March-April 2012 Issue of Inside Northside Magazine

450

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HOT HUSBANDS • THE CABILDO • RUNNING WITH THE BULLS • OUTDOOR LIVING

MARCH-APRIL 2012 VOL. 27, NO. 2

March-April 2012

Vol. 27, No. 2

The community magazine of the northshore, serving St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes.

Publisher Lori Murphy ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Associate Publisher Poki Hampton Editor Jan Murphy

Art Director Brad Growden

Managing Editor Katie Montelepre

Editorial Staff Writer Stephen Faure

Contributors are featured on page 12.

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

Business Manager Jane Quillin Advertising Account Executives Brenda Breck

Poki Hampton Candice Laizer

Jolie McCaleb Barbara Roscoe Interns Akila Ananth

Jasmine Beard Derric Boudreaux –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For advertising information phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 email sales@insidenorthside.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Please send items for Inside Scoop to scoop@insidenorthside.com.

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

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

Contact Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148

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

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

On the cover Artist Marcia Holmes –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– INSIDE NORTHSIDE MAGAZINE is published bi-monthly (January, March, May, July, September, November) by M and L Publishing, LLC, PO Box 9148, Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 as a means of communication and information for St. Tam­ many and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid at Mandeville, LA. Copy­ right ©2012 by M and L Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher.

Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork.

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Inside Northside

page 93

departments 10 Publisher’s Note 12 Contributors 18 Inside Scoop 30 Worthy Cause Court Appointed Special Advocates.

32 IN the Arts Happenings in the art world.

36 IN Better Health Carol Rains.

page 112

contents table of

132 IN the Spotlight Krewe of Bilge.

83 Insider Stephanie Swords Fredericks.

136 IN the Spotlight Tchefuncte River Foundation Fundraiser.

93 Flourishes Treasures for your pleasure.

137 Real Estate Spotlight Up-tick in single-family home building.

97 Inside Look Lucky charms.

140 Inside Dining 145 Ad Directory

21 Pets and Their People 1 Pompom the duck.

146 Last Bite Paul Murphy of Nuvolari’s, Jacmel Inn and Brady’s.

page 50

outdoor living 104 Bamboo Gardens Planting tranquility.

109 Viking Cooking School Outdoors 111 The Tree Doctor Will See You Now St. Tammany’s tree guru.

features

page 72

14 Reflections Cover Artist Marcia Holmes.

38 Hot Husbands 2012 50 The Cabildo 200 years of Louisiana history.

55 War of 1812 Bicentennial Blue Angels and Tall Ships.

58 Running with Bulls A father-son adventure.

66 100 Years of Girl Scouts The legacy continues.

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medical profiles 80 Dr. M. Celeste Lagarde and Dr. Richard Celentano

22 IN Love and Marriage 1 Notable northshore weddings.

124 IN the Spotlight The Mystic Krewe of Olympia.

127 IN the Spotlight Krewe of JUNO.

72 Humberto Fontova Nutria, beware!

84 Blue Ridge and Bluegrass North Carolina vacation.

82 Northlake Periodontics

business profile 92 EMB Interiors

outdoor living profiles

128 Inside Peek

117 Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights

129 IN the Spotlight Geaux Arts Ball.

118 La Pavers 119 Perino’s Garden Center

page 121 March-April 2012 9

Patches

by Lori Murphy Growing up a Girl Scout makes me proud to share a story (page 66) about their 100th birthday. Girl Scouts have touched so many lives—including mine.

In scouting, we learned to be creative,

resourceful, independent and so much more. Lessons learned around a Jamboree campfire are still important. We focused on a goal and figured out the steps needed for success. Working towards big goals—as a team sometimes and independently when necessary—helped prepare us to be good spouses, employees, friends and mothers. When we reached a goal, we got a patch. Proudly displayed on our sash, our patches identified issues and activities that were important to us. I wonder what my sash might look like today.

Aunt Jane was my first Girl Scout leader. She and her dear friend, Phyllis Dusang,

led our troop at Atonement Lutheran in Metairie. I am happy to say that I still know many of the girls who said the pledge with me every week when I was 8. We sang about the smile hidden in our pockets, made sit-upons and learned to cook pancakes on the top of an upturned coffee can.

Great life skills! My cousin Kelly had the best Indian name—Tippie Canoe and Kelly, too!—adopted for a camping trip to the cabin in City Park, one of our favorite places to go. My moniker was not memorable, but the fun and friendship certainly are.

I could not wait to get my daughters involved in scouting, but I had no idea how much I would enjoy

it as an adult. First Donna Blossman and I established a Daisy troop at St. Timothy with our daughters Amber and Lauren. Those girls are now freshmen in college, but I can still feel their pride of earning a pin.

It wasn’t long before I was helping to lead the Pontchartrain Elementary Brownie Troop 379. My co-leader was a girl from the neighborhood named Jane. It was our first cooperative endeavor, but certainly not our last! Today, we work together every day at Inside Northside—she’s our business manager. You never know where working together on a cookie sale might lead! Angie Naden and Louise Bairnsfather also helped with the troop. Though they’ve both moved away, they remain dear friends to Jane and me—and their daughters to our daughters. That’s just one of Girl Scouting’s many gifts.

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Happy Birthday, Girl Scouts! And, thank you.

Inside Northside

Contributors

Heather Burbrink Heather Burbrink is a photographer with Kristin and Heather LLC, specializing in children’s portraits and wedding and boudoir photography.

She was an elementary teacher for four years, but after having her first daughter, she turned her passion for photography into a career that allows her to be a stay-at-home mom. A graduate of Mandeville High School and Louisiana State University, Heather is married to her high school sweetheart, Brian. They live in Madisonville with their two daughters, Ava Grace and Emery Rhea.

Megan Hill New Orleans native Megan Hill is a freelance writer. Her work includes feature writing for magazines like Inside Northside, Country Roads and Louisiana Life; web copywriting; and grant writing for nonprofits around the country. She enjoys the perks of her job: meeting interesting people, learning new things and writing it all off on her taxes. Megan graduated from Spring Hill College with a degree in political science and completed two years of volunteer service with AmeriCorps.

Michael Gegenheimer Michael Gegenheimer graduated from St. Paul’s School and is attending Lousiana State University, where he is studying print journalism in the Manship School of Mass Communication. Michael was the St. Paul’s student journalist for the Times Picayune during his senior year. As a summer intern at Inside Northside, he gained valuable experience in the field of magazine journalism, broadening his spectrum of abilities. He is now a sports writer for the LSU student newspaper, The Daily Reveille.

Contributors: Ann Gilbert, Poki Hampton and Webb Williams.

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WE’RE CELEBRATING MARCIA HOLMES’ second Inside Northside cover. For our first interview, we spoke with her in her kitchen/studio, and that hasn’t changed—it’s still where she prefers to paint.

What has changed is that her career as an artist

guess the biggest change is that I’m painting in oil,” Marcia says. “This past year, I really started to enjoy working in oil.

I had stuck with the pastels because they were fast, and I was learning. Oil has been very freeing.”

One of the neatest things about Marcia’s kitchen is that her favorite place to paint is not far from the places that give her a lot of inspiration. A small grove of live oaks on the property is footsteps away from a pond, which in turn is just a skip and a jump from the Tchefuncte River.

“People really love my oak trees.

Every time I do a large oak, it sells right away,” she says.

While a veteran of numerous pastel workshops over the years, she doesn’t attend many now. The trees, however, got her out on a freezing cold day last November for a class with artist Richard McKinley that was sponsored by the Degas Pastel Society, of which she is treasurer. “Richard’s at

by Stephen Faure (she’s a recovering CPA) has grown. Steadily and surely, it has built since her first excursion into art in 1999 and her February 2004 IN cover painting of Venice’s St. Mark’s Square.

“It’s been a long time,” Marcia says. “I had just gone to Venice to paint plein air.” Her travels have also taken her to Paris, where, on one trip, plein air (when an artist paints on site, out in the open) took on a new meaning. “We [September 2008 IN cover artist Susan Morgan and artist Terri Ford] were set up and painting in a garden at the Louvre and they turned the sprinklers on!”

Over the years, along with her interesting travels, Marcia has developed a steady following among both art buyers and fellow artists. She’s also expanded her talents into a new medium. “I 14

Inside Northside

the top of his game; I wanted to support the society, and I love the trees!”

The pond and river near her home inspired some creative muscle stretching with her newfound fondness for oils. “For the waterscape and water lily paintings, I just walk down to the river. It’s so pretty.” Marcia takes photos of these scenes and then sets off to painting. No matter what has changed in the world since Monet’s lily paintings, peace and beauty can still be found by gazing into a reflective pool, and Marcia’s work captures the same beauty that inspired the master so many years ago.

When she noted that one of her lily scene >>

photo: STEPHEN FAURE

Reflections Cover Artist Marcia Holmes

Meet cover artist

Marcia Holmes and see some of her favorite works on display at

EMB Interiors 4510 Hwy. 22 Mandeville, LA Thursday, March 15, 2012 5:30-7:00 p.m.

For more information, call

626-9684

Everyone’s Invited!

March-April 2012 15

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www.wealthplanning4u.com joevizzini@assetonellc.com Securities offered through Girard Securities, Inc., member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Asset One, LLC, a registered investment advisor not affiliated with Girard Securities, Inc.

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Inside Northside

oils was sold recently to a family in Connecticut, Marcia was reminded of another positive change since IN last visited with her: “Now, I’m selling nationally from the gallery and my web site.” The two galleries she’s featured in, one in uptown New Orleans and one in Breaux Bridge, La., have also helped expose Marcia’s work to new audiences.

“New Orleans gets so many people coming in, and that’s cool. People are buying who don’t know me.” Don’t make any mistakes, though—she still has a great following on the northshore. “My bread-and-butter is here, and that’s what I’m most appreciative of. It gives you validation.”

Validation has been coming in by the bushel from her peers. Every two years, the International Association of Pastel Societies has a convention. In 2011, she was presented with a gold medallion signifying her admission into the association’s Master Circle, an honor earned through points she received by winning awards at exhibits during her years as a member.

A Master Circle exhibit was held at the convention. Out of 50 paintings, only eight awards were presented.

Marcia and her fellow Degas Pastel Society board members Alan Flattmann from Covington (an IN cover artist) and Sandra Burshell from New Orleans took home prizes. Marcia and Burshell, who won the exhibit’s top honor, were participating in their first years in the IAPS Master Circle.

In 2011, American Art Collector magazine asked three times to include her work. “I did a botanical feature, a horse feature and then an American expressionist. I’m getting calls from New York!”

So how did a corporate accountant find a new career as an artist? Upon reflection, Marcia says it really came

to her, while maybe late in life, quite naturally. Her first paintings in 1999 didn’t come completely out of the blue; creativity runs in this Southern lady’s blood. (Marcia’s from Laurel, Miss., and an Ole Miss grad, to boot.)

“My mother, Arlene Perry, was an artist—she’s deceased; my dad built custom homes and now makes custom furniture; and my grandfather was a jewelry designer. So it all came through the genes!”

Her mother remains an inspiration.

“My mother said you could paint anything—no rules! She did a lot of collages,” Marcia says. She suddenly recalls, “Oh, my God! She did acid on steel. She did burnt X-ray film!

It probably could have killed her. I think somebody told her not to do that anymore.”

While the March/April cover piece, a pastel-on-paper work called Spring Reflection, might appear to be one of the waterscapes from her home, it’s actually the product of a trip to the Southwest with friends Connie and Jim Seitz. (He’s yet another IN cover artist—Marcia keeps great company!)

“We went to a gallery in Santa Fe called Nedra Matteucci. They have a gorgeous sculpture garden with a pond and falling-water features. The sky out there is so blue. I took these water-sky reflection pictures, the blue-green water and some leaves.”

Earlier, they had gone to see a wellestablished Santa Fe landscape artist, Forrest Moses. “His is a kind of style I admire. I had a photograph.” Inspired

by Moses, she says, “I just zeroed in on the water.”

Marcia’s work can be seen at the Garden District Gallery in New Orleans, the Rue du Pont Galerie in Breaux Bridge, La., and online at MarciaHolmes.com.

March-April 2012 17

1-June 17 Furnishing Louisiana: 1735-1835.

Distinctive cabinetmaking traditions. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St., New Orleans. Opening reception: 3/8, 6-8pm; gallery: Tues-Sat, 9:30am-4:30pm; Sun, 10:30am-4pm.

Free. (504) 523-4662. hnoc.org.

1, 7 Coffee with Christie. Enjoy coffee with your Golden Opportunity friends. 3/1: Ochsner Medical Center, Slidell, 9:30am. 3/7: Ocshner Health Center, Covington, 10am. Free; Food Bank donations will be accepted. 875-2799.

2-3 Hansel and Gretel and the Big Woods. The Swan, 70326 Hwy. 59, Abita Springs. Fri, 7pm; Sat, 2pm, 7pm. 590-3645. dramaandmusic.com.

2-3 Stephen Petronio Company. The New Orleans Ballet Association and The NOCCA Institute. Freda Lupin Memorial Hall, NOCCA, 2800 Chartres St., New Orleans. Fri, 8pm; Sat, 2pm, 8pm. (504) 522-0996. nobadance.com.

2-3, 9-10 God of Carnage. Cutting Edge Theater, 747 Robert Blvd., Slidell. Fri, Sat, 8pm. $18.50. 649-3727. cuttingedgetheater.com.

2-4 Ponchatoula Trade Days, Arts & Crafts Fair. Antiques, collectibles, food, live music.

Downtown Ponchatoula. 9am-5pm. Free. Mary Scandurro, 386-0026.

Chef Soirée March 18 Youth Service Bureau fundraiser. Bogue

INSIDE

Falaya Park, Covington.

5-9pm. $125. 893-2570.

the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

chefsoiree.com.

March 1 Copic Markers Workshops. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington.

1-2:30pm and 4-5:30pm. $5 each. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

1 Opera on Tap. Casual concert of opera, Broadway and more. The Inn On Bourbon’s Puccini Bar, 541 Bourbon St., New Orleans.

7-8:30pm. Free. (504) 524-7611.

1-3 In Katrina’s Wake: Restoring a Sense of Place. Photographs by Stephen Wilkes. Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St., New Orleans.

Tues-Sat, 9:30am-4:30pm. Free. (504) 5234662. hnoc.org.

1-10 Exhibit by Artist Michael Ledet. Henry Hood Gallery, 325 E. Lockwood St., Covington.

Thurs-Sat, noon-5pm; also by appointment.

789-1832.

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

1-15 Art Exhibit. Ben Diller (sculpture/ painting), Mark Haller (glass) and Martin Needom (sculpture). The Oak Street Gallery, 111 N. Oak St., Hammond. Mon-Fri, 1-5pm. 345-0251. theoakstreetgallery.com.

1-26 Live Harpist Concert. The English Tea Room, 734 E. Rutland St., Covington.

Thurs, 12:30-2:30pm. Free. 898-3988. englishtearoom.com.

1-30 Amy Guidry: Hyperreality. Blend of photorealism and surrealism. Slidell Cultural Center, 2055 Second St. Tue-Fri, noon-4pm; Sat, 9am-noon. Free. 646-4375. slidell.la.us.

1-30 Mandeville City Hall Artist of the Month. Mandeville Junior High Talented Artists. Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway App. Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm. Free.

Nancy Clark, 626-3144.

2-18 Girl Scout Cookie Booth Sales. Find your favorite Girl Scout cookie with the free Cookie Locator mobile app. gsle.org.

2-18 The Widow Bride. Original musical about a Gulf War widow and her family. Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr. Fri, Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. Adults, $19; children, $14. 641-0324. slidelllittletheatre.org.

2, 4 Strauss’ Salome. Presented by the New Orleans Opera Association. Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans. Fri, 8pm; Sun, 2:30pm.

(504) 529-2278. neworleansopera.org.

2, 9, 23, 30 Mandeville Live. Evening concert series. Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St. 6:30-8:30pm. Free. Alia Casborné, 624-3147. cityofmandeville.com.

2, 16, 30 Get Down with Motown. Dance the night away with dinner and music. N’Tini’s, 2891 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 10pm-2am. Reservations, 626-5566. ntinis.com.

3 Traditional Japanese Folk Dancing Lessons. St.Tammany Parish Library, Covington Branch, 310 W. 21st Ave. 3-4:30pm. Free. 8936280, ext. 120. sttammany.lib.la.us.

3-4 Soul Fest. Celebration of African American music and culture. Audubon Zoo, New Orleans.

10am-5pm. Adults, $35; children, $19; seniors 65+, $19. (504) 861-5103. auduboninstitue.org.

3-31 Camellia City Market. Robert and Front Sts., Slidell. Sat, 8am-noon. Free. 285-3599. camelliacitymarket.org.

3-31 Covington Farmers Market. Wed, Covington Trailhead, 10am-2pm; Sat, 609 N. Columbia St., 8am-noon. Free. 966-1786. covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

3-31 Italian Cooking Classes. Paul Cimino.

Simplee Gourmet, 110 Hwy. 21, Covington. Sat, 1:30-3:30pm. $55 per session. 892-8370.

3-31 Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. 675 Lafitte St. Sat, 9am-1pm. Free.

845-4515. mandevilletrailheadmarket.com.

4 Celebration of Innovation. Culinary showcase benefiting Children’s Museum of St. Tammany. Castine Center, Mandeville. 6-10pm. $75; reserved table of 8, $1,000. Vanessa Mayfield, (917) 526-1632. jlgc.net.

5 Arts Round Table. St. Tammany Parish Library, Causeway Branch, 3457 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 6-7:30pm. Free. 626-9779. sttammany.lib.la.us.

6 Dawn Brown Cookbook Signing. Dawn Brown’s Stable to Table Menu Cookbook.

Simplee Gourmet, 110 Hwy. 21, Covington.

892-8370.

Y6, 13, 20 Play & Learn. Parents/caregivers and children 16 months to 4 years; 3-week session. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 9:30-10:15am. $15 per month; members, $24. 898-4435.

7 Mystery on the Menu: Murder in Three Courses. Explore the crime fiction genre with Terri Landry. St. Tammany Parish Library, Covington Branch, 310 W. 21st Ave. 6-7:30pm.

Free. 893-6280, ext. 120. sttammany.lib.la.us.

7, 21 Corey Mack Comedy Show. N’Tini’s, 2891 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 9pm-11pm. $10.

626-5566. ntinis.com.

8 St. Tammany Photographic Society Meeting. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 7pm. Free. 892-8650. stphotosociety.org.

Y8, 15, 22 Cuddle Buddies. Parents/ caregivers and infants 8-15 months, STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 10:30-11am. $12 per month; members, $6. 898-4435.

9 Live Art Demo. Featuring art by Sandra Burshell. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 6:30pm. $15; STAA members, $10. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

9 Northlake Newcomers Luncheon.

>>

March-April 2012 19

Inside Scoop Reservations required. 845-0013.

9 The Hullabahoos. All-male a capella group.

Columbia Theatre, Hammond. 7:30pm. $25.

543-4366. columbiatheatre.org.

9-10 Feathered Friends. Lacombe Art Guild.

The Louisiana Artists Gallery, 813 Florida St., Mandeville. Reception: Sat, 5-8pm; gallery: TuesSat, 10am-6pm; also by appointment. Free.

Bobbie, 624-7903.

9-25 Moon Over Buffalo. Farce set in 1953.

Playmakers Theater, Covington. Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. Adults, $15; students, $10. 893-1671.

10 8th Annual Garden Show. Madisonville Garden Club. Madisonville Town Hall, 403 St. Francis St. 9am-3pm. Free. Molly Stillinger, 845-7348.

10 Abbey Youth Festival. St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College, Covington.

9am-9pm. On-site registration, $35. 867-2233. abbeyyouthfest.com.

10 Children’s World’s Fair. Culture, cuisine and continental travel. Louisiana Children’s Museum, New Orleans. 10am-5pm. Members, $16; nonmembers, $20; Early Explorer package, 4 tickets, $125. (504) 523-1357. lcm.org.

10 LSU Ag Research Center Annual Spring Garden Day. Learn tips and tricks for successful planting. 21549 Old Covington Hwy., Hammond.

9:30am. Free. RSVP, 875-2799.

10 Madisonville Art Market. Water Street in Old Madisonville. 10am-4pm. Free. 643-5340. madisonvilleartmarket.com.

10 Pearl River Roller Derby. Northshore Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell.

Advance tickets, $10; at the door, $15. (228) 547-1803. pearlriverrollerderby.com.

10 Safari After Dark. Spend the night camping at the zoo. Audubon Zoo, New Orleans.

5:30pm-9:30am. Members, $40; non-members, $50. (504) 861-5103. auduboninstitute.org.

10-11 Jane Austen Literary Festival.

Contests, readings, lectures and more! Sat, 9am, Mandeville Trailhead and North Star Theatre; Sun, noon, The Lakehouse, Mandeville. Sat, free; Sun, $35 (includes brunch and reception); students, $24. janeaustenfestival.org.

10-April 1 Sculpting the Portrait and Figure in Clay. 4-weekend course with Objector Snark. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 9am-noon. $370; STAA members, $350. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

10-April 7 Engagement Exhibition. Artists Jessica Danby, Gerald Cannon and Kathy Rodriguez. St. 20

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

Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. Opening reception: 3/10, 6-9pm; gallery: Tues-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat, 11am-4pm. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

10, 24 Hammond Farmer’s/Crafts Market.

W. Thomas St. and S.W. Railroad Ave., Downtown Hammond. 9am-3pm. Terry Lynn Smith, 277-5680. dddhammond.com.

11 Bubbly on the Bayou. Benefits Rainbow Child Care Center. Patton’s Catering, 127 Cleveland Ave., Slidell. 11am-2pm. 646-1603.

11 Real Men of St. Tammany Gala. Benefit for Safe Harbor; dinner, live music, silent/live auctions. LSU and Saints memorabilia. Fleur de Lis Event Center, Mandeville. 6-10pm. $100; table of 8, $600; $5 per vote (online or at event).

Peggy, 892-6855. safeharbornorthshore.org.

12-17, 19 St. Patrick’s Day High Tea. St. Patrick’s Day lunch specials, featured desserts. The English Tea Room, 734 E. Rutland St., Covington. 9am-6pm. 898-3988. englishtearoom.com.

13 We Can Do It! Helping Women to Overcome Their Money Insecurities.

Professional Women of St. Tammany. Beau Chêne Country Club, Mandeville. Noon.

Members, $24; non-members, $29. Janet Fabre Smith, janet@fabresmith.com. pw-st.org.

14 Cookbook Tasting. Tastings from Stable to Table Menu Cookbook. Rug Chic, 4240 Hwy. 22, Mandeville. Noon-2pm. 674-1070.

14 Memoir Writing Class. St. Tammany Parish Library, Causeway Branch, 3457 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 10-11:30am. Free. 626-9779. st.tammay.lib.la.us.

14-16 Women’s Pants Trunk Show. The Villa, 1281 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville.

10am-6pm. 686-9797.

14-18 Art in Bloom. Floral designers, garden club members and artists. New Orleans Museum of Art. 3/14: Patron Party, 6pm; Preview Party, 7pm. 3/15: lecture by Patrick Dunne, 9:30-10:15am; lecture by Jonathan Sage, 10:45am-noon; luncheon, 12:30pm. Kristen Jochem, (504) 658-4121. noma.org.

14, 28 Civil Discourses. New discussion topic each week. St. Tammany Parish Library, Covington Branch, 310 W. 21st Ave. 6-7:30pm.

Free. 893-6280, ext. 120. sttammany.lib.la.us.

16 Concert in the Courtyard. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St., New Orleans. 6-8pm; doors open, 5:30pm. $10; members, free. (504) 523-4662. hnoc.org.

16 Sunset at the Landing Concert. Columbia Street Landing, Covington. 6-9pm. Free. >> cityofcovingtonla.com.

March-April 2012 21

Inside Scoop

5-9pm. $125. 893-2570. chefsoiree.com.

16 The Bikinis. Fuhrmann Auditorium, Greater Covington Center, Covington. 7:30pm. Adults, $30; seniors (65+), $27; students (with ID), $20; children, $15. (504) 885-2000. jpas.org.

16-18 Strawberry Jam’n Toast to the Arts.

Louisiana Renaissance Festival Grounds, 46468 River Rd., Hammond. Ruth Rolling, 974-0630. strawberryjam.org.

16-17 Gretchen Armbruster Special Showing. The Louisiana Artists Gallery, 813 Florida St., Mandeville. Celebration reception: Sat, 5-8pm; gallery: Tues-Sat, 10am-6pm; also by appointment. Free. Bobbie, 624-7903.

16-31 Nunsense. A humorous musical. Cutting Edge Theater, 747 Robert Blvd., Slidell. Fri, Sat, 8pm. $18.50. 640-0333. cuttingedgetheater.com.

16-17 Northshore Garden Show and Plant Sale. St. Tammany Fairgrounds, Covington.

9am-4pm. $3. LSU Ag Center Office, 875-2635.

16-17 Tara Keely Spring 2012 Wedding Gown Trunk Show. Olivier Couture, 1901 Hwy. 190, Ste. 24, Mandeville. Fri, 10am-5pm; Sat, 9am-5pm. Appointment only. 674-6994.

16-18 41st Annual Audubon Pilgrimage.

Tours through historic structures and events throughout the weekend. St. Francisville, La. (225) 635-6300. audubonpilgrimage.info.

16-18 Amite Oyster Festival. Tangipahoa Parish Fairgrounds, Amite. Fri, 3-11pm; Sat, 10am-11pm; Sun, noon-5pm. (800) 617-4501.

16-18 Northshore Boat-N-Fishing Show.

Northshore Harbor Center, Slidell. Fri, noon-8pm; Sat, 10am-8pm; Sun, 11am-5pm. $7; children under 7, free. boat-n-fishing.com.

17 Abita Springs Opry. Live Louisiana roots music including the Crescent City Celtic Band to honor St. Patrick’s Day. Abita Springs Town Hall.

Pre-show performance on porch, 5-6:45pm; show, 7-9pm. $18. 892-0711. abitaopry.org.

17 Abita Springs Street Dedication.

Celebrate local artist Ann O’Brien as Abita Springs names a street after her. Ann O’Brien Lane, next to the Traffic Circle in Abita. Noon2pm. Free.

17 Girl Scouts Centennial Extravaganza.

Rides, games, parade of flags and other activities. Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales. $8 by 3/2; $10 at the door; children 3 and under and seniors 70+, free. gsle.org.

18 Bayou Jam Concert. Featuring The Topcats. Heritage Park, Slidell. 5:30-7:30pm.

Free. 646-4375. slidell.la.us.

18 Chef Soirée. Youth Service Bureau fundraiser. Bogue Falaya Park, Covington.

18 Earth Fest. Crafts, plants, music, children’s activities, raffle, door prizes, food and beverages.

Abita Springs Trailhead Park. Noon-5pm. Free.

373-6415. abitapark.com.

Y19, 26 Children in the Middle.

Simultaneous two-night sessions for divorcing parents and their children. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington.

7-9pm. Adult session: $35/person; $45/couple.

Children’s session: $10/child (max $20/family).

898-4435.

20 Time Management Seminar. St. Tammany West Chamber, 610 Hollycrest Blvd., Covington.

7:30-9am. $10; members, $15; non-members.

Michelle Biggs, 273-3006. sttammanychamber.org.

20-24 Mardi Gras Tea Time. Teacher/student spring break specials. The English Tea Room, 734 E. Rutland St., Covington. 9am-6pm. 8983988. englishtearoom.com.

21 Emerging Young Professionals.

Networking opportunity during Happy Hour.

Palmettos, 1901 Bayou Ln., Slidell. 5-7pm. Linda Larkin, llarkin@propertytitle.com.

21 Women of Infinite Possibilities Evening Meeting. Garden Room at Christwood Retirement Center, Covington. 5:30-7:30pm.

Free. womenofwip.org.

21-25 Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival. Discussions, interviews, master classes, theater, food, music, literary contests and more. French Quarter. (504) 5811144. tennesseewilliams.net.

23-24 The Secret Gardens Tour. Tour exquisite private gardens. Benefits brain injury recovery. Guided tours, Fri, 9am-1pm; self-guided tours, Sat, 9am-4pm. Guided, $60; self-guided, $30. (504) 838-3098. secretgardenstour.org.

22 Chamber after Hours. Networking. Festival Building, Memorial Park, S. 7th and Beech St., Ponchatoula. 5:30-7pm. Liz, 386-2536.

23-25 Annual Jackson Assembly Antiques Show and Sale. Browse through historic antiques. Historic District, Jackson, La. Noon4pm. $10. felicianatourism.org.

22, 23 360 Sweater Trunk Show. The Villa, 1281 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville.

10am-6pm. 686-9797.

