Sophisticated Woman Magazine
By Women. For Women. Inspiring Women.
Publisher Barbara Edwards Doyle
Editor Lisa Murphy
Graphic Design Thomas Morgan, Michelle Plaisance-Billiot
Contributing Writers Jan Windhorst, Michelle Plaisance-Billiot , Lexi St. Laurent Hartmann, Heidi Heyns, Erin Cowser, Kim Bergeron, Caryn Lang, Sandra Scalise Juneau
Account Executives Michelle Plaisance-Billiot, Linda Larkin
Contributing Photographers
Linda Larkin, Michelle Plaisance-Billiot, Kiki Randon, Paige Henderson, Katie Coffee, Mike Saint Roth, Chuck Billiot, Lee Williams, Nancy Miller, Nancy Valerie Photography
Distribution Manager Anthony Figaro
Distribution for Rouses Danny Sunseri
Cover Photography
Paige Henderson, Bellus Photography, Bellus.photography
Fashion Contributors Michelle Plaisance- Billiot, Nancy Miller, Elle Moreno, X Model and Talent Management, LLC, Maryanna Leonard, Robyn Nowlin , Myah Cruz, Naara Arriaga
Sophisticated Woman Magazine
200 Greenleaves Boulevard, Unit 4 Mandeville, LA 70448
Phone: 985-893-7350
e-mail: barbara@sophisticatedwoman.com website: SophisticatedWoman.com
Contact us today. You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is to advertise with the Northshore's Best.
If you wish to be mailed a one year subscription for $19.95, please email barbara@Sophisticatedwoman.com.
©2025 Sophisticated Woman Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher. Views expressed are not necessarily shared by the publisher or staff of this publication. Please mail comments or submit articles and photographs to the above address.
Distribution — Our publications are strategically mailed directly to high-value homeowners in affluent communities throughout St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes. Additional distribution includes more than 300 upscale businesses, as well as multiple pickup locations, including Rouses Markets, Barnes & Noble, and Acquistapace’s Supermarkets, across both the Northshore and select Southshore locations.
Behind the Scenes
Our Enterprising Woman Photo Shoot With Lizette Alvarado, FNP-C
The Sophisticated Woman team coordinated the photo shoot for this issue’s Enterprising Woman, Lizette Alvarado, FNP-C. The photoshoot took place at Syn Skin Aesthetics and Wellness. Makeup and Hair by Marisa Angelle Ficaro, owner of Gemini Glamour Studios, (ggstudios.co) located inside The Ritual Spa & Salon, Mandeville. Read more about Lizette on page 20.
Contributors
Sandra Scalise Juneau A native Louisianian and resident of Madisonville, Sandra Scalise Juneau is a journalist focusing on local history, cuisine, and culture. Her book, Celebrating with St. Joseph Altars, published by LSU Press in March 2021 has received nationwide acclaim and is now in second printing.
Kiki Randon is an architectural and design photographer working with many corporate and private clients. Away from the camera lens, she enjoys gardening, biking and kayaking with her husband, Steve Randon. Together, they comprise Steve Randon Studio.
Erin Cowser is a collaboration, communications, and legislative affairs strategist with experience in the higher education, non-profit and government sectors. She serves on the boards of several organizations and philanthropies. Writing is the creative escape for this Tangipahoa resident whose most important role will always be mom of Eliza Kate.
Paige Henderson is a portrait photographer located in Mandeville, Louisiana. She was born in New Orleans but relocated to Indonesia at age 8. Her exposure to different cultures has been a driving force and inspiration in her portraiture. Paige is married to Steve Henderson, and is the mother of 4 now adult humans, Davin, Stevie, Jack and Rex.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Of course, cancer is a terrible disease overall, but it is even more heart-breaking diagnosis when it is babies and young people. But thank God for those who are working to find ways to heal the youngest, most innocent among us. So, this month we will celebrate those who have made it through this unspeakable battle. And we pray for God’s hand of peace and comfort on them and their families, as well as those that are now memorialized in our hearts forever.
In this issue, we also recognize October as Breast Cancer Month. For that reason, we are focusing on Women’s Healthcare. We want to recognize there are some amazing women doing unbelievable things, while at the same time fighting battles that we cannot even image. We acknowledge the courage and fortitude of battling this terrible disease and still pushing forward, not letting cancer define who they are and what they can achieve. We will be featuring a couple of these accomplished women in future articles.
So please take some time to read through this issue about some remarkable people who have made a difference and those who are still leaving an indelible mark on our community in many ways.
Barbara Edwards Doyle
WNORTHSHORE ATTORNEYS
This issue highlights top legal professionals in our area who work to professionally and ethically represent the best interests of their clients. From family matters to corporate concerns, attorneys and law firm personnel provide assistance and guidance with everything from momentous milestones to difficult life events.
In our special attorney's section this month, we've included profiles of legal professionals who can help guide and advise you in all areas of legal counsel. They provide dedication, trust and experience that brings you peace of mind.
Tammy M. Nick Nick Law Firm, L.C.
Meet Tammy Nick, Your Trusted Legal Advocate
When life throws you unexpected challenges, having the right legal guidance can make all the difference in the world. As an experienced attorney, Tammy Nick provides clear, reliable legal solutions that can help her clients navigate everything from family law disputes, to insurance claims, to complex business matters and even criminal charges.
Ms. Nick offers a range of legal services designed to protect your rights and make the process as stress-free as possible. Her goal is to explain the law in a way that is easy to understand, so clients can make informed decisions that are best suited for them.
