March-April 2014 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine by Inside Publications

450

BUZZ ABOUT BLOGGERS • GOODYEAR LEGACY • NEW CANAL LIGHTHOUSE • OUTDOOR LIVING

MARCH-APRIL 2014 VOL. 29, NO. 2

March-April 2014

Vol. 29, No. 2

The community magazine of the northshore, serving St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes. Publisher Lori Murphy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor-in-Chief Poki Hampton Senior Editor Jan Murphy Associate Editor Lauren Parrish Associate Publisher Candice Laizer Contributors are featured on page 18. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Art Director Brad Growden Graphic Designer Jennifer Starkey –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Business Manager Jane Quillin Advertising Account Executives Brenda Breck Candice Laizer Barbara Roscoe Rebecca Schoen Interns Abigail Jennings Alexandra Neitzer –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For advertising information phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 email sales@insidenorthside.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Please send items for Inside Scoop to scoop@insidenorthside.com. Photos for Inside Peek, with captions, should be sent to peek@insidenorthside.com. Submit items for Inside Input or Dining Guide to editor@insidenorthside.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@insidenorthside.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

On the cover Artist Rolland Golden –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ©2014 by M and 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 100

contents table of

page 70

features 20 Golden Rules Cover artist Rolland Golden. 40 Escape to the Islands The 2014 STHBA Raffle House. 48 The Buzz about Bloggers Sharing with the world. 63 Chef Soirée 2014 Happy 30th anniversary! 65 Still Guiding the Way The New Canal Lighthouse. 82 Go Green! Keep it Clean! Southeastern goes green. page 86

86 The Goodyear Legacy Planting the seeds of Money Hill. 100 The Black, White and Color of Spring The Heart, Night and Look of Fashion 2014. 106 Generous Hearts Giving the gift of you.

outdoor living 70 Making the Most of Your Outdoor Space 74 Herb-alicious! Grown your own herbs. 78 The Northshore’s Secret Garden Northlake Nature Center.

medical profile page 65 10

Inside Northside

18 Ochsner North Shore 1 Orthopedics

contents table of

page 132

104 IN Love and Marriage Notable northshore weddings. page 106

departments

111 INside Look Celosia Orange. 20 IN the Spotlight 1 Real Men of St. Tammany.

14 Publisher’s Note

123 INside Peek

17 Editor’s Note

127 IN the Spotlight President’s Arts Awards.

18 Contributors 24 INside Scoop 31 INspired Dr. Kumar Amaraneni. 32 IN Other Words Celebrating St. Patrick. 34 Points of INterest 38 IN Depth Joe Vizzini Asset One. 46 IN Better Health Cindy Melton.

132 IN Great Taste Easter lunch. 135 INside Dining 141 IN Development Fremaux Town Center in Slidell. 145 Ad Directory 146 Last Bite Mellow Mushroom of Covington.

56 IN the Bookcase One Summer: America 1927, by Bill Bryson. 58 Travel Old Town Bay St. Louis. 95 Flourishes Extraordinary gifts and home accents. page 58

Inside Northside

page 95

Togged to the bricks! by Lori Murphy A lot may have changed in fashion since that phrase was in vogue, but the conscious effort to pull off a well-dressed look is still a fun thing to do. Or at least it is for me. Even as I type it, that seems funny, since I very—or should I say VERY—rarely pull it off. Hopefully, there is credit given for aspirations!

We are gearing up for the fifth presentation of Couture for a Cause—the Heart of Fashion and Night of Fashion on April 10 at Tchefuncta Country Club. Presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, St. Tammany Parish Hospital and Inside Northside, the events raise money for the advancement of pediatric care in our community.

These are great gatherings. The clothing is perfect, the hair and make-up just so. As was said in the ’20s, these girls are “togged to the bricks”— and if the people in the room aren’t enough, you should see the models!

Since the first Heart of Fashion, David and Carolyn Briggs have been title sponsors. When the event doubled, adding the Night of Fashion to the mix, Honda of Covington stepped up as its title sponsor. None of this could happen without their support and the efforts of Saks Fifth Avenue and Heather Mahoney and her H2O Salon. So we can all look runway ready, H2O has a special day of gorgeous on April 4, when a portion of all proceeds goes to the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation.

Since their inception, the fashionable fêtes have raised $727,822 for the Foundation. To think that it has been this much fun to do so much good for the children in our community! When the music takes over the room and the lights dim, you know something special is about to happen. As the first model hits the runway at the Heart of Fashion on April 10, I hope you can be in that number!

Editor’s Note by Poki Hampton By the time you read this, we should be having warm, balmy days and cool, clear nights. As we put the finishing touches on this March/April issue, we are in the middle of the coldest winter the northshore has seen in 50 years.

We have incorporated a few new looks throughout the magazine. Our expanded food pages include recipes for an elegant Easter lunch and elements for setting an Easter tablescape (page 132). Travel, our newest department, begins with a story on Bay St. Louis’ Second Saturday (page 58). Learn how to plant your own herb garden on page 74.

Our cover painting is by nationally renowned artist Rolland Golden, whose body of work spans nearly 60 years (page 20). Stories of local interest, the Goodyear Legacy (page 86) and Still Guiding the Way about the New Canal Lighthouse (page 65), capture a sense of the past. Southeastern Goes Green (page 82) tells why the campus lawns smell like French fries.

March brings out spring flowers and bright colors. Celosia Orange is the featured color for this issue’s INside Look (page 106), which is all about spring fashions.

We hope that these and other articles will keep you turning the pages with anticipation. Let us know your thoughts about Inside Northside by sending me a message at poki@insidenorthside.com. I would appreciate hearing from you.

Contributors Susan Bonnett Susan Bonnett has been the president and CEO of the Northshore Community Foundation since its founding in 2007. She writes Inside Northside’s series about the importance of philanthropy and the non-profit sector to our region’s quality of life (page 116). Susan loves and lives what she does as she and her husband, Mace, raise their four children. Susan is most grateful for the opportunity to spend her “work” days building a better place to live, full of compassion and opportunities for all. Erin Cowser

Shannon Pierce

Alice Riley

Jeff Strout

Erin Cowser, executive director of public and governmental affairs for Southeastern Louisiana University, has the privilege of representing the thirdlargest university in Louisiana in both legislative and public arenas. She serves on various boards and community organizations that span the northshore and southshore. Erin earned a bachelor’s degree from LSU and a master’s degree from Southeastern. Most importantly, she has the privilege of being 3-yearold Eliza Kate’s mommy. In this issue, she examines the university’s “green” efforts (page 82).

Shannon Pierce had a passion for writing at a very young age, turning picture books into chapter books in the second grade. Her knack carried her through bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications and journalism. While Shannon works full-time for a crisis communication and media relations company, she still gets a rush from meeting new people like the northshore bloggers she interviewed for her story in this issue (page 48). When Shannon is not in front of the computer, she likes playing co-ed soccer, boating and jet skiing.

Since 1984, Alice Riley has owned and operated Fielding Photography in Mandeville. After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, she worked at the Louisiana State Museum for five years as staff photographer. In 1990, she served as the president of the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce. Alice was also a board member of the International Association of Professional Event Photographers from 2003 to 2006.

Jeff Strout started his photography career as a photojournalist while in college. Following graduation, he moved to New Orleans, where he has spent the last 28 years working as a professional photographer. Jeff travels around the country and has worked with top clients such as Saks Fifth Avenue. Locally, he works with the Audubon Nature Institute, the New Orleans Ballet Association, the National WWII Museum and the Louisiana Children’s Museum. He taught photography at Delgado Community College for 17 years.

Contributors: Megan Hill, Kelly Rudolph, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Christine Schmitz, Debi Schoen and Sasha Steinberg. 18

Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

from him. I started drawing before I started school, and by the first grade I was very good. I took art every year in school,” says Golden. In his childhood, Golden’s family lived in rural Mississippi, which helped form his love of the land. When he was about 14 years old, the family moved to New Orleans. Golden joined the Navy in 1950. Upon returning home to New Orleans, he enrolled in the nationally acclaimed John McCrady School of Art in the French Quarter. “The McCrady School was on Bourbon Street at the time,” says Golden. “McCrady was a great teacher and a great person. He spoke slowly and taught composition, technique and design.” After graduating from McCrady, Golden and his wife, Stella, rented a studio apartment near Preservation Hall and opened a small gallery and studio at 624 Royal Street. Golden’s mother and Stella worked the gallery while he painted in the back studio, turning out what he calls “potboiler” New Orleans scenes

Golden Rules Cover Artist Rolland Golden

by Poki Hampton IT IS NOT SURPRISING that Rolland Golden was chosen recently as the Visual Artist of the Year by the St. Tammany Cultural Affairs Commissioners and Parish President Pat Brister. His fusion of Southern art, realism, abstraction, intellectualism and emotion make our cover artist’s body of work, which spans nearly 60 years, as relevant today as ever. Golden began sketching and drawing as a child. “My dad was a very talented artist, but during the Depression he had to make a living working for AT&T, so he gave up his art. I got my talent

Inside Northside

of jazz bands, musicians and street scenes done in pen and ink, watercolor and oil for the tourist trade. Times were tough, but the “potboilers” sold steadily while Golden was able to paint what he wanted at night. A big break came when he was commissioned to paint 50 highway scenes for the Louisiana Department of Highways. In 1965, after Golden entered an American Watercolor Society competition and gained national recognition, actor Vincent Price bought most of Golden’s available pieces and sold them as part of a national traveling exhibit. A few years later, Price returned to buy 30 additional paintings. With this windfall, Golden had enough money saved to paint what he liked instead of the tourist pictures of years before. During the 1960s, when the United States was embroiled in the Vietnam War, Golden painted 44 works of soldiers in the Civil War, depicting their suffering and anguish. The flowers in the paintings represent fallen soldiers. “The separation of 100 years did not change the suffering of the soldiers,” says >>

Meet cover artist

Rolland Golden and see some of his favorite works on display at the

Christwood Retirement Community 100 Christwood Blvd. Covington, LA

Thursday, March 20, 2014 5:30-7:00 p.m. For more information, call

626-9684 Music by Christian Serpas and Ghost Town

Everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Invited!

March-April 2014 21

Golden. “Painting these was my way of protesting the war.” A big opportunity came in 1976 when Golden was the first American painter to exhibit in the Soviet Union. The International House in New Orleans, working with the Institute of Soviet American Relations, invited him to tour the Soviet Union for two weeks in a one-man show. “This recognition is one of the highest honors I have ever received,” says Golden. He and Stella spent weeks getting the show ready to be shipped on Lykes Lines to the Soviet Union. “It was a trip I will never forget, but it made me realize that I didn’t want to live in a communist country.” Many iconic buildings in New Orleans were demolished in the 1970s in the name of urban renewal. Historic preservation was not what it is today—properties were razed under the cover of night or over a weekend, preventing much protest by the citizens of New Orleans. Golden began a series called Demolition by Neglect, depicting centuries-old buildings being destroyed by backhoes and bulldozers. After riding out Hurricane Katrina in their Folsom home, Golden began creating paintings showing the vast destruction and great sorrow of the storm’s aftermath. This collection is entitled Katrina: Days of Terror, Months of Anguish. He visited the Ninth Ward, taking photos of the devastation and the people who were left. “This is the crowning work of my career,” says Golden. The same emotion that inspired the Civil War and Demolition series was Golden’s impetus. In 2007, the New Orleans Museum of Art showed several of Golden’s paintings in its Katrina exhibit. A short while after Katrina, the Goldens moved to Natchez, where he began painting Mississippi River scenes. 22

Inside Northside

“I was looking for something more colorful and uplifting to paint after the Katrina series,” says Golden. “I was out by the river and the sunset was reflecting on the water so beautifully, I decided to paint it. I’ve done 30 paintings of the river, stretching from above Natchez to Algiers.” Golden’s attachment to the Mississippi River is rooted in his youth, his years in the French Quarter and his love of New Orleans. In the years since, Rolland and Stella have

other bucolic scenes with as much passion and determination as in previous works. Always sensitive to what he sees, even a mundane mailbox can spark Golden’s creativity. His process today is much as it has been all these years. “In the past, I would draw five or six sketches in a day, but with a camera, today I can take 50-60 images, print them and decide which ones to paint.” Golden travels the back roads near Folsom

traveled among the disappearing small farms and country sides of the East Coast, Virginia, New York and France, looking for glimpses into the past for inspiration. It was during these trips to France that Golden started painting cows. “I love black and white cows; their hides make interesting patterns. They are like abstracts,” he says. “We have traveled to France several times to make lithographs of Rolland’s work,” says Stella. “We enjoyed France very much; we made friends there. We lived in both Paris and Provence for three months at a time.” “Lithographs take time to make because each plate has to be color coordinated,” says Golden. “It is very hands-on—you have to print the whole edition at once. The artist needs to be there during the process. Lithography is a disappearing art. Today, many artists use giclées to reproduce their work, but there is a big difference. Lithographs are numbered in a limited edition, while giclées can be produced one at a time using the computer.” The Goldens returned from Natchez to live in Folsom, where he continues to paint cows and

looking for interesting subjects. Using the photos for ideas, he then sketches, creating a series of drawings. Combining objects from different images, he moves them around until he is satisfied with the composition. As he paints, new ideas can emerge until the painting is finished. “In a recent painting, the cows, the road and the tree were from three separate photographs that I worked into one painting,” says Golden. Over the years, the awards Golden has received and his one-man shows are too numerous to name. His works are in private collections across the nation and in museums from the Pushkin Museum in Moscow to the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. In August, he will be featured in a one-man show at the Ogden, coinciding with the release of his new book of memoirs called Love, Life and Art in the French Quarter. More information on Rolland Golden can be found in The World of Rolland Golden (1970) by Don Lee Keith and Rolland Golden; The Journeys of a Southern Artist (2004) by John R. Kemp; or his upcoming book of memoirs. March-April 2014 23

4 Krewe of Chahta-Ima. Lacombe. Starts at the Morocco Room and follows U.S. 190 north April 11-13 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is a free family-friendly outdoor event, filled with

to 17th Street to Fish Hatchery Road. Ends at Lacombe Nursing Home. 1pm. 4 Krewe of Folsom. Folsom. Starts on Hwy. 40 near Olive Street, follows to Cleveland, along Highway 25 to Jackson Street, and back to Highway 40. 2pm. 4 Krewe of Lyra. “Fire and Reign.” Covington.

lots of great food, games,

10am. kreweoflyra.com.

entertainment and fun for

4 Krewe of Covington Lions Club.

people of all ages. Memorial Park, 301 N. 6th St. The event poster (left) is by Inside Northside cover artist Connie Kittok (March-April 2008). lastrawberryfestival.com.

Covington. Follows Lyra. 4 Mystic Krewe of Covington. Covington. Follows Krewe of Covington. 4 Mardi Gras. Laissez les bons temps rouler! 4 Mardi Gras at George’s. $1 house margaritas with a $10.50 entrée. George’s Mexican Restaurant, 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., #1, Mandeville. Live music, 5-8:30pm. 626-4342. georgesmexicanrestaurant.com.

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

5-7 Mardi Gras Art Camp. Ages 6-12. Supplies provided. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington.

INSIDE

Registration required one week prior. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org. 7 First Friday Art Walk. Various locations in Downtown Hammond. Art exhibits, pop-up

the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

galleries, theater, live music, dining specials and more. dddhammond.com.

March

Nancy Clark, 626-3144.

7 Folsom First Friday Block Party. DJs,

1-April 15 JuJu’s Model Search. Apply in

dancing and fun. Live music. Camp Street to

1 Covington Art Market. Works by

store to become a model for JuJu’s Boutique.

Railroad Avenue to Highway 25. 6-10pm. 773-

local artists. Covington Trailhead, 419 N.

Women, age 15-25. 1901 Hwy. 190, Mandeville.

3390. villageoffolsom.com.

New Hampshire St. 9am-1pm. 892-8650.

624-3600.

8 From Flat to Fabulous! Create dimensional

sttammanyartassociation.org.

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Camellia City Market.

mixed media art with Christine Sauer. Supplies

1-2 Ponchatoula Trade Days. Arts and

Griffith Park, 333 Erlanger St., Olde

included. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N.

crafts fair. Downtown Ponchatoula. 9am-5pm.

Towne Slidell. 8am-1pm. Free. 640-7112.

Columbia St., Covington. Register by March 1.

Free. 386-2536. ponchatoulachamber.com.

camelliacitymarket.org.

892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

1-29 Covington Farmers Market. Wed,

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Hammond Farmers

8 Madisonville Art Market. Water Street along

Covington Trailhead, 434 N. New Hampshire

Market. Downtown Hammond. 8am-noon.

the Tchefuncte River and Highway 22. 10am-4pm.

St., 10am-2pm; Sat, 609 N. Columbia St.,

277-5680. dddhammond.com.

643-5340. madisonvilleartmarket.com.

8am-noon. Free. 966-1786. covla.com.

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Mandeville Trailhead

8 Raising the Roof for Charity Raffle

1-31 Mandeville City Hall Artist of the

Community Market. Live music. 675 Lafitte

House Early Bird Prize Drawing and

Month. Mandeville Junior High students under

St., Mandeville. 9am-1pm. Free. 624-3147.

Ribbon Cutting. St. Tammany Home Builders

the direction of Mary-Elaine Bernard, talented

mandevilletrailheadmarket.com.

Association. Terra Bella Village, 100 Terra Bella

art instructor. Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway App. Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm. Free.

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

4 Krewe of Bush. Bush. 9am

Blvd., Covington. 882-5002. sthba.org. 8 Tangipahoa Spring Garden Day. LSU Ag

Center Research Station, 21549 Old Covington Hwy., Hammond. 9am-3pm. Sandra Benjamin, 748-5462. lsuagcenter.com/tangipahoa. 8, 22 Hammond Arts & Crafts Market. Downtown Hammond. 9am-3pm. 277-5680. dddhammond.com. 8, 22, 29 Folsom Village Market. Behind City Hall, 13401 June St. 9am-1pm. 796-3533. villageoffolsom.com. 9 Appalachian Spring. Concert by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Slidell Municipal Auditorium, 2056 Second St., Slidell. 2:30pm. Tickets start at $20. 646-4375. lpomusic.com. 9 Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws. Dogs in costume for this fun parade. Benefits area animal agencies. Sponsored by Mandeville Animal Hospital. Mandeville lakefront. 2pm. mardipaws.com. 12 One-Year Anniversary Party. Refreshments, door prizes and special sales. Mia Sorella, 1354 Corporate Sq., Slidell. 10am-5pm. 781-3909. 13 Chamber After Hours. Networking. Hosted by the Strawberry Festival Board. Festival Building, Memorial Park, Hammond. 5:30-7pm. 386-2536. ponchatoulachamber.com. 14 Lark in the Park Gala. Proceeds benefit the restoration of City Park’s historic carousel. Music by Flow Tribe. Pavilion of the Two Sisters and New Orleans Botanical Garden. Patron party, 7-8pm; gala, 8-11pm. Tickets, (504) 483-9376. friendsofcitypark.com. 14 Mandeville Live. Friday Concert Series. Troi Bechet Quartet. Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St. 6:30-8:30pm. Free. Alia Casborné, 624-3147. cityofmandeville.com. 14 Northlake Newcomers Luncheon. Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne. Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. Reservations required by March 6. 792-4926. northlakenewcomers.com. 14-15 Northshore Garden Show. St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds, Covington. Will Afton, wafton@agcenter.lsu.edu. 15 “A Night in Haiti.” A celebration of Haitian culture. Dinner and drinks, DJ and craft sale. 705-1846. maryqueenofpeace.org/ haitipartnership/home.

Inside Scoop 15 Day for Girls Health. Sponsored by the

Springs Trailhead Park. Noon-5pm. Free.

Junior Auxiliary of Slidell and Slidell Memorial

abitapark.com.

Hospital. Girls are pampered and learn healthy habits. SMH Center and Founders Building, Robert Rd. 1-5pm. Taffy Morrison, taffy. morrison@slidellmemorial.org. 15 SSA Falaya Fling. Silent and live auctions, dinner and live entertainment. Castine Center, 63350 Pelican Blvd., Mandeville. Patron party, 6pm; 7pm-midnight. $65. 892-2540. ssacad.com. 15 Hammond Rotary Shamrock 10K. Friendship Circle on the Southeastern Louisiana University campus. Mike Williams, 634-0035. rotaryshamrockrun.com. 15 Second Annual A Walk in the Park. Fourth of a mile walk followed by a family fun

969-8172. hammondbluesandbbq.com. 21-23 Audubon Pilgrimage Spring

16 Chef Soirée. Youth Services Bureau

Festival. St. Francisville. Daytime tours,

fundraiser. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington. 5-9pm.

9am-5pm, $30; Fri night entertainment, 6-9pm,

Tickets, $125 each. 893-2570. chefsoiree.com.

$20; Sat night entertainment, 7pm, $40.

20 Inside Northside Meet the Artist Party.

audubonpilgrimage.info.

Featuring the work of Rolland Golden. Cocktails

21-23 Lacombe Art Guild Spring

and hors d’oeuvres. Christwood Retirement

Members Show. Louisiana Heart Hospital,

Community, 100 Christwood Blvd., Covington.

64030 LA 434, Lacombe. Sat, 6-9pm; Sun,

5:30-7pm. 626-9684.

10am-4pm. Free. 951-0728.

21 Mandeville Live. Friday Concert Series.

21, 23 Starry Night: A Spring Solstice

Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys. Mandeville

Concert. Fuhrmann Auditorium at Greater

Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St. 6:30-8:30pm. Free. Alia

Covington Center, 317 N. Jefferson Ave.,

Casborné, 624-3147. cityofmandeville.com.

Covington. Fri, 7:30pm; Sun, 3pm. $15. 792-

21 Sunset at the Landing Concert. Columbia Street Landing, Covington. 6-9pm. Free. covla.com.

1392. npas.info. 22 Arts Evening Cultural Festival. Art, live entertainment, fine and casual dining, shopping.

day. Food, music, raffles, silent auction, and

21-22 Gulf States Quilting Association

more. Kids Konnection Park, Koop Drive,

Show. Northshore Harbor Center, 100

Mandeville. Check-in, 9am; walk, 10am.

Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell. 9am-6pm.

up21foundation.org.

Adults, $7; children, $4. (228) 255-0658.

22 Gryphon Gala. Atonement Lutheran

gulfstatesquilting.org.

Church and School, 6500 Riverside Dr., Metairie.

16 Abita Earth Fest. Arts and crafts, educational demos, games and food. Abita

21-22 Hammond Smokin’ Blues & BBQ Challenge. Downtown Hammond. Eric Phares,

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

(Rain date, March 23.) Olde Towne Slidell. 5-9pm. Free. 646-4375. slidell.la.us.

