September-October 2020 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine

495

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INSIDEPUB.com

ADOPTION ON THE NORTHSHORE •

LINDA AULD • SWEET POTATO QUEEN • BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 VOL. 35, NO. 5

Raising the Roof for Charity. Page 22.

contents table of

page 66

page 45

Business & Leadership Beginning on page 45

Features

Departments

12 Painting Live!

Cover artist Christina Pappion

8 Publisher’s Note

22 Raising the Roof for Charity

16 INside Scoop

28 Adoption on the Northshore

36 IN Other Words The Echoes of Oak Alley

39 The BugLady of New Orleans Linda Auld 66 The Sweet Potato Queens Boss Queen Jill Connor Brown 72 Art of Hope 77 Still Making It Up as They Go Along

Christwood Residents Bob and Jan Carr 6

Inside Northside

page 77

10 Contributors

81 Flourishes Extraordinary gifts and home accents 83 Traces Matthew McDonner Taking on the Coronavirus for the U.S. Navy 84 INside Look

88 Generous Hearts Give. Now more than ever.

93 IN Love & Marriage 96 INside Peek Featuring:

Ski-Dawgs Adaptive Water Skiing 98 IN Great Taste Versatile Banana Bread 100 Haute Plates 102 INside Dining 106 Last Look

Arms wide open, one more time As I prepared to write this note, I happened upon some observations I made here last summer about Charlotte Overton, my neighbor of nearly 20 years. A classic Southern lady, she was always generous with her “arms wide open” hospitality. She made everyone feel so welcome and cared for.

We lost her several weeks ago, and it is hard to imagine life on our little lane without her.

Charlotte’s manner was a genuine, open-hearted, what-can-I-do-foryou kind of thing. When the pandemic began, I would leave farmers market strawberries or a selection of Covey Rise veggies on her front porch and send her a message. Since she was at risk, I gave her some space, but wanted her to know we were thinking of her, just as she had always found ways to be thinking of us—and likely everyone she knew, as it was needed.

She is very missed.

A little consideration is needed right now, by and for each of us.

Everything from grocery shopping to picking up a dinner to-go order is tinged with apprehension. Fear, a natural by-product of the swirling negativity, is challenging our very Southern, arms-wide-open way of interacting with each other, and it hurts. If we find it hard to manage as adults, it must be doubly hard on the children. With that in mind, be generous. As I read once on a cocktail napkin: Throw kindness around like confetti!

Ps… And because life keeps going around and around, I’d also like to offer a very happy welcome to Poppy Thompson! Mrs. Charlotte would have loved your sweet smile.

Poppy Thompson with her mother, Sophie Giberga Thompson.

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Inside Northside

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.

September-October 2020 Vol. 35, No. 5

Steven Mills

Steven grew up in Covington and enjoys writing stories about the amazing people and businesses that make the Northshore a special place to live. After graduating from Mandeville High, he received a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Louisiana State University, where he is now completing a master’s in architecture. When not studying, Steven enjoys spending time with his dog, Piper, and riding horses in Folsom. He continues to use his writing skills to tell about buildings and their unique qualities. Check out his story on page 46 on how Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights has cemented its place in Southern history.

Publisher Lori Murphy

lori@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor Jan Murphy

jan@insidepub.com

Creative Director Brad Growden

brad@insidepub.com Digital Communications Margaret Murphy –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Business Manager Jane Quillin

jane@insidepub.com Operations Manager Margaret Rivera

margaret@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Advertising Account Executives

Barbara Roscoe Poki Hampton barbara@insidepub.com poki@insidepub.com

Pemmie Sheasby Jonée Daigle-Ferrand pemmie@insidepub.com Anne Honeywell Stacey Paretti Rase

Heather Doles –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

On the Cover

Mimi Greenwood Knight

Cover Artist Christina Pappion.

Find more on page 12.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Contact

Mimi Greenwood Knight is a freelance writer and recent empty nester. She and her husband, David, live on a hobby farm in Folsom. Mimi is blessed to have thousands of articles and essays published in national and regional magazines, as well as anthologies and Christian devotionals. When not writing, she enjoys the “home arts” of cooking, canning, gardening, knitting, chicken wrangling and beekeeping. On page 28, she writes about Adoption on the Northshore and she tells Lind Auld’s story on page 39.

Other Voices: Susan Bonnet, Brocato Photography Collective, Grace Butzman, Candra George, Poki Hampton, Caitlin Hebert, Yvette Jeminson, Tom Joynt, Mary Kapsos, John Maginnis, Becky Slatten and John Snell.

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Inside Northside

phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 Advertising Sales sales@insidepub.com Subscriptions subscriptions@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– INSIDE NORTHSIDE 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. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana.

Bulk Postage paid at Mandeville, LA. Copy­right ©2020 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.

Painting Live!

Cover Artist Christina Pappion

IN THE CHATTER and jostle of the French Market in New Orleans, Christina Pappion sat at her booth to sell her paintings. She was there with a purpose—to bring others joy through art, which was a passion instilled in her at a young age. Unfortunately, today was not a joyous day. After a year of coming to the market, she grew tired of listening to people bargain for her paintings and felt as if her work was discounted. Christina picked up her things and left and didn’t paint for four years.

During this time, Pappion lived happily in Jefferson Parish with her husband, Isaac, and her two daughters, Sophia and Gabriella, but felt like something was missing in her professional life. In 2013, the timing was perfect for 12

Inside Northside

a coworker from Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans to introduce her to live painting—a new concept of attending an event and painting a scene right in front of you, usually completing it for a client. Drawn to this idea and encouraged by those around her, Pappion called a top event company of New Orleans, Wink Design and Events, and with courage said she was interested in being an event painter. “They asked me if I had done it before, and I said no, but I believed that I could.”

Through Wink Design and Events, Pappion’s first painting gig was a private event for New Orleans Saints player Pierre Thomas. She immediately fell in love with painting a scene and making it come alive. This experience gave her >>

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

by Grace Butzman

14

Inside Northside

photo courtesy: CHRISTINA PAPPION

confidence and confirmation to pursue her passion for painting again, and she became one of the first female live event painters in New Orleans.

As the concept of live painting grew, so did Christina’s business. Known as Pappion Artistry, her work expanded from New Orleans to across the country. She focuses her live paintings on weddings, where as an event painter, she feels like she fits in most. She says, “Weddings made more sense for me.

I believe I can add value to this special day by using my gift. I get to see a special moment that words can’t describe and be a part of it. I take it very seriously.”

Christina’s business didn’t stop at weddings.

She was privileged to create art for the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans organizations. A longtime believer in Pappion, Kellie Mathas, designer for the Saints organization, vouched for her, saying she could create a piece that would translate an idea into abstract, colorful, New Orleans-style art. Pappion was grateful to design a soft Tom Benson mural in the MercedesBenz Superdome and an over-25-feet Cadillac mural in the Smoothie King Center. She also designed this

photos: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

year’s Pelicans’ tickets, the first artist asked to do this job. She has helped raise thousands of dollars for charities over the years by creating custom-painted Saints cleats for the “My Cause My Cleats” campaign. Additionally, Christina used her talents for The Champions Club and several other commissions for The Corner Office dedicated to Benson.

Pappion always wanted to do more.

She began creating wedding guest signins, and placing New Orleans-inspired artwork in several Southshore and Northshore stores. Throughout her accomplishments, she was pushed to believe in herself.

Her confidence gave her the ability to develop a look that was all her own. Her style took time and being comfortable with saying, “This is who I am; I am a colorful artist. My colorful style partly comes from the way I pick up shades that the light hits and reflects.

For example, in some of my portraits, you’ll see blue and green reflecting from

the sky and grass. I received these colors from the light that’s hitting the person’s face.”

Pappion is known for bringing a dreamy glow to her images, a style that is fluid and organic. She believes art should reflect a memory—a feeling you had at that moment. “For me, I love not being too real and precise with my paintings. I like to have fun with movement and make the painting look like it’s dancing.”

Whether it’s for a wedding, the Superdome or a customized portrait, Pappion’s main goal is to paint for other people, not for herself. Her tagline is “Making painting personal,” meaning, “If it doesn’t make you happy, we will work on it until it does.” She aspires to use her gift to take people’s minds off daily negativity and redirect it onto something more positive.

Christina gives glory to God for her gift and is thankful to have the opportunity to do what she loves. She says, “Let’s make something that holds a special place in your heart,” adding, “I am thankful to have my family as a support system, who encouraged me to believe in myself and pick up my paint brushes again. I encourage others to use their gifts and let love rule.”

Christina Pappion’s work is available at Redoux Market in Mandeville.

September-October 2020 15

p resen t ed b y

Tour de Lis Louisiana Virtual Ride/Hike Race Sept. 1-30, 24/7 Tour de Lis Louisiana is “Wheelin’ for a healin’,” with all donations going to local cancer patients!

Ride wherever is best for you—a trainer, stationary bike or hit the road on your favorite path. Price: $40. For more information, visit tourdelisla.org or call (504) 733-5539.

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

While information is current as of August

Olde Towne Slidell Art Market Sept. 12,

14, all dates and times are subject to

4-9pm Work by “leauxcal” artists and crafters

change. Many event producers will only

and live music in the private lot at Green

host their event if Louisiana has moved out of Phase 2 of Louisiana’s re-opening plan.

Farmers Markets Abita Springs Art & Farmers Market Every

Oaks Apothecary, 2238 First St. 285-5613 Up Close & Musical at the Lobby Lounge Sept. 17 - Danika & The Jeb; Sept. 30 Randy Jackson of The Zebras; Oct. 13 - T’Monde, 7-9pm The Lobby Lounge at

Sunday, 11am-3pm Abita Springs Farmers

Slidell’s Harbor Center features nationally

Market, 22049 Main St. 892-0711 ext 7.

touring acts throughout the year, focusing on

Camellia City Market Every Saturday,

indie rock, folk, country, jazz, blues and more.

8am-12pm Camellia City Market, 1808

Tickets: $19-$110; sold in advance only on

Front St, Slidell. 640-7112.

Eventbrite. The Lobby Lounge at The Harbor

Covington Farmers Market Every Saturday, 8am-12pm Covington City Hall, 609 N Columbia St. 966-1786.

Covington Farmers Market - Wednesday

Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd, Slidell.

781-3650. For more information about The Harbor Center, visit harborcenter.org.

Sunset at the Landing Concert Sept.

Lunch Market Every Wednesday,

18, Oct. 16; 6-9pm Free, outdoor

10am-2pm Covington Trailhead, 419 N

performances every third Friday from

New Hampshire St. 966-1786.

March to October. Regional and touring

Folsom Farmers Market at Giddy Up

artists perform jazz, bluegrass, folk, blues

Every Monday, 10am-12pm Giddy Up

and more. Bring refreshments and chairs

Folsom, 82292 LA-25. 260-5060.

or blankets for lawn seating. Columbia

Madisonville Maker’s Market Every Sunday, 10am-2pm Madisonville Ball Park & Playground. 264-2328.

Mandeville Trailhead Community Market

Street Landing on the Bogue Falaya River, 100 N Columbia St, 892-1873.

Beach Sweep at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge Sept. 19,

Every Saturday, 9am-1pm Mandeville Trailhead

9am-12pm Each year, Big Branch Marsh

Community Market, 675 Lafitte St. 624-3147.

National Wildlife Refuge and the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges partner with

Covington Antiques & Uniques Festival

the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation

Sept. 5-6, 10am-5pm This free, two-day

and the Ocean Conservancy to clean up

juried event will showcase more than

waterways and beaches around the Lake

50 vendors displaying an eclectic mix of

Pontchartrain Basin. Free; registration

antique furnishings, period collectibles,

required. Meet at Lake Road parking area,

architectural salvage and vintage-inspired fine arts and crafts, as well as food and

Lacombe. 882-2025 Bogue Falaya Fitness Roux-Ga-Roux

live music. Covington Trailhead, 419 N

Race Sept. 19, 8am Run/walk for 2

New Hampshire St. 892-1873.

miles in downtown Covington to the

Louisiana Bayou King Fest Sept. 11-13,

Bogue Falaya Park for an Obstacle

times vary daily Four days of non-stop

Course throughout the park; then, kayak/

entertainment! Six world-class Elvis Tribute

canoe/paddle board in the Bogue Falaya

Artists recreate nine full Elvis concerts.

River. Admission varies from $40-$150.

Ticket prices vary. Fuhrmann Auditorium

Bogue Falaya Park, 319 E Gibson St.

at Greater Covington Center, 317 N

875-0023 For details and to sign up,

Jefferson Ave. For more information, visit

visit runsignup.com/Race/LA/Covington/

Louisianabayoukingfest.com.

BFFRouxGaRoux.

>>

Inside Scoop Columbia Street Block Party Sept. 25, Oct. 30; 6:30-9:30pm Covington’s Columbia

visit: northshorefoundation.org/liberto-fund.

23rd Annual Wild Things Oct. 10,

Street Block parties, feature classic car

10am-4pm Free event coordinated with

enthusiasts displaying their “pride and joy.”

National Wildlife Refuge Week, a national

Check out local shops and restaurants

initiative to connect people to nature

and live music in many of the neighboring

and promote outdoor stewardship. Big

entertainment venues during the block

Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge,

party and after hours. 200-500 blocks of

61389 Hwy 434, Lacombe. 882-2025.

Columbia St. 892-1873.

St. Tammany Parish Fair Oct. 1-4: Fri,

Fall for Art Oct. 10, 6-9pm New works and one-night-only shows by regional

11am-9pm; Sat & Sun, 9am-9pm.

and nationally renowned artists at

Founded in 1910, the St. Tammany

Covington’s art galleries and downtown

Parish Fair is held each year to

shops. Live music at multiple locations,

showcase local culture, promote

indoors and out; art demonstrations,

economic development and nurture

special performances; and shopping.

community pride with agricultural and

St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N

horticultural exhibits, music, food, talent

Columbia St, and throughout downtown

showcases, a rodeo, pageants, and

Covington. 892-8650

Midway rides. See complete schedule

St. Tammany Collectors Con Oct. 10,

at sttammanyparishfair.info. Entrance fee

10:30am-5pm Over 100 tables and

$2 after 3 pm; Midway rides, $15 all day

booths featuring action figures, toys,

Friday; $20 all-day Saturday and Sunday.

comics, video games, local artists

St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds, 1304 N

and more. General admission, $5;

Columbia St, Covington. 892-8421.

children 6 and under, free. VIP tickets

Rockin’ the Rails Free Concerts at

available on a limited basis. Castine

Covington Trailhead Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22,

Center at Pelican Park, 63350 Pelican

29; 5-7:30pm All concerts are free and

Dr, Mandeville. For more information,

open to the public. Free off-street parking

visit StTammanyCollectorsCon.com.

and public parking ox lots. 419 N New Hampshire St. 892-1873 Olde Towne Crawl Block Party Oct.

Northshore Half Marathon & 10 Miler Oct. 11, 8am Features idyllic Louisiana scenery, starting and finishing under

2, 5-10pm Featuring three live bands;

the mammoth moss-covered oaks

over 75 local artists, crafters, vendors;

of Fontainebleau State Park, winding

after-hours shopping; kids’ activities; pet

through spectator-lined historic homes

adoptions; and more. Family- and pet-

of Old Mandeville, along Lakeshore Drive

friendly. See all Olde Towne has to offer.

and down the Tammany Trace. Price:

2200 block of Carey St, Slidell. 285-9215.

5K, $30; 10K, $40; virtual runner, $30.

Badges & Brews 2020 Oct. 3, 3-9pm Chafunkta Brewing Company invites you to Badges & Brews 2020, a fundraiser

Fontainebleau State Park, 62883 Hwy 1089. (504) 237-7774.

Gulf Coast Sportsmen and Outdoor Expo

for the Captain Vincent N. Liberto Jr.

Oct. 16-18; Fri & Sat, 10am-8pm; Sun,

Memorial Fund. All proceeds raised allow

10am-5pm. Vendors from across the Gulf

the foundation to help families of fallen first

states offer their latest products and services

responders and military. Chafunkta Brewing

to hunters, fishermen, campers and sports

Company, 69123 Skybrook Rd, Mandeville.

enthusiasts. Tickets: $10/day or $17/

For information, call 590-8849; to donate,

weekend pass. The Harbor Center, 100 >>

Harbor Center Blvd, Slidell. 774-3144 Ozone Songwriter Festival on the Northshore Oct. 17-18, Free Concerts: Sat, 9am-8pm; Sun, 1-7pm. Showcase Ticketed Event: Sat, 8-11pm. The 3rd annual Ozone Songwriter Festival on the Northshore returns to the Mandeville Trailhead on Girod Street with music by 100+ singer-songwriters of every genre. Mandeville Trailhead Stage and Interpretive Center, 675 Lafitte St, 4002662. A full schedule may be viewed or downloaded at Ozonemusic.org.

