restaurants, services and people that make the Northshore the culturally unique community that it is.

Buy a Gift Card for Yourself

Tip Generously

If you want to support a local business that you can’t visit right away, consider purchasing a gift card. This helps show the small business owners that you’re backing them right now, even if you won’t be stopping in right away. Dollars spent now will go a long way to replenishing stock and recouping losses.

Restaurant and service workers took a real hit when everyone was self-quarantined. Help them recoup by adding a little lagniappe on the tip line. Plus, you will feel good doing it.

Buy a Gift Card for Someone Else Want to spread the love? Buy a gift card for a friend, colleague or loved one and you very well might make a customer for life. According to the business wire, 90% of consumers who receive a gift card from a business they’ve never visited say they will shop at that business and will return there in the future.

Get Social Follow your favorite businesses on social media and let them know you are rallying behind them. If they have an email newsletter, sign up. Share posts from local businesses that you think your friends will want to see. Post your haul on social media, and tag the business or use the appropriate hashtag. You could even snap a selfie while you’re getting your curbside order.

Donate Those Cleaning Supplies Went a little overboard buying up Lysol wipes like a doomsday prepper? Donate them to a business or nonprofit that will put them to good use.

Return To Your Faves If you haven’t visited or supported one of your favorite local businesses in a long time, consider this your cue. They miss you!

Find Some New Faves It’s great to support businesses you already love, but part of the fun of living in the Northshore area is getting to explore hidden treasures. There are some truly wonderful gems out there waiting! To get you started on your journey, take a look at some of the businesses here in this issue.

Book That Appointment

Leave Reviews

If you had to cancel an appointment due to coronavirus – reschedule it now! Just knowing that business is coming in is a great gift to any small business owner whose books may feel empty.

If you’ve never left reviews for businesses that you love, now is the time. Include specific information about what you love about the business and how it’s unique. Positive reviews have a lasting impact on influencing potential customers.

Ask How You Can Help Many business owners, retail workers and service industry professionals are feeling mental and emotional strain, even as things improve. Ask them how you can help. Everyone needs a little kindness right now, and every kind act makes an enormous impact.

Keep It Going Once everything is back to “business as usual,” the community will feel less urgency to support local stores and services. It’s important to help keep the momentum rolling!

SEPTEMBER 2020

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STAY-CATIONS

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

W

ith its sculpted white plaster faรงade, mullioned windows, and ornate

detailing, the Hotel Monteleone is a bastion of old-world luxury that seems to have slipped the ruthless grasp of progress and modern development. Heralded by blue and white flags that wave proudly above the city street and bear the Monteleone crest, the hotel beckons to those in search of true New Orleans hospitality, offering a white-gloved hand and a step back in time.

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STAY-CATIONS As spectacularly beautiful as it today, the Hotel Monteleone has undergone quite a few changes during its lifetime—and amassed quite a colorful and remarkable history, as well. Originally called the Commercial Hotel, it wasn’t until 1886 that the 64-room hotel at the corner of Royal and Iberville Streets began its rise to true greatness.

Purchased that year by an immigrant named Antonio Monteleone, the hotel became a passion project for the Sicilian businessman who had left his home and high standing in society as a successful shoemaker in Sicily to pursue a greater dream in America.

While the ownership of a hotel was a far cry from the shoe industry and quite a departure from the life he might have imagined when he opened a cobbler shop on Royal Street after arriving in New Orleans in 1880, Monteleone’s head for business proved that the leap was a wise investment rather than a fool’s errand. Over the next two decades, the hotel’s success led to the need for an expansion; and in 1903, 30 rooms were added to the hotel. 1908 brought with it the addition of 300 more rooms as well as a rebranding; and despite the financial panic that was engulfing the country, the newly named Hotel Monteleone soldiered on.

When Antonio Monteleone passed away in 1913, his son Frank took up the mantle, bringing the hotel into a second generation of ownership.

200 more rooms were added in 1928; and a year later, the U.S. found itself in the midst of the Great Depression. Once again, widespread financial ruin could have meant the end for the hotel. Once again, it overcame the odds and emerged the crisis with its head held high, becoming one of the nation’s few family-owned hotels to withstand the Depression.

Still standing proudly, the hotel went on without further change until 1954, when a fourth addition required the demolition of the original building that was replaced by a new building that included guest facilities, ballrooms, dining rooms, and cocktail lounges. Along with the monumental changes to the hotel’s structure, the ’50s also brought with them another change as ownership passed to a third generation when Bill Monteleone took over after his father passed in 1958. In 1964, Bill’s vision for the future of the hotel brought to bear additional floors, guest rooms, and a Sky Terrace that featured swimming pools and cocktail lounges.

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The Hotel Monteleone has endured for more than a century, welcoming a fourth generation of ownership by the family that has made it iconic to New Orleans. Those four generations have much to be proud of, for within its walls are thousands upon thousands of hours of history—not to mention the many stories that have been written within its rooms. In fact, the Hotel Monteleone bears the distinction of being one of the few hotels dedicated as a Literary Landmark by the Friends of Libraries USA. Over the course of its lifetime, the hotel hosted numerous famous and beloved writers including Richard Ford, Tennessee Williams, Eudora Welty, William Faulkner, Sherwood Anderson, Ernest Hemingway, and Truman Capote. The Hotel Monteleone has even been written into some of their well-read pages, and the self-invented tale of Truman Capote’s birth claims the Hotel Monteleone as his birthplace.

