May-June 2015 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine by Inside Publications

450

A JOURNEY OF FAITH • 3OA-WESOME! • PLANK AND FEATHER • WOMEN IN BUSINESS

MAY-JUNE 2015 VOL. 30, NO. 3

May-June 2015

Vol. 30, No. 3

Publisher Lori Murphy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor Jan Murphy Managing Editor Anne Honeywell Associate Editor Leah Draffen Contributors are featured on page 16. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Art Director Brad Growden Graphic Designer Jennifer Starkey –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Director of Business Development Poki Hampton Business Manager Jane Quillin Associate Publisher Candice Laizer Advertising Account Executives Caroline Battaglia Adele Baugues Barbara Bossier Deyette Danford Anne Honeywell Barbara Roscoe Amy Taylor Advertising Coordinator Katie Brooks Sales Assistants Lindsay Gardner Margaret Rivera Intern Steven Mills –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For advertising information phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 email sales@insidepub.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Please send items for Inside Scoop to scoop@insidepub.com. Photos for Inside Peek, with captions, should be sent to peek@insidepub.com. Submit items for Inside Input or Dining Guide to editor@insidepub.com. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Contact Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148 Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 website www.insidenorthside.com Subscriptions 1 Year $18 2 Years $30 email subscriptions@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

On the cover Artist Mary Gerry

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– INSIDE NORTHSIDE MAGAZINE is published bi-monthly (January, March, May, July, September, November) by M and L Publishing, LLC, PO Box 9148, Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 as a means of communication and information for St. Tam many and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid at Mandeville, LA. Copyright ©2015 by M & L Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Inside Northside Magazine is created using the Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.

Inside Northside

page 68

page 75

Features

contents table of

page 54

20 An Unexpected Path Cover artist Mary Gerry 34 Journey of Faith From Nova Scotia to Abita Springs 42 Saving an Historic “Old Dog” The Augustin-Foster House 52 Traces Aaron Capdeboscq The Gravel Road to Avondale 54 Jerald and Glenda Horst The Louisiana Seafood Bible Series 62 Traces A Dog Named Hayward Powerful Paws for Children 68 Travel 30A-wesome! 86 Plank and Feather Artists John Dalton Atkins and Zachary Slough 96 Traces Matt Riser Coaching for Life 131 Wounded War Heroes

page 34

144 Small Hands, Big Hearts Louisiana Veterans Festival Children’s Build

Women IN Business Follows Page 98

Inside Northside

contents table of

page 79

Departments 12 Publisher’s Note 15 Editor’s Note 16 Contributors 18 Reader Resources 24 INside Scoop 66 IN Better Health Shelia Holmes 75 Flourishes Extraordinary gifts and home accents 79 INside Look Shades of Poppy 92 Generous Hearts A Common Thread 32 IN the Spotlight 1 Blue Jeans Ball and Battle of the Bands 134 INside Peek

page 148

Inside Northside

137 IN the Spotlight Chef Soirée 140 IN the Spotlight Jazz on the Bayou 140 IN the Spotlight Inside Northside Meet the Artist Party 147 IN Love and Marriage Notable northshore weddings 148 IN Great Taste Breakfast Fit for a King 152 INside Dining 156 IN Development St. Tammany Advanced Campus 161 Ad Directory 162 Last Bite Old Rail Brewing Company

A Decade Ago by Lori Murphy In May 2005, NOAA released a prediction for the hurricane season to come that it would have a 70 percent chance of above-normal storm activity. They were right on target. Among the many “firsts” we hit that season was 28 named storms, including a record number of 15 hurricanes. It was also the first season to include four Category 5 hurricanes and a record-setting $150 billion in damages. But that is what we know in hindsight. That hurricane season began like so many others. Those of us who are likely to “get prepared” bought bottled water, stocked up on canned goods, cut boards to cover the windows and had the generator tuned up. We went about “normal” prep for something that would be anything but normal. And it seemed that every time we caught our breath, a new page would turn. We learned a lot from the summer of 2005—about a lot of things. Through an experience of terrible loss, we have a better focus on what might be at risk. Being prepared won’t stop a storm from coming, but it might help us navigate the multitude of decisions we all made on the fly a decade ago. It is also essential to being calm in an out-of-your-control environment. Feeling prepared includes knowing that you have taken all of the proper steps to ensure your family’s safety and the security of your property. But what are those steps? We are joining forces with some of those experts from across the region to present a Hurricane Season Readiness Expo. Join us at Fontainebleau High School, 100 Bulldog Dr. off Hwy. 59 in Mandeville, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 6. You can gather information from experts in many different areas of specialization and leave with a solid plan of action should the storm season bring trouble to our doorstep. This event is free and open to the public. “We are hoping that the expo will help northshore residents plan effectively,” says Robert Phillips of GNO Property Management. “Having the necessary resources and referrals at your fingertips is key.” For additional information on the Expo, contact St. Tammany Parish Emergency Management at 898-2359 or GNO Property Management at (504) 528-7028. As we begin the Atlantic hurricane season of 2015, let’s hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst!

Saturday, June 6, at Fontainebleau High School.

Editor’s Note by Jan Murphy Spring is a time of new beginnings. Such a cliché. But there’s a reason for such clichés—they’re usually true. This issue tells of many new beginnings—including the journey of a dismantled church in Nova Scotia to its resurrection in Abita Springs (page 34) and the restoration of an historic lakefront home in Mandeville (page 42). Those examples of a new beginning are obvious. Some others are not. We have two stories about veterans that are appropriate as we look forward to Memorial Day. Wounded War Heroes (page 131) and the Louisiana Veterans Festival Children’s Build (page 144) offer a new start for those who have served our country in the military. Read how “A Dog Named Hayward” helps give neglected and abused children a second chance (page 62). And on page 96, learn how baseball coach Matt Riser guides his team to be better men. The St. Tammany Advanced Campus (page 156) promises new facilities for the parish, including the Northshore Technical Community College, which will provide relevant workforce education and training in key industries. As we celebrate Women IN Business, we start by telling the story of Dr. Sophia Omoro, who works passionately here to change the lives of people in her Kenya homeland. As you continue in that section, read about many women whose business success came only after they made a new beginning. As the Table of Contents indicates, there’s much more in this May-June issue. We hope you enjoy reading it all.

Contributors Our contributors give Inside New Orleans its voice, its personality and its feel. Here we are proud to highlight a few of them so that you can put a face with a name and get to know them.

Erin Cowser As executive director of public and governmental affairs for Southeastern Louisiana University, Erin Cowser represents the third largest university in Louisiana in both legislative and public arenas. With her daughter Eliza Kate as her muse, she recently authored SLU’s first-ever children’s book, “Let’s Lion Up with Roomie.” A longtime contributor to Inside Northside, Erin has three articles in this issue. On page 54, she writes about Jerald and Glenda Horst and their series of seafood cookbooks; meet “Hayward the Dog” on page 62; and learn more about SLU’s baseball coach, Matt Riser, on page 96.

Ann Gilbert

Ila Jane Sprouse

Ann Gilbert has been a contributor to Inside Northside for many years. Her career as a lifestyle, arts and entertainment editor for 30 years has been recognized with awards in writing, editing and design, but it is her passion for history that has graced IN’s pages most often. In this issue, she writes about the renovation of the Fosters’ home on the Mandeville lakefront (page 42). She and her husband, Gene, enjoy summer vacations at their log cabin in the North Carolina mountains. They have three children and five grandchildren and have lived on the northshore for more than 20 years.

Ila Jane Sprouse grew up in northeast Alabama. Other than reading and running (state champion in 50-yard dash), her favorite pastime was writing. As a single parent to her son (now a river pilot), she juggled parenting, earning a business degree and employment in six industries, including driving an 18-wheeler. Through it all, she has been a writer for work and pleasure. A grandmother, Jane has written two novels and created a lot of poetry and art. Now “actively retired,” she enjoys kayaking the rivers, biking the Trace, freelancing and volunteering to Keep Covington Beautiful. Her article about the renovation of the Louisiana Church in Abita Springs, which was moved from Nova Scotia, is on page 34.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Tom Fitzmorris

Tom Fitzmorris was delivered into New Orleans by a jazz musician on Mardi Gras 1951. He grew up in Treme, ate red beans every Monday from his CreoleFrench mother until he left home. He began writing a weekly restaurant review column that is still published after 42 years. In 1975, he started a daily radio feature, which grew into his current threehour daily talk show on 1350, 3WL. Now a northshore resident, Tom enjoys eating and writing about food on both sides of the lake. A Certified Culinary Professional by the IACP, he is the author of several cookbooks, more than a dozen restaurant guidebooks, a daily online newsletter (nomenu.com) and is a regular contributor to Inside Northside. In IN Great Taste (page 148), he offers a guide to the wide variety of breakfast and brunch delicacies offered by northshore restaurants. 16

Inside Northside

Other Voices: Kim Bergeron, Susan Bonnett, Matt Cole, Linda Dautreuil, Leah Draffen, Alice Fielding, Candra George, Karen Gibbs, Poki Hampton and Lori Murphy.

Reader Resources Contact Us: You may contact us by mail, phone, fax or on our website: Mail: Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148 Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 Telephone: 985-626-9684 Fax: 985-674-7721 Website: insidenorthside.com Receiving Inside Northside in Your Mailbox? You are on our mailing list, and you will continue to receive Inside Northside every other month at no charge. Please join us in thanking our advertisers, who make this possible. Pick Up a Copy: At one of our advertisersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; locations or at Barnes & Noble, 3414 Highway 190, Premier Centre, Mandeville, La. Subscribe: To subscribe to Inside Northside, to our sister publication Inside New Orleans, or if you have a question about your subscription, please contact us by telephone or e-mail us at subscriptions@insidepub.com. Subscriptions are $18 for one year or $30 for two years. To change your address, please send us both your old address and your new address. The post office does not forward magazines. Advertising Information: For advertising information, please contact us by telephone or e-mail us at sales@insidepub.com. Inquire and Share Ideas: Do you know a person, organization or endeavor we might consider featuring in our pages? Or a great storyteller who might want to write for us? Please contact the editor@insidepub.com.

Inside Northside

An Unexpected Path by Poki Hampton

Inside Northside

BOTH MORNING AND EVENING, as she drives across the Causeway, Mary Gerry observes the different ways the sunlight shines on the lake, the cloud formations and the way the wind changes the surface of the water. The cover artist says it’s the best part of her day. Her love of the water extends to the waterscapes of marshes, swamps and the Caribbean that she paints. In 1979, Mary came to New Orleans, where she lived Uptown. She says, “I was amazed to see so much original art in people’s homes I visited and toured.” She began collecting a little piece here and a little piece there, buying only what she really liked. “I bought art for Christmas and anniversaries, and these painting have become ‘old friends’ throughout my life.” After moving to Covington a few

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Cover Artist Mary Gerry

years later, Mary began taking art lessons with local potter John Hodge. John was the first of many talented art teachers she found on the northshore. Pottery on the wheel took a while to master, but Mary’s determination and John’s patience, humor and guidance kept her at it. John and his wife, Francie Rich, conduct art history trips to Europe >>

Meet cover artist

Mary Gerry and see some of her favorite works on display at the

Integrity Builders Parade of Homes House 116 Aspen Creek in Hidden Creek Subdivision in Covington off Hwy. 1085

Thursday, May 14 5:30-7:00 p.m. For more information, call

626-9684

Everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Invited!

May-June 2015 21

in the summers. Mary went with them often, absorbing art in the great museums of Europe. For five years, she took her teenaged son with her to give him an appreciation of art and the cultural differences experienced in foreign travel. On one of the trips, Mary told John that she had never learned to draw. John said, “If you ever want to learn to draw, Francie can teach you, having taught hundreds of students.” Mary took it as a challenge. By the second lesson, she had it. Francie says, “Mary has a natural talent for art and is a quick study.” “Francie has an amazing skill for putting you at ease and breaking down a drawing into manageable steps,” says Mary. She continued the lessons with Francie for several years, working in graphite and watercolor pencil, while going to school part-time. “My art lessons were a treat.” Mary has a degree in nursing from John Hopkins and has worked as a registered nurse in many different medical areas. When managed care arrived on the scene, she enrolled in eleven business prerequisites at Southeastern before entering the MBA program. For fun, Mary audited a studio art course every semester. “I used the other side of my brain and met some terrific artists who were my instructors.” She studied oil painting with Gail Hood and learned figurative drawing from Alexander Stolin, both of whom have been Inside Northside cover artists. She also studied drawing under Rancy Boyd-Snee. When Mary graduated, she took a job with Louisiana State University Health Science Center in New Orleans, where she still works today. She took some time off from art while developing her business acumen. “After 22

Inside Northside

She has the ability to paint in any venue.” “I believe that art is creatively a means of personal expression and a way to communicate with others,” says Mary. “Being open to trying new things can lead you down an unexpected path, as it did me.” Mary’s work can be seen at Pineapple Gallery in Covington.

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Katrina, I began taking lessons again with Francie. I started working with pastels and graduated to oils after several years. I discovered Gretchen Armbruster’s art school in Covington and have been studying with her for five years,” says Mary. Gretchen says, “Mary loves to paint waterscapes and Louisiana landscapes. Once, she ventured off the track to paint a portrait of her grandson, and it was exceptional.

May-June 2015 23

Graduations 2015 For an up-to-date listing of events, please check our website, insidenorthside.com.

May 7 Mandeville High School. 8 Covington High School. 9 Lakeshore High School. 9 Northshore High School.

INSIDE

11 Fontainebleau High School. 11 Salmen High School. 13 Pearl River High School. 14 Saint Scholastica Academy.

the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

14 Slidell High School. 15 Archbishop Hannan High School. 15 Northlake Christian School. 16 St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School.

May Full Monty Opening. Slidell Little

cocktails, live music, auction and

Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr, Slidell.

raffle. Audubon Zoo. Patron party,

slidelllittletheatre.org.

7-12pm; gala, 8-12pm. (504) 816-6160. auduboninstitute.org/ztd.

1-23 Plank and Feather. John Dalton Atkins and Zachary Slough Exhibit.

1, 2 Kitty Chen Trunk Show. Bustles and

St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N

Bows Bridal Boutique, 3230 Severn

Columbia St, Covington. 892-8650.

Ave, Ste B, Metairie. (504) 780-7090.

sttammanyartassociation.org.

bustlesandbowsbridal.com. 1-3 Land-O-Pines Crawfish Cook-

Free. hnoc.org. 2 Covington Art Market. St. Tammany Art Association. Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St. 9am-1pm. sttammanyartassociation.org. 2 Junior League of New Orleans Kitchen Tour. Self-guided tour of 11 homes

1-31 Michael Aram Spring Event.

celebrating a decade of beautiful kitchens

New Michael Aram styles, special

in Metropolitan New Orleans. 10am-4pm.

off. Prizes for cooks, free crawfish

pricing, gift with purchase. Arabella,

(504) 891-5845. jlno.org.

for spectators, crawfish races, family

3902 Hwy 22, Mandeville. 727-9787.

entertainment and live music Saturday

arabellamandeville.com.

2 St. Francisville and Jackson Garden Stroll. Feliciana Master Gardeners of

night. Land-O-Pines Family Campground,

1-July 18 Purchased Lives: New Orleans

LSU Ag Center presents the stroll to

17145 Million Dollar Rd, Covington. 892-

and the Domestic Slave Trade. The

visit five private gardens with Master

6023. camplop.com.

Historic New Orleans Collection, Williams

Gardeners at each site. Proceeds to

Research Center, 410 Chartres St, New

benefit 4H scholarship, school gardens

1-17 Curtain Call exhibit with The 24

Orleans. Tues.-Sat., 9:30am-4:30pm.

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

photo courtesy: ST. PAULâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CATHOLIC SCHOOL

1 Whitney Zoo to Do 2015. Restaurants,

and other local charities. 1-5pm. $20. stfrancisvillespringstroll.org. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Camellia City Farmers Market. Griffith Park, Slidell. 8am-12pm. Free. 640-7112. camelliacitymarket.org. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Covington Farmers Market. Covington City Hall, 609 N Columbia St. 8am-12pm. 892-1873. covingtonfarmersmarket.org. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Hammond Farmers Market. #2 West Thomas St. 8am-12pm. Free. dddhammond.com. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Mandeville Trailhead Market. 675 Lafitte St. 9am-1pm. Free. 845-4515. mandevilletrailheadmarket.com. 3 First Annual Southern Hotel Polo Cup. Ox Lot Jazz brunch, curated auction and polo match to benefit the Public Art for Covington Fund. Innisfree Farm, Folsom. 1-4pm. $200. (844) 866-1907. 3 Some Enchanted Evening with the LPO. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s 13th annual twilight concert. Heritage Park, 1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell. Rain location, Slidell Municipal Auditorium. 4-10pm. Free. 646-4375. slidell.la.us. 5 Cinco de Mayo at La Carreta’s. Live music by Groovy 7. 812 Hwy 190, Covington. lacarretacovington.com. 5 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Carreta’s Grill. Live music at all four locations from 5-10pm. Slidell, Super Charger; Covington, 5 Finger Discount; Harahan, The Topcats; Metairie, Sensacion Band. carretasgrill.com. 5 GiveNOLA Day. Hosted by the Greater New Orleans Foundation. Online giving event to benefit nonprofit organizations in the community. givenola.org. 6, 13, 20, 27 Covington Farmers Market. Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St. 10am-2pm. Free. covingtonfarmersmarket.org. 8 Sippin’ in Seersucker. Ogden Museum

of Southern Art. Food, drinks, free parking in Canal Place lot, music and >>

Inside Scoop best seersucker outfit contest. The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal St, New Orleans. 6-8pm. Nonmember advance, $50; nonmember at door, $60. ogdenmuseum.org. 8-24 Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple Female Version. Playmakers Theater, 19106 Playmakers Rd, Covington. Fri and Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. Adult, $15; student, $10. 893-1671. playmakersinc.com. 9 Bootcamp for New Dads. Taught by veteran dads. Abita Conference Room, St. Tammany Parish Hospital, 1202 S. Tyler St, Covington. $10. 898-4435. 9 Greater New Orleans International Dragon Boat Festival. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Cancer Center. Parking at Maritime Museum. Tchefuncte River, Madisonville. 9:30am-4pm. (416) 962-8899. gwndragonboat.com. 9 Larry Hartzog Home Brew Beer Contest. Music, food and home brewed beer. Mellow Mushroom, 1645 Hwy. 190, Covington. 4pm. 327-5407. mellowmushroom.com. 9 Mother’s Day Sip and Shop. Food, drinks and specials. Mia Sorella, 1354 Corporate Square Blvd, Slidell. 10am-5pm. 781-3909. 9 Second Saturday Art Stroll: New Members’ Gallery Exhibition. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N Columbia St, Covington. 6-8pm. sttammanyartassociation.org. 9 Swing in the Pines with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Bogue Falaya Park, 213 Park Dr, Covington. 4-7pm. Free. lpomusic.com. 9 The Last Straws Band and Rocky’s Hot Fox Trot Orchestra. Dew Drop Jazz Hall, 430 Lamarque St, Mandeville. 6:309:30pm. $10. dewdropjazzhall.com. 9-June 27 Stepping Away from the Blue Crescent. James Barbee, José-Maria Cundin, George Dunbar, Bernard Mattox, 26

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

Kathleen Trapolin and Ed Whiteman exhibit. The Atrium Gallery at Christwood, 100 Christwood Blvd, Covington. Opening reception May 9, 4:30-6:30pm. Free. 898-0515. 10 Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Brunch. Jazz band, reserved seating, mimoses for mothers and buffet. Steamboat Natchez. 11:30am and 2:30pm. Adults, $73.50; children 6-12, $29; under 6, $10. (504) 569-1401. steamboatnatchez.com. 10 Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Home Tour: Creole Houses, Old & New. Self-guided tour by Old Mandeville Historic Association with program of route and history of home. Begins at Jean Baptiste Lange House, 605 Caroll St, 2-5pm. $20. oldmandevillehistoricassociation.org. 12 Vintage Jewelry Trunk Show. Featuring a collection of estate, antique and celebrity jewelry. Champagne Jewelers, 1344 Corporate Square Dr, Slidell. 10am-5pm. 643-2599. champagnejewelers.com. 13 EXPO St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce. Free trade show for goods and services. Coquille Parks and Recreation, 13505 Hwy 1085, Covington. 3-7pm. 273-3008. sttammanychamber.org. 13 How Can Acupuncture Keep Me Well? Lunch and learn presented by Kelly Kiviko with The Healing Point. Community Center at Christwood, 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington. Registration, 11:30am; presentation, 12:00pm. RSVP 292-1234 or jportmann@christwoodrc.com. 14 Tour de Louisiana Bike Race. Downtown Covington. 7am-1pm. Free for spectators. (504) 228-5891. 15 Concerts in the Courtyard with Banu Gibson. Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St, New Orleans. 6-8pm. $10. hnoc.org. 15 Sunset at the Landing Concert. Columbia Street Landing.

May-June 2015 27

Inside Scoop Covington. 6-9pm. Free. 892-1873.

crafts sale, food and appearances by Lt.

In advance, $60; at door, $75. (504)

sunsetatthelanding.org.

General Russel L. Honoré and Lt. Colonel

650-1549.

16 Abita Springs Opry Concert. Abita

Joe Way. 11am-9pm; Veterans Tribute

22 YMCA Northshore Heroes. Honoring

Springs Town Hall, Level St. Doors open,

Ceremony, 2-3pm. Adults, $8; veterans,

heroes in the categories of youth

5:45pm. $18. 892-0711. abitaopry.com.

$5; 12 and under, free. 639-0645.

development, healthy living and social

laveteransfestival.com.

responsibility. Tchefuncte Country

16 Cruisin’ on the River Car Show. Antique hot rods, muscle cars,

16 Seersucker & Sazerac Fundraiser.

Club, 2 Country Club Park, Covington.

classic cars and trucks. Tchefuncte

St. Tammany Art Association. Live

riverfront, Madisonville. 10am-4pm.

music, art auction, exhibition, fine

Public, free; entrants, $20. 845-9824.

hors d’oeuvres and Sazeracs by

Edge Theater, 767 Robert Blvd, Slidell.

madisonvillechamber.org.

Elizabeth Pearce, a noted writer

Fri and Sat, 8pm. $25-$30. 649-3727.

and ardent Sazerac purveyor. St.

cuttingedgetheater.com.

16 Dreams Can Come True. Exhibit featuring Elizabeth Impastato works

Tammany Art Association House,

to celebrate the gallery’s second

downtown Covington. 7-10pm.

anniversary. Impastato Gallery & Art Therapy, 7039 Hwy 190, Covington. 7785338. impastatogallery.com. 16 Jumpin’ into Summer. Kids’ summer event. Covington Trailhead, 419 N New Hampshire St. Free. 892-1873. covla.com. 16 Louisiana Veterans Festival. Live music, car show, kids’ activities, arts and

sttammanyartassociation.org.

11:30am-2pm. ymcaneworleans.org. 22-June 6 Chicago the Musical. Cutting

23 Kitt Lough. Dew Drop Jazz Hall, 430 Lamarque St, Mandeville. 6:30-9pm. $10. dewdropjazzhall.com.

17 Chris Talley and Friends. Christ

23 Slidell Jazz and Blues Festival. Local

Episcopal Third Sunday Concert.

jazz and blues acts to benefit Notes for

Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S. New

Education Northshore. Heritage Park,

Hampshire St. 5pm. Free. 892-3177.

1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell. 12-10pm.

21 An Evening in Monte Carlo. Presented by the Women’s Council of Realtors. 2536 Edenborn Ave, Metairie.

Adults, $10; under 12, free. 710-3691. 23 Window Fashion Event. American Factory Direct Furniture Outlets. All

three locations, Mandeville, Baton Rouge and Long Beach. 11am-3pm. afd-furniture.com.

617-4502. ponchatoulachamber.com.

June

29 Columbia Street Block Party. Downtown Covington. 6:30-9pm. covla.com. 29-31 A Symphony of Orchids. Spring

1-7 Camp Bocamb For Boys. Catholic summer gamp including sports, an outing to New Orleans, sacraments and more for students 5th through 12th

1-3 Kelly Gibson Foundation Junior

grade. Bocamb Farms, 81495 Hwy 437,

Golf Summer Camp. Eighteen

Covington. $440. conquestlouisiana.com.

hours of instruction from PGA Tour

1-27 Stepping Away from the Blue

show and plant sale presented by

Professional Kelly Gibson, VIP tee gifts,

Crescent. James Barbee, José-Maria

The New Orleans Orchid Society.

lunch and drink provided daily. Ages

Cundin, George Dunbar, Bernard Mattox,

Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301

7-17. TPC Louisiana, 11001 Lapalco

Kathleen Trapolin and Ed Whiteman

Veterans Blvd, Metairie. Fri, 10am-9pm;

Blvd, Westwego. 9am-3pm daily. $250.

exhibit. The Atrium Gallery at Christwood,

Sat, 10am-9pm; Sun, 12-4pm.

kellygibsonfoundation.org.

100 Christwood Blvd., Covington. Free.

neworelansorchidsociety.org. 29-June 13 Belaire Bridal Trunk Show.

1-5, 8-12, 22-26 Summer Fingerprints Art Camps. For children 6-12 years

898-0515. 1-July 18 Purchased Lives: New Orleans

Bustles and Bows Bridal Boutique, 3230

old. St. Tammany Art Association’s Art

and the Domestic Slave Trade.

Severn Ave, Ste B, Metairie. (504) 780-

house, 320 N. Columbia St, Covington.

Historic New Orleans Collection, Williams

7090. bustlesandbowsbridal.com.

9am-3pm. Nonmember, $220; members,

Research Center, 410 Chartres St, New

$200. sttammanyartassociation.org.

Orleans. Tues-Sat, 9:30am-4:30pm. Free.

30 Ponchatoula Citywide Yard Sale. Maps available at chamber information

1-6 Chicago the Musical. Cutting Edge

hnoc.org. 3, 10, 17, 14 Covington Farmers

booth, Paul’s Cafe, Berrytown Corner

Theater, 767 Robert Blvd, Slidell. Fri

Cafe, Nest Interiors, C.J. Antiques and

and Sat, 8pm. $25-$30. 649-3727.

Market. Covington Trailhead, 419 N.

Trail’s End Antiques. 8am-5pm. (800)

cuttingedgetheater.com.

New Hampshire St. 10am-2pm. Free.

Inside Scoop covingtonfarmersmarket.org. 4-7 St. Jude Racquets for Reagan Tennis Tournament. Silent auction, food, drinks, kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; events and participant prizes. Francoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Athletic Club, 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville. $90 per player. 2370384. myfrancos.com. 5 Inaugural Wounded War Heroes Fundraising Banquet. Dinner, raffle, auctions and music by Harvey Jesus & Fire. Castine Center, Mandeville. 5:3011pm. $50. woundedwarheroes.org. 5, 6 Kenneth Winston Trunk Show. Bustles and Bows Bridal Boutique, 3230 Severn Ave, Ste. B, Metairie. (504) 7807090. bustlesandbowsbridal.com. 6 Bogue Chitto NWR Youth Fishing Rodeo. Kids fishing education during National Fishing and Boating Week. Pearl River Turnaround, exit 11 off I-59. 7-11am. Registration required, $15. fws. gov/southeastlouisiana. 6 Hurricane Readiness Expo. Preparedness experts, vendors and more. Fontainebleau High School, 100 Bulldog Drive, Mandeville. 9am-1pm. 898-2359. 6 Louisiana Tour de Cure. Ride to raise awareness of diabetes and its prevention with 10, 25, 50, 58 and 100-mile routes. Lunch, live music and massage therapists wait across the finish line. Tammany Trace Trailhead, 21490 Koop Dr, Mandeville. Registration, $15; fundraising minimum, +$200. diabetes.org. 6, 13, 20, 27 Camellia City Farmers Market. Griffith Park, Slidell. 8am-12pm. Free. 640-7112. camelliacitymarket.org. 6, 13, 20, 27 Covington Farmers Market. Covington City Hall, 609 N Columbia St. 8am-12pm. 892-1873. covingtonfarmersmarket.org. 6, 13, 20, 27 Hammond Farmers Market. #2 West Thomas St. 8am-12pm. Free. dddhammond.com. 6, 13, 20, 27 Mandeville Trailhead Market. >> 30

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

Inside Scoop 675 Lafitte St. 9am-1pm. Free. 8454515. mandevilletrailheadmarket.com. 6, 20 Slidell Movie Nights. Family-friendly

10:30am-12:30pm. Schedule, 867-3900.

commemorate the brief moment of

13-14 Creole Tomato Festival. Live music,

brotherhood given for the burial of a

food booths, cooking demonstrations

movies under the stars. Heritage Park,

Union officer, Lt. Commander John E.

and kids activities. French Market, New

1701 Bayou Ln. Dusk. Free. 646-4371.

Hart. Grace Episcopal Church, 621

Orleans. 10am-7pm. frenchmarket.org.

