September-October 2015 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine

450

$

COACH O • ST. TAMMANY WOODWORKERS • YOU NIGHT • GHOST LIGHT

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2015 VOL. 30, NO. 5

September-October 2015

Vol. 30, No. 5

Publisher Lori Murphy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor-in-Chief Anne Honeywell

Senior Editor Jan Murphy

Associate Editor Leah Draffen

Editorial Associate Katie Brooks Contributors are featured on page 18.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Art Director Brad Growden

Graphic Designer Jennifer Starkey

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Director of Business Development Poki Hampton

Business Manager Jane Quillin Advertising Account Executives Angelle Albright

Caroline Battaglia Barbara Bossier

Lindsay Gardner Candice Laizer

Barbara Roscoe Amy Taylor

Advertising Coordinator Margaret Rivera

Sales Assistants Paige Lawson

Intern Hailey Caldwell –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For advertising information phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 email sales@insidepub.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Please send items for Inside Scoop to scoop@insidepub.com.

Photos for Inside Peek, with captions, should be sent to peek@insidepub.com. Submit items for Inside Input or Dining Guide to editor@insidepub.com.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Contact Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148

Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 website www.insidenorthside.com

Subscriptions 1 Year $18 2 Years $30 email subscriptions@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

On the cover

Artist Jim Graham

Pink Champagne

Makes a Purple Toast

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

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page 32 page 91

Features

contents table of

20 Exploring Uncommon Possibilities Cover artist Jim Graham 32 Spaces for Living The Gutterman Home 44 Mandeville Roots and Tiger Stripes Ed “Coach O” Orgeron 58 A Place of Hope Kickin’ Parkinson’s 62 Carving Out Beauty St. Tammany Woodworkers Guild 70 You Night Empower one, impact many.

79 Traces Connie Kittok, Artist, St. Benedict 99 Small Steps, Big Miracles New Heights Therapy Center 118 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer’s

page 62 page 99

120 Generous Hearts The Rhythm of Giving The Amanda Shaw Foundation 124 Honky Dory A Gander’s Tale

Profiles 82 Ochsner North Shore 123 Gild Home Décor

Harvest Cup Polo Classic 2015

following page 98 10

Inside Northside

contents table of

page 85

Departments 14 Publisher’s Note 17 Editor’s Note 17 Reader Resources 18 Contributors 24 INside Scoop 42 IN Better Health Tom Kelsey 54 At the Table Autumn in Southeast Louisiana 85 Flourishes Extraordinary gifts and home accents 91 INside Look Sapphire 108 IN the Arts Ghost Light Exorcising the Spirits 112 IN the Arts 2015-2016 Cultural Season 128 IN the Bookcase

A Spool of Blue Thread

130 IN Love and Marriage Notable northshore weddings 132 INside Peek 135 IN the Spotlight 24 in 24 135 IN the Spotlight Sweet Soirée 141 IN the Spotlight St. Tammany Humane Society Duck Derby 144 IN the Spotlight Inside Northside Meet the Artist Party 145 IN Development Bonnie Blue Flag The Republic of West Florida 148 INside Dining 153 Ad Directory

page 145

page 108

154 Last Bite Glory Bound Gyro Company

How do you say ‘thank you’ for $1,000,000?

by Lori Murphy Many volunteer committees are hard at work on great projects throughout our community. It is one of the most obvious examples of the richness we enjoy living here. That richness of time, talent and treasure is provided generously from every corner of the northshore.

At Inside Publications, we are lucky to partner with many of these volunteers, sharing their stories of how and why, and in many cases documenting the fun they have in the process! This issue includes several important examples of what can happen when passion combines with talent and generosity to make a very real difference.

I would like to say a very personal and special thank you to one group of women. A miracle almost from the start, their effort has provided funding for the advancement of pediatric initiatives through the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation. Here are bits of the conversation …

Brenda Breck, the Inside Northside liaison for Saks Fifth Avenue, called me and said, “Carolyn Elder and Steven Putt from Saks are looking for an opportunity to present a New York-style fashion event on the northshore. Can we partner with them on it?” Just imagine how quickly I said yes! My first call was to Jennifer Rice, who had “encouraged” me to serve with her on the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation board—and if you know her, you understand exactly what I mean!

With the blessing of Patti Ellish, CEO of the hospital, and the support of the Foundation’s Charley Strickland and Nicole Suhre, we decided it would be a chance for us to branch out into new circles. Besides, who doesn’t like a fashion show? Jennifer “encouraged” Allyson Sanderson and Sue Lavin to chair the inaugural event, and we were off to the races!

These incredible women and the ones who followed their lead—including Lendon Noel, Jeanine Riecke, Debra Ethridge and Elizabeth Stokes as committee chairs and committee members Michelle Boudreaux, Marta Bragg, Jeté Crosby, Annette Dowdle, Monica Ernst, Lisa Goux, Angela Groner, Missy Guice, Donna Hornbeck, Claudette Hymel-Grilletta, Susan Illing, CJ Ladner, Karen Lindsey, Laurie McCants, Betsy Muller, Jenny Mutter, Melissa Paretti, Sam Prestenbach, Dody Redmann, Kelly Rudolph and Jane Slatten—have done the unimaginable.

Since the fall of 2009, The Heart of Fashion and Night of Fashion events have raised over $1,000,000 in funding towards pediatric initiatives for St. Tammany Hospital Foundation. That is truly couture for a cause. Our gratitude is

ps … Speaking of incredible women …Read about the inspiring women of You Night, The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery Cancer Survivor Empowerment Program, beginning on page 70. And don’t miss You Night St. Tammany, presented by The Crescent River Port Pilots’ Foundation and The Center for Women’s Health, on October 22.

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photo: FIELDING PHOTOGRAPHY

unending, and we are happy to celebrate this milestone with you!

Editor’s Note Reader Resources

by Anne Honeywell

I’ve been a fan of Inside Northside for years. And a fan of Lori Murphy even Contact Us: You may contact us by mail, phone, fax or on our website: Mail: Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148 Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 Telephone: 985-626-9684 Fax: 985-674-7721 Website: insidenorthside.com

longer. Lori and I first met when we worked together at a magazine in the ’80s.

Our friendship continued after we moved in different directions. Lori and Rick moved to the northshore, while I stayed in New Orleans.

When I first heard Lori was publishing her own magazine, I was not surprised. I remember thinking how cool that was—and how much I would love to work with her. But I didn’t live on the northshore. How would I fit into the equation?

So, when given the chance to join her team last year, I jumped at it! I was

Receiving Inside Northside in Your Mailbox?

You are on our mailing list, and you will continue to receive Inside Northside every other month at no charge.

Please join us in thanking our advertisers, who make this possible.

Pick Up a Copy: At one of our advertisers’ locations or at Barnes & Noble, 3414 Highway 190, Premier Centre, Mandeville, La. Subscribe: To subscribe to Inside Northside, to our sister publication Inside New Orleans, or if you have a question about your subscription, please contact us by telephone or e-mail us at subscriptions@insidepub.com.

Subscriptions are $18 for one year or $30 for two years. To change your address, please send us both your old address and your new address. The post office does not forward magazines.

originally brought on as editor of Lori’s new magazine, Inside New Orleans.

During the past year, working alongside Jan Murphy, Poki Hampton and Leah Draffen, I have learned so much. And enjoyed the job tremendously!

Recently, we made some changes, and now I am also serving as editor of Inside Northside—officially, Editor-In-Chief of Inside Publications.

Last year, I experienced my first Harvest Cup Polo Classic, cheering on the Inside Northside team. As a member of the Junior League of New Orleans, I was most impressed by the Junior League of Greater Covington’s fundraising event.

We are pleased to include a special Harvest Cup section in this issue. (following page 98) Inside Northside has some exceptional contributing writers. Sandra Juneau Scalise has two features in this issue, on New Heights Therapy Center (page 99) and the St. Tammany Woodworkers Guild (page 62). Erin Cowser’s Ghost Light on page 108 is the lead-in for our annual Cultural Season guide. I have enjoyed working with Tom Fitzmorris on Inside New Orleans, and I’m glad that he is a

Advertising Information: For advertising information, please contact us by telephone or e-mail us at sales@insidepub.com.

Inquire and Share Ideas: Do you know a person, organization or endeavor we might consider featuring in our pages? Or a great storyteller who might want to write for us? Please contact the editor@insidepub.com.

regular contributor for Inside Northside also—see Autumn in Southeast Louisiana on page 54.

I have big shoes—and beautiful magazines—to fill in my new position. I hope you find this issue to be one of them! I’d love to hear from you—email me at anne@insidepub.com.

September-October 2015 17

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

A big ‘Thank You’ to the members of the Junior League of Greater Covington and its 2015 Harvest Cup Polo Committee (above), for this great event—and, most especially, for the many ways they enrich our lives and our community.

Sandra Scalise Juneau

Mike Gegenheimer

Linda Trappey Dautreuil

Freelance writer and culinary arts historian Sandra Scalise Juneau focuses on her native Louisiana’s unique culture. At the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, she represented her Sicilian heritage, tracing the influences of la cucina Italiana on Louisiana’s multicultural cuisine. Sandra and her husband, Roland, recently celebrated 54 years of marriage.

On page 99, she tells the story of the New Heights Therapy Center and on page 62, she writes about the St. Tammany Woodworkers Guild.

A Covington local, Mike Gegenheimer graduated from St. Paul’s School in 2011. Mike is now senior in mass communications at LSU, focusing on journalism and set to graduate in December. He’s interned at Nola.com, Times Picayune, The Baton Rouge Advocate and Inside Northside. Mike currently freelances around the Baton Rouge area, mainly covering local sports.

In this issue, Mike shares the story of Ed “Coach O” Orgeron’s journey to Tiger Stadium on page 44.

Linda Trappey Dautreuil is a painter and writer on Louisiana arts and culture. A native of New Iberia, she moved to Covington in 1996.

Linda received a BA in English and a BFA in visual arts from the University of Louisiana–Lafayette.

An active member of the local arts community, she was the first artist to receive the St. Tammany Parish Arts Award for Visual Artist of the Year and is a recipient of a Louisiana Fellowship in the Visual Arts from the State Arts Council.

Her paintings are in many corporate and private collections, including the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum in Lafayette.

In this issue, Linda has articles on artists Jim Graham (page 20) and Connie Kittok. (page 79).

Other Voices: Gretchen Armbruster, Susan Bonnett, Kate Brevard, Katie Brooks, Erin Cowser, Leah Draffen, Tom Fitzmorris, Candra George, Anne Honeywell, Mimi Greenwood Knight, Anthony “Chopper” Leone, Lisa McKenzie, Jan Murphy, Robin Perkins and Terri Schlichenmeyer.

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Inside Northside

photo courtesy: COLE PRATT GALLERY

subtle dualities and press forward that encourages fresh interpretations of the visible in his painting. “My work is always based on observation. There is a comfort level for most people seeing and rendering objects so they are easily recognized. Others hold the view that freedom is paramount. I prefer to acknowledge that parameters exist. I enjoy examining the limits and experimenting with ways to move the process forward in increments rather than the less productive ‘no boundaries’ approach.”

As an instructor of painting, Graham teaches beginning and advanced students. He is thoughtful in his role as he prepares young people for advanced study and sustainable studio practices. “Certainly, knowledge of art history is a part of that, but also early attention

Exploring Uncommon Cover Artist Jim Graham Possibilities forms. For Jim Graham, full-time instructor of painting and drawing at Southeastern Louisiana University, knowledge of art history deepens understanding and suggests possibilities.

Based in Covington, where he lives with his wife, artist Laura Tanner, a young son and two dogs, Jim works in a studio without benefit of air conditioning. The challenges of the Louisiana climate apparently do not lessen his resolve “to avoid depicting relationships in his paintings that have already been culturally settled.”

Awareness of art history is the topic engaging us in conversation over a Tuesday morning cup of coffee. To be informed by the history of painting can be a blessing and a burden. Jim expresses his thoughts about how the past plays a role in his studio practice. “It is impossible to ignore or pretend not to know the history of art. It is always present as a backdrop, but when influence goes beyond reference, the work-in-progress seems second-hand, and I examine more closely my intention.”

Perhaps it is Graham’s ability to recognize 20

Inside Northside

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Linda T. Dautreuil IN THE ARTS, appreciation takes many

must be paid to building basics, experience with tools and mediums and simultaneous advancement of observational skills. This starting point in the first semester prepares students to think, question and explore by means of small shifts in process.”

In the course of our conversation, I inquire about Graham’s transition from midwestern

>>

Meet cover artist

Jim Graham and see some of his favorite works on display at

West St. Tammany YMCA 71356 Francis Road Covington

Thursday, Sept. 17 5:30-7:00 p.m.

For more information, call

626-9684

Everyone’s Invited!

September-October 2015 21

Illinois to southeastern Louisiana. There is very little incremental about such a move. Jim acknowledges it was somewhat overwhelming until he and Laura found a home with easy access to downtown Covington. Their first contacts were across-the-street neighbors Lisa and Peter Wilson. Feeling a bit like outsiders didn’t last long once the Wilsons extended their friendship and asked to see the work of the two young artists from Chicago who landed in Louisiana. As the proprietor of History Antiques and Interiors, Lisa Wilson is respected in the business community for her unique combination of antique furniture and interpretive materials related to the furnishings and objects in her shop. Jim refers to the extra ingredient in the way she operates her business “as a labor of love grounded in research and advancing education about a subject which she finds intensely interesting.”

While browsing in History Antiques a year or two ago, I came across Graham’s painting Pound/Cake for the first time.

Graham is an observer who finds his subject matter everywhere, in ordinary objects, actions, what he sees, what he no longer sees but knows was once there and linguistics. “One morning, I was drizzling honey on two pieces of breakfast toast,” he says. “The fluid motion of the amber substance created by the flick of my wrist produced various kinds of lines and patterns. The gestural possibilities suggested by the honey led to the decision to produce a diptych, or two-panel format, to develop the idea. The edges of the panels and the space between the two became important considerations. Balance is essential when working on multiple panels. I don’t see the point of enlarging a composition to cover two panels simply to make it bigger. As an image-maker, I examine the gaps as moments of transition.

Looking to ‘in between’ spaces as the 22

Inside Northside

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

subject of my research has led me to choose objects and images not commonly paired as reference material.”

Graham takes us through his process in steps. “I have a green garden hose. I use that hose all the time.

In the everyday use of this object, I am aware of how gesture affects the movement of the hose. The hose can be thought of as a line with volume. I take this observation and combine it with the patterns of the honey, integrating both possibilities as elements in the composition. I photograph the hose in positions related to the patterns of the honey. I create a paper cut-out of the shape of the hose for purposes of collage. In this case, I juxtapose the collage and the photograph as a study and then photograph the study to examine the composition as a uniform surface.

It is only then that I began working on the diptych, Drizzled Honey with Green Garden Hose.”

A native of Florida, Graham earned a bachelor’s in fine arts with a minor in art history from Florida State University in Tallahassee. In 2013, he obtained a master’s in fine arts from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Graham received two competitive grants: the Helen E. Platt Blake Foundation Visual Arts Award in 2011 and the Creative and Performing Arts Visual Arts Fellowship in 2012.

Graham’s work has been presented and discussed

in a variety of public forums and lectures. Select Ossie and Jim Graham recent exhibitions at independent art galleries and in Jim’s studio. academic institutions include group shows at the Zhou B. Art Center and Co-Prosperity Sphere in Chicago, The Museum of Fine Arts in Tallahassee, The Joan Derryberry Art Gallery of Tennessee Technical University, Ten Gallery New Orleans and Henry Hood Gallery in Covington.

Graham is currently represented by Cole Pratt Gallery on Magazine Street in New Orleans. Cristin Cortez, the gallery’s assistant director, enjoys the response she sees as people react to the “snippets of Americana Jim pieces together as if the overall painting were a collage. People get up close and are surprised by the detail built into the larger design.

Disguised scenes of a campground or a fishing rod, a prominent Bundt cake or piece of toast, fish swimming in the tangled roots of a tree—all these vignettes encourage personal stories. Lots of people relate to his work.”

There is a contagious sense of possibilities in a conversation with Jim Graham, less about optimism and more about the implementation of fresh ideas to examine relevant new topics relating to art and society.

Graham’s paintings can be found at Cole Pratt Gallery, 3800 Magazine St., New Orleans.

September-October 2015 23

Pumpkins in the Park October 31 Pumpkins in the Park at TerraBella.

Hay rides, pumpkin patch, fire engine, inflatables and more. TerraBella Village, 111 Terra Bella Blvd,

INSIDE the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment 24

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

photo: HOPE RICHARD PHOTOGRAPHY

Covington. 11am-2pm. terrabellavillage.com.

September 1-4 Doncaster Fall Trunk Show. Bra la Vie!, 221 W Thomas St, Hammond. 6625065. bralavie.com.

1-20 Louisiana Contemporary.

Presented by Regions Bank. Opening reception during Whitney White Linen Night. Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St, New Orleans.

6-9pm. 539-9621. ogdenmuseum.org. louisianacontemporary.org.

1-30 Color for the Cure. Add a purple extension to your hair to raise Alzheimer’s awareness. H2O Salon, 3908 Hwy 22, Mandeville. 951-8166.

1-Jan 9 The Katrina Decade: Images of an Altered City. Photographs of David G. Spielman. Laura Simon Nelson Galleries for Louisiana Art, 400 Chartres St, New Orleans. Tues-Sat, 9:30am-4:30pm. Free.

523-4662. hnoc.org.

2 Culture Collision. One-of-a-kind happy hour with over 65 New Orleans cultural organizations. The National WWII Museum’s U.S. Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center entrance, 1043 Magazine St, New Orleans. 5:30-8pm. Free. culturenola.org.

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Covington Farmers Market. Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire St. 10am-2pm. Free. covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

3, 10, 17, 24 Cincchetti at Salon. Purchase a libation and savory snacks are free.

Salon by Sucré, 622 Conti St, New Orleans. Thursdays, 4-7pm. 267-7098. shopsucre.com.

4-6 Louisiana Seafood Festival. Music, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, beer garden, kids’ tent, arts village, food and drinks. City Park, 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans.

Free. louisianaseafoodfestival.com.

4, 18 Artful Palate. Artfully inspired cooking demos from Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group Chefs. Sept., 4, Boudin Basics & Beyond with Chef Steven Marsella

>>

September-October 2015 25

Inside Scoop and Vaughn Schmitt; Sept. 18, Creole

Center at Christwood, 100 Christwood

Tailgating Traditions with Chef Christ

Blvd, Covington. Registration, 11:30am;

Montero. Café NOMA, New Orleans

program, 12pm. RSVP to 292-1234 or

Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Cir, New

jportmann@christwoodrc.com.

Orleans. 6:30. Free. cafenoma.com, noma.org.

5, 12, 19, 26 Camellia City Market. Griffith

Front Hallway, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington. Sept. 17, 10am-5pm; Sept.

Free. 640-7112. camelliacitymarket.org.

18, 7am-3pm. lakeviewregional.com.

5, 12, 19, 26 Covington Farmers Market.

18 Martini Madness. Friends of City Park

Covington City Hall, 609 N. Columbia

present over 25 daring martinis and

St. 8am-12pm. Free. 892-1873.

foods. Arbor Room at Popp Fountain,

covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

City Park, New Orleans. 8-11pm. 483-

#2 West Thomas St. 8am-12pm. Free. hammondfarmersmarket.com.

5, 12, 19, 26 Mandeville Trailhead

9376. friendsofcitypark.com.

18 September: The Second Spring. St. Tammany Master Gardener Association’s Fall Seminar. Church of the King,

Market. 675 Lafitte St. 9am-1pm. Free.

22205 Little Creek Rd, Mandeville.

mandevilletrailhead.org.

8:30am-3:00pm. $25, includes lunch.

9 Athena Leadership Award. Nominations deadline. East St. Tammany Chamber of

875-2635.

18-20 Steamboat Stomp. Jazz on the

Commerce. Mail entries to 1808 Front

Mississippi, including Yerba Buena

St., Slidell, LA 70458. 643-6440. lydia@

Stompers with Miss Ida Blue, Banu

AlfordLegal.com.

Gibson and New Orleans Hot Jazz

10 Symphony Soirée. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. The Southern Hotel, 428 E Boston St, Covington. 6:30 pm. $125. (504) 523-6530. lpomusic.com.

12 Fall Health Fair. Diagnostic screenings

and more. Steamboat NATCHEZ, Toulouse St, New Orleans. 586-8777. steamboatstompneworleans.com.

19 St. Tammany Humane Society Unleashed Gala. Bobby Cure & the

and information on St. Tammany

Poppa Stoppa Band, food by favorites

Parish Hospital health and wellness

such as The Lakehouse and Old Rail.

opportunities. STPH Paul D. Cordes

Vintage Court, 75082 Hwy 25, Covington.

Outpatient Pavilion, 16300 Hwy 1085,

$80. 7pm. 892-7387. sthumane.org.

Covington. 8:30am-12pm. Free. 8716080. stph.org.

12 Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration.

St. Francisville, La., 9485 Oak Hill Rd and National Wildlife Refuge, 15736 Tunica

20 Third Sunday Concert Series. Leah Chase and the Don Vappie Trio. Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S New Hampshire St, Covington. 5-6pm. 892-3177.

24 Kickin’ Parkinson’s in support of

Trace. 7am-3pm. Free. (800) 789-4221.

Team Fox. Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the

stfrancisville.us, stfrancisvillefestivals.com.

Zydeco Twisters. Stone Creek Club &

12-Oct 31 Rise Delmar Ochsner Exhibit. The

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

Sale. Lakeview Regional Medical Center,

Park, 333 Erlanger St, Slidell. 8am-12pm.

5, 12, 19, 26 Hammond Farmers Market.

26

17, 18 Books are Fun Semi-Annual Book

Spa, 1201 Ochsner Blvd, Covington

Atrium Gallery at Christwood, 100 Christwood

$125; includes admission to Twilight

Blvd, Covington. Sept. 12, opening reception.

Run. Attire: boots casual. 7pm.

4:30-6pm. Free. 898-0515.

kickinparkinsons.com.

16 Does Your Estate Matter? Presented by

25 Alzheimer’s Awareness at H2O Salon.

Ronda Gabb & Associates. Community

H2O Salon will donate a percentage

>>

Inside Scoop Malawi, Africa. Mandeville Community

awareness. H2O Salon, 3908 Hwy 22,

Center, 3101 E Causeway Approach.

The Atrium Gallery at Christwood, 100

Mandeville. 951-8166.

7pm-11pm. $35. Tickets available

Christwood Blvd, Covington. Free.

at Mandeville and Tchefuncte Ace

898-0515.

25 Slidell Memorial Hospital Lunch & Learn Series. SMH Founders Building,

Hardware Stores or Heidi at 502-5408.

1st Floor Conference Room, 1150 Robert

mwanamissionproject.com.

Blvd, Slidell. 11:30am-1pm. Free. 2802657. slidellmemorial.org.

25-26 Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival. Keb’ Mo’, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Jon Cleary & the Absolute

1-Jan 9 The Katrina Decade: Images of an Altered City. Photographs of David G.

26 TerraBella presents White Light Night

Spielman. Laura Simon Nelson Galleries

Art Walk. TerraBella Village, 111 Terra

for Louisiana Art, 400 Chartres St, New

Bella Blvd, Covington. 5:30pm-8:30pm.

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

terrabellavillage.com.

523-4662. hnoc.org.

27 Harvest Cup Polo Patron Party.

2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-31 Myrtles

Monster Gentlemen and more. Cassidy

Gourmet pizzas and jazz music. The

Halloween Experience. The Myrtles

Park, 129 Ben Miller Dr, Bogalusa. $10-

Home of Frank W. Stuart, Jr., and Vincent

Plantation, 7747 Hwy 61, St. Francisville.

$20. 205-1075. bogalusablues.com.

J. Liuzza, III. 5:30-8pm. $50. jlgc.net.

(225) 635-6277. stfrancisvillefestivals.

26 LA Vets Fest. Cook-off honoring veterans. West Feliciana Sports Park, 10166 West Feliciana Pkwy, St.

October 1 Open House. The Art of Medicine at

com.

