COVER ARTIST ASHTON SHAW DESPOT
FEATURE GIVING GUIDE 2025
FEATURE SAL & JUDY’S
FEATURE SNOWBALLS
THE LARGEST SELECTION OF IMPORTED OUTDOOR POTTERY ON THE NORTHSHORE
EACH PIECE IS HAND-SELECTED, LIMITED IN QUANTITY, AND ONLY AVAILABLE IN PERSON.
PUBLISHER’S
This issue includes one of the most important things we publish each year - the Northshore Giving Guide. It’s our annual look at the nonprofit community across the Northshore, and it matters deeply to me, both personally and professionally. These organizations are doing the work that keeps this region strong. They show up every day to feed families, support mental health, rescue animals, and create opportunities for people who need a hand. Our hope is that these pages help more people connect, volunteer, donate, or simply appreciate what’s already happening behind the scenes.
I also want to thank everyone who joined us for our Women in Business luncheon in May. It was a packed room filled with energy, insight, and more than a few people who probably skipped work to be there. It was worth it. If you made it, thank you for being part of something special. If you didn’t, we’ll save you a seat next year.
We have much more ahead. Our team has been working hard behind the scenes on new projects, fresh ideas, and some surprises we’re not quite ready to talk about but are definitely excited to share soon!
In the meantime, I hope this issue finds you with a little breathing room. Whether you’re reading poolside, hiding from the heat with a cold drink, or sneaking in a quiet moment while the kids are distracted, I’m glad you’re here. Thanks for letting Inside Northside be part of your summer.
INSIDE NORTHSIDE
PUBLISHER
DESIREE FORSYTH desiree@insidepub.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
SALES DIRECTOR
PEMMIE SHEASBY pemmie@insidepub.com
STEPHANIE ROBERTSON stephanie@insidepub.com
EDITORIAL
MANAGING EDITOR
MARGARET RIVERA margaret@insidepub.com
BUSINESS MANAGER
JANE QUILLIN jane@insidepub.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
JULIE NAQUIN
MEGHAN LABORDE
RACHEL KINCHEN
SOCIAL MEDIA
MAL NICHOLSON
MACIE HEBERT
CONTRIBUTORS
Our contributors give Inside Northside its voice, its personality and its feel. We are proud to highlight a few of them so that you can put a face with a name and get to know them.
ERIN COWSER
Erin M. Cowser is a triple threat on the Northshore, having lived and worked in St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes with forays across the Causeway and to the State Capitol, too. With a professional career spanning from strategic communications and governmental affairs to public policy and media relations, Erin is at her best when curating relationships and forging collaborations. She and her daughter Eliza Kate share their downtown Hammond home with Priscilla Louise aka “Silly,” the sweetest and most exhaustingly energetic hybrid breed pup ever.
MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT
Mimi blinked and her four kids were grown. She and her husband, David, are emptynesting it on a hobby farm in Folsom where she’s attempting to teach herself gardening, beekeeping, chicken wrangling, foraging, canning, and most recently herbalism. Mimi is blessed to have thousands of articles, essays, and Christian devotionals in national and regional books and magazine.
EDITORAL CONTRIBUTORS
Macie Hebert, Margot Landen, Northshore Community Foundation, Rhonda Gabb, Visit the Northshore, Josh Wilson
Where the Water Leads
By: Erin Moore Cowser
By: Margo Landen
They’d head out just as the sun cast its first glance over the waterways between Baton Rouge and Lafayette. Early mornings were spent on water skis, gliding across the still waters that “looked like glass” in Henderson, Louisiana.
Ashton Shaw Despot’s relationship with water is rooted in childhood memories.
Water flows through every part of her creative process. It’s a source of inspiration, threading its way through memory and meaning. It’s part of her medium, mixed
The Art of Ashton Shaw Despot
Photos
with paint to create a luminous effect. It’s a signature of her technique, with sprays, drips and dabs that give her compositions movement and thematic weight. That movement, she says, is essential to the sense of wandering her work often conveys.
“I love how light dances with water,” she says. “There’s a fluidity of movement that comes from the soft lines and dappling.”
To mimic that movement, Ashton rotates her pieces, letting gravity guide streams of water from spray bottles as they drip down the canvas. Pegs installed on her studio walls allow her to flip the canvases whenever inspired to do so. One burst of water might run in one direction, and with a quick turn of the canvas, another set of trails begins anew. Within a single upright piece, water may run top to bottom, bottom to top, left to right and back again, imbuing the work with a dexterous, subtle energy.
Her process begins with building block shapes, often traced from photographs, to reduce the scene to basic geometry and form a skeleton she calls “deconstructing the photograph to its simplest forms.” From there, she applies a bold wash of background color with heavy-bodied paint. Then, fluid acrylics with rich pigmentation and plenty of water take center stage, turning the paint almost translucent.
It’s a layering upon layering of colors, manipulated by water and gravity, until a landscape comes to life in the final art. Pallet knives add depth with each application. Each stroke and spray becomes part of the piece’s texture and vibrancy.
“I’m not good at calling them done,” she says with a laugh. “I usually keep layering and layering until someone says they like how it looks. That’s when I know it’s ready.”
Viewers may recognize familiar waterways in her work - Bayou St. John, the Lakefront, Cocodrie, even City Park. But Ashton’s version of Louisiana doesn’t lean on the shadowy hues typically associated with its natural palette. Instead, she favors tropical, vibrant colors, using water to lighten and animate the scene.
You have to ride the waves.
While South Louisiana is often her muse, it’s not her only source of inspiration. Her first foray into fine art began with an artist intensive in Ireland the summer after she graduated from LSU with degrees in graphic and fine art. The Burren College of Art invited Ashton and a small group of students to spend 30 days immersed in the countryside of County Clare.
Her cottage was perfectly placed just a half-mile bike ride from town in one direction and the campus in the other. There, in rows of studio stalls that resembled airplane hangars, she created her first cohesive collection, more than 30 paintings in a month.
“There were rolling hills of green and so, so many daisies. The town had one adorable main street,” she recalls. “The entire experience was truly magical. That’s when I knew I wanted to make being an artist my career.”
Back home, she followed the fledgling-artist path: juggling time in the studio with a patchwork of jobs to support her work. A Lafayette native, she moved to New Orleans and found a roommate. She worked in the film industry, designed wedding invitations on the side, and picked up shifts as a waitress. At one point, she was a professional organizer, an experience that clearly stuck. Today, every paintbrush in her studio sits neatly in a labeled container, and her paints are arranged by hue.
“I keep photos and ideas in old-school plastic file bins,” she says, pulling out snippets, sketches, photos, and magazine tears. “It’s my analog version of Pinterest.”
Her first studio was on Magazine Street near Napoleon Avenue. “It was across the street from Buddha Belly, remember that place?” she says, laughing. “It was a cross between a laundromat and a bar.”
A class through the Arts Council of New Orleans, “Art as an Entrepreneur”, helped her focus on the business side of art. In 2014, she sold her first major piece and held her first solo show, Starting to Fly, at Kelli Kaufman’s studio in Lafayette.
In the decade since, her work has been exhibited in New Orleans, Atlanta and Charlotte, North Carolina. Her pieces hang at the Claire Elizabeth Gallery on Decatur Street, and later this summer, her art will be featured at the Mont Art House in Houston.
As her geographic reach has grown, so has her scope. Her latest work includes interiors and imagined homes. Ashton describes herself as an artist drawn to nostalgia, but with one foot in the dreamscape of the future.
“The homes and cottages I paint don’t actually exist,” she says. “I paint them as places I think would be lovely to live in.”
She smiles. “I’ve never had one, but I’ve always wanted a tabby cat. I guess that’s how a cat ended up curled on a chair in one of my recent pieces.”
Whether she’s painting a landscape, a living room or a gabled cottage, her scenes are filled with light, brought to life by her signature use of water and motion. Her newest fascination: the way light plays across windows and shadows.