Fictitious though it might be, this is only one example of the innumerable stories have made the Hotel Monteleone such a treasured part of French Quarter New Orleans and its history—and the hotel has responded in kind by naming its Literary Author Suites for its most treasured writers.

History aside, the hotel is an architectural gem worthy of celebration. Much like the ornate façade that greets all who pass by, walking through the brass and glass doors into its massive foyer is to step into another world—one with tall white walls that stretch high towards heaven, massive columns, gleaming marble floors, and arched mirrors that perfectly capture and reflect the light to make the entire space feel like a jewel box, all underneath a ceiling whose elaborate gold detailing tells of countless hours of craftsmanship. Naturally, the level of hospitality matches the grandeur that is so clearly on display; and each of the 570 guest rooms is equally a reflection of excellence. The amenities appointing each of the hotel’s guest accommodations are worthy of five stars, including Keurig coffee brewers, in-room safes, refrigerators, WiFi, high definition LCD TVs, plush robes, and spacious marble and granite bathrooms.

As luxurious as the guest rooms are, the 55 Luxury and Literary Author Suites boast an even higher degree of elegance, boasting walk-in glass showers, garden Jacuzzi tubs, and sofa beds in the parlors as well as some additional features that make a stay here better than a home away from home.

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Of course, not every moment can be spent tucked away—plush as the rooms might be. Fortunately, the Hotel Monteleone offers a wide variety of ways to while away the hours…some of them more relaxing than others. For anyone in need of some pampering, the Spa Aria provides an entire menu of spa services including massages, nail services, facial and skin treatments, and foot therapy to soothe and pamper both the body and the mind. Re-invigorated souls will find an outlet for their energy in the 24-hour access fitness center complete with state of the art cardio machines and strength training equipment—all of which overlooks the Mighty Mississippi River and the French Quarter. Up on the roof, the crystal blue waters of the heated pool welcome a dip all year long.

No hotel worthy of note would be complete without a dining experience to compliment its finery, and the Hotel Monteleone is no exception. Offering a menu of refined dishes that bear a distinct Southern flair and truly pay homage to New Orleans and its unforgettable cuisine, Criollo is everything one might expect from a restaurant nestled within this jewel box. A gem of undeniable beauty, Criollo’s allure lies in each bite of the transcendent food served to its guests from breakfast to dinner; and its popularity speaks to its excellence.

Another point of popularity—not to mention notoriety— is the Carousel Lounge. Widely loved for its fantastic cocktails, the Carousel is unique in all the ways that count and truly special enough to be unforgettable. Much like its name would imply, it features a circular central bar that orbits the bartender, all underneath the sweeps of an actual carousel. Round and round it goes, this rotating bar whose horses have been replaced by seats painted with detailed pictures, while patrons sip expertly crafted drinks that have been a draw to this very spot since it opened in the 1940s. Much like the rest of the city, the Carousel Lounge has also had a great love affair with music, hosting some of the greatest names in history while people listened, falling under its spell.

For generations, the Hotel Monteleone has held tightly to the ideals of a time gone by, proving that true beauty is created by vision and uncompromising dreams.

For more information on the Hotel Monteleone, visit https://hotelmonteleone.com.

COMING

soon!

- OCTOBER 2020 -

ALL ABOUT

Women Our “All About Women” issue Features Survivors Stories, Women’s Health + Beauty, and more!

Contact us to reserve your spot! - info@socialnorthshore.com 28

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IMPACT & GIVEBACK

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

A SISTERHOOD OF HOPE:

C

You Night

Cancer. It’s a word that holds so much power, casting a shadow that seems to subsume every hint of light in its path. It’s also a word that we hear all too often, a diagnosis that millions of people all over the world are given, while the people who love them feel helpless as they watch the battle commence.

Like war wounds, the battle scars of cancer are deep, both physically and emotionally; and for the women fighting, the toll taken is often one that leaves them stripped of their selfesteem. Their light has been cast into the shadows, with little hope of being found again.

It was the desire to give these women hope and empower them to face their struggles in a united, supportive environment that first inspired Lisa McKenzie to create You Night in 2013, organizing a runway show that brought together 25 local women diagnosed with cancer. The event was a success, giving the ladies a common goal that also created a close bond among them; but when the night was over, it was clear to McKenzie that she needed to go beyond the runway if she was really going to make a difference. “The day after the show, the women experienced a huge emotional letdown.

Seeing that, we realized that the side effects of cancer last for many years after the cancer is gone and that there was a huge

need for more than just a single event to help bring women through the struggles they were facing,” says McKenzie, who saw firsthand the way that cancer seemed to extinguish the bright spirit of two of her closest friends. It was those two women in her life, in fact, that gave her a new sense of purpose after she had gone through a dark time in her own life; and bringing women together to support and strengthen one another became her mission.