8-12 Children’s Adventure Camp at Triumph Krav Maga. Ages 6-12. 2901 General De Gaulle Dr, New Orleans. (504) 324-5705. 10-16 Camp Bocamb for Boys. Catholic summer gamp including sports, an outing to New Orleans,

Ferdinand St, St. Francisville. (225) 6354224. daythewarstopped.com. 13 Big Green Egg Demonstration.

13-14 Steinhauer Arts and Crafts Expo. Coquille Parks and Recreation, 13505 Hwy 1085, Covington. 10am-5pm.

Outdoor Living Center, 2101 N. Hwy

Adults, $5; 13 and under, free.

190, Covington. 10am-2pm. 893-8008.

steinhauerproductions.com.

outdoorlivingcenter.com. 13 Run to Remember. Benefitting

13-28 The Great American Trailer Park Musical. 30 by Ninety Theatre

sacraments and more for students 5th

the Wounded Warrior Project.

Performance. 880 Lafayette St, Mandeville.

through 9th grade. Bocamb Farms,

Terrabella Village, 100 Terra Bella

(844) 843-3090. 30byninety.com.

81495 Hwy 437, Covington. $440.

Blvd, Covington. Registration, 6:30-

conquestlouisiana.com.

7:30am; 1 mile fun run, 7:30am; 5K,

Finances Healthy. Lunch and learn

8am. woundedwarriorproject.org.

presented by LaPorte CPAs and

terrabellavillage.com.

Business Advisors. Community Center

11-14 The Ultimate Women’s Weekend. FestiGals’ four-day celebration full of empowerment workshops and exclusive

12-14 Day the War Stopped. Event to

13 Women’s and Children’s Center Tours

17 Small Business—Keep Your

at Christwood, 100 Christwood Blvd.,

shopping adventures. JW Marriot New

for Prospective Parents. Lakeview

Covington. Registration, 11:30am;

Orleans Hotel, 614 Canal St, New

Regional Medical Center, Third Floor

presentation, 12:00pm. RSVP 292-1234

Orleans. (855) 452-9563. festigals.org.

Longe, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington.

or jportmann@christwoodrc.com.

I n s i d e N o rt h s i d e

19 Sunset at the Landing Concert. Columbia Street Landing, Covington. 6-9pm. Free. 892-1873. sunsetatthelanding.org. 19-27 Freckleface Strawberry. Cutting

Corporate Square Blvd, Slidell. 2-4pm. 781-3909. 20 Louisiana Bicycle Festival. Antique bicycle exhibit, art bikes, bicycle flea market, St. Tammany Trace cruise,

273-3008. sttammanychamber.org. 26 Columbia Street Block Party. Downtown Covington. 6:30-9pm. covla.com. 26-28 Crabfest Lacombe 2015. Live

Edge Theater, 767 Robert Blvd,

contests and more. Downtown Abita

music, food, arts and crafts. John Davis

Slidell. Fri and Sat, 8pm. Adults,

Springs. 10am-4pm. 892-2624.

Park, 61100 N 12th St, Lacombe.

$17.50; children, $12.50. 649-3727.

labicyclefestival.com.

crabfestlacombe.com.

cuttingedgetheater.com. 20 Alzheimer Benefit Classy Car Show.

20 Sweet Soirée 2015. ACCESS (Adapting and Changing Children’s Environments

26-28 Hairspray Jr. 400 Phlox St, Metairie. Fri. and Sat., 7:30pm; Sun.,

“The Magic of Memories” themed car

with Successful Solutions) presents the

show with awards to top 25 cars, top 25

Sweet Soirée benefitting children with

trucks and sponsor awards. All proceeds

disabilities and their families. Stone Creek

Zydeco, blues, country and rock music,

benefit the St. Tammany Alzheimer’s

Club and Spa, 1201 Ochsner Blvd,

games and great food. Heritage Park,

Association. Lakeview Regional Medical

Covington. 7:30-11pm. $75 each; $140

1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell. 12-10pm.

Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington.

pair. accesslouisiana.org.

Adults, $20; 12 and under, free. 768-

Registration, 8:30-11:30am; judging,

24 State of the District Attorney’s Office

3pm. jpas.org. 27-28 St. Tammany Crab Festival. Live

6969. sttammanycrabfestival.com.

12-3pm; awards, 3pm. Contact Ricky

Breakfast. St. Tammany West Chamber

Quigley at 237-9134 or Cindy Quigley at

of Commerce. Sponsored by Humana.

Send your event information to

273-8579.

Beau Chêne Country Club, 602 N

scoop@insidepub.com to have

Beau Chêne Dr, Mandeville. 7:30-9pm.

it featured in an upcoming issue of

Members only, $18; after June 10, $20.

Inside Northside.

20 Father’s Day Sip and Shop. Snacks and refreshments. Mia Sorella, 1354

May-June 2015 33

Journey

of Faith

by Jane Sprouse

DURING PASTOR JEREL KEENE’S search for a new building for his growing Louisiana Church congregation, he dreamed of a simple white church with a white steeple—a vision so clear that he held onto it. He searched the entire Delta for an old church that he thought his small group of parishioners could afford to move to Abita Springs and rebuild. “We were using a daycare center for our meetings and worship, and we were overflowing into the hallway,” says Keene. Keene traveled all around the South looking for just the right church but, because of climate, humidity and neglect, most of the buildings he looked at were beyond repair or required too many resources. Networking deeper into his search, he learned about the decommissioning of a half-dozen old churches in Nova Scotia. Apparently, Nova Scotia’s congregations had dwindled because of the people’s consolidation into more populated areas. Keene decided to investigate in the hopes of bringing a decommissioned church home to Louisiana. Financially, it might have been more realistic to put

Inside Northside

up a pre-fab metal building on Abita Springs’ Main Street. “A metal pre-fab wasn’t our only option,” Keene says. “If God can part the Red Sea,” he told the naysayers, “He can move a little stick building down to Louisiana!” Keene travelled to Nova Scotia to see the All Saints Anglican Church at Granville Centre and bought it onsite from The Church of England, trusting God to help him get it south. He says, “They were about to sell it to someone who wanted to turn it into a bar!” Until he could figure out how to get it to Louisiana, Keene hired TimberhArt Woodworks, Ltd., of Hantsport, Nova Scotia, to dismantle the old church in 2009 and transport its parts to a storage building at their shop, where it remained for about four years. The deconstruction of the 200-year-old decommissioned church would prove to be quite a lesson in history. The church started out in 1789 and was commissioned in 1814. Though the cornerstone of the original church was dated 1814, parts of the church are much older than the remaining 200-yearold timbers. >>

inset photo courtesy: TIMBERHART WOODWORKS

From Nova Scotia to Abita Springs

May-June 2015 35

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

photo courtesy: LOUISIANA CHURCH/ KACE NIELSEN

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

photo courtesy: LOUISIANA CHURCH/ KACE NIELSEN

In Canada at that time, a skilled timberwright calculated exacting framework connections for a structure (within an inch of error) and fastened them together with jig-saw-puzzle accuracy, using handcarved wooden dowels. Mortises, or cavities, were cut into timbers to receive a tenon, or projection, on the end of an adjoining timber. Mortise systems date back 7,000 years in varying forms. To get the final product of one timber, a huge virgin tree of spruce or oak had to be felled with an axe or broad saw. Then the tedious task of hewing off enough of the tree to get the precise dimensions of one timber would commence. This chore alone might have taken all day. Then the timberwright would scribe each timber to indicate the intricacies of the male and female joints, envisioning all the while the framework as a whole, with exacting measurements. The assistance of beasts of burden, pulleys and lift systems would have been primitive or non-existent. Most of the timbers around the site of the church were of oak and were utilized for barns. However, some of the timbers/beams utilized for this church were not originally from the Granville Centre area. The framework contained several spruce timbers whose mortise systems were different from the oak beam joints. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The hole where the beam went into the joint on one of the old spruce beams was three-fourths the length of my leg,â&#x20AC;? explains Keene. This beam was formed from huge virgin timber. It was evident, then, that the Church of England had taken down a building of a greater size from another location and had built this church with some of its timber. One possibility is that the timber came from the French fort Louisbourg in the French settlement of Acadia, which in 1758 surrendered to the British>>

May-June 2015 37

photo courtesy: LOUISIANA CHURCH/ KACE NIELSEN

Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

during the Seven Years War with France. The fort was systematically destroyed; the stones from its walls relocated, perhaps to build up Halifax, Nova Scotia, the main British base. The detail is not clear, nor was there proof that the fort’s timbers were relocated, as well. Could these spruce timbers, which were more than 300 years old, have been used for the church in Granville Centre? It’s possible—and they could be even older than that; they have not been tested. Kimberley Reagan of TimberhArt says dismantling the church was “like looking through a history book. The ‘marriage marks’ (scribe marks) were Roman numerals, so I knew it was important to document the event. I approached PBS to shoot footage of the dismantling. I think the film resulted in bringing the two congregations together. I know the congregation up here needed some closure—they went through a lot of emotions. It also helps them to know that they have an open invitation to visit the church in Louisiana. Our company repurposes buildings to preserve history, and we care about the people involved.” Kimberly’s family traces back to Cromwell when the Europeans first discovered Nova

Scotia. So, she knows her history. Regarding the Granville Centre church, she was most reverent: “It’s a sacred space.” The Annapolis Royal Heritage web site has blogs that offer a sampling of the community’s sentiment, such as: “What a pity that the church is allowed to be torn down. It alters the feel of a town or village and takes away its character.” “Odd sense of sadness and frustration mixed with a very unpleasant touch of déjá vu.”

One person was concerned that termites would eat the structure once it was in Louisiana. And another was concerned about Canada’s cultural legislation, making it is apparently easier to prevent a painting of an 1814 building from leaving the country than the building itself. Yet, the caring Reagans (Kimberly and husband Dan, originally from Arkansas) provided Keene a place to stay in Nova Scotia and, later, made a trip to Abita Springs to help with the reconstruction of the building. In December 2013, after a threeday, 2,200-mile trip by flatbed from Nova Scotia, the church arrived in Abita Springs, and reconstruction began. It had been reported previously that services would commence at the end of the summer in 2014; later, Easter Sunday 2015 became a more realistic date. Keene says, “Folks kept pressing me to say two months or six months, when I really had no idea what problems we’d run into. We hired different groups of people, and some took more care than others on the beams. I wanted to just take our time and do it right. And it has been done right. The original windows will be encased with glass on the inside and outside. There’s only one stained glass, and it goes at the end of the church behind the pulpit area. All the timbers will be exposed inside. In my 17 years of preaching, I never thought I’d stand inside a church like this. It will be something special.” Keene was especially proud of bridging the two communities, as well. “There’s a Canadian film crew coming down to film the final product,” he says. “I think they’ll have something to take back and be proud of.” Basically, the only parts of the church that are not original are some of the wooden dowels and the>> May-June 2015 39

exterior. During deconstruction, it was discovered that there was birch batting covering the cracks between the boards. Jerry Glover served as project manager on the reconstruction, donating what time was required of him. He received no compensation, has no regrets and just thanks the Lord that he could help. “It wasn’t like working on a regular building,” he says. “Code down here caused some things to be changed within the structure, including the foundation. Wood over two hundred years old is difficult to work with, because nothing’s straight, and we had to build a shell around the original framework. But there was so much character, no power tools being used on the timbers, plus the original wooden pegs. A few other things kind of slowed down the whole process, too: satisfying the town’s permits, dealing with the architect—and the clear engineering of erecting the beams took three times longer than we expected. It will be, however, one of the most amazing old structures in the South. After spending so much time with it, I’ve an emotional attachment now. You can feel the Lord’s presence in the wood.” Some have tried to find a “Cajun” connection within this story of a church from Acadia winding up in Louisiana. After the French and Indian War, the British expelled approximately 11,500 of the French people from Acadia between 1755 and 1764. Many of them settled in Louisiana. But history tells us that the expulsion of these people happened before the Church of England built the All Saints Anglican Church in Granville Centre, Nova Scotia, in 1814. That little church will survive, thanks to the vision of a Southern Baptist preacher. Southern gospel music will reverberate underneath 40

Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

photo courtesy: LOUISIANA CHURCH

ancient timbers, while a congregation of 150 believers from different faiths and/or cultures comes together to rejoice at the preservation of a sacred space. The connection may be found within.

photo courtesy: LOUISIANA CHURCH

photo: LORI MURPHY

On April 5, 2015, Pastor Keeneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream was realized when members of the Louisiana Church celebrated Easter in their new home.

May-June 2015 41

Saving an Historic

“Old Dog” The Augustin-Foster House

BORN AND BRED in the Crescent City, Adele Foster was not sure she was ready to leave New Orleans after Katrina. She had even contributed an opinion piece to the Times-Picayune in those difficult months following the storm on “why we should stay.” She finally relented to looking at a house on the Mandeville lakefront with her husband, Mark. It was the most likely place to begin their search. They had loved Lake Pontchartrain since childhood, having sailed and crabbed its waters and even watched storms approach. Adele recalls the first time they saw their home-tobe, in June 2006. “It was on its knees, such a sad and deserted old place.” Storm waters had washed through it. The 150-year-old Creole cottage was a shell of its former life. Raccoons now called it home. The owner had plans to demolish what was left. The Fosters called

photo courtesy: ADEL E FOSTER

by Ann Gilbert

Inside Northside

the realtor repeatedly over the summer. “Like a dog lying on the roadside, you hope someone else will rescue it,” Adele says. Actually, she prayed someone else would buy it. But she had rescued innumerable dogs; the pet cemetery in her back yard had five headstones. Maybe now it was time to rescue an historic house with significant ties to early Mandeville history. Numa Augustin, the brother-in-law of Bernard de Marigny, founder of Mandeville, built the house in 1859. His parents had fled the slave revolt in the late 1700s in St. Domingue. From 1890 to 1990, Joseph Anglade and his descendants lived in the house. Historic as the property was, family and friends questioned their decision, Adele says. “It was quite fresh in our minds, too, how deadly the lake can be.” As a teacher, she recalled what she had taught her Louisiana history students: Lake Pontchartrain was not a lake at all, but a bay or an estuary, very much open to the sea. But Mark stood firm and waited patiently for Adele to come around. “Old Mandeville

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

is the only spot on the lake where you are really on the water with no levees, which is, of course, a double-edged sword,” he says. The Fosters faced a daunting task in making the Creole cottage livable, but it is what they do—they are project-oriented. The couple was prepared for the massive structural rehabilitation, as they had restored an Uptown home, doing much of the work themselves. The resurrection of this house presented an exhilarating challenge they could not wait to tackle. So they made the leap, purchasing “the lot” in October 2006. The structure was labeled “in questionable condition,” even considered a liability, and, therefore, the house itself was given no monetary value at the closing. Adele, however, saw the house as lagniappe. Items were “walking off their newlyacquired property,” so the first priority was to secure the shutters and other architectural gems and move the antique piano left by the sellers out of the construction zone. Legs of the historic piece were hanging through the floor. Researching the brand (John Broadwood & Son), Adele discovered that Queen Elizabeth had presented one of these pianos to Charles and Diana on their wedding. She dug several of the piano’s ivory keys out of the mud beneath the house. Two members of the construction >>

May-June 2015 43

stayed with her parents. She was so into her new project, she found it difficult to leave at night. “My mom would call and say, ‘Come home now!’” The major jobs, such as raising the house and electrical and plumbing, were contracted out. Skilled workers were few and far between after the storm, and often, the Fosters were disappointed with the workmanship and had to redo work themselves. So they moved into the house when it was livable, but not finished. The rest of the work was stretched out over the years as they did the labor-intensive jobs themselves. It was all-consuming. Mark says, “It’s only in the past few years that I’m back to tinkering with old Volkswagens and

Above: The entryway and dining room of the 1850 guest cottage behind the main house. Above right: Adele and Mark Foster. Right: The hallway leading to the slave quarters gallery. 44

Inside Northside

crew, as a surprise, reattached a piano leg broken off in the storm. Mark, who was trained as an engineer, drew up the foundation plans for the house. They didn’t need an architect, because they were simply returning the house to how it once was. “If we found an old wall, we left it. If we saw studs and sheetrock, that wall was pulled out. I was the contractor of record, for better or worse,” Adele shares. Mark’s business services oil companies, so he was offshore much of the time after the storm. Adele was no longer teaching, and she made daily trips to Mandeville from the West Bank, where they

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Adele is into community projects.” (He has restored some 25 vehicles.) While digging the chain wall, the crew found old brick structures, so work was halted, and Adele called an LSU archaeologist. He identified two as now-official state archaeological sites: a brick base for a cistern and a brick floor, which might have been part of an underground cold-storage cave like those used by French Creole families to hold such items as bottles of wine. The Foster home is a five-bay Creole house, meaning it has five openings—in this case, five double French doors spanning the front façade. “Picture this,” Adele says. “The entire Mandeville lakefront was lined with these galleried, five-bay cottages.” Today, many are raised high above the ground and hurricane waves. They have Victorian

or Queen Ann embellishments from the late 1800s or Craftsman or Bungalow porches from the 1930s. If all of this were stripped away, these homes would reveal the simple Creole cottage architecture that is seen today throughout Old Mandeville. “That’s why we got involved in local preservation efforts,” says Adele. “There were no laws in place. The oldest house in town could be demolished.” The Fosters watched other historic structures that could have been saved leveled to the ground during the years after Katrina. The floor plan of these small Creole cottages is the same: three rooms across the front, and two small rooms at the back corners, which are called cabinets (pronounced ‘cabinays’ in French). A roofed porch called a loggia stretches between the cabinets. Over the decades, the loggia was often >>

A view of the kitchen that was accurately restored to its original construction. May-June 2015 45

closed in to provide more interior living space. In these Creole cottages, adjoining rooms are connected with doors; there are no halls. Over 150 years, walls had come down in the house as various owners modernized. Adele restored the historical Creole architecture, which makes for a lot of small rooms. She completely redid the kitchen, which was open to the den (former loggia), replacing the wall between the two rooms and putting in new cypress cabinets. “Granite did not seem appropriate for this historic home,” she says, so she chose a brown Formica for the counters. The pre-storm house had metal posts on the front gallery. Adele replaced them with historically accurate square posts. They also used square nails whenever possible in the restoration of the house and reclaimed wood when replacing some of the flooring. In the front parlor, Adele sanded the Victorian mantel and surround and stained it, leaving one corner at the bottom rough and unfinished—“a storm fingerprint,” as she calls it. In their rebuilding of the historic property, the Fosters were fortunate to have a former resident of the cottage as a guide—Richard Giraud, whose wife was the niece of a descendant of Joseph Anglade, the 1880 purchaser. Mr. Giraud was 90 years old when he visited the house soon after the Fosters moved in. As the interior work progressed, he answered Adele’s questions, sharing aspects of his former home. Adele says, “I was so excited when I heard him say, ‘You are right. Originally, there was not a wall there.’ or ‘You have done it perfectly.’” The Foster home is more than just a single house. It includes an historic slave quarter attached to the rear on the east side. The original slave quarter had a narrow gallery (porch) in front of the shuttered doors. The Fosters gave their 46

Inside Northside

The piano leg (right) going through the floor of the room (far right) before reconstruction.

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

photo courtesy: ADELE FOSTER

E FOSTER photo courtesy: ADEL

Below: Views of the same room and piano today.

house architectural symmetry by adding a west wing as the master bedroom suite. Adele kept two old screen doors, circa 1930s, in the slave quarter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mark wanted me to get rid of them, but I just could not.â&#x20AC;? The tin roof of this wing was peeled back by Katrina, and the work crew found cypress shakes attached with square nails. Another discovery was barge board walls beneath the circa 1920s beaded board. This type of wall has an interesting history: Before steamboats, when barges floated down the >> May-June 2015 47

displaying historic family memorabilia, including birth, death and wedding certificates. 48

Inside Northside

structure with narrow interior walls. The glass is some of the oldest in Mandeville, according to Adele. She found replacements for broken windows in Louisville, Kentucky, where a married daughter lives. “Are you coming to visit the babies or buy glass?” her daughter would ask when Adele called about a trip.

The courtyard and parterre garden The tall, double-sided staircase on the front gallery is not original to the house. It graces a large circular fountain (circa 1910) in the front garden. The source of water was once a spring. “We found pipes going to the neighbor’s property, so this well may have been providing water for them, too,” says Adele. Landscaping in the front yard is in the parterre style, with boxwood edging the six separate raised beds. The interiors of the beds are divided into triangle or diamond shapes by more boxwood. Where flowers bloom today, herbs were once grown in the parterre gardens, supplying the kitchen. Adele fills her garden with plants that homeowners might have grown 150 years ago, including vetiver. >>

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

The foyer walls

Mississippi River in the 1800s, they were torn apart after being unloaded in New Orleans, as there was no way to get back upriver. The boards were then used in construction. At the back of the lot is a circa 1850 guest cottage, even older than the main house. The Fosters bought the historic guest cottage from their neighbor, Rest-A-While, once a facility for orphans and homeless children, but closed since Katrina. In purchasing it, the Fosters were preserving one more important structure from Mandeville’s early history. “It originally faced the lake and sat right next to us, but was moved in the 1880s when the main Rest-A-While dormitory was built.” Her parents now use the cottage for extended visits, and they have been invited to move there permanently by Adele and Mark. Unlike the main house, this home had never been altered over the many decades. It is a primitive

photo courtesy: ADEL E FOSTER

Enclosed by the two rear wings and the guest cottage is a lush courtyard with aspidistra (iron plant), banana trees, elephant ear and oleander. Industrious Adele hauled St. Joe Bricks retrieved from the collapsed chimney at her former New Orleans home. She cleaned them by hand and then laid them in a herringbone pattern in the courtyard, matching the brick design in the walkways around the parterre garden.

Antiques and art Much of the antique furniture in the Foster home comes from Inverness, Scotland, where Mark’s parents lived in the ’70s. The Welsh dresser in the parlor resembles a breakfront, with drawers for flatware and shelves for displaying plates. It is flanked by tall cabinets for vases or candlesticks. The oldest work of art in the Foster home is a 1695 map of England, purchased by them in that country. Adele treasures items given to them by family and friends. “It is what makes a home. It’s like being surrounded by those you love. If I had the room, I would hang every family picture we have.” She has old German and French family documents: birth, death, wedding certificates. They all are framed and hung. This homeowner has had a longtime interest in antiques, refinishing a pie safe at age 12. Family members 50

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

recognized her appreciation of heirlooms, so they bestowed her with many pieces, “because they knew I would take care of them.” One item that is not an antique holds a special place of honor—it is the original painting of the 2011 Jazz Fest Poster. Jimmy Buffet was the featured

Old Mandeville Mothers’ Day Home Tour The sixth annual Mothers’ Day Home Tour sponsored by the Old Mandeville Historic Association will be 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 10. The theme of the event this year is “Creole Houses: Old and New.” The Foster home will be among the some dozen homes and gardens open for tours. Proceeds from the tour support the Jean Baptiste Lang House, an 1852 Creole cottage donated to the city of Mandeville, which then funded its move from the lakefront to 605 Carroll Street. The preservation of the Lang House was largely due to the OMHA, which is now responsible for the renovation and upkeep of the museum. The group sponsors tours of the house and operates the gift shop. The Lang House can be booked for weddings; several were held there this spring. Tickets for the Mothers’ Day Home Tour include a program booklet with photographs and histories of the houses. Tickets are available at Das Schuler Haus, The Scotts’ Coffee and Tapas Bar, Vianne’s Tea Salon and Café and online at oldmandevillehistoricassociation.org.

artist that year—Mark likes him—and the painting was done by Garland Robinette, one of Adele’s favorite artists. Another non-antique piece of art has its own story. Over the months of restoration, before the windows and doors were installed, the Fosters began to jokingly call their house Coonhaven, because the raccoons remained through all the construction. The night Adele and Mark moved in, up the front steps came the family of raccoons. “We had a shouting match. They yelled back that this was their house, and we were the intruders.” She says they co-existed with the varmints, until the dogs rejoined the family. In honor of those previous residents, on the den wall there is an “Audubonish” print of raccoons, with a recipe for raccoon gumbo.

Living on the lake Adele and Mark live without air conditioning; the windows and doors remain open. The dogs wander in and out. “I don’t understand living on the lake and then shutting it out,” she says. Can they now relax and enjoy the fruits of this project that all began 10 years ago? Not quite. “There is still so much to do. But most—not all, but most— restoration work is so, so rewarding. It’s much like saving that old dog,” says Adele. Mark’s perspective is a bit different: “The idea of having a house on the water, like a camp, is the opportunity of a lifetime,” he says. “Few houses actually sit on the lake. We used to drive 10 miles to get our sailboat, and now it is down the street.”

Traces

by Leah Draffen

Aaron Capdeboscq The Gravel Road to Avondale. THE IDEA OF OWNING A RACECAR was absurd to Aaron Capdeboscq as he grew up on his father’s dairy farm in Tangipahoa Parish. He says, “I wouldn’t have said it was impossible, because I don’t believe in impossible, but I never would have thought of actually racing cars.” His driving experience began on gravel roads on and around the farm. “My dad would have gotten on me when I was a kid if he knew I was racing down gravel roads,” Aaron laughs. “He called it ‘hot-dogging.’ Yet, since I told him that I wanted to start racing cars a few years ago, he has been my biggest fan.” Aaron 52

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relates the moments behind the wheel to his childhood operating heavy farm equipment. “Driving a racecar is like driving any other powerful machinery. You can’t disrespect it. You have to learn to operate it and know what it can and can’t do. Once you have that and add in a little passion, that’s when it becomes fun.” Aaron left the dairy farm he grew up on to learn jewelry making. He opened De Boscq Jewelry in 2003, allowing his creative side to shine through while designing one-of-a-kind pieces for clients. His philosophy for business also applies to his philosophy in racing. He says, “I consider myself a student whether in my business or racing. There’s always something to learn.” When Aaron caught word in 2012 of Nola Motorsports Park opening in Avondale, Louisiana, he knew that he had to jump into the experience that he had always found intriguing. “I had no excuse at that point,” he grins. “It was like the universe was daring me to get on that track.” He bought a car to begin learning the skills needed to operate the powerful road racecar. He received some of the best racing advice on his very first day at the track. “An old man with grey hair and grease on his face slid out from

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

under a car and started walking my way. He said ‘That’s more car than you’ll ever need. All I can tell you is, number one, beware of the little pedal on the right, and number two, don’t give up.’” Aaron hasn’t given up yet in his three years of racing. He enjoys the intensity as well as the focus needed to drive the car. “I had to learn to achieve a level of mental privacy. You can’t think of anything else but what’s ahead of you. You can’t give anything else a thought. If you do, you’ll find yourself in the grass or in contact with something else.” Aaron believes that racing isn’t for everyone—he says that you always have to be stubborn. “It takes a lot to keep going in racing. Once something breaks, it’s not just one thing that has to be fixed; it’s ten-fold. That’s why I go to the track just twice a month. I have to work to pay for it,” he chuckles. The atmosphere of the racetrack gathers many businessmen (and women) like Aaron. What used to be an only-wealthy-man sport has become a sport for anyone who is stubborn and headstrong enough to pursue it. “There are plenty of gentlemen drivers out there these days, but we’re all as different as snowflakes—each driver has their own approach. Like any sport, it takes a level of preparation, and what you get out of it is a reflection of your personality. I tend to do my own thing and learn as much as I can.” Aaron does it for the fun, with little pursuit toward being a famous racecar driver, but there are a couple of little folks who beg to differ. “If you ask my kids, their daddy is a famous racecar driver.” And Aaron is quite okay with that. May-June 2015 53

The Louisiana Seafood Bible Series by Erin Cowser

HE TOOK THE “ICK” OUT of ichthyology, and, together with his wife, replaced it with “yum.” Meet Franklinton’s Jerald and Glenda Horst, co-authors of the Louisiana Seafood Bible series that celebrates the cuisine of all things seafood from along the Gulf Coast. The collection features six books that are so much more than the average cookbook—two volumes dedicated to fish (freshwater and saltwater) and one each to shrimp, oysters, crabs and crawfish. Described as seafood encyclopedias (heavy books chock-full of information), each book contains a history of the specified fishery industry; a reference section with detailed biological illustrations and information; a full glossary; suggestions for the best practices for shopping, selecting and properly preparing said seafood; health benefits and risks of consumption; and, of course, the top recipes shared by commercial fishing families (including their own) over Jerald’s 30-year tenure as an agricultural extension agent with Louisiana State University. The histories in the first half of each book are illustrated with rare photographs, some of them 54

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never before published. For a glimpse of the modern commercial fishing life, readers are taken on a guided tour out on the water on a typical commercial fishing trip and then on a walk through a processing plant that cleans and packages fishermen’s catches. So how did the Horsts end up the dynamic duo of seafood delicacies? According to Glenda, it started with a set of knives. “He sold me a set of knives, and that was that,” she laughs, when asked how the two met and began their courtship. “It was a really good set. In fact, we still have it in the kitchen today.” She says Jerald didn’t know how to cook anything when they first married. “I wanted barbecue, so I bought him a grill and told him he was going to cook it. Sure enough, he learned fairly quickly. A lot of his cooking training came from time spent in hunting camps over the years.” The daughter of an Atchafalaya commercial crawfisherman (her mom actually rode a boat to get to school), Glenda headed north to Baton Rouge when she was old enough, where she found administrative work. Jerald, on the other hand, took a more roundabout route to Louisiana’s capital city from >>

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Jerald and Glenda Horst

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

North Dakota by way of St. Francisville. He spent time in the U.S. Navy and as an oilfields roustabout and roughneck before working in cutlery sales while attending LSU. He ended up suspending his studies while breadwinning for his family, eventually returning to college to earn a degree in fish biology. “When Glenda and I got married in 1968, she told me I could be anything I wanted except a commercial fisherman,” Jerald says with a grin. “I sure fooled her! I ended up working with commercial fisherman every day instead.”