What sets Ms. Nick apart is her accessibility and responsiveness to clients. Legal matters can be intimidating, which is why she listens carefully to her clients' concerns and provides personalized advice tailored to each unique situation. From drafting those important legal documents to representation in court, she brings attention to detail and a commitment to achieving the best possible and affordable outcomes. At the end of the day, the client’s peace of mind matters most.
With 26 years of legal experience serving the Northshore community and having worked with over a thousand clients, she knows how important it is to have an attorney that one can trust. Because she is licensed to practice in every state court in Louisiana, as well as every federal court in Louisiana, she has the expertise to handle a wide range of legal issues, no matter how complex.
Ms. Nick currently serves as the President of the Greater Slidell Bar Association and is an author for the Louisiana Advocates Magazine, a role that she loves. She is proud to be a trusted attorney in St. Tammany. If someone were to find themselves, or someone they know, facing a legal challenge, she would be honored to consult with them and guide them through whatever they are facing.
This month, she is honored to be a candidate for the 2025 Real Superheroes of Safe Harbor. By logging onto safeharbornorthshore.org, one can view the candidates, read about her sponsorship, and vote for her or buy a ticket to the Gala, which will help raise money for victims of domestic violence, providing valuable services to those in need.
She is also excited to announce that she plans to run for Judge of the City Court of East St. Tammany in 2026. She is eager to bring her experience, leadership, and passion for justice to the bench where she can continue to serve our community. Ms. Nick would be honored to earn the voters' trust and confidence in this important role. In addition, if she can serve as someone’s attorney before that time comes, she looks forward to doing so.
Joshua D. Allison A Professional Law Corporation is located at 207 E. Gibson Street in Covington. For more information, call: 985-302-5630, visit: allisonlawcorp.com • LA 36142
Josh Allison is a Covington based attorney, licensed to practice law in all state and federal courts in Louisiana including the Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal. He is an active member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and the 22nd JDC Bar Association. His practice areas consist of business litigation, family law litigation, and personal injury litigation.
Crawford White Managing Member, Trusted Advisor, Pinnacle Law, LLC
After over 30 years serving her clients as their attorney and five years before that as their CPA, Tina’s clients consider her their Trusted Advisor. Yes, they rely upon her to take First Chair in the litigation of their disputes. But her biggest successes are achieved when that chair is empty, and those disputes are resolved before they ever reach the courtroom.
Tina understands how important and wise early dispute resolution is to businesses. She understands what her clients need, and her vast experience coupled with her ingenuity, intelligence and drive have equipped her with the ability to deliver.
She solves legal matters from the vantage point of the CEO.
“Don’t Let Your Problems Get Ahead of You, Let Me Get Ahead of Them for You.”TM
Tina founded Pinnacle Law, LLC in 2020, following 25 years with a large law firm and 5 years as a CPA in NOLA. Pinnacle Law’s practice areas include:
Business Law
• Outside general counsel services
• Business disputes / litigation
• Contracts
• Governance and compliance
• Succession planning
Construction Law
• Construction disputes / litigation
• Construction contracts
• Construction claims Legal Estate Planning
• Trusts
• Wills
• POAs
• Successions
Fall Into Style
This season’s fashion spread brings together the best of Northshore’s boutique scene, highlighting curated styles from Leblon Boutique. Shot on location at Leblon Boutique and the Southern Hotel in Covington, our models showcased layered looks, textured fabrics, and the statement pieces defining Fall 2025. Styled by Ellie Moreno, Manager at Leblon Boutique, this feature blends local flair with timeless sophistication—proving that fall fashion is as much about individuality as it is about elegance.
Above: Yvette black sweater dress, $98, styled with Isabelle cream sweater, $120; Victoria set in navy, $169; Gina sweater dress, $89, styled with Veronica cropped suede jacket, $89
Left: Mika dress, $139
FASHION COORDINATOR MICHELLE PLAISANCE-BILLIOT
FASHION STYLIST ELLIE MORENO, LEBLON BOUTIQUE
PHOTOGRAPHER NANCY MILLER, NANCY VALERIE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION THE SOUTHERN HOTEL, COVINGTON
MODELS ROBYN NOWLIN; MYAH CRUZ; NAARA ARRIAGA; MARYANNA LEONARD, OWNER, LEBLON BOUTIQUE MODELS BY X MODEL AND TALENT MANAGEMENT LLC
OUR FASHION PHOTOSHOOT WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THESE GREAT LOCAL BUSINESSES SUPPORT!
June dress, $159; Leah floral set, $129; Charlie dress ,$120
Callie dress, $169; Denise dress in burnt orange, $95; Regan vest in olive, $70, styled with Georgia mini skirt, $70, and our Judith shoulder bag, $70
Regan vest in olive, $70, styled with Georgia mini skirt, $70, and our Judith shoulder bag, $70
Julia Mocha dress, $180
Liz ombre dress, $178
Liv jacket, $120
Mika dress, $139
Jessie denim dress, $112
Hugs for Kids
Lamika’s legacy lives on through the non-profit organization Chris Sperling created called Hugs4Kids. Pediatric patients are the stars of the show during what are now annual fashion shows in her honor. Over 150 children have been blessed to participate in the fashion shows that started at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans and are now held annually in Slidell with the help of Ochsner Health on the Northshore.