3 Mayor Freddy Drennan’s 12th Annual Wild Game, Seafood & BBQ Cook-

Fancisville. (225) 635-0058. lavetsfest.

the Women’s Pavilion of St. Tammany

Off. Fritchie Park, 905 W Howze Beach

org.

Parish Hospital. Kick off Breast Cancer

Rd, Slidell. 11am-4pm. Adults, $15;

Awareness Month with a tour of the

children 7-12, $5; 6 and under, free. 707-

FUNdraiser. Food, drinks, dancing

Women’s Pavilion. 301 N Hwy 190 St.

3102. ccccookoff@gmail.com.

and raffles to benefit the people of

C-2, Covington. 772-1500. stph.org.

26 Mwana Mission Project Oktoberfest

28

1-31 Rise Delmar Ochsner Exhibit.

of this day’s sales to raise Alzheimer’s

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

3 St. Paul’s 26th Annual Jazz-N-Roll.

Briggs Assembly Center, St. Paul’s

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Hammond

School, Covington. 6pm. 892-3200

Farmers Market. #2 West

ext 1270. development@stpauls.com.

Thomas St. 8am-12pm. Free.

stpauls.com.

hammondfarmersmarket.com.

3 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Fontainebleau State Park, 9am. alz.org/walk.

3-5 Gretna Heritage Festival. Live music, carnival rides, Italian village, German

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Mandeville Trailhead

Madisonville. 7:30-10:30pm. Individual, $75; couple, $125. Limited availability.

845-9200. woodenboatfest.org.

9 Northlake Newcomers Luncheon and Fashion Show. Presented by Stein Mart.

Market. 675 Lafitte St. 9am-1pm. Free.

Tchefuncta Country Club, 2 Pinecrest

mandevilletrailhead.org.

Dr, Covington. Doors open, 10am.

6 Breast Cancer Support. Free support

Members, $27; guests, $31. 234-9649.

beer garden and more. Free parking and

group for anyone receiving treatment

shuttle from Oakwood Shopping Center.

or has completed treatment. Mary Bird

Gretna Historic District, New Orleans.

Perkins Cancer Center, St. Tammany

rides, games, pageants and music.

Oct 3, 4-11pm; Oct 4, 2-11pm; Oct 5,

Parish Hospital, 1203 S Tyler St,

1701 Bridge City Ave, Bridge City. Oct

2-9pm. Adults, $20-$50; 12 and under,

Covington. 7-8pm. jfreudenberger@

9, 6-11pm; Oct 10, 10am-11pm; Oct

free. gretnafest.com.

marybird.com. 276-6832.

11, 11am-9pm. $3; ride day pass, $25.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Camellia City Market.

7, 14, 21, 28 Covington Farmers

Griffith Park, 333 Erlanger St,

Market. Covington Trailhead, 419 N

Slidell. 8am-12pm. Free. 640-7112.

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

camelliacitymarket.org.

covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Covington Farmers

9 Maritime Mania. Visit boat captains,

northlakenewcomers.com.

9-11 Bridge City Gumbo Festival. Gumbo,

bridgecitygumbofestival.org.

10 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Recreation Park, Ponchatoula. 9am. alz.org/walk.

10-11 Wooden Boat Festival. Boat rides, boat parade, kid’s boat build, beer garden,

Market. Covington City Hall, 609 N

new Museum exhibits, live music,

live music, art and food. Water St at Hwy

Columbia St. 8am-12pm. Free. 892-

open bar and food. Lake Pontchartrain

22, Madisonville. Gates open, 10am.

1873. covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

Basin Maritime Museum, 133 Mabel Dr,

Adults, $10; seniors 65+, $5; 12 and

>>

Inside Scoop under, free. 845-9200. wbf@lpbmm.org. woodenboatfest.org.

14 Do You Know How To Protect Yourself From Being Exploited?...

Undue Influence. Presented by Ralph Oneal, SALT Council. Community Center at Christwood, 100 Christwood Blvd, Covington. Registration, 11:30; program, 12pm. RSVP to 292-1234 or jportmann@ christwoodrc.com.

14 Fall Trunk Show. Made to Measure

by Samuelson and Robert Talbot. H.W. Rosenblum, 3426 Hwy 190, Mandeville.

727-9955. hwrosenblum.com.

16-18 Our Lady of the Lake 33rd Annual Festival of the Lake. 312 Lafitte St, Mandeville. Oct 16, 5-11pm; Oct 17, 11am-11pm; Oct 18, 11am-5pm. festivalofthelake.com.

17 Monster Mash. Presented by Capital One. Bogue Falaya Park, 213 Park Dr, Covington. 10am-3pm. Child, $20; adults, $10. Children 11 months and under are free. 898-4435. sthfoundation.org.

18 The Garden Party at Summergrove Farm. Riding demonstrations, food, libations, local entertainment, silent and live auctions. 18379 Hwy 40, Covington.

796-4600. newheightstherapy.org.

21, 22, 23 LRMC Volunteer Auxiliary Semi-Annual Jewelry Sale. Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington. Oct 21, 7am-5pm; Oct 22, 7am-7pm; Oct 23, 7am-3:30pm. lakeviewregional.com.

22 Sip and Stroll at Chenier.

Complimentary wine, artist showcase, promotions and raffles. 1901 Highway 190, Mandeville. 6-8pm. 778-0459. bestofmandeville.com.

22 You Night Cancer Survivor Runway Show and Celebration. You Night helps participants embrace life beyond cancer. Castine Center, 63350 Pelican Dr, Mandeville. Check in, 6-7 pm; show, 7:20 pm. (877) 591-5936 x3. teamyounight@ 30

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

gmail.com. younightevents.com.

23 Boogie on the Boulevard Air Cares You Night After Party. All proceeds benefit You Night. 1111 N Causeway Blvd, Mandeville. 7pm. $10. 626-1402. airdrybar.com.

23-24 The Southern Garden Symposium. Various locations, St. Francisville. $85-$150. (225) 635-4224. southerngardensymposium.org.

24 Boo Fest. Lakeview Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington. 10am-3pm. Gates open at 9:30 for special needs families. $1. lakeviewregional.com.

24 Deo Gratias. Saint Jospeh Abbey and Seminary College Fundraiser Gala. Ed Barnett Jazz Trio and dinner by Chef Drake Leonards. 75376 River Rd, Covington. Vespers, 6pm; reception, 7pm. $85. 867-2284.

24-25 Yellow Leaf Arts Festival. Parker Park, Commerce St, St. Francisville. (225) 635-3665. stfrancisvillefestivals.com.

25 Harvest Cup Polo Classic. Junior League of Greater Covington. Polo match, VIP tent, auctions, pretty woman hat contest, regional food and spirits.

Summergrove Farm, 18397 Hwy 40, Covington. 11am. jlgc.net.

26-30 Doncaster Winter Trunk Show. Bra la Vie, 221 W Thomas St, Hammond.

662-5065. bralavie.com.

31 Open House for Prospective Students. Briggs Assembly Center, Saint Paul’s School, 917 S Jahncke Ave, Covington. 1pm. 892-3200. stpauls.com.

31 Pumpkins in the Park at TerraBella.

Hay rides, pumpkin patch, fire engine, inflatables and more. TerraBella Village, 111 Terra Bella Blvd, Covington.

11am-2pm. terrabellavillage.com.

Send your event information to scoop@insidepub.com to have it featured in an upcoming issue of Inside Northside.

In the great room, above the carved stone

an acrylic on canvas landscape by local artist Jim Seitz. It can be raised remotely to reveal a hidden television.

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photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

fireplace mantel is

photo courtesy: THE HOPKINS COMPANY ARCHITECTS

Spaces for Living

by Anne Honeywell

KATHY AND SCOTT GUTTERMAN set out to build a home that would be warm and welcoming and have enough room for all of their family and friends to be together in relaxed and comfortable spaces. The home, completed in 2011, is situated on 3.5 acres nestled in the heart of The Sanctuary in Mandeville.

The Guttermans worked with renowned architect George D. Hopkins Jr., Ph.D., of The Hopkins Company. His design included spaces for everyone in the family—a home theater, an art studio, an exercise room and a project and craft space. “We loved working with George. He is an exceptional talent—and so great to work with. We enjoyed watching the house come to life right off

the pages of his drawings!” says Kathy.

“The house was designed in the style of the early Louisiana plantation homes along the Mississippi River,” says Hopkins. “It features a grand façade comprised of the main house with five bays of two-story Ionic columns flanked by two matching one-story wings. The twin side wings balance the composition of the façade, each having a gabled roof on the front and rear elevations. The wing to the right forms the master suite; the left wing contains a sideloaded two-car garage, mudroom, utility area and back staircase. The kitchen overlooks both the front lawn and pool terrace. Similarly, the master suite features an office facing the front lawn and exercise >>

Above: Accessible from the back bedrooms, the balcony above the rear porch of the main house serves as a sun deck. Flagstone terraces surround the pool, which has a round,

photo courtesy: THE HOPKINS COMPANY ARCHITECTS

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

elevated tile spa that features an infinity edge. Below right: The porch of the cabana faces the swimming pool. Far left: The formal gardens were created by Daly-Sublette Landscape Architects.

September-October 2015 33

photo courtesy: THE HOPKINS COMPANY ARCHITECTS photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Topped with a tablescape

by Ann Gutter, the reclaimed-wood breakfast table is surrounded

by Edelman leatherupholstered chairs; the host and hostess chairs are in

Above right: Accented with faux ostrich pendant lights, the cabana’s custom-built cypress bar is the gathering point for family and friends.

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Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

textured slipcovers.

room facing the pool area. Arched dormers accent the hipped roof that covers the main house.”

For the interior design, the Guttermans turned to Connie Seitz Interiors. Kathy had worked with Connie Seitz on several projects and was confident that she was perfect for the job. “Connie is exceptionally easy to work with. She pays great attention to detail and understood the calm design style I was looking to achieve in this house,” says Kathy. “She is thorough in every aspect of the job, an expert in her field, plain and simple.”

“We wanted the design to complement the traditional Southern façade of the exterior while creating a comfortable family environment for the entire Gutterman family,” says Seitz. “The juxtaposition of French antiques and contemporary art and furnishings creates an approachable but classic design aesthetic.”

Heart of pine floors run throughout the house and work in beautiful contrast to the home’s clean white walls. A palette of whites, greys, taupes and blues creates soft and elegant tones in all of the living spaces.

The home’s grand foyer is a visual gateway into its magnificent interiors, offering views into the formal dining room to the left, the exceptional curved staircase, the great room and the pool terrace beyond.

The foyer’s furnishings include an 18th century >>

36

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

commode, a gilded 19th century French Louis Philippe mirror with an unusual cartouche above and a pair of antique bergères upholstered in deep blue velvet, with custom-made lumbar pillows in Fortuny, imported from Venice.

A handcrafted neoclassical round dining table by Keith Fritz anchors the beautiful dining room, surrounded by custom-upholstered dining chairs. Poised above the table is a striking eight-light Niermann Weeks chandelier. Billows of azure silk draperies adorn the room’s massive windows, which wash the room in natural light. The walls are finished in a Venetian plaster. An exquisite velvetupholstered 18th century bench sits beneath a collection of framed antique botanicals; an original landscape painting

by Atlanta artist Andrea Costa hangs above the painted antique buffet. Isadora, a bronze sculpture by local artist Bill Binnings, is showcased on a customdesigned marble base.

The great room features sweeping views of the pool terrace and lawn framed by two sets of French doors adorned by ivory raw silk draperies with embroidered trim by Samuel & Sons. Highlights of the room include a French Louis XV-period walnut commode, circa 1750, and a round >>

Left: The stairwell features an 18th century settee and a triptych of figurative studies

by Kathy and Scott’s artist daughter, Kellie Gutterman Tortorich.

The keeping room is a comfortable familyand pet-friendly space, with a grey linen-slipcovered sofa, leather arm chairs and a tufted velvet cocktail table.

September-October 2015 37

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

marble-topped gueridon table with walnut pedestal base, all from Lucullus Antiques of New Orleans.

Sumptuous ivory linen sofas and club chairs surround an elegant antique mirrored cocktail table, custom made for the space by Amy Howard, and serve to create a luxurious gathering space for the family. A custom-made iron console table with concrete top adds a contemporary touch. The painting above the carved stone fireplace mantel is an original landscape, acrylic on canvas, by local artist Jim Seitz. This painting can be raised remotely to reveal a hidden television. A commissioned abstract, oil on canvas, by Houston artist Michelle Y Williams adds a contemporary touch to the space.

A spectacular pair of early Havell and Amsterdam edition prints of the Birds of America by John James Audubon (1785-1851), procured by Taylor Clark Gallery in Baton Rouge, also hang in the room. The Havell print, Wood Ibis, was produced under the artist’s supervision between 1826 and 1838.

The keeping room was designed to be a comfortable family- and pet-friendly space, with a grey linen slipcovered sofa, leather arm chairs and a luscious velvet tufted cocktail table. The French 19th century Louis XV walnut buffet and antique Turkish Oushak rug from Rug Chic contribute to the room’s sense of place. The breathtaking oil on canvas, In the Spirit, by James Michalopoulos, commands attention.

The spacious eat-in kitchen features custom cabinetry by Downsview Kitchens through Classic Cupboards of New Orleans. The countertops are honed French limestone. Three pendant lights hang above the island and a larger version of the fixtures >>

Above: Traditional Louisiana cypress bookcases and molding contribute to a strong, masculine office for Scott Gutterman. The walls are upholstered in linen for added warmth and soundproofing. Top left: A Gretchen Weller Howard painting is the stunning focal point of the master bathroom. Bottom Left: In the master bedroom, a button-tufted, carved wood headboard is complemented by luxurious Leonine Linens bedding.

September-October 2015 39

the handcrafted neoclassical table

by Keith Fritz is surrounded by custom-upholstered chairs. Poised above the table is a Niermann Weeks chandelier. Right: The second floor’s front gallery.

40

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

In the dining room,

serves to light the expansive reclaimed-wood breakfast table. The table is surrounded by Edelman leather upholstered chairs, while the host and hostess chairs are in textured slipcovers.

The master bedroom features a large wall of windows with French doors opening to a private covered porch with a courtyard and a beautiful and relaxing fountain. The washed linen draperies framing the windows are motorized for remote opening and closing. A pair of painted and gilded demilune commodes are topped by abstract paintings by Adele Sypesteyn. A button-tufted carved wood and linen upholstered headboard is complemented by luxurious Leonine Linens bedding. Above the headboard hangs

an antique French gilded sunburst mirror.

A gorgeous Murano glass chandelier is positioned above the bed. The graceful bedside lamps are also Murano glass, both created by Jan Showers.

“People asked me why I wasn’t downsizing. At this point in our lives, we were interested in creating more living space for our family and friends. A place where we could all be together in one spot and not on top of one another,” says Kathy. “It is a home for our kids and their families to come back to. We are very happy with the result.”

September-October 2015 41

IN Better Health

by Mimi Greenwood Knight

with Tom Kelsey Coach Tom Kelsey had an unusual problem for a middle-aged man. He needed to gain weight. “I was always thin as a kid,” he says. “I heard all the jokes about being skinny. In high school and college, I lifted weights and managed to gain enough weight not to feel self-conscious.” Kelsey continued to exercise and eat right to maintain a healthy weight, which was important in his career as a college basketball coach.

“I’m working with athletes and surrounded by health-conscious people all day long,” he says. “It’s important for me to look physically fit myself.” Kelsey’s career took him from the head coaching position at 42

Inside Northside

Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross, Georgia, to assistant coach at University of Alabama to the head basketball coach position at Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi, and finally director of basketball operations at LSU. During that time he was diagnosed with and survived kidney cancer.

“Then at age 51, I saw a picture of myself at a golf tournament and noticed I didn’t look the same,” he says. “I weighed myself and realized I was losing weight again. People started asking me if I was sick, and I knew I had to do something.”

After extensive online research, Kelsey made an appointment with Dr. Emma Kruger with the Metabolic Anti-Aging Center in Baton Rouge. A Fellow in Metabolic and Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Kruger focuses on disease prevention and treatment of pathologic aging.

“Five minutes into our first visit, I knew I’d made the right choice,” Kelsey says. “I’ve never had a doctor take such extensive notes. As a coach, when I’m recruiting a player, I try to find out as much as I can about them. She did the same with me, asking questions not just about my medical history, but about my home life, stresses and anxiety at work, any medications I’ve taken and more. I was determined to do anything she said.”

Dr. Kruger looked for anything that was unbalanced in Kelsey’s physical, mental or physiological health. “There’s always a metabolic reason why someone’s health is unbalanced,” she says. “It may be their thyroid or a lack of vitamin B. They may have taken antibiotics or they may be overtraining. There may be genetic reasons for their imbalance or environmental toxins. But

photo: STEVE FRANZ, LSU ATHLETICS

Health Concern: Excessive weight loss.

Treatment: Diagnosis and treatment of metabolic imbalance. .

when someone’s having trouble losing weight, gaining weight or building muscle, it’s usually a combination.”

Once Dr. Kruger identified the likely factors, she helped Coach Kelsey change his diet and exercise regimen.

She tested him for food sensitivities and prescribed vitamins and supplements. “I had to cut some foods out temporarily and others permanently,” Kelsey says. “I put a chart on the side of the refrigerator and ate only what Dr. Kruger recommended. My wife and kids were very supportive.” In about six months, Kelsey gained 50 pounds, going from 190 to 240, and has maintained his weight for over a year.

“To help someone, it’s important that I know as much as I can about their medical and emotional life and their lifestyle and habits,” says Dr. Kruger.

“Once we have their metabolism in balance, they’re able to concentrate on living the rest of their lives to the fullest. Often I hear back from them about a promotion, new relationship or moving to a better place personally or professionally.”

This was the case with Tom Kelsey.

Now that he’s feeling healthy again, he’s left his position with LSU to go out on his own with The Coaches Ally, helping his fellow coaches get more out of their coaching experience.

September-October 2015 43

44

Inside Northside

photo: CHRIS PARENT, LSU ATHLETICS

Mandeville Roots p Tiger Stripes photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Ed “Coach O” Orgeron

THERE IS NO MISTAKING Ed Orgeron’s house.

It’s the one with enough horsepower in the brigade of black SUVs and trucks in his driveway to haul away Tiger Stadium brick by brick. Of course, the now-infamous Hummer from his commercials as the head coach at Ole Miss still sits at the front of the line. Once inside, the wood floors lead into the open living room with a leather couch big enough to seat Orgeron’s entire LSU starting defensive line after a huge pot of gumbo.

During the summer, when the weather

by Mike Gegenheimer cooperates, Orgeron can often be found enjoying the pool area in the backyard that his wife, Kelly, has spent years decorating—or more likely, watching the NFL network on his patio TV. The already quiet neighborhood is made even more so by the fact that Orgeron bought the two adjacent lots on either side of his property. He likes to joke it’s his “buffer zone,” a personal sign he’s Above: Ed and Kelly established roots here. >> Orgeron.

September-October 2015 45

Orgeron’s accent has grown into one of the most famous in college sports during his 30 years as a football coach, even drawing impersonations from actor and USC fan Will Ferrell.

It’s part of the aura of “Coach O”—a little piece of Bayou Lafourche he’s taken with him around the country.

It’s the persona that’s preceded him everywhere he’s been, from the bustle of South Beach to the glitters of Hollywood, and he tries to stay grounded in those Cajun roots.

Coach O is almost as big as his professional reputation, which includes characterizations as one of the best recruiters and defensive line coaches in the nation, and his personal one that alludes to boisterous antics in his younger days.

In an interview with Sport Illustrated in May about the NFL’s recent Deflategate scandal, former professional wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recalled advice Orgeron had given him and his teammates during his football days at the University of Miami. “We were raised in an environment at the University of Miami where Ed would say, ‘We don’t give a …,’” explained Johnson. “You go after the quarterback the exact same way. You pin your ears back and get after it. And if the quarterback is able to get the ball off, then it’s your fault.”

Coach O has come home to Southern Louisiana, and as far as he’s concerned, he’s here to stay. Orgeron recently signed on to be LSU’s new defensive line coach, closing out what has been a lifelong dance with the program.

The closest he ever came to the program in the past was watching from opposing sidelines, but ever since he was a child in Larose, Louisiana, Orgeron has been drawn to the lights 46

Inside Northside

of Tiger Stadium. “I’ve always been enamored with LSU, the toughness, the defense—I’ve watched them my whole life,” Orgeron says. “Most people growing up in Louisiana grew up cheering for LSU.” This isn’t the first time Orgeron has flirted with the idea of joining the Tigers, though. It isn’t even the second.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

From two-a-days to highways The first time Orgeron came close to donning a purple and gold jersey was during his playing days, when he accepted a scholarship as a young defensive lineman. He was a promising young player who won a State Championship with South Lafourche High School in 1977.

But Orgeron barely made it to campus before deciding to leave Baton Rouge. He was sitting alone in his dorm after a preseason two-a-days practice when he realized he didn’t want to be there. He was homesick—a feeling that would become all too familiar during his life. “The next day, my dad had me on the side of the road working construction,” Orgeron says. “Best thing he ever did for me.”

But Orgeron could never stay away from football for long, and fortunately, he wouldn’t have to. He soon received a call from his former high school quarterback asking if he wanted to join him at Northwestern State, which Orgeron gladly accepted.

Saints fans may remember Orgeron’s savior as former Saints quarterback and current WWL Radio personality Bobby “The Cajun Cannon” Hebert.

Orgeron had a successful career at Northwestern State, where he recorded 121 tackles in his final two seasons and was the program’s first recipient of the Joe Delaney Leadership Award for Defense in 1983. He was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame last year.

“O” becomes “Coach O” Once his playing career was finished, Orgeron quickly jumped into the coaching arena with stints at McNeese State and Arkansas before moving to Miami under Jimmy Johnson and later, Dennis Erickson.

While at Miami, Orgeron won two national championships and laid the early groundwork for >> September-October 2015 47

his reputation as one of the top recruiters in the country. He coached eight all-Americans, including playing an instrumental role in getting NFL Hall of Famer Warren Sapp to switch positions from tight end to the defensive line, where he would go on to win a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay. A series of personal incidents would later force Orgeron to take his first break from coaching after leaving Miami in 1992. But, once again, he wouldn’t be away from the field for long. In 1994, Orgeron took a job as a volunteer linebackers coach at Nicholls State. The next year, he packed up his life and moved to New York, where he was a defensive line coach under Syracuse’s Paul Pasqualoni.

It was during his time in New York that Orgeron met his wife, Kelly, on a blind date while he was in Memphis for the 1996 Liberty Bowl. Within two months, they eloped. A few years later, Orgeron and his family moved to Southern California, where he served under Paul Hackett until 2001, when Pete Carroll took control of the Trojans.

It was under Carroll that Orgeron became a fixture in college football, taking over recruiting

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Inside Northside

duties for USC. He went on to sign players like former Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush (who had to vacate the award because of violations discovered after his departure from the program).

In 2004, Orgeron was named National Recruiter of the Year by rivals.com while also serving as assistant head coach. It was during this time the Trojans won consecutive national titles, including one Associated Press and one BCS crown.

“I like identifying the champion, going after the champion, diligently working, learning what they want, not necessarily going in there and talking the whole time, but listening and getting to know everybody in the family, calling them by their first name, being personable,” Orgeron says. “Some guys you don’t have a chance at. Some guys you have a chance at, and you have to go get them. Some guys are coming to your school, and you just have to not screw it up.

“It wasn’t necessarily the catch, it was the chase. It was the challenge and putting it together and your stomach going into knots and competing against some of the best recruiters in the country.”

Orgeron says he enjoyed his time in Los Angeles, and that he fit in there better than almost anywhere else he had been during his career. But even while on the other side of the country, he kept an eye on LSU, always wondering if he would get the chance to be under the lights of Tiger Stadium.

