Exploring Mandeville
July stirs something in the soul, doesn’t it?
Maybe it’s the warmth in the air, the shimmer on the lake, or the scent of magnolia carried on a breeze. But this time of year calls us—out of the routine, out of the house, and into the beauty of what’s around us. This month, we invite you to explore.
Explore your town. Your story. Your marriage. Your faith.
In this issue, we take a step into local history by celebrating the 175th anniversary of Our Lady of the Lake, the beloved Roman Catholic Church that has stood watch over Mandeville’s lakefront since 1850. It’s more than a building—it’s a spiritual anchor, a cultural landmark, and a testament to what time, tradition, and faith can build.
We’re also exploring the art of communication through "Fair Fighting," an online marriage seminar designed to help couples resolve conflict and grow stronger together—even in the heat of disagreement.
Of course, exploration can be playful, too. You’ll find easy DIYs that add color and creativity to your summer days—like a cheerful beach ball garland or a watermelon cake almost too pretty to slice. And don’t miss our favorite way to beat the heat: creative ice cubes, from raspberry lemonade to coffee cubes for your iced brew. Refreshing has never looked so beautiful.
This month’s Business Monthly offers timely offerings and seasonal services from local businesses you’ll want to know about, and our Events calendar is your guide to what’s happening this July in Mandeville and across the Northshore. From fireworks to farmers markets, there’s something worth exploring every week.
Whether your summer leads you to wander far from our streets or simply to wonder at what’s been here all along, may this issue invite you to raise your gaze a little higher. Here’s to exploring what lasts—above, around, and within.
Warmly,
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Rebecca George | rebecca.george@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Christian George | christian.george@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Christian George | christian.george@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Christian George | christian.george@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Christian George, Rebecca George, Bailey Hall, Leann Parker
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church, Leann Parker
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
inside the issue
business monthly
Organizing With Leslie Empowers Clients to Transform Chaos into Calm
Organizing With Leslie, founded by professional organizer and lifestyle coach Leslie Cuti, offers in-person and virtual services to help clients declutter, streamline routines, and create sustainable systems at home, in business, or during life transitions. From organizing kitchens and closets to managing paperwork and productivity, Leslie tailors each session to meet her clients’ unique needs. Serving the Northshore and beyond, her compassionate approach empowers clients to reclaim peace, clarity, and control. Get started at organizingwithleslie.com.
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Online Marriage Seminar Helps Couples Turn Conflict into Connection
Join Dr. Jerry Pounds of Concierge Counseling of Mandeville for “Fair Fighting: How to Resolve Conflicts and Communicate Effectively for a Stronger, Healthier Marriage”—an online seminar on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM CDT. Couples will learn practical tools to navigate conflict, rebuild trust, and deepen connection—all from the comfort of home. Early bird registration is $57, and a recorded replay will be available. Space is limited. Visit ccmandeville.com to register.
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Hollrah Wellness & Aesthetics Offers Personalized Wellness and Aesthetic Services
Hollrah Wellness & Aesthetics, founded by registered nurse Carly Hollrah, is a modern medical aesthetics and wellness sanctuary specializing in whole-patient care and anti-aging. With services including Botox/Dysport, filler, ZO Skincare, body contouring, and hormone therapy, Hollrah delivers results-driven treatments tailored to each client. Their expert team supports skin health through evidence-based procedures and medical-grade products. Dedicated to holistic care, Hollrah Wellness helps clients feel their best—inside and out. Learn more at hollrahwellness.com.
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ARTICLE BY REBECCA GEORGE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
DR. JERRY POUNDS GIVES COUPLES THE SKILLS THEY NEED TO TURN CONFLICT INTO CLOSENESS—RIGHT FROM THE COMFORT OF HOME
FAIR FIGHTING
Imagine your marriage where disagreements bring you closer together instead of driving you apart. Where even the hardest conversations are met with calm, respect, and care. When you learn to fight fair, you don’t just resolve conflict—you build trust, deepen con-
just how committed you are to making it work.”