Abita Fall Fest 2020 Oct. 24, 11am-7:30pm Launched to celebrate and showcase the rich heritage found in Abita Springs, this non-profit festival features two stages of live music, a wonderful selection of local cuisine and a full day of family-friendly fun for all ages. $15-$25; children 10 and under, free; limited VIP available. Abita Springs Trailhead & Museum, 22044 Main St. 773-8539. For more information, visit AbitaFallFest.com.

HERPS Exotic Reptile & Pet Show Oct. 24-25: Sat, 10am-5pm; Sun, 10am-4pm.

Hundreds of vendor tables that will include thousands of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, feeders and other exotic pets. Educational talks and Kid’s Corner for a hands-on experience. 1-day and 2-day passes available. Kids 4 and under, free. The Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd, Slidell. 774-3144.

Olde Towne Slidell Antique Fall Street Fair Oct. 24-25, 10am-5pm Annual two-day family event ranging over five blocks in Olde Towne Slidell. Vendor booths of antiques, collectibles and arts and crafts, as well as the town’s antique shops and great food and live music on three stages. Griffith Park, 333 Erlanger Ave. 788-7799.

For a complete listing of fun things happening across the northshore, check out the up-to-date calendar from the St. Tammany Tourist Commission at louisiananorthshore.com/events.

September-October 2020 21

Raising the Roof for Charity

by Poki Hampton RAISING THE ROOF FOR CHARITY is an annual

Integrity Builders’ Shanna Cole, Kenny Adams and Dodie Adams.

22

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

project of the Northshore Home Builders Association.

One of the Northshore’s most successful endeavors, it has donated over $5 million to deserving local charities since 1994. NHBA members pool their time, talents and dedication to build a beautiful new home that is raffled off. The tickets are $100 each; this year the drawing will be held on November 1.

The Integrity Builders team of Kenny and Dodie Adams and Shanna Cole built their third dream home for the event. “Building this house was more challenging because of Covid 19,” says Kenny.

“Everything took longer, and we had to make sure that each worker was protected during the process.”

The charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath house is located in the Robindale subdivision of Abita Springs on a lot donated by Steadfast Development. From the porch, you enter through double French doors with stately Governor’s Gas Lanterns from Bevolo Gas and Electric on either side. The open concept living area is light and airy, with plenty of windows. Built-in bookcases flank the living room fireplace, which is faced in quartz. The flooring throughout the house is luxury waterproof vinyl in a French Smoked Oak plank pattern. On the wall opposite the fireplace is a mirror feature crafted of antiqued mirror in a >>

September-October 2020 23

24

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

black steel frame by M & M Glass of Baton Rouge.

The spacious kitchen is open and sure to delight the cook in the family. Shaker-style cabinets from Graham Cabinets are topped with Vico Stone Quartz in Creama Chiffon from Triton Stone. The backsplash of hand-crafted subway tile is laid in a herringbone pattern for added interest. Two striking pendant lights from Pine Groove Electric hang over the large island. The pantry is designed to keep the new homeowners well organized. Southern Plumbing outfitted the dream kitchen with stainless steel GE appliances.

Another special lighting fixture from Pine Grove Electric is the stunning chandelier that hangs in the dining area, which is beautifully defined by a large cypress beam. A feature wall of shiplap siding adds to the upscale farmhouse look.

The master bedroom, overlooking the back yard, is bathed in warm light. The focal point of the beautiful and spacious attached master bath is a free-standing tub from Southland Plumbing. A large glass walk-in shower with zero-edge glass >>

Funds raised by the 2020 Northshore Home Builders Association Raising the Roof for Charity project will go to these deserving local charities:

NORTH OAKS FOUNDATION

The North Oaks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2015 to support the mission of North Oaks Health System. The health system includes a 300-bed acute care hospital, a level II trauma center, a 27-bed rehabilitation hospital, a free-standing surgery center, two diagnostic centers and the largest multi-specialty center in the region. The North Oaks Foundation provides funding for Employee and Patient Assistant programs, as well as equipment and technology purchases.

JAMES SAMARITAN

James Samaritan supports and empowers children and families in foster care. It provide physical and relationship support from crib to college for children, foster families and transitional youths within foster

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

care through the creation of partnerships with other organizations.

from M & M is tiled in a natural color linear tile from Carpet Showcase. Separate vanities have rectangular sinks with Moen faucets, also from Southland. These are topped by oversized framed mirrors and vanity lights from Pine Grove.

The plantation shutters in the master bath are from Designs in Windows. Through the bath is a large walk-in closet by Ruffino Custom Closets.

The exterior of the home, constructed of James Hardee plank siding donated by James Hardee through Abita Lumber Company, was installed by JLA Construction. The freestanding garage features Bevolo Gas and Electric gooseneck lights flanking the garage door. Raindance Irrigation provided the watering system and the patio pavers.

“This home was designed by Megan Cooper, of Style for Life. She and her husband, Kyle, who installed all the trim throughout the house, worked tirelessly with meticulous attention to detail,” says Dodie. “We also want to thank Harden’s Plumbing, Quality Home Painters, Dwayne Drywall, Holmes Building Supply, Coastal Insulation, Jason’s Mechanical and Stone Creations Fabricators, and all of the vendors and sub-contractors for their contributions that went into making this such a wonderful house.”

Resources provided include items such as school supplies, uniforms, electronic tablets, gift cards, beds and bedding to open homes for children in need of a home. For youths transitioning out of foster care, resources are provided for housing, educational transportation and basic needs as they adapt to independency.

THE NEW ORLEANS MISSION

Because of 22, 850 food-insecure residents in St. Tammany Parish, John Proctor, Director of Food Services at the New Orleans Mission, joined with Second Harvest to create a food pantry at Giving Hope Retreat in Lacombe. Through this partnership with Second Harvest, the Mission Pantry has served 4,000 food-insecure families in St. Tammany, and exceeded goals by generating 1,000,000 pounds of donated food with food retailers on the Northshore its first year. Approximately 600 families are served per week with 5 to 7 days of food, including canned goods, produce and meat.

September-October 2020 27

Adoption on the Northshore Kids Finding Forever Families

by Mimi Greenwood Knight

Left to right: The Pierre family, the Loman family and the Knight family.

28

Inside Northside

WHEN OUR SON JONAH WAS SMALL, the sentence I dreaded hearing most was, “You won’t believe what he said.”

Oh, I’d believe it. This is the child who hollered across a crowded church hall, “Don’t worry, Mom. I’m not going to ask you why he’s so FAT until we get in the car.” This is the kid who, on the first day of kindergarten, told his teacher, “My mom says you’re no spring chicken. What’s a spring chicken?”

If Jonah thought it, he said it. And he thought a lot.

One day we had a technician at our house working on the internet. I left to fetch him a cool drink and, when I returned, he was laughing. “You won’t believe what he just told me.” I held my breath. “He said, ‘My bub was born first, but my mom got me at Walmart.” What could I say? It was true. We did indeed get our blue-eyed bundle of charm and curiosity at Wally World.

It began one Tuesday morning when I received a call from a total stranger saying, “We have a one-year-old boy entering the system. Do you want him?” Of course. I’d been waiting for that call—had in fact been yearning for it, praying for it and worrying it might never come. But at that moment, all I could think was, “Lady, you did not just call and offer me a human being!” I finally choked out a barely audible “yes.” But we hadn’t known what age baby we’d be getting. So, we weren’t prepared with clothes or diapers.

No problem. An adoption case worker would meet us at Walmart with the baby, and we could grab the things we needed then. That’s how I walked into Walmart a mother of three children and walked out a mother of four.

That dog-loving, tree-climbing, honest-to-a-fault boy is 18 now and heading off to college, where he plans to study psychology and become a family and marriage counselor to perhaps help other families realize their dream of adoption.

Can’t imagine how different our lives would be if I hadn’t received that call and made that fateful trip to Walmart.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

The Paulins Adoption came about a little differently for Jason and Brooke Paulin. It began with a tug on Brooke’s heart as she sat listening to a church sermon. “Adoption was never anything I’d thought about,” she says. “We were living in Colorado and had four kids already. The youngest was in a baby seat on the pew next to me. But I just knew that day listening to the preacher that God wanted us to adopt.”

Brooke spoke to Jason and he was open to the idea.

Meanwhile, they moved back to the Northshore where, suddenly, everywhere she turned Brooke saw adoption. >> September-October 2020 29

“It was crazy,” she says. “One friend shared her adoption story and gave me the number of her adoption agency, A Bond of Life. I called and left a message saying, ‘This is crazy. I don’t even know why I’m calling.’ When the woman called me back, she’d just left the home of a young, pregnant mom who was putting her baby up for adoption. I said, ‘That’s my baby!’ I can’t explain it, but I just knew that baby was ours.”

The adoption attorney asked Brooke if she had a race preference. “I said ‘I don’t care if the baby is purple, that’s my baby!’” The birth mom also had her heart set on finding an adoptive couple without kids, but Brooke asked her if they could just meet. “Jason and I met her in a park on our anniversary,” Paulin says. She was so precious. She already had two small boys. She couldn’t afford a third child and her family was pushing her to have an abortion. I started taking her to her doctor’s appointment, and right away, she introduced me as the baby’s mom.”

It was in March, and Piper was born in May. Brooke was the first to hold her. “She was my easiest baby,” she says. “She never kept me up at night. She rarely cried. She’s sassy and spicy now and independent and smart. Even though she’s tiny, she very athletic. The other kids adore her and are so protective of her.” Brooke stays in touch with Piper’s birth mom, sends her pictures and updates her on Piper’s growth.” We have a beautiful relationship. She told me recently, ‘I think about Piper every day, but I never worry about her.’ We talk openly with Piper about her adoption. We talk about the difference in our skin color. We talk about her (biological) brothers. I want to let other people know about interracial adoption. You don’t 30

Inside Northside

have to be afraid. We love Piper as much as we love the other four and she’s our child as much as they are. You just can’t imagine it until you experience it.”

The Lomans When Laura Loman traces back her adoption journey, she feels like it began when she had her third C-section. “The doctor suggested I have my tubes tied,” she says. “We figured we were done having kids, so it made perfect sense.”

But she says it wasn’t long before God planted the desire for another child and made her and her husband, Seamus, realize there was more room in their home—and their hearts. “We’d never thought about adoption,” Loman says.

“But God started putting adoption in front of us, at every turn. We heard about a family who’d adopted nine kids with special needs. We thought they must have superpowers.” The more the couple researched the need for adoption around the world, the more determined they became. “God revealed to us that adoption is a perfect picture of what He’s done for us, ‘adopting’ us through Christ.” They decided to meet with an adoption agency specializing in international adoption.

The Lomans met with Lifeline Children’s Services in Birmingham.

“Our hands were shaking. We had a million questions,” Laura says. “I left the meeting terrified. One thing they told us was that all adoptions from China are considered special needs. That’s not what we’d had in mind. There were so many unknowns. We went back to the hotel sobbing. But Seamus said, ‘We just need to pray about it,’ and reminded me that God’s ways are not always ours.”

They adopted their daughter Emily through Lifeline and brought her home from China, when she was two. “Emily was born with a congenital heart >>

defect. She was very sick, and we were told she’d need open-heart surgery. The doctors also said she probably had leukemia. We brought her home, and she grew five inches in six months, just having proper nutrition, love, and attention. Her heart healed completely without surgery. She has no heart issues now, not even a murmur.”

Not long after the Lomans brought Emily home, they saw a photo on Facebook of a missionary in China holding a baby girl who desperately needed a liver transplant. They began fighting to adopt Baby Ru but received a call that she had died. “We were devasted, but with so much of the process paid for and completed, we knew we should press on and say ‘yes’ to another life in honor of Ru,” Loman says. “Seamus felt strongly that it was a little boy we should pursue. So, the agency sent us three files. When he saw Samuel, he said, ‘That’s my son.’” Fifteen-months-old Samuel was born with a missing forearm, likely from amniotic band syndrome. “He’s very well-adjusted now and has made incredible progress physically, emotionally and

intellectually. He’s really thriving,” Loman says. Since then, the couple has adopted Maggie, who has Down Syndrome. “When we got her at two, she couldn’t even crawl, didn’t know how to swallow and was very dehydrated. She’s running through the house now, bossing everybody around. She’s starting to talk and is very high functioning.”

The Lomans love nothing more than counseling other families who’re considering international adoption. Laura says, “We love to let people know how great the need is, why they don’t have to be scared, and how blessed their lives can be. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask any questions. We went through all the doubt and fear, too.”

Loman says many families worry about the cost of international adoption. “If that’s the only obstacle you’re facing, we want to help you overcome it,” she says. “I recommend the book Adoption without Debt by Julie Gumm. It’s full of information on adoption grants and fundraising ideas. If God is calling you to adopt, He’ll provide.” Laura is currently working on a book titled Orphan to Heir

chronicling their journey and the miracles God has revealed through their adoptions.

The Biglers Adoption wasn’t on the radar for Kim and Ben Bigler either. They had one biological son who was about to enter high school when a beautiful baby girl joined their family. “I didn’t set out to be a foster and adoptive parent at all,” says Kim. “But one day I received a mass email from a church where I was living in Los Angeles. “It was about a child who’d aged out of foster care and had managed to secure an apartment but had no furniture or heater. It was winter, and I’d just bought a heater for the garage for my dog. I hit me that I was treating my dog better than this child and something in me lit fire. I thought, ‘What are the churches doing? What is the community doing?’ Then I heard a still, small voice saying, ‘Kim, what are you doing?’”

With her signature tenacity, Kim showed up at the Child and Family Services office the next morning. “I knew nothing about foster care,” she says.

“But I asked them, ‘If I can motivate the community, what do you need?’” That was the genesis of James Store House, now James Samaritan, which grew into a thriving non-profit providing everything from cribs for babies entering foster care to college tuition for those aging out of the system. Once the LA chapter was up and running, Kim moved home and continued her work with a chapter in Covington. “I started a Facebook page, so I could put a face to the need,” she says. “We help provide school uniforms to children in foster care, dance lessons for a creative outlet, and whatever they might need.”

Two years ago, Kim received a call from a foster mom who’d just received an infant. She was in the process of adopting two other children and didn’t have the resources to take a third. Kim says, “But there were no homes available. She asked if she could meet me at the storehouse to get the baby essentials. She brought the baby with her. I’m not a baby person, but she asked me to hold her while she gathered the things she needed.”

Kim says she’s so inept at all things baby that >>

September-October 2020 33

she couldn’t even get her out of her car seat. “But she gave me a look,” Kim says.

“To this day I can’t tell you—but I knew she was going home with me one day.

It was the same feeling I got with the heater. It was like, ‘You’re up!’ I wasn’t even qualified to be a foster parent yet.”

Kim couldn’t believe her husband was onboard. The couple registered for the very next foster care orientation.

“Our son was in 7th grade, and I’d be starting all over at 46,” she says. “I wasn’t even supposed to have kids. Our son was a miracle. From the time he was three, he’d prayed for a sister, but it just never happened. When we brought Wren Evangeline home, he said, ‘That’s the one I’ve been praying for.’ He’s the most patient, most nurturing brother, and we can’t believe how much they look alike. Even though we never thought about fostering or adopting a child, we can’t imagine our lives without her.”

The Pierres When Lee Pierre was in his 20s, he discovered he had an older sister who’d been placed for adoption before he was born. The two reunited and became close. His sister even made him her daughter’s godfather. So, when he met and married Ashli, the love of his life, at age 35, adoption seemed like a great way for them to start a family. “I teach at St. Paul’s,” says Lee. “One of the guys I work with had adopted through Catholic Charities and put us in touch with his case worker.”

Along with the usual staterequired paperwork, home visits, and background checks, the couple was invited to create a profile of themselves.

“We made a written profile of our lives to give birth moms a sense of who we are and a photo album about us,” Ashli said. “It’s a way to make a connection

with the birth mom before you meet. For both our son and daughter, we were able to meet the birth mom and her family and were there for the gender reveal.”

The couple received a call as each birth mom went into labor. Ashli says, “Then we got a call saying, ‘Ten fingers, ten toes, everything is fine.’ We were able to meet the babies the day after they were born and take them home from the hospital when they were ready.” Lillian and Jackson have regular contact with their birth mothers now. “Lillian sees her birth mom every three months or so,” says Lee. “We go to the zoo or out to dinner, and we’re also close to her birth grandparents. Jackson’s birth mom is great. We talk a lot, but he’s only one, so we haven’t had the ‘You grew in someone else’s belly’ talk yet. I think a lot of people worry about open adoption. But Ashli and I feel like what’s wrong with having one more person to love your child?”

