VIP New Orleans | March 2020 | Mardi Gras Review

MARDI GRAS

Review

DIXIE BEER GRAND OPENING STOMPER NIGHT LIVE HENRY’S HEART GALA

7713 Maple Street . New OrleaNS, lOuiSiaNa 70118 .

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. 504.866.5433

Louisiana Roots.

Napa Valley Pedigree.

What began as a shared passion for wine has grown into a labor of love.

Vintners Michael, Clay and Rawleigh are Louisiana natives producing well-balanced, ultra boutique Napa Valley wines. We hope that when you pour a glass you feel a connection to the people and the story behind it.

Three friends. Three cities. Three varietals. III Rows.

For regular updates and to join our mailing list please visit us at www.IIIRows.com

From the Editor H

ello, NOLA! We are beyond excited to bring to you the premiere issue of VIP New Orleans!

VIP is a social publication that features the people of this great city 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!

VO L U M E 1 · I S S U E 1 PUBLISHER David Renfro

VIP Magazine has been a part of communities across the southeast for over 16 years, and we have been overwhelmed by the support we have received in bringing VIP to the Crescent City. I have loved meeting so many new faces and reconnecting with some familiar ones. We believe that “everyone is a VIP”, and make it our goal to show off all the things that make our community great!

EDITOR Jen Meadows CREATIVE DIRECTOR William Cross

We already know that New Orleans is full of culture and events (basically the event capital of the world, right?) We are here for it New Orleans! So have fun searching for familiar faces in this issue and watch for our photographers at your next event.

Thank you, NOLA. Enjoy!

JEN MEADOWS

Editor, VIP New Orleans

COPY EDITOR Lana Cagle SALES David Renfro | 731.499.1414 Jen Meadows | 985.687.8980 PHOTOGRAPHY Ashley George Hope Byrd Jeff Silvestri Jonathan Vogel Rae Flowers Randy Krause Schmidt Eugenia Lubrano of NOLA Real Estate Marketing

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Liesel Schmidt

ON THE COVER:

VIP New Orleans Magazine www.vipneworleansmagazine.com Stay Connected:

@VIPNewOrleans

Caroline Broussard, Elizabeth Bernard & Theresa Mensi

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

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!

MARCH 2020

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CONTENTS MARCH 2020 || mardi gras review FEATURES

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VIProfile:

29

Chez Vous:

40

VIP Bride:

56

Impact & Giveback:

71

Supermom:

Warner Thomas, President & CEO - Ochsner Health

The Taravella Home

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40

Taylor and Pete Cibilic say “I do”

New Orleans Lympho-Maniac Cancer Fund

56

Get to know Melissa Estess

MAINSTAYS

14

Calendar of Events

80

New & Noteworthy

NEXT MONTH April 2020 | “Hello, Spring”

What’s happening in the Crescent City

Press releases, news, and more

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.

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VIP NEW ORLEANS

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

@VIPNewOrleans

@VIPNewOrleans

@VIP_NewOrleans

MARCH 2020

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CONTENTS MARCH 2020 || mardi gras review

EVENTS 10 12 16 18 22 24 26 37 38 46 50 52 54 58 60 62 65 66 68 70 72 74 75 76 78 82

Dixie Beer Chamber After 5 Death By Chocolate Krewe of Bacchus Henry’s Heart Gala Breastivus Ball Krewe of Atlas Explore Element Stomper Night Live Krewe of Barkus Krewe of Pandora Krewe of Kings Krewe of Madhatters Lundi Gras Crescent City Dames Parade Krewe of Endymion Face the Music! Love Your City Awards Gala Krewe of Centurions Krewe of Iris Women’s Business Alliance Krewe of Tucks Chamber After 5 Flamenco with the Flamingos Jefferson Chamber Annual Meeting Family Gras Horses, Hops & Cops

SOCIALIZING THROUGHOUT GREATER NEW ORLEANS 8

VIP NEW ORLEANS

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MARCH 2020

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DIXIE BEER BREWERY

Megan Gares, Jared Carroll & Baili Sagnibene

Jim & Tanya Birch

Mary, Roco, and Amelie Gandara

DIXIE BEER Brewery Grand Opening STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

The Grand Opening festival of Dixie Beer was absolutely perfect!

The beacon of the brand, the iconic dome was gone for a while but is finally back. There was a long line of those awaiting the doors to open.

Groups of friends and family outlined the property with fun cornhole games, blankets on the lawn, and Dixie beers in hand. Attendees were ready for partying and celebrating the return of a piece of New Orleans history. Starting at 12pm and rocking until 2:30pm, was the Bucktown All-Stars. Following that was a second line at 3pm led by the Riverside Ramblers Brass Band lasting until about 5:30. Dixie has restored all brewing production to the city of New Orleans in an 85,000 square foot facility in New Orleans East. It houses a 100-barrel brewhouse as well as a 15-barrel craft system for the creation of new beers.

Jennifer & David Johnson 10

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Nadia Madary & Patrick Randon

Brent Del Pino & AndrĂŠa Mader Richardson

Susan Talley & Jay Gulotta

Ryan & Jessica Montgomery

Brooke Peay & Darin David

John & Mary Schluter, Robert & Dana Wineski

Sharon Pearce, Elizabeth & David Woolverton

Brett & Everett Holyfield

Kim & David Moore, Ria Hilken & Bob Gostl

Steven & Jenea Atkins

Deborah Slattery & Lisa Nagy

Tim Burke & Ava Lowrance

Jules & Jeffrey Morgan Ambrose

Farris Foyil, Gina & Marshall Cox

Quinton & Marshe’ Washington, Philicia Douglas & Niki Jimenez

Timothy, Shawn & Christopher Bucher MARCH 2020

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THE MERCANTILE HOTEL

Cheryl Beaird, Bron Hebert & Tricia King

Kristi Maupin, Ashley Hilsman & Ivy Robinson

Adrian Carson, Ryan Burnett & Candace Weber Burnett

Chamber

after

5

Cindy Murchinson & Adrienne James

Therese Duke & Cathleen Randon

Kimberly Johnson & Valarie Coston

Gene Gueniot & Al Theriot

STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

The first Chamber After 5 of 2020 was held at The Mercantile Hotel New Orleans. There were complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine & non-alcoholic beverages at this months premier networking event!

The New Orleans Chamber is an event-driven organization that prides itself on hosting over 130 events per year in our community.

There are over 1,300 member businesses in the Greater New Orleans area that are a part of this amazing organization.

Corinne Fox & Lanay Stockstill 12

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Eunice Hunt & Donna Williams

Ron Marlow, Sandra Lindquist, Clayton White & Ed Shedlock

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MARCH events March 4th

March 7th & 8th

March 15th

RUN, WALK, GIVE HEALTH FAIR

AHAVA FESTIVAL

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

11am-7pm, Woldenberg Riverfront Park

12pm, 1901 Severn Ave, Metairie

5:30-8pm, Ochsner Women’s Pavilion Auditorium

Join Ochsner Baptist and JLNO for an evening dedicated to women’s health, fitness, and happiness in support of Run, Walk, Give. This event is free and open to the public

March 6th BIG EASY BLUES FESTIVAL 8pm, UNO Lakefront Arena

We’ve got The 13th Annual Big Easy Blues Festival arriving on Friday, March 6 with Tucka, Pokey Bear, Labrado, Ronnie Bell, Theodis Ealy, Lacee, Roi Anthony, Lysa and host Captain Charles! We’ll see you at the show!

This first-year fest is making its way to the Crescent City on March 7+8. The inaugural AHAVA Festival will feature music, art, food and fun all in the name of love.

Don’t miss out on this free-fest hosted at Woldenberg Riverfront Park.

SOUL FEST 11am-4pm, Audubon Nature Institute

Guests will be able to purchase soul food prepared by local restaurants and caterers and enjoy a stroll through world-class Audubon Zoo. Festival-goers can also visit with representatives of local health, education, and social service organizations to receive valuable wellness and lifestyle information.

Soul Fest is included with Zoo admission and complimentary for Audubon Members. Soul Fest is presented by AARP, sponsored in part

by Atmos Energy and The Bardell Company.

SPRING HOME SHOW & FOOD FEST 10am-5pm, Pontchartrain Convention and Civic Center

The Pontchartrain Home Show showcases all of the latest in kitchens, bathrooms, siding, solar products, and more. Plus the all-new “Louisiana Food Fest”, all products are Louisiana grown, made, and manufactured. Over 30 companies will be giving free tastings and samples of great foods and treat from locally grown and packaged Louisiana products! Support local Louisiana businesses and families by keeping your dollars in Louisiana. There is something for the entire family at the Pontchartrain Home Show!

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Founded in 1971, the St. Patrick’s Parade of Metairie has been taking to the streets of Old Metairie for over the past forty years! The parade consists of floats and trucks, bands, marching clubs, and all the carrots, cabbages, potatoes and beads you can catch! Bring the family and come celebrate the luck of the Irish at Jefferson Parish’s Metairie Road St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

March 18th - 22nd NEW ORLEANS WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE

The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) is an annual culinary extravaganza highlighting more than tops chefs, dozens of local restaurants, and fine wines from around the world all in the name of charity.