“It’s been fun exploring beyond the landscapes,” she says. Still, water remains a constant, sometimes as a subject but always as a tool.
Ashton hopes her art encourages people to slow down and soak in the beauty around them. Whether it’s a bend in the river or a shaft of sunlight across a tufted chaise lounge, she believes there’s always something worth pausing for.
Don’t be surprised if you spot her on the side of the road, camera in hand. She sees Louisiana’s waterways and byways as a feast for the eyes, and says living in New Orleans is a gift for any artist.
“I’ve learned so much from so many people,” Ashton says. “New Orleans artists are so generous with their experience and expertise. Alexis Walter and Logan Ledford helped me so much when I started my solo artist journey.”
Creativity, she says, is never the challenge. Her studio is filled with worksin-progress, lining the walls and stacked in neat piles. “It’s not hard to do the painting,” she says. “But the website and QuickBooks can be daunting.”
Her advice for emerging artists or those unsure if they have what it takes?
“It’s important to have blind optimism. Believe in yourself. Invest in yourself,” she says. “And remember that, like wildflowers, not everything blooms year-round.”
As someone with a lifelong love of water, it’s only fitting that Ashton, also an avid scuba diver, leaves us with one last piece of advice: “You have to ride the waves.”
JULY
Tuesday Morning Mobility Workshop Series
Tuesdays, July 8 and 22, 7 a.m.
These mobility workshops are a great way to motivate your mind to listen to your body. Each session will involve evidencebased health education and therapeutic movement techniques geared towards optimizing specific areas of the body. Spots are limited, so sign up early.
Schedule: July 8 - Knee, July 22Ankle/Foot. Admission is $20 per person, per session.
224 Fremaux Ave, Slidell, (985) 336-3426, tbmtherapeutics.com/book-online/ola/ services/tuesday-morning-mobilityworkshop-series
Fragments of Imagination: OTAC 2025 Summer Juried Show
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, &
Thursdays, July 1-24, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Tammany Taste of Summer August 1-31
St. Tammany Parish businesses are turning up the heat for the 8th year of Tammany Taste of Summer, delivering delicious deals on dining, hotel stays, attractions, and more. Go to TammanyTaste.com to check out all the great dining deals on The Northshore throughout the month of August.
(985) 892-0520, tammanytaste.com presented by
The Olde Towne Arts Commission (OTAC) and the City of Slidell are pleased to announce “Fragments of Imagination”, a summer juried art show. Renowned artist Terrance Osborne will serve as juror. Osborne is celebrated for his vibrant, colorful depictions of New Orleans culture and architecture. Admission is free.
2055 Second St., Slidell. (985) 646-4375, myslidell.com/event/4-corners%c2%b2exhibit/2022-06-29
Olde Towne Slidell 4th of July Celebration
Friday, July 4, 4 p.m.
Put on your Red White and Blue and enjoy a day of celebration at Olde Towne Slidell’s 5th annual 4th of July Celebration! Enjoy great food, cooling zones, kids activities and live music at three locations, and the big finalé, a fireworks show at dusk.This year’s lineup features Big in the 90s and Paperchase. Bring your lawn chairs, but please leave ice chests at home. Vendors
will be on site with delicious food and beverages. Free to the public.
2200 Block of Carey St., Slidell, (985) 285-4415, facebook.com/ OldeTowneSlidell
Madisonville Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
Friday, July 4, 10 a.m.
The Town of Madisonville and Keep Madisonville Beautiful invite you to its annual Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration on the banks of the Tchefuncte River. The Independence Day celebration will have kids’ games, cornhole and horseshoe tournaments, a Veterans’ Salute, watermelon eating and rooster crowing contests, and fireworks all on the waterfront in front of the old town hall. The day of family fun closes with fireworks at dusk. Free to the public.
Water Street,Madisonville, facebook.com/ madisonvilleoldfashioned4thofjuly
4 on the 4th Fun Run
Friday, July 4, 7:30 a.m
Celebrating 26 years, the annual “4 on the 4th” is a family fun run/walk sponsored by the 15th Street Flyers running club to celebrate Independence Day and raise funds for local nonprofits and community organizations.The annual 4th of July event is a four-mile adults’ and half-mile kids’ (12 and under) race. For ages 21+ only, there’s the Beer Mile, a post-race favorite where runners take four laps around Hubie Gallagher Park and get one beer per lap ~ Individual or Relay. Registration and race number pick-up begins at 6:30 AM and closes at 7:20 a.m. Adults begin racing at 7:30 a.m. and kids at 8:30 a.m. (two laps). Participation is $40 for 13+, $20 for age 12 and under. Overall and age group awards given, as well as great door prizes, cool music & loads of fun.
1000 W.15th Avenue, Covington, (504) 460-2991, run4onthe4th.com
Light Up the Lake Independence Day Celebration
Friday, July 4, 3 p.m.
The City of Mandeville will celebrate Independence Day at its annual Light Up the Lake Festival & Fireworks Show. Guests are invited to picnic in the lakefront park beginning at 10 a.m. (No glass bottles or charcoal grills are permitted.) The free event includes a patriotic tribute, a parade by the Mande Milkshakers, music by Amanda Shaw., followed by The Boogie Men. Enjoy a variety of food trucks and drink tents, and bring the littles for free games and crafts at the Keep Mandeville Beautiful kids tent. The evening closes with fireworks over Lake Pontchartrain.
Lakeshore Drive between Coffee and Carroll Streets, Mandeville, (985) 624-3148, ExperienceMandeville.org
Abita Springs 4th of July Celebration
Friday, July 4, 5-9:30 p.m.
Bring your chairs, blankets, family and friends to the Abita Springs Trailhead Park for the town’s 4th of July Celebration! The festival features live music by Four Unplugged, fireworks, food, craft vendors and more. No outside food or drinks. Fireworks will begin approximately at 9 p.m. Carpooling and biking in on the St. Tammany Trace, or walking
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the trace from Recreation District #11 is highly recommended.
22044 Main St., Abita Springs. (985) 892-0711, townofabitasprings.com
Urban Nature Walk with Wednesday Run Club
Wednesday, July 9, 6 p.m.
The Wednesday Run Club is a fun, active social club of runners and walkers of all levels and abilities. On the second Wednesday of every month, the Pelican Park Nature Club will host an Urban Nature Walk for all of the walkers! The route is approximately one mile through Old Mandeville. Free to the public.
675 Lafitte St., Mandeville, pelicanpark. recdesk.com/Community/ Page?pageId=28417
Playmakers Theater presents “Something Rotten”
July 12-27, Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m., Sundays, 7:30 p.m.
Playmakers Theater of Covington presents “Something Rotten”. The theater typically presents five plays and musicals each year, September to July, as well as summer camps for kids 6-16, and Readers Theatre, a series of play readings presented away from the theater, bringing theatrical experiences to under-served communities. Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for students.
19106 Playmakers Rd., Covington, (985) 263-0055, bontempstix.com/ organizations/playmakers-theater-ofcovington
LSU Raptor Rehab demonstration at Pelican Park Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m.
LSU Raptor Rehabilitation Program Soars into Pelican Park! This is your chance to see magnificent raptors up close and learn about the vital work LSU does in conservation, research and education. Discover how they provide expert veterinary care to injured native wildlife, aiming for their successful return to the wild. Free to the public.
63350 Pelican Dr., Mandeville, pelicanpark. recdesk.com/Community/ Page?pageId=28417
Kokomo Stroll
Saturday, July 12, 6-8 p.m.
Get into a summer state of mind at the 8th annual Kokomo Stroll in downtown Covington. Sip refreshing summer cocktails and craft beers, dance to live music, and browse the charming shops. Dozens of local businesses will serve up their tastiest boat drinks and beachy brews under outdoor tents, with food trucks offering delicious bites for purchase. Tropical attire is strongly encouraged. It’s free to stroll, but sampling cups are $45 and must be purchased in advance at kokomostroll.com. This event is for adults 21+ only.. Proceeds benefit the Covington Business Association.