“We married so late that I’d assumed I was going to be a lone wolf,” says Ashli. “I found my person late in the game; adoption was the perfect way for children to come into our lives.”

MONEY DOCTOR

W. Mike Stewart AIF, RFC

Finance in the time of COVID

Q

Kelly asks: I’m worried about losing my job because of

COVID-19, what can I do in case this happens?

A

COVID-19 should be a wakeup call for all of us to be proactive

about surviving a job loss. There are things you can do in advance to help insulate yourself from a financial tragedy like this.

Open a line of credit:

A visit to a lending institution before a financial tragedy is much

better than after. Often it is impossible to get a loan when you need it due to a job loss or disability. You look like less of a credit risk while you are

Adoption in Louisiana If you live in Louisiana and are considering adoption, there are many great options. The website LouisianaAdoption.com offers step-by-step directions on deciding which type is right for your family and how to begin the process. There’s information on adoption financing and contact information for adoption professionals who specialize in domestic, international, private, or foster care adoptions. The site says, “You don’t have to be rich, have a high-powered job, or be someone important to be able to adopt a child in Louisiana. If you’re age twenty-one or over, have a safe home and the financial means to support a child, you may be eligible to adopt.”

still working and can secure better terms. If you own a home, open a line of equity against your home as it will offer the best rates and terms.

Increase your cash reserve:

Often, I see where people contribute to their 401k, but save very

little elsewhere. This is a costly mistake if you need that money because it is often subject to taxes and penalties and can end up being the most expensive money you could ever access. Having a cash reserve can really pay off in a moment of financial disruption. If necessary, reduce your contributions to your 401k to allow for the money needed to contribute to your cash reserve.

Do not overextend yourself financially:

When buying a car or any other large ticket item, be mindful of the

fact that you will still have to make those payments even if you lose your

A Bond of Life ABLAdoptions.com or (866) 650-5683 Lifeline Children’s Services

job. Even though the loan might be a zero-interest loan, you are still obligated to make those payments.

Good financial common sense is important to avoid those moments

when things just do not go as planned. If you are proactive and take these simple steps, you can avoid a financial calamity!

LifelineChild.org or (205) 967-0811 Catholic Charities CCANO.org, DCousins@ccano.org or (504) 885-1141 Department of Child and Family Services DCFSLouisiana.gov or (800) 259-4586 or (985) 839-6324

W. Mike Stewart AIF, RFC • Wealth Management Services 985-809-0530 • wmsgroup@advisormike.com Check out Research Materials and Video Library at: www.advisormike.com September-October 2020 35

IN Other Words

by Becky Slatten

The Echoes of Oak Alley IT PROMISED TO BE A DARK AND STORMY night for the Editor’s and my 4th annual ghost hunting expedition, but instead it just sprinkled a little and then stopped, which is typical of our luck for these adventures.

Nonetheless, we were excited to explore beautiful Oak Alley, and, for once, we actually experienced a semi-paranormal incident!

If you’ve never visited Oak Alley, it’s a beautiful place to spend the day or even a weekend; the plantation home is magnificent, and the view of the oak-lined walkway from the second-story balcony is unparalleled. Though there have been many accounts of a variety of apparitions about the property, our tour of the mansion, while interesting, was uneventful. Our guide, Anne, did an excellent job of educating our small group (only 8 at a time, courtesy of Covid-19) on the disparity between the lives of the owners of the plantation home, the Roman family, and the enslaved population who built, worked and lived on the property. Oak Alley boasts a remarkable slavery museum that relates the real names and stories of 36

Inside Northside

these people with authenticity; if you do come to visit, the exhibit is well done and worth exploring.

The adjacent Bed and Breakfast is composed of several adorable cottages situated in a serene, pastoral setting; if you find yourself going a little stir crazy after a few months of isolation, I can highly recommend the easy drive to Vacherie for a change of scenery with some social distancing built in. We checked into cottage #4 on a Friday afternoon and were thrilled to learn that it’s rumored to be the most “active” of the cottages, possibly because it’s about 100 years old and many of the original elements, like the shiplap walls, have been preserved.

Our cottage was spotless, spacious and precious, and we learned that both Brad Pitt and Don Johnson stayed there while filming movies on the property.

We decided to unwind on the screened back porch with a cocktail and one of my favorite ghost-hunting apps, Ghost Radar Classic, which supposedly detects the presence of spirits and allows them to articulate words through the device. This is known in the ghost-

hunting community as an Electronic Voice Phenomenon or EVP. Now, I feel obligated to stop here and confess that I never really believed that this app actually worked; we were mildly amused at the random words it started saying, but then it began to feel as though it was eavesdropping on, and interjecting in, our conversation. However, we quickly forgot about that when we heard something very large walking heavily through the small wooded area just a few feet from our little porch. Unable to see what it was in the dark, we hastily retreated into the cottage, locked all the doors and speculated about what could possibly be lurking out there.

(I voted for Bigfoot but was also willing to entertain the possibility of a deer.) It was at this point that a teensy mouse darted from beneath the sofa and disappeared into the kitchen, never to be seen again.

I, personally, thought it was cute and the whole thing funny. We were in the middle of a sugar cane field, after all; the occasional mouse is to be expected. But the Editor immediately made plans to sleep in her car.

Due to her irrational fear of tiny, harmless mice, the Editor preferred to take her chances with Bigfoot, so we decided on a midnight stroll around the grounds in hopes of seeing a ghost. As usual, we saw nothing spooky, but it had stopped sprinkling and turned out to be a beautiful evening for a walk. It was long past bedtime, so we made our way back to cottage #4 and got into our pajamas. Out of curiosity, I decided to take one more peek at the Ghost Radar. It had two more words for us before we turned out the lights: it said “MOUSE” and then “SAFE.” And with that information, I turned on the lamp and slept like a baby, while the Editor lay wide awake in her bed in the dark wondering where it was.

Boo, y’all.

September-October 2020 37

The BugLady of New Orleans Linda Auld

photo: MARY KAPSOS

by Mimi Greenwood Knight LINDA AULD DELIGHTS KIDS of all ages as she shares her passion for and vast knowledge of bugs and butterflies.

Auld admits she was an unlikely candidate to step into the role of BugLady of New Orleans, even though she joined the family pest control business as a secretary in 1976 and worked to learn everything she could about the industry. But her natural curiosity got the best of her, and she set out to learn all she could about the insects her family was helping New Orleans homeowners eradicate. “Part of the business is identifying pests to help folks eliminate them,” says Linda. “Since I’m not college trained, I decided the best way to learn about insects was to hike, collect and study them.”

Her trajectory began to change in the 1990s when she took a butterfly class in City Park’s Botanical Garden taught by lepidopterist Frances Welden, whom Auld now considers a mentor. She says, “What really fascinated me about Frances was her wealth of knowledge regarding caterpillar host plants. If you told

September-October 2020 39

her you found a caterpillar on a Pentas plant, for instance, she’d know it was a Tersa Sphinx moth caterpillar. Knowing the host plant helps to identify the species of caterpillar.” The more she learned, the more Auld wanted to know. The more she knew, the more she wanted to help. And the BugLady was born.

Since that time, Auld has participated in and/or led eight butterfly surveys a year for the North American Butterfly Association, tramping through wooded areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and Alabama documenting butterfly activity. She’s financed and planted butterfly-friendly gardens in local schools, not just teaching school kids about butterflies, but helping ignite a love of gardening in the next generation.

Auld has authored numerous articles about local bug and butterfly varieties and recently published a book, BugLady’s Butterfly Summer, to get her readers involved in butterfly conservation. She says, “The book includes 15 adventure stories about my discoveries while exploring woodland trails.

It’s packed with information about caterpillar host plants and their preferred nectar plants, with 31 color plates of the life cycles of the species I raised.” She’s

also helped incorporate butterfly-friendly gardens into state welcome centers and worked to get local nurseries to sell native milkweed seeds and plants, the favorite food of monarch butterflies. She is in line to receive a much-deserved Award of Commendation from the Louisiana Garden Club Federation for her extensive work with butterfly conservation.

The monarch butterfly has become Linda’s pet project. She says, “Because of climate change, neonicotinoid pesticides, habitat destruction and disease, the monarch butterfly population in North America has sharply declined over the last two decades.” She spends much of her free time getting that message out, speaking to service organizations, garden clubs, scout troops, schools and crowds at local nurseries, educating all ages about what they can do to help preserve these lovely creatures. For several years, Auld ran Bug Lady Farms, where she raised butterflies for release at special events and supplied assorted local butterflies to the Audubon Institute’s Butterflies in Flight exhibit.

Auld has even found ways to incorporate her love of butterflies into her company. She created a

popular learning room at Barber Laboratories where she’s already hatched 126 species of butterflies, many of them rescues found and donated by local residents.

She sells native plants at the store that are attractive to bees and butterflies. Each December finds her planting a garden of parsley, dill and fennel to attract swallowtail butterflies. “They lay their eggs in the garden, and I bring them into the learning room, raise them there, then release them.” She also offers caterpillar adoption, so kids can watch the amazing metamorphosis “from crawling bug to flying bug” firsthand.

When asked whether it isn’t unusual for a pest control company to devote so much attention to supporting and encouraging bug populations, Linda falls back on her favorite motto, “‘I sell death for pests but promote life for the rest!’ On one side of the store we have the learning room. On the other side we have the shelves of death.”

She’s also preserved memorabilia from the history of the family business. Linda’s paternal grandfather, Ernest R. Barber, was a chemist working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “They sent him all over the world to solve bug-related problems,” Auld says.

An entrepreneur at heart, he eventually realized his dream of being his own boss when he opened Barber Laboratories in 1921 as the first store in Louisiana selling pest control chemicals. In her shop, Linda displays old implements her grandfather used in his trade plus original product labels and samples of advertising that he printed, which she has on display.

Termites, roaches, bedbugs, ants, fleas, and ticks be warned! The BugLady’s got your number. But the same zeal that’s helping local homeowners keep their homes pest free is working just as hard to improve the lot of local butterflies—especially Auld’s beloved monarch. If you’d like to join the BugLady in her efforts, you can find out more at NOLABugLady.com or attend one of Auld’s talks to learn how to unplug, slow down and—as the BugLady says—”see the small things that make life fascinating and mysterious.”

Find out more about the amazing array of North American butterflies at NABA.org. Linda Auld can be reached at nolabuglady@gmail.com or on the web at barberlaboratories.com and nolabuglady.com.

Each year, Mercedes-Benz recognizes their top performers from across the country. Awarded to just a handful of dealers and managers, the Best of the Best Gold Laurel Award is a distinction that highlights operations, inventory and quality customer service. Since our local dealership opened in the spring of 2018, they became eligible for the distinction with their first full year of operations in 2019. Not only were they selected in this very first year, but they were the only Louisiana dealership to be chosen.

Congratulations are definitely in order. “Being recognized as a Golden Laurel-Best of the Best dealer for 2019 is a tremendous honor. Our team has set the bar very high right from the start, and the northshore customers have responded, far exceeding our expectations,� says Laurie McCants, General Manager and Operating Partner. Greg and Juanita Baranco, owners of Mercedes-Benz in Buckhead, are her partners in the Covington location.

The Best of the Best Award is distributed annually to the top 15 percent of dealers in the Mercedes-Benz retail network. It celebrates the managerial and entrepreneurial know-how that makes across-the-board excellence possible.

The award inspires others in the network to make changes and

improvements that incorporate best practices of these high performers. Leading by example has been a hallmark of the Mercedes-Benz brand since its introduction.

It is possible to trace the origins of the company to the Benz Patent Motorwagen, the world’s first motorized vehicle to generate its own power, designed by Karl Benz. The three-wheeled marvel came into the market in the summer of 1888. With nearly 600 vehicles in production by 1899, Benz & Cie was the largest automaker in the world in its time. Eventually, they faced intense competition from another German car company founded by Gotlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. By 1926, the competitors joined forces as Daimler-Benz AG, which eventually became known as Mercedes-Benz. That tradition of innovation and quality still continues in the production of each new vehicle. The brand combines luxury with performance across a full line of sedans, SUVs, coupes, roadsters, convertibles and commercial vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz of Covington has earned the honor of being selected a Golden Laurel Best of the Best dealership by offering both exceptional service and some of the finest vehicles on the road. Well done.

8080 Westshore Drive, Covington, LA 70433 985-900-1212 | MBofCovington.com

Business & Leadership 46 Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights Marking 75 Years 50 Desi Vega’s Steakhouse (Northshore) Desi Vega 52 North Oaks Health System 54 Northshore Food Bank Terri Turner-Marse 56 Rubio Enterprises 57 St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce 60 Creole Tomateaux Frank Annerino 61 Fidelity Bank The Fidelity Northshore Team 62 Junior League of Greater Covington Shelly Winstead, President 63 OnPath Federal Credit Union Jared Freeman, President and CEO 64 Peace Love and Little Donuts

Business & Leadership

46

Inside Northside

Marking 75 Years

photos courtesy: BEVOLO GAS AND ELECTRIC LIGHT

by Steven Mills

Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights

LIGHTING IS ONE OF THE MOST significant details in architectural design. Whether deciding how to orient a building in relation to the sun or choosing the right lighting fixture to create a desired effect in a room, lighting can transform a space from ordinary to memorable.

New Orleans was one of the first cities in America, behind Baltimore and Philadelphia, to implement gas lighting in an urban setting. The copper lanterns that currently illuminate the mesmerizing streets of the French Quarter were designed by notable Louisiana architect A. Hays Town and handcrafted by New Orleans-based Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights.

In the early ’60s, a young A. Hays Town meandered about the streets of the Quarter in search of lighting inspiration for a project he was working on. The distinct “tink, tink, tink” sound of ball-peen hammers caught his attention and drew him into a nearby metal shop as owner and coppersmith Andrew Bevolo Sr. worked into the night on a project. “If you can draw it, I can build it,” Bevolo told the ambitious architect, giving life to the iconic Original French Quarter Lantern. Their chance encounter has served as inspiration for countless collaborations between renowned architects and Bevolo’s master craftsmen throughout the years following.

The copper, brass and glass light lanterns can now be found in tens of thousands of residences and commercial buildings worldwide.

Bevolo’s handcrafted fixtures adorn some of the most notable homes, restaurants, hotels and streets throughout New Orleans and give a new dimension to nearly every building on the area’s National Register of Historic

Places, including The Cabildo, The Presbytère and Jackson Square.

Bevolo Gas Lighting began in 1945, when Andrew Bevolo Sr. opened his first metal shop in the French Quarter. The company has been deeply intertwined with the city’s history ever since and, to this day, remains committed to operating solely out of the New Orleans area. In the beginning, most of Bevolo’s time was spent repairing old light fixtures that needed to be polished, re-plated or re-wired. He even traveled to London after World War II to help repair lights that had been damaged from the bombings. The soldered joints on old lanterns could not be re-soldered—adding heat would only melt the soldered joints. Riveting the joints together was the only way that the lanterns could be saved, a technique Bevolo was familiar with from the time he spent working for airplane manufacturer Andrew Higgins during the war.

“They don’t solder airplanes together, because they’d fall out of the sky. They use rivets,” explains third-generation-CEO Drew Bevolo. “That was his historical contribution to lighting.”

Together with colleagues he hired from Higgins, Bevolo Sr. began designing and crafting new copper light fixtures. The company has expanded its original gas line to include electric fixtures as well, prompting a change to the company name: Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights.

This year, to celebrate its 75th anniversary, Bevolo is honoring the hardworking craftsmen who have kept the company’s original vision intact by introducing makers marks to their handmade copper lanterns. Makers marks have been used throughout history as a way for craftsmen to claim their work. >>

Opposite page: “As the company grew, and as I grew with it, I knew our success would depend on continuing the high quality craftsmanship people expected from Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights.”

– Drew Bevolo

September-October 2020 47

introduced makers marks to their handmade copper lanterns to honor their craftsmen.

48

Inside Northside

photos courtesy: BEVOLO GAS AND ELECTRIC LIGHT

This year Bevolo

Every craftsman at Bevolo will have a unique mark on their work that will solidify their place within the company’s rich history and tradition.

Each light fixture takes about two days to manufacture in terms of the man hours required from beginning to end. Every piece of the fixture is handmade and built to last a lifetime—the purest pieces of copper have a projected life span of 300 years. The company also has a secret recipe that is locked away for safe keeping—the formula for the oxidation recipe that turns the shiny new look of copper into a deep brown patina equivalent to a 10-to-15-year-old lantern.

“We hold true to the belief that Old World craftsmanship is what truly makes our fixtures burn for a lifetime,” says Drew Bevolo. “By using the highest-grade materials, the most efficient, patented burners, the finest industry-standard techniques and

real craftsmen, we are able to continue providing our customers with high-quality lanterns that last for generations to come.”

Every coppersmith goes through a 2-year training program so they can learn the ins and outs of the business and fine-tune their craft. Drew Bevolo was no exception. Upon graduating from college, he decided not to go work at Bevolo and went to work in the finance industry instead. It wasn’t until years later that he had a change of heart. After receiving a phone call from his uncle, who informed him of his plans to retire and sell the company, Drew knew that it was time to move back to New Orleans and learn the family business.

He started out in the training program with a $100/ week salary before he took over as CEO. The experience he gained as a coppersmith allows him the ability to work with his employees to create and problem solve when needed.

Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights now offers over 500 different light and bracket combinations that range from historically accurate, traditional styles to contemporary lanterns for a more streamlined aesthetic perfect for modern architecture. Its light fixtures can now be found in all 50 states, as well as 47 countries worldwide. In addition to three showrooms in the French Quarter and one in Mandeville, the Bevolo Gas Light Museum on Royal Street offers a visual timeline of some of the most significant fixtures through the years and an opportunity to watch on-site craftsmen while they build handmade lanterns.

“Every project is meaningful to us. A huge part of our business is collaborating with notable architects and designers on restaurants, hotels and commercial projects, but just as exciting are the personal projects where we work directly with homeowners to find the perfect lighting for their home,” says Bevolo. The company works with clients individually through its complimentary design service, reviewing every project to ensure the best result. Custom pieces are also available to anyone who is looking for a piece that is truly one of a kind.

Bevolo’s lanterns have become the perfect complement to varying architectural styles worldwide and continue to light the way for the next generation of artisans.

B U S I N E S S

&

L E A D E R S H I P

P R O F I L E

Desi Vega

DESI VEGA’S STEAKHOUSE (NORTHSHORE) Desi Vega, co-owner and managing partner of his namesake New

Covington. “A lot of the guests who dine with us at the New Orleans locations

Orleans restaurants, will finally be bringing his upscale Southern hospitality to

are from the Northshore and have been begging Desi for a while to open a place

the Northshore by the end of 2020. Desi, an industry veteran, has been part

closer to home,” says Marketing Director Patrick Haggerty.

of the restaurant scene his entire life. He started out working at his parents’

Besides the excellent service and attention to detail that comes with the

restaurant and later went on to learn directly from industry greats Ella Brennan of

Vega name, Northshore guests will find menu items inspired by Chef Muggsy

Commander’s Palace, Ruth Fertel of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Emeril Lagasse.

Beals, the culinary mastermind behind Desi Vega’s Steakhouse. The menu will

Being trained by the biggest names in the New Orleans restaurant

feature many of the same popular items found at the original restaurant, such as

industry has tailored the way Desi manages each of his restaurants. It’s all about

Stuffed Crabmeat Wrapped in Bacon, WhoDat Shrimp, Andouille-Crawfish Mac &

hospitality and creating an environment where guests feel like they are dining in

Cheese and, of course, their famous USDA Prime, corn-fed beef steaks cooked in a

the comforts of their own home.

Montague broiler before served on a hot plate sizzling with melted butter.

Desi bought his first restaurant, Mr. John’s on St. Charles Avenue, and

Vega has also partnered with longtime friends Shawn Breaud and Shane

turned it into the number one steakhouse in New Orleans. Following the

Songy, owners of Après Lounge, as well as Kyle Roberts, member of the family

restaurant’s success, he went on to open Desi Vega’s Steakhouse in 2013 inside

owned venue, in order to bring a memorable nightlife scene to the Northshore.

the Lafayette Hotel to capture the overflow from the constantly booked Mr. John’s.

Shane and Shawn have been working together since 2004 when they opened

He has since opened another Steakhouse in Metairie and Desi Vega’s Prime

their first restaurant followed by three PJ’s Coffee franchises. In 2013, they set

Burgers and Shakes in Harahan.

out to open their first location of Après Lounge, an “Ultra Champagne Lounge,” in

His newest venture, however, is a big move for the restaurateur as he crosses Lake Pontchartrain for the first time to bring Desi Vega’s Steakhouse to 50

Inside Northside

the Warehouse district of New Orleans. Vega approached the duo in 2006 about opening a business together but the timing wasn’t right.

The Covington location at 1950 North Highway 190 is equally as posh as the original on Fulton Street and shares the same philosophy that Shawn and Shane have had since the beginning: “Champagne is a beverage that is always associated with two things, luxury and celebration. With special events and a stellar bar program, the Northshore location continues the tradition.”

The new Desi Vega’s Steakhouse will be located inside of the same building as Après Lounge in Covington overlooking the Abita River, featuring live music in the Après Lounge on one side and an unparalleled dining experience on the other. Northshore guests will be in for a treat once the restaurant is finally open.

The opening date for the restaurant is up in the air because of Covid-19, but it is expected to be completed by October 2020.

Après Lounge and Desi Vega’s Steakhouse are located at 1950 Hwy 190, Covington. apresnola.com • desivegasnorthshore.com September-October 2020 51

B U S I N E S S

&

L E A D E R S H I P

P R O F I L E

Terri Turner-Marse

NORTHSHORE FOOD BANK “We feed people! That is the essence of our mission in its purest form,” says Terri Turner-Marse,

most vulnerable in our community.”

“The demand for food assistance has

We have yet to return to our pre-Covid registration or food distribution levels,” says Terri. “Because of school

CEO of the Northshore Food Bank. “We have

significantly increased during the Covid 19

closings and service-industry lay-offs, more people

been providing food to people experiencing food

pandemic. We are experiencing an unprecedented

are depending on the food bank for assistance.

insecurity in our Northshore community since 1984.”

number of families appearing at our doors because

Food bank participants with school-age children

The Northshore Food Bank is truly a community food

of employment loss as well as an uptick in our

are receiving additional food at each distribution to

bank that is supported by the generosity of local

senior population. Pre-Covid, we usually registered

counterbalance the meal loss from school closures

businesses, churches, schools, civic organizations and

25-30 new households monthly. At the peak of the

and the unavailability of the free or reduced meal

individuals. “The food bank serves the needs of the

pandemic, we registered 100-115 households weekly.

program,” says Terri. In order to serve our community population impacted by Covid 19, donations are needed. “Donations to the food bank can take many forms. Cash contributions are welcomed and afford us the greatest flexibility to sustain resources. Food donations and food drives are excellent avenues for fighting food insecurity on the Northshore.

Above: Terri Turner-Marse, CEO of the Northshore Food Bank.

Left: The Northshore Food Bank distribution center, located at 125 W. 30th Ave, Covington.

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P R O F I L E Left: Board Member Jose Balli.

Below: Celia McCormick prepares a package for distribution.

The Northshore Food Bank Resale Shop,

At a new facility, on West 30th Street in

makes these much-needed deliveries possible.

located at 830 N. Columbia Street, in Covington is

Covington, registered participants are able to

also dedicated to support the mission. Net income

drive through the distribution station, an added

Tammany Cancer Center, we opened a client-choice

derived from the sales of gently used clothing,

bonus, as previously the participant had to enter

pantry for eligible patients receiving treatment at

household goods and furniture directly support

the building for verification. The new facility

the Cancer Center. This location was added to the

the food bank operations. Every donation brought

is allowing an expansion of the Community

Community Cupboard Program in November 2019;

to our Resale Shop helps to feed the hungry just

Cupboard, a remote distribution program that

it is a result of the collaboration by the St. Tammany

as every purchase does. So if YOU donate more or

serves the homebound. Partnering with non-profit

Cancer Center and the Northshore Food Bank staff

shop more, WE feed more.

organizations, churches and civic organizations,

teams,” says Terri.

“Last year, in conjunction with the St.

Northshore Food Bank provides an approximate 55-pound distribution. The 35-pound staple box is designed with 18 food product items that will help stock the household pantry. “We work with a registered dietician who configures the products within our non-perishable food boxes to ensure our supplements are nutritionally balanced,” says Terri. “Our lagniappe box, weighing approximately 20 pounds, includes items such as fruit, meat, dairy and other perishables or dry goods received from our grocery partners and our Feeding America partner, 2nd Harvest. The household size determines the frequency of monthly distributions as well as the volume provided.”

Please visit our website at northshorefoodbank.org for more information on how to donate or get involved.

Contact Community Engagement Manager Ginger Kunkle to coordinate a food, clothing or furniture drive.

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Rubio Enterprises La Carreta Restaurant has been a Mandeville staple for quality Mexican

and are the main reasons for his success. He hopes that his 16-year-old

food and a fun environment since the day it opened in 2008. What most

daughter and 15-year-old son will follow in his footsteps one day to continue

people might not know is that the Mandeville location is not the original

the family business and accomplish things he won’t have the time to do in his

location opened by owner Saul Rubio.

lifetime. When it comes to giving back to his community, Saul turns to local

Thirty years ago, Saul Rubio made the journey from his hometown

organizations and charities instead of giving to big companies that ask for

in Queretaro, Mexico, to the United States with a mission to open his own

sponsorships and advertising. “If it weren’t for our community, we wouldn’t

restaurant. His love for food stemmed from the years he spent working

be successful, so I always try to do what I can to show my appreciation.”

alongside his mother at her restaurant, which was connected to the house

This year, after Covid-19 forced them to temporarily close all of their

he grew up in. After three years of working as a server in Milton, Florida, he

restaurants, Saul used his kitchens to give back to his community by cooking

finally had enough money saved up to open his own restaurant.

food for anyone in need, as well as bringing food to those working on the

In 1998, Saul made one final move. He settled down in the college town of Hammond, Louisiana, where he finally opened his first restaurant, La Carreta—the name translates to “the wagon” in Spanish. Some of the

front line at the hospitals. Once restrictions were lifted, people were ready to start dining in once again and the restaurants have been busy ever since.

Over the last 22 years, Rubio Enterprises has grown to 12 La Carreta

ingredients for the family recipes he learned from his mother weren’t yet

locations across Southeast Louisiana. While each location might be different

available in the states, so he had to modify several menu items; today, he still

in appearance, they all maintain the same standards and serve up authentic

uses a lot of the original recipes. His sister, Leticia, moved to the states several

Mexican dishes. Most of the dishes are cooked over a wood-burning stovetop

years later to help with the business and, in 2008, convinced her brother to

to give the food a unique flare. Salsa is made fresh daily and is always

bring the popular restaurant to Mandeville.

complimentary when dining in the restaurant. Another popular item is the

Community and family continue to be at the heart of Saul’s businesses 56

Inside Northside

private-label tequila, Don Saul. The brand, exclusive to Saul’s restaurants,

is used in all of their margaritas, which are made with fresh-squeezed

One of the biggest difficulties he has faced as a restaurant owner is

lime juice, agave nectar and the option to add fresh fruit like strawberries,

finding hardworking employees. “When people are looking for a job waiting

blueberries, pineapple, jalapenos or even avocado.

tables, they only want to do it for a few years while in school and don’t always

Saul’s most recent endeavors in the restaurant industry include

try as hard because of that. I always tell them if they’re bad at waiting tables,

stepping out from under the La Carreta name with new restaurants Si Senor

then they’ll be bad at any other job. They have to put their best foot forward

Taqueria, Salty Joe’s BBQ, Streetside Market and One Thirteen. These feature

in everything they do.”

different menus that move away from the traditional Mexican cuisine

As the company continues to expand, Saul turns to employees within

found at La Carreta. Streetside Market is the restaurateur’s latest culinary

the company when looking to bring on partners at new locations, because

development in Hammond, with John Wong, Shawn Zhang, and Greg and

he considers them to be part of his family. “Most worked their way up to the

Glen Alack. Streetside Market brings together varying international cuisines

position, beginning as servers in the restaurant and becoming a manager

and a vast array of options to choose from, such as Sushi Rolls, Italian, Pizza,

and/or part-owner because of their diligent work,” says marketing and design

Chinese, Po-boys and smaller appetizer bites for the curious who want to try

coordinator Mary Royer. “Saul recognized their drive and knew they deserved

everything without getting too full on one meal. Oh, and save some room for

a manager position.”

dessert—they have Morning Call beignets as well!

For those looking to get into the restaurant industry, Saul has a few

The restaurateur’s recipe for success starts with making sure his

words of advice: “First of all, you need to find what you love to do. If you love

employees feel at home and comfortable when they are at work. “If your

people, then the restaurant industry will be a great career path. When you

employees are comfortable, it will show to customers, and they’ll want to

see people enjoying your food and drinks, it makes everyone involved in the

come back,” says Saul. “There’s a lot of competition out there. When people

restaurant feel great, from servers to those in the kitchen to managers and

come to your restaurant, they have already driven by multiple restaurants on

customers. When you love what you do, people will see that, and you’ll have a

the way, so it’s important that they feel like they have made the right choice.”

happier community because of it.”

carretarestaurant.com

saltyjoesbbq.com

sisenortaqueria.com

streetsidemarket.com

onethirteenrestaurant.com September-October 2020 57

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St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce The business community across St. Tammany is pressing on

Having been at the organization’s helm for over two decades, she

through this challenging year as the voice of business owners across

has witnessed volunteer stewardship by our St. Tammany business

the parish is finally united. In 1967 the East St. Tammany Chamber

leaders that rose to the occasion time and again, through Hurricane

organization was formed in Slidell and in the 1970s Mandeville and

Katrina, the BP oil spill, and now through the ongoing economic

Covington created small business organizations of their own, which

hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. That leadership helps

eventually merged as the St. Tammany West Chamber. Throughout

give voice to each member business, large and small.

the past 55 years there have been numerous advocates leading the way on issues of interest and concern for business owners, but in

Membership investments provide financial stability for the organization and make it possible for Chamber staff to enact and oversee a host of programming benefits for its members. Getting

“The St. Tammany Chamber has been a constant voice

involved with the Chamber provides networking, education and

providing resources and relevant information that our businesses

business development opportunities using standards set by the U.S.

desperately need during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Chamber

Chamber of Commerce, whose best practices accreditation program

Board has received positive feedback that staff communications

is consistently followed.

have been relevant and appreciated. The Chamber’s

While the pandemic has temporarily stalled membership and

continuous business support shows that it is truly a parish-wide

relationship growth, this too, like challenges and disasters of the past,

resource to all businesses regardless of size or location.”

will be overcome. St. Tammany Parish has many assets that contribute

– Board Member Carrie Calvin, Bourgeois Bennett, LLC.

to our outstanding quality of life. Not the least of these include a vibrant business base, a dynamic Chamber of Commerce, and a

November 2019 those voices gained strength by becoming one. This

growing sense of unity among business and civic organizations.

united voice of over 1,000 member businesses focuses on a myriad of issues including regulation, opportunity and collaboration.

Though a concept several years in the making, the parishwide Chamber would not have been possible without support from business leaders and state and local government officials.

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The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce is located at

Chamber President and CEO Lacey Osborne will be the first to credit

610 Hollycrest Blvd., Covington, and 2220 Carey St., Slidell.

the success of the St. Tammany Chamber to that strong leadership.

985-892-3216 sttammanychamber.org

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Sprinting for Business 1

2

4

5

3

6

7

8

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The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce

a key component to the quality of life we enjoy.”

conducted an eight-hour ribbon-cutting marathon

Board Chairman Tom Meyer added, “Our

across the parish to celebrate 60 local businesses

Chamber has continued to support our 1,029

reopening, recovering and returning from the

members throughout the quarantine. The board

COVID-19 shutdown.

and committees have met virtually to ensure we are

“Sprinting for Business was a unique way

providing information businesses need such as the

to show we are ready to get back to business,”

Louisiana Main Street Recovery Program, PPP, EIDL

said Chamber Director of Operations Jessica

loans and more. We are grateful for volunteer leaders

Hester who organized the event. “We encourage

that are committed to maintaining a strong and

everyone to recognize that our local businesses are

relevant Chamber in this challenging environment.”

10

11

Among those who participated were: 1. All American Healthcare. 2. Backyard Printing. 3. CJ Ladner State Farm. 4. Visiting Angels. 5. Don’s Seafood. 6. Half Shell Oyster House. 7. Sea Spray by Private Beach.

8. My Hospitality Holiday Inn Covington.

9. Nothing Bundt Cakes. 10. Hospice House.

11. Cornerstone Dentistry.

September-October 2020 59

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Frank Annerino with his son, Tyler, and his granddaughter, Rosalie.

Frank Annerino CREOLE TOMATEAUX

Since 2017, Creole Tomateaux has been a go-to spot in Mandeville for

adds, “When I started out in the restaurant industry, they didn’t have all the social

a homestyle twist on Cajun/Creole cuisine. Owner Frank Annerino opened

media there is today—they had myspace and that was it. Social media is huge now.

the restaurant with the belief that quality food should never be sacrificed for

I’ve had to learn on the fly very quickly to figure out how to use it.”

convenience, creating a dining experience where people can slow down from the fast-paced world we live in.

Frank, who is originally from Slidell, has 30 years of experience in

Frank’s son has even followed in his footsteps, managing the food truck part of the business in addition to working alongside his father at the familyrun restaurant. In March of this year, their team won the People’s Choice

the restaurant industry. After moving to Lafayette at the age of 18, he spent

Award at the Louisiana Food Truck show. They have two mobile food trucks

several years working at restaurants and hotels where he learned to cook from

that operate 3-5 days a week and are often used for weddings, private events

different chefs. He went on to open several successful restaurants and bars in

and, as of late, a lot of teen birthday parties.

the city before making the move to Mandeville for a new opportunity.

Frank is dedicated to creating an environment that keeps people coming

“Before Covid-19 the food truck accounted for 70 percent of our revenue,” says Frank. “We were about to buy another truck to expand our catering before

back for more of their flavorful cuisine. The menu items at Creole Tomateaux are a

all of the virus stuff happened, but everything was turned upside down. Now the

“collaboration between Cajun and Creole,” explains Frank. “I brought a lot of the

restaurant and the food trucks operate 50/50.”

Cajun stuff I learned in Lafayette and mixed them with New Orleans Creole recipes.”

There is something for everyone to enjoy at Creole Tomateaux. Blackened

The only good to come out of Covid-19 has been the amount of support the restaurant has received from the community. The restaurateur has become

Shrimp Taceauxs are the most popular item and have

extremely fond of his new city and has been doing

been ever since the restaurant opened. The Fried

everything he can to give back during this difficult

Green Tomateaux are also a big seller, as well as the

time, donating over 1700 meals to healthcare

8 oz. burgers and the Seafood Club, which features

workers throughout the pandemic.

fried shrimp, fried catfish and a soft-shell crab.

“We get a kick out of seeing people happy.

“We want to thank the Northshore community. During this entire period, the

As goofy as that sounds, it’s what keeps us going

community has been unbelievable to all of the

every day. You have to have passion for people and

restaurants around here, and it’s been amazing to

cooking to stay in this business as long as I have.” He

see people coming together to help one another.”

Creole Tomateaux is located at 1851 Florida Blvd., Mandeville. (985) 951-2650 creoletomateaux.com 60

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Left to Right: Janette Raymond, Slidell Financial Center Leader; Dustin Reichert, Covington Financial Center Leader; Lindsey Chevalier, Mandeville Financial Center Leader; Lori Pausina, Retail Banking Manager; Byron Bankston, Hammond Financial Center Leader; and Rachel Wilhelm, Retail Relationship Manager.

The Fidelity Northshore Team

FIDELITY BANK Fidelity Bank, a local community bank with a history of serving the now recognize the importance of banking local.” metro New Orleans area for over 100 years, prides itself on delivering World Class Client Service through a consultative approach with clients.

The Fidelity Northshore team is made up of well-known, experienced and

Fidelity Bank’s Northshore leadership team’s mission is reflected in the bank’s overall mission—to be HERE FOR GOOD. This 112-year-old institution makes decisions for long-term planning; it is one of the most capitalized

knowledgeable bankers who take a leadership role in many local organizations

banks in the region. Giving back is another way the team lives the mission of

and events in the community. Some ongoing initiatives include St. Tammany

being HERE FOR GOOD. When the bank researched and discovered women

Chamber of Commerce, Bluesberry Festival, Mandeville Kiwanis, Old Mandeville

business owners were drastically underserved, it developed and launched its

Business Association, Keep Slidell Beautiful, Greater Covington Junior League,

highly successful program, P.O.W.E.R.® (Potential of Women Entrepreneurs

Southeastern University Athletics, Youth Service Bureau and the Bayou Lacombe

Realized). The Northshore leadership team supports the P.O.W.E.R. initiative

Cardinals. The team is especially proud of its Community Partners program

by holding monthly (now virtual!) join ups in their branches for women

designed exclusively for nonprofits, which in addition to providing financial

in business and frequently hosting educational seminars that address

services also includes promotion, sponsorship and an annual financial gift.

challenges and opportunities and position the business for growth.

Recently, Fidelity bankers took a leadership role in the local banking

With offices in Covington, Hammond, Mandeville and Slidell, the

community as a preferred Small Business Administration Lender. The team helped

Fidelity Bank Northshore leadership team is ready to assist and show clients

thousands of businesses via their facilitation of the Payment Protection Program.

the difference a local community bank can make. Pausina says, “Here for

It is estimated the bank assisted in saving over 22,000 jobs in the community. VP

Good is not just words on a wall to us. It is who we are and who we will be

and Retail Banking Manger Lori Pausina says, “I am so proud of the Northshore

each and every day.”

team who worked countless hours through this crisis to make sure PPP loan applications were processed as quickly and efficiently as possible. We were one of the few banks who were ready to assist on day 1 of the program, and we continued to take applications from clients and non-clients until the application period closed.

Because of that, we were able to not only assist Northshore businesses, but we have developed relationships with even more members of the community who

To learn more about Fidelity Bank, visit www.bankwithfidelity.com.

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Super Heroes Gala, Children’s Museum of St. Tammany’s STEM days at local elementaries and much more.

Other volunteer opportunities are available to league members, such as Done in a Meeting, where needed items are brought to a monthly meeting to help out a selected organization in need. In the past two years, the DIAMs supported the St. Tammany Parish Hospital’s Parenting Center, Our Friends Closet, Brooke It Forward Foundation, Free Indeed Home operated by the Louisiana Coalition Against Human Trafficking, backpacks and other needed school items for children in the foster care system in St. Tammany Parish and more.

In its 43 years of serving the community, the league has supported the

Shelly Winstead

formation of the Northshore Food Bank, Safe Harbor, West St. Tammany YMCA,

OF GREATER COVINGTON

Center, Hospice of St. Tammany, Northlake Nature Center, the Children’s

PRESIDENT, JUNIOR LEAGUE

the Youth Service Bureau for at-risk youth, Western St. Tammany Parenting

The Junior League of Greater Covington (originally known as the Greater Covington Junior Service League) was founded in 1977. Martha Green, Suellen Fey and Judy Wolf met with advisor Mrs. Stewart Maunsell to discuss formation of a service organization. Soon, they were joined by six additional women: Mary Shoup, Cathy Burns, Joanne Champagne, Nan Nelson, Patricia Gordon and Mimi Curran. Together, these nine women formulated a Charter and Bylaws and established Standing Rules for the Greater Covington Junior Service League.

Martha Green was selected to serve as the new organization’s first president.

Every year since beginning 43 years ago, the league’s members have

Museum of St. Tammany and more! The Junior League of Greater Covington

volunteered countless hours to improve our community through projects

strives to continually meet needs and works to bring community-wide

and providing educational and informational events. Girls Health Day is

sustainable improvements to the Greater Covington area.

an annual event held at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington.

The league’s biggest fundraiser, the Harvest Cup Polo Classic featuring

Admission is free to the public and features speakers, vendors and services to

the New Orleans Polo Club, is held each October. (This year’s Classic has been

girls ages 8-13 years old. Another popular project hosted by the Junior League

cancelled because of Covid-19.) Guests are entertained with world-class polo

is Project Prom. Held in early spring at the JLGC’s headquarters, new and

matches, food, music and shopping! JLGC Community Partners, Mercedes-Benz

gently worn dresses, shoes and accessories are given free to high school girls

of Covington and Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry display their finest cars and jewelry

attending. Students from Aveda School of Covington provide free make-up

available for attendees to purchase. If you’ve never been, you must plan to

and hair demonstrations. Throughout the event, door prizes donated by local

come to the next Harvest Cup Polo Classic in October 2021! This well-attended

businesses help make the day even more exciting.

fundraiser allows the league to raise funds for its Community Assistance Grants,

JLGC’s members also volunteer at Sudden Impact community events like

projects and outreach to our local community.

the Northshore Food Bank’s Pallets with Purpose fundraiser, Safe Harbor’s Real

Located at 529 N. Columbia Street, in Covington.

985.892.5258 jlgc.net 62

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First ASI FCU branch, Avondale Shipyard.

Federal Credit Union, has served the community in southeast Louisiana since 1961. With 11 branches across Jefferson, St. Tammany, Orleans and Lafourche Parishes, OnPath Federal Credit Union offers a variety of consumer and commercial financial services. Through decades of positive economic impact, it has helped support strong, healthy communities. In 2019, OnPath Federal Credit Union provided more than $49 million in Business loans and $51 million in Mortgages, often, to many who have been denied financing by other institutions.

Jared Freeman, President and CEO ONPATH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

“Over the course of my career I have learned that the member experience and exceeding expectations is crucial in providing value and fostering long-term relationships,” says Freeman. “Investing in growth, technology and expanding our

OnPath Federal Credit Union is pleased to

Business Administration in Finance from the

services to be more inclusive of our community is what will

announce Jared Freeman as its new President

University of Mobile, as well as a Certified Credit

keep OnPath FCU strong and successful far into the future.”

and Chief Executive Officer. At 32 years old,

Union Executive designation from CUES CEO

and the youngest CEO in the credit union’s

Institute.

history, Freeman arrives with impressive

At the forefront of his vision for OnPath FCU

Empowering its members and providing opportunities for financial success is at the heart of OnPath FCU. It is proud to partner with local nonprofit organizations to aid in the

career experience within the financial services

Freeman is dedicated to the credit union mantra of

delivery of enriching services that positively impact our

industry. Focused on transforming credit unions

“people helping people”. “When people bank with

community. Services also include financial education and

and leading their exponential growth, he first

their local credit unions, they do more than open

counseling, First-Time Home Buyer classes, and access to

joined the credit union movement in 2005 with

an account or take out a loan. The cooperative and

business planning and development resources.

Guardian Credit Union in Alabama, and served

not-for-profit structure of a credit union allows us

many roles, ultimately as Chief Operations

to reinvest in our members and our community by

and innovation, Freeman thanks his predecessor, Joey

Officer. From there, he went on to lead Alabama

bringing them enhanced products, branches and

Richard. “The Board and I would like to extend our deepest

State Employees (ASE) Credit Union as President

innovations at a lower cost.”

gratitude to Joey for his leadership as Interim CEO. Leading

and CEO before making his most recent move

OnPath Federal Credit Union, was founded

As OnPath FCU looks to a future of continued service

the institution through re-branding and, particularly, in

to Leaders Credit Union, where he held the role

as ASI Federal Credit Union. Rising from the

the past few months during the Coronavirus pandemic,

of Chief Experience Officer. Freeman holds a

docks of Avondale Shipyards and originally

required a steady hand and infinite patience. We will

Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master of

serving its employees, ASI FCU now, OnPath

forever be grateful.”

To learn more about OnPath Federal Credit Union, visit BeOnPath.org.

September-October 2020 63

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Peace Love and Little Donuts

Toni Williams has a personality that shines as bright as the Spongebob-

possible while remaining true to the brand. When it came to finding talent for the

yellow Volkswagen Bug she drives and the paint colors inside her new donut

murals she envisioned on the interior walls, she turned to Fontainebleau High

shop, Peace, Love and Little Donuts.

School art teachers Jessica Danby and Sara Shearman, along with a few of their

Toni and her husband, Rory, moved their family from West Virginia to Covington two years ago for Rory’s new job at Entergy. She had always dreamed

art students, to paint vibrant murals on the walls.

“Every location of Peace, Love and Little Donuts is filled with flowers, and

of owning a business and, after a rigorous vetting process, finally got the

they all use the same five colors of paint in the entire store, but I wanted to add

opportunity to do so in 2019 when she was approved to open the 40th franchise

something extra, something that would tie it back to this amazing community,”

location for Peace, Love and Little Donuts.

explains Toni. “The murals that the Fontainebleau students painted were the

Peace, Love and Little Donuts founders Ron and Marci opened the first location in 2009 in Pittsburgh. Toni and Rory came across

perfect addition. They truly went above and beyond my expectations!”

She also brought in local coffee favorite Abita Roasting Company and, most

the original shop several years ago and knew it would be a groovy addition

recently, has partnered with Just Chillin of Mandeville to bring in four different

to their new hometown.

flavors that can be used to make an ice cream sandwich—the perfect treat for

After travelling to Ohio with her daughter, Aliza, for training, Toni was given the

scorching summer days!

green light to start construction on the new shop. Aliza has been an integral part of the

Once the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, customers will be able to

day-to-day operations at the shop and was also in charge of training the new students

relax in one of the shop’s cozy corners while listening to ’70s music. Until then,

that they hired. Toni’s eldest daughter, Aubrie, is still in West Virginia while finishing her

they can continue ordering online for curbside pickup or come inside to order

degree, but is always available for visual support.

while following social distance guidelines.

The initial opening date in January 2020 was pushed back to March 16, 2020, because of construction delays. However, on March 13, three days before

“At the end of the day, I’m a bit of a people pleaser,” says Toni. “I want people to feel welcome when they come in and feel happy after they leave.”

the new opening date, the Covid-19 stay-at-home order was put in place. Peace, Love and Little Donuts was finally able to open on May 18, 2020.

Everything about Toni’s donut shop is above average. She offers 60 different flavors of cake donuts that feature a variety of different toppings and fillings, baking continuously throughout the day to ensure customers will always receive fresh donuts. Customers can order single donuts, a disco dozen or a disco party box. Gluten- and vegan-friendly options are available at least once a week.

The inside of the new location is as fresh as the donuts and goes along with the brand’s logo, “Feed Your Inner Hippie.” Toni wanted the store to feel as local as 64

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Peace Love and Little Donuts is located at 70493 Hwy. 21, Covington. (985) 400-9780

The Sweet Potato Queens

by Becky Slatten

Boss Queen Jill Connor Brown JILL CONNER BROWNE KNEW she must be misplaced royalty the day she saw the photos of her mother and Queen Elizabeth side by side; it was obvious they were biological twins separated at birth, as there could be no other explanation for their uncanny resemblance. Okay, maybe not, but as it turns out, Jill was destined to be a queen, and not just any queen—she’s the Boss Queen, and every March she reigns supreme over all the sweet potatoes in Jackson, Mississippi.

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photo: TOM JOYNT, © SPQ, INC.

When Browne first crowned herself Sweet Potato Queen in 1981, she would likely never have believed that 40 years later she would rule over a veritable sweet potato dynasty.

It all started innocently enough when she and her ‘krewe’ entered a St. Paddy’s Day parade; her friend Cherie happened to mention that Vardaman, Mississippi, right down the road from Jackson, had declared itself the “Sweet Potato Capital of the World.”

Jill says, “I immediately asked, ‘Do they have a queen?’” The original four (self-appointed) Sweet Potato Queens hailed their subjects from the bed of a beat-up pickup truck wearing tiaras and hand-me-down prom dresses.

“That old truck was from ‘Anglin Sweet Potato Farms,’ which was funny because they spelled ‘farms’ with an ’s’ so it sounds like a big deal, but it was literally a garden—in someone’s backyard,” she laughs.

With each year, and with each parade, they gained more and more fans as well as more and more wannabe queens, so it was essential that they get organized. It quickly became apparent there could be only one Boss Queen, so Jill stepped up to claim the crown, and everyone else was demoted to a “Tammy.” Trashy Tammy, Trailer Park Tammy, Too Much Tammy— you get the picture. Over the years, and with a lot of trial and error, their costumes have evolved in an interesting fashion; the ladies have perfected their voluptuous signature look with sequined green gowns, big red wigs, eye-popping sunglasses and hot pink lipstick. At some point, for comfort’s sake, the krewe came up with the brilliant idea of having their, um, ‘enhancements’ sewn into an undergarment to be worn beneath their costumes for the parade and >> September-October 2020 67

appearances. Queen Jill was naturally the model for the prototype, and though she has a lifelong dream of being a 5-foot-1-inch redhead, she’s actually a 6-foot-1-inch brunette.

So when the much shorter Tammys donned their full-figured, specially designed undergarments, they found their bosoms and bottoms hanging unnaturally low, much to Jill’s approval. “They look hideous,” she chortles. “It’s great. I’m the boss queen and I get more of everything. If they’re allowed to have even one sequin, it’s due entirely to my benevolence.”

Jill figures she’s the only fulltime professional Sweet Potato Queen working in the business today. Apart from presiding over the annual parade, she’s also authored 9 books (which have inspired over 6,400 Sweet Potato Queen Wannabe™ clubs around the country), she schedules

photos: ©D.P.S., INC.

speaking engagements, has appeared on numerous television news and talk shows and is also passionate about her many fundraising endeavors. Jill has helped raise millions of dollars benefitting a myriad of local and national causes, such as Children’s Hospital, Children’s Miracle Network, breast cancer research, literacy, coastal clean-up and providing healthy food to area food pantries and soup kitchens.

Lately, however (Covid 19 permitting), she travels around making appearances at the various performances of the new play, Sweet Potato Queens: the Musical, based on her first book, the 1999 bestseller, The Sweet Potato Queen’s Book of Love: A Fallen Southern Belle’s Look at Love, Life, Men, Marriage, and Being Prepared.

The origin of the play makes for an interesting story. Around 20 years ago, the front page of the >>

September-October 2020 69

Los Angeles Times Melissa Manchester was reading featured a story about Jill and the Sweet Potato Queens and their parade in Jackson. Manchester immediately had a vision for a project, but she first had to find Jill Connor Browne. At the time, Delta Burke was filming a television pilot in LA about the Sweet Potato Queens, playing Jill’s character. “It was terrible,” says Browne. “The writing was awful, and it just never went anywhere.” But Manchester was friends with Burke’s agent, Sam Haskell of the William Morris agency, and he just happened to have Jill’s phone number. So, out of the blue, Jill got a phone call from Melissa Manchester. “She told me that when she read that article she heard music. That’s how it happens for her; it’s part of her process, and she wanted to discuss some ideas she had for a collaboration,” explains Jill.

Melissa and Jill became friends and had dinner one night at Melissa’s house along with Rupert Holmes.

Unfortunately, Rupert Holmes is best known for writing, The Pina Colada Song; he actually won several Tony Awards for the Broadway musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, which is kind of a big deal. Anyway, halfway through the evening, Jill realized that Holmes was pitching himself to her to write the play. “Yes! Of course!”

Jill laughs, recalling her surprise. “He told me he’d read the book and said he really couldn’t improve on the words.”

Lyricist Sharon Vaughn rounded out the talented team, and they began work on the project. “Stage musicals can take 20 years to perfect,” says Jill. “There’s a lot of re-working that happens with the script and the songs.”

The production recently opened in Houston and was reworked with a young Jill as well as an older and wiser 70

Inside Northside

photo: TOM JOYNT, © SPQ, INC.

version of herself. “It just shows how flexible the process can be,” she remarks. “It worked really well.”

Brian Fontenot, owner, director and producer of The Cutting Edge Theatre in Slidell began following the play several years ago. He says, “I knew I wanted to try to get the production. It’s a great show, just really funny; the script and the songs are hilarious. And we have a great cast.” Set in a trailer park, the plot covers all things Southern with witty, tongue-in-cheek humor. In addition to directing and producing, Fontenot is also a cast member, playing the role of Jill’s father. “We’re in rehearsals and now plan to open in October,” he says, after a months-long delay courtesy of Covid 19. And, fingers crossed, if all goes according to plan, Jill Conner Browne, accompanied by George (the lone male krewe member) and any available Tammys, will take the stage after one of the performances to offer advice and answer questions on love and life in the trailer park.

The Cutting Edge Theatre is located at 767 Robert Blvd. in Slidell, 649-3727. Check cuttingedgetheater.com for updates on opening dates and showtimes.

September-October 2020 71

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington invited 10 local artists to create one-of-a-kind, priceless works of art inspired by local patients. As part of this process, the artists met with their patient muses to learn about their unique cancer journeys and then got to work. The collaborative creations bring these incredible stories to life and in visual form express resilience, sacrifice and beauty. The generous artists participating in the auction hope to not only raise funds that support local patients and critical services, but also to inspire others to find strength and grace in their own challenges.

“Maternal Hope” 36” x 36” siliconized acrylic and oil on canvas

“A Brave Face” 48” x 60” mixed media on canvas

Patient: Courtney Casnave

Patient: Deidra Langridge

Artist: Jamila Pennington

Courtney Casnave was diagnosed with breast cancer only days after

Artist: Kris Muntan

There are many ideas of what constitutes bravery. Diedra Langridge is a

learning she was pregnant. The artwork portrays a woman with child, crowned

three-time cancer survivor who actively shares her story, despite how personal

with authority, depicting Casnave’s priority, which was always the well-being

it is, to bring comfort to others. Langridge enjoys volunteering at the Cancer

of her baby. Currently in remission and enjoying time with a healthy baby boy,

Center and helping to bring encouragement to those undergoing treatment. Her

Casnave’s grace, selflessness and faith are represented in the ribboned flowers

willingness to expose her personal highs and lows during her emotional journey

around the expectant mother. The beaming light cascading down symbolizes her

with cancer inspired the bolder and subdued colors in the piece, showing the

reliance on God to carry her through challenging times.

complexity of what it means to be brave.

“Survival” & “Dominance” 11” x 14” watercolor and ink on paper Artist: Cynthia Webb

Patient: Sharon Hartzog

Inspired by Sharon Hartzog’s journey of pure and raw survival

that ultimately turned into dominance over her health, these complementary pieces capture that struggle and peace found within. Artist Cynthia Webb’s mother passed away shortly before meeting with Hartzog, and while the artwork is about the patient’s experience, Webb found comfort in Hartzog’s calm tone and confidence in sharing her incredible story.

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“Perseverance“ 30” x 30” oil on canvas

“At Peace” 24” x 30” acrylic on canvas

Patient: Bobby Edrington

Patient: Cary Riggs

Artist: Megan Westervelt

Originally from St. Bernard Parish, Bobby Edrington

Artist: Taffenie Mizell

Cary Riggs was a teacher, a traveler, a writer, a performer, a husband and a lover

was diagnosed with prostate cancer shortly after moving

of life. Before he passed away, he spoke fondly of Greece and the beautiful memories

to the Northshore. Determined to maintain a normal

of his time teaching and writing there, as well as his love of Greek and Roman history.

routine, Edrington continued working throughout his

Most impressively, Riggs was unwavering in his positive outlook on the life he had

treatment. Now as a survivor, he is retired and spends his

lived and the peace he felt within his journey. This is reflected in the artwork through

time fishing and volunteering at the Cancer Center. His

the sunset behind the Greek Isle. The Greek Goddess Eirene stands solemnly on the

love for the marsh and the city of New Orleans is depicted

cliff top, looking into the sunset, representing both peace and Riggs’ love for his wife.

in the painting and represents how he, like the city, has

A single white dove flies from her hand to eternity, signifying the end of one journey

persevered and healed from the storm.

and the beginning of a new one.

“Living Water” 12” x 36” drift wood, ceramic and acrylic on wood Artist: Madalyn Goff

Patient and Artist: Debbie Roma Debbie Roma has a passion for creating pottery. While she abandoned her craft for some time, she returned to it while battling lung cancer. Through her art, she found peace as well as an escape.

Now a survivor, Roma likes to spend her time traveling and scuba diving.

Artist Maddy Goff and Roma felt “Faith and Fortitude” 30” x 40” oil on canvas Artist: Cindy Trist

a higher purpose brought them together and were compelled to

Patient: Tillman Stogner

create a collaborative piece. The

artwork features a ceramic sea horse

The live oak represents the incredible mental and emotional strength

as well as unwavering faith Tillman Stogner showed throughout his cancer

created by Roma, surrounded by

journey. As the branches of the live oak provide shade for those below, as a

colors and textures reminiscent of

survivor, Stogner continues to display generosity and care for those around

the ocean, with both bright and

him, including the Cancer Center team who treated him.

calming hues.

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“Mr. Resilience” 14” tall 28.26” diameter (including base) Ceramic sculpture with oak base Artist: Arlette Delcham

Artist: Leslie Vinson

Patient: Susan Stewart

Patient: Eugene Meyers

“Taking Flight” 24” x 24” mixed media on canvas

U.S. Army veteran Eugene Meyers has successfully battled cancer twice over the past

While Susan Stewart says her life has been shadowed with

events of great sadness, she believes that through her faith in

10 years. Although Meyers is currently in treatment again, his empathy and personable

God she has found grace and strength. The artwork is inspired by

nature uplifts others as he understands some have even heavier loads to bear. Meyers

a photo of Stewart celebrating her survivorship at the end of an

considers himself a self-taught musician and finds peace in playing the guitar. His wife

illuminated stage, arms held high, strength and wholeness flowing

enjoys watching him play, especially when he rests his head against the guitar to listen to

from her like a butterfly taking flight. The wings of the piece feature

the tune. Inspired by his resilience, this piece depicts not only how the guitar has been an

the Bible verse which helped Stewart in her darkest moments—2

outlet for Meyers during challenging times, but that music is the key for connecting him

Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is

to what matters most—his wife, his Creator and others.

made perfect in your weakness.”

“Giving Praise to the Lord” 11” x 15” watercolor on paper Artist: Susan Lambou

Patient: Jimmie Brown

Jimmie Brown’s hands are never idle. They are hands that are lifted in praise no matter the circumstance,

hands that create music, hands that have coached numerous children in sports and hands that rang the bell signifying the end of his cancer treatment. Inspired by a photograph taken by Brown’s wife of him playing his favorite instrument, the piano, this piece captures his joyful and generous spirit. The title, Giving Praise to the Lord, is from a verse in a song Brown is currently composing with his grandchildren.

The Art of Hope virtual auction will run Monday, November 2 through Thursday, November 5, 2020. All proceeds will benefit patients and families at St. Tammany Cancer Center where nationally ranked leaders, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, St. Tammany Health System and Ochsner Health System, are fighting to beat cancer. To register, view the pieces in more detail and sign up for auction reminders, visit marybird.org/artofhope.

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September-October 2020 75

photo courtesy: JOHN MAGINNIS

IF YOU WATCHED NEW ORLEANS TELEVISION in the sixties—an era many describe as the golden age—chances are very good you shared a cup of coffee with Bob and Jan Carr by the rooftop pool of the Royal Orleans Hotel.

The young couple’s morning show, Second Cup, on WDSU-TV, dominated its time slot as they interviewed newsmakers of the day and touted upcoming events and performances, hosting visiting celebrities such as Bob Hope, Ann Margaret, Jerry Lewis and Gina Lollobrigida.

“It was an exciting time to be on live television,” Bob remembers. “They gave us free rein, and we made it up as we went along.”

And now, as they approach 70 years of marriage, this couple is still making it up as they go along, treating life as the supreme adventure that it is and having a wonderful time.

The Carrs met when both were students at Carnegie Tech, now Carnegie Mellon University, and they married while undergraduates. “After two dates, I gave her my fraternity pin, then went looking for an engagement ring,” says Bob, looking up at his silent but smiling wife.

Jan describes herself as a country girl who grew up in Martins Ferry, West Virginia. “I was 4-H and all that.” But she had shed that image by the time she was in college. Recently married, and having completed the school year, she decided she wanted to be a Rockette, a member of the storied dance troupe that performs in Radio City Music Hall. After all, she had studied dance when younger and had been featured in a tap-dancing performance at the Capital Theater in Wheeling, West Virginia. So she convinced her mother to accompany her to New York City for an audition. And, in the end, she was one of the few candidates selected to perform in the summer program.

“It was hard work, believe me. We would rehearse from the time we got up until it was time to go to bed,” says Jan. “I loved it, but I began to realize that I already had my hands full as a wife and a student.” So she returned to college in Pittsburgh, but brought back with her the knowledge that she was good enough to be a Rockette.

After graduation, Jan found herself back in New York, along with her husband. “We figured if we

Still Making It Up as They Go Along Christwood Residents Bob and Jan Carr

by John Maginnis

were going to be famous, New York was the place to be,” Bob says, with a twinkle in his eyes.

In the city, Bob worked in the mailroom of Kidder Peabody, a large investment firm at the time, moonlighting as a model, scoring roles in print ads for Zippo lighters (“She Gave Me a Zippo!”) and Coca-Cola, among others, while Jan worked in the CBS casting office, steering jobs Bob’s way when she could.

After deciding New York wasn’t fulfilling their dreams, they returned to West Virginia to a Wheeling television station, where they learned the trade in the then-emerging industry. After a brief stint with a stained glass manufacturer selling windows to churches—“a real job that paid well”—the couple accepted positions in the late fifties with WWL Radio in New Orleans.

“We weren’t sure about this one,” Bob admits.

“We really wanted television, and we had >> September-October 2020 77

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Inside Northside

photos courtesy: JOHN MAGINNIS

reservations about moving to the Deep South. We wanted California, but a friend who offered us the job wowed us with talk of ‘fifty-thousand watts, reaching across America,’ so we decided this would be a stop along the way to the coast. Maybe a stepping stone.”

“But it turned out to be a great job for us,” says Jan. The Bob & Jan Radio Show broadcast out of the Roosevelt Hotel, and they interviewed all the acts that were playing in the Blue Room at the time—celebrities like Patti Page, Mel Torme, Carol Channing and Roberta Sherwood.

They quickly settled into the job and into the city, and as they did, they fell in love with New Orleans.

Bob chronicled this time in his book, Raising Our Children on Bourbon. To quote from the dust jacket of the book: “This is the story of Bob and Jan Carr, who escaped the mundane life of mid-America and moved to the heart of the infamous French Quarter to raise their children (four in all) among the ‘Quarter eccentrics’ while pursuing spectacular careers in radio and television. Join them as they renovate and restore a Bourbon Street mansion, passing through one crisis after another; their Ku Klux Klan encounter; sunbathing strippers next door; integration of the Desire bus

line; and school problem solutions, all interspersed with the bizarre and myriad characters of the ‘Quarter.’

“Laugh with them as they relate anecdotes of encounters with celebrities: Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Brenda Lee, Bishop Fulton Sheen, Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, Clay Shaw, Ruthie the Duck Girl and more than a score of the famous and infamous.”

During their French Quarter era, beginning in 1960 and lasting into the seventies, Bob and Jan were offered the kind of television shows they had always wanted: The morning show Second Cup, Midday, the Sunday Showcase of Homes and Bob & Jan from The Al Hirt Club. “It was a blur,” says Jan, “raising four kids at a time our careers were blossoming, but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.”

Then in 1973, after an ownership change at WDSU, things quieted down, and an opportunity sent Bob in an entirely different direction. He went to work with the International House, the predecessor of the New Orleans World Trade Center, where he later became the managing director and continued in that role for twenty years.

Today, after settling into the Christwood Retirement Community in Covington, the couple still runs at a fast pace. Bob is President of the Christwood Men’s Club, which takes up much of his time, and serves as a volunteer for the Health Center Task Force. Together, Bob and Jan take theater trips to New Orleans, attend lectures by visiting speakers and participate in numerous social events. They also travel frequently, having taken nine European river cruises.

“A little bit of this, and a little bit of that,” he says with a smile, “and a whole lot of happiness.” Jan nods in agreement.

September-October 2020 79

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Inside Northside

Flourishes

2 1

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1. Persimmon print pillow, $199.99. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 5

624-4045. 2. Bevolo Pendant Collection, $200-$525. Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights, Mandeville, 249-6040. 3. Christina Pappion streetcar canvas, $80.

Redoux Home Market & Consignment, Mandeville, 674-8811 4. Officially licensed snack helmet, $59. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008.

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5. Mirrored front and top accent chest, $349.95. DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Covington, 892-2317. 6. Wisps of white smoke vase, $349. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522. 7. Merchandise from Peace, Love, & Little Donuts, Covington, 400-9780.

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September-October 2020 81

Flourishes 1

1. Handcrafted gold moon glass leaf dish by Vietri, $28. mélange by kp, Mandeville, 807-7652. 2. Bayou Street copper column-mount lantern. Available in 4 sizes, gas or electric, starting at $566. Gulf Coast Lanterns, Covington, 800910-3275. 3. Lacquer Quatrefoil lamp with high-gloss white shapes

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separated by gold-leaf round disks; quatrefoilshaped shade in white linen. V Home & Interiors,

3

Mandeville, 914-6333.

4. Seasonal arrangements starting at $65. Florist of Covington, Covington, 892-7701. 5. Brizo Invari wide-spread lavatory faucet shown in polished gold with black crystal knobs. Southland Plumbing Supply, Mandeville, 8938883. 6. Interplay of color on canvas painting by New Orleans artist Nancy Hirsch Lasson. Greige Home Interiors, Covington, 875-7576.

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Traces

by Rick Burke

Matthew McDonner

photo courtesy: NAVY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Taking on the Coronavirus for the U.S. Navy.

IN PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII, Slidell’s Matthew McDonner is working to maintain a healthy and ready fighting force in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

As a hospital corpsman at the Navy Medicine and Readiness Training Command, McDonner’s skills are vital to maintaining the health of sailors in the Pacific area, and by extension, the readiness of the Navy’s ships and submarines on which they serve.

“The pandemic brought an invisible enemy to our shores and changed the way we operate as a Navy,” says Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "The fight against this virus is a tough one, but our sailors are tougher.”

A 2010 North Shore High School graduate, McDonner finds the values required to succeed in the Navy are just like those he grew up with. He says, “After losing my home in Hurricane Katrina, I learned life can throw many curveballs, but you have to continue forward to meet your goals.”

In its century of service, the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps has supported sailors and Marines in war and peace around the world. Their technological innovations are transforming medical training for the next generation of hospital corpsmen, according to Navy officials.

“The legacy of Navy medicine to me is exemplifying selflessness,” says McDonner. “In this pandemic, corpsmen are leading the way, as we always have. It is a privilege to be on the frontline during the current health crisis and to continue this proud legacy.”

September-October 2020 83

INside Look

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2

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1. White gold, oval ruby and diamond halo pendant necklace, $2,850. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000. 2. Jewels By Star ring with 3.21 ct emerald and 2.37 cts of diamonds set in platinum, $39,995. Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666. 3. Plum paisley print dress, $130. The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797. 4. Shear tiger print, front-tie blouse, $54. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1789 or 809-1690. 5. TASC bamboo performance technology white short-sleeve shirt, $38; three-quarter zip zip, $72; training shorts, $36.The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0270. 6. Tigers or Saints PJ, 100% organic cotton, $38. Olive Patch, Covington, 327-5772.

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September-October 2020 85

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INside Look 4

3

1

2

1. Teal, double-V-collared, washable top by Lilli Sucre, exclusive to Ballin’s Ltd; indigo wash jeans

by Joe’s Jeans; gold and labradorite necklace

by Dean Davidson. Ballin’s Ltd., Covington, 8920025. 2. Printed kimono sleeve with romper.

Bliss Clothing & Home, Mandeville, 788-2252.

3. Emerald crocodile booties, $99. Shoefflé, Covington, 898-6465. 4. White gold, diamond cluster and oval emerald flower ring, $1,450. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, Metairie, 504-832-0000.

5. 3-in-1 renewal therapy spf35 concentrate hydrogel treatment mask (12 pairs); Total Eye Restore Regimen, $165. The Annex, Mandeville, 727-7701. 6. LSU top and bloomer set for her; apron and bloomer set for him, $79 each. Kiki & Lolli, Covington, 900-2410.

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September-October 2020 87

Generous Hearts

by Susan Bonnett Bourgeois

Give. Now more than ever.

TO SAY WE ARE LIVING in trying and unprecedented times would be an understatement. From a pandemic, to social unrest, to hurricane season and even murder hornets, we find ourselves nervously bracing for what else might come next.

While that fear and anxiety are real, I also want to remind you that in the temptation to turn inward and retreat, we all still possess abundant ways and reasons to give. Not merely for the sake of others, but for our sake, because it really does feel good.

So, as we navigate the latter half of 2020 and all that it brings, I encourage you to give to these four things:

Give Thought The 24/7 news cycle shares continual images and stories of the impacts from the Covid crisis. But, even with the relentless stories and deluge of information, there are still “forgotten faces” that we should know about and appreciate. We know how the virus has ravaged nursing homes, but did you know that there are hundreds of adults with developmental disabilities 88

Inside Northside

living in group homes in our region and they have been isolated for months because of their risk? Did you also know that their direct-care workers, often the only people they have contact with, are exhausted? They are working painfully long hours, in masks, during a staffing shortage which has dimmed their hope for relief. Our Northshore organizations like Options, STARC and the Milne Home are just some of those with these “forgotten faces,” and they are doing a remarkable job at caring for the most vulnerable among us.

Who else is struggling? Lots of us are, but as good humans who love other humans, we should give some deep thought to what we can do to share some burden and ease some pain.

Give Support So, now that you have given thought, you are brimming with ways to support others that you might not even realize. There are so many ways to help. Foster a pet for a few weeks so our animal shelters have room to take in animals who need medical treatment. Volunteer at a phone bank

or to hand out food (safely) at the local food pantry. Share messages of need and hope in your own neighborhood by stocking your local little free library or snack hut. Visit with an older neighbor, even if it is on the front porch, 6 feet away. Drag the unloaded trash cans back up for your neighbors. Carry the newspaper from the end of their driveway up to their door. Spend a little time each day doing for others, and the fear and anxiety of all this unknown will fade as you focus on giving to others.

Give Financially Many of our local nonprofits are in dire financial straits because of increased need of their services, diminished giving and expenses related to serving safely.

These organizations work day-in and day-out to support our most vulnerable neighbors—and they need your help and they need it now. Everyone has some capacity to give financially, even in these unsure times. The safety net organizations in our communities are critically important now and always.

Hopefully, you already know of one or

two that you love, but if not, find one that matters to you. And if you cannot find one, call us and we will put you in touch with a charity on the Northshore that is doing something that makes your heart smile. Your dollar or your thousand dollars is more important than ever.

And finally,

Give Grace Everyone’s soul needs a little something different right now. Some of us are worrying about our kids and their education, or our aging parents or vulnerable family members. Our job security, our health, or how to pay the rent. Some of us hate wearing a mask, and our hands are hurt from washing them so much. There is something different in all our situations, but there is absolutely, undeniably, one universal truth that we all need right now. And that is grace. We all need grace, so we all need to give some grace. Be patient, slow down, be kind, smile at each other.

Even if it’s behind a mask, it still shows in your eyes. Give some grace, and we will all get through this together.

Susan Bonnett Bourgeois is President and CEO of the Northshore Community Foundation.

September-October 2020 89

Christwood Without Walls

CHRISTWOOD CATERS TO MORE THAN JUST ITS RESIDENTS!

Over the last 24 years, Christwood, the northshore’s Premier Retirement Community, has grown to occupy 117 beautiful acres of senior living surrounded by an abundance of green space and has been a long-standing

dressing, personal grooming, repositioning and a strong focus on overall personal wellness.

For those caring for a loved one, an on-campus Adult Day Stay program gives

icon in Covington. From the beginning, Christwood’s mission has been very

you a much-needed break so you can run your errands and manage everyday life.

clear—to help all seniors live with dignity and independence.

For as little as two hours or as many as ten, leave your loved one and rest assured

From its inception, Christwood’s vision has always been to expand into the local community to create, in a sense, a Christwood “without walls.” This past November it did just that, launching its newest division—At Your Service by

they are well cared for, fed healthy meals and snacks, entertained and engaged in activities designed to stimulate and sharpen cognizance.

What makes At Your Service so comprehensive is that it takes support

Christwood. At Your Service is a comprehensive in-home wellness and home

one step further and offers a variety of general home maintenance options.

maintenance program designed for those adults 55+ who wish to remain at

Maintaining a home can sometimes be daunting, even for the fittest of the

home and age in place surrounded by the people and things they love.

fit, but At Your Service can help with a variety of services like gutter cleaning,

In-home wellness

pressure washing,

services include

changing lightbulbs and

personal assistants

smoke detector batteries,

for those who would

hanging light fixtures,

like help with tasks

furniture repositioning

like scheduling and

and home organization,

keeping appointments,

just to name a few.

transportation,

Another thing that

personal

makes At Your Service

correspondence,

a great choice is a

errands, grocery

guarantee that all of its

shopping, light

service representatives

housekeeping, meal

are Christwood

preparation and more.

employees, thoroughly

For less

vetted through

independent clients,

background checks and

At Your Service offers

drug testing. And just as

caring companions

important, there are no

who can do all that the

contracts or membership

personal assistants do,

fees. Services are simply

but can also help with

À La Carte where and

the activities of daily

when you need them at

living such as bathing,

a price you can afford.

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Inside Northside

Christwood also offers The Community Center at Christwood, a state-of-the-art health and fitness center, complete with the first-and-only indoor heated swimming pool in Covington, that gives northshore adults 55+ a great place to stay fit and socialize. Whether you’re an avid swimmer, experienced exerciser or just seeking to maintain or enhance your fitness, you can do it all at your own pace in a friendly and encouraging environment. The exercise room boasts userfriendly equipment, including Precor treadmills and recumbent bikes, Octane ellipticals, NuStep, CyberCycles and Hoist ROC-IT weight machines.

The aerobics studio offers low-, medium- and high-intensity classes, yoga, tai chi and more.

An in-door pickleball court and game area offer great opportunities to stay active and socialize.

The 25-yard, multi-lane swimming pool, with accessible ramp, makes it easy for all levels of aquatic takers. Additionally, there are fitness specialists on staff and personal trainers available to help create a program designed for anyone’s specific needs.

Located inside the community center is an oasis of relaxation—the Lotus Spa at Christwood, a full-service spa and hair salon for men and women. From manicures, pedicures, facial and body waxing and brow services to soothing facials and eight different types of massage, there’s something for your every mood. The Lotus Spa also offers a full line of skin care products to pamper and help inspire ageless living.

For more information, www.christwoodrc.com.

September-October 2020 91

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

Taverna-Jordan In a sunset-filled ceremony, Marisa Taverna of Madisonville and Jon Cole Jordan Jr. of Baton Rouge exchanged wedding vows in the courtyard of Il Mercato in New Orleans. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Taverna; the groom’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Jon Jordan Sr. The couple chose to highlight the Christian ceremony with a tying of three cords to emphasize that God is at the center of their marriage. Music was provided by New Orleans Classical & Jazz.

The bride wore a Pronovias design from Town & Country featuring a drape and buttons going down the back; scattered pearls accented her veil. She carried a bouquet from Beth’s Flowers of white and blush roses with greenery. The friends and family members attending the bride and groom were all dressed in black.

For the reception, flowers and candles on every table were an elegant complement to the venue’s décor. Family and friends enjoyed selections from Joel’s Catering that included shrimp and grits, a crepe station, oysters, crawfish Monica ravioli, and a Louisiana cochon de lait. The bride’s traditional wedding cake from Coco Bean photos: CAITLIN B PHOTOGRAPHY

Bakery featured scallop detailing, while the groom had a cheesecake bar with mini Oreos, chocolate and classic flavored cheesecakes.

Two special traditions reflecting Marisa’s Italian heritage added a special touch to the celebration: limoncello and dancing the tarantella. Guests danced to music by Geaux Live Dj. Following their honeymoon in Tulum, Mexico, the newlyweds are at home in Baton Rouge, but are planning to move to the Northshore.

September-October 2020 93

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

Stewart-Morvant Although everything else planned for their wedding had to be changed, Margaret “Maggie” Mason Stewart and Benjamin

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“Ben” Roth Morvant were determined to start their life together on their originally chosen date.

Maggie is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Stewart; Ben’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. John Morvant.

On June 20, 2020, the Covington couple’s wedding, an intimate ceremony for immediate family, was celebrated at Our Lady of Peace Chapel at St. Paul’s High School, Ben’s alma mater, with Father Bradley Doyle presiding.

The bride wore a dress of peau de soie silk from Perla Orihuel. Her veil was “something borrowed” from her sister, Elaine Stewart Bullock; Elaine, Sarah Stewart Robertson and Virginia Stewart were their sister’s attendants. John Morvant was his son’s best man. Gordon Stewart wore the tie his daughter created years ago at Covington Montessori, which he saved for her wedding. The white flowers for the ceremony were created by Meade Wenzel.

For the informal reception at her childhood home, Maggie chose a tea-length eyelet dress. Lawn games added another fun touch. Music by Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and The Zydeco Twisters filled the evening.

The couple’s favorite food truck, Taceaux Loceaux, provided refreshing Plum Street Snowballs were welcome.

Adorning Maggie’s cake from Zoe’s Bakery was a traditional Bride and Groom topper from Anne Morvant’s personal collection, which was used throughout the reception as decoration. Ben’s cake was a landscape of the Mississippi River including a tug boat named “Mike” (the couple’s dog), Jackson Square and other landmarks.

The newlyweds honeymooned in Rosemary Beach, Florida, and plan to travel abroad later. They reside in New Orleans.

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Inside Northside

photo: BROCATO PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTIVE

delicious tacos for all. Cane’s chicken was a late-night treat, and

INside Peek 1. The St. Scholastica Academy Class of 2021 received their senior rings at St. Anselm Catholic Church. 2. Jackie Battaglia and Caroline Colomb shower soon-to-be mom, Christian Hebert. 3. Christ Episcopal School senior Ben Sterling has earned the highest

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possible ACT composite score of 36.

4. Saint Paul’s golfer Riley Hnatyshyn, won the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, Louisiana.

5. Members of the Saint Paul’s Golf Team were invited to compete in the prestigious 2020 High School Golf National Invitational held at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina from

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August 3rd-5th. 6. Mandeville High School was able to celebrate its Class of 2020 on June 23, 2020. 7. New Northshore College Enhancement Foundation board members Rod Nunez, Alexis DuCorbier, Brandyn Baham with current member Simone Bruni and Chancellor William Wainwright.

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Ski-Dawgs Adaptive Water Skiing

photos courtesy: DAVID THOMAS

Ski-Dawgs Adaptive Water Skiing, a nonprofit organization on the Northshore, is helping people with disabilities get out on the water this summer. David Thomas and his team are helping people have experiences they thought would never happen. Check out their Facebook to find out when the next clinic is happening.

September-October 2020 97

IN Great Taste

by Yvette Zuniga Jemison

Versatile Banana Bread From breakfast to dessert

Basic Banana Bread Servings: makes one 8½” x 4½” loaf ½ cup vegetable oil 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla ¾ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1¼ cups ripe bananas, mashed 1¼ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup walnuts, chopped

SKIP THE STORE-BOUGHT BANANA BREAD and bake this classic loaf-style cake that is easier than it looks. It’s incredibly moist and allows the sweetness of ripe bananas to shine. Here are a few variations on the recipe for you to serve from breakfast to dessert. You can keep it classic with the Basic Banana Bread recipe, or for an added pop of rich flavor, simply fold in chocolate chunks. For a treat that resembles a coffee cake, top your loaf with a textured streusel topping.

These flavorful loaves are excellent in the morning with a cup of coffee and make great gifts, too. Banana bread is so versatile that you can serve it as a dessert by slathering a slice with salted honey butter and topping it with seasonal berries.

The loaves freeze beautifully, so keep a stash in the freezer to get ahead on your holiday bulk baking or to enjoy at a later date. Locate your loaf pans and enjoy these versatile recipes when you’re ready for your fall baking.

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1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8½” x 4½” loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl using a mixer on medium speed, beat oil, sugar, eggs and vanilla until pale and creamy. Add baking soda and salt and mix until just combined. Add bananas and mix until combined.

3. With the mixer on low speed, add flour and mix until just combined.

4. Fold in the walnuts.

5. Scrape batter into the prepared pan. Bake bread until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 60-75 minutes.

6. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let bread cool in pan for 15 minutes.

Invert onto a cooling rack and let bread cool completely before slicing.

Variations Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread ½ cup (about 2 oz.) dark chocolate, chopped ½ teaspoon all-purpose flour

1. In a small bowl, toss chocolate and flour until chocolate is well coated.

2. Fold into prepared banana bread batter in Step 4 of Basic Banana Bread recipe.

Streusel Banana Bread Servings: makes topping for 2 loaves 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup walnuts, finely chopped 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar photo: YVETTE JEMISON

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

and clumps form.

2. After batter has been scraped into loaf pan, sprinkle ½ cup of topping over batter, and bake as directed in Basic Banana Bread recipe. If streusel browns before bread is done, loosely cover with foil until banana bread is completely baked.

Salted Honey Butter ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature 3 Tablespoons honey ¼ teaspoon flaked sea salt

1. In a small bowl, stir butter and honey together until well blended. Add salt flakes and stir just until combined.

Serve at room temperature.

Do ahead: Salted honey butter can be made 5 days ahead.

Store in an airtight container and refrigerate. Let come to room temperature before using.

3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

1. In a small bowl, mix flour, walnuts, brown sugar and salt until combined. Add butter and mix until well combined

We’d like to see your version. Share your creation by tagging us on Instagram at @InsideNewOrleans. For more recipes, go to YDelicacies.com or follow on Instagram at @y_delicacies.

September-October 2020 99

Haute Plates

Ceasar’s Ristorante

408 N. CAUSEWAY BLVD.

MANDEVILLE • 951-2626

A selection of restaurants and haute dishes found around the northshore and beyond.

Creole Tomateaux

Desi Vega’s Steakhouse

Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar

MANDEVILLE • 951-2650

COVINGTON • 630-7838

MANDEVILLE • 778-2176

1851 FLORIDA ST.

1950 HWY 190

2891 HIGHWAY 190

CREOLETOMATEAUX.COM

DESIVEGASNORTHSHORE.COM

Located just off the Causeway,

There’s nothing better than

Our USDA Prime steaks are

Ceasar’s offers an Italian classic and

enjoying a down-home meal in a

carefully selected, hand-cut and aged for

absolute freshness for its entire 70+

contemporary menu, plus dishes

laid-back atmosphere. From fresh fried

tenderness, then seared to perfection

years. With our always changing

from European recipes. Everything

seafood, to our famous Fried Green

and served on a sizzling plate. Start your

daily specials and the widest variety

made to order from scratch. Featuring

Tomateauxs, to overstuffed Po-boys, to

meal off with appetizers such as fried

of preparations anywhere, you’ll

dishes that are meant to be shared.

appetizers, desserts, and everything in

green tomatoes, turtle soup or bacon-

always discover something new.

Available for parties and private

between, we have a little something for

wrapped gulf shrimp stuffed

And you will always be enjoying the

events.

everyone. Catering available.

with crabmeat.

freshest oysters.

CEASARSRISTORANTE.NET

Nothing Bundt Cakes

1111 GREENGATE DR. #D COVINGTON • 888-6555

NOTHINGBUNDTCAKES.COM Our goal is to bake a cake that

Peace, Love, & Little Donuts

70493 LA-21, STE. 100

COVINGTON • 400-9780 PEACELOVEANDLITTLEDONUTS.COM Great place for friends or

Salty Joe’s

FELIXS.COM

Felix’s has been dedicated to

Si Señor

43344 S. RANGE RD.

1905 W. THOMAS ST., STE. V

SALTYJOESBBQ.COM

SISENORTAQUERIA.COM

HAMMOND • 956-7099

At our one-of-a-kind dining

HAMMOND • 393-0090

Whether you are looking for

destination, dishes are made with the

an enhanced dining experience or a

not only reminds you of home but also

family to gather in the morning or

best local ingredients from the land to

happy hour, Si Señor Taqueria is the

opens you to a new world. And while

afternoon. Enjoy over 60 flavors of

the sea. Pecan wood in the smoker gives

best spot for authentic Mexican dining

that’s no easy request, the handcrafted

donuts, coffee, juice and a variety of

slow-smoked meats the intricate flavors

in Southeastern Louisiana. Experience

recipes are more than up to the task.

other drink choices. The atmosphere

of BBQ that you love. If it’s fire-touched

our upbeat atmosphere while enjoying

Each recipe uses the finest ingredients

will leave you feeling like a hippie in

flavors you crave, enjoy our grilled

our fresh cocktails, like the House

to bring you Bundt Cake perfection.

the ‘70s.

meats, burgers, and fresh seafood.

Paloma with fresh agave nectar.

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Inside Northside

Half Shell Oyster House 70367 HWY 21

COVINGTON • 276-4500

HALFSHELLOYSTERHOUSE.COM Local Gulf oysters and a variety of Gulf Coast seafood with a New Orleans flair and influence that extends throughout our ambience and menu. Steaks, chicken, pasta and so much more. Lunch, dinner, daily happy hour, Sunday brunch.

Yum Yum Gimme Sum YUMYUMGIMMESUM1@GMAIL.COM 276-9117

YUMYUMGIMMESUM.COM A mobile food truck that travels to meet the need of festivals, celebrations, reunions, birthday parties, and corporate, church or sporting events.

Delicious foods that no one can resist.

Our meals can be customized to meet your personal needs. Give us a call, and we’ll have a “Yum Yum” good time.

September-October 2020 101

New Orleans and the northshore

Annadele’s Plantation aaaa

are home to more great restaurants

71518 Chestnut St., Covington,

than we could hope to list here. For a

809-7669

comprehensive listing of restaurants in the New Orleans metro area, please refer to Tom Fitzmorris’ nomenu.com.

Apres Lounge 1950 N Highway 190, Covington, 630-7838 Barrel Wine Bar Wine, small plates

In this guide, you will find some of the

and more, 6x9305 LA 21, Ste. E,

best bets around town. Tom’s fleur de

Covington, 272-8485

lis ratings are shown.

Bear’s Restaurant aa Po-boys, 128 W. 21st St., Covington, 892-2373

ABITA SPRINGS Abita Brew Pub a 72011 Holly St., Abita Springs, 892-5837 Abita Springs Café aa 22132 Level St., Abita Springs, 400-5025 Camellia Café Traditional seafood and New Orleans cuisine, 69455 Hwy. 59, Abita Springs, 809-6313 Mama D’s Pizza & More aa 22054 Hwy. 59, Abita Springs, 809-0308

Beck ‘n’ Call Cafe 534 N. New Hampshire, Covington, 875-9390 Blind Tiger 19124 Rogers Ln., 9002443 Bud’s Broiler aa Hamburgers, 1250 N. US 190, Covington, 985-803-8368 Buster’s Place aa 519 E. Boston St., Covington, 809-3880. Seafood, po-boys, steaks. Open seven days a week. Lunch, dinner. MCC. Carreta’s Grill a Mexican, 70380 LA

COVINGTON Abita Roasting Company 1011 Village Walk, Covington, 246-3345 Albasha aa Mediterranean, 1958 Hwy. 190, Covington, 867-8292

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Hwy. 21, Covington, 871-6674 CC’s Coffee House Coffee and pastries, 1331 N Hwy 190., Covington, 900-2241 The Chimes aaa Cajun, 19130 W.

Front St., Covington, 892-5396 Coffee Rani aa Soup and salad, 234-A Lee Ln., Covington, 8936158 Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill aa 434 N. Columbia St., Covington, 898-0899 Copeland’s aa Creole, 680 N. US 190, Covington, 809-9659 Dakota aaaa Contemporary Creole, 629 N. US 190, Covington, 8923712 Desi Vega’s Steakhouse1950 N Highway 190, Covington, 630-7838 Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 69292 Hwy. 21, Covington, 871-2225 DiCristina’s aaa Italian, 810 N. Columbia St., Covington, 875-0160 DiMartino’s aaa 700 S. Tyler St., Covington, 276-6460 Don’s Seafood Hut aa 126 Lake Dr., Covington, 327-7111 The English Tea Room aaa 734 Rutland St., Covington, 898-3988 Fat Spoon Café aa 2807 N Highway 190., Covington, 893-5111

Gallagher’s Grill aaaa Contemporary Creole, 509 S. Tyler St., Covington, 892-9992 Garcia’s Famous Mexican Food 200 River Highlands Blvd., Covington, 327-7420 Habanero’s 69305 Highway 21, Ste. 600, Covington, 871-9760 Half Shell Oyster House 70367 Hwy 21, Ste 100, Covington, 276-4500 La Carreta aaa Mexican, 812 Hyw 190, Covington, 400-5202 La Casa de Sabores 324 East Boston St, Covington, 900-2297 Lola aaa 517 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, 892-4992 Mattina Bella aaa Breakfast, 421 E. Gibson St., Covington, 892-0708 McAlister’s Deli 206 Lake Dr., Ste. 15, Covington, 898-2800 Megumi of Covington aaa 1211 Village Walk, Covington, 893-0406 Meribo Modern Italian, 326 Lee Ln, Covington, 327-5407 Mugshots Grill & Bar 300 River Highlands Blvd., Covington, 893-2422

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New Orleans Food & Spiritsaaa Seafood, 208 Lee Lane, Covington, 875-0432 Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery and Cafè 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste. 5, Covington, 893-1488 Outback Steakhouse aa Australianthemed cuisine. 60 Park Place Dr., Covington, 893-0505. MCC. Ox Lot 9 aaa Contemporary, 428 E Boston St., Covington, 400-5663 Pat’s Seafood 1248 N. Collins Blvd. and 70456 LA #21, Ste 400, Covington, 892-7287

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American cuisine, 113 N Oak St, Hammond, 402-3481 Salty Joe’s BBQ 43344 S. Range Rd, Hammond, 956-7099 Si Senor 1905 W Thomas St, Hammond, 393-0090 Streetside Market 201 W Thomas St, Hammond, 318-7370 Tommy’s on Thomas Pizza, 216 W. Thomas St. Hammond, Tope là Contemporary delights, 104 N. Cate St., Hammond, 542-7600 Yellow Bird Café 222 E. Charles St., Hammond, 345-1112

Peace, Love & Little Donuts 70493 Highway 21, Ste 100, Covington, 400-9780 Pot & Paddle 70493 Hwy 21 Stuite

LACOMBE Sal and Judy’s aaaa Italian, 27491 Highway 190, Lacombe, 882-9443

800, Covington, 234-9940 Pyre 70437 LA-21, Suite 100, Covington, 888 -6129 PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co. 70456 Hwy. 21, Covington, 875-7894 Pizza Man of Covington aaa 1248 N. Collins Blvd., Covington, 892-9874 Raising Canes 1270 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, 809-0250 Ristorante Del Porto aaaa Italian, 501 E. Boston St., Covington, 875-1006 Sweet Daddy’s 420 S. Tyler St., Covington, 898-2166 TCBY 70488 Hwy 21, Covington,

MADISONVILLE Abita Roasting Company 504 Water St., Madisonville, 246-3340 The Anchor 407 St Tammany St, Madisonville, 323-4800 Keith Young’s Steak House aaaa Steak, 165 LA 21, Madisonville, 845-9940 Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar aa 702 Water St., Madisonville, 845-4970 Orlando’s Seafood, 304 Hwy. 22 West, Madisonville, 845-4446 Tchefuncté Restaurant 407 St Tammany St, Madisonville, 323-4800

892-9000 Vasquez Seafood & Po-Boys a 515

MANDEVILLE

E. Boston St., Covington, 893-

The Barley Oak Serving 130 styles

9336 Yujin Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar aaa 323 N. New Hampshire St., Covington, 8093840. MCC. Zea aaa American, 110 Lake Dr., Covington, 327-0520

of beer, 2101 Lakeshore Dr., Mandeville, 727-7420 Beach House Neighborhood Cafe, 124 Girod, Mandeville, 624-9331 Bistro Byronz aa American, 1901 Highway 190, Mandeville, 9517595

HAMMOND Brady’s 110 SW Railroad Ave., Hammond, 542-6333.

Don’s Seafood & Steak House 1915 S. Morrison Blvd., Hammond, 345-8550 Jacmel Inn aaaa 903 E. Morris St., Hammond, 542-0043 Kirin Sushi 223 S. Cate St., Hammond, 542-8888 La Carreta Authentic Mexican Cuisine 108 N.W Railroad Ave., Hammond, 419-9990 One Thirteen Restaurant New

Bosco’s Italian Café aaa 2040 Hwy. 59, Mandeville, 624-5066 Café Lynn aaaa Contemporary Creole, 2600 Florida St., Mandeville, 624-9007 Ceasar’s Ristorante aa Authenic Italian cuisine, 408 N Causeway Blvd, 951-2626 Coffee Rani aa Soup and salad, 3517 Hwy. 190, 674-0560 Coscino’s Pizza aa Italian, 1809 N. Causeway Blvd., 727-4984 Creole Tomateaux Authentic Creole Cuisine, 1851 Florida St., 9512650

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September-October 2020 103

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Daisey Dukes 1200 W. Causeway

The Lakehouse aaa Contemporary

El Paso Mexican Grill 3410 US 190,

Creole, 2025 Lakeshore Dr.,

624-2345 Fat Spoon Café aa 68480 Hwy. 59., 809-2929.

Fazzio’saa Italian,1841 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 624-9704 Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar 2891 Highway 190, Suite D. Mandeville, 778.2176 Franco’s Grill Fresh organic foods, 100 Bon Temps Roule, 792-0200 George’s aaa Mexican, 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 6264342 Gio’s Villa Vancheri aaa 690 Lafitte St., 624-2597 La Carreta aaa Mexican, 1200 W. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, 624-2990 La Madeleine aa French, 3434 US

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Inside Northside

190, 626-7004

Approach, Ste 13, 951-2140

Mandeville, 626-3006 LaLou Breakfast, 200 Girod St., 231-7125 Leonardo’s Trattoria & Pizzeria Authentic Sicilian dishes, 2625 Florida St, 788-2550 Little Tokyo aaa Japanese, 590 Asbury Dr., 504-727-1532 Liz’s Where Y’At Diner aaa 2500 Florida, 626-8477 Mande’s 340 N. Causeway App., 626-9047 Mandina’s aaa Italian, Seafood, 4240 La 22, Mandeville, 674-9883 Nuvolari’s aaaa Creole Italian, 246 Girod St., Mandeville, 626-5619 The Old Rail Brewing Company a Homemade American cuisine, 639 Girod St., Mandeville, 612-1828

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Pardo’s aaaaa Contemporary

Creole Italian, 3524 Severn Ave.,

893-3603

Metairie, 504-455-2266 Steak, 3633 Veterans Blvd.,

Blvd, Mandeville, 778-2820

Metairie, 504-888-3600

190, Mandeville, 674-1565 Poke Loa Louisiana’s freshest poke bowls, 1810 N Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 778-0444 Pontchartrain Po-Boys aaa 318

Mandeville, 674-2042 Rip’s on the Lake aa 1917 Lakeshore Dr., Mandeville, 7272829 Rob’s Rockin’ Dogs 2890 E

Rusty Pelican aa 500 Girod St., Mandeville, 778-0364 Times Grill a 1896 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 626-1161 Trey Yuen Cuisine of China aaa Quality China cuisine with Louisiana flair, 600 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 626-4476 METAIRIE Acme Oyster House aaa Seafood, 3000 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 504309-4056 Andrea’s aaa Italian, 3100 19th St., Metairie, 504-834-8583 Andy’s Bistro aaa American, 3322 N. Turnbull Dr., Metairie, 504-4557363 Austin’s aaaa Creole, 5101 West Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 504888-5533 Caffe! Caffe! aa Breakfast, 4301 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie, 504885-4845; 3547 N. Hullen., Metairie, 504-267-9190 Carreta’s Grill a Mexican, 2320 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 504837-6696; 1821 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 504-305-4833 Drago’s aaaa Seafood, 3232 N. Arnoult Rd., Metairie, 504-8889254 Impastato’s aaaa Creole Italian, 3400 16th St., Metairie, 504455-1545 Legacy Kitchen aa American. 759 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-309-5231

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Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 504-8337477 Vincent’s aaaa Creole Italian, 4411 Chastant St., Metairie, 504-8852984 PONCHATOULA Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant 30160 Hwy. 51, Ponchatoula, 386-6666 La Carreta aaa Mexican, 147 N.W. Railroad Ave., Ponchatoula, 370-0930

Causeway Approach, Ste B, Mandeville, 231-7688

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Shogun aaaa Japanese, 2325

Dalwill Dr., Mandeville, 626-8188 Raising Canes 3801 Hwy. 22,

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Ruth’s Chris Steak House aaaa

Bar aaaa 527 N. Causeway PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co. 2963 Hwy.

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Riccobono’s Peppermill aaa

Creole, 5280 LA-22, Mandeville, Pat Gallagher’s 527 Restaurant and

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SLIDELL A Touch of Italy Café 134 Pennsylvania Ave., Slidell, 6390600 Assunta’s aaa Italian, 2631 Covington Hwy., Slidell, 649-9768 Blue House Grill Sandwiches, 2170 Gause Blvd W., Slidell, 288-5544 Cafe Luke Breakfast and brunch favorites plus Dinner Theatre, 153 Robert St., Slidell, 707-1597 Camellia Cafe aaa 525 Hwy. 190, Slidell, 649-6211.

Carreta’s Grill a Mexican, 1340 Lindberg Dr., Slidell, 847-0020 Copeland’s aa Creole, 1337 Gause Blvd., Slidell, 643-0001 El Paso Mexican Grill 1100 Robert Blvd., Slidell, 445-1450 Gallagher’s on Front Street 2306 Front St., Slidell, 326-8350 Nathan’s aaaa Contemporary Creole, 36440 Old Bayou Liberty Rd., Slidell, 643-0443 Palmettos on the Bayou aa 1901 Bayou Ln., Slidell, 643-0050 Peck’s Seafood Restaurant 2315 Gause Blvd. E., Slidell, 781-7272 Speckled T’s Seafood, 158 S Military Rd., Slidell, 646-1728 The Blind Tiger Slidell 37330 Lakeshore Marina Dr., Slidell, 707-1082 Times Grill 1827 Front St., Slidell, 639-3335 Vera’s aaa Seafood, 2020 Gause Blvd W., Slidell, 690-9814 Zea aaa American, 173 Northshore Blvd., Slidell, 327-0520

September-October 2020 105

Last Look

by John Snell

The gentle arc of a wave is captured by John Snell in this Madisonville sunset photograph.

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