Silent auction and hospitality hour, 5pm; dinner, 6pm; verbal auction, 7:30pm. Gemelle or

Stephanie, (504) 486-6133. 22 Live Music. Flow Tribe. Winos and Tacos, 321 N. Columbia St., Covington. 10pm. $10 cover, includes drink ticket. 809-3029. 22 Ozone Spring Run. St. Paul’s Alumni Association. 1-mile, 5K races. Cash awards, prizes and giveaways. St. Paul’s School Wolfdome, 917 S. Jahncke Ave., Covington. 8am. 893-3684. wolfpackers.com. 22 Northshore Gumbo Cook-off. 1340 8th St., Slidell. 11am-3pm; judging, noon. $10. 6430556. slidelllittletheatre.org.

22-23 Jazz on the Bayou. Fundraiser for

26 Mandeville Project Graduation Spring

Easter Seals Louisiana, STARC and more.

Golf Tournament. Tchefuncta Country Club,

Chateau Kole, 35090 Bishop Rd., Slidell. 3-7pm.

2 Pinecrest Dr., Covington. Tee time, 12:30pm.

$100. jazzonthebayou.com.

705-1705 or mhspg1@gmail.com.

22-April 26 A Fair to Remember Exhibit.

27 Sip & Stroll. Wine tasting, local artists,

Joshua Mann Pailet’s photographs of the 1984

fashion shows. Bastille’s Clothing Company,

World’s Fair in New Orleans from the New

Anne’s Boutique, JuJu’s Boutique, Niche Modern

Orleans Museum of Art. Slidell Cultural Center at

Home and many more. The Market at Chenier,

City Hall, 2055 Second St., Olde Towne Slidell.

1901 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 6-8pm. 778-0459.

Wed-Fri, noon-4pm. Free. 646-4375. slidell.la.us.

St., Downtown Covington. 6:30-9:30pm. Free.

Museum of St. Tammany. Live entertainment,

covla.com.

edibles and libations, live and silent auctions

22 Skin it! Create paint skins for mixed media

and more. Castine Center, 63350 Pelican Dr.,

painting with artist Christine Sauer. Supplies

Mandeville. 6-10pm. $100. jlgc.net.

included. St. Tammany Art Association, 230 N. Columbia St., Covington. Register by March 15. 9:45am-3:30pm. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org. 2-23 Jane Austen Literary Festival. Mandeville Trailhead, North Star Theater and other locations in Old Mandeville. Sat, 9am-1pm; Sun, noon-5pm. Free, for selected events. janeaustenfestival.org.

28 Columbia Street Block Party. Columbia

23 A Celebration of Discovery: Children’s

28 Evening at the Opera. Featuring Puccini’s Scenes and Arias from La Bohème. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. First Baptist Church

23 Chef’s Evening. Southeastern Louisiana

of Covington, 16333 Hwy. 1085, Covington.

University Foundation gala. Southeastern

7:30pm. (504) 523-6530. lpomusic.com.

Student Union Ballroom, Hammond. 5:308:30pm. Tasha Cooper, 549-3771.

28 Mandeville Live. Friday Concert Series. Mykia Jovan. Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St.

23 Third Sunday Concert. The New Orleans

6:30-8:30pm. Free. Alia Casborné, 624-3147.

Black Chorale. Christ Episcopal Church, 120

cityofmandeville.com.

S. New Hampshire St., Covington. 5pm. Free. 892-3177.

28-29 Hogs for the Cause. Benefits families coping with pediatric brain cancer. New Orleans

Inside Scoop City Park Festival Grounds, 4 Friedrichs Ave.,

Hertiage Park, 1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell. 5:30-

New Hampshire St., Covington. 5-7:30pm.

New Orleans. hogsforthecause.org.

7:30pm. Free. 646-4375. slidell.la.us.

892-1873. covla.com.

29 Abita Springs Whole Town Garage

30 Woofstock. Benefitting the St. Tammany

4 Art in April with Champagne. Art Stroll,

Sale. With flea market in front of the town hall.

Humane Society. Castine Center, 63350

outdoor art exhibits, live music and shopping.

8am-5pm. abitagaragesale.com.

Pelican Dr., Mandeville. 10am-2pm. 892-

Downtown Hammond. 6-10pm. 277-5680.

PETS. sthumane.org.

dddhammond.com.

29 Fun on the Bayou. Annual Crimson and Navy Gala. Archbishop Hannan High School, 71324 Hwy. 1077, Covington. 7pm-midnight. hannanhigh.org. 29 Holland Grill Demonstration. Free Holland Pizza Stone with purchase of a grill ($40 value). Outdoor Living Center, 2101 N. Hwy. 190, Ste. 102, Covington. 10am-2pm. Free. 893-8008. 29-April 19 Easter Bunny. Easter Bunny arrival and kids activities, March 29. 11am-3pm. Easter Bunny hours, Mon-Sat, 11am-7pm; Sun,

April 1-30 Mandeville City Hall Artist of the Month. Robin Lee Bordonaro”s Gulf Coast images and architecture. Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway App. Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm. Free. Nancy Clark, 626-3144. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Camellia City Market. Griffith Park, 333 Erlanger St., Olde Towne Slidell. 8am-noon. Free. 640-7112. camelliacitymarket.org.

noon-6pm; April 14-19, 10am-8pm (extended

3 NOLA Moms Blog Event. Featuring 2014

hours). North Shore Square Mall, 150 North

swimwear. Food and drink will be provided.

Shore Blvd., Ste. 2020, Slidell. 646-0661.

Bra Genie, 2881 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 5:30-

northshoresquareonline.com.

7:30pm. 951-8638.

30 Bayou Jam in Heritage Park: The

3, 10, 17, 24 Rockin’ the Rails. Spring

Boogie Men. Bring blankets and chairs.

concert series. Covington Trailhead, 419 N.

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

4 Folsom First Friday Block Party. DJs, dancing and fun. Live music. Camp Street to Railroad Avenue to Highway 25. 6-10pm. 7733390. villageoffolsom.com. 4 Look of Fashion. Benefitting the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation. H2O Salon, 3908 Hwy. 22, Mandeville. 8am-5pm. 951-8166. 4 Mandeville Live. Friday Concert Series. Witness. Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St. 6:30-8:30pm. Free. Alia Casborné, 624-3147. cityofmandeville.com. 4-5 Art at the Park. Christ Episcopal School, 80 Christwood Blvd., Covington. Fri, Box Parade and Fun Run; party, 7pm; Sat, art event, 10am-4pm. 871-9902. christepiscopalschool.org. 4-5 Mandeville Spring Craft Show. Lions

Hall, 720 Lafitte St., Mandeville. Fri, 10am-5pm;

St., 10am-2pm; Sat, 609 N. Columbia St.,

Covington Trailhead, Downtown Covington

Sat, 9am-5pm. $2. Melissa Cates, 966-5139.

8am-noon. Free. 966-1786. covla.com.

and participating restaurants. Admission varies,

mandevillecraftshow.com.

5, 12, 19, 26 Hammond Farmers Market.

5 Covington Art Market. Works by

Downtown Hammond. 8am-noon. 277-5680.

local artists. Covington Trailhead, 419 N.

dddhammond.com.

New Hampshire St. 9am-1pm. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

6 Northshore Cruisin’ for a Cure Charity Event and Poker Run. Benefits St. Jude

5 Easter Bunny. Free bunny photo, treats

Children’s Research Hospital. Food, music and

and giveaway. The Silver Plum and 1, 2 Buckle

prizes. Caj, 710-7542 or Bill, 886-3724.

My Shoe, 2891 Hwy. 190, Ste. A, Mandeville. 1-4pm. 674-4343. 5 Relay for Life of Northwest St. Tammany. Covington High School, 73030 Lions Dr., Covington. 2pm-midnight. Free. Ida Harison, missida@bellsouth.net or Melanie Byrd, melanie.byrd@cnacer.org. 5 Richard Murphy Hospice Gala. Pennington Center, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond. 7pm-midnight. Patricia Westermoreland, 386-0400. richardmurphyhospice.com. 5-30 Covington Farmers Market. Wed, Covington Trailhead, 434 N. New Hampshire

9 Uno de 50 Jewelry Trunk Show. Emma’s Shoes and Accessories, 3904 Hwy. 22, Mandeville. 10am-4pm. 778-2200. 10 Chamber After Hours. Networking. Location TBA. 5:30-7pm. 386-2536. ponchatoulachamber.com. 10 Heart and Night of Fashion. Benefitting the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation. Tchefuncta Country Club, Covington. Lunch and dinner events. Runway shows by Saks Fifth Avenue, 11am and 7pm. 898-4171. 10-13 A Taste of Covington Wine & Food Festival. A four-day food and wine experience.

free-$80. Cliff Bergeron, (504) 439-2543. atasteofcovington.com. 11 Mandeville Live. Friday Concert Series. The Eli Seals Band. Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St. 6:30-8:30pm. Free. Alia Casborné, 624-3147. cityofmandeville.com. 11 Northlake Newcomers Luncheon. White Elephant Bingo and annual charity raffle. Location TBA. Reservations required by April 3. 792-4926. northlakenewcomers.com. 11-13 Great Louisiana BirdFest 2014. Sponsored by the Northlake Nature Center. For experts and novices. Multiple locations. 6261238. northlakenature.org. 11-13 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Memorial Park, 301 N. 6th St., Ponchatoula. lastrawberryfestival.com. 12 Crawfish Cook-off. St. Paul’s Alumni Association. St. Paul’s, Covington. 11am-5pm. 892-3200. >>

March-April 2014 29

Inside Scoop 12 Madisonville Art Market. Water Street along Tchefuncte River and Highway 22. 10am-4pm. 643-5340. madisonvilleartmarket.com. 12 Raising the Roof for Charity Raffle House Easter Egg Hunt and Early Bird Prize Drawing. St. Tammany Home Builders Association. Terra Bella Village, 100 Terra Bella Blvd., Covington. 882-5002. sthba.org. 12 Spring for Art. St. Tammany Art Association. Art stroll, live music, familyfriendly activities and more. Downtown Covington. 6-9pm. Free. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org. 12-May 24 Arc: Minding the Gap. Exhibition by Artist Linda T. Dautreuil. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org. 12, 26 Folsom Village Market. Behind City Hall, 13401 June St. 9am-1pm. 796-3533. villageoffolsom.com. 12, 26 Hammond Arts & Crafts Market. Downtown Hammond. 9am-3pm. 277-5680. dddhammond.com. 18 Sunset at the Landing Concert. Columbia Street Landing, Covington. 6-9pm. Free. covla.com. 25 Columbia Street Block Party. Columbia Street, Downtown Covington. 6:30-9:30pm. Free. covla.com. 25 Mandeville Live. Friday Concert Series. Randy Jackson of Zebra. Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St. 6:30-8:30pm. Free. Alia CasbornĂŠ, 624-3147. cityofmandeville.com. 25-May 4 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Fair Grounds Race Course, 1751 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans. 11am-7pm. nojazzfest.com. 26 Hospice Foundation of the South Crawfish Cook-off. Fritchie Park, 901 W. Howze Beach Rd., Slidell. 11am-6pm. Tickets at northshore Whitney Banks. hospicefoundationofthesouth.org. 28 Aces Against Aneurysms. Tennis tournament to benefit aneurysm awareness. Pelican Athletic Club, 1170 Meadowbrook Blvd., Mandeville. 626-3706. thepac.com.

INspired

Dr. Kumar Amaraneni

by Lauren Parrish

OVER THE LAST 30 YEARS, Dr. Kumar

ER physicians, or any physician for that

on their backs. It was a game-changing

Amaraneni, known simply as Dr. Kumar,

matter, should have a caring nature and

experience for me because it was the first

has witnessed his share of situations in the

have compassion for the patients and their

time I had been exposed to poverty. We

emergency room, ranging from the obvious

families.”

handed out baseball hats and bubble gum

to the hilarious to the heartwarming.

At home, Dr. Kumar encouraged his

to the kids. I learned how such small acts

“There’s been so many over the years. We

children to pursue their own passions.

of kindness can go a long way in a person’s

had a guy in his 20s come in who had been

His daughter, Jenny, says, “Everyone in

life—it’s what really inspired me. I will

pulled over for speeding. To avoid a ticket,

my dad’s family is a doctor. He always

forever cherish that moment.

he told the policeman he was having an

encouraged us to learn as much as

asthma attack. The officer let him go, but

possible and to value our education, but

dad. He’s the reason why I can pursue my

then followed him to the ER. Yes, he ended

he definitely did want us to go the doctor

dreams. He’s supported me every step of

up getting the ticket!”

route at first.” In 2011, Jenny launched

the way.”

Another time a pregnant woman came

her own company, Solo Eyewear, a line

in with contractions. “It was her first baby,

of handcrafted sunglasses made with

and she just wanted to get checked out.

recycled bamboo. Each pair purchased

I overheard her telling her husband that

funds eye care for people in need. “I read a

they didn’t have the money for gas to get

book about poverty and learned about the

to a doctor’s appointment the next day, so

need for eye care in the world. I decided

I gave them all the cash I had. They came

that I was meant to help.” To date, Solo

back later to show me the baby. It’s those

Eyewear has helped 10,000 people across

kinds of things that stick in your mind.”

19 countries.

Though now retired, Dr. Kumar was

“I owe it all to my family, mainly my

“My passion really extends from my

very influential in the coordination of

dad,” Jenny says. “When I was 14, he

the emergency room at Slidell Memorial

took us to India to the village where he

Hospital, where he handpicked some of

was born. He came from nothing. It was

the ER doctors. He says, “We trained them

literally huts, straw houses and children

during their residency, so I got to guide

running around with just the clothes

them in their career for about four years. I came to know what their qualities

photo: JOE SANFORD OF PELICAN PICTURES

were and their competencies.

March-April 2014 31

IN Other Words

by Rebecca Schoen

Celebrating St. Patrick AS ST. PATRICK’S DAY APPROACHES, I find myself curious. Who was St. Patrick? What exactly do we celebrate on March 17? Why do we wear green and viciously pinch those who don’t? Why do we drink green beer, have parades and kiss total strangers just to get green carnations? Why do we decorate with shamrocks and say things like “Erin Go Braugh”… and what does that mean? I launched my investigation (OK, I Googled it) and made some startling discoveries. For starters, guess who isn’t Irish? Maewyn Succat, who was to become Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in England in the year 385. Kidnapped at age 16 by pirates, he was dragged to Ireland and enslaved by Milchi, a Druid high priest. He herded sheep for six years until he got a message from God to go home, so he did. He just walked off the job, caught a ride on a ship headed for France and eventually made it home. Oddly enough, the lonely, difficult time spent tending sheep in Ireland sparked Patrick’s deep faith in God. It was during this time that he saw a vision of the children of

Ireland holding their hands out to him. He knew what he was called to do and that was the beginning of a life devoted to Christian mission in Ireland. Patrick never lost sight of his vision. Sixteen years later, after becoming a Catholic priest, he returned to Ireland determined to convert the pagan population to Christianity. They weren’t exactly happy to see him but, unfazed, he relentlessly pursued them and is credited with converting Ireland to the church. It’s said that because Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity to the pagans, it became his symbol. He’s also credited with driving all the snakes out of Ireland, which brings me to another revelation: there were never any snakes to begin with. One theory is that the snake was simply a euphemism for sin; another theory is that the Irish have a reputation for slight exaggeration— they call it blarney. St. Patrick died in Ireland on March 17, 461. The Irish have been celebrating the anniversary of his death for more than 1,000 years. Although the date was during the Lenten season, the people

got a reprieve from the customary restrictions of Lent to celebrate in his honor. The tradition migrated to the United States in the early 1700s. In typical American style, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve added our unique twist to what began as a religious observance. Boston and New York City like to fight over who had the first St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day parade. Chicago and Savannah debate who first dyed their river green. And in 1914, a Manhattan social club was credited with the first known reference to green beer in a New York City newspaper. The wearing of the green symbolizes allegiance to Ireland and, according to legend/blarney, it also makes us invisible to the mischievous leprechauns; therefore, a good pinch can either warn those who forgot to wear green or punish them as a leprechaun would. Trading carnations for kisses is a modern tradition and, lacking any reliable documentation, we can assume it was most likely thought up by some guy. So, cheers to St. Patrick and Erin Go Braugh! (Translation: Ireland Forever!)

Points of INterest

Erin Patrick Pierce of Pierce Aviation.

Pierce Aviation triples growth With a unique approach to private jet ownership, Pierce Aviation, a private jet management company, saw record growth in 2013, its fifth year. Specializing in creating ownership groups in the Eclipse Jet, the company had more than 900 flights in 2013—up almost 45 percent from 2012. Pierce Aviation is based at Hammond Air Center at the Hammond Northshore Regional Airport.

Slidell Memorial awarded “A” grade by Hospital Safety Score Slidell Memorial Hospital was honored with an “A” grade in the Fall 2013 update to the Hospital Safety Score, which rates how well hospitals protect patients from accidents, errors, injuries and infections. SMH was the only northshore hospital to achieve the “A” rating, one of only three in the greater New Orleans area and one of nine in the state. “It isn’t enough to do ‘good enough’ when it comes to patient safety and other key quality measures. That’s why our sights as an organization are on being excellent in practices that best assure our patients the safe, advanced and dedicated care we promise them we’ll deliver,” said Bill Davis, SMH CEO.

Donna O’Daniels elected president of LACVB Donna O’Daniels, president and CEO of the St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention 34 Inside Northside

Commission, has been installed as president of the Louisiana Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus Board of Directors. “I am honored to be serving LACVB and the statewide convention and visitor industry,” says O’Daniels. “This organization plays an important role in connecting travel industry organizations throughout the state and helping them work together to attract convention and tourism business.”

Dr. Gary Agena performs singlesite robotic surgery at Lakeview Regional Medical Center Lakeview Regional Medical Center is the first hospital on the northshore to offer the latest breakthrough in robotic technology. Dr. Gary Agena, a surgeon specializing in gynecology and obstetrics, successfully performed a single-site (single incision) robotic hysterectomy at Lakeview Regional using Lakeview Regional’s recently installed daVinci Si surgical system. “I am very pleased to be able to bring this state-of-the-art technology to the community,” says Dr. Agena. “This technology enables the surgeon to operate through a small incision in the patient’s navel. In a matter of weeks, the dime-sized scar is virtually invisible, which gives our patients one of the most cosmetically appealing surgical results possible.” This single-incision procedure can also be used for gall bladder removal. In addition to smaller

incisions, the da Vinci®robot provides benefits to the patient such as less pain, fewer side effects, a reduced risk of infection, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return to normal activities.

Exchange Club supports child abuse prevention April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month as designated by Congress. Child abuse prevention is the national project for the Exchange Club; the National Exchange Club Foundation produces an annual child abuse prevention month kit that includes public awareness project ideas, public relations information, promotional materials and community involvement suggestions. Locally, the goal of the Exchange Club of West St. Tammany is to educate parents and caregivers of St. Tammany on how to keep their children safe. In raising awareness, members hope to reduce the actual number of incidents of abuse within our community. Check sttammanyexchange.org and keep in touch through social networks for information on how the club will raise awareness of the issue of child abuse in our community.

Connie Kittok Strawberry Festival poster artist Ponchatoula’s Connie Kittok is the poster artist for the 43rd Annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. The poster (see page 24) will be unveiled at the Gabriel Building Supply on Main Street in Ponchatoula on Thurs., March 6, at 5:30 p.m. For more information about the festival, go to lastrawberryfestival.com. >> March-April 2014 35

St. Tammany West Chamber Installation and Awards Luncheon At its annual Installation and Awards Luncheon, held at Tchefuncta Country Club in Covington, the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce installed the 2014 Board of Directors and recognized recipients of the chamber’s annual awards. John Donahue of Donahue Favret Contractors, Inc., is the chairman of the new board. Other board members are Lacey Toledano, Amy Edwards, Larry Manshel, Rick Dennie, Janet Fabre Smith, Rick Danielson, Christina Chifici, Rhonda Bagby, Scott Delacroix, Reid Falconer, W.L. “Trey” Folse III, Andrew Gibson, Nicole Gonzales, Bret Kolman, Julie Maggio, Kelly McHugh, Jennifer Mesina, Barry Salsbury, George “Townsend” Underhill IV and Phoebe Wealdon. Advisory Board members are Sheri Campbell, Bill Davis, Melissa Hodgson, MaryEllen Kanode, Nick Richard, Jan Robert and Rick Smith. Parish President Pat Brister received the Community Leadership Award and Pelican Energy Consultant was given the Tammany

Award. Other honorees were Member of the Year, Melissa Penzato; Committee of the Year, the Small Business Council; and Board Member of the Year, Rick Dennie.

Chemo Beanies receives major grant from Chase Bank Chemo Beanies, maker of headwear for cancer survivors, has received a major grant from Chase Bank. Since sisters Angelle Albright and Danielle Fournier started Chemo Beanies in 2010, more than 45,000 beanies have been sold.

Mande Warren wins White House teaching honor Louisiana’s recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching is Mande Warren of Lake Harbor Middle School in Mandeville. She is also the state’s Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2013. Donna Lamonte, first grade teacher at the Louisiana State University Laboratory School

in Baton Rouge, is Louisiana’s winner of the presidential award for mathematics education. This year’s awards honor teachers in kindergarten through sixth grade. The winners will receive $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.

Leadership St. Tammany accepting applications for 2015 class Leadership St. Tammany is now accepting applications for the next leadership class, graduating in 2015. Interested candidates may apply online at leadershipsttammany.org. The deadline for accepting applications is April 30, 2014. A community-focused leadership development program, Leadership St. Tammany identifies emerging community leaders and facilitates public involvement. The nine-month program provides and enhances leadership skills and fosters increased knowledge of St. Tammany Parish through presentations by community leaders, group discussions and on-site exposure.

Carol Hallock painting added to the New Orleans collection The city of New Orleans has purchased artist Carol Hallock’s oil painting entitled Banana Entry for the city’s permanent art collection. The Inside Northside cover artist has paintings exhibited in the Louisiana governor’s mansion as well as across the country. To see her work, visit carolhallock.com.

IN Depth

with Joe Vizzini Asset One

Five Key Points 1. Personalize portfolio. While the principles are the same, the makeup of investment portfolios for younger people should be more aggressive, emphasizing growth. Older folks, who don’t have the time or the inclination to watch portfolio values decrease, even temporarily, should emphasize income.

2. Pay yourself first! This is especially true for young investors. No matter how

Financial advisor Joe Vizzini of Asset One has been helping clients fulfill their financial goals for more than 35 years. Joe and the other members of the Asset One team provide personal portfolio management services for high-networth investors. They are dedicated to advising clients on investment recommendations, retirement analysis, taxreduction planning and estate reviews to meet their individual needs. Joe lives life to the fullest by taking part in exotic car rallies, riding his Harley or traveling with his wife, Sandra. He finds enjoyment in every day. Here Joe shares five key points about making investments. .

much or how little you make, the accumulation of wealth is more about how you go about it than how much you make. By setting aside at least 10 percent of your income from the get-go, you are way ahead of the game.