A bachelor’s degree led to a master’s in fisheries. Upon graduation, Jerald worked as an extension fisheries biologist in the LSU Agricultural Center and quickly rose to the position of full professor of fisheries. In essence, he translated the results of scientific research into tactics and processes that members of the commercial and recreational fishing industries as well as the seafood processing and marketing industry could use to their benefit. A monthly newsletter helped him achieve those goals. Just for fun, Jerald started including one of his favorite recipes from Glenda’s family. Not to be outdone, the fishermen to whom the newsletters were delivered began forwarding to Jerald some of their favorite family recipes for publication consideration. He says, “What a privilege it was that we got to taste test the family recipes that had been passed down for generations.” “We’d get sometimes 12 or more recipes each month,” Glenda says, “and we prepared and taste tested every single one of them. That’s a lot of dishes over 30 years, and some of them were definitely better than others.” Their daughter, Lisa Gros of Ponchatoula, couldn’t

agree more. According to Glenda, there is one particular shrimp and cheese manicotti recipe that Lisa has staked a claim to as her own. “We really messed it up for her when we published it in one of the cookbooks. She says she doesn’t want people to know how easy it is to make because they’ll start making it themselves, and she won’t have a signature dish to bring to events!” “Well, especially in the South, you’re only as good as your signature recipe, right?” laughs Lisa. “I certainly fussed at them when they published it!” “Our children had the fortune (and sometimes misfortune) of getting to eat all these different recipes, too,” says Glenda. “We decided which ones were newsletter material.” Their two children, Lisa and her brother, Jason Horst of Madisonville, have added seven grandchildren to their “family test kitchen.” Jerald says the Horst family believes a cultivated palate is the mark of a sophisticated person. Likewise, he admits his children and grandchildren have never had the luxury of being picky eaters. “Other kids will say, ‘I don’t eat this,’ and wrinkle their noses. Ours never even had that as an option. We didn’t make them eat fish eyes or anything, but they were

introduced to some pretty exotic stuff.” Like what? Well, for example, Jerald and Glenda recently took a week-long short run to sample the foods of the Rio Grande Valley. The trip was inspired by the desire to indulge in some barbacoa, a customary process for preparing meat by barbecuing the entire heads of cows and eating all of it. “The traditional method was that they would dig a trench and add a bed of coals,” says Jerald. “They’d bury the whole cow head underground and take it out 12 hours later. This is our first time to try this; it’s going to be good. We’re not taking any of the grandkids with us this trip, but we often do. You can see how >>

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husband grew up with traditional New Orleans cooking, so he was basically accustomed to seven meals and only seven meals. You know—red beans and rice on Monday, roast beef po-boys on Thursday, hamburgers on Saturday and such. But there is one particular dish my dad prepares that he absolutely loves.” It’s dog-eared in the Seafood Bible on their kitchen shelf. Ironically, the spouse with the much more subdued palate is the one who can’t get enough of the Healthy Vegetable and Catfish Soup, which Lisa finds less than appealing. The ability to win over her husband’s taste buds is a testament to the quality of the recipes shared in the cookbook series. She remembers a friend visiting from Michigan who was not a fan of shrimp and told Lisa rather adamantly that she had never had anything with shrimp that she liked even a little bit. Lisa says, “After preparing one of the recipes from the shrimp cookbook, she was converted. She took home all the leftovers!” What’s it like to have cookbook celebrities as parents? Lisa says that while talking with a fellow teacher at a school technology conference, somehow her parents’ cookbooks came up in the conversation. Lisa laughs, saying, “She happened to be a fan of the cookbook Bibles and said, ‘Oh my goodness! I feel like I’ve met the daughter of a movie star.’”

Jerald says there was never any official plan to go into the cookbook business. “But when I retired, we realized we had this treasure trove of authentic family recipes sitting in the newsletters that were lining my office shelves.” What resulted has been much more than the publication of a great collection of hundreds of recipes. As a true academian, Jerald added the more scholarly aspects to what became known as The Seafood Bibles. They certainly aren’t your usual Southern cookbooks. In fact, they’re so different their first publisher was a little reticent to even go to press with them. He would only agree to a very minimal run on their first edition. Of course, that cookbook is now in its third printing, and the second and third runs have dwarfed the first. Since then, there’ve been no problems whatsoever getting >>

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

our travel dining is a little different from most family vacations!” Lisa describes her cooking style as much less adventurous. “My

the rest of the series published. The distinctiveness of the cookbooks, which was perceived as a possible drawback at first, has now become the hallmark of the series’ success. Historical charts, diagrams and illustrations, in-depth essays and various other tidbits and trivia grace the pages along with all the family recipes. Over the years, people have told Jerald they buy the first cookbook for cookbook purposes. “Then they say they fall in love with all the ‘other cool stuff’ in the books, too, and end up buying other volumes for that purpose,” he says. There are a surprising number of people who’ve told them at book signings that they don’t even cook, yet they still love the books for the content “in the front.” The Seafood Bibles take readers along the scenic route that tracks the food from the water to the table, and Jerald is the quintessential tour guide. “They’re world-class cookbooks, no doubt—but they also provide the reader with insider knowledge about the main ingredients. Between my work and Glenda’s family, I had a unique vantage point. My knowledge came from the inside. I had an outsider’s acceptance

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into what is usually the fairly closed world of commercial fishing,” says Jerald. “Food defines culture here. South Louisiana has the ability to capture and incorporate any culture to which it’s exposed—French, Spanish, South Texan, Islenos, Croatians, English, German and everything else. Unless you’re a genealological sleuth, you wouldn’t know it,” Jerald says. An appreciation for the South Louisiana culture came easily for the northernborn scholar who moved south at an age when he was just old enough to remember some of the Ukrainian/ Russian/German foods his grandparents prepared. “Fishing and food are amazingly intertwined here,” Jerald says. “Jamie Shannon of Commander’s Palace was a wonderful sports fisherman. And look at Frank Davis; he was a perfect example of how fishing influenced the culinary flair of South Louisiana.” Working alongside commercial fishermen, Jerald had the epitome of freshness in seafood available to him, not just once the catches were delivered to the docks, but even while he was actually on the boat decks. “There’s nothing quite like it. I could saw the head off a tuna right behind the eye while standing

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

on the deck of a long line boat,” he remembers. “You take a razor-sharp knife and shear some of the flesh while it’s still wiggling and drizzle some soy sauce on it (you’re not going to find wasabi on a respectable fishing boat). It dissolves like butter on your tongue.” Have you ever heard of soft-shell shrimp? Jerald has. And he’ll tell you they’re delicious. “I had the access to the rarest finds,” he says. “Even foodies in Louisiana have never heard of soft-shell shrimp!” What’s next for this culinary couple? They’ve been pressed to add to the collection, but Jerald’s fairly confident the Seafood Bible series is retired. “However,” he adds, “there is a new book that I’m presently working on.” A different approach to the Bibles, this book involves the Horsts actually going to the homes of local families to see and taste the recipes as they’re made in their kitchens. This allows for interviews and views of the cooking customs and practices that have been passed down through generations. What’s a pinch to one family may very well be a smidgen to another. They’ll continue to travel together and eat and dig into local foods, fish and culture. Glenda teases

Jerald Horst is a past president of the Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists, and a member of the Louisiana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Named the 1997 Conservation Communicator of the Year by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Horst has published articles for the Coastal Ecology Institute, the Coastal Fisheries Institute, the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program and Lagniappe Fisheries Newsletter. He has written columns for the New Orleans Times-Picayune and Louisiana Sportsman Magazine. Jerald that since the beginning fishing has been an integral part of their marriage. “He brought a fishing pole on our honeymoon in Arkansas,” she laughs. What are their personal favorites in the cookbooks? Glenda highly recommends the manicotti shrimp and the shrimp and crab au gratin. Lisa says you’ll love the trout with shrimp sauce. Bon appétit, y’all!

by Erin Cowser

A Dog Named Hayward Powerful Paws for Children. SIT. FETCH. ROLL OVER. STAY. Pacify and soothe children who are enduring situations that children should never have to endure. Wait … what? Your dog doesn’t do that? Well, meet Hayward. He may look like a perfectly mild-mannered member of the Kennel Club, but there’s much more to him than that. Hayward is a professionally trained companion who provides advocacy to children. He earned his designation through Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit organization that provides rigorous training for companion dogs and their prospective handlers. CCI is an accredited 62

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member of Assistance Dog International and has placed over 3,800 dogs since its inception in 1975. However, more than 400 local children will tell you it’s the singular placement of Hayward that has made a difference in their life experiences. And that doesn’t even count their parents, siblings and or caregivers. As of the end of January, Hayward had participated in 405 interviews since coming to work for the CAC two-and-a-half years ago. He was the first canine of his kind in the state. Following his lead, there are now two other dogs, in Grant and Terrebonne parishes, that do what he does. Hayward works to assist victims, witnesses and others during forensic interviews and additional services provided through the Children’s Advocacy Center in Hammond. CAC performs forensic interviews if a child discloses neglect or abuse and a responsible adult reports it to law enforcement or the Department of Children and Family Services. Hayward’s role is to make the experience less intimidating for the children and families involved. “It’s just like when a child takes a blanket or favorite stuffed animal with them to the doctor,” says Joelle Henderson, CAC program director. “He just happens to be a furry, 68-pound, half-Lab and half-Golden mix instead of a teddy bear.” Although no scientific research has been conducted in attempt to measure or confirm the comfort Hayward brings, his impact is obvious to anyone who has witnessed his work. One little girl stands out in Henderson’s mind.

photo: JOHNNY CHAUVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Traces

Sadly, this 12-year-old child had been through the process several times, so she knew the system all too well. She didn’t want to talk to anyone—at least, not any humans. “She got down on the floor next to Hayward in the interview room,” says Henderson. “She lay face-to-face with him on the floor, and for 12 minutes straight she told him what had happened to her. It was incredibly moving and terribly gut-wrenching at the same time.” Henderson says most of the children who invite Hayward to be a part of their interview pet him non-stop during the process. Others only reach out during discussion of the abuse. However, Hayward’s role is not limited to helping during the interviews; he also serves as a prelude to the actual interview sessions. Hayward’s handler, Lori Banks, who is also a CAC family advocate, says that when a family opts to involve him, she introduces Hayward by teaching the children how to give him some simple commands and allowing them to lead him to the interview room. “Not only does it let children and families familiarize themselves with him, but allowing the children to give directions empowers them,” Banks says with a smile. “It changes the focus of the visit to our office from something negative to something positive.” Positive may be an understatement, as many of the moms ask to take pictures of their children with Hayward once their interview sessions are complete. That certainly makes one take pause when you consider that Hayward is able to turn a day that is focused on horrendous >> May-June 2015 63

occurrences into a day that children want to remember—all because of a dog named Hayward. That’s powerful stuff. And so, it’s very appropriate that Hayward’s official program is named “Powerful Paws for Children.” His calming influence on children cannot be measured, and equally impressive is his ability for preventive education through outreach. It is estimated that through public appearances at festivals and schools, Hayward has interacted with well over 8,000 individuals. He’s also very popular on the Rotary, Kiwanis and chambers of commerce circuits. Of course, he lets Banks do the talking for him at those events. Visiting schools is an important facet of the “Powerful Paws” strategy for the CAC. “Child abuse and neglect are not glamorous subjects,” says Banks, “but children see how Hayward can help children. They learn that if a furry animal can help people, people can help people.” 64

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photo: JOHNNY CHAUVIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Hayward and Lori Banks.

Whether working with children in the office or adults out and about in the community, Banks and Henderson have nothing but praise for their fourlegged friend’s work ethic. Banks says he reports to work every day (which makes sense, since he lives with her and comes to work with her every morning) and never complains. He’s chipped and tattooed (which I’m told is popular with the lady canines these days). He eats two meals a day and vigorously exercises every evening after work. His hair is brushed daily. Once a week his teeth are brushed, his nails are clipped and his ears are cleaned. And once a month, he gets a bath, compliments of Hammond Veterinary Services. Hayward’s work attire consists of a vest with lots of pockets. What exactly does a canine companion put in his pockets? Of course, any self-respecting working dog carries his own business cards. And, according to Banks, another pocket contains poop baggies for when he’s out of the office. He eats on command. He goes to the bathroom on command (now, that’s impressive!). Banks says the only thing he doesn’t do on command is go to sleep. He lists over 42 command responses on his résumé. His favorite after-work activity is play time with his toy frog. And he really does work for kibble. For more information on the CAC or Hayward’s “Powerful Paws” program, go to childadv.net or call 902-9583. Tollfree, 800-798-1575. May-June 2015 65

IN Better Health

by Leah Draffen Health Concern: Chronic Temporomandibular Joint Disorder and headaches. Treatment: Headache and pain rehabilitation.

WHEN A CAR ACCIDENT in September 2014 left Shelia Holmes unable to open her mouth wide and barely able to swallow, she was unsure where to turn. “My jaw and mouth hit the steering wheel of the car,” she says. “After that, I had four loose teeth, inflammation around my jawline and neck and extreme pain.” Shelia visited her family dentist, who referred her to Emilie Russo Schenck, DDS, at Schenck Dental Wellness. She saw Dr. Schenck for an initial consultation in January 2015 and says, “Dr. Emilie examined my teeth and jaw. It was very sensitive at the time.” Dr. Schenck determined that Shelia was experiencing temporomandibular joint disorder due to trauma from the car accident. “As dentists, our expertise involves not only treating the teeth,

nervous system of these areas,” says Dr. Schenck. Schenck Dental Wellness fuses advanced dentistry with physical therapy to treat patients with headaches or pain that involves their face, jaw, ears or neck muscles. Before assigning Shelia to physical therapy, a comprehensive exam was performed by Allison Roux, PT, that included her head health and medical history as well as a pharmacological assessment. Within two days after the initial appointment, treatment began with Mark Schenck, PTA. Mark, along with Allison, work with patients to help alleviate pain, migraines or other symptoms caused by TMD or other disorders of the head and neck. “Shelia came to us with a 10 out of 10 pain level,” says Mark. “Her vertical and bilateral mouth opening was very limited.” “Mark started working with me at home two days after I visited. It only took a short time to start feeling results,” says Shelia. “We would do neck and jaw exercises to help me open my mouth wider and be able to swallow.” “Using specialized physical therapy and rehabilitation to the neck and face, we are able to help Shelia’s pain level,” Mark explains. “Appropriately treating the patients requires a full understanding of their condition and its causes to best relieve and prevent their pain long-term.” Schenck’s protocol for Shelia required 18-24 visits from Mark. “We’re half-way through her visits and she is able to open her mouth wider and the headaches are almost nonexistent,” says Mark. Shelia also visits the Mandeville office for Allison to check her progress and continue her path

gingival tissues and oral cavity, but also caring for the muscles of the head, neck and jaw and the

to pain-free recovery. She says, “I see Allison for more therapy and for her to evaluate my progress.”

with Shelia Holmes

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The treatment has greatly improved her range of motion, strength and pain level—which is now 2 out of 10. “Before this, I had no idea there was a thing as physical therapy for the face,” says Shelia. “It really works. I’ve been so amazed.” In addition to facial and neck therapy, Shelia is also learning posture awareness. Mark works to improve her posture to alleviate pain caused by damage surrounding her cervical spine. “We use posture exercises to stabilize and strengthen the neck which supports the head,” he says. “The cervical spine is the root of the tree. Once the neck has been injured in an instance like Shelia’s, we have to strengthen the support structures of the head and neck to improve TMJ function.” The collaboration of Dr. Schenck, Mark and Allison has allowed a quicker recovery for Shelia’s pain and headaches. “Shelia’s next steps are stabilization maintenance with proper bite force distribution and referral back to her dentist to restore her teeth,” says Dr. Schenck. “Along with continuing her home excerise program to stabilize supporting musculature.” “I love working with Dr. Emilie, Allison and Mark,” says Shelia. “I’m looking forward to even more improvement.”

! e m o s e Aw moment came when we passed the Green Knight and turned right heading out to Holiday Isle. In addition to the current boyfriends and bffs that came, the group included many family friends. This was our ritual for well over a decade of summers. I remember when they announced the opening of the Mid-Bay Bridge in the early ’90s. But why would you want to miss the sights along the way? The answer, which I didn’t know at the time, was that getting deeper into the panhandle was awesome! These days, our favorite sunshine spot is the stretch of 30A in South Walton from Miramar Beach to Rosemary Beach. It is at once bustling and laid back. Sparkling white sand is a given, but there is so much more. Unlike Holiday Isle, which is primarily >>

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

WE ALL WANT TO FEEL LIKE A KID in the warm days of summer. Riding bikes, eating ice cream and playing volleyball are just a few ways we step back in time. Though most of these activities are available at home, nothing can replace the summer vacation. Every summer we’d make our trek to the Sunshine State. In the ’70s when you said that, you were most likely talking about Destin. Driving through Pensacola and Fort Walton, we crossed over the bridge, where we made the first Alvin’s Island sighting. It was on that overpass in 1978 that I ran my Monte Carlo into the back of my mom’s car because I was following too closely and most likely closed my eyes while belting out a song on the radio.Ah, memories! The official “we are here”

by Lori Murphy

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May-June 2015 69

condominiums and homes along the beach, these are communities with a mix of places to eat and shop, hang out or socialize. It is easy to find just the right spot to meet friends and toast the sunset overlooking the sand and surf. If you are old enough to ride a bike, you can probably get to an ice cream shop and a grilled cheese sandwich. The options are, of course, much wider than that. >> If you like to have something more specific than relaxation on your agenda, you might consider some of the following ideas this summer: May 8-10 ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival. artsquestflorida.com. June 4-6 Digital Graffiti Festival at Alys Beach. digitalgraffiti.com. Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival (parade June 8). billybowlegsfestival.com. June 17-21 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin. fishecbc.com. July 4 There are fireworks all along 30A and a parade in Seaside that is not to be missed! seasidefl.com. August 22 The 29th annual Sandestin Triathlon. sandestintriathlon.com.

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Music Wherever You Play

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Drytunes is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first totally waterproof, highfidelity wireless speaker with safe and secure internal dry storage. The speaker is designed to be played closed, with more than 400 cubic inches of internal dry storage to keep phones, cameras, tablets, wallets, keys and other valuables completely dry while enjoying music on the beach, in the pool or in any other environment! It floats with the lid (speaker) facing up or down, and can be controlled wirelessly by any Bluetooth-enabled device. It is 100 percent waterproof, submergible and dust-proof. Drytunes is extremely rugged and perfect for kayaking, paddle-boarding, the beach, pool, fishing, camping, boating, tubing, tailgating, snorkeling or any other outdoor activity. Take Drytunes along on your summer vacation! Drytunes is designed and assembled by hand right here in Mandeville. drytunes.com.

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photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Coastal Dune Lakes A treasure of Florida’s beachfront state parks

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

My beach trip musical memories include classics like Victors and the Voltage Brothers! Today, no matter what style of music you like best, there is plenty of listening and dancing to be done along the Emerald Coast. If jazz is your thing, do not miss the Red Bar, a Grayton Beach classic. Many afternoons you can enjoy steel drum music with Rudy Applewhite at Tommy Bahama’s in Grand Boulevard. Rum Runners Dueling Piano Bar in Baytowne Wharf has a nightly show at 8 p.m., and you might see who is playing at Pandora, also in Grayton, to dance the night away. No matter what summer vacation means to you, I hope it includes sunshine and water … and a bit of sparkling white sand between your toes!

The natural tannins that color the water do not make it toxic, but can create quite a sight when you happen to witness the lake waters breach the dune, exceeding their high-water line. When this happens they flow through tributaries into fluid pools on the beach and into the Gulf of Mexico. The beachfront state parks allow visitors access to the lush landscapes found surrounding the lakes and offer them in sharp contrast to the sand and surf of the adjacent coastline. Located in Inlet Beach at the Walton-Bay county line straddling Hwy. 98, Lake Powell is the largest of the coastal dune lakes in the Florida panhandle. Camp Helen State Park sits on its southern shore and boasts a lodge filled with historical memorabilia, nature trails and water activities galore. The second largest coastal dune lake is located in Grayton Beach State Park, which often holds the honor of being listed among the top beaches in America. For information on these and other state parks in the area, visit floridastateparks.org.

courtesy: WHERE YOU’D RATHER BE - PUBLISHED BY THE IDEA BOUTIQUE

Coastal dune lakes are rare and beautiful, but this unique stretch of Florida’s Emerald Coast happens to be home to 15 of these treasures. Each with their own character, the lakes have water that can range from fresh to brackish, with varying degrees of saltiness and colors going as deep as tea in some areas.

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Flourishes

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1. Something to Talk About cookbook by Junior League of Lafayette, $24.95. Oil and Vinegar, Covington, 809-1693. 2. 24” x 24” original mixed media abstract, $1,065. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522. 3.Light blue-grey small fish bowl with large fish serving platter, sold separately; small bowl, $14; large bowl, $58. Rug Chic, Mandeville, 674-1070. 4. Mudpie weathered-

wood and silver crab spoon rest, $22.50; weathered-wood cookbook holder, $34; Mrs. Simms’ Fun Cooking Guide, $10.95. Mia Sorella, Slidell, 781-3909. 5. Louisiana Cypress custom ice chest available in single or double, starting at $279.99. Mandeville Party Co., Mandeville,

674-1605. 6. Bryson 12” round end table, $125; Bryson 17” end table,

$155. The Pool & Patio Center, Metairie, 837-2022. 7. Soapstone tequila shooter set, $60. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045. 8. Uttermost Henzler mirrored coffee table available in silver or gold, $398 when this ad is mentioned. American

Factory Direct Furniture Outlets, Mandeville, 871-0300. 9. Ultimate BBQ Cleaning Tool custom, $40. mélange by kp, Mandeville, 807-7652.

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Flourishes

1. Large architectural fragment on stand, $1,950. St. Romain Interiors, Madisonville, 845-7411. 2. It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Goin’ Coastal table lamp, $169. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008. 3. Battery operated lighted initial available in silver and

bronze, $38. deCoeur Gifts & Home Accessories, Covington, 809-3244. 4. Kathryn McCoy Amethyst Sea Urchin can be

used as a bowl or vase; small, $350; large, $895. Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor, Mandeville, 727-9787. 5. Docked-N-BAY, 48” x 48” gallery-wrapped acrylic by 6

Elizabeth Impastato. Impastato Gallery & Art Therapy, Covington, 8

778-5338. 6. Daydream by Peacock Parfumerie Botanical

Wax Curiosities, $28.95. Earthsavers, Mandeville, 6741133. 7. Eye-catching chair with plush cushions and acrylic side panels, starting at $2,280. Villa Vici, New Orleans, villavici.com. 8. Custom gift baskets for Mother’s Day, graduation, bridal showers. Infusé, Mandeville, 778-0903. 9. Paul 9

Mitchell Limited Edition You’re Golden Express Ion Smooth

+ Iron, $110. H2O Salon, Mandeville, 951-8166. 10. Essio aromatherapy shower kit with pure, organic essential oils, $45. The Oasis Day Spa, Mandeville, 624-6772.

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Inside Northside

INside Look Shades of Poppy

2 3

1 5

1. Fringe necklace, $32. Stone Creek Club and Spa, Covington, 801-7100.

2. Laundry by Shelli Segal hibiscus dress with side zipper detail, $148; McClendon Designs white beaded necklace with natural spike, $130. The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797. 3. 14 kt white and rose gold halo setting ring with .50 cttw diamonds and .50 cttw round rubies, $2,250. Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-5098. 4. Escapada tangerine and pink Harper top, $66; gold and silver fleur de lis necklace, $22. Mainstream Boutique, Mandeville, 674-6600. 5. Collective Concepts 6

woven coral dress, $60. Paisley Boutique, Mandeville, 727-7880. 6. Hand-beaded chiffon statement

necklace designed by Mignonne Gavigan, $695. Hemline, Mandeville, 778-0906. 7. Fit and Flare Others Follow Petula sleeveless coral dress, $49. [brown eyed girl], Mandeville, 606-0100. 8. Ladies pink sapphire 18 kt white gold double halo fashion ring, $5,075; ladies pink tourmaline 18kt white gold antique fashion ring, $3,750. De Boscq Jewelry, Mandeville, 674-0007. 9. Helenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heart red

rhinestone strappy heels, $69. Dr. Burkenstockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Skin Body Health, Mandeville, 237-1960. 9

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INside Look Shades of Poppy

1. Umgee pleated halter jumper 3

with tie belt, $59. cameo boutique, Mandeville, 231-1332. 2. Oliver’s People Jaide sunglasses, $360; Paul Smith eyeglasses, $320. Louisiana Family Eyecare, Covington, 875-7898. 3. 23.36 ct rose

quartz necklace with .28 cttw 5

diamonds, $2,875; 12.96 ct rose quartz with .70 cttw diamonds, $3,375. Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666. 4. Tie-dye floral open shoulder

shift dress, $72. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 807-1789 or 809-1690. 5. Cleo Swim by Panache Lucille coral tankini and skirt swim separates; top, $82; bottom, $48. Bra Genie, Mandeville, 951-8638. 6. Kameleon sterling silver ring

with interchangeable JewelPops starting at $29; ring pictured, $95. DeLuca’s Expressions in 9

Gold, Covington, 892-2317. 7. Habitat piano jacket, $72. California Drawstrings

Northshore, Covington, 3277300. 8. MZ Wallace garnet metallic large Metro tote with quilted oxford nylon, $195. Emma’s Shoes and Accessories, Mandeville, 778-2200. 9. Red and black plaid rollsleeve top. JuJu’s Boutique, Mandeville, 624-3600.

Inside Northside

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Inside Northside

INside Look

3 2

Shades of Poppy

1. Aqua and jade gold-beaded necklace with quartz medallion outlined in gold, $135. The French Mix, Covington, 809-3152. 2. Pink and navy Peter Pan 6

dress, $49. Olive Patch, Covington, 5

327-5772. 3. Organic white and pink stone bangle, $15. Private Beach, Mandeville, 674-2326. 4. The Lilly Pulitzer Whiting Shift in Feeling Tanked print with cutout back detail, $138.

Palm Village, a Lilly Pulitzer signature store, Mandeville, 778-2547. 5. Maxi dress by BuddyLove, $92. POSH Boutique, Covington, 898-2639. 6. Silk dupioni dress with organza roses at waist, $74; girl’s white ballet shoe with satin ribbon, $44. All Wrapped Up, Mandeville, 778-2041. 7. Alo Current Tank in white, heather and Neon Azalea, $66; Alo Illusion Capri in heather and Neon Azalea, $78. Basics Underneath, Mandeville,

727-9521. 8. Sorbet Volatiles available in children’s sizes 10-4, $39. Shoefflé, Covington, 898-6465. 9. Coral shift maxi dress. JuJu’s Boutique, Mandeville,

624-3600.

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INside Look 2

Shades of Poppy 1. Ippolita 18 kt gold and mother of pearl doublet station necklace from the Lollipop Collection, $3,595. Lee Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Metairie, 504-8320000. 2. Navy blue stretch

tailored blazer, $550; berry cotton and cashmere V-neck sweater, $125; Traveler plaid tailored-fit sports shirt, $60. Jos. A. Bank Clothiers,

Mandeville, 624-4067. 3. 18 kt white gold geometric fashion ring with 1.80 cttw round rubies and .09 cttw of round brilliant diamonds, $2,750. Champagne Jewelers, Slidell, 643-2599. 4. Peach Avero bra and panty separates with floral embellishments by Marie Jo; 7

bra, $96; panty, $48. Bra la Vie, Hammond, 662-5065. 5. Pink silky jumpsuit, $48. OSpa Lifestyle Store at Francoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Mandeville, 7920200. 6. Fitted cotton dress by 4.collective, $269. Vine, 9

Mandeville, 373-4533. 7. Gottex Tutti Fruitti underwire one-piece, $151. Bora Bora, Mandeville, 951-8454. 8. BCBG Maxazria Allison sleeveless top in fuchsia,

$158. Fleurt, Covington, 8098844. 9. Custom printing cloth products, prices available on request. Backyard Printing and Secondline Handkerchiefs, Mandeville, 231-7789.