Lizette Alvarado,
The image of the butterfly evokes thoughts of transformation, beauty, and hope. And that is the symbol Lizette Alvarado uses to offer patients change at her enterprise, Syn Skin Aesthetics and Wellness. “My dad, Dr. Luis Alvarado, is an Internal Medicine Specialist. At the young age of 10, I knew I wanted to be like him, offering hope and help to people. My mom was the inspiration for my love of aesthetics. She taught me the importance of caring for yourself and putting your best face forward. She passed away four years ago at about the same time I was starting the business. The butterflies in my logo and med spa decor represent the beauty of metamorphosis, and they are all for her.”
The business took flight quickly as Lizette chased her dream and made significant changes of her own. A Family Nurse Practitioner for 16 years, Lizette invested in herself, undertaking extensive, advanced training. She was determined to open her wings to new career heights. “Both my undergraduate degrees were from Southeastern. Then I went on to get my Advanced Practice Registered Nurse graduate degree from
WRITTEN BY JAN WINDHORST
PHOTOS BY PAIGE HENDERSON
TAKING FLIGHT
Loyola. I’ve armed myself with experience and knowledge so that I can give my patients the highest level of safe, quality care. To become a Master Injector, I’ve trained with top experts like Dr. Khoobehi and continue traveling to learn from other industry leaders and bring new knowledge back to Louisiana.”
This ambitious caregiver says that combining the influences of both of her parents is what makes her practice unique. “I’m drawn to aesthetics from my mother’s philosophy that looking good goes hand in hand with feeling good. But I also know that beauty is more than skin deep and share my father’s dedication to treating the whole person. I’m proud to have him as the Medical Director of Syn Skin where we address areas including medical weight loss, hormone imbalance, diabetes, hypertension and thyroid disorders.” She explains that the “Syn” in the clinic’s name is short for synergy – the combination of two things producing an effect greater than the sum of its parts. “With my experience in urgent care and home health, I can uniquely treat patients holistically and am able to enhance their natural beauty with fillers, neurotoxins like Botox®, lasers, HydraFacials® and more, while prioritizing their overall health and wellness.”
While deeply invested in caring for
patients locally and in California, where she is also licensed, Lizette knows balance is essential to her own health and well-being and that of her family. “I’m the single mom of three who’s done it on my own and continue to do so. We like the adventure of traveling together but also enjoy the simple pleasures of going to the park or to the pool and cooking and baking together.”
Also proud to represent her Cuban and Nicaraguan heritage, her flair for style and beauty is represented in the chic interior design of her upscale facility. Part art gallery-inspired, part boutique vibe, and all deeply personal to her, the floral themes, sparkling chandeliers, and beauty-themed artwork honor her mother while mirroring her passion. “We are bilingual and the only Latino-owned med spa on the Northshore
which is reflected in Syn Skin’s bright and colorful style. Our space is welcoming and upbeat with the promise of beautiful things to come.”
For Lizette, balance also includes giving back to the community, the importance of which was instilled in her at a young age.
“When I was about ten, we went to Haiti with my dad where we lived for almost two years. I went to work with him and watched him perform surgeries that changed people’s lives. I knew then that, like him, I wanted to pursue medicine, but it was hard to witness the struggles of the impoverished people he helped. I learned not to take things for granted and haven’t forgotten to be grateful for food, water and simple comforts like air conditioning. It made me humble and gave me a desire to help those in need through philanthropy. I’m on the board of Access Louisiana which puts on BOO Fest, benefiting
children with disabilities. I’ve worked with Sideline Pass, an NFL charity focused on empowering women; helped Son of a Saint, which mentors fatherless boys; contribute to New Heights Therapy Center every year; and walk the runway for Mutts to Models. It’s an honor to be in a position to help, and I do so as much as I can.”
At the heart of Lizette’s personal, family, community and professional endeavors is the desire to enable transformative change.
“I’m drawn to helping people in their most vulnerable state because I’ve had past health issues and can empathize with them. To gain a patient’s trust when they come in crying or feeling at their lowest point is so fulfilling. Then, to bring them to their “butterfly moment,” the point where they feel healthy, beautiful, and the best version of themselves – that’s my passion and who I’ve worked so hard to become.”
Thursday, October 2 at 7 p.m.
The Greenwood | A Property of Southern Hotel
Supporting the patients and families at St. Tammany Cancer Center - A Campus of Ochsner Medical Center
St. Tammany Cancer Center colleagues may use code “STCC” for $100 off their individual ticket price (Limit: 2 per purchase).
BayouRetreat
WRITTEN BY ERIN M. COWSER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIKI RANDON
When first entering the Favre property, there’s a bamboo corridor that seemingly transports guests to their Bayou Liberty home. Although just a few miles from Slidell proper, it seems a world away. The bamboo canopy is a fitting entryway to access the house and grounds that hold memories of travels across the globe and are a destination in their own right.
High school sweethearts from St. Bernard Parish turned avid travelers, Otis and Lonnie Favre have had the opportunity to explore the world together. Trips have ranged from European cities and the African continent to The Holy Land and even villages as far away as the Golden Triangle where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet.
“I enjoy eclectic things that mean something to me,” says Lonnie. “Things that make me smile.” Not surprisingly, art and artifacts that reflect their adventures are tastefully displayed throughout their home. Copper colors and earthen hues provide a clean contrast to the home’s smooth, warm, off-white and muted tan palette.
An abundance of windows bathe the rooms in natural light and provide private views of the moss-laden oak trees and the wildlife that make the St. Tammany waterways their home. One such tree that graces the front of the property is registered with the Louisiana Live Oak Society as “Mandy,” a tribute to Lonnie’s grandmother.
A nod to their Italian travels, a Murano glass chandelier graces the dining room ceiling, casting light upon the Australian cypress and marble flooring throughout the open and expansive floorplan. Custom shelving hosts porcelain pitchers that don faces of kings
purchased as mementos from visits to Sicily. They are joined by the faces of kings, complete with crowns, that look out from paintings designed specifically for the Favre family home by Iran-born New Orleans artist David Harouni. A metal sculpture of an olive tree and platters from the Puglia Region also hint at the room’s Italian influence.
An enormous fireplace mantel of cream-colored cast stone from New Mexico is a striking focal point for the home.
“It’s so large that I can actually stand on the mantle when I’m decorating for Christmas,” says Lonnie with a laugh. “I’d say that three people could easily stand atop it!”
With renovations made eight years ago, the kitchen now features a glass tile backsplash and quartzite countertops that brought a bit more color and texture to the heart of the home. A climate-controlled cedar wine closet, kept at a cool 57 degrees, holds up to 2,000 bottles, many from vineyards and wineries that have appeared on the Favres’ past travel itineraries. In addition, a multi-purpose room is located off the kitchen, which Lonnie has dubbed their hunting room, complete with prized trophies from Otis’ hunting expeditions.
A refurbished carousel horse is a fun addition to the family room, which features a pool table with plenty of room for family fun. Three of the home’s five bedrooms, including the master wing, are located on the first floor. Two more on the second floor round out the home’s sleeping quarters. Four bathrooms and one powder room provide ample accommodation for family and guests alike.
While the décor hints of exotic tours and escapades around the world, the property is also home to family memories of weddings, soirees and events with up to 400 guests. More importantly, for 25 years it has also been the backdrop of countless family gatherings and dinners for Lonnie and Otis, their four sons and daughters-in-law and nine grandchildren.
You will often find the family outside, enjoying the salt-water pool, hot tub, and outdoor
"If you’ve never been on Bayou Liberty, it is truly like going back in time."
kitchen with bar and covered, as well as uncovered, seating. A statue of two herons, standing nearly 5 feet tall, keep a watchful eye on the goings-on in the pool. The newest addition to the home, Lonnie calls the outdoor kitchen, “our Covid project.” The brick patio houses a Green Egg, burner for boils, flat grill, and barbecue pit. There are also two refrigerators (one for food and one for beverages) to cater to the bar which comfortably seats eight.
Not to be outdone by the patio area, the property also boasts a boat house with three slips with lifts and bulkheads providing easy access to Lake Pontchartrain and beyond. A special geographical feature is the property’s own island, which is accessible via a walking bridge.
“If you’ve never been on Bayou Liberty, it is truly like going back in time,” says Lonnie.
Designed by Andy McDonald and built by Al Savoie, Lonnie fondly recalls the home’s construction. “They helped us bring our dream home to life,” she says. “It was wonderful to see the craftsmen do their work and know how much pride they took in their craft.”
For the Favres, the Bayou Liberty home is the perfect getaway that is not too far away, but just far enough for family and friends.
For more information, contact Puddy Robinson, REALTOR, at 985-6306201 or puddy.robinson@ sothebysrealty.com.
Chief Randy Fandal Moving Forward
Some people slow down after reaching milestones. Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal has always done the opposite. After more than four decades in public service, he still looks for the next challenge, the next way to serve, the next chapter of making a difference. Rather than treating his accomplishments as finish lines, each one has fueled his drive to keep going.
That determination has defined both his career and his personal life. For Fandal, the call to law enforcement began in tragedy. “When my brother was killed in a boating accident in 1980, I didn’t feel the investigation was handled the way it should have been,” he recalls. “That experience didn’t just shape me, it pushed me. I joined the Slidell Police Reserves that same year, and very quickly realized that protecting this community was not just a job—it was a calling.” By 1981, he was a full-time officer.
From there, his career took him to the Louisiana State Police in 1990, where he embraced challenge after challenge. “I’ve always believed you honor the job by doing it 100 percent,” he says. Rising through the ranks, Fandal completed leadership training and commanded specialized units, including the State Police Interdiction and K9 divisions, before retiring as a lieutenant.
His career path also led him to his greatest partner. “I met my wife, Dania, during a case,” he laughs. “I was working a narcotics stop on the interstate, and she, as a social worker, was called out to help a child who was in the car. Six months later, we were married.” Nearly three decades later, they’ve built a family rooted in community and service. “We raised all three of our children here in Slidell—our son Matthew is a sergeant with the State Police, our son Mark is a nurse, and our daughter Mallory and her husband own therapy clinics for children on the autism spectrum. And now we’re blessed with grandchildren, which really puts into perspective why it matters to keep Slidell a safe and thriving place.”
When Fandal retired from the State Police, relaxation wasn’t on his agenda. Instead, he set out on a bucket-list challenge: hiking the Appalachian Trail. “It’s 2,184 miles across 14 states, and only a fraction of people who start actually finish. I wanted to test myself physically and mentally. My wife thought I was crazy until she saw the hiking
PHOTOS BY CHUCK BILLIOT
photo courtesy: Randy Fandal
gear arriving at the house,” he says with a smile. Halfway through the brutal trek, a family medical emergency called him home—but as soon as his son recovered, he picked up right where he left off. Six months and two days later, he stood at the end of the trail. “For me, it wasn’t about finding myself—I knew who I was. It was about refusing to give up, no matter what obstacles came.”
That same refusal to give up is what brought him back to lead his hometown as Slidell’s Police Chief. “This city is special. We look out for each other. We volunteer, show up for our neighbors, and make Slidell a place people are proud to call home. That’s what drove me to take the Chief’s role and focus on building a stronger, safer city.”
During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of a new, state-of-the-art police headquarters, championed higher officer pay, and helped bring crime levels to a ten-year low. He also embraced Olde Towne revitalization and family-friendly community traditions, like the annual Wild Game Cook Off, which has become one of the city’s signature events.
Now, as his term as Chief comes to an end, Fandal isn’t ready to stop. Instead, he’s eager to continue building on that progress as Slidell’s next mayor. “I believe in seeing things through. Public safety, economic growth, solving our drainage and infrastructure challenges, tackling blight—those aren’t slogans, they’re real priorities. And they all tie back to the same idea: if we keep Slidell safe, strong, and family-focused, we’ll be a city where the next generation chooses to stay, raise their families, and build their futures.”
For Fandal, serving as mayor isn’t about politics—it’s about staying true to the core mission that has guided him for 45 years: faith, family, hard work, and service. “On the Appalachian Trail, you can only finish by putting one foot in front of the other, step by step. Leading a city isn’t much different. You plan, prepare for obstacles, lean on the good people walking with you, and keep moving forward. That’s the mindset I’ll bring to City Hall—because I know Slidell’s best days are still ahead.”
photo: Lee Williams
theBreakingSilence
A COMMUNITY RISES WITH SAFE
“You don’t have to wait until it gets worse.”
That was one of the first things Kristi Kysar said to me in our conversation about domestic violence. Kristi is the Deputy Director of the Southeast Advocates for Family Empowerment—known as SAFE—serving Tangipahoa, Livingston, and St. Helena Parishes.
This hit me. Not because it was shocking, but because I know how many women, how many of us, carry pain quietly. SAFE exists to bring those truths into the light. To meet them with resources, respect, and radical care.
SAFE’s mission is to promote social change by empowering survivors of abuse and their children to live violence-free lives. They do this while partnering with the community to provide education, resources, and accountability. They offer emergency shelter, legal assistance, financial help, peer counseling, referrals to professional services, and personalized safety planning. As Kristi put it, “We don’t hand out pre-printed packets. We meet survivors with presence.”
That presence, that quiet steadfastness, is
what survivors feel from the first moment they call SAFE’s 24-hour crisis line. It’s also what carries them forward. “Every survivor’s story is different,” Kristi told me. “SAFE ensures their care is too.”
Much of the work starts by simply letting people know SAFE exists. They reach out to schools, hospitals, and community centers. Their number is posted in public spaces. But often, Kristi said, survivors find them through a whisper, a friend, or a nurse who cared enough to speak up.
I asked what victims need to know, “What happens after that first call?” And Kristi’s answer was simple and kind: “You don’t have to know what you need. You can just talk.”
I could feel, through the course of our conversation, the depth of experience and heartbreak Kristi and her team have witnessed. And yet, they remain grounded, determined, and deeply human.
When I asked how the SAFE team copes with the emotional toll, Kristi smiled and shared something an advocate once said at a community event. A woman in the audience
asked, “How do you do this work?” And the advocate replied, “How do you not?”
That line stayed with me, not as a challenge, but as an invitation to be present, to bear witness, and to hold space.
SAFE’s annual event is important. It is “Voices of Hope,” and it will be held October 11th, beginning at 10 a.m. with a walk of remembrance from the Hammond City Court to Cate Square Park. There, they will hold a ceremony with survivor stories, guest speakers, and a candlelight vigil honoring those lost to domestic violence. SAFE welcomes the public to attend. “This event is hope,” Kristi said. “It tells survivors: ‘you are seen.’”
Kristi shared several stories of lives touched by SAFE’s work.
One survivor returned to speak at an event years after fleeing her abuser. “She told us if it weren’t for SAFE, she wouldn’t be alive today,” Kristi said. “But she also said, ‘You gave me the resources—but I did the work. I took the risk. I believed in myself.’”
Another moment she recalled happened during a campus event at Southeastern. “A
WRITTEN BY BY HEIDI HEYNS
student came up to me,” Kristi said. “She said, ‘Thank you. Because of SAFE, my mom got out. Now I’m in college. We’re safe. We got counseling. We got help.’”
These are not just individual stories. They are evidence of a ripple effect—a reminder that when a survivor finds safety, a family heals, and a community grows stronger.
Kristi also shared that many people who hear her speak are inspired to enter the field of advocacy. “Years later, someone told me, ‘I work in this field now because of what you said. I wanted to make a difference too.’”
This work, however, does not happen in a vacuum. Since 2018, federal funding for domestic violence services has dropped by more than 70%. Just since 2023, it has declined nearly 40%. SAFE now relies on the generosity of its community to fill the growing gap.
Donations of clothing, furniture, and hygiene products are welcome. SAFE also dreams of one day operating a thrift store to support its programs. They are actively seeking partners who believe in the mission and want to make a tangible impact.
Both Kristi Kysar and SAFE’s Public Relations Officer, Kovia Ventress, came to this work through lived experience. “I didn’t even realize what I had gone through had a name,” Kovia said. “But I knew I wanted to be a resource so others didn’t feel alone.” Their compassion is not performative. It is lived. And it radiates through their work.
If you are unsure about what you are going through, or if you think a friend might be in trouble, SAFE will meet you where you are. You do not need proof. You do not need permission.
“You wouldn’t be ashamed if someone stole your car,” Kristi said. “Why be ashamed to say someone hurt you?”
Domestic violence is not your fault. It is not your burden to bear alone. And healing is not only possible, it’s already happening.
Let’s stop whispering. Let’s start naming it. ‘You are not alone.
You are not broken. You are loved.’
Debunking the Myths That Keep Survivors Silent
From Kristi Kysar, Deputy Director of SAFE
1. Myth: Abusive relationships can be “mutually abusive.”
Fact: Abuse is about power and control. While conflict can happen on both sides, only one person is trying to dominate. Abusers use this myth to manipulate, gaslight, and blame survivors for reacting to violence. Willingness to change is one key difference.
2. Myth: Domestic violence is always physical.
Fact: Emotional, verbal, financial, sexual, and psychological abuse often come first. Physical violence typically occurs after the abuser has eroded the survivor’s self-worth and isolated them from support. Recognizing the signs early saves lives.
3. Myth: Women abuse men just as often as men abuse women.
Fact: While anyone can be a victim, women are more frequently injured or killed. Most violence from women occurs in response to sustained abuse. For every man hospitalized for domestic violence, 46 women are.
4. Myth: Drugs and alcohol cause domestic violence.
Fact: Substances don’t cause violence, people do. Many people drink and never become abusive. Abusers often use alcohol as an excuse. Survivors may turn to substances as a way to cope.
5. Myth: Domestic violence is a loss of control.
Fact: Most abuse is calculated. It is not an explosion; it is a strategy. If it were truly a loss of control, the abuser would lash out at anyone. But they choose their victims, their moments, their methods. It is about asserting control, not losing it.
“By the time it turns physical,” Kristi said, “the survivor’s instinct to flee has already been dismantled.”
985-542-8384 • safelouisiana.org
Silent Heroes: Protecting Families,Empowering Women & Children
At Sophisticated Woman Magazine, we are shining light on the Healthcare providers and extraordinary individuals that are changing lives during two vital observances—September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness and October’s Breast Cancer Awareness—because strong communities begin with strong healthcare and the amazing programs that offer support to local families navigating these difficult diagnoses.
Breast Cancer Care Close to Home
MARY BIRD PERKINS OFFERS WOMEN ON THE NORTHSHORE WORLD-CLASS OPTIONS
When it comes to breast cancer, early detection and personalized care makes all the difference. That’s why Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has expanded its breast care services on the Northshore—bringing expert specialists to you.
Among the experts leading this effort is Dr. Vera Hendrix, a fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist.
“We’re not doing the radical surgeries of the past anymore,” Dr. Hendrix explained. “We’re focused on more precise, minimally invasive techniques that achieve excellent oncologic outcomes while preserving appearance. It’s more than just removing cancer—it’s about supporting the patient as a whole and their family.”
Dr. Hendrix chose Mary Bird Perkins for its patient-first culture and community-centered mission.
“Mary Bird Perkins is an independent cancer center,” she said. “That gives us more
flexibility to care for a broad range of patients, without constraints. I can spend real quality time with each patient.”
A Collaborative, Individualized Approach
The Breast Specialist Program at Mary Bird Perkins emphasizes multidisciplinary care. Its comprehensive range of services include breast surgery, breast imaging, medical
oncology, radiation oncology and a dedicated breast cancer navigator.
As well as Dr. Hendrix, the program’s team of specialists include Radiation Oncologist Dr. R. Scott Bermudez, Medical Oncologist Dr. Genevieve Maronge and Breast Radiologist Dr. Daniel Rupley, whose interdisciplinary teams come together to offer the most individualized approach to cancer care.
“We have all the pieces of the puzzle right here at home,” said Dr. Hendrix. “We meet every two weeks to review cancer cases as a team, which ensures that everyone is aligned and that every detail is covered.”
While national guidelines provide a standard of care, Dr. Hendrix emphasizes that every diagnosis and patient is different.
“We follow standard of care, but we also understand that cancer care is not one-sizefits-all,” she said. “We meet patients where they are and help them make decisions that coincide with their goals, values, and preferences.”
Advanced Tools, Here at Home
Beyond its patient-centered culture, Mary Bird Perkins also brings advanced technologies and techniques to the region. These include ones typically found in high-profile cancer centers across the country, such as Dr. Rupley’s breast radiology clinic, and the Center’s advanced radiation therapy.
Advanced tools help the doctors assess cancerous tissue margins in real-time, reducing the likelihood of repeat surgeries and re-excisions. Dr. Hendrix points to MarginProbe, a non-invasive medical device that examines excised tissue during lumpectomy surgery, as an example.
“With MarginProbe, I can, in real time during surgery, detect whether cancer cells are close to the edge of the tissue I’ve removed,” she explained. “If needed, I’ll take more tissue right then and there. It’s all about precision, and it spares patients the
“At Mary Bird Perkins, patients can stay near their families, maintain their routines, and still get world-class care.”
stress of additional procedures.”
Dr. Hendrix also brings oncoplastic surgery to the forefront, allowing for cancer removal and aesthetic results to be addressed simultaneously, focusing on the best outcomes in every way possible.
Time to Connect
One of the most significant differences at Mary Bird Perkins is the time and attention patients receive.
“In many hospital systems, physicians are limited to 15-minute office visits, even for new cancer diagnoses. That just isn’t enough,” Dr. Hendrix said. “At Mary Bird Perkins, I can spend much more time with each patient, walking through every detail and treatment option, and doing it in a way that’s easier to digest.”
Like her colleagues, Dr. Hendrix strives to connect with patients and provide them with information in a meaningful way. “I want them to feel empowered, not overwhelmed.”
While patients may be tempted to travel to nationally-known cancer centers outside of the area, Dr. Hendrix says they often don’t need to.
“Our physicians are trained at the same places as their physicians,” she said. “We provide the same level of expert care, and we do it with the personalized touch and flexibility that’s hard to find at larger institutions. Here, patients can stay near their families, maintain their routines, and still get world-class care.”
That commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care doesn’t end when treatment does. This fall, Mary Bird Perkins will launch a new survivorship clinic, led by Dr. Celeste Lagarde. The clinic will offer longterm follow-up and wellness care, including symptom management, dietary and psychosocial support, care plans, and annual screenings.
“The most common window for cancer recurrence is within the first three to five years,” said Dr. Hendrix. “Survivorship care ensures patients are still being seen by providers who understand the complexities of breast cancer. That continued support is critical.”
To learn more about the Breast Specialist Program at Mary Bird Perkins or to schedule a consultation, call (985) 322-5563 or visit marybird.org/breastprogram.
The Highest-Quality Care, Right Here at Home
Blossoming with Confidence
At Wigs by Tiffani’s Annual Photoshoot, Children with Hair
Loss Take Center Stage
On July 12, the Wigs by Tiffani studio in Metairie became the stage for a truly unique experience. The team welcomed 16 young girls and their families for a day of glam and connection.
WRITTEN
BY
LEXI ST. LAURENT HARTMANN
KATIE COFFEE AND MIKE SAINT ROTH
BY
As each child tried on her new wig — gifted through the Wigs by Tiffani Children’s Fund — the atmosphere shifted. Parents wiped away tears, offering quiet encouragement, and the girls themselves beamed with a confidence that seemed to grow in real time.
Founder Nhat-Thuy “Tiffani” Tran Calix has built her life’s work around moments like these.
After facing her own struggles with hair loss, she turned a personal challenge into a mission that now reaches families across the world.
The VIP Glam & Photo Day has become a signature expression of that mission — part celebration, part community, and entirely about restoring confidence and celebrating the beauty that’s already there, with or without hair.
In addition to receiving their wigs, the girls connected with others walking a similar path, enjoyed activity stations, and shared in a catered lunch. What might have seemed like small details came together to create a space filled with joy, understanding, and belonging.
The celebration did not go unnoticed. The event and its young stars were featured nationally on NBC Nightly News, CBS Mornings, and USA Today, amplifying Wigs by Tiffani’s message of empowerment and hope to a wider audience.
Still, for Tiffani, the true highlight is simple: “It’s the kids for me,” she says, smiling. “To have a part in helping them blossom into strong, confident young women is something I’ll never take for granted.”
Nhat-Thuy “Tiffani” Tran Calix(center) with Melinda, Adalyn, Lily Grace, Ava, Adelais, Kaylie, Amelia, Kaylan, Ellie, Lilly, Lydia, Alessandra and Marley.
Held annually, the event gives young girls experiencing medical hair loss a chance to step into the spotlight, celebrate their beauty, and connect with others like them. It’s also a chance to raise awareness for the many diverse causes of medical hair loss.
Professional glam sessions from local makeup artists Amanda Hampton Bravender and Jessica Gonzalez, followed by a photoshoot from photographer Katie Coffee set the tone, but the most powerful transformations happened in the mirrors.
From a deeply personal journey to a mission that’s now touched families nationwide, Tiffani continues to redefine what it means to serve with style, purpose, and compassion. At her studio in Metairie, transformation goes beyond hair. It’s a celebration of resilience, beauty, and the power of community.
For more information about how you can support this event please visit www.wigsbytiffani.com/ childrens-fund
PHOTOS
Bioidentical Hormones: Safe for Most Women—even Cancer Survivors, 2025 Update
For years, many women, especially breast-cancer survivors, were told that “hormones aren’t for you.” 2024–2025 guidance tells a more reassuring story. Today, bioidentical hormones. delivered topically on the skin, can restore quality of life safely and beautifully. Think of your hormones like a symphony orchestra. When each section plays in harmony—estradiol, estriol, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA, pregnenolone and the thyroid hormones - the music is full nad rich. Together, these hormones can bring women back to themselves after the silence of menopause.
The New Safety Story: What the Guidelines Say
Bioidentical topical hormones are safe for most every woman and give women relief from menopause symptoms, such as insomnia, moodiness, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, fatigue, bone loss and more. The ACOG (Obstetricians & Gynecologists, 2024) position statement affirms that bioidentical hormones are safe and help with all menopausal symptoms, including bone loss, heart disease and memory loss. This even applies to women
with a history of hormone-sensative breast cancer.
AUA/SUFU/AUGS (Urological Association, 2025)
In its landmark Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) guideline, the American Urological Association, along with SUFU and AUGS, made 26 key recommendations, including confirming the safety of low-dose vaginal estrogen, vaginal DHEA, and ospemifene. It is noted that they do not increase breast or endometrial cancer risk and do not require routine endometrial surveillance. These treatments may be safely offered, even in breast-cancer survivors. Follow-up and reassessment is stressed, recognizing that GSM is a chronic condition that often requires long-term therapy for sustained relief.
These guidelines underscore an important truth: hormones are not the enemy—they are essential players in women’s health.
Why
Transdermal Matters
Hormones delivered through the skin— as creams, gels, or patches—offer several advantages:
• Lower risk of blood clots and stroke compared to oral estrogen.
• Steady absorption with fewer hormonal swings.
• FDA-approved bioidentical formulations ensure safety and quality.
The Orchestra of Hormones: How They Work Together
• Estradiol (E2): The primary estrogen, easing hot flashes, night sweats, bone loss, and vaginal dryness.
• Estriol (E3): A gentler estrogen that supports vaginal and urinary tissues, often used in sensitive cases such as cancer survivors.
• Progesterone (micronized): Protects the uterine lining, promotes restful sleep, and calms the nervous system. Unlike synthetic oral progestins, micronized progesterone (especially in topical cream form) is structurally identical to the body’s natural hormone and behaves more physiologically.
• Testosterone: Enhances energy, libido, muscle tone, and cognitive sharpness.
• DHEA: A versatile precursor that supports vaginal health, mood, and sexual wellness.
The Problem of Estrone (E1): The Out-of-Tune Instrument
After menopause, when ovarian estrogen production drops, the body shifts to making estrone (E1)—an estrogen produced primarily in fat tissue. Unlike the harmonious tones of estradiol and estriol, estrone is harsher and can dominate if left unchecked, contributing to inflammation and higher risks for certain health issues.
By restoring the full hormone orchestra—with estradiol, estriol, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA—estrone is no longer forced to play the solo, returning the body’s music to harmony. Supporting cortisol surges and estrone detox naturally with Ashwaganda and Rhodiola and the B vitamins (B6, B9, B12) help the liver metabolize and eliminate estrone efficiently. Additionally, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and
other cruciferous vegetables contain compounds like indole-3-carbinol that promote healthy estrogen metabolism. Taken together, these nutrients and foods can help keep estrone in balance while the other bioidentical hormones perform their symphony.
The Unsung Helpers: B Vitamins and Hormone Balance
In addition to the B vitamin family adrenal adaptogens like Ashwaganda and Rhodiolla help balance the cortisol and hormone Symphony. While hormones are the lead instruments, nutrients act like the supporting sections of the orchestra. They support liver detoxification of estrogen, maintaining a favorable balance of estradiol, estriol, and estrone; aid in neurotransmitter production, stabilizing mood and energy; and help regulate homocysteine, supporting cardiovascular health in midlife women.
With these vitamins and a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables, your hormone symphony is further tuned, supporting mood, energy, and overall vitality.
After Cancer: Cautious Optimism, Real Relief
For breast-cancer survivors, the idea of hormone therapy once seemed unthinkable. But today, low-dose vaginal estrogen and DHEA are supported as safe options for bothersome genitourinary symptoms, even in survivors. Furthermore, transdermal bioidentical therapies may provide safer systemic relief when carefully monitored. Shared decision-making is key. Dr. Kelly Burkenstock
Anthony “Chopper” Leone
CAPTURING THE IMAGE
AN ARTIST’S PERSPECTIVE
WRITTEN BY SANDRA SCALISE JUNEAU
The Tchefuncte River is like a continuous ribbon that connects the work of photographer, Anthony “Chopper” Leone. From his home in Madisonville, often in the dark of night, he drives to the nearby boat launch, where, surrounded by the river’s licorice-black silken waters, he selects his site then waits for the first tint of dawn. With a perfectionist’s precision, he adjusts his camera’s gauge settings, then, with an artist’s intuition, positions his lens for capturing the moment when rising the sun’s blazing image fills the skies, illuminating with morning’s brilliant orange glow.
Retired from a career in banking after rising to the rank of Vice President and Auditor for both a State and National Bank in New Orleans, to becoming President of the New Orleans Chapter of the Bank Administration Institute, then being State Director of the Louisiana BAI, Leone reflects, “After approximately twenty-seven years of banking, I was invited to
become an Assistant to the President for five Life Insurance Companies with Departments for Real Estate Development. After twenty-five years in real estate that included building, selling, financing, and repossessing residential and commercial properties, as well as taking thousands of pictures, in 2012, I decided to retire and continue with my first love, being a free-lance photographer.”
With over 60 years of photographic experience, his artistic gifts have sharpened to an amazingly vivid level of professionalism. His move from Gretna, Louisiana in 1996 brought him to settle in downtown Madisonville. Since his marriage in 1999 to Judy Lahey, they have embraced the festivities and charm of their community. Sharing their passion for photography, both Judy and Anthony enjoy traveling with cameras always in hand.
Leone’s photographic collection includes scenes from his travels. But, at home, “Chopper”
focuses his lens on the landscape and lore surrounding his Town of Madisonville. A community activist, he served on the Board of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum and the Tchefuncte Lighthouse Committee. As unofficial town photographer for Madisonville, his photos are featured on the Town of Madisonville Photo Gallery, which he created. As stated by Jean Pelloat, Mayor of Madisonville, “Not only is Anthony “Chopper” Leone a wonderful person, he is an amazing photographer and outstanding citizen. We are blessed that he has chosen Madisonville as his home.”
His works comprise images from all of life’s celebrations - anniversaries, birthdays and weddings, including snapshots of Kings and Queens toasting the riverfront’s throngs along its banks for the Krewe of Tchefuncte Mardi Gras Parades and his portraits from the Tableau of Royalty at Annual Krewe of Tchefuncte Mardi Gras Balls. However, it’s his
Tchefuncte River landscapes which are the treasures of his artistry.
Leone has conserved the numinous moods of Tchefuncte River and Lake Pontchartrain in a series of stunning photographs, both in black and white and in color, and often with his unique perspective of mirrored water reflections. From sunrise to sunset, and through the mystical mists of enveloping fog, he films the ever-changing landscape of our surrounding waters. Many of those framed photographs were donated to benefit the lighthouse restoration project and are available for purchase from the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum. Additionally, a Leone image of the Tchefuncte River Lighