VIP New Orleans | May 2020

The Real VIP'S

SUGARPLUM BALL RED TIE AFFAIR SOULFEST

7713 Maple Street . New OrleaNS, lOuiSiaNa 70118 .

frieNdaNdcOMpaNy.cOM

. 504.866.5433

LINEUP COMING SOON

SEPT. 25-26,

2020 CASSIDY P A R K

From the Editor A

s we begin to transition into this “new normal”, we are so glad to bring you the newest issue of VIP where we will continue to highlight our local charities, community events (prior to the shutdown), and business leaders. Thankfully during quarantine we have been blessed with beautiful weather. Hopefully this has allowed you to enjoy some down time with your families. We are so ready to resume life and attend all of the non-profit events that bring us together.

VO L U M E 1 · I S S U E 2

Also, we have included an extensive Summer Camp Directory to help you find the best summer entertainment for your children while supporting our local businesses, park and non-profit organizations. While we hope that these camps are going to still be scheduled as planned, please check their websites to confirm.

PUBLISHER David Renfro EDITOR Jen Meadows

Inside this issue, you will find some of the last events we covered prior to the shutdown like the Sugarplum Ball, The Red Tie Affair, and Audubon’s Soul Fest. These are the events that remind me just how amazing our city truly is. You will also find the most stunning three-story Victorian home with architectural integrity kept intact by renowned architect Thomas Sully. We also have included resources from the Louisiana Children’s Museum and the Audubon Institute for your children as we have transitioned into distance learning. Thank you so much for allowing us to provide you with a magazine that is truly meant to highlight each one of you, the real VIPs. We continue to strive to be the must-have resource for the Greater New Orleans community.

Can not wait to get back to “Socializing Throughout the Greater New Orleans”.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR William Cross COPY EDITOR Lana Cagle SALES David Renfro | 731.499.1414 Jen Meadows | 985.687.8980 Nicole Davidge | 318.423.0926 PHOTOGRAPHY Ashley George Hope Byrd Jeff Silvestri Jonathan Vogel Rae Flowers Randy Krause Schmidt Eugenia Lubrano of

JEN MEADOWS

Editor, VIP New Orleans

NOLA Real Estate Marketing

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Liesel Schmidt

`

ON THE COVER:

VIP New Orleans Magazine Stay Connected:

@VIPNewOrleans

The Real VIP'S

SUGARPLUM BALL RED TIE AFFAIR SOULFEST

‘“The Real VIP’s”, COVID-19 First Responders

THE BEST OF NEW ORLEANS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Find VIP on your phone, tablet, or computer!

Make sure to subscribe at www.vipneworleansmagazine.com 4

VIP NEW ORLEANS

@VIPNewOrleans

@VIP_NewOrleans

LET VIP COME TO YOU!

Visit www.vipneworleansmagazine.com/delivery for more info!

CONTENTS MAY 2020 FEATURES

19

VIProfile:

27

Chez Vous:

42

VIP Bride:

50

Impact & Giveback:

54

Supermoms:

John Nickens, CEO, Children’s Hospital New Orleans

A Home of Heritage

19

42

Jacquelyn & Todd Bruno say “I do”

Henry’s Heart Foundation

50

New Orleans Mom Bloggers, Ashley Angelico & Elizabeth Schmelling

NEXT MONTH

59

Geaux Local:

79

Supermom:

“Light It Up”, Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights

June 2020 || 55+ Living

Get to know Tracy Duhon

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, VIP NEW ORLEANS 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 VIP NEW ORLEANS MAGAZINE ARE SUBJECT TO THE COPYRIGHT OF VIP NEW ORLEANS, BUT NOT LIMITED THERETO. REPRODUCTION OF ANY PART OF THIS MAGAZINE WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.

6

VIP NEW ORLEANS

SHARE A HERO’S STORY We are bringing you stories about the many ways people have gone above and beyond to help us all. Have a heartwarming and heroic story to tell about a community member responding to the COVID-19 crisis?

Nominate them to be featured in our June issue!

Want to sponsor a hero’s story? Get in touch today!

Coming Soon...

55 + Living

Senior Health

Email info@vipneworleansmag.com for more information

CONTENTS MAY 2020

EVENTS 10 17 24 40 52 65 82

Sugar Plum Ball Friends Of Jefferson the Beautiful Soul Fest Pontchartrain Home Show Big Easy Black Tie Red Tie Affair Tulane Association of Business Alumni

MAINSTAYS

80

New & Noteworthy Press releases, news, and more

FEATURED CONTENT

14

The Porch-trait Artist

56

Home with Kids

69

Kid’s Summer Camps

Local photographer makes social distancing fun!

Fun activities and ideas for quarantine

Local camp directory

SOCIALIZING THROUGHOUT GREATER NEW ORLEANS 8

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Louisiana Roots.

Napa Valley Pedigree.

Order Online at www.IIIRows.com Throughout our journey in winemaking the number ‘III’ has been our North Star. Three friends. Three cities. Three varietals. III Rows. We are truly grateful for your support and are committed to bringing you high quality wines for years to come. Cheers!

- Michael , Rawleigh & Clay

THE FILLMORE

Kyle & Laura Sharbonno

Erika & Curtis Cunningham

Jill & Lou Fragoso

Sugarplum Ba l l

Zack & Monica Honsinger

Britton & Capt. Michael Miller

Scott & Monnica Landry

Heidi & Warren Umbach

STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

The 2020 Sugarplum Ball held on Saturday, March 7th, presented by The Lemoine Company raised more than $530,000 for the Children’s Hospital Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. The Heart Center cares for children with congenital heart disease from across the region and around the world. Central to this effort is the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) – which provides highly specialized treatment designed for patients with even the most complex heart defects. With your support of Sugarplum Ball, Children’s Hospital can continue to provide life sustaining care to these precious children.

Kelley Lloyd & Peter Bowen 10

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Brittany Cutrer & Michael Divincent

Rolexis Schinsing, Helena May, Kamryn Kimber, Vatican Lokey, Edward R. Cox & Sarah Ohlsson

SUGARPLUM BALL

Chip Leyens, Margaret Silverstein, Donna Fraiche & Sean Finan

Julie George & Katie Crosby

Zachary & Erin Pelleteri Howser

Kaylea & Hunter Hill, Greg Feirn & Elizabeth Wooten

Marc & Michelle Milano

Elwood & Sandra Cahill

Holly Thorning, Sandra & Elwood Cahill, Gina Rachel

Betsy Bisset, Tim Pettitt Koi & George Bisset

Tammy O’Shea & Michael Tillery

Brett & Kristi Cook

Tod & Kenya Smith, Leah & Tony Recasner MAY 2020

11

SUGARPLUM BALL

Jim Delcano & Cheryl Lemoine

Paul Tuennerman & John Need

Philip & Courtney Garrett

Catherine Giarrusso & Katie Roth

Amber Cannon, Christine Cerniglia & Jinny Saad

Fran & Kurt Zeringue

Nancy & Dr. Stephen Hales

Tim Scanlan, Lori Provenzano & Marideli Scanlan 12

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Gina Rachel, Rebecca & Adam Miller

Jerome Volk & Tess Jones

Farah Wafai & Samir Eldahr

Samantha Huffman, Christian Mejia & Stacey Schexnayder

AD SPACE GRACIOUS

LIVING NEVER GOES

Rene & Fred Mana, Jessica Brandt & Sal Randazzo

OUT OF STYLE

AD SPACE

Louis Bartels & Celeste Gary

Sheri & Tim Bounds

AD SPACE

The Northshore’s premier full-service retirement community Christwood offers a choice of cottages and apartment homes for independent living, with all maintenance services and membership in our Community Center included.

Residents choose from gourmet dining options, a host of amenities, and an array of activities, entertainment, special interest clubs, and more.

AD SPACE

Steve & Loretta Marse, Michelle & Stephen McGarry

COTTAGES AD SPACE

APARTMENT

HOMES

FREESTANDING

To see available apartment homes or cottages, call

(985) 302-3322

100 Christwood Blvd., Covington (Entrance on Brewster Rd.) Leron & Julie Finger, Jessica & Ben Whitworth

www.ChristwoodRC.com MAY 2020

13

the

Porch-Trait artist

W

hen 2020 began, no one could have foreseen the events that would forever change the way the world works or the months that we have found ourselves cut off from the daily things that make our lives work. Friends and family separated, communities at a standstill, waiting for a time when we no longer have to keep ourselves at such a distance. During these long days of quarantine, we seek to find ways to stay connected, looking for joys in the midst of such times as these. Together, we find the strength to make it through, though we might be apart. Together, we share a hope for times when we will rejoin the world outside of ourselves. But while we wait, artists like photographer Randy Krause Schmidt find ways to remind us of the importance of relationships.

“After all of this started, my amazing sister Caroline gave me an amazing idea. As a nurse practitioner, she was seeing patients everyday and thought that I could help provide something that would bring joy and positivity to people during these times,” Schmidt explains.

“When the stay-at-home ordinance was announced, all of my scheduled photo shoots and events were immediately canceled. Creating ‘Porch-traits’ has been an amazing transition in my business where I can still work with my existing clients and meet a new audience.

It has reminded me of the importance of relationships and to be thankful for everyone’s support of small businesses like mine during this time,” he goes on.

“I think that each family immediately enjoyed the distraction of having something to look forward to, get dressed, and having something on their schedule. The most common reaction has been laughter and joy at the end of the session. It’s been so special to capture moments such as a family with their newborn, a couple getting engaged, and a son graduating this May. My photography business has always focused specifically on food photography and events, but Porch-traits has shown me the amazing relationships you can create with customers by capturing these unique and special times in their lives.”

To learn more about Randy Krause Schmidt, visit www.randypschmidt.com or find him on Instagram @randypschmidt.

14

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Audubon Nature Institute Launches Virtual Community Connection Series While Audubon Nature Institute’s public attractions are closed due to City and State safety recommendations surrounding the coronavirus, Audubon is expanding its current Community Connect programming to provide a virtual connection to its attractions through social media for families online. The series kicks off today with a Facebook Live at 2:30pm at Audubon Zoo featuring an animal enrichment activity with the male lion, Arnold.

Sharing the natural world with a diverse audience is at the core of Audubon’s mission, and that is what this series plans to accomplish.

Audubon wants to continue to inspire the next generation of conservation heroes by expanding the horizons of how zoos and aquariums interact with and inspire their communities during these trying times.

Make sure to follow Audubon across these social media platforms: Facebook @Audubon Nature Institute @Audubon Zoo @Audubon Aquarium of the Americas @Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium @Audubon Louisiana Nature Center Twitter @AudubonNature Instagram @auduboninstitute

"Audubon's mission is to connect our community to the natural world, and we are committed to continuing our important work protecting wildlife," says Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman.

“We hope by sharing stories and activities from our dedicated animal care team and educators, we can spark action and bring joy, smiles, and a little stress relief to families during this challenging time."

This series designed to engage Audubon’s supporters and boost their spirits while at home will officially launch on March 19 and will consist of daily activities posted across Audubon’s social media platforms including: • • • • •

Keeper takeovers Interactive videos Virtual visits to our attractions Online Quizzes And more!

The public can support the animals and parks in our care as Audubon staff work to sustain core operations and ensure the long-term viability of the organization by joining our recovery effort. During this temporary closure, please check Audubon’s social media channels for regular updates, photos, and videos.

NEW ORLEANS REGION THE FIRST

Nora Vaden Holmes, Kim Coder & Jennifer Van Vrancken

Bobbie Gattuso, Paul Johnston, David Arata & Marieanne Arata

Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful STORY & PHOTOS BY RANDY KRAUSE SCHMIDT

David Giffen & Ron Atchely

On March 11, 2020 sponsors and speakers of the Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful Tree School were invited for cocktail hour at The Canizaro home in Metairie.

Friends of Jefferson the Beautiful presents free and open public education programs, initiates, funds and/or manages various projects.

They raises funds to beautify Jefferson Parish by the planting of trees and landscaping on public properties and thoroughfares, working under a co-operative agreement with Jefferson Parish Government.

Peter A Waring & Janel Breaux

Sue Ellen Canizaro & Carey Hammett

Sue Ellen Canizaro & Joe Canizaro

Jackie Madden, Peter A Waring & Holley Haag MAY 2020

17

55+

COMING JUNE 2020

Living

Ready to embark on your next adventure? Whether you're soon to retire or thinking of downsizing, now is a great time to make plans for what's next. We're taking you on a tour of some amazing local communities to help you see that 55+ living is truly more fabulous than ever!

Email info@vipneworleansmag.com for more information!

VIProfile

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

JOHN NICKENS CEO, Children’s Hospital New Orleans

W

ith so many different diseases, epidemics, and medical issues plaguing the nation, healthcare is a challenging

field. To be the president and CEO of a hospital—any hospital— takes great a great deal of dedication, foresight, diplomacy, and understanding; but the need for those characteristics come even more into play for the president and CEO of a children’s hospital.

Luckily for Children’s Hospital New Orleans, the man bearing those titles meets those demands and then some, using his position and deep knowledge of the healthcare industry to serve the needs of the children of New Orleans in the best way possible.

With more than 25 years of pediatric healthcare experience under his belt, John Nickens took on his current role at Children’s Hospital New Orleans in 2017. The former Executive Vice President at Texas Children’s Hospital brought with him a particular understanding of children’s health and the challenges it faces. During his time in his previous position, he came to possess extensive operational experience in both pediatric and maternal health services, oversaw the implementation of two electronic medical record systems, and

I’m tackling the poor health outcomes of Louisiana’s children head on by investing in infrastructure...recruiting some of the nation’s top leaders in pediatric healthcare...and creating a world-class experience for patients and families,”

played a crucial role in bringing Texas Children’s to its ranking as third in the nation.

MAY 2020

19

Naturally,

his

reputation

for

getting things done preceded him, and Nickens is certainly living up to expectations. Since coming to New Orleans, he has made remarkable changes to Children’s Hospital, creating an incredible culture for the hospital’s team members, expanding access to vital pediatric services across the entire state, launching the hospital’s first electronic medical record system, recruiting some of the top pediatric experts in the country, and creating a new academic partnership with Tulane University School of Medicine.

“I’m tackling the poor health outcomes of Louisiana’s children head on by investing in infrastructure, building a culture of ownership with a number on focus on safety and quality, recruiting some of the nation’s top leaders in pediatric healthcare to join the Children’s Hospital team, and creating a world-class experience for patients and families,” says Nickens, who is himself the father of three daughters and the grandfather of five.

“The children of Louisiana are experiencing some of the worst child health outcomes in our country. Through investments in infrastructure, programs, innovation, people, and community programs, Children’s Hospital is working tirelessly to improve the significant health challenges our kids and communities are facing. Our children and our state are counting on us—all of us—to do more, to do better; and Children’s Hospital is responding with an unwavering commitment to do so,” he goes on. “Our vision is to change the face of healthcare for all children, and we are reaching out into the community and forming partnerships across the state that allow us to play an active role in influencing the social determinants of child health. A great example of this is the integration of the Tulane University School of Medicine into the pediatric academic medical programs at Children’s Hospital earlier this year, along with our long-standing partnership with LSU Health New Orleans.”

20

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Clearly, the man has a passion for children and making their care more of a priority as well as raising the standard of that care, and he’s made that passion a great motivator for getting things done. “Children’s Hospital is uniquely positioned to eliminate fragmentation and bring together the best of the best in pediatric healthcare to challenge the status quo,” says Nickens, who also serves on the boards of the Audubon Institute, Louisiana Children’s Museum, and Baylor University in addition to overseeing pediatric services across the LCMC Health system. “Now is the time to transform how we provide healthcare for our kids. The consistent ranking of our state as one of the worst in child health outcomes does not match the rich culture and passion of the people of Louisiana. At Children’s Hospital New Orleans, we are daring to say: No more!”

MAY 2020

21

Hope & Relief CONDITIONS TREATED:

WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING: "Ketamine is truly a life altering treatment. Thank you again for your compassion and professionalism. I now have a new lease on life." - A.N.

DEPRESSION/ ANXIETY

PTSD

NEUROPATHIC PAIN

MIGRAINE HEADACHES

FIBROMYALGIA

BIPOLAR DEPRESSION

Louisiana’s First & Most Experienced Ketamine Infusion Center.

Are you searching for an advanced treatment option for chronic pain and depression in Louisiana? The Ketamine Infusion Center is honored to be the first and most experienced ketamine infusion center in the state. Dr. Brian Ball and his staff provide our patients with safe, effective, quality care at a reasonable cost.

“I am a nurse proud to work with Dr. Ball and have been amazed by the lives changed. Quality of life is improved by so many people who come in desperate to LIVE again. Ketamine infusions literally save their life. Before Ketamine they just existed, but were not living.” - C.B.

“I was very skeptical about something that sounded too good to be true! I went in and had a consult with Dr. Ball. All my questions answered and I was accepted as a patient. I underwent 6 treatments and have not felt better in years. My back pain will never be 100% alleviated but now I can handle what minor discomfort I have! If need be I will return for more. Life is good again!” - L.D

Covington

METAIRIE

(985) 317-9242 1978 North Hwy. 190, Suite B

(504) 354-8567 3100 Galleria Dr., Suite 200

WWW.KETAMINE-LA.COM

Don’t Suffer with Chronic Pain or Depression

Ketamine Provides Relief What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is an anesthetic drug that blocks pain and has effectively been used to treat children, adults, animals, in various settings of medicine for more than 50 years. More recently, ketamine has been identified and implemented as a valuable and highly effective treatment for patients with depression, suicidal ideations, anxiety, certain pain disorders, and other conditions. It is on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines.

How Ketamine Therapy Can Reset Your Life Depression, anxiety, pain, and other types of stress can damage the brain’s communication system for memory, learning, and more advanced thinking. Unlike antidepressants, which work by changing brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, ketamine stimulates neuron growth and helps brain cells communicate better with each other.

The Ketamine Infusion Center is the first treatment center of its type in Louisiana. This progressive medical facility was founded by Dr. Brian Ball and his wife, Kristy Ball, in hopes of providing the community with an alternative form of treatment. Their first location opened in Covington in August 2016 and they have since launched a second location in Metairie in April 2019. Dr. Ball, director of the Ketamine Infusion Center, is a boardcertified anesthesiologist and codirector of anesthesiology at Lakeview Regional Medical Center. His wife Kristy, a CPA, manages the business portion of the centers.

Dr. Ball says that he has seen exceptional results in treating patients with monopolar or bipolar depression, anxiety, post-partum depression, and eliminating suicidal ideation. The patients they treat often credit ketamine infusion with saving their lives and Dr. Ball says that witnessing

the transformation of a patient over a two-week treatment period is truly amazing. Dr. Ball also treats post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessivecompulsive disorder and has helped numerous patients go from being disabled and unable to engage socially, to getting a job, returning to school, and reestablishing functional relationships. Dr. Ball says that he prides himself on having an over 80% response rate in all treated patients.

In addition to mood and mental disorders, ketamine infusion therapy can also be used to manage chronic pain caused by conditions such as fibromyalgia, treatment-resistant migraines, TMJ, post-herpetic neuralgia, neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome and more. Dr. Ball says that ketamine infusion therapy can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for opioid medication, a huge priority for many patients considering the current epidemic and that none of his patients have experienced ketamine addiction. According to Dr. Ball, although he does not operate an addiction clinic, many of his patients with opioid dependence are able to improve their habituation dramatically.

Brian C. Ball, MD Board Certified Anesthesiologist Medical Director of the Ketamine Infusion Center Dr. Ball graduated from LSU Medical School in 1984 and completed his residency at Ochsner Foundation. He is currently director of Anesthesiology at Lakeview Regional Medical Center and Medical Director of the Ketamine Infusion Centers.

AUDUBON ZOO

Jimika Whitley, Kentralyn Montgomery, Jelena Whitley, Kamryn & Larry Montgomery

Ashley Yrle, Sawyer Williams, Frankie Harelson

Soul Fest STORY & PHOTOS BY RAIANE FLOWERS

Reggie & Aleisha Turner

Sylvester & Denise Andrews

Makeba Jones-Campbell & Taelah Campbell

Sanquinette Haynes & Mike Allen

Soul Fest is an annual festival hosted at the Audubon Zoo presented

by AARP for a weekend celebration of African-American culture and history. Guests are able to enjoy live musical performances by local jazz, R&B, and gospel artists, accompanied by soul food prepared by local restaurants and caterers. Jewelry and art are available for purchase by local businesses and artists, as well as representative of local health, education, and social services organizations for valuable wellness and lifestyle information.

David Field & Megan Pavageau 24

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Michael Whitley, Latique Buckley, Jimika Whitley, Jeanette James, Janae Wilson

Felicia Bergeron, Kara Crowley, & Leilani Crowley

Ashley Starling, Lennox Kate, and Eric Starling

Christopher Guillory, Georgina Driggers, Rafael Socorro

Lylliam & Scarlett Velazquez - Orson & Cameron Gilliland

Lauryn Bachman, Anne Grotjan, Sara Leyser

Sernell Edwards & Anjanette Baham

Maggie Phillips, Lora Starr, Leyla Scheuring

Shalley Marshall, Alyssa Pape, Melissa Rosenthal

Kevin, Brody, & Melissa Kittoe

Christy & John Salem Elias - Alaina & Amelia Aguilar

Lucas & Christy Waller

Coming Soon

THE MEN’S ISSUE

Featuring: Men’s Health Fitness and More!

Contact

VIP

to reserve your spot

info@vipneworleansmag.com

MAY 2020

25

CHEZ VOUS

A HOME OF

HERITAGE

Story by Liesel Schmidt

MAY 2020

27

O

wning a piece of history comes with a responsibility to respect the heritage it has and to restore its beauty. While the process of making it workable in modern times often brings with it the risk of losing so much of its original features, it is those who understand the importance of preserving the details that prove the worthiness to possess such rare gems. Countable among the gems that crown the streets of New Orleans is the home owned

by Keith and Supreeya Scarmuzza, a three-story Victorian built in 1905 by the renowned architect Thomas Sully. A grand-nephew of the famous painter by the same name, Sully is considered to be one of the most prominent Louisiana architects of the late nineteenth century and is credited for designing a number of famous residences and public buildings throughout New Orleans.

Recognizing the weight of preserving and restoring the architectural details while updating various features and adding to the original footprint, the Scarmuzzas purchased the home and took on the project of renovating it, and took great care in doing it right.

What resulted was a 3800 squarefoot work of art, elegantly designed in a way that highlighted the amazing millwork, blending painted and stained woods in such a way that perfectly accentuates the home’s best features. “When people walk in, they notice the beautiful woodwork detailing and the comfortable flow of the spaces,� says Keith, a New Orleans native. As a landscape architect at Mathes Brierre Architects, he knows the importance of good design, and his home bears clear testimony of the fact that he appreciates true beauty.

So, too, does his wife, a couture dress designer and owner of a salon called Vanda who hails from Bangkok, Thailand.

28

VIP NEW ORLEANS

MAY 2020

29

CHEZ VOUS Starting with its exterior, the colorway of the home is white: white siding interrupted only by grey shutters. Inside are pure white interior walls of various sheens unbroken save for the perfectly situated pop of stained wood. While such little variation could easily seem monotonous or unremarkable, it is the perfect way to let the home’s details shine through. “The exterior has key Thomas Sully signature features like asymmetrical forms, siding boards that wrap the corners, and a mix of window muntin styles,” says Keith. “The interior is a simple, contemporary style that shows off the elegant old millwork and building materials in a neutral decor.”

Serving St. Tammany Parish for over 15 years!

Home never looked so good.

I have moved around a lot, and this was my fourth new home all in the same price range. This is the best home I have ever had because of the detail & care that went into building it! KPM has been great to work with, and they truly care about the homeowners they build for.� - DR

Currently providing residential construction in Guste Island, Grand Oaks, Bedico Creek, Abita Ridge, Coquille, Brentwood, and Brookestone subdivisions.

985.630.5141 | kpmconstruction.com

CHEZ VOUS

Using their own knowledge of design, the Scarmuzzas took on the task of renovating the home with the desire to respect it as much as possible while still imbuing their own style into the space; and what resulted was nothing short of perfection. “It’s such a comfortable, pleasant space. My wife did all the color selections and decorating, and I did most of the design work myself, with assistance from my friend, Daniel Samuels, a local architect,” Keith says. “I wanted to bring the house back to its original glory as much as possible, per Thomas Sully’s original vision. I had copies of Sully’s original blueprints, which my neighbors discovered at the Tulane University Architectural Archives, that I used to restore missing elements from the house, such as the original staircase design, which had been removed in past renovations. The renovation has just been given an Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation by the Louisiana Landmarks Society.”

32

VIP NEW ORLEANS

CHEZ VOUS

Clearly, it is a point of pride for the couple, and with good reason, as every inch of the home on Carrollton Avenue displays an appreciation for high design and attention to detail. Among the most used of the rooms is, of course the kitchen, which features a massive eight-foot-long island set amidst double height cabinetry, all crowned by sleek grey and white marble countertops.

Top grade appliances match the level of class achieved by the finishes, and glass fronted doors on the cabinets help lend to the feel of openness in the space.

MAY 2020

35

36

VIP NEW ORLEANS

CHEZ VOUS Flowing from room to room and adding a sense of continuity with the stained millwork features, the antique pine flooring adds richness and warmth to the otherwise stark whiteness. “When we expanded the footprint of the house with a rear addition, we also installed matching antique pine flooring there, using reclaimed wood flooring from other local houses,” notes Keith.

Reclaimed materials are something used often in the home, lending to its sense of history even more. “We reused all the old wood that we reclaimed from inside the walls to create unfinished shelving and beams, and all of the doors are original to the house, as well as all the door hardware.”

MAY 2020

37

CHEZ VOUS

From room to room, the design is celebratory of history and heritage, mixed with just the perfect amount of modernity. For a native of New Orleans who deeply loves the city, the home couldn’t be in a more perfect spot. “The location on the Carrollton Avenue streetcar line is unique, and this is perhaps the only place in New Orleans with four Thomas Sully designed houses all lined up in a row,” says Keith. One of four it may be, but it stands out for the dedication and love poured into making it shine like the gem it was always meant to be.

38

VIP NEW ORLEANS

B E S T. D E C I S I O N . E V E R .

For projects of any size, perfection often requires making difficult decisions. Allow the experts at Ferguson to make things easy by introducing you to an extensive collection of stylish products from prominent brands, all

METAIRIE F E RGUSON S H OWROOM S .COM

Š2019 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. 0319 1198673

designed to bring your vision to life. Learn more at fergusonshowrooms.com

PONTCHARTRAIN CONVENTION & CIVIC CENTER

Nick Sciabra & Krik Bullinger

Harry & Regina Perez

Paul & Melonie Raiford

Pontchartrain Home Show &

Louisiana Food Fest STORY & PHOTOS BY ASHLEY GEORGE

Jeff & Lucy Beaumont

As one of Louisiana’s largest and longest running spring home shows, this year’s show featured exhibitors who have the latest in kitchens, remodeling, flooring, home gadgets, health & beauty products and so much more.

Robert Jehle & Josh Richardson

Plus “Louisiana Food Fest” featured free samples, tastings, coupons, and recipes from over 20 brands that satisfied everyone’s hunger and tastes, with exciting new products from all local companies!

Ashely Rivera & Meager Moreland

Jeremy Morales & Jaclyn Sutton 40

VIP NEW ORLEANS

“Tastes of Louisiana” is not only known for its cuisine but is fast becoming recognized for its production of various spirits, beers, and wines. This year show visitors got to taste an assortment of beverages from several wineries and distillers located in Louisiana!

Ken Conn, Christy & Rocky Wood

Sanova Smith & Collae Marshall

Brandon Bartels & Lillian Wagner

A lot of hard work goes into making your business a success.

We Can Help!

Contact us to discuss how we can use our platforms to help get your business the exposure you need!

VIP Brides

Jacquelyn & Todd

BRUNO

STORY BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

T

he term “parking” is a familiar one for young lovers wanting to squeeze out a little more time with one another before parting for the night, but for Jacquelyn LaRussa and Todd Bruno, it was parking in the literal sense that got them together in the first place.

“We had known of each other prior to our first ‘formal’ introduction, but—long story short—we actually met one evening when he was cooking out with some of his friends who lived in my apartment complex. I was coming home from a friend’s birthday dinner, and he had parked his car in such a way that I had to ask him to move it so that I could get into my parking spot. He said he would—if I’d come up to his friend’s place to have a drink with him! I did, and the rest is history!” Jacquelyn laughs.

MAY 2020

43

VIP Brides

Four years of dating later, Todd knew that he’d found the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life having drinks with; and so he made it official. “We traveled to Sonoma, California, for a friend’s wedding, and I suggested that we fly from San Francisco to Los Angeles before returning home so that we could eat at chi SPACCA, one of our favorite restaurants (we’re definitely foodies) and a place we’d traveled to on one of our first trips as a couple.

We’d talked about planning a trip back to L.A. for so long, and I thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to go back there for dinner,” says Jacquelyn, who, like Todd, works as a physician. “We flew to L.A. for that one night, and after an amazing dinner, he proposed—right there at the table! I was completely surprised! I didn’t see it coming at all, and we still joke that he thought I knew because I suggested we go there, but really, I was just thinking about getting us back to that restaurant! He had called the restaurant in advance to let them know and had even planned to have the waitress take pictures secretly behind the bar. We ended up shutting the place down at the end of the night, and everything really was just perfect!”

44

VIP NEW ORLEANS

“Everything really was just perfect!”

MAY 2020

45

www.raecarolinephotography.com

VIP Brides

Equally perfect –though not without some memorable hiccups—was the day they exchanged their vows with one another on December 21, 2019. Jacquelyn walked down the aisle wearing a stunning strapless, mermaid-style gown designed by Berta Balilti with a semi-sheer bodice, offwhite underlay, and white floral applique surrounded by silver accents and a sparking silver-laden skirt that flowed into a cathedral train. “The dress got locked in my hotel room somehow while we were all getting ready in another room, so when we went to get it, we couldn’t! That definitely caused some anxiety and drama and required a door to be removed in the end…But looking back on it, it was pretty funny!” Jacquelyn says with a smile.

Having been formally pronounced man and wife, the newlyweds joined their family and friends for a reception at the NOPSI Hotel, where everyone celebrated the night away, burning up the dance floor and dining on a buffet of delicious Southern Louisiana-inspired fare catered by the hotel. “The reception was the best party ever, with nonstop dancing, a conga line, the limbo, jump roping, and a traditional jazz band second line exit. Everyone loved it, and the food was definitely a hit!”

Making the day even sweeter, the newly married Brunos cut into a fourtier masterpiece of almond cake with buttercream and fruit medley fillings frosted in white buttercream and decorated with a cascade of white and off-white sugar flowers, accented with painted green leaves etched with gold leaf. “It was delicious! We had pieces delivered to our room after the reception, which we were quite excited to eat the next day!” Jacquelyn says of the cake, which was made by Bittersweet Confections.

And once the night came to its final close, the happy couple was sent off to start their new life together, sharing their love of food, fun…and good parking.

MAY 2020

47

COORDINATOR Uncommon Camellia THE CAKE Bittersweet Confections BAND Groovy 7

FLOWERS Leaf + Petal

FOOD, DRINKS, & RECEPTION NOPSI

PHOTO & VIDEO Brooke Boyd

HAIR & MAKEUP Flawless Bride

Get Engaged with Friend & Company Be it something old or something new, we’ll find the ring that’s just right for you.

7713 Maple Street . New Orleans, Louisiana 70118 . friendandcompany.com . 504.866.5433 48

VIP NEW ORLEANS

2260 Carey St, Slidell, LA | (985) 265-4412 | www.Stellaandgrace.shop

IMPACT & GIVEBACK

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

Henry’s Hearts H

eart disease is a diagnosis that is devastating at any age, but even more so when that diagnosis is being given to a baby or a child. These

years are a time that should be filled with hope and joy, with laughter and innocence, with learning, exploring and discovering, as the whole world is new and big and limitless with possibility. It is a time when the future is boundless and an entire lifetime has yet to be lived, and the biggest worry lies in tricking Mommy and Daddy into allowing an extra snack. But this condition has a huge impact on everything, turning what infancy and childhood should be into a dream that might not be within reach.

For the family of Henry Aucoin, a diagnosis of congenital heart defect when Henry was still in utero, clouded their hopes for a normal childhood, filling their days with surgery after surgery and the fear that he might never grow up. Born with a transposition of the great arteries, he underwent his first open heart surgery at 18 days old and his second eight months later, eventually racking up a total eleven cath lab surgeries to implant stents or balloons. Miraculously, Henry defied the odds stacked against him and is now a healthy, active eleven year-old.

“Henry was not supposed to survive, but he did,” says his mother, Susan, who, along with her husband Dwayne, started the Henry Aucoin Foundation in 2013. “He’s a walking miracle, and that really impacted us and compelled us to help spread awareness about CHD and to help other CHD families.”

50

VIP NEW ORLEANS

He’s a walking miracle, and that really impacted us and compelled us to help spread awareness

Over the past seven years, Henry’s story and their miracle has been their

Truly, the work that HAF does is inspiring and heart-warming, and the

driving force, fueling their work in raising funds for grants given to ease

story is one that proves that miracles can happen. It also offers a lesson

the strain on families with babies and children with CHD in the New

to embrace life and give thanks for the little moments. “Henry inspires

Orleans area. These grants are helping them pay for heart surgeries,

me every day to enjoy life to the fullest,” Susan says. For families like the

procedures, medication, equipment, and transplants. “We really started

Aucoins, every day is a gift, and a healthy heart is the greatest gift of all.

with the goal of being able to aid heart patients like Henry and families like ours who are put under a financial burden due to a congenital heart

For more information on HAF, visit https://henryaucoinfoundation.org.

defect,” says Susan. “There are many organizations and fundraisers for other congenital illnesses, but minimal for heart babies and kids. We also know the importance of spreading awareness, offering help and support to other families who have experienced the same trauma, hardships, and roller coaster moments that come with having a child with CHD. Having a chronically ill child is a stress and a fear that never goes away.”

Since their founding, the fundraising events—City Park Night and Henry’s Hearts Gala—along with donations have given them the means to give out 87 grants to families dealing with CHD. Clearly, the team at HAF has much to make their hearts proud, and the grants are only part of the story. “So far, we’ve helped 87 heart babies and their families as well as being able to commit a donation of $100,000 towards the new Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital New Orleans,” Susan reports.

Still, they hardly consider their work done. “Going forward, we want to continue to raise awareness about congenital heart defects, to help even more families, and to give back to local hospitals like Children’s Hospital New Orleans and Ochsner, both of which operate on and care for heart babies and kids.”

MAY 2020

51

CAPITOL ON BARONNE

Dan & Yvonne Holmes

Dale Catalinotto & Julie Derus

Heather Burnam & Howerd Walden

Big Easy, Black Tie Gwen & Joey LacostĂŠ

STORY & PHOTOS BY JONATHAN VOGEL

Louise & Ivan Beaver

Ahava hosted their first inaugural Big Easy, Black Tie 2020 event. Ahava, whose mission is to promote love through giving, honored their selected 2020 charities at the event. Guests enjoyed live music, food, drinks and dancing. There was also a fabulous auction of incredible art works and other special items and experiences.

Ahava also officially crowned their 2020 New Orleans Ambassador Ahava festival Queen!

Eunice Breaux & Benjamin Foster

Eric & Teresa Bourgeois 52

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Tony & Dalila Seruntine

Chuck Thomas, Blair Bourgeois, Brittany Valence & Owen Valence

Ronnie & Kim Lomonaco

Fresco Chavez, Michael Bolerjack, Katie Rhoden & Remesia Bolerjack

lo v e

Niki Delrio & Lyla Corkern

“We working with VIP”

“

Mikki Campbell & Brit Albin

W

e have loved working with VIP! Not only is it a great way to showcase our company, but they help us highlight our fun environment and awesome clients! We love our community, so VIP’s social format was a natural fit!

“

- Lana Cagle & Tanya Curtis All American Healthcare

James & Robin Leal MAY 2020

53

SUPER MOMS

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

ASHLEY ANGELICO

&

ELIZABETH SCHMELLING These days it seems, if it doesn’t have an online presence, it doesn’t exist. Everything and everyone has a website or a Facebook page, a Twitter account, and an Instagram following.

People and companies blog about everything, from their personal lives to whatever is happening with their business, and that is not only the way the world works now…it is also the way that the world connects.

But that wasn't always the case. Back in 2011 when Ashley Angelico had her first child, the new mother came up short when she went online looking for parenting sites geared toward the New Orleans area. It wasn’t until she started her own blog that she found a kindred spirit who would eventually become her friend and business partner. “While some of my friends had children, many didn't, and I found myself looking for resources on parenting dedicated to New Orleans. My inclination as a full-time working mom was to look online, and I was surprised that a website specifically geared towards parents didn't exist,” she recalls. “I started a blog to chronicle my journey as a mom, and that’s how I met Elizabeth Schmelling. She had a similar blog, which not many people were doing in Louisiana in 2012, and when I heard about it, I had to read. I approached her about the idea of launching a blog for local moms as a side hustle, and here we are!”

54

VIP NEW ORLEANS

“We realized that there weren’t really any local digital parenting resources in the greater New Orleans area and thought that it would be an excellent opportunity to connect moms to local brands as well as other local moms who were navigating the challenges and triumphs of motherhood,” adds Schmelling.

After officially launching New Orleans Mom in August 2012, the two women—both of whom had one year-olds—worked tirelessly to build their brand. The result was a successful site that offers local moms the support they need to feel heard in addition to providing them with resources that make their lives easier, from product reviews to helpful recipes and notices about upcoming family-friendly events. While it might have initially begun as a “side hustle,” it soon became a full-fledged business, giving Schmelling and Angelico the confidence they needed to leave their corporate jobs to make their baby grow even bigger.

As co-founders, the two women share equally in its success, and they both support one another in running its day-to-day operations, with their strengths balancing one another out to create the perfect dynamic. “I help manage our executive team, which is comprised of other local moms, plan and execute events around the city, help advertise local and national brands, and get the word out to local moms in addition to overseeing the content that is published almost daily on New Orleans Mom,” says Schmelling of her role in the website, which now has sister sites Red Stick Mom and Lafayette Mom.

wrong, it’s a constant juggling act, especially being a small business owner working from home. But I've learned how important boundaries are, both in my work and in my family and that even though not every day is going to be perfect, it is what works for my family and me. I know that I’m a better mom because I work and am able to channel my passion and energy into something that is helping other moms and families. My daughter is able to see me pour my efforts into something that is important to me and has learned first-hand about the importance of work ethic, integrity and balance.”

“To be a successful small business owner, you have to be willing to do it all,” Angelico adds. “In digital media, that means fiddling with HTML coding, learning the back end of a website, and being willing to play with something until it’s fixed. On the average day, either one of us is creating content for clients, scheduling social media, coaching one of the 20 women who work for our sites, sending invoices and contracts, handling payroll, or hopping on client strategy calls. You name it, we do it. My official title is ‘co-founder,’ but that's code for ‘there is no job description.’ If it has to happen, we do it,” says the mother of nine year-old Thatcher, seven year-old Hadley, and five year-old Chandler.

Naturally, balancing family and work is a struggle, but both Schmelling and Angelico have learned the art of keeping it all going, knowing when to prioritize one over the other.

While their greatest rewards might lie in being able to be so fully present with their children and to be an example to them, they are also proud of the impact that their websites have made. “I'm incredibly proud of the growth that we have seen over the last eight years and the connections that we have made across the city. There is nothing like receiving a message on our Facebook page or a comment in one of our community neighborhood groups with a local mom saying how much she has benefitted from the resources that we offer. It makes the hard days worth it and reaffirms the value our sites have,” says Schmelling.

Clearly, they have strong work ethics and a high level of determination, both of which have served them well in business…but also in being mothers, giving them a greater perspective on the kind of world they want their children to live in as well as the kind of children they want to raise. “I was a businesswoman for eight years before I was a mother, three of which were in a male dominated industry, where I was often the only female at the table,” says Angelico, who previously worked in investment banking and public education reform. “I think those experiences shaped my perspective on raising kids—particularly my two daughters. While I know that my son sees my hard work, too, the world is largely set up for him to thrive. I want my daughters especially to know that anything is possible. You can ‘have it all,’ as long as you are realistic that it may not all be on the same day. I want all of my children to know that they have choices in this world—choices in how they treat others and think about their own experience here. I also hope that my kids are learning my personal mantra: work hard, be kind.”

“Being a working mom is very rewarding,” agrees Schmelling, who has an eight yearold daughter named Addison. “Don't get me

“I feel that mothers are often devalued in the workplace and taken less seriously, and we have always been on a pseudo-mission to change that. If a brand wants to thrive, 95% of the time, it needs to convince moms that it is worth spending money on. That's where our work comes in, and we are able to bridge the gap,” explains Angelico. “We always tell our clients, ‘We ARE your target market. If it doesn't resonate with us, it likely won't resonate with others.’”

Obviously, they know what resonates; and in their eight years of business, Schmelling and Angelico have unequivocally proven the strength that being a mother brings to the business world. Looking through the other side of the lens, they also prove the value that being a businesswoman brings to motherhood.

Even though the world may look different than when they first began, the importance of providing community to other mothers remains unchanged.

For more information on New Orleans Mom, visit www.neworleansmom.com.

MAY 2020

55

with Kids With children at home from school, finding ways to keep them creative and engage can certainly be difficult. Times like these make us appreciate our wonderful teachers for their patience and ability to keep students on track in the classrooms every day. How do you keep the balance of interactive, educational, entertaining and physical activities? We have rounded up some great resources to help your young children learn, imagine, explore and play - even when you are on a conference call in the other room.

EDUCATIONAL

GET ACTIVE

Virtual Zoo Field Trip

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

The Audubon Zoo is hosting Facebook live “Community Connect” where they are posting daily across all social media platforms.

Create a list or find one on Pinterest of things you might see around your neighborhood. Then get everyone out of the house and start looking.

One Planet on Netflix

Living Room Dance Parties

Astonishing visuals and stunning footage of animals that are rarely seen mixed with the truths about humanity’s impact on the planet’s habitats and species.

No one likes a party more than we do! Turn up the music and have a contest or try Freeze Dance.

DestiNation USA

Take a Family Bike Ride

Kids will put their social studies skills to the test recalling landmarks, historical sites and city capitals.

Grab the bikes out of the garage and take a ride in the neighborhood to get your muscles moving.

STAY CONNECTED

CREATIVE PLAY

Zoom Meetings or FaceTime

Sidewalk Chalk

Allowing your child to reconnect with family and friends as often as you can.

Create uplifting messages for the neighbors to see as they walk by.

Snail Mail

Bon Appetit

Draw pictures or write notes and mail to friends and family (grandparents love these).

Invite your kids into the kitchen to help pour the ingredients while you make gumbo, jambalaya or their favorite meal.

Car Parade

Young Artists

Decorate your vehicle with signs and balloons then drive by loved one’s residence.

Get out the paint and markers and let their imaginations go. Perfect for any age.

56

VIP NEW ORLEANS

MAY 2020

57

Join the VIP Team VIP New Orleans is looking to add excited new members to our team!

We have immediate openings for Event Photographers and Sales Representatives.

CONTACT US:

E-mail jen@vipneworleansmag.com for more info!

GEAUX LOCAL

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

Light It Up Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights

T

he cobbled streets, the wrought iron balconies, the intricate architecture… and, of course, the flickering flames of

the iconic copper gaslamps. These are some of the sights famous to New Orleans and the French Quarter, the very hallmarks of its landscape.

And while times may have changed, bringing progress and innovation to supersede some of the very processes that created the beauty for which the city is known, it is those gaslamps that have kept their light burning strong.

The story of the city’s most iconic gaslamps begins with a metalsmith by the name of Andrew Bevolo, Sr., a man who had honed his skills while working for Ford, Sikorsky Aircraft, and Higgins Industries during World War II but only truly began to use his creativity when he opened his own metal repair business on Royal Street in New Orleans. Naturally, his work included fixing old streetlights; and it was during one evening spent hard at work that the sounds coming from his shop caught the attention of renowned architect A. Hays Town. Needing a custom light, Town approached Bevolo—and the rest, as they say, is history.

The light that the two men designed together became the very thing that put Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights on the map, utilizing a hand riveting technique rather than the soldered joints that had always been used before. More than 70 years later, the Original French Quarter Lamp is one that has made Bevolo both a national and international brand.

MAY 2020

59

GEAUX LOCAL

1945 Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights began in the French Quarter in 1945 when Andrew Bevolo, Sr. revolutionized the production of gas lamps.

1989 Fast forward over six decades later, and you will see that this innovative company is still going strong, and still producing each and every piece locally by hand. Perhaps this might have something to do with third generation owner Drew Bevolo's passion for the art form and his unique business education at the hands of his uncle.

"He insisted I start at the bottom. I did everything from welding to delivery.

He was hard on me, and it was the greatest gift he could have given me."

Present Day What started out as a job in the family business soon grew into a passion Drew Bevolo fully embraces today.

"As the company grew, and as I grew with it, I knew our success would depend on continuing the high quality craftsmanship people expected from Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights. People recognize it. They know we have the best product."

60

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Despite such success, Bevolo has hardly forgotten its roots. In fact, it continues to be Bevolo—not just in branding, but by blood. The company boasts four generations of Bevolos and is now in the capable hands of Drew Bevolo, the third-generation owner who believes that “classic design and quality products never go out of style.”

Clearly, their dedication to classic design and exceptional quality have been the secret that has led to their exponential growth; and today, Bevolo produces more than 500 styles of lighting for large-scale commercial projects as well as custom residential pieces based on their signature hand riveted technique and use of copper. Using an oxidation process to imbue the fixtures with a sense of history and age, the lamps have a natural patina that allows them to complement any style or design, yet shine on their own merits.

Unlike most lighting companies—and most manufacturers of any kind, for that matter—Bevolo still believes in the importance of handcrafting its lanterns. Sheets of copper are cut with hand and foot shears, brackets are hand-welded, rivets tapped-in one by one. The lights are also designed to burn continuously, making Bevolo’s products the most efficient gas lanterns one can buy. "As the company grew, and as I grew with it, I knew that our success would depend on continuing the high quality craftsmanship people expected from Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights. People recognize it. They know we have the best product," says Drew, who has passed on the torch to his son, Chris, for the running of the day-to-day operations.

Such a superior product is indeed what had made Bevolo lamps so iconic to New Orleans and the French Quarter.

And even in the midst of so much change as technologies cast aside the traditions of old that built our oldest cities from the ground up, Bevolo continues its commitment to heritage—both of the family that created the company as well as the city that burns bright with its lights.

For more information on Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, visit www.bevolo.com.

MAY 2020

61

Supporting Local Businesses.

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 New Orleans the culturally unique city 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.

Book That Appointment 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.

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 Greater New Orleans 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.

Leave Reviews 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!

MAY 2020

63

NEW DATE!

AUGUST 21-22, 2020 PRESENTED BY THE

JUMONVILLE FAMILY

DCWAF.ORG

RIVERBOAT LOUIS ARMSTRONG

Gene Parrino,MD, Erin & Nick Kousagan

Suzaan Laing, Peter Sperling & Tracy Loss

Kevin & Annabeth Guillory

RED TIE Affair

Emily Blackburn & Michael Eskine

Shannon Drake & John Kennedy

Erin Biro, MD, “Baby” Sloane Biro & Lucy King

John & Julie Foley

STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

On the Riverboat Louis Armstrong, there was a celebration of the Ochsner Red Tie Affair presented by Gallagher on March 6 from 6-10 p.m. The gala benefits the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute.

The “From Ochsner with Love” campaign was designed to highlight the outstanding care provided by the Ochsner Cardiology team. This was the second annual Ochsner Cardiology Red Tie Affair event and team members celebrated their accomplishments in heart health and support in cardiology patient care.

Bryon & Kandise Wilson

Pamela Pipes & Alton Ochsner Davis

Eddie & Lisa Gardner, Terry & Lauren Stidham MAY 2020

65

RED TIE AFFAIR

Billy & Lulu Freiberg, Jan White, Nancy & Mark Ellis, Duncan Brown

Stephanie Ledet, Sylvia Oleck, Yvonne Gilliland, MD, & Stacy Mandras, MD

Lisa Gardner & Kandise Wilson

Leigh Ann Christovich, Robert Hart, MD, Jackson Ellisor & Nicole O’Malley

William Bloecher, William Bloecher, Jr. & Mike Couvillion

Kenny & Naomi Welcome 66

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Warner Thomas & Rene Doucet

Anna Landry, Leighton Ventura, Tia Sommerville, Andrea Apuzz & Laurie Ventura

Allison & Randy Englert, MD, Suzanne & Jose Tafur, MD

Sheila Hernandez, LaneĂŠ Moody, Barbara Boutte & Elizabeth Johnson

Joe & Melanie Castle

Ginger Schwartz & Tiffany Accousti

Gina & Sammy Khatib, MD

Mike & Patty Couvillion

Gerald & Jessica DeSalvo, Christin Castro, Frank DeSalvo, Emily Blackburn & Michael Eskine

Mac Bauer & Vickie Small MAY 2020

67

RED TIE AFFAIR

Robert & Elena Perdomo

Pavan Malur & Rohini Mukherjee

Frank Wharton, Meredith Miceli, Laure Sweetman & Christine Guillory

Chris White, Richard & Sarah Freeman

Ann Williams, Elizabeth & David Grimes, Lucas Hohnstein

Jack McCallion, Ann Heslin & Kristin Petry

Jamie Ellingsworth, Harry Dunston, Martha Manning, Marc Sager, David Justus, Casey Brechtel & Mycah Wilson 68

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Kiana Terrellom, Sara Butauski & Kendall Young

Mike & Renee Reymond Hulefeld, MD

Betsy Countryman, Jenna Clayborn & Nicole Vogel

Liza Calderon, Nichole Polin, MD, Jose Calderon & Glenn Polin, MD

Kids Summer Camps Electric Girls

Mount Carmel Academy

Electric Girls Summer Camp Powered by Shell is the perfect camp for girls with a budding interest and passion for science, creativity, and inventing. Girls spend 1 or 2 weeks building their confidence and skills in electronics, computer programming, woodworking, robotics, and leadership. Girls may work collaboratively and/or independently to design, invent, build, and present their own take-home electronic or computerized inventions. Starting this year, returning girls will have the option to pursue advanced classes in environmental engineering, robotics, and wearable tech! Girls are supported by women engineers, scientists, and other role models. Register now to transform your girl into a leader in STEM! Camp registration opens on Monday, February 3rd. If your child is new to Electric Girls, join us for an open house on Saturday, April 4th!

Choose your adventure at Mount Carmel’s Summer Camp! Campers customize their summer fun by picking their favorite classes from a diverse and exciting selection. They will enjoy being artists, scientists, dancers, athletes, cheerleaders, chefs, detectives, designers, actresses, and so much more! Campers will explore their individual interests and uncover new talents as they make friends and have a blast! MCA Summer Camp is June 1-26 and campers can choose to attend by the week. Morning sessions are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and afternoon sessions are from 1 – 4 p.m. Camp is divided into two sections: junior camps for girls entering grades 2-4 and specialty camps for girls entering grades 5-8. Registration opens March 12.

Camp Age :: 5-14

Camp Costs :: $80-$110 per weekly session; $35 registration fee per child, $40 per child after May 1. Morning care (8-9 a.m.) is free and after care (4-6 p.m.) is $40 per week or $10 per day.

Camp Cost :: $675 per 2 week session or $395 per one week session, scholarships available.

Before & aftercare is available.

Camp Ages :: Girls entering grades 2-8

St. George’s Episcopal School Louisiana Children’s Museum This Summer LCM will be inspired by our new museum and our new home in City Park. All camps include a balance of museum exploration and theme-based learning. Each session’s theme ties into one or more of the museum’s impact areas: Environmental Education, Health & Wellness, Arts & Culture, and Literacy. Campers must bring their own lunch and water bottle each day.

Camp Ages :: Vary by camp chosen. Please see the website for more info.

Camp Costs :: Vary by camp chosen. Full day camp available with morning literacy (before care) and extended enrichment (after care).

Spend your summer at St. George’s Episcopal School’s Dragon Camp, a summer day camp for children ages twelve months through rising second grade. Dragon Camp provides exciting and engaging programming including a variety of small group, whole group and outside water play activities. With St. George’s Early Childhood teachers on staff, Dragon Camp students receive access to project-based learning that focuses on the interests of the children in each classroom, as well as creative free play in a safe and caring environment. Registration opens on January 20.

Camp Ages :: 12 months – rising 2nd grade Camp Costs :: $565 – $1100 based on session and half/full day status; After Care available MAY 2020

69

Kids Summer Camps KIDCAM SUMMER CAMPS

St. Martin’s Episcopal School

With over 12 camp locations in the Greater New Orleans area, Kidcam brings the Spirit of Summer to life all through the power of camp. Kidcam’s unique “Kid’s Choice” curriculum keeps our Rockstars (campers) fully engaged in daily activities & programs they choose.

Kidcam’s Mission, through The Spirit of Summer, is designed to build a powerful summer camp experience that will inspire greatness, bring smiles to faces, and ensure personal preference with a mix of Kid’s Choice, weekly field trips & swimming, and long-standing traditions that create memorable moments and lasting relationships. Kidcam Camps is accredited by the American Camp Association. ACA is the only independent accrediting organization reviewing camp operations in the country. ACA’s nationally recognized standards program focuses primarily on the program quality, health and safety aspects of a camp’s operation.

StM’s Summer Day Camp programming includes American Red Cross swim instruction, a carnival, Color War, Wet and Wild Day, the Culminating Show, visits from the Saints’ and Pelicans’ training camps, yoga, cooking, SCUBA, sports, arts, drama, and much more! StM’s Summer Day Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, the only nationwide organization that accredits all types of organized camps. We are one of just a few accredited day camps in Louisiana. Campers will experience all that St. Martin’s 18-acre property has to offer.

Facilities include full-size gymnasiums, the 5,000 sq. ft. Gibbs Family Center for Innovation + Design, the 500-seat Solomon Theater, the Merrick Art Center, the Peyton Student Center, indoor swimming pool, lighted football field, all-weather track, and outdoor classroom spaces.

At St. Martin’s Theater Camp campers will learn about the acting process, while building selfconfidence, and problem-solving skills. Rising second graders to rising high school sophomores will take the stage with two performances. St. Martin’s George Cottage Summer Camp is a camp where young children can experience the many resources, talent, and amenities that St. Martin’s Episcopal School has to offer. George Cottage campers ages 18 months to 3 years, will enjoy Jr. Yoga, Tumble Bus, Soccer Shots, Zoo2U, and Splash Days!

Camp Dates :: May 18th-July 31st, 2020 (dates vary by actual camp location) Camp Hours :: 7a-6p Camp Costs :: as low as $135 per week (varies by camp location) Locations :: New Orleans City Park, Bissonet Country Club in Metairie, Woodlake Swim Club in Kenner, plus premier locations in Gretna, Destrehan, Luling, LaPlace, and 4 camp locations on the Northshore.

Camp Ages :: 18 mos. – 14 years.

Camp Costs :: Costs vary based on camp. Note :: Registration opens Feb. 3, 2020 and is limited.

Arden Cahill Academy’s Camp Corral

Trinity Episcopal School

Have a “whale” of a summer on the 12-acre country campus of Arden Cahill Academy’s Camp Corral. Cahill Camp Corral offers a relaxed environment where children continue to grow and develop during the summer months under the supervision of qualified teachers and experienced instructors. Activities and amenities include horseback riding, swimming, art, theater production, sports, game room, petting farm, laptop lounge, academic enrichment classes, field days, dances, fishing, water slide, bounce house, overnight camp “in”, archery, riflery, STEAM lab, discovery and much more. Conveniently located on the West Bank (10 minutes from the GNO Bridge). Session 1 dates are May 26 – June 26 and Session 2 dates are June 29 – July31.

Weekly and session rates are available. The camp runs 9:00am-3:00pm with before and aftercare available. Hot lunches can be provided for an additional fee.

Camp Trinity offers 25+ specialty camps each June and August. Camps are led by Trinity faculty and staff and include a variety of options for students ranging fifteen months through fourteen years old. Our summer camp runs over five consecutive weeks in June and for two full weeks and one partial week in August. It includes both half and full-day scheduling options. Before and after camp care is available from 7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day.

Camp Ages :: Campers ages 3-14 are welcome to attend (camper must turn 4 by Sept. 30, 2020).

Camp Costs :: For more information about pricing, weekly themes and special events or to register, visit Camp Corral online at ArdenCahillAcademy.com.

Camps offered include : Camp Trinity at Les Enfants, Sports and Games, Rocketry, Junior Titans, Robotics, Fort City, Wizarding World of Trinity, International Camp: Continent Hop, Woodworking, Ballet, Mardi Gras Bead Art, Superhero Training, Imagination Stations, Mermazing Camp, The Mad Batter: Baking, Basketball, Flag Football, Slime Time, Coding Kids, Lego Bots, and many more.

Registration opens February 1, 2020.

Camp Ages :: Eighteen months through fourteen years old.

Camp Costs :: For more information about pricing by session please visit the website.

Tulane Pre-College Tulane Pre-College offers middle and high school students the opportunity to explore their artistic, intellectual, and professional passions while experiencing college life.

With both credit and enrichment options, our one- and two-week programs provide students with an introduction to Tulane University, where young minds can explore academic disciplines, build their resumes, and imagine making an impact. Tulane Pre-college offers multiple sessions during the summer with both residential and day options to meet the needs of demanding calendars. To be inspired to think, learn, act, and lead, join us at Tulane this summer.

Camp Ages :: Entering 6th-12th grade in fall 2020 Camp Costs :: Enrichment Day Session (1 week) :: $595 || Enrichment Residential Session (2 weeks) :: $2,995 || College-Credit Residential Session (2 weeks) :: $3,695

70

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Kids Summer Camps

Academy of the Sacred Heart Choose your adventure at Sacred Heart! Your camper(s) will enjoy a wide variety of festive and fun summer activities and enrichment opportunities every day. Arts, sports, water fun, music, cheerleading, competitive games, yoga, fitness, sports, track and field, Jump Start and lots more … campers will have a blast on and off campus. This year’s theater camp “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” All programs are directed by experienced, qualified, and dedicated faculty and staff. Lunch is included in the tuition, and before/after-care are available for all camps.

Camp Ages :: Girls & Boys ages 1–13 Camp Cost :: $230-275 per week (depending camp choice)

iD Tech Camps for Kids & Teens

Archbishop Rummel Summer Day Camp Archbishop Rummel is gearing up for its 49th Annual Summer Day Camp! Our summer camp is open to boys and girls ages 5-12 and provides recreational activities that are enjoyable for every child. Activities include indoor games, sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and field trips.

The safety and well-being of each child is a major aspect of our program, and our camp staff is guided by the same core values our school upholds: “Touching hearts, teaching minds, and cultivating leaders.” Parents may purchase packages by-the-week or choose from a discounted seven-week package. Convenient, online registration is available and will open in late February 2020. Once allotted spots are filled, registration will be closed.

Ages :: Boys and girls ages 5-12 Costs :: See website for more details

iD Tech is the world leader in summer STEM education, with over 450,000 alumni and 20+ years of experience. Weeklong, day and overnight programs for ages 7-18 held at 150+ prestigious campuses including Tulane, Caltech, and NYU. Kids and teens learn to code, design video games, mod Minecraft, create with Roblox, engineer robots, print 3D characters, work with AI and machine learning, build laptops, learn about cybersecurity, and more! Students explore a top campus with new friends, learn from world-class instructors, and create impressive projects for their portfolios. Small class sizes are guaranteed (no more than 10 students per instructor) to ensure proper pacing for all skill levels.

Ages :: 7-18 years Cost :: Please visit the website for more information

New Orleans Botanical Garden

Ursuline Academy

Join us at the New Orleans Botanical Garden for a fun-filled summer camp experience that allows campers to explore the natural world and cook up delicious treats in our new outdoor kitchen! Each week features a different, exciting garden theme and includes garden explorations, culinary time, expert guest speakers, keeping a journal, and field trips to popular City Park venues!

Ursuline Academy presents “Camp U: A Camp for Every Girl.” Camp U offers a variety of classes for girls to mix and match – allowing them the opportunity to explore their interests and talents.

At Ursuline, girls find the confidence to challenge themselves beyond academics and explore who they want to be. Rising Toddler 3 through 7th grade girls will have the chance to explore everything from STEM to soccer, singing to ceramics, and acting to sewing.

Camp Ages :: 6-9 years of age

Camp Ages :: Rising toddler 3 through 7th grade

Camp Costs :: $225.00 per one week camp 9 am – 4 pm. Before-care 7:30 am -9 am and after-care 4 pm – 5:30 pm; $75 each week

Camp Cost :: Vary. See website for more information.

MAY 2020

71

FLIP. CLICK. TAP. The Best of Greater New Orleans at Your Fingertips

@VIPNewOrleans

@VIPNewOrleans

@VIP_NewOrleans

Selfies

Show us how VIP makes you SMILE! 1. Snap a selfie with your copy of the latest VIP New Orleans Magazine 2. Visit our Facebook page @VIPNewOrleans and give us a like!

3. Find the selfie post, and leave a comment with your selfie!

THANK YOU, ESSENTIAL WORKERS! MAY 2020

75

F E AT U R I N G O V E R 2 5 0

FLORIDA GULF COAST

Vacation Rentals

SANDESTIN • MIRAMAR BEACH • DESTIN • 30A • TOPS’L BEACH

myvacationhaven.com

800.553.0188

Louisiana Children’s Museum Launches Connections At Home Video Learning Tools Right now parents are engaging with their children in new, unanticipated ways. They’re spending much more time together and suddenly being thrust into a role of homeschooling. These new dynamics and roles are what have prompted Louisiana Children’s Museum to launch Connections At Home video learning tools.

“To quote Fred Rogers, ‘Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.

Play is the work of childhood.’ The interactive play-based approach to learning, found throughout the museum, serves as a wonderful inspiration for parents now in guiding, coaching, teaching and nurturing their children,” says LCM CEO Julia Bland. “Louisiana Children’s Museum will continue delivering our mission by engaging children’s potential through play and shared exploration. This new Connections At Home series connects children with their grown ups and their environments.”

Connections at Home is a collection of virtual enrichment lessons that parents and children can do at home together using a child’s natural curiosity as a springboard. These hands-on activities are geared toward children from birth to age eight and explore topics ranging from investigating the ecology of your own back yard and neighborhood to creating an instrument using recycled materials to building your own collection of natural materials.

Our work at LCM focuses on five impact areas that correspond with each episode of Connections At Home: Mondays – Health & Wellness Tuesdays – Literacy & Early Learning Wednesdays – Sustainability / Environmental Education Thursdays – Arts & Culture Fridays – Parental Engagement Gallery Managers host new episodes daily, Monday through Friday, inspired by the exhibit galleries and learning contexts at our museum: Dig Into Nature, Follow That Food, Make Your Mark / Studio In The Park, Move With The River, Play With Me, the Sensory Garden, and our Talk + Play Center.

“VIP New Orleans is authentic to their readers while remaining classic and upscale. Their care and respect for their clients is unmatched!”

– Taylor Alfonso, Owner of Stella & Grace Boutique

CONTACT US TO FIND OUT HOW VIP CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS info@vipneworleansmag.com

SOCIAL NORTHSHORE COMING SUMMER 2020

JOIN OUR TEAM! NOW LOOKING FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS & WRITERS email info@socialnorthshore.com 78

VIP NEW ORLEANS

SUPER MOM

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

“M

y experiences in life have taught me the value of planning and prioritizing: God first, family, and then career” —Tracy Duhon

B

eing a strong individual with integrity, heart, and determination to make the world a better place is something that most women hope to be—especially when they’re working to be a living example to their children. Keeping our families lives running smoothly, raising children, keeping them fed and clothed, and maintaining some type of work-life balance can keep even the best of us on our toes. Co-founder of Giving Hope, Tracy Duhon, manages to do all that while working tirelessly to give the people of New Orleans the support and tools they need to have a better life.

As a mother of four children, ranging from 8 to 22 years of age, the challenges Tracy faced in building her family has given her a clear perspective on life. It has taught her the importance of gratitude and the value of faith. The loss of three other children—one through miscarriage, the other two to congenital birth defects—could have torn her family apart, but her marriage of 25 years is one that helps sustain her to be the woman she is—and, by extension, to be the woman who helps give so much hope and support to the people involved with Giving Hope.

“My experiences in life have taught me the value of planning and prioritizing: God first, family, and then career,” says 52 year-old Tracy. “I am a woman of prayer, and I believe that loving people with the love of God and forgiving others has been my biggest factor in having success.

In my work at Giving Hope, I listen to the needs of others and take the lead to bring hope to those who are hurting.” As a non-profit with many branches, the Giving Hope Foundation also includes the Food Pantry of New Orleans, Hope Against Trafficking Everywhere (HATE), the Hope House outreach program, Hope for a Home, and Women of Hope.

this revelation,” Tracy says. “Now, through cultivating relationships and bringing awareness to social injustices, we are transforming culture with women locally and globally! This initiative has been such an honor to lead.”

With the monumental impact the foundation has been making since its creation, Tracy is clearly a woman to emulate, showing a strong and undeniable passion for people and a true dedication to using every means at her disposal to help others.

In the work that she does, she displays selflessness and servanthood, giving her time, attention, and heart to causes that need addressing to make her city a better place to live, where this generation and those to come do more than just survive— they can truly thrive.

For more information of Giving Hope, visit https://givinghopenola.org.

In all that they do, the faith-based organization strives to serve the community of New Orleans in the ways that they need them the most.

Including reaching out to those who are hungry, homeless, helpless, and hopeless. In creating Women of Hope, specifically, Tracy focuses on working with women, knowing the importance of reaching out to them and giving them the chance to become stronger influences within their families and communities and allowing them to have a voice in their futures. “God has shown me the influence we have in knowing our identity in Him and using our time, talent, and treasure to find the passions that inspires us and the injustices that anger us, living the God-given destiny He has called each of us to live. Our non-profit Women Of Hope Unite was birthed out of MAY 2020

79

NEW & noteworthy

Federal Disaster Loans for Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners, and Renters

WASHINGTON –As part of the Trump Administration’s aggressive, whole-of-government efforts to combat the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and minimize economic disruption to the nation’s 30 million small businesses, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza issued revised criteria for states or territories seeking an economic injury declaration related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). The relaxed criteria will have two immediate impacts:

Tulane scientist named Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology Chad Steele, professor and chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Tulane University School of Medicine, has been elected to the American Academy of Microbiology (AAM). This prestigious honor recognizes scientists for outstanding contributions in a wide variety of microbiology sectors, including research, education, public health, industry and government service. Steele is one of only 68 scientists worldwide to be elected as new fellows to the Class of 2020.

Steele’s current research focuses on better understanding lung immune responses during acute versus chronic exposure to the opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. The fungus is found in soil, plant matter and household dust, and produces airborne spores which can cause some people to get a range of illnesses, from asthma to pneumonia. In the Steele Laboratory at Tulane School of Medicine, Steele and his research team have developed experimental animal models that mimic the pathology observed in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (fungal pneumonia) and fungal-associated allergic airway inflammation (fungal asthma).

Audubon Zoo Announces Lion Cub Names

Audubon Zoo is excited to announce the names of the male lion cubs after an online vote by the community and extends a big thank you to everyone who helped make the decision. The names that were selected are:Haji, pronounced “Haa-jee,” is Swahili for “journey,” and represents the time Audubon and New Orleans waited for the Roar to Return to the Zoo and how exciting we are not only to have a pride but also to welcome the new cubs.Asani, pronounced “Ah-sah-nee,” is Swahili for “rebellious,” and represents the personality of the more strong-willed of the two cubs, who will be given this name.The two cubs were born on the morning of Saturday, January 11, to mom Kali and dad Arnold, both age four.

80

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Faster, Easier Qualification Process for States Seeking SBA Disaster Assistance. Historically, the SBA has required that any state or territory impacted by disaster provide documentation certifying that at least five small businesses have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of a disaster, with at least one business located in each declared county/parish. Under the just-released, revised criteria, states or territories are only required to certify that at least five small businesses within the state/territory have suffered substantial economic injury, regardless of where those businesses are located.

Expanded, Statewide Access to SBA Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses. SBA disaster assistance loans are typically only available to small businesses within counties identified as disaster areas by a Governor. Under the revised criteria issued today, disaster assistance loans will be available statewide following an economic injury declaration. This will apply to current and future disaster assistance declarations related to Coronavirus.

For additional information, please visit the SBA disaster assistance website at SBA.gov/ Disaster.

New Orleans Airport Awarded Additional $2.64 Million Federal Grant To Extend Taxiway The City of New Orleans and the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration awarded an additional $2.64 million in grant funding to MSY, which will be used to help fund an update and extension to its current taxiway infrastructure. The grant comes as a part of the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which funds airport infrastructure projects, including runways, taxiways, airport signage, lighting, and markings. In November 2019, MSY was notified it will be awarded $7 million in AIP funds for the taxiway project, bringing the federal funding for this project to $9.64 million.

The project has an estimated cost of $40 million, and is expected to begin in fall 2020.

It will consist of extending Taxiway G 1500 feet to the west of its current location to connect it with the Runway 11-29 end and building out Taxiway B to connect it to Taxiway G. Crews will also install the required lighting and signage for these extensions.

The work is expected to last up to 2 years. Normal aircraft operations at MSY will continue throughout the project.

Two hundred eighty-seven airports in 41 states received airport infrastructure grants today through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s FAA. More than 2,000 airports across the United States have benefited from $11.4 billion in federal safety and infrastructure improvements since January 2017.

Benson Community Assistance Fund; Additional Assistance Announced` NEW ORLEANS – Gayle Benson has personally donated $1 million to create the Gayle Benson Community Assistance Fund in response to the Coronavirus situation affecting so many lives in our community.

“We have been meeting and planning a response since the NBA’s announcement to suspend games. Our meaningful discussions have led to what we believe is the most impactful way to best serve the needs of our community as a whole,” said Benson. “The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and will continue to have, an enormous impact on our community and businesses of all sizes. We want to do our part to assist those that have been impacted in our community. We are grateful to the Greater New Orleans Foundation for their efforts in helping us get these funds to those in our community facing hardship due to the residual impact of COVID-19.”

To make our efforts most impactful, we are partnering with The Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF). GNOF has agreed to administer the Gayle Benson Community Assistance Fund, including assistance with contributions and distributions.

Anyone wishing to join in supporting the Gayle Benson Community Assistance Fund we recommend reaching out to the Greater New Orleans Foundation by emailing Allie Betts at allie@gnof.org or by visiting https://www.gnof.org/benson.

Ochsner Neurocritical Care Commemorates 10 years of Care NEW ORLEANS – This year, the Ochsner Neurocritical Care Unit (NCC) at Ochsner Medical Centerin New Orleans marks its 10th anniversary of providing highly specialized and awardwinning care to patients with complex neurological needs.

In 2010, the Ochsner Neurosciences Institute recognized a need for a hospital unit that could treat patients recovering from stroke, brain and spine surgery and other serious neurological disorders. At its inception, NCC had only six beds. Today, the unit has increased nearly sevenfold, and now boasts 40 beds to treat patients from Louisiana and across the Gulf South.

It is the largest and most established critical care unit of its kind in the state, with seven neurointensivists — a highly specialized physician that treats life-threatening diseases of the nervous system and prevents secondary brain injury —14 advanced practice providers and more than 120 nurses all extensively trained in caring for critically ill patients.

Ochsner’s NCC serves as a major referral center, uniquely equipped to handle some of the most acute, complex cases. In 2019 alone, the unit treated more than 2,000 patients.

To learn more about the Ochsner Neurocritical Care Unit and the Ochsner Neurosciences Institute, please visit www.ochsner.org/neurosciences.

Jefferson Chamber Foundation Introduces Bites for Knights Meal Program Submit your exciting news such as promotions, fundraising, announcements, and press releases at www.vipneworleansmagazine.com

METAIRIE, LA – The Jefferson Chamber Foundation created a meal donation program to support local healthcare workers and first responders working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Known as “Bites for Knights,” the program aims to show appreciation for the community’s knights in shining armor by supplying breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks during shifts.

Bites for Knights donations are collected through the Chamber Foundation and meals and snacks are catered by Jefferson Chamber member restaurants. Each restaurant handles the delivery of the meals to the assigned hospital or office location.

Donation opportunities range from $50 to $1,000 and offer specific recognition benefits for each donation level. For more information or to donate, visit http://jeffersonchamber.org/. All contributions are matched to the most urgent need identified by the Chamber.

DIXIE BEER BREWERY

Jiali Dai, Caixin Hu & Mason Williams

Stephanie Kleehammer & Holley Haag

Brandon Bissinger & Rebecca Gardner

Tulane Association of Business Alumni

Mark Hamblin, Mallorie Wise & Gabrielle Daigle

Peter Kelly & Harry Fox

STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

On Tuesday March 3, 2020 TABA met at the Dixie Beer Brewery that recently reopened for networking. TABA represents the 21,000+ alumni of the A. B. Freeman School of Business. TABA provides support to the school, its students, and its alumni through a variety of professional development and social activities.

Peter Kelly & Chris Saybe

Chris Williams, John Woodard & Johanna Grudlach 82

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Olivia Mertensmeyer & Kelly Robinson

Caitlin Gottstine, Tsetsa Dankova-Rosensteel & Jay Huffstatler

Kate Kennedy & Andrew DeVille

Pineapple Gallery “Art is Life”

Art, Pottery & Framing

829 ASbury Dr. Mandeville

985-626-0028

pineapplegallery.com

We’re here

for you.

Want to know a good thing? In times like this, Keesler Federal Credit Union is here for you.

You can still count on us to make banking easy, whether it’s online, mobile, by phone or drive-thru. And if you have financial concerns, let’s talk. Together, we can find solutions to help ease your mind. Keesler Federal has been part of the community for over 70 years.

We’re your neighbors, your friends and we are here to help. That’s a good thing.

Count on us for stay-at-home financial solutions Online Phone Mobile Drive-Thru

kfcu.org

1-888-KEESLER Federally insured by NCUA. Membership eligibility required.