With over 40 years of experience in counseling, writing, and speaking, Dr. Pounds brings a lifetime of wisdom to this two-hour event.
A Licensed Professional Counselor in
“FIGHTING FAIR MEANS PROTECTING THE RELATIONSHIP, NOT JUST PROVING A POINT.”
nection, and remind yourselves that you’re on the same team.
On the evening of Friday, August 15, couples across the Northshore—and beyond—will gather from the comfort of their own homes for an online marriage seminar that promises to be as practical as it is powerful.
Hosted by Dr. Jerry Pounds of Concierge Counseling of Mandeville, “Fair Fighting: How to Resolve Conflicts and Communicate Effectively for a Stronger, Healthier Marriage” offers couples a rare opportunity to confront one of marriage’s most challenging realities: conflict.
TURNING CONFLICT INTO CONNECTION
This isn’t your typical clinical Zoom session. It’s relaxed, real, and designed for everyone—from newlyweds still learning each other’s rhythms to longtime spouses ready to refresh and re-strengthen their bond.
“In every marriage,” says Dr. Pounds, “there will be disagreements. That doesn’t mean your relationship is broken. In fact, how you fight may reveal
multiple states and an EMDR Certified Therapist, Dr. Pounds was born and raised in New Orleans. He received his bachelor’s degree from Samford University, a master’s from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and his doctorate in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University.
But what makes him most compelling isn’t his résumé—it’s his heart for couples and his belief that even long-standing conflict can become a doorway to deeper intimacy.
A MARRIAGE BUILT TO LAST
Dr. Pounds and his wife, Bayne, met as college freshmen and just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on a family cruise to Alaska—a testament to the enduring power of commitment and healthy communication.
The seminar is based on a simple but profound premise: your spouse isn’t your opponent—the issue is. Through stories, guided exercises, and a gentle blend of humor and insight, Dr. Pounds helps couples reframe their view of conflict not as a crisis to fear, but as an opportunity to grow.
TOOLS FOR REAL-LIFE LOVE
Participants will be equipped with real-life tools to communicate clearly, listen with empathy, identify emotional triggers, and avoid the trap of “winning” at the cost of connection.
“Fair Fighting” teaches couples how to pause and respond instead of react, how to use “I” statements instead of blame, and how to foster emotional safety even during difficult conversations. Whether it’s money, intimacy, in-laws, or old wounds that tend to spark new tension, this seminar meets couples right where they are— and walks them forward, together.
And best of all? You can do it in your favorite chair with a cup of tea. No hotels. No microphones. Just you, your spouse, and a down-to-earth guide who’s spent decades helping couples find their way back to each other.
“Some couples worry they fight too much,” Dr. Pounds says. “But what matters isn’t the number of arguments—it’s the way you handle them. Healthy couples don’t avoid conflict. They learn to move from gridlock to dialogue.”
That shift—toward unity, compassion, and mutual understanding—is what makes “Fair Fighting” different. Each participant will receive a Listening Guide and access to a replay of the seminar, along with downloadable handouts and
ICE CUBES ICE CUBES ICE CUBES ICE CUBES ICE CUBES
CreativeIceCubes FOR SUMMER
Stay Cool with Fun Infused Ice Recipes
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summer can be sweltering, but you can beat the heat with these fun and refreshing infused ice recipes. Not only are they a great way to stay cool, but they also add a delightful twist to your favorite beverages.
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Edible Flower Ice
Create stunning and elegant ice cubes using edible flowers. These pretty ice cubes are perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of beauty to everyday drinks.
Ingredients:
• Edible flowers
• Water
Instructions:
1. Prep the Flowers: Rinse the edible flowers thoroughly.
2. Fill the Tray: Place the flowers in an ice cube tray, filling each compartment halfway with water.
3. Freeze Partially: Freeze until the water is just starting to set, then fill the rest of the tray with water to fully submerge the flowers. This helps keep the flowers centered in the cubes.
4. Freeze Completely: Freeze until solid.
5. Serve: Use these beautiful ice cubes in your favorite drinks for a floral touch.
Raspberry Lemonade Ice
Add a zesty burst of flavor to your water or lemonade with raspberry lemonade ice cubes. These vibrant cubes are perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
• Fresh raspberries
• Lemon slices
• Water Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients: Place a raspberry and a small lemon slice in each compartment of an ice cube tray.
2. Fill and Freeze: Fill the tray with water and freeze until solid.
3. Serve: Add the raspberry lemonade ice cubes to your drinks for a refreshing twist.
These infused ice recipes are not only practical but also add an extra layer of enjoyment to your summer beverages. Enjoy these refreshing and creative ways to stay cool all season long!
Coffee Ice Cubes for Iced Coffee
Transform your iced coffee experience by using coffee ice cubes. This simple trick ensures your drink stays strong and flavorful without getting watered down.
Ingredients:
• Freshly brewed coffee
Instructions:
1. Brew Coffee: Make a pot of your favorite coffee.
2. Cool and Freeze: Allow the coffee to cool, then pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze.
3. Serve: Add the coffee ice cubes to your iced coffee for a rich, undiluted flavor.
Exploring Faith
Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church— Celebrating 175 Years of Light, Legacy, and Faith on Mandeville’s Historic Shore
Pelican window, north choir stairwell door
ARTICLE BY CHRISTIAN GEORGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY OUR LADY OF THE LAKE
In 1850, when Mandeville was still a blueprint—a quiet stretch of pine suspended between memory and modernity—weary New Orleanians crossed Lake Pontchartrain aboard the steamboat Camellia, chasing breeze and ease.
The Northshore was still a whisper then: parasols drifted beneath moss-draped oaks, jasmine climbed the bones of Creole cottages, and steamboats stitched long ribbons of white across the wide horizon.
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Our Lady of the Lake by Louis and Alexandre Alaux, 1904, oil on canvas
And in the midst of this wild elegance, a 33-yearold Belgian priest named Joseph Outendrick dared to anchor something eternal in the sandy shoreline. Not just a structure, but a sanctuary. Not a quick fix, but a foundation. Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church was more than a landmark; it was a long game—a sacred stake driven deep into the soul of a town just beginning to rise.
The first chapel—a modest structure raised soon after Father Outendrick’s arrival—was lost to a storm before it could be photographed. The parish name, Our Lady of the Lake, appeared in the registry in 1858 and was formally chartered in 1894. A second church followed. Then, in 1953, the present sanctuary rose—distinctly European, buttressed by Romanesque arches.
A LITURGY OF LIGHT
Walk inside and it’s clear: this is not merely a building, but a love letter written in light, stone, and sacrament.
The windows are not merely ornamental; they illuminate the gospel. Forty-nine in total, with ten devoted to the arc of salvation, each one a
Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church
Redemption window by Franz Mayer Studio, Munich, 1950s, stained glass
wind, the kind that “blows where it wills,” as Jesus said (John 3:8).
Over the past 175 years, Our Lady of the Lake has weathered literal and spiritual storms: hurricane-force winds, changing tides, the slow drift of time. Yet her eternal message remains unchanged. As the newly elected Pope Leo XIV has said, “We want to say to the world, with humility and joy: Look to Christ! Come closer to him!”
The renovated sanctuary of Our Lady of the Lake still carries that call. It’s not just a place of refuge. It’s a vessel—built to move you, gently and steadily, on a pilgrimage toward Christ who meets us in our storms, who walks upon the waves, and who says to each one of us, “Take courage, it is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).
“We want to say to the world ... Look to Christ! Come closer to Him! ” - Pope Leo XIV
Altar cross, main church
Mary with Jesus, ceramic statue
ENJOYING SUMMER
In the moments between fishing in our pond and swimming in the pool, our family will celebrate birthdays and have outdoor parties. True to form, I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way. My beach ball garland is a spin-off of the traditional balloon garland. Everyone uses balloon garlands… so let’s make one out of beach balls instead! Everyone serves a birthday cake… how about one carved out of a watermelon for a crazy twist?? I hope you join me in the making of these fun additions to a party!
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEANN PARKER
Beach Ball Garland
Have you ever noticed that when blown up, beach balls have a little plastic loop that forms where they are blown up and sealed? It makes for the perfect place to string twine through and use as an outdoor “balloon” garland! String it up, add some extra beach balls to the pool or yard and you have all the party decorations you need!
Materials
• 2 packs of assorted sized beach balls (assorted 20”, 16” and 12” for a total of 36)
• 1 pack of mini beach balls (5” sized, total of 25)
• Thin rope or twine
• Air pump
Instructions
1. Using an air pump, blow up all the beach balls... It takes a while!
2. Arrange inflated beach balls in a line on the ground, alternating sizes as you go.
3. Starting on one end, thread your string or twine through the blow loop of each beach ball until you reach the end.
4. Tie each end of your beach ball garland to a post or tack to a wall.
Watermelon Cake
A cake that you could eat for breakfast! Made only of fruit and (if you want to go real crazy) some fresh mint and whipped cream too. A few years ago we started making watermelon cakes for our summer birthday celebrations due to one of our little ones suffering from food allergies. In order to make a cake that even she could enjoy, the watermelon cake was born in our lives. Even if you don’t have family or guests with food allergies, this cake is a thriller and loved by all!
Ingredients
• 2 large watermelons
• Assortment of berries and fruit
• 4 wooden skewers
• Toothpicks
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep both watermelons by cutting off the rinds and sculpting to create a cylinder shape with a flat top and bottom. Make the bottom cylinder bigger and the top cylinder slightly smaller.
2. Stack your smaller watermelon on top of the larger using wooden skewers to support the center.
3. Use assorted berries and fruit to decorate the outside of your watermelon cake. For the sides of the cake, use toothpicks to help the berries stay in place.
4. Serve alone or with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.
“I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way.”
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JULY 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 4TH
Light Up the Lake Independence Day Celebration
Lakeshore Drive Between Coffee and Carroll Streets, Mandeville | 4:00 PM
The City of Mandeville will celebrate Independence Day with its annual “Light Up the Lake” on Friday, July 4, 2025. Enjoy fireworks over Lake Pontchartrain at 8:45 p.m., plus live music by Amanda Shaw and The Boogie Men, food trucks, a patriotic tribute, and kids’ activities. Picnicking begins at 10 a.m. Free and open to the public. Visit www.ExperienceMandeville.org.
JULY 12TH
Mandeville Trailhead Community Market
Mandeville Trailhead | 9:00 AM
Located in the heart of Old Historic Mandeville, the Mandeville Trailhead Community Market provides a place for over 80 local artisans, producers, and growers to bring the very best food and products, offering a variety of handmade crafts, prepared foods, jellies, and plants. Enjoy live music and great food. Pet adoptions are on the second Saturday of each month.
JULY 12TH
Playmakers Theater Presents
“Something Rotten” 19106 Playmakers Road, Covington | 7:30 PM
Playmakers Theater of Covington presents Something Rotten, a hilarious, high-energy musical comedy about two brothers in Renaissance England who
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set out to write the world’s very first musical. Performances run July 12–27, 2025, with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets ($30 for adults and $15 for students) at bontempstix.com.
JULY 12TH
St. Tammany Art Association Presents The Summer Show
320 N. Columbia Street, Covington | 10:00 AM
The St. Tammany Art Association presents the 55th Annual National Juried Exhibition, The Summer Show, on view July 12–September 12, 2025, at the Miriam Barranger Gallery. Juried by renowned curator Sasha Newkirk, the exhibit features original works from artists nationwide. $3,500 in prizes, including a $2,000 Best of Show, will be awarded at the July 12 opening reception.
JULY 26TH
Steinhauer Christmas Magic in July Market
13505 Hwy. 1085, Covington | 10:00 AM
Steinhauer Productions presents the 8th Annual Christmas Magic in July Market at Coquille Park and Recreation Center, July 26–27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop over 100 booths filled with arts, crafts, boutique items, and gifts in two air-conditioned gyms. Admission is $5 for ages 13 and up; children 12 and under are free.