3. Diversify. Diversify, diversify, diversify. And this doesn’t just mean buying a number of different stocks or stock mutual funds. It means diversify among the various—and growing number of—asset classes that are becoming viable investment alternatives.

4. Consider tax effects. Because federal and state tax rates can take quite a chunk out of your income, try to utilize the various tax-advantaged vehicles available, such as 401k plans (especially with matches—that’s free money), IRAs, Roth IRAs, annuities, etc. This is extremely important for people still accumulating assets—why do you want to pay tax on income you’re not even currently using?

5. Keep goals in mind. Be sure to match the investment with the goal—longterm retirement money doesn’t match well with shortterm fixed-income investments, and assets that need to produce income now do not match well with growth stocks. Be wary of things that promise too much—the four most dangerous words on Wall Street are “This Time It’s Different.”

Escape to the Islands

Susan Meyer of Conbeth Development, builder of the St. Tammany Home Builders Association 2014 Raffle House. 40

Association Raffle House is in Terra Bella Village, a warm and friendly upscale family subdivision off Highway 1085 near Covington. As is the custom, this year’s builder is last year’s STHBA president, Susan Meyer of Conbeth Development LLC. In 17 years, STHBA has donated $4.3 million in raffle proceeds to local charities. For the raffle, members pool time, talent and energy to build a house of exceptional quality and amenities for today’s lifestyle. “It makes me feel wonderful that we are building this house for the charities. Conbeth takes pride in the quality of the construction. The other Terra Bella partners were very generous, helpful and great to work with as well,” says Meyer, who collaborated with architect Mike Piazza on the unique design of the house. Blending traditional architecture with a laid-back island vibe, the coastal-cottage style

Inside Northside

The 2014 STHBA Raffle House

of the house fits seamlessly into the village community, which has the feel of a small town. Bethany McCulla of Bmac Interiors, located in Terra Bella, was chosen to coordinate materials, finishes and colors, as well as furnishings, for the Raffle House. Working with the many vendors who donate both time and materials to the project, she has pulled together the coastal-cottage look with a twist of contemporary. “Terra Bella lends itself to this Caribbean look. We used natural fabrics like sea grass, linen and chenille. Reminiscent of an island escape, textures bring dimension to the neutral color scheme, such as marble and limestone. The interiors are kept cohesive by repeating colors and textures throughout the >> photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

by Poki Hampton THE 2014 ST. TAMMANY HOME BUILDERS

downstairs.â&#x20AC;? Except for the bathrooms and mudroom, the flooring throughout the house is a grayed oak. Slashes of bright colors are seen inside and out. McCulla melds the textures and colors into a sophisticated, yet relaxed, feel. The home, with an enviable location overlooking green space, has a welcoming exterior. On the wide front porch, Cotton Exchange lanterns by Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights are on either side of the front door. Stucco walls and columns are adorned with wooden brackets that define the outdoor space, making it the perfect place to greet neighbors. The roof of the porch is metal while the upper roof is shingle. The upper story is of batten boardstyle James Hardee plank in SherwinWilliams Heathered Moss. Exterior Bahama shutters on the upper windows are from Acadian Millworks. Immediately to the left of the entrance into the front foyer are large plantation shutters that flank the opening into a small study. Colors in the study complement those of the master bedroom, which is just across the hall. The fabric of the studyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s draperies is a geometric print of dashes and dots in lime green, teal and aqua on off-white linen. An oversized mirror leaning against a back wall lends the illusion of depth to the room. In the master bedroom, the walls and coffered ceiling are painted in Sherwin-Williams Eider White; the continuous neutral color on walls and trim make the rooms flow together, while splashes of teal and lime add verve. The draperies are of natural linen, embroidered in a vibrant Bergamo pattern in the same teal and lime. A woven sea grass rug anchors the room. The bed, with an upholstered headboard in gray/tan linen, is topped with linen pillows in lime green and natural linen 42

Inside Northside

Grayed oak flooring runs throughout the downstairs. In the master bedroom, splashes of teal and lime contrast with natural linen. Carrera marble tile flows through the master bath. The living room furniture is upholstered in light gray

and flanked by custom iron-and-antique-mirroredglass tables. The master bath is elegant, modern and streamlined, with a free-standing tub that seems almost sculptured. White cabinets and mirrors mounted on standoffs create clean lines. The piĂ¨ce de rĂŠsistance, however, is the door leading into the bathroom, which is acid-etched in sea glass with nickel track and handle. An oversized shower of Carrera marble tile and nickel hardware gives the large bathroom a cool, spa-like feel. Double sinks with marble countertops complete the look. Louisiana Custom Closets designed the spacious walk-in closet. Throughout the house, the fabricating and installation of all countertops was done by Stone Source. Down the hall leading from the foyer, the living room has a high ceiling with wrapped beams and recessed lighting. Adding warmth and comfort is a >>

natural linen, complementing a sisal and chenille rug. On a side table in the living room is a distressed iron lamp with a natural linen shade. The kitchen backsplash is of impressed marble.

March-April 2014 43

Nickel hanging lanterns in the dining room give a contemporary feel to the room. The cozy game room is done in warm colors with a hint of lime. In the girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bedroom, the window seat is covered in a vibrant flame stitch fabric and the upholstered headboard is embroidered in colors pulled form the flame stitch.

large Country French-style fireplace clad in oversized rectangular limestone tiles. The simple silhouette of the upholstered furniture in light gray natural linen carries forth the subtle colors of the house. The rug is sisal and chenille. Adding architectural interest, the wrapped beams carry through into the dining room, which is separated from the living room by large stucco pillars. Two hanging lanterns give a contemporary edge to the room. The dining room segues into the kitchen through a large opening, allowing the conversation to flow from room to room. The galley kitchenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solid-door, double-beadstyle upper cabinets with raised panels are painted in Sherwin-Williams Cargo Pants. Caesarstone countertops and the impressed marble backsplash add to the textures in the room. Electrolux stainless steel appliances and cabinets from Fisher Cabinets and Flooring keep to the clean-lined theme. Upstairs are two bedrooms that Bmac decorated with a boy and a girl in mind. The window seat in the girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room is covered in a vibrant flame-stitch 44

Inside Northside

pattern; colors for the rest of the room are pulled from the window seat. A slip covered headboard in white cotton has a colorful embroidered motif. The cabinets in the private bath are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Razzle Dazzle, adding drama. Between the bedrooms is a small, cozy game room—a perfect hangout for the kids. The walls in the boy’s bath are Sherwin-Williams Breezy, a light blue; cabinets are SherwinWilliams Caviar. The outdoor kitchen above the garage overlooks one of Terra Bella’s parks. Its walls and floors are finished in a hand-troweled finish called Kourasanit. The furnishings are simple and unpretentious, yet elegant. Just off the living room, the loggia merges seamlessly with the interior of the house through wide oversized glass doors, making it the perfect place to entertain. The tongue-andgroove ceiling is painted in white. Two Bevolo Farmhouse electric lanterns on gooseneck brackets are on either side of the double-glass doors. In keeping with the coastal-cottage theme, the lush landscaping is both relaxed and natural. An 8-foot stucco wall is designed to provide privacy. Imagine yourself winning this year’s Raffle House—cooking in the outdoor kitchen, entertaining friends, dining by candlelight on the loggia—and thoroughly enjoying your new home, which is reminiscent of an island escape and just steps from the Terra Bella Town Center. Give yourself a chance to win and help out local charities at the same time. But buy your ticket soon, as there are Early Bird drawings before the final drawing for this year’s Raffle House on May 31. For more information on the Raffle House and for tickets, visit raisingtheroof.net or sthba.org. March-April 2014 45

IN Better Health

by Kelly Rudolph

After.

Health Concern: Diabetes, overweight, high blood pressure Treatment: Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Before.

with Cindy Melton CINDY MELTON BEGAN EACH DAY at Slidell’s Cross Gates Fitness Center, walking two miles and then swimming laps for an hour. She’d been overweight for several years, and at 280 pounds, her health was quickly deteriorating. After a year of diligent morning workouts, Cindy decided to train for a triathlon. She joined the 30-member Tri Group at Cross Gates and finished her first triathlon in July 2011. Even with her persistence and dedication, however, her weight did not drop and she developed diabetes. Her doctor said, “I see you working out every morning, but you’re killing yourself if you don’t lose this weight.” “I think the hardest thing about training and participating in the triathlon was not being able to wear the nice ‘tri outfit’ the rest of the team

members wore. I had to wear a ‘mawmaw’ bathing suit and whatever else I could find to fit me,” says Cindy. By January 2012, Cindy had developed neuropathy from the diabetes, had a terrible cough that wasn’t responding to medicine and was exercising every day but getting nowhere. Her husband was having serious health issues, and his cardiologist recommended that he consider weight loss surgery. Cindy went with her husband to an informational session with Dr. Michael Thomas of Surgical Specialists of Louisiana. He echoed Cindy’s primary care doctor, explaining that, “Unfortunately, diet and exercise are most commonly very ineffective in improving people’s weight if they are 100 or more pounds overweight. Surgical

intervention has a long and successful history of helping those who are overweight to achieve significant longterm weight loss as well as improving or curing major health issues like diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea.” Cindy says, “I thought, ‘Well, maybe I should check into this.’” After nine months of researching weight loss surgery, she decided to have the laparoscopic gastric bypass. Cindy’s life and lifestyle completely changed on Oct. 16, 2012. Before leaving the hospital after a short, one-night stay, her diabetes was gone and she was off her medication. Within three months, she no longer had to take her high blood pressure medicine—and within a year, she had lost 111 pounds. “The change in eating habits was hard,” says Cindy. “I had to learn to eat differently. I still eat what I like; I just eat smaller amounts. I order a cup of gumbo instead of a bowl. I had 57 years of good eating, but look what it did to me. I like the NEW me!” Cindy has stepped-up her workout routine. Her mornings still begin at Cross Gates, where you’ll find her at 5:15 a.m. either swimming, running, doing yoga or body pump. And on Saturdays, she joins the entire Tri Group on a 20-mile bike ride. Through tears, Cindy adds, “And you want to know the best part? Now I have a ‘tri suit’ that matches everyone else’s on the team! Dr. Thomas gave me a second chance at life, and I’m going to do the best I can with that second chance. I have six grandchildren under 10 years old. Now I’m going to be able to watch them grow up!” March-April 2014 47

SUDDENLY, GRANDMA’S FAVORITE RECIPE, passed down from generation to generation, is public knowledge. Our struggles with family, relationships or even weight loss are broadcast to strangers. What made so many people want to blog and share their journeys, beliefs and opinions with the world? Bronwyn Planchard. Blogging is a creative outlet for people who want to write posts about various non-bloggers understand all the hype by sharing topics on the Internet for others to see. Today, details about their blogs. setting up a blog is free and fairly easy using sites like WordPress or GoDaddy. Bloggers can quickly Bronwyn Planchard, Lagniappe share anything from a “how-to” article or pictures of jubileelagniappe.com a favorite recipe to their opinion on any given topic. Bronwyn Planchard sat down with me over a glass Some blog to document certain parts of their life or of sparkling water at the Jubilee Restaurant & Courtyard use their blog as a journal to be shared with friends in Old Mandeville. She says, “A blog is a short thing to and family. Others promote products or services. read over your coffee. Brief little captions.” The options are endless. The wife of one of the owners, Bronwyn We asked several northshore bloggers to help handles events and marketing for Jubilee. Her idea 48

Inside Northside

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

by Shannon Pierce

photo courtesy: GERARD BRAUD

Gerard Braud.

to create a restaurant and food blog was rooted in the desire to give their customers something extra, and thus her blog, Lagniappe, was born. The concept quickly expanded to include an online community platform for recipe exchanges and cooking lessons for the greater New Orleans/northshore area. How is her blog different? “Many business blogs just focus on advertising, without providing fun content. I want to get people to play with their food a little!” says Bronwyn. Lagniappe focuses on showcasing chef-tested, simple fine dining recipes you can prepare at home. The recipes and cooking tips are currently provided by Jubilee’s chef/co-owner, Tory Stewart, but in the future, Bronwyn hopes to include cooking videos and recipes from other area chefs.

Gerard Braud, When “It” Hits the Fan blog.braudcommunications.com Northshore business owner Gerard Braud says, “Blogging is like a new form of a diary. Instead of locking it up and putting it under your bed, you post it on the Web for the world to read.” A former reporter and storm chaser, Gerard owns Braud Communications, a crisis communication and media relations business that teaches organizations the best practices for effective communication in all types of disasters. Through his blog, When “It” Hits the Fan, Gerard shares all of his best practices with his audience of business owners and public relations and communications professionals. He writes about current events and case studies, and it’s his own personal space, or diary, to “rant and rave.” His blog is unique because it is always timely—he writes about breaking news and current events. Think Paula Deen, Lance Armstrong, Phil Robertson >> March-April 2014 49

of Duck Dynasty. Gerard films and uploads videos of himself talking about his tips, adding interest to his blog. He says, “I put it out there because it is a multimedia world. People want to read, people want to listen and people want to watch.”

Greta Perry, Hooahwife, Kissmygumbo, Kickify hooahwife.com; kissmygumbo.com; kickify.com Some bloggers are straight talkers, no matter how others might feel. One of these is Greta Perry. Greta greeted me with passion, spunk, enthusiasm and three blogs to talk about. A former military wife (hence her military blog, Hooahwife), Greta has moved around the country endlessly. All of her “firsts” in the New Orleans area were documented on her second blog, Kissmygumbo. Finally, as the owner of an online brand management company, she birthed Kickify. Greta started the now-famous “milblogging,” or military blogging community. She began blogging in 2004 when her husband was deployed, a time when blogging was not half as popular as it is today. The number of readers and supporters that followed was beyond Greta’s wildest dreams. She eventually allowed other people in similar scenarios to guest blog on her page, and a whole community of milbloggers was joined. Her group of female blogging friends has traveled the country, attended conferences, been featured on major news stations and experienced a lifetime of opportunities just because they spoke their minds. Book publishers, as well as movie and television producers, have contacted these women to feature their work or to represent accurately what their 50

Inside Northside

Greta Perry.

life was like. Greta made lifelong friends that her husband had never met. “When they would fly in to visit us in New Orleans for the first time, he would say, ‘Oh, so these are your friends?’” she laughs, Milblogging is not somber, sad and gloomy articles about people missing their deployed family members. Greta says, “I always found the silver lining. I probably had some darker moments or darker days, but with three children, I was too busy to be sad.” On Hooahwife, you will find tributes to war heroes, music, some political views, war updates and even a letter from Greta’s deployed husband to her 8-year-old son. It’s fascinating. Greta says, “It’s my journal, and if you choose to read it, go ahead.”

photos: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Jessica Gilmore, Emma’s Shoes and Accessories emmasshoes.com/blog In another realm of cyberspace, one formermommy-blogger-turned-fashion- blogger shares her story. After blogging for six years about her children, Jessica Gilmore is now the store manager and blogger for Emma’s Shoes and Accessories in Mandeville. In her office, I was surrounded by a girl’s dream: shoes, jewelry and sparkling >>

Jessica Gilmore with Emma’s owner Stephani Paglianrulo. March-April 2014 51

chandeliers. Jessica’s initial blog gave her an outlet to share mommy rants and allowed her to have a virtual scrapbook for her kids. Other mommies could empathize with her battles and triumphs. Now, Jessica’s blogging for Emma’s shows customers ways of wearing the store’s products; the many photos illustrate how to put a full outfit together. “A lot of people want to try something new, but they are scared. Readers can visualize selections on our blog,” says Jessica. The motor boot, the spotlighted trendy shoe on the blog, might sound too rough and tough for some women, but the photos show how to pull it off in both an urban and feminine way. Jessica is a good example of someone who blogs successfully but has no formal writing experience. One of her favorite things about blogging is that “there are no rules. You can

talk about whatever you want to talk about.”

Nick Guarisco, Big Easy Sports Talk bigeasysportstalk.com What can a military wife and a sports junkie have in common? Both Greta Perry and Nick Guarisco tell it like it is. Nick, a Tulane law student, offers a glimpse into another Internet territory: sports blogging. Nick started “Big Easy Sports Talk” just for kicks with his buddy, Michael Pellissier; Nick tackled the Saints and NFL stories, and Michael covered the Hornets and the NBA. Nick says, “I’m not afraid to say negative things about any team or anyone.” The difference between sports news commentators or journalists and Nick’s blog is that he is unbiased. He has no agenda, and he’s not paid to write. When it comes to backlash

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Nick Guarisco.

on his blog, Nick has a “bring it on” attitude—backing up his argument gives him a chance to prove himself. He believes today’s sports analysts are “too nice. They never critique, question or call co-analysts out on faulty points. This is wrong, boring, weak and timid.” Big Easy Sports Talk is about giving readers an analysis they have not already heard on Sports Center. It’s a change of pace. Whether Nick ultimately becomes a professional sports journalist or a sports lawyer, he wants to work with the NFL. In the meantime, this passionate sports writer explains the sole purpose of the blog. “Making people sound and appear smarter in both casual sports conversations and heated debates.”

Gabrielle Braud, Global Gabs gbc v raud2.wordpress.com It is very apparent that Gerard passed his knack for journalism on to his daughter, Gabrielle, a senior at LSU. Among the many places Gabrielle has visited are Paris, Prague, Turkey, London and New Zealand. During her travels, she was drawn to writing down her experiences and started her travel blog, Global Gabs. Her writing style is addictive. Gabrielle says, “Phrases would pop into my head at a certain landmark. I would jot them down, then blog late at night.” Whether she stumbles across a friendly stranger on the beach, hikes to the summit of a mountain or ducks into a pub in the late afternoon, the young writer creates long-lasting characters and images in the reader’s mind. About one of her favorite spots, Hvar Beach in Croatia, she writes, “It was so gorgeous that I wanted to convey the imagery of that area so that I would never forget it.” Gabrielle enjoys reading her old >> March-April 2014 53

entries, explaining, “I am immediately thrown back in the environment where I was writing, and I can remember the feelings I had on the train, the park or the beach.”

Gabrielle Braud.

Inside Northside

photo courtesy: GABRILLE BRAUD

Shannon Pierce, Skinny in the South skinnyinthesouth.wordpress.com My own blog began when, after years of research and experience in health and fitness, I felt compelled to share some of my tips with my Southern friends. The South is built around biscuits, delicious seafood boils and cocktails at every party, and it can be a challenging environment for those concerned about weight. I found myself preaching to or praying for my peers who wanted to get healthy, so why not write it down? In my blog, Skinny in the South, I could share pictures, recipes and even workout plans with all of them at once. Of course, there are thousands of books, health coaches and endless fad diets and Web pages. I was determined that my blog would be different—it would be about a “balanced” life. No cleanses, no marathons

Shannon Pierce.

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

and no supplements. My goal was to show readers that living a healthy lifestyle can be enjoyable. Other northshore bloggers agree with me that getting started was the easy part. The hardest part is maintaining the blog and writing consistently. I also struggled with my blog “voice”—I did not want to be preachy or shame readers for their nutritional habits. Rather, I wanted to choose my words carefully so as to be helpful. I am only one of the vast number of bloggers. We have one thing in common—the willingness to share some part of our experience with others, for whatever reason. That brings us back to our initial question: “What made so many people want to blog and share their journeys, beliefs and opinions with the world?” Sharing lessons learned can be extremely helpful, creating relationships can be contagious and documenting journeys makes them unforgettable. Although some chapters are, of course, meant to stay private, why lock away all the chapters of your diary when you and so many others can grow from sharing them?

March-April 2014 55

IN the Bookcase

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

One Summer: America 1927 by Bill Bryson

YOUR SUMMER wasn’t long enough. For starters, May graduations spilled into June. There were reunions, a July vacation, cookouts in August, work and yard work, ball games, kids’ activities, conferences, and yikes, your summer was over before you had a chance to enjoy it. Yep, it was too short—but just how meaningful was it? In the new book One Summer: America 1927 by Bill Bryson, you’ll read about five warm, highly influential months in history. In the spring of 1927, the biggest rivalry since World War I waged over the Atlantic: France and the United States vied to see who could cross the ocean in an airplane first. Daredevils lined up to attempt it; some died trying. There was good news for more staid individuals that year: the Literary Guild started its by-mail book club in May; it was newspaper’s “golden age;” and fauxnews tabloids were all the rage. It was a fine time to be a reader—especially because TV transmission wasn’t accomplished until later that year.

Certainly, baseball was America’s game then, and the friendly competition between Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig was on every sports fan’s mind that summer. People debated over who was the better batter, but Harry Stevens, an Englishman, made more money from baseball than did either of them. Money was a big consideration when four bankers met in New York “under a cloak of secrecy” in July 1927. Nobody knows exactly what they discussed, but it’s believed that their decisions led to the Great Depression. President Calvin Coolidge was warned about the crisis to come, but because he’d decided not to run again for president, he passed the proverbial buck—though not before taking time to dedicate the new Mount Rushmore. Trials were speedy in the summer, but the majority of murders went unsolved (including ones committed by the U.S. government). Henry Ford enjoyed good ideas in Detroit, but made bad ones in Brazil. Boxing and “speakies” attracted crowds, Prohibition

made them break laws, and a thin, gangly young man named Charles Lindbergh flew into history. At first glance, you’d be forgiven for wondering why author Bill Bryson chose to write a book about a few weeks in 1927. No wars occurred. No charters were signed. It was just another year, almost 90 years ago. But bite into this brick of a book, and you’ll see that because that was no ordinary season, One Summer is no ordinary story. Bryson, who is a master of humorously wry understatements, takes readers on a meaningful meander from April to September, when, it seemed, everything happened. We’re given a lively history in perspective, tickled with sneaky observations and small asides, and presented with a little pop-culture something for everyone. I loved every paragraph. Don’t let the almost-500-page size of this book scare you because once you start it, you’ll have a hard time putting it down. You’ll see that, like most of them, this is One Summer that just isn’t long enough. March-April 2014 57

Old Town Bay St. Louis

“Come play for a day, you may want to stay!” by Lauren Parrish

IF YOU WANT TO GET AWAY—but not go too far—look no farther than Old Town Bay St. Louis. Less than an hour away, you’ll be there before you know it. Budget Travel Magazine named Bay St. Louis one of the “Coolest Small Towns in America” in April 2013, and Coastal Living Magazine said it was one of the top-10 small beach towns in the country in 2010.