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May-June 2015 85

THE WHIR AND BUZZ OF NATURE and industry meet elegant design and animation at the St. Tammany Art Association in Covington. Walking down North Columbia Street or driving by in a car, it is difficult to ignore the exciting developments behind the distinctive sienna double doors. If the title Plank and Feather does not get your attention, the animated video and sleek moving aluminum wings in the window surely will. Until May 23, 2015, two promising multimedia artists, John Dalton Atkins and Zachary Slough, are showing collections of sculptures, drawings and animation that delight, challenge and open a window into the process of making art out of materials commonly used for other purposes. Both young men were recognized as outstanding graduates of Southeastern Louisiana University in 2014. Fully engaged in the practice of developing ideas, collecting materials and constructing art, Atkins and Slough are busier than most venturing out from university life. Dedication to exploration in concept and craftsmanship, plus the ability to collaborate with peers in a number of disciplines in timely and effective projects, sets them apart. Such endeavors require energy and organization as well as abilities to recognize and maximize opportunity in a moment. In the fall of 2014, I found myself in a moment of my own, heading west to Hammond

Inside Northside

photos courtesy: JOHN ATKINS

Plank

Artists John Dalton Atkins and Zachary Slough by Linda Dautreuil

photos: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

and Feather

to attend a reception for Louisiana artists on the SLU campus. I had no idea that the seed of an idea would take root in a simple conversation over the largest cheese wheel I have ever seen. Seeking some sort of balance in scale, my eyes came to rest on a small sculpture by John Atkins. I did not know the artist, so I approached Maggie McConnell, sculptor and active member of the St. Tammany Art Association. McConnell suggested that John and a fellow graduate and collaborator, Zach Slough, present an exhibition proposal to STAA. Timing was important, since the organization schedules

exhibitions at least one year in advance. Noting the overwhelmingly positive comments from members of the Artists Advisory Board, Cindy Pulling, STAA executive director, speaks of the importance of proposals: â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of our goals is to provide an anchor within the community as presenters of both emerging and established artists working in a variety of medias and across multiple disciplines. We consider the submission of proposals an important skill for artists. The proposal submitted by Atkins and Slough was exceptional. All support materials were encased in a wood and metal portfolio, an original design fabricated by the artists. Such attention to detail is not absolutely essential, but in this case, it was a treat to see such a thorough approach.â&#x20AC;? A Louisiana native, John Atkins grew up in Chalmette. Zachary Slough moved to Louisiana from Indiana. Both enrolled in the visual arts program at SLU, with concentrations in sculpture and animation. In the process of developing very different working styles, the two became friends and colleagues, participating in every opportunity presented to gain experience and expand their skills in a variety of areas, such as assistantships working with faculty and established visiting artists and collaborating with performing arts companies and community cultural organizations. >>

Above right: Zachary Slough. Above left: John Dalton Atkins. May-June 2015 87

Skills in welding, fabrication and computer design programs opened doors for Slough as a student. He received a commission from the Washington Parish Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department to create a bronze relief sculpture. His participation in community includes steady employment as a welder/fabricator at Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Inc. in Holden, Louisiana. In 2011, Slough began working with the SLU Theatre Department as a specialty designer and prop maker. Who can forget Sweeney Toddâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s barber chair, which sits in his living room today, or his designs for productions of Rumors at the Bonnie Borden Theatre in Hammond and Peter Pan and Tinkerbell at the Columbia Theatre? Conversations with Atkins and Slough are always interesting, filled with unexpected details and possibilities for creative thinking in everyday life. One can hardly call the movie industry ordinary, but based on the experience Atkins and Slough have accrued in such a short time, it may become everyday, indeed. When Twisty the Clown appears in a segment of American Horror

Story: Freak Show with a moveable toy in his hand, he is handling a John Atkins kinetic wood sculpture. Atkins likes the process of finding his materials, and a visit to his studio is like walking into the chamber of a forager who collects odds and ends, well-worn objects that have been discarded from previous use but bear the markings of their history. It is not necessarily a pretty sight, and there are few restrictions on scale, so there are car parts, radiators, metal fans, wheels and pulleys, wooden implements, propellers, gears and knobs strewn about in random order, or so it may seem to a visitor. Atkins sees it differently. Almost all are works in various stages of progress or have some potential, which resonates with John as the seed of an idea rolls around in his head.

put together, taken down and built up again,” he says. “Nothing is too precious.” Like most serious artists, there is the ability to deconstruct less successful works to be put to better use. He is unafraid to transition from painting to sculpture and back again. Play is part of the mix akin to “problem solving in real time and space.” Atkins uses acrylic paints, watercolors, sand and sawdust as texture, and then uses heat or burning to achieve the deteriorated aesthetic of historic architecture. Like rust or moss, he intends that his assemblages appear to be taken over by natural forces. Zach Slough is also interested in kinetic possibilities, but his process and materials could not be more different. His approach is thoughtful in concept and references elegant

This is not a serene environment; it can be loud with the cacophony of various power tools and sanding machines. There may be music. And there is paint. Atkins describes his process as organic and intuitive. “Like Legos that are

designs bearing some relationship to the designs of ornithopters. While these early machines attempted flight by simulation of movement patterned after the flapping of bird wings, Slough creates flight suits with wings that >>

appear to reference both the past and the future simultaneously. Think of the Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus and Slough’s sleek aluminum wings in his Impetus Series, moving either by mechanical or human power. The relationship between Slough’s drawings and his wings and flight suits is mindful of the classical drawings of Leonardo DaVinci, whose designs for flight were scientific as well as artistic achievements. It was in a class with Jeff Mickey, SLU professor of sculpture, that Zach was introduced to the kinetic work of 20th century artist George Rickey. According to Slough, “I pretty much tried to knock off his work, only to discover that did not work for me. I moved into a study of gears as kinetic objects. These experiments were controllable and yielded positive results. Success kept me working and refining my ideas. Because of my experience with computer programs, I was able to translate my designs into three dimensions and create compositions in wood as a test or prototype. I had experience with steel and aluminum as a fabricator, and the use of these materials in industry influences my work,” says Slough. “I usually have an image in my mind of how my sculpture will look before making a series of drawings to further explore possibilities. I use computer programs to assist in working out models for the moving parts. Usually, the finished piece is actually very close to the drawing.” The materials commonly used by Slough— aluminum, steel, and sometimes wood—are carefully structured. In order to achieve the color relationships 90

Inside Northside

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

he wants for the membrane of wings, Slough says, “I use a chemical heat process or patina. Patinas are very difficult, yet the results can be rich. Controlling the heat is the best chance to arrive at the desired finish, but every minute variation can affect the outcome. The irony is that I can control the shape precisely with careful planning of every detail, yet, when working the patina, which is usually at the end of the process, I depend on randomness requiring me to let go and accept.” The confidence to trust experience is common ground between Atkins and Slough. The ability to maintain a continuity of theme in other areas of expertise, such as animation in the case of Atkins, and furniture making and wood reliefs for Slough, surfaces as we discuss the use of computer programs, which Atkins utilizes in putting together

his digital work. Here, he sets down a rough idea in Photoshop and uses Illustrator and aftereffects, moving the images around much like his handling of materials in real time. “With digital work, I can take advantage of programs for precision to make my ideas clear. I usually start with a simple narrative, such as the balance between industry and nature and how they interact, whether or not that relationship is negative or positive.” Plank and Feather is rich in as many details as the conversations with Atkins and Slough. That the future holds promise for both appears certain. The Plank & Feather exhibit will be featured through May 23 at the St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St. in Covington. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

May-June 2015 91

Generous Hearts

by Susan H. Bonnett

A Common Thread

EACH ISSUE, AS I GATHER MY THOUGHTS for this article, I look for a common thread—a theme, a point, a purpose or a story. Ironically, this month, the fact that I cannot identify that theme, point or purpose is in fact, the story itself. So humor me, if you will, while I make some general observations that in the end should all be related—that can be our common thread—but today they are not. In my world of philanthropy and all things community “good,” I do not go a day without hearing or saying the words quality of life. In fact, most people on the northshore use that phrase as the go-to reason they are here. Protecting that quality of life is at the heart of philanthropy. Likewise, in similar circles but with a business focus, the equally most-common phrase is economic development. So, in my simple mind, that tells me two things. One, we all really like our quality of life, and two, a lot of people are talking about and doing economic development. But, what does that really mean? To better answer that question, our Foundation is spearheading a visioning

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process for the northshore region that might best be described as “What do we want to be when we grow up?” What elements of our community demonstrate our ideals and how can we replicate them? If we string them together do they support our goals of economic development and preserving our quality of life?

General Observation Number 1 I have recently done a great deal of reading and research on economic development, specifically within the world of philanthropy. Two things keep popping up that I find very interesting. Traditional economic development has historically been about counting jobs, payrolls and identifying direct revenue payback into a defined economy. At the same time, traditional philanthropy has historically been people with wealth giving to the less fortunate and supporting those people and places that need it the most. But we now know that traditional methods of looking at those concepts independently is the equivalent of a dusty VCR supporting a modern Wi-Fi-connected TV. Progressive economic development and modern philanthropy work more like Apple

TV and Netflix, advancing the common thread of protecting quality of life while promoting economic prosperity. These can no longer be two separate solo approaches. The future of successful economic development and flourishing philanthropy lies in the collaboration between the two. Around the country, thriving communities focus on these two fundamentals, and the by-products are really good things. When those elements are in balance in a place, more people want to live in that place, and quality employees bring more quality jobs to that place. Higher-quality jobs bring more money, and more money gets passed around that place. Not just in taxes and local businesses, but in our churches, our schools, our social service agencies and the arts community and so on. Philanthropy thrives and preserves our quality of life. Suddenly, economic development and our quality of life become not only intertwined, but in many respects the same thing. So if a progressive, thriving region is what we want to be, it stands to reason that we should focus on those two things, right? Economic prosperity and quality of life. The former seems pretty straightforward and easy to measure. We can track tax revenue, bank deposits, median salary statistics and countless other fact-based numbers to document wealth creation. But how do we track quality of life? In fact, how do we first even define it? What I measure as >>

May-June 2015 93

important in my life may be different from what you value as quality in yours. The best way I know to quantify the unquantifiable is the subject of my next general observation.

General Observation Number 2 Pearls. That is what I call them— and hopefully, that will make sense to you, too. In my quality of life list I am about to rattle off, consider every “asset” a pearl. A unique, beautiful pearl that I am dropping into a jar as I list them. I make no apologies for how long this list is because we should be deeply proud of how long it can be. My pearls. Safe, walkable streets for my children to have freedom while they learn independence in their community—pearl drop into jar. Quality educational options, both public and private, boasting the highest ACT scores in the state—drop big pearl in jar. Recreational opportunities from bike riding to water sports to horses to organized teams at beautiful parks—pearl, pearl, pearl. The beauty of our eco-system including waterways, trees and amazing access to abundant nature—pearl, pearl, pearl again. Reasonable access to all levels of policy makers; in other words, we can always get our leaders on the phone or see them in a coffee shop—huge pearl. Value of our unique city and town centers and their historical importance— pearls everywhere (insert name of your place here). A regional higher-education system that is responsive to students, the local marketplace and workforce needs; Southeastern and Northshore Technical Community College—pearl and pearl. My list could go on and on, and so could yours. At the end of the day, what we have is full jar of pearls. Desirable? Yes. Beautiful? Yes. Valuable? Yes. 94

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Useable? Not so much, because after all, what does one do with a jar of pearls?

General Observation Number 3 The most successful community foundations in the country are in areas where there is a strong commitment to place. Here is what I know. We are a people who are deeply committed to our “place.” Not being from here, it took me years to realize the might of the old boundaries to which many of us and our institutions still pay homage. But here is my take on the east-west or ruralcity talk that permeates conversations and decisions at all levels of our region. Undeniably, each place (city, town, village or “side”) has a unique history and value that it brings to the whole. But, we are in the midst of a natural growth evolution where boundaries blur and plenty of overlap exists. We are stronger when we embrace the fact that the real value of this bigger place lies in preserving the uniqueness of our cities, towns, villages and “sides” as we grow and transition into a greater, more integrated and connected whole. So what’s my point? I believe we are missing the string—the common thread. We want to protect our quality of life, and we want economic prosperity. We have the pearls, we have the places, we have the assets and we have the committed people. Truth be told, we are the envy of the entire state in that regard. Which is what the visioning process is all about. What are the words that create the thread that produces the beautiful string of pearls? Until we as a whole community find and utilize that string that pulls us together, we will remain just a jar of pearls. Beautiful, valuable, and desirable but sitting on a shelf waiting to be shown-off for everyone to see. May-June 2015 95

Traces

by Erin Cowser

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

photo: RANDY BERGERON

ISNS May Matt Riser Coaching for Life by Erin Cowser

Matt Riser Coaching for Life

SECOND-YEAR HEAD COACH of the Southeastern Lions baseball team Matt Riser sets the bar high for himself and his players. Their success comes as a surprise to many who were previously unfamiliar with the quality of their program. They are often described as “Team David,” who felled many “Team Goliaths,” or at least gave them a run for their money. Not true, according to Riser. “We’re never the underdog in our eyes,” he said. “That’s the beauty of baseball. It’s not about being the biggest, fastest, strongest or most well-funded. It’s about mental toughness. We have that. And we have respect that’s been earned.” His focus and determination are obvious. But it’s not just his winning record and aggressive attitude that have caught the attention of so many. Riser took the reins of the Southeastern baseball program at the age of 29 (yes, he is totally an eighties’ baby, born in the year 1984), making him the youngest head coach in the nation at the NCAA Division I level. 96

Inside Northside

One might think this would be daunting for someone charged with the success of an entire athletics program, but Riser doesn’t seem to be phased by it. In fact, perhaps it’s a positive that not long ago, he was in the same cleats as the student-athletes he now coaches. A Picayune, Mississippi, native, Riser played his junior and senior years at Tulane University. Prior to his time in New Orleans, he played for two seasons at Pearl River Community College with Jay Artigues as his head coach. Artigues later headed to Hammond to serve as the Lions’ head coach, where he reunited with Riser as a member of his coaching staff. He ultimately handed over the Lion baseball program to Riser, his hand-picked successor, when he stepped into the Southeastern director of athletics position. Riser played in 108 games in two years with the Green Wave. As a senior, he played in all 64 games and made 57 starts, finishing the season with three home runs, 37 RBI and 16 doubles, helping Tulane to a NCAA Regional Final Appearance. In 2005, Riser played

a vital role in helping Tulane to the 2005 College World Series, playing in 44 games as a junior. Not too shabby. Suffice it to say, he can empathize with the demands of being a modern student-athlete. Apparently, he also has insight into the apparel preferences of the younger generation. Riser’s choice of uniforms has been colorful and creative, to say the least. And they give the sports commentators plenty to chat about. “The best one I’ve heard was ‘The Fighting Bananas,’” Riser chuckles, when asked about his flair for fashion on the baseball field. “That was the full gold uniforms with two buttons on the front of the jerseys. We think they are fun. After all, new school is old school these days.” Then there are the camouflage uniforms. While most people thought it was a reflection of living in Sportsman’s Paradise, Riser said that fashion decision was more about honoring veterans. “We talked to the team, and they love the idea of wearing them as a tribute to those who serve and have served,” he says. “When they put on those uniforms, they wear them with respect.” Riser says that while the crazy uniforms certainly help with the Lions’ visibility for recruiting purposes, they’re really about doing whatever motivates the players to play their best. But it’s about much more than their performance come game time. Riser is committed to helping his players reach their greatest potential when it comes to personal character, too. “If they leave us better people and better players than when they got here, I’m doing my job,” he says. By that standard, he is doing that job very well. Last season, the team decided to “Shave Their Manes” in support of Samantha Smith, a young >> May-June 2015 97

photo: JOSH GOFF

girl who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2009. After defeating the Incarnate Word Cardinals 5-4, Lions players, coaches and athletic staff members demonstrated their support for the Vs. Cancer Foundation by shaving their heads in front of the home crowd. Armed with electric razors, four stylists from a local salon gathered at home plate to shear nearly every member of the team. The team raised money and awareness for the non-profit organization that is dedicated to assisting families in their fights against pediatric cancer. Half of the proceeds went toward national childhood cancer research, while the other half was donated to local childhood cancer hospitals. Riser has a very holistic approach to coaching. “They’re students first, then athletes,” he says. “Even more so—they’re family.” Continuing a tradition instituted by former baseball coach and now SLU Athletic Director Jay Artigues, each team member is presented with dog tags that read “Lion for Life.” When former Lion pitcher Wade Miley finished his Major League Baseball debut at Turner Field, he walked over to Artigues and Riser and pulled the tags out of his Arizona Diamondbacks jersey. “We want the players to know that this isn’t just a four-year deal,” says Riser. “This is about a lifetime.” How did he get so wise at such a young age? It just might have something to do with his upbringing. His parents have always supported him no matter what his decisions. They had his back when he decided to not take the MCAT, even though it was already scheduled. They stood by him when he told them he was going to turn down the excellent job he’d been offered after earning his biomedical engineering degree from Tulane. And they continue to be his biggest cheerleaders in the stands, along with his wife, Jeanette, of course. “They’re fantastic,” he says with a smile. “They told me as long as I was happy, I wouldn’t work a day in my life and would be very successful soon.” His parents were very right. 98

Inside Northside

Women in business. The phrase type-A-chicks is often used to describe women in business. It is high praise for those women who are born multi-taskers , thriving in an accelerated environment. That is certainly a type-A talent, but it is not enough. Operating a business also requires big-picture perspective, attention to detail, fearless optimism and boundless ingenuity. The women featured in the following pages have found a way to thrive in their respective industry, and they are an inspiration. In fact, over 30 percent of area businesses are operated by women. Collectively, we bring quite a bit of punch (and personality) to the bottom line of South Louisiana. That is a type-A achievement to be proud of! --Lori Murphy publisher

Inside Northside

contents 2 Introduction

4 Dr. Sophia Omoro Kenyan Angel

22 Portrait of Love A Conversation with Agnes, Claire and Rhenda

26 IN the Spotlight Children’s Museum of St. Tammany’s Celebration: A Treasure Odyssey

the 2015 women in business 7 Lynn Dow California Closets

14 Lydia Pond Gazzo Northshore Academy of Dance

26 Caroline Read d’Hemecourt Olive Patch

8 Laura Simpson Dugas Pest Control

16 Erin Schaumburg Eros Home and Clothing

27 Pemmie Sheasby Oil and Vinegar

9 Dr. Emma Kruger Metabolic Anti-Aging Center of Louisiana

16 Stephanie Pagliarulo and Jessica Gilmore Emma’s Shoes and Accessories

27 Shanna Cole and Dodie Adams Integrity Builders Inc.

10 Leslie McGoey Backyard Printing and Second-Line Handkerchiefs 10 Crystal Cook Ferris, PT, DPT, MTC Rehab Dynamics, LLC 11 Valerie Gallé FBT Mortgage 12 Ellen Bajon EMB Interiors 13

Debbie Hocevar, Donna Bissel and Frances Lirette Water Street Wreaths

13 Gayle Reuling Air Blow Dry Bar & Salon

17 Elizabeth Impastato Impastato Gallery & Art Therapy 18 Deanna Bachemin All Wrapped Up 1,2 Buckle My Shoe 18 Tracie Grubb Style Encore 19 Jennifer DiCerbo The French Mix 20 Jenny Mutter Hestia Luxury in Linens 20 Candra George The Art & Photography of Candra George 21 Kay W. Wilkins American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter

28 Lynn Strain, CNO Slidell Memorial Hospital 28 Christie LeBouef Mise En Place Events 29 Beverly McQuaid and Darlene Pevoto Planet Kids Academy 30 Diane LaPlace Keller Williams Realty Gulf States Region 31 Gretchen Armbruster Armbruster Artworks School 31 Susan Zackin Z Event Company

Women IN Business 3

of the children,” recalls Sophia. “In fact, for years, I thought she was my sibling!” This planted the seed of caring in young Sophia’s heart. Sophia’s father, a postal worker, did not even have an elementary school education. In spite of this—or perhaps because of this—he stressed education with his children. “My dad expected all of us to be first in our class. He woke us up at 3 a.m. every day to study for an additional 1-1½ hours. He stayed up with us to make sure we studied, too. After we studied, it was okay to go back to sleep for a little cat nap before going to school.” His insistence that his six daughters get an education was unusual because in Kenya, girls did not often go to school. His efforts paid off, and all eight of his children earned college degrees or better. At age 16, Sophia won the only scholarship offered in Kenya that year by United World Colleges. Founded by philanthropists to promote international peace, United World Colleges had seven campuses worldwide at that time. Sophia’s scholarship was to their college on Victoria Island in Vancouver. “I was very young, and the first in my family to leave the country—the first to ride in a plane.” Sophia was only three months into the two-year international baccalaureate program when her father was tragically killed in an auto accident. It saddened her that the one who’d worked so hard to assure her education would

by Karen B. Gibbs

Dr. Sophia Omoro

THE STORY OF DR. SOPHIA OMORO should come with a warning label: Known to cause frequent inspiration. A board-certified ENT specialist with Ochsner Clinic in Covington, Dr. Omoro has gained a reputation not only as an excellent physician but also as a most caring human being. While this alone is impressive, it is only a small part of this amazing woman’s life. Born the sixth of eight children in Kenya, East Africa, Sophia’s family was poor, but they were not the poorest in the village. As was customary, her mother took in a child from a poorer family to help with housework. Not only did she pay a stipend to the family, she also made sure the child received an education. “The child was treated just like the rest

Inside Northside

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Kenyan Angel

never get to see her complete it. Despite this misfortune, Sophia continued with her studies, graduated from college and eventually was accepted into the Tulane University School of Medicine. She was in her fourth year of residency in Seattle when Katrina struck. “I got a call from the department chair at Tulane. He asked if I’d consider coming back to New Orleans and finishing my residency program there to help keep the program open.” Sophia’s response was an enthusiastic “yes.” Her boyfriend, Jed Malitz, was incredulous. “Why do you want to go to New Orleans?” he asked. “They’ve just suffered the greatest natural disaster in the country’s history.” “That is why I want to be there,” Sophia responded. an educated and powerful woman, but it only takes an She says, “I was heartbroken for the city and the abuser to diminish that,” explains Sophia. Lily died in people after Katrina. I wanted to help but I couldn’t see 2010—a totally preventable death. a way to do it. When this opportunity came along, it Overcome with grief, Sophia channeled her sadness was a no-brainer.” As a show of support, Jed came to into founding the Blooming Lily Foundation, named for New Orleans, too. (In 2007, he proposed to his altruistic her sister. “A vision came to me of a lily. We are all flowers best girl. The two were married and now live in the New that need to bloom, give off a fragrance and help others. Orleans area, where he is a glass sculpture artist.) But in order to bloom, women must overcome social, After completing her residency, Sophia felt a higher physical, mental and economic barriers. Then they can calling. “I always knew I was not fulfill their destiny and give back to “A vision came to me of a lily. just to leave Kenya, come here and the community.” We are all flowers that need be a good doctor. I knew I had to Eighteen months after she to bloom, give off a fragrance give back.” And give back, she did, submitted the application for 501(c) especially to 300 HIV-infected and help others. But in order (3) status, Sophia’s Blooming Lily orphaned children in Kenya. Taken Foundation was approved as a taxto bloom, women must in by poor relatives and friends, the exempt charitable organization. In overcome social, physical, children lacked the basics, like shoes. November 2014, she held its first mental and economic Sophia took her cause to Pastor gala at the Lake Pontchartrain Basin barriers. Then they can fulfill Mike Callahan’s True Life Church Maritime Museum in Madisonville, of Slidell, and they agreed to help. their destiny and give back to where she showcased several giveTo date, they have supplied 1,000 back projects. the community.” pairs of flip flops for the orphans of The first was to supply 50 water – Dr. Sophia Omoro Kendu Bay. filters at $22 apiece, each to purify Soon, others came on board to help the orphans. One water for three years in the village of Kochia. By evening’s woman makes pillowcase dresses for the children. The end, the need was met. Next was a $1,000 project to local chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority provides build a playing field for a girls’ school in Kisii/Sotik. The shoes and clothing. Sophia supplements these donations girls had nowhere to play because of the thick brush. with other supplies that she distributes in Kenya three or That night, two generous men agreed to underwrite the four times a year. Although pleased with these endeavors, venture. Another project dear to Sophia’s heart was one it took a family tragedy—the death of her sister, Lily—to to supply the sanitary needs of young girls. These girls motivate Sophia to do even more. are so poor, they have no underwear or sanitary pads. As Lily was married to a mentally and physically abusive a result, they are forced to miss one week of school per man who refused to “allow” his wife to get a life-saving month. For $36, a girl receives a year’s supply of pads and colostomy. Lily didn’t want to challenge him. “She was underwear. So far, 150 girls have been funded. >> Women IN Business 5

Inside Northside

nothing about my thyroid condition. Dr. Omoro understood my fears and took time to answer my questions. She is a personable, amazing woman. I am blessed to work with her.” Eileen is not alone in her admiration of her remarkable boss. Dr. Omoro’s patients, influenced by her “give back” philosophy, have formed a thyroid support group called the Give Back Committee. “She inspired them to want to give more. Right now, they’re working on a pamphlet explaining their journey with thyroid problems. It details what to expect and answers a lot of the questions they had before their surgery,” explains Eileen. These will be available to all thyroid patients at Ochsner. Dr. Omoro opened Jeunesse, a facial rejuvenation boutique, in Covington in response to women who want to maintain a youthful appearance. There, she rejuvenates all skin types with three non-invasive techniques: Botox, Dermapen and a deepcleaning hydra-facial machine. Sophia recently added another philanthropic commitment when she became a member of the American Red Cross’ Tiffany Circle, a group of generous and highly-involved women who continue to ensure that the Red Cross has the ability to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to life’s emergencies. If you’re wondering how Dr. Omoro manages to do it all and still stay sane (and happy), you’re not alone. Husband Jed, too, is in awe of his wife’s remarkable ability to be deeply involved with so many projects at the same time. “She’s one in a billion,” he says. “It really helps that Sophia’s a natural-born leader. When she sees a need, she prays and reaches out to people. Remarkably, help comes—and invariably it’s spectacular help.” Dr. Omoro is located at Ochsner Health Center, 1000 Ochsner Blvd., in Covington. 875-2828. odAOMO is located at 839 Chartres St. in New Orleans. (504) 4605730. odaomo.com. Jeunesse is located at 202 S. Tyler St. in Covington. 373-6158. jeunessemd.com.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Future projects involve a series of health fairs in Kenya. These day-long events will empower villagers to take control of their health by learning about their body, health risks and mental/physical/emotional health, plus how to seek help for problems. This summer, Sophia plans a special mental health fair for women. She hopes it will help to remove the stigma attached to emotional and mental illness, which Kenyans link to witchcraft, demonic possession or laziness. A six-month research project proved to Sophia that mental health is an issue in Kenya. “Poverty, hopelessness, the stress of feeding the family—all of these factors weigh on the people.” Since much of the stress stems from poverty, Sophia came up with an idea to teach Kenyan women— who are already master beaders—to knit and crochet. Sophia will then buy their wares and market them. “I admire the will of a woman. She works while carrying a child on her back. If we empower a woman, all will fall in line.” To help it “all fall in line,” in August 2014, Sophia opened a specialty shop, odAOMO, at 839 Chartres Street in New Orleans. (“OD” means “house of;” “AOMO,” Sophia’s given name, means “born during harvest time.”) Here, she sells handcrafted items such as bags, belts, accessories and sandals. All are made in Kenya on two sewing machines in an 8-by-10foot room. The shop also features Sophia’s own line of clothing, the Lady Sophia Nee Collection. Showcasing Sophia’s Kenyan roots, the Lady Sophia line features vibrant color and design complemented with dramatic accessories. Sophia hopes to use the profits from odAOMO to build a factory in Kenya. “That will create jobs and feed more families.” One of the tenets of Sophia’s philanthropy is that those who benefit from the foundation must, in turn, do something to help someone else. Not surprisingly, this attitude of reaching out to help others is advice that Sophia follows in her professional life, as well. As a thyroid and parathyroid specialist, Sophia handles some complicated cases. One such patient was Eileen Pferfelle, Sophia’s nurse. Dr. Omoro diagnosed Eileen’s condition and eventually performed surgery to remove her thyroid. “I knew

Lynn Dow

California Closets Lynn Dow’s life mantra is simple—stay calm. She believes that the key to a happy and successful life is to remain calm and collected. A naturally organized person, Lynn realizes that most people struggle with utilizing the spaces they have to work for them, resulting in a stressful life. When she had the opportunity to help others achieve a sense of order with California Closets, she jumped on it. The franchise eventually led to Lynn and her husband Doug’s tremendous success in the state of California—and now in Louisiana. After many years of helping their loyal clients, Lynn and Doug were looking for new prospects. They visited the California Closets retail space in Metairie, whose owner was ready to retire. It was the perfect opportunity to bring her knowledge and expertise to a new market, so they decided to make the move to Louisiana. A selfproclaimed “risk taker,” Lynn took a chance, and again, her foresight paid off. She is excited about how quickly she’s assisting so many clients in her new location. The design team at California Closets offers organization systems for an array of areas. The process starts with a complimentary consultation in the desired space. A design consultant discusses ideas and options with the client while taking exact measurements, relieving the client of that responsibility. Next, an impressive 3D design is presented to the client in order to help them visualize what the space will look like once it’s completed. Doug supervises the manufacturing process; all of the products are made in Louisiana. As the name suggests, California Closets offers a variety of ways to maximize any closet. “We even take the extra step to measure each piece of clothing and accessories, like shoes, to give each client a perfect fit for their individual needs,” says Lynn. “For example, if a client is expecting a baby, we can create a design that

will initially house small clothing but can eventually be adjusted to support an older child and his or her growing wardrobe.” Don’t let the name fool you—there are many options beyond closets for clients looking to create their own calm. Lynn and her team have designed systems for areas such as garages, pantries, offices, entryways, craft rooms, wall beds and the ever-popular media rooms. Lynn says, “We have been working a lot lately with media rooms—designing storage space around the client’s flat screen television, for example.” With her years of experience, Lynn is knowledgeable about the cuttingedge design and material options that California Closets has to offer, such as elegant embossed glass and textured veneer. The showroom in Metairie is currently being remodeled in order to provide clients with a visual space where they can compare systems and materials in person. While it may seem that her team only assists with larger design projects, Lynn stresses that that is not the case. “We can take the larger systems in our showroom and scale them down to smaller spaces as well. That’s what we do best.” Lynn, Doug and their staff have set out to help the people of Louisiana get organized—and most importantly, help them to add more calm to their lives.