Shortly after that first runway show, We Lift You Up was born, becoming the non-profit that would fund the programs that McKenzie knew were needed to help women with cancer heal from their scars. Under the parent organization You Night, LLC, We Lift You Up receives grants and donations from most of the major hospitals in the area as well as many doctors and even private individuals, most of which are in some way connected to the care of cancer patients. “They do so much to get through the treatment, but they don’t’ have a way to help with the emotional side of things,” says McKenzie. “Emotional care is a mandate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, but there isn’t an agreed upon method of how it should be handled.”

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IMPACT & GIVEBACK To that end, McKenzie took it upon herself to create various programs, regular events, retreats, and support groups that would effectively handle the emotional trauma often suffered and help these women regain their strength—and eventually make them see themselves as beautiful. Among those programs is a narrative therapy course that allows the women to explore their lives from childhood and effectively purge whatever pain or anxiety they might be holding on to. “It allows them to see that the person they are now is a survivor of life, not just of cancer,” says McKenzie. “Our goal with the narrative therapy is that we want to present their story and show that there is more to them than cancer.”

Another program is SCART, a newly launched nationwide initiative created in partnership with Painting With a Twist that gives the ladies a healthy perspective on their surgical scars. “The ladies take a photo of their scars at home and then come together to paint them on canvas as works of art,” McKenzie explains of the program, which is currently strictly online due to COVID-19. “It allows them to figure out their emotional relationship to their scars and for the world to see it differently.

It’s a beautiful thing that allows them to peel back the layers of how they see themselves.”

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How they see themselves by the end of the process—about nine months, from start to finish—is runway ready, ready for You Night. Like a graduation of sorts, it marks the progress that the women have made since being brought into the programs and celebrates that by showing them just how beautiful they are, both inside and out. More than 500 women in 14 classes of 25 women have made that walk down the runway, each of them filled with hope and strengthened by the support their new sisters have given

them. “Everyone learns so much about themselves during this process. It’s incredible to see them find their light again.” And as anyone who has watched these women on the runway can see, the light they shine is blindingly bright.

Watch online in November for this year’s You Night Runway Show!

For more information on You Night, LLC, and its programs, visit https://www.younightevents.com.

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STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT uring these past few months of incredible uncertainty, we’ve all struggled to stay connected with our family, our friends, and our community. Sheltering in place and practicing social distancing has kept us from seeing those we love, but local photographers have taken it upon themselves to use their talents as a way to help bridge that distance and remind us all that—no matter what—we’re all in this together and that these are the times to create memories.

D

As the owner of Mia Jolie Photography, Tiffany Chabert is used to capturing families on film, forever preserving those moments in time that will one day be reminders of a particular time, a particular season in life. When the nation descended into the shadow cast by the COVID-19 pandemic, Chabert, like many other small business owners was left wondering how to use her skills. As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention; and Chabert soon found her solution. By joining the Front Porch projects that have become a nationwide phenomenon, taking photos of families in her community and posting them online, she was essentially giving them a way to connect virtually with others.

Most importantly, however, her sessions give the families in front of her camera something to look forward to in the midst of so much negativity and doubt.

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“The idea of the project was really to get the families to disconnect from everything that’s been going on and to create family memories while being quarantined,” Chabert explains of her project, which ran from mid-April to early May. “I love that one day, the children in these pictures will say, ‘Remember when we had to wear masks and stay home?’ Now, they have the images to look back on. Of course, we kept our distance from each other. Some families went all out with printed t-shirts and signs while others let the kids decide what they wanted to wear for the pictures, whether it matched or not. I encouraged the families to just make it fun. They could add any props like face masks, toilet paper rolls, or Lysol cans; or they could put on their Sunday best and turn their session into Christmas cards later this year. I left it up to them.”

She also left the locale up to them, though all of her front porch sessions took place in her neighborhood. Some families chose to take their pictures solely on their porches, while others also ventured out onto the nearby nature trails, adding variety to the backdrops and making it a bit more fun. “Each of the families I was able to photograph really enjoyed the sessions,” Chabert explains. “My hope is that, as my clients look back at these pictures, they see all the memories they made during the year that time seemed to stop.”

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As time has stopped, so has much of life as usual. For a busy photographer like Chabert, the nation-wide shut down has been a devastating loss for her business; even so, she has found great purpose in the Front Porch project. “I love what I get to do as a career,” she says. “Being able to capture special moments that will last a lifetime brings joy to my heart. These sessions were unlike anything I had ever done before because it was all so casual and fun. It was also very easy for the families to pull off—no need to buy matching outfits, no need for professional makeup, no need to have perfectly posed children.

We just had fun. In such an unprecedented time as this, it was nice seeing everyone being creative and having fun.”

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SO∙CIAL∙ITE

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

SULA KIM WDSU News 6 Anchor

W

e watch them everyday on our various screens, listening to their words as they tell of the world’s affairs. Over the years, they

become familiar faces, trusted sources of information that often bring us feelings of comfort and stability in the midst of chaos. We know them by name; and though we may not know them personally, we welcome them into our homes with the readiness of old friends.

For the best television reporters and news anchors, it is the love of being a part of history and having intimate knowledge of events that drive their passion; and for Sula Kim, it was precisely that. The love of seeking the truth and telling the world was what set her feet on the path as a TV reporter. “I grew up in Los Angeles, and the 1992 riots galvanized me to be a TV journalist because I was intrigued by the power of television.