24 An Evening with Pam Tillis. Recording artist, songwriter and Broadway star. 7:30pm. $38-$44. 543-4366. columbiatheatre.org.

23 Bus Trip: New Orleans Fairgrounds. Day at the races. Bus from Ochsner Health Center, Covington. 9:30am-4:30pm. $52. 875-2799.

24 Catholic Home Schooling: A Way of Life. Home schooling curricula, materials and speakers. St. Mary’s Hall, St. Peter Catholic Church, 125 E. 19th Ave., Covington. 9am-5pm.

Free. Beth, (504) 220-4626. rchal.org.

23 SBAC New Member Orientation. St. Tammany West Chamber, 610 Hollycrest Blvd., Covington. 8-9am. Free. Michelle Biggs, 2733006. sttammanychamber.org.

23-24 Justin Alexander Spring 2012 Wedding Gown Trunk Show. Olivier Couture, 1901 Hwy. 190, Ste. 24, Mandeville. Fri, 10am-5pm; Sat, 9am-5pm. Appointment only.

674-6994.

23-24 Smokin’ Blues and BBQ Challenge.

Downtown Hammond. 419-9863. hammondbluesandbbq.com.

24 Danielle Inn 2nd Annual 5K Walk/Run. Hosted by LSU’s Students in Free Enterprise to raise $10,000 for Danielle Inn. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. 8:30am. $20; group of 5 or more, $15/person. 285-8072. danielleinn.net.

24 Falaya Fling. St. Scholastica Academy fundraiser; dinner, live entertainment, live and silent auctions. The Castine Center at Pelican Park, Mandeville. Patron Party, 6pm; Fling, 7pm. $60. Elaine Simmons, 892-2540.

24 New Orleans International Beer Festival.

Champions Square, New Orleans. 2-6pm. $45 in advance; VIP and other tickets available. neworleansinternationalbeerfest.com.

24 Northshore Kidney Walk. Fontainebleau State Park, Mandeville. 8am. Missie Lindsey, (504) 861-4500. kidneywalk.org.

24 Simply Southern Grand Opening. View accessories, fine art, furniture and more from Southern artisans. Simply Southern, 70488 Hwy. 21, Covington. 10am-6pm. Free. 871-1466.

24 Visit with the Easter Bunny. Silver Plum and 1.. 2 Buckle My Shoe, The Village Shopping Center, 2891 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 1-4pm. Free.

674-4343.

25 Music in the Park. Cate Square Park, Hammond. 3-6pm. 345-4457. hammondchamber.org.

26 MPG Spring Golf Scramble. Benefiting Mandeville Project Graduation. Beau Chêne Country Club, Mandeville. Check-in, 11am; dinner and awards, 6pm. $125. 773-0307.

27 N’Tini’s Wine Dinner. Four-course meal served with wine. N’Tini’s, 2891 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 7pm. $50. 626-5566. ntinis.com.

Y28 Easter Egg Hunt. Bring one dozen filled plastic eggs per child. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 10-11am.>>

March-April 2012 23

Inside Scoop Free. 898-4435.

29-April 1 A Taste of Covington. 4-day food and wine experience hosted by the Covington Business Association. Downtown Covington.

(3/31: Fine Arts Market, Lee Lane, 10am-5pm.)

(504) 439-2543. atasteofcovington.com.

29-April 1 Rich Mauti Tennis Classic. Tennis, food, drinks and tournament party. Stone Creek Club & Spa, 1201 Ochsner Blvd., Covington. $94.48. 801-7100. stonecreekclubandspa.com.

30 Columbia Street Block Party. Columbia Street, Downtown Covington. 6:30-9:30pm.

Free. cityofcovingtonla.com.

30-31 Hayley Paige Spring 2012 Wedding Gown Trunk Show. Olivier Couture, 1901 Hwy. 190, Ste. 24, Mandeville. Fri, 10am-5pm; Sat, 9am-5pm. Appointment only. 674-6994.

30-April 1 Flanagan’s Wake. Comedy. The Jefferson Performing Arts Society. North Star Theatre, 347 Girod St., Mandeville. Fri, Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. Adults, $30; seniors (65+), $27; student (with ID), $20. jpas.org.

31 Crimson and Navy Gala and Auction.

Roaring 20’s-theme. Music, dancing, food and silent and live auctions. Archbishop Hannan High School Gym, 71324 Hwy. 1077, Covington.

7pm-midnight. $60. Jill Hogan, 249-6363.

31 Kiwanis Dance. Dance to the oldies; casual. BYOB and BYOF. Covington Lions Club, 2027 Ronald Reagan Hwy., Covington.

7-10:30pm, doors open at 6pm. $15. Lillian Wood, 502-4572.

31 Northwest St. Tammany Relay for Life. Overnight event includes food, games, entertainment and fundraising activities.

Covington High School. 6pm-6am. Free. relayforlife.org.

31-April 1 Jazz on the Bayou—20th Anniversary Edition. Fundraiser benefiting STARC, Easter Seals Louisiana, The Kidney Foundation and the arts in St. Tammany Parish; food, music and dancing. Chateau Kole on Bayou Liberty, Slidell. 3-7pm. $100. Ronnie Kole, (504) 524-5716. jazzonthebayou.com.

April

1 A Taste of Covington. Food and wine experience hosted by the Covington Business Association. Downtown Covington. (504) 4392543. atasteofcovington.com.

1 Bayou Jam Concert. Godspeed3. Heritage Park, Slidell. 5:30-7:30pm. Free. 646-4375. slidell.la.us.

1 Chef’s Evening. Fundraising event with wine 24

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

tastings, slilent and live auctions. Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond. 5-8pm. 549-3770.

1 Flanagan’s Wake. Comedy. Jefferson Performing Arts Society. North Star Theatre, 347 Girod St., Mandeville. 2pm. Adults, $30; seniors (65+), $27; student (with ID), $20. jpas.org.

1-30 Hand Painted Porcelain. Sue Van Hoose.

Slidell Branch Library, 555 Robert Rd. Mon-Thurs, 9am-8pm; Fri-Sat, 9am-5pm. Free. Christy J. Lassalle, 863-5364. sttammany.lib.la.us.

1 Jazz on the Bayou—20th Anniversary Edition. Fundraiser benefiting STARC, Easter Seals Louisiana, The Kidney Foundation and the arts in St. Tammany Parish; food, music and dancing. Chateau Kole on Bayou Liberty, Slidell.

3-7pm. $100. Ronnie Kole, (504) 524-5716. jazzonthebayou.com.

1-June 17 Furnishing Louisiana: 17351835. Distinctive cabinetmaking traditions. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St., New Orleans. Tues-Sat, 9:30am-4:30pm; Sun, 10:30am-4pm. Free. (504) 523-4662. hnoc.org.

2 Arts Round Table. St. Tammany Parish Library, Causeway Branch, 3457 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 6-7:30pm. Free. 626-9779. sttammany.lib.la.us.

2-6 Spring Break Drama Camp. Louisiana Center for Theatrical Arts, 301 E. Mulberry St., Amite. 9am-3pm. $175 (includes recital performance, t-shirt and healthy snacks); before 3/27, $150. Kimberly, 517-6637. lcta.biz.

2-6 Spring Fingerprints Art Camp. Fun for ages 6-12. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 9am-3pm. $220; STAA members, $200. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

2-7, 9-11 Easter High Tea. Lunch specials with featured desserts; children’s Easter High Tea available. The English Tea Room, 734 E. Rutland St., Covington. 9am-6pm. 898-3988. englishtearoom.com.

2-30 Mandeville City Hall Artist of the Month. Anne London, wildlife and endangered species artist. Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway App. Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm. Free.

Nancy Clark, 626-3144.

3-7 Engagement Exhibition. Artists Jessica Danby, Gerald Cannon and Kathy Rodriguez. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. Tues-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat, 11am-4pm.

892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

4 Mystery on the Menu: Murder in Three Courses. Explore the crime fiction genre with Terri Landry. Covington Library, 310 W. 21st Ave. 6-7:30pm. Free. 893-6280, ext. 120. >> sttammany.lib.la.us.

March-April 2012 25

Inside Scoop

4 Opera on Tap. Casual concert of opera, Broadway and more. Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St., Abita Springs. 7-8:30pm. Free. (504) 529-3000. neworleansopera.org.

petting zoo, aquatic fountains, arts and crafts, live music and pictures with the Easter Bunny and Disney Princesses. Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St. 9am-1pm. Free. cityofmandeville.com.

4-28 Covington Farmers Market. Wed, Covington Trailhead, 10am-2pm; Sat, 609 N. Columbia St., 8am-noon. Free. 966-1786. covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

7-28 Camellia City Market. Robert and Front Sts., Slidell. Sat, 8am-noon. Free. 285-3599. camelliacitymarket.org.

4, 5 Coffee with Christie. Enjoy coffee with your Golden Opportunity friends. 4/4: Ochsner Medical Center, Slidell, 9:30am. 4/5: Ocshner Health Center, Covington, 10am. Free; Food Bank donations will be accepted. 875-2799.

4, 18 Corey Mack Comedy Show. N’Tini’s, 2891 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 9-11pm. $10. 6265566. ntinis.com.

5-26 Live Harpist Concert. The English Tea Room, 734 E. Rutland St., Covington. Thurs, 12:30-2:30pm. Free. 898-3988. englishtearoom. com.

5, 12, 19, 26 Rockin’ the Rails Concert.

Covington Trailhead. 5-7:30pm. Free. cityofcovingtonla.com.

6 Mad Hatter Tea Party. Easter egg hunt, costumed characters, children’s high tea.

The English Tea Room, 734 E. Rutland St., Covington. 2-4pm. 898-3988. englishtearoom. com.

7 Easter at the Trailhead. Egg decorating,

7-28 Mandeville Trailhead Community Market. 675 Lafitte St. Sat, 9am-1pm. Free.

845-4515. mandevilletrailheadmarket.com.

10, 17, 24 Play & Learn. Parents/caregivers and children 16 months to 4 years; 3-week session. STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 9:30-10:15am. $15 per month; members, $24. 898-4435.

11 Memoir Writing Class. St. Tammany Parish Library, Causeway Branch, 3457 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 10-11:30am. Free. 626-9779. sttammany.lib.la.us.

11 Stepping out in Style. Fashion show provided

by Coldwater Creek. Benedict’s Restaurant, Mandeville. 11am-1pm. $18. 674-5093.

11, 25 Civil Discourses. New discussion topic each week. St. Tammany Parish Library, Covington Branch, 310 W. 21st Ave. 6-7:30pm.

Free. 893-6280, ext. 120. sttammany.lib.la.us.

12 St. Tammany Photographic Society Meeting. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 7pm. Free. 892-8650.

stphotosociety.org.

12-15 French Quarter Festival. Music, food, special events. French Quarter, New Orleans.

Free. (504) 522-5730. fqfi.org.

Y12, 19, 26 Cuddle Buddies. Parents/ caregivers and infants 8-15 months, STPH Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B, Covington. 10:30-11am. $12 per month; members, $6. 898-4435.

Y13 Get Lucky! Golf Tournament. Benefits Advancement of Pediatrics at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. Tchefuncta Country Club, Covington. Registration, 11:30am; shotgun start, 12:30pm; party and awards, 5pm. Charley, 8984141.

13 Northlake Newcomers Luncheon.

Reservations required. 845-0013.

13-14 Anne Cicero Special Showing.

The Louisiana Artists Gallery, 813 Florida St., Mandeville. Celebration reception: Sat, 5-8pm; gallery: Tues-Sat, 10-6; also by appointment.

Free. Bobbie, 624-7903.

13-14 Lea-Ann Belter Bridal Spring 2012 Wedding Gown Trunk Show. Olivier Couture, 1901 Hwy. 190, Ste. 24, Mandeville. Fri, 10am-5pm; Sat, 9am-5pm. Appointment only.

674-6994.

13-15 16th Annual Great Louisiana Bird Fest. Sponsored by the Northlake Nature

Center. Various locations. 6am-evening. $18-$50.

Rue McNeill, 626-1238. northlakenature.org.

13-15 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival.

Memorial Park, 301 N. 6th St., Ponchatoula.

Fri, 4-10pm; Sat, 9am-11pm (parade, 9am); Sun, 10am-6pm. Free. (800) 917-7045. lastrawberryfestival.com.

13-June 15 Salad Days 2012. Juried exhibition of student art. The Slidell Cultural Center, 2055 Second St., Slidell. Opening reception: 4/13, 6-8pm; gallery: Tues-Fri, noon-4pm; Sat, 9am-noon. 646-4375. slidell.la.us.

13, 20 Mandeville Live. Evening concert series. Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St. 6:308:30pm. Free. 624-3147. cityofmandeville.com.

13, 27 Get Down with Motown. Dance, dinner, music. N’Tini’s, 2891 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 10pm-2am. Reservations, 626-5566. ntinis.com.

14 Madisonville Art Market. Water Street in Old Madisonville. 10am-4pm. Free. 643-5340. madisonvilleartmarket.com.

and under, $10. 875-0511. soarwithautism.org.

llarkin@propertytitle.com.

14-May 5 Jose Maria Cundin Solo Exhibit. St. Tammany Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington. Tues-Fri, 10am-4pm; Sat, 11am-4pm. Free. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

Y19 Annual Patron Party and Auction.

Benefiting St. Tammany Cancer Fund.

Money Hill Golf and Country Club, Abita Springs. $100. Sharon Landry, 674-6949.

14, 28 Hammond Farmer’s/Crafts Market.

W. Thomas St. and S.W. Railroad Ave., Downtown Hammond. 9am-3pm. Terry Lynn Smith, 277-5680. dddhammond.com.

19 Pajamas and Play: How I Became a Pirate. Jefferson Performing Arts Society.

Columbia Theatre, Hammond. Pre-show activities, 5pm; performance, 6:30pm. Children 12 and under, $13; adults, $19. 543-4366. columbiatheatre.org.

16 Aces Against Aneurysms. Tennis tourney to raise funds for aneurysm awareness.

Pelican Athletic Club, Mandeville. 8am-2pm. $40 (registration deadline, 4/9). Rebecca, rebeccawinchell@gmail.com.

20 Art in April with Champagne. Downtown Hammond. 5-10pm. Terry Lynn Smith, 2775680. dddhammond.com.

17 Targeting Your Customer Base. SBAC Seminar. St. Tammany West Chamber, 610 Hollycrest Blvd., Covington. 7:30-9am. $10; members, $15; non-members. Michelle Biggs, 273-3006. sttammanychamber.org.

14 Traditional Japanese Folk Dancing Lessons. St. Tammany Parish Library, Covington Branch, 310 W. 21st Ave. 3-4:30pm. Free. 8936280, ext. 120. sttammany.lib.la.us.

17-23 War of 1812 Bicentennial. Navy celebration in New Orleans. Special events include fireworks (Tues, Fri, 8:30pm), general public visiting of Navy ships (Wed-Sun), Cook-off with Louisiana Seafood (Fri, 2-4pm) and Air Show with Blue Angels (Sat, Sun). NOLANavyWeek. com. navyweek.org. ourflagwasstillthere.org.

14 Why walk? When you can soar! Autism awareness walk and family fun day. North Oak Park, Hammond. 10am-2pm. Adults, $20; 12

18 Emerging Young Professionals.

Networking. Castaway’s Daiquiri Shop, Pontchartrain Dr., Slidell. 5-7pm. Linda Larkin,

20 Concert in the Courtyard. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 533 Royal St., New Orleans. 6-8pm; doors open, 5:30pm. $10; members, free. (504) 523-4662. hnoc.org.

20 Stone Creek’s 3rd Annual Twilight Run. A one mile and a 5-kilometer run. Stone Creek Club and Spa, 1201 Ochsner Blvd, Covington.

801-7100. stonecreekclubandspa.com.

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

20-21 14th Biennial Quilt Show. Free classes and demonstrations. Northshore Harbor Center, Slidell. 10am-5pm. Adults, $7; children under 12, $4; 2-day pass, $10. Melissa Newman, 781- >>

3650. gulfstatesquilting.org.

20-21 Sassi Holford Spring 2012 Wedding Gown Trunk Show. Olivier Couture, 1901 Hwy. 190, Ste. 24, Mandeville. Fri, 10am-5pm; Sat, 9am-5pm. Appointment only. 674-6994.

20-May 30 The Producers. Musical comedy.

Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr. Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. Adults, $19; children, $14. 641-0324. slidelllittletheatre.org.

21 Abita Springs Opry. Live Louisiana roots music. Abita Springs Town Hall. Pre-show performance on porch, 5-6:45pm; show, 7-9pm. $18. 892-0711. abitaopry.org.

21 Complexions Contemporary Ballet.

Special NOBA-commissioned world premiere with guest artist Wendy Whelan and the New York City Ballet. Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans. 8pm. (504) 522-0996. nobadance.com.

21 Earth Day Celebration. Louisiana Children’s Museum, 420 Julia St., New Orleans. Members, free; non-members, $8. (504) 523-1357. lcm.org.

21 Hospice Crawfish Cook-off. 45,000 pounds of crawfish, 60 teams, bands and a children’s area. Fritchie Park, Slidell.

11am-6pm. Presale at Whitney Bank, $25; at gate, $30. Kathy Busco, 643-5470. hospicefoundationofthesouth.org.

21 Some Enchanted Evening with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Heritage Park, Slidell. Mayor’s Picnic Contest, 5pm; Enchanted Art Walk, 5pm; twilight concert, 6pm.

(Rain date, 4/22.) Free. 646-4375. slidell.la.us.

21 Spring for Art. Live music, artist galleries and merchants throughout Downtown Covington. 6-9pm. Free. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

21 Tchefuncte River Festival. Food, arts and crafts, children’s activities and live music.

S. Water St., Madisonville. 10am-10pm. $15; children under 10, free. Shawn, 373-6442. ilovemyriver.com.

21-22 Olde Towne Slidell Street Fair. Over 150 vendors with antique furniture, vintage jewelry, collectibles, food, live music and more.

1st, 2nd and Erlanger Sts., Slidell. 10am-5pm.

Free. 641-6316. slidellantiques.com.

22 Abita Springs Music and Arts Festival.

In partnership with The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Foundation. Featuring artwork, music, food and drinks. WHERE?? TIME?? Free.

892-0711. abitaopry.org.

22 Music in the Park. Cate Square Park, Hammond. 3-6pm. 345-4457. hammondchamber.org.

22 Northshore Literary Society Meeting.

Guest speaker, food and drinks. 4-6pm.

Non-members, $10; members, free. northshoreliterarysociety.com.

28

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

22 Sentimental Journeys 2012: Venetian Carnevale. Venetian-inspired entertainment and and dinner. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd., New Orleans. 3-7:30pm. Jen Gick, (504) 293-4723. longuevue.com.

22 Spring Fairy Photos. Take pictures in fairy costumes (provided). Silver Plum and 1.. 2 Buckle My Shoe, The Village Shopping Center, 2891 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. Appointments available. 9am-2pm. 674-4343.

24 N’Tini’s Wine Dinner. Four-course meal served with wine. N’Tini’s, 2891 Hwy. 190, Mandeville. 7pm. $50. 626-5566. ntinis.com.

24-Sept 9 Paintings by Gustave Blache III. Celebrating Leah Chase’s 90th year. New Orleans Museum of Art. Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm; Fri, 10am-9pm. $10; discounts for seniors, students, children and members; Wednesdays, free. (504) 658-4100. noma.org.

25 Madisonville Garden Club Flower Show.

Flower arrangements; theme “Broadway Plays.”

Madisonville Town Hall, 403 St. Francis St. 1-3pm. Free. Molly Stillinger, 845-7348.

26-May 12 Spring Senior Exhibition.

Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

Contemporary Art Gallery, 100 E. Stadium on SLU Campus, Hammond. Opening reception: 4/26, 5-7pm; gallery: Mon, Tues, Thurs, 8am-4:30pm; Wed, 8am-8pm; Fri, 8am-12:30pm. Free. 549-5080.

27 Columbia Street Block Party. Columbia Street, Downtown Covington. 6:30-9:30pm.

Free. cityofcovingtonla.com.

27-May 6 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Fair Grounds Race Course, 1751 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans. 11am-7pm. nojazzfest.com.

27, 29 Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci and Orff’s Carmina Burana. Special double-bill by the New Orleans Opera Association. Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans. Fri, 8pm; Sun, 2:30pm. (504) 529-2278. neworleansopera.org.

28 5th Annual Covington Clean & Green Race. 1-mile walk/run and 5K race sponsored

by Keep Covington Beautiful. 867-3652. keepcovingtonbeautiful.org.

28 East St. Tammany Relay for Life. Join in the fight against cancer. Slidell Airport.

4:30pm-6am. Free. relayforlife.org.

28 Richard Murphy Hospice Gala.

Chesterton Square, Ponchatoula. 7pm-1am.

Patricia Westmoreland, 386-0400. richardmurphyhospice.com.

Y29 TLC’s Derby for Cancer Care. Food, beverages, full bar, live music, silent auction and Ladies Derby Hat Contest. The Lakehouse, Mandeville. 5-8pm. Charley, 898-4141.

March-April 2012 29

Worthy Causes

Court Appointed Special Advocates

“IT’S THE MOST WORTHWHILE THING I’ve ever done,” says CASA trainer Dana Wolcott of the 11 years she’s spent serving abused and neglected children as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

When she first heard about the Youth Service Bureau’s CASA program 14 years ago, Dana knew she wanted to get involved. “I thought, ‘That really gets to the meat of what our community problems are—it starts with the family.’ I wanted to be on the preventative side, establishing healthy families.”

A mother of three with no prior training or experience, Dana is now in her ninth year on the staff, recruiting and training CASAs. “We love to have a diverse group of volunteers because our kids are diverse,” she says. “CASAs don’t all look the same, and you don’t need experience. If you care about kids, we can train you!”

The YSB’s CASA program serves children in the 22nd Judicial District—St. Tammany and Washington parishes—who are in the legal custody of the state because of abuse or neglect. By serving as advocates to the court on behalf of these children, CASA volunteers respect each child’s right to grow up with dignity in a safe environment.

CASAs meet monthly with the child and sometimes with the parents, who have one year to cooperate with the court by addressing the problems.

30 Inside Northside

by Katie Montelepre

“You are going as the eyes and ears of the court, without any budgets, restrictions or boundaries, to see what’s in the best interest of the child and to work with the court to make sure these kids don’t fall through the cracks,” Dana explains.

In an effort to fully grasp the child’s situation, CASAs also contact social workers, relatives, school officials and health providers and review school records, caseworker reports and medical records.

Because CASAs are not seen as authority figures, Dana adds, they are non-threatening and can sometimes obtain good information just by being good listeners.

“The reward for me is to bring a positive change in a foster child’s life,” says Nancy Reed, who’s been a CASA volunteer for 14 years. “Many times the foster child moves from foster home to foster home and has different case workers from DCFS (protective services). I am the ‘constant’ in that child’s life when everything else is in turmoil or changing frequently.”

All meetings, research findings and discussions are documented and presented in a fact-based report to the court after six months and then again after a year, when the final decision for the child should be made. “Our judges really believe in our program,” Dana says. “We help them sleep at night because they really have a tough job. As in any decision, the more

CASA is a nationwide volunteer program that began in 1977 in Seattle, Washington. The National CASA Association has 955 programs in 49 states, with 75,000 volunteers advocating for 240,000 children in 2010.

The Youth Service Bureau’s CASA program started in 1989, the second one in the state. Several members of the original training group are still involved today. In 2011, 124 YSB CASA volunteers advocated for 286 children in foster care in St. Tammany and Washington parishes.

information you have, the better.”

Applications for CASA are taken year-round and trainings are held three times each year. Upon completion, CASAs are sworn in by a judge. Once appointed by the court to a particular case, a CASA is expected to work until the case is permanently resolved, usually about 18 months. “There’s a lot of flexibility with this,” Dana says, noting that CASAs spend an average of 10 hours per month of their personal time working on a case.

“After 14 years, I still strongly believe in this program,” Dana adds. “I know my presence made a difference, if nothing more than letting that child know they had someone walking through this with them. I was holding their hand, bringing information that changed the decision, or at least empowering them at a time when they feel that they’ve disappeared.”

For more information about CASA, including how to volunteer, call 649-4092 or visit ysbworks.com.

March-April 2012 31

the Arts IN Chef Soirée Poster Artist Jane Brown

Triple Crown, watercolor

by Jane Brown.

Being selected as poster artist for Chef Soirée 2012 came as a huge surprise to Mandeville artist Jane Brown. Her husband, John, was tapped to do last year’s poster and Jane thought there was no way she’d be asked—she didn’t even make a submission.

However, John conspired with Chef Soirée coordinator Debbie Bressler to get some of Jane’s artwork to the board for consideration. After seeing her work, the board chose Jane to do the poster.

When Debbie told her the theme of this year’s event, “Geaux Green,” Jane took off from there.

Inspired by the time she spent as a child traveling in Haiti and South America, she sketched out the poster’s design in 45 minutes. “When I hear ‘go green,’ I think ecology. The tree frog is an icon of conservation, so I made him the chef. He’s got shamrocks on his hat because the event is right after St. Patrick’s Day. I put a pinwheel instead of an outboard motor on his pirogue and a lamp instead of running lights.” Jane says that the flowers, nightblooming cereus and bird of paradise, are straight from her memories of the Amazon and Haiti. The final touch, she says, is the bee. “I took people on home tours during Spring Fiesta in the French

32 Inside Northside

Quarter. Lindy Boggs’ home had a bee motif in the drapes, which was Napoleon’s symbol—‘b’ for Bonaparte. She had ‘b’ for Boggs. For me, it’s ‘b’ for Brown, and for ‘Bum-bum,’ which is what my grandchildren call me.”

STAA Juried Artists Exhibition The St. Tammany Art Association announces a call for entries to its 47th National Juried Artists Exhibition July 14 to August 11, 2012. Open to artists ages 18 and up. Artwork should be original visual art completed within the past two years and not previously exhibited at STAA. Entries will be accepted until March 31, 2012. To enter, download an entry form from sttammanyartassociation.org or email request to info@sttammanyartassociation.org. Entries will be accepted via e-mail to summershowentry@ gmail.com or on CD mailed to STAA at 320 N. Columbia St., Covington, LA 70433.

Jane Austen Literary Festival On March 10 and 11, the Jane Austen Literary Festival in Old Mandeville will attract ladies, gentlemen and children costumed in British attire from the late 1700s and early 1800s. The fifth annual community literary festival, which begins during the

photo: ABBY SANDS MILLER www.abbyphoto.com

Mandeville Trailhead Community Market on Saturday at 9 a.m., is also a cultural festival, with music, dancing and other activities in addition to literary readings and discussions.

Saturday’s festivities at the amphitheatre stage feature a Looking for Mr. Darcy reading contest, a No Plain Janes costume contest and vintage dance demos with audience participation. Activities for children and adults include quill pen writing, calligraphy demos, wax seals demos and hairstyles of the era. Local authors and other vendors will be located near the stage. Starting at 1 p.m., nearby restaurants will offer Jane Austen-themed meals. At 2:30 p.m., free lectures and panels will begin at the North Star Theatre, continuing throughout the afternoon.

On Sunday, the festival begins with a noon brunch at The Lakehouse featuring a harp concert, Jane Austen readings and a silent auction. After the brunch, the Northshore Literary Society will host a panel that will discuss the writing process and publishing options available in today’s markets. Guest speaker Mary Mocsary of Southeastern will present Austen-related games and quizzes.

A flute concert and a cake and champagne reception will round out the day’s activities.

Saturday: free. Sunday (includes brunch and reception): $35; students, $25. For more information and a detailed schedule, see the festival’s Facebook page and janeaustenfestival.org.

March-April 2012 33

Northshore Literary Society If you love to read or write, you are invited to join the members of the Northshore Literary Society at their next meeting April 22. Authors, journalists, free-lance writers, book club members and avid readers all come together in NLS, which was formed in 2008 as a gathering point for the northshore’s vibrant literary community.

Six times a year, the society meets for guest speakers, food, libations and friendly discussion. These meetings provide a central place to find out the latest information on writing, publishing and marketing, as well as literary events such as festivals and writing contests.

For more information, visit northshoreliterarysociety.com.

Calling All Artists!

2011 Harvest Cup Polo Classic poster painting by Milo Stephens-Asche

For information on how to submit original art to be considered for the 2012 Harvest Cup Polo Classic poster, log onto jlgc.net or contact Stephanie Dupepe at 960-1212 or sdupepe@charter.net.

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

Cultural Explorers Club Children ages 4 to 18 are invited to discover the arts for themselves through a recent initiative of the City of Slidell. The Cultural Explorers Club encourages children and parents alike to explore many different types of art, including symphony, dance, theatre and the visual arts.