California Closets is located at 3211 N. Causeway Blvd. in Metairie. (504) 828-5705. californiaclosets.com.

Women IN Business 7

and president of the National Pest Management Association in 2012-2013. Laura has refuted any doubts that men had about women in the pest control industry by serving as an active member and board member of the National Pest Management Association. She has served on the Convention Planning Committee, Residential Services Committee, Pest Management Foundation and Professional Women in Pest Management. In 2014, Laura won the Crown Leadership Award by Pest Control Technical Magazine. She was also surprised when her name was announced as Woman of Excellence during the National Pest Management Association convention. Laura travels often to conventions and conferences, learning the ins and outs of the continuing pest control industry. Her industry relationships have allowed her to travel to international locations including Dubai and China. While not traveling or running the business, Laura enjoys time with her three sons, two stepdaughters and five grandchildren. Her husband, Floyd, and son Jeremy Clark also help with the business. Dugas Pest Control originated in Baton Rouge and now offers commercial, industrial and residential services throughout Southeast Louisiana as far west as Lafayette, expanding into the northshore and New Orleans this past year. “We have a great service to offer and the market is growing,” Laura says. “During 2014, Dugas Pest Control experienced 35 percent growth. It’s an exciting field to be in.” The largest push Laura has experienced is the new eyes and fresh perspective of her son Jeremy, “When I started, it was just a job,” says Laura Simpson. “I was not who serves as general manager. “My next goal is to planning to have a major career, but within five to six years, I wanted teach Jeremy and our team to run the company on to run the company.” their own,” Laura says. “I’m here as we grow, but I’d Since 1996, Laura has been the primary licensee and president of like to see the team and Jeremy running it when I’m Dugas Pest Control. Laura’s father asked her to come work for him not there to be hands on.” when she was out of college and unhappy with her then-current job. Although Laura thought her first day at Dugas Within six years, when she realized she could work in a man’s world, Pest Control was just a job, it turned into a 35-year her father began making arrangements to pass the business on to her. career. During those years, Laura has always focused At the beginning, Laura did not serve as president. “I’ve done it on the team behind her and the people they are able all,” she says with a laugh. “When we really decided to transition me to help. into company owner, my dad said that I needed to know all aspects “We’re a people business. Yes, we kill bugs—but of the business. I did it all—routing, office administration, chemical the biggest thing we do is fix people’s problems.” ordering, routes and inspections.” She now handles the company’s strategic planning and finances, using her bachelor’s in accounting from Louisiana State University. Coming into the male-dominated business was somewhat easy for Laura, because her father paved the way with well-respected credibility. “My father had already done the groundwork; I just had Dugas Pest Control is located at 11120 Coursey Blvd. to prove myself worthy of it.” Following her father’s footsteps, she in Baton Rouge. 888-606-9282. dugaspestcontrol.com. served as president of the Louisiana Pest Control Association in 2001

Laura Simpson Dugas Pest Control

Inside Northside

Leslie McGoey

Backyard Printing and Second-Line Handkerchiefs What does a high school art teacher do after she retires? Why she makes second-line umbrellas and handkerchiefs, of course. That is, if she’s Leslie McGoey of Backyard Printing and Second-Line Handkerchiefs in Mandeville. “After I retired, I thought ‘what now?’” she says. “I’d always enjoyed screen-printing in my classroom, and I like computer art. So I started doing a few t-shirt orders for friends out of my home.” When her business outgrew the dining room table and moved into a building behind the house, Backyard Printing was born. Then someone asked whether she could screen-print second-line handkerchiefs. She did, and now the Second-Line Handkerchiefs arm of the business has grown to the point that she’s moved the whole enterprise into its own building. Everyone should love their job as much as this Eunice native. “No two days are the same,” she says. “I print custom t-shirts for schools, bars, restaurants, sporting events, fundraisers and family reunions. I ship second-line hankies and umbrellas—a little bit of New Orleans— all over the world. I also print them for weddings, conventions, grand openings, retirement parties, funerals and more. They create an instant party atmosphere at any event.” McGoey has recently expanded to include embroidery on keepsake handkerchiefs, towels, jackets, umbrellas and even underwear. “Our focus is on quality and delivery time,” she says. “As long as we get that right, the business just keeps growing.”

For more information, visit secondlinehandkerchiefs.com and backyardprinting.com or call (985) 231-7789. 10

Inside Northside

Crystal Cook Ferris, PT, DPT, MTC Rehab Dynamics, LLC

While NASA technology, dry needling, laser therapy and certified manual therapists set her physical therapy clinic apart, Crystal Cook Ferris says that it’s really her team of 10 remarkable women that keep her Rehab Dynamics patients coming back. Crystal was excited to shift from partner to hands-on owner of Rehab Dynamics two years ago. She says, “One of the best parts of my job is working with my enthusiastic team.” In the last two years, she has invested much in the practice. With a new location, additional staff, new cutting-edge equipment and the latest in PT treatments, she provides the best possible care for her patients. Crystal invites you to stop by and try the latest laser therapy, which has often given instant relief from pain after just one application—and does not require a referral. Crystal takes great pride in getting her patients back to work and play. But she also provides Rehab Dynamics services to the general community as well, offering a wellness program that is specifically designed for each individual to aid in improving overall health and fitness. Expecting her second child soon, Crystal successfully balances family, work and play. She says, “Last year, I was all business. This year, I’m trying to take some necessary time with my son and my family.”

Visit Crystal and the Rehab Dynamics team at 330 Falconer Dr., Suite D, in Covington. 871-7878. rehabdynamicsllc.com.

“The best part of my day is when I receive a referral from a past client or another business professional, or especially when a client chooses to do repeat business with me. Then I know that the strong relationships I have worked to develop really matter.”

–Valerie Gallé

Purchasing a home is one of the most exciting occasions in a person’s life. Whether it’s the young couple buying their first starter home where the sounds of a baby’s cry will soon be heard, or the upgrade needed when life is all about soccer games and schedules, or, finally, the dream space that provides comfort and serenity, Valerie Gallé, president of FBT Mortgage, a subsidiary of First Bank and Trust, and her dedicated team enjoy being by their client’s side for these important milestones. All home-buying experiences are memorable, and Valerie and her team’s goal is to make sure the process is smooth, hassle free and memorable for all the right reasons! A Mississippi girl, Valerie’s values have always been Southern and small town, but her brain has been more Wall Street and negotiating. She recalls fondly attending a family reunion when she was in high school. While her cousins were discussing the latest fashion craze, she was chatting about how she was going to fill a business niche in the community with her uncle. As a student at the University of Southern Mississippi, Valerie considered herself a creative person and dreamed of a career in advertising. She learned that creativity is a necessary component in all careers and applies it daily to provide the best solutions for her customers and to continue to motivate her team. A natural leader and self-starter, Valerie gained valuable experience working for years in the New Orleans banking and finance industry. She remembers her first bank interview— she spent her pay check to buy a “big city” suit and shoes and entered a Poydras Street high rise for the very first time. She got the job! “I have done it all in the mortgage industry from start to finish—from processing to loan originating,” says Valerie. “Through the years, I realized that many companies treat their clients like they are just a number or a goal to meet. It is important to me and my team that we have a more personal connection with our clients.” Valerie is most passionate about telling the community that home ownership is attainable. It does not have to be just a dream—she can make a reality. She says, “Most people are very surprised about the variety of loan options they could be approved for, like FHA or VA loans, which make purchasing a home more affordable. Often, lower interest rates and thriving

Valerie Gallé FBT Mortgage

home sales in an area mean it might be the right time to upgrade or refinance. Sometimes we see clients whose personal credit needs a little improvement. I help walk them through the steps to put them in a better position, which benefits them in many areas of their life. I want them to know that we’re working together and my team of experts and I are there for them.” Valerie knows that the mortgage process takes a team. “I’m so grateful to work with our local community of professionals, such as local Realtors, appraisers and title attorneys. They make my job easier, and my clients appreciate dealing with other local professionals,” she says. “The best part of my day is when I receive a referral from a past client or another business professional, or especially when a client chooses to do repeat business with me. Then I know that the strong relationships I have worked to develop really matter.” Interesting fact: Don’t challenge Valerie to a twirl off! While at the University of Southern Mississippi, she was a majorette on the award-winning Eaglette’s team!

Northshore Branches serving: Amite, Covington, Hammond, Slidell and Springfield. 6911 Washington Ave., Ste. B, Ocean Springs, MS 39564. 228-872-1020. vgalle@fbtonline.com Visit any First Bank and Trust office to speak with one of Valerie’s team members. www.fbtonline.com Women IN Business 11

Ellen Bajon EMB Interiors

Ellen Bajon and her dedicated team at EMB Interiors gather for daily meetings to discuss their client projects, using the talents and strengths of each woman to guarantee a well-rounded design experience. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because of this team effort that EMB Interiors has consistently delivered the same quality service for more than 25 years. The experienced staff works closely with clients and retail customers to understand their individual wants, needs and style, whether for one room or an entire home. The team can also assist in the design and implementation of new construction and home renovations. With new construction clients, the staff works with all aspects of the project, such as refining plans, recommending subcontractors and, of course, the aesthetic design of the new home. If clients are interested in renovating an existing space, the team schedules an in-home consultation. A new

EMB Interiors is located at 4510 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville, 985-626-1522. embinteriors.com, 12

Inside Northside

layout is designed to maximize use and functionality of the available square footage, and materials are hand-selected by the designer and the client through a collaborative effort. EMBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s showroom provides an impeccable retail experience. A carefully selected collection of furniture, artwork and accessories offer retail and design clients inspiration, as well as the perfect accent piece for that special spot. Furnishings can also be custom designed and ordered. One thing is certainâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the team at EMB Interiors can assist with any design project, large or small, bringing joy to their clients for years to come.

Debbie Hocevar, Donna Bissel and Frances Lirette Water Street Wreaths

Three smiling faces greet you as you enter the doors of the blue cottage on the bank of the Tchefuncte River. Debbie Hocevar opened Water Street Wreaths with her sister Donna Bissel in 2013; in 2014, lifelong friend Frances Lirette joined the team. Whether working parties or finishing orders, the three “sisters”—and the cottage—are filled with fun and laughter. “It doesn’t feel like work for us,” says Donna. “I get to wake up and come make wreaths with my best friends.” The cottage walls display premade wreaths ready for purchase. The trio also hosts wreath-making parties for up to 12 guests. The parties are perfect for birthdays, team building or a girls’ night out—all you do is select the theme and bring your finger foods and drinks. When they aren’t hosting parties, they are designing and creating wreaths, mailbox swags and mantle pieces for orders. Customers can bring in photos, décor and even other wreaths for the three to create or match. “The more personalized the better,” says Debbie. “We can attach or paint initials and names to wreaths, swags and garlands.” “We love a challenge,” Debbie says. “We’re always looking for improvement and new ideas.” The shop just purchased a new printing machine that can personalize more items and materials. They look forward to using it on new orders. “It’s about making someone happy,” Frances says. “The best thing is when what we created is even better than what the customer envisioned.” Water Street Wreaths is located at 700 Water St., in Madisonville, 792-7979. waterstreetwreaths.com. See premade wreaths on their website or Facebook.

Gayle Reuling Air Blow Dry Bar & Salon

From a successful one-chair salon in her attic to a thriving two-location blow dry bar and salon, Gayle Reuling’s goal has always been service. Air Blow Dry Bar & Salon began in Mandeville in 2012; in 2013, the second location opened in Baton Rouge. For Gayle, it’s not a matter of franchising, but a matter of growing from within. Both locations revolve around a positive, caring atmosphere focusing on servant leadership. “We strive to wow each guest every time. We are blessed to serve them,” Gayle says. Gayle provides a culture of learning, mentoring her stylists to stay on top of the latest trends and styles. Whether guests are visiting the “wet bar” or the blow dry bar, Air’s stylists know that healthy hair is the best hair. Air’s “wet bar” specializes in transformative color and cuts based on facial shape, skin tone and fashion style. The blow dry bar offers airstyles for $35, no matter the thickness or length. Gayle’s giving spirit led her to create the Air Cares Program. One dollar from every airstyle each month is collected to benefit an organization nominated by clients. “We give because we believe in loving, caring and serving our clients and our communities,” says Gayle. “It is about giving back to those most deserving.”

Air Blow Dry Bar and Salon is located at 1111 N. Causeway Blvd. in Mandeville, 626-1402; and at 3535 Perkins Rd. in Baton Rouge, (225) 819-3238. airdrybar.com. Women IN Business 13

Lydia Pond Gazzo Northshore Academy of Dance

Lydia Pond Gazzo was a dreamer and visionary from the very beginning. At just 22 years old, the former Covington High graduate was fresh out of college with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance from the University of Southern Mississippi. The talented young artist could have gone anywhere in the world to pursue her career. She had already proved herself a natural leader, serving as captain of the USM Dixie Darlings dance team for three of her four years at the university. She had choreographed, taught and performed for dance conferences and concerts in locations as far as Austria, England and the Caribbean, as well as stateside in numerous NFL Super Bowl half-time and pre-game shows. With such an impressive resume, one might have assumed that Lydia’s next big dream would be to explore the world further. Instead, she realized that her greatest desire was to give back to the northshore community where she got her start. And her vision was to open up a Covington dance studio of her own—Northshore Academy of Dance. “I just wanted to teach dance,” Lydia says with a smile, as she remembers those early days. “I found a space in Covington’s Tyler Square, and I figured out that I needed to sign up at least 80 students that first year to pay my 14

Inside Northside

bills. I was praying really hard!” That first year, Lydia threw her heart and soul into the business. Operating on a shoestring budget, she says her biggest purchases were a desk and a phone bought at a local garage sale. She reinvested all of her profits back into the studio. She wore many hats: dance instructor, janitor, office manager and marketer. “I kept track of all my students’ payments on index cards,” she laughs. “And I made my own fliers on my typewriter, photocopied them and then placed them in Badeaux’s downtown as advertising.” The results of her homegrown efforts were realized. In 1995, Northshore Academy of Dance boasted 110 students. The vision had taken hold. The business’ second year saw the hire of an additional instructor. Word began to spread in the community about the quality of NAD’s dance training and its charismatic director. And as the studio grew, so did its waiting list. Lydia knew that she needed to expand. She found three empty lots for sale on the corner of 9th Avenue and South Polk and knew it would be the perfect location to build her studio’s new home. “So, I drew up my business plan, and I presented it to the bank. Luckily, the banker went out on a limb by believing in me,” she says, adding, “There really is something to be said for doing business in your home town.” Thus, the dream expanded yet again. When the doors of the new space opened in December 1999, NAD employed five instructors and an office manager. Lydia remembers feeling optimistic yet cautious. “It was a little scary, because my overhead was three times more in the new space than in the old,” she says. But she continued to pray for God’s blessing and remained true to the ideal that had served her so well—to offer excellence in dance instruction in a caring, supportive environment. Classes ranged from classical ballet, tap and jazz to creative movement, hip hop and contemporary. Lydia put all of her energy into the business, teaching four days a week until 9:30 most evenings. Her staff grew, as did the number of students who participated on NAD’s competitive teams, which traveled regionally and made NAD wellknown across the Southeast. Her family grew as well. Just as Lydia was ushering in a new era in her professional life, the year 2000 was also a milestone for her personally, as she gave birth to twin daughters Olivia and Emma. The girls are 14 years old now, and they, along with Lydia’s husband Jimmy, have supported her dream every step of the way. Today, NAD boasts approximately 500 students and 20 instructors. The competition team is consistently nationally ranked and is known as one of the most prestigious ensembles a young dancer can be involved in on the northshore. Over 50 of Lydia’s past students have gone on to become members of elite dance teams such as the LSU Tiger Girls and Golden Girls, SLU Lionettes, Ole Miss Rebelettes, USM Dixie Darlings and the New Orleans Saintsations. One of her current graduates advanced last summer to the top 50 elite dancers on the popular FOX series

“We teach more than just dance here. We teach how to get along with others. We teach commitment and accountability. We try to back up the values that parents are instilling at home. That’s what makes us family.” - Lydia Pond Gazzo So You Think You Can Dance. The business that began as a small-town girl’s dream will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year in a big way, with a recital in May that will welcome decades of alumni dancers both on stage and in the audience. “That’s my joy—seeing my past students come back,” Lydia says. “That’s been the greatest blessing throughout my 20 years. I love seeing the sisterhood these girls form with each other.” She asserts that the sisterhood is built upon a work ethic in the studio that promotes team effort and encouragement for one another. It’s the special intangible element that sets her studio apart. “We teach more than just dance here. We teach how to get along with others. We teach commitment and accountability. We try to back up the values that parents are instilling at home. That’s what makes us family.” Looking to the future, Lydia says she will never give up her passion to offer a solid dance education. She feels it’s important to expose her students to various disciplines and teaching styles. To that end, NAD will host its 2nd annual “Refined” intensive dance program August 3-5. The workshop will feature instructors known worldwide in the dance industry, such as Will Johnston, Stacy Boeddeker and Nate Poole. One need not be a student of NAD to participate. Lydia says she enjoys the atmosphere of the program because she appreciates watching how the students respond to different styles and methods. It’s that same philosophy that has kept her grounded all of these years in the business. “As an instructor, I love teaching all different types of dancers,” says Lydia. “There are those who take class to prepare for a dance team audition, those training to compete, those who come to the studio for the friendships and those who simply take classes because they just love to dance. It’s so much fun to teach them all!”

NAD students that are now LSU “Tiger Girls”

Northshore Academy of Dance is located at 1301 S. Polk St. in Covington, 893-1143. northshoreacademyofdance.com. Women IN Business 15

Erin Schaumburg Eros Home and Clothing

Creativity often runs in the blood—and Erin Schaumburg is no exception. She learned to appreciate beauty through the décor of her childhood home, which was designed by her mother, owner of Chatta Box Boutique. Her mother’s impeccable eye for beauty eventually inspired Erin’s own unique style, which has served customers of Eros Home and Clothing for twenty years through design services and a stunning retail space. Erin offers full service interior design—ranging from a single room re-design to vacation homes. When working with a client, she makes the process fun and stress free with her comfortable demeanor and positive attitude. Through in-home consultations, Erin has the chance to get to know her clients and to observe their families—ultimately creating a space that reflects their lifestyle and ignites their soul. As a mother of four active boys, she understands the importance of durable home décor and the blessing of a family-focused space they will never want to leave. Follow Eros on Facebook and Instagram, which serve as portfolios for Erin’s interior design projects, and are frequently updated with new arrivals to the store. Although their social media pages are inspiring, there’s nothing like visiting the impressive 3,200-squarefoot retail space and spending time with Erin and her welcoming staff. Customers are treated to an interior design candy store for the eye that is truly a reflection of Erin’s creative mind. Contact Erin personally at eschaumburg@me.com to schedule a consultation. Eros Home and Clothing is located at 3906 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville. 727-0034. 16

Inside Northside

Stephanie Pagliarulo and Jessica Gilmore Emma’s Shoes and Accessories

Whether your calendar says weekend getaway or cocktail soirée, Stephanie Pagliarulo and Jessica Gilmore are sure to have the signature piece you’re searching for. Stephanie opened Emma’s Shoes and Accessories in August 2012 after noticing a lack of boutiques offering cuttingedge choices of upscale shoes and accessories on the northshore. With lines like Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Rag and Bone, Kate Spade, L.K. Bennett and Vince, Emma’s offers fashion-forward trends at price points that fit every budget. From fashionable booties to flats to elegant heels, the merchandise—including jewelry and handbags—is unique. To stay on the cusp of the ever-changing fashion scene, Stephanie and Jessica travel to market in New York City and California several times a year. With Stephanie’s keen eye for detail and a wealth of savvy business knowledge in her handbag, Emma’s was burgeoning with so much success that a second location opened in August 2014 on Metairie Road in Metairie. Stephanie and Jessica offer style advice to all who enter. “We love helping customers achieve the look they want,” she says. “If you see a look in a magazine, come in and we can help you style that look for your body type.”

Emma’s Shoes and Accessories is located at 3904 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville, 985-778-2200; and at 155 Metairie Rd. Ste. A in Metairie, 504-407-0668. emmasshoes.com. Shop Emma’s online store, and keep up with new arrivals on Instagram and Facebook.

Elizabeth Impastato Impastato Gallery & Art Therapy

Elizabeth Impastato had a dream—to connect art and science to empower anyone to achieve a higher level of creativity through art. Her vision became a reality when she founded Impastato Gallery & Art Therapy. Elizabeth has worn many hats in her lifetime, including respiratory therapist, pharmaceutical salesperson and mom. She rekindled her own love of painting while traveling the state working in pharmaceutical sales, and started honing her dream of crafting a unique art gallery that would offer services for others to discover how art can help with everyday stress and foster positive self-esteem. Five years in the making, Impastato Gallery & Art Therapy is the first of its type anywhere. “My vision was of a spa-like atmosphere that would enfold visitors in lighting, scents and music to allow them to leave their stress outside the gallery doors,” says Elizabeth. “I have a degree in health art. It’s such a blessing to be able to apply my degree in a way that gives so much to so many.” The 1,200-square-foot gallery is a place where friends can

come to have fun, where couples can come to reconnect and where corporations can facilitate team building that really ignites their workforce. In LEADERSHIP by ART, local businesses and service organizations come together to marry the talents of each individual into a communal creation on a single oversized canvas. Elizabeth says, “I did a lot of team building during my years with pharmaceutical companies. I thought, ‘How can I apply the knowledge I gained from those experiences into art therapy for employees?’ After the exercise is over, the painting can be hung at the business or organization to remind everyone of the things they learned and accomplished together.” POWER PAINTING lets friends gather for lively conversation and a private art lesson from a professional artist every Thursday night or upon request. At PAINTING under the STARS, couples enjoy a romantic date night with a bottle of champagne and Elizabeth to guide them through painting on the same canvas. Elizabeth’s ART LESSONS ONE-ON-ONE encourages individuals to pull from talent that is within them. “These are one-on-one art lessons with me,” she says. “They’re for all ages, but mostly I work with teenagers and up. Lessons are private so that I can work with each person at their level of expression and help them improve.” The space is also a working art gallery featuring exciting work by local artists, including Elizabeth herself. She says, “The gallery is a great hosting site for local businesses and nonprofits. NAMI had a great event here with over 100 guests. We also offer monthly art workshops for all ages featuring different mediums.” On May 17, Elizabeth will mark one year since the first showing at the gallery, which was titled Follow Your Dreams. To celebrate the anniversary, she has scheduled the Dreams Do Come True exhibit, which will open on May 16.

Impastato Gallery & Art Therapy is located at 7039 U.S. 190 (next to Liberty Storage on the 190 Service Road) in Covington, 778-5338. impastatogallery.com. Women IN Business 17

Deanna Bachemin All Wrapped Up 1,2, Buckle My Shoe

Deanna Bachemin has retail in her blood. Beginning at Saks in high school, she went on to manage Little Miss Muffin in New Orleans and The Hillyer House in Oceans Springs. With more than 20 years of upscale retail under her belt, she longed to offer her experience and passion to her northshore neighbors. That’s exactly what she’s doing now at All Wrapped Up and 1,2 Buckle My Shoe. Loyal customers and newcomers alike are delighted with her hand-selected inventory of unique gifts, home accents, sleepwear, jewelry, classic children’s clothing, educational toys and layette items. “We enjoy getting to know our customers and then selecting our merchandise with them in mind,” says Deanna. “We have a little of everything, including local artwork, religious items and pottery. I recently acquired 1,2 Buckle My Shoe, which now includes a large inventory of baby and kids shoes from names like Sperry and Keds.” Deanna offers exquisite gifts that you can’t find at big box stores—and you can leave with them all wrapped up in complimentary giftwrap. “We’ve been successful because we get to know our customers by name,” says Deanna. “We want this to be a happy place and want our price points to be affordable. Shopping should be a fun, relaxing experience. We hope that’s what customers find at All Wrapped Up and 1,2 Buckle My Shoe.”

All Wrapped Up and 1,2 Buckle My Shoe are located at 800 Asbury Drive in Mandeville. 778-2041. 18

Inside Northside

Tracie Grubb Style Encore

For Tracie Grubb, it’s a matter of paying it forward. After successfuly opening Once Upon A Child franchise, a children’s clothing resale store, with her mother, Tracie decided to open a women’s store. In 2013, she opened the first Style Encore franchise in the United States, putting Mandeville on the map for women’s resale clothing, shoes and accessories. Tracie says, “When we first opened, there was an overwhelming outpouring of support and interest. We didn’t fully realize the need for a women’s store like this until then.” Style Encore pays cash for gently used women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. Tracie says the store’s atmosphere is “created by women for women.” The racks are organized by size, color and type. “Tanks, short sleeves, long sleeves, denim—everything is separated, making it easy to find what you’re looking for.” But if you need help finding an item or creating a look, Style Encore offers free style consultations. Customers are able to set up an appointment and fill out a profile card that the stylists use to gather looks. “We focus on finding the right size and fit for each customer,” says Tracie. “You need to look good where you are today. We believe you can be the best you can be in the size that you are. “We strive to empower women. We want every customer to feel better when they shop with us.”

Set up your appointment at 674-7776. Style Encore is located at 4244 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville. style-encoremandeville.com.

Jennifer DiCerbo The French Mix

For Jennifer DiCerbo, ordinary won’t do—for her clients or her life. The tagline of her business, The French Mix, is “When Ordinary Won’t Do.” Upscale sophistication meets timeless classic in Jennifer’s homes in Southeastern Louisiana. Her innate sense of style and desire to create the space of your dreams always ensures the end result has a cohesive flow throughout that complements the home’s architecture. If you’re after a warm, inviting, unique living space but don’t know where to start, Jennifer is the designer for you. She creates rooms with each and every single detail carefully thought out. To go the extra mile and make the space extraordinary, she adds interesting textures to add interest to what she calls “the mix.” “I’m always mixing old and new,” she says. “As a very visual person, I love the whole creative process of finding inspiration and being able to go through the steps to translate that into a gorgeous, tangible, livable space.” Jennifer started her interior design business sixand-a-half years ago. Taking a team approach, Jennifer serves as the designer; her husband, Tom, handles business operations; and Chris Piazza is the store manager and design assistant. The team has been bringing to life the visions of her clients ever since, whether for new construction, renovations or simply updating an existing space. One client Jennifer has helped is Francesca Langlow, who was a novice when it came to pursuing design services. The two consulted together on multiple rooms in Francesca’s home, which Francesca now describes as “just lovely.” “Jennifer is absolutely very talented. She has impeccable, elegant taste,” says Francesca. “The team is

easy to work with and the whole process was wonderful.” Though you might be hesitant to consult a design firm, Francesca says don’t let your budget fool you—it’s more affordable than you think. She says Jennifer took careful consideration into her taste, lifestyle and budget, something that is very important for her in the process. For Jennifer, understanding her client’s lifestyle before collaborating further is very important. Only after that can the process of selecting beautiful, functional and approachable pieces begin. Though Jennifer is a busy business woman and a member of her local business association who serves her community when and where she can, she devotes as much time as necessary to sit down with potential clients and learn what they’re looking for. “I have always had an interest and natural ability to identify unique things and how to make them work together in a particular space,” Jennifer says. “I get to do something I am passionate about on a daily basis, and that keeps me energized to tackle multiple projects at one time.” For those who may not know exactly what they want, the retail showroom of The French Mix might spark some inspiration. Nestled in a house in historic downtown Covington on charming Lee Lane, the showroom is a home-like setting that’s fresh, clean and sophisticated. Each piece has been hand-selected and handplaced, helping clients to easily envision the future décor of their own homes. The French Mix offers furnishings, lighting, rugs, window treatments, cribs, custom bedding and original works of art. Jennifer has access to hundreds of lines, as well as designer showrooms in Dallas; Highpoint, N.C.; and New York. The French Mix can also help with paint choices, flooring needs, cabinetry and plumbing.