If at first you don’t succeed …

Orgeron got his chance to at least be in the Southeastern Conference for the first time since the mid-’80s, when he took his first head coaching job at Ole Miss. The Rebels floundered under Orgeron, who made headlines for his unusual motivation tactics, including stories of taking off his shirt and challenging players to a fight during practice. The move never took with the players, as Ole Miss went 10-25 under Orgeron. Finally, after a dismal 0-8 record in conference play that ended with an embarrassing come-from-behind loss to rival Mississippi State, The Rebels chose to cut ties.

Orgeron knew he missed out on his big chance, but if he was ever going to get another one, he would have to fix what hadn’t worked.

So he opened up a notebook and began writing everything he did wrong.

“Ole Miss was not a fit for me, and it wasn’t a fit for them,” Orgeron says. “The day I left there, it was kind of like, ‘Okay, I got a shot there and it didn’t work.’ I can list 100 things I could blame, but I talked to some mentors and they said, ‘The only person you can change is yourself.’ So I wrote down what I wanted to change, and No. 1 was to treat all the players like my own sons, treat all coaches with respect and to get them to play as a team.”

Fortunately, Orgeron got a call from the New Orleans Saints, who needed a new defensive line coach. That’s when the Orgerons decided to move to the northshore. “When you come here, it may not be Laguna Beach-pretty, but there’s something that’s special about this place,” Kelly says. “The people here absolutely take you in and treat you as family.”

The second “almost” coming The second time Orgeron almost ended up at LSU came after his season with the Saints. He had to decide >>

September-October 2015 49

In 2013, Coach O returned to the national spotlight when Lane Kiffin was fired upon arrival to Los Angeles following a blowout loss to Arizona State, and Orgeron was named interim head coach.

This time, he was prepared.

… try, try again “I was unsuccessful at Ole Miss. I spent five years writing down what I needed to do as a head coach. When I became the interim head coach (at USC), I took that book out and said, ‘Here’s the things you said you were going to do. Let’s go.’ I put them down, and I read them every morning.

And I did it. I stuck to it.”

photo: CHRIS PARENT, LSU ATHLETICS

between fulfilling his lifelong dream of joining the Tigers or going to Tennessee to work under the legendary defensive mind of Monte Kiffin and his son, head coach Lane Kiffin, who Orgeron knew from his first tenure at USC. LSU coach Les Miles pushed hard for Orgeron to join his staff, even reaching a point where Miles was asking how much money he wanted to take the job, but ultimately, Orgeron decided to go with Kiffin to Tennessee. Orgeron and the Kiffins’ stint in Knoxville only lasted a year before Lane decided to rejoin USC when Carroll left for the NFL, taking Orgeron with him as a defensive coordinator.

Orgeron led the Trojans to an impressive 6-2 turnaround, including an upset over No. 5 Stanford at home.

“That whole deal there was the way the Trojan family reunited—the way the people of Los Angeles supported me,” Orgeron says. It became a national story. I think it fueled the fire a little bit—it was a feel-good story.”

But even in the face of success, something was missing while Orgeron was in Los Angeles—his family.

When he took the job in Los Angeles, Kelly and their three children—Tyler (Orgeron’s stepson) and twins Cody and Parker—said they wanted to stay in Mandeville where the boys were enrolled at Mandeville High School and making friends. It was the first time the family was able to put down roots, and they didn’t want to give that up.

Orgeron agreed that would be the best thing for his family, and he went by himself back to Southern California.

But it wasn’t home, and he didn’t even bother to buy an apartment, choosing instead to live out of a hotel for almost five years. His home was back in Mandeville with his family.

“All of us as family had that mindset that we were going to do it and do whatever it takes,” Kelly says. “Ed, myself and the boys were committed to making it work, and we did. It’s not the ideal situation, but it worked for us.”

Coming home USC opted to hire Washington coach Steve Sarkisian as their new head coach at the end of the season, forcing Orgeron to resign before the Trojan’s bowl game.

Orgeron says it took him about three months to fully recuperate from the disappointment of not getting the position permanently, during which he>> September-October 2015 51

moved back to Mandeville to be with his family and take some time away from football.

At first, it was hard for him to adjust to not coaching for a year.

Not hunting down big recruits prior to the national signing day was bad; not having two-a-days in the summer was worse. Kelly says at first it was challenging, readjusting to the coach being back in the house. As she puts it, “He was the boss out there and I was the boss back here.”

Orgeron sat around his house watching the NFL network, itching to get back on the field, but knew he needed some time off to reassess his priorities. “You lose sight of the daily grind, and you kind of don’t enjoy the process as much when you’re so focused on the end result,” Orgeron says. “I’m more relaxed and at peace as a coach. Plus, I have my family with me now. I’m not living in a hotel. You feel whole as a man.”

In the fall, Orgeron was back on the football field, but this time as a parent watching his sons play for the Skippers—Parker as a wide receiver and Cody as a quarterback. For the first time in his life, he got to see every one of their games and even went to the vast majority of practices.

He was no longer Coach O swooping into town to steal the big recruit; he was Cody and Parker’s dad, Kelly’s husband, there to cheer on the team.

It was a completely fish-out-of-water feeling for the coach, but one of the best years he’s ever had.

“I would sit in that stadium, and I’d hear things about recruiting and I’d go, ‘Wow, this is the other side of it,’” Orgeron says. “Parents would say this or say that—some of it was true, some of it wasn’t—but overall, it was a great experience. I really enjoyed traveling.

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Inside Northside

When we went to Barbe High School, (Parker) had like three touchdowns in the first half, and I was just jacked.”

On Saturdays Orgeron was back on his patio watching every college game he could, especially LSU games. And when the season was over and defensive coordinator John Chavis left the program for Texas A&M and defensive line coach Brick Haley was moved to a position within the athletic department, Orgeron saw his chance to accomplish the one job he’s always wanted.

Callin’ Baton Rouge Orgeron didn’t wait for Miles to come calling this time around. He picked up the phone himself and told the Tigers coach outright he wanted the job. Miles listened, and on January 14, 408 days after Orgeron left USC and more than three decades after he was originally supposed to join LSU as a player, he was announced to be the team’s new defensive line coach.

And 409 days after he left USC, Orgeron was on a plane to the next big recruit’s house, ready to get back in the game. “If LSU gets most of the players in the state, we will be very, very successful,” Orgeron says. “Obviously, they’ve done very well in the state and in South Florida and Texas, and we will continue to do that, too.”

But no matter where Orgeron goes on the recruiting trail, he’ll always return to his family in Mandeville.

He’s never been able to stay away from home for too long. “We’re not selling it,” Orgeron says. “This is our home.

We’ve made some friends around here. We like our place. We love the people. Mandeville is a great school, and there’s great people around here.

Great restaurants. I go jogging on the lakefront every day. It’s a hidden treasure out there.”

September-October 2015 53

At the Table

by Tom Fitzmorris

NEW ORLEANS IS NOT KNOWN for its fall colors.

We only have three: green, brown and orange.

But nature’s essays in that last shade is a grabber.

When they glow on the side of a road, you bring your car to a screeching stop and go after them. You will likely come away with a sackful. You drive on, peeling, eating and flipping the fully biodegradable rinds out into the weeds.

The orange is well named. Not only is it one of the few foods with a Crayola color named for it, but its French antecedent means “golden.” In Southeast Louisiana, oranges and their citrus cousins are the harbingers of the flavors of autumn.

The satsumas come first. The first batch is likely to have green skins, but that’s a disguise. Inside, they’re orange. Pull the skin off and pop a few sections into 54

Inside Northside

your mouth, and the unique sweetness bursts out. At my house, we have been known to kill a whole sack of satsumas in an afternoon. You eat them like candy, but they’re better for you.

When the satsumas run out, oranges take their place in the produce department and the roadside stands. This may be dismissed as the ravings of a tooloyal local, but if you ask me, there are no oranges on earth as delicious as Louisiana navel oranges.

I’ve done my homework on this. All year round, I eat an orange or two every morning. This becomes painful in late summer and early fall, when the usual sources of oranges are tapped out and the produce guys start bringing in citrus from South America. So when the Louisiana navels finally arrive, we are almost overcome with desire for them.

illustration: GRETCHEN ARMBRUSTER

Autumn in Southeast Louisiana

The navel oranges have a short season, and are gone too quickly. I load up the old refrigerator (you know, the one you shoved into the garage after replacing it 20 years ago … the avocado-colored reefer that still works fine, having outlived two or three new units) with as many oranges as I can jam in there. I can keep them for months with very little over-ripeness. In fact, they get sweeter the longer time goes by.

Marvelous as they are, citrus is only the first float in the parade of fall deliciousness in our part of the world. It’s followed by the King oysters. I never stop eating oysters raw (and every other way). Except for right after Katrina and the BP oil spill, good oysters are always out there, putting the lie to the old prohibition of oysters in R-less months.

On the other hand, summer oysters are not the equal of the ones we’ll start getting in October and beyond. The cooler water makes the oysters work harder to get nourished, and that makes for better eating.

That said, Lake Pontchartrain remains pretty warm almost until Christmas. This means crabmeat and softshell crabs keep coming. You know that graph that shows late August and early September as the peak of hurricane season, with another bump up in October?

The graph for crabmeat goodness and availability has almost the same shape. It tops out in May-June, but has another rise in September.

Sorry I brought up the subject of hurricane season.

I’ll make up for the sour note by noting that the white shrimp season rolls on in early to middle autumn.

White shrimp are the ones with the really long, stringy antennae. They make the best barbecue shrimp—the perfect size, and a superb flavor. This summer, I walked around the enormous food market in Barcelona, Spain, and was told by the owner of the shrimp stall that Louisiana Gulf shrimp were the best in the world. And he had about a dozen other varieties with which to compare them.

That makes three of the Big Four of Louisiana shellfish, leaving just crawfish out in the rice paddies digging their holes. Only in very lucky years do we see crawfish until Thanksgiving.

On the other hand, autumn is the time of year for wild-caught Louisiana speckled trout. The absurdly short and otherwise limited season begins in October.

Specks are the go-to fish species for the classic CreoleFrench fish dishes.

But you can hardly ever get them anymore. May I be permitted to get a little political? In the 1980s, a law limited the commercial catch for all restaurants and retail stores of speckled trout to less than one tenth of one percent of the total catch. It has tightened ever since, because when a licensed speck-catcher retires, so does his license. Next time a local state politician gladhands you, ask him why we have to get speckled trout from North Carolina and Virginia most of the year.

Nobody wants the return of gill nets. But the many Louisianans who don’t go fishing deserve some of this world-class fish once in a while.

So much for the foodstuffs of autumn. Also in the wind are some attractive seasonal dining opportunities.

September is one of the slackest times of year for tourism in New Orleans. But by the time that month rolls around, the restaurants have already battened down the hatches for the deadly calm of August.

A citywide promotion called The Coolinary offers outstanding dinners in first-class restaurants around town, to the tune of $35 for a three-course repast. That is so well-liked by locals and independent visitors that a lot of the restaurants keep the specials going well into (and sometimes through) September.

But soon enough the holidays begin. The unofficial beginning of the season is the Friday before Halloween, when Galatoire’s and a few other restaurants fill with people in ghoulish attire. From that moment, it’s eat, drink and revel all the way until Mardi Gras. Brace yourselves for food to match the casual, lighter colors, moods and flavors of fall.

GRILLED TUNA WITH SPICY ORANGE-SOY SAUCE When that first sack of satsumas hits your kitchen, consider this take on fresh tuna from the Gulf of Mexico. It is a staple of seafood cooking around New Orleans that lends itself particularly well to high-heat techniques like grilling and blackening. It’s also a natural for Creole-Asian sauces such as this one.

The important thing to remember about tuna is that its >> September-October 2015 55

texture becomes like rubber if you cook it too long. Leave it a little red at the center—like a medium-rare steak. This recipe pairs the natural juiciness of tuna with some crisp vegetables and a sharp sauce made from oranges or satsumas.

Marinade 2 Tbs. sugar 2 oz. red wine vinegar 4 oz. orange juice or satsuma juice, strained 3 Tbs. soy sauce 1 tsp. ground ginger 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 4 yellowfin tuna steaks, 8-10 oz. each, cut at least an inch thick 3 Tbs. butter 3 cups shredded cabbage 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced into matchsticks 3 green onions, chopped fine 1 tsp. soy sauce Salt Pepper

1. Combine all the ingredients for the marinade in a wide shallow bowl.

Marinate the tuna steaks for about a minute on each side, then wrap them (still dripping) with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least an hour. Save the remaining marinade.

2. To begin cooking, heat 2 Tbs. of the butter in a skillet and cook the cabbage, carrots, and green onion with the teaspoon of soy sauce until the vegetables wilt. Remove from the heat.

3. Heat a heavy skillet over mediumhigh heat with the remaining butter.

Sprinkle the tuna with salt and pepper.

Cook the tuna for about a minute and a half on each side. Remove the tuna and keep warm.

4. Reduce the heat. Add the reserved marinade to the skillet and bring to a boil.

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Reduce it until it becomes noticeably thicker.

5. Place the vegetables on the plate with the tuna on top, and top with the reduced sauce. Garnish with satsuma sections or slices of orange. Serves four.

MARINATED SHRIMP WITH ARTICHOKES Louisiana white shrimp appear in late summer and fall. I believe they are the world’s best shrimp. Here’s a chilled shrimp dish that qualifies, I suppose, as Creole antipasto. It’s pretty good as is, served chilled. Or you can toss it with greens or with cooked, chilled pasta as a salad.

Sauce 1/2 cup Creole mustard 2 eggs 1/2 Tbs. salt 1/3 tsp. red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup tarragon vinegar 3/4 cup chopped parsley 1 cup chopped green onion 3/4 cup chopped chives 2 Tbs. salt Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 Tbs. liquid crab boil 2 lbs. medium-large shrimp, peeled 2 cans artichoke hearts, drained and quartered

1. Mix the mustard, eggs, salt and red pepper in a food processor. (You can also use a wire whisk in a bowl.) Add the oil a few drops at a time while continuing to blend the egg mixture.

When the mixture begins to thicken, increase the oil addition to a thin stream. Blend until well mixed. Add the vinegar, green onions, chives and parsley.

2. Bring one quart of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan, with the salt, lemon juice and crab boil. After the water has boiled for three minutes, add the shrimp. When the water returns to a boil, turn off the heat and allow the shrimp to steep in the water for about four minutes—until they’re pink and firm. (When you first wonder whether the shrimp are cooked, that’s when they are.) Drain the shrimp and spread them out onto a big pan. Allow them to cool in the refrigerator.

3. When the shrimp are cool, add them and the artichokes to the sauce. Cover the bowl and put it into the refrigerator to marinate for at least an hour. Serve tossed with salad greens, tomatoes, chilled pasta—or all by itself. Serves eight as an appetizer.

September-October 2015 57

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Katie Brooks

Above: Quentin and Penny Dastugue.

Right: Diane and Huey LaPlace in front of his vintage 1947 Willys Jeep.

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A Place of Hope

LIFE CHANGED FOR QUENTIN D. DASTUGUE, his wife, Penny, and their three daughters in 2009.

After noticing a slight tremor in his hand, the founding partner and CEO of Property One, Inc. and former four-term member of the Louisiana House of Representatives was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Since that time, the Dastugues have joined others dedicating themselves to raising money to fund research for a cure and for medical therapies for those living with the disease.

Over five million people worldwide have Parkinson’s, a chronic degenerative neurological disorder. Symptoms typically progress from mild tremors to complete physical incapacitation. While the average age of onset is 60, an estimated five to ten percent of people experience onset at age 40, and sometimes younger. There is no known cure, and treatments only temporarily mask the symptoms while the disease continues to progress.

“Living with Parkinson’s disease makes the most mundane everyday tasks a real test,” says Quentin. “The loss of dexterity in your hands makes simple things such as buttoning a shirt, brushing your teeth and balancing food on your fork difficult. The lowering of

Inside Northside

photo: JASON COHEN

Kickin’ Parkinson’s

my voice volume makes communicating difficult.”

Penny says people diagnosed with Parkinson’s have different paths to travel. Some progress quickly, seeing changes almost immediately after the diagnosis.

Others, like Quentin, are on a slower path, still able to continue to work, play and travel. “Quentin is still very active. He loves to play tennis,” she says with a grin. This sense of spirit and positive energy fuel the Dastugues’ mission to fight Parkinson’s.

Armed with quite an impressive group of friends, family and others affected by the disease, Quentin and Penny formed a fundraising and support group, Kickin’ Parkinson’s, through the Northshore Community Foundation. Everyone agreed with the sense of power and playfulness of the name, which was suggested by board member Susanne Cambre.

Kickin’ Parkinson’s immediately made a commitment to support the Michael J. Fox Foundation grassroots

community fundraising program as members of Team Fox. The actor formed the organization after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s and is one of the most recognized faces of the disease. His foundation is dedicated to finding a cure through aggressively funded research while ensuring the development of improved therapies.

The Kickin’ Parkinson’s team is very pleased with the valuable support and encouragement the

Fox foundation has offered. “We are actually one of the top four fundraising groups in the nation out of 1,600 Team Fox organizations, joining the ranks of bigger communities such as New York and San Francisco,” says Penny. Quentin was recently invited to join the Michael J. Fox Foundation 25-member Patient Council, which meets twice a year to learn about the most recent research and developments directly from the scientists and doctors. He will share what he learns through Kickin’ Parkinson’s website and Facebook page.

For its main fundraiser, the Kickin’ Parkinson’s team sponsors one of the biggest fundraising events on the northshore—the Kickin’ Party and Twilight Run, this year on September 24 and 25. (See box for details.)

Last year, the event raised over $300,000. Other local partners join the cause. Kickin’ Parkinson’s was the selected charity for “Sunset on the Square” at TerraBella Village and was a Charity Partner of the 2015 Crescent City Classic, raising close to $50,000 from the two events alone.

“TerraBella chose Kickin’ Parkinson’s as a charity because Parkinson’s has affected many of us personally in this community. I have seen too many very active people become disabled because of the disease.

It’s important we create awareness so they do not feel they are alone,” says Laura Thibodeaux, TerraBella event and marketing coordinator.

The Many Faces of Parkinson’s Many people in the area who are affected by Parkinson’s in some way—both those who are diagnosed themselves and/or their family and friends— actively fundraise and

>>

September-October 2015 59

volunteer. Included are people from all walks of life; the disease does not discriminate. A sense of community makes Kickin’ Parkinson’s special— its members are real people, who, in addition to fundraising, provide support to local families touched by the disease.

“After I spoke at a luncheon, I received a phone call from Sue Meyer,” says Penny. “She was calling to thank me for telling my story and to let me know that she could relate to what I was going through. She said Randy, her husband, had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s for over a year, and they hadn’t talked to anyone about it. I asked Sue to come to my house right away and to bring Randy along.” The Meyers were greeted by Quentin and Penny with open arms. Quentin talked to Randy individually, citing examples in his own personal post-diagnosis journey and encouraging him to let people know and to be strong in his diagnosis.

“It was like a weight came off of his shoulders,” recalls Penny. Sue and Randy are now big supporters of Kickin’ Parkinson’s; Sue is on the board of directors.

While there are many places dedicated to educating the community about the disease itself,

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little is mentioned about the caretakers—those who spend day after day providing both mental and physical support.

“My husband, Huey, was diagnosed 2006-2007,” says Diane LaPlace.

“We both experienced the same feelings. Initially, you’re not sure how to react, or if you’re comfortable even mentioning it to others. Especially when you’re still dealing with your own emotions. After experiencing that gambit of feelings, and through many prayers for guidance, you reach a peace inside where you accept what you cannot change. Together, we made a commitment to do whatever necessary to work through what we can control. Also, to continue our regular routine and social interactions as much as possible. Family and friends are very willing to be supportive if given the chance.”

Kickin’ Parkinson’s has inaugurated a Caregiver Award to acknowledge the individuals who serve as supportive advocates for those with Parkinson’s disease in the Greater New Orleans area. The chosen recipient will be recognized at the Kickin’ Parkinson’s party September 24. In addition to the Caregiver

Award, Penny says the organization will award the Wilbur Reisig scholarship to a local high school student who intends to work towards improving the lives of those living with Parkinson’s disease.

Quentin and Penny Dastugue, like so many others, have faced his challenging diagnosis headon with the grace and positive attitudes they’ve always possessed. Angelle Albright, their friend and supporter, also felt the uncertainty that Parkinson’s brings when her father was diagnosed. She says, “It’s so difficult to watch someone you love who is vibrantly beautiful inside and out suddenly start to lose his physical capacity, knowing it is never going to improve. Having been through cancer, I know that no matter how grim, you always have to face these battles with hope. Knowing the Dastugues as I do, I knew they would handle this from a place of hope.

Quentin has already made an indelible mark on our community. His Parkinson’s journey will no doubt leave a legacy that will be treasured for all time.”

Stone Creek Club & Spa 1201 Ochsner Blvd., Covington Kickin’ Party Thursday, September 24 Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters Open bar, fantastic food, wine pairings, auction Twilight Run Friday, September 25 Post-race pool party for participants, friends and family $125/person includes both events.

For more information about Kickin’ Parkinson’s, go to kickinparkinsons.com or call 502-9800.

kickinparkinsons.com

September-October 2015 61

UNLIKE THE GUILDS of medieval times that jealously guarded the secrets of their craft, the St. Tammany Woodworker’s Guild is all about sharing—among fellow members, through community initiatives and by engaging youngsters with their love of artistry in shaping wood.

In this era of instant gratification driven by touch-screen apps that define today’s IT age, the simple joys of getting into the feel of wood in unhurried projects are explained by guild president Bob Busfield: “There is a real sense of self gratification and accomplishment when you complete a project and you know what went into it. No two pieces of wood are the same. Producing a beautiful piece that showcases both the wood and its finishes is very rewarding.”

From the 20 founding members who first met in 1991 at the St. Tammany Art Association in Covington, the group has expanded throughout St. Tammany and into neighboring parishes. Several original members still active today have 62

Inside Northside

never missed a meeting. According to retired attorney Walter Babst, a guild charter member, “It’s always fun to be together, which goes beyond the pleasure of meeting with people of a similar interest. Working with wood, seeing and feeling the natural beauty of the wood, knowing that it is a part of nature, that the grain inside is God-made, is absolutely thrilling.” He adds, “Seeing the results of our projects that continue to benefit our community is truly remarkable.”

When the 1868-era Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage was moved onto the grounds of the Lake

inspiration in the art of woodworking,” the guild has for several years offered projects for the Boys and Girls Club in Covington. Members of the guild precut materials, and then work with the kids to assemble them. Many of these young boys and girls have never held a hammer, so nailing pieces together for the first time is a real learning experience. Past projects have included blue-bird boxes, flower planters and step stools, and each child takes his or her assembled item home as a useful keepsake to enjoy.

This marks the guild’s 24th year at the

by Sandra Scalise Juneau Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum, members of the guild rallied for needed repairs to restore this historic structure. Don Lynch, director of the LPBMM, acknowledges this with appreciation: “Thanks to the St. Tammany Woodworker’s Guild generously working many volunteer hours, the kitchen floor and the cypress wall in the living room were repaired and the bathroom floor was replaced. Structural repairs were made to the porch and new flooring installed.

Several pieces of furniture in the cottage have been repaired by these skilled craftsman.”

Fulfilling their purpose, “Education and

Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival, its most significant activity. As soon as gates open at the festival, lines of eager youngsters begin forming around the guild’s Kid’s Boat Shop. Inside their tent, guild members are ready, with pieces and parts organized for selection and assembly by budding nautical designers to create their treasures of wood-crafted boats.

Preparation for the festival starts in early April when guild members cut a pallet load of lumber into blanks for boat hulls and cut and sand them.

Members also “manufacture” numerous parts (cabins, seats, cannons, rudders, and many more) from other >>

Far left: Corrine David and Bob Busfield

photo: ANTHONY “CHOPPER” LEONE

photo: JERRY MARKOWITZ

building a boat in the kid’s boat shop.

Left: Members of the Woodworkers Guild working on the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage.

September-October 2015 63

to the bank of the Tchefuncte River.