“The idea is to expose kids to the arts. You never know when they will discover a love they didn’t know they had,” says Kim Bergeron, director of Cultural & Public Affairs for the City of Slidell. “The program is designed to get the parents exposed, too. We want it to be families discovering the arts together.”

To be inducted into the Cultural Explorers Club, children must attend or participate in five cultural events outside of the school environment—a symphony concert, a dance exhibition, an art exhibit, live theatre and a participatory event. Most events are free through city-sponsored cultural programs, but participants can also fulfill the requirements through other venues.

Upon successful completion of the program, inductees will receive a Cultural Explorers Club patch and certificate from Slidell Mayor Freddy Drennan during one of the city’s cultural events in Heritage Park.

The inaugural Cultural Explorers inductees will be honored at this year’s Some Enchanted Evening concert on April 21. (This event will also fulfill the “symphony concert” requirement.)

The City of Slidell’s Cultural Explorers Club cards are available at the Department of Cultural & Public Affairs, 250 Bouscaren St., Ste. 304, in Olde Towne Slidell, or online at slidell.la.us. For more information, call 646-4375.

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March-April 2012 35

IN Better Health

by Katie Montelepre

with Carol Rains MANY PEOPLE CONSIDER teeth grinding a bad habit, but for Carol Rains, it was also the cause of pain, a loss of confidence and severe damage to her teeth.

“When I was younger, I had nice teeth,” Carol says. But as an adult, the surfaces of her teeth were severely flattened by years of night grinding, or bruxing. Her habit of grinding gradually worsened to the point that she was even grinding during the day.

“I had gotten used to it, but the more I ground my teeth, the more I was in danger of losing my teeth,” Carol says. Several doctors had told her that she had about five years before she would have to make some serious decisions about her teeth. “I was grinding so close to the nerves that it was only a matter of time before the teeth would be too short to even save, and no matter how hard I tried, I just could not stop doing it.”

Bruxing is often a symptom of a temporomandibular joint disorder caused by 36 Inside Northside

malocclusion, or misalignment, of the teeth, which can cause health problems. Carol suffered from headaches, neck and shoulder pain and even ear pain, all due to the tension on her facial muscles and jaw joints as they tried to find a comfortable position.

“Because I had done so much damage to my teeth, they didn’t fit together properly anymore,” she explains. She also became self-conscious about her appearance—as her teeth got shorter, so did the length of her face.

Finally, Carol decided to see what she could do to eliminate the pain and restore the youthful appearance of her teeth. After unsuccessful visits with several dentists, she researched enough to realize that she needed someone who understood neuromuscular dentistry. Her search ultimately ended with Dr. Jim Moreau of MoreSmiles in Mandeville.

“Carol had tried other therapies and been to other doctors and nothing else had helped her,” Dr. Moreau says. “This is very typical of TMJ patients. It can be debilitating, incapacitating and frustrating, because it’s easily misdiagnosed. Even with a correct TMJ diagnosis, many medical and dental professionals just don’t have the technology to pinpoint the cause and methodically resolve the symptoms.”

Neuromuscular dentistry, Dr. Moreau explains, evaluates the complex relationship between the teeth, facial muscles and jaw joints. “Dentistry typically

photo: HEATHER BURBRINK www.kristinandheather.com

Health Concern: Head, neck and shoulder pain due to malocclusion of teeth.

Treatment: Neuromuscular dentistry full-mouth reconstruction.

is concerned only with the teeth—a one-dimensional approach. When you add the relationship of the jaw joint and the muscles of mastication, the approach to dentistry becomes more three-dimensional. It gives you a bigger tool box, so to speak, when evaluating a patient’s oral health.”

Dr. Moreau’s combination of EMG computer scans in his office and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENSing, flushed toxins and guided Carol’s muscles, joints and teeth into a functioning and comfortable bite. Although there are a few ways to get optimum results, in Carol’s case, full-mouth reconstruction not only restored a healthy occlusion but also gave her back her beautiful smile. This was achieved with a combination of porcelain veneers and onlays, restored one arch at a time to ensure stability and management of symptoms at each step.

“One of the things that really impressed me was the fact that Dr. Moreau listened to me to see what needed adjusting,” Carol says. Dr. Moreau agrees that patience, trust and communication between patient and doctor are key to the success of the process because multiple adjustments are usually needed, some of which are almost imperceptible.

Since the neuromuscular reconstruction of her smile, Carol has stopped the habitual grinding, and she no longer wakes up in pain every day. “I feel so much better now and so much more relaxed,” she says about the positive difference it’s made in her life.

“Aesthetically, I feel more confident; it restored my teeth back to a youthful appearance. I had so much damage to my teeth I couldn’t remember what my teeth looked like, but my mom says they look like they used to,” Carol laughs. “[Dr. Moreau] is an artist!”

March-April 2012 37

Mark Malkemus, Iggy Rosales, Rob Habisreitinger, Perry Cookmeyer, James Ober, John Seeger, Christian Shofstahl, Richard Peed, Duke LoCicero and Carroll Dupre.

All photos shot on location at Nuvolari’s.

38

Inside Northside

Iggy Rosales Submitted by Michelle Rosales Iggy and I met our junior year in high school, where we immediately became best of friends. He was always the highlight of my days because he was so full of life, adventure and laughter. We moved to Mandeville when we married in 1997 and have two boys, Alex and Andy. My husband is so hot not only because he is easy on the eyes, but also because of the love and compassion he has in his heart, and it is not limited to his family and friends. Iggy is a firefighter captain/paramedic, RN and an instructor for several medical classes, so regardless of what hat he wears each day, he is always working to help others.

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

(left to right)

WE ARE HAPPY to present Inside Northside’s Hot Husbands 2012!

For the fifth time, northshore wives have responded overwhelmingly to our call for hot husband nominations. Many grateful women have sent us letters expressing their appreciation and love for their hubbies. From firefighter to pilot, this year’s hot husbands are dedicated not only to their jobs but also—and most importantly—to their families and to our community.

Because there were so many responses, we could not include all of them. Here, we present edited selections from the chosen submissions. We hope that each husband who was nominated received the letter his wife wrote as a unique Valentine!

Rob Habisreitinger

At a fire scene or at the Emergency Room, he treats each and every person as family. From helping families salvage their belongings after a fire to simply holding a patient’s hand, he always treats people well. There have been occasions where he returned to check on a family after a fire only to get a confused look from the people questioning if that is procedure. He says he could never lay his head down at the end of a day without knowing he did his very best. Unfortunately, in his professions he has experienced pain and suffering, so he puts his faith in God to give him the trust and strength he needs to continue his work.

Iggy as a husband and father is the same as Iggy the firefighter, RN and instructor—he gives his best.

Every morning, he fixes my coffee exactly the way I Iggy Rosales

like it—trust me, it’s complicated. On the mornings he leaves before I awake, he still has it waiting. I always smile while thinking he all but drank it for me. What I appreciate about Iggy is he never takes me for granted. We are a team, and we both take on the duties to maintain our home. On the days he is not working, you will always find him with his boys.

From field trips, coaching, playing in the yard or simply hanging out watching a game, they are always together. The “full of life,” adventure and laughter that first attracted me to Iggy still hold strong. I could not imagine my life any other way.

Rob Habisreitinger Submitted by Joann Habisreitinger I met Rob when traveling by private plane on a business trip. In walked this tall, dark, handsome pilot—complete with a leather bomber jacket and a dazzling smile that stretched from ear to ear. I knew right away he was special. I had always heard people say “when you meet the right person, you’ll just know it.” I never understood what that meant until I met Rob. On one of our first dates at a local restaurant, I spent the night nervously swinging my foot and repeatedly kicking what I thought was a post under the table. I realized at the end of our date I had been kicking Rob’s leg the entire time. He was too much of a gentleman to say anything! I was smitten.

Our marriage has been my life’s greatest blessing; however, we have had our challenges. We lost our >> March-April 2012 39

I am proud to be Rob’s wife. I thank God for bringing us together. And after 14 years of marriage, I still think he’s the hottest husband anywhere!

40

Richard Peed

Submitted by Cindy Peed My husband, Richard, and I have been married for 22 years, and he still refers to me as his “bride.”

We have two college-age sons and a 6-year-old daughter. Richard’s understanding of life’s priorities is what makes him my hot husband.

In our early years, Richard was driven to provide for his young family. He climbed the corporate ladder at full speed ahead, relocating our family from state to state every few years. While each promotion came with greater pay and wonderful perks, it stole his time from being at home. His business meetings and

home in Katrina and the experience was a true test of “through better or worse.” We lived in a friend’s garage and spent most of our days wondering how and where we would rebuild. Throughout this stressful time, Rob still made me laugh every day and reassured me that everything was going to be all right.

Whether it’s flying a plane, helping a neighbor fix an irrigation system or entering a poker tournament, if Rob is going to do something, he is going to give it 100 percent. And he approaches every project with joy. Have you ever seen a man sing a tune and dance around the yard while killing weeds? Rob does.

Rob’s dedication to his dream of finishing an Ironman triathlon was such an inspiration to me that I joined him on the incredible 140.6-mile journey and we crossed the Ironman finish line together (after exchanging a victory smooch, of course!).

Rob has always supported me professionally, making sacrifices with his own career. After a long day of work, I come home to the most gorgeous, fun, intelligent and loving husband a girl could hope for.

Did I mention he’s an incredible cook, too?

trips were so frequent that we wouldn’t even bother putting away his suitcase; we’d just swap out the worn clothes for fresh suits and off he’d go again.

While living in Portland, Oregon, we got the news of an unexpected third child on the way. Richard rejoiced, but I was scared and overwhelmed. This was when my husband turned the course of our lives around! At 43 years old, with two teens and a baby on the way, Richard made the decision to step off of the corporate treadmill and give his family what we wanted and needed most— him! Richard quit his job of 20 years and relocated the family back to Madisonville where the boys could attend high school with their childhood friends and our daughter would grow up with complete stability.

Three months after the move, Katrina occurred and his job search was halted. Unphased, he simply became a temporary lumberjack. We were broke but happy.

Today, Richard is back in the business world, but he works from home and is present for every parent-teacher conference, every dance recital and every holiday. Sharing life’s moments with him is

Inside Northside

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Richard Peed

so much better than trying to describe them to him over the phone! His bravery to step off of a safe and familiar path to create a richer, deeper and more connected relationship with the children and me is as hot as I could ever wish for!

John Seeger Submitted by Kathy Seeger Some people would think that after almost 40 years of marriage life would become humdrum and adventure-less. Those who would think that don’t know my husband, John. Yes, he and I have gotten older, but our love has grown and made our life together better. Each day brings lasting promises of more love and adventure.

We met as young teenagers. He was the cousin of close family friends, and I was just one

of Evelyn’s little girlfriends. Years later, our paths crossed again at Southeastern in Hammond. We dated often, but I wasn’t ready for any serious commitment. John was my best friend. He was always there for me until August 1971 when he went to pursue a master’s degree in South Carolina.

Looking back, John gave me the chance to grow and find myself. He knew already, I think, that he and I would be great as a couple…one day we could become “us.”

After John left for graduate school, we wrote letters (no e-mails existed then), talked on the phone and visited back and forth. We became closer as I matured and realized that my “friend” held my heart in Clemson, South Carolina.

In December 1971, I graduated from college.

My graduate student drove home for the ceremony, >>

John Seeger

March-April 2012 41

Christian Shofstahl

Carroll Dupre

42

Inside Northside

lives, and I would challenge anyone who says my love—my John—isn’t the hottest old guy around.

Christian Shofstahl Submitted by Vikki Shofstahl My husband is the hottest husband on the northshore, hands down! He is tall, extremely good looking and he’s like a big, sweet teddy bear!

Everyone that meets him falls in love with his easygoing demeanor, great sense of humor and funloving attitude, just as I did over 10 years ago! He was so charming that he lured me over the internet from New York to the Big Easy! After nine years of marriage and three children, I am more in love with him than ever. He is my best friend, and sometimes I feel like we are still newlyweds.

Although Christian has an extremely stressful

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

bringing my heart back to me along with his own in a promise in the form of an engagement ring. What could be hotter than that?

In a world of ever-changing marriage values and short-lived romances, we live in our corner of St. Tammany Parish in a relationship of “happily ever after.” Our commitment is 40-years strong and growing. Now that is sizzling hot!

John was right! We have evolved into “us.” Forty years have brought forth two sons, two daughters-inlaw and two grandchildren. The years have brought us back to the two of “us” again. What could be hotter?

Physical attraction of the young is wonderful and is an important part of all relationships. However, it is the communicating, dreaming, growing, nurturing and following God’s plan together that truly demonstrates love. Those are the high points of our

life, balancing his career as a local attorney and his family of five—which includes Erich and Olivia, our 6-yearold boy/girl twins, and our baby boy, Andrew, who just turned 2—he is always upbeat and easygoing. Olivia was born with spina bifida, requiring additional care, and Christian takes that on with ease as well. He always makes sure she can actively participate in our family outings, even if it involves carrying her from her wheelchair to each ride at City Park and inevitably ending up on the recliner with a heating pad on his back!

He is a true old-fashioned family man who always puts us first.

Christian loves spending time with his children, whether it’s riding around the neighborhood looking at the lights while drinking eggnog and singing Christmas songs or playing 10 rounds of Sorry with our son. I even caught him with a face full of makeup one day after our daughter asked him to be her “model” for her future career as a makeup artist!

Christian recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of opening his own

law practice in Mandeville, and I am so proud of his hard work and dedication!

He really cares about his clients and goes the extra mile when representing them.

Even though his profession requires a lot of time and energy, he still comes home ready to play with the kids and spend some quality time with me. Most of all, Christian is a loving husband and devoted father, and I am thankful for every day that I have with him!

Carroll Dupre Submitted by Joy Dupre Where do I begin? My husband married me when I had three daughters from a previous marriage. We have a >> March-April 2012 43

Mark Malkemus

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

daughter together. He has never once made me or the older girls feel like they were not his biological daughters. We got little child support when they were young, but he worked to support them from the moment we met until this day. He has made sacrifice after sacrifice to give them everything they need and want. He is a friend and a father to all of them. He put them through private school and now through college.

He has always found a way to give them the best in life.

We have been through so much together. He is a man of God and is loved by everyone he meets. We have been each other’s rock through losing my father

and his parents at young ages and losing our house in Katrina. He would move heaven and earth to please our girls and me. Once when the girls were young and we didn’t have much money, he stopped at WinnDixie on the way home from work, bought a pack of yellow envelopes and wrote us each a Valentine’s Day card. It was so special and meaningful.

When my dad was battling cancer, he was always helping him with his oxygen tank, taking care of my dad’s home repairs and auto repairs. He still takes care of my mom’s home and auto repairs since she lives alone. He is the best grandpa to our three small grandsons, and they love him so much. He fishes with them and crabs behind our home. He also plays games with them and makes them laugh. We tell stories and go camping and to Disney World when we can.

My daughters have trouble sometimes in the real world because, in their words, they are always comparing the men in their lives to him. And it is a hard act to follow. I always tell him that he has no idea how lucky he is to have stepchildren that

actually like to be around us. He is very humble, and he realizes how lucky he is to have us, too.

Mark Malkemus Submitted by Cheryl Malkemus The top 10 reasons my husband, Mark Malkemus, is one of the sexiest hubbies of the year: 1) Even after 23 years, he still makes me laugh.

2) He is generous. He was in line paying a utility bill once and heard the woman in front of him asking for more time to pay because she was taking care of her seriously ill daughter at her house and had to have electricity, so my husband paid two months of overdue bills for her. And that is one of many stories like that.

3) He never meets a stranger. I walked in while he was on the phone once. I heard him talking to the person about how she needed to stop enabling her son by paying his bills and let him make his own mistakes. When he hung up and I asked him who it was, he said it was the customer service lady with the >> March-April 2012 45

James Ober

A few more reasons: He volunteers for Hospice of the South and was a past board member; he donates his time and money to St. Tammany Parish Crisis Pregnancy Center, the Rich Mauti Charity Tennis Classic and the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, where he is a current board member; he also ran the New York City Marathon on behalf of the American Cancer Society, raising $13,000.

Duke LoCicero

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Inside Northside

Duke LoCicero

photos: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

phone company!

4) He is movie-star handsome and he’ll tell you so himself!

5) He always admits when he’s wrong. It might take a day, but he’ll always say he’s sorry.

6) He compliments my cooking and tells the kids to thank me for making dinner. And if he really, really likes what we’re having, he’ll get down on his hands and knees and kiss my feet! Literally!

7) He gets things done, like no one else. I cannot think of many things he couldn’t do.

8) He’ll try anything once. (That can be good and bad, though!)

9) Our daughter is only 13, but he tells her that when she starts dating, she should never put up with a boy that is disrespectful toward her.

10) He is the most decent, hardest-working man I’ve ever known.

Submitted by Kelly LoCicero My husband is Chef Duke LoCicero, and he is definitely the hottest husband! Duke is one of the hardest-working men I know. He is connected with the community, holds fundraisers for kids with medical needs and runs to the nearest disaster to help fundraise to help rebuild communities. His restaurant, Chef Duke’s Café Giovanni, was one of the first restaurants to reopen after Katrina because he wanted to help New Orleans recover. Duke selflessly gives his time and talent to help anyone in need.

Since 1993, he has held a yearly fundraiser at his restaurant and has formed the Chef Duke

Foundation for Kids to raise money for medically needy families and to deliver toys to every child hospitalized during Christmas at Children’s Hospital and Tulane Medical Center. He has helped families with burial expenses for their child, helped a child whose arm was ripped off by an alligator and helped a dying child with his last wish, to buy his mother a present from a local department store.

Duke is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. After the tornado in Tuscaloosa, he partnered with Greg Reggio and the Taste Buds from Zea’s to cook for all the people in need, and he brought toys left over from the previous fundraiser to give to the kids. He also fed the oil spill victims and assisted in that fundraiser.

Duke has also been involved in the training of upcoming chefs, assisting with Pro-Start at Mandeville High and teaching at Delgado, all on his own personal time without compensation.

He believes that we need to teach a trade to the youth who may not have the opportunity to attend college so that they will also be a success in life.

Duke has been a wonderful father as well, even though being a chef means you are not home at night with your family and you miss all the practices, recitals, awards, etc. Duke would have me videotape all of them and he would sit down and watch them with the kids so that he could still remain involved in his children’s lives.

These are the reasons why I believe my husband is the Hottest Husband!

James Ober Submitted by Shannon Ober I believe my husband is definitely one of the hottest men in St. Tammany—and to me, in the world!

We have been married for 17 years, >>

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and I believe he is hotter now then when I first met him when he was only 24 (and very hot). His increase in hotness, in my opinion, is largely due to the man, father and partner in life he has become throughout the journey of our life together. I have seen him cry at the birth of our children, stand by me when I lost my sister and remind me every day, no matter what weight I am—and with five kids, I’ve been every weight!—that I am the most beautiful woman in the world and the center of his universe. That is extremely hot!

The absolute hottest thing about him is his humility and generosity. Once, when an older lady was on the side of the road in a beat-up car trying to change a tire, he stopped and changed it for her while others drove by. The beautiful thing is that he does this sort of thing every day.

Whether it’s paying the difference when the person in front of him doesn’t have the right change, helping a neighbor hang dry wall or just holding a door, he never wants acknowledgement or appreciation. Everyone knows they can ask James if they need help.

Of course, getting to watch him

be the father of our five children and instill these values in them has been such a blessing to me. Did I mention how hot it is that he is the throw-up and diarrhea king? It’s a title most men shirk, but he is the one to clean up these inevitabilities of having a large family, even if he’s quietly gagging at the sight. Not to mention the dirty diapers, laundry, chauffeuring kids to all their activities and the dishes he always does when he can.

He used to own a printing company and was gone (as most entrepreneurs are) all of the time. After the birth of our 48

Inside Northside

third child, he started another business so he could work out of the house most days and be an involved parent in our children’s lives. Yes, I’m afraid no matter who gets named to be Hottest Husband 2012, I know who my hot husband will always be—James Ober.

Perry Cookmeyer

Perry Cookmeyer

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Submitted by Lisa Cookmeyer Perry Cookmeyer, my husband, has supported me throughout our marriage, supports our children and supports our community through his volunteer efforts. When we decided that we wanted a stay-athome parent to take care of our newborn son, Perry offered to take on the job. Little did he know what a challenge being a Mr. Mom would be, as this was even less common 20 years ago than it is now. But Perry did a great job with our son and daughter, being the parent at activities for the kids as I progressed in my career. He became involved with all of the schools, volunteering in classrooms, chairing PTA committees, carpooling to sports practice, being a cub scout leader and more—all while running the

house, cooking our meals, being chauffeur to our children, taking on the role of decorator for our home and others’ (at which he is amazing) and more!

Perry shares my passion for travel, discovered on our wedding trip to Ireland and fueled ever since. A few years ago when I pitched a far-fetched idea to sell our house and move to Ireland for a year and travel, he ran with the idea and made it a reality for us. It was a wonderful year of travel and connecting with each other as a family that most would not have the courage to take on—and Perry made it happen for us! More recently, when I decided to leave my job and start an engineering firm with co-workers, Perry was my biggest supporter and cheerleader.

Along with all of this, Perry has been a wonderful

supporter of our community organizations, helping with fundraising and management efforts, from starting a chess club for the elementary school to supporting groups such as Amplify Resources, NAMI St. Tammany and the St. Tammany Art Association.

I will always treasure the fact that Perry spent hours and hours with my grandmother at the end of her life with us. Perry was with my father when he was hospitalized for months and helped comfort him in his final hours. To do this takes a special person, and that special person is Perry.

There are few chances to honor a person for this type of dedication and support, and I am thrilled to be able to share a bit of this aspect of my husband as I nominate him for this distinction!

March-April 2012 49

PEERING OUT WITH BLANK EYES from a bed of bronze sculpted to look like soft, flowing satin, the face of Napoleon Bonaparte has stared out of its glass case in the Cabildo at generations of New Orleans-area schoolchildren. For many, the sight of Napoleon’s death mask formed the most lasting impression they associate with the ancient building.

A historical constant, the land the Cabildo is built on has been set aside for

Opposite page: The Cabildo and Louisiana’s Bicentennial logo; Congress admitted the state into the Union on April 30, 1812.

Top: Hoisting American Colors, a 1903 painting depicting the 1803 transfer of Louisiana to the United States.

Right: Death mask of Napoleon presented to the City of New Orleans by the physician who attended him at his time of death, Dr. Antommarchi.

50

The Cabildo

by Stephen Faure

government use since the first plan of New Orleans was laid out in 1721. Also designated at that time were plots for the church (St. Louis Cathedral and the Presbytere, or priests’ home) and the public plaza, now Jackson Square.

Built during the time of Spanish rule over Louisiana, The Cabildo, completed in 1799, was properly known as the Casa Capitular, or Capital House. The new home of “The Most Illustrious Cabildo” (the city council) was commonly called “the Cabildo building,” or, as we now know it, “the Cabildo.” Like the cathedral and Presbytere, it was financed by Don Andrés Almonester de Roxas, a member of the Illustrious Cabildo.

While the religious buildings were gifts to the church, the city agreed to reimburse Almonester—in the end, his widow, as he died in 1798—for the Cabildo’s construction.

The later years of Spanish rule were followed by a brief period when Louisiana was returned to France, which famously sold the colony to the fledgling United States in 1803.

Inside Northside

in that same room, under the gaze of a wall-size painting commemorating the transfer. After that historic day, the Sala Capitular was home to the New Orleans City Council and, from 1868 to 1910, the Louisiana Supreme Court. Several historic cases were heard there, including Plessy v. Ferguson and the Slaughterhouse Cases, which went on to become landmark constitutional law cases ultimately decided by the United States Supreme Court.

The Cabildo Today The Cabildo, along with the Presbytere, the 1850 House in the Lower Pontalba building, Madame John’s Legacy on Dumaine Street and the U.S. Mint, are all historical properties owned by the Louisiana State Museum. The LSM is part of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism under the ultimate direction of the Lt. Governor’s office—as is the committee planning the state’s bicentennial celebrations in 2012.

Luckily for Louisianians, Lt.

images courtesy of: LOUISIANA STATE MUSEUM

200 years of Louisiana history

That led to the most historic event in the history of the building—and, perhaps, of the country—the ceremony transferring ownership of Louisiana from France to the United States. Taking place on December 20, 1803, in the room on the second floor where the Cabildo had met (the Sala Capitular), this ceremony was the final act in a process which nearly doubled the size of the United States.

What’s remarkable is that we can stand today

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

Gov. Jay Dardenne happens to be a big history buff who has traveled the state giving presentations on our unique history. When asked about the Cabildo’s place in the LSM system, which includes properties in Baton Rouge, Patterson and Thibodaux in addition to the New Orleans properties, Dardenne said, “It’s the bell cow. It is absolutely the real treasure. All these great buildings in New Orleans, but certainly the Cabildo and the Presbytere, flanking the St. Louis Cathedral, are part of the iconic landscape of New Orleans and therefore of Louisiana.”

Standing in the gallery on the Cabildo’s second floor overlooking Jackson Square, Dardenne observed, “You look out of these windows and you see the first plat of land in New Orleans—Jackson Square, the place New Orleans was born. The Cabildo not only overlooks the magnificent river and the first settlement in New Orleans, it is also the repository for so many great Louisiana treasures that are representative of our colorful, unique and rich history and culture. This is the place where you find it all.”

Dardenne was speaking within a few feet of where, at least for me, one of the building’s most >> March-April 2012 51

photo: STEPHEN FAURE

significant and tragic events took place.

On July 18, 1826, a drunken wretch named Zephir Canonge staggered up the stairs to the building’s second floor. As he encountered Judge Gallien Preval, a Creole lawyer and veteran of the Battle of New Orleans—and my great-greatgreat-great-grandfather—Canonge chose to insult Preval verbally. Exactly what he said isn’t known; the insult rolled off Preval like the proverbial water on the duck’s back. Preval’s 19-year-old son, Theodore, however, took great offense at the slur and, on the Cabildo’s grand, curving staircase, challenged Canonge to a duel. It didn’t end well for the young Preval, as one of the local newspapers described: “The friends of the family of Mr. Preval—the friends of virtue and justice—are informed that Mr. Theodore Preval, aged nineteen years, terminated his career yesterday afternoon at 4 o’clock by a frightful fatality. His corpse will be exposed at Mr. B. Marigny’s, Faubourg Marigny, from whence the convoy will start for the church.”

This tale was not far from my mind as I toured the Cabildo with the LSM’s 52

Inside Northside

historian, Dr. Charles Chamberlain.

Chamberlain notes that the building now houses an exhibit of artifacts spanning the state’s history, from prehistoric times up until the end of Reconstruction in 1877.

The first-floor exhibit starts, interestingly enough, at the beginning.

A history of the Cabildo including drawings and plans of the various buildings that stood on the site can be seen as the visitor walks in the entrance, as well as plans and photos of the present building as seen through the years.

Chamberlain points out that the Cabildo’s appearence, except for the 1840s addition of the third floor, remains basically unchanged from the day it was transferred to the United States. One change occurred almost immediately, however. The Americans didn’t appreciate anything to do with royalty, it seems. “They blasted the Spanish colonial symbol off of the pediment. It was blank for about 20 years, and they hired Pietro Cardelli, an Italian sculptor, to create the very patriotic scene we have now of an

photo courtesy of: LOUISIANA STATE MUSEUM

eagle, the flag, the cannons and cannonballs,” says Chamberlain.

One royal reminder that—maybe by design, possibly by ignorance—escaped the Americans’ ire was the iron balustrade surrounding the building’s second floor. “We know Marcellino Hernandez was the Isleño artisan who oversaw the balcony work, and he used a crown and a rosary design. That reflects the key Spanish institutions of the crown and the church.

The funny thing is, I don’t think the American officials ever really got that. I think that if they tore down the Spanish seal, why would they also support the idea of a monarchy and the Catholic Church?

Americans were greatly opposed to those ideas. Had they really known what those symbols were, they probably would have taken them away. I think it’s funny.” (Chamberlain also notes that local jewelry designer Mignon Faget has a collection incorporating some of Hernandez’s design elements called, of course, the Marcellino collection.)

Moving on into the exhibit, early artifacts include Native American baskets, one of which, Chamberlain says, is a Chitimacha basket considered one of the finest examples of Native American basketry in the country.

Nearby is one of the most important artifacts that mark the beginning of European influence in Louisiana—a marble stone recovered from Fort Maurepas, the first French outpost, founded in 1699 at present-day Biloxi. More artifacts from colonial days include an armoire dating to the 1790s made

by Celestin Glapion. “It’s one of the finest artifacts we have,” notes Chamberlain. “It’s an example of Creolestyle furniture. The French influence, the cabriole legs, the scalloping of the bottom is Rococo, and the crown molding at the top is Second Empire style.

It’s kind of a mixture. The Glapions are buried in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1; his brother married Marie Laveau, so it’s a very interesting story.”

These exhibits are housed in a part of the Cabildo that incorporates the arched walls and brick floor of the Corps de Garde, built in 1751. The >>

Top: Old-style building techniques used in rebuilding the Cabildo’s third floor and mansard roof can be seen in the exposed timbers.

Left: A drum owned

by Jordan Noble, who participated in the Battle of New Orleans.

March-April 2012 53

photo: STEPHEN FAURE

Cabildo’s secondfloor gallery faces Jackson Square and the Pontalba buildings, a view unchanged since the 1850s.

Right: Stone purportedly left by Iberville near what is now Biloxi, Miss. to claim France’s possession of Louisiana in 1699.

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structure survived the great fires of 1788 and 1794 that destroyed much of the city and were the impetus for Almonester’s building spree.

Portraits hanging in the first-floor foyer include one from 1822 of Father Anthony Sedella, “Pere Antoine,” who was pastor of St. Louis Cathedral for many years, and Phillipe de Marigny, father of Bernard Marigny, founder of the town of Mandeville.

The Sala Capitular is located on the second floor, along with its display commemorating the Louisiana Purchase and the Louisiana Supreme Court; this is also where Napoleon’s death mask resides. Next to it is an exhibit featuring the Battle of New Orleans. An enormous painting depicting the battle overlooks a display of artifacts. Chamberlain explains that unlike other exhibits featuring items that had been dug up

Inside Northside

photo courtesy of: LOUISIANA STATE MUSEUM

Above: The

photo courtesy of: NOLANAVYWEEK.COM

after years underground on the field in Chalmette, “This is really the best Battle of New Orleans exhibit because it has large objects that were kept in the families and then handed down to us.

So we have a rifle and bayonet registered to the Tower of London that someone recovered right after the battle, and an English drum major’s baton. We also have reproductions of uniforms that were handed down to us but are too fragile for display. We have a drum that belonged to Jordan Noble. In 1815, he was a 13-year-old slave who then went on to serve in three other wars. He won his freedom in the 1830s and was a military hero throughout the 1800s.”

The third floor houses a sprawling exhibit that illustrates various aspects of the commercial activity that drove Louisiana’s economy through the years.

It’s a large, striking and open space. The Cabildo’s roof and the third floor were heavily damaged by a fire in 1988. It was rebuilt using the original mansard construction of heavy wooden beams and trusses and trademark dormer windows. The beams are left exposed so the public can see how this great space would have been achieved using building techniques that pre-date power tools and particleboard.

The story of commerce and agriculture in Louisiana can’t be told without reminders of less savory times.

A wooden block that was once used in slave auctions dominates this floor’s entrance. “New Orleans was the center of the domestic slave trade in the preCivil War years,” Chamberlain notes.

Other artifacts, such as elegant furniture, clothes and bedding, are displayed among the more crude items. “Slavery produced the wealth and allowed >>

Above: The Battle of Lake Borgne in 1812. Below, right: The Indonesian tall ship KRI Dewa Ruci will be among those taking part in the celebration. Below, left: The Navy’s Blue Angels.

War of 1812 Bicentennial Make way for the Blue Angels and Tall Ships!

photo courtesy of: GOVERNMENT OF INDONESIA

From April 17 to 23, New Orleans will serve as the inaugural city in a three-year national celebration commemorating the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the StarSpangled Banner. Highlighting the week will be a memorable air show by the Navy’s famed Blue Angels as well as a colorful spectacle of ships spreading on the East Bank of the Mississippi River from Erato Street to Upper Poland Avenue.

Four large Navy warships will welcome Class A Tall Ships from countries around the world, joining the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marines and OpSail 2012 for the celebration. The theme “Our Flag Was Still There” will mark the festivities in seven ports and across the country during the next three years. The 2015 conclusion of the commemoration, also in the Crescent City, will focus on the Battle of New Orleans.

The opening week includes a Saturday afternoon air show over Lake Pontchartrain by the Navy’s Blue Angels; general public visiting of the ships in port Wednesday through Sunday; fireworks on the river Tuesday and Friday evenings; a Louisiana seafood cook-off on Friday afternoon; and many more events and activities.

Visit NOLANavyWeek.com and navyweek.org for a complete schedule and detailed information on the week’s events. For information on the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, visit ourflagwasstillthere.org.

March-April 2012 55

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Inside Northside

planters to have china, silver, glassware and silk clothing. We also have the artifacts of slavery itself—the slave collar always elicits a reaction in people.”

A notable item is a life-size carving of an Indian maiden. “This would be put outside a tobacco shop to let people know what they sold,” says Chamberlain. “It is probably the most beautiful tobacco shop sign I’ve ever seen. Most people are familiar with crudely carved, male Great Plains Indians. This reflects a Southeastern Indian, and it’s female, in the most intricate and elegant presentation.”

Nearby is an interesting and odd piece of wood, rounded and with a hole in the middle. “This is an actual pipe from the Latrobe water works,” explains Chamberlain. “They basically used cypress logs, hollowed them out, made male and female ones and then joined them together. Benjamin Latrobe was the architect of the U.S. Capitol. He came here in 1819 to build a waterworks—a private, subscribed waterworks. It was located where Latrobe Park is now, by the French Market.” During his stay in New Orleans, Latrobe also designed the Louisiana State Bank building, now a reception hall called Latrobe’s on Royal, just a few blocks from the Cabildo.

Rounding out the third floor and ending the Cabildo’s collection spanning 200 years of Louisiana history are items from the Civil War and Reconstruction, including a lottery wheel from the great Louisiana Lottery scandal of the late 1800s and a display explaining one of the last struggles of Reconstruction in New Orleans, the Battle of Liberty Place. Chamberlain notes, “Honestly, it’s kind of awkward to end the exhibit of the history of

photo: STEPHEN FAURE image courtesy of: LOUISIANA STATE MUSEUM

Louisiana in 1877 because it’s an awkward time, the end of Reconstruction.” However, he explains that most of the museum’s artifacts are from the 1700s and 1800s and the exhibits are kept within that time period.

Secret History An area not included in the Cabildo’s exhibit reflects its use over the years as a police precinct

and prison. At one time, the city’s prison extended back behind the Cabildo along St. Peter Street to the corner at Royal. Over the years, it was demolished, remodeled and diminished, with only a few holding cells remaining in the courtyard once the large parish prison was built at the site where the Municipal Auditorium is presently located.

Known as the “Calaboose,” its most famous occupant was perhaps the pirate Pierre Lafitte, brother of Jean Lafitte. He escaped on September 5, 1814, and a $1,000 reward was offered for his return. At the same time, Jean Lafitte was in negotiations with the governor, offering his assistance in repelling the coming British invasion that culminated in the Battle of New Orleans the following January. Pierre was never returned to the Calaboose, and the pirates won pardons for their actions in defense of the city.

Above: Arguably the most historic room in Louisiana, the Sala Capitular saw the transfer of Louisiana to the United States and was, at times, the seat of the Illustrious Cabildo, the New Orleans City Council and Louisiana Supreme Court.

To learn more about the Cabildo, see The Cabildo on Jackson Square by Samuel Wilson and Leonard Huber. The Cabildo is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit louisianabicentennial2012.com for upcoming Louisiana Bicentennial events.

Left: Reward notice for pirate Pierre Lafitte, who escaped from the Cabildo’s jail, the Calaboose.

March-April 2012 57

As I stand in the cold misty dawn of a small Spanish town, my heart begins to race in a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

I stand with 3,000 other men whom I have never seen before, but I know exactly what is on their minds. We have all gathered for the same purpose, but for different reasons. Some are old, hoping to regain the thrills of their youth; some are young, seeking to gain the experience of a man.

We all know what may soon lie before us, but we have chosen to carry through.

As Ernest Hemingway said nearly 85 years ago in The Sun Also Rises, “Everything became quite unreal finally and it seemed as though nothing could have any consequences. It seemed out of place to think of consequences during the fiesta.”

by Michael Gegenheimer

Running with the Bulls

his father in Ayuntamiento Square just before the run.

58

Inside Northside

“Decadence is a difficult word to use since it has become little more than a term of abuse applied by critics to anything they do not yet understand or which seems to differ from their moral concepts.”

-Hemingway Over the years, the festival of San Fermin has morphed into a celebration that rivals Mardi Gras with the infusion of music, dancing, food and copious amount of wine. Its resemblance to Mardi Gras was highlighted when the city of Pamplona and a major local tourist shop honored Mardi Gras with a special parade, complete with throws, floats and New Orleans Council-Member-at-Large Arnie Fielkow. The chief similarity to Mardi Gras is the amount of alcohol (traditionally, wine) that is consumed at the festival.

photo: courtesy of MICHAEL GEGENHEIMER

Michael and

FOR MONTHS, I had eagerly anticipated the trip that my father and I were going to take after my graduation from St. Paul’s. We had planned every detail of our visit to Pamplona, Spain, to run with the bulls. But no amount of planning could have prepared us for the reality.

The Spanish simply call it “Encierro,” but it is more commonly known as The Running of the Bulls, which takes place during Pamploma’s annual festival of San Fermin. The festival began as a primarily religious event to honor the city’s patron saint. Its origins can be traced as far back as the 13th century, when it took place in October. The move to July 7 in 1591 is considered the first official celebration of San Fermin. (For perspective—the pilgrims wouldn’t step off the Mayflower for another 29 years!)

Walking through the Spanish city, many New Orleanians would feel at home with the number of bars and restaurants available on each block. Many small convenient stores close down their shops and open a bar out front for anyone who needs a quick refresher. It is also very popular, especially with the many college students who attend, to spill more wine than they actually drink.

Wineskins are commonplace, with many partiers shooting wine all over people during the celebration, turning white shirts purple.

This brings me to the traditional dress of San Fermin. Many people have seen the iconic clothing of the running of the bulls, the solid white shirt and pants with the red sash around the waist and the red handkerchief around the neck.

This is the traditional dress for the entire festival, even for those who don’t actually run, including most of the locals.

“I never had to choose a subject—my subject rather chose me.” -Hemingway Possibly the single most influential event in the festival’s history was when American author Ernest Hemingway first attended the festival in 1923 and wrote his famous novel, The Sun Also Rises, published in 1926. He returned to Pamplona nine times before his death in 1961.

In appreciation of Hemingway’s contribution to the festival’s publicity, the people and city of Pamplona have erected a small monument to the author next to the bullring he made famous. He is also recognized in the names of many cafés and restaurants, as well as life-sized statues in places he is thought to have visited.

Hemingway was not the first foreigner to attend the festival, however.

It is believed that in the early 17th and >> March-April 2012 59

18th centuries, word got out about how the local clergy was concerned about the abuse of alcohol and the moral flexibility of young men and women during the festival. This, of course, led to many people flocking to the Spanish countryside during the second week in July.

Pamplona The city of Pamplona rests in the calmly sloping countryside of northeastern Spain near the French border. As my father and I flew into the airport, we saw hundreds of wind generators on top of the mountains that surround the city. The old part of town, where the celebration takes place, lies just south of the river Arga, which provides the perfect place for riverside walks in the cool Spanish summer.

We stayed in the town of Burlada, about two miles from the center of the old part of Pamplona where the festival takes place. We took a five-minute ride on what is possibly one of the cleanest city buses I’ve ever been on and arrived at the center of the downtown city square. I had expected a small dirt town where the only roads that were actually paved were cobblestone from the 17th century and the restaurants were small cafÊ-type places run out of people’s homes for the festival. I could not have been more wrong.

Pamplona reportedly spends about four million dollars each year to prepare the city for the festival, which generates about 60 million dollars each year and appears to put a large portion of that back into the city. The city is a beautifully modernized place with the cozy atmosphere of a small town. As we walk down the Avenida de Carlos III, a pedestrian plaza in the center of town, we begin to see upscale shopping next to street vendors and architecturally beautiful buildings with 60

Inside Northside

street performers out front. But the most impressive aspect is how the city of Pamplona mixes the modern so perfectly with the old. Many of Pamplona’s older buildings date back to the Middle Ages, and since the city was surrounded by a fortressed wall to protect it from attack, there wasn’t much room for expansion until recently. To cope with the growing population, Pamplona built inwards by making the city very tight and simply modernizing older buildings rather than building new ones. Most of the old town is pedestrian-accessible only, with many of the shops, bars and restaurants adapting to the inevitable influx of visitors that San Fermin brings.

The Running of the Bulls “They’re only dangerous when they’re alone, or only two or three of them together.” -Hemingway

photos: MICHAEL GEGENHEIMER

The actual running of the bulls during the festival of San Fermin was not always the major international event it is today. According to tradition, bullfights take place throughout the week. The bulls, which are bred and raised by nearby farms, need to be ushered to the ring each morning for that evening’s fight. The night before, the bulls are led to a small pen in the Santo Domingo area of town, about one-half mile from the ring. In early years, on the day of the fight only the bull drovers ran with the six full-grown bulls to the arena. Eventually, many of Pamplona’s young men decided they would run with the bulls in what can only be described as either

a move of sheer bravery or one of blind arrogance.

(She must’ve been pretty.) By 1852, a new bullring was constructed and a new route, which is still used today, was adopted. Eventually, many people began to run in front of the bulls instead of behind them as the drovers do.

The first thing most people think of about running with the bulls is the danger—and there really is no “safe” place to run. Though many groups have protested the event and requested that the mayor make the run safer, he reportedly responded that there is no way—nor is there any desire—to make the run safer at this point. Various safety precautions have been implemented over the years, however, including the installation of a second fence barrier along the route. Surprisingly, since 1910, only 14 people have died because of injuries incurred during the run. A lot of the injuries are not from the bulls, but from panicked people getting knocked around; many end up with concussions.

Pamplona holds eight different runs on eight consecutive days during the festival. Each morning at eight o’clock sharp, a rocket explodes to announce the official start of the run and the opening of the gates. A second rocket explodes to indicate that all six bulls and six steers have left the holding stable and are heading to the Santo Domingo portion of the route. This is considered by many to be the most dangerous part of the run because the bulls are fresh and are able to run quickly—very quickly; also, there is no place to hide for cover because both sides of the street are solid walls except for a few shops, which are required to block all doors and windows.

Each runner can start from anywhere on the route. My father and I chose a place near the beginning, in the Ayuntamiento area, a small >>

Above: The local Penas celebrate through the streets of Pamplona.

Left: The old church in Ayuntamiento Square.

March-April 2012 61

honoring the annual Encierro.

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Inside Northside

photos: MICHAEL GEGENHEIMER

A monument

square surrounded by shops that is dominated by an old church that hosts the opening and closing ceremonies. Many of the pictures of the revelry and debauchery that take place at San Fermin are taken in this square during the opening ceremony.

The most nerve-wracking part of the whole event was waiting for the run to start. Looking around, I saw each man nervously stretching and trying to loosen up. The clock ticked down to the final seconds, and many runners began to sing the traditional prayer to St. Fermin, asking for a safe run. As the bulls neared my section, sheer chaos and panic surfaced. I saw men start to run away before the bulls even reached us, and then I saw men waiting to get a closer look. Finally, I began to run, knowing that I definitely did not want to be

standing there while the bulls ran past. I lost my father in the shuffle and turned back to see where he was. My heart felt like it was about to beat out of my chest at the sight—the group of six mammoth bulls and their steer counterparts were bearing down on me with their infamous horns pointing straight at me. Luckily, I was able to get to the side of them, just as they rushed past, with less than a yard between us. The realization of how much danger I had just been in hit me—the sheer size and speed of one of those creatures is terrifyingly breathtaking. As I stood on the side, I hoped that one of them wouldn’t decide to turn a bit and clip me from behind.

The whole run took only about 15 seconds for me. My heart was still racing, not knowing if it was over or if more were on their way. It was absolutely the most terrifying thing I had ever done, but I had made it—I had run with the bulls.

Though I was unscathed, the bulls were still on the loose and more runners were about to experience the terror I had felt. The next stage of the route, known as “Estafeta,” is one of the most

famous portions of the run because it has the most dangerous feature in it—a sharp turn on the slippery cobblestone street. Inexperienced runners are advised not to run this portion. Running on the outside of the bulls is especially dangerous because many bulls slip and fall at this turn, crushing whatever is in their way and some bulls are separated from the herd. (The bulls stay relatively calm while they are together— fast, but calm.)

The next section, the short stretch of “Telefonica,” leads to the entrance to the bullring known as “Callejon.” Callejon is also a very dangerous portion of the route, because the whole path narrows to about 3 meters in width. All the runners as well as the bulls must squeeze through—although the bulls will make their own room if they need it.

The arena is the final stage of the Encierro. As the bulls run in, “dobladores” work to draw the bulls into the pen, and the spectators cheer the runners who have made it safely. The run into the arena signifies the end of the running for that day. It is an amazing feeling of accomplishment and invincibility as you realize that you have successfully run with the bulls.

I ran on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, which was the fastest running of the bulls ever recorded since officials started keeping track in 1980—2 minutes and 11 seconds. A typical run lasts around 4 minutes, with runs being drawn out if a bull becomes detached from the herd.

Once the run was over, the streets cleared out of all the partiers who needed to rest before the evening festivities. Some people were still out drinking, and small groups of local marching bands known as “penas” were around, but for the most part, this was the calm part of the day—a great time to walk around and explore the city or do some shopping without having to fight the drunken crowds. The party wouldn’t pick up again until the evening’s bullfight. >>

Per tradition, spectators hold up their handkerchiefs and candles at the closing ceremonies.

March-April 2012 63

The matador shows bravery while performing the famous

The bullfight “Bullfighting is the only art in which the artist is in danger of death and in which the degree of brilliance in the performance is left to the fighter’s honor.” -Hemingway A Spanish custom that can be dated back for centuries, the bullfight has been spread to many former Spanish colonies throughout the world. In Pamplona, the bullfights are held in the same local arena used in the run, which is one of the largest bullfighting arenas in the world. Each night the stadium is filled to capacity, with many of the local penas in attendance.

The partying, including the tradition of throwing wine everywhere, continues inside the arena throughout the bullfight.

To many, the bullfight is a daring and courageous art form. Many Americans feel strongly against the sport, however, and end up cheering for the bull. PETA has held many rallies and protests against the sport and the running of the bulls. A few days before the festival begins, PETA holds its “Running of the Nudes,” in which hundreds of people walk through the streets of Pamplona— you guessed it—in the nude.

In a traditional Spanish-style bullfight, three matadors each fight two bulls. (The bullfight we saw featured the six bulls that had run through the streets of Pamplona earlier that day, each between 4 and 6 years old and weighing about 1,500 pounds.) Each matador has

six assistants—two picadores, who are on horseback and use large lances; three banderilleros; and a “mozo de espadas,” which translates to “sword page.”

Together, these men are collectively known as “toreros,” or “bullfighters.”

The modern bullfight is highly ritualized, with three distinct stages.

The participants first enter the arena in a parade called the “paseíllo.” Torero costumes are inspired by 17th-century Andalusian clothing, with matadors being easily distinguished by the gold of their “traje de luces” (“suit of lights”) as opposed to the lesser banderilleros, called “toreros de plata” (“bullfighters of silver”). When the bull enters, the matador and banderilleros use special magenta and gold capes to lure the bull around the ring, not only to tire the bull but also to test his ferocity.

Next, the picadors enter the arena on horseback. A padding called “peto” surrounds the horse to protect it from the bull’s horns. The bull will eventually charge the horse, which allows the picador to stab at the bull’s neck and shoulder muscles. The manner in which the bull charges provides important clues as to which side the bull favors.

In the second stage, the three banderilleros each attempt to plant two “banderillas,” sharp barbed sticks about 2 feet long, into the bull’s shoulders by running at the bulls themselves and quickly dodging the bull’s horns right at the impact of the banderillas. This

photo: MICHAEL GEGENHEIMER

(or infamous) passes.

angers and invigorates but ultimately further weakens the bull.

In the final stage, the matador re-enters the ring alone, with only a small red cape, or “muleta,” and a sword. The matador uses his cape to attract the bull in a series of passes, which serves the dual purpose of wearing the animal down for the kill and producing a beautiful display, or “faena.” The faena ends with a final series of passes in which the matador uses his muleta to maneuver the bull into a position that allows him to stab it between the shoulder blades and through the heart. The sword is called “estoque” and the act of thrusting the sword is called an “estocada.” This final thrust will inevitably kill the bull, ending the fight.

If the matador has performed particularly well, the crowd may petition the president of the event to award the matador an ear of the bull by waving white handkerchiefs. Very rarely, if the public or the matador believes that the bull has fought extremely bravely, they may petition the president to grant the bull a pardon and spare the bull’s life, allowing it to leave the ring alive and return to the ranch.

After each of the bulls has been killed, the penas and most of the audience begin the next phase of festivities by parading into the streets, which are filled with music, dancing and more wine. It is common for the bars to be empty on the inside because everyone is on the street dancing and celebrating.

Once a year, the small Spanish town of Pamplona becomes the center of international interest and holds the hopes and memories of thousands of people who flock to the city for that one week in July. If you consider joining them, remember this quote from Hemingway, “Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguishes one man from another.”

Interests include: Laparoscopic surgery, pregnancy management, difficult menopausal transitions, management of significant pre-menstrual syndrome

985-246-1224 215 E. Gibson St., Covington March-April 2012 65

TS GIRL SCOU urtesy of photo: co

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photo: courtesy of GIRL SCOUTS LOUI SIANA EAST

100 Years of Girl Scouts!

Top left: Juliette Gordon Low (right) at a White House ceremony with Girl Scout First Class awardees, 1917.

Top right: Girl Scouts wading at Camp Covington, circa 1920s or 30s.

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ON MARCH 12, 1912, JULIETTE GORDON LOW started the first Girl Scout troop with 18 girls in Savannah, Ga. Only eight years later, October 1920 marked the first mention of a troop on the northshore, when Franklinton’s Pine Tree Troop, founded by Hallie Love, attended Camp Peter Pan. In 1922, the first charter created the New Orleans Council, which was later regionalized into the Girl Scout Council of Greater New Orleans and South Louisiana, extending its jurisdiction from three parishes to 15, including the northshore area. By the 1950s, troops from Slidell and Lacombe were camping in Fontainebleau. Of the more than 17,000 girls and 7,100 adults in the 23 parishes served by today’s Girl Scouts Louisiana East council, over 1,500 girls and 850 adults are in St. Tammany Parish.

Area events have been planned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting. They include a Centennial Extravaganza in Gonzales March 17, a fundraising luncheon in Baton Rouge March 15 and a FOREever Green Golf Tournament followed by the Rhapsody in Green Gala in New Orleans June 23.

Inside Northside

by Katie Montelepre

In Juliette Gordon Low’s Footsteps Today, more than 50 million girls have had the opportunity to build leadership skills through their participation in the Girl Scout program. But they didn’t do it alone.

Noel “Buddy” Anderson and Eileen deHaro are two of the thousands of adult volunteers who continue Low’s mission of helping girls to develop physically, mentally and spiritually.

If you mention Noel Anderson to anyone involved in Girl Scouts locally, you will probably get a blank stare.

But if you mention “Buddy,” a light bulb goes off and a big smile comes on. Buddy, a long-time Girl Scout volunteer on the northshore, was also a Girl Guide in the Fourth Malvern Girl Guide Company in Australia, where she lived until moving to the United States in 1981.

Buddy’s mother had been a Girl Guide in the 1920s in New Zealand, her sister Sue was a Girl Guide in Australia and Sue’s three daughters were all Brownies in England. (Girl Guides in other countries are the equivalent of Girl Scouts.) With her own

“Without the leader, you don’t have a troop,” Buddy finishes the sentence for her. “It’s very rewarding.”

Eileen agrees. “When people ask, ‘Should I be a troop leader?’ I immediately say, ‘Do it. You’ll never regret it.’”

Outside of the weekly troop meetings, there are many opportunities for the local Girl Scout troops to interact with each other. And since Buddy and Eileen were both very active leaders, their paths crossed many times at numerous Jamborees (camping trips), leaders’ weekends and other Girl Scout events.

Camping and Cooking Many Girl Scouts have fond memories of camping at one of council’s properties, which include Camp Covington, Camp Marydale in St. Francisville, Camp Whispering Pines in Independence and the McFadden Cabin in New Orleans’ City Park.

Built in 1927, Camp Covington is the oldest Girl Scout camp in the United States that continues to function with its original design and location; it is also recognized as a Pioneer Camping site. Each cabin is a unique Left: Juliette Gordon construction because individual Low’s birthplace civic groups each designed a cabin in Savannah, Ga. and supplied the material and labor. Below: The Jamboree Actress Dorothy Lamour camped at Camp Whispering there in 1929, breaking her toe and >> Pines in 1984.

photo courtesy of: BUDDY ANDERSON

daughters’ involvement in Girl Scouts in the United States, Buddy says, “That’s three generations of Girl Guides in four different countries!”

After settling on the northshore, Buddy started as a volunteer leader for her youngest daughter’s Brownie troop of first graders—Mandeville Troop 147. Her oldest daughter was in a third-grade Brownie troop. Both girls went through Juniors, and one was a Cadette; Buddy was a volunteer troop leader for eight years.

Buddy recalls, “When my daughter asked, ‘Mom do you mind if I don’t do Girl Scouts anymore?’ I said, ‘Not if you don’t mind if I do!’ I had a lot of children in the troop who didn’t have many opportunities, so to come to the Girl Scout meeting was the highlight of their week.” One year, her troop had kids from seven different schools, so she made sure each meeting included time for socializing, and she even planned additional Saturday activities for the girls.

Only a year after Buddy started and only a few miles away in Lacombe, Eileen deHaro went to a meeting to register her daughter for a Brownie troop. But it wasn’t that simple—“The next thing you know, I’m a leader!” she laughs.

“I’m kind of a weird one,” Eileen says about her Girl Scout background.

“I was in Blue Birds (a group similar to but not affiliated with Girl Scouts), but when it was time to move up, the leader said there were no Camp Fire Girl openings.”

Instead, the girls and their leader decided to form a Girl Scout troop.

“It was awesome,” Eileen recalls. “We did everything. For Jamborees in City Park, we’d build the biggest bonfires and highest flags, and we did it ourselves. I’ve patterned my leadership on the way she led.”

Eileen spent two years leading a Brownie troop, three years with Juniors and three more years with Cadettes. “Those were the years,” she says. “I was having fun!” Remembering the sight of grandmothers walking down the highway in Lacombe to register their granddaughters for Girl Scouts, Eileen says all the hard work is worth it. “You know that you’re making it possible for them to take the program because …”

March-April 2012 67

Leaving a legacy Mary Jane Becker

with a laugh. “It’s funny now, but it wasn’t a bit funny when we were struggling with it!”

Mary Jane founded the Juliette Gordon Low Heritage Society to attract planned gifts and bequests. She was also a founding member of the council’s Every Girl, Everywhere Society, a multi-year giving society established in 2001.

In 1999, Mary Jane received the Thanks Badge, a national Girl Scouts adult award that honors an individual whose ongoing commitment, leadership and service have had an exceptional, measurable impact on the Girls Scout mission. She also received the Minnie Finley award in 2003, for dedication to and service in Girl Scouting that personified responsible leadership, commitment to community and an undaunted belief in the potential of youth.

Although she no longer serves as a board member, “I certainly am at the beck and call of the Girl Scouts—especially for fundraising help,” Mary Jane says. A recent example is the Brownie troop that meets in her office building. When one of her employees asked for a space to have troop meetings, Mary Jane agreed. “It’s really cute. I can hear their little voices. It’s exciting to see that starting all over again,” she says.

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Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

For someone who has never been a Girl Scout, Mary Jane Becker is a staunch promoter and supporter of the program. As a child, Mary Jane wanted to be a Girl Scout.

“I even had an old uniform, but there were no troops nearby,” she recalls.

Her involvement with the Girl Scouts began in 1978, when she volunteered as a troop leader for her daughter’s Brownie troop in New Orleans. She led Brownies and Junior scout troops until 1984. “We worked on earning badges, which is a very educational opportunity for them,” says Mary Jane, recalling the camping and first aid badges. “I took kids to Camp Whispering Pines once in the fall and once in the spring, and they really did enjoy that.”

After moving to the northshore, Mary Jane was elected to the board of the Girl Scout Council of Southeast Louisiana (now Girl Scouts Louisiana East) in 1996. After serving as treasurer and vice president, she was president from 1999 until 2003. “When I took over as president in early spring of 1999, our big concern was Y2K,” she recalls

passing the life-saving swimming test all in the same day.

For the camp’s 50th birthday, it got a new paint job (using donated paints in a variety of colors) as well as new electrical systems. And although 90 percent of the trees were lost in Katrina, the camp continues to provide a fun camping experience for each new generation of Girl Scouts.

Girl Scout encampments are weekend or day-long camping events open to all troops in the area who wish to participate. Before the leaders take the girls camping, they have to complete trainings for camping, canoeing, horseback riding, cooking and more.

In addition to camp activities such as hiking, cooking and canoeing, there are skits, costume contests and presentations. Buddy says, “One year, we decided we’d be Rockettes and started high kicking on the field!”

Eileen remembers, “We were always in Tall Winds [a campsite at Whispering Pines in Independence], the farthest unit … maybe they were trying to isolate us because we were too loud.” Her troop chose to be aliens for one campout, creating costumes from recycled items such as egg cartons and cookie boxes.

“The best camping we did was a joint camp. The Juniors showed the Brownies four different ways to cook— in a Dutch oven, a box oven, on the grill and in the coals. The Brownies were just stunned that we made all those things!”

Once, Eileen’s troop met at ChahtaIma Elementary School to bake cookies for the public using a box oven made by lining a box with aluminum foil, putting coals in it and wrapping a blanket around it. “The head cook for the school came out and said, ‘What are

you doing?’ We gave her a taste and she said, ‘You mean I wasted all that money on an Easy Bake Oven and I could have just given her a box?’”

Buddy remembers teaching her troop how to cook on a buddy burner.

“We met at the fireman’s station, and everyone had a little fire on the driveway to practice with,” Buddy says with a laugh. “They had to cook on it and eat what they cooked!”

World Thinking Day In her first year as a leader on the northshore, Buddy established a local celebration of World Thinking Day. Originating in the 1920s or ’30s, February 22 was picked in honor of the birthday of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Boy Scouts in England, and his wife, Olive, who recruited Girl Guides and dedicated her life to the international aspect of the movement.

This special day was to be observed around the world as participants took time to think of each other and send greetings of friendship and peace.

Buddy started with a small World Thinking Day for her troop. Each child chose a country to represent, drew the country’s flag and put together a folder about the country. The parents cooked food from the countries their daughters chose. Buddy invited four local troops and asked each to bring a song or a game from another country to teach the girls.

The only glitch in the successful event was that other troops were upset that they missed out on all the fun! So in 1984, Buddy organized a larger World Thinking Day event open to every troop in the Mandeville and Covington Service Units that chose to participate. Each troop chose a country and educated the other troops through songs, dances, costumes and displays. Three hundred Girl Scouts participated in the fun, >> March-April 2012 69

educational day. “And we’ve done it every year since,” Buddy says, adding that they now host two separate events in the Mandeville and Covington areas because of the large attendance. “It’s fun, and so rewarding.”

Though she is not a troop leader anymore, Buddy still leads the World Thinking Day events.

This year, she is helping plan a council-wide event to celebrate both World Thinking Day and the 100th Anniversary of the Girl Scouts—the Winn-Dixie Girl Scout Centennial Extravaganza on Sat., March 17, in Gonzales, where Girl Scouts and their families will enjoy a carnival of rides, games, a parade of flags and other activities.

“The World’s Largest and Longest Running Bake Sale” In the 1920s, Girl Scouts baked their own cookies for the cookie sale each year, selling them for 25 to 30 cents per dozen. Today, although the cookies come from a commercial baker, the experience still requires effort from the girls. They learn important skills such as business ethics, goal setting, people skills, decisionmaking and money management.

Eileen laughs as she remembers a situation involving both business ethics and people skills. “I was a troop leader and the cookie mom, and my daughter was top seller. I told her if someone says they are on a diet, refer them to the shortbread because they have less calories.” But when presented with the situation, her daughter told the potential customer, “Well, buy these cookies. They have no calories!”

In honor of the anniversary celebration, Girl Scouts is offering Savannah Smiles, new bite-sized lemon wedge cookies named for the city where Girl Scouting was founded. From March 2 to 18, Girl Scouts will be selling cookies at various booth locations. (Call **GSCOOKIES or visit iTunes to download the Cookie Locator mobile app.) As an exciting touch, the girls will “bling” their booths for a chance to win troop prizes.

An Ongoing Commitment Though they no longer have children in Girl Scouts, Buddy and Eileen have found many ways to stay connected with the program.

Buddy works behind the scenes in the Girl Scout

Service Unit 681, which covers Lacombe, Mandeville and Madisonville, helping with registrations, summer camps and other troop activities—including, of course, World Thinking Day. And she still recycles aluminum cans for the Girl Scouts’ buddy burners.

Elieen, a member of the American Association of University Women, has invited Girl Scouts to participate in relevant AAUW presentations and events, such as Sister-to-Sister Summits and Vision 2000. She is also trying to find ways to encourage their interest and participation in STEM-related fields—specifically science, technology, engineering and math.

“I enjoy running into my old scouts,” Eileen says, mentioning Brandi Barrios Najolia, co-owner of Café Lynn in Mandeville, and Jessica Canik Lewis, a medical assistant at the Ochsner Clinic in Mandeville.

One of Buddy’s troop members, Trese Taquino Hood, now serves on the board of the GSLE. “I was very flattered; it was a tremendous compliment. Also, a lot of my old Girl Scouts have been troop leaders,” Buddy says.

Many times, experiences that girls have in Girl Scouts have shaped their future careers, Buddy adds.

Her own nieces have followed career paths that

started from badges they enjoyed earning as Brownies in England—one is a garden photographer and the other owns and runs a preschool. Also, another of Buddy’s former troop members discovered a love for gymnastics at a Girl Scout function. For Julie Ballard, that love developed into a gymnastics scholarship to Georgia State University and trying out for the U.S. Olympic team.

These successes may be a result of an important rule in Girl Scouting—the girls in each troop have to make the decisions. “We are allowed to guide them in terms of safety, but as they grow up, they take on more responsibilities,” Eileen says.

Buddy adds, “This is why Girl Scouts is a good program for girls—it’s so important for girls to excel and be their own leaders without pressure and distractions.”

And, “It’s the best fun!”

For more information on anniversary events, visit gsle.org.

In addition to the anniversary, Girl Scouts has declared 2012 the Year of the Girl. This initiative will attempt to educate the public about the need for women and girls in leadership roles.

Humberto Fontova Above: Humberto Fontova and his faithful boxer, Hunter.

Below: Humberto’s books have been translated and published in several languages.

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Inside Northside

THE HUNTER, FISHER, GADFLY, DEBUNKER, writer and family man that is Humberto Fontova has been the scourge of wildlife and communists alike. Many New Orleans-area families have roots in the Caribbean by way of the old French colonial holdings. Humberto’s Caribbean roots are a bit “fresher”—his family fled Cuba and Castro’s revolution when Humberto was but a 7-year-old lad.

After making their escape, the Fontovas settled into Louisiana life, which a young Humberto took to at an early age as if he were a bona-fide, native-born Cajun swamp person.

An author of four published books, Humberto’s first two books recount his outdoor adventures, while his most recent works have been directed at debunking, in his view, the myths surrounding the architects of the Cuban revolution. Over the years,

photos: STEPHEN FAURE

by Stephen Faure

both topics have landed him television appearances and public speaking engagements.

Humberto’s life spent embarking on hunting and fishing exploits culminated in two books, whose rather lengthy and quite descriptive titles are The Helldivers’ Rodeo: A Deadly, Extreme, Scuba-Diving, Spear Fishing Adventure Amid the Offshore Oil-Platforms in the Murky Waters of the Gulf of Mexico (published in 2001, and hereafter referred to as Helldivers) and The Hellpig Hunt: A Hunting Adventure in the Wild Wetlands at the Mouth of the Mississippi River by MiddleAged Lunatics Who Refuse to Grow Up (published in 2003, and which we’ll call Hellpig).

Swamp Man When Humberto was 11, the Fontova family settled on Neyrey Drive in Metairie, which was paradise for an adventurous kid. “From Causeway to Lake Villa to West Esplanade, that was our stomping grounds,” he recalls. In 1965, much of the area was undeveloped. “You had woods and pastures from West Esplanade to Lake Pontchartrain.

I’d get on my bike with my Benjamin pump pellet gun and my fishing pole and a couple of buddies, and we’d spend the whole day along the lakefront, shooting rabbits, catching trout, crabbing—I look back on those years and, think, ‘Oh man!’”

Humberto remembers, “Technically, it was illegal to hunt back there. We’d do it with pellet guns, dodging the cops; the JPs would chase us into the briars—but they’d never chase us far. A couple of times we got caught, but it was just, ‘Y’all go home.’”

Humberto got older, but, as hinted to by the titles of his books, never outgrew being a kid on a bike with a pellet gun. He just became an older and even more passionate outdoorsman who hunts and fishes to this day with the same guys that accompanied him on his boyhood adventures.

Responsibilities—they’re taken care of, but sometimes with the migratory schedules of waterfowl calling the shots, so to speak.

A photo of Humberto and his wife, Shirley, taken during the height of the ’70s disco craze depicts a younger version of the couple. Because of his dress, hair, moustache and beard, he calls this depiction of himself “Disco Che,” a reference (but, we’ll learn, not a complimentary one) to Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara. Taken at Nicholls State, where Shirley was going to school, it was just a few months after they met during spring break in Panama City Beach.

“It turned out that we grew up about two miles from each other; I grew up on Neyrey and she grew up on Bissonet. I went to Rummel; she went to Grace King, which was right behind my house. Our paths had never crossed until we met at spring >> March-April 2012 73

break. We met in April ’77 and were married on December 16 in ’78. I was in graduate school at Tulane at the time. The reason we got married that day was that duck season has a split in the middle, and it was the weekend of December 16. I’m fanatical about duck hunting and was probably more so at the time. Not only didn’t I want to miss a duck hunt, I probably wouldn’t have been able to get any of my groomsmen to come!”

To say that much of Humberto’s schedule during duck season revolves around trips to the marsh is not much of an exaggeration.

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Inside Northside

After graduating from college, Humberto worked in sales and marketing for Dunn and Bradstreet.

“With an international company like that,” he says, “every two years came the option to relocate, obviously with a promotion, but I kept turning them down. Shirley’s family was all here; my family was all here. Where else in the

photo: courtesy of HUMBERTO FONTOVA

Helldivers and Hellpig

world can you be in your 40s or 50s sitting around a campfire with the guys you went to high school with who stood in your wedding?”

“Finally,” Humberto notes, “it came to a point where they said they weren’t going to have a New Orleans office anymore.”

Humberto had been writing a monthly feature for Louisiana Sportsman magazine detailing his hunting and fishing adventures.

When his company closed its New Orleans location, Shirley, his wife said, “If we’re not going to move, plunge into your real vocation full-time.”

Humberto decided to stick around and says, “I’ve never regretted it.”

The Helldivers are a group of guys, a dive club.

Humberto was not a member of the club, but he was friends with some of its members and occasionally dove with them and some of the guys he tore around the wilds of Metairie with as a boy.

The Helldivers book came out with an unusual connection, a thread, so to speak, to Humberto’s disco days. “To dive in the summer off Louisiana, obviously you don’t need a wet suit to keep you warm; that’s not the issue. You need something to keep you from getting ripped to shreds on the barnacles.

Cajun divers used what they called a ‘Cajun wet suit,’ which was blue jeans and a lumberjack shirt. Those were cotton and absorbed water.

They were selling something in dive shops called a ‘dive suit.’ It wasn’t insulated; it was just polyester. As I was looking at these suits and the price tag on them, I said, ‘I’ve got some of this material at home: my old disco clothes.’

So we go out to the rigs, I’ve got the angel-flight bellbottoms and the floppy disco shirts.”

Humberto says it was an interesting, if shocking, sight for the hard-working roughnecks out on the rigs when they saw a boatful of guys with masks and >>

“Disco Che” Fontova and wife-to-be Shirley at Nicholls State Homecoming, 1977.

ARE YOU ONE OF THE NORTHSHORE’S OUTSTANDING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS?

Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Class of the Northshore’s Finest presented by Inside Northside and Hornbeck Offshore Services!

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Inside Northside

tanks on—and bell-bottom pants. “It was even more interesting under water.

You’re flapping under water and your collars are flowing and the bell-bottoms are billowing.

He ended up writing an article called “Disco Diving,” which evolved into Helldivers, and also began his television appearances. The book caught hunting advocate and rock ’n roller Ted Nugent’s attention, and he recommended Humberto to Bill Maher as a panelist on Maher’s show, Politically Incorrect, when Maher wanted to tackle a hunting-related topic.

As the only hunting advocate on the panel, which was led by PETA board member Maher, Humberto faced down actor James Coburn on one show, pointing out that Coburn and the other panelists had been eating the meatcontaining hors d’oeuvres backstage before the show. Humberto invoked Coppolla’s The Godfather by saying,

as he recalls, “You know something?

Somebody killed those animals, so the only difference between you folks and me is the difference between Michael Corleone and Don Barzini. Mikey insisted on making his own hits; he insisted on going into that restaurant and shooting Sollozzo and McCluskey.

Y’all are Barzini; I’m Mikey. That’s the only difference. We’re just as responsible for the death of that animal.”

At a later appearance on the show, Humberto tackled a group of vegetarians, including comedian Tom Green, activist Howard Lyman and actress Florence Henderson. “Mrs. Brady actually took my side,” Humberto laughs as he remembers the Brady Bunch star.

Humberto confronted the group about tofu, pointing out that soybeans that make tofu have to come from land cleared for cultivation. “A 50-acre tract of hardwoods that I used to hunt in was cleared for soybean cultivation. In the

photo: courtesy of HUMBERTO FONTOVA

The Fontova family poses for a portrait in Havana before fleeing the Cuban revolution.

process of that clearing, they killed more cute furry squirrels, they rolled over more rabbits, they killed more animals in two weeks of clearing that land for your tofu than I’ve killed in five years with my gun and bow,” he recalls saying.

He will often humorously point out that while “free range” chickens are the rage, he goes one step further: “I insist on catching all of my animals in the act of free-roaming!”

The Hellpig Hunt was, he says, almost a continuation of Helldivers. “The same cast of characters doing things that people can relate to more than spear fishing on rigs, which is really just a South Louisiana thing.”

Taking place in what seems like the end of the earth in the Pass a Loutre Wildlife Management area at the mouth of the Mississippi, Hellpig follows Humberto and his buddies indulging in all the bounty nature has to offer in that remote spot. A morning hunting ducks is followed by an afternoon catching redfish and an early evening bow-hunt for deer, all in the same area.

As if that’s not enough, “We ran into some guys who were hunting pigs with dogs. It’s crazy. They catch the pigs alive.

They caught a gigantic pig, and that’s where the title, The Hellpig Hunt, comes from.”

Sharing the Bounty For Humberto, it all comes down to family, friends and sharing his catch. It also ties into living on the northshore; his family has called Covington home since 1989.

“The beauty of hunting around here is that I can hunt within 15 minutes of my doorstep. But the really important thing is that I get to hunt with my father, who’s 85 years old.

He lives in Metairie right off Causeway. He hitches up the trailer with the four-wheeler, he’s here in 45 minutes and 10 minutes later, we’re on it. He’s back home by noon. We get some meat, and we get to hunt together. That’s the important thing for me, to share the experience with him. Lots of times, it will be my dad, me, my kids or my nephews hunting—three generations of Fontovas hunting.”

Given all the creatures the Fontovas have harvested over the years, there is a seeming lack of stuffed animals in the Fontova home. Humberto says that’s not the important thing—only a few people, hard-core hunters, really appreciate trophy heads. “The way I do it, the trophy comes out on the serving platter. Venison fajitas and nachos, deer back strap in mushroom burgundy sauce, duck gumbo and even nutria sauce piquant. Share that with your family and friends and everyone can appreciate your trophy. For us, to share is the joy of hunting. It’s a family thing. We go on vacation and we >> March-April 2012 77

Rabid Rolling Stones fan Humberto and his wife Shirley celebrate LSU’s November 2011 victory over Alabama—in full Keith Richards-style.

eat fish, ducks and deer that we pulled out of the woods and the waters every day. Deer nachos, duck gumbo, bronzed redfish—that’s our family vacations.

That’s the trophy; that’s what makes it all so rewarding.”

Humberto’s latest books are rooted in his family’s experience as émigrés, coming to America in 1961 following the Cuban communist revolution. Fidel: Hollywood’s Favorite Tyrant (published in 2005) and Exposing the Real Che Guevara: And the Useful Idiots Who Idolize Him (2008) are his efforts at debunking what he believes are myths perpetuated by the media and academia.

While his hunting exploits landed him some exposure on the now-defunct Politically Incorrect, (he’s not been invited on Maher’s HBO show with a similar format, Real Time), his Cuba books resulted in Humberto’s often being tapped as a commentator on Cuban issues on conservative TV and radio shows, including those of Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck.

“My dad was an architect; my 78

Inside Northside

photo: courtesy of HUMBERTO FONTOVA

The Debunker

mom was a college professor. When the revolution took over, it was a no-brainer; it was turning into a Stalinist regime.

My parents saw it coming.” He was only 7 years old, but he remembers the harrowing time of their escape.

Although his parents believed all of their paperwork was correct, Humberto says, “We were getting ready to board the plane, and soldiers came out and grabbed my dad. At that time, the firing squads in Cuba were killing hundreds of men and boys weekly. My mom told my dad, ‘If you can’t come with us, we’re not leaving.’ We were going to a strange country with only the clothes on our backs; we didn’t know the language.

He said, ‘Whatever happens to me, I don’t want my children growing up in a communist country. They have no future here.’ So momma kind of sucked it up, and we got on the plane.”

They arrived in Miami, where his mother learned his father had been placed in jail. Having some close relatives in New Orleans, the family headed there. After some time, they received a call that his dad was on his way to join them. “Our story had a happy ending, but tens of thousands of Cuban families did not,” he says.

Kicking it in Covington When he’s not making TV or radio appearances or penning books—a new one may be in the works, based on his years of writing about the outdoors— he enjoys the convenience of living in Covington. Not only is he close to his deer lease, when hunting season is over, “I can go four blocks down the street and put my pirogue into the Bogue Falaya or lower Tchefuncte. I’ve got my little pole, and I come back with a bucket full of catfish and bream. You can’t beat that with a stick. And people wondered why I didn’t want to relocate?”

March-April 2012 79

do we do the necessary pre-op work up and the surgery, we then guide the patient through the rest of her care, and we continue to follow her for life.”

If a patient has any concern with her breasts, Dr. Lagarde says, whether it’s a breast lump, family history of breast cancer or an abnormal mammogram, she can come in for an evaluation. “We look at their mammogram, perform a physical exam and ultrasound them,” says Dr. Lagarde. Both Dr. Lagarde and nurse practitioner Heather Steinhauer are ultrasound-certified and have all the state-of-the-art equipment at their fingertips in the office. “If we see a mass on ultrasound, we do an ultrasound-guided biopsy, usually on the spot.”

Dr. M. Celeste Lagarde and Dr. Richard Celentano KNOWING YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT HANDS and receiving the

Guiding patients from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.

While not every mass is cancerous, “If we diagnose

right guidance can provide a large measure of comfort during

a patient with a breast cancer, then we can guide her on

trying times. That’s what Dr. M. Celeste Lagarde and Dr.

her journey,” Dr. Lagarde says. She tells her patients, “Not

Richard Celentano offer patients in their Covington practice.

every breast cancer is created equal.” Finding out exactly

They’re a husband-and-wife team of skilled physicians, with

what type of breast cancer a patient has is the first step

Dr. Lagarde, a general surgeon, specializing in breast cancer

in planning treatment. “We now actually do the genetics

diagnosis and oncologic surgery. Dr. Celentano is a board

on the breast cancer. We look at hormonal receptors;

certified plastic surgeon—and one of the area’s few certified

estrogen, progesterone and herceptin. We look at the size

hand specialists—who performs breast reconstructive surgery

of the tumor. We do MRIs and PET scans. We gather all

for many of Dr. Lagarde’s patients.

that information and help the patient decide her treatment

Drs. Lagarde and Celentano can provide needed

plan.” Her patients also consult medical and radiation

surgical treatment, lumpectomy or mastectomy, followed up

oncologists, who plan appropriate chemotherapy and/or

by immediate or delayed reconstructive procedures. “We

radiation treatments, if needed.

don’t just perform the surgeries,” says Dr. Lagarde. “Not only

The doctors are confident that northshore patients have the best care available right here at home. They have treated patients from all over the country. “Because of the team that I have here in Covington, we have the best breast cancer absolutely true. The medical oncologists I have are excellently trained at the biggest cancer centers—Sloan Kettering and M.D. Anderson—and we have Mary Bird Perkins for state-ofthe-art radiation oncology.”

Fortunately, advances in techniques used in performing mastectomies and reconstructive surgeries can make treatment less frightening than ever before. “They’ve pushed the envelope,” notes Dr. Celentano. While Dr. Celentano

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photos: ABBY SANDS MILLER www.abbyphoto.com

care in the country. Nobody’s going to believe that, but it’s

M E D I C A L

specializes in implant reconstructive surgery, Dr. Lagarde is

P R O F I L E

Dr. Celentano’s practice, he estimates, is split 50-50

also associated with the St. Charles Surgical Hospital and the

between doing breast reconstruction for about half of Dr.

Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans; plastic

Lagarde’s patients, and treating hand patients. Like hand and

surgeons there also perform perforator flap procedures,

microsurgery, breast reconstruction involves sewing a lot of

using the patient’s own tissue to reconstruct the breast.

tiny blood vessels and nerves together. He says, “Amputation

“It used to be that having a mastectomy was a really

of a finger would require you to sew vessels that size.” Much

deforming procedure. But now, in most cases, patients

of the hand practice consists of elective procedures, and he is

can leave an operating room after a total mastectomy

assisted in the office by nurse practitioner Ashley Steinhauer.

that preserved the nipple and areola complexes, followed

He is often called on for emergencies, however, and has

by a complete silicon implant or a perforator flap

performed the difficult task, using his microsurgery skills,

reconstruction, and really look better than they did pre-operatively. That’s a plus for medicine.”

Celentano notes that it makes the decision that the patient previously thought was abhorrent much easier to make. “Because of those results, more women are opting for bilateral mastectomies and reconstruction. Then they don’t have to worry about what’s going to happen with the other side in the future,” he says.

Dr. Lagarde also offers the latest in breast cancer screening technology—genetic testing— checking what are known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 for abnormalities that lead to a high risk for breast cancer. More and more insurance companies are now covering preemptive mastectomies when a high risk is indicated.

of re-attaching severed fingers. Dr. Celentano has an X-ray machine in the office that saves patients from having to go

The Hand Doctor Dr. Celentano became a certified hand specialist by

elsewhere for the diagnostic procedure.

Hand patients often require physical therapy after

a somewhat circuitous route. Early in their careers, Drs.

surgery, whether as severe as a finger reattachment or

Lagarde and Celentano were general surgeons practicing in

more commonly, carpal tunnel surgery. One of the local

Columbia, Miss. Their mastectomy patients had to travel to

therapy providers Dr. Celentano refers patients to is

Jackson for their breast reconstructions. “When they’d come

Advanced Hand Specialists in Mandeville. “I’m very grateful

back, I’d look at them and say, ‘I know I’m just a general

to the owner for the fact that they have certified hand

surgeon, but I think I can do better than this if I just had the

therapists. It’s important that they use certified therapists

opportunity,’” he recalls.

in the care of our hand patients.” Dr. Celentano does see

Both were LSU medical school graduates, and he wanted

patients from all over the northshore, however, and tries to

to return and do a residency in plastic surgery. The school

send patients to a facility near where they live. “Often times,

admitted him and asked that he help establish a hand and

a hand-therapy patient may go three or five times a week,

microsurgery program. “So instead of going back for two

and if they have to travel great distances they’re either not

years of plastic surgery, I was actually volunteering for three

going to do it or it’s going to be prohibitively expensive for

years, which meant another year out of the practice.”

them. The post-operative care by a certified hand therapist

The couple moved to the northshore and began their Covington practice in 1992. In 2000, Dr. Lagarde was

is paramount in obtaining the maximum benefit for hand surgery patients.”

diagnosed with colon cancer and, although a general surgeon, began focusing on breast surgery after a hiatus while successfully undergoing treatment.

Drs. Lagarde and Celentano’s office is located at 110 Lakeview Lane, Ste. 200, in Covington. 985-898-0589.

March-April 2012 81

M E D I C A L

P R O F I L E

State-of-the-Art Periodontal Technology Dr. Marija G. LaSalle’s passion for learning ensures her patients receive state-of-the-art treatment that is supported by years of experience and knowledge. She constantly reviews the latest dental technologies and selects only those that enhance patient comfort and deliver the best results.

Dr. LaSalle offers the Galileos® conebeam diagnostic imaging system, which allows her to precisely place dental implants. With this

Dr. Marija LaSalle

high-end imaging, she can see the smallest

Twenty years of periodontal experience

details that normal dental X-rays are not

combined with state-of-the-art technology

capable of capturing. This technology

allows Dr. LaSalle to provide exceptional

eliminates the guess work that is common

care through personalized service and

with the antiquated approach.

education for each patient.

At Northlake Periodontics, a laser is used as the desirable alternative to the old traditional “cut and sew” periodontal surgery, ensuring painless treatment and fast recovery.

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Dr. LaSalle is one of approximately 500

To schedule a consultation with Dr. LaSalle

periodontists in the United States certified

at Northlake Periodontics, L.L.C., please call

to deliver LANAP (Laser Assisted New

(985) 727-1133. She is located at 1580 West

Attachment Procedure).

Causeway Approach, Suite 5 in Mandeville.

Inside Northside

photo: HEATHER BURBRINK www.kristinandheather.com

INsider

Stephanie Swords Fredericks, Massage Therapist

by Katie Montelepre

ONCOLOGY MASSAGE THERAPIST Stephanie Swords Fredericks has a personal history with cancer. After surviving melanoma in her 20s, she won a battle with breast cancer almost five years ago. Seven of her eight family members have suffered from some type of cancer, including a sister who passed away from pancreatic cancer.

While she had cancer, Stephanie felt drawn to massage therapy.

She had done a lot of reading and knew that it was healthy, natural, relaxing and boosted the immune system. However, when a massage therapist friend said she didn’t think Stephanie could support herself as a massage therapist, she let it go.

In June 2009, after 30 years in banking, Stephanie was laid off and couldn’t find a permanent job. She says, “It just wasn’t meant to be—it was truly the hand of God. I started looking into [massage therapy] and began praying about it. I wanted to help people.

My job [at the bank] was about customer service, but I wanted to take it to a more meaningful level.”

Stephanie wanted to specialize in massage therapy for chemo patients, so in October 2010, she volunteered in the infusion suite of Drs. Saux, Carindar and Suarez’s office to get a feel for the environment. “You don’t know, emotionally, if you can handle that every day,” she says. But, “The first day I went, I fell in love with it.”

Stephanie took special classes to become certified in lymph drainage. Since April 2011, she has volunteered twice a week at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, giving hand massages to outpatients while they receive infusions. She sometimes finds herself providing emotional support as well. One patient wrote to Stephanie, “Not only is your kind spirit needed at times like this, but I personally believe that you share a common bond with us. You felt the fear we’ve all felt.” Another claimed that the therapy “may actually make me want to come to chemo.”

For Stephanie, her volunteer time has been a very rewarding experience. “People open up to you. You have to be totally present to them. It’s about them,” she says. Although it’s hard to believe, she says that—most of the time—the infusion suite is a very happy place. “There were days when I would walk to the car and cry, not because it was sad, but because it was awesome.”

Stephanie hopes to extend the massage services to make the hospital a more pleasant place for all types of patients. After all, as she says, “Who wants to be in a hospital?”

Through her professional massage business, Caring Touch Massage, Stephanie travels to clients’ locations, providing full-body massages, relaxation massages and more. For more information, contact Stephanie at caringtouchmassage2011@gmail.com.

March-April 2012 83

Blue Ridge and Bluegrass WHEN MY HUSBAND AND I think vacation, we think a cabin on a creek with mountain views and temperatures hovering around 70. For three years, we headed to Burnsville in western North Carolina, where three-bedroom cabins can be found for under $1,000 a week. The grandkids fished in the Toe and Cane rivers and splashed from a rope swing into the cold water.

Last summer, we chose a log cabin in Ashe County, North Carolina, as far northwest as one can get in the state. When St. Tammany was sweltering in 100-plus degrees, we were falling asleep with the windows open, listening to the sonorous song of the cicadas. Upon waking to 60 degrees, we heard new and different bird songs and calls. We were about 4,000 feet up, surrounded by forests.

We watched mist rise from the valley below and stood stunned at the rainbow that appeared to originate in front of our cabin. We had our own little waterfall in the neighborhood, and after Tropical Storm Lee dumped seven inches on us, we put on 84

Inside Northside

boots to check out the flow.

From the screened porch, the deck and the second-floor bedroom windows, we had views of the Blue Ridge peaks. In fact, everywhere we traveled in northwest North Carolina, hazy mountains defined the horizon.