Historic Downtown Covington, (504) 439-2543, kokomostroll.com
Liars & Lunkers’ Kids’ Fishing Tournament
Sunday, July 13, 6-11 a.m.
Liars and Lunkers presents the 25th Annual Lock One Kids Fishing Tournament. Youth ages 3-12 may fish for free for a chance to win trophies and prizes given away in four categories. The free event includes door prizes, a casting contest, and free food and drinks. Catch bass, catfish, bream and other fish from a bank or boat and join the fun! There is no qualifying required for this tournament. Free to the public.
Wildlife Management Area, Pearl River, (985) 502-3217, facebook.com/ liarsandlunkersfishing
Southern Nights Soirée
Friday, July 18, 7-10 p.m.
The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce presents its annual summer fundraiser, “Southern Nights Soirée”. Picture yourself in seersucker and linen enjoying an evening of sophisticated entertainment and valuable networking, restaurant tastings from Northshore’s finest establishments, exciting live and silent auctions, and an open bar for a great night out. Tickets are $150 per person, $2,000 for VIP Table/10 tickets.
The Greystone, 935 Clausel St., Mandeville, (985) 273-3007, business. sttammanychamber.org/events/ details/2025-southern-nights-soiree-
presented-by-president-levelinvestors-9977
Here Comes the Bride Bridal Expo
Sunday, July 20, 1-4 p.m.
The Greenwood will host the 15th Annual “Here Comes the Bride” bridal expo.There will be food and cake tastings, a wedding dress fashion show, vendors, makeup trials, prizes and more. The first 50 visitors receive a free swag bag with $1000 in discounts. Tickets are $25 and $10 for each additional guest.
The Greenwood, 75082 LA-25, Covington, (985) 400-5660, bridalshowexpo.org
Creatures of the Night Presentation
Wednesday, July 23, 5:30-7:15 p.m.
Join the Pelican Park Nature Club at Tandem Coffee & Cocktails for a social hour followed by a presentation titled “Creatures of the Night” from Bill Wimley, Northshore naturalist and Tulane Professor. In this photographic presentation, Wimley showcases how an illuminated white sheet can attract a stunning array of moths, beetles and other nocturnal insects—offering a rare glimpse into the rich biodiversity that comes alive after dark. Free to the public.
424 Girod St., Mandeville, pelicanpark. recdesk.com/Community/ Page?pageId=28417
The Lobby Lounge Listening Room Concerts
Thursdays, July 24 and August 21, 7-9:30 p.m.
Join your friends at The Harbor Center in Slidell for the next “Up Close and Musical” concert at The Lobby Lounge featuring Hiroya Tsukamoto, Thursday, July 24 and Cara Van Thorn, Thursday, August 21. The Lobby Lounge is a listening room venue inside The Harbor Center in Slidell. The concert series features nationally touring acts throughout the year, focusing on artists from the worlds of indie rock, folk, country, jazz, blues and more. Performances are acoustic or lightly amplified, in a Bohemian-style, smokefree, 124-seat venue. Tickets are $22
general admission, $54 for a table for 2, and $108 for a table for 4.
100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, (985) 781-3650, harborcenter.org/ eventcalendar
Five-Course Wine Dinner at Tchefuncte’s Featuring Heitz Vineyards
Thursday, July 24, 6:30 p.m.
Indulge in an unforgettable evening at Tchefuncte’s as they present a specially curated, five-course wine dinner, expertly crafted by Tchefuncte’s culinary team and paired with exceptional wines from Heitz Vineyards. Each course is designed to highlight the distinct character of both the dish and its accompanying wine, offering a harmonious progression of flavor, texture, and story. Tickets are $165 per personspace is limited.
407 St. Tammany St., Madisonville, tchefunctes. com/events
New Heights Havana Nights
Friday, July 25, 7 p.m.
The evening will feature live and silent auctions, offering guests the chance to bid on exclusive items and experiences, with all proceeds benefiting New Heights Therapy’s equine-assisted programs. Guests will enjoy a menu of hors d’oeuvres and small plates inspired by the flavors of Havana, prepared by Chef Alex Harrell of The Gloriette. Attendees are encouraged to dress in attire inspired by the event’s theme or opt for formal wear. Admission is $150 + online fee ($161.90).
428 E. Boston St., Covington, (985) 400-5657, eventbrite. com/e/new-heightspresents-havana-nightstickets-1330873752219
Fontainebleau Early
Birds Bird Walk
Saturday, July 26, 8-10 a.m.
Join Pelican Park’s naturalists for a monthly bird walk around Fontainebleau State Park. All experience levels are welcome. Vortex Optics binoculars are available for participants thanks to a generous donation from Sport Optics. Sunscreen, water, hiking shoes, and a hat are recommended for the field trip. $3 to enter park; birdwatching is free.
62883 Hwy. 1089, Mandeville, pelicanpark.recdesk.com/ Community/ Page?pageId=28417
“Roll Bounce” Soul Food Festival
Saturday, July 26, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Get ready for a day of throwback fun, soulful flavors, and community vibes at the inaugural Roll Bounce Soul Food Festival.This familyfriendly celebration features old-school games like Red Light Green Light, a hula hoop contest, and back-to-school giveaways—including free book bags, uniforms and supplies. Enjoy tunes from DJ Red Bean on a light-up dance floor and a live performance by The Voice contestant Nell Simmons-Bradley. Line dance choreographer Laweziana will keep the crowd moving. Bring your roller skates and good vibes! Kids: $5, includes a free hot dog; Adults: $5 or 5 non-perishable food items.
100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell, (985) 353-3795,
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harborcenter.org/event/ roll-bounce-soul-foodfestival/
Creatures of the Night Field Trip
Saturday, July 26, 7:30 p.m.
Discover the hidden world that awakens after sunset. Bill Wimley will showcase how an illuminated white sheet can attract a stunning array of moths, beetles, and other nocturnal insects—offering a rare glimpse into the rich biodiversity that comes alive after dark. This is an all-ages event! Long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Accessibility:Northlake Nature Center has a gravel parking lot and a portalet for restrooms. Free to the public.
23135 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, pelicanpark.recdesk.com/ Community/ Page?pageId=28417
Steinhauer Christmas Magic in July Market
July 26-27, 2025, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
Steinhauer Productions presents its 8th annual Christmas Magic in July Market at Coquille Park and Recreation Center. Shop in two, air-conditioned gyms at 100 booths with arts, crafts, boutique items and gifts. Admission is $5 per person age 13 and up, kids under 12 are free.
13505 Hwy. 1085, Covington, (985) 966-7863, steinhauerproductions.com
United Way of Southeast Louisiana West St. Tammany Red Beans ‘N’ Rice Cook-Off
Monday, July 28,
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
United Way Southeast Louisiana invites you to its annual Red Beans ‘N’ Rice Cook-Off in West St. Tammany, happening this year at the St. Paul’s School Briggs Assembly Center. Each year the Red Beans ‘N’ Rice Cook-Off event marks the official kick-off of the United Way fundraising campaign in St. Tammany Parish. Sponsors and cooking teams are needed. Sponsors can also enter a team at no additional cost with levels ranging from $2,500 [Presenting Sponsors] to $250. The cost to enter a cooking team is $75 for four team members. Camellia Brand will donate the beans. Tickets are $10 + online fee ($11.58) .
919 S. Jefferson Ave., Covington, (985) 778-0815, unitedwaysela.org
United Way of Southeast Louisiana East St. Tammany Red Beans ‘N’ Rice Cook-Off
Monday, August 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Each year the Red Beans ‘N’ Rice Cook-Off event marks the official kick-off of the United Way fundraising campaign in St. Tammany Parish. The funds raised at this annual event supports United Way programs in the parish. Sponsors and cooking teams are needed. Sponsors can also enter a team at no additional cost with levels ranging from $2,500 [Presenting Sponsors] to $250. All sponsors will be recognized at the event. The cost to enter a cooking team is $75 for four team members.
Camellia Brand will donate the beans.Tickets are $10 + online fee ($11.58) .
2056 Second St., Slidell, (985) 778-08, unitedwaysela.org
White Linen & Lagniappe
Saturday, August 9, 6 p.m.
Time to don those cool summer whites for Slidell’s 8th annual White Linen & Lagniappe! Come to Olde Towne Slidell for a night of fine art, shopping, dining, live music and more in a fun event for the whole family. Come for after-hours shopping, hot food and cool drinks, signature White Linen Night cocktails, and be sure to take a stroll along Antique Umbrella Alley. This annual event is presented by the City of Slidell and supported by the Slidell Commission on the Arts and Slidell’s 2025 Cultural Season Sponsors. Free to the public.
2055 Second St., Slidell, (985) 646-4375, facebook.com/ cityofslidell
Q50 Races Bleau
Moon 5 & 10 Miles
Saturday, August 16, 7:45 p.m.
The Q50 Races “Bleau Moon” 5 & 10 Miler is a unique trail event. It happens at night! The annual run through beautiful Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville is a fast, flat course alongside Lake Pontchartrain. Proceeds of the event benefit the New Orleans Mission shelter and the children housed through the Mission. As this is a nighttime race, a headlamp (and batteries) and mosquito repellent are a must, a whistle is strongly recommended. No dogs, pacers, baby strollers, bicycles or earphones will be permitted. Registration 6:30-7:30 p.m. Fees for race participants.
Free for spectators (+$3 park entry fee);
62883 Hwy. 1089, Mandeville, (504) 390-8807, ultrasignup. com/register. aspx?did=125520
Covington White Linen for Public Art
Saturday, August 16, 6-9 p.m.
Covington White Linen for Public Art, presented by the Covington Business Association (CBA), celebrates the close of summer with its 10th annual free soirée in downtown Covington. Pedestrians are invited to shop, stroll, eat and imbibe while enjoying a variety of local vendors, live music, art demonstrations and more. Local art galleries, shops, restaurants and bars will also be open for business, providing special attractions and beverages for patrons to enjoy, as well as live music after hours. Like other “white linen” events in the region, patrons are encouraged to don their white summer attire that, for the fashion-conscious, ends with Labor Day. Free to the public.
409 E. Boston St., Covington, (504) 236-8827, covingtonpublicart.org
Lakeview Hospital Health Pop-Up
Wednesday, August 20, 11 a.m.
Join Lakeview Hospital LCMC Health for complimentary health screenings and interactive education demonstrations to explore overall health and well-being. While there, shop pop-up shops by local small businesses’ jewelry, clothing, and more. The event will include fun activities for guests of all ages to enjoy!
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This year the Health Pop-Up will benefit Lakeview Hospital’s Fall Prevention Program.The program educates members of the community free of charge on fall prevention. Admission is free.
5 Judge Tanner Boulevard Covington, (985) 867-4241, lcmchealth.org/lakeviewhospital
OnSTAGE at the Fuhrmann: “Old Mansplaining with Tom Briscoe”
Thursday, August 21, 7-8:30 p.m.
OnSTAGE at the Fuhrmann presents comedian Tom Briscoe in “Old Mansplaining” Dry Bar Comedy Star Tom Briscoe has a Top 10 special with over 2.5 million full episode views and still counting. Cuts from his albums are in regular rotation on Sirius XM and he brings his hilarious solo show, “Old Mansplaining”, to Covington. He is a regular on stages in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, NYC, and is a top headliner on cruise lines worldwide. Tickets are $20 Advance Purchase, $25 At Door (if available).
317 N. Jefferson Ave., Covington, (985) 892-1873, bontempstix.com/events/ onstage-tombriscoe-8-21-2025
Hoops for Kids
Saturday, August 23, 8 a.m.
Hoops for Kids Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Louisiana invite young athletes grades 4th-12th to participate in their annual Hoops for Kids basketball tournament. This event is a great opportunity for boys and girls to showcase
their skills, build teamwork, and have fun. All proceeds from the tournament benefit the Covington club, supporting their after-school and summer programming. Admission is $25 per team.
701 N. Tyler St., Covington, (985) 855-1713, bgcmetrolouisiana.org/ events/upcoming-events/ hoops-for-kids.html
Spirit of Louisiana Second Line & Katrina Commemorative Concert
Saturday, August 30, 4 p.m.
To honor the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the Krewe of Black & Gold, Northshore Cultural Economy Coalition, and City of Slidell present a powerful day of remembrance and celebration in the Spirit of Louisiana Second Line & Katrina Commemorative Concert. There’s a community gathering at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, followed by a Spirit of Louisiana Second Line through Olde Towne led by the Storyville Stompers. The day culminates in a high-energy concert at the auditorium featuring The Bucktown All-Stars and a special appearance by Vince Vance. Earlier in the day, visitors can explore Katrina, Then and Now, a commemorative exhibition presented by the Northshore CEC and hosted by the City of Slidell in the George Dunbar Gallery at City Hall. The gallery will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
2056 2nd St., Slidell, (985) 646-4369, myslidell.com
Northshore 2025 Guide Giving
At the heart of the Northshore’s progress are local nonprofits—quietly transforming lives every day. The Northshore Community Foundation stands beside them, connecting these organizations with the tools, training, and partnerships they need to thrive. Through tailored support and a strong network of collaboration, the Foundation helps nonprofits grow stronger together—building a more vibrant, united community for all.
As a facilitator of philanthropy, the Northshore Community Foundation works tirelessly to connect donors with nonprofit organizations. Through inclusion of its Nonprofit Members in the Giving Guide, the NCF guarantees that donors can support causes close to their hearts and optimize the impact of their contributions. To make supporting these nonprofits even easier, the Foundation’s online Giving Store offers opportunities to give both time and treasure. Individuals and businesses can engage in volunteer opportunities, lend professional expertise by serving on boards or advisory committees, or provide financial support for essential programs and services. Through these avenues, you can directly support these vital organizations and contribute to positive change in the Northshore region. Together, we can continue to nurture philanthropy and create a resilient community where everyone thrives.
Interested in becoming a Foundation member? Scan the QR code.
Hope Begins Here:
THE PREGNANCY HELP CENTER OF SLIDELL
Since 1986, the Pregnancy Help Center has offered hope and life-affirming care to women facing unplanned pregnancies. More than 35,000 women and babies have received support through free pregnancy tests, medical referrals, maternity and baby supplies, counseling, and help with housing, education, and job resources— all at no cost.
At its core, the Center exists to remind every woman of her worth, value, and ability to choose life with confidence. By partnering with local organizations and churches, the Center creates a web of care that supports mothers, babies, and families.
From this mission, two dynamic outreach programs were born: Passion4Purity and SpeakHope.
Healing Through Hope: Passion4Purity & SpeakHope
Passion4Purity (Passion4Purity.org) focuses on guiding the next generation in identity, purity, and healing. SpeakHope (SpeakHope. net) supports women who have faced abuse, trafficking, or sexual violence, especially those pregnant due to trauma. SpeakHope connects women with safe places, justice resources, and long-term recovery.
These programs also raise awareness in churches, schools, and civic organizations, equipping communities to respond to those at risk with compassion and action.
“We started as a group of neighbors wanting to bring the love of Jesus to women in crisis,” says founder Cynthia Collins. “Our mission is to serve with unconditional love—both inside and outside the womb.”
Over the years, countless lives have been changed—not only for the women served but for the volunteers who serve alongside them. Many bring their own stories of healing, creating a space where shared experience leads to deep connection and restoration.
“Serving others becomes part of our own healing,” Collins shares. “Hope rises when we walk through pain together.”
Sharing Redemptive Beauty
Collins tells this story of healing in her book, “Redemptive Beauty: Healing the Layers,” gifted to every woman who comes to the Center. She also shares messages of hope through the SpeakHope podcast, blog, and live events known as Redemptive Beauty Gatherings.