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Inside Northside

photo: ANTHONY “CHOPPER” LEONE

Bon Conge, built in 1928, fastened

wood supplies. Dowels are cut for masts, and sails are made from plastic sheeting. Each boat can have anywhere from 10 to 30 parts; this totals thousands of parts. The kids choose which pieces they want and how to arrange them. Busfield says, “We have built as many as 1,400 boats for children in the two days of the festival. In all, several thousand hours are spent in preparing for and manning the kid’s build.”

Seeing the big smiles and pride of

accomplishment as each child leaves with his or her creation is a particular joy for both guild members and for proud parents.

Amazingly, for the past several years, second-generation “boat builders” are being brought by parents who were kid “boat builders” and are now eager for their young children to experience the thrill of making their own boats!

Monthly meetings of the St. Tammany Woodworker’s Guild are devoted to demonstrations of woodworking skills and methods by members. From such varied projects as the making of one-of-a-kind wooden toys designed for several generations to treasure, or finessing the intricacies of crafting furniture in artisan designs from reclaimed or sustainable materials, members learn from one another, sharing expertise while discussing nuances of the techniques, the challenges and the rewards of working with wood.

photo:

HENRY

SIMON

photo: JERRY MARKOWITZ

This past year, the guild completed the Artisan Series dealing with the use and techniques of basic hand tools to make all sorts of projects. Plans for the coming year will focus more on the use of power tools and machinery in projects.

Busfield says, “Woodworking is fun and enjoyable.

It can also be challenging. You don’t need a big shop and all kinds of power tools. Simple hand tools can get you going and bring many rewards. You do have to build your knowledge base and skill level, and that can be done through instructional books, videos and the experience of other woodworkers. The guild is an excellent way to gain all of the above. As you become

more experienced, build your tools and equipment as needed.” He adds, “We would love to get some younger folks involved. Through our organization, we can hopefully bring a woodworker to the next level or inspire a novice.”

Intrigued by the innate mystique each piece of wood reveals, members of the St. Tammany Woodworker’s Guild develop their unique style, progressing at their own levels of skill and knowledge, focusing their talents on specific techniques for individual artisan pieces or for working together on community projects. Always at

Above: A chess set of ash and walnut made

by Jerry Markowitz.

Left: An accent table >>

built by Henry Simon.

their fingertips for their creations are Louisiana’s exquisite native woods— pine, cypress, oak, magnolia, persimmon and more—for turning, for shaping, for polishing to a luster as treasures to be enjoyed by generations ahead.

photo: THERESE J. FURY

Membership in the guild is open to all who are interested in learning and sharing woodworking skills. Prospective members are encouraged to attend a few meetings as a guest.

Annual dues are $25. For more information, contact Bob Busfield at 985-789-9571.

2015 MADISONVILLE WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL October 10-11; gates open at 10 a.m.

Children’s boat making • Carnival rides Quick & Dirty Boat Ride • Beer garden with TV football • Live music • Regional food and artists • 100+ boats for touring Adults, $10; under 12, free; 65+, $5; active duty military free

MARITIME MANIA KICKOFF The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum October 9, 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Live music, open bar, food from local restaurants $75/person; $125/couple; benefits the museum wbf@lpbmm.org • woodenboatfest.org 845-9200

September-October 2015 67

The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery Cancer Survivor Runway Show and Celebration

Thursday, October 22 Castine Center, Mandeville For ticket information, go to younightevents.com.

PRESENTED BY The Crescent River Port Pilots’ Foundation and The Center for Women’s Health

by Lisa McKenzie

Cancer survivor Stephanie Ferrante draws strength from the many people who helped her fight. (left to right): Carrie Marquette, MD; Katherine Williams, MD; Kelly Brewster, WHNP, nurse practioner; Jane Freudenberger, LCSW, OSW-C. 70

MY 13-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER looked up at me with worried eyes and said, “Mom, you’re not going to get that head cancer, are you?” We were on our way to a launch party where 24 cancer survivors in St. Tammany Parish would be meeting for the first time to start their journey with You Night Empowering Events.

“What head cancer, sweetheart?” I asked her.

“The one that makes you lose all your hair,” she said.

That was my daughter’s first attempt to grasp the subject of cancer. I wanted her to go with me because for several months she had been hearing stories about the women who were in the You Night program, and I could tell that she was fearful. I knew that if she continued viewing cancer from a distance, she would be missing out on learning valuable information that every woman should know. I also knew she would miss out on seeing the many victories that the women were celebrating.

As she watched the runway training, I could

Inside Northside

see that her attitude about cancer survivors began to shift. She didn’t come into a room that “felt sick.” She saw women—some bald, some without eyelashes— smiling, laughing and being courageous as they were facing their fear of learning to walk the runway. She came away with a new understanding, hugging me and saying, “Mom, I’m so proud of all of you. You are doing a beautiful thing.”

The “beautiful thing” she was referring to is the program we founded called “You Night Empowering Events,” a unique survivorship program designed to help women embrace life after cancer. Professional coaches provide fun and empowering runway, pose and print training designed to help women build self-esteem while developing lifelong friendships with other cancer survivors.

As a daughter of a breast cancer survivor, I lived through the painful moments of watching my mom’s

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

You Night

When you empower one, you impact many.

mission as well. In 2013, knowing that we have access to thousands of women worldwide, we knew we had a privilege and opportunity as entrepreneurs to bless others who needed “emotional lifting up.”

I approached my business partner, Susan Bopp, and asked her what she thought about the idea of Ooh La Bra sponsoring a runway training program for cancer patients. Like me, Susan has a passion to empower our community through uplifting, collaborative and inspiring experiences. But for her, the task of handling a cancer program was something she was emotionally struggling with. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer eight years earlier, and cancer was a miserable time in her life. She says the disease robbed her of her vitality and affected her self-esteem. Reluctantly, but filled with compassion and grace, Susan agreed to help launch our first “You

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

physical appearance change. It was very difficult for me to see her bald, and because she could not afford proper reconstruction, I grew up with a mom whose breasts were distorted because of poor reconstructive surgery. As much as I wanted to accept my mom’s new physical appearance, it was hard for me to see her in clothing that looked awkward. Because of immaturity and my own fears, I was embarrassed when my mom would show up at functions braless, with lopsided breasts. But my mom handled cancer and her body image in such a positive way that the subject of death or the idea of “disfigurement” was never something she instilled in me. Although it has taken me several years to appreciate her attitude, I am grateful that she taught me that we should love our bodies exactly as we are—something ALL women should be so lucky to do.

I own a company called Ooh La Bra, known for beautiful bra straps designed to be seen. The company’s tagline, “We Lift You Up,” not only refers to the functionality of the product; it’s our heart’s

Night” in 2013. It didn’t go unnoticed for Susan that facing her past was something that perhaps God intended her to examine and embrace. We knew we could positively impact our cancer survivor role models, but little did we know at that time how profoundly the program would impact our team.

I read recently that the number of cancer diagnoses is on the rise, and that one out of every two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. The grim reality of that statistic means that we all either know someone who has cancer or that we are at risk of having cancer. We believe that is the reason that You Night strikes a chord with the many people who unite with us to support the cause of survivorship. >>

Above: Deborah St. Germain with her daughter, Kirstie, who encouraged her mom to participate in You Night so the family could heal, too.

Right: Melanie Rogers, You Night St. Tammany Class of 2013. Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 22.

September-October 2015 71

You Night St. Tammany Class of 2015 role model Elise Angelette pictured with her family, who wrote us with the words they use to describe her. (left to right) Naomi, age 4; Sophia, age 9; Jude, age 7; husband Jason; Nora, 19 mos.; and Bella, age 11.

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“Nothing ever prepares you to hear the word cancer,” says You Night 2013 participant Melinda Breaux. The courage, she says, comes from making a choice about how you are going to handle the news. Melinda says she drew on the strength of a cancer survivor mentor. “She told me to imagine the worst role model that I could think of—someone that is depressed, anxious and worried. She then said, imagine the best role model—a person who continues to live their life with passion, happiness and strength. Surround yourself with those type of individuals.”

We have heard our participants and health care providers say time and time again that 90 percent of the battle with cancer is in the attitude. But having the right attitude doesn’t mean that there aren’t going to be many difficult days. Many of the tough days are related to the radical change in a woman’s physical appearance.

Dr. Jay Saux, an oncologist, says that one of the most common questions he is asked by a woman recently diagnosed with cancer is not related to her mortality but whether or not she will lose her hair.

Inside Northside

Angelle Albright describes the subject of hair loss this way: “When people are diagnosed with just about any other illness, their main focus is on simply how to get healthy. But with cancer, it’s a double whammy, because not only does a woman have to worry about whether or not she is going to survive, but she has to publicly display what she is going through personally. It’s a brutal battle for any woman to have to deal with self-esteem issues in the midst of a serious health crisis. One day, I was just me—and two weeks later, I looked like an alien.”

Through her own journey with cancer and the temporary loss of her signature beautiful hair, Angelle and her sister Danielle (both You Night participants and breast cancer survivors), along with their family, went on to create a hair covering for women, Chemo Beanies, to simplify the options and help women feel better about themselves during their treatments.

Angelle recalls the story of a friend who never left her house because of her physical changes and the perspective that it was somehow a shameful disease.

Today, Angelle says, “Women have access to more information and other inspirational stories through social media, and the image of a cancer patient is certainly changing. Courageous stories of beautiful, inspiring survivors are everywhere. We want women to have the confidence to continue to live meaningful and productive lives where they can more peacefully go out and continue to be soccer moms, business owners and friends to those who care about them.”

When it comes to being courageous about walking the runway stage, not every participant steps into our program boldly. When Deborah St. Germain was approached, she thought the idea was ludicrous. As a professional photographer, Deborah has always been comfortable being on the other side of the lens and had never dreamt of seeing herself in the spotlight. After discussing the idea with her family she concluded, “It’s not for me.” But her daughter, Kirstie, said, “Mom, you’re not doing this for you.

You’re doing it for us.”

Jane Freudenberger, social worker at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, tells us that many patients have similar reactions when they are approached to be in the You Night program. “Women will say, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me! Get on a runway in front of 600 people

You Night Empowering Events is a program that provides women opportunities to fully embrace life after a cancer diagnosis.

Participants engage in fun and empowering activities that help them discover their strength and beauty.

Classes work together learning runway, pose and print skills that are celebrated and showcased at the program’s main event—the You Night Runway

empowering story, visit younightevents.com.

Kathy Piazza had 50

guests in attendance to ce lebrate her victory over ca ncer.

She is pictured he re

with her You Night sister, Ga ynell Lollis.

Tammy Broussard steps boldly on stage, showing that women don’t have to hide behind a cancer diagnosis.

looking like this?’”

With gentle love and coaxing, the participants who sign up are pleasantly surprised when they discover how much they need a program like You Night. Not only does it encourage them to reach deep within themselves to answer the question, “How do I want to live my life?” but it also shows them that positive transformation is possible.

Tammy Radecker says that You Night is an example of the cancer journey itself. “When you have cancer, you learn to look at life differently. You celebrate even the smallest of victories, like when even one eyelash grows back. When you step on the stage in front of 600 cheering guests doing what once seemed impossible, you can’t imagine how freeing it is.”

There are many reasons why our participants sign up for You Night. Jane Martin told us she signed up because in addition to tackling shyness issues, she needed a positive “vision board” to help her reach her physical goals. “I gained a considerable amount of weight because of my chemo treatments and had lost a true sense of my ‘self,’” she says. “The You Night get-togethers and training practices gave me something positive to look forward to, giving me a great excuse to get my body back in shape.”

While we joke with our participants that You Night is not a weightloss program, one of our observations is that the participants do start looking and feeling better.

At one of our most recent events, the models were chatting in the dressing room before the show and discovered that over the course of their six-month training, collectively they had lost 188 pounds.

Models are showered with products and services donated by salons and boutiques.

The You Night experience let Yvonne Strecker feel feminine again. She says, “I forgot what it was like to feel beautiful. The salons, boutiques and make-up artists helped me get past my insecurities.”

JoAnn Fandal says that You Night made her realize how precious life is. “When you are surrounded by so many amazing women, and you get to listen to their stories and see how beautiful and strong they are, how they pass that strength on >>

photo: DYLAN MARAS, WHITE DONUT PRODUCTIONS

photos: CHELSEA MOHR, WHITE DONUT PRODUCTIONS

Show and Celebration. To learn more or share your

You Night St. Tammany 2015 participants meet at the launch party, the start of their journey with our empowering program.

September-October 2015 73

photo: TRACIE MORRIS SCHAEFER

You Night St. Tammany alums gather together backstage before walking the runway at

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

the New Orleans event.

Julie Miller learns poses with her classmates from runway coach Celeste Hart, owner of Creating U, Academy for Acting, Modeling and Life Etiquette. Julie said, “You Night ended up being one of the best experiences of my life.”

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to each other, you learn that life does go on and that you don’t have to be defined by cancer.”

“When a woman has a poor definition of ‘self,’ it can be debilitating,” says Mary Kathryn Rodrigue, Ph.D., an oncology-certified mental health counselor, who is the founder/co-owner of The Wellness Studio, LLC. “When a woman starts believing that she is no longer ‘worthy’ or ‘valuable,’ it can seriously alter her ability to live the life that that was purposefully created for her journey in this world.”

You Night provides a safe place for a woman to come as she is and see that she is NOT alone and that scars, hair loss or reconstruction do not mean that she needs to shrink away. “The paradox of putting women on the runway stage at a time when they are least likely to feel like a supermodel is an incredible source of healing and truly embodies the spirit of empowerment,” says Dr. Rodrigue.

When participants discover their strength,

Inside Northside

and learn to embrace their “new” selves, they can positively change the trajectory of their lives. New Orleans participant Lynell Hunter phoned our team the day after the runway show to tearfully and joyfully share the change that happened to her. “I want to thank you for the gift you all have provided to me,” she said. “For five years, I have been too ashamed to look at myself naked in the privacy of my own home because of the scars from my reconstruction. Last night, while we were in the dressing room, I stopped and looked around. The women were getting changed into their evening gowns, and every imaginable body type was there— scars, Spanx and all. It was the first time that I didn’t see myself as a monster. In that moment, in some unexplainable way, the imperfections made me feel extremely powerful and beautiful.”

As the program grows, so does the incredible bond shared by the participants. Alums who have participated in previous programs maintain deep friendships. They attend events to reunite with their classmates and to encourage the new participants.

They exchange advice, act as cheerleaders and lend a shoulder to cry on when necessary.

You Night alum Peggy Lorino describes the sisterhood this way: “What makes You Night unique is that women can come as they are.” Regardless of a woman’s age, size, shape or diagnosis, the bond of the cancer journey becomes a silent language where words aren’t necessary. “You Night gives us the permission to be real. It’s a sisterhood of complete acceptance.” >>

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

You Night participants Debra Rehage, Tammy Broussard, Lane Perez, Melinda Breaux, Peggy Lorino, Eridania Martinez and Deidra Langridge.

As our program continues to grow and we discover fun and empowering ways to work with our participants, we never will downplay the difficult subject of cancer. In a private thread on Facebook, ladies share personal posts about some of the challenges they are dealing with in their lives. Sisters quickly respond with love and support.

Often, we will get this request, “Pray for me. I find out the results of my PET scan today,” soon followed by “Thank the Lord, my doctor said all looks great.” Sisters respond with a huge sigh of relief.

2015 New Orleans participant Kathy Piazza describes the sisterhood experience like this: “We are a group of women, young and old, who have come together because not only do we plan on fighting, but we plan on finishing strong!”

The celebration of each survivor’s journey is shared at the graduation ceremony—the signature event known as “You Night Runway Show and Celebration.” Guests cheer for a solid hour as the models come on stage, surrounded by family members, friends and adoring guests from the community.

Dr. Katherine Williams, with the Center for Women’s Health, tells us why her ObGyn practice in St. Tammany supports You Night. “When we have to tell a patient that they have breast cancer, it’s hard for them to imagine that brighter days do lie ahead. You Night helps show others that not only can they get through this, but they can come out of the experience better and stronger.”

Dorothy McHaney, a 2013

participant, told us that You Night taught her to wake up everyday and live life to its fullest. “We all face uncertain futures.

In one of my darkest hours, I cried out to God and said, ‘I want to live!’ God immediately responded with this message: ‘You are alive! Keep living!’”

We love celebrating the lives of the courageous cancer survivors in our community, and we want to hear from you! The loving generosity of our sponsors and many volunteers helps grow our program. If you are interested in more information about the You Night program, or if you know of a survivor who has an inspiring story to tell—please write to us by visiting younightevents.com.

Lisa McKenzie is the founder and executive producer of You Night Empowering Events.

Robin

Kama

Stacey

Sheree

Gaynell

Kathy

Patrice

Tammy

Ruth

Lynell

Elaine

Allison

Meg

Erika

Kristyn

Diane

Karen

Maria

Julie

Stacie

Dorothy

Amy

Yvonne

Amy

Jane

Therese

Tammy

Wendy

JoAnn

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Inside Northside

Eridania Myia

Deborah

Loey

Cheryl

Roxie

Angelle

Laura

Elena

Danielle

Cheryl

Sharon

Carol

Cheryl

Amanda

Donna

Louise

Laura

Elizabeth

Peggy

Jennifer

Melinda

Delia

Ysonde

Debra

March

Karen

Patti

Kim

Melanie

Lori

Beth

Debbie

Kristal

photos: CAITLIN BARRY/TRACIE MORRIS SCHAEFER

All of the courageous models of You Night since its inception.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Center for Restorative Breast Surgery Runway Show & Celebration

You Night is a six-month program, created to help women embrace life after cancer.

Participants in each class attend a variety of empowering events, designed to create friendships, support, and self-discovery. The graduation ceremony—the You Night runway show—is a celebration in front of family and friends. Presently, You Night is held twice a year in St. Tammany (each October) and New Orleans (each spring).

The You Night program is possible with the generosity of these legacy partners: Susan Bopp and Lisa McKenzie, Executive Producers of You Night Empowering Events.

You Night Empowering Events is an outreach of Ooh La Bra, a company that designs beautiful bra straps designed to be seen.

$20,000+

$10,000+

Crescent River Port Pilots Foundation Center for Women’s Health Center for Restorative Breast Surgery

Lakeside Women’s Specialty Center Florida Marine Transporters Associated Branch Pilots Northshore Plastic Surgery Dr. Benjamin Boudreaux

The company’s tagline, “We Lift You Up,” represents the heart and soul of everything the company is about. Recognizing the positive role Ooh La Bra can play in the community, business partners Lisa McKenzie

5,000+ Gambel Communications Rehab Dynamics Kelly Villars

and Susan Bopp created You Night as a way to unite the community to empower individuals. We believe that when we genuinely feel good about who we are inside and learn to better communicate this, we become a greater force in the world for good.

With gratitude, we thank the

1250+ Richard Celentano, M.D. and Celeste Lagarde, M.D. First NBC Bank H2O Salon Northshore Byrd Larberg Paretti Family of Dealerships

following individuals for helping us tell the beautiful story of You Night:

Media Partners

Creative Collaboration by the

Inside Northside Inside New Orleans

Art and Photography of Candra George; Eloise Early, You Night Model Liaison; Lori Murphy and her team at

2,500+ Art & Stephani Lentini Associated Terminals/Turn Services Crescent Towing/ Cooper T. Smith Mooring Evamor Radiology and Interventional Association of Metairie The Radiologists at East Jefferson General Hospital Chemo Beanies Alice McNeely Lifestyle Real Estate C.J. Landner & State Farm Insurance Michele Cooper, M.D. Ponchartrain Health Care Centre Aflac Insurance The Sculpting Center of New Orleans

Inside New Orleans and Inside Northside; UFC Gym, Mandeville; Gown and accessories

www.younightevents.com • 877-591-5936 • facebook.com/younightevents

by Fleurt Boutique, Covington; Make-up

by Marisa Maestri; Elise Angelette’s Family; Children’s clothing styled by the Olive Patch; You Night formal gowns and accessories by Southern Bridal; Make-up by Sarah Early.

Outreach: 100% of the proceeds from the “We Lift You Up” 501(c)3 fund supports You Night’s year round programming and training. Participants are gifted with thousands of dollars worth of products, and services, plus the training and runway experience that our team provides. You Night Empowering Events is a program created and produced by Ooh La Bra. You Night is made possible with the support of hundreds of local businesses and volunteers.

To view all partners, visit www.younightevents.com/partners.

September-October 2015 77

Traces

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Linda Dautreuil A LITTLE MAGIC HAPPENS when a family kitchen by day is transformed into an artist’s studio by night. “The kitchen is central to any house, so what better place to make paintings?” artist Connie Kittok asks, standing near a window in her 100-year-old solid cypress house in Ponchatoula, while a pileated woodpecker enjoys a seed snack at the feeder nestled among native Louisiana plants.

We discuss Kittok’s thoughts on art, family and nature. “I love animals—all kinds, even wild ones,” she says, as two frisky dogs make a run for the door.

“My late husband and I knew we wanted to raise our children in this house when we moved from River Ridge. Originally, families who came to work for the mill lived here. I consider myself a steward preserving this historic home for future generations.”

Connie grew up in New Orleans, and her drawing skills developed early. She earned a degree in graphic arts from Delgado Community College and secured a position as a commercial artist. “I was always realistic about fine art and steady income. Art is a luxury purchase.

It is not a necessity in the same way as food and water. Yet, I am committed to drawing and painting, so I created a 35-year career for myself in the corporate world by day and I paint at night.

Every evening, the pots and pans are put away by 8 o’clock, and

Connie Kittok Artist, St. Benedict

paints and easels are moved into the kitchen. I love working in the heart of my home.”

Connie’s mixed-media paintings are regularly included in juried exhibitions such as the Three Rivers Art Festival in Covington. “I love the atmosphere of the festival, and I have developed friendships with artists I see only once a year. Opening day is more like a family reunion,” Connie says in her brisk style of speaking. During this event a few

years ago, a Benedictine monk stopped to compliment her on her colorful art.

“It is hard work showing in a festival,” Connie told him, “but also a wonderful celebration of artistic craft.” She gave Abbot Justin a card.

One of Connie’s paintings appeared on the cover of Inside Northside in 2008. Subsequently, Jane Brown, artist and project director, invited Kittok to participate in the 10th anniversary of the magazine, an exhibition hosted by >> September-October 2015 79

St. Tammany Art Association. Jane and Connie became friends. “I have always admired Connie’s work,” Brown says. “Her contemporary primitive style is full of iconic Southern imagery, and her use of color is vibrant and exciting.”

In 2015, Brown tapped Kittok to judge the Pirates Alley Art Show in the French Quarter.

Brown also chairs the Deo Gratias annual fundraiser for Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College and serves as a docent for its art collection. She was scheduled to meet with Abbot Justin to discuss the selection of the featured artist for the 2015 Deo Gratias. Even though he had lost Connie’s card, the abbot remembered her paintings and told Jane about them. Knowing immediately the paintings he described were Connie’s, Jane arranged a meeting, and Connie was chosen.

Connie researched the history of the college and the abbey church, with particular attention to the murals of the Benedictine monk and painter, Dom Gregory DeWitt. She describes her first

encounter as a spiritual one: “I was thoroughly inspired by the murals, the serene atmosphere of the grounds and the many tasks engaging the community each day in accordance with the teachings of Saint Benedict.”

The Benedictine motto is Ora et Labora, which in Latin means pray and work. The monks perform a variety of tasks each day and have regular periods of prayer. These activities surrounded Dom DeWitt as he worked on the murals and inspired fresh interpretations in Connie’s work.

Her painting, St. Benedict, rich in symbolism, will be offered in silent auction at the Deo Gratias gala on October 24. The central figure, St. Benedict, holds the Holy Rule, the guide he wrote that is followed by all Benedictine communities.

The bird on the thorn branch grabs a poisoned piece of bread from Benedict, disrupting a nefarious plot by those not wishing to obey Benedict’s strict rule. Saint Benedict is positioned in a red semicircle of angels, a reference to the

murals in the dome above the abbey altar. Kittok explains, “The turtles in the pond and the rainbow in the sky remind us that nature is God’s creation.

The wheat blowing in the wind symbolizes the bread baked to sustain the abbey. In the right corner, the monks kneel to tend the vegetable/ flower gardens; a monk reaches for the bees to extract honey. A black bird hovers, symbolizing Satan and ever-present temptation. The crosses represent the cemetery and the handmade wood coffins, while the abbey above directs our eye to the heavens.”

Some might believe there is evidence of divine intervention in the way this painting evolved, especially since Connie Kittok’s uncle worked with the monks on several occasions during his lifetime. He was one of the first lay persons to be buried there. Connie had always intended to visit, but had never done so before her tour with Abbot Justin and Jane Brown. Of the experience, she says, “I am honored to have the chance to view the abbey through the eyes of

Deo Gratias Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College Fundraiser Gala.

October 24, 2015 Vespers, 6 p.m.; reception, 7 p.m.

Ed Barrett Jazz Trio; dinner by Chef Drake Leonards of LUKE. Tickets: $85 867-2284, sjasc.edu.

the Benedictine monks living on these beautiful grounds. The murals of Dom Gregory tell a story, a message he wanted to leave, and I have often thought of what it must have been like when he set out on his 10-year project.”

For more information about Connie’s work, visit her website at kittokart.net.

September-October 2015 81

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Inside Northside

Flourishes 1. Custom t-shirts, bags, totes, trays and more.

Mudbugs Creative Designs, Franklinton, 795-3233.

2. BleachBright Whitening System, $99. Private

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Beach, Mandeville, 674-2326.

3. Carnegie lamp, $329. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045. 4. Handembroidered pillows featuring states, cities, parks and teams, $139. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008.

5. 18� hand-painted and gold-leafed Oaksy candelabra, $240; extra-large hand-painted candy bowl, $190.

Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Decor, Mandeville, 727-9787.

6. Willow Tree nativity figures, approximately

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15� tall, 2-piece set, $81.98. Braswell Drugs, Covington, 892-0818.

7. Dark walnut media cabinet with concentric circle motif, aged-brass finish, vented back and interior red faux suede finish, available in two sizes starting at $6,885. Villa Vici, New Orleans, 504-899-2931.

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Flourishes 2

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1. Three-tier silver-leaf chandelier with inlaid capiz shells, $2,428. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522. 2. 18”

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x 24” textured gallery wrap acrylic Central Park. Impastato Gallery & Art Therapy, Covington, 778-5338. 3. Glass oyster shell tray, small, $22.99; large, $29.99. Mandeville Party 6

Co., Mandeville, 674-1605.

4. Whitney aged 27” pineapple lamp on Lucite base with linen shade and burlap trim, $245.

Gild Home Décor, Mandeville, 629-4002. 5. Handmade serving bowl from Italy, $28. mélange by KP, Mandeville, 871-0810. 6. Fine silk or velvet Hot Skwash pumpkins filled with rice and made from real

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pumpkin, gourd or squash stems, starting at $11. Rug Chic, Mandeville, 674-1070.

7. Landon Hall console by Hooker with an eclectic blend of colors, textures and materials in a one-of-a-kind artistic piece, $748. American Factory Direct, Mandeville, 871-0300.

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Inside Northside

Flourishes

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1

1. Custom printing cloth products, prices available on request. Backyard Printing and Second-Line Handkerchiefs, Mandeville, 231-7789. 2. Go Purple for Alzheimer’s with products by Kerastase. Laque Couture hairspray, Volume In Powder finishing spray and Gloss Appeal

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top coat, $40 each. H2O Salon, Mandeville, 951-8166.

3. Fashionable and fun LSU tailgating rain boots by Lillybee, $74. The Oasis Day Spa,

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Mandeville, 624-6772. 4. Stainless steel, heavy-duty, thumb action mills for salt or pepper, set of two, $39.95. InfusĂŠ Oils and Vinegars, Mandeville, 778-0903. 5. Yellow arrangement for football season, starting at $85. Florist of Covington, 892-7701.

6. MenoPoise Essentials, $72.95. Earthsavers, Mandeville, 674-1133. 7. Slip-on Chemo Beanie in Muriel for cancer-related

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hair loss, $24.99. Braswell Drugs, Covington, 892-0818 or 866-526-2001.

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Inside Northside

INside Look 1

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3

Sapphire

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1. 18 kt white gold necklace with 5.21 cttw diamonds and 1.33 cttw sapphires, $11,250. Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 6261666. 2. 18 kt white gold ladies fashion ring with 1.40 cttw sapphire and .50 cttw diamonds, $3,700.

Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-5098. 3. Racerback tank in navy by Hardtail, $62; tie-dye crop pant in rainbow blue, $92. Basics Underneath, 6

Mandeville, 727-6521; Basics Swim & Gym, New Orleans, 504-8911000. 4. Reversible raincoat with self-hood and travel bag, $290.

CDN Clothing, Covington, 3277300. 5. Joseph Slim sport coat, $595; light blue and white striped Traveler sportshirt, $60; flowered

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silk pocket square, $29.50. Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Mandeville, 6244067. 6. Lucy dress by The Proper

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Peony with hand embroidered detailing and a split collar, $76.

Olive Patch, Covington, 327-5772.

7. Blue suede bootie by BC, $98.

ShoefflĂŠ, Covington, 898-6465.

8. Oh My Darling floppy fedora with leather band and buckle, $58. The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797.

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INside Look

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Sapphire 1. 14 kt yellow gold pendant 3

containing .12 cttw of diamonds and .30 cttw sapphires, $1,050.

DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts,

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Covington, 892-2317.

2. PJ Harlow lounge pant, $72; cami, $54; robe, $95. Hestia Luxury in Linens, Covington, 893-0490. 3. Transitional blue and white paisley dress with a white fur vest. [brown eyed girl], 6

Mandeville, 626-0100.

4. White tank by Mink Pink, $48; striped midi skirt, $42. POSH

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Boutique, Covington, 898-2639.

5. Tom Mathis original art deco ring with diamonds and custom birthstones mounted in 18 kt white gold, without center stone $2,400. Symmetry Jewelers, New Orleans, 504-861-9925.

6. Lilly Pulitzer Cathy shift dress in Lilly’s Lagoon, $178. Palm Village, A Lilly Pulitzer signature

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store, Mandeville, 778-2547.

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7. Axelle bra in Cashmere Blue Paisley by Marie Jo, available in sizes 30-38, B-E. Bra Genie, Mandeville, 951-8638.

8. Leopard Nylon Tote by Hadaki of New Orleans, $98. deCoeur Gifts & Home Accessories, Covington, 809-3244.

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INside Look

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Sapphire Sapphire 1. Tri-color necklace with tassel and gemstone bracelets by Virtue Jewelry; necklace, $94; bracelet, $32. OSpa Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200.

2. Alexandra cobalt earrings

by Kendra Scott, $65. Paisley Boutique, Mandeville, 727-7880.

3. 5.61ct cushion shaped sapphire ring surrounded by 1.63 cttw of pave diamonds and a pave diamond shank with Trillion diamonds, $32,500. Lee Michaels, Metairie,

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504-298-0000. 4. Blue shirtdress

by Zoa New York, $119; beaded necklace by An Old Soul, $49. Vine,

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Mandeville, 951-0005. 5. Sapphire blue 2-piece chiffon dress with AB crystals by Blush, $399. Fleurt Boutique, Covington, 809-8844.

6. Laser-cut shift dress by Greylin.

Hemline, Mandeville, 778-0906.

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7. Beautiful snakeskin Gigi New York clutch, $198. The French Mix, Covington, 809-3152.

8. Aquazzura Firenze Bel Air Sandal in royal blue suede, $795. Saks Fifth Avenue, New Orleans. 504524-2200. 9. Blue Prima Donna balconette bra with spaghetti straps.

Bra la Vie, Hammond, 662-5065.

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INside Look

2 3

Sapphire

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1. Beaded gold chain necklace with an icy blue crystal, $64. [brown eyed girl], Mandeville, 5

626-0100. 2. Coach “Blair” sunglasses in milky chambray,

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$175. Louisiana Family Eyecare, Covington, 875-7898. 3.

Double Tahitian pearl rose gold stacked ring by Vita Fede,

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$335; cultured Japanese Akoya black pearl and clear Swarovski crystal earring bar jacket, $350. Emma’s Shoes and Accessories, Mandeville, 778-2200. 4. Bebe lace tank, $13; Blue Nikibiki undershirt, $12; J Brand jeans, $45; necklace, $8; all together for $78. Style Encore, Mandeville,

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674-7776. 5. Abstract floral shift dress with bell sleeves from Peach Love, $59. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1789. 6. 14 kt rose gold ladies ring with 2.71 ct fine blue 9

sapphire accented by 1.0cttw brilliant cut white diamonds, $9,500. De Boscq Fine Jewelry, Mandeville, 674-0007. 7. Dark blue summer-cut dress for fall transitioning. JuJu’s Boutique, Mandeville, 624-3600.

8. Songbird bag in cobalt blue made by Kelly Moore Bags of Ruston, Louisiana, $199.

Cameo Boutique, Mandeville,

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231-1332. 9. Block Party by Seafolly high neck tank, $106; spliced hipster, $71; available in December. Bora Bora, Mandeville, 951-8454.

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Thanks A Million!

September 17

2015

Heart of Fashion and Night of Fashion events have raised over $1,000,000 to benefit advancements in pediatric care on the northshore through the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation.

Join us to celebrate this milestone!

Presented By

To reserve your table call the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation. 985-898-4171

Small Steps, Big Miracles photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Sandra Scalise Juneau

New Heights Therapy Center

MIRACLES HAPPEN EVERY DAY at New Heights Therapy Center in Folsom. For children and adults with disabilities or special needs, getting in touch with the natural environment and being out in the fresh air surrounded by open spaces is a welcome departure from conventional clinical treatments. But the real phenomenon is what occurs through the healing power of the horses.

As far back as 600 B.C., the therapeutic value of horses was recognized by ancient Greeks, and now the benefits of equine therapy are being documented worldwide. According to doctors Milos Pekny and Michael Nilsson of the Institute of Neuroscience and

Physiology in Gothenburg, Sweden, “Therapeutic riding, also named Equine-Assisted Therapy and Adaptive Riding, uses equine-assisted activities for the purpose of contributing positively to cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of people with disabilities.”

Situated on pristine acreage in the heart of St. Tammany’s prime horse country, New Heights Therapy Center’s vision is to “Improve the quality of life for children and adults who are physically, cognitively and emotionally challenged.” The center brings the power of the horse to the lives of its riders, parents, other family members and volunteers. >>

Nikki and Ana.

September-October 2015 99

Top: Instructor Rae Rae Pertuit with students.

Above: Larissa posing with Beaux.

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Children with traumatic brain injuries become independent riders. Adolescents with traumatic family histories find a sense of peace at the side of 1,200 pound, four-legged therapists. Adults with severe neurological diseases find renewed hope and

Inside Northside

“For kids who are wheel-chair bound, the only time they are not being looked down upon by others is while at therapy atop a horse. Reversing that distress of always having to look up to others builds a sense of being in-control; it fosters enhanced self-esteem,” says Rae Pertuit, a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Registered Level Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor at New Heights known affectionately to all as “Rae Rae.” Since its beginning 17 years ago, New Heights has grown to serving approximately 80 clients weekly. At its current site on more than seven acres, the staff provides for handicapped individuals at the only fully-accessible equestrian center in the mid-south. The professionals at New Heights Therapy Center design programs to fit individual needs. Client referrals come from pediatricians, mental and other health care providers, or often, from individual families who have first-hand experiences of behavior changes through lifechanging therapies. Once a referral is received, the individual needs are considered, incorporating the diagnosis provided by a health care professional with an evaluation by the trained staff at New Heights. Based on the results of the evaluation, the rider is assigned to both instructor and horse

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

improvements in balance and walking. Veterans with post-traumatic stress find a way out of their isolation through interaction with a herd of heroes.

and provided with equipment; then, appropriate goals are set for the rider.

At New Heights, the accounts of success are being retold continuously— like the story of the amazing relationship between Katie and Kit-Kat. Diagnosed at 9 months with cerebral palsy, Katie was first introduced to “her horse,” Kit-Kat, at age 10 when New Heights first opened in 1998.

Thus began a journey of bonding with her equine therapeutic partner that has led to progressive improvement of mental and physical stamina and of spiritual growth.

Katie lives with painfully debilitating arthritis that constricts her muscles and limits her movement. Everyone, including Katie’s mom, Michelle, was astounded by her progress, which allowed Katie to stretch out her muscles and remain seated atop her gentle partner during hour-long sessions.

However, Katie’s weekly sessions were interrupted for over 12 years for a series of 21 surgeries. Finally, five years ago, Katie’s mom asked her physician when Katie might return to equine therapy. Her orthopaedic surgeon at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, Dr. Andrew King, replied, “Get her back on her horse as soon as possible.”

So Katie and Kit-Kat began again their partnership in her recovery. Now, at 27 years of age, at each weekly session, Katie sits proudly erect, allowing her body to react to the horse’s gait. According to Katie’s mom, “Kit-Kat can reverse her pain.” Michelle also says, “For special-needs adults, there are limited opportunities for social interaction, but each week at New Heights is like coming home for Katie.”

Wistfully, she adds, “Most astounding, while Katie is with Kit-Kat, she doesn’t need me!”

“The gait of a horse is the closest to the stride of humans, so for individuals with movement disorders, the simple act of walking with a horse provides stability and security, not to mention >> September-October 2015 101

the physical warmth of being next to the horse,” says Pertuit.

The father of 13 year-old Joshua says, “When Joshua was 8 years old, he was diagnosed with autism. When he was 14 months, it was discovered that Joshua was low-tone (tight muscles) and developmentally delayed. We began therapy—OT, PT, speech and special instruction. Joshua has always been hypersensitive to touch. If you touched him with a soft touch, he would jump. Also, Joshua has always had trouble with his balance and strength. Just getting up from sitting on the ground was very difficult, and he needed assistance. Now he is able to get up without assistance.

Horse therapy has helped Joshua to focus on the task at hand. Before, he had a hard time sitting still to do his school work. Now he will sit for longer periods, and his attention span has increased. We noticed that his hypersensitivity to touch has decreased, and he is more relaxed. We never thought that he would accomplish so much in such a short period of time. To see Joshua’s abilities and not his inabilities is very exciting and joyful for us.”

To meet the needs of veterans, particularly for those struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, New Heights created a program modeled on Rainier Therapeutic Riding in Washington State. After sending three instructors to Illinois for training at the National Conference on Therapeutic Riding for Veterans, New Heights incorporated Round Pen, Groundwork and Grooming along with traditional riding skills into its veterans’ program. The eightweek pilot session for the program was completed in late fall of 2014.

The triumph of the veterans program is best told by veterans through their own 102

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photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

comments: “I tell you. The moment that horse came up to me in the round pen was amazing. It was such a powerful experience to form a relationship with this horse.” Or, “I loved the social aspect of it. You know. Just coming out here and spending time with the staff, the volunteers and the other veterans.” And, “I have a real sense of accomplishment. I started something that I was really not sure about and I completed it. I even liked it!”

Witnessing the accomplishment of the veterans program, New Heights hopes to create a continuum of service where veterans who have completed the eight-week program may remain engaged as volunteers, mentors or both. With expansion plans underway, New Heights has set a goal to serve over 100 veterans per year.

Another innovative program of service being offered at New Heights is to Louisiana Coalition Against Human Trafficking. A faith-based nonprofit organization, LACAHT aims to alleviate human trafficking in Louisiana, focusing on victim rehabilitation at the Free Indeed Home. There, minor children are provided with services to promote physical, mental and spiritual health, while also improving life skills and educational levels. Many victims come from broken homes or foster care, were abused as children or are runaways, which

makes them easy targets for exploitation. For their healing, various trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapies have succeeded, including equine therapy.

New Heights has been in the program since this past spring, but already has seen the effects of confidence building that gives these young girls the needed self-esteem as they bridge the passages toward repurposing their lives.

As a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), organization, New Heights Therapy Center relies on two vital factors >>

Top: Katie and Kit Kat gear up for their lesson.

Above: Katie smiles while riding Kit Kat.

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of the lesson, lead volunteer Pete Saal and the horse masters bring the horses and students in for a photo.

Above: Ana says good-bye to Nikki after their lesson.

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Top: At the end

for continued success and growth of its programs— community support and volunteers. Beyond the daily care of the horses and continual upkeep of grounds, buildings and equipment while retaining a top-tier staff of equestrian therapy professionals, the everincreasing costs of sustaining quality services can be daunting. According to Stephen J. Engro, executive director, “The charge for providing a one-hour equine therapy session is an average of $30, but the actual cost for that session is $125. Our challenge constantly is to fill that gap.”

Charitable contributions from corporate and individual giving allow New Heights Therapy Center

to provide whole or partial scholarships to individual clients who otherwise would be unable to participate in programs. Additionally, donated funding provides for expansion of facilities and development of new programs.

Serving a diverse sector of clients, designing and implementing specific programs for their differing needs, takes an entire team and dedicated leadership. With Engro at the reins, backed by an outstanding board of directors and devoted staff, New Heights is on a path for growth with its 2020 Vision Plan. Already in negotiations for expanding to additional locations across South Louisiana, the future projection is for New Heights to eventually serve as many as 250 clients weekly. ”At New Heights,” says Kristen Simek, volunteer coordinator, “the strength of our therapeutic riding programs is really built on the strength of volunteers.

For many riders, it takes three volunteers to conduct a safe, beneficial lesson. Without volunteers, riding would not be possible for many of our riders.” Prior experience working with horses is not necessary for volunteers. Teams of community volunteers from corporate and private organizations have assisted in everything from grooming of horses to walking aside riders during therapeutic lessons to turning out horses after lessons. From such diverse organizations as Capital One Bank, Saint Paul’s School, Turn Industries, Dunavant Wealth Management, Cargill and Northlake Christian School, volunteers have logged over 5,000 donated hours, making a >>

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difference in the lives of riders and their families.

“Reciprocal gratification” is how most volunteers describe their experiences at New Heights. Partnering with the staff of trained professionals, volunteers encounter magic that takes place there on a daily basis—none more astounding than this incident, detailed in a letter by a parent.

Dear Stephen, I just wanted to share with you a miracle that happened this past weekend at New Heights with my daughter. Jennifer has been coming to your program since last summer. She is 36 years old, mentally and physically handicapped. She functions at about a 2-year-old level. Her instructor, Rae Rae, made up a game called the “bucket list.”

In this game, Jennifer drew a heartshaped paper from the bucket and was to read what was on the paper. She proceeded to read what was on the paper.

I said, “Jen can’t read,” so I took the paper from her and proceeded to read it. To my amazement, Jennifer had read exactly what was on the paper. She then followed the instructions on the paper. I told everyone, “She can’t read.” Jennifer drew another piece of paper out of the bucket, and again, she read it. I again read it out loud, and she had read it perfectly. I was totally in awe, as I couldn’t believe my handicapped daughter was reading. Everything that was written down on the papers was pertaining to riding, and she read each piece of paper out loud and was correct. It was such a joyous moment for me and the team that works with her every Saturday morning.

I cannot speak highly enough about New Heights and what it has done for Jennifer. In addition, Rae Rae, her instructor is awesome, as well as Bill and Michael, her volunteers. To see the joy in my daughter’s eyes each Saturday 106

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Multiple classes being held under the covered ring at New Heights Therapy Center.

morning—you cannot thank someone enough. New Heights is truly a wonderful experience for my daughter—and brings joy to me as a mother of a special-needs person. Thank you so much for operating such a facility.

Sincerely, Dianne, Mother of Jennifer “Seeing the newfound sense of freedom and accomplishment our clients experience on a daily basis provides a sense of fulfillment that is beyond words,” says Engro. “Even the small steps forward are big miracles. This therapy matters, and it changes lives.”

For more information about New Heights Therapy Center go to newheightstherapy.org. To support New Heights as a donor, sponsor or volunteer, email stephen.engro@newheightstherapy.org, or call 985-796-4600.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

The Garden Party at Summergrove Farm To benefit programs at New Heights and celebrate their successes, The Garden Party at Summergrove Farm brings together a festive gathering of friends, family and sponsors, all joining forces in fun. This year, the party begins in the early afternoon on Sunday, October 18, so guests can casually stroll through the grounds being entertained by local musicians while enjoying delectable tastes from area restaurants, all in laid-back ambiance. Throughout the event, the horses are the show, as riders display their amazing abilities of performance horsemanship. Fabulous donated gifts, including original artworks, are offered for silent bids, but competitive bidding heats up as premiere items are presented for live auction bidding.

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GHOST LIGHT GHOST LIGHT GHOST LIGHT

by Erin Cowser

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THE CLOSEST THING TO A GHOST you’ll find in the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts is a touch of stage fright from time to time for novice thespians.

However, the theatre’s staff makes sure the hallowed tradition of a ghost light endures—just in case.

Modern ghost lights usually consist of an electric light that is left energized on stage whenever a theatre would otherwise be completely dark. It typically consists of an exposed incandescent bulb, LED lamp or high-efficiency fluorescent bulb mounted in a wire cage on a portable light stand.

The Columbia Theatre in downtown Hammond is an award-winning venue that always has an eclectic assortment of performances on stage. And when the

Inside Northside

final curtain drops after every show, Pete Pfeil makes sure the ghost light continues its practice of piercing the darkness, just as it has done since the renovated theatre re-opened in 2002 as an outreach extension of Southeastern Louisiana University.

As associate director for operations and production, Pfeil is the last to leave the theatre at night after he sets the ghost light downstage center and illuminates it. Upon return, he’s also the one to turn it off and secure it in a safe place backstage.

The ghost light that calls the Columbia Theatre home is actually a family heirloom Pfeil received from his mother. Unlike other ghost lights, it maintains two light bulbs. “I think our fixture fits the style of

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

IN the Arts

Exorcising the Spirits the historic venue that so many people worked so hard to revive,” says Pfeil.

“This particular fixture has two lamps instead of the traditional one, and the symbolism to me was to honor both the original 1928 theatre and its 2002 reopening as a performing arts center.”

The origin of ghost lights is a mystery that spans centuries. While no one knows for certain, there are several prevailing theories for the dim, glowing lights that are fixtures at professional and amateur theatres alike. There’s the most obvious practical reason—for >> September-October 2015 109

the sake of safety. An entirely dark stage is hazardous for theatre workers who might fall into an orchestra pit or trip on unfamiliar set pieces or props.

Ghost lights are also sometimes known as equity lights or equity lamps, possibly indicating their use was originally mandated by the Actors’ Equity Association for accident prevention. There’s also an urban myth that floats around stating that the term equity light stems from a legal mishap and hence became a mandate. The story is told of a burglar who fell off the stage in the dark, then proceeded to sue the theatre he was attempting to burgle and won damages. The ghost lights would make certain future thieves had plenty of lighting so they couldn’t similarly manipulate the legal system.

Some contend that the use of ghost lights predates the invention of electricity, when theaters were lit with coal gas lamps powered by coal gas generators. Leaving a flame burning overnight would prevent the buildup of pressure in the gas lines, thereby reducing the risk of gas line explosions.

Others say that even before the invention of generators, the superstitious tradition behind the light was ancient, dating back to at least the time of Shakespeare and probably to even older periods in theatrical history. According to legend, a candle would be left burning on the stage to dispel the ghosts of previous performances, especially if those performances received poor reviews.

While these are practical reasons and relatively reasonable explanations for the existence of ghost lights, there’s also a darker side to the lighting situation. Superstitions abound in which ghost lights are lit to keep ghosts at bay. Perhaps the ghost light guards against a “dark” stage that creates gloom, sadness or bad luck—a dark stage often denotes no show is running because of a lack of funding, or even worse, cancellation of an unsuccessful production. Another thought is that ghosts need help when they tread the boards in a dark and empty playhouse. Otherwise, they might bump into the scenery. Restless or resentful ghosts could create havoc if they realized no one was in the theatre.

Similar superstitions hold that ghost lights provide opportunities for the ghosts of Another theory surrounding ghost lights is that a “dark” stage creates gloom, sadness or bad luck, because a dark stage often denotes no show is running because of a lack of funding, or even worse, cancellation of an unsuccessful production. When all the lights go out, the ghost thinks the theatre has been abandoned and causes accidents to happen on the set. Not wanting to upset any lurking ghosts, some theatre workers keep this light on.

Similar superstitions hold that ghost lights provide 110

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Pete Pfeil, associate director for operations and production.

opportunities for the ghosts of former actors to perform onstage, thus appeasing them and preventing them from cursing the theater or sabotaging the set or production. This is also used to explain the traditional one day a week that theaters are closed in order to give the ghosts a chance to perform their own plays, which they presumably are only able to manage with the ghost light on.

Theatrical lore leads one to believe that some theatres go as far as to reserve seats for audience members of the spiritual variety. Originally opened as the Royal English Opera House in 1891, legend has it that the grand structure now known as the Palace Theatre in Westminster, London, has two seats bolted in the open position for the comfort of its supernatural spectators.

Pfeil will assure you that the Columbia Theatre has no resident ghosts. However, he plans to have its ghost light tradition carry on in perpetuity. “The practical reason I wanted to maintain a ghost light is that it provides illumination so we can be safe when the main lighting is off. And the superstitious reason is to keep the ghosts happy,” he says with a grin. “It seems to have worked as planned on both accounts.”

Pfeil has been actively involved in theatre for 52 years, starting out as a fledgling actor and shifting his focus to the world of stagecraft in college. “I was first introduced to theatre, art and music by my dear, departed mother,” he says. “I have since had a wonderful career as a lighting designer and now as associate director of operations and production at the Columbia. And, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Even if after-hours lighting weren’t the best policy for safety purposes, superstitious thespians would probably still insist on keeping a ghost light burning. After all, it’s called stage fright for a reason.

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IN the Arts

NORDC/NOBA Center for Dance

performance of NOBA’s Summer Intensive.

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photo: JEFF STROUT

pre-professional student Taylor Landry dances at the culminating

BEETHOVEN. AGATHA CHRISTIE. My Fair Lady. Big Daddy O. Mary Poppins. Edgar Degas. Doo Wop. And much, much more.

There’s something for everyone during the 2015-2016 Cultural Season. Start planning now so that you don’t miss any of your favorites.

Just a reminder—it’s always good to check dates, times and venues on the websites provided, as they are all subject to change.

LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2015-2016 northshore season begins Sept. 19 with Mahler’s Resurrection at the First Baptist Church in Covington. The following performances will also take place at the church: Oct. 23, The French Connection; Nov. 20, Mendelssohn Violin Concerto; Jan. 22, Carnaval!; March 18, An American Spring; and May 13, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.

The LPO presents Viva Italia! Oct. 16 at the Columbia Theatre in Hammond and Oct. 17 at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. Yuletide Celebration takes place at the Columbia Theatre Dec. 4 and repeats at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium Dec. 6. On Dec. 18, the orchestra will present Baroque Christmas at the Church of the King in Mandeville. Beethoven’s Eroica will be Feb. 12 at the Columbia Theatre in Hammond and Feb. 13 at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium For up-to-date information, call (504) 523-6530 or visit lpomusic.com.

ST. TAMMANY ART ASSOCIATION The St. Tammany Art Association begins its season with Other Voices, >> September-October 2015 113

Other Rooms: Paintings by Roy Pfister & Furnishings by History Antiques from Aug.15 – Sept. 5. Architecture as Art: Selections from the New Orleans Museum of Art will open with a reception during Covington’s Second Saturday Art on Sept. 12 and continue through Oct. 31. Attend Fall for Art in downtown Covington Oct. 10. The Annual Miniatures Members’ Exhibit will take place Nov. 14 – Nov. 28 during the Three Rivers Arts Festival. Covington Art Market: Fall Season will be Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. The opening reception for String Theory: Artwork

by Suzanne King will be Dec. 12; the exhibit continues through Jan. 30. The Tulane Student Glass Show runs Feb. 13 – April 2. The Louisiana Artists Exhibit, curated by John Kemp, opens with reception during Spring for Art on April 9, continuing through May 21. For more information, call 892-8650 or visit sttammanyartassociation.org.

CITY OF SLIDELL Slidell Cultural Center exhibits include Hope for Habitat: Katrina X, July 24 – Aug. 8; Artists of the Year presented by Slidell Art League, Aug. 14 - Sept. 11; and Mixed Media, Sept.

25 - Oct. 30. The Freedom Military Veterans exhibit will run Nov. 11 Dec. 19; Salad Days, Jan. 22 - Feb. 26; and Slidell Photo Club, Mar. 5 – Mar. 28. From the Vaults of the New Orleans Museum of Art will be April 2 - May 21 and Olde Towne Arts Center Exhibit, June 17 - July 22.

The Bayou Jam Fall Concert Series kicks off with Michael Baptiste & Real Soul Sept. 27; Band of Brothers, Oct. 11; and Vince Vance and the Valiants, Nov. 1. Christmas Under the Stars Holiday Celebration takes place Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12. Arts Evening Cultural Festival will be April 2. The Bayou Jam Spring Concert 114

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Series begins with Christian Serpas & Ghost Town on April 3 and ends with Frontiers-Journey Cover Band on April 17. Some Enchanted Evening with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will be May 1. For more information, call 646-4375 or visit myslidell.com.

DEW DROP JAZZ & SOCIAL HALL The season will begin Sept. 11 with Don Vappie & His Creole Jazz Serenaders. Chris Thomas King will perform Sept. 25. On Oct. 9, local favorite Deacon John plays. Clive Wilson & His Original Camellia Jazz Band jazzes the stage Oct. 23; Big Daddy O plays Nov. 6; and Cindy Scott performs Nov. 20. On Dec. 4, The Write Brothers hit the stage and on Dec. 18, Linnzi Zaorski and her sixpiece band present originals from her record, It’s a Wonderful Record, along with holiday favorites. For more information, visit dewdropjazzhall.com.

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

JEFFERSON PERFORMING ARTS SOCIETY Now in its new center on Airline Drive in Metairie, the Jefferson Performing Arts Society kicks off its 38th season with My Fair Lady, Sept. 25 – Oct. 4. Next, JPAS presents Rigoletto, based on the play Le roi s’amuse by Victor Hugo Oct. 23 and 25.

On Dec. 4-13, Sister Act hits the stage. Enjoy The Nutcracker, featuring the JPAS Symphony Orchestra, Dec. 19 and 20. The Light in the Piazza runs January 22-31 and Mary Poppins, March 11-20. The season comes to a close with A Midsummer Night’s Dream Ballet on May 14 and 15. For more information, go to jpas.org or call 504-885-2000.

NORTHLAKE PERFORMING ARTS SOCIETY NPAS starts its season with Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods Oct. 16 and 18 at Covington’s Fuhrmann Auditorium. Two area high school choruses will perform. The Sound the Trumpet holiday concert will be Dec. 13 at the Christ Episcopal School Theater in Covington.

The Best of Doo Wop March 18 and 20 at Fuhrman Auditorium will feature Doo Wops top hits from the 1950s and 1960s. An American Tribute June 3 and 5, including many standard American patriotic songs and hymns, will be at the Christ Episcopal School Theater. For additional information and ticketing, go to npas.info or call (985) 792-1392.

LE PETIT THÉÂTRE DU VIEUX CARRÉ Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré opens its doors to the 2015-2016 season with Our Town, Oct. 2-18. Other shows include The Bluest Eye, Dec. 4-20; Sleeping Beauty, Jan. 15- Feb. 14; and The Glass Menagerie, March 18-April 3. The season closes with A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, May 20-June 5. For more information, call (504) 522-2081 or visit lepetitetheatre.com.

NEW ORLEANS BALLET ASSOCIATION The 2015-2016 dance season at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre begins Oct. 24 with the Twyla Tharp 50th Anniversary Tour. The Dance Theatre of Harlem will perform Nov. 21 and Malpaso Dance Company from Cuba, co-presented with >>

Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall.

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The NOCCA Institute, on March 11-13. Hubbard Street Dance Chicago performs April 2. NOBA closes the season with Che Malambo from Argentina on May 7. nobadance.com.

NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART New Orleans Museum of Art has already kicked off the 2015-2016 season with Ten Years Gone, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Featuring six contemporary artists who explore the passage of time, memory, loss and transformation, the exhibit is on view through Sept. 7. The A Louisiana Parlor: Antebellum Style and Context exhibit in celebration of the acquisition of a superb rococo revival parlor from the Butler-Greenwood Plantation in St. Francisville runs through Oct. 11. Edgar Degas’ 1880 sculpture Little Dancer Aged Fourteen goes on display Oct. 10. The ‘FOREVER’ mural by Odili Donald Odita is on view through Dec. 31. Call (504) 658-4100 or visit noma.org.

NEW ORLEANS OPERA The New Orleans Opera opens the 2015-2016 season at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre with La Traviata on Oct. 9 and 11. Die Fledermaus will be performed Nov. 13 and 15; Dead Man Walking, March 4 and 6; and Tosca on April 8 and 10. For more information, call (504) 529-2278 or (800) 881-4459 or visit neworleansopera.org.

PLAYMAKERS, INC. The Playmakers 2015-2016 season begins with One Slight Hitch, Sept. 4-20 followed by Blythe Spirit, Nov. 6-22; Let There Be Light, Dec. 11-13, Agatha Christie’s mystery And Then There Were None, Feb. 26-March 13; and Finding The Absent Crescent, May 8-24.

The season comes to a close with the

popular production Annie, July 8-24.

For more information, call (985) 8931671 or visit playmakersinc.com.

SLIDELL LITTLE THEATER The Slidell Little Theater opens its season with Mary Poppins Aug. 28-Sept. 13. On Oct. 9- Oct. 25, SLT presents Katrina: The Mother-In-Law of ’em All, a touching and humorous play that relives the experience through the eyes of Katrina survivors. The Snow Queen follows on Nov. 27-Dec. 13. Pride and Prejudice will run Jan. 15-Jan.31, followed by Ernest J. Gaines’ A Lesson before Dying Mar. 4-Mar. 20. The season ends April 29-May15 with Spamalot, a fun twist on the film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail. slidelllittletheatre.org.

SOUTHERN REP Six passionate playwrights, six unpredictable 10-minute plays, one wild hour. 6x6 plays take the stage at The Theatre at St. Claude Oct. 14, Nov. 18, Dec. 9, Feb. 24, March 30, April 27 and June 22. Also, look for 3x3 one-acts Sept. 21-22 at The Theatre at St. Claude. In the Mainstage Season, Stage Kiss by Sarah Ruhl runs Sept. 19 – Oct. 10; Song of a Man Coming Through by Joe and Andrew Doss, Nov. 7 – 21; Orpheus Descending

by Tennessee Williams, in partnership with the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, featuring Beth Bartley and Brenda Currin, March 12 – April 2; and Colossal by Andrew Hinderaker, National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere, May 14 – June 5. All Mainstage locations to be announced. For more information, call (504) 522-6545 or visit southernrep.com.

Cutting Edge Theater Cutting Edge Theater in Slidell

kicks off its season with Once on this Island, based on the 1985 novel My Love, My Love, Aug. 21-Sept. 5.

Quills will be performed Oct. 2-17, and Greater Tuna hits the stage Nov. 6-21. Other performances include That’ll be the Day—Buddy Holly Tribute, The Rocky Horror Show and Livin’ La Vida Loca. Dates and times to be announced. For more information, visit cuttingedgetheater.com or call 649-3727.

COLUMBIA THEATRE/ FANFARE The 2015-16 season of Hammond’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts opens Sept. 24 with Southeastern Opera/Theatre Workshop’s presentation of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Later in the season, patrons will be treated to a musical performance by the Jaimee Paul Quartet. Also on tap are performances by Bits and Pieces Puppet Theatre in a Pajamas and Play presentation of Princess Thimbelina, Oct. 9; Broadway’s Next Hit Musical, Oct. 27; and Aquila Theatre Company in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Feb. 19. Back by popular demand is Missoula Children’s Theatre, which will be in town April 11-15; this year’s production is Little Red Riding Hood.

For more information, call 543-4366 or visit columbiatheatre.org.

A complement to the Columbia Theatre season, Fanfare, Southeastern Louisiana University’s 30th annual October celebration of the arts, humanities and social sciences, will feature more university faculty and student artists than ever before. Fanfare will once again showcase music, theater, lectures, films, children’s events, art exhibits and more. Visit southeastern.edu/fanfare for more information.

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Just as pink is for breast cancer and red is for AIDs, the color for Alzheimer’s is purple. Join us as we Color (our hair) for the Cure! Throughout September, Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, add a purple extension to your hair in honor of the Honey Bunch team’s efforts. On September 25, H2O Salon and Spa in Mandeville will donate a percentage of its sales to the team’s fundraising goals.

2015

Color for the Cure—Go Purple!

Walk to End

Alzheimer’s

Motivated by the beauty, strength and struggle of their mother, who was called Honey, Heather Mahoney and Holli Gaspard of H2O Salons created the Honey Bunch team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s project. Honey passed away in February after a brave fight, but her legacy lives on through her daughters’ loving passion and fundraising. In the past three years, the Honey Bunch proudly raised over $100,000 for the cause. Clients of H2O Salons, friends of

the twins and countless others joined the effort to support Honey’s daughters and the walking team they created in her honor. They’ve experienced tremendous success, ranking in the Top 15 fundraisers nationwide.

The Honey Bunch will again be participating in the fundraising walks in our area this year. Sign up to be a part of the team, or donate in support of their efforts.

Tell them the Honey Bunch sent you!

!

WALK FOR THE CURE PONCHATOULA/HAMMOND: Sat., Oct. 10, Ponchatoula Recreation Park, 9 a.m.

NEW ORLEANS: Sat., Nov. 14, LaSalle Park, 9 a.m.

NORTHSHORE: Sat., Oct. 3, Fontainebleau State Park, 9 a.m.

To register and for more information, visit alz.org/walk.

Heather Mahoney and Holli Gaspard.

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Fighting Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly, eventually becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Ultimately, Alzheimer’s is fatal, and currently, there is no cure.

Several FDA-approved drugs treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, temporarily helping memory and thinking problems in approximately half of the people who take them, but they do not affect the underlying causes. Some new drugs in development aim to modify the disease process itself by impacting the many brain changes Alzheimer’s causes. Many researchers believe successful treatment will eventually involve a “cocktail” of medications aimed at several of these targets, similar to treatments for many cancers and AIDS. Dr. Robert Clark, a molecular biologist in Chapel Hill, N.C., conducting Alzheimer’s research, notes there is great progress being made in its prevention and cure. He asks that you help by raising money for research, writing your local politicians to have them provide funds and finally, by donating your affected loved one’s body to science.

There is still so much to be learned.

For more information, visit alz.org.

Persons with Alzheimer’s benefit from programs that enrich their life and enable them to function at the highest possible level. This includes an extensive assessment of their unique needs to ensure the perfect level of care.

“What defines a nourishing space for someone with dementia? An environment built around their needs, their cognitive levels and their dignity.

Our programs focus on specialized memory care training.”

- David Schonberg, owner and operator of Beau Provence in Mandeville and Park Provence in Slidell.

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Generous Hearts

by Susan H. Bonnett

The Rhythm of Giving AS IF HER WORLD-RENOWNED TALENT as a fiddler, her sharp, witty lyrics and her adorably brave fashion statements were not enough to make you fall in love with local talent Amanda Shaw, you can add “do-gooder� to the list.

At only 25 and one of the leading Cajun fiddlers in the world, Amanda is part of a new breed of young entertainers who support philanthropic and humanitarian causes,

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using their celebrity to encourage their peers and fans to do the same.

Born and raised in Covington, Amanda began playing the fiddle when she was very young. By the ripe old age of 8, she was the youngest soloist in the Baton Rouge Symphony. As her talent matured, her musical tastes spread, influenced by the diversities of the music scene of New Orleans. Her songs integrate Cajun and pop sounds to produce a unique grassroots sound that has placed her as one of the youngest headliners at music festivals throughout the

The Amanda Shaw Foundation

photo: SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CONVENTION & TOURIST BUREAU

world. She has repeatedly drawn record crowds to Jazz Fest since she was 10 years old.

With four albums under her belt, shelves full of awards, countless worldwide performances and a new six-song >>

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EP in the works, you might think that Amanda had reached her life goals— but you would be wrong. “I have this amazing career in large part because of the wonderful people in Louisiana who have supported my music,” says Amanda. That generosity and the kind hearts of others is one of the strongest reasons Amanda wants to give something back.

While Amanda’s giving heart has always been a part of who she is, the addition of a new family member solidified her passion and inspiration for philanthropy. A few years ago, after Amanda and her brother were grown, Amanda’s parents fostered and ultimately adopted a little boy who changed all of their lives.

“Alex has been with our family his entire 5 years of life. He was officially adopted three years ago and has always been the most amazing gift to us,” smiles Amanda. “Alex was born premature and has cerebral palsy. The doctors said he would never walk or talk. My mom has a lot of passion and determination and didn’t accept the expectations the doctors were giving her. She researched creative solutions and therapies to help him. Alex is now a regular kindergartener who runs around with other kids and has really blossomed. Every time we see Alex overcome an obstacle, there are no words to describe it. His accomplishments rank up there with some of the greatest moments of my life.”

Without the nurturing support and loving commitment of Amanda’s parents, Alex may have never reached the heights he has so far. Amanda’s young, blossoming brother has inspired her to do more—for her world, for her state and for her community.

Always willing to play a free show or give of her talent to support a worthy cause, Amanda decided she wanted to be more organized and intentional in her 122

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Gild Home Decor

philanthropy to maximize her impact and inspire others to do the same. Now, as a gift to herself for her 25th birthday, she is forming the Amanda Shaw Foundation to do just that. The main focus will be to make a difference in the lives of local youth.

“My goals with the foundation are to let our local youth know that THEY matter. Even if they don’t come from a perfect situation, if they are passionate about what they want to do, they can make it. No one in my family plays music except me, but my parents supported me 100 percent, so I worked hard for it. Without that support structure, I’m not sure if I would be in this position. So that’s what I want to try to create—a foundation for youth to know how important they are. It’s easy to throw your hands up when you’re feeling helpless,” Amanda says. “That’s when I think kids can make bad decisions.” And that is what she is determined to tackle.

As Amanda creates her plans for her foundation, she is working closely with the Northshore Community Foundation to make sure she “follows the rules.” It is important to her that her charitable work be held to the same level of professionalism and integrity that she is known for in the entertainment industry.

As you watch her star rising, look out for her new EP later this year and the kick-off event for her foundation in early 2016. The northshore region is lucky to have Amanda—an ambassador bursting with talent and an even bigger heart.

Follow Amanda and her journey at amandashaw.com.

Sisters Katie O’Donnell and Kelly Fangue of Gild Home Decor are believers in fate. While looking for the perfect spot for their new business, they found a gold “gilded” wall in one space—and that was the last sign from fate they needed.

Their lifelong dream of opening a retail store together became a reality when everything seamlessly fell into place.

Armed with their passion for retail and customer service and years of retail buying experience, they partnered with their mother, Carol O’Donnell, who owned The Linen Closet in downtown Covington in the ’80s. Staffing the store themselves, one of the three personally greets and assists each Gild customer.

Together, they have chosen an impressive selection of quality furniture—hand-selected, one-of-kind pieces that not only look great today, but will be an investment to enjoy for years to come. Complimentary design consultation helps their customers select the perfect addition for each unique space.

“Bring in a photo of the room you’re decorating. If we don’t have the piece you’re looking for in the store, we can custom order one,” says Katie.

A wide array of accessories and gifts starting at $20 complements the furniture collection. Unique to the area are Henhouse Linens, Boatman Gellar personalized items, D.V. KAP Home decorative pillows and pieces from local artist Riva Caldwell.

The mother-daughters team can’t wait to welcome you as part of the Gild family—and don’t miss the large holiday display in the upcoming season!

Gild Home Decor is located at 3441 E. Causeway Approach, Suite C, in Mandeville. 629-4002.

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A Gander’s Tale

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ONCE UPON A TIME, there lived a very handsome prince named Prince Gander. A brown African goose, he ruled over his gaggle of waterfowl with kindness and generosity. The royal residence was outfitted with a heated swimming pool, fenced-in gardens, a pergola and a large staff. The prince happily shared these luxuries with his subjects and friends. Everything he desired was at the tips of his webbed toes and at the beck of his every honk. But the prince wanted to see what was outside his compound’s walls. So one day, he ventured out into the real world …

As I drove into Julie and Drew Jardine’s picturesque neighborhood, sleepy live oaks laden with moss overhung the quiet streets and created a tranquil atmosphere. I parked my car and walked toward their home, only to have the pleasant calm cut short by a loud honking sound that seemed to be coming from behind their house. By the time I reached the front door, it was positively earsplitting.

Inside Northside

Unfazed by the noise I found so shrill, the vivacious Julie welcomed me. She said, sensing my anxiety, “Now you understand why we named him ‘Honky.’ It’s because he’s so loud!” Julie was referring to her beloved pet African goose, the exotic bird I had come to meet. She continued, “The males are known to make a high, long, double-syllable ‘honk’ that resembles a tugboat, and they will ‘hiss’ at their enemies. Honky hisses if he doesn’t like someone.” Terrific, I thought to myself. I sure hope he likes me.

Honky became a member of the Jardine family in May 2013 when his original owner could no longer care for him. The young gander imprinted on Julie immediately. “By July 2013, he was in his ‘teenage years’ and was a little demanding. Honky didn’t like for anyone else to be in his pool, except the other birds. It looked like a water ballet class, and we called

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Kate Brevard

Honky Dory

it ‘Honky’s Harem!’ We couldn’t go into our own pool. What we won’t do for our animals!” Julie laughs, as she reminisces about the start of their adventurous new life with Honky. (In addition to Honky, the Jardines have two grown human daughters who are married, two Papillons and three cats.)

Behind the Jardines’ home is a natural swamp where many different species of aquatic birds gather—in particular, Canada geese. Honky’s “Mother Goose,” Julie, taught him his manners, and he shares not only his pool but also his food with his finefeathered friends. “Honky is very proud when they ask to eat his food,” says Julie. The pampered gander dines on a gourmet diet of cracked corn, special waterfowl food with vitamins, minerals and oats and to top it off, a mile-high pile of kale and organic spring lettuce mix. “Arugula is his absolute favorite!”

Honky cherishes companionship with other animals. One of his most loyal friends is Barney, a Canada gander.

But his very best friend is a Canada goose named Tio. “Tio” stands for “The Injured One,” because her foot was mauled by an alligator snapping turtle, one of the area’s natural predators.

They are the world’s heaviest freshwater turtles and wait at the bottom of murky waters for their prey. Although these turtles usually dine on fish, they will eat almost anything they can catch.

Unfortunately, the Canada geese and waterfowl can fall prey to these hunters.

If the birds are lucky enough to get away, they are often left with maimed feet or without limbs, as was Tio. Honky is obviously unique, a nonconformist to the core. Typically, geese mate for life, and the first goslings appear every spring. In April 2014, Julie noticed that one of the new Canada babies trailing behind his parents had >> September-October 2015 125

bright orange legs and feet exactly like Honky’s and unlike the Canada geese, who have black legs and feet. As the new addition grew over the next few months, he looked like a hybrid of the two breeds. Although no formal DNA tests have been conducted, all concerned are fairly certain that Honky is a “baby daddy.” Happily, the Canada geese parents seem oblivious and have welcomed Honky’s baby into their family unit as their own.

Things were going along just “honky” dory for the African goose after moving in with the Jardines until August 4, 2014. Occasionally, Honky would leave his pool to swim in the natural swamp just outside the Jardines’ enclosed yard. When the gander wasn’t home by dusk on that fateful day, Julie knew something was wrong. So, she began searching for her adored pet. “An alligator snapping turtle got him by the The African goose, a large, domestic bird with a bulky body, is not African at all but is descended from the Swan goose, a native of Asia. African geese come in three colors, brown (like Honky), buff and white, and have a large knob attached to their foreheads. Their legs and feet are orange, and a mature gander can weigh up to 22 pounds.

Geese have been used as sentinels for centuries because of their loud cackling vocalizations, their territorial nature, excellent eyesight and good memories. In Dumbarton, Scotland, Ballantine’s famously employs guard geese to protect their stock of Scotch whiskey. “Because there is nothing scarier than an angry goose,” boasts their online website.

This well-known gaggle has been nicknamed “Scotch Watch.”

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photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

right leg, and he was badly injured.”

The avian vet had to amputate most of Honky’s right leg to save his life. Julie says emotionally, “They thought I was crazy when I said, ‘You have to save him!’ I don’t think the vet grasped that he was a pet. She didn’t believe that someone was going to spend thousands of dollars to save a goose.

“When he came home after his accident, his friends came to the pool to see him. Honky had always been the one to protect the injured ones, and now he needed them,” says Julie, speaking to Honky’s popularity among the other birds.

Since the accident, Julie has been tenaciously researching the possibility of a prosthetic limb for Honky.

But animals are truly amazing and adaptable creatures.

When on land, Honky has learned to get around by using his right wing as a crutch or stump to compensate for his lost leg. So, life is back to normal, and the Jardines look forward to their next exciting escapade with Honky.

Prince Gander returned from his jaunt, happy to be home.

He rules over his garden palace and has never gone beyond the gates again, realizing that everything he needs is within his own backyard—the love of family and friends is the only thing he requires. He was very grateful, and he lived happily ever after.

THE END September-October 2015 127

IN the Bookcase

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

A Spool of Blue Thread

by Anne Tyler

CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH. That’s what your grandma said about you and your siblings, but it couldn’t have been further from the truth: you were different as sun and rain. You came from the same set of parents, and that’s about all you had in common. Still, there are always things in life that stitch families together and in A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler, the Whitshanks needed that kind of mending.

When Junior Whitshank built the house on Bouton Road just after the Depression, folks noticed that he threw his heart into it, but no one fully understood. They didn’t know that Junior aimed to someday live there himself, even though Bouton Road was part of the well-to-do section of town, and Junior wasn’t. Even so, eyeing a dream that would surely come true, he insisted that every door, newel and window were the finest his clients’ money could buy.

Red Whitshank knew that the

house he inherited from his father was a great place to raise a family, but he never thought much past that. Over the years, as he and Abby brought each baby home, Red remodeled some, moved the girls to make room for boys and added a bathroom—but for him, there were other things more pressing to consider.

Like work, for instance.

For Abby Whitshank, the house on Bouton Road was the heart of her family, though there were times when she didn’t understand where things went wrong, especially with her oldest son, Denny.

He’d always been the black sheep child, the one who flitted from here to there and could never settle down. It wasn’t unusual for him to disappear and for years to pass before they heard from him again.

That hurt Abby because, deep in her heart, Denny was her favorite, and she’d never admit that to anybody but Red. She wasn’t even sure Red listened anymore—he was just like his father. He said she worried too much, but wasn’t

that a hallmark of a good mother? And wasn’t a good mother the ribbon that tied the family together?

Much as I loved A Spool of Blue Thread, I struggle to define it, because it’s really not about anything in particular: through the eyes of three generations of average people, author Anne Tyler spins a tale of love and family dynamics. The Whitshanks marry, they squabble, they grow, they deal with tragedy—that’s all.

Then again, that’s not all.

Tyler makes this book feel like a long conversation on the front porch with a friend (or two) whose family is going through a rough spot. You’ll listen, you’ll raise eyebrows in gentle surprise, you’ll nod, you’ll sympathize—but you just can’t turn away.

Nor can you put this heart-striking novel down, because it feels just right for a few afternoons. And so, if the next book club pick is yours, or you want a good family drama to read, A Spool of Blue Thread has that all sewn up.

September-October 2015 129

Megan Huval and Benjamin Bucy exchanged their vows at St. Mary’s Italian Church in New Orleans. Megan graced the aisle in an Augusta Jones gown featuring lace sleeves, an elegant train and dramatic veil to match.

Her bridesmaids dressed in navy chiffon gowns from Olivier Couture in Mandeville. The bridal party and guests second lined their way to Latrobe’s on Royal with the help of the Kinfolk Brass Band. At the reception, roses, hydrangeas, peonies and ranunculus accented the atmosphere. Guests dined on cuisine prepared by Chef John Besh and danced to the music of Mojeaux. After the night of dancing and dining, the happy couple honeymooned in Antigua. photo: MARK ERIC PHOTOGRAPHY

Holland-Saucier Lindsey Holland and Matthew Saucier wed on the dock of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum. The bride’s strapless Maggie Sottero satin gown was accented by asymmetrical pleating and beaded motifs of Swarovski crystals. Her maids wore crinkle chiffon dresses in nude. The reception flowed to the museum, where centerpieces boasted lush greenery with blush and white roses and hydrangeas. Wedding guests noshed on crawfish étouffée, pepper jack corn grits and other rich delectables before dancing to the music of Amazing Hat. Along with wedding cake, fresh beignets were served as an added treat. The newlyweds honeymooned in Playa Mujeres, Mexico, before returning home to Hammond with their puppy dog, Roux.

photo: COLLIN RICHIE PHOTOGRAPHY

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

Huval-Bucy

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INside Peek 1. Michael T. Tusa Jr., Jim Rather and Mike Alker getting drenched by Monique Bacas, Vicky Tate and Kim Dent Karrick for the Ice Bucket Challenge.

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2. Pat Gallagher, Mike Cooper 2

and Norman Foxworth at the Covington High School ’60’62 class reunion hosted by Dependable Glass Works.

3. Matt Pivarnik, Michelle Biggs

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and Dean Faile after Michelle graduated from the Institute for Organization Management’s professional development program. 4. Beth Jenkins, Brian 4

Berrigan and Summer Garner at Lakeview Regional Medical Center Auxillary’s Alzheimer Benefit Classy Car Show. 5. Cindy, Connor and Ricky Quigley.

6. Lakeview employees with the recipient of the Best of Show award.

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IN the Spotlight 24 in 24 At the Crossfit No Surrender 24 in 24 fundraising event, athletes performed a workout at the beginning of each hour for 24 hours. The event began at 9 a.m. and ended the next morning. Each new workout raised funds to benefit Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. This year’s goal of $50,000 was exceeded, reaching $62,185.56.

Sweet Soirée The 5th annual Sweet Soirée was held at Stone Creek Club and Spa. The jazzy night starred Batiste Father & Son of the New Millennium, Amanda Shaw & the Cute Guys, Rockin’ Dopsie and other talented artists. Food and spirits were enjoyed with the music. The silent auction featured the 2015 Sweet Soirée painting by Sallie Knox Hall.

Proceeds benefitted ACCESS, which helps families of children with disabilities.

September-October 2015 135

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INside Peek 3

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1. Owners Katie O’Donnell, Carol O’Donnell and Kelly O’Donnell Fangue at the grand opening of Gild Home Decor in Mandeville. 2. Jennifer Messina and Phoebe Whealdon at the Southern Hotel for St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce’s Southern Nights. 3. Larry and Elizabeth Manshel. 4. Donald Villere, Ric Poirier with Susan and Bret Kolman. 5. Archbishop Hannan Hawkette Seniors Elizabeth Nader, Abby Knight, Madalyn Mares, Emily Elwell and Bailey Lanier after placing first at the Universal Dance Association Camp.

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3 1. MoreSMILES Dental Spa team members Emily Smith, Shannon Whitney, Madelaine Moreau, Dr. Jim Moreau, and Julie Moreau in San Jose, Costa Rica, on a dental mission trip. 2. Bonnie Brister, Jeanine Riecke and Missy Logan at Krewe of Olympia’s Mardi Gras 2016 Warm Up Luau at the home of Jared and Jeanine Riecke. 3. Heidi Bowers, Chantel Williamson, Melinda Carmeli and Sandy Barry. 4. GNO Property Management presents a check to the American Red Cross after a successful Hurricane Preparedness Expo held at Fontainebleau High School.

September-October 2015 137

INside Peek 1. Dominique and Cette of Hemline Mandeville celebrating

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their Summer SoirĂŠe with

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customers. 2. Bobby Truit, Sophia Omoro and Kathy Truit at the YMCA of Greater New Orleans’ Northshore Heroes Luncheon.

3. Catherine and Mike Cooper.

4. Rick Flick and Bill Davis.

5. William Taylor and Richard Harris wrapping the first gyro at the grand opening of Glory Bound Gyro Company in Covington. 6. Henry Markel and Mary Baumann after being honored by Lakeview Regional Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary for their 20 years of volunteer service.

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September-October 2015 139

IN the Spotlight St. Tammany Humane Society Duck Derby

photos courtesy: ST. TAMMANY HUMANE SOCIETY

Five thousand rubber ducks raced down the Bogue Falaya River in hopes of winning the $1,000 prize. The adoptable ducks were part of the fundraiser to benefit the St. Tammany Humane Society. Games, food, face painting and more filled the Bogue Falaya Park for a Saturday morning of fun. Families, volunteers and furry friends enjoyed the music of Christian Serpas & Ghost Town throughout the day. At the end of the race, Donna Melancon took home the winning prize with her yellow rubber ducky.

September-October 2015 141

INside Peek 1

4 3 1. Committee members Megan Romano, Shelley Sisson, Kristie Rorex, Kelly Wolfarth, Toni Pazos and Kris Muntan of Racquets for Reagan pose with 2

the check to be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 2. Wayne Morris, Sandy Franco, Ryan Sisson, Shelley Sisson, Reagan Sisson, Jim BarKate and Katie Casanova. 3. Potter Adams, Cassie Schwartzmann, Megan Brassette, Jacob Butcher, Melissa Bordelon, Ryan Pearce, Alisha Kennedy and Bryan Hodnett at the Barley Oak for the 2015 Northshore’s Finest Happy Hour. 4. Emily Lassus, Jonathan Kennedy, Brian Egan, Stefanie Egan and Jennifer Messina.

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1. Ed Scarborough, Rheana Scarborough, Charlie Thornton, and Terri Scarborough at the 7 C’s Farm in Hammond for Rheana and Charlie’s “I Do” BBQ. 2. Francis Chauvin celebrating her 83rd birthday during the engagement party. 3. George Thornton, Rheana Scarborough, Charlie Thornton, Sidney Thornton and Norwood Thornton. 4. Jayne Chauvin, Rheana Scarborough, Stevie Bankston and Maggie Bankston.

September-October 2015 143

IN the Spotlight Inside Northside’s Meet the Artist Party Cover artist Roy Robinson was happy to meet and greet the many friends and guests who gathered at American Factory Direct Furniture in Mandeville for the Inside Northside Meet the Artist Party.

Readers and fans gathered in the newly developed designer showroom to enjoy drinks and small bites provided by AFD. All American Healthcare gave 10-minute massages to guests who need a little stress relief and AFD gave all partygoers gift certificates as they perused the showroom and chatted with other guests.

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IN Development

by Robin Perkins

Each year from September 23 to December 10, the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court’s Archives Department hangs the Bonnie Blue Flag to commemorate the time that our area was part of the

Several Spanish soldiers were killed, and 21 were taken prisoner. The terrified prisoners immediately acknowledged the convention as the legitimate voice of the people. The convention participants remained at the fort and wrote a formal Declaration of Independence from Spain, adopted a constitution and called for elections for a Senate and House of Representatives.

The flag of the new Republic of West Florida, a white star on a field of azure blue, was hoisted over the fort.

The flag depicts a single identity against the bonnie blue skies of West Florida. It is an inspirational and defiant

Republic of West Florida in 1810.

Two hundred years ago, citizens in the east-west corridor from today’s East Baton Rouge Parish to the Pearl River of St. Tammany Parish decided to separate from Spanish governance and declare their land an independent nation. This area was not part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and had no ties to the United Sates. These brave people named their little country the Republic of West Florida. Why did this rebellion happen?

Settlers in the area felt abandoned by Spanish officials who were supposed to be providing government services. Direct Spanish involvement in South Louisiana had been decreasing since 1803. This happened at a bad time for the area because more and more settlers were arriving from the East. Improper verification of claim boundaries, lack of established rights to waterways and lack of basic law enforcement were upsetting the residents in early 1810. Citizens spent the summer of 1810 in a meeting outlining their grievances against Spain. They elected a group of men to present their issues to the territorial Spanish governor in Pensacola. They discussed ways to

flag. Its bright blue color conveys optimism.

Bonnie Blue Flag

implement the changes they wanted, but were unsure how the governor would respond.

As the summer drew to a close, many began to think they could do a better job of governing the area instead of waiting for the Spanish governor to act. Others believed it was better to remain loyal to Spain and wrote the governor, warning him of an impending uprising. But their letter was too late.

On September 23, 1810, men from the convention captured the Spanish fort at Baton Rouge.

frightened. But the convention held firm to plans to form an independent nation. Elections proceeded, and the new Senate and House or Representatives met for the first time November 18, 1810. The legislature drew up a judicial system, organized an army and a navy and actually made plans for a further conquest of Spanish West Florida.

They planned to cross the Pearl River into the Mississippi Territory and conquer the eastern Gulf coast. These men were experienced military veterans, and many were Revolutionary War fighters. The governments of Spain >>

The Republic of West Florida

A detachment of 400 men left Baton Rouge on September 30 to find the loyalists who wrote the letter to the governor, who were now branded as traitors.

Some were located and signed oaths of allegiance.

Others built a hasty fort on the banks of the Natalbany River near Springfield and hid there, believing Spanish soldiers would soon arrive from Pensacola to rescue them. Their hopes were dashed, however, on October 3, when conventionists swarmed their fort. Some of the loyalists had already left the fort. Those remaining were taken prisoner. In a dramatic turn of events, some of the prisoners made a daring escape under fire! News of this shocking episode spread quickly, and nearby settlers were

September-October 2015 145

and the United States looked on in amazement at this tiny group of very determined independent people.

Leaders in Washington, D.C., were not amused.

They weren’t interested in the problems of a few settlers on the southwest frontier. President James Madison, however, perceived the rebellion as an opportunity to take West Florida away from the Spanish once and for all. He issued a proclamation on October 27, 1810, declaring West Florida to be a part of the Louisiana Purchase and directed Governor William Claiborne of the New Orleans Territory to take control of the area.

Governor Claiborne’s troops marched into the area, but did not attack anyone and raised the U.S. flag over St. Francisville on December 7 without opposition.

Three days later, General Leonard Covington respectfully pulled down the Bonnie Blue Flag in Baton Rouge and hoisted the U.S. flag. The West Florida Republic came to an end just weeks after it was formed.

Hoping to maintain this peaceful transfer of power, Claiborne moved quickly to set up governance, creating new identities to define the land. He named the parishes of this area and drew parish boundaries on December 22, 1810. Fearing

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interference from Spain, he ordered an armed U.S. Navy shipyard to be established at Madisonville.

He was worried about a Spanish invasion from Pensacola. But in an ironic twist of history, the Madisonville Navy Yard became a staging area for soldiers defending the greater New Orleans area against the British during the War of 1812, culminating in the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815. But that’s another story!

Formal parish boundaries were adopted on April 11, 1811, including St. Tammany, Helena, East Baton Rouge and Feliciana. Statehood for Louisiana followed on April 30, 1812. Historians note that since the days of the West Florida Republic, the citizens of the area continue to display this same stalwart, frontier attitude. Unwilling to bow to outside influences, unafraid to show dissent and always ready to speak up for themselves, today’s citizens of St. Tammany and the other Florida Parishes seem to carry the spirit of their independent ancestors.

Robin Perkins is the archivist at the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court office.

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INside Dining MCC: Major credit cards accepted ME: Menu Express delivery RR: Reservations recommended ABITA SPRINGS Abita Barbecue, 69399 Hwy. 59, 400-5025. Ribs, brisket, chicken, pulled pork and boudin. MCC. Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St., 892-5837. On the Trace. Good food, great beer. Lunch, dinner. abitabrewpub.com. MCC. Abita Springs Café, 22132 Level St., 867-9950.

St., 893-4312. Seafood platters and po-boys.

Blvd., Ste. A, 871-0711. Open 7 days a week, lunch

columbiastreetseafood.com.

and dinner. A new age American restaurant concept with Mediterranean influences. gloryboundgyroco.com.

Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill, 434 N.

MCC.

Columbia St., 898-0899. Daily specials, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, soups and burgers.

Isabella’s Pizzeria, 70452 Hwy. 21, Ste. 500, 875-

Live music Thurs-Sat nights. Lunch, dinner.

7620. Salads, gourmet pizza, sandwiches, paninis,

covingtontaproom.com. MCC, ME.

calzones and pasta. isabellaspizzeria.net.

Copeland’s, 680 N. Hwy. 190, 809-9659.

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

Authentic New Orleans cuisine. Lunch, dinner

salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in or carry out.

and Sunday brunch. Online take-out orders at

italianpie.com. MCC, checks.

copelandsofneworleans.com. MCC, ME, RR. Jerk’s Island Grill & Daiquiri Bar, 70437 Hwy. Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy. 190, 892-3712.

21, 893-1380. jerksIslandgrill.com.

Contemporary Louisiana cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients. thedakotarestaurant.com.

La Carreta Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 812

Tues-Sun. MCC.

MCC, RR.

Hwy. 190, 624-2990. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

Camellia Café, 69455 Hwy. 59, 809-6313.

Del Porto Restaurant, 501 E. Boston St., 875-

service and value. Live music. Lunch and dinner

1006. Northern Italian cuisine. delportoristorante.com.

seven days a week. carretasrestaurant.com. MCC.

Southern cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

fresh food from traditional recipes, outstanding

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

MCC, RR.

Mama D’s Pizza & More, 22054 Hwy. 59,

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

Mon-Fri; Dinner, Fri-Sat. Closed Sundays. Daily

food and reasonable prices. Lunch, dinner.

lunch specials, local produce, Louisiana seafood,

dimartinos.com. MCC.

everything housemade. lolacovington.com.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 69292 Hwy. 21, 871-

Mattina Bella, 421 E. Gibson St., 892-0708.

2225. Locally-owned and -operated franchise. Kids

Breakfast, lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.

809-0308. Great pizza, sandwiches, pasta, fresh homemade bread. Lunch, dinner. mamadspizza.com.

COVINGTON Acme Oyster House, 1202 Hwy. 190, 2466155. Established 1910 in New Orleans, 1995 on

Lola, 517 N. New Hampshire St., 892-4992. Lunch,

eat free on Sundays. MCC. McAlister’s Deli, 206 Lake Dr., Ste. 15, 898-2800.

DiCristina’s Restaurant, 810 N. Columbia St.,

Great sandwiches, salads, overstuffed potatoes.

Lunch, dinner. mamdspizza.com. MCC.

Ste. C, 875-0160. Conveniently located next to the

mcalistersdeli.com. MCC, checks.

Albasha, 1958 Hwy. 190, 867-8292. Mediterranean

dicristinas.com. MCC.

northshore. Seafood, sandwiches, local favorites.

cuisine. albashabr.com. MCC. Annadele’s Plantation, 71518 Chestnut St., 8097669. 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.

Buster’s Place, 519 E. Boston St., 809-3880.

Seafood, po-boys, steaks. Lunch, dinner. MCC. Carreta’s Grill, 70380 Hwy. 21, 871-6674. Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served in a familyfriendly atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Kids eat free every Wednesday! Private events and catering also provided. carretasgrill.com. MCC. The Chimes, 19130 W. Front St., 892-5396.

Catering, Sunday brunch, daily lunch specials, 72

new Covington Courthouse. Italian and seafood.

Megumi of Covington, 1211 Village Walk, 8930406. megumirestaurant.net.

Don’s Seafood Hut, 126 Lake Dr., 327-7111.

Lunch and dinner. donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers, 1645 Hwy. 190, 327-5407. Salads, pizzas, calzones. 20 craft

Downtown Deli, 400 N. Thread St., 234-9086.

beers on tap. Open 7 days a week. Lunch and

Chicken salad, burgers and poboys. Mon-Fri,

dinner. MCC. mellowmushroom.com.

10:30am-2:30pm. MCC. Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, 104 Lake Dr. #1, 898El Portal, 1200 Business 190, 867-5367.

6362. menchies.com.

The English Tea Room, 734 Rutland St., 898-

Mugshots Grill & Bar, 300 River Highlands Blvd.,

3988. Authentic English cream teas. Special event

893-2422. Open seven days a week, lunch and

teas, English scones, crumpets and cakes. Serving

dinner. Known for famous specialty burgers and

breakfast and lunch. Mon-Sat, 7:30am-6pm.

“havin’ a good time!” mugshotsgrillandbar.com.

englishtearoom.com. MCC, RR. New Orleans Food and Spirits, 208 Lee Ln., Four Seasons Chinese Buffet, 600 N. Hwy. 190,

875-0432. Grilled fish, smothered rabbit and

893-3866. MCC.

voodoo crawfish rolls. Family owned and operated. neworleansfoodspirits.com. MCC.

Gallagher’s Grill, 509 S. Tyler St., 892-9992.

Lunch and dinner, Tues-Sat. gallaghersgrill.com.

Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery and Cafè,

MCC.

MCC, RR.

2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste. 5, 893-1488. Full service,

Coffee Rani, 234-A Lee Ln., 893-6158. Soup and

Garcia’s Famous Mexican Food, 200 River

catering, donuts, kingcakes, cupcakes and wedding

salad specialists. coffeerani.com.

Highlands Blvd., 327-7420.

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

Columbia St. Seafood, 1123 N. Columbia

Glory Bound Gyro Company, 500 River Highlands

beers on tap. Lunch and dinner. chimesbeeru.com.

148

year-round bakery. Luncheon salads, panini,

Inside Northside

com. MCC.

i Northshore Empress, 31

Sweet Daddy’s, 420 S. Tyler St.,

Louis Prima Dr., 871-6975.

898-2166. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs.

northshoreempress.com.

sweetdaddysbarbq.com. MCC, ME.

Osaka West Japanese Restaurant,

Tony Bosco’s at TerraBella, 141

804 N. Hwy. 190, 871-8199.

TerraBella Blvd., 612-7250. Authentic

osakawest.com

Italian cuisine. Lunch, dinner, private

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meeting room, catering. tonyboscos.com.

Ox Lot 9, 488 E Boston St., 4005663. Hotel. Dinner, Sunday brunch.

Vasquez Seafood & Po-Boys, 515

oxlot9.com. MCC.

E. Boston St., 893-9336. Cuban sandwiches and more. vazquezpoboy.

Pardos, 69305 Hwy. 21, 893-3603.

com. MCC, checks, ME.

An American bistro with a blend of multi-cultural cuisine with local flair.

Yujin Japanese Restaurant and

Frutta del mar pasta, rosemary-grilled

Sushi Bar, 323 N. New Hampshire

shrimp, roasted chicken. Lunch, Tues-

St., 809-3840. Japanese cuisine and

Fri; Dinner, Tues-Sun; Happy hour,

sushi in a casual atmosphere. MCC.

Tues-Fri, 4-7pm. Private parties and catering. pardosbistro.com. MCC.

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

Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun

zearestaurants.com. MCC.

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

HAMMOND

Jambalaya, gumbo, stuffed artichokes.

MCC, checks, ME.

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

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 70456 Hwy. 21, 875-7894. Catch your morning

Cocoa Bean Bakery and Cafe,

buzz at this convenient drive-thru!

910 E. Main St., 345-2002.

Catering. MCC.

Specialty cakes, pastries. Serving breakfast and light lunch. Specials.

Pizza Man of Covington, 1248 N.

thecocoabeanbakery.com. MCC.

Collins Blvd., 892-9874. Checks, ME. Don’s Seafood & Steak House, Raising Canes, 1270 N. Hwy. 190,

1915 S. Morrison Blvd., 345-8550.

809-0250. Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut

donsseafoodonline.com. MCC.

fries, coleslaw, texas toast, signature secret dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go

Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris St.,

and catering. MCC.

542-0043. Catering, special events, weddings. Casual fine dining, chargrilled

Renaissance Antiques & Gifts

steaks, gulf fish, fresh seafood, house

with the Original Soda Fountain

specialties. jacmelinn.com. MCC,

& Café Cabaret, 322 N. Florida St.,

checks.

892-7220. Nostalgic soda fountain for lunch and after school, six days a

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

week.

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

Sake 21 Japanese Restaurant,

sake. kirinjapanesecuisine.com. MCC.

70340 Hwy. 21, 809-2640.

La Carreta Authentic Mexican Sala Thai, 315 N. Vermont St., 249-

Cuisine, 108 N.W Railroad Ave., 419-

6990. Special salads, spring rolls,

9990. Festive Mexican atmosphere,

soups, noodle and curry dishes.

fresh food from traditional recipes,

Sun-Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat,

outstanding service and value. Live

11am-10pm.Lunch buffet weekdays,

music. Lunch and dinner seven days a

11am-3pm. salathaibysu.com. MCC.

week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC.

Sugarbear’s Sweet Shop, 100

Old MacDonald’s Smokehouse,

Tyler Square, 276-2377. Creative

1601 N. Morrison Blvd., 542-7529.

cakes and assorted sweets. Tues-Sat.

BBQ brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage.

sugarbearsweetshop.com.

oldmacdonaldsmokehouse.com. MCC, checks.

>>

September-October 2015 149

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Tommy’s on Thomas, 216 W. Thomas

g Bosco’s Italian Café, 2040 Hwy. 59, 624-5066.

Tuesdays. Express lunch and daily lunch specials

boscositalian.com.

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

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

Tope là, 104 N. Cate St., 542-7600. Contemporary

11am-10pm. kgeesrestaurant.com. MCC. Broken Egg Café, 200 Gerard St., 231-7125.

Excellent choice for brunch! Pasta, specialty salads,

La Carreta Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 1200

sandwiches. anotherbrokenegg.com. MCC.

W. Causeway App., 624-2990. Festive Mexican

delights. topela.com. MCC.

atmosphere, fresh food from traditional recipes, Café Lynn Restaurant and Catering, 2600 Florida

outstanding service and value. Live music. Lunch

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 2100 N. Morrison

St., 624-9007. Casual fine dining for lunch, dinner

and dinner seven days a week. carretasrestaurant.

Blvd., 345-6789. Innovative quality Chinese food

and Sunday brunch by Chef Joey Najolia. Tues-Fri,

com. MCC.

served in Imperial surroundings. treyyuen.com. MCC,

lunch: 11am-3pm. Dinner, 5pm. Catering provided.

checks.

cafelynn.com. MCC.

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2108 W. Thomas St., 345-

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

1131. “Taste our Magic.” voodoobbq.com. MCC.

salad specialists.

Yellow Bird Café, 222 E. Charles St., 345-1112. A

Coscino’s Pizza, 1817 N. Causeway Blvd., 727-

great place to start your day. Breakfast, lunch. MCC,

4984. New York hand-tossed pizza and Italian foods

checks.

cooked on stone using the finest ingredients. MCC.

La Madeleine French Cafe, 3434 Hwy. 190, 6267004. lamadeleine.com.

The Lakehouse, 2025 Lakeshore Dr., 6263006, events 778-2045. Restaurant open. Call for reservations. lakehousecuisine.com. MCC. Little Tokyo, 590 Asbury Dr., 727-1532. littletokyosushi.com.

LACOMBE

Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59., 809-2929.

Janie Brown’s Restaurant, 27207 Hwy. 190, 882-

Breakfast, lunch, Tues-Sun. 7am-2pm. Breakfast

Louie & The Redhead Lady, 2820 E. Causeway

7201. Casual dining with a great atmosphere. MCC,

served until 10:30am on weekdays and all day

App., 626-6044. louieandtheredheadlady.com.

checks.

Saturday and Sunday. Reserve Fat Spoon Cafe for your next party. fatspooncafe.com. MCC.

La Provence Restaurant, 25020 Hwy. 190, 626-

Macaroni Grill, 3410 Hwy. 190, 727-1998. Penne rustica, pasta Milano, other Italian favorites. Lunch,

7662. Owner John Besh combines hospitality with

Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse, 1841 N.

French cuisine and welcoming hearths. Dinner,

Causeway Blvd., 624-9704. Fresh fish daily,

Sunday brunch. laprovencerestaurant.com. MCC,

aged beef, traditional Italian. Lunch, dinner.

Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App., 626-9047.

checks. RR.

fazziosrestaurant.com. MCC, ME, RR.

Serving breakfast and lunch, daily specials.

Sal & Judy’s, 27491 Hwy. 190, 882-9443. Great

Franco’s Grill,100 Bon Temps Roule, 792-0200.

Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in Azalea Square

food and line of retail products. Family-owned for 27

Fresh organic foods for breakfast, lunch and takeout.

Shopping Center, 674-9883. Seafood, Creole

years. Veal is the house specialty. salandjudys.com.

myfrancos.com/dining. MCC.

and Italian. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat.

MCC, RR.

dinner. macaronigrill.com. MCC, ME.

mandinasrestaurant.com.

George’s Mexican Restaurant, 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4342. Family owned. Fajitas, George’s

Megumi Japanese Cuisine, 4700 Hwy. 22, Suites

Hook’d Up Riverside Bar and Grill, 100 Marina

MADISONVILLE

nachos, Carne al la Parrilla. Best top-shelf margaritas

11 and 12, 845-1644. Yakimono and sushi bar.

Del Ray Dr., 845-8119. Burgers, wings, hot dogs and

in town. georgesmexicanrestaurant.com. MCC, ME.

Lunch, dinner. megumirestaurant.com.

specials.

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

MiMamacita’s New Mexican Cuisine, 2345 Florida

Keith Young’s Steakhouse, 165 Hwy. 21, 845-

2597. Sicilian specialties by 5-star chef Gio Vancheri.

St., 674-1400. Great food and margaritas. Lunch,

9940. Steak, crab cakes. Lunch, dinner, Tues-Fri.

Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat. giosvillavancheri.com.

dinner, catering. MCC.

keithyoungs.net. MCC.

MCC. RR.

Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar, 702 Water St.,

Isabella’s Pizzeria, 2660 Florida St. (in the

845-4970. Relaxed atmosphere, seafood, daily

Florida Street Market), 674-5700. Salads, gourmet

specials. Lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.

pizza, sandwiches, paninis, calzones and pasta.

N’Tini’s, 2891 N. Hwy. 190, 626-5566. Steaks,

isabellapizzeria.net.

martinis. Lunch specials. Mon.-Sat. ntinis.com. MCC.

ambiance on the Tchefuncte. Lunch and dinner,

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

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

Wed-Sun. mortonsseafood.com. MCC.

pasta, sandwiches. Dine in or carry out. italianpie.

Mandeville. Italian cuisine for fine dining daily for

com. MCC, checks.

dinner or special events. MCC. nuvolaris.com.

The Barley Oak, 2101 Lakeshore Dr., 727-7420.

Jubilee Restaurant and Courtyard, 301 Lafitte

The Old Rail Brewing Company, 639 Girod St.,

Serving 130 styles of beer, call and premium liquors.

St., 778-2552. Contemporary Louisiana cuisine

612-1828. Homemade American cuisine with fresh,

Lunch and dinner. thebarleyoak.com. MCC.

for dinner, lunch by Chef Tory Stewart. Casual fine

local ingredients. Family-friendly atmosphere. Lunch

dining, daily lunch/dinner specials, private events,

and dinner. Closed Tuesdays.

Monster Po-Boys, 1814 N. Causeway App., 6269183. Lunch, dinner.

Water St. Bistro, 804 Water St., 845-3855. Casual

MANDEVILLE

Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 Lovers Ln., 626-4557.

catering. jubileerestaurantcourtyard.com.

Pinkberry, 3460 Hwy. 190, 612-7306. Pinkberry

Traditional New Orleans cuisine. Dinner, Sunday brunch. benedictsplantation.net. MCC.

150

Inside Northside

K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 626-0530. Featuring

is the original tart frozen yogurt that is the perfect

Louisiana seafood with raw oysters 1/2 price on

balance of sweet and tangy paired with high quality,

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fresh cut fruit and premium dry toppings.

0600. Seafood, veal, steaks, daily specials. Lunch,

pinkberry.com.

dinner. kathrynandcompany.com. MCC, checks.

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy. 190, 674-1565.

Assunta’s, 2631 Hwy. 190 W., 649-9768. Italian

Catch your morning buzz at the convenient drive-

food, extensive wine selection. Dinner. assuntas.com.

thru! Catering. pjscoffee.com. MCC.

MCC, checks.

Raising Canes, 3801 Hwy. 22, 674-2042. Chicken

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 550 Gause Blvd., 201-8905.

lunch and dinner. brennansneworleans.com. MCC.

fingers, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, texas toast,

Po-boys and more. bearsgrillandspirits.com. MCC.

RR.

Sapphire, 2306 Front St., 288-4166. Sunday

Café Giovanni, 117 Rue Decatur, 504-529-2154.

brunch, live entertainment, fine wines and spirits.

Dinner, Sun-Thurs, 5:30-10pm. Fri-Sat, 5:30-11pm.

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

Open seven days a week. bistrodelareine.com. MCC.

Live Entertainment Wed, Thurs, and Friday Evenings.

Rusty Pelican, 500 Girod St., 778-0364. Lunch,

Bonnie C’s, 1768 Front St., 288-5061. Home-style

dinner. rustypelicanbythelake.com. MCC.

Italian, seafood, and barbecue.

Sake Gardens Japanese Restaurant, 1705 Hwy.

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

Harahan, 504-305-4833. Mexican,

190, 624-8955.

seafood and New Orleans cuisine. thecamelliacafe.

lunch and dinner. carretasgrillrestaurant.

com. MCC.

com. MCC.

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

Criollo Resturant and Lounge at Hotel

Mexican cuisine and margaritas served in a family-friendly

Monteleone, 214 Royal St., 504-523-3340.

atmosphere for lunch and dinner. carretasgrill.com. MCC.

Creole dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Bayona, 430 Rue Dauphine, 504-525-4455. Fresh local ingredients, balanced yet complex dishes.

Lunch and dinner. bayona.com. MCC. Brennan’s. 417 Royal St., 504-525-9711. Creole traditions and contemporary influences. Breakfast,

signature secret dipping sauce. Dine-in, to-go and catering. MCC.

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

Sesame Inn, 408 N. Causeway Blvd., 951-8888.

Finest Chinese cuisine.

The Scotts’ Coffee Bar, 201 Carroll St., 231-7632.

Open seven days. Gourmet coffee & tea. Breakfast

hotelmonteleone.com/criollo/. MCC, RR.

and lunch items available. Evening tapas menu - Fri

KY’s Olde Towne Bicycle Shop, 2267 Carey St.,

and Sat, 6-10. thescottscoffeebar.com.

641-1911. Casual dining in former bicycle shop.

Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant, 1713 Lake Ave.,

Kids’ menu. Lunch, dinner. kysoldetowne.com. MCC,

504-831-4141; 841 Iberville St., 504-581-1316. Louisiana

checks.

seafood prepared in Creole seasonings, available in

Smoothie King, 1830 W. Causeway App., 6269159. Smoothies. smoothieking.com. MCC, checks.

Bucktown or the French Quarter for lunch and dinner.

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

deanies.com. MCC.

Taqueria Noria, 1931 Hwy. 59, 727-7917. Lunch,

the water tower for Ahhhfull-waffles, Sugar Watcher

dinner.

specials. Breakfast, lunch. lapinescafe.com. MCC,

Gautreau’s, 1728 Soniat St., 504-899-7397.

checks.

Open Monday through Saturday. Dinner.

Times Bar & Grill, 1896 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-

gautreausrestaurant.com. MCC, RR.

1161. Famous hamburgers, starters, steaks and

Michael’s, 4820 Pontchartrain Dr., 649-8055.

more. Lunch, dinner. timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

Steaks, seafood, veal, duck, eggplant au gratin.

Gumbo Shop, 630 Saint Peter St., 504-525-1486.

Extensive wine selection. Dinner.

Award winning gumbo and soups, ship nationwide.

Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 600 N. Causeway

Lunch and dinner. gumboshop.com.

Blvd., 626-4476. Quality China cuisine with Louisiana

Nathan’s Restaurant, 36440 Old Bayou Liberty

flair. Lunch, dinner. treyyuen.com. MCC, checks.

Rd., 643-0443. Waterfront dining featuring seafood,

Mellow Mushroom, 3131 Veterans

steaks and pasta. MCC.

Memorial Blvd., 504-644-4155. Pizza,

Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St., 624-5683. A

30 craft beers on tap, lunch and

full café menu with over 120 loose leaf and speciality

Nola Southern Grill, 1375 Gause Blvd., 201-

teas. Breakfast, lunch. viannes.com. MCC.

8200. Burgers, ribs, steaks, pasta, sandwiches and seafood. MCC.

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2999 Hwy. 190 E., 629-2021.

“Taste our Magic.” voodoobbq.com. MCC.

dinner. mellowmushroom.com. MCC. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen French Quarter. 95 French Market Place, 504-522-9500. Casual dining in

Palmettos on the Bayou, 1901 Bayou Ln., 643-

a fine dining atmosphere with experienced waitstaff,

0050. palmettosrestaurantslidell.com.

fresh dishes and made-from-scratch menu items.

PONCHATOULA

Open for lunch and dinner. lpkfrenchquarter.com.

Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant, 30160 Hwy.

Peck’s Seafood Restaurant, 2315 Gause Blvd.

51, 386-6666. middendorfsrestaurant.com.

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

La Carreta Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 147 N.W.

MCC. Restaurant R’evolution, 777 Bienville St., 504553-2277. Located at the Royal Sonesta Hotel.

Railroad Ave.,

Times Bar & Grill, 1827 Front St., 639-3335.

Offering modern, imaginative reinterpretations of

370-0930. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh food

Famous hamburgers, starters, steaks and more.

classic Cajun and Creole Cuisine. Triptych of Quail

from traditional recipes, outstanding service and

Lunch, dinner. timesgrill.com. ME, MCC.

and Oysterman’s spaghettini. Revolutionnola.com.

value. Live music. Lunch and dinner seven days a week. carretarestaurant.com. MCC. SLIDELL A Touch of Italy Café, 134 Pennsylvania Ave., 639-

MCC. RR. The Wine Market, 2051 E. Gause Blvd., 781-1177.

Deli restaurant, lunch, 11am-3pm. Sandwiches,

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

soups, salads, wraps. MCC and checks.

2266. Seafood, filets and Italian. Breakfast and lunch.

Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. riccobonos.com. MCC.

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Directory of Advertisers ADVERTISER...............................CONTACT INFO PAGE Air Blow Dry Bar & Salon............985-626-1402 102

ADVERTISER...............................CONTACT INFO PAGE french mix, the...........................985-809-3152 117

ADVERTISER...............................CONTACT INFO PAGE Night of Fashion.........................985-898-4171 98

All American Healthcare.............985-893-2223 139

Friends of City Park ...................504-483-9376 114,126

Nonna Randazzo’s.....................985-893-1488 67

American Factory Direct..............985-871-0300 101

Georgian Furnishing/Berger Home....................

North American Insurance Agency Of Louisiana, Inc.

Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor...985-727-9787 131

....................................georgianfurnishing.com 25

.................................................985-871-5480 102

Armbruster Artworks Studio........985-630-6295 59

Gild Home Decor........................985-629-4022 84, 123

North Oaks Health System........... northoaks.org 133

Aromatica Day Spa.....................985-892-5186 84

Glenn Michael Salon..................504-828-6848 78

North Shore Square Mall............985-646-0661 4

Backyard Printing.......................985-231-7789 131

Glory Bound Gyro Co..................985-871-0711 8

Northshore Academy of Dance....985-893-1143 137

Banting’s Nursery ......................985-882-5550 109

GNO Property Management.......504-528-7028 116

Northshore Dermatology............985-641-5198 31

Barley Oak, The..........................985-727-7420 57

H2O Salon ................................985-951-8166 119

Northshore Harbor Center..........985-781-3650 134

Basics Underneath.....................985-727-9521 90

Hemline.....................................985-778-0906 94

Oasis Day Spa, The.....................985-624-6772 105

Beau Provence/Park Provence.....985-664-9686 49

Hestia Luxury in Linens...............985-893-0490 105

Ochsner Health System - Northshore..985-639-3777 68, 82-83

Bedico Creek Preserve................985-845-4200 147

Hollywood Casino Bay St. Louis........................

Old Rail, The...............................985-612-1828 57

Berkshire Hathaway - PenFed Realty....850-267-0013 7

...................................hollywoodgulfcoast.com 53

Olive Patch.................................985-327-5772 105

Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights.......504-522-9485 9

Hormone Therapy Centers of America...985-898-1940 139

Outdoor Living Center................985-893-8008 113

Blue Williams LLP.......................985-626-0058 51

Huntington................................985-727-0000 122

Paisley.......................................985-727-7880 88

Bora Bora...................................985-951-8454 88

Impastato Gallery & Art Therapy....985-778-5338 105

Palatial Stone & Tile....................985-249-6868 50

Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers... boudreauxsjewelers.com 140

Infusé, Oils & Vinegars................985-778-0903 53

Palm Village...............................985-778-2547 93

Bra Genie...................................985-951-8638 87

Integrity Builders, Inc..................985-626-3479 21

Pan American Power...................985-893-1271 80

Bra la Vie!..................................985-662-5065 94

Istre Hearing Care......................985-845-3509 121

Paradigm Spine Care..................985-718-1274 81

Braswell Drugs...........................985-892-0818 75

Ja-Roy Pest Control....................985-892-6882 114

Paretti Jaguar/Land Rover...........504-887-2969 21

Broussard’s ...............................504-581-3866 13

Jennifer Rice, Dorian Bennett Sotheby’s.............

Personal Care MD......................985-778-2330 119

brown eyed girl..........................985-626-0100 90

.................................................985-966-1321 147

POSH Boutique..........................985-898-2639 94

Brown Family Orthodontics ........985-626-8297 30

Jos. A. Bank................................985-624-4067 93

Private Beach.............................985-674-2326 87

California Closets.......................504-828-5705 6

JuJu’s Boutique..........................985-624-3600 97

Protect Painters..........................877-212-4071 117

Cameo Boutique........................985-231-1332 93

La Bella Vita Laser & Vein ..........985-892-2950 142

Ricci Partners, LLC......................504-304-7115 139

Carreta’s Grill ....985-871-6674, 985-847-0020 106

Lakeside Shopping Center... lakesideshopping.com 67

Ross Hogan, MD........................985-892-4544 61

CDN Clothing.............................985-327-7300 94

Lakeview Regional Medical Center...985-867-3900 IBC

Rug Chic....................................985-674-1070 110

Cedarwood School.....................985-845-7111 65

L’Auberge Casino & Hotel ........mylauberge.com 16

St. Joseph Abbey........................985-867-2284 128

Center for Women’s Health.........985-249-7022 15

LCI Workers’ Comp.....................985-612-1230 48

St. Paul’s School.........................985-892-3200 26

Chemo Beanies....................chemobeanies.com 75

Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry...........504-832-0000 IFC,3

St. Scholastica Academy ............985-892-2540 43

Children’s Hospital ........chnola.org/orthopedics 27

Live Edge, LLC............................985-231-9208 152

St. Tammany Parish Hospital................stph.org 35,68,129

Chris Wynne Designs..................504-343-6116 152

Lizby Eustis - Keller Williams Realty....985-727-7000 101

Saks Fifth Avenue.......................504-524-2200 11

Christwood Retirement Community....985-898-0515 52

Louisiana Custom Closets...........985-871-0810 28

Scott Illing.............................scottforsheriff.com 107

Columbia Street Mercantile........985-809-1690 97

Louisiana Family Eyecare............985-875-7898 64

Scotts’ Coffee & Tapas Bar, The...985-231-7632 152

Connie Seitz Interiors.................985-630-7102 25

Louisiana Heart Hospital.............985-871-4114 19

Sculpting Center of New Orleans.504-309-9456 67

Creative Network Solutions........985-635-9439 126

Louisiana Heart Medical Group...985-400-5566 22

Sharon Hewitt....................... sharonhewitt.com 131

deCoeur.....................................985-809-3244 87

Mandeville Party Company.........985-674-1605 129

Shoefflé.....................................985-898-6465 97

De Boscq Jewelry.......................985-674-0007 38

mélange by KP...........................985-807-7652 88

State Farm Insurance, C J Ladner...... 985-892-5030 147

DeLeon and Sons, LLC................504-628-1363 152

Mellow Mushroom ....................985-327-3407 121

Stone Source..............................985-892-0695 109

DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts......985-892-2317 84

Mercedes-Benz of New Orleans..504-456-3727 5

Style Encore...............................985-674-7776 93

Dependable Glass Works............985-892-0999 56

Metabolic Anti Aging Center.......985-212-7972 46

Sugarbear’s Sweet Shop.............985-276-2377 149

Designs in Windows...................985-209-1689 152

Metlife Premier Client Group......985-969-0591 106

TerraBella...................................985-871-7171 143

Diane LaPlace, Team LaPlace......985-727-7103 146

M’liss Hogan, MD, LLC...............985-898-1106 61

Thomas Franks Fine Jewelers......985-626-5098 130

Domangue Neurology................985-867-7510 125

Money Hill Golf & Country Club.. 985-892-3300 36

Truitt Law Firm, LLC, The.............985-327-5266 111

Dugas Pest Control.....................985-288-2745 125

Monmouth Historic Inn ..............601-442-5852 60

Villa, The....................................985-626-9797 90

Earthsavers................................985-674-1133 131

More Smiles ..............................985-231-5844 66

Villa Vici.....................................504-899-2931 29

EMB Interiors.............................985-626-1522 87

Mudbugs Creative Designs.........985-795-3233 52

Vine...........................................985-951-0005 88

Emma’s Shoes and Accessories ..985-778-2200 90

Mugshots Grill & Bar..................985-893-2422 8

Water Street Wreaths.................985-792-7979 110

Etan Enterprises.........................985-898-3462 113

Murphy Appraisal Services..........985-626-4115 152

Wealth Management Services ....985-809-0530 56

Fazzio’s Restaurant & Bar...........985-624-9704 149

Mwana Mission Project/Oktoberfest.... 985-502-5408 152

Weimer Family Dentistry.............985-727-1800 111

First Bank and Trust.....................FBTonline.com 41

Nash Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.............

West Feliciana Parish Tourist Commission..........

Fitness Expo...............................504-887-0880 51

.................................................985-871-4300 152

.................................................800-769-4221 139

Fleurt.........................................985-809-8844 97

Natchez Grand Hotel, The ..........601-446-9994 60

Whitney Bank .......................whitneybank.com 136

Florist of Covington....................985-892-7701 36

Niche Modern Home..................985-624-4045 12

Windsor Senior Living Community, The...985-624-8040 43

Franco’s Athletic Club.................985-792-0200 BC

WYES ........................................504-486-5511 30 September-October 2015 153

Last Bite

Glory Bound Gyro Company

Co-owners Will Taylor and Chris McDonald agree that it is always “a lovely

photos: SAM MCALISTER

by Leah Draffen

day for a gyro” at Glory Bound Gyro Company.

A TRIP THROUGH GREECE for two Southern men turned into a unique and funky restaurant concept.

Co-owners Chris McDonald and Will Taylor mixed Southern flare with Mediterranean influences to create Glory Bound Gyro Company. Since opening in Covington—their third location—the guys and the Glory Bound crew have been busy serving gyros.

As the official home of the pepper jack gyro, Glory Bound invites you to try one (or more) of their mouthwatering gyros, hand-chopped salads or craft hummuses. Chris and Will recommend their Italian gyro with a side of hand-cut fries. Wrapped 154

Inside Northside

to perfection, the Italian gyro combines rotisserieseared beef and lamb, sautéed mushrooms, onions and peppers with pepperoni, mozzarella cheese and marinara. With an array of craft beers and specialty cocktails, no thirst is left unquenched.

And the Southern twist will always make you feel right at home!

Glory Bound Gyro Company is located at 500 River Highlands Boulevard in Covington. MondayWednesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. 871-0711. gloryboundgyroco.com.