Our cabin was near the towns of West Jefferson/ Jefferson, with a population of 2,500, which swells in the summer, as second-homes are a major industry.

At our mountain church, we met people from Metairie, Hammond and Ponchatoula. “Don’t tell anyone about Ashe,” a retired Southeastern Louisiana University English professor cautioned.

The rhododendron and mountain laurel bushes were finishing their bloom as we arrived, but two dozen varieties of wildflowers brightened the ditches and fields with color. Especially lovely was the pale blue chicory. I admired, photographed, picked and collected seeds from some 30 different flowers right in the vicinity of our cabin.

photo: ANN GILBERT

by Ann Gilbert

Competing with the flowers for the sun were blackberries. At least, that’s what I thought they were, until I was corrected. They were black raspberries.

One day, my husband saw a black snake, so I began to carry a big stick to rustle the bushes before reaching in to pluck the fruit. Checkers, our cocker spaniel, sat patiently waiting for me on these twice-daily excursions.

We found our mountain cabin on the internet and were fortunate to end up in a village where a cultural and arts ambience abounds—it even included a Book Fest where you could have lunch with your favorite author and a huge new library that serves book lovers in the county of 25,000.

In addition to the impressive library, Ashe has a beautiful, spacious senior center where one has a choice of passing the time with card games, knitting, painting, line dancing, exercise of all varieties, playing pool and many more options. All without charge, even to us outsiders.

You bump into art wherever you walk in West Jefferson. Large murals decorate the two-story brick buildings of the little town, circa 1910. Painted by professional artists and high school art students, the murals that greet pedestrians and drivers have their own printed guide. (See sidebar.)

The Ashe Arts Council sponsors monthly Gallery Crawls through the dozen shops, and it stages monthly concerts at the Civic Center. We heard dueling pianos, dueling dulcimers and a salute to Cole Porter by a jazz quintet comprised of music professors from major state universities. Mama Mia was staged just before we arrived and A Streetcar Named Desire was opening just after we left West Jefferson.

Antique buffs love digging through several multi-room shops in Ashe. We >> March-April 2012 85

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Inside Northside

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN photo: ANN GILBERT

session in a turn-ofthe-century country store. Mississippi Delta Blues flowed down the valley at the River House Inn Blues Fest on the Virginia border.

The “mother of bluegrass,” Ola Belle Reed, was toasted at her eponymous festival in Lansing. Ola Belle was recording in the 1920s. Multiple Grammy-award winner Doc Watson, now in his ’80s, gathered fellow guitarists for a benefit in Historic Todd on the banks of the South Fork of the New River.

Bluegrass is said to have been born on the front porches of cabins in the mountains of southwest Virginia and northwest North Carolina. After all the work was done, people gathered on the porches to relax and have fun. Bluegrass has seen a resurgence in recent decades. With all the talented teens we heard picking and strumming at competitions and concerts last summer, we suspect parents start lessons at a tender age.

We learned that the differences between old-time mountain music and bluegrass are that bluegrass includes the mandolin and the beat is much faster. We also learned that >> photo: ANN GILBERT

preferred Antiques on Beaver Creek and its eyecatching displays. Right across the street is St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, with its famous frescoes that attract busloads of tourists. Artist Ben Long studied Michelangelo’s style of painting in Italy and procured his lime for the process at the same quarry used by the Renaissance painter.

We signed up for a pastel class at the famous Florence Art School, only to have the teacher—who was taught by St. Tammany pastelist Alan Flattmann— cancel because of family obligations. Workshops are hosted May through October in fine art and crafts at the school right off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

On weekends, we were often faced with choosing from an outdoor concert, a festival or a bluegrass jam

Top: Waterfalls are as plentiful as they are beautiful in North Carolina.

Above: Cloggers clogging. Left: Note the Barn Quilt on the side of Phipps.

March-April 2012 87

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Inside Northside

photos: ANN GILBERT

the banjo is a descendant of an instrument slaves introduced to America.

We had seen dancers clogging during previous trips to North Carolina, but flatfoot dancing by old mountain men wearing jean overalls was something new to us. These men, mostly over 60, brought their own little handmade wooden platforms (3 feet by 3 feet by 4 inches) to dance on and plopped them down in front of their folding chairs.

Flatfoot dancing has a lot of heel action and rhythmic slaps from the taps on the lace-up leather shoes. Sometimes the guys appeared to tease each other with fancy footwork, becoming a sideshow to the band on stage. The musicians welcomed the dancers and encouraged others to join in on the large portable dance stages that are always found at these outdoor events.

The arms of flatfoot dancers hang loosely by their sides, or bend at the elbows, swinging to the beat, and helping with balance. It all harks back to their Scottish and Irish ancestors who settled here.

One festival even featured a Celtic band with a 5-foot drum standing on its side, beat by a woman standing on a stool. The sound was mesmerizing and stopped us on our stroll to the refreshment stand.

Lively toe-tapping bluegrass and mountain music lift your spirits. The joy exhibited by the dancers is contagious. All wear smiles. I finally got the nerve to stand by my festival chair in the back of the crowd and dance, ignoring those who waved at me to join them center stage.

On another evening, the Mountain Home Music series, alternating their concerts between Boone and Blowing Rock, featured two members of the Bluegrass Hall of Fame on banjo and fiddle and a guitarist who taught music at Appalachian State University in Boone.

Other musicians who blew us away were guitarist Wayne Henderson and pianist Jeff Little, who hates to be compared to Jerry Lee Lewis. He pleased the crowd with his boogie-woogie style—yes, at a bluegrass concert. We searched the web for other concerts by these two before we left, but one was in London and the other in Colorado.

More music fun was to be had at jam sessions in crowded, century-old general stores such as the Historic Todd store, wrapped entirely in pressed

tin. The only problem there was that the jam-packed room was hot, and the bossy owner refused to give us any tea until dinner was served an hour later.

More relaxed was the interesting mix of folks crowded onto the chairs and benches one Friday night at Phipps General Store, 10 miles north of Jefferson. On our left was a lawyer from Raleigh, who had a weekend home in Ashe County, but had come without his busy physician wife this night.

On the other side was a local man in his 80s wearing the prerequisite overalls. We chatted with him about his tomatoes and beans and asked if he danced the flatfoot. He said he did, but we couldn’t get him to dance. “I don’t like to be the only one,” he said with a smile. I could sympathize with him.

A minimum of groceries lined the shelves at Phipps, and quilts and tobacco leaves hung in rows from the ceiling. The mother of the owner, a little woman about 80 with a pretty smile and nicely coiffed hair, sold fried apple pies. Barbecued venison was the featured potluck, and the owner hand-dipped ice cream for his music-loving customers.

He told us he lived in Mandeville as a child, and his mother still goes back for Mardi Gras in Church Point. A woman from New Orleans was at Phipps the week before, he said. We found Louisiana connections wherever we went in western North Carolina.

It was quite a drive to Phipps— curvy, hilly, truly the backwoods, without a house or lights in sight for miles, just dark woods and mountains rising around us. Did I mention it was raining? Thank goodness for the GPS, but “she” didn’t warn us about the black cow in the road!

Speaking of beef, we paid a second visit to the River House Inn when family came to visit and had perfect filet >> March-April 2012 89

mignon. The limited menu is prix-fixe and pricey, and reservations are a must, as they are usually booked even on weeknights. Enjoy a drink before dinner on the high porch of the circa 1900-farmhouse overlooking the river at sunset.

The chef at Frazer’s Restaurant in downtown West Jefferson is a graduate of LSU. His menu acknowledges his Louisiana roots. It’s the only fine dining in the town, but there is good pizza at Brick and Hearth and a handful of barbecue joints. Play checkers or chess at the two coffee shops or enjoy the art or a good book.

We followed the food critic’s advice and were most pleased with the meals we had at Vidalia’s in Boone while watching the students in that town; half the population is the ASU enrollment.

When we weren’t enjoying the music or the food, we were usually out partaking of the natural amenities of Ashe County and its neighbors. We soaked up the mist of Elk Falls near Tennessee and the Cascades on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We hiked the ridges of Mount Jefferson (it’s in town), Roan

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and Grandfather mountains. We passed on ziplining down the green ski slopes near Boone and riding horses through the 3,500 acres of Moses Cone National Park near Blowing Rock.

Visiting family members took day trips west into Tennessee for whitewater rafting and north into Virginia for mountain biking down the Virginia Creeper Trail, an old railroad grade. The ride is all downhill—the 17 miles takes three hours if you stop to enjoy the view. Just make sure you take the right trail, unlike my sister, who was faced with pushing her bike over rotten train trestles.

The New River is slow and placid and perfect for canoe trips with young children. The Blue Ridge Parkway wraps around Ashe County, just waiting when you need a quick fix from nature.

On the road again, nature often jumped right out, as when we rounded a hairpin curve and there was a doe and her faun. Mom jumped into the woods, but the youngster just stared at us. We stared back, as I fruitlessly searched for my camera. Twice, we had to stop to let wild turkeys cross.

Barn Quilts Traveling the back roads of North Carolina, we discovered the tradition of decorating one’s barn with a colorful geometric pattern called a barn quilt or barn square.

In the valley below our cabin, two landowners chose to use an evergreen tree and a horse on their squares to represent their farms.

The idea originated in Ohio some 10 years ago, and the practice filtered down through the Appalachian states.

Barn quilts bring together the heritage of quilting and agriculture, showcasing the history and culture of an area in a unique way. Printed guides make it easier for tourists to find these designs on barns and sheds.

The five Florida Parishes are the site of the Louisiana Northshore Quilt Trail co-chaired

by Kim Zabbia of Ponchatoula. The purpose is to encourage artists, quilters, art students and others to design, paint and mount the eye-catching squares on homes and commercial buildings, in addition to barns and sheds. Almost 50 quilts have been registered and 22 are already hanging in Hammond, Franklinton and Ponchatoula. photo: ANN GILBERT

Another nature sighting was from an SUV packed with three generations looking down at various electronic devices. I was the only one to see a bear lumbering across the Blue Ridge Parkway, some distance in front of our car. I think I lost my voice at the excitement of the sighting. Instead of screaming “bear,” they said I let loose with a sort of loud whisper.

As we were packing to leave, new friends said that we had to stay for the changing of the leaves. The photos we saw of Ashe Country painted in golds, reds and oranges were breathtaking, but darn, we had a cutoff date. We were fortunate to have had such a wonderful extended vacation. Thank goodness for the friends who made it possible by cutting the grass, watering the garden and taking care of the house at home.

For more information on the local effort to paint our back roads with barn quilts, call Kim Zabbia at 974-2079.

B U S I N E S S

P R O F I L E

Simply Elegant EMB Interiors “We want our customers to see, touch and feel the

members pride themselves

quality we offer,” says Ellen Bajon, owner of EMB Interiors.

on providing a personalized

Open to the public, EMB Interiors’ furniture showroom is

shopping experience to help

one of the best-kept secrets on the northshore. It is filled with

each of their customers feel

upholstery, case goods and accessories from the furniture

confident with their selections.

and design industries’ leading manufacturers. The variety of

The accessories displayed

merchandise on the retail floor from vendors showcases the

in the store are both trendy and

quality, finishes and collections available.

timeless. A few carefully chosen

The design team attends the largest international

accessories can give a room

furniture market twice a year to view the latest design

a new and exciting feeling.

concepts. By seeing what is new at market, they are further

Quality lamps, new and antique rugs, fine art and decorative

educated and can better assist their customers and clients in

pieces can make a tired room look fresh and new again.

making the correct purchases for their home.

EMB Interiors’ design team strives to meet the requirements of each customer with choices that will be

With all of the knowledge and experience of the trained staff, EMB Interiors’ beautiful showroom is sure to keep you in the know for years to come.

investments—pieces that will last decades and can be passed down to future generations. The showroom has hundreds of fabric and wood samples to create a custom look. The team 92

Inside Northside

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

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1. Tweet, tweet! Wooden birdhouse, $37. The Grapevine, Covington, 893-2766. 2. Still keeping the faith! Fleur de lis cooking utensils: measuring spoons, $22; measuring cups, $42; stands, $30. Simplee Gourmet, Covington, 892-8370.

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3. Bring the outdoor in! 13�-putti, $19.95. Florist of Covington, 892-7701. 4. Enhance your bedding.

Plush faux fur pillow with woodland feathers by Bella, $300. Hestia Luxury in Linens, Covington,

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893-0490. 5. Class act. Solid walnut and antique brass oversized planter, $1,352. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522. 6. The creative journey starts here. Horizon Memory Craft 12000 by Janone. Precision Sewing, Covington, 249-6156.

7. Treasure chest. Glass boxes in various sizes: small, $42; large, $45. deCoeur, Covington, 809-3244. 8. Oh Mother! Mother with Child oil

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on canvas, by portrait artist Terry Sita, $350.

Louisiana Artists Gallery, Mandeville, 624-7903.

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March-April 2012 93

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1. Box it up! Wooden box with painting on metal by Michelle Y Williams, $290. Rug Chic, Mandeville, 674-1070. 2. Something to talk about! Tub settee/dog bed by New Orleans artist Travis Linde, $395; handmade pillows by local Louisiana artisans, $36 each. Discoveries Furniture and Finds, Hammond, 345-2577. 3. Chalk it up! Slate tags with chalk: $4.50 each; chalk, $2. the french mix, Covington, 809-3152.

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4. Holy home. Vintage wood birdhouse made in Southeast Louisiana, $44. Simply Southern, Covington, 871-1466. 5. Grilled to perfection.

Cold-rolled steel jalapeño griller, $39. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008. 6. Good as gold. Gold Annieglass pet bowls, also available in platinum: 9”/8 oz., $74; 8”/3 oz., $67. Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor, Mandeville, 727-9787. 7. Splish, splash! Monarch floral glass birdbath with stand, $59.99. Mandeville Party Company, 674-1605.

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March-April 2012 95

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LUCKY CHARMS

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1. Olive green embossed handbag with gold chain straps, $90. OSpa at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0200. 2. Susan Shaw charm bracelet, $45. Welcome Home and garden, Covington, 893-3933. 3. Green chevron-printed dress with three-quarter-length

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sleeves, $46. Paisley, Mandeville, 727-7880.

4. Green ruffle-neck tank, 100% cotton, $29. Three Divas and a Sugardaddy, Slidell, 288-5550.

5. 1.22ct emerald and .70cttw diamond ring set in 18K white gold antique mounting, $6,999.

De Boscq Jewelry, Mandeville, 674-0007.

6. Tropical blend suit, $595. Jos. A. Bank, Mandeville, 624-4067.

7. Friendship Seals interlocking charms in sterling silver and brass: 2 pieces, $70; chain sold separately. DeLuca’s Expressions in Gold, Covington, 892-2317. 8. Cocktail shoe from Madeline Girl featuring green fabric with 7

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gathered detail at straps, $69. Shoefflé, Covington, 898-6465; Baton Rouge, (225) 761-1105.

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LUCKY CHARMS

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1. Susan Shaw gold necklace with dragonfly pendant, $71.

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Accents & Things, Slidell, 649-4273. 2. Ladies emerald green amethyst 5

antique-style fashion ring with round diamonds; set in 14K white gold, $795. Champagne Jewelers, Slidell, 643-2599. 3. Bronze grande pelican pendant handmade by local artist, $200. Izabella’s Villa, Slidell, 649-5060. 4. Fitted silhouette dress by Maggy London in metallic textured knit accented with beads on the shoulder, $162. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington, 809-1789. 5. Feminine Finley shirt, $224.

The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797. 6. Evening dress with bodice of gold sequins, beading and mirrored glass; semi-fitted charmeuse skirt with slit, $410. Southern

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Bridal, Mandeville, 727-2993. 7.

Neon Manolo Blahnik T-strap patent sandal, $755. Saks Fifth Avenue, New Orleans, (504) 524-2200. 8. Toe Blooms, available in a variety of colors, $26. Silver Plum and 1, 2 Buckle My Shoe, Mandeville, 674-4343.

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Janome • Brother • Pfaff • Fabric • Notions • Patterns Classes • Repairs • Sewing Cabinets • Industrial Machines

3997 Hwy. 190 E. Service Rd., Covington • 985.249.6156 www.sewingmachineoutlet.com

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Inside Northside

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LUCKY CHARMS 1. GEO green skinny jeans by geovanny, $56. All About Me, Mandeville, 8452424. 2. Emerald pendant with .41cttw diamond and .57cttw emerald in white gold on white gold rope chain: pendant, $2,757;

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chain, $268. Reine Diamonds & Fine Jewelry, Slidell, 201-7415. 3. Platinum ring with 2.63ct emerald and 2.16cttw diamond

by Jewels by Star, $39,995. Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666.

4. Lucky green beaded peacock dress by Rory Beca, $230. The Mix, Mandeville, 7277649. 5. Green flouncy dress with spaghetti straps, $198. Fleurt, Covington, 809-8844.

6. Angie knee-length dress by Lynn Lugo, $275; also available in long, $295. Olivier Couture, Mandeville, 674-6994. 7. Emerald and diamond tennis bracelet set in 14K yellow gold, $3,150. Moseley’s Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-5098. 8. Georgia polarized sunglasses by Kaenon, $219.

Ban Soleil Sunglass Boutique, Covington, 875-9109.

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March-April 2012 101

He who plants a garden, plants happiness. – Chinese proverb

outdoor 2012 living Whether it’s an afternoon spent working in the garden or a nice evening of outdoor entertaining, northshore residents value their outdoor living spaces. The following section showcases the people and businesses who have dedicated their lives to making your outdoor living experience the best one possible.

Learn about the advantages of planting bamboo from Lee Berry and get tips on trees from northshore arborist Dr. Malcolm Guidry. You will also find answers to all your outdoor needs, from outdoor kitchens and pools to outdoor lighting and other unique landscaping features.

March-April 2012 103

outdoor living

Bamboo Gardens

by Megan Hill

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LEE BERRY STILL LAUGHS when he tells the story of how he became a bamboo farmer almost six years ago. Berry, owner of Bamboo Gardens of Louisiana in Mount Hermon near Franklinton, says he started out as a customer of the nursery. He also attended a lecture about gardening with bamboo given by the previous owner in City Park. He admits he was a little skeptical at first, but he later became hooked on the fast-growing plant.

Berry’s interest in bamboo grew even more when he began re-greening the landscape around his Madisonville home after Hurricane Katrina. He made four trips to Bamboo Gardens to buy plants for the borders of his land. On the fourth trip, the owner said, “I’m selling the place and moving to China.”

Berry, a retired physician, decided to buy the 24-acre nursery, which had been operating since 1986. “It was a real leap of faith and a change of life,” he says. And though it’s hard work at times, he knows he made the right choice.

“I wanted to have a way to live differently. I had a midlife crisis and bought the farm. Sometimes the universe drops something in your lap and life brings

Inside Northside

you unexpected joys.”

Berry admits that although he grew bamboo at his home, he needed to learn a lot about the plant and about running the nursery. “I really didn’t know that much about bamboo,” he says. “But I’m a quick study.” He delved into bamboo horticulture by reading books and picking the former owner’s brain. “He was very helpful. He has a tremendous knowledge base,” says Berry, who learned a lot on the fly, too. However, he acknowledges that he didn’t anticipate all of the tough manual labor involved.

(Every time a customer buys a plant, Berry has to cut the rhizomes—the bamboo roots—cleanly by hand with a sharp shovel.)

Bamboo Gardens’ acreage is segmented into individual groves for the many varieties of bamboo.

Each grove requires care and attention. “It’s like micromanaging a lot of different forests,” says Berry.

He laughs when asked to describe a typical day at work. “Some days it’s a wonderful meditation garden.

Other days I run around like a maniac.”

Berry made the commitment to begin growing his bamboo organically two and a half years ago.

Though he’s not officially certified, he does adhere to the practice of eliminating all chemical fertilizers and pesticides from his farm. Now, his 200 chickens fertilize the bamboo groves. “I pen the chickens in the groves, rotating them as the groves need some help,” he says. The chickens contribute their droppings as natural fertilizer, and Berry says he can see the difference with his plants pre- and postchicken. Chicken-fertilized groves grow larger and more densely, and their leaves take on a deeper green hue. “It’s one big organism that is all connected,” Berry says of his chicken-and-bamboo system. The chickens also produce lots of eggs, which he gives to his customers and donates to the Washington Parish Council on Aging in Franklinton.

One unexpected aspect of bamboo farming is keeping the rabbits and squirrels out of the groves. Berry says these critters have a taste for young bamboo shoots, which they dig up and eat. His dogs are on alert to chase away any potential offenders.

In general, he spends time feeding his chickens, caring for the bamboo and “a lot of work behind the scenes.” In the spring, he fields phone calls from customers who want to place an order. In the winter, things are somewhat slower, and Berry spends his time planting in preparation for the spring buying rush. He has a limited number of plants to sell each year, depending on what he can cultivate each winter.

Being a bamboo farmer has had some unexpected perks: “I’ve met many interesting people up here in the middle of nowhere,” Berry says. Customers from around the Southeast visit him to take a golf cart tour and to tap his now extensive knowledge about this curious plant.

Bamboo Gardening 101 Berry’s customers use bamboo in their landscaping for three purposes: shade, borders and greenery. It’s a useful plant because it grows quickly;

in 30 to 60 days, new shoots will grow to their full height, which can be as high as 75 feet.

“They mature fairly rapidly,” Berry says, especially compared to an oak tree, which can take decades to grow large enough to provide shade and privacy. Berry says his bamboo tends to be more expensive than other trees, but you get more for your money. “Two plants can be a mature forest in six years. A little goes a long way.”

Berry’s customers hail from around the Southeast, with most traveling from Baton Rouge, Mississippi, the northshore, New Orleans and Texas.

He makes local and regional deliveries, and his plants can be sold throughout the Southeast and even up to the eastern seaboard. He’s sold bamboo to customers as far away as Washington State. He generally outsources his deliveries to other companies that use trucks to deliver the large plants, but that comes at a

higher premium. “It’s most cost-effective for people to come to me,” he says. “Our plants are big. The smallest, except for the dwarfs, are 6 feet tall and others are 18 to 20 feet tall. It takes so much effort to ship them,” Berry says, so it’s best if they don’t have to travel far.

Most customers from the northshore and New Orleans are still re-greening their property after Hurricane Katrina—the same process that made a bamboo believer out of Berry. “St. Tammany lost >> March-April 2012 105

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[a large percentage] of its trees in a weekend,” he says, referring to Katrina. Many more died later from storm-related damage. Northshore residents turned to bamboo to help.

To determine which of his over 110 varieties of bamboo are best suited for a particular customer’s needs, Berry asks questions about the space where the bamboo will grow. He determines the

Berry’s buyers should also consider where they live. Tropical bamboo varieties can only thrive south of the lake, whereas temperate varieties are cold hardy enough to survive winters throughout the northshore. The farm is 280 feet above sea level and gets quite cold. The temperate bamboo varieties do just fine there, but Berry moves the potted tropical varieties into a greenhouse in winter.

customer’s needs for height, scale and screening, and asks how much room there is on the ground for the plants to spread.

“I can narrow the choices down to a few,” he says. For example, the Phyllostachys aurea variety, or Golden Bamboo, reaches 40 feet in height and grows densely to make a great screen, as does the Phyllostachys rubromarginata, or Red Margin Bamboo, which grows up to 60 feet tall. Those interested in ornamental bamboo may enjoy Semiarundinaria fastuosa, Temple Bamboo, which Berry says “evokes thoughts of faraway, sacred places.”

Bamboo is a low-maintenance plant. Berry encourages his customers to water their plants if they want the bamboo to grow quickly. Watering is important for the first few years after planting, but it’s unnecessary after a while. “Once bamboo grows to its full height, it lives well off the normal rain cycle,” Berry says.

Bamboo actually does have a flowering cycle, and after the plants flower, they die. But most flower about every 67 years—some every 100 years—and once they die, they do grow back. Most bamboo varieties will probably outlive their owner.

Inside Northside

Runners have to be contained.

“The public perception is that it will take over your yard. But not all bamboo varieties behave the same.

They’re not all aggressive. Most of them will not take over your neighborhood.

There is a huge spectrum of growth and expansion.” To contain running bamboo, the owner simply must mow around the grove. This will inhibit new shoots from getting out of control.

Aggressive varieties can become invasive if they are not attended to properly. Carelessness on the part of a gardener can result in native species of plants being taken over by the fastergrowing bamboo.

The Zen of Bamboo One aspect of the bamboo farm that may be surprising is its tranquility. When he’s not doing the books, planting or helping customers, Berry enjoys the peacefulness of his bamboo groves. “The thing that draws me to this is that bamboo imparts a distinct, subtle calm on the space,” he says. “People immediately get quiet.

You feel a sense of peace that comes from the groves. It’s like going into the redwood groves on a smaller scale, or walking into a library or church.”

What he’s really doing with his bamboo nursery, Berry says, is “selling tranquility. You understand Zen Buddhism standing inside the groves.

I’m selling a little part of that to my customers.

“When you plant bamboo around your home, it makes a haven to come home to from a busy world. It adds that sense of calm to a landscape.”

To learn more about the Bamboo Gardens of Louisiana, visit bamboogardensla.com. The nursery is open by appointment only.

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outdoor living

photos courtesy of: VIKING COOKING SCHOOL OUTDOORS

Viking Cooking School Outdoors WHO SAYS you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

Certainly not Chef Matthew Brewton, instructor of the Viking Cooking School Outdoors in Baton Rouge. With an upscale setting in the Hilton Capitol Center overlooking the Mississippi River, the school is the first of its kind in the country. It merges the extraordinary reputation of Viking appliances with the food-loving heritage of Louisiana.

Through the school, people who love to cook and entertain come together in a fun and innovative way.

Its many hands-on beginner and advanced classes are centered on themes such as Sauces, Dinner for Two and, of course, Grilling and Barbecuing. The sessions cater to a wide variety of cultures—from the basics of Cajun and Creole cooking to advanced Italian cooking—and there are special offerings for kids, teens and families. Brewton teaches scratch-based cooking and is growing his own herb garden to complement the various dishes prepared in the classes.

One morning in January, my novice-cook husband, Pete, and I drove to Baton Rouge for the Basic Knife Skills Class, which was taught by Brewton and Chef Assistant Raine. The participants for the day included Pete, two friends who wanted to learn more cooking skills, a self-described foodie and a retired couple. (I observed and took notes.) With careful instruction, the diverse group began by cutting up a whole chicken, a daunting task for even an experienced cook.

by Poki Hampton, with Akila Ananth

After the chicken parts were taken away to be cooked for fajitas, the vegetables were assembled for dicing and slicing. A salad of romaine lettuce, seeded tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers and vinaigrette dressing was prepared. Additional dicing was required for the pica de gallo that would accompany the fajitas.

While the fajitas were being cooked, we enjoyed a glass of wine before sitting down to the sumptuous feast that ended the afternoon. In the age of the internet and constant social networking, the Viking Cooking School Outdoors slowed life down for a moment, allowing us to enjoy the company of others while savoring good food. A good time was had by all—and yes, the old dog learned a new trick or two!

For more information and a schedule of classes, see vikingcookingschool.com.

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outdoor living

“The very best time to plant a tree is 25 years ago.

The second best time to plant a tree is today.”

- Dr. Malcolm Guidry

The Tree Doctor Will See You Now photo: HEATHER BURBRINK www.kristinandheather.com

by Webb Williams

SINCE 1998, ST. TAMMANY’S OWN Dr. Malcolm Guidry has consulted on the health, care, protection and value of the 1,000-plus live oaks on the main campus of LSU, as well as many others in the area.

A professional consulting arborist, he is known throughout the Southeast for his expertise in dendrology, the study of trees.

Malcolm grew up in the woods of Old Metairie in the 1940s and loved trees even as a kid. “In Old Metairie in those days, we were in the woods. We had relatives in New Orleans who thought visiting us was a weekend trip because we were too far away!”

He’s had about 40 years of academic experience, first graduating with a degree in agriculture from Southeastern Louisiana College in 1957. He taught general science in Orleans and Jefferson parishes and

then went to work in the LSU Agriculture Extension Service. He eventually earned his master’s degree in extension education and horticultural sciences and a doctorate. After a time at the University of Florida doing specialty work in horticultural and tree matters, he returned to Louisiana to teach in East Feliciana Parish.

He then started his own horticulture business, launching his career of the past 20 years as a consulting arborist.

Guidry has testified in court as an expert arborist in cases involving property damage, personal injuries and deaths caused by trees. “When a tree fails and people are hurt or property is damaged, I testify in court as to what precipitated that failure—an ‘occurrence of Nature’ (used to be called an ‘act of God,’ but you can’t say that anymore) or ‘negligence’.”

He offers some advice: When a property owner >> March-April 2012 111

Why Trees Fail

Seven Sisters by Harriet Blum.

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Since Katrina, northshore residents have a heightened awareness of the devastating effect storms can have on trees—especially pine trees—and property. When he moved recently, Guidry decided to take out about 30 100-foot pine trees. “A 100-foot pine tree with not much trunk taper is subject to trunk failure. And tall trees tend to windload during a storm, especially if they’re out in the open. The wind causes many pine trees to break, usually about 20 feet from the ground.”

I asked if he just didn’t like pine trees. “Oh, I love

Inside Northside

pine trees. I absolutely have a passion for pine trees.

But 100-foot pine trees next to your house is not a good idea. This spring, I will replant my yard with lots of hardwood trees.”

I recalled friends who told me that the 100-footplus pine within falling distance of their home was probably okay since it had weathered so many storms. “They were lucky,” says Guidry. “That tree may have been compromised by storms but has not fallen. One microburst in a brief spring thunderstorm could topple that pine tree.”

He continues, “Trees fail in two ways: either they blow over and uproot from the ground or the trunk breaks. During a storm, it’s all about the weakest link in the chain. So if you have a tree that’s well rooted in the ground, the roots will hold the lower trunk of the tree intact during a big blow.” (Only young pines have a significant taproot. As they age and mature, the taproot ceases to grow.) “[After the roots,] the next weak point is the upper trunk. Wind loading during a storm can test a tree’s upper trunk strength. Gravity also may play a part >>

photo: HARRIET BLUM

sees that a neighbor’s tree is threatening to damage his property, he can put the neighbor on notice that the tree poses a threat. Ideally, this is done by registered mail and copied to his own insurance company. “If there is no written notice of a threat, and a neighbor’s tree falls on your house, you are liable for your own damages.” If a tree is growing on a property line, Guidry says, the ownership and liability are shared equally by both sides.

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in structural failure of a tree, especially when a tree is asymmetrical, with heavier branches on one side.”

Planting Trees

photo: HARRIET BLUM

Late fall to early spring is the time to plant trees, says Guidry, and dug-and-balled trees with the roots radiating away from the ball are the best to plant.

Guidry says that trees grown in plastic containers can be a big mistake. They often start in a one-gallon container, get root bound and are later transferred to larger containers where the same thing happens.

In each step, organic mulches, not soil, are usually used. Anything organic deteriorates, and the mulch disappears. Bacteria eat it up as a food source.

“Also, pruning the roots properly if the tree is root-bound/container-grown is an area where most non-professionals fail,” he continues. “Digging a large enough hole (three to four times the diameter of the ball) and proper watering are also critical to successful tree planting.

“Dig up the soil that’s there and plant it in that. Native soil is a much better host for the longterm growth of trees or shrubs. If you live near a wooded area, the topsoil in the forest is a wonderful planting soil.”

Based on his experience, Guidry has advice that doesn’t always agree with that of others.

He does not advocate fertilizing trees and lawns because he believes that makes them susceptible to insects and disease. Rather, he suggests mowing often and using the clippings and leaves as mulch—recycling as nature does. He also believes that sprinkler systems can lead to over-watering, compacting the soil. This, in turn, can flood air pockets in the ground and reduce the oxygen supply. Roots, if they don’t “drown,” can then become vulnerable to stresses such as heat and drought. He adds that another misconception some gardeners have is about buying black soil for general planting, saying, “If soil blackens your hands, that’s charcoal. Good soil won’t stain your

hands. Soil is basically sand, silt, clay and natural organic matter.”

The Doctor’s Patients Some of the high-profile live oaks Dr. Guidry has consulted on include the General Packenham oaks in St. Bernard, Rosedown Plantation oaks in St. Francisville, the Seven Sisters in Mandeville’s Lewisburg neighborhood and the Old Courthouse oak in Covington, as well as many privately owned ancient oaks throughout the coastal areas of Louisiana and Mississippi.

The Seven Sisters Oak is the oldest live oak in America and our country’s national champion. It is also president of the Live Oak Society, which has almost 7,000 member trees in 14 states. “We don’t know if it’s seven trees or five trees or one tree. It measures 36.7 feet in trunk circumference, and >>

Cat Island Cypress

by Harriet Blum.

March-April 2012 115

Changes in St. Tammany’s Trees Guidry’s years of experience give him a unique perspective on the history of St. Tammany’s tree population. He says, “The parish was virtually clearcut in the 1800s. We went from pine and cypress forests to prairie very quickly. We probably have more trees and more wildlife now than we did then.

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“In Mandeville, about 40 years ago, the ‘Mardi Gras Massacre’ of a stand of magnificent ancient live oaks occurred—on Highway 190 near where the Post Office is now. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development waited ’til Mardi Gras day to cut them down for the roadway construction. They knew they couldn’t get an injunction on a holiday. I guess their thinking was, ‘Let’s not ask permission—just for forgiveness.’

“When Louis Prima’s home and Pretty Acres Golf Course were transformed into the Home Depot and other large stores there today, I helped determine how to save as many of the designated live oaks as possible. We dug a continuous lineal trench, and I cut the roots properly. Those trees are still very healthy today.”

Guidry concludes, “With growth and development, trees lose. But we have opportunities with all our development to re-treescape St. Tammany.

We can plant trees of better species and higher quality, combining the reality of development with our love for the beautiful trees that enhance our lives. Let’s strive to have smart growth and development so that the planting, protection and management of desirable trees—and the removal of undesirable ones—will ensure the success of our urban forest.”

photo: HEATHER BURBRINK www.kristinandheather.com

its canopy is 55 feet tall and 132 feet wide.” Some estimates say it is some 1,800 years old! Typically, ancient live oaks live to be 300 to 500 years. (Cypress trees live even longer, with several in the Pearl River Basin documented at more than 1,000 years.)

Guidry proudly showed me his prized handcolored portrait of the Seven Sisters Oak by noted photo-artist Harriet Blum of Covington. He also treasures a painting of the famous Oak Alley Plantation, which was done by Baton Rouge artist Henry Neubig with colorful clays taken from the soils of Louisiana.

“In the 1700s, the Capuchin priests’ writings talked about the Oak Alley live oaks ‘being of notable size,’ so we have a pretty good approximation of their age. When I visited Oak Alley, they rolled out the red carpet after I said I was involved in dendrochronology, the study of the age of trees.”

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P R O F I L E

Making Life Brighter Bevolo

Gas and Electric Lights

DURING AN EVENING’S STROLL in the French Quarter, you can’t help but notice the atmosphere created by the flickering gas lanterns that grace so many of the local establishments. Most of these lights are the creation of Andrew Bevolo Sr. In 1945, Bevolo, in collaboration with renowned architect A. Hays Town, designed the French Quarter lanterns. His unique handmade, hand-riveted copper lanterns have since made Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights the foremost manufacturer of this type of lights in the world, including 50 states and 28 countries.

Under the present tutelage of Bevolo’s grandson, Drew, that same level of superior quality is maintained. Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights has designed and produced more than 500 styles of lights, many of which are located on historic landmarks throughout the country.

A new line of Pool House Lanterns has been created

breezeways, poolside and patio areas and tabletops (inside and out). Lanterns are crafted to hold a variety of candle options, from traditional to electric.

Experienced lighting designers work with architects, designers and homeowners to ensure that each fixture is appropriate for the architecture and scale of the property. Lighting analysis is

to enhance your poolside décor. The lanterns are

complimentary. Each light is specifically crafted

beautifully handcrafted and hand-riveted together

for your home or business—just as Andrew

to weather any environment. Made of copper,

Bevolo Sr. did 67 years ago.

brass and tempered glass to increase durability, they come in two styles.

The Governor Lantern, a replica of an Old English lantern, complements traditional architectural styles. The Rault Lantern was originally designed for the Rault Center in New Orleans. Each comes in three sizes.

Bevolo’s Louisiana-made lanterns

Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights is located at 68467 Hwy. 59 in Mandeville, (985) 249-6040; and 318

offer exquisite ambient lighting for many

Royal St. and 521 Conti St. in New

applications. They are perfect for arbors,

Orleans, (504) 522-9485. bevolo.com

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P R O F I L E

Semington Interlocking Pavers. He was transferred to Destin, where he completed projects such as Watercolor and Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin.

Nine years ago, Rod returned to New Orleans and used his knowledge and experience to open La Pavers (which means “the bricks” in French). He began doing courtyards in the French Quarter. Over the years, his business has grown and now includes both home and commercial projects on the southshore and northshore. The Sculpture Garden at NOMA was a two-year project, and La Pavers paved the way to

La Pavers

Champion Square, where many a tailgater has enjoyed the new addition to the Superdome experience.

Rod personalizes each job by drawing out a plan

Where Dreamscapes Come True!

expressly for that project. He says to every client, “Let’s

LA PAVERS HAS THE ANSWER to bringing your indoor

fire pit, planters or special lighting, La Pavers will make your

living outdoors—award-winning and individually designed

dream come true.

dream something.” And whether that dream is a waterfall,

paved environments.

Rod Trahan, owner of La Pavers, began his career

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La Pavers offers 18 months free financing and accepts

by working with his father in the concrete business. Rod’s

projects that can be completed over a period of time.

eyes were opened to the possibility of pavers, so he went

La Pavers is located at 901 Edwards Ave., Suite 300, in

to work for the international paving installation company,

Harahan. (504) 731-8755. lapavers.com and facebook.

Inside Northside

O U T D O O R

L I V I N G

P R O F I L E

AFTER SERVING PROUDLY in World War II as a Navy pilot, Sam Perino returned to New Orleans and opened his first business on the busy corner of Carrollton and Claiborne.

The Carrollton Fruit Market was a 24-hour grocery store and the go-to place for cut flowers on Easter, Mother’s Day and All Saints Day. In 1955, Sam moved his business to Veterans and Causeway, and it became Perino’s Nursery.

Being the first business on Veterans made for some slow days, but it didn’t take long for things to boom.

Today, Perino’s Garden Center is operated by Sam’s sons Buddy and Peter, who stress quality plants and merchandise, as did their dad. Perino’s grows all

Perino’s Garden Center

unique gifts and accessories for the home. Patio sets from Woodward, Summer Classics and Meadowcraft

of the annuals and perennials and many of the trees

are surrounded by lamps, chandeliers and creations from

and shrubs it sells. Loads of fresh plants are shipped in

many local artists. There is even a baby department.

daily from its Covington greenhouses to serve customers,

Perino’s manager, Tucker Bantom, says, “Our goal is

many of whom come from the northshore, Baton Rouge

to provide the best customer service and the best value in a

and Mississippi.

warm, inviting atmosphere.”

While you will be impressed by the freshness and beauty of the plants, don’t miss the inside, where buyer/ decorator Kim Bantom has created a vast assortment of

Perino’s Garden Center is located at 3100 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie. (504) 834-7888. perinos.com.

March-April 2012 119

RIVERVIEW CAMP COMES TO YOU! March 10 - 10am-4pm Lakeside Shopping Center March 17 - 10am-4pm Kids Day and Family Expo Castine Center March 20 - 3:30pm-5:30pm Franco’s Conference Room

ACTIVITIES Horseback Riding Swimming Ropes Course Tennis Canoeing Golf Basketball Gymnastics Dance Archery Arts & Crafts Outdoor Living Campfire Fun Rope Swing Volleyball Soccer Riflery Aerobics Chorus & Drama Trip Day Counselors-In-Training Climbing Tower River Water Blob Cheerleading Flag Twirling Sports Riverview Camp for Girls is a community where your daughters grow in confidence and maturity - all while having a great time in a safe, carefree and wholesome environment.

Susan and Larry Hooks, Owners and Directors • For more information, call (800) 882-0722. Riverview Camp for Girls, P.O. Box 299, Mentone, AL 35984 www.riverviewcamp.com

March 21 - 5:30pm-7:30pm Tchefuncta Country Club

LONG-TERM SESSSIONS 1st Session: June 10-June 22 2nd Session: June 24-July 6 3rd Session: July 8-July 20 4th Session: July 22-August 3 SHORT-TERM SESSIONS M Session: June 3-June 8 A Session: June 10-June 15 B Session: June 17-June 22 C Session: June 24-June 29 D Session: July 1-July 6 E Session: July 22- July 27 F Session: July 29-August 3

and their

People

Pompom the duck

AT A SMALL NURSERY on Lee Lane in downtown Covington, there is a larger-thanlife personality. Sporting a feathery crown, Pompom the Duck waddles around Lee Lane as if she owns the place. Ronda Laddin and Philip Mollere, owners of this diva duck, treat Pompom like a daughter. With her own room, specially designed seat in the car and delicately refined palate, Pompom has become part of their family. The only thing missing is the adoption paper.

As all good family members do, Pompom helps with maintenance around the store. She keeps the nursery, The Secret Garden, running like a well-oiled machine.

When she’s not entertaining customers, she’s nibbling weeds or ridding the garden of pesky insects. No need for insecticides and herbicides when an adorable duck can do the trick.

Ignoring her duck heritage, this princess of a duck loves to “bark” at passing dogs and keep watch for new customers.

by Jack Murphy

“If we are in the back and Pompom sees a customer, she will quack to let us know,” Ronda says. “Quack, quack, quack, bark, quack, quack!” Pompom always examines new customers from their shoes up. She follows them with a close eye and takes flight only when alarmed.

When Pompom isn’t keeping order over her domain, she loves to swim in her bright blue kiddie pool. She will welcome any youngster with open wings to share in her fun, and if they bring watermelon, they’ve stolen her heart.

Pompom is no ordinary duck. “She is a crested Indian Runner; that ball of feathers on her head is like a human having red hair,” Philip says. Pompom’s white tiara is caused by a recessive gene that displays itself only in the most special of cases.

And Pompom is indeed a very special case. “She always makes us smile,” says Ronda. “I never knew such a little duck could bring us so much joy.”

photos: ASHLEIGH SPARKS AND JACK MURPHY

Pets

Her Majesty Norah Rice Queen of the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws Reigning over the 16th annual Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws parade was Queen Norah Rice, a 3-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The theme of the parade on Mandeville’s lakefront was “Mardi Paws goes BARK IN TIME!” Queen Norah was born at Luxxar Cavaliers in Arlington, Texas, where she was registered as Luxxar Don’t Blink. Her sire was Champion Rooftop Stickwitu of Luxxar and her dam is Luxxar Lasting Memory. Norah’s grandfather won Best in Breed at Crufts in Birmingham, England, the world’s largest dog show. Her grandmother was a multiple Best in Show Winner.

Norah has lived with her human parents, Jennifer and Tim Rice, at Innisfree Farm in Folsom since she was 8 weeks old. She resides there with two other Luxxar Cavalier sisters, Molly and Brigid.

Norah’s favorite activities are retrieving tennis balls and playing keep-away and chase with Brigid, with Molly serving as umpire. All three girls also enjoy chasing rabbits and Canada geese at the farm and watching polo matches held there. Norah loves to lay by the fireplace and watch Saints and LSU football games, as well as horseracing. Her musical favorites are folk, Irish and opera. She especially enjoys the Saturday afternoon Live from the Met radio broadcasts.

The Mardi Paws parade serves animals and underprivileged and disabled children throughout St. Tammany Parish.

Proceeds benefit Have a Heart thru Art, Scott’s Wish and the St. Tammany Spay and Neuter Group.

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McDaniel-Hayes

photo: JASON & MIA CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

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McCade McDaniel and Heath Hayes celebrated their evening wedding at Houmas House Plantation. The bride’s wedding gown from Southern Bridal, which featured a princess-cut, sequinstudded bodice and a full-tulle bottom, was designed by Jennifer Pearse to complement the Southern setting. The bride was escorted by her father down the candlelit, orchid-adorned aisle to the sound of Scottish bagpipes. The couple celebrated with family and friends while enjoying delicious food and music by Dirty Play. After the festivities, the newlyweds made their way through sparklers and well-wishers to their getaway limo for a weeklong honeymoon in Las Vegas. They currently reside in Covington.

I N

photo: STUDIO TRAN PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Miltenberger-Haun

Conn-Minaldi The wedding of Dr. Ann Conn and Thad Minaldi was officiated by Rev. Ann Maxwell of Christ Episcopal Church at Tchefuncta Country Club. The couple had dated in the 1980s, while Ann was attending LSU and Thad had just finished LSU Law School. After their prior marriages ended, the couple reconnected and started dating again. In attendance at the ceremony were several old friends from their earlier courtship. The reception featured photos from their time together in the 1980s. The couple honeymooned on Vieques Island; they currently reside in Madisonville.

Cackey Miltenberger and Ryan Haun celebrated their wedding with family and friends at Trinity Church in Covington. The bride’s Sassi Holford trumpet-style strapless gown from Olivier Couture, featuring a vintage corsage on a satin sash, was accented by electric-blue suede pumps. The bridesmaids, carrying white tulips and greenery, wore black dresses of varying styles and blue-and-gold heels. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed an evening of dancing to the sounds of The Gumbo Trio followed

by Countdown Sound. A photo booth added a fun touch to the celebration at Tchefuncta Country Club. The couple honeymooned in Anguilla, B.W.I.

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Jessica Jones and Brandon Brewer were married at Vintage Court at sunset. The bride’s pearlcolored gown featured an ivory tissue taffeta-draped sweetheart bodice with rose detail. Her gown and Haute Bride jewelry, plus the bridesmaids’ short fuchsia dresses, were all from Olivier Couture. The bride’s engagement and wedding rings from De Boscq Jewelry featured a round diamond in an antique setting. After celebrating with family and friends, the newlyweds honeymooned in Cabo San Lucas. “It’s a wonderful feeling knowing I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend,” says the happy bride.

photo: KRISTIN AND HEATHER PHOTOGRAPHY

photo: MARC PAGANI PHOTOGRAPHY

Jones-Brewer

The wedding of Christine Caitlin Stryker and Anthony Scott Hustad was officiated by long-time family friend Jeffrey Williams underneath a 200-year-old oak tree at Vintage Court. The bride’s champagne-colored satin gown was accented with crystal beading. Friends and family traveled from all over the country to share in the union and to dance the night away with the bride and groom.

After a weekend filled with love, laughter and many festivities, the couple spent a week honeymooning on the quiet beaches of Orange Beach, Fla. They reside in Mandeville, where Anthony is the executive chef of Nuvolari’s Ristorante and Christine works as an executive office assistant at The Village Executive Office Suites.

Landry-Joffrion Lisé Landry and Matthew Joffrion were married at the Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel on St. Scholastica Academy’s campus.

The bride wore a Rivini strapless trumpet gown with scalloped lace, complemented by a glimmering crystal sash. The bridesmaids’ deep-blue chiffon dresses from Southern Bridal featured crisscross pleats on the bodice and a sweetheart neckline. After the ceremony, family and friends enjoyed signature cocktails and live music at Tchefuncta Country Club. The ballroom was draped in silk dupioni to create an intimate ambiance for the formal dinner that featured whimsical tablescapes. The newlyweds honeymooned in Mexico and will make their home in Covington.

photo: TYLER VANCE PHOTOGRAPHY

photo: BRITTANYANN PHOTOGRAPHY

Stryker-Hustad

March-April 2012 123

IN the Spotlight photo: JOEY MICHEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Mystic Krewe of Olympia

As Zeus and Queen Lauren LeQuesne Murphy reigned on Mt. Olympia, members of the Mystic Krewe of Olympia and their guests danced the night away at the Castine Center during the krewe’s 47th annual ball.

Attending Her Majesty were Maids Blakely Durand Brennan, Susan Elizabeth Broadbridge, Marjory Dayle Case, Madeline Claire Cristina, Melanie Holmberg Dutel, Anna Katherine Hardy France, Audrey Ellen Gitz, Nicole Marie Huguley, Olivia Joan Illing, Ashley Elise Lyon, Kaitlin Ellen Martin and Emily Grace Williamson.

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Ladies In Waiting were Mary Claire Ragland Dubreuil, Ann Baker Lagarde, Anna Ruth Mayronne, Margaret Claire Mayronne, Caroline Ann Pellegrini, Brittany Caitlyn Pierce, Landry Louise Rase, Lauren Elizabeth Richard, Sarah Claire Sanborn and Lillian Marie Stegen.

Pages to Their Majesties were Tanner Joseph Booth, Emerson Christopher Ambrose du Passage, Grant Edward Harrison and Ryan James Richard Jr.

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JUNO Les Femmes Mystique and her Serene Highness welcomed guests to their 46th annual Bal Tableau celebrating Rockin’ Women at the Castine Center.

Her Royal Highness Queen JUNO XLVI was joined by His Majesty King JUNO 2012, Mr. Wayne McCants. Pages to the royal couple were Halle and Hannah Boren.

Krewe members were costumed as musical mavens Dolly Parton, Cher, Lady Gaga and The Supremes and as the dancers of the Moulin Rouge. Following the grand processional, the Captain of JUNO and her officers offered a salute to the monarchs. Dancing then continued into the night.

yphoto.c MILLER www.abb photo: ABBY SANDS

Krewe of JUNO

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IN the Spotlight

March-April 2012 127

INside Peek Anna Papp, Bill Be nnett and Charley Strickland at the Inside Northside Meet the Artist Party at Martin Wine Cella r.

January-February Bobbi Chassaignac, Perea and n Rya ist IN Cover Art er. eim nh de Bo ina rist Ch

Ellen Bajon and Charlotte K night.

vin , Paul Riley, Ke , Hope Martin . er ui uq Cedric Martin Fa ill W Schilling and Raborn, Delia

Queen Elizabeth Hughs at the At henians Ball with her parent s, Julie and Sem mes Hughs.

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ubio and ng, Saul R o W n a ening th Jona grand op ng at the t. n ra Jason Wo au ller’s Rest of Rockefe

IN the Spotlight

photos: MARK ST. JAMES

Geaux Arts Ball

Art came to life at the St. Tammany Art Association’s Geaux Arts Ball. The event kicked off with music by the Monteleone Junior High School Jazz Band, classical solos from Fontainebleau High School students and professional music provided by the Carlo Ditta Band. Art and drama students from St. Tammany Parish schools created beautiful and skillfully crafted live tableaux, which featured works of art that explored the presence of “Mary” throughout various art movements. The presentations were encased in gold frames created by instructor Jeff Mickey and his sculpture students at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Participating schools were Fontainebleau High School, St. Scholastica Academy, St. Paul School, Mandeville Middle School, Covington High School, Lakeshore High School and Lake Harbor Middle School. In addition to the art and musical entertainment, guests enjoyed a silent auction and exquisite food donated by The Lakehouse, The English Tea Room and other area restaurants.

Proceeds from the event will fund the St. Tammany Art Association’s efforts to support the arts in our community.

INside Peek

r award West Chambe St. Tammany akota of y LaCour  D winners Kenn source Re of ht ig ick Kn Restaurant, D d Will rt Ethridge an Bank and Stua chex. et N of x au Boudre

Alberta Alley, Beau Thomp son and Mary Wilson enjoy a Mardi Gra s celebration at the Windsor Senior Cen ter.

Angel Hernande z, Tina Paretti and Kathy Williams at the West Chambe r 2012 Installation and Awards Banque t.

Send your submissions to peek@insidenorthside.com.

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a Norwood Queen Claudia Melind . ude Cla of we Kre of the

Tad Dowd w as one of more than 30 participants in Franco’s Annual Ice Man Dip & Dash, a 4-mile run and a 100-ya rd swim acro ss the Tchefunc te River that benefits ALS research.

Mad Men star, local d esigner an celebrates d author B the comple ryan Batt tion of two in Tchefun designer h cta Club Es ouses tates with Sharon Dru Colleen Haw cker. ley and

Kelli Binnings, Pa trice Senac and Tanya Everett at the Arab ella 10th anniversary event.

ecoming LSU’s Hom Corbin King Zach d an l el id of Sl Isom.

Queen Mo

Resource Bank Slidell branch manager Sheila Wagner (center) received an Ambassador Award from the East St. Tammany Chamber at the annual awards banquet; also pictured: Pat Campbell and Kelly Rodriguez.

March-April 2012 131

IN the Spotlight Krewe of Bilge

The Krewe of Bilge celebrated its 35th year at its coronation ball at the Northshore Harbor Center in Slidell.

Reigning over the evening’s festivities were King Neptune XXXII, Thomas Wyant Sr., and Queen Neptune XXVIII, Megan Messina.

Maids to the Queen were Taylor Scully, Heidi Dunne, Darian Varnado, Caitlin Bush, Megan Messina, Brooke Artigue and Taylor Artigue. Junior Maids were Megan Thiberville, Caroline Cenci, Rachel Collignon and Sadie Lewis. Ladies-in-Waiting were Emily Gentry, Emily Legnon, Kaylei Macdonald and Mollie Bush.

Attendants to the King and Queen were Laura Haag, Wyatt Lewis, Jackson Haag and Jacob Messina.

Members of the krewe continued their Carnival celebration February 4 with their “Countries of the World” boat parade along the Eden Isles canals.

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INside Peek

Archbish op Hann an High Sch ool senio r Lauren V oelker w as selected to be on the Louisian a Comp osite All-State Soccer team; pic tured wit h Assistan t Princip al Dr. Dona lyn Hassenb oehler.

al for Theatric na Center ia e is u m Lo So f “ o ce of The cast it performan f Rodgers Arts’ benef o s e Song Evening—Th ton Twardowski, Enchanted es W : ” n ei st er mmler, and Hamm herman Le et Sm y le sh A , er s n hri Carey.

Jan Gard shall and C Melissa Mar

ier it, Kent Boss er Leila Beno at ist in an M og s H l pu Jil Cam inator Events Coord l Mass ia or em and Special m e th n following the receptio nan. an H op ish for Archb

Mary Queen of Peace Pastor Fr. Ronnie Caulk ins and Office of Catholic Sch ools Associate Superin tendent Dr. Lisa Taylor along with Hannan parents Deann a Hollander, Tonya Booksh and Da rlene Sens.

With the he lp of SSA te acher Patric Carey, Katie e Cedor, se Magee, Ale niors Katie xis Welliver prepare for and Nicole their tributes Cerniglia to their dads .

Michael Froeba, Sh elby Guinot, Gail Be nson, Mason Caillouet, Sh elby Rase and Jake Doran at the reception follow ing the memorial Ma ss.

um at andler Mangr Philip and Ch nce. da r te gh er-Dau the SSA Fath

g off Chaix showin ll and Lindsay rro Me. Ca ow yn Kn itl t ors Ca vel, You Don’ Lakeshore juni ne School” no O ok Bo ne their new “O

y SSA senior Hadle r he d an en Mode dad, Dan, were ready to score a touchdown.

Sami Tabor and he r dad, Brent, enjoy the SS A Sports Spectacular FatherDaughter dinner da nce.

Send your submissions to peek@insidenorthside.com.

March-April 2012 135

IN the Spotlight Tchefuncte River Foundation Fundraiser

photos: JOHN JAY STUDIO

Over 300 guests enjoyed the Tchefuncte River Foundation’s Second Annual Fundraiser at Champagne Beverage Company. The sold-out event featured a silent auction, live music by Four Unplugged, an open bar and food from N’Tini’s and other local restaurants. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the donation of a 150-acre tract of land at the mouth of the Tchefuncte River

by David Vey and Rick Hartley of Lakeshore, LLC. The property will be used to return approximately 650 feet of beachfront to the east shoreline at the mouth of the river.

“The foundation cannot reach its goals without help and support from the community,” says Kyle Catalano, TRF president. “Acquiring the land is just the first step; we still need the monies to fund Phase One of the beach project.” For membership information or to view the plans for Phase One, visit ilovemyriver.com.

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Real Estate Spotlight

Up-tick in singlefamily home building WHILE THE REST OF THE COUNTRY slowly pulls itself out of the recession, St. Tammany Parish appears to be clawing its way out a bit faster. Single-family permits increased 13.66 percent from 2010 to 2011. The trend is also very positive for the last four months, during which the averages were at a two-year peak.

In 2009, DSLD Homes entered the West St Tammany market. Since February 2010, it has averaged close to 11 home sales per month, with an 18.5 percent market share of all new single-family construction in the parish last year.

While the MLS data below doesn’t give the entire picture, it does give an excellent indication of recent trends for new construction.

The “sweet spot” for housing sales is in the $180,000 to $200,000 range, where the majority of the sales occurred and the marketing times were shortest. Success breeds competition, and it appears that national builder D. R. Horton will soon be moving into the market. Overall, the outlook for new-home sales is on the up-tick.

Data courtesy of the New Orleans Board of REALTORS. March-April 2012 137

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INside Dining MCC: Major credit cards accepted ME: Menu Express delivery RR: Reservations recommended ABITA SPRINGS Abita Barbecue, 69399 Hwy. 59, 8920205. Ribs, brisket, chicken, pulled pork and boudin. MCC. Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St., 8925837. On the Trace. Good food, great beer.

Lunch, dinner. MCC. Abita Springs Café, 22132 Level St., 8679950. Southern cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tue-Sun. MCC. Breakaway Cafe, 71667 Leveson St., 809-8998. Tue-Sat 10am-5pm.

Camellia Café, 69455 Hwy. 59, 8096313. Traditional seafood and New Orleans cuisine. MCC. Mama D’s Pizza & More, 22054 Hwy. 59, 809-0308. Great pizza, sandwiches, pasta, fresh homemade bread. Lunch, dinner.

COVINGTON 407 North, 407 N. Columbia St., 809-3131.

Seafood, steaks, sandwiches. Lunch and dinner Mon-Fri; dinner Sat. MCC. Acme Oyster House, 1202 Hwy. 190, 246-6155. Established 1910 in New Orleans, 1995 on northshore. Seafood, sandwiches, local favorites. Lunch, dinner. MCC. Albasha, 1958 Hwy. 190, 867-8292.

Mediterranean cuisine. MCC. Annadele’s Plantation, 71518 Chestnut St., 809-7669. Yellow fin tuna, domestic lamb & much more. MCC, checks.

Bear’s Restaurant, 128 W. 21st St., 8922373. Best po-boys in the world.

Bonefish Grill, 200 River Highlands Blvd., 809-0662. Specializing in market-fresh fish cooked to perfection over a wood-burning grill. bonefishgrill.com. MCC. Buster’s Place, 519 E. Boston St., 8093880. Seafood, po-boys, steaks. Lunch, dinner. MCC. Carreta’s Grill, 70380 Hwy. 21, 871-6674.

Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served in a family friendly atmosphere for lunch and dinner. MCC. Cheesesteak Bistro, The, 528 N. Columbia St., Covington, 875-9793. Original cheesesteak sandwiches, soups, salads, gumbo and super spuds. Breakfast, lunch.

All under $10. MCC, checks.

The Chimes, 19130 West Front St., 8925396. Lunch and dinner. MCC. Coffee Rani, 234-A Lee Ln., 893-6158.

Soup and salad specialists.

Columbia St. Seafood, 1123 N. Columbia St., 893-4312. Seafood platters and po-boys.

Columbia St. Tap Room & Grill, 434 N. Columbia St., 898-0899. Daily specials, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, soups and burgers. Live music Thurs-Sat nights.

Lunch, dinner. MCC, ME.

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

Authentic New Orleans cuisine. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Online take-out orders at copelandsofneworleans.com.

MCC, ME, RR. Dakota Restaurant, 629 N. Hwy. 190, 8923712. Contemporary Louisiana cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients. MCC, RR. Del Porto Restaurant, 501 E. Boston St., 875-1006. Northern Italian cuisine. MCC, RR. Di Martino’s, 700 S. Tyler St., 276-6460.

Great food and reasonable prices. Lunch, dinner. MCC. DiCristina’s Restaurant, 810 N. Columbia St., Suite C, 875-0160. Conveniently located next to the new Covington Courthouse.

Italian and seafood. MCC. Don’s Seafood Hut, 126 Lake Drive, 3277111. Lunch and dinner. MCC. Downtown Drugs with the Original Soda Fountain & Café Cabaret, 322 N. Florida St., 892-7220. Nostalgic soda fountain for lunch and after school, six days a week.

El Portal, 1200 Business 190, 867-5367.

English Tea Room, The, 734 Rutland St., 898-3988. Authentic English cream teas. Special event teas, English scones, crumpets and cakes. Serving breakfast and lunch. Mon-Sat 7:30am-6pm. englishtearoom.com. MCC, RR. Four Seasons Chinese Buffet, 600 N. Hwy. 190, 893-3866. MCC. Gallagher’s Grill, 509 S. Tyler St., 8929992. Lunch and dinner, Tue-Sat. MCC. RR. Isabella’s Pizzeria, 70452 Hwy. 21, Suite 500, 875-7620; 1331 Hwy. 190, 809-1900.

Salads, gourmet pizza, sandwiches, paninis, calzones and pasta.

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

Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in or carry out. MCC, checks.

Jerk’s Island Grill & Daiquiri Bar, 70347 Hwy. 21, 893-1380. JerksIslandGrill.com.

Lola, 517 N. New Hampshire St., 8924992.

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

McAlister’s Deli, 206 Lake Dr., Suite 15, 898-2800. Great sandwiches, salads, overstuffed potatoes. MCC, checks.

Megumi of Covington, 1211 Village Walk, 893-0406.

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers, 1645 Hwy. 190, 327-5407. Salads, pizzas, calzones. MCC. mellowmushroom.com.

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

New Orleans Food and Spirits, 208 Lee Ln., 875-0432. Grilled fish, smothered rabbit and voodoo crawfish rolls. Family owned and operated. MCC.

i Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery and Caffè, 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste. 5, 8931488. Italian bakery items, luncheon salads, soups and sandwiches. MCC. North Island Chinese, 842 N. Collins Blvd., 867-8289.

Northshore Empress, 31 Louis Prima Dr., 871-6975.

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

Osaka West Japanese Restaurant, 804 N. Hwy. 190, 875-0409.

Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun Deli, 1248 Collins Blvd., 892-7287. Jambalaya, gumbo, stuffed artichokes. MCC, checks, ME. PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 70456 Hwy. 21, 875-7894. Catch your morning buzz at this convenient drive-thru! Catering. MCC. Pizza Man of Covington, 1248 N. Collins Blvd., 892-9874. Checks, ME. Sage Café, 501 N. Hwy. 190, 893-3580.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared from scratch with attention to detail. Drink specials. MCC. Sala Thai, 315 N. Vermont St., 249-6990.

Schwing’s Restaurant, 1204 W. 21st Ave., 893-1899. Fresh seafood and home cooking. MCC. Sicily’s Pizza, 301 N. Hwy. 190, 893-0005.

Pizza, lasagna, salad bar, dessert pizzas.

MCC, ME. Sweet Daddy’s, 420 S. Tyler St., 8982166. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs. MCC, ME. Thai Chili, 1102 N. Hwy. 190, 809-0180.

Thai Spice, 1531 N. Hwy. 190, 809-6483.

Thai Taste, 1005 Collins Blvd., 809-7886.

Thai Thai, 1536 N. Hwy. 190, 809-8905.

Vasquez Seafood & Po-Boys, 515 E. Boston St., 893-9336. Cuban sandwiches and more. MCC, checks, ME. Yujin Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, 323 N. New Hampshire St., 809-3840.

Japanese cuisine and sushi in a casual atmosphere. MCC. Zea Rotisserie & Grill, 110 Lake Dr., 3270520. Inspired American food. MCC. HAMMOND Adobe Cantina & Salsa, 1905 W. Thomas St., 419-0027. Fine Mexican cuisine, good spirits, great friends and fun. Ceviche (marinated fish) and Mexican pasta. Live band. adoberestaurant.com. MCC. Brady’s, 110 Southwest Railroad Ave., 542-6333.

Cocoa Bean Bakery and Cafe, 910 E. Main St., 345-2002. Specialty cakes, pastries. Serving breakfast and light lunch.

Specials. thecocoabeanbakery.com. MCC. Don’s Seafood & Steak House, 1915 S. Morrison Blvd., 345-8550. MCC.

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Hon Yum Chinese Restaurant, 1905 W. Thomas St., 230-0888. Chicken, shrimp, tofu specialties. Lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.

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

Casual fine dining. Lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.

Kirin Sushi, 223 S. Cate St., 5428888. First Japanese sushi restaurant in Hammond! Dragon roll, Kirin roll, sake.

MCC. La Carreta Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 108 N.W Railroad Ave., 4199990. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh food from traditional recipes, outstanding service and value. Live music. Lunch, dinner, seven days a week. MCC. Old MacDonald’s Smokehouse, 1601 N. Morrison Blvd., 542-7529. BBQ brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage. MCC, checks.

Pepper Tree Grill and Bar, 2037 W. Thomas St., 345-5525. MCC, checks.

Tommy’s Pizza, 2105 N. Morrison Blvd., 345-9726. Pizza, pastas. Lunch, dinner.

MCC, checks.

Tope là, 104 N. Cate St., 542-7600.

Contemporary delights. MCC. Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 2100 N. Morrison Blvd., 345-6789. Innovative quality Chinese food served in Imperial surroundings. MCC, checks.

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2108 W. Thomas St., 345-1131. “Taste our Magic.” MCC. Yellow Bird Café, 222 E. Charles St., 345-1112. A great place to start your day.

Breakfast, lunch. MCC, checks.

LACOMBE Janie Brown’s Restaurant, 27207 Hwy. 190, 882-7201. Casual dining with a great atmosphere. MCC, checks.

La Provence Restaurant, 25020 Hwy. 190, 626-7662. Owner John Besh combines hospitality with French cuisine and welcoming hearths. Dinner, Sunday brunch.

MCC, checks. RR. Sal & Judy’s, Hwy. 190, 882-9443. Great food and line of retail products. Family owned for 27 years. Veal is the house specialty. MCC, RR. MADISONVILLE Cafe Madisonville, 410 Covington Hwy., 792-4506. Soups, salads, sandwiches and lunch specials.

Coffee’s Boiling Pot, 305 Old Covington Hwy., 845-2348. Boiled seafood in a family atmosphere.

Friends Coastal Restaurant, 407 St. Tammany St., 845-7303. Key West meets New Orleans in this island casual dining atmosphere. Lunch, dinner. MCC. RR. Frog’s Pizzeria, 302 Hwy. 22, 845-9500.

Keith Young’s Steakhouse, 165 Hwy. 21, 845-9940. Steak, crab cakes. Lunch TuesFri, dinner. MCC. Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar, 702 Water St., 845-4970. Relaxed atmosphere, seafood, daily specials.

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Water St. Bistro, 804 Water St., 845-3855. Casual ambiance on the Tchefuncte. Lunch, dinner Wed-Sun. MCC. MANDEVILLE Barley Oak, The, 2101 Lakeshore Dr. 727-7420. Serving 130 styles of beer, call and premium liquors and lunch and dinner. thebarleyoak.com. MCC. Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 1809 N. Causeway Blvd., 674-9090. Bear’s po-boys and more. MCC. Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 Lovers Ln., 626-4557. Traditional New Orleans cuisine.

Dinner, Sunday brunch. MCC. Bosco’s Italian Café, 2040 Highway 59, 624-5066.

Broken Egg Café, 200 Gerard St., 6243388. Excellent choice for brunch! Pasta, specialty salads, sandwiches. MCC. Café Lynn Restaurant and Catering, 3051 E. Causeway App., 624-9007.

Casual fine dining for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch by Chef Joey Najolia.

MCC. Casa Garcia, 800 N. Causeway Blvd., 951-8226. Redefining Mexican food one meal at a time. MCC. Causeway Café, 527 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-9997. MCC. Chili’s Bar & Grill, 3420 Hwy. 190, 7272771. Fajitas and the Awesome Blossom.

Lunch, dinner. MCC, ME.

Juniper, 301 Lafitte St., 624-5330.

Progressive Creole cuisine. Lunch, dinner, brunch. MCC, checks.

K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 6260530. Featuring Louisiana seafood. kgeesrestaurant.com. MCC. Kickstand Café and Bike Rental, 690 Lafitte St., 626-9300.

La Carreta Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 1200 W. Causeway App., 624-2990. Festive Mexican atmosphere, fresh food from traditional recipes, outstanding service and value.

Live music. Lunch, dinner, seven days a week. MCC. La Madeleine French Cafe, 3434 Hwy. 190, 626-7004.

The Lakehouse, 2025 Lakeshore Dr., 626-3006, events 807-5014.

Restaurant and special events venue open 7 days for private events.

Dinner, Thurs.-Sat. Sunday brunch.

Lakehousecuisine.com. MCC Little Tokyo, 590 Asbury Dr., 727-1532.

Louie & The Redhead Lady, 1851 Florida St., 626-8101.

Macaroni Grill, 3410 Hwy. 190, 7271998. Penne rustica, pasta Milano, other Italian favorites. Lunch, dinner. MCC, ME. Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App., 6269047. Serving breakfast and lunch, daily specials.

Coscino’s Pizza, 1817 N. Causeway Blvd., 727-4984. New York hand-tossed pizza and Italian foods cooked on stone using the finest ingredients. MCC.

Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in Azalea Square Shopping Center, 674-9883.

Seafood, Creole and Italian. Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat.

Country Kitchen, 2109 Florida St., 6265375.

Maw Maw’s, 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., Ste. 11, 727-7727. Soups, salads, stuffed potatoes, sandwiches, po-boys.

Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse, 1841 N. Causeway Blvd., 6249704. Fresh fish daily, aged beef, traditional Italian. Lunch, dinner.

MCC, ME, RR. Franco’s Grill,100 Bon Temps Roule, 792-0200. Fresh organic foods for breakfast, lunch and takeout. MCC. George’s Mexican Restaurant, 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4342. Family owned. Fajitas, George’s nachos, Carne al la Parrilla. Best top-shelf margaritas in town. MCC, ME. Gio’s Villa Vancheri, 2890 E. Causeway App., 624-2597. Sicilian specialties by 5-star chef Gio Vancheri. Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. MCC. RR. Hong Kong Restaurant, 2890 E. Causeway App., 626-8222. MCC. Isabella’s Pizzeria, 2660 Florida St. (in the Florida Street Market), 674-5700.

Salads, gourmet pizza, sandwiches, paninis, calzones and pasta.

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

Inside Northside

Izumi, 2660 Florida St., 624-8664. Sushi, Japanese specialties. MCC.

Coffee Rani, 3517 Hwy. 190, 674-0560.

Soup and salad specialists.

Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59., 8092929. Breakfast, lunch Sun.-Fri. MCC.

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Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in or carry out. MCC, checks.

Maxein’s Coffee House, 115 Girod St., 626-9318.

Megumi Japanese Cuisine, 4700 Hwy. 22, Suite 11&12, 845-1644. Yakimono and sushi bar. Lunch, dinner.

MiMamacita’s New Mexican Cuisine, 2345 Florida St., 674-1400. Great food and margaritas. Lunch, dinner, catering.

MCC. Monster Po-Boys, 1814 N. Causeway App., 626-9183. Lunch, dinner.

N’Tini’s, 2891 N. Hwy. 190, 626-5566.

Steaks, martinis. Lunch specials. Mon.-Sat. MCC. Nuvolari’s, 246 Girod St., 626-5619. In Old Mandeville. Gnocchi, escargot, filet mignon, linguini fruta di mare. Dinner.

MCC. Pal’s Ice Cream and Yogurt Shop, 2201 Eleventh St., 626-0293.

“Only 8” all-natural no-fat yogurt, banana splits, smoothies. Soups, sandwiches. MCC. Petunia’s Place, 2020 Hwy. 59, 6743436.

i PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy. 190, 674-1565. Catch your morning buzz at this convenient drive-thru! Catering. MCC. The Pointe, 2223 North Causeway Blvd., 626-1315. atthepointe.net. MCC Rag’s Old Fashioned Po-Boys, 4960 Hwy. 22, 792-1744. Herbie roast beef with Swiss and ham, muffalettas. MCC, checks, ME. Rip’s on the Lake, 1917 Lakeshore Dr., 727-2829.

Ristorante Carmelo & Pizzaria, 1901 Hwy. 190, 624-4844. Family-oriented Italian cuisine. Lunch and dinner. MCC. Rusty Pelican, 500 Girod St., 778-0364.

Lunch, dinner. MCC. Sake Gardens Japanese Restaurant, 1705 Hwy. 190, 624-8955.

Sesame Inn, 408 N. Causeway Blvd., 951-8888. Finest Chinese cuisine.

Shuck & Jive, 643 Lotus Drive, 6261534. shucknjivemandeville.com. MCC Smoothie King, 1830 W. Causeway App., 626-9159. Smoothies. MCC, checks.

Subway, 1665 Hwy. 190, 674-0733.

Sandwiches, salads. Low-fat available.

MCC. Sweet Daddy’s, 2534 Florida St., 6260208. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs. MCC, ME. Taqueria Noria, 1931 Hwy. 59, 7277917. Lunch, dinner.

Times Bar & Grill, 1896 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-1161. Famous hamburgers, starters, steaks and more. Lunch, dinner.

ME, MCC. Trey Yuen Cuisine of China, 600 N. Causeway Blvd., 626-4476. Quality China cuisine with Louisiana flair. Lunch, dinner.

MCC, checks.

Vianne’s Tea House, 544 Girod St., 624-5683. A full café menu with over 120 loose leaf and speciality teas. Breakfast, lunch. MCC. Vigroux Po-Boys, 2625 Florida St., 2317314. Lunch, dinner.

VooDoo BBQ & Grill, 2999 Hwy. 190 E., 629-2021. “Taste our Magic.” MCC. Zydeco Café, 68480 Hwy. 59, 871-8748.

Po-boys, pasta, burgers and more.

PONCHATOULA Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant, 30160 Hwy. 51, 386-6666.

Rockefeller’s, 147 N.W. Railroad Ave., 370-0930. Fresh, global, vibrant cuisine. Open 7 days a week. rockefellersrestaurant.com MCC. Sister’s Coffeehouse & Cafe, 18440 Hwy. 22 E., 370-9424. Warm, friendly atmosphere, unique food, gourmet coffees, teas. MCC, checks.

Taste of Bavaria Restaurant & Bakery, 14476 Hwy. 22, 3863634. Charming Bavarian bungalow, European-style breakfast, German-style

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lunch. MCC, checks.

SLIDELL A Touch of Italy Café, 134 Pennsylvania Ave., 645-0084. Seafood, veal, steaks, daily specials. Lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.

Assunta’s, 2631 Hwy. 190 W., 6499768. Italian food, extensive wine selection.

Dinner. MCC, checks.

Bear’s Grill & Spirits, 550 Gause Blvd.

201-8905. Bear’s po-boys and more.

MCC. Bistro de la Reine, 2306 Front St., 2884166. Sunday brunch, live entertainment, fine wines and spirits. Open seven days a week. MCC. Camellia Cafe, 525 Hwy. 190, 649-6211.

Traditional seafood and New Orleans cuisine. MCC. Carreta’s Grill, 137 Taos St., 847-0020. Great Mexican cuisine and margaritas served in a familyfriendly atmosphere for lunch and dinner. MCC. Eddie D’s, 39510 Hwy. 190 E., 8471000.

Java Jungle, 1071 Robert Blvd., 6490380. Specialty coffees, casual dining, lush tropical setting. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

MCC, checks.

KY’s Olde Towne Bicycle Shop, 2267 Carey St., 641-1911. Casual dining in former bicycle shop. Kids’ menu. Lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.

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

Meet under the water tower for Ahhhfullwaffles, Sugar Watcher specials. Breakfast, lunch. MCC, checks.

Mandina’s, 2111 Gause Blvd., 690-6679.

Seafood, Creole and Italian. Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat. Michael’s, 4820 Pontchartrain Dr., 649-8055. Steaks, seafood, veal, duck, eggplant au gratin. Extensive wine selection. Dinner.

Palmettos on the Bayou, 1901 Bayou Ln., 643-0050.

Phil’s Marina Café, 1194 Harbor Dr., 641-0464.

Shenanigans Irish Pub & Fare, 2165 W. Gause Blvd. Authentic Irish food, drink and entertainment in a traditional pub atmosphere.

Smoothie King, 150 Northshore Blvd., 781-3456. Low-fat health drinks. MCC, checks.

Steak Out, 1325 Gause Blvd., 645-8646.

Eat in or delivered to you. MCC. Tacos and Beer, 2142 Front St., 6414969. Lunch, dinner and late-night.

Times Bar & Grill, 1827 Front St. 6393335. Famous hamburgers, starters, steaks and more. Lunch, dinner. ME, MCC. Wine Market, The, 2051 E. Gause Blvd., 781-1177. Deli restaurant, lunch, 11-3pm.

Sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps. MCC and checks.

Young’s Restaurant, 850 Robert Blvd., 643-9331. Steaks, seafood, nice wine selection. Dinner. MCC, checks.

March-April 2012 143

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Inside Northside

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ADVERTISER...............................CONTACT INFO PAGE Galerie d’Art Francais.................504-581-6920 70 Georgian Furnishing Berger Home.....504-733-4141 130 Girl Scout Gala...........................504-355-5875 140 GNO Property Management.......504-525-2985 138 Grapevine............ grapevinegiftsandgallery.com 96 Greg’s Pools and Spas................985-643-0484 119 Hadar Hermani Waldman MD.....985-892-1111 71 Hestia Luxury in Linens...............985-893-0490 77 Historic New Orleans Collection.. 504-598-7170 56 Honda of Covington...................985-892-0001 IFC Huntington Learning Center.......985-727-0000 37 Inn on Bourbon, The...................800-535-7891 24 Integrity Builders Inc...................985-626-3479 29 Istre Hearing Care......................985-845-3509 34 Izabella’s Villa............................985-649-5060 3 Jerry Coogan..............................985-626-9570 65 Jim Stone Co.............................jimstoneco.com 114 Jos. A. Bank................................985-624-4067 19 K. Gee’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar.985-626-0530 142 KentJacob Color Salon................985-845-8011 91 Kristin and Heather Photography ...................................... kristinandheather.com 123 La Carreta..................................985-624-2990 142 La Pavers...................................504-731-8755 73, 118 Lake After Hours.........................985-375-9979 25 Lakehouse, The...........................985-626-3006 19 Lakeshore Surgical Specialists.....985-892-8959 59 Lakeside Shopping Center..........504-835-8000 7 Lakeview Regional Medical Center....985-867-3800 IBC Latter & Blum, Jennifer Rice.......985-892-1478 137 L’avantage Salon........................985-249-7575 144 LCI Workers Comp......................985-612-1230 133 Louisiana Artists Gallery, The.......985-624-7903 6 Louisiana Heart Center...............985-649-2700 31 Louisiana Medical Center & Heart Hospital ................................louisianahearhospital.com 44 M. Celeste Lagarde, MD.............985-898-0589 69, 80, 81 Mandeville Party Co....................985-674-1605 118 Martin Wine Cellar................... martinwine.com 131 Mix, The.....................................985-727-7649 100 MoreSmiles-Dr. Jim Moreau .......985-809-7645 75 Moseley’s Fine Jewelers..............985-626-5098 76 Nancy Robbins.....985-727-4565, 985-789-5770 90 Newman Comprehensive, OB/GYN.....985-249-1224 65 Noah’s Restoration LLC..............504-466-4073 134 NOLA Lending Group, LLC..........985-951-8479 102 North American Insurance Agency.....985-871-5480 34 NORTH Institute, The..................985-871-4114 4 North Oaks Health System........... northoaks.org 17 North Shore Square Mall............985-646-0664 11 Northlake Periodontics...............985-727-1133 82 Northshore Dermatology ...........985-792-5959 16 Northshore Garden Show...........985-875-2635 69 N’Tini’s Restaurant.....................985-626-5566 144 Nuvolari’s...................................985-626-5619 63 Olivier Couture, A Bridal Boutique....985-674-6994 12 Outdoor Living Center................985-893-8008 107 Paisley.......................................985-727-7880 99

ADVERTISER...............................CONTACT INFO PAGE Pan American Power...................985-893-1271 47 Paretti Jaguar.....866-751-0237, 504-456-7558 21 Pelican, The - Al Guichet.............985-893-3310 139 Perino’s Garden Center...............504-834-7888 119 Pilates Plus Covington................985-892-4958 48 Pine Grove Lighting & Electrical Supply .................................................985-893-4003 138 Pinnacle Mortgage Group, LLC...985-727-0755 138 Play and Learn Northshore Academy......985-674-7744 74 Precision Sewing Machines.........985-249-6156 100 Premier Pools and Spas..............985-612-1250 144 Private Beach.............................985-237-6040 100 Purple Armadillo Again........ purplearmadillo.net 99 Rab, Dr. Tahseen.........................985-340-7868 89 Reagan, Reagan & Gitz..............985-809-6505 56 Rehab Dynamics ........................985-871-7878 89 Reine Diamonds & Fine Jewelry......985-201-7415 52 Resource Bank.................. bankonresource.com 37 Richard Celentano, MD...............985-898-0589 80, 81 Riverland Landscape Design & Services .................................................985-727-0596 110 Riverview Camp for Girls............800-882-0722 120 Rodan & Fields Dermatologists......985-966-6475 144 Ruffino Custom Closets..............985-809-7623 28 Rug Chic....................................985-674-1070 85 Saia’s.........................................985-626-9724 140 St. Charles Vision Outlet.............985-626-8103 33 St. Joseph Abbey Gift Shop..... saintjosephabbey.com 20 St. Scholastica Falaya Fling.........985-892-2540 134 St. Tammany Parish Hospital.......985-898-4000 126 Saks Fifth Ave.............................504-524-2200 5 Sala Thai....................................985-249-6990 143 Seven Wonders............. 7wondersfurniture.com 60 Shannon Summersgill CPA..........985-951-9138 17 ShoefflÈ........................................ shoeffle.com 99 Shofstahl Law Firm.....................985-674-1801 43 Silver Plum, The and 1, 2, Buckle My Shoe .................................................985-674-4343 95 Simplee Gourmet.......................985-892-8370 56 Simply Southern.........................985-871-1466 77 Slidell Memorial Hospital......slidellmemorial.org 23 Snow Financial Group................985-792-5232 35 Southern Bridal..........................985-727-2993 123 Southland Plumbing Supply, Inc......985-893-8883 62 Speedway Printing......................985-626-0032 134 State Farm Insurance, CJ Ladner.....985-892-5030 134 Steve’s RV..................................985-882-9911 47 Stone Source..............................985-892-0695 110 Tchefuncte River home for sale....225-933-4604 137 Three Divas and a Sugardaddy....985-288-5550 25 Venous & Arterial Surgery Clinic....985-893-5958 74 Viking Cooking School...............225-906-5882 60 Villa, The....................................985-626-9797 100 Village Executive Office Suites, The......985-727-6700 118 Vintage Court............................985-871-0495 21 VooDoo BBQ & Grill...................985-629-2021 144 Welcome Home and garden.......985-893-3933 73 Youth Service Bureau..................985-893-2570 79 March-April 2012 145

Paul Murphy of Nuvolari’s, Jacmel Inn and Brady’s

PAUL MURPHY has been wrangling restaurants for 35 years. With two properties in Hammond—Jacmel Inn and Brady’s—and one, Nuvolari’s, in Mandeville, he pretty much has the northshore covered.

A transplant from a more northern clime—he’s been around here long enough that it would be rude to call him a Yankee— Paul became affixed to the northshore in the 1970s after his 20-something, collegiate “wander years” out West in school, tending bar and cooking in restaurants. He came to Hammond 146

Inside Northside

by Stephen Faure

and met up with his brother, Richard, who was attending what was then Southeastern Louisiana College. They were joined in 1976 by their friend and business partner Rick Colucci.

In 1977, Paul, Richard and Rick decided to start a restaurant.

With a little capital and a lot of sweat equity, they renovated a spacious but run-down residence in Hammond and transformed it into the Jacmel Inn. “It was something that hadn’t been seen before, at least in Tangipahoa Parish. We didn’t even have a deep-fat fryer. We were doing dishes like bouillabaisse, Alaskan king crab, redfish with crabmeat, Creole specialties and roast duckling. We had a diverse, more contemporary menu, way beyond what was being presented locally.”

Three years later, the team renovated another historic building, on Railroad Avenue, and opened Brady’s, which has a more casual and more affordable menu.

Unfortunately, Richard passed away in 1982. (The Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation was founded in his memory.) Paul and Rick pressed on.

Paul indulged his passion for sailboat racing at the Pontchartrain Yacht Club in Mandeville. “There were a lot of great people at the club—I have a lot of good friends there today—and I was enamored with the idea of opening a restaurant in Mandeville.”

He and Rick acquired and set about renovating the Prieto Grocery building on Girod Street with the help of Tim Eihausen and Wallace Simmons. Named after legendary Italian racecar driver Tazio Nuvolari, Nuvolari’s opened in 1983. “I had met Tim in Colorado and talked him into coming down; Wallace had worked for us in Hammond. We couldn’t have done it without those guys,” Paul says. Tim was Nuvolari’s first chef, and Wallace has managed the restaurant ever since.

While all of the restaurants share common threads, each one offers diners its own attractions. Nuvolari’s is Italian-inspired fine dining, Jacmel Inn is Caribbean/Creole and Brady’s focus is American casual. “They’re all different by design,” says Paul. “Instead of having the same concept 60 or 100 miles apart, customers can travel a short distance to enjoy different experiences and different prices.”

Jacmel Inn is located at 903 E. Morris St. in Hammond, 542-0043; Brady’s at 110 Southwest Railroad Ave. in Hammond, 542-6333; and Nuvolari’s at 246 Girod St. in Mandeville, 626-5619.

photo: THOMAS B. GROWDEN

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