Visit The French Mix at 228 Lee Lane in Covington or at shopthefrenchmix.com and follow on Facebook at facebook.com/ thefrenchmix. To have the team at The French Mix begin work on the home of your dreams, call (985) 809-3152 or email design@shopthefrenchmix.com to schedule an appointment. Women IN Business 19

Jenny Mutter

Hestia Luxury in Linens When Jenny Mutter married her husband, Shane, she worked at his family-owned furniture store, Bedding Plus. They didn’t offer linens, but she soon realized that their clients would definitely support a fresh perspective. While attending market in Dallas, Jenny was able to see and feel luxury linens and establish connections with suppliers. She decided to open Hestia Luxury in Linens— and after ten years, she is still providing her customers with a similar, hands-on design experience. Hestia offers an array of quality bedding options, from sheets to throw pillows, to help complete a room. She designed her retail space with close attention to detail, providing customers with a design studio featuring beautifully dressed beds to help them visualize the final product. “Some people take the slow approach to purchasing their linens—adding piece by piece throughout the years, resulting in a unique and custom experience,” says Jenny. But Hestia offers much more than luxury bedding linens, including a large selection of ready-made draperies that range from $50-$300 a panel, as well as shades, plantation shutters and blinds. There’s also a variety of bath and table linens, ceramic dishes, bath products, gifts and nightwear. “Luxury absolutely does not mean unaffordable. We work very hard to provide the best quality at a price our clients can afford—there’s even a lay-away option if needed,” says Jenny.

Hestia Luxury in Linens is located at 61 Park Place Drive in Covington. 893-0490. hestialinens.com. 20

Inside Northside

Candra George

The Art & Photography of Candra George With her upbringing and unique approach to photography, Candra George became a full-time professional photographer in 2007, focusing her lens on beautiful subjects and making memories for her clients. Candra was raised in a highly creative and Christ-centered environment surrounded by a family of musicians, authors, ministers and documentarians. “I aim to marry my heritage with my career. If I can show someone a photograph that speaks to their heart and makes them feel something, I’ve done my job,” Candra smiles. While she loves shooting personal photos for families, couples and weddings, she also enjoys working with business clients. Candra photographs merchandise or employees for marketing items and websites. She believes that photos can make a business more relatable to a potential customer: “When you click on a gym website and see the friendly faces of the trainers you may be working with in the exact environment, it makes you more comfortable about approaching them. When they are an accurate representation, photos can show that a company is trustworthy.” While working with businesses, Candra also gives advice to her clients on social media photography. Whether she is working with personal or business clients, Candra says, “I try to help every client as much as possible. I aim to style and light every photo appropriately, making them the best that they can be.”

Reach Candra at 871-6990. candrageorge.com.

From Volunteer to Chief Executive

Kay W. Wilkins

2005 was just such a time as Kay and her team faced their greatest challenge—Hurricane Katrina. Since then, Kay has passionately brought disaster preparedness to the forefront of public consciousness. Her experience with disasters led her to embrace the philosophy that teaching families how to prepare for emergencies could help keep loved ones and communities safe. Kay and her team in New Orleans developed the Pillowcase Project when she learned that university students used pillowcases to evacuate with their keepsakes and critical supplies during Hurricane Katrina. The program is designed to ease fears about disasters and the evacuations that are often necessary. Children learn to pack their favorite items from home into a pillowcase for easy transport, and parents learn ways to address their children’s concerns about evacuations. Hurricane Katrina also inspired Kay and her team to create the Senior Preparedness Pack. This program helps senior citizens develop and execute disaster preparedness plans. Red Cross workers lead the seniors through step-by-step guides in the pack that help them prepare, including organizing finances, keeping track of medications and compiling necessary documents. Moved by Kay and her team’s pioneering initiatives, the American Red Cross is now distributing the Senior Preparedness Pack statewide and the Pillowcase Project as part of a nationwide preparedness initiative. The Pillowcase Project has even been implemented in other countries. President Barack Obama honored Kay in 2012 as a Champion of Change for her work. Today, she continues to work toward developing innovative programs to build disaster-resilient communities.

American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter For Kay W. Wilkins, a typical workday might look like this: DRIVING four hours to Fort Polk to meet Red Cross hospital volunteers who work with soldiers. TRAVELING across the country to speak with MBA students at Dartmouth University on Leadership During Crisis, sharing her Red Cross Katrina experiences. OR providing encouragement to a group of recently certified Red Cross lifeguards or 80-year-old adults just learning to swim. Her day doesn’t end at sundown. She could be awakened in the middle of the night regarding the need to open a shelter for families displaced by fire or with the heartbreaking news that a home fire claimed a life. You can find Kay in her Red Cross vest, teamed with firefighters and local community volunteers, walking door to door in neighborhoods to share lifesaving home fire safety messages and install smoke detectors—for free. “People count on us to help them in their darkest hour,” says Kay. As regional chief executive of the America Red Cross in Louisiana, she doesn’t need a crisis to make a powerful statement. You don’t go from volunteer to CEO of one of the busiest Red Cross regions in the nation without tenacity for getting things done in high-stress environments. Addressing challenging circumstances at a moment’s notice is a calling for Kay. In Louisiana, the Red Cross responds to a disaster every 7 hours. Since joining the Red Cross more than 35 years ago as a volunteer CPR instructor, she has been on a mission to bring life-saving information to communities when it’s needed most.

The American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter is headquartered at 2640 Canal St., (504) 620-3105. redcross.org/la/new-orleans. Women IN Business 21

Inside Northside

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Portrait of Love THREE LADIES SIT in the well-appointed living room, an abstract painting in the background. As their story unfolds, it becomes apparent that the artwork behind them is an uncanny representation of their narrative. Its earth-toned rectangles overlap across the canvas and a striking dash of apple green calls the painting to life. The rectangles are the women. The verdant color, their inherent self-confidence and devotion to family. This is the story of Agnes Miller, Claire Friedrichs Taylor and Rhenda Saporito. Three women—a mother and her two daughters; each beautiful; each successful; each with a story to tell. As independent as they seem, however, their stories are intricately interwoven—life tales that sometimes mirror one another, and at other times diverge like sunbeams through a prism. Agnes Miller, 97, is graceful and poised. She exudes a confidence that comes from a lifetime of shouldering responsibility and doing it exceptionally well. Left on her own to support herself and her two young daughters, ages 1 and 3, Agnes taught school. Remember, this was more than 60 years ago, when working moms were rare and single moms were even rarer.

by Karen B. Gibbs

A Conversation with Agnes, Claire and Rhenda “I don’t recall any other kids who had just one parent,” muses Rhenda. “There weren’t any,” responds Claire with a laugh. At the time, Agnes had a master’s degree in education from LSU, another anomaly in the 1950s. “She pursued her education in order to support us,” Claire explains. “Eventually, she got her Ph.D. at Florida State University and even took courses at Columbia University.” “My mom is outstanding, brilliant,” Rhenda says, tears of pride pooling in her eyes. “She had an incredible career in education.” “Rhenda has a beautiful heart,” Claire interjects. “That’s why she’s crying.” Mom Agnes listens intently, a satisfied smile lighting her face. “My daughters were beautiful children. They did nothing wrong,” she says, to the delight of the girls. Then, “My fondest memories were of family gatherings at my >>

Above: Claire Friedrichs Taylor, Agnes Miller and Rhenda Saporito.

Women IN Business 23

parents’ home in Ruston, especially at Christmas.” “Family gatherings are still our favorite times,” chimes in Claire. “Last Christmas, we all got together at the Covey Rise shooting community in Husser. We went ahead of time with Rhenda’s kids to set up the function.” More than just gatherings, these extended family get-togethers feature orchestrated events, such as clay shooting, where everyone’s invited to participate. Of course, boiled crawfish are always on the menu. Returning to their mom’s praise fest, Claire continues. “Mom has a Ph.D. in food and nutrition and was the dean of home economics at Louisiana Tech in Ruston.” “She started a family management course for couples,” adds Rhenda. A spark of satisfaction ignites Agnes. “Management skills help you all through life,” she explains. “Many of my graduates went on to excel in various fields.” “She transformed the home economics department,” declares Rhenda. “She did everything possible to expand her students’ horizons,” continues Claire. “Some even went to Paris to study fashion design.” Agnes tries to deflect her daughters’ praise, but all the while, her eyes sparkle at the accolades. The daughters continue boasting. “Mom developed a salad dressing mix that she packaged and sold to raise money

Inside Northside

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Claire Friedrichs Taylor.

to support scholarships for her students,” brags Rhenda. “You can still order it from San Antonio,” says Claire. Redirecting the conversation, she pronounces, “Rhenda, you did that same thing when you were teaching, remember?” The lives begin to intertwine; the rectangles of the painting overlap. Rhenda smiles. “I taught home economics to special education children at the Evaluation and Training Center in Chalmette,” she explains. “I could requisition most anything, but not scissors. For some reason, the class received a huge amount of cake mix …” “… so the students sold cakes, and Rhenda used that money to buy scissors!” Claire finishes, obviously still proud of her big sister’s ingenuity. This prompts Agnes to share another bit of praise for Rhenda. “I was impressed with how she exposed her students to things they’d never seen before. She took them to New Orleans, where they rode on escalators and visited the French Quarter. Some of these children had never gone past the Industrial Canal.” …and some of your students had never gone to Paris, Agnes. “What’s important about my mom is that when tragedy befell, she got up, got educated and moved forward,” continues Claire. “So did you,” Agnes counters. “Yes, I faced tragedy, too,” Claire agrees. “When my husband died, he left no will and had no insurance. I was broke and lost. I wiped away the tears and got a job as a receptionist at the investment firm where he was a partner, Howard, Weil, Labouisse and Friedrichs. It was the only thing I was qualified to do.” From receptionist, Claire worked her way up to researcher, then stockbroker, then financial advisor. She received training in portfolio management at Columbia University. …at Columbia University. Just like her mom. Another story unfolds. This one of Agnes’ securing a bank loan for a duplex. The banker agreed to the loan, but suggested she invest the money in the stock market instead. “Twenty years from now, you won’t have a plumbing problem,” quips Agnes, repeating his words. Agnes knew nothing of investing, but she knew where to find information about it—the parish library. She studied companies, noted the effects of world events on the stock market and joined an investment club. As a result, she’s made some astute investments through the

years, one of the most outstanding being with a start-up named Walmart. “That’s typical of our mother,” Claire explains. “When she doesn’t know something, she does her best to learn about it. If she had a problem raising us kids, she’d check out books on child psychology.” “That’s right,” Agnes nods. “I did the same thing when I started a landscaping business years ago,” Claire adds. “I had no formal training, either. I studied books on landscaping from UNO’s library.” The rectangles overlap again. “See that painting over there?” Claire asks, pointing to the abstract with the apple green splash. “Rhenda painted that. Tell her about how you got started in art,” Claire prods. “I saw a painting and thought, ‘I could do that.’ So I enrolled in the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts on Magazine Street, where I took classes in color theory and special projects from Auseklis Ozols,” says Rhenda. “Then, I created my own painting. I thought if I painted realistically, someone would know if I made a mistake, but if I painted abstracts, no one would notice. Now I know if something’s not right with a painting, and that’s even harder to handle.” “Claire paints, too,” Agnes says, making sure that no talent goes unnoticed. “Whimsical,” Rhenda adds. “They’re not as good as Rhenda’s, though,” Claire counters. “But I do like the one I did of the red-eyed Chinese woman.” She points to the shelf where it’s displayed. She’s wrong. She paints well, too. The doorbell rings, interrupting conversation. Three excited dogs bark greetings as the photographer from Inside Northside arrives. While she snaps pictures of the two sisters, Agnes reflects on her life. “I’ll be 97 on April 8,” she begins. “Looking back, time seems so short. I’ve seen many changes over the years. I remember the moon landing and the day Oswald shot President Kennedy. I remember D-Day. I was at LSU during World War II. My roommate’s boyfriend was fighting overseas. We put maps on the walls and used ribbons to mark where he was fighting. I can still see those ribbons all over the map.” There’s a pause, but the silence is not awkward. Agnes continues, “I have major vision problems— macular degeneration—so I don’t read as much as I used to.” She almost stifles a self-effacing chuckle, then adds,

“And I’m deaf in one ear … but I can still talk, and think and my memory is still good.” The reverie begins again. “When I was on my way to a stock meeting for Walmart, I met Sam. Sam Walton. I told him I was Agnes Miller and my investment club had just bought some Walmart stock. He looked at me and said, ‘Tell them to buy more.’ And we did. “I’m concerned about what’s happening in the world. I was a debater in college, so I try to see both sides of an issue. That’s why I watch Fox News, ABC, NBC, CBS and listen to NPR, which has excellent programs, but too many advertisements. On Saturdays, I look at the cooking shows. One of the best is Martha Stewart, but I also like Paul Prudhomme, John Folse, John Besh and Justin Wilson. He’s dead now.” When asked what pearls of wisdom she’d like to share, Agnes responds without a moment’s pause. “I tell all my children and grandchildren that there are three things you must be: honest, fair and kind. With that you can do anything.” The photographer is now ready for a group photo. Nestled between Claire and Rhenda, Agnes breaks into a heartwarming smile. As if on cue, her daughters put their arms around their mother, touch their heads to hers and smile.” The rectangles overlap once again, and the verdant green essence calls the painting to life.

Rhenda Saporito.

Women IN Business 25

IN the Spotlight Children’s Museum of St. Tammany’s Celebration: A Treasure Odyssey

Caroline Read d’Hemecourt Olive Patch

Caroline Read d’Hemecourt opened her children’s boutique just one month after having her second child. While most mothers might still be adjusting to their new baby, Caroline was organizing inventory and decorating her new retail space, Olive Patch. She jokes, “It was like having twins!” After moving back to her hometown of Covington, Caroline recognized the need for a boutique that offers traditional and classic children’s clothing and accessories. When a retail space in downtown Covington opened up, she took advantage of the opportunity. “I was five months pregnant, but I had a dream, and I was determined to follow it,” says Caroline. With the support of her husband and her family, she did just that. Customers are greeted by a selection of items—from baby to tween—that are hand-picked by a busy mom who knows what it takes to keep children looking cute and fresh on-the-go. There’s also maternity clothing and an array of gifts and toys. Olive Patch offers a cheerful, family-friendly atmosphere. Caroline’s two children, Ellie (6 months) and Patrick (5), often “work” alongside their mother, who says, “Patrick is very interested in the whole process and even helps customers by showing them his favorite things in the store.” Caroline’s attention to detail and impeccable customer service ensure that Olive Patch will be a local classic for many years to come! The Olive Patch is located at 222 N, Columbia St. in Covington. 327-5772. 26

Inside Northside

Everything was ocean themed at the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany’s Celebration: A Treasure Odyssey. As a signature project of the Junior League of Greater Covington, the Celebration benefitted the progress of the Children’s Museum. The culinary showcase and treats from Zoë’s Bakery filled the Castine Center with plenty to enjoy. To learn more about the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany, visit cmstkids.org.

Pemmie Sheasby Oil and Vinegar

Pemmie Sheasby operates by a simple principle at her Covington Oil and Vinegar store. “We try to make each visit better than the last,” she says. Her delectable selection of imported olive oils and vinegars, pesto and tapenades, appetizers, marinades and sauces, dressings, mustards, salts and exotic herb mixes have been a welcome addition to many a Northshore kitchen, as have the handcrafted ceramics and culinary accessories. And Sheasby herself has been a welcome addition to the community. A veteran of the corporate world, she garnered the Chamber’s “Out of the Gate Running” award in her first year in business. It helps that she loves what she’s doing. “When you own a business, you are that business, in everything you do,” she says. “Passion and enthusiasm are contagious.” Since relocating to St. Tammany in 2001, Sheasby has done her part for local charities, including Hope House, Boys and Girls Club, Love on a Leash and the Covington Food Bank, participating in Chef Soiree, Harvest Polo Classic and other fundraisers. A graduate of Leadership St. Tammany and President of Women Of Infinite Possibilities, she’s an active member of the West St. Tammany Chamber, Covington Business Association, La Restaurant Association, Professional Women of St. Tammany and serves on the steering committee for St. Tammany Cultural Arts Commission. Sheasby says she got her love of cooking and food pairing from her mother. “She had a gift for pairing flavors, which I’m happy to say, was passed on to me. Learning never stops in a food-related business and that suits me fine.” Oil and Vinegar is located at 6111 Pinnacle Parkway (near Hobby Lobby) in Covington, LA. 985-809-1693.

Shanna Cole and Dodie Adams Integrity Builders Inc.

Integrity is not just the name of the business Dodie and Kenny Adams founded—it’s also its focus. With their clients’ expectations and concerns always in the forefront, they built Integrity Builders Inc. on more than just brick and mortar. Their daughter, Shanna Cole, joined them from the beginning, creating a strong family business that has thrived for 20 years. Integrity strives to finish each custom home on time and on budget, offering extensive design and planning options throughout. While Dodie serves as financial officer and Shanna as customer liaison, they both enjoy working with their clients on the exterior and interior design decisions that fit their dream house and turn it into a home. “We take clients through the process from beginning to end, staying detail oriented through it all,” says Dodie. Both mother and daughter value their close relationships with their clients—and with each other. Shanna says, “We have a good personal and working relationship.” The family also maintains strong relationships with their suppliers, craftsman and other industry professionals—Dodie is presently serving as president of the Northshore Home Builders Association. Dodie also maintains a Graduate Builder Certification and Aging in Place Certification through the National Home Builders Association. Integrity Builders’ commitment to building custom homes is furthered by its Green Professional Certification; following green-building principles allows for a healthy and vibrant future for generations to come. Integrity Builders Inc. is located at 949 Austerlitz St. in Mandeville, 626-3479. homesbyintegrity.com. Women IN Business 27

Lynn Strain, CNO Slidell Memorial Hospital

As Chief Nursing Officer at Slidell Memorial Hospital, Lynn Strain is passionate in her lifelong quest to care for others. Her philosophy is to create and foster a culture of accountability, value and regard while linking organizational goals to the delivery of excellent patient care. She believes in building bridges of respect based on the collaboration among all departments, physicians and the community. Her visible, accessible leadership style allows Lynn to be true to her mission to tell the story for her employees in the boardroom. Strain says she wants each employee to feel valued and cared about. She teaches them that holistic care means caring for the whole person: body, mind and spirit. Empowering her employees has enhanced communication and facilitated changes throughout the hospital. Better processes and patient outcomes are the result of guiding her staff to make critical, data-driven decisions guided by an understanding of policy, practice and finance. Strain holds a Master’s of Science in Nursing Administration. She is an American Organization of Nurse Executives Nurse Manager Fellow and a New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute Fellow. Recently, SMH nursing leaders nominated Strain for the Louisiana State Board of Nursing Nightingale Awards for her efforts and accomplishments as an outstanding nursing leader. Under her leadership, nursing leaders at all levels in the hospital are empowered to make necessary changes to benefit their patients and staff, which brings a higher level of care to the bedside.

Lynn Strain - Chief Nursing Officer 1001 Gause Blvd., Slidell, LA 70458. 985-280-8813. Lynn.Strain@SlidellMemorial.org 28

Inside Northside

Christie LeBouef Mise En Place Events

Coordinating the destination wedding of her best friend inspired Christie LeBouef to start her own event planning company. The day before the ceremony, the beachfront venue was unexpectedly closed. Christie quickly coordinated the vendors, guests and bridal party to another venue. “It was a process,” she says, “but we were able to get everything and everybody moved to the new location. The ceremony went off without a hitch!” Christie received an outpouring of praise for her professionalism under pressure, and shortly after, Mise En Place Events was born. Mise En Place, which means put in place, is a term used in professional kitchens to refer to organizing ingredients. Christie applies it to the organizing of event details. Since 2012, she has successfully helped couples nationwide with their dream weddings in the New Orleans area. Through a collaborative effort with qualified vendors, Christie aims to create a day clients will cherish for the rest of their lives. She says, “Being a part of a couple’s marriage is very special to me. My goal is to bring my clients’ vision to life for any event.” Christie offers full-service, partial and day-of design and coordination packages for weddings, social and corporate events. When she’s not putting the details in place for her clients, Christie can be found spending time with her family or volunteering with her sons’ Cub Scout events—which she, of course, has a hand in planning. For a complimentary consultation, reach Christie at 630-3432 or christie@miseenplaceevents.com. miseenplaceevents.com.

Beverly McQuaid and Darlene Pevoto Planet Kids Academy

Celebrating 20 years of successful early childhood education, founder Beverly McQuaid attributes it to the force behind her. “You are as good as your staff,” says Beverly. “They are my front line. They deserve all the credit.” With an open floor plan and a 7,000-square-foot building, Planet Kids Academy has been able to thrive and continue to grow. The academy operates year-round, offering a full-day program on a three-, four- or fiveday-a-week basis for children ranging from 12 months to 5 years. Beverly and her staff aim to make the space and activities inviting to kids. Through the use of inquiry, observation, whole language and a variety of manipulative materials, the staff at Planet Kids Academy teaches children how to problem solve, make decisions and think creatively. “We continue to chase perfection and try to set the standard for early childhood care,” says Beverly. Beverly is excited to share Darlene Pevoto’s new role in the school. Darlene, who has been with Planet Kids Academy for 18 years, is now the Education Consultant. Darlene works with teachers, parents and Beverly to guide and recommend areas of improvement. Darlene has a bachelor’s degree in speech, language and audiology pathology from the University of Oklahoma and has done master’s work in elementary education, with specializations in reading and special education. With her commitment to the pursuit of excellence, Darlene provides continuing education for lead teachers of the academy. “As an educator, working intimately with both teachers and parents is highly gratifying,” says Darlene. “My consulting role only magnifies that satisfaction, especially when I can provide the mentorship, guidance, remediation and referrals needed during a consult. The successful outcomes of these collaborations create happiness and the potential for self-achievement in the children whose needs are served.” As Education Consultant, Darlene holds weekly educational workshops with teachers, followed by one-on-ones and progress reports.

All the while, her focus remains on the students’ growth and betterment. “An important skill that I work on with our staff is to assure that the curriculum is full of an age-appropriate ratio of both self-directed and teacher-directed activities, fulfilling our goal of ‘guided learning’ for each child,” Darlene says. Written reports are sent home daily for parents to learn about their child’s success and growth. Progress reports are also given twice a year. “Our intervals of assessment and evaluation for each child keep us informed on their progress and give us the ability to intervene with remedial activities when they struggle,” says Darlene. “These teaching practices put the student in the best position to succeed, continue growth and development and further their learning aptitudes.” As Planet Kids continues to flourish, Beverly and her team also grow and evolve. “We try to stay consistent with improvement as education and the community continue to change,” Beverly says, “but the basic needs of children don’t change. They have the need to be loved for who they are. We keep a low child-teacher ratio and have programs designed to validate them as the ‘little people’ they are.” The curriculum of each class is created to provide an integrated approach to emotional, cognitive, physical and social development preparing students for the skills needed at a kindergarten level. Beverly is proud of Planet Kids Academy and the young students who are helped to grow. However, she continues to give credit for the student’s success as well as her own to the team working with her. “It’s the people implementing, molding and guiding your program who create success,” says Beverly. “Needless to say, we’re blessed.”

Ashley St. Angelo, Director and Darlene Pevoto, Education Consultant

Planet Kids Academy is located at 317 Hwy. 21 in Madisonville. 845-0377. planetkidsacademy.com Women IN Business 29

Diane LaPlace

Keller Williams Realty Gulf States Region “There is something special about the northshore—a peaceful serenity and family values that just aren’t found other places.” It’s what drew Diane LaPlace, her husband, Huey, and their combined five children here 40 years ago. In 1991, armed with her 18 years of marketing and advertising experience in New Orleans, Diane embarked on a career as a real estate agent. In 1997, she and her partners began the Gulf States Region for Keller Williams Realty, which spans four states and consists of 22 offices and over 2,300 agents. Diane says, “I believe in the values reflected in the Keller Williams motto, ‘Winwin or no deal.’ Whether you are the seller or the buyer, my job is to make you happy.” Diane and her team work closely together, with the focus always on protecting their client’s interest. “Knowledge of your work is important in any business, but even more so when helping a client choose their personal home. It is crucial to be totally aware of every market change and to pass that knowledge on to our clients.” Diane attributes her success as partner/owner and real estate consultant to developing relationships that are built on trust. “I have been honored with the trust and respect from past clients, who refer me to their friends and family. I treasure that trust, and I would never let them down.” Diane’s office is at 1522 W. Causeway Approach in Mandeville, 502-7103. laplace@teamlaplace.com. dianelaplace.com. 30

Inside Northside

Gretchen Armbruster Armbruster Artworks School

Gretchen Armbruster opened her fine art school and studio in Covington more than three years ago. Her workshop classes are popular, attracting students from Metairie, New Orleans and the entire region. She teaches classes in all mediums, with a special focus on oils. “I couldn’t have imagined loving a job so much. Teaching such talented and wonderful people is truly a great thing to wake up and do every day!” Gretchen also paints for galleries across the country, including Southern Breeze in Jackson, Mississippi; Taylor Clark Gallery in Baton Rouge; Pineapple Gallery and Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor in Mandeville; and Gallery 526 in New Orleans. Her notable works include the 2004-06 “Crescent City Classic” posters, 12 years of elaborate Bacchus designs and extensive murals in the historic French Quarter Old Absinthe House. She was featured in the Art of the Horse issue of the national American Art Collector magazine. Her paintings can also be seen in St. Tammany Parish Hospital, West Jefferson Hospital, Ochsner hospitals and many restaurants and homes in the area. Her work was even on the big screen in the movie, He Said She Said. As a young artist, Gretchen studied with local artists such as David Robert Rosbach, Alan Flattman and David Jinks. She studied at LSU and at the John McCrady School of Art. She is well known as a portrait and landscape artist, working in oils, watercolor and pencil.

Susan Zackin Z Event Company

It began with volunteer work. New Orleans native Susan Zackin started her career in event planning while working at an interior design firm in Palm Beach, Florida. “We worked with nonprofits, and I began volunteering to decorate and organize events.” Vendors in the industry encouraged Susan to make it her profession. She listened, and Z Event Company was born. Since returning to the New Orleans area, Susan uses her 25 years’ experience and design background to perfectly plan elegant extravagant events here as well as in Palm Beach. She says it all begins with getting to know her clients. “First, I want to know what really excites them. After that, the goal is to make them feel like a guest at their own party by creating a beautiful and seamless event with little effort on their part.” Susan offers theme selection, invitations, entertainment, venue selection, catering, décor and florals for all events from weddings to corporate functions. She enjoys each type, because for her “it keeps it interesting.” As a bridal consultant, Susan understands that the perfect wedding is different for every couple. She aims to carefully reflect each couple’s style throughout their special day. Susan always looks forward to showing the completed venue to her clients. “Getting to see the expression on my clients’ faces when they walk into a space we decorated will always be my favorite part,” she smiles.

Armbruster Artworks School Armbruster Artworks Studio is located at 40 N. Vermont St. in Covington, 985-630-6295. armbrusterartworks.com.

Reach Susan at info@zeventco.com or (800) 714-9050. zeventco.com. Women IN Business 31

WOUNDED WAR HEROES shows appreciation to the men and women who have been wounded while in combat by providing them therapeutic outdoor experiences upon their return home. The sole purpose is to show these veterans that they and their courageous service to our country have not been forgotten. While the original goal of WWH was to show a wounded warrior a good time, it has grown to be much more. WWH is doing something that all the medication and therapy in the world can’t do—getting a wounded war hero out of the house and into the great outdoors. The sights and sounds of nature do more for the soul than anything else. With the help of a campfire and fellow veterans, a wounded warrior can heal, mentally and physically. When a disabled person is able to accomplish something that he or she didn’t think they could ever do, they begin the transformation back to being a productive citizen. I served in the Marine Corps from 1999 to 2006. In May of 2005, my life was changed forever when I was severely wounded. Insurgents attacked our forward operating base with mortars and rockets, and I was hit with shrapnel in the back, causing a spinal cord injury. I returned home three weeks after hurricane Katrina to an uncertain future. Thankfully, my girlfriend stayed with me through the rough road of recovery, and we were married in June of 2006. I continued physical therapy and completed an associate degree in culinary arts; however, I had no direction and no drive. I was in a sad state of depression when Wounded War Heroes found me. I was invited to go turkey hunting by Cpl. Mike Savoie, another severely wounded veteran. It was during that hunt that I fell back in love with nature.

The time around the campfire with other veterans was the most beneficial. Hearing the other stories and reliving mine forced me to confront my issues head on. The more hunting and fishing trips I went on, the more I realized how much I have to offer others. It was on these trips that I realized that Americans are still patriotic and care about their wounded warriors. My life—my physical and mental health—steadily improved with each event. Before I knew it, I was enjoying life again, working full time and excited about having children. My life’s calling was to serve in the United States military. When that was ended by a debilitating injury, WWH helped me to find my second

by Matt Cole

Wounded War Heroes

Inaugural Wounded War Heroes Fundraising Banquet Friday, June 5, 5:30-11:00 p.m. Castine Center, Mandeville Dinner, raffles auctions Open bar with purchase of $10 raffle cup Music by Harvey Jesus & Fire Single ticket, $50. For more information and sponsorship options, go to woundedwarheroes.org.

calling: to help other veterans. I work as a Veterans Assistance Counselor with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. Helping veterans obtain their VA benefits is the most gratifying job I have ever had. The best part is passing on the opportunity to others to take part in outdoor recreational therapy. I have seen veterans who were on the verge of suicide turn their lives around and are now back enjoying life because of WWH. These guys are going back to work, fixing their relationships and helping others because they have been touched by WWH. WWH is saving lives and facilitating friendships that will last a lifetime. As a wounded warrior whose life has been restored, I ask for your help. Come to our banquet, and spend an evening with America’s finest men and women. If you would like to get involved or donate, visit our website at woundedwarheroes.org or contact Emeric Watson, WWH chairman, at 960-1471. May-June 2015 131

IN the Spotlight Blue Jeans Ball and Battle of the Bands

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The Mystic Krewe of Olympia and the MKO Foundation presented the first annual Blue Jeans Ball and Battle of the Bands at the Covington Trailhead. Fifteen Olympia float teams competed for Big Bopper of the event, as well as in contests for cooking, cooking site decoration, dance, sponsorship and auction contests. Gordon Stewart’s float won Big Bopper and the sponsorship and auction contests, Travis Roy’s float won the cooking contest and Matt Cole’s float won the site decoration contest. The dance contest was cancelled because of rain. The first-, second- and thirdplace finishers will be given their respective choices of next year’s parade and ball positions. Lost in the 60s and Soul Revival battled it out. The winner was to be announced at the Celebration Party on April 12. This year’s beneficiaries were Mary Bird Perkins Caner Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Danielle Inn and the Covington Police and Fire Departments.

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INside Peek

1. Professional Women of St. Tammany 4

Member of the Month Jerilyn Schmidt with Sharon Bible at Beau ChĂŞne Country Club for their monthly luncheon. 2. Marie Growden, Sherri Henson and Amy Sellers. 3. Rikki Gallup (center) at the grand opening of cameo boutique in Mandeville. 4. Loli Modica, Katie Goedtel, Katie Stevens, Anne Cannon, Ann Marie Goedtel, Cathy Mohr and Mary Day at Mia Sorellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sip and Shop. 5. Gina and Anne Cannon.

1. Louis Gendron, Lorraine Gendron, Ann Burke and Megan Evans at Lorraine Gendronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trunk show hosted by Rug Chic in Mandeville. 2. Litrelle Corrent, Alison Hopper, Judy Alonso, Judy Whitaker, Kathy Seigen and Kelly Simon at the grand opening of Vine in Mandeville. 3. Monica Ernst and Alison Hopper. 4. Jean Champagne, Jonathan Maki, Michael Applebaum and Cameron Mary after winning New Orleans Entrepreneur week for their Drytunes Waterproof Speakers.

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IN the Spotlight Chef Soirée It was a beautiful, clear evening for the 31st annual Youth Service Bureau’s Chef Soirée. Bogue Falaya Park was filled with guests enjoying fabulous fare and drinks from more than 85 restaurants and beverage purveyors. The 610 Stompers led the parade into the grounds, where the 2015 raffle Ford Mustang, donated by Banner Ford and the Banner Drives Foundation, was parked. Benny Grunch and the Bunch, Gypsy River, Louisiana Spice, Voodoo Funk & Soul and The Wagners grooved through the evening, allowing guests to dance the night away. This year’s event was dedicated to the memory of Judge Amy Clayton James, who helped start the Youth Service Bureau’s Court Appointed Special Advocates program in 1989.

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INside Peek 1

4 1. Quentin and Penny Dastugue, Sue and Randy Meyer and Millie and Wayne Buras at Kickin’ Parkinsons Fundraiser in TerraBella Square. 2.. Janie Valle, Eileen Hodgins and Dr. Michelle Newfield at the St. Tammany Humane Society’s Woofstock. 3. New member Mark Seghers with Larry Ward at the St. Tammany Exchange Club’s meeting. 4. Kerri Lawless, Linda Larkin and Debbie Callens at the Professional Women of St. Tammany’s Phenomenal Women Retreat at Vintage Court. 5. Ronal Crimmons, Dr. Martin Kearney, Allyson Lacoste and Bill Moran as Allyson received the Ancient Order of Hibernians’ Academic Scholarship at Saint Scholastica Academy.

4 1

1. Trevor Watkins, James Carrere, 2

Casey Fitzmaurice, Nick Ashton, Jorden Kliebert and Christi Simoneaux of Saint Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s after The Paper Wolf won a Gold Medal of Honor through the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. 2. Courtyard Kings Clint Montz, Mike Harvey and Carl Keith playing at Community Center at Christwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first anniversary event. 3. David Schonberg, Pat Brister, Susan Pappalardo and Freddy Drennan at the grand opening of Park Provence. 4. Greg Amrine with students of Mary Queen of Peace working their Service Day at Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West ReStore.

IN the Spotlight

photo: KIM BERGERON

Jazz on the Bayou The annual two-day Jazz on the Bayou was held at Chateau Kole, the home of Ronnie and Gardner Kole, on Bayou Liberty. The backyard festival hosted local chefs and live music to benefit Easter Seals Louisiana and STARC. Ronnie Kole performed for partygoers, as did the Storyville Stompers and Bobby Ohler and the Harbor Band. The title sponsor of this year’s event was Ochsner Medical Center. Presenting sponsors included First NBC and Slidell Memorial Hospital.

Inside Northside Meet the Artist Party Inside Northside’s Meet the Artist Party honoring cover artist Leslie Dudley was held at Dr. Kelly Burkenstock’s Skin Body Health. Leslie displayed her works throughout the spa, with some gracing the stairwell. Dr. Burkenstock did a makeover demonstration for guests, who were invited to tour the spa. Everyone enjoyed seafood bites from K. Gee’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar and drinks provided by Abita Brewery while viewing Leslie’s favorite pieces.

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INside Peek 2 1. Eric Schouest, Larry Rase, Stephen Waguespack, Lacey

at the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry luncheon. 2. Charles Macgowan, Adrienne Laborde and Dan and Deenie Reese at the wedding of Charles

BLE THY GAM photo: KA

Donahue and John Donahue III

WALKLEY

Toledano, Larry Manshel, Maura

4 photo: KATH Y GAMBLE WALKLEY

and Adrienne in Madisonville. 3. Adrienne Laborde and Charles Macgowan. 4. Chris Brannon, Erin Cowser and Pete Panepinto at the Greater Hammond Chamber of Commerce meeting. 5. Rhonda Kerth, Isabella Kerth and Kim Melvin at the Lakeview

Regional Medical Center’s Heart Walk event. 6. Susan and Bret Kolman. 7. Lakeview’s Volunteer Auxiliary Boarch of Directors Viola Dickson, Karen Callaway, Jerry Lambert, Alisha Kennedy, Beverly

Smith and June Seltzer. 8. St. Paul’s soccer team after earning number one in the nation by CBS MaxPreps ranking.

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May-June 2015 141

INside Peek

3 1. Julie Andre and Fran Norwood at 1

Doggie Divas’ King Cake auction at The Scotts’ Coffee & Tapas Bar. 2. Brenda Bertus, Dr. Ivan J Miestchovich and Bruce Clement at the St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation annual luncheon at the Northshore Harbor Center. 3. 610 Stompers and guests of the Hats on to End Child Abuse fundraiser at the Fair Grounds for the Children’s Advocacy Center. 4. Cette Wurlzlow, Dominique Fetzer, Camille Fetzer, and Katie Pierce at the grand opening of Hemline in Mandeville.

1 1. Women of Infinite Possibilities group “power painting” at Impastato Gallery & Art Therapy. 2. José-Maria Cundin, Marion Cundin, Peggy Des Jardins and Martin Needom at the opening 2

reception of Converging States: Paintings by Linda Dautreuil at the Atrium Gallery. 3. Mandeville High School WInter Color Guard winning first place in the WGI Regional competition in Pensacola, Fla. 4. Jack Strain,

Dorothy Garcia and Fred Rittler at the St. Tammany Exchange Club’s community awareness luncheon at Tchefuncta Country Club for their

3 5

Child Abuse Prevention initiative. 5. Larry Frey and Anna Papp at the New Orleans Home and Garden Show.

and more—all of which will be used in the future construction of a Veterans Build home. Everyone who donates to the cause will also be eligible to actively participate in the Children’s Build project, constructing a small playhouse on the festival grounds. At the end of the day, one lucky winner will be selected from all of the booth donors to receive the completed playhouse. “So it’s all about giving and doing, and for one lucky person, getting something back in return,” says Debbie Crouch, EST Habitat president and CEO. “I think it’s important to teach children at a very young age the importance of giving. They’ll understand that they can buy a roof shingle for $1, nails for $2, sheetrock for $10, or a gallon of paint for $25. Through their participation in the Children’s Build, we are planting the seeds that will help each child develop a philanthropic mindset for a lifetime blessed with the joy of giving.” The Children’s Build is just one facet of an event

Small Hands, Big Hearts by Kim Bergeron

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Louisiana Veterans Festival Children’s Build

FOR MANY YOUNG CHILDREN, the value of a dollar is a concept they can’t quite grasp. If you’d like to test this theory, make an offer of payment for services. Try to motivate a child with $5 to weed a garden, and he or she might not be too intrigued. However, if you offer a candy bar, valued at one fifth of the cash offer, you just may find yourself with an eager young worker. The latter of the two incentives is more appealing because it’s a tangible award that children can envision. It’s in this same spirit that during the second annual Louisiana Veterans Festival, event host East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity is presenting its first ever Children’s Build. While Habitat International affiliates throughout the world sponsor special volunteer events such as annual Women’s Builds, this Children’s Build may be the very first of its kind. Festival visitors will be able to stop by the Children’s Build booth and make a donation to buy a shingle, sheetrock, paint

Inside Northside

which promises to be an amazing tribute to veterans, active duty military and their families. Louisiana Veterans Festival will be held at the Northshore Harbor Center on Saturday, May 16, 2015, with special guest speaker General Russel Honoré presiding over the Veterans Tribute Ceremony. The event will also include a Stand.Down service for veterans, additional children’s activities and unique arts and crafts, plus live entertainment by Witness, The TopCats, Bag of Donuts and The Molly Ringwalds. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a Car & Truck Exhibition from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $8 per person and $5 per veteran, with children 12 and under admitted free. Proceeds from this East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity event will support the organization’s Veterans Build Program, providing affordable homes for deserving military heroes and their families. For more information, contact East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity at 639-0656, visit the event website, laveteransfestival.com, or get updates via facebook.com/laveteransfestival.

photo: CARLTON MICKLE

She carried a bouquet of deep purple calla lilies. A second line concluding the ceremony carried guests indoors for the reception that included boat rides along the Tchefuncte. The home was decorated with more than 1,200 candles and fresh-cut white roses. Guests enjoyed onsite chargrilled oysters by Drago’s Seafood Restaurant and a four-tier traditional wedding cake. The newlyweds honeymooned in Italy before returning home to Covington.

M A R R I A G E A N D L O V E

Shannon Haas and Michael Troendle exchanged vows at sunset in front of a pond overlooking the entrance of their charming log cabin home. The bride wore an Eve of Milady gown featuring a tulle skirt and sweetheart neckline.

I N

HaasTroendle

photo: ERIC BORDELON STUDIO TRAN PHOTOGRAPHER

Schnauder-Bravender Emily Schnauder and J. R. Bravender wed at Immaculate Conception Church in New Orleans surrounded by white, red, pink and yellow roses. Emily graced the aisle in a David Tutera gown with crystal accents from The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe. In memory of her mother, the bride had a locket with her mother’s picture in her bouquet, and the ring bearer’s pillow was made of her mother’s wedding dress. At the reception at the Waldorf Astoria Ballroom, the band MoJeaux entertained guests before the evening ended with a second line. The couple honeymooned in Punta Cana before returning home to Covington. May-June 2015 147

IN Great Taste by Tom Fitzmorris

Breakfast

Fit for a King “EAT BREAKFAST LIKE A KING, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.” — Adelle Davis. That’s good advice. Unfortunately, not many people around here take it. Most of us don’t eat breakfast at all. But there’s an upside to that. When you do finally get around to having breakfast, it’s more pleasurable than it ought to be, given the modest price of the meal in most establishments. Which is what brings in all those people you see waiting for tables in the best breakfast cafes. Now look at those facts under the bright light that is Brennan’s, and you find a breakfast culture in the New Orleans area that’s much more interesting than what people in the unfortunate remainder of

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America eat er-lie in the morning. We may not eat breakfast often, but our standards are pretty high. This is especially true of breakfasting on the northshore. We enjoy more great breakfast restaurants per capita than the rest of the metropolitan area. In proof, here comes a top-ten list. 1. Mattina Bella. Covington: 421 E. Gibson St. 892-0708. In a charming antique building, Vincent Riccobono serves breakfast every morning to a large number of regular customers and refugees from the St. Tammany Courthouse. Although it’s entirely casual, the food—particularly the egg dishes— compare with all others. A pair of poached eggs atop a sauté of jumbo lump crabmeat (and it really is jumbo), mushrooms and hollandaise can stand with the best comparable dishes in even the most expensive restaurants around. Another exciting dish is the Italian sausage topped with poached eggs, a little red sauce and fried eggplant. The combination is equally fine as an omelette.

Also here are the best pancakes around—light, greaseless and stacked five-high, unless you tell them otherwise. Belgian waffles made with a multigrain batter are wonderful. Even details like toast

624-3388. The sprightly menu is the unique selling point of the Broken Egg, and it no doubt grabs a lot of customers. The idea is an adaption of a menu the original owner found in San Diego. That explains the

are superb—the bread comes from Susan Spicer’s Wildflour Bakery. Vincent learned his strokes at the Peppermill on the southshore. He and his family run the place hands-on in a thoroughly neighborly style. 2. Liz’s Where Y’At Diner. Mandeville: 2500 Florida St. 626-8477. A colorful, cheery restaurant in old Mandeville, with a creative menu and clean, classy cooking. This has caused it to be jammed all the time, with an absurdly long wait on weekends. (Topic A among customers: how hard it is to find a parking spot.) The effort is worth the trouble. The great dish is the crabmeat egg scramble with hollandaise—I’ve never encountered anything quite like it. But they do it all here, and with surprising polish. 3. Mande’s. Mandeville: 340 N. Causeway Blvd. 626-9047. The longest-running breakfast place in the Mandeville-Covington corridor, Mande’s took years to return after Katrina and Rita. When it did reopen, it did so to the great happiness of its many regular customers. The range of the menu is much wider than most, and its fancy egg dishes are polished and perfect. 4. Fat Spoon Cafe. Mandeville: 68480 Hwy. 59. 809-2929. The Fat Spoon—aside from its lessthan-alluring name—is everything one hopes to find in a local neighborhood breakfast-and-lunch place. Almost everything is made in house. The breakfasts are enormous and very well executed, even the more complex poached-egg dishes. Another goodie: the Cajun Spoon omelette (crawfish, sausage, onions, mushrooms, Swiss.). 5. N’Tini’s. Mandeville: 2891 U.S. 190. 6265566. N’Tini’s has discovered the limits of the breakfast trade in Mandeville. For a couple of years, they were open seven days for the meal. It’s backed off to weekends now, when a fairly good crowd shows up to nearly fill the big place. Big is also an adjective we need to describe the platters. Everything is oversize, to the point that my wife and I always split an entrée. The standout dish is the lost bread, made with (of course) enormous, thick slices of bread. Three of them. 6. Broken Egg Cafe. Mandeville: 200 Girod St.

presence of a few stray Mexican flavors. However, here are the same ingredients you find in any decent local breakfast cafe, combined in more than the usual number of ways. That, and the pleasant antiqueshop dining room environment, makes the place so appealing that getting a table on a Saturday or Sunday morning may take longer than for any other northshore restaurant. 7. Camellia Cafe. Slidell: 525 Gause Blvd. West. 649-6211. Abita Springs: 69455 Hwy. 59. 8096313. The original Camellia Cafe opened in 2004 in Slidell, “The Camellia City.” (No connection with the Camellia Grill.) The Abita Springs branch came two years later, in a very cool space on Hwy. 59. Breakfast was a taste success from the get-go. But it didn’t stay busy enough for any more than weekends in Abita. The food continues to be very good, including an omelette you will like more than you’d think: ham, cheese and red beans. 8. The Scotts’ Coffee Bar. Mandeville: 201 Carroll St. 231-7632. This very cool renovation of an old bank building in the oldest part of Mandeville has an abbreviated menu, but everything on it is sent out straight off the stove, with excitement. The pastry selection is very good. But the strongest attraction is the coffee, the best in the parish. 9. Toad Hollow Cafe. Covington: 207 N. New Hampshire St. 893-8711. It’s not your usual breakfast place, either in style or deliciousness. In fact, its menu is so offbeat that for a moment it doesn’t even feel like a breakfast place. There’s a New Age quality to the selection of ingredients and resulting flavors. For example, the sausage is made of chicken. If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll find a much bigger selection than usual. But meat-eaters won’t be put off. Breakfast here is only on weekends. 10. Abita Springs Cafe. Abita Springs: 22132 Level St. 867-9950. This cute old neighborhood café stands within biscuit-throwing distance of the Abita Roundabout. It has been a breakfast specialist for decades. Although the owners have had it only a few years, the menu reaches back to bring to table the >> May-June 2015 149

best dishes from previous managements. Notable example: the Abita Star breakfast, combining a ham steak topped with scrambled eggs, three cheeses, hash browns, mushrooms, onions and pepper. The place is famous for its enormous biscuits. Bet you can’t finish one.

the excess oil from the top and to keep it warm. Continue cooking the rest of the bread in small batches, allowing the temperature of the oil to recover between batches. 5. Serve immediately with powdered sugar. Warn your guests about the lava-like heat of the insides! Serves six to eight.

BELGIAN WAFFLES Or. you could have breakfast at home. Here are the favorites at our house.

LOST BREAD “Pain perdu,” as the Old Creoles like my mother called it, got its name from its use of day-old stale French bread. Lost for most purposes to which French bread is usually put, these crusts are soaked in eggs and milk, fried or grilled and served for breakfast. It is, you’ve noticed, quite like French toast, but a good deal richer. This is another one of those dishes for which my mother’s version remains definitive for me. She soaked the bread in the custard until it was almost falling apart, and then (hold your breath) deep-fried it. The most outstanding characteristic of this stuff is its oozy richness. It is not oily in any way. 4 eggs

The difference in a Belgian waffle is that its batter is lightened with foamed egg whites. This gives it a wonderful, airy quality that’s best appreciated when the waffle iron has big squares. To make a waffle come out crisp, put a substantial amount of butter into the batter. That increases the temperature at the point where the batter meets the iron. 1 cup self-rising flour 3 Tbs. sugar Generous pinch of cinnamon 2 eggs, separated 1 cup milk, lukewarm 1/2 stick butter, melted 1 tsp. vanilla extract Pinch cream of tartar

Before doing anything else, plug in the waffle iron and let it get very hot.

2 Tbs. sugar 1 Tbs. vanilla extract 1/2 cup half-and-half 1 tsp. cinnamon 2 dashes nutmeg 18 slices of stale French bread, about 3/4 inch thick 1 cup vegetable oil

1. In a wide bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar, vanilla, half-and-half, cinnamon and nutmeg. 2. Heat the oil in a large black iron skillet to about 350 degrees. 3. Soak the slices of bread in the egg custard. Lower two pieces at a time into the oil, and fry about two minutes on each side. Let it cook to a darker brown than your instincts might tell you. 4. Remove the lost bread as it’s cooked, and drain it on paper towels. Use another towel to blot 150

Inside Northside

1. In a bowl, mix the three dry ingredients with a fork. 2. In a second, larger bowl, beat the egg yolks. Add the milk, and whisk in the melted butter. Stir in the vanilla. 3. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir with the whisk until almost blended, but leave lumps in the batter. The batter will be very thick, but if it won’t pour at all, add a little water. 4. In a clean bowl with a clean whisk or beater, whip the egg whites with the cream of tartar into a froth until it forms soft peaks. Spoon this into the batter and, with a wooden spoon, fold it carefully into the batter, just enough to mostly blend. 5. Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook till crisp. Serve with pure maple syrup. Makes four to six waffles.

MARY LEIGH’S BUTTERMILK BISCUITS Homemade buttermilk biscuits are our favorite breakfast at the Cool Water Ranch. For years, we’ve made them almost every weekend. When she was still very small, my daughter Mary Leigh started helping me. Now, she’s completely taken over the job. The recipe is not revolutionary. There are only three ingredients: self-rising flour (White Lily is by far the best), buttermilk and butter. (We used to use Crisco, but what we now know about trans-fats made me convert to butter as the shortening.) 3 cups self-rising flour 6 Tbs. unsalted butter, softened 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. 1. Measure flour into a large bowl. Cut butter

into the flour and stir with a wire whisk until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. It’s okay for there to be a few small lumps. 2. Blend in the buttermilk with light strokes of a kitchen fork. Continue lightly blending until the dough leaves the side of the bowl. Add a little more milk if necessary to work all the dry flour at the bottom into a sticky, thoroughly damp dough. 3. Spoon out the dough with a large spoon into lumps about three inches high and three to four inches in diameter. Dip your fingers in water and mound the dough up a bit if necessary. 4. Bake 10 to 14 minutes in the preheated 475-degree oven. They’re ready when the little peaks on the biscuits begin to brown. Don’t look for a dark overall brown; that indicates overbaking. Makes six to ten biscuits.

MM ayay -J-J une une2015 2015 151 151

INside Dining MCC: Major credit cards accepted ME: Menu Express delivery RR: Reservations recommended

Coffee Rani, 234-A Lee Ln., 893-

Four Seasons Chinese Buffet, 600 N.

and Cafè, 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste.

Hwy. 190, 893-3866. MCC.

5, 893-1488. Full service, year-round

6158. Soup and salad specialists. coffeerani.com. Columbia St. Seafood, 1123 N.

bakery. Luncheon salads, panini, catering, Gallagher’s Grill, 509 S. Tyler St.,

donuts, kingcakes, cupcakes and

892-9992. Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sat.

wedding cakes. Tues-Sun, open at 7am.

gallaghersgrill.com. MCC, RR.

nonnaskingcakes.com. MCC.

Garcia’s Famous Mexican Food, 200

North Island Chinese, 842 N. Collins

River Highlands Blvd., 327-7420.

Blvd., 867-8289.

Columbia St., 893-4312. Seafood platters ABITA SPRINGS

and po-boys. columbiastreetseafood.com.

Abita Barbecue, 69399 Hwy. 59, 4005025. Ribs, brisket, chicken, pulled pork

Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill,

and boudin. MCC.

434 N. Columbia St., 898-0899. Daily

Isabella’s Pizzeria, 70452 Hwy. 21, Ste.

Northshore Empress, 31 Louis Prima

specials, appetizers, sandwiches, salads,

500, 875-7620. Salads, gourmet pizza,

Dr., 871-6975. northshoreempress.com.

Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St., 892-

soups and burgers. Live music Thurs-Sat

sandwiches, paninis, calzones and pasta.

5837. On the Trace. Good food, great

nights. Lunch, dinner. covingtontaproom.

isabellaspizzeria.net.

beer. Lunch, dinner. abitabrewpub.com.

com. MCC, ME.

MCC.

Osaka West Japanese Restaurant, 804 N. Hwy. 190, 871-8199.

Italian Pie, 70488 Hwy. 21, 871-5252.

osakawest.com

Copeland’s, 680 N. Hwy. 190,

Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in

Abita Springs Café, 22132 Level St.,

809-9659. Authentic New Orleans

or carry out. italianpie.com. MCC, checks.

867-9950. Southern cooking for breakfast,

cuisine. Lunch, dinner and Sunday

lunch and dinner. Tues-Sun. MCC.

brunch. Online take-out orders at

Jerk’s Island Grill & Daiquiri

copelandsofneworleans.com. MCC,

Bar, 70437 Hwy. 21, 893-1380.

ME, RR.

jerksIslandgrill.com.

Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.com.

Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy. 190,

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

cuisine with local flair. Frutta del mar pasta,

MCC.

892-3712. Contemporary Louisiana

Cuisine, 812 Hwy. 190, 624-2990.

rosemary-grilled shrimp, roasted chicken.

cuisine using local and seasonal

Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh food

Lunch, Tues-Fri; Dinner, Tues-Sun; Happy

Mama D’s Pizza & More, 22054 Hwy.

ingredients. thedakotarestaurant.com.

from traditional recipes, outstanding

hour, Tues-Fri, 4-7pm. Private parties and

59, 809-0308. Great pizza, sandwiches,

MCC, RR.

service and value. Live music. Lunch

catering. pardosbistro.com. MCC.

Camellia Café, 69455 Hwy. 59, 809-

5663. Hotel. Dinner, Sunday brunch.

6313. Traditional seafood and New

Pardos, 69305 Hwy. 21, 893-3603. An

and dinner seven days a week. Del Porto Restaurant, 501 E. Boston

carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

delportoristorante.com. MCC, RR.

Acme Oyster House, 1202 Hwy. 190,

Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun Deli, 1248 N. Collins Blvd., 892-7287.

St., 875-1006. Northern Italian cuisine. COVINGTON

oxlot9.com. MCC.

American bistro with a blend of multi-cultural

pasta, fresh homemade bread. Lunch, dinner. mamadspizza.com.

Ox Lot 9, 488 E Boston St., 400-

Lola, 517 N. New Hampshire St., 892-

Jambalaya, gumbo, stuffed artichokes.

4992. Lunch, Mon-Fri; Dinner, Fri-Sat.

MCC, checks, ME.

246-6155. Established 1910 in New

Di Martino’s, 700 S. Tyler St., 276-6460.

Closed Sundays. Daily lunch specials, local

Orleans, 1995 on northshore. Seafood,

Great food and reasonable prices. Lunch,

produce, Louisiana seafood, everything

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 70456 Hwy. 21,

sandwiches, local favorites. Lunch, dinner.

dinner. dimartinos.com. MCC.

housemade. lolacovington.com.

875-7894. Catch your morning buzz at

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 69292 Hwy. 21,

Mattina Bella, 421 E. Gibson St., 892-

Albasha, 1958 Hwy. 190, 867-8292.

871-2225. Locally-owned and -operated

0708. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. MCC,

Pizza Man of Covington, 1248 N.

Mediterranean cuisine. albashabr.com.

franchise. Kids eat free on Sundays. MCC.

checks.

Collins Blvd., 892-9874. Checks, ME.

mamdspizza.com. MCC.

this convenient drive-thru! Catering. MCC.

MCC. DiCristina’s Restaurant, 810 N.

McAlister’s Deli, 206 Lake Dr., Ste. 15,

Raising Canes, 1270 N. Hwy. 190,

Annadele’s Plantation, 71518 Chestnut

Columbia St., Ste. C, 875-0160.

898-2800. Great sandwiches, salads,

809-0250. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut

St., 809-7669. Yellow fin tuna, domestic

Conveniently located next to the new

overstuffed potatoes. mcalistersdeli.com.

fries, coleslaw, texas toast, signature

lamb & much more. annadeles.com.

Covington Courthouse. Italian and

MCC, checks.

secret dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go and

MCC, checks.

seafood. dicristinas.com. MCC.

catering. MCC. Megumi of Covington, 1211 Village

Bear’s Restaurant, 128 W. 21st St.,

Don’s Seafood Hut, 126 Lake

892-2373. Best po-boys in the world.

Dr., 327-7111. Lunch and dinner. donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

Buster’s Place, 519 E. Boston St., 809-

Walk, 893-0406. megumirestaurant.net.

the Original Soda Fountain & Café Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers,

Cabaret, 322 N. Florida St., 892-7220.

1645 Hwy. 190, 327-5407. Salads,

Nostalgic soda fountain for lunch and after school, six days a week.

3880. Seafood, po-boys, steaks. Lunch,

Downtown Deli, 400 N. Thread St., 234-

pizzas, calzones. 20 craft beers on tap.

dinner. MCC.

9086. Chicken salad, burgers and poboys.

Open 7 days a week. Lunch and dinner.

Mon-Fri, 10:30am-2:30pm. MCC.

MCC. mellowmushroom.com.

El Portal, 1200 Business 190, 867-5367.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, 104 Lake

Carreta’s Grill, 70380 Hwy. 21, 871-6674. Great Mexican cuisine and

Renaissance Antiques & Gifts with

Sake 21 Japanese Restaurant, 70340 Hwy. 21, 809-2640.

margaritas served in a family-friendly

Dr. #1, 898-6362. menchies.com.

Sala Thai, 315 N. Vermont St., 249-

atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Kids

The English Tea Room, 734 Rutland

eat free every Wednesday! Private

St., 898-3988. Authentic English

New Orleans Food and Spirits,

noodle and curry dishes. Sun-Thurs,

events and catering also provided.

cream teas. Special event teas,

208 Lee Ln., 875-0432. Grilled fish,

11am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm.

carretasgrill.com. MCC.