History was unfolding before my eyes in real time, and I thought that was pretty cool,” recalls Kim. Naturally, it took hard work and perseverance to get where she wanted to go; and after graduating from the University of California San Diego, she went on to start her television career in 2000. “My first day on camera was horrible!” Kim laughs. “I had no idea what I was doing, and I struggled a

New Orleans has embraced me as one of their own, and I’ve come to really love it here. This city has a spirit like no other place in America, and I feel very lucky to be here”

lot with writing, speaking, and being on-camera. It was terrifying, and I wanted to give up many times and just move back home!”

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Nerves notwithstanding, she found her footing and realized that she was exactly where she was meant to be. After a brief stint in Lubbock, Texas, straight out of college, she went on to Green Bay, Wisconsin, as a reporter for the local ABC affiliate. From there, she became a reporter and news anchor in Virginia at WVECTV (an ABC affiliate). 2012 brought her to New Orleans for her very first weekday anchor gig; and in 2015, she moved to Seattle to become a weekend anchor. Feeling the pull of the Big Easy and eagerly looking at a big bump in her career, she returned to New Orleans in 2017 to be the main anchor at “Even though I’m a transplant, New Orleans has embraced me as one of their own, and I’ve come to really love it here. This city has a spirit like no other place in America, and I feel very lucky to be here,” says Kim, who recently married a local-born firefighter for NOFD. “I love having a husband on the front lines because he loves to serve and help others.”

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Looking back over the trajectory of her career, Kim has had many

Even with 20 years on the job, Kim still has to face down her nerves

notable stories to tell. “Covering the 2014 Winter Olympics in

when it comes time to go on the air. Fortunately, she’s found a great

Sochi was really a memorable part of my career,” she says. “I was

way to center herself and find a sense of peace. “I realized over the

in Russia for a month, so I guess the entire month was pretty

years that prayer works for me, and it helps alleviate my anxiety,”

memorable. I would have to say, though, that my biggest breaking

she maintains. “I pray before I go on air, and God gives me peace

news story was the Virginia Tech Shooting. It was one of the first

and confidence. That’s how I conquer every day—through prayer

big mass shootings in America. I won a team Emmy award for that

and reading Scripture—so that I have positive thoughts in my

story in 2007.”

head.” Those positive thoughts ground her; and as we watch her every night, her familiar presence helps grounds us.

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BRIDAL

Emily Brandon 48

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W

- STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT -

eddings are famous for creating romance and inspiring coupledom, especially amongst the singles in attendance.

A serendipitous meeting in the heady atmosphere of optimism that surrounds the occasion can turn simple flirting into a serious relationship; and when Emily Binder met Brandon Barger at their mutual friends’ engagement party, love was definitely in the air.

Talking turned to dating; and four years later, Brandon knew that he wanted to share his future with Emily.

“Brandon absolutely won my heart over when he proposed to me in the middle of the New Orleans Museum of Art, which is one of my favorite places in New Orleans,” says Emily, an artist in her own right who also teaches Talented Art for the St. Tammany Parish school system. “It was a total surprise because I thought he was taking me there for my birthday!” Naturally, the proposal was answered with a “Yes!” and the couple was set on a course toward planning a wedding of their very own.

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BRIDAL

Just shy of 18 months later on February 22, 2020, Emily walked down the aisle at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church wearing a stunning fit-and-flare lace dress with custom tailored vintage-inspired sleeves to meet her waiting groom. As friends and family watched, the couple exchanged their vows, promising to love one another forever—in good times and in bad. The timing of those vows couldn’t have been more perfect. “It was literally weeks before the entire country shut down and went into quarantine for COVID-19,” Emily recalls.

Having been pronounced man and wife, the newly married Bargers joined their guests at a festive reception at the Fleur De Lis Event Center. After feasting on a buffet of traditional Southern dishes that included shrimp and grits, gumbo, jambalaya, crab cakes, and mini muffulettas, the happy couple cut into a four-tiered confection of almond crumb with strawberry filling. “Being the artist that I am, I decided on all of the decor for our wedding day, including the colors and the style—even down to the non-traditional onyx toasting flutes I found at the New Orleans French Market—so I let Brandon choose the cake. We went with traditional flavors because he loves traditional wedding cake,” Emily says of her new husband, who works as an Asphalt Quality Control Specialist for Barber Brothers Construction.

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I couldn’t have pictured a more perfect day!

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BRIDAL Basking in the glow of their happiness and the perfect day that seemed to bless them, Brandon and Emily danced and celebrated with the most special people in their lives, looking forward to the future ahead. “We had absolutely gorgeous Louisiana weather. The morning of our wedding day, it was around 60 degrees with a nice breeze. By 4:00 p.m., it was a perfect 70 degrees outside with a cool breeze right on the bayou. I couldn’t have pictured a more perfect day,” says Emily.

As the perfect day came to a close, the newlyweds were sent off to start their honeymoon in Whitefish, Montana, where they slept in a tree house Airbnb and spent their days snowmobiling 12 miles up a mountain, touring Glacier National Park, dogsledding, and ice fishing. Now back home in St. Tammany Parish, the Bargers are learning the importance of love, honor, and respect in keeping their marriage strong—no matter what lies ahead.

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THE WOOD FAMILY HOME | STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT Sitting high above the ground, nearly 20 feet in the air, is a house on the bayou that sings out as a retreat from the busy world not far away. Set on five acres of waterfront land whose expanse of lush green lawn and moss-draped oak trees whisper of a well established past that has weathered many storms, the home is a three story mid-century dream modified to withstand the test of hurricane force winds.

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Boasting nearly 30 rooms and even an elevator, the home known by its owner as Chez D is certainly expansive. Its white stucco exterior broken up by window after window that spills in light from all sides and provides breathtaking views of the property—property that Debby Wood and her now late husband, Donald, searched long and hard to find. “We had been looking for a waterfront property for two years and wanted something not too far from New Orleans,” Debby recalls of the hunt that finally ended in 2011. “I researched a number of properties and made the decision to see what they would be like during a tropical storm. We drove near several of the prospects but could not get the truck we were in down a flooded street. At one point, we were stopped by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and were told, ‘If you go down that street, we’re not coming to get you.’ We were directed to Mainegra Road, which was on higher ground and hadn’t flooded, and off we went. Unfortunately, the gate was locked, so all we could do was peer in. Donald and I knew that was the property we wanted, and I called the listing realtor, Gayle Macomber with Keller Williams, while we were at the gate. She agreed to meet us immediately at a nearby area, and then I got in the backseat so she could have the front passenger side of our truck. After getting in, she looked at Donald and then back at me and said, ‘Please don’t kidnap me. I would never let any of my agents do this!’ About two weeks later, I called Gayle and told the receptionist that her kidnapper was calling to make offer. We all had a good laugh.”

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Clearly, the Woods had a sense of humor—not to mention a sense of style, one that shines through in every aspect of the home that was completed in 2013. Set against a backdrop of walls whose white hue takes on a grayish tint depending on the light, the Samoan wood floors that flow throughout each of the three levels bring in a warmth that beautifully juxtaposes the cooler tones of the rest of the finishes. High ceilings and those massive windows lend an open, airy feel that echoes high design and resonates with the owners’ desire to take every advantage of a fantastic view.

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Five bedrooms, each with their own en-suite bathroom, allow for many guests—a testament to the Woods’ love of entertaining and having their three grown children for a visit.

While Donald’s passing may have left Debby to live in the house alone, its spaces are still filled with life…and the melodic tones of her fingers dancing over the keys of the grand piano in the living room. A trained pianist who has been playing since the age of three, Debby’s love of music is in her blood, passed down from a father who was himself a child prodigy and played jazz with Pete Fountain in addition to having his own orchestra. Years of playing professionally and teaching have intensified her love of music— as did being married to an opera enthusiast. Now in her retirement, she is deeply immersed in philanthropy in the community that she has been a part of since birth.

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Her active social life is one that she brings into her home, which is well equipped for the task. Kitted with two refrigerators, two freezers, two dishwashers, two ice-makers and a Viking range, the kitchen stands ready to entertain, with a massive island at its center that is crowned in a single slab of granite. Bringing additional texture to the gray palette of the kitchen, the stacked stone wall behind the stove is a perfect contrast to the smooth shine of the granite countertops and adds the ideal touch of rustic appeal in an otherwise very modern space.

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Naturally, the master bedroom is a retreat, complete with large his and hers closets as well as two bathrooms, one for him and one for her. Perfect for her love of sunset bubble baths, Debby’s master bath has an oversized Jacuzzi tub that affords her a view out the window. Joining the two bathrooms is a walk in rain shower tiled in travertine. “It’s one of the best showers you’ll ever take,” Debby says.

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Decorated in stylish furniture and pieces of art that Debby herself created from nail polish, glass, and Swarovski crystals, Chez D is a house that sings a melody whose words tell of a life lived with love and happiness, creativity and vision. Here lives a heart that beats to the rhythm of music—and it echoes off every wall.

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PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Barbara Keller Selflessness is a rarity in our world nowadays.

Finding someone who exudes a humble and empathetic nature is like trying to capture lightning bugs in a jar. They flutter about at dusk creating a magical appearance like stars against a shadowy tree line, all within reach. Their light mesmerizes us, and we want to be just like them, a beautiful light in this dark world full of chaos and uncertainty. So, we capture them in a mason jar and run barefoot back home to mamma to show off how beautiful they glow within.

No one glows brighter than Barbara Keller. She currently resides in Covington, but Barbara grew up in Sun, Louisiana and then went on to study home economics at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. She’s a mother, a grandmother and cares for many other people both locally and far beyond our country’s borders.

If you rewind the clock about eight years or so, you’ll find Barbara serving on a mission trip in Uganda, Africa. During her travels, she noticed that there were school-aged girls who were in desperate need of hygiene pads and malnutrition clinics that called for warm-knitted hats and blankets to keep patients warm.

Since Barbara had been sewing ever since she was a little girl along with her sister, Gwen, she knew she and her lifelong hobby were being called to serve these Ugandan communities. She immediately began to work on creating as many sewn items as possible throughout the years.

STORY BY KAYLA BERTUCCI

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As time rolled by, she would pack suitcases full of items and teamed up with multiple ministries in Africa including TEMO, Care Medical Center, Cross Healing School and Church, and Good Samaritan School, to name a few.

Barbara divvied out projects for other women in the community who also had a passion for sewing and serving and from there, a mission was born.

Sewing Servants is located at First Baptist Church Covington, and anyone is welcome to join. Today, the ministry of sewing dresses, blankets, hats, and clothes is not only providing for different groups in Africa, but now in St.Tammany Parish as well. The amazing stitch works these ladies continue to create are also being donated to places like the Crisis Pregnancy Center, Lynhaven Retreat, The Samaritan Center, To Covington with Love, and so many more.

When COVID-19 surged in our world, the Sewing Servants didn’t hesitate to shift their focus to creating and donating masks. They began to research different mask patterns online and supplies were donated to the group. From there, Barbara and the team helped put together sewing kits so anyone interested could drive to the church and pick up the kit that would make about 20 masks.

This is where the group found a new and unique rhythm, as well as new helpers. Men had now joined the group, while children and teens pitched in by drawing and leaving inspirational quotes on the mask-filled bags that were distributed throughout the region. Deliveries were made everywhere from fire stations, schools, to even grocery stores and prisons.

It was a labor of love, and Barbara estimates that the group has donated over 12,500 masks to date. “It’s certainly a passion. It’s a gift that God has blessed me with,” she says. “I believe each mask provides hope to people in this difficult time and shows God’s love through the people in this community.”

So, next time you see a lightning bug off in the distance, maybe you think of Barbara. Think of all the selfless team members of the Sewing Servants who turned their favorite hobby – their giftedness – into a gift.

Do you find joy in sewing and want to get involved?

Visit fbccov.org to learn more!

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FLASHBACK BRIDE

KRISTEN + ERIC

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- STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT -

When Kristen Boudreaux went on her first date with Eric Callahan in 2016, she knew in her heart that she had met the man she would one day marry; and eight months later, Eric proved her right. “He took me to dinner at Cotton Blues, the same restaurant we’d gone to on our first date,” recalls Kristen. “We sat at the same table and ate the same thing. The whole time, I was oblivious to what was going on. Afterwards, Eric told me that we were going to hang out with a friend in Canebrake Country Club. When we pulled into the club by the dock at the lake, I saw balloons and champagne and thought to myself, ‘What a perfect way to propose—that guy is doing something right!’ Then instead of going to our friend’s home, we turned and parked at the docks. In that moment, it hit me that Eric was ‘that guy!’ We walked down to the docks, and he got on one knee and told me that he was never going to make it in life without me, so I had to marry him!”

One word and a year later, the wedding that they carefully planned and waited expectantly for began to unfold—and it would be one filled with moments to remember, even in the foggy haze of excited exhaustion that seems to overtake all happy newlyweds. Her perfect dress was a Justin Alexander Couture strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline embellished with beaded lace and a cathedral length detachable train and a 9’ long lace trimmed veil. Kristen followed her eight bridesmaids down the aisle at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans on August 11, 2018, to meet Eric at the altar. Surrounded by their friends and family, the couple exchanged their vows and were pronounced husband and wife—despite the fact that another man vied for the opportunity of becoming Kristen’s hubby.

“Our wedding was on the same day as Red Dress Run, and a random guy (obviously drunk) in his red dress made it all the way up to the room where I was getting ready and asked one of the wedding coordinators if there was a bride in the room. She told him that there was, and he begged to take a picture with me. She knew that something like this would be so me and let him in. He was hilarious! He asked me to marry him instead of Eric and was just so sweet!” Kristen laughs.

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FLASHBACK BRIDE

Determined that every moment of their wedding would be “so them,” Kristen and Eric’s day was filled with personal touches that reflected their personalities and had special meaning. Among them was the presence of bees. “We got married the day after my late grandmother’s birthday.

Our family symbol for her is a bee, so we incorporated bees everywhere in very small ways. It was subtle, but I knew she was there with us.”

Amidst a sea of mauve and white décor, the reception commenced at the Omni Royal Orleans Grand Ballroom, where the newly married Callahans danced their first dance to Chris Stapleton “Millionaire.” Having danced and dined on a buffet-style feast that included prime rib, gumbo, a mashed potato bar, cheese boards, anti pasta platters, Eric and Kristen cut into a beautifully crafted sixtiered confection from Chasing Wang.

Decorated in scalloping and covered in nearly 300 handmade sugar flowers, the cake was impressive to behold and even more impressive for its deliciousness— each tier boasting a different flavor. “Our cake was magic!” Kristen says.

After the bouquet and garter had been thrown, the time quickly came for the newlyweds to make their getaway to begin their honeymoon in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. “It was absolutely beautiful!”

Two

years

later,

they’re

looking back at their wedding and remembering all the moments that made it so unforgettable—and the perfect way to begin a life together that will be filled with the many memories to cherish.

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COORDINATOR Petals N Parties THE CAKE Chasing Wang MUSIC Groovy 7

PHOTOGRAPHY Tasha Rae Photography VENUE Omni Royal Orleans

HAIR & MAKEUP Lacy Liipfert & Friends

FLOWERS Petals N Parties

We are so excited to work with VIP New Orleans & Social Northshore! We love that their issues depict the lives and stories of those who do good in our community, who live colorfully, and who inspire the rest of us. We look forward to seeing in these pages all the wonderful things our friends and community members are doing to breathe life into our community�

- Ken Friend, Owner - Friend & Co.

SEPTEMBER 2020

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SUPER MOM

Kaleigh

Pedersen

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

T

There have been multiple studies on how much a mother is worth, somehow compiling data to arrive at a dollar amount that encompasses the many tasks that are undertaken each hour of each day. To say that the number is staggering is an understatement, but most of all it is a wake-up call that shines a spotlight on just how important a mother is and the many thankless jobs she does, all without financial compensation. Simply being a mother is a full-time career, but Kaleigh Pedersen has found a balance that allows her to devote her time to all the things that are important to her in addition to having a career outside of motherhood.

A senior sales recruiter at a Human Capital Management company called Paylocity, Pedersen seeks out the very best people in the industry and currently has half of the United States under her purview. Clearly, the responsibility is great, but it’s one that she enjoys, working from her home office to get it all done while still taking care of her family—two young children and a husband that stole her heart in high school. Despite her personal struggles with feeling as though she doesn’t quite measure up, Pedersen takes pride in how far she’s come in her career, knowing that she’s setting an example for the two little people who are watching her do what she does so well.

“I’m incredibly busy, but I love being a working mom,” she says.

“Being a mother has made me a better professional, and my kids are the reason I want to be successful. I want to give them a fantastic life, and they motivate me every day to keep going. When the kids get home from school each afternoon, I am reminded of what I am working so hard for. I want to be able to show my children how important it is to follow your dreams and pursue your passions.”

Her career is certainly something to be proud of; but Pedersen’s creative, entrepreneurial side isn’t quite fulfilled by the job that boasts the bold print on her resumé. Instead, her artistic nature finds an outlet in the clothing line that she co-founded called Little Louanne. “I split up the duties with my business partner, and we design each individual outfit,” she says. “We maintain and operate our website to sell directly to consumers and also have a team of talented sales representatives that sell our designs wholesale to multiple stores. We are currently in around 75 stores throughout the South!”

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There’s a clear note of satisfaction in her words, tempered by an almost lack of belief at its success. While the 32 year-old wife and mother may have a juggling act that keeps her days filled to bursting, she puts her whole heart into what she does. That passion is even greater now, after the sudden loss of her sister Carley McCord in a plane crash at the end of 2019. The profound grief that she felt was overcome by her faith in God, and she found renewed purpose in helping others. “I was led to put a scholarship in her name at our alma mater, Northwestern State University, and start Carley’s Little Angels, a nonprofit that will annually help a disabled child with medical bills,” she says. “This year, my business partner Jeni and I designed a rainbow clothing collection called Carley’s Little Rainbows. We used the money raised for Drew Moscona, a child with a severe congenital heart defect that my sister knew and loved. I look forward to doing it every year, and we will also team up with other local names to do other fundraisers. As a mother, I find it crucial to teach my children service, and this helps me show them in an active way. As a business owner, I believe in always giving back to the community.” For this working mother, being busy isn’t a reason to take the world for granted. She sees that life is short and knows that now is the time to live it to its very fullest—in every moment of every day.

Proud Supporter of All Super Moms!

(985) 900-2410 70515 LA-21 Suite D | Covington, LA SEPTEMBER 2020

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NEW & noteworthy

North Oaks Sports Medicine Recognizes 20192020 Student-Athletes of the Year

HAMMOND, La.— North Oaks Sports Medicine certified athletic trainers join with the providers of North Oaks Orthopaedic Specialty Center to announce the selection of Albany High School’s Abrielle Ochsner and Caleb Puma as 2019-2020 “Student-Athletes of the Year.”

Ochsner and Puma were selected from all “Student-Athletes of the Month” for both Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes based on the number of votes received via an online poll conducted June 30-July 9, at www.northoaks.org.

Rising junior Abrielle Ochsner has cheered for the Hornets for two years. Cheer Sponsor Deloy Duhon shares that Ochsner, an honor student, is known for her kindness. On top of taking high school algebra, biology, English and human geography advanced placement and honors classes, she is a student of Southeastern Louisiana University’s dual enrollment program and was recognized on the president’s list.

Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Launches COVID-19 Recovery Resource BATON ROUGE, LA – Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group launched a service to assist those who continue to experience ongoing medical problems associated with their recovery from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Those recovered from COVID-19 can call 1-888-977-0336 toll-free Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to be connected to appropriate follow-up medical care based on their specific symptoms.

“Months into this pandemic, we continue to learn about the long-term effects COVID-19 has on the body and it’s not the same for everyone,” said Dr. John Fraiche, Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group. “We know that many people may not know where to begin to get treatment for a symptom or multiple symptoms, but our providers are here to help them navigate their recovery journey.”

Long-term effects individuals may experience include continued cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, mental fogginess, among others.

Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group is the area’s largest physician network with more than 500 healthcare providers across 100 locations. In addition to primary care, this experienced group of doctors specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of illnesses and complex medical problems and offer both telemedicine and in-person visits.

North Oaks Cardiologist to help lead American Heart Association- Dr. Jherie Ducombs, Cardiologist, to serve on regional board of directors NEW ORLEANS, July 30, 2020 — Dr. Jherie Ducombs, MD, FACC, was elected to the American Heart Association Southeast Board of Directors. Dr. Ducombs will serve on the board during the association’s 2020-2021 fiscal year. The American Heart Association is the world’s leading voluntary organization dedicated tobuilding healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The American Heart Association Southeast region services Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Puerto Rico.

Dr. Ducombs is a Cardiologist at North Oaks Health System in Hammond, Louisiana, where she serves as assistant chief medical officer and chairman of the Network Operations Council for its multi-specialty physician group.

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Ochsner is active in Beta Club and the Student Government Association. She served as sophomore representative this past school year.

Recent honor graduate Caleb Puma played basketball for the Hornets all four years of high school. As a guard in his senior year, he averaged 18 points per game and received honorable mention as an All-Parish selection.

In May, Puma committed to play basketball at Centenary College in Shreveport, where he plans to study Business Management. Head Boys Basketball Coach Chris Carter notes that Puma often shares his love of the game mentoring younger players.

“In his spare time, Caleb mentors elementary and middle school student-athletes. He imparts the importance of hard work and a positive attitude to achieving their goals and becoming a role model to their peers,” Carter explains.

Puma also participates in community outreach and fundraising activities through the Legacy Youth Group of his church, New Beginnings Outreach in Holden

North Oaks Medical Center Helping Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Care for its Patients in the Aftermath of Hurricane Laura [HAMMOND, La.] — Fifteen hospital patients from the Lake Charles area are now receiving care at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond.

The 15 patients were evacuated to the safety of North Oaks Medical Center from Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Friday, Aug. 28. The Lake Charles hospital evacuated all 146 of its patients to other Louisiana hospitals in the face of being without an adequate water supply for an extended period of time in the wake of Hurricane Laura.

“When disaster strikes, the true strength of our state’s medical community is realized,” affirms North Oaks Health System President/Chief Executive Officer Michele Sutton, FACHE. “With the assistance of the Louisiana Emergency Response Network, we pull together and do whatever it takes to make sure hospital patients can continue to be cared for safely.”

“I am so proud of our team’s preparation and compassion,” asserts Sutton. “Within 20 minutes of the convoy pulling up to our ambulance entrance, they had every patient in a hospital room and receiving appropriate care. Our caregivers are honored to assist Lake Charles Memorial Hospital in the care of their patients. We truly are all in this together.”

Audubon Aquarium Re-opens to the Public Audubon Aquarium of the Americas will reopen to the public on Thursday, July 16, 2020 after a four-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the closure, Audubon Nature Institute staff continued to care for its more than 15,000 animals while consulting with experts across the country to develop a comprehensive reopening plan that will ensure the health and safety of its visitors, staff, volunteers, and animals.

Although the Aquarium is reopening, Audubon has made the difficult decision to cancel its fee-based summer camps, private event rentals at all facilities through August as well as Scales & Ales, it’s annual fall Aquarium fundraiser.

Working in partnership with City and State officials, Audubon has considered all aspects of the guest experience and made some essential modifications to ensure a safe visit. Online reservations will be required for all guests, including Audubon Members, to limit the number of guests inside the Aquarium and support physical distancing.

“During this challenging time for our community, Children’s Hospital is proud to partner with Audubon to reopen the Aquarium,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Hospital New Orleans John R. Nickens IV. “As long standing partners with aligned missions to serve the New Orleans community, Children’s Hospital is thankful to be working together to bring New Orleans families an enjoyable way to create new memories. This is an exciting step forward in our city’s reopening, and a wonderful way for families to spend time together.”

“Along with setting strict attendance limits, additional safety initiatives include stringent cleaning protocols, physical distancing signage, and requiring staff wear appropriate PPE,” said Audubon Executive Vice President and COO Kyle Burks. “In accordance with City health guidelines, masks will also be required for all guests visiting our indoor facilities, such as the Aquarium. Although the City is not requiring face coverings for outdoor recreation if social distancing is maintained, we strongly encourage guests to wear a mask while visiting Audubon Zoo as well.”

Audubon typically welcomes 750,000 visitors over the summer months and is estimating nearly an 80% decrease this year due to limited capacity, pausing groups and field trips, and decreased tourism visitation. Audubon’s estimated loss of revenue directly related to its facility closures from March to June was approximately $21M.

Audubon would like to thank its Reopening Partners, Children’s Hospital New Orleans and the New Orleans Pelicans, for helping welcome guests back to Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium.

Audubon is one of a handful of the nation’s top nonprofit zoos and aquariums that are ineligible to benefit from any of the forgivable COVID-19 relief packages because of their pre-COVID number of employees and annual revenue.

“We are an organization built on hope and our ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Over the years, the Audubon team has made historic comebacks, resurrecting a neglected Zoo to a world-class facility and rebuilding from the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. Our response to this challenge will be no exception. Together, we will get through this and come out the other side stronger than ever.” -Ron Forman, Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO

July 4th at

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