One of the city’s biggest attractions is its monthly Second Saturday Art Walk in Old Town, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. In March, the Art Walk coincides with the annual Souper Mud Fest. This year, the date is March 8. The Art Walk, which has become a tradition for coast residents and tourists alike, began in the early 1990s and came roaring back after Hurricane Katrina. Today, more than 50 businesses participate each month. From 4 to 8 p.m., galleries, boutiques, restaurants and cafés in Old Town give locals and visitors a chance to check out new art shows, live music acts, coastal cuisine and special showings of new merchandise. At the Souper Mud Fest, Old Town businesses hold an open house. Local potters sell handmade bowls that you take with you from shop to shop. At each stop, your bowl is filled with delicious homemade soup.

If you’re visiting Old Town Bay St. Louis for the weekend and you’re looking for a romantic destination, book a room at the Carroll House Bed & Breakfast. It features beautifully appointed >> 58

Inside Northside

photos: ELLIS ANDERSON

Where To Stay

ACTIVITIES Horseback Riding Swimming Ropes Course Tennis Canoeing Golf Basketball Gymnastics Counselors-In-Training Dance Archery Arts & Crafts Campfire Fun Rope Swing Volleyball Chorus & Drama Trip Day Climbing Tower River Water Blob Cheerleading Flag Twirling Sports Soccer Riflery

Come find out more and meet Camp Director Susan Hooks: March 22: Summer Camp Expo Lakeside Shopping Center 10-4 March 26: Riverview Camp Show Tchefuncta Country Club 5:30-7 March 27: Riverview Camp Show Franco’s Athletic Club 3:30-5:30 March 29: Kids Day and Family Expo Castine Center in Pelican Park 10-4

LONG-TERM SESSSIONS 1st Session: June 8-June 20 2nd Session: June 22-July 4 3rd Session: July 6-July 18 4th Session: July 20-August 1 SHORT-TERM SESSIONS M Session: June 1-June 6 A Session: June 8-June 13 B Session: June 15-June 20 C Session: June 22-June 27 D Session: June 29-July 4 E Session: July 20- July 25 F Session: July 27-August 1

Riverview Camp for Girls is a community where your daughters grow in confidence and maturity - all while having a great time in a safe, carefree and wholesome environment. Susan and Larry Hooks, Owners and Directors • For more information, call (800) 882-0722. Riverview Camp for Girls, P.O. Box 299, Mentone, AL 35984 www.riverviewcamp.com

rooms, gourmet dining and complimentary wine. History buff? Plan to stay at the new Bay Town Inn, which returned to the beachfront in 2013. It is on the site of the original bed and breakfast, a historic building built in 1897 that was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. The Inn’s all-new accommodations are luxurious.

It’s not hard to find what you’re looking for in the more than 30 shops in Old Town. Uptown Interiors offers Mississippi-made gourmet food specialties and samples, including Gulf Coast Shrimp Dip, Mississippi Mudd Brownies and cheese straws from the Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory. In Bay Books, browse CDs and books from Mississippi artists and authors. At Twin Light Creations, create a garden retreat with selections that mix the indoors and outdoors, including hand-painted garden sculptures and porcelain egg bird homes and feeders. Artist Spencer Gray is featured at Gallery 220, where exhibits are always changing. (Following Katrina, Second Saturday was reborn at Gallery 220.) Bea Connick’s specializes in linen 60

Inside Northside

photos: ELLIS ANDERSON

Where To Shop

apparel, with accessories to match, including hats, scarves, belts, shoes and jewelry. George’s Girls next door has elegant sleep- and loungewear, as well as fragrances, soaps, lotions and fine bedding.

Where To Eat If you’re an early riser, choose from handmade artisan breads and sweets, including scones, cookies and muffins, at the Serious Bread Bakery. Sleeping in? Try the Cypress Café or The Buttercup for a late breakfast or lunch.

Check out the Ugly Pirate familyfriendly café and bar for pizza. For a more refined atmosphere, there’s the Sycamore House. Trapani’s Eatery, now back in its original beachfront location, specializes in fresh local seafood. Enjoy these and the many other attractions in Old Town Bay St. Louis. And don’t forget to wear your decorated shrimp boots if you go on March 8—it’s the Mud Fest, after all! For more information, go to baystlouisoldtown.com.

IN 1984, SHIRLEY DELUZAIN spearheaded the first Chef Soirée, a benefit for the then-3-year-old Youth Service Bureau. “After attending the first Zoo-to-Do event in New Orleans, I decided we needed an event on the northshore. Bogue Falaya Park was not being used at that time, so we got permission to use it, cleared a path with machetes and had the party. The art students from St. Scholastica made the decorations,” says Deluzain. “It was a magical night, with a veritable ‘Who’s Who of Covington’ in attendance.” Now a major event on the northshore’s social calendar, the 30th Chef Soirée will honor the memory

and nautical themes. This year’s colorful poster depicts a scene at Chef Soirée. “Most posters I have designed have been of a more serious nature. This one was light, fun and festive,” says Briant. The Youth Service Bureau was established in 1981 by Judge John W. Green to provide advocacy, counseling, education and intervention for at-risk youth and their families in St. Tammany and Washington parishes. “We

Chef Soirée 2014 of television personality, great cook and YSB supporter, Frank Davis, who passed away last year. The Southern Food and Beverage Museum, or SoFAB, which preserves and documents the area’s cultural relationship with food and beverage, will also be honored. In 2013, the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism selected SoFAB to receive the Louisiana Preservation Heritage Award. Nationally renowned watercolorist Peter P. Briant is the Chef Soirée 2014 poster artist. Briant’s love of the New Orleans region and his extensive travels influence his paintings. Much of his work has architectural

photo: MIKE SANDERS / VISIONS PHOTOGRAPHY LLC

Happy 30th Anniversary!

thank all of our longtime supporters, as the monies from Chef Soirée are even more needed today than 30 years ago,” says Ila Dieterich, YSB president and CEO. Presented by Capital One Bank, Chef Soirée will be held on Sunday, March 16, from 5-9 p.m. at Bogue Falaya Park in Covington. More than 85 restaurants will offer savory treats and beverage vendors will quench the thirst of guests while they listen to the sounds of ASAP, The Boogie Men, The Meanies, Soul Revival and The Wagners.

by Poki Hampton

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit chefsoiree.com or call 893-2570.

Top: 2014 Chef Soirée poster.

Middle: Frank Davis. photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

image: YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU

Bottom left: Painting by Peter P. Briant.

Bottom right: Arlene Brayard, Murrel deVeer, Mallery Mele, Peter Briant. March-April 2014 63

Inside Northside

Left: The New Canal Lighthouse

The lighthouse after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Bottom: The original lighthouse c. 1839.

Still Guiding the Way by Megan Hill

The New Canal Lighthouse photo: PATTIE STEIB/SHUTTERSTOCK

BATTERED FIRST by Hurricane Katrina and then by Hurricane Rita, the New Canal Lighthouse was a victim of the very conditions in which it once provided safe harbor. The iconic red-and-white lighthouse on New Orleans’ lakefront had weathered many a storm since its construction in 1890, but the one-two punch in 2005 knocked the building off its foundation and left it heavily damaged. But that wasn’t the final chapter in the lighthouse’s storied history. Today, it stands a symbol of hope and resilience that reaches out past boaters on the lake to an entire city and beyond. The lighthouse’s history is tied to that of the greater New Orleans region and the development of the region’s economy. In the 1830s, work began on the New Basin Canal, which ran from Lake Pontchartrain to near where the Superdome now sits. In 1839, the first of what would be four lighthouses was constructed at the mouth of the canal, facing Lake Pontchartrain. That first lighthouse was an octagonal cypress tower on a manmade jetty. Guided by the lighthouse, boats carried products and people across the lake between the northshore >>

photo courtesy : NEW CANAL LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

today. Center:

March-April 2014 65

view from the lighthouse cupola.

Center: Long thought to be lost, this lens was in the cupola in the early 1900s and is now on loan from the Coast Guard. 66

Inside Northside

the roller coasters of Pontchartrain Beach and the creation of a swath of land between Robert E. Lee Boulevard and today’s seawall along Lakeshore Drive. The lighthouse stood witness to many storms and stormy rescues. Some of the most heroic of those rescues are credited to women keepers. It was typical for a woman to accompany her husband when he took the job of keeper, living with him in the lighthouse. If her husband died, his widow was often tasked with his keeper duties. The New Canal Lighthouse stands alone in its history of female keepers: it had five, beginning with Elizabeth S. Beattie, who became keeper in 1847 after her husband, Thomas, who was the first keeper of the lighthouse, passed away. Next were Jane O’Driscoll, from 1850 to 1853; Mary F. Campbell, from 1869 to 1893; and Caroline Riddle, from 1893 to 1924. During a strong September 1915 hurricane, Riddle secured the lens and hung a lantern in the tower. As the storm struck, the barometric pressure fell to a U.S. record low 28.11 inches, while Lake Pontchartrain rose above its levees, flooding parts of New Orleans. We know the most about Margaret Norvell, keeper of the New Canal Lighthouse from 1924 to 1932. Norvell rowed into the lake to rescue a Navy pilot who had crashed his biplane; she also rescued 200 passengers on an excursion boat that caught fire and sank. She actually served as the keeper of three

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Top: A panoramic

and the southshore. Barges transporting goods like cotton and sugar from the northshore entered the New Basin Canal and made their way to the city. “Another big connection between the lighthouse and the northshore was recreation,” says JoAnn Burke, education director for the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation’s New Canal Lighthouse Museum and Education Center. Steam ferries often made the trip to the northshore, filled with New Orleans residents seeking its lakefront breezes. “The boats would bring revelers who would frolic onboard as they headed for the northshore to visit health resorts, ozone spas or friends with lakefront homes,” says Burke. Before long, however, the tower began to sink and lean, and by 1855, a new tower was built. That second lighthouse was sturdier, but it was only one story and rose just 33 feet above the lake. In 1880, when the Southern Yacht Club relocated from Pass Christian to its present-day location across the New Basin Canal, it effectively blocked the small lighthouse. In 1890, a third lighthouse—the one known to generations of New Orleanians—was constructed. The two-story wedding-cake design was built taller than the Southern Yacht Club and stood for more than 100 years until Katrina. That lighthouse saw the reshaping of the lake’s southshore, with the comings and goings of West End bathhouses and restaurants,

reopening in April 2013. Though the lighthouse itself is open, the foundation is still seeking funds. “Fundraising is still ongoing for projects to enhance the site and the surrounding grounds. A goal of an additional $300,000 should allow the completion of all the necessary enhancements,” says Burke. “Some of the projects include rebuilding of the dock on the New Basin Canal, proper identifying signage for the street, finishing work on the lighthouse underside, coverings and garden landscaping.” The foundation brought on HMS Architects to plan the new lighthouse with the same dimensions as the 1890 building, preserving its tiered red-andTop: JoAnn Burke, white design. The 2013 version, however, is built 19 education director feet off the ground for protection against hurricanefor the Lake induced storm surges. The only other visual difference >> Pontchartrain Basin photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

lighthouses during her lifetime, supporting her two children. At the age of 72, Norvell retired on April 30, 1932, after nearly 41 years of service as a keeper. In her honor, the Coast Guard named a cutter after her that was commissioned on June 1, 2013. The lighthouse was long used by the Coast Guard as a search and rescue station until it outgrew the space in 2002. Since then, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation has leased the building, first from the Coast Guard and now from the NonFlood Protection Asset Management Authority. The foundation advocated for the lighthouse’s reconstruction after the 2005 storms and began dismantling the lighthouse in 2007, careful to save as much of the original wood and architectural elements as possible. “We deconstructed the lighthouse with the plan to use as much as we could in the rebuilding process,” says Burke. The salvaged materials sat in a warehouse while the foundation fundraised for the reconstruction, soliciting donations large and small over several years and mounting a $1.2 million campaign. Nearly eight years after the storm, the lighthouse held its grand

Foundation’s New

Museum and Education Center.

Bottom left: The New photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

photo courtesy : NEW CANAL LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM

Canal Lighthouse

Canal Lighthouse in 1947. Bottom

right: The New Canal Lighthouse as it stands today. March-April 2014 67

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN photos courtesy : NEW CANAL LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM

1st Annual Lake Pontchartrain Craft Fair Sat., April 5, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Top left: A modern Fresnel lens lit by LED lights shines in the cupola. Top right: For the 2013 version of the lighthouse, the bell tower was moved from

New Canal Lighthouse Free admission. Refreshments available. Handmade jewelry, art prints, home décor, crosses, candles, wooden creations, Easter goodies, photography, outdoor décor, embroidery, graduation gifts, seasonal décor, kids’ items, pottery and glass.

the north side of the

To participate as vendor, call (504) 836-2205.

building to the west

Presented by the Lake

side. Middle: The thirdgeneration lighthouse. 68

Inside Northside

Pontchartrain Basin Foundation.

is the placement of the bell tower, which was moved from the north side of the building to the west side. It houses an elevator to meet ADA standards for accessibility. The new lighthouse, by necessity, was built with a significant amount of new material. But the green shutters on the building’s exterior, along with the hardware holding them in place, are salvaged from the 1890 lighthouse. Inside the museum, a small section of railing around an exhibit was removed from the 1890 cupola. Yellow pine planks salvaged from the old lighthouse’s wall joists were used for the museum’s floorboards. The window and door casings are cypress from the old lighthouse, and the interior’s white walls are the same wood planks that once covered the 1890 building’s exterior. The museum’s displays are constructed of cypress from the previous lighthouse. In the bathroom, the vanity also uses the old cypress. Today’s lighthouse is home to the foundation’s offices and a small museum that details the history of Lake Pontchartrain, the lakefront and the lighthouse, along with details about the foundation’s work on the water quality in the lake, hurricane protection strategies for the coast and information about the important fisheries in the basin. One of the first things visitors notice when they enter the museum is the enormous light on display just inside the door. Called a Fresnel Drum lens, it

has stacked prisms to maximize the distance the light shines. Long thought to be lost, this lens sat in the cupola in the early 1900s and is now on loan from the Coast Guard. Today, a more modern version shines in the cupola: a Fresnel lens lit by LED lights. It has shined every night since it was relit in September 2012 and reaches as far as nine miles out over Lake Pontchartrain. Each lighthouse has its own unique flash pattern, and from dusk to dawn, the New Canal Lighthouse flashes three times and pauses in a five-second interval. Long a beacon of safety in inclement weather, the New Canal Lighthouse is now a symbol of something else. “It’s a monument to the resilience of the people of New Orleans,” says docent Sue Marchal.

If You Go … The New Canal Lighthouse Museum and Education Center is Louisiana’s only working lighthouse with a museum that is open to the public. Tours are led by trained docents. In addition to the museum, the lighthouse includes a gift shop, presents educational programs, hosts events and offers a facility to rent. It also has a fountain plaza, breezeway, promenade and outdoor deck. Located at 8001 Lakeshore Dr. in New Orleans, the lighthouse and museum are open to the public Mon.Sat., 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Adults, $7.50; Seniors, students and military, $5.50; Children, ages 6-12, $3; under 6, free. For more information, including group rates, call (504) 282-2134 or visit saveourlake.org. March-April 2014 69

Outdoor Living

AS THE DAYS GROW LONGER and warmer, spring is the perfect time of year to extend the comforts of the indoors outsideâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;like bringing in some new seating, adding an outdoor kitchen or planting a spring herb garden. From a linen-draped table under the branches of an old oak tree to colorful paper plates on a picnic table, the entertaining options are endless when planning your outdoor space. A creative seating arrangement can even turn into an outdoor home theater with a movie projected on a solid wall. Outdoor games such as badminton, croquet and horseshoes can be fun for the whole family. There is 70

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Making the Most of Your Outdoor Space just something about being outdoors in the spring that awakens the senses.

Pull Up a Seat Situated on busy Magazine Street in New Orleans, this apartmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chic urban outdoor space is a quiet, private retreat. The focal point is the ultracontemporary sectional sofa from Villa Vici. Created

by an engineer and interior designer husband-and-wife team, the sofa is durable and so lightweight that it’s easy to rearrange, making the seating possibilities endless. Especially designed for use outdoors, this line of furniture is covered in maintenance-free marine vinyl, which can be removed; the same coverings are used on sailboats and yachts. Before offering it to their clients, Villa Vici owners Vikki Leftwich and Bryan Colwell tested the product for 10 months and found that it passed their tests for both style and functionality. Just wipe clean with a marine vinyl cleaner! To round out the design, the perennially green faux lawn is soft underfoot and creates an illusion of yearround summer. Custom-made planters contain tall Italian Cypress trees, an elegant contrast to the sleek, low-slung furnishings. Another planter opens to allow the top of a bamboo garden to surface—the bamboo grows through the two-story building. Black and white sheep, made from resin, graze near illuminating orbs. Leftwich insisted on at least one black sheep. “Every family has one,” she says. The apartment’s street-facing porch, a second outdoor option, features a fire pit and daybeds covered in a crisp, white weather-friendly fabric.

Dine al Fresco The time and other resources spent in planning and constructing an outdoor kitchen are well worth it when you create new options for being together outside with family and friends. Contacting a professional outdoor designer or architect, along with a landscaping professional, can help you achieve both efficiency and the look you want. Whether you utilize existing walls of your house or create a new structure, it is important to select the site with >> March-April 2014 71

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

convenience and ease of use in mind. Construction materials, countertops and appliances should be chosen for your specific method of cooking and entertaining. Bells and whistles such as pizza ovens, open-fire pits and a double stovetop are exciting, but they require a larger budget. Today’s vast selection of products for outdoor use makes decorating your new space a breeze. Once the outdoor kitchen is ready to be enjoyed, make the most of it by cooking and eating there often on weeknights instead of only on “special occasions.” Create a relaxed atmosphere for your family by keeping things simple instead of making it a big party-type production. Colorful place settings

or paper plates and napkins in bright colors make a weeknight feel special and the clean-up easy. Keep paper products and salt and pepper in airtight containers or zip bags to avoid the attention of bugs and squirrels. Use a caddy to carry out condiments and utensils required for that evening’s meal. A rolling cart can make taking food and beverages to and from your outdoor kitchen a snap. A few extra touches will have your family requesting to dine al fresco more often during the great spring and summer weather. And who knows? You might find that the cell phones get left inside the house.

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Outdoor Living by Debi Schoen, Master Gardener

Herb-alicious!

MARCH IS THE PERFECT TIME to plant a spring/ summer herb garden that will yield many tasty meals throughout the season. Herbs are relatively inexpensive to buy and to grow; many can be easily started from seeds. Relatively pest- and disease-free, they tend to be low-maintenance plants. Water, soil, fertilizer, a little place in the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and you are ready to grow! Some herbs, such as oregano, parsley, rosemary and thyme, can be grown year-round. Basil and chives are spring and summer herbs, while cilantro and dill do best in the fall and winter. When planning to include herbs in an existing vegetable garden or bed in the ground, first consider the amount of sun and/or shade in the area. Most herbs need a full schedule of sun every day to thrive, but others enjoy a little shade and gather their energy from indirect or filtered sun. Some herbs will not do well in our hot humid climate if they are in the sun all day during the summer. Keep in mind that 74

Inside Northside

herbs need space to growâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you should allow for their increase in size. This is particularly true with sage and rosemary. Put the taller plants on the sunnier side so that they do not overshadow the smaller ones. A convenient source of water is important, as some herbs need a lot of water during our hot summers. Remember that, while most herbs do well in the ground, there are some, such as mint, that spread and will take over the space. While I think herbs in the ground make an absolutely beautiful bed, nothing is more satisfying to me than having a container of herbs near my kitchen door. This is the most practical way for beginners to grow herbs. To be successful, you must provide containers with drainage holes in the bottom, a fast-draining potting soil mix and adequate light. Light requirements can be easily met by moving the container to various locations. Morning sun is better in the hot summertime. Containers can be terra cotta,

wood, plastic—whatever you desire— but they must have good drainage and be large enough to allow the herbs to grow over time. Herbs grown in containers are in tight quarters. This can be a wonderful situation if you make sure the herbs are compatible—having similar sun and water needs—but it can be disappointing if even one plant is too aggressive or overcrowded. Use a good potting mix purchased at

any local garden center. I sometimes add a little sand to my soil so it doesn’t have a “heavy” feel to it, and I am assured of good drainage. Plant the herbs at the same depth as they were in the pots when you bought them, and make sure to loosen the soil around the roots. Watering properly is important for container-grown herbs. The potting mix should not stay wet for >> March-April 2014 75

long periods of time. One of my favorite things to give as gifts to family and friends is a clay pot of mixed herbs. It is fun to mix different heights, colors and textures to create a beautiful pot. When choosing herbs for your container, remember that it can be like a small house full

Northshore Garden Show Thurs.-Fri., March 14-15 St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds Covington For more information, contact Will Afton at wafton@agcenter.lsu.edu.

of relatives for a holiday weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; everyone needs to get along! Harvesting herbs can begin anytime after there is sufficient growth on the plants so they can withstand a little snipping. Herbs should be cut in midmorning after the moisture has had a chance to dry, but before the sun can wilt them. Trim and enjoy your herbs regularly when cooking; this will encourage new growth. Try these recipes with your homegrown herbs: BASIL PESTO 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic

2 cups fresh basil leaves, tightly packed 1/4 cup pine nuts 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Put the garlic, basil leaves, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese in a food processor and start blending. Slowly add olive oil until pesto is a creamy consistency. This freezes well for later use. BASIC HERB BUTTER 1/2 pound butter, softened 1 tablespoon fresh chives 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, preferably Italian (flat-leaf) 1 tablespoon other fresh herb(s)

Chop herbs very fine with scissors or chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knife. Stir butter with spoon, rubber spatula or fork until smooth. Stir in finely chopped herbs, keeping in mind that flavors will develop more fully with storage. Be sure to remove any large stems. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to use. Herb butters may be melted for use, but take care when heating, especially when broiling, as the fresh herbs can burn quickly.

Master Gardener Program The Louisiana Master Gardener program recruits and trains volunteers to assist home gardeners through an enjoyable learning/service experience. The program is sponsored by the LSU AgCenter and directed by the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service and local county agents. To apply for the St. Tammany Master Gardener program, call 875-2635. Applications will be available in May and are due by early June. For more information, go to www.lsuagcenter.com/en/lawn_garden/ master_gardener. March-April 2014 77

Outdoor Living

Secret Garden

The Northshore’s

by Sasha Steinberg

Northlake Nature Center

Inside Northside

“IF YOU’VE NEVER BEEN, you’ve got to come see it. It is absolutely beautiful. It’s often called ‘The Secret Garden’ because not many know about it,” says Rue McNeill, director of the Northlake Nature Center. Open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk, the 400-acre site east of Mandeville across from Fontainebleau State Park offers seven miles of hiking and biking trails, a canoe launch, an open-air pavilion, several outdoor classrooms and picnic tables. About a half-mile of paved trail runs parallel to the road that goes into Pelican Park and hooks up to the Tammany Trace. Established in 1982 as a service project of what is now the Junior League of Greater Covington, the Center’s mission was to “preserve, study, and publicly exhibit the natural and cultural resources of the Florida Parishes in southeastern Louisiana.” The Center found a home in 1985 when it entered into a long-term lease with the state for a 52-acre site along Bayou Castine on Highway 190. “Then [1936-1939] Gov. Richard W. Leche had been swindling Louisiana taxpayer dollars, and he was building himself a golf course and clubhouse on the property,” says McNeill. Leche was caught and put into prison, and the state ended up with the land and unfinished building that were leased to the Center. Later, Diane Winston, member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1996-2008, secured another 348 acres. McNeill adds, “About a year ago, the state sold the property to St. Tammany Parish.” The unfinished clubhouse that has been on-site since 1939 has quite a history. “When we inherited it back in the early 1980s, the building had deteriorated, and because we’re on a very limited budget, it took us until 2004 to

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

raise enough funds to be able to begin a multi-phase project to restore it.” Over the years, volunteers had saved bricks from the original building in hopes of using them for future restoration. When the roofing process of the two-story, 7,000-square-foot building was three-quarters of the way complete, a fire, the cause of which McNeill says is still unknown, destroyed the building in March 2010. “We lost it all. When it burned down and the decision was made to not keep rebuilding it, volunteers put a cinder block wall inside two of the rooms because the bricks were too fragile,” she says. “We needed some place on-site just to house the boards and replacement parts needed to maintain the site, and we’ve been working on that since 2010. If something else needs to be done on a particular day, it (this project) gets pushed back due to priority.” One of the Center’s main goals is to restore and preserve the site and to do so in a conservative way so that native plants and animals will survive. “The site still has an ancient longleaf pine tree grove right where we join Pelican Park,” says McNeill. “We take pride in maintaining it—there are very few of those across the country. We are reforesting several areas of longleaf pine because there are several birds that are endangered due to that habitat loss. When you come out to the site, you’ll notice the longleaf pines in different stages of their life cycle. It is a really neat thing to see,” she says. “The Center is so diverse in its habitats—swamplands, bayous, lakes, ponds, grasslands, hardwood forests and pine forests. You’d be amazed at how many different plants you will find in such a short walk; there are more than 200 different varieties of trees along any one of the site’s paths,” McNeill says. >> March-April 2014 79

She adds, “Our Beaver Pond is breathtakingly beautiful. We have very active beavers maintaining our pond. You can actually see the little lodge they have built. Recently, we have seen the river otters come back since Katrina, and lightning bugs returned about two years ago.” As a non-profit organization, the Center relies on grants, membership dues and the volunteer efforts of area residents. McNeill says that the hard work of volunteers shows a very strong community commitment to the site. “Everything you see out there—trails, wooden boardwalks, bridges, benches, picnic tables—was built by volunteers, many of whom were Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.” Completed about a year ago by two Boy Scouts, the Center’s canoe launch on Bayou Castine has made waterrelated programs, like “Kayaking the Bayou” possible. “We have been able to partner with Massey’s Professional Outfitters in Covington. They come down about once a month with their kayaks and provide a kayaking trip for people in the community. It’s been phenomenal and very well-received.” The many programs the Center has offered include a wide variety ranging from the “Walk in the Woods” seasonal tree identification program and a “Moonlight Hike and Snow and Ice” complete with snowballs to “Kundalini Yoga” and “Shinrin-yoku,” the Japanese art of forest bathing. “We continue to try and add new programs for the community because that’s really what we’re about— educating the public on environmental concerns and how they can take care of the environment and give back. We’re really a wonderful venue for service projects,” says McNeill, adding that she is looking for someone who would like to teach an on-site bar 80

Inside Northside

For more information about the Northlake Nature Center, call 626-1238, visit northlakenature.org, email Rue McNeill at rue@northlakenature.org or check out the Center’s Facebook page.

Do you have a Weber or generic-brand barbecue grill lid (22 ½”) to donate? The Northlake Nature Center uses them to make identification markers for the more than 300 different plant species at the site. Contact

Rue McNeill at rue@northlakenature.org.

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

exercise program. “Leading up to the pavilion is a railway that looks like a ballet bar. Doing an exercise program like that out in nature makes it even more special.” Along with its own programs, the Center has been used for birthday parties, weddings and other events. The site’s pavilion is equipped with electricity and fans and can be rented for special occasions. McNeill strives to share her love for the Northlake Nature Center because the Center is her backyard—both figuratively and literally. “We live in a very small subdivision that backs up to the Center, and my backyard has the same tree species the Center does,” she says. “I love developing different programs that people will be interested in and seeing them out there enjoying them. I hope people will develop a passion for the Center and want to not only enjoy the site, but also to help build the site and give back through service.”

Rue McNeill.

The Great Louisiana BirdFest The Northlake Nature Center’s main fundraiser, the Great Louisiana BirdFest, a bird-watching event in its 18th year, will take place April 11-13. People come from all over the world for BirdFest, during which 125 to 150 species have been seen. “Birds migrate to South America in the winter and they come up through south Louisiana in the spring, so southeast Louisiana is a migratory pathway for all of this activity,” says Rue McNeill. “We see a lot of birds, many of which are not your ‘resident’ birds.” Pictures of birds taken at BirdFest were showcased at last fall’s Wings and Wine, a Center fundraiser co-sponsored with the Wild Bird Center. Guests had to guess which birds they were seeing (based on the wings),” McNeill says. “Acquistapace’s Covington Supermarket provided wine, so people also guessed which wines they were drinking.”

For details about BirdFest and Wings and Wine, call 626-1238 or visit northlakenature.org.

March-April 2014 81

“Go Green! Keep it Clean!”

photo: RENE ABADIE

by Erin Cowser

Above: Solar panels atop Southeastern’s Biology Building reflect the setting sun at the end of the day. The panels provide hot water for the four-story building.

Right: Workers install new solar panels at Southeastern’s Sustainability Center. 82

YES, THE LAWNMOWERS SMELL like French fries, but there’s much more to it than that. There is a growing atmosphere of environmentally friendly inventiveness on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University. The need to make ends meet combines with educational resourcefulness to produce cutting-edge educational programming, sustainability success and monetary savings. It’s a model of efficiency that has caught the attention of campuses across the nation, which are, aptly, a little “green with envy.” Whether you refer to them as green initiatives or sustainability efforts, they’re all about utilizing resources to produce savings. What’s even more impressive is their simultaneous educational value— they allow students to benefit from the knowledge gleaned by being part of the conservation processes. “You can’t feel the heat produced by a solar panel pictured in a textbook,” says Sebastian van Delden, head of the computer science and industrial

Inside Northside

photo: RANDY BERGERON

Southeastern goes green

technology department. “Using several types of energy technologies, our students have the ability to make adjustments to the devices and observe in real time how the energy output is affected. It’s a proving ground to help determine what works best and can be implemented to save energy costs.” Junkun Ma, associate professor and coordinator

of engineering technology, explains it as learning the means to explore and hopefully solve a problem. “It’s the real thing,” he says. One example would be the senior design project by students Benjamin Gabriel, Justin Cifreo and Nathan Taylor. With a focus on the solar thermal heating and cooling of the Sustainability Center, Ma says they made all the measurements, located handbooks for materials properties, calculated the thermal load and designed the control system for managing the temperature for the building. “Students feel a sense of pride when they are able to contribute to a project that reaches outside of the classroom and leaves a lasting footprint at Southeastern,” van Delden says. “It is an intriguing prospect to be studying and contributing to the development of these technologies, which could one day revolutionize the way we produce energy.” The university aims to provide a synergistic educational facility that offers diverse learning opportunities in the areas of renewable energy, recycling and waste reduction measures, plant biology and other sustainable technologies. A centralized hub is planned for property that previously housed a horticulture program. Solar panels are expected to be used on an increasing number of campus buildings, including residence halls. Cardinal Newman Hall, a STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) residence hall, is foreseen as Southeastern’s first truly green residential facility. Solar panels also help to power part of the physical plant office and the Sustainability Center. Seven rows of solar panels at the Kinesiology and Health Sciences building were originally intended to heat the indoor pool, explains Byron >> March-April 2014 83

Sustainability Center, Phase I.

Patterson, physical plant director. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The panels were generating so much hot water we did some re-piping and now provide heated water for the whole building. We now use the boilers only when outside temperatures are very low.â&#x20AC;? Future green elements include a recycling program designed to reduce waste going to landfills by 80 percent; a tree farm to cultivate plants and trees

Inside Northside

for landscaping on campus; a composting area that converts landscape waste into useable mulch and compost; and rainwater retention ponds that provide irrigation for plants and other purposes. Plans also call for two technology-rich classrooms designed by engineering technology students. The Student Tech Fee Committee and Student Government Association have been strong

partners in Southeastern’s “Go Green! Keep it Clean!” efforts, contributing thousands of dollars. As for the aroma of French fries mixed with the scent of freshly-cut grass—Southeastern recycles waste oil from campus food operations and converts it to fuel for 69 cents per gallon, much lower than the retail price. The biodiesel is used to power landscaping equipment, including lawnmowers and other off-road vehicles. “There is no single approach to efficient energy generation and management,” says Dr. Mike Asoodeh, professor of industrial technology and chief information officer. “However, collectively, the various technologies available that are constantly improving, as well as a strong conservation program, can yield tremendous savings.” In 2010, the university’s conservation efforts saved $1.2 million. The goal is to be 80 percent off the grid by 2020. “It’s an aggressive goal, admittedly,” says Patterson, “but we believe we have to think aggressively or it won’t happen at all. Any strides taken toward this overarching goal are steps in the right direction.”

Plans for the Sustainability Center at Southeastern.

March-April 2014 85

The

Goodyear

DOSSETT photos courtesy: MIMI GOODYEAR

Legacy

Above: The Money Hill tung plantation c.1930. Right: Mimi Goodyear Dossett. 86

Planting the seeds of Money Hill

MONEY HILL IS CONSIDERED A TREASURE among golf enthusiasts, residents and nature lovers alike. But it was the lore of buried treasure that resulted in its monetary-themed moniker of Money Hill. In the late 1800s, the name was given to a place nestled in the woods of the northshore where Barataria pirates were rumored to have buried their treasure. According to legend, possibly even Jean Lafitte, Louisianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most infamous pirate, hid his loot there among the longleaf pines. Treasure hunters scoured the landscape until as recently as the 1930s and 1940s in hopes of discovering the long-hidden bounty. Alas, it was to no avail. But the name Money Hill lingered. Now home to the St. Tammany office of the Nature Conservancy, an award-winning golf course and a country club community, Money Hill has taken many twists and turns over the last century. However, one constant throughout the course of its evolution has been the dedication and drive of the Goodyear family. Today, that legacy is overseen by Mimi Goodyear Dossett.

Inside Northside

photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

by Erin Cowser

Charles Waterhouse and Frank Henry Goodyear grew up in Buffalo, N.Y. They honed their entrepreneurial skills in the timber, lumber milling, railroad and coal industries, with interests in New York and western Pennsylvania. Company scouts were sent south in search of raw materials. The vast acreage of virgin pine in the wilderness on which Money Hill now sits led them to the northshore. When originally purchased by the Goodyear brothers in the late 1800s, the grounds of Money Hill and the surrounding area of more than a half-million acres were intended to be purely a timber and logging site in northern St. Tammany and Washington parishes. Charles Sr., Mimi’s great-greatgrandfather, pointed out that the tract of virgin longleaf pine was extremely attractive, as lumber was a prized construction commodity at that time. By 1906, the Goodyears had founded the city of Bogalusa with their construction of a sawmill and the thriving community that grew up around it. At the time, the family’s Great Southern Lumber Company was the largest of its kind in the world. In fact, Bogalusa was known as the world’s largest unincorporated community. For decades, the Goodyears’ endeavors produced timber, pulp, paper and eventually tung oil for processing in Bogalusa. “Although there were pioneers in the area very early on, there would be no Bogalusa without the Goodyears,” says Bob Ann Breland, Washington Parish native and longtime lifestyle editor of The Daily News. “I understand they at first chose an area across the river in Mississippi, but then decided to utilize the area on this side of the Pearl (River), which became Bogalusa—from the Indian term Bogue Lusa, which means >> March-April 2014 87

dark or black water. The creek still maintains the Bogue Lusa spelling.â&#x20AC;? In order to provide for its employees, Great Southern built and owned most of the original infrastructure of Bogalusa. In addition to company housing and company stores, Great Southern also constructed churches, a power plant and water system for its workers, their families and its ancillary service providers. The industry thrived. Tracts of land were seemingly endless and were often passed on to homesteaders following initial harvest in an attempt to populate the area and poise it for future growth. The land that is now Money Hill was one of those original parcels. It eventually became apparent that the forests were not infinite tracts. In 1914, Great Southern began planting seed trees that were more fast-growing than the original long-leaf variety. That same year, Bogalusa was incorporated with a commission form of government. In order to transport lumber, the Goodyear family built the New Orleans Great Northern Railroad. The rail line hauled the logs to the mill in Bogalusa and then shipped the milled product to Jackson, Miss., where it could be transferred to barges and delivered to northern locales. Additionally, the Pearl River Canal was dug to facilitate transport from Bogalusa to the Gulf of Mexico for southern deliveries. Steam from the burning of sawdust, wood chips and scrap initially powered the mill. As astute businessmen, the Goodyears eventually determined that those materials would be better utilized with the construction of a paper mill in Bogalusa. This was accomplished by 1935, and was paralleled by an opportune decrease in the actual timber harvesting and reciprocal increase in the need for paper box product production. 88

Inside Northside

As the demand for box product grew on the national level, the Goodyears merged their interests with those of a company that maintained several box production facilities across the United States. Gaylord Container Corporation was born. The Goodyear family held significant ownership in Gaylord because of the Great Southern Lumber Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paper mill and tremendous land holdings (Gaylord later sold to Crown-Zellerbach. It was then purchased by Temple-Inland, Inc. Now owned and operated by International Paper, the mill continues to manufacture paper products such as boxes, pulp and bags). Charlesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; son, Charles Jr., was charged with oversight of the previously harvested properties since they were not included in the merger. Along with a group of investors, he acquired 12,000 acres of land from Great Southern, and Money Hill Plantation was born. Ever an entrepreneur, Charles Jr. founded Bogalusa Tung Oil and began planting tung trees in the fertile soil about 1935. Tung trees are native to China, where they were harvested to provide ingredients for paints, drying agents for printing inks and Masonite production. Civil war and a revolution in China curtailed the tung oil industry there and presented an opportunity in the United States. The first Louisiana trees were producing tung nuts by 1940, around which time, in an auspicious turn of events, the need for tung oil grew as all Navy >>

photos courtesy: MIMI GOODYEAR DOSSETT

Above: Timber estimator Jimmy Whalen in a forest of long-leaf yellow pines c. 1910. Left: Band mills and carriages at the mill c. 1910. March-April 2014 89

old slash pines planted in 1924 from seedlings. Below: The Tung Blossom Queen and her Court.

Inside Northside

anyone so kind and down to earth. Charlie and Mary were not only our neighbors, they were wonderful friends,” says Marx, who will celebrate her 99th birthday in April. “The family always had some sort of great activity going on at their home.” She recalls that they were big golfers and that Mary would often invite the ladies in town to play bridge at their home. And one of their children would host an “unofficial” summertime camp for local children. “They were just so much fun to be around and just so giving to everyone they would meet,” says Marx. “I have nothing but really wonderful memories of this family.” As Bogalusa grew in population and the area flourished, so did the tung trees. In fact, as many things tend to do in Louisiana, they became the source of celebration. So much so that a Tung Blossom Queen and her Court were named in the 1940s. “There was also the coronation of the Tung Blossom Queen of Louisiana, Beatrice Core. Miss Core and her ladies in waiting were daughters of St. Tammany Parish farmers. Crowds of countryfolk gathered on an Easter Sunday for the royal ceremonies which took place on a raised platform surrounded by blooming tung trees where once had been a pine forest. After the coronation a truck with a loud speaker furnished music while the guests of Money Hill ate ice cream and drank Coca-Cola,” reads

photos courtesy: MIMI GOODYEAR DOSSETT

Above: 7-year-

vessels used in World War II were painted with tung oil-based paint. Charles Jr.’s son, Charlie, and his wife, Mary, moved to Bogalusa in the 1930s to oversee the operations, which now included forestry, cattle raising and the tung oil industry. Dossett says this is when the Goodyear family adopted Louisiana as its home state. Bogalusa resident since 1917, Rosemary Marx, who was 2 years old when she moved to Washington Parish, remembers the Goodyears as a family that was highly civic-minded and involved in nearly every charitable organization in town. “While they were considered to be one of the most elite families in town, you would never meet

The Bogalusa Story, written by C.W. Goodyear and published in 1950. This was, of course, temporary royalty during the heyday of the tung oil industry. In contrast, the Bogalusa Paper Queen has been an annual Washington Parish tradition for 75 years. Charlie’s son, David, returned to Bogalusa to join his father in 1963 after pursing architectural studies at Yale University and serving three years in the U.S. Navy. He set Money Hill on a new trajectory with the construction of a large lake on the Money Hill property. What had once beckoned treasure hunters and lumberjacks transformed into a recreation destination and campground for family vacations and weekend getaways. Throughout the 1970s, countless memories were made as families traveled across Lake Pontchartrain to escape amid the relaxing woods of Money Hill Plantation campground. On any given weekend, upwards of 5,000 guests could be found enjoying the grounds during the height of its popularity. Onehundred-eighty boats were available for rent for a lap around the lake. There were also a riding stable, miniature golf course and a country store on site for campers and guests. “All the grandchildren remember growing up with the campgrounds,” says Dossett. Every vacation season, they were joined not only by the guests who mainly hailed from across Lake Pontchartrain, but also by about 50 St. Tammany teenagers who worked at the camp from Easter to Labor Day each year. “Money Hill was different from other campgrounds. The buildings and layout were designed by architects. The camper lots were intentionally placed where they wouldn’t interfere with nature. Simply put, it was just very well done.” Over the next decade, the Goodyear family turned its attention to the >> March-April 2014 91

establishment of several residential communities in the surrounding areas. Great Southern Acres near Highway 1083 and Whippoorwill Estates on Highway 21 came to be. David Goodyear then made the decision to resurrect Money Hill as a golf and country club. It opened in 1998. Comprised of lots, many with views of the golf course and/or lake, Money Hill boasts a grand layout with artistic flair, flanked by the beauty of nature.

acres in St. Tammany and currently owns and manages 5,000 acres there. It has helped protect more than 300,000 acres across the state of Louisiana. Money Hill itself is surrounded by more than 3,900 acres of preserves and is home to several unusual species of flora and fauna. The Goodyears’ environmental commitment has allowed for creation of a buffer against future development adjacent to Money Hill. Such efforts have earned the developer

photo courtesy: MIMI GOODYEAR DOSSETT

The pulp and paper mill c. 1920.

An appreciation of the abundance of natural beauty runs throughout the Goodyear family tree, according to Dossett. “We have photographs of my aunt and great-grandfather planting the hundred-millionth tree back in the 1950s,” she says. “They were pioneers of reforestation. It’s always been part of our family beliefs and tradition.” “Within a short distance from Bogalusa, Great Southern owned a hundred thousand acres of cut-over lands. On each of these acres would be planted, by hand, a thousand seedlings ... Millions of seedlings were propagated each spring in nurseries. A year later they were transplanted to the stump lands,” wrote C.W. Goodyear. The grounds at Money Hill are not only the setting of an awardwinning golf course and country club community—they are also home to the St. Tammany office of the Louisiana Nature Conservancy. The conservancy assisted in the conservation of 28,000

and the community countless awards related to exceptional commitment to the environment since 1996. One example of this continued commitment is the strategic placement of small birding boxes along the golf course so fledglings have undisturbed places in which to hatch. Home to a variety of species, the bluebirds and wood ducks of Money Hill have been studied by national groups. They and other feathered friends are maintained by residents, with the guidance of local environmentalists. To make for a full appreciation of the natural scenery, a nature and hiking trail has been constructed to outline and intertwine with the grounds. Just like the history of Money Hill, it takes twists and turns that reveal unexpected treasures and natural beauty. Special thanks to Mimi Goodyear Dossett for sharing historical facts and family history included in this article as she compiles a book featuring 100 years of Money Hill history.

The Money Hill Community Appreciation of nature was a primary focus for Money Hill developer David Goodyear. He made sure the architecture demanded an appreciation of the beauty on the grounds and the striking views that he loved. The clubhouse, a community hub with a fitness center, swimming pool, massage room and tennis courts, also serves as home base for men and women who hit the links at Money Hill. Internationally renowned golf course designer Ron Garl said it best when he designed Money Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 18-hole championship golf course: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mother Nature did the real work here.â&#x20AC;? Berms create hills and valleys that engage golfers, and the final five holes of the course are famous for being framed by 150 acres of an artesian spring-fed lake. Each of the holes has five tee boxes, making the course fun to play for beginners and pros alike. The Rob Noel Golf Academy sits alongside the 30-acre Money Hill driving range complex with grass tees. Its accolades include ranking among the Top 50 private practice facilities in the nation. March-April 2014 93

Inside Northside

Flourishes

1. Bevolo Pendant Collection. Variety of sizes in hand-spun copper. $175-$325. Bevolo Gas & Electric, Mandeville, 2496040. 2. Update your green space with this oyster- and shell-encrusted planter, $33.95. DeLuca’s Expressions in Gold, Covington, 892-2317. 3. Leave it to the birds with this homemade birdhouse by

artist Keith Villere, $85. Artisan Home Décor, Mandeville, 778-2113. 4. Driftwood pillar holder, $56. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045. 5

5. Change an ordinary dish into a memorable one with Chardonnay e Tartufo truffle oil, $29.95. Oil & Vinegar, Covington, 809-1693. 6. Add an inspirational detail to your garden with this St. Francis garden statue, 36.5”, $299. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008.

7. Lili Alessandra Imperial Crown pillow, 10” x 10,” $139. Available in white, flax and blue silk. Hestia Luxury in Linens, Covington, 893-0409.

March-April 2014 95

Flourishes 3 2

1. Cast resin Muriel chandelier with

antiqued silver chain and support, $3,525. Villa Vici, New Orleans, (504) 899-2931. 2. 27.33cttw amethyst, 2.82cttw sapphire and .69cttw diamond oval cabochon ring in 18kt gold, $6,690. David Pierson Designs, Covington, 871-0457. 3. Genuine leather gold

shimmer phone charger clutch by Handbag Butler, $110. Adapter sold separately. The Villa, Mandeville, 6269797. 4. Handmade three-dimensional glass cross wall art. 6” x 8,” $110; 8” x 12,” $165. the french mix, Covington, 809-3152. 5. Put a new spin on your Easter basket with gift baskets starting at $26. Infusé Oils and Vinegars, Mandeville, 778-0903. 6. For beautiful hair, try this Unite Luxury Color Protectant Hair Perfume, $34.95. Downtown Chic, Covington, 809-3860. 7. Bloom and Emmie by Bunnies by the Bay, $52. The Silver Plum and 1, 2 Buckle My Shoe, Mandeville, 674-4343. 8. A more elegant way to entertain is with this GG Collection beverage server with metal base and mini frame with chain. Server, $260; mini frame with chain, $32. Mia Sorella, Slidell, 781-3909. 9. Recline in this Palu wicker chair with custom cushion and Lacefield pillow,

$450. Bmac Interiors at Terra Bella, Covington, 635-4540.

8 9

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Inside Northside

Flourishes 4

3 1 5

1. St. Benedict triple-layered necklace, $98. Shoefflé,

Covington, 898-6465. 2. Decorative Swedish glass Cabana bowl by Kosta Boda, $150. Arabella Fine Gifts & Home Decor, Mandeville, 727-9787. 3. Silk and linen pillow by Ryan Studio, $180. Welcome Home and garden, Covington, 893-3933. 4. Benedictine Blessing bracelet from My Saint My Hero, $29.99. Mandeville Party Company, Mandeville, 674-1605. 5. Store your memories in this wine cork holder, $32. deCoeur Gifts

& Home Accessories, Covington, 809-3244. 6. New Orleans-inspired St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square wastebasket designed exclusively for Hazelnut by Bryan Batt, $145. Hazelnut, Mandeville, 626-8900. 7. Metal picture frame with bird adornment from France, $20. Rug Chic, Mandeville, 674-1070. 8. Kérastase Nutritive professional hair care products. Bain Satin 2 Shampoo, $39.50; Oléo-Relax, $40.50; Bain Oléo-Curl, $39.50. H2O Salon, Mandeville, 951-8166. 9. Add some modern charisma to any room with this four-drawer chest of inlaid bone with herringbone design by Bernhardt; $1,782. Berger Home, Mandeville, 624-3433. March-April 2014 99

Couture for a Cause HEART OF FASHION hits the runway this spring with Saks Fifth Avenue bringing the northshore its only New York-style runway show. Inside Northside is happy to join Saks Fifth Avenue and St. Tammany Parish Hospital in presenting this stellar showcase of designer fashion at its best. Benefitting pediatric initiatives at St. Tammany Hospital, the Heart, Night and Look of Fashion Couture for a Cause events have raised more than $725,000 since their inception in 2009. New themes will be crisp black and white color blocks, with many designers adding pops of the fresh, vibrant colors that define the season. Orange, red and bright yellow, with a few neons thrown in, create a kaleidoscope of color and are sure to keep the show lively. The little black dress is never out of fashion but is seen this year with an A-line skirt in soft cloud-

Nola sandal from Aquatalia by Marvin K. available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Classic moto jacket with white whipstitch

like fabrics. One-shoulder styles

detailing, silk twill

are back, and a pajama-party look

printed shirt with

has been added to more than one

black and white printed denim pant; all by Roberto Cavalli.

designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s line. Classic styles like those worn by Audrey Hepburn and Jacqueline Kennedy have inspired some designers. Tunics, longer tops and crocheted vests are all the rage. Accessories include oversized

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clutches in stunning bright colors with shiny hardware and shoes with

Floral, citrine and cobalt

kitten heels. Yes, they are back,

pumps by Manolo Blahnik.

giving our feet a much-needed rest! Big and bold jewelry pieces include classic pastel pearls, big cocktail rings and avant-garde pieces. “The colors of the season are just so beautiful, and we have new faces on the committee this year. I think it’s a chance to make the fifth year special and give a lot of money to pediatrics,” says event co-chair Debra Ethridge. Heather Mahoney and her team at H2O Salon have been a part of the effort since the beginning. When asked what she thought

The Black,White and Color of Spring would stand out this year, Heather

The Heart and Night

said, “The power of the ponytail.”

of Fashion 2014

From 2 to 62, ponytails have always

Thurs., April 10, 2014

walked the runways, as well as our

Tchefuncta Country Club in Covington

school halls. This spring/summer

Join us for either lunch or dinner.

BOLD patterns, prints and colors

Runway shows at 11am and 7pm.

look great with a beautiful sleek,

To reserve your seat,

smooth ponytail. Whether you wear

call 898-4171.

your ponytail high or low doesn’t matter—it’s the balance and beauty

The Look of Fashion 2014

that make it fresh and right. Spring/ summer styles are soft, whimsical

Head-to-toe

and fluid. Creating a ponytail that’s

hibiscus

full, tousled and curled makes the

peplum

look flirty and fun. Remember— pretty ponytails add POWER to any style this spring/summer 2014. To Debra’s co-chair, Elizabeth >>

top with Milano knit pant by St. John.

April 4, 2014 H2O Salon in Mandeville A portion of all proceeds from services and retail sales benefits the Heart and Night of Fashion events. 8am-5pm. To make an appointment, call 951-8166. March-April 2014 101

Stokes, this event has special meaning. “I am a mother and I am from Covington, so volunteering to raise

Made to Measure suit in subtle navy check by Saks Fifth Avenue.

money for pediatric advancement at STPH is personal. This is a huge step into a bright future for all families in St. Tammany. I am humbled by the generosity of those who support this cause, because it truly affects all of us.” Founding co-chair and current STPH Foundation board member Allyson Sanderson is awed by the success of the project. “I know this year we will top the $1 million mark, helping to make the dedicated pediatric area of our expanding emergency department a reality.”

Hillary dark red suede fold-over clutch from Rena for Marvin K.

Marvin K. on Fashion

Cherish lace pump by Marvin K. 102

Inside Northside

comfortable products that women can wear rain or shine.” The newest Aquatalia collection, Marvin K., is fashion-forward in design, with exciting silhouettes and colors. A new line of handbags that coordinate with the shoes can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue this spring. Marvin K., whose education is in engineering, spent years working in his family shoe factory, which gave him experience in working alongside Italian manufacturers and the vision to launch his own brand. He says, “The name Aquatalia is an amalgam of the meaning of water and Italy, the heart and soul of the shoe industry.”

Marvin K.

photo: JEFF STROUT

Sophisticated, stylish, comfortable and weatherproof—words not often used together to describe high fashion— accurately depict Marvin Krasnow’s Aquatalia line of innovative footwear. “We call it ‘Functional Luxury,’” says Marvin K., as he is now known. Since 1989, under his guidance, Aquatalia has been creating footwear that is relevant to today’s woman’s lifestyle. “Using modern technology, we developed feminine and

World-renowned Aquatalia styles have been seen on the feet of Great Britain’s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. “We get tremendous satisfaction from seeing women all over the world wear our shoes,” says Marvin K.

March-April 2014 103

M A R R I A G E

Adams-Sinclair

photo: CHRISTINA DEARE

I N

L O V E

A N D

Sara Adams and Cayman Sinclair celebrated their vows at sunset under a beautiful oak tree. A reception at The Lakehouse in Mandeville followed, where guests were greeted with a champagne bar. The wedding colors of salmon, peach, orange and a hint of gold were reflected in the decor. Highlighting the menu were the fig-and-goat-cheesetopped crostini, a sushi station and a grilled and raw oyster bar. A New Orleans jazz quartet played for both the cocktail hour and the beginning of the reception, which finished with a choir singing Oh Happy Day!â&#x20AC;&#x201D;a great finale to the intimate celebration overlooking the lake.

Jessica Byrd and Adam Thibodeaux were married at Money Hill Golf and Country Club in Abita Springs. The ceremony, officiated by Pastor Doug McAllister from Journey Fellowship Church in Lacombe, was set amid autumn dĂŠcor of pumpkins, burlap, acorns and autumn leaves. The bride wore an ivory strapless satin and lace gown from Southern Bridal and carried a bouquet of white roses and white ranunculus adorned with small orange roses and berries. The Regg Jazz Band Trio provided music for the reception. The couple currently resides in Lafayette, La.

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photo: CALLEN GUIDRY OF CLG PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN

Byrd-Thibodeaux

March-April 2014 105

Generous Hearts

by Susan H. Bonnett

Giving the Gift of You WHEN WE HEAR THE WORD PHILANTHROPY, most of us have a mental picture of some greyhaired Warren Buffett type giving away so much money that he gets a building named after him. Or perhaps our somewhat younger, hipper crowd thinks of Mark Zuckerberg raining down chunks of his Facebook stock like confetti on New Year’s Eve. (Ironically, Zuckerberg was the second biggest “giver” in 2013, with a $500 million gift of that valuable stock confetti going to his local community foundation in Silicon Valley.) What we don’t often think of, however, is that the gift can actually be just us. It can be our time, our talent, our labor, our commitment and our kindness. While Americans donated an estimated $317 billion of their hard-earned money to charitable causes in 2012, we also remarkably donated $7.9 Billion—yes, Billion with a B—hard-working hours to the missions that move us. There are some really amazing statistics about how much we give of ourselves, dispelling the assumption that we are all over-stressed and over-committed. In 2012, one in four adults volunteered

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their service, altogether nearly 65 million of us. Those of us with children in our home, contrary to what we would assume, helped even more than the rest of the population, showing our children the importance of that service and the real value of our precious, limited time. Though the obvious benefits of volunteering are giving back to your community and serving your neighbors in need, there are other by-products of this kind of service that can be deeply personal and incredibly rewarding. People volunteer for a myriad of reasons. Some volunteer to connect with others and expand their network, some because it is good for the mind, and others because it simply makes them happy. They do it because it makes them feel good. Once we are out of school and have joined the ranks of fully-fledged adulthood, it is often hard to make new friends, primarily because we don’t know where to find them. They are no longer sitting next to us in class or riding the same bus. Volunteering for a cause that matters to you immediately puts you in a circle of others who share the same passion and interest. Sharing activities with people with a common interest is an amazing

photo: JDWFOTO / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

bonding experience that is hard to find elsewhere. Swinging a hammer to help build a house for a family who could otherwise not have one is powerful; doing that next to a newfound friend is even more moving. Through experiences such as these, you can expand your network, make friends and build social and relational skills while giving to the community and those who simply need your help. Volunteering benefits your mental health in ways we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even realize. Giving of oneself creates a level of self-confidence and self-satisfaction that is very hard to replicate. It stems from a sense of accomplishment. Outside of our jobs, we are offered few opportunities to build pride and create an identity in something bigger than ourselves. Importantly, community service combats social isolation and creates opportunities to share with others. According to the Harvard Health Publication Simple Changes, >>

March-April 2014 107

Big Rewards, when researchers at the London School of Economics examined the relationship between volunteering and measures of happiness in a large group of American adults, they found that the more people volunteered, the happier they were. Simply put, it is fun. Volunteering creates new ways to explore your passion and discover meaningful interests. It can be relaxing or it can be exhilarating. It can be calm or it can be active. It can be a wonderful change from your daily routine. It can be outside or it can be inside. You can get energized or get tranquil. The options and opportunities are endless—and they are waiting for you. So how do you find the right fit? Well, what matters to you? What are you passionate about? Those questions are a great place to start. Now, what are you good at—what skills could you bring? How much time are you willing to commit, and does your time match the need? Do you like to work alone or in a group? Do you like to be behind the scenes or out front leading the charge? The answers to these questions will point you in the direction of your opportunity. If you ask around, you will be amazed at what others are doing and all the ways you, too, can get involved. And if you can’t find that right fit, give us a call. We exist to link resources with need and would be happy to help you find the charity in our community that can spark your passion and help you use it to serve your fellow man. That is true philanthropy. And at the end of the day, it feels really, really good. Susan H. Bonnett is the president and CEO of the Northshore Community Foundation. 893-8757. 108

Inside Northside

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Inside Northside

INside Look

Celosia Orange

Vivid, bright colors are inspired by spring flowers and exotic places. Celosia Orange, an optimistic, spontaneous hue, is one of Pantone’s hot colors of the year.

1. Mandarin leather and a functioning zipper detail transform this stylish LK Bennett handbag, $295. Emma’s Shoes and Accessories, Mandeville, 778-2200. 2. Oversized cocktail ring with faux orange stone surrounded by faux diamonds, $12.99. Private Beach, Mandeville, 674-2326. 3. 14kt

interlocking diamond bands with 1.25cttw diamonds, $2,553. David Pierson Designs, Covington, 871-0457. 4. Cosabella fluorescent orange soft bra and panty in floral lace with a scalloped edge. Bra, $54; panty, $38. Bra la Vie!, Hammond, 662-5065. 5. Hand-dyed washable silk dress by URU, $160. California Drawstrings Northshore, Covington, 327-7300. 6. Boys’ basic polo shirt and plaid shorts with belt by Mayoral. Shirt, $20; shorts, $46. Anne’s Boutique, Mandeville, 626-3099. 7. Pedi Sonic Foot Transformation by

Clarisonic, $199. Earthsavers, Mandeville, 674-1133.

March-April 2014 111

INside Look

4 1

Celosia Orange 1. A halo of diamonds surrounds orange 5

sapphires set in 18kt white gold, $3,800. De Boscq Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 674-0007. 2. Mystree dress with cream bodice and celosia orange attached peplum skirt, $72. Paisley, Mandeville, 727-7880. 3. VSA Designs pearl

and gold necklace with pendant and turquoise accents; Peace of Cloth orange jacket; and Amour Vert scoop-neck sleeveless shirt. Necklace, $264; jacket, $319; shirt, $63. Eros, Mandeville, 7270034. 4. Tissot T-Race Swiss watch with orange band and black steel face, $650. Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jewelers, Mandeville, 845-4653. 5. Ikat print blouson and open arm silk top by Alice and Trixie, $259. Fleurt, Covington, 809-8844. 6. Geometric cutout shift dress, $96. POSH Boutique, Covington, 898-2639. 7. Tacori 925 18k yellow gold and sterling silver ring with .27cttw diamond, clear quartz crystal and gemstone; $2,020. Boudreauxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666. 7

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March-April 2014 113

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INside Look 1. Christian Louboutin So Kate snakeskin pump and Tom Ford Ginger Fire nail lacquer and Wild Ginger lip color. Pumps, $1,095; lacquer, $32; lip color, $49. Saks

2 3

Fifth Avenue, New Orleans, (504) 524-2200. 1

Celosia Orange 2. 18k yellow gold cushion-cut garnet earrings with pave diamond links and a pave diamond open-swirl design, $12,500. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, (504) 8320000. 3. Ya Los Angeles crop top and UmGee pants. Top, $34; pants, $38. JuJuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique, Mandeville, 6243600. 4. Faceted oval citrine ring set in sterling silver and vermeil, $435. Champagne Jewelers, Slidell, 6437

2599. 5. Organically made infinity scarf by Groceries and scoop-neck shirt. Scarf available in a variety of colors. Scarf, $24; scoop-neck shirt, $34. [brown eyed girl], Mandeville, 626-0100. 6. Striped voile button-down shirt in 100% crinkle cotton with roll-up sleeve detail and grosgrain ribbon trim, $130. Bastilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clothing Company,

Mandeville, 626-4220. 7. Trina Turk buckle-front halter swim top with signature gold hardware and side-buckle swim bottoms with signature gold detail. Top, $92; bottoms, $76. Bora Bora, Mandeville, 951-8454. 8. Vital C hydrating skin care products by Image starting at $30. Oasis Day Spa, Mandeville, 624-6772. March-April 2014 115

INside Look

3. Peach A-line split sleeve with embellished

boots by Via Veneto, $34.99. The Lifestyle Store

cuffs, $50. Columbia Street Mercantile,

at Francoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Mandeville. 792-0200. 7. Palais

Covington, 809-1789 and 809-1690. 4. Alice

Royal embroidered floral lace French-style bra

1. 2.10ct checkerboard golden tourmaline and

and Trixie Katrina maxi dress, $400. The Mix,

with adjustable straps and matching panties by

.50cttw diamond ring set in 14kt gold, $2,100.

Mandeville, 727-7649. 5. Strapless sweetheart

Chantelle. Bra, $88; panties, $40. Bra Genie,

Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-

formal gown with crystal corset-style bodice

Mandeville, 951-8638.

5098. 2. Seamed semi-sheer blouse, $32.

and floor-length skirt with thigh-high slit, $330.

POSH Boutique, Covington, 898-2639.

Southern Bridal, Mandeville, 727-2993. 6. Jelly

3 4

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March-April 2014 117

M E D I C A L

Ochsner North Shore

Orthopedics

Getting you back to doing what you love WHEN KIMBERLY BENSON OF SLIDELL was involved in a car accident that broke multiple bones in her right foot, she wasn’t sure if she was ever going to be able to walk again, much less do the physical activities she loved best–Zumba and Body Pump classes at her gym–or how it would affect her job in the garden department at Home Depot. “I’m on my feet a great deal at work and often going up and down ladders,” says Kimberly. After an initial visit with Dr. Nicola Corbett at Ochsner North Shore Orthopedics, Kimberly was at Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore having a Lisfranc Fusion surgery. During the two-hour outpatient procedure, Dr. Corbett performed two separate procedures to repair the fractured bones in Kimberly’s midfoot. As part of her recovery, Kimberly went through six weeks of physical therapy at Ochsner North Shore and progressed from wearing a short-leg cast to a boot. Eventually, she was able to get back to work part-time and resume some of her normal activities. She’s now back at the gym doing Zumba and Body Pump classes, 118

Inside Northside

P R O F I L E

and has a snow skiing trip planned for next month. She still has to be careful going up and down ladders at work, but has regained almost full flexibility in her foot. “I’ve heard that some people don’t ever see the results I’ve had, so I know that’s a testament to Dr. Corbett’s experience as an excellent surgeon and the great care and physical therapy I received at Ochsner,” Kimberly says. What is a Lisfranc injury, and when is it a sprain or something more serious?

Lisfranc (midfoot) injuries occur when bones in the midfoot are broken or ligaments supporting the midfoot are torn. The midfoot is critical in stabilizing the arch and in walking. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the feet of an average adult bear a force equal to several hundred tons during an average day. The severity of the injury can vary from simple to complex, involving many joints and bones in the midfoot, and may take many months or surgery to heal. A Lisfranc injury is often mistaken for a simple sprain, especially if the injury is a result of a straightforward twist and fall. The physicians at Ochsner Orthopedics Health Center often see football or soccer players with Lisfranc fractures because of the twists and turns

M E D I C A L

involved in their sports. However, anyone can suffer a Lisfranc fracture as a result of an accident. It is often seen when someone stumbles over the top of a foot flexed downward. The more severe injuries occur from direct trauma, such as falls from a height like ladder or, as in Kimberly’s case, when the foot acts as a brace during a car accident. Often mistaken for a sprain, a Lisfranc fracture causes the top of the foot to swell and become painful. If rest, ice and elevation do not reduce the pain and swelling within a day or two, the patient may have a fracture. Some of the common symptoms of a Lisfranc injury include:

• The top of the foot may be swollen and painful • There may be bruising on both the top and bottom of the foot • The pain worsens when standing or walking It’s critical to the long-term foot health of anyone, but for active people in particular, that complete healing occurs prior to a return to sports or any weight-bearing activities. Not all Lisfranc injuries are identical. When the midfoot buckles, the ligaments that connect the various bones can become damaged. Ligament injury without any bone impact would be the mildest version of a Lisfranc injury. Mild sprains can be treated conservatively with rest and rehabilitation. If the damage to the ligaments is more extensive, the injury can be more serious because the midfoot bones can shift or dislocate, which is often accompanied by a fracture. This is not always easy to detect. It typically requires surgery to realign the joint and provide stability. Failure to properly correct the injury can result in chronic instability and pain, eventually lead to major arthritis in the area simply because of the trauma to the joint. This is why it is important that patients visit a physician such as Dr. Corbett, who has extensive

P R O F I L E

experience in the various types of Lisfranc injuries, and all foot and ankle injuries. Dr. Corbett offers patients unique expertise in treating food and ankle injuries. She is the only foot and ankle physician at Ochsner Orthopedics Health Center – Slidell who is a medical doctor (MD) with specialized fellowship training in orthopedic surgery, and with a subspecialty treating conditions of the foot Dr. Nicola Corbett and ankle. Patients have peace of mind knowing Dr. Corbett undergoes rigorous independent professional testing and peer review to ensure they receive the latest treatment techniques and highest quality care. She is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, a Foot and Ankle specialist, an Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine specialist, and is a member of the Louisiana Orthopaedic Association, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and an active member of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. In addition to specializing in foot and ankle, Dr. Corbett also has special interest and experience in hand and upper extremity surgery.

Dr. Corbett practices at the Ochsner Orthopedics Health Center – Slidell located on the Ochsner Medical Center – North Shore campus in the Neuroscience Building at 104 Medical Center Dr.,, Slidell. Ochsner Orthopedic Health Center – Slidell 104 Medical Center Dr.,, Slidell, 639-3777 Ochsner Health Center – Covington 1000 Ochsner Blvd., Covington, 875-2828 Ochsner Health Center – Hammond 41676 Veterans Ave., Hammond, 875-2828 March-April 2014 119

IN the Spotlight Real Men of St. Tammany Gala

The highlight of the fourth annual Real Men of St. Tammany Gala at the Northshore Harbor Center in Slidell was the naming of Otis Favre as the 2014 Real Man of St. Tammany. Favre raised more than $45,000 for Safe Harbor, a non-profit, non-governmental agency serving women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. The gala is Safe Harborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature fundraiser. During the evening, Real Man candidates showed off their dance moves to music by Flipside. Silent auction and live auctions featured items like destination vacations and a signed James Michalopoulos giclĂŠe. Chairs for the gala were Peggy Vallejo and Dr. Joan Archer.

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March-April 2014 121

122

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INside Peek photo: JOEY MICHEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Carnival Time!

2 4

HY HEL PHOTOGRAP photo: JOEY MIC

1. The Olympia Court and Lieutenants.

photo: JOEY MICHEL PHOTOGRAPHY

2. Marissa and Debbi Discon. 3.

Susan Blanchard, Bonnie Kate Kitchen, Ann Stewart and Elinor Dorsey. 4. Jennifer Gitz, Zeus 49, Queen Mary Grace Gitz and Audrey Gitz; standing is Harrison Gitz. 5. A group of Olympia maskers. 6. Her majesty, Elizabeth, Queen of Caliphs, with her father, John Dunlap. 7. Maid Katherine Honeywell with her mom, Anne, a former Caliphs queen. 8. A masker with Marie Morgan Growden at Caliphs of Cairo. 9. Ashley Meeks, Caliphs maid Lauren Murphy and Amanda Winters at

Caliphs.

8 9

March-April 2014 123

INside Peek

1. Pictured on a treadmill in the new Community Center at Christwood Retirement Community dressed in his swimsuit for a dip in the pool is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Red Beanâ&#x20AC;? surrounded by Christwood

Department Directors who donated to his creation and the St. Tammany Cancer Fund. 2. Members and friends of the Tiffany Circle of the American Red Cross toasted Pat 2

Brister at a party hosted by Jennifer Rice and Lori Murphy. 3. Peg Usner, KMB Board; Helen Castell, Northlake Garden Club; Mandeville

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Mayor Donald Villere; Carla Buchholz, KMB chair and Mandeville councilperson; Mary Begue, KMB Board, at the Keep Mandeville Beautiful celebration on Arbor Day. 4. From left: Pamela Rowe, Amanda Brown, Evelyn Girault, Melissa Hickman, Earl Bollinger, Cheryl Dantone and Rebecca Patton were some of the 14 employees recognized at the STPHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth-quarter five-year Service Award Luncheon. 5. Friends joined a celebrating Virginia Stewart, a maid in the court at the Apollo Ball. 6. Claire Friedrichs Taylor, Barbara Barnes, CJ Ladner, Yvette Jemison, Jennifer Rice and Susan Villere joined those lunching to benefit the Dress

for Success program aimed at helping women gain economic independence. 7. Chrissy Smith, Brianna Harris and Susan Falls networking at the Emerging 6

Young Professionals annual Christmas dinner in Slidell. 8. Shasta Leninger and Louis Ochoa at the EYP Social.

9. Susan and Stephen Falls. 7

March-April 2014 125

IN the Spotlight President’s Arts Awards

The ninth annual President’s Arts Awards, held at the Louisiana Heart Hospital in Lacombe, recognized and celebrated St. Tammany Parish artists and patrons of the arts for their years of creativity and dedication. Receiving awards were visual artist Rolland Golden, literary artist Mary du Passage, performing artist Grace Marshall, musical artist TiJonne Reyes and culinary artist Tommy Wong. Richard Knight was honored as Patron of the Year, and the President’s Award went to Carol Wolfram. Robert Warrens received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards are presented by the St. Tammany Parish Government and the St. Tammany Commission of Cultural Affairs. March-April 2014 127

INside Peek

4 3

1. Richard Tipton, Sally Rodman and Michelle and Ed Biggs at the LPOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Allegro Society special reception at the Atrium of Christwood following a concert. 2. Louise Rusch and Ben and Suzanne Motion. 3. LPO Music Director and Principal Conductor

Carlos Miguel Prieto, Janet Lynch and LPO CEO James Boyd. 4. LPO Director of Philanthropy Mark

McCreary with Kathy Cain. 5. L Rich McConnell and Maggie McConnell, Richard Tipton, Sally Rodman and Ann Loomis. 6. Katherine Wildgren, Jan Robert, Henry Hood and Ann Loomis. 7. Tim and Holley Shea with Pier Miller at the Fete Tableau debutante party in honor of Mary Beth Benjamin. 8. Hosts D. Irwin Mackenroth and Jay Batt with John

Truett at a racetrack party for Kimball 9

Nicholson. 9. Jennifer Nicholson with her daughter and honoree, Kimball. 10. Stuart and Shawn Weese were among the winners in the party throng!

128

Inside Northside

INside Peek

1. Valerie Melancon, cover artist Linda Trappey Dautreuil and Stephen Melancon at the Inside Northside Meet the Artist party. 2. Connie Seitz, Marcia Holmes and Beth Falkenstein. 3. Nancy Forrest, Joe Roy and Carla and Paul Gagliano. 4. Erin Naquin, Katherine Hamby, Paul Valentine and Katie 1

Turnage from Oasis Day Spa kept the crowd loose with 3

massages. 5. Joe Roy, Phil Hoover, Phil Jordan and Jack Joshua of the band Montage kept the crowd entertained.

130

Inside Northside

6. The Mandeville High School Spinnakers recently placed first in state at the American All-Star Louisiana Dance Competition. 6

7. Celebrating a fun New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve.

Back row (from left): Jessica Tuohy, Victoria Ellinghausen, Jennifer Tuohy 9

and Abby Thevenot. Front row (from left): Catherine Carmouche and Kloe

Rosso. 8. The SSA Golden Blues dance team recently competed in the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Louisiana State Championship in Hammond and received second place for jazz and fifth place in pom. 9. The SSA volleyball team, coached by Pete Bertucci, finished their season as State Semi Finalists. Several players received special recognition from the Louisiana High School Athletic Association.

Send your submissions to peek@insidenorthside.com.

IN Great Taste

recipes by Christine Schmitz

Gather friends and family for an elegant Easter lunch. DUCHESS POTATOES

STUFFED BONELESS LEG OF LAMB

4 pounds gold potatoes 4 ounces butter, softened 4 egg yolks, beaten

8 pounds leg of lamb, boned, butterflied and trimmed (4-5 pounds boned)

Pinch of ground nutmeg

1 pound Swiss chard

Salt and pepper to taste

6 large garlic cloves, sliced thin

Egg wash (1 egg and ½ cup

8 large black olives, chopped

water, beaten)

1½ teaspoons chopped rosemary ½ pound Feta cheese, crumbled

Scrub potatoes, peel and cut into large pieces. Boil or steam until tender enough to mash easily. Drain and dry the potatoes over low heat until no more steam rises from them. While the potatoes are still hot, purée with a food mill or press through a potato ricer or a sieve. Add butter, yolks, nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag with a fluted tip. Pipe the potatoes onto a parchment-lined sheet pan using a spiral motion. Can be refrigerated until ready to bake, allowing time to come to room temperature. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake at 375° for 12-15 minutes. Potatoes should be golden brown and heated through. Serve as soon as possible. Serves 8.

ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON AND BUTTER 2 pounds medium to large asparagus, trimmed ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice ½ stick butter Salt and pepper to taste

Peel lower half to two-thirds of each asparagus stalk with a vegetable peeler. Cook in boiling salted water, uncovered, until tender, 5-7 minutes. Drain well in a colander, then return to pot and toss with butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Serves 8. 132

Inside Northside

3 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, sliced 1 cup dry red wine 1½ cups beef broth ½ cup water

Wash Swiss chard leaves well, drain and steam in water or steamer for 3-5 minutes. It must be wilted. Drain and shock in cold water. Squeeze dry in kitchen towel. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil, stir in the chard and cook 1 minute or until excess liquid has evaporated. Let this cool thoroughly. Add feta, olives and garlic. Pat the lamb dry. Lay flat in pan, boned side up. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the chard mixture, leaving a slight border on the edges all around. Roll up like a jelly roll and tie tightly with kitchen string. Transfer to a roasting pan and rub with remaining oil, 1 teaspoon rosemary, salt and pepper. Roast in a 325° oven for 30 minutes. Scatter sliced onion all around and roast 1¼ hours more. (20 minutes for each pound of boneless meat.) A meat thermometer should register 140° for medium rare. Remove from oven and place on carving board. Skim the fat from the roasting pan and deglaze with wine. Add beef broth. Reduce the liquid to half and add ½ teaspoon rosemary, ½ cup water and juices from the cutting board. Simmer 2 minutes. Drizzle sauce over sliced lamb before serving. Serves 8.

Rustic Panache

Layered Look

Elegantly Jeweled

Showcase your collected Easter eggs,

Vietri dinnerware makes an impressive

Aqua and lime green are displayed in the

or use these speckled faux ones in an

statement with bunny-topped compote.

shagreen placemats, Annieglass votive,

oversized eagle’s nest of twigs and straw.

Wine time is fab with the Ophelia pattern

cotton napkins and L’Objet’s crystal napkin

– mélange by kp

hand-blown glass. – Hazelnut Mandeville

rings. – Arabella Fine Gifts & Home Décor

Setting the luncheon table

Cooing Birds

Celebration in Bloom

Woodsy

A true sign of spring, this bird-adorned

Bright bouquets of spring flowers

This twig- and moss-covered bunny will

serving bowl is perfect for a crisp green

and colored eggs make the perfect

be the life of the party. Fill his basket with

salad. – Niche Modern Home

centerpiece. – Florist of Covington

treats. - Welcome Home and garden

March-April 2014 133

IN Great Taste

STRAWBERRY VACHERIN Meringue 6 egg whites, at room temperature 14 ounces superfine* sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla

Put all ingredients in mixer. Whip on high for 8-10 minutes. The meringue should be very thick and hold a stiff peak. Continue to beat if necessary. Spoon 8 large tablespoons of meringue on a cookie sheet lined with parchment. They should look like giant clouds. Bake at 200° (gas oven) and 110° (electric oven) for 1½ hours. The vacherin should be very crisp. Allow to cool. Store in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about a week. * To make superfine sugar: Place sugar in a food processor with steel blade. Run for about 4 minutes. Superfine sugar dissolves easier in a meringue. Crème Chantilly 1 cup cold whipping cream ¼ cup sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla

Whip cream in mixer. Add sugar and vanilla while whipping. Strawberries

Slice 16 ounces of strawberries and sprinkle sugar on top. Refrigerate and marinate for 1 hour. This should give you a wonderful strawberry juice. When ready to serve, place meringue on plate drizzled with chocolate syrup. Spoon strawberries over meringue and top with whipped cream. Serves 8. 134

Inside Northside

INside Dining MCC: Major credit cards accepted ME: Menu Express delivery RR: Reservations recommended ABITA SPRINGS Abita Barbecue, 69399 Hwy. 59, 4005025. Ribs, brisket, chicken, pulled pork and boudin. MCC. Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St., 8925837. On the Trace. Good food, great beer. Lunch, dinner. abitabrewpub.com. MCC. Abita Springs Café, 22132 Level St., 867-9950. Southern cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tues-Sun. MCC. Camellia Café, 69455 Hwy. 59, 8096313. Traditional seafood and New Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.com. MCC. Mama D’s Pizza & More, 22054 Hwy. 59, 809-0308. Great pizza, sandwiches, pasta, fresh homemade bread. Lunch, dinner. mamadspizza.com. COVINGTON Acme Oyster House, 1202 Hwy. 190, 246-6155. Established 1910 in New Orleans, 1995 on northshore. Seafood, sandwiches, local favorites. Lunch, dinner. mamdspizza.com. MCC. Albasha, 1958 Hwy. 190, 867-8292. Mediterranean cuisine. albashabr.com. MCC. Annadele’s Plantation, 71518 Chestnut St., 809-7669. Yellow fin tuna, domestic lamb & much more. annadeles.com. MCC, checks. Bear’s Restaurant, 128 W. 21st St., 892-2373. Best po-boys in the world. Blue Hickory BBQ, 570380 Hwy. 21, Ste. 9, 871-4216. Meats smoked on site, handmade sausage; brisket, ribs, chicken, seafood and salads. Drive-thru. Open 7 days a week. bluehickorybbq. com. MCC. Buster’s Place, 519 E. Boston St., 809-3880. Seafood, po-boys, steaks. Lunch, dinner. MCC. Carreta’s Grill, 70380 Hwy. 21, 8716674. Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served in a family-friendly atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Kids eat free every Wednesday! Private events and catering also provided. carretasgrill.com. MCC.

The Cheesesteak Bistro, 528 N. Columbia St., Covington, 875-9793. Original cheesesteak sandwiches, soups, salads, gumbo and super spuds. Breakfast, lunch. All under $10. MCC, checks. The Chimes, 19130 W. Front St., 892-5396. Lunch and dinner. thechimes.com. MCC. Coffee Rani, 234-A Lee Ln., 8936158. Soup and salad specialists. coffeerani.com. Columbia St. Seafood, 1123 N. Columbia St., 893-4312. Seafood platters and po-boys. columbiastreetseafood.com. Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill, 434 N. Columbia St., 898-0899. Daily specials, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, soups and burgers. Live music Thurs-Sat nights. Lunch, dinner. covingtontaproom.com. MCC, ME. Copeland’s, 680 N. Hwy. 190, 809-9659. Authentic New Orleans cuisine. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Online takeout orders at copelandsofneworleans.com. MCC, ME, RR. Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy. 190, 892-3712. Contemporary Louisiana cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients. thedakotarestaurant.com. MCC, RR. Del Porto Restaurant, 501 E. Boston St., 875-1006. Northern Italian cuisine. delportoristorante.com. MCC, RR. Di Martino’s, 700 S. Tyler St., 2766460. Great food and reasonable prices. Lunch, dinner. dimartinos.com. MCC. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 69292 Hwy. 21, 871-2225. Locally-owned and -operated franchise. Kids eat free on Sundays. MCC. DiCristina’s Restaurant, 810 N. Columbia St., Ste. C, 875-0160. Conveniently located next to the new Covington Courthouse. Italian and seafood. dicristinas.com. MCC. Don’s Seafood Hut, 126 Lake Dr., 327-7111. Lunch and dinner. donsseafoodonline.com. MCC. Downtown Deli, 400 N. Thread St., 2349086. Chicken salad, burgers and poboys. Mon-Fri, 10:30am-2:30pm. MCC.

March-April 2014 135

g 208 Lee Ln., 875-0432. Grilled fish, El Portal, 1200 Business 190, 867-5367.

smothered rabbit and voodoo crawfish rolls. Family owned and operated.

The English Tea Room, 734 Rutland

neworleansfoodspirits.com. MCC.

St., 898-3988. Authentic English cream teas. Special event teas,

Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery

English scones, crumpets and cakes.

and Cafè, 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste.

Serving breakfast and lunch. Mon-Sat,

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

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

bakery. Luncheon salads, panini,

MCC, RR.

catering, donuts, kingcakes, cupcakes and wedding cakes. Tues-Sun, open at

Four Seasons Chinese Buffet, 600

7am. nonnaskingcakes.com. MCC.

N. Hwy. 190, 893-3866. MCC.

North Island Chinese, 842 N. Collins Blvd., 867-8289.

Gallagher’s Grill, 509 S. Tyler St., 892-9992. Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sat.

Northshore Empress, 31 Louis Prima

gallaghersgrill.com. MCC, RR.

Dr., 871-6975. northshoreempress.com.

Garcia’s Famous Mexican Food, 200

Osaka 21 Japanese Restaurant,

River Highlands Blvd., 327-7420.

70340 Hwy. 21, 809-2640.

Isabella’s Pizzeria, 70452 Hwy. 21,

Osaka West Japanese Restaurant,

Ste. 500, 875-7620; 1331 Hwy. 190,

804 N. Hwy. 190, 871-8199.

809-1900. Salads, gourmet pizza,

osakawest.com

sandwiches, paninis, calzones and pasta. isabellaspizzeria.net.

Pardos, 69305 Hwy. 21, 893-3603. An American bistro with a blend of

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

multi-cultural cuisine with local flair.

Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in

Frutta del mar pasta, rosemary-grilled

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

shrimp, roasted chicken. Lunch, TuesFri; Dinner, Tues-Sun; Happy hour,

Jerk’s Island Grill & Daiquiri

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

Bar, 70437 Hwy. 21, 893-1380.

catering. pardosbistro.com. MCC.

jerksIslandgrill.com. Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun Lola, 517 N. New Hampshire St.,

Deli, 1248 N. Collins Blvd., 892-7287.

892-4992. Lunch, Mon-Fri; Dinner,

Jambalaya, gumbo, stuffed artichokes.

Fri-Sat. Closed Sundays. Daily lunch

MCC, checks, ME.

specials, local produce, Louisiana seafood, everything housemade.

Peck’s Seafood & Grill, 70457 Hwy. 21,

lolacovington.com.

Ste. 108, 892-2121. Po-boys, seafood, burgers and lunch specials. MCC.

Mattina Bella, 421 E. Gibson St., 8920708. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. MCC,

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 70456 Hwy.

checks.

21, 875-7894. Catch your morning buzz at this convenient drive-thru!

McAlister’s Deli, 206 Lake Dr., Ste.

Catering. MCC.

15, 898-2800. Great sandwiches, salads, overstuffed potatoes.

Pizza Man of Covington, 1248 N.

mcalistersdeli.com. MCC, checks.

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

Megumi of Covington, 1211 Village

Renaissance Antiques & Gifts with

Walk, 893-0406. megumirestaurant.net.

the Original Soda Fountain & Café Cabaret, 322 N. Florida St., 892-7220.

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers,

Nostalgic soda fountain for lunch and

1645 Hwy. 190, 327-5407. Salads,

after school, six days a week.

pizzas, calzones. 20 craft beers on tap. Open 7 days a week. Lunch and dinner.

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

MCC. mellowmushroom.com.

6990. Special salads, spring rolls, soups, noodle and curry dishes. Sun-

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, 104 Lake Dr. #1, 898-6362. menchies.com.

Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm. Lunch buffet weekdays, 11am-3pm. salathaibysu.com. MCC.

New Orleans Food and Spirits,

136

Inside Northside

B Schwing’s Restaurant, 1204 W. 21st

Casual fine dining including Creole, Italian,

Ave., 893-1899. Fresh seafood and home

Caribbean and Southern cuisines. Hand-

cooking. schwingsrestaurant.com. MCC.

trimmed steaks, seafood and specialties.

Dinner, Tues-Sun; Lunch, Wed-Fri; Sunday Sweet Daddy’s, 420 S. Tyler St., 898-

Brunch; Closed Mondays. jacmelinn.com.

2166. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs.

MCC, checks.

sweetdaddysbarbq.com. MCC, ME. Kirin Sushi, 221 E. Cate St., 542Thai Chili, 1102 N. Hwy. 190, 809-0180.

8888. First Japanese sushi restaurant in Hammond! Dragon roll, Kirin roll, sake.

Thai Spice, 1581 N. Hwy. 190, 809-6483.

kirinjapanesecuisine.com. MCC.

Thai Taste, 1005 N. Collins Blvd.,

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

809-7886.

Cuisine, 108 N.W Railroad Ave., 4199990. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

Tony Bosco’s at TerraBella, 141

fresh food from traditional recipes,

TerraBella Blvd., 612-7250. Authentic Italian

outstanding service and value. Live

cuisine. Lunch, dinner, private meeting

music. Lunch and dinner seven days a

room, catering. tonyboscos.com.

week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

Vasquez Seafood & Po-Boys, 515

Old MacDonald’s Smokehouse,

E. Boston St., 893-9336. Cuban

1601 N. Morrison Blvd., 542-7529.

sandwiches and more. vazquezpoboy.

BBQ brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage.

com. MCC, checks, ME.

oldmacdonaldsmokehouse.com. MCC, checks.

Winos and Tacos, a 321 N. Columbia St., 809-3029. Fresh, innovative cuisine

Tommy’s on Thomas, 216 W. Thomas

by Chef Joel Brown. MCC.

St., 350-6100. Pizza, pastas. Lunch, dinner. tommysonthomas.com. MCC, checks.

WOW Café & Wingery, 501 N. Hwy. 190, 892-9691. Wings, burgers, wraps

Tope là, 104 N. Cate St., 542-7600.

and more. MCC.

Contemporary delights. topela.com. MCC.

Yujin Japanese Restaurant and

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 2100 N.

Sushi Bar, 323 N. New Hampshire St.,

Morrison Blvd., 345-6789. Innovative

809-3840. Japanese cuisine and sushi

quality Chinese food served in Imperial

in a casual atmosphere. MCC.

surroundings. treyyuen.com. MCC, checks.

Zea Rotisserie & Grill, 110 Lake Dr., 327-0520. Inspired American food.

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2108 W. Thomas

zearestaurants.com. MCC.

St., 345-1131. “Taste our Magic.” voodoobbq.com. MCC.

HAMMOND Adobe Cantina & Salsa, 1905

Yellow Bird Café, 222 E. Charles St.,

W. Thomas St., 419-0027. Fine

345-1112. A great place to start your

Mexican cuisine, good spirits, great

day. Breakfast, lunch. MCC, checks.

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

LACOMBE Janie Brown’s Restaurant, 27207 Hwy. 190, 882-7201. Casual dining with

Brady’s, 110 SW Railroad Ave., 542-

a great atmosphere. MCC, checks.

6333. bradysdowntown.com. La Provence Restaurant, 25020 Cocoa Bean Bakery and Cafe, 910

Hwy. 190, 626-7662. Owner John Besh

E. Main St., 345-2002. Specialty cakes,

combines hospitality with French cuisine

pastries. Serving breakfast and light

and welcoming hearths. Dinner, Sunday

lunch. Specials. thecocoabeanbakery.

brunch. laprovencerestaurant.com.

com. MCC.

MCC, checks. RR.

Don’s Seafood & Steak House,

Sal & Judy’s, 27491 Hwy. 190,

1915 S. Morrison Blvd., 345-8550.

882-9443. Great food and line of

donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

retail products. Family-owned for 27 years. Veal is the house specialty.

Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris St., 542-0043.

salandjudys.com. MCC, RR.

March-April 2014 137

g Country Kitchen, 2109 Florida St., 626MADISONVILLE

5375. countrykitchenrestaurants.com.

Hook’d Up Riverside Bar and Grill, 100 Marina Del Ray Dr., 845-8119.

Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59.,

Burgers, wings, hot dogs and specials.

809-2929. Breakfast, lunch, TuesSun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast served

Keith Young’s Steakhouse, 165 Hwy.

until 10:30am on weekdays and all

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

day Saturday and Sunday. Reserve

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

Fat Spoon Cafe for your next party. fatspooncafe.com. MCC.

Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar, 702 Water St., 845-4970. Relaxed

Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse,

atmosphere, seafood, daily specials.

1841 N. Causeway Blvd., 624-9704.

Lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.

Fresh fish daily, aged beef, traditional Italian. Lunch, dinner. fazziosrestaurant.

Water St. Bistro, 804 Water St.,

com. MCC, ME, RR.

845-3855. Casual ambiance on the Tchefuncte. Lunch and dinner, Wed-

Franco’s Grill,100 Bon Temps

Sun. mortonsseafood.com. MCC.

Roule, 792-0200. Fresh organic foods for breakfast, lunch and takeout.

MANDEVILLE

myfrancos.com/dining. MCC.

The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore Dr., 727-7420. Serving 130 styles of beer,

George’s Mexican Restaurant, 1461

call and premium liquors. Lunch and

N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4342. Family

dinner. thebarleyoak.com. MCC.

owned. Fajitas, George’s nachos, Carne al la Parrilla. Best top-shelf margaritas in town.

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 4700 Hwy. 22,

georgesmexicanrestaurant.com. MCC, ME.

674-9090. Bear’s po-boys and more. bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.

Gio’s Villa Vancheri, 2890 E. Causeway App., 624-2597. Sicilian

Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 Lovers

specialties by 5-star chef Gio

Ln., 626-4557. Traditional New Orleans

Vancheri. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

cuisine. Dinner, Sunday brunch.

giosvillavancheri.com. MCC. RR.

benedictsplantation.net. MCC. Hong Kong Restaurant, 2890 E. Bosco’s Italian Café, 2040 Hwy. 59,

Causeway App., 626-8222. MCC.

624-5066. boscositalian.com. Isabella’s Pizzeria, 2660 Florida Broken Egg Café, 200 Gerard St.,

St. (in the Florida Street Market),

231-7125. Excellent choice for brunch!

674-5700. Salads, gourmet pizza,

Pasta, specialty salads, sandwiches.

sandwiches, paninis, calzones and

anotherbrokenegg.com. MCC.

pasta. isabellapizzeria.net.

Café Lynn Restaurant and Catering,

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

3051 E. Causeway App., 624-9007.

Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in

Casual fine dining for lunch, dinner and

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

Sunday brunch by Chef Joey Najolia. Tues-Fri, lunch: 11am-3pm. Dinner,

Joyce and Johnny’s, 1461 N.

5pm. Catering provided. cafelynn.com.

Causeway Blvd., Ste. 11, 727-7727.

MCC.

Soups, salads, stuffed potatoes, sandwiches, po-boys.

Chili’s Bar & Grill, 3420 Hwy. 190, 727-2771. Fajitas and the Awesome

Jubilee Restaurant and Courtyard,

Blossom. Lunch, dinner. chilis.com.

301 Lafitte St., 778-2552. Contemporary

MCC, ME.

Louisiana cuisine for dinner, lunch by Chef Tory Stewart. Casual fine dining,

Coffee Rani, 3517 Hwy. 190, 674-

daily lunch/dinner specials, private events,

0560. Soup and salad specialists.

catering. jubileerestaurantcourtyard.com.

Coscino’s Pizza, 1817 N. Causeway

K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 626-0530.

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

Featuring Louisiana seafood with raw

pizza and Italian foods cooked on stone

oysters 1/2 price on Tuesdays. Express

using the finest ingredients. MCC.

lunch and daily lunch specials under $10. Mon-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat,

138

Inside Northside

B 11am-10pm. kgeesrestaurant.com. MCC.

639 Girod St., 612-1828. Homemade American cuisine with fresh, local

La Carreta Authentic Mexican

ingredients. Family-friendly atmosphere.

Cuisine, 1200 W. Causeway

Lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesdays.

App., 624-2990. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh food from

Petunia’s Place, 2020 Hwy. 59, 674-

traditional recipes, outstanding

3436. petuniasplace.com.

service and value. Live music. Lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Pinkberry, 3460 Hwy. 190, 612-7306.

carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

Pinkberry is the original tart frozen yogurt that is the perfect balance of

La Madeleine French Cafe, 3434

sweet and tangy paired with high

Hwy. 190, 626-7004. lamadeleine.com.

quality, fresh cut fruit and premium dry toppings. pinkberry.com.

The Lakehouse, 2025 Lakeshore Dr., 626-3006, events 778-2045.

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy.

Restaurant open. Call for reservations.

190, 674-1565. Catch your morning

lakehousecuisine.com. MCC.

buzz at the convenient drive-thru! Catering. pjscoffee.com. MCC.

Little Tokyo, 590 Asbury Dr., 727-1532. littletokyosushi.com.

Rip’s on the Lake, 1917 Lakeshore Dr., 727-2829.

Louie & The Redhead Lady, 2820 E. Causeway App., 626-6044.

Ristorante Carmelo & Pizzaria, 1901

louieandtheredheadlady.com.

Hwy. 190, 624-4844. Family-oriented Italian cuisine. Lunch and dinner. MCC.

Macaroni Grill, 3410 Hwy. 190, 7271998. Penne rustica, pasta Milano,

Rusty Pelican, 500 Girod

other Italian favorites. Lunch, dinner.

St., 778-0364. Lunch, dinner.

macaronigrill.com. MCC, ME.

rustypelicanbythelake.com. MCC.

Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App.,

Sake Gardens Japanese Restaurant,

626-9047. Serving breakfast and

1705 Hwy. 190, 624-8955.

lunch, daily specials. Sesame Inn, 408 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in

951-8888. Finest Chinese cuisine.

Azalea Square Shopping Center, 674-9883. Seafood, Creole and

The Scotts’ Coffee Bar, 201 Carroll St.,

Italian. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

231-7632. Open seven days. Gourmet

mandinasrestaurant.com.

coffee & tea. Breakfast and lunch items available. Evening tapas menu - Fri and

Megumi Japanese Cuisine, 4700

Sat, 6-10. thescottscoffeebar.com.

Hwy. 22, Suites 11 and 12, 845-1644. Yakimono and sushi bar. Lunch, dinner.

Smoothie King, 1830 W. Causeway

megumirestaurant.com.

App., 626-9159. Smoothies. smoothieking.com. MCC, checks.

MiMamacita’s New Mexican Cuisine, 2345 Florida St., 674-1400. Great food

Taqueria Noria, 1931 Hwy. 59, 727-

and margaritas. Lunch, dinner, catering.

7917. Lunch, dinner.

MCC. Times Bar & Grill, 1896 N. Causeway Monster Po-Boys, 1814 N. Causeway

Blvd., 626-1161. Famous hamburgers,

App., 626-9183. Lunch, dinner.

starters, steaks and more. Lunch, dinner. timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

N’Tini’s, 2891 N. Hwy. 190, 626-5566. Steaks, martinis. Lunch specials. Mon.-

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 600 N.

Sat. ntinis.com. MCC.

Causeway Blvd., 626-4476. Quality China cuisine with Louisiana flair. Lunch,

Nuvolari’s, 246 Girod St., 626-5619. In Old

dinner. treyyuen.com. MCC, checks.

Mandeville. Gnocchi, escargot, filet mignon, linguini fruta di mare. Dinner. Open seven

Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St.,

nights a week. MCC. nuvolaris.com.

624-5683. A full café menu with over 120 loose leaf and speciality teas.

The Old Rail Brewing Company,

Breakfast, lunch. viannes.com. MCC.

March-April 2014 139

g La. Pines, 1061 Robert St., 641-6196. VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2999 Hwy.

Meet under the water tower for Ahhhfull-

190 E., 629-2021. “Taste our Magic.”

waffles, Sugar Watcher specials. Breakfast,

voodoobbq.com. MCC.

lunch. lapinescafe.com. MCC, checks.

PONCHATOULA

Michael’s, 4820 Pontchartrain Dr., 649-

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant,

8055. Steaks, seafood, veal, duck, eggplant

30160 Hwy. 51, 386-6666.

au gratin. Extensive wine selection. Dinner.

middendorfsrestaurant.com. Nathan’s Restaurant, 36440 La Carreta Authentic Mexican

Old Bayou Liberty Rd., 643-0443.

Cuisine, 147 N.W. Railroad Ave.,

Waterfront dining featuring seafood,

370-0930. Festive Mexican

steaks and pasta. MCC.

atmosphere, fresh food from traditional recipes, outstanding

Nola Southern Grill, 1375 Gause

service and value. Live music. Lunch

Blvd., 201-8200. Burgers, ribs,

and dinner seven days a week.

steaks, pasta, sandwiches and

carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

seafood. MCC.

Taste of Bavaria Restaurant

Palmettos on the Bayou,

& Bakery, 14476 Hwy. 22, 386-

1901 Bayou Ln., 643-0050.

3634. Charming Bavarian bungalow,

palmettosrestaurantslidell.com.

European-style breakfast, German-style lunch. tasteofbavariastaurant.com.

Peck’s Seafood Restaurant, 2315

MCC, checks.

Gause Blvd. E., 781-7272. Po-boys, seafood, burgers and lunch specials. MCC. SLIDELL

A Touch of Italy Café, 134 Pennsylvania

Smoothie King, 150 Northshore

Ave., 639-0600. Seafood, veal,

Blvd., 781-3456. Low-fat health drinks.

steaks, daily specials. Lunch, dinner.

smoothieking.com. MCC, checks.

kathrynandcompany.com. MCC, checks. Tacos and Beer, 2142 Front St., 641Assunta’s, 2631 Hwy. 190 W., 649-

4969. Lunch, dinner and late-night.

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

Times Bar & Grill, 1827 Front St., 6393335. Famous hamburgers, starters,

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 550 Gause

steaks and more. Lunch, dinner.

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

timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.  The Wine Market, 2051 E. Gause Sapphire, 2306 Front St., 288-4166.

Blvd., 781-1177. Deli restaurant, lunch,

Sunday brunch, live entertainment, fine

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

wines and spirits. Open seven days a

wraps. MCC and checks.

week. bistrodelareine.com. MCC. NEW ORLEANS/SOUTHSHORE 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.

Criollo Resturant and Lounge at Hotel Monteleone, 214 Royal St.,

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

(504)-523-3340. hotelmonteleone.

Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served

com/criollo/. MCC, RR

in a family-friendly atmosphere for lunch and dinner. carretasgrill.com. MCC.

Restaurant R’evolution, 777 Bienville St., (504)-553-2277. Located at the

140

Inside Northside

KY’s Olde Towne Bicycle Shop,

Royal Sonesta Hotel. Offering modern,

2267 Carey St., 641-1911. Casual

imaginative reinterpretations of classic

dining in former bicycle shop. Kids’

Cajun and Creole Cuisine. Triptych of

menu. Lunch, dinner. kysoldetowne.

Quail and Oysterman’s spaghettini.

com. MCC, checks.

Revolutionnola.com. RR.

IN Development

by Lauren Parrish

the

Fremaux Town Center in Slidell

THERE’S SOMETHING EXCITING COMING to the intersection of I-10 and Fremaux Avenue in Slidell. It’s the Fremaux Town Center Development. With a grand opening on March 14, 2014, Phase I of the development comprises 45 acres and almost 350,000 square feet of retail space, anchored by stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kohl’s and Best Buy, and restaurants like Cheddar’s, Panera Bread Company and Longhorn Steakhouse. Phase I will also feature a new state-of-the-art, 41,000-square-foot LA Fitness center that will open in the fourth quarter of 2014. Phase II, set to open in spring 2015, comprises another 40 acres and will be anchored by a 126,000-square-foot Dillard’s top-of-the-line A Store. In addition, there will be high-end women’s fashion shops with additional restaurants and specialty retailers. It’s all about the location. “That’s why we call it the town center. It really is the town center,”

says Townsend Underhill, senior vice president of development at Stirling Properties, Inc. “In Slidell, the majority of people with higher incomes live within five minutes of the center, and the majority of business is right here. Other options for retail are farther away.” In January 2013, Stirling Properties bought out the original developer for the entire project and began construction. “This is a career project,” says Underhill. “The first developer let people believe that the site could be built out at once. But that is not the case. This is a 10-, 15-, even 20-year project, to fully build everything out.” The retail portions of Fremaux are a joint venture between Stirling Properties and CBL Properties in Chattanooga, Tenn. The remainder of the 400-acre tract, of which 340 acres is developable, is a joint venture between Stirling Properties and the original >>

March-April 2014 141

Townsend Underhill

landowner, Robert Levis. “The big question was, ‘Why Slidell— why does that make sense?’” says Underhill. He says the timing is right for Slidell to be on an upward swing, especially with the recent strengthening of the employment and stabilization at Michoud Assembly Facility and employment at Stennis Space Center. “Those are two really big drivers of the Slidell economy.” Stirling Properties estimates that the shopping center will produce in excess of $220 million in annual retail sales and will add about $4 million to the city’s annual budget. In addition, the city will collect about $600,000 in property taxes that it isn’t currently collecting. “It’s two things: it’s a shift in the center of activity, from a retail standpoint in Slidell, and, more importantly, it’s a net add of retailers,” says Underhill. “This is a site everyone has to drive by. It really is a regional site, being near the intersection of three major interstates. From the retail perspective, this is dynamic.” Further plans at Fremaux include multi-family rent/ ownership residential condos, small-scale office suites and multi-tenant offices, as well as some hotel sites. Stirling Properties also announced that it has a contract for a 16-acre site with Continental Properties, a high-end multi-family developer, proposing 280 townhome rental units, The Springs at Fremaux Town Center. Construction is expected to start in the third quarter of 2014. “It’s a very uplifting situation for Slidell,” says Underhill. “The project came back to life when I think no one expected that it could or would, and it’s been a great thing for the east side of the parish. We believe in Slidell, otherwise we wouldn’t be investing.” For more information on the Fremaux Town Center in Slidell, visit stirlingprop.com. 142

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March-April 2014 143

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Directory of Advertisers ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE 10/12 Properties.................... 985-626-8200 142 Agena, Dr. Gary M. - OBGYN.... 985-845-7121 38 Al’s Plumbing Co.................... 985-845-9390 83 American Factory Direct.......... 985-871-0300 98 American Red Cross............. tourdurouge.org 91 Anne’s Boutique..................... 985-626-3099 113 Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor.............. ............................................. 985-727-9787 105 Armbruster Artworks Studio.... 985-630-6295 93 Artistry of Light...................... 225-247-8963 4 Asset One.............................. 985-727-2834 26 Barley Oak, The...................... 985-727-7420 134 Bastille’s Clothing Company... 985-626-4220 113 Bedico Creek Preserve............ 985-845-4200 125 Bella Cucina........................... 985-626-7886 109 Berger Home.......................... 985-624-3433 22 Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights... 985-249-6040 25 Bisso Towboat Company......... 504-861-1411 50 Blue Hickory Blues and Barbeque... 985-871-4216 140 Bmac Interiors at TerraBella....bmacinteriors.net 97 Bora Bora............................... 985-951-8454 114 Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers...... 985-626-1666 126 Bra Genie............................... 985-951-8638 122 Bra la Vie!.............................. 985-662-5065 114 Bricks 4 Kidz.......................... 985-705-0805 79 [brown eyed girl].................... 985-626-0100 121 Brown Family Orthodontics..... 985-626-8297 60 Café Lynn Restaurant & Catering... 985-624-9007 136 California Drawstrings Northshore................. ............................................. 985-327-7300 117 Carreta’s Grill........ 985-871-6674, 847-0020 129 Cedarwood School................. 985-845-7111 124 Center for Women’s Health..... 985-249-7022 8 Champagne Beverage Co.............................. ............................. champagnebeverage.com 13 Champagne Jewelers............. 985-643-2599 77 Chef Soirée............................ 985-893-2570 107 Children’s Museum of St. Tammany................ ............................................. 504-460-3247 62 Chris Wynne Designs ......................chriswynnedesigns.tumblr.com 144 Christwood Retirement Community............... ......................................... christwoodrc.com 15 City of Bogalusa..................... 985-730-2151 87 Columbia Street Mercantile.... 985-809-1789 117 Computer Troubleshooters...... 985-624-2302 144 Covington Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic ............................................. 985-892-5117 69 Culinary Kids.......................... 985-727-5553 144 David Pierson Designs Inc....... 985-871-0457 105 De Boscq Jewelry................... 985-674-0007 39 deCoeur...................................... decoeur.net 117 DeLuca’s Expressions in Gold.... 985-892-2317 103 Designs in Windows............... 985-209-1689 97 Dickey’s Barbecue Pit.............. 985-871-2225 144 Dimitri Dermatology............... 985-892-5497 75 Downtown Chic..................... 985-809-3860 122 E.K. Lozano and Company, CPA..................... ...........................................lozanoCPAs.com 94 Earthsavers............................ 985-674-1133 122 Emma’s Shoes and Accessories... 985-778-2200 110 Eros Home & Clothing............ 985-727-0034 110

ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE Etan Enterprises..................... 985-966-7042 88 Fazzio’s Restaurant & Bar....... 985-624-9704 137 Fielding Photography.............. 985-626-7549 84 Fitness Expo........................... 504-887-0880 46 Fleurt..................................... 985-809-8844 103 Florist of Covington................ 985-892-7701 71 Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter.......... ............................................. 800-535-7891 35 Franco’s Athletic Club............. 985-792-0200 BC french mix, the....................... 985-809-3152 35 George’s Mexican Restaurant.... 985-626-4342 136 Glenn Michael Salon.............. 504-828-6848 19 GNO Property Management... 504-528-7028 143 Gulf States Real Estate Services.... 985-792-4385 80 H2O Salon............................. 985-951-8166 110 Hazelnut Mandeville............... 985-626-8900 91 Hestia Luxury in Linens........... 985-893-0490 98 Huntington Learning Center... 985-727-0000 77 Infusé Oils & Vinegars............ 985-778-0903 47 Integrity Builders, Inc.............. 985-626-3479 50 Istre Hearing Care.................. 985-845-3509 57 Jennifer Rice Realty Group...... 985-892-1478 143 Jill Gibson, MD LLC................ 985-898-5990 61 Jubilee Restaurant & Courtyard.... 985-778-2552 138 JuJu’s Boutique...................... 985-624-3600 113 K. Gee’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar... 985-626-0530 139 Kehoe France......................... 985-892-4415 60 Koko Fit Club.....................985-746-4161 x2 49 La Bella Vita Laser & Vein....... 985-892-2950 69 La Carreta Restaurant.................................... ............................ 985-624-2990, 400-5202 138 Lake After Hours..................... 985-375-9979 57 Lakehouse, The....................... 985-626-3006 135 Lakeview Regional Medical Center... 985-867-3800 IBC Lark in the Park............ friendsofcitypark.com 85 LCI Workers Comp.................. 985-612-1230 55 Lee Michaels Jewelers......................lmfj.com IFC Lift Training Studios................ 985-727-1540 12 Louisiana Custom Closets....... 985-871-0810 29 Louisiana Heart Hospital... louisianaheart.com 9, 21 Louisiana Polo Farms, Inc........ 985-796-9130 143 Lowe’s Jewelers..................... 985-845-4653 93 Maison Lafitte........................ 985-778-2045 135 Mandeville Animal Hospital.... 985-377-0800 94 Mandeville Center for Dental Excellence........ ............................................. 985-626-4401 5 Mandeville Party Co................ 985-674-1605 56 Med Spa @ Rapid Urgent Care... 985-674-4464 109 mélange by KP....................... 985-807-7652 121 Mellow Mushroom of Covington... 985-327-5407 140 Mia Sorella............................. 985-781-3909 97 Michalopoulos Gallery............ 504-558-0505 42 Mix, The................................. 985-727-7649 121 Money Hill Golf and Country Club................. ............................................. 985-892-3300 30 Monmouth Historic Inn........... 601-442-5852 88 Montage Jazz Band................ 985-778-9993 139 MoreSmiles-Dr. Jim Moreau ... 985-809-7645 16 Neurology & Sleep Medicine... 985-892-6291 94 New Orleans Home and Garden Show........... ......................... neworleanshomeshows.com 75

ADVERTISER...........................CONTACT INFO PAGE New York Life, Michael Mire... 985-246-6188 130 Niche Modern Home.............. 985-624-4045 17 North American Insurance Agency... 985-871-5480 52 NORTH Institute, The.............. 985-871-4114 33 North Oaks Health System........northoaks.org 108 North Shore Square Mall........ 985-646-0661 41 Northshore Harbor Center...... 985-781-3650 72 Oasis Day Spa, The................. 985-624-6772 105 Ochsner Medical Center - North Shore........... .................................................. ochsner.org 27, 118 Oil & Vinegar.......................... 985-809-1693 121 Old Rail Brewing Co., The....... 985-612-1828 134 Outdoor Living Center............ 985-893-8008 71 Paisley................................... 985-727-7880 113 Palatial Stone & Tile................ 985-249-6868 14 Pan American Power............... 985-893-1271 54 Paretti Jaguar......................... 504-455-2101 47 Patriot Title............................. 985-778-1921 144 Poole Lumber Company.......... 985-892-4500 37 POSH Boutique...................... 985-898-2639 103 Private Beach......................... 985-674-2326 103 Profit on Hold........................ 800-569-4653 144 Rapid Urgent Care................. 985-674-4464 109 Real Results Weight Loss Clinic....985-590-4061 53 Rehab Dynamics LLC.............. 985-871-7878 80 Resource Bank...............bankonresource.com 83 Richard C. Dalton LLC............. 985-778-2215 28 Rick’s Professional Painting Service................ ............................................. 985-845-0533 144 Riverview Camp for Girls........ 800-882-0722 59 Ruffino Custom Closets.......... 985-809-7623 42 Rug Chic................................ 985-674-1070 36 St. Paul’s School..................... 985-892-3200 87 Saks Fifth Avenue................... 504-524-2200 11 Schneider, MD, Ellen............... 985-781-7531 32 Scotts’ Coffee & Tapas Bar, The... 985-231-7632 137 Shoefflé.....................................shoeffle.com 117 Silver Plum and 1, 2, Buckle My Shoe, The...... ............................................. 985-674-4343 114 Slidell Memorial Hospital........ 985-280-2200 79 Southern Bridal...................... 985-727-2993 105 Southern Pain Center............. 985-727-7275 64 State Farm Insurance, C J Ladner... 985-892-5030 64 Stone Source.......................... 985-892-0695 98 Surgical Specialists................whyweight.com 45 TerraBella............................... 985-871-7171 131 Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers... 985-626-5098 22 Tran, Dr. David........................ 985-400-5483 94 Vantage Point........................ 985-259-7774 92 Villa Vici......................................villavici.com 6 Villa, The................................ 985-626-9797 122 Village Executive Office Suites, The... 985-727-6700 143 Walker House......................... 985-867-4878 144 Wax’d.................................... 985-778-2005 97 Weems, MD, Alan M............... 985-892-9233 53 Weimer, DDS, Patrick.............. 985-727-1800 64 Welcome Home and garden... 985-893-3933 98 West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission....... ............................................. 225-635-6330 64 Windsor Senior Living Community, The........... ............................................. 985-624-8040 45 Winos & Tacos........................ 985-809-3029 76 March-April 2014 145

Last Bite

Mellow Mushroom of Covington

by Lauren Parrish

Pizza and Beer! CRAVING A SLICE of “pie” and a cold one? Pizza pie at its best is a sublime concoction of fresh ingredients and crust perfection. Whether it is tossed in the air or fills a deep dish, we love pizza! We asked Billy Maisano of Mellow Mushroom to tell us what current cravings call for. His House Special with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, ham, Applewood smoked bacon, mushrooms, black olives, Roma tomatoes, green peppers and onions is the most popular pie on his roster—and we can see why! Billy Maisano, operations manager and co-owner of our Mellow Mushroom, says, “To us, it’s all about the pizza and beer. Why overcomplicate things?”

Covington’s Mellow Mushroom has been hosting events such as the Mystic Krew of Brew’s annual

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Inside Northside

community, which enjoys 20 different beers on tap to pair with the pizzeria’s delicious food.

Larry Hartzog Twisted Homebrew Contest and Party

This year’s Larry Hartzog Twisted Homebrew

and its monthly meetings since 2010. This dedication

Contest and Party on May 10 will be an official Beer

to both beer drinkers and beer brewer aficionados

Judge Certification-sanctioned homebrew competition

has translated into a huge following by the local beer

event. For more information, visit mkob.com.