English scones, crumpets and cakes.

smothered rabbit and voodoo crawfish

Lunch buffet weekdays, 11am-3pm.

Serving breakfast and lunch. Mon-Sat,

rolls. Family owned and operated.

salathaibysu.com. MCC.

The Chimes, 19130 W. Front St., 892-

7:30am-6pm. englishtearoom.com.

neworleansfoodspirits.com. MCC.

5396. Lunch and dinner. thechimes.com.

MCC, RR.

MCC.

152

6990. Special salads, spring rolls, soups,

Sweet Daddy’s, 420 S. Tyler St., Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery

Inside Northside

898-2166. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs.

i sweetdaddysbarbq.com. MCC, ME.

kirinjapanesecuisine.com. MCC.

Thai Chili, 1102 N. Hwy. 190, 809-0180.

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

Cuisine, 108 N.W Railroad Ave., 419Thai Spice, 1581 N. Hwy. 190, 809-

9990. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

6483.

fresh food from traditional recipes, outstanding service and value. Live music.

Tony Bosco’s at TerraBella, 141

Lunch and dinner seven days a week.

TerraBella Blvd., 612-7250. Authentic

carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

Italian cuisine. Lunch, dinner, private meeting room, catering. tonyboscos.com.

Old MacDonald’s Smokehouse, 1601 N. Morrison Blvd., 542-7529.

Vasquez Seafood & Po-Boys, 515 E.

BBQ brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage.

Boston St., 893-9336. Cuban sandwiches

oldmacdonaldsmokehouse.com. MCC,

and more. vazquezpoboy.com. MCC,

checks.

checks, ME. Tommy’s on Thomas, 216 W. Thomas Winos and Tacos, a 321 N. Columbia

St., 350-6100. Pizza, pastas. Lunch,

St., 809-3029. Fresh, innovative cuisine

dinner. tommysonthomas.com. MCC,

by Chef Joel Brown. MCC.

checks.

WOW Café & Wingery, 501 N. Hwy.

Tope là, 104 N. Cate St., 542-7600.

190, 892-9691. Wings, burgers, wraps

Contemporary delights. topela.com. MCC.

and more. MCC. Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 2100 N. Yujin Japanese Restaurant and Sushi

Morrison Blvd., 345-6789. Innovative

Bar, 323 N. New Hampshire St., 809-

quality Chinese food served in Imperial

3840. Japanese cuisine and sushi in a

surroundings. treyyuen.com. MCC,

casual atmosphere. MCC.

checks.

Zea Rotisserie & Grill, 110 Lake Dr.,

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2108 W. Thomas

327-0520. Inspired American food.

St., 345-1131. “Taste our Magic.”

zearestaurants.com. MCC.

voodoobbq.com. MCC.

HAMMOND

Yellow Bird Café, 222 E. Charles St.,

Adobe Cantina & Salsa, 1905

345-1112. A great place to start your

W. Thomas St., 419-0027. Fine

day. Breakfast, lunch. MCC, checks.

Mexican cuisine, good spirits, great LACOMBE

friends and fun. Ceviche (marinated fish) and Mexican pasta. Live band.

Janie Brown’s Restaurant, 27207

adoberestaurant.com. MCC.

Hwy. 190, 882-7201. Casual dining with a great atmosphere. MCC, checks.

Brady’s, 110 SW Railroad Ave., 5426333. bradysdowntown.com.

La Provence Restaurant, 25020 Hwy. 190, 626-7662. Owner John Besh

Cocoa Bean Bakery and Cafe,

combines hospitality with French cuisine

910 E. Main St., 345-2002.

and welcoming hearths. Dinner, Sunday

Specialty cakes, pastries. Serving

brunch. laprovencerestaurant.com. MCC,

breakfast and light lunch. Specials.

checks. RR.

thecocoabeanbakery.com. MCC. Sal & Judy’s, 27491 Hwy. 190, Don’s Seafood & Steak House,

882-9443. Great food and line of

1915 S. Morrison Blvd., 345-8550.

retail products. Family-owned for 27

donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

years. Veal is the house specialty. salandjudys.com. MCC, RR.

Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris St., 5420043. Catering, special events, weddings.

MADISONVILLE

Casual fine dining, chargrilled steaks, gulf

Hook’d Up Riverside Bar and Grill,

fish, fresh seafood, house specialties.

100 Marina Del Ray Dr., 845-8119.

jacmelinn.com. MCC, checks.

Burgers, wings, hot dogs and specials.

Kirin Sushi, 221 E. Cate St., 542-

Keith Young’s Steakhouse, 165 Hwy.

8888. First Japanese sushi restaurant in

21, 845-9940. Steak, crab cakes. Lunch,

Hammond! Dragon roll, Kirin roll, sake.

dinner, Tues-Fri. keithyoungs.net. MCC.

May-June 2015 153

792-0200. Fresh organic foods for Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar,

breakfast, lunch and takeout. myfrancos.

702 Water St., 845-4970. Relaxed

com/dining. MCC.

atmosphere, seafood, daily specials. Lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.

louieandtheredheadlady.com. Ristorante Carmelo & Pizzaria, 1901 Macaroni Grill, 3410 Hwy. 190, 727-

Hwy. 190, 624-4844. Family-oriented

1998. Penne rustica, pasta Milano,

Italian cuisine. Lunch and dinner. MCC.

George’s Mexican Restaurant, 1461

other Italian favorites. Lunch, dinner.

N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4342. Family

macaronigrill.com. MCC, ME.

Rusty Pelican, 500 Girod

Water St. Bistro, 804 Water St.,

owned. Fajitas, George’s nachos, Carne

845-3855. Casual ambiance on the

al la Parrilla. Best top-shelf margaritas in

Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App., 626-

Tchefuncte. Lunch and dinner, Wed-Sun.

town. georgesmexicanrestaurant.com.

9047. Serving breakfast and lunch, daily

mortonsseafood.com. MCC.

MCC, ME.

specials.

Gio’s Villa Vancheri, 2890 E.

Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in

The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore Dr.,

Causeway App., 624-2597. Sicilian

Azalea Square Shopping Center,

Sesame Inn, 408 N. Causeway Blvd.,

727-7420. Serving 130 styles of beer, call

specialties by 5-star chef Gio

674-9883. Seafood, Creole and

951-8888. Finest Chinese cuisine.

and premium liquors. Lunch and dinner.

Vancheri. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

Italian. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

thebarleyoak.com. MCC.

giosvillavancheri.com. MCC. RR.

mandinasrestaurant.com.

Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 Lovers

Isabella’s Pizzeria, 2660 Florida

Megumi Japanese Cuisine, 4700

coffee & tea. Breakfast and lunch items

Ln., 626-4557. Traditional New Orleans

St. (in the Florida Street Market),

Hwy. 22, Suites 11 and 12, 845-1644.

available. Evening tapas menu - Fri and

cuisine. Dinner, Sunday brunch.

674-5700. Salads, gourmet pizza,

Yakimono and sushi bar. Lunch, dinner.

Sat, 6-10. thescottscoffeebar.com.

benedictsplantation.net. MCC.

sandwiches, paninis, calzones and pasta.

megumirestaurant.com.

St., 778-0364. Lunch, dinner. rustypelicanbythelake.com. MCC. Sake Gardens Japanese Restaurant, 1705 Hwy. 190, 624-8955.

MANDEVILLE

The Scotts’ Coffee Bar, 201 Carroll St., 231-7632. Open seven days. Gourmet

Smoothie King, 1830 W. Causeway

isabellapizzeria.net. Bosco’s Italian Café, 2040 Hwy. 59, 624-5066. boscositalian.com. Broken Egg Café, 200 Gerard St.,

MiMamacita’s New Mexican Cuisine,

App., 626-9159. Smoothies.

Italian Pie, 4350 Hwy. 22, 626-5252.

2345 Florida St., 674-1400. Great food and

smoothieking.com. MCC, checks.

Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in

margaritas. Lunch, dinner, catering. MCC. Taqueria Noria, 1931 Hwy. 59, 727-

or carry out. italianpie.com. MCC, checks. Monster Po-Boys, 1814 N. Causeway

231-7125. Excellent choice for brunch! Pasta, specialty salads, sandwiches.

Jubilee Restaurant and Courtyard,

anotherbrokenegg.com. MCC.

301 Lafitte St., 778-2552.

7917. Lunch, dinner.

App., 626-9183. Lunch, dinner. Times Bar & Grill, 1896 N. Causeway

Contemporary Louisiana cuisine for

N’Tini’s, 2891 N. Hwy. 190, 626-5566.

Blvd., 626-1161. Famous hamburgers,

Café Lynn Restaurant and Catering,

dinner, lunch by Chef Tory Stewart.

Steaks, martinis. Lunch specials. Mon.-

starters, steaks and more. Lunch, dinner.

2600 Florida St., 624-9007. Casual fine

Casual fine dining, daily lunch/dinner

Sat. ntinis.com. MCC.

timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

dining for lunch, dinner and Sunday

specials, private events, catering.

brunch by Chef Joey Najolia. Tues-Fri,

jubileerestaurantcourtyard.com.

Nuvolari’s, 246 Girod St., 626-5619.

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 600 N.

In Old Mandeville. Italian cuisine for fine

Causeway Blvd., 626-4476. Quality China

K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 626-0530.

dining daily for dinner or special events.

cuisine with Louisiana flair. Lunch, dinner.

Featuring Louisiana seafood with

MCC. nuvolaris.com.

treyyuen.com. MCC, checks.

lunch: 11am-3pm. Dinner, 5pm. Catering provided. cafelynn.com. MCC. Chili’s Bar & Grill, 3420 Hwy. 190, 727-

raw oysters 1/2 price on Tuesdays.

2771. Fajitas and the Awesome Blossom.

Express lunch and daily lunch specials

The Old Rail Brewing Company,

Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St.,

Lunch, dinner. chilis.com. MCC, ME.

under $10. Mon-Thurs, 11am-9pm;

639 Girod St., 612-1828. Homemade

624-5683. A full café menu with over 120

Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm. kgeesrestaurant.

American cuisine with fresh, local

loose leaf and speciality teas. Breakfast,

com. MCC.

ingredients. Family-friendly atmosphere.

lunch. viannes.com. MCC.

Coffee Rani, 3517 Hwy. 190, 674-0560. Soup and salad specialists.

Lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesdays. La Carreta Authentic Mexican

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2999 Hwy.

Coscino’s Pizza, 1817 N. Causeway

Cuisine, 1200 W. Causeway App., 624-

Pinkberry, 3460 Hwy. 190, 612-7306.

190 E., 629-2021. “Taste our Magic.”

Blvd., 727-4984. New York hand-tossed

2990. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh

Pinkberry is the original tart frozen yogurt

voodoobbq.com. MCC.

pizza and Italian foods cooked on stone

food from traditional recipes, outstanding

that is the perfect balance of sweet and

using the finest ingredients. MCC.

service and value. Live music. Lunch

tangy paired with high quality, fresh

and dinner seven days a week.

cut fruit and premium dry toppings.

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant,

carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

pinkberry.com.

30160 Hwy. 51, 386-6666.

Sun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast served

La Madeleine French Cafe, 3434 Hwy.

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy.

until 10:30am on weekdays and all

190, 626-7004. lamadeleine.com.

190, 674-1565. Catch your morning buzz

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

at the convenient drive-thru! Catering.

Cuisine, 147 N.W. Railroad Ave.,

pjscoffee.com. MCC.

370-0930. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59., 809-2929. Breakfast, lunch, Tues-

middendorfsrestaurant.com.

day Saturday and Sunday. Reserve Fat Spoon Cafe for your next party.

The Lakehouse, 2025 Lakeshore

fatspooncafe.com. MCC.

Dr., 626-3006, events 778-2045.

Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse, 1841

fresh food from traditional recipes,

Restaurant open. Call for reservations.

Raising Canes, 3801 Hwy. 22, 674-

outstanding service and value. Live

lakehousecuisine.com. MCC.

2042. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries,

music. Lunch and dinner seven days a

coleslaw, texas toast, signature secret

week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

N. Causeway Blvd., 624-9704. Fresh fish daily, aged beef, traditional Italian. Lunch,

Little Tokyo, 590 Asbury Dr.,

dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go and

dinner. fazziosrestaurant.com. MCC,

727-1532. littletokyosushi.com.

catering. MCC.

154

Inside Northside

SLIDELL A Touch of Italy Café, 134

ME, RR. Franco’s Grill,100 Bon Temps Roule,

PONCHATOULA

Louie & The Redhead Lady,

Rip’s on the Lake, 1917 Lakeshore Dr.,

Pennsylvania Ave., 639-0600. Seafood,

2820 E. Causeway App., 626-6044.

727-2829.

veal, steaks, daily specials. Lunch, dinner.

i kathrynandcompany.com. MCC, checks.

3335. Famous hamburgers, starters, steaks and more. Lunch, dinner.

Assunta’s, 2631 Hwy. 190 W., 649-

timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

9768. Italian food, extensive wine selection. Dinner. assuntas.com. MCC, checks.

The Wine Market, 2051 E. Gause Blvd., 781-1177. Deli restaurant, lunch,

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 550 Gause

11am-3pm. Sandwiches, soups, salads,

Blvd., 201-8905. Po-boys and more.

wraps. MCC and checks.

bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.  NEW ORLEANS/SOUTHSHORE Sapphire, 2306 Front St., 288-4166.

Brennan’s. 417 Royal St., 504-525-

Sunday brunch, live entertainment, fine

9711. Creole traditions and contemporary

wines and spirits. Open seven days a

influences. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

week. bistrodelareine.com. MCC.

brennansneworleans.com. MCC. RR.

Bonnie C’s, 1768 Front St., 288-

Café Giovanni, 117 Rue Decatur,

5061. Home-style Italian, seafood, and

504-529-2154. Dinner, Sun-Thurs,

barbecue.

5:30-10pm. Fri-Sat, 5:30-11pm. Live Entertainment Wed, Thurs, and Friday

Camellia Cafe, 525 Hwy. 190, 649-6211.

Evenings. cafegiovanni.com. RR.

Traditional seafood and New Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.com. MCC.

Carreta’s Grill, 2320 Veterans Blvd., 504-837-6696; 1821 Hickory Ave.,

Carreta’s Grill, 137 Taos St., 847-0020.

Harahan, 504-305-4833. Mexican,

Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served

lunch and dinner. carretasgrillrestaurant.

in a family-friendly atmosphere for lunch and

com. MCC.

dinner. carretasgrill.com. MCC. Criollo Resturant and Lounge KY’s Olde Towne Bicycle Shop, 2267

at Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal

Carey St., 641-1911. Casual dining in

St., 504-523-3340. Creole dining

former bicycle shop. Kids’ menu. Lunch,

for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

dinner. kysoldetowne.com. MCC, checks.

hotelmonteleone.com/criollo/. MCC, RR.

La. Pines, 1061 Robert St., 641-6196.

Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant, 1713

Meet under the water tower for Ahhhfull-

Lake Ave., 504-831-4141; 841 Iberville St.,

waffles, Sugar Watcher specials. Breakfast,

504-581-1316. Louisiana seafood prepared

lunch. lapinescafe.com. MCC, checks.

in Creole seasonings, available in Bucktown or the French Quarter for lunch and dinner.

Michael’s, 4820 Pontchartrain Dr.,

deanies.com. MCC.

649-8055. Steaks, seafood, veal, duck, eggplant au gratin. Extensive wine

Mellow Mushroom, 3131 Veterans

selection. Dinner.

Memorial Blvd., 504-644-4155. Pizza, 30 craft beers on tap, lunch and

Nathan’s Restaurant, 36440 Old Bayou

dinner. mellowmushroom.com. MCC.

Liberty Rd., 643-0443. Waterfront dining featuring seafood, steaks and pasta. MCC.

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen French Quarter. 95 French Market Place, 504-

Nola Southern Grill, 1375 Gause Blvd.,

522-9500. Casual dining in a fine dining

201-8200. Burgers, ribs, steaks, pasta,

atmosphere with experienced waitstaff,

sandwiches and seafood. MCC.

fresh dishes and made-from-scratch menu items. Open for lunch and dinner.

Palmettos on the Bayou,

lpkfrenchquarter.com. MCC.

1901 Bayou Ln., 643-0050. palmettosrestaurantslidell.com.

Restaurant R’evolution, 777 Bienville St., 504-553-2277. Located

Peck’s Seafood Restaurant, 2315

at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Offering

Gause Blvd. E., 781-7272. Po-boys,

modern, imaginative reinterpretations

seafood, burgers and lunch specials.

of classic Cajun and Creole Cuisine.

MCC.

Triptych of Quail and Oysterman’s spaghettini. Revolutionnola.com.

Smoothie King, 150 Northshore

MCC. RR.

Blvd., 781-3456. Low-fat health drinks. smoothieking.com. MCC, checks.

Riccobono’s Peppermill. 3524 Severn Ave., 504-455-2266.

Times Bar & Grill, 1827 Front St., 639-

riccobonos.com. MCC.

May-June 2015 155

photo courtesy: ST. TAMMANY PARISH GOVERNMENT

IN Development

St. Tammany Advanced Campus Begins to Take Shape

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WITH THE GROUNDBREAKING of the St. Tammany Advanced Campus in early March of this year, a project nearly a decade in the works has begun to take shape. Originally conceived as the Northshore Center for Innovation and Learning in 2006, it eventually evolved into the concept it is today. The 41-acre site north of Lacombe on Louisiana 434 will soon be transformed into a premier multi-use campus, involving the coordination of many disciplines including educational, environmental, engineering, design and construction. The Advanced Campus will be the site of the parish’s multi-use facility, which will house Parish Government’s Emergency Operations Center, 911 operations and a community safe room designed to provide near-absolute life-safety protection for first responders and necessary emergency personnel. “To break ground on a project like the St. Tammany Advanced Campus is exciting for our community. Its central location will serve as an anchor for all of our citizens who wish to utilize the educational facilities housed here,” says Parish President Pat Brister. “The relocation of our Emergency Operations will house our essential personnel and other agencies under one roof during a parish-wide emergency event. Many agencies, both public and private, have worked very hard to see this project through to this stage.” The first building to be constructed—the educational component—will house the Northshore Technical Community College, whose Slidell facilities were damaged during Hurricane Katrina. Construction >>

May-June 2015 157

g of the first of three buildings on 12.6 acres donated by St. Tammany Parish began in April of this year using FEMA Public Assistance funds. The building will be a 30,000-square-foot Science, Technology, Engineering and Math facility providing academic educational pathways in support of the maritime industry, biological sciences, information technology and health-related disciplines. A 23,000-square-foot Advanced Technology Center, currently in the conceptual phase, will follow. “The Northshore Technical Community College will provide relevant workforce education and training in key industries; it will be instrumental in placing St. Tammany in a strategic position to meet the needs of employers for trained and trainable workers over the long term,” says Brister. Following Hurricane Isaac in 2012, St. Tammany Parish Government received $5.3 million in HUD Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds, which will be used for infrastructure at the site. Phase I infrastructure work began in March of this year, and includes site clearing, construction of two roadways and a roundabout and a drainage canal along the eastern side of Highway 434, which is expected to be completed in midsummer of 2015. Funding for the multiuse facility and safe room is currently pending final FEMA approval. “Like all significant ventures, it has taken time to get to where we are today, but I believe that this project, coupled with so many other factors currently happening throughout our community, places St. Tammany on the threshold of the next great chapter in our history,” says Brister. “We are fast becoming one of the most sought-after places in the region to locate a business, and projects like this are a big reason why.”

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Directory of Advertisers ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE 10/12 Properties........................985-626-8200 158 Air Blow Dry Bar & Salon............985-626-1402 W-13 All American Healthcare.............985-218-3293 98 All Wrapped Up..........................985-778-2041 W-18 American Factory Direct..............985-871-0300 46 American Red Cross....................... redcross.org 26,W-21 Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor...985-727-9787 73 Armbruster Artworks Studio........985-630-6295 W-31 Artistry of Light..........................225-247-8963 W-32 Backyard Printing.......................985-231-7789 W-10 Bantings Nursery........................985-882-5550 27 Barley Oak, The..........................985-727-7420 10 Basics Underneath.....................985-727-9521 82 Beau Provence Memory Care Assisted Living..... .................................................985-664-9686 57 Bedico Creek Preserve LLC..........985-845-4200 159 Bella Cucina...............................985-626-7886 70 Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights.......985-249-6040 7 Blue Williams LLP.......................985-626-0058 39 Bora Bora...................................985-951-8454 143 Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers..........985-626-1666 31 Bra Genie...................................985-951-8638 81 Bra la Vie!..................................985-662-5065 85 Broussard’s ...............................504-581-3866 9 brown eyed girl..........................985-626-0100 81 Brown Family Orthodontics.........985-626-8297 40 Cabinets by Design.......... cabinetsbydesign.com 32 Café Lynn Restaurant & Catering...985-624-9007 153 California Closets ......................504-828-5705 W-7 Cameo Boutique........................985-231-1332 85 Candra George-My Creative Reality.................. .................................................985-871-6990 W-20 Carreta’s Grill............985-871-6674, 847-0020 133 CDN Clothing.............................985-327-7300 78 Cedarwood School.....................985-845-7111 139 Champagne Jewelers.................985-643-2599 46 Chef Soirée ...............................985-893-2570 146 Chris Wynne Designs........................................ ..........................chriswynnedesigns.tumblr.com 160 Christwood Retirement Community.................. .............................................christwoodrc.com 27,147 Columbia Street Mercantile........985-809-1789 82 Creative Network Solutions........985-377-9488 97 DA Exterminating.......................504-888-4941 21 De Boscq Jewelry.......................985-674-0007 49 deCoeur..........................................decoeur.net 74 Deleon and Sons........................504-628-1363 160 DeLuca’s Expressions in Gold......985-892-2317 77 Dependable Glass......................985-892-0999 94 Designs in Windows...................985-209-1689 160 Diane LaPlace, Team LaPlace......985-502-7103 157, W-30 Domangue Neurology................985-867-7510 22 Dr. Burkenstock’s Skin • Body • Health............. .................................................985-237-1960 51 Dugas Pest Control.....................888-606-9282 W-8 Earthsavers................................985-674-1133 73 EMB Interiors.............................985-626-1522 W-12 Emma’s Shoes and Accessories...985-778-2200 W-16 Eros Home & Clothing................985-727-0034 W-16

ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE Etan Enterprises.........................985-898-3462 18 Fazzio’s Restaurant & Bar...........985-624-9704 155 Fidelity Bank..............................504-569-3594 136 Fielding Photography..................985-626-7549 W-30 First Bank and Trust......................fbtonline.com W-11 Fitness Expo...............................504-887-0880 94 Fleurt.........................................985-809-8844 50 Florist of Covington....................985-892-7701 64 Franco’s Athletic Club.................985-792-0200 164 French Market Corp....................504-522-2621 90 french mix, the...........................985-809-3152 W-19 Gardner Realtors/Patty Sanderson....985-867-0808 159 Glenn Michael Salon..................504-828-6848 17 GNO Property Management.......504-528-7028 30 H2O Salon.................................985-951-8166 22 Hemline.....................................985-778-0906 85 Hestia Luxury in Linens...............985-893-0490 W-20 Hollywood Casino Bay St. Louis........................ ...................................hollywoodgulfcoast.com 21 Hospice Compassus....................985-639-8000 14 Impastato Gallery & Art Therapy....985-778-5338 W-17 Infusé Oils & Vinegars................985-778-0903 133 Inside New Orleans....................504-934-9684 160 Integrity Builders, Inc..................985-626-3479 93, W-27 Istre Hearing Care......................985-845-3509 26 JaRoy Pest Control......................985-892-6882 95 Jeunesse Global........................... firmupny.com 160 Jill Gibson, MD, LLC....................985-898-5990 58 Jos. A. Bank................................985-624-4067 77 JuJu’s Boutique..........................985-624-3600 78 La Bella Vita Laser & Vein...........985-892-2950 142 La Carreta of Covington, Inc............................. .................................... lacarretacovington.com 15 Lakeview Regional Medical Center.................... .................................................985-867-3900 163 LCI Workers Comp......................985-612-1230 60 Lee Michaels Jewelers......................... lmfj.com 2,3 Louisiana Custom Closets...........985-871-0810 135 Louisiana Family Eyecare............985-875-7898 33 Louisiana Heart Hospital.......louisianaheart.com 19 Louisiana Heart Medical Group/NORTH Institute... .................................................985-871-4114 53 Mainstream Boutique.................985-674-6600 78 Maison Lafitte............................985-778-2045 153 Mandeville Party Co....................985-674-1605 18 Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center....................... ............................................. marybird.org/skin 63 mélange by KP...........................985-807-7652 73 Mellow Mushroom.....................985-327-5407 97 Mercedes Benz of New Orleans.....504-456-3727 5 Metabolic Anti-Aging Center......225-767-0646 W-9 Metlife Premier Client Group......985-969-0591 93 Mia Sorella.................................985-781-3909 74 Mis En Place..............................985-630-3432 W-28 M’liss Hogan MD, LLC................985-898-1106 28 Money Hill Golf and Country Club....985-892-3300 90 Newman Dailey Resort Properties..................... .......................................... destinvacation.com 138 Niche Modern Home..................985-624-4045 64

ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE North American Insurance Agency....985-871-5480 160 North Oaks Health System........... northoaks.org 13 North Shore HBA........................985-882-5002 65 North Shore Square Mall............985-646-0661 4 Northshore Academy of Dance....985-893-1143 W-14-15 Northshore Dermatology ...........985-641-5198 25 Oasis Day Spa, The.....................985-624-6772 74 Oil & Vinegar..............................985-809-1693 W-27 Old Rail Brewing Company, The.....985-612-1828 10 Olive Patch.................................985-327-5772 85, W-26 Original Julius Lips.....................504-524-0924 160 Outdoor Living Center................985-893-8008 63 Paisley.......................................985-727-7880 82 Palatial Stone & Tile....................985-249-6868 12 Palm Village...............................985-778-2547 77 Pan American Power...................985-893-1271 29 Paretti Jaguar.............................504-455-2101 65 Park Provence ...........................985-605-0495 57 Pelican Athletic Club...................985-626-3706 11 Personal Care MD......................985-778-2330 39 Peter Taggard Tennis...................985-845-3504 50 Planet Kids Academy..................985-845-0377 W-29 Pontchartrain Yacht Club............985-626-3192 88 Pool & Patio Center.....................poolpatio.com 55 POSH Boutique..........................985-898-2639 78 Private Beach.............................985-674-2326 73 Protect Painters..........................877-212-4071 40 Rehab Dynamics LLC..................985-871-7878 W-10 Ringling Bros..................................ringling.com 160 Ross Hogan MD.........................985-892-4544 28 Rug Chic....................................985-674-1070 74 Schenck Dental Wellness............985-626-4807 56 Scotts’ Coffee & Tapas Bar, The...985-231-7632 155 Sculpting Center of New Orleans....504-309-9456 147 Shoefflé........................................ shoeffle.com 81 Slidell Memorial Hospital............985-641-1963 6, W-28 St. Romain Interiors....................985-845-7411 77 St. Tammany Parish Hospital............................. ........................... STPH.org/OchsnerPartnership 145 State Farm Insurance, C J Ladner...985-892-5030 98 Sterling Surgical Hospital............985-690-8200 89 Stone Creek Club and Spa..........985-801-7100 67 Stone Source..............................985-892-0695 30 Style Encore...............................985-674-7776 W-18 TerraBella...................................985-871-7171 157 Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers......985-626-5098 59 Truitt Law Firm, The....................985-327-5266 159 Villa Vici......................................... villavici.com 134 Villa, The....................................985-626-9797 82 Vine...........................................985-951-0005 81 Water Street Wreaths.................985-792-7979 W-13 Wealth Management Services.....985-809-0530 95 Weimer, DDS, Patrick..................985-801-7100 6 West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission.......... .................................................800-789-4221 70 Whitney Bank........................whitneybank.com 61 Windsor Senior Living Community, The.............. .................................................985-624-8040 97 Zevent Co..................................800-714-9050 W-31 May-June 2015 161

Last Bite

Old Rail Brewing Company

by Leah Draffen

AFTER ALMOST TWO successful years, Old Rail Brewing Company continues to combine great food and beer. Directly across from the Mandeville Trailhead, the restaurant and microbrew pub offers eight beers on tap created by Brewmaster Matt Horney. If you have an appetite, Chef Brett Monteleone serves up Creole dishes, hearty meats and entrées with creative twists. He says, “We are very proud of the business we have established here. Come in and enjoy the new items on our menu, such as the Burger of the Month and our customer favorite, Pork Belly.” If you’re stopping in for a savory lunch or dinner, owner Nick Powers recommends Old Rail’s Shrimp Toast. The dish starts with grilled Leidenheimer toast and Creole-spiced grilled shrimp, finished off with house pepper jelly. Old Rail Brewing Company is located at 639 Girod St. in Mandeville. 612-1828. Contact gerilyn@thebarleyoak.com for private events and catering.

Brewmaster Matt Horney, owner Nick Powers, Event

Dallmann and Executive Chef Brett Monteleone.

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photos: LEAH DRAFFEN

Coordinator Gerilyn