The 2020 New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is set for March 18-22 at the various locations throughout the Crescent City.

March 21st

March 28th & 29th

LOUISIANA DERBY

CAJUN-ZYDECO FESTIVAL

Fairgrounds Race Track

Louis Armstrong Park

Kick off crawfish season with the 14th annual Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival! March 28-29, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents the only New Orleans festival that exclusively celebrates and presents Cajun and Zydeco music. This year’s festival features performances by BeauSoleil, Sean Ardoin, Corey Ledet, Lil’ Nathan, Jeffrey Broussard and more!

March 22nd LOUISIANA IRISH-ITALIAN PARADE 12pm, Clearview Mall

In 1983 the First Annual Irish–Italian Parade rolled on the streets of Jefferson Parish. Bring the family and come celebrate the rich Irish-Italian culture of Louisiana with 100 floats, marching bands, marching clubs, dancers, beads and so much more at the Louisiana IrishItalian Parade!

March 27th & 28th HOGS FOR THE CAUSE 6801 Franklin Ave, New Orleans

Pig out for a purpose at the 12th annual Hogs for the Cause. This massive BBQ festival hosted at the UNO Lakefront Arena is all about BBQ, bands and of course, the cause. This two- day fest features live music, all you can eat BBQ and an exclusive night dedicated to bacon!

At the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, the Foundation is celebrating spring in New Orleans not only with great performances but also with outstanding local art and everyone’s favorite seafood, crawfish.

New this year: On March 27th, the Foundation will host a free an indoor concert made for dancing at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center. At 8:00 p.m., Yvette Landry & the Jukes, with special guest, Warren Storm, will perform. At 9:00 p.m., The Magnolia Sisters will take the stage. Admission is free and doors open at 7:30 p.m.

As always, there will be food vendors, an arts market, and kids activities. Crawfish will be a major theme at this year’s festival.

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Miami Heat Atlanta Hawks San Antonio Spurs Sacramento Kings Memphis Grizzlies New York Knicks

March 29th GRETNA IRISH-ITALIAN PARADE Franklin Ave, Gretna

The City of Gretna is hosting the inaugural Gretna Irish-Italian Parade on March 29, 2020, time is to be announced at a later date. The parade will begin on Franklin Avenue and end at Huey P. Long Avenue and Fourth Street. Enjoy after parade festivities under the Gretna Marketplace. To lead the parade each year, an organization will nominate a Grand Marshal – a prevalent member of the community. The parade will be comprised of floats, dance groups, and more!

www.vipneworleansmagazine.com

NOLARedCarpet.com Coming Soon!

Due to the changing nature of some events, please contact the hosting organization when making plans to attend.

MARCH 2020

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SCHOEN MANSION

Connie Burks, Karen Venema & Faith Faron

Jim & Becky Bulger, Julie Sanford

Paige Vance, Mercy Hodge & Melissa Daigrepont

Death by

Chocolate STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

Krewe de Pink hosted it’s event, Death By Chocolate, on February 7, 2020 in its continued effort to support the Tulane Cancer Center’s Breast Cancer Research Fund. Delgado sponsored a live competition at Schoen Mansion featuring the school’s hospitality students highlighting Callebaut Chocolate. Each student’s preparations were judged on their chocolate inspired creations both sweet and savory along with their table designs.

During the five year run as an unincorporated nonprofit association, the group raised over $45,000 for the BCRF and conducted two benefit dinners raising over $10,000 for local ladies fighting breast cancer. Toward the goal of growing and making an even larger impact, the group formed a Louisiana nonprofit corporation; Krewe de Pink in 2015 and officially became a tax exempt nonprofit charity organization. They now raise funds for the Tulane Breast Cancer Research Center and their efforts for fighting and finding a cure for breast cancer.

Keiley Theodor, Stacey Jackson & Maleah Ebanks 16

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Kim Sport & Julie Stokes

Amy Matherne & Audrey Smolik

Cindy Dipuma & Angie Matherne

Susan Aspinwall & Leann Logsdon

Melissa James & Jennifer Banquer

Sarah Wolters, Patti & Charlie Gay

Paula Ates & Kay Bergeron

Lisa Picone Love, Lisa Taglauer & Errin Bellan

Dawn Arevalo, Dorothy Cantrell, Carol Osborne & Bryn Leard

Peggy LeBlanc & Sandy Sider

Rene Alonzo & Gary Schexnaildre

Keadren Green & Melanie Cross

Adriane Bennett & Anna English

Anthony & Nancy Golemi

Annabelle Vega, Lyn Odau, Christina Garrett & Triness Kuhn

Ray & Tish Steib MARCH 2020

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TCHOUPITOULAS STREET

Joe Vaccaro, Paul Arnemann & Chip Trosclair

Hannah Novick, Jeannine & Catherine Campeaux

John Michel, Steve Scalise & Nick Hazard

Krewe of

Bacchus

Kevin Tierney & Jason Logue

Edward Lawson & Eric Powell

Jonathan & Melanie Krugur

Chad Hoffmeister & Patrick Mockler

STORY & PHOTOS BY HOPE BYRD

Bacchus rolled Sunday the 23rd, and has since 1968. Robin Thicke was deemed King to hail over this year’s parade which launched from the Tchoupitoulas lineup late following the Krewe of Thoth, Midcity, and Okeanos. Battle of the Bands hosted their annual Bacchus tradition in the Rouses parking lot near the parade start, including neighboring parish high schools. They, too, marched in Bacchus.

Scott Bergeron & Michael Bogdan 18

VIP NEW ORLEANS

John Niesen & Robert Kutcher

Anna Simpkins, Lindy Johnson & Jan Bancroft

James Hyatt, Marc Vennart & Ken Mitch

Hansel Huval, Ashley Lane & Steven Guidry

MARDI GRAS Jeannette Didway & Raquel Pingeton

2020 Tim Browning & Rob Ivey

Mimi Benjamin & Franchesca Saliba

VIProfile

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

Warner Thomas A Heart For Caring

W

hile Warner Thomas might have had some experience with healthcare through his work as an accountant at Ernst and Young after college, it wasn’t until he became Chief Operating Officer of Ochsner Clinic in 1998 that he truly understood the importance of healthcare in making the community a stronger place—and the way it could impact his own life in the process.

“Healthcare is unique. It’s an industry that touches every single one of us, that attracts some of the world’s most talented and innovative minds, and that nurtures a unique drive and passion to change lives and make them better. It’s been gratifying to be part of that energy and sense of possibility,” says Thomas. To hear him tell about his own journey with Ochsner, it’s clear that he truly believes in what the organization is doing. “On my first day at Ochsner, I looked and felt different than I do today,” he says. “I was out of shape because I hadn’t previously focused on my health and fitness, but something prompted me to make a change on that very first day, and I started working out. I kept at it, every day. Only later, when I competed in my first Ironman Triathlon in 2010, did I realize just how far I’d come.”

That personal triumph has had far-reaching effects. “My personal journey to becoming healthier has influenced my work at Ochsner. Whatever health issues are facing our patients and community—mental health, fitness, access to healthy foods—I firmly believe that we have the opportunity and responsibility to help people overcome those challenges.”

Clearly, his passion for healthcare and making it more accessible to the local community has fueled his success in his career, and Thomas was appointed President and CEO of Ochsner Health in 2012. “My journey has taken time and persistence, and it’s been worth it,” Thomas says. “I saw how Ochsner was approaching healthcare and serving the people of south Louisiana, and I wanted to be a part of that work. I also saw opportunities for doing even more.”

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VIP NEW ORLEANS

Healthcare is unique. It’s an industry that touches every single one of us, that attracts some of the world’s most talented and innovative minds, and that nurtures a unique drive and passion to change lives and make them better. It’s been gratifying to be part of that energy and sense of possibility.”

For Thomas, the desire to do more wasn’t just something to talk about— it was something to actually do, and he’s proud of what that’s brought about over the past 22 years he’s been part of the Ochsner team. “Ochsner helped reignite the healthcare economy here following Hurricane Katrina, significantly grown our footprint, become a national leader in healthcare innovation and made lasting, significant investments in our communities. What’s most exciting to me now is our focus on the future. I’m privileged to lead a team of physicians and administrative leaders that is always looking for opportunities and innovations to drive better healthcare quality, reach more people who need us, and focus on wellness and prevention. We’ve made incredible progress over the years, but as we welcome a new decade, there’s so much to be done. It feels like we’re just getting started.”

As President and CEO, Thomas bears the weight of many responsibilities on his shoulders, but he seems to thrive in his role. “In my position, I lead overall strategy and growth for Ochsner, and one of the most important aspects of my job—and one that I’m very proud of—is attracting, developing, and sustaining the right team so that we can deliver the highest quality of care, the best experience, and the necessary resources to help our patients and communities. Our growth and expansion into

We’ve made incredible progress over the years, but...it feels like we’re just getting started.”

new aspects of health simply would not be possible without talented, passionate, and dedicated physicians and employees who believe in our vision. We’re here to change and save lives, and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by incredible people who aren’t afraid to think differently,” says Thomas. “I also work hard to stay ahead of changes in our industry. Healthcare is changing rapidly, and, to be a leader in the industry, we must change with it. The success of our organization reflects our amazing physicians, providers, nurses, and staff who make amazing things happen every day.”

For Ochsner, change has meant partnerships and growth to accommodate the needs of the communities throughout even more areas, expanding further into Louisiana as well as Mississippi and other areas of the Gulf South. But throughout such changes and expansions, one thing that has remained a constant is the same thing that Thomas still sees when he looks at his own changed reflection in the mirror: a deep heart of caring for the people.

MARCH 2020

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ALEXANDER ROOM & TERRACE

Tim Pettitt, Kristin & Matt Schaefer

Set Sail

Stacey Rousell, Jennifer Mumford, Jessica Van Vrancken

Willis & Kathryn Boudoin

Ryan & Raquel Milioto

Heather & Roy Taylor

Thor & Kimberley Rohr

STORY & PHOTOS BY JONATHAN VOGEL

Henry’s Hearts Gala attendees came together to raise funds for the Henry Aucoin Foundation. This special foundation helps families coming to New Orleans with children requiring heart surgeries, procedures, medication, equipment and transplants, as well as to give back to the community through special projects & events. This year, guests set sail for Hawaii with festive attire and decorations. Snapper & The Fishsticks provided live music, and guests also enjoyed casino tables, raffles, and a silent auction.

Emelia Aucoin, Wayne & Cathy Allain 22

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Chris & Sara Drewes, Connie & Lloyd Lemle

Emilio & Anne Mahia

Eugene & Maria Landry

Ryan Alvarez, Jamie Rabalais, & Reagan Roussell

Michael & Erica Levy, Dwayne Aucoin

Susan Aucoin, Ruth Ragusa

Fred Buno & Chris Drewes

Albert Jim Hernandez, Russel Rohr, & Caroline Wickliffe MARCH 2020

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BOSOM BUDDIES & BREAST FRIENDS

Joe & Sandy Ursin, Donna Hamsher

Julie Mathies & Paige Vance

Shannon Robertson & Connie Cheramie

Breastivus Tanya Bookshop & Karen Crawford

Ball

Tony & Donna Enterante

STORY AND PHOTOS BY RAE FLOWERS

Steven J. Czahara & Connie Cheramie

Ricky Boatwright & Jeri Werner 24

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Bosom Buddies & Breast Friends is a unique walking krewe from New Orleans, LA. The krewe was founded back in 2013 by Paige Vance and is made up of fun, fabulous, fearless women and the men who support them. Breastivus is their annual mini ball where the krewe gathers together to celebrate with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

Connie Cheramie, Paige Vance, & Robin Wheeler

Shannon Robertson & Gina Melita

Jeri Werner & Laura Dovico

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Tyra Robertson, Savannah Slan & Jeremiah Givens

Angie Naquin, Mark Manganello & Ronnie Stuttgart

Krewe of Lisa Hibbs & Bailey Waltzer

Aran Robles-Medina & Andrea Alvarado

STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

Krewe of Atlas rolled down the streets of Jefferson Parish on February 16, 2020. The Krewe of Atlas is founded on the principles of equality for all. Their principal belief is that Mardi Gras is something that should be celebrated by everyone. The krewe encompasses people from all walks of life, and their invitation is open to everyone to join them in a great time of celebration!

Christine, Abby & Katie Verneuil

Aprill Reed & Howard Thompson 26

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Brandon Carbonari & Cameron Street

Giovanni F Lovasco, Isabella Pineda & Francesco Pineda

Chelsea Johnson, Robert Hunter & LeBron Jones

Alissa PanchamĂŠ, Laila Woodfork, Olivia Dornan & Taylor Bonura

Janice & Debbie Roux, Tanwa Nelson

Mary Bravo & Kevin Forsysth

Colin Lee & Emilie Derbins

Leslie, Logan & Brayden Fraychineaud, Mary Kim Hoang

Kristi Sciambra & Kathleen Guillot

Laila McDonald & Aubrie Boucher

Loftin Turnage, Chloe Yelverton, Vickie Turnage, Dylan Cross & Preston Turnage

David Earney, Justyn Lopez & Joseph Rothenberger MARCH 2020

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CHEZ VOUS

by Liesel Schmidt MARCH 2020

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T

ake a tour through the Taravella home, and you get a clear sense that the owners love two things: fantastic historic architecture and minimalism. So often, the two don’t go hand-in-hand, as many architectural styles throughout history are typically fussy, ornate, and overwrought with detailing. But for Aaron and Rachel Taravella, imbuing minimalism into a historic home wasn’t a matter of erasing its original details—it was making the two work in harmony. “I’m a pure minimalist at heart, but dealing with historic homes, you don’t want to compete with the existing architecture,” says Taravella. “You want it to feel timeless.”

Originally built in 1905, the two-story Italianate home began as a traditional shotgun style house so common to New Orleans. But subsequent owners altered its existing footprint by making additions, ultimately resulting in a U-shaped home that included a shed and a partial upstairs level. “It was really a hodge-podge when we purchased it, and we simplified the floor plan by extending the upstairs addition and renovating the shed into a garage,” says Taravella. “Ours is now one of the few homes in our neighborhood with a garage, which is a huge selling point.”

As an architect and principal of her own firm, Taravella Design-Build, Rachel would certainly know which features are considered selling points. While she and her husband may have made a success of doing “luxury flips” over the past decade, this is one flip that definitely shows her heart— in all its many shades of gray. “This home definitely has gray tones…the cabinets, the handrails, even the flooring is stained with gray,” she notes. Knowing more about her and the fact that, in addition to being an architect, her passion for fashion led her to create a women’s clothing boutique called Monomin, a name derivative of MONOchromatic and MINimal, seeing few departures from those gray tones in her home makes all the more sense. So, too, does the presence of clean lines speak to her love of minimalism.

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MARCH 2020

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CHEZ VOUS

Not that, with so much monochromism and minimalism, the home feels at all cold or sterile. Instead, Taravella made all the right choices during the renovation process to achieve a sense of lightness and airiness, opening up the floor plan to make the 2000 square foot home seem larger. What resulted was the perfect home for the family of five—which includes the Taravellas’ daughters, Harlow and Jolie, and their pug, Cooper—blending a modern feel with historic elements of the home to achieve true beauty.

“Most people are genuinely shocked when they see inside because they don't expect it to be so modern,” says Taravella.

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But modern it is—and undeniably stunning.

Arguably the most-used room of the home—not to mention one of Taravella’s favorites—the kitchen boasts cabinetry made of gray painted, flat-panel high-grade cypress crowned with Carrera marble and top-of-the-line Viking appliances. In keeping with the desire for clean lines, the backsplash is fabricated from slabs of Carrera matching the countertops. 13-foot high ceilings in the space make the room seem larger, and hanging above a custom made dining table from the Renaissance Shop is a handmade chandelier created by a local artisan. “I wanted something minimal but with a historic feel, so it's made out of patina steel,” Taravella says.

Clearly, her fingerprints are on every element of the home, from the gray-stained white oak floors that flow throughout each space to the finish on the fixtures in the bathrooms. While the white walls may not offer any interruption of artwork or wall-hangings, the interest lies in the details— the finishes chosen, the textures, the architectural features—among the most notable being “Taravella arches,” a signature detail that she is known for. “I have clients calling me about them all the time,” she says proudly. “Arches are the perfect geometry that mediates modern and historic.” Taravella obviously knows how to use every facet of design to her advantage, as the master bath readily shows, offering a luxurious shower room encased in Carrera marble as well as a walk-in closet and toilet room. “It's one of my favorite rooms because it's so cleverly laid out,” says Taravella.

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VIP NEW ORLEANS

CHEZ VOUS As perfect as the inside of the home may be, it would hardly be the same without its location—a large factor in making the Taravellas fall in love. “We love the location of the Irish Channel and Garden District. Our daughters are in a school in the Garden District, and my business is located on Magazine Street in the Lower Garden District, so I drive a maximum of ten minutes a day to work and to carpool, when I’m not walking,” says Taravella. “I always say that we live in a neighborhood with big city amenities because we can walk from our house to grab a beer, go shopping, or go to a five-star restaurant. I can’t tell you how many times we’ll grab a beer at the neighborhood bar and stroll with our kids. If that’s not New Orleans, I don’t know what is.”

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VIP NEW ORLEANS

EXPLORE ELEMENT

Holley Haag, Richard & Nicole Young

Katie McNulty, Eusebio Sanchez & Andrea Lockwood

Laurie & Jon Folse

EXPLORE ELEMENT

Relaunch

STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

Cody Lee & Matt Diaz

Caitlyn Milligan & Garrett Micklin

Lisa Boudreaux-LeCoq & Angela DiVincenti Babin

Element has been a culmination of 20 years of event business in the Southern Louisiana area. After 3 years of renovations to the new 11 acre facility in Algiers, they decided to open their doors to show and tell all that they have built over the last two decades. Even their most loyal and frequent clients toured the facility and could not believe the equipment they had no idea they owned. The event was a huge success with the feedback being 100% positive and they are plan to make this a regular event. Element had over 300 guests on a Thursday night! Element is now the event production leader of the I-10 corridor in the mid South United States which all started with Richard’s father in 1982 opening a Taylor Rental franchise. Richard and his brother Steven both worked in and out of the business since they were kids and Element is where it all converged. Taking all elements of event production from HVAC, tenting, props, decor, tabletop, lighting, to catering equipment and merging them into one company. Richard Young is a New Orleans native that splits his weeks between Lafayette and New Orleans.

Michele Caswell Adams, Nicole Young & Deborah Heller

Katherine Bowler & Danielle Lee

Valerie & Calder Lamb

Stephanie Vega, Krystle Touchard & Nicole Mark MARCH 2020

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610 STOMPERS

Rachael LeBlanc, Joan Eusebe, Nadia Monsegue

Dionne Duplantier & Bobby Duplantier

Lindsay Melerine, Jorge Santana, & Tawny Babcock

Stomper Night John & Beth Cross

Live!

Steven Youngblood & Crystal Burke

STORY & PHOTOS BY RAE FLOWERS

The New Orleans 610 Stompers hosted their 10th Annual Sweet 610 Debutante Ball: STOMPER NIGHT LIVE! Guests dressed to impress in costumes of their favorite Saturday Night Live characters and danced until midnight! The gala had an open bar and food from over 30 of New Orleans’ greatest restaurants. Entertainment was provided DJ Jubilee and Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes. Stompers Night Live also featured the official debut of their Year 11 Rookies and new 2020 dances!

Stacey Weathers & Nancy Gervais

Al Perret & Mike Dora 38

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Mary Grace Gitz & Hannah Sensenbrenner

José Alvarez, Amanda Rivera, Suzanne Dumez, Steve Dumez, Jenifer Navard

Jenni Readio & Ken LaMance

Roxanne Craven, Edgar Avila, Brianne Craven, & Gregory Boyce

Erin & Erik Pearson

Edward Jennings, Patrick Raymond, Charlie King, Dan Sullivan, & Chris Dalbom

t

Shannon & Mike Fussell, Madison Holmes

David & Nicole Davidge

Adela Baker, Denise Gass, Chelsea Long, & Andrea Chesters MARCH 2020

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VIP Brides

The Cibilics

taylor

AND

peter

40

VIP NEW ORLEANS

O

ysters have long been thought to induce romance, so it stands to reason that, as an oyster fisherman, Peter Cibilic would have a flare for the romantic. While it might not have shown until he met the right woman, it was meeting Taylor Fiorella in 2008 that shucked away his outer shell to reveal the loving man inside.

Over the course of the next ten years, Taylor and Pete strengthened their relationship, their love for one another and for their families growing Qwith each passing year. When Pete sensed the waters were perfect for harvesting the pearl they had created, he made the move that would change their lives forever. “We made plans to go on a weekend trip to Destin, Florida, with some of his family, which wasn’t unusual for us,” says Taylor of the June weekend in 2018.

“Oddly enough, my mom, her boyfriend, and my uncle also planned to go at the same exact time, which I did think was a little strange, so I thought something might be going on. What really made me think that Pete might be proposing was the fact that I’d heard that my best friend was also going, though that ended up not happening.

Pete’s dad wasn’t there, either, so I figured there was no way he was doing it.”

While Taylor might have abandoned her initial suspicions that something fishy might be going on, the vet tech was in for a very happy surprise.

“One night before dinner with our families, we grabbed a drink with his sisters and brothers-inlaw and walked on the beach. Pete wanted the two of us to write something in the sand to each other, but he insisted that neither of us see what the other had written until we were both done,” Taylor recalls. “Of course, I put a simple T and P with a heart around it. I walked over to what he’d written, and somehow between the wet and dry sand he wrote ‘Will you marry me?’ When I looked up, he was already on one knee. Of course, the water works started and I said yes!”

Just under a year and a half later on October 5, 2019, Taylor again said yes to Peter after walking down the aisle at Riverview Room as their friends and families looked on. The stunning bride wowed guest in her high-neck, beaded lace gown with an open back and a beautiful scalloped train. While the ceremony might have had one unexpected interruption—“My two yearold nephew walked up to me right in the middle of everything and started saying, ‘TT,’ which is my nickname. It was the cutest thing!”—the pair exchanged vows and promises to love one another for forever.

MARCH 2020

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www.raecarolinephotography.com

A

fter being pronounced man and wife, the newly married Cibilics joined their guests for their reception. Quelling their hunger was easy with the Cajun-inspired passed hors d’oeuvres including pan-fried oysters, fried Gulf shrimp, crawfish fritters, peppered tenderloin, and caprese torte. The buffet dinner featured bronzed salmon and chicken rotini which was followed by cutting into a four-tier almond cake with raspberry filling adorned with pink and white flowers from Gambino’s Bakery.

“Pete’s family is from Croatia, so we also had a Croatian dessert called kroštule that his aunt made,” says Taylor. In honor of Pete’s work, a red velvet cake decorated with oysters was also present on the cake table.

Sufficiently fueled for the night of dancing and celebration ahead, the couple reveled in the glow and excitement of the future that lay before them. As the party came to a close, the newly joined Mr. and Mrs. Cibilic were sent off to start their honeymoon, looking forward to writing new messages to one another in the sand on the sunny beaches of Antigua.

Now back at home in New Orleans, Taylor and Pete continue to deepen their relationship, knowing that their love is a pearl worth treasuring.

MARCH 2020

43

PHOTOGRAPHER Theresa Elizabeth Photography VIDEOGRAPHER Bower Productions

FLOWERS Beth’s Flowers

BRIDESMAIDS Bella Bridesmaids

THE DRESS The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe

THE RING Auction Hart

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 44

VIP NEW ORLEANS

love with

by Richard Young

W

hen it comes to weddings, the great debate always lies in where to spend the money. Food, beverage, entertainment…These are all the easy answers. But there’s one aspect of wedding budgets that no one gives much thought to: the bathroom.

Sure, spending a lot of money on the bathroom seems like a waste (no pun intended). Actually, it’s not. You would be surprised what people talk about when describing the party they went to last night, and—strangely enough—cool bathrooms are always in the top three. Guests hate uncomfortable restrooms, and when that urge hits at a party, “to poop or not to poop?” becomes the question.

Some deciding factors in regards to that question are where the restrooms are located, whether they’re in clear view of the other guests, whether there’s a line, how high they rate on the cleanliness meter, and whether or not they’re functioning properly.

Gross, huh?

But this is a real-life scenario we’ve all faced. And now that I’ve made the case for the toilet, let’s talk options. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, at a private residence, or a small venue, you may need to hire a restroom company to supplement the current facilities.

Many hosts at a residence do not care to have 200 people second lining in and out of their house to the bathroom for three hours.

Imagine the horrors: red wine, damaged flooring, toilet failure…in my years of experience, I’ve seen it all. During one event, a woman lost the cap on her high-heeled shoe and subsequently destroyed a house of heart pine hard wood flooring, simply because the only bathroom was located in the house. I’ve also seen how red wine means Armageddon for upholstered seating and carpet. Think about how wonderful it would be—not simply to avoid risking such damage on the way to the bathroom, but also not having to clean the bathrooms in your house after a party.

Sometimes, renting a restroom trailer to keep the partygoers out of the house can be a great investment.

You’ve probably seen these restrooms on wheels before, but they’ve evolved a great deal in the last few years. I just returned from an industry trade show and checked out a series designed with French country décor on the inside. It was amazing. It also had music playing inside, GPS tracking, and remote monitoring to manage the on-board tanks. Naturally, pricing is determined by the size of the unit needed, but rental rates on restroom trailers generally range from $600 to $2500. When shopping for these units, a few words to the wise: get an attendant to monitor the units, make sure the vendor is not too far away from your location and that they have backup units, get some images of the exact unit you will be renting, and make a plan for where to put it and how to hide it so that it is both easily located yet still out of plain sight. Your event planner or designer can also help you with these elements of your event.

MARCH 2020

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FRENCH QUARTER

Charles & Danielle Adams with Barney

Sam Steinmetz with Barbie

Krewe of Barkus

Helena Moreno with Nacho

Keith Pitman & Penny Prince with Gumbeaux

Cheryl Bloomenstiel & Stace McDonald with King Edward VII “Eddy”

Rudy & Thelma Rodriguez

Laurie Wahlder

STORY & PHOTOS BY HOPE BYRD

Dogs + owners march the French Quarter on Saturday with the Krewe of Barkus. The theme was “Bark to the Future” which translated to heavy 80s themes and bright neons. Krewe of Barkus, founded in 1993, is the only Mardi Gras krewe in New Orleans for the canine population.

Zoey Reid, Priscilla Reid, Dale Ramsey, Monica Ramsey with Ruby & Ally 46

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Diana Macera, Jessica Kairouz, Elizabeth & Trey Mercier, with Hercules, Juice, Joosie, Pearl

Andres, Monica, Jamie, & Maslen L’Esperance with Duke Bobby

Julienne Koehler & Kunal Nayee with Bleux

Leanne McCallum & J.B. Desselle

Marta Albertoni & Lindsey Correia

Angela Snyder with Buster

Laurie & Allen Schulenberg with Piper & Frankie

Jay Lapin

Kevin Koski, Chip Register, Madelane & Andrea Register with Silas

Keith Earhart, Andrew Ruhs, Anne Conger, Stephanie Rose with Nancy & Hank MARCH 2020

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King Cake Martini 1 ½ oz. hazelnut liqueur 1 oz. white crème de cocoa ½ oz. cinnamon-infused vodka ¼ oz. coffee liqueur 2 ½ oz. club soda Green, purple and yellow decorative sugars, for the rim of the glasses

1. Add colored sugar rim to the martini glasses: Using a lemon wedge, circle the lip of the martini glasses.

Sprinkle the three colored sugars onto a plate, careful to keep them separate. Dip the glasses’ lips into the sugar, and remove. Set aside.

2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the Frangelico, white crème de cocoa, cinnamon-infused vodka and coffee liqueur and add ice. Shake vigorously until combined.

3. Pour the drink into the prepared martini glass.

4. Top with club soda, and enjoy immediately.

TIP: to make your own cinnamon infused vodka, soak 2 cinnamon sticks in a mason jar with 4 oz. of vodka.

Soak for 5-7 days and then strain. This will make enough for 8 cocktails.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

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VIP NEW ORLEANS

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

METAIRIE

Mary & Jerry Palmer

Caroline, Chad, Chip & Gretchen Bruno

Brett, Jamie, Luke & Christopher Mutter

Parker & Jessica Vanderbrook

Stephanie Becker & Lydia Clayton

Alan & Patty Thriffiley

Gaby Segura, Heidi Smith & Arlene Bates

STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

On the 23rd of February the Krewe of Pandora rolled with 20 floats and 500 beautiful ladies throwing boxes and purses in a parade of sisterhood down the streets of Metairie! This year the Krewe of Pandora shared their night with their sister Krewe of Nyx.

Kerry Fine, Natika Bartholomew, Delana Martin, Nicole Whitaker & Nola Nyxettes 50

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Jennifer O’Keefe, Tanya Foster, Rachel McMahan & Tina Sanchez

Julie Long, Eric Long & Abigail Long

Alexa Diaz, Alexa & Keely Rosevally, Katie Clement

Mallory Rowzee & Laura Siben

Jacqueline Guillot & Sharry Sandler

Ashleigh Foxworth & Brenda Miller

Kevin & Rhonda Ellender

Karen Wells & Sheri Toucheque

Roi-Lynne Hulin, Lisa Mauer, Cheryl Brignac & Inga Klein

Jessica Pellegrin, Yolanda Wood & Edna Rogowski MARCH 2020

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METAIRIE

Sheila & Hailey Bachemin, Karla Verde

Donray, Kellie, Brock, Brady Bourgeois

Larry & Lena Dyess

Krewe of

Kings

Aimee Wells & Tonya Delaune

Dayna Croal & Laura Matthew

Monica & Tim Baudier

Alexandria Ayala & Larry D’Antoni

STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

The rain did not put a damper on the Krewe of Kings that rolled on February 16, 2020 through Metairie, LA. The Krewe of Kings is organized by veteran float builder Mac Cantrell, Jr. The co-ed Krewe has approximately 180 members and rolled with 17 floats.

The Krewe’s goal is to bring floats with more elaborate artwork to the Metairie parade route.

Debbie Villio & Amanda Impastato 52

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Rowan & Brett Lawson

Pam, Elon & Wes Maddox - Laurel & Larry Stokes

Noonie Guichet & Susan Lambert

Ruth Walker, Savannah Henry, Claire Burke, Cameron Frey & Hope Liberto

Suzette Overby, Kevin Delaune, James Mohamad & Scott Korndorffer

Mike Quigley & Brenda Campos

Debi Dantoni, Kathryn Milton & Betty Thompson

Sal D’Antoni III, Harrison & Jennifer Hegeman, Sandy Baker & Joey Phillips

Louis & Kim Capaci

Coming Soon

THE MEN’S ISSUE JUNE 2020

Featuring: Men’s Health Fitness and More!

Contact

VIP

to reserve your spot

info@vipneworleansmag.com

MARCH 2020

53

METAIRIE

Terrell Jones, Darius Gray & Joyce Saxton

Liam Lind & Trysten Johnson

Krewe of Mad Hatters

Patrick Equi, Kevin Hollingstead & Roxanne Haull

Katie Lisle & Chase Johnson

Daniel, Brittany & Bret Casey

Kathy Thompson & Deb Brabec

Sophia Miazza, Lisa Joubert, & Dan Casey

STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

The Magical Krewe of MadHatters rolled on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 5:00 p.m., showcasing the Family Gras celebration in Jefferson Parish with an Alice and Wonderland theme. This brand new Carnival Krewe, founded in 2019, emphasized “Music” from well-known bands riding on floats and magical entertainment that captured the imagination with special lighting and dazzling costumes.

Adults and children alike loved the spectacular floats and unique marching groups.

Linda Seabright & Karen Seott 54

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Cayla Willis & Jasmine Araiza

Kendria Hill, Staci Barfield, Kenyatta Johnson Magee, Christina Torres & Phoebe Henry

Scoot, Eileen & George Steiner

Jennifer Wickliffe, Johnnie Adams & Tracey Gonzales

Bryce Johnson, Aubrie Appel & William Lind

Nick & Noelle Thompson

Bailey Williams & Jaheim Hampton

Thomas Wyant & Edward Curry

Irma Vindel & Konisha Young

Melanie, Gary 3 & Gary Ragusa

Teresa Freeman, Paul Ferretti & Jeanne Woodrick

Danny Neumann, Brian liggioo, Skyleigh Neumann & Jonathan Wagner MARCH 2020

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IMPACT & GIVEBACK

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

R

egardless of the age of who may be receiving the news or the kindness with which it is delivered, hearing the word “cancer” instills fear and feelings of uncertainty. It will seem as though time has stopped and that life will never be the same.

It’s a life-changing, world-altering word; and while most people go into planning mode about the course of action to take, those courses don’t usually involve a party.

In Chad Landry’s experience, however, these are the very times to throw a party—especially when that party is one that brings awareness and does something as important as raising money that will help fund treatment. As a survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with 25 years since his diagnosis in his rearview mirror, Landry knew firsthand the emotional and physical challenges of going through diagnosis and treatment. Not to mention the financial toll that it takes. While he could have simply taken the victory of his successful battle with cancer and been thankful, he decided to use his own experience to do something of lasting importance. So Chad created a very unique organization that truly proves that everyday alive should be a party.

Officially founded in 2003, New Orleans Lympho-Maniac Cancer Fund, as Landry so appropriately named the organization, is a 501c3 non-profit that has, over the past seventeen years, donated more than $1.5 million to fighting cancer in the New Orleans area. “All net proceeds from our New Orleans Lympho-Maniac Cancer Fund goes to support local New Orleans Cancer projects, programs, and services, including caring for the financial needs of lower-income families who have been impacted by cancer,” says Landry. “Most of it is directed to financial assistance grants for lower-income families of cancer patients at East Jefferson General Hospital, LSU Health Sciences, or Ochsner Hospital. Cancer causes a financial hardship 56

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Life is not a dress rehearsal.

We only get one life, so live it to the fullest!

for those families, and these grants help to lessen the burden by assisting with medical bills, medical travel, house notes, grocery bills, and more,” he goes on.

With a financial goal of raising $300,000 in 2020, Landry hopes that donors are generous in their giving, recognizing the importance of every dollar. “Cancer research is extremely important, but we recognize that cancer takes a huge financial toll in addition to the emotional and physical trauma,” he explains.

“We want our local cancer patients to know that we stand by them by giving them financial assistance.” Named the H. Ryan Aucoin Memorial Cancer Grants in honor of Ryan Aucoin, a friend and active supporter of Lympho-Maniacs who was lost to Lymphoma T-Cell in 2017, these $1000 grants are extremely important to the work of Lympho-Maniacs and impacting the lives of cancer patients throughout the New Orleans area. Central to raising those dollars is one very crucial—and one very unexpected—way of getting attention and inspiring the desire to give: LymphoManiac’s annual parties, which call on all attendees to get down, get funky, and get in the spirit of giving and living. “Our Annual Lympho-Maniac Party is a ‘Celebration of Life,’ where—for that one night—everyone who attends is a survivor. They’re living in the moment and enjoying time with good friends and family,” Landry says. “Our main goal for the event is giving people the experience of taking on the cancer survivor’s mindset for that evening—and hopefully after the party.”

Set to the theme of the 1970’s, the parties are a colorful scene of big hair, bold colors, and wild style—not to mention music that makes everyone want to bust a move. “I was born in the ’70s, but I grew up in ’80s and ’90s. That being said, I really love the music and fashion from ’70s, and that time period just works for our funky and hip Annual Lympho-Maniac Party,” Landry contends. It’s a fun time, to be sure, this party scene where everyone is united in the desire to celebrate, let loose, and—above all—live. “My own cancer diagnosis reinforced the idea or saying that ‘Life is not a dress rehearsal. We only get one life, so live it to the fullest!’”

Landry says. A sentiment to remember, no matter how young or old we are, no matter whether we are healthy or sick. We have but one life—and that life should be lived with the mindset that every day is worthy of a party.

For more information on New Orleans Lympho-Maniac Cancer Fund, visit www.lympho-maniac.com.

MARCH 2020

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KENNER

Sandy & Terry Hicks

Peter Barnitz & Chris Gomez

Lundi Gras

Sandra & Mike Scardino, Mike Sciavicco

Ron & Stacey Barry

Ray & Jamie Shorkey

STORY & PHOTOS BY WILLIAM CROSS

The annual meeting of the royal courts of Zulu and Argus took place in Rivertown on Monday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Lundi Gras event included live music, local food, craft vendors, a secondline parade and a toast from Mayor Ben Zahn.

Tunney Barrett, Tijonne Edmond, & Carolyn Barrett

Helenna Pinto & Liliana Pino 58

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Stacey & Amelia Perrot

Ashlyn Gomez, Wendy Luquette, Phillis & Wayne Gomez

Dee & Dino Marshall

Kelley & Lyle Moreau

Hedi Cvitanovich & Jennifer Ingram

Dora Short & Charlie Guzman

Jennifer Rome & Brooke Seagle

Debra Hollingsworth & Ellen Walker

Tina Micheu & Vinnie Vuezo

Marcel & Alyce Gonzalez

Charley Cancienne, Lily & Christiana Wilson

Micki & Lawrence Chehardy MARCH 2020

59

NEW ORLEANS

Whitney Lambert, Kelly Alberado & Lesley Troncoso

Mia Mascari, Sarah Raziano & Callie Rush

Carlotta Duhe & Stacy Rouen

Lindsey Vaccaro & Kacey Benz

Whitney Prudhomme & Tammie LeBert

Denise Barrera & Brandy Blankenship

Parade STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

Krewe of Crescent City Dames corset walking club sashayed down Bourbon Street on February 21th as they do every year the Friday before Fat Tuesday. The Krewe of Crescent City Dames was founded in 2011 by a few fantastically fabulous New Orleans natives, who decided to celebrate friendship, sisterhood, and the great city of New Orleans while showing off their sensational hand beaded corsets!

Andrew Legrand & Layla Wojkowski 60

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Amelia Broussard, Shelley Smith & Ada Broussard

Christina, Beth, & Erika Ferrando, Joann Persons

Eric Bajon, Greg & Laurie Gasperecz, Tamsen Valoir

Jenna Clayborn & Ashley Jambo

Jessie Cutcher, Andy Cutcher & Matt Weko

Michelle Woodall, Leslie Duvalle, Leslee Schulz & Julie Nunes

SOCIAL NORTHSHORE COMING SUMMER 2020

MARCH 2020

61

NEW ORLEANS

Austin Croft, Brandt Wheeler & Jordan Herbert

Sydney Swilley, Myranda Degraw, Stacie Cason & Avery Monrose

Krewe of Endymion

Freddy, Norma & Parker Gilly, Linda Noto

Amanda Calegan & Alyssa Tate

Emily Ludwigsen & Alexis Dennis

Sage & April Black

Rob & Denise Beadle

STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

Endymion rolled on the Mid City route on February 22nd and featured several signature floats. The newest float, Club Endymion, is a tribute to our home – the Mercedes Benz Superdome. The ETV float beams live crowd shots on a gigantic 20’ x 9’ LED screen.

Pontchartrain Beach, Then and Now is the largest float in Mardi Gras at over 300 feet long with over 250 riders and nine sections.

Lisa-Maree Berube & Chad Godbery 62

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Leocadia Vilela & Rafaela Ferreira

Matthew Katz, Michelle & Douglas Walker-Rice

Kaitlyn Faul, Brittney Whitfield & Heather Guillotte

Logan, Eric, Lisa, Grace & Sophie

Darlene & Randy LeBlanc

Logan Marbury & DeAna Osheaski

Wendy Wood & Steve Ortmann

Jeanne Favret & Eli Steven

Gabe & Paige Watts

Emily DeSalvo, Mike Eskine, Danielle Catalanotto, Ayden Shimon & Kameron Carter

Sophie & Lisa Marbury MARCH 2020

63

COMMUNITY HEALTH

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 board-certified 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 obsessive-compulsive 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.

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VIP NEW ORLEANS

Disorders Treated DEPRESSION/ANXIETY PTSD NEUROPATHIC PAIN MIGRAINE HEADACHES BIPOLAR DEPRESSION FIBROMYALGIA

SHERATON NEW ORLEANS HOTEL

Nichelle Taylor, Ashley Hillsman & Durrell Barnes

Emily & Michael Federer

Erin Genrich, Hailey Allison & Ariane Wiltse

Face the Music!

Love Your City Awards STORY & PHOTOS JEN MEADOWS

Kinisha & Rollin Black

The Face the Music! Love Your City Awards ceremony held on January 30, 2020 hosted by LifeCity celebrated the social and environmental impacts that business leaders in the New Orleans community have achieved throughout 2019.

Darcie Olexia & Sofia Olexia Daigle

NOLA business and impact leaders met for an evening of honoring pioneers, networking and live entertainment from Dancing Grounds. The entire event was facilitated by young leaders in the community including the New Orleans Youth Alliance.

Elizabeth & Jason Caniglia

Michelle Stanton, Shana Hartmann, & Nellie Catzen

Kristen Craig & Deborah Oppenheim

Preston Kennedy, Hannah Ganzel & Andreas Hoffmann

Jessica Dandridge & Marcus Rosser MARCH 2020

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METAIRIE

Georgia Fleming, Lauren Nicolich, Erica Parrack & Nikki Belsome

Krewe of Centurions

Sheree Caminita, Melody Baham Waltz & Shawn Waltz

Ponchitta & Bukhari Bondojia

Kevin & Brianne Pederson

Amy Dupont & Emma McDurmont

Sergio Rodriguez & Lee Edmonson

STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

On Saturday, February 15, 2020 the Krewe of Centurions paraded through the streets of Metairie. The 350+ co-ed Krewe of Centurions were named after legendary ancient Roman warriors who commanded “centuries” – companies of 100 men. Founded in 1979 by businessmen from the Harahan – River Ridge area, the krewe paraded on Jefferson Highway for two years before moving to the Veterans Boulevard parade route in 1981. The krewe is known for choosing themes that can be enjoyed by all age groups and organizes family-oriented festivities throughout the year.

Kaylee Santangelo & Madison Wellman 66

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Barry & Hollis Boudreaux

Jeff Schwab, Adrian Rodriguez, Marc Boudreaux, Mike Bourgeois & Tim Edwards

Patricia, Michael & Brianne Cash

Rose, Karoline & Kaylee Roche’ - Sophie & Ashley Guzman

Christy Gray & Michelle LeGros

Nancy Marcelo & Brandy Gregoire

Dillon Shirry & Ashley Miller

Jade Perez & Michael Cash

Lisa Gunter & Brandy Landry

Eddie, Cathy & Elijah Odwyer

Kira Manganello, Natalyn & Juanita Bonvillian, Olivia Ianetta & Jessica Runnels

Carmella Saltalamacchia & Gabrielle Avery MARCH 2020

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UPTOWN

Jamie Durbin, Beth Generes, & Jill Siemssen

Stacey Maysonave, Emmet Bartholomew, Jason Magone, & Mike Clayton

Krewe of Iris STORY & PHOTOS BY ASHLEY GEORGE

Chelsea & Jennifer Baldwin

Organized in 1917, the Krewe of Iris is the oldest and one of the largest Carnival organizations for women. Holding strong to the honored Mardi Gras traditions in its tableau ball and parade, Iris members always wear white gloves and masks, maintaining the “mystery� of the season. The Krewe takes its name from Iris, the goddess of the rainbow and the messenger of the gods in classical Greek mythology.

Morgan & Marlee Tabary, Jordan Steelman

Parading through the streets of New Orleans since 1959, the Krewe of Iris includes 3,400 members in a Carnival celebration featuring bands and entertainment from across the United States spread across 12-tandem floats and 37 floats. Noted for its unique throws, including hand decorated sunglasses and king cake babies, the Krewe throws a diversity of beads, cups, doubloons, and Iris-themed items.

Mike Zeininger & Sarah Sterling

Brain & Aria Foust, Marlee & Morgan Tabary 68

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Melissa Carollo, Sherry Flanagan, Shannon Boudreaux

Sarah Post, Nina Quinn, Adrienne Arthur, Carolyn Babauta, Angelique Theriot, Alexandra Tolbert, Ashley Lownik, Corina Charles, Lindsey BeBlieux

Kristin Ransom & William Ransom

APRIL 24-26, 2020 PRESENTED BY THE

JUMONVILLE FAMILY

DCWAF.ORG

NEW ORLEANS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Kelly Levy & Valerie Grubb

Cheryl Metoyer & Michelle Reinhardt

Renata A Granger & Haley Pegg

Women's BUSINESS Alliance

Jennifer Cleckler & Jennifer Esler

Connie Burks & Carol Osborne

STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

The New Orleans Chamber WBS and Loyola University’s Women’s Leadership Academy held an insightful meeting at the new Higgins Hotel in New Orleans. Over 100 women joined the panel-style discussion about women, leadership, and breaking down barriers. The evening began with an hour of networking, followed by the program, and then ended with happy hour on the rooftop.

Barbara Johnson & Alejandra Guzman

Luz Lobos & Tina Meilleur 70

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Therese Duke & Sandra Lindquist

Kimberly Pittman, Lashaundra Rene’ & Sharon Daigle

Blair Lancaster White & Anne Calder

SUPER MOM

“I

Melissa ESTESS

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

give a high-five to all the working moms who have a pile of laundry that hasn't been folded and a sink full of dishes…”

—Melissa Estess

They say you can’t have it all, but the fact of the matter is that having it all comes down to one very basic thing: balance. It’s a simple concept, but it’s often difficult to achieve—especially for those who have work lives to balance with personal lives that are packed with subcategories of their own. Wife, mother, homemaker, family COO…the roles of female entrepreneurs with families seem to have no end and no time card to punch in or out. While learning to balance it all can be extremely challenging, doing so is an achievement worthy of recognition.

It takes strength, determination, and—above all—heart.

Heart is something that Melissa Estess, owner of MaeMe and its brick and mortar boutique, The Bridal Boutique

by MaeMe, has in spades. Her strength and determination are certainly attributes that have lent themselves well to her success as a business owner—and as a working wife and mother. “I feel like balancing family and work is every mom’s struggle. It takes a village to juggle it all—and the grace of God!” she laughs when asked how she manages everything in her busy life. “I’m blessed to have a very hands-on husband who loves to spend time with the kids and is a huge encourager and supporter of my career. I’m home to get my kids on the bus every morning and home when they get off the bus in the evenings. However, I do work most Saturdays—as most retailers can relate to—and I do travel a good bit for bridal market and buying trips, business and leadership conferences, and to visit my consulting clients,” she admits.

While so much travel and long hours at the boutique could take its toll on her family life, she understands the importance of setting aside time to dedicate her attention to her husband and children. “I’m extremely intentional with the time I spend with them so that our relationships are healthy and strong and so that they know how much I love them—even when I’m not home,” she says. “MaeMe is closed on Sundays, which was a business decision not based on financial opportunity, but on the importance of family and rest. Also, in 2018, I committed to myself to take one day off during the week to recharge and refill my bucket. I’m in the business of pouring into young

women’s lives during an extremely valuable and emotional season of their lives, and I take that responsibility very seriously. I’m passionate about marriage and building healthy relationships, and so feeding and tending to my own relationships is a high priority.”

Such commitment to both parts of her life has proven to be the secret to her success and she’s looking forward to celebrating ten years of being in business this summer. “MaeMe is a family-owned and operated business, so the joint dedication, sacrifice, and efforts of my parents and myself have provided a fundamentally sound business.

The ‘above and beyond’ success we’ve achieved is a result of running a business the Lord can bless,” she asserts. “We serve our customers with integrity and love, with the mission of changing the lives of others and impacting our community—one bride at a time.”

For all the other working mothers out there, Estess gives this message: “I give a high-five to all the working moms who have a pile of laundry that hasn’t been folded and a sink full of dishes…when our babies look back on their childhood, they will only remember our moments with them laughing and playing and enjoying life. Give yourself a little grace, because you’re doing great!”

MARCH 2020

71

TCHOUPITOULAS STREET

Les Crooks, Jackie Heitman & Bill Stone

Sara Valentine, Becca Mix & Jen Marple

Kenny Lopez & Adel Ruiz

Krewe of

Tucks

Cheyanne Keese & Monica Morrison

Andy Yambrek & David McCabe

Michael & Sarah Carter

Patty & Tom Mire

STORY & PHOTOS BY HOPE BYRD

Krewe of Tucks rolled through Uptown on Saturday, February 22th.

Leaving in their wake included Tucks’ signature throws: toilet paper and plungers. Amongst the oldest of parades --and most irreverent, Tucks began as a small social club by a couple of college students to what is now a 1800+ member event. The New Orleans Marriot hosted their post-parade ball in the CBD near the parade stopping point.

Glenn & Zannie Voss 72

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Trey Dephillips & Robert Lorsbach

Kevin O’Connor, Brooke Baird & Holly-Anne Devlin

Jen & Mike Biglan

Steven & Benjamen Sherman

Stafford Vonhoene, Carol & James Gessner

Drake & Carolyn Morvant

Tim Robinson & Jenna Constable

Betsy Fuller & Jane Ellison

Derek Pepiak & Kat Beatty

Micah Toups & Greg Zornes

Stacie Emmerson, April Kennedy & Chanelle Louis

Gretta & Christy Zornes MARCH 2020

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EMBASSY SUITES

Barbara Johnson, Amy Boyle & Cara Traczek

Ben Johnson, Andrew Monroe & Evan Corneille

Garrett Shearman, Tripp Russ, & Joseph Bohrer

Chamber Raymond Ledet & Scott Samford

After 5

Trice Harris & Nathaniel Gunod

STORY & PHOTOS BY HOPE BYRD

The Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly ‘Chamber After 5’ networking event at Hilton’s Embassy Suites in the CBD. Complimentary refreshments and food fueled business after-hours among members and business reps.

Laura Prottsman & Valerie Allen

Eric Nash & Haley Pegg 74

VIP NEW ORLEANS

George Becker & Arthur Simon

David Villarrubia, RobertFulton, Jennifer Esler & George Putnam

Brent & Adrien Brogan

AUDUBON ZOO

Mario & Jill Aretaga

Taryn & Chad Anderson

Michael & Stephanie Martin

Flamingo

Valentine ' s day

& Flamenco Sarah & Jake Loupe

STORY & PHOTOS BY RANDY KRAUSE SCHMIDT

Guests were greeted with cocktails in Goldring Plaza and met the team that cares for these amorous birds that mate for life.

Robert Luther & Katie Bayer

Following the flamingo encounter, guests flocked to the Audubon Tea Room, featuring entertainment by Jaiver Orland & AsheSon, and Peña Flamenca La Pepa.

A ticket to the Supper Club supports Audubon’s conservation work helping fund work across the globe fighting extinction and preserving the local ecosystem.

John Lind & Lisa Eck

Neal & Hannah Jordan

Christopher Johnson & Lauren Levert

Randy & Lisa Carr, Linda & Mark Middleton

Nickie & George Ray MARCH 2020

75

CROWNE PLAZA

Chuck Mutz, Brookley Valencia, Christi Rice & Cary Bailey

Alicia Frazier, Alex Zarookian & Amanda Hoerner

Jefferson Chamber STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

Glenda Grabert, Jennifer Van Vrancken & Judy Harrison

Kristi Jefferson & Ryan Daul

Tim Falcon & Todd Murphy

Brandy Boudreaux & Stacy RhĂ´ne

Mickal Adler & John Roberts

The Jefferson Chamber Annual Meeting is a dedicated time to celebrate the many accomplishments of 2019 and announce exciting plans for initiatives, events, and advocacy in 2020. As one of the Chamber’s largest networking and social events of the year, this event serves as an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of 2019 and honor those who have made significant contributions to the Jefferson Parish business community. Panelist speakers were Ricky Templet, Scott Walker and Cynthia Lee-Sheng.

Sandra Lindquist & Emily Remington 76

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Charles Stewart & Cameron Budzius

Brett Lawson, Ruth Walker & Valerie Brolin

Christian Weydert, Stephen Blitz, & Jeff Springer

lo v e

Sheila Craft & Donald Landry

Stephen Blitzj & Philip Giorlando

“We working with VIP”

“

Sarintha Buras Stricklin, Paula Polito & Jim Garvey

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

Dan Orednick, Albert Castillo, Dominic Zahn, Drew Waddell, Sydney Slevin, Mary Conroy, Reed Melancon , Paris Fallo, Rechelle Fields & Autumn Crawford Rasa MARCH 2020

77

CLEARVIEW CENTER

Nicole & Dixon Davidge

Wesley, Conner, Tabatha & Cameron Hawley

Ron & Wendy Shafette, Ben & Kathy Claassen

Family Gras STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

Kristyl & Avery Treadaway

Family Gras was held on February 16th at the Clearview Center. This was a family event where families enjoyed the spectacle of Mardi Gras parades, authentic cuisine, local art, a kids’ court and outdoor concerts by both national artists and Louisiana favorites!

Kara Ondruch & Joshua Lee

There was a 3-day VIP pass for an “Up Close & Personal” experience with backstage access, premium stage viewing and access to VIP food & beverage.

Ava Botko & Eryka Nay

Brandon, Karlee & Ashley Baldassaro 78

VIP NEW ORLEANS

Along with the music, the Art Market was filled with a variety of items from Louisiana photography, framed artwork, regional decor, folk-art, hair accessories, hand-crafted jewelry and more. Our Kids Court was filled with a variety of activities for kids 12 and younger such as face painting, unique hand-wax art, and interactive games.

Mitch McElderry, Craig Juneau, Mike Hunt, Travis Perrier & Brett Perrier

Brenda Chedotal & Robbie Serio

Milly Ann, Kelly & Merry James Grice

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NEW & noteworthy

Tulane Radiation Oncology to Unveil New Linear Accelerator / Patient Care Area

Tulane Health System recently upgraded its radiation oncology technology, facilities and capabilities with the addition of a new linear accelerator and CT simulator and a renovated patient care area.

“These investments will improve patient care with shorter treatment sessions in a more comfortable environment, as well as help reduce treatment side effects by better targeting radiation to avoid normal tissues,” said Kendra Harris, MD, chair of Radiation Oncology.

Ochsner Announces Appointment of Deborah Grimes as Chief Diversity Officer NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner announced the appointment of Deborah Grimes, RN, JD, MSHQS, to Chief Diversity Officer (CDO), effective March 2, 2020. In her role, Grimes will be critical in leading workforce and employee strategy for Ochsner.

In her leadership role, Grimes will support the ongoing development of policies and practices that promote focused attention to diversity and inclusion matters including recruitment, retention, workforce planning and career development. Grimes will also work within and across the communities we serve to emphasize the need to reduce disparate health outcomes and improve healthcare equity for all Ochsner patients.

Airport Dimensions Opens New Lounge at Louis Armstrong International Airport Airport Dimensions, the award-winning market leader in premium shared-use lounges and local New Orleans partner, JCM Management Group, today announced the opening of The Club MSY in the Louis Armstrong International Airport. This is Airport Dimensions’ 24th shared-use lounge globally that provides travelers a place to replenish or stay productive and connected before and between flights.

The Club MSY is designed to accommodate travelers’ individual needs by supplying them with a range of amenities and conveniences. Complementing the sleek and striking design of the new airport terminal and the natural light from the concourse below, The Club MSY features an environment that honors the vibrant culture of New Orleans in a sophisticated and understated manner.

Tulane Earns Area’s Only ACC Chest Pain with Primary PCI Accreditation NEW ORLEANS – Tulane Medical Center has been recognized by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. The hospital was recently awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.Tulane Medical Center is the only hospital in the New Orleans area to achieve this level of accreditation from the ACC. “This is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Dr. Bob Lynch, Tulane Health System CEO. “Not because we’ve earned an accolade, but because this represents the culmination of months of work to build, organize and improve our processes to deliver the very best in patient care for those suffering from chest pain and heart attack symptoms.”

Resource Bank Names Clair Leger CFO Leger is a native to Mississippi, where she earned her degree in Accounting. As an undergraduate, she began working in the Banking Industry. Upon graduation, Leger worked for Deloitte and Touche auditing banking clients. She is nearing her eighteenth year in the banking industry.

Clair says, “I love working at Resource Bank because we are a community bank that values getting to know our customer’s business and dreams.”

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VIP NEW ORLEANS

Tulane Health First in Region to Offer Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer Men who have been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer often face a difficult choice when reviewing their treatment options. Generally, patients must choose between active surveillance – essentially keeping an eye on the cancer to see if it gets worse – and aggressive treatments like traditional surgery or radiation, which can have side effects, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Now, thanks to a new treatment offered by Tulane Health System, some men have the option of focal therapy, a targeted treatment that destroys areas of cancer in the prostate while sparing the rest of the healthy tissue.

Tulane Health System is the only system offering this treatment in the greater New Orleans region.

“With focal therapy, the cancer can potentially be targeted and treated more effectively in a less-invasive fashion, similar to a lumpectomy to treat breast cancer,” said Dr. Spencer Krane, a urologist at Tulane Health System. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer this new technology and service to our community. It’s our hope that this will have a significant and positive effect on men’s quality of life.”

Resource Bank Hosts Art Show Featuring Greg Creason

New Orleans, February 5, 2020: On Wednesday, February 5th, Resource Bank hosted an Art Show featuring Greg Creason at its New Orleans Branch, located on the corner of Magazine and Poydras. The Bank rotates local artist’s displays at this location to fill its gallery walls with their artwork. During that time, Resource hosts an Art Show for family, friends, co-workers and clients to appreciate the art.

Greg Creason moved to New Orleans in 2009 where he has found tremendous inspiration in the lifestyle and art community of New Orleans. Creason’s paintings transcend traditional artwork by his use of blown glass scraps and vintage glass pieces. The paintings come “alive” in dimension elegance. Greg holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree in Illustration from Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids, MI. He currently owns Creason’s Fine Art Flagship Gallery at 829 Chartres Street and Creason’s Fine Art Gallery II at 831 Chartres, both in the French Quarter.

Tulane Health Promotes Guidroz to Associate Chief Nursing Officer NEW ORLEANS – Tulane Health System has promoted nursing veteran Deon Guidroz to associate chief nursing officer, where she will provide nursing leadership for quality and patient experience initiatives at the system’s Tulane Medical Center campus in downtown New Orleans.

Guidroz joined Tulane in 2009 as a medical surgical unit nurse before being promoted to a clinical supervisor role. She quickly rose through the ranks to become a clinical nurse manager in 2011 and most recently served as director of medical surgical nursing. As director of medical surgical units, Guidroz achieved significant goals related to nursing engagement and retention, quality and patient safety, and she is a recipient of the Tulane Health System Distinguished Bee award for her exceptional work ethic and leadership skills.

Creason’s artwork will be hanging at Resource Bank’s New Orleans branch at 412 Magazine St. until May 15th

Submit your exciting news such as promotions, fundraising, announcements, and press releases at www.vipneworleansmagazine.com

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Celebrating 30th Aquaversary

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas has been inviting guests to marvel in the wonders of the aquatic environments of South, Central, and North America and their adjacent seas, oceans, and rivers for the past 30 years.

Since opening its doors to the public September 1, 1990, the Aquarium has welcomed nearly 30 million visitors, expanded its habitats to include the 4,200-square-foot Great Maya Reef and opened Entergy Giant Screen Theater. Now, the Aquarium is excited to debut Shark Discovery, the shark and ray touchpool opening in the Spring of 2020.

To celebrate this pearl “aquaversary,” Audubon will be asking New Orleanians and visitors to the city to join in the fun all year long with activities such as - ticket giveaways, animal enrichment activities, scavenger hunts, and most importantly, seeking out opportunities to help protect the natural world.

“The Aquarium has meant so much to the people and visitors of the city for the past 30 years, and now we are asking the public to look ahead to the next 30 years and see how they can take action to help make an impact in their everyday lives to make our natural world a better place,” says Vice President and Managing Director of Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Rich Toth.

MARCH 2020

81

NOPD Mounted Division Stables

Gwen, Pete, Lexington & Oliver Langenderfer

Darryl Albert, Sheriff Joe Lapinto, & Shaun Ferguson

Terrance Davis, Robert Ponson & Jerome Shannon

Horses, Hops,

& COPS STORY & PHOTOS BY JEN MEADOWS

Taylor St. Charles & Christian Recile

Leisa Farrar & Deborah Schumacher

Terry Maestri & Steven Sasser

Jerry Peters & Jules Leaumont

Families met the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales at the annual Horses, Hops and Cops fundraiser hosted by the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation.

Guests enjoyed touring the stables, viewing the Budweiser Clydesdales up close, and learned more about how the N.O.P.D. Mounted Division has launched a new horse breeding program.

There was live music from The Wiseguys, shopping with local arts & crafts vendors, and fun kids activities.

Christopher Goodly Jr. & Christopher Goodly Sr. 82

VIP NEW ORLEANS

John Michael, Marci, David, & Graham McGovern

Kenny Jacques, Mira Bergeron, William & Juliette Jacques

Pineapple Gallery “Art is Life”

Art, Pottery & Framing

829 ASbury Dr. Mandeville

985-626-0028

pineapplegallery.com