A survivor and international speaker, Collins brings light to topics like childhood trauma, harmful relationships, and generational healing, encouraging others to step into freedom and purpose.
You Can Help
The Pregnancy Help Center is fully community-funded and receives no government support. Every gift directly helps women and families in crisis—and fuels generational healing.
To learn more, donate, or get involved: 550 Gause Boulevard, Slidell, LA crisispregnancyhelp.org | speakhope.net Call: (985) 643-4357 | Text: (504) 233-2832 | radiantovercomer@gmail.com
GENEROUS HEARTS
Highlighting Philanthropy on the Northshore
Our parters at the Northshore Community Foundation exist to make it easy for each of us to make a difference in our own backyard. Now in their 18th year, the Foundation has touched over $83 million dollars in philanthropic fuel, focusing on simplifying, organizing and magnifying philanthropy at every turn.
The Foundation has reached those remarkable numbers in three primary ways. First, they engage hundreds of individuals, families, companies and nonprofits in a membership model that promotes active connections and charitable work. Second, they take the paperwork out of “doing good” by administering funds that act as charitable checkbooks for any purpose. Last, they step into big roles when the need is great — especially in times of disaster. Through these three unique and critical roles, the Foundation uses its expertise and resources to magnify the incredible charitable work so prevalent in our region.
Boys & Girls Club Dedicated to our Youth for 150+ Years
Written by Macie Hebert
For over 150 years, across the United States, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BCGA) have taken valuable steps to support a better life for youth and teens. Not only does the club provide access to after school care and summer camps, they provide young people with safety, hope, and a place to grow with support. With a national footprint and long standing commitment to youth well-being in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Gretna, they are now turning their focus to the Northshore.
While the beautiful area we call home may seem like a sanctuary, many people struggle quietly, scraping by under the radar, in need of a hand.
“You start riding around and you see that there’s real poverty and these kids have no way to get out of it,” stated Steve Cory, a board member of BCGA.
People like Cory, along with Executive Director of the BCGA of Metro Louisiana, Angel Nelson, and Board Member Doug Brooks are the kinds of people who are making strides to better those in need and the community as a whole. Working out of Pineview Middle School for the time being, the local team is currently offering mentorship, academic support and afterschool care, with a vision for much more in the future.
With the help of the Northshore Community Foundation, plans for a new facility in the Covington area are in the works, with an aim to break ground later this year. The new building will offer dedicated classrooms, a technology center, recreational areas, and a full kitchen to ensure that kids have not only a place to go, but a place to thrive.
Everyone is a philanthropist. To Learn how you can do more in your own backyard, reach out to the Foundation at northshorefoundation.org
“This building is not only going to keep kids safe. My vision is to utilize the new facility during the daytime through partnerships to provide professional help to others in need, such as family or behavioral services,” explained Angel Nelson.
In the past, there have even been clubs that Nelson has worked with that have partnered with dental care providers, supplying transportation for kids to be taken to and from free dental appointments, and she wants to make it happen in Covington as well.
“It’s captivating when you see the kids and the work that the club does, and what it can bring to this area”, noted Cory.
Doug Brooks is making waves not only with his time as a Board Member, but also as a donor through his donor advised fund at the Northshore Community Foundation. With a generous matching gift, his contributions will help tremendously to ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner.
“The Northshore Community Foundation has been a true partner, helping us engage the community and build the early support needed to bring the club to Covington,” said Nelson.
“The club brings structure, fun, friends, a place where you can get help with studying, and even meals. Just a little bit of security gives them a feeling that there really is a place they can go where someone cares,” said Brooks.
With plans in motion and a shared commitment with the Northshore Community Foundation, the Boys & Girls Club of Covington is closer than ever to becoming a reality. But it can’t happen without continued support.
“Doug’s generosity gave this project the push it needed,” said Nelson. “But the truth is, we still need the community to show up for these kids.”
Every dollar raised will go directly toward completing the new facility and expanding the reach of programs already making a difference.
The sooner funding is secured, the sooner construction can begin - and the sooner local youth will have access to everything the Club offers: safety, structure, and opportunity.
Whether through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, or simply spreading the word, there are many ways to contribute.
“This is a community project,” Nelson added. “And we want the entire Northshore to feel proud of what we’re building here.”
This project is truly a partnership with so many like the Northshore Community Foundation, the construction of the project is being done by Donahue Favret while Greenleaf Architects is taking charge of the architecture.
To learn more about how to support the Boys & Girls Club of Covington, visit bgca.org/ways-to-give or call (985) 327-7634.
A Beloved Chef at Eighty-Three
Why Retire When You Love What You Do?
By Mimi Greenwood Knight
The Northshore held its collective breath last June, when word got out that beloved local chef and restaurateur, Sal Impastato, had taken a tumble from his second-story balcony. In fact, so many friends and Sal & Judy’s Restaurant patrons crowded his hospital room, during his recovery, that the nursing staff had to chase them out—on more than one occasion. After a ten-day hospital stay and three weeks in a rehab hospital, nobody was surprised when Impastato went directly from rehab to the restaurant where he set about preparing that night’s menu.
“I fussed at him and even told on him to his surgeon,” said longtime Sal & Judy’s employee, Zoe Stigler. “He told me to leave him be. It’s what he loves to do. Let him do it.”
At 83, the word “retirement” isn’t in Impastato’s vocabulary. “What am I going to do at home? Die?” he says. What age does he think might be reasonable for retirement? “I don’t know. 93?” he says with a mischievous glint in his eye. But his family, employees, and faithful customers will be surprised if he calls it quits even then.
For this Northshore icon, days begin with watering the fruit trees at his home on Lake Road in Lacombe, a short drive from Sal & Judy’s Restaurant. He’s at the restaurant by 10:30 handcrafting his pasta, sausage, and other ingredients and calling produce, meat, and seafood purveyors to task accepting only the choicest and freshest ingredients. His nights are spent wowing guests with signature Italian and Sicilian dishes and greeting visitors for whom no visit to Sal & Judy’s is complete without a tableside chat with Impastato. He finally heads home at 11:00 PM. And the next day, he does it all over again.
It’s a work ethic he learned as a boy on the family farm in Cinisi, Sicily where the family worked together to make cheese from their goat herd, olive oil from their olive groves, wine from their vineyards, and tomato sauce with ingredients picked fresh from their garden. Impastato quit school at age 11 to work the family farm and serve as shepherd to the family goats.
At age 18, he set his sights on America, landing in New York in 1960 but quickly meeting up with his brother who was already in New Orleans. He spent years working at top restaurants throughout the French Quarter, most notably the Napoleon House, which was run by the Impastato family from 1914 to 2015. He even lived above the Chartres Street restaurant before taking a detour to Dallas in the early 60s. There he made a friend for life when he worked with the late Chris Karageorgiou, owner and chef of the famed La Provence Restaurant, in Lacombe.
The two soon made their way back to Louisiana where Impastato returned to the Quarter working in the kitchen at Moran’s and La Louisianne Restaurant and bartending at the famous Old Absinthe House. “I’ve done every job you can do in a restaurant,” Impastato said. “I’ve cooked, bussed tables, washed dishes, but I made the most money bartending.”
By the early 70s, Karageorgiou was ready to open his own restaurant and tried to coax Impastato to join him, to add his Italian and Sicilian influence to Karageorgiou’s French. But Impastato wanted to make his own mark. So, in 1974 he plunked down $50,000—a fortune to him at the time—on an old gas station which he fashioned into a restaurant. He named it Sal & Judy’s and, even after his marriage dissolved, he kept the name.
“People thought I was crazy to open a restaurant in Lacombe where there wasn’t much of anything in the 1970s,” Impastato said. “But I knew people in the city
who followed me here. One doctor out of Bogalusa, who’d originally told me I was crazy to open in Lacombe, brought a lot of people here. We still get a lot of business from Bogalusa today.”
Right away, Sundays at Sal & Judy’s were busiest as people from New Orleans enjoyed a drive to the country and an authentic Italian or Sicilian meals. Impastato continued to make everything by hand using only the freshest ingredients the way he’d learned back in Sicily, and within a year, the restaurant was on the map.
“My mother taught me how to make tomato sauce, veal cannelloni, spaghetti and meatballs, and many other things I still make using her recipes,” Impastato said.
But for Impastato, the food comes second to the relationships. “I get to meet a lot of nice people, and my customers have been very loyal to me,” he said. “People work here a long time. And even when they leave, they come back to visit.”
“My grandparents came to Sal & Judy’s in the 60s,” said Stigler. “I’ve been here 15 years, but Sal and I have been friends for 40. My sister worked here, too, and met her husband while they both worked for Sal.”
That family connection isn’t unusual. Another employee, Lori Burris worked at Sal & Judy’s and before long her daughter was working there, and then her granddaughter.
“We actually have a lot of siblings and friends of employees who come to work with us,” Stigler said. “It’s a warm, family environment. When employees show up for work, the first thing they do is find Sal and give him a kiss. Then, that’s the last thing they do before they leave at night. A lot of young people will work here before they head off to college. Then whenever they’re back in town, they come by to see Sal. They bring their future husband or wife to meet him, bring in their new babies in to show him.” In fact, a former employee recently came in after 35 years. Impastato remembered them immediately and called them by name.
Impastato’s two grandsons—both named Sal—currently work at the restaurant, while they’re in school. And they’re not doing the cushy jobs either. Both are learning the ropes in the restaurant’s kitchen. His son, Jimmy (actually also named Sal), came to work there, while he was finishing up college, and never left.
One annual event that brings together employees, friends, and loyal customers is a yearly Christmas party Impastato hosts for the children in the local Head Start program. “The kids get a shrimp dinner, a visit from Santa, and a gift,” Stigler said. “Sal and few of his customers and friends donate everything and employees volunteer to work. A good time is had by all.”
Plenty of celebrities make their way to Sal & Judy’s, too, including frequent visits from John Goodman and Saint’s
owner, Gayle Benson, who honored Impastato with a custom Saints football, last year for Sal & Judy’s 50th anniversary. Other local chefs, such as John Besh and Pat Gallagher, love any excuse to indulge in one of Impastato’s meals and a chat with a mentor.
When he does tear himself away from the restaurant, Impastato loves to travel back to Sicily to visit his cousin and sisters and actually still maintains a home there and Facetimes with them every day. Or he might make a shorter trek across the lake to Metairie where his brother has Impastato’s Restaurant. He’s even corralled all the grandkids and taken them to Sicily which he says is exhausting—but he’s already planning their next trip.
Meanwhile, son Jimmy is ready and willing to take the reins when Impastato decides to retire. I hope he’s a patient man because it doesn’t look like this Northshore icon will be hanging up his apron any time soon.
FEATURE
Personality Test -Southern-style
You can tell a lot about a person by their sno-ball order.
Maybe it’s not clinically proven, but anyone who has grown up in South Louisiana will tell you: sno-ball flavors are like little horoscopes, and when the temperatures start to hover somewhere between “warm” and “I’m about to have a heatstroke,” the lines start forming at stands across the Northshore.
Whether you choose the same flavor every single time or stand there staring at the board like you’re about to make the biggest decision of your life (and typically end up ordering your usual), it says something. So here is a completely unscientific breakdown of what your sno-ball flavor probably says about you, plus a few Northshore spots worth sweating through your shirt for.
1. Coffee with Sweet Cream
She works full-time, runs the PTA, and hasn’t had a hot coffee in six years. She answers emails while standing in line and reminds her kids they “have ten seconds to pick”. Her whole life is a balancing act between business casual and carpool line, and her calendar looks like a war strategy. She’s the first to organize a fund raiser and the last to leave the neighborhood crawfish boil. She’s equal parts caffeine, grit, and people pleaser.
2. Wedding Cake
She plays pickleball/tennis five mornings a week in a matching set from Lululemon, then heads straight to lunch at Coffee Rani. Loves tradition and a theme party. Has a monogram for everything, including her Christmas cookies. Still refers to her college besties as “the girls” and organizes group trips with spreadsheets. Lives in athleisure, thrives on carpool drama. Calls her dog “my third child.”
3. Tiger Blood
High school heartthrob turned friendly neighborhood dad. Still has a killer spiral throw and can rock a backwards baseball cap. Drives an F150 and backs the boat trailer up on muscle memory. He’s the assistant coach on every team and still tells people he was All-State. Loudly encourages “hustle”. Will definitely say “you want a bite?” then eat 3/4 of yours too.
4. Spearmint
He has a deer stand named after his daughter and a Golden Retriever named Burrow. He’s quiet until you mention hunting or SEC football, and then you won’t get a word in for 45 minutes. He’s in a fishing shirt even in February and speaks fluent tailgate. His house smells like mesquite and achievement. Started smoking meats “as a hobby,” but it’s definitely gotten out of hand. His cooler is a generational heirloom.
5. Butterscotch
He describes himself as “low-key” but owns seven pairs of driving loafers. Always seen in a pressed button-down, even when it’s 103° with 90% humidity. Takes meetings on the golf course. Refers to his wife as “my bride”. He’s on the HOA board and treats it like a Senate seat. Doesn’t eat the sno-ball so much as experiences it like he’s tasting wine in Napa.
7. Blue Raspberry with Nerds
If your kid orders this, he’s running. Always. Even when standing still. He’s shirtless for reasons no one understands. Has dirt on his knees and rocks in each pocket. Sno-ball is 90% syrup and 100% all over his face. Screams “brain freeze!” with pride. He’ll drop it in 3 minutes and still try to eat it off the sidewalk. Favorite sentence: “Watch this.” Parents haven’t known peace since his first birthday party.
8. Pink Lemonade
This tween/teen’s entire identity is built around being effortlessly photogenic and she’s confident she coined the term “sno-ball selfie.” She ordered this flavor because it’s Instagrammable. She’s dramatic, smart, and deeply invested in which teacher “hates me for no reason.” Her phone has 4% battery. She wears hoop earrings and has very specific iced coffee opinions.
9. Coconut Cream with a dash of Pineapple and Vanilla
She refers to herself as “Gigi” or “Lolli”. She babysits the grandkids, but also hosts a book club, tends her garden, and wears matching linen sets. She always smells like Jo Malone and warm cookies, her hair is always blown out and the sun-
glasses are designer but not flashy. Her sno-ball order is tropical and classic, just like the beach house she decorates for every season. She’s never not in lipstick and has gorgeous handwriting.
10. Classic Nectar Cream
He’s a porch-sitting, story-telling, semiretired legend. Former local businessman who now dabbles in “a little consulting”. Always has mints and cash in his car. He wears polos tucked into shorts and a gold wedding band that never comes off. Tells every child under 10 they remind him of their daddy “back when he was wild.” His hobbies include fixing things that don’t need fixing and offering unsolicited life advice that turns out to be absolutely correct.
ABITA SPRINGS
Abita Snoballs
Level St, Abita Springs, LA 70420
Any specific flavor y’all are known for:
We have an Abita River flavor, which is Blue Coconut, Lemon Lime and Pina Colada.
Staff favorite: Ice Cream Cream Most underrated: Root Beer. It’s rich, spicy, and nostalgic.
Honey’s Snoball Shack (opens at 2)
71360 LA-59, Abita Springs, LA 70420
COVINGTON
LouLa’s Snowball
2000 W 21st Ave Building B, Covington, LA 70433
LouLa’s Snowball
1248 N Collins Blvd, Covington, LA 70433
Any specific flavor y’all are known for:
where sweet meets tart. Staff favorite: Chocolate Cream stuffed with soft serve Vanilla.
Gold Rush Snowballs
69601-69667 Turnpike Rd, Madisonville, LA 70447
MANDEVILLE
Flying Dolly’s 3799 Hwy 22, Mandeville, LA 70471
(985) 778-0373
Any specific flavor y’all are known for:
Flying Dolly’s is known for the Hummingbird Stuffed Snowball, which is Nectar Cream stuffed with homemade Honeycomb ice cream. We also have a sour spray that you can add to any flavor.
Staff favorite:
LouLa’s has specialty cream flavors where we use condensed milk in the syrup instead of evaporated milk like most places. We can also make any flavor a sugar-free flavor. Each week we have 50% off the flavor of the week, which is the perfect way to try something new!
Most underrated: Pear, it is a very light and refreshing flavor, nothing crazy or bold. It’s the perfect flavor when you want something light on a hot summer day.
Snoball & Co.
817 S Tyler St, Covington, LA 70433
Southern Snoball
Jenkins Ave, Covington, LA 70433
MADISONVILLE
LouLa’s Snowballs
209 LA-22, Madisonville, LA 70447
Most interesting combo: Someone came in once and ordered Sour Apple & Nectar Comb,
Tiger Blood with jalapenos on top. Staff favorite: Sky Blue Cream. Most popular: Creamy Strawberry Shortcake is always one that we are running out of.
Most underrated: White Chocolate Cookie syrup, which is a strong macadamia nut flavor.
Izzy’s Sno Shack
46181 N Morrison Blvd, Hammond, LA 70401
Nana’s Sno Shack
W University Ave, Hammond, LA 70401
Snow Bro’s Snowballs
2459 Ronald Reagan Hwy, Hammond, LA 70403
PONCHATOULA
A lot of the staff really likes the Polar Punch flavor, which is a blue popsicle/gatorade flavor. Most underrated: Matcha Cream - everyone who has tried it says it is totally addicting. Most interesting combo: One time someone came in and ordered honeycomb with sour spray, they must have been in a sweet and sour mood.
North Shore Ice Co.
700 Florida St., Mandeville, LA, 70448
Pelican’s Snowballs
1851 Florida St #5229, Mandeville, LA 70448
HAMMOND
Blizzard’s Snobalz 17290 US-190, Hammond, LA 70403
Any specific flavor y’all are known for:
Blizzard’s has been doing cheesecake stuffed sno-balls since 2012. Most interesting combo:
Cool Kids Snowballs
600 W Pine St, Ponchatoula, LA 70454
Sno Shack
467-475 LA-22, Ponchatoula, LA 70454
Toula’s Snowballs
1540 US-51, Ponchatoula, LA 70454
SLIDELL
Bayou Snowballs
698 Old Spanish Trail, Slidell, LA 70458
Southern Sneaux 2025 Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA 70461
Any specific flavor y’all are known for:
Our Bob Marley flavor, which is Pineapple, Kiwi, and Strawberry. Staff favorite: White Chocolate Chip
Southern Delights 1311 Broadmoor St, Slidell, LA 70458
FLOURISHES
Sequin LSU T-shirt, $90. Columbia Street Mercantile, (985) 809-1789.
Effortlessly blending matte brass with black-stained mango wood, the Finn Chandelier creates a sophisticated aesthetic. Mike’s Lighting & Cabinet Center, (985) 649-9343.
The Avila Bowl brings understated elegance with its Champagne finish, white enamel interior, and sculptural silhouette atop slim steel stands. V Home & Interiors, (985) 231-7411.
New Eastbay Gas or Electric Lantern by The CopperSmith. Available in 3 sizes and 4 finishes. Gulf Coast Lanterns, (985) 900-2232.
Saint, Modern Prayer Candles for a Cause, comes in various scents and benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, $65. DeCoeur, (985) 898-6465.
Gloss Absolu is the ultimate secret to achieving four days of anti- frizz protection and the glossy, bouncy hair of your dreams including Bain Hydra Glaze, Insta-Glaze Conditioner , AntiFrizz Glaze Milk and Glaze Drops. Vibe, (985) 276-8897.
Cranford Terracotta Planter, $302. Livio Designs, (985) 220-1415.
Book Review: Bébés, Beauty & Bees by Amanda Hampton Bravender
By Desiree Bennett Forsyth
Every now and then, a book arrives on my desk that feels like a friend. Amanda Hampton Bravender’s Bébés, Beauty & Bees: Making Fancy Look Easy is exactly that kind of book. It’s a joyful, deeply personal blend of recipes, beauty rituals, and heartfelt storytelling wrapped in coffee-table beauty.
Raised in Harvey and building roots in Madisonville, Amanda brings together the traditions of her South Louisiana childhood with the grounded creativity of her life as a mother, homesteader, and beekeeper. The result is a cookbook that is both practical and whimsical. Yes, there are delicious recipes, from her famous mini apple pies to airy zucchini bites and rustic vegan breads. But woven between those pages are stories about her family, her bees, and the rhythm of lives built and rebuilt with intention.
Amanda is a hairstylist and makeup artist by trade. You see that sensibility throughout the book, where she shares simple beauty rituals that feel less like tutorials and more like passed-down secrets. Think honey face masks, hair-care tips, and the kind of selfcare routines that don’t require a trip to a store but begin with a walk to the garden.
Mini Apple Pies with Honey and Cinnamon
Ingredients
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
• 3 apples, peeled and finely diced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
The chapters are organized like a family album. You meet her grandmother and her great-grandmother. You hear about raising five children and rescuing bees. You see how she carries on the legacy of women who cooked, gardened, styled hair, and kept things beautiful in quiet, everyday ways. It’s part recipe collection, part love letter to the women who came before her.
Amanda writes like she talks, which is charming, funny, and poetic. There’s a softness to it, but also strength. This is a woman who builds her own apiary, makes her own bread, and still has time to show up for school pick-up in lipstick and a headscarf.
Even the book itself feels beautiful in the hand. The photographs are warm and personal, the layout clean and easy to follow. It looks right at home on a coffee table or kitchen counter.
If you love stories that come with recipes, or recipes that come with heart, this is your next favorite. Amanda’s life in South Louisiana grounds the book in a place that many of us call home, but her message is universal. You do not have to be fancy to make things beautiful. You just have to love the life you’re building.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, honey, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour.
Roll out pie crusts and cut into 3–4 inch rounds. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each.
Top with another crust round and crimp edges with a fork to seal.
Brush tops with egg wash.
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden.
Let cool slightly, then enjoy warm.
“You don’t have to be fancy to make things beautiful. You just have to love the life you’re building.”
– Amanda Hampton Bravender
THE CLOSING TABLE
Buy Boring. Get Rich.
By Josh Wilson
Everybody wants the sexy business.
They want the brand.
The podcast.
The office with exposed brick and neon signs.
But let me let you in on the real game:
Boring pays better.
The wealthiest guys I know don’t sell skincare. They own septic companies.
Or 30-year-old HVAC shops.
Or school transportation routes no one’s ever heard of.
Their logos suck. Their websites are trash.
But the money clears every Friday.
If you’re brand new to this, here’s what you’re really looking for:
The Buy-Boring Checklist:
• 7+ years old.
It survived recessions, COVID, and the owner’s laziness.
• Recurring customers.
Monthly routes. Ongoing services. Contracts. Not one-time sales.
• Tired owner.
They’re not broke. They’re just done. And that’s when deals happen.
• Simple operations.
Fewer moving parts = fewer surprises.
• Has (or needs) a manager.
So you’re not stuck turning wrenches or answering phones.
You don’t need to “follow your passion.”
You need to follow cash flow
Buy something boring. Run it like a machine.
Then take your time, money, and freedom and go be passionate somewhere else.
I don’t care if it’s dumpsters, dispatch, or dog poop removal.
If it cash flows and doesn’t need you every day - it’s a win.
Buy boring. Get rich. Repeat.
IN DEVELOPMENT
Partners in Progress
How Southeastern and North Oaks Are Shaping the Future of Sports Medicine in Louisiana
On a sunlit morning in May, Strawberry Stadium set the stage as Southeastern Louisiana University prepared to mark a major milestone. University and North Oaks leaders gathered with community members for a groundbreaking ceremony that marked a pivotal step forward for sports medicine and healthcare education in the region.
The event celebrated the launch of the North Oaks Health System Academic and Athletic Complex, a facility expansion project sponsored by North Oaks Health System. The partnership brings together innovation, education and athletics with long-term benefits for the Northshore and beyond.
For Southeastern President Dr. William Wainwright, the collaboration with North Oaks builds on years of shared purpose and partnership. As the official healthcare provider for Southeastern Louisiana University Athletics, North Oaks has long played an integral role on campus. “North Oaks has supported us in many ways over the years,” Wainwright said. “From sponsoring arts and cultural events to providing access to dietitians and athletic trainers, they have always been deeply embedded in our student community.”
What the Complex Includes
Housing the University’s Master of Science in Athletic Training program, the complex creates a space where academics and athletics intersect. With modern equipment, new locker rooms, and integrated medical spaces for treating student-athletes and sports nutrition, it supports both physical development and academic achievement.
Wainwright emphasized the importance of combining modern upgrades with existing resources. “We are honoring the state’s investment in infrastructure while expanding the facility’s capacity to train the next generation of healthcare professionals and athletes,” he said.
Training Ground for the Future
The Master’s of Athletic Training program is one of three in the state. North Oaks contributes the program’s medical director and several faculty members, ensuring that students receive training from practitioners who are actively working in the field.
“This program combines classroom learning with real clinical experience,” North Oaks President and CEO Michele K. Sutton, FACHE, said. “Students work in the clinic, on the playing field, and observe in the operating room.”
Students will also gain experience at junior high and high schools across Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes. North Oaks athletic trainers currently serve 14 area high schools, offering experiences in sideline coverage, rehabilitation of student-athletes, and a network of mentorship for student athletic trainers within these schools.
Workforce Development in Action
This facility arrives at a critical moment for healthcare staffing in Louisiana. A new state law requires every high school to employ a certified athletic trainer. That demand has created new opportunities for qualified professionals, and Southeastern is preparing students to meet the need.
“This program directly addresses workforce shortages,” Wainwright said. “It will boost the number of trained professionals ready to work in schools and clinics.”
The initiative offers more than classroom instruction. Through Southeastern and North Oaks’ partnership, students benefit from stipends, mentorship, an athletic training tech program and career ladders that can take them from training rooms and playing fields as athletic trainers to orthopedic clinics as ortho techs, and operating rooms as surgical certified orthopedic assistants. Internships through Southeastern Athletics, North Oaks Sports Medicine’s partner schools and programs like Chappapeela Sports Park will prepare them for a variety of roles, including athletic training and orthopedic support.
Looking Ahead
As the groundbreaking ceremony concluded, Wainwright and Sutton reflected on the bigger picture.
“Our mission is to improve lives every time, every touch,” said Sutton. “This is an investment in community health and shows what trusted partners can accomplish when they share a vision. It is inspiring to see collaboration lead to something this impactful.”
Wainwright agreed. “The facility matters, but the most important part is what happens inside. Teaching and training can truly change lives.”
Southeastern and North Oaks are laying the foundation for a new era of healthcare education. This partnership brings together education, innovation and community care to advance the health and well-being of the entire region.
When the golden shovels struck the dirt, they marked more than the start of construction. They marked a shared commitment to the future.
WB
WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON SPONSORS
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Thank You
PRESENTING SPONSOR
The St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission dba Visit The Northshore is a public, quasi-governmental agency created on Nov. 18, 1976. We are creating an easy and accessible escape for leisure travelers, business travelers, and local residents alike. Visit The Northshore delivers
world-class culinary flavors, thriving downtowns, aspirational adventures, and plenty of outdoor recreation for one or many to enjoy. With a network of unified communities to explore and water always within reach, Visit The Northshore is committed to cultivating the vacation mindset.
Founded in 1938, Doerr Furniture is a fourth-generation family business proudly serving Southeast Louisiana and the Gulf South. Their curated selection blends timeless craftsmanship with personal style to create pieces built to last.
Fidelity Bank’s P.O.W.E.R. (Potential Of Women Entrepreneurs Realized) program supports women-owned businesses with tailored financial solutions, resources, and networking opportunities.
Palette Northshore is an entrepreneurial hub set to be more than just a coworking space; it offers private offices, event venues, a podcast studio, and a café. Members gain access to educational programs, networking events, and mentorship opportunities.
Women in Business Luncheon 2025
Sponsored by Visit the Northshore
Inside Northside’s highly popular annual event wqs sponsored this year by Visit the Northshore, Doerr Furniture, Fidelity P.O.W.E.R., Palette, Livio Designs, and The Greystone. We want to take all the attendees for making it an afternoon of inspiration, support, and XXX. Special thanks to keynote speaker Kati LeBreton of Fidelity P.O.W.E.R. for being extra motivational this year!
EAT & DRINK
TCHEFUNCTE’S
MADISONVILLE
Indulge in a culinary journey at Tchefuncte’s, where our chefs masterfully craft Louisiana and American cuisine with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. The upscale atmosphere, paired with the breathtaking scenic view of the Tchefuncte River, sets the perfect stage whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a long, leisurely meal, we’ve got you covered. To ensure that you have the best experience possible, we recommend making a reservation. For large parties and events, email us at EVENTS@TCHEFUNCTES.COM
TOASTED YOLK COVINGTON
Tuesday 11am-7pm
Wednesday-Thursday 11am-8pm
Friday-Saturday 11am-8:30pm Sunday 11am-8pm
407 SAINT TAMMANY ST., MADISONVILLE (985) 323-4800 THEANCHORLA.COM
Tuesday-Friday: Lunch 11AM–2:30PM
Tuesday-Thursday: Dinner 5PM-9:30PM
Friday-Saturday: Dinner 5PM–10PM
527 N CAUSEWAY BLVD., MANDEVILLE (985) 778-2820
The Toasted Yolk is the perfect place for French toast, mimosas, and chef-inspired dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. With everything prepared fresh daily, including scratch-made sauces and dressings, it’s a must-visit for a delicious and satisfying meal.
206 LAKE DR, COVINGTON, LA. (985) 377-5288 THETOASTEDYOLK.COM
DESI VEGA'S STEAKHOUSE
At Desi Vega's Steakhouse Northshore, our expertly seared, aged steaks promise indulgence in every bite. Alongside our signature steaks, we offer house-crafted desserts, specialty appetizers, and seafood options like jumbo lump scallops, market fish, and broiled lobster tail. For the best experience, reserve your table on OpenTable or call us. For large parties, email EVENTS@DESIVEGASNORTHSHORE.COM. We look forward to welcoming you to an elevated dining experience.
COVINGTON 1950 N. Highway 190, Covington, LA, (985) 276-4994
MANDEVILLE NOW OPEN! 4250 Hwy 22, Mandeville, LA 70471, (985) 221-7700
GALLAGHER’S
SLIDELL AND COVINGTON
Award-winning entrées featuring sizzling steaks, pork chops, and the best seafood Louisiana has to offer. Whether you’re looking for fine dining in a comfortable setting, or a lunch that’s a cut above the rest, we specialize in creating the perfect experience for your needs.
GALLAGHERSGRILL.COM
PARDOSAN AMERICAN BISTRO
MANDEVILLE
Pardo's Fine Dining offers European and American Cuisine in a flavorful and relaxing atmosphere with a variety of foods from handmade pasta to Prime steaks, from specialty beers to artfully hand-crafted cocktails; there is surely something to please every palate.
5280 HIGHWAY 22 MANDEVILLE LA 70471 WWW.PARDOSRESTAURANT.COM
PARDOSCATERING@GMAIL.COM (985) 893-3603
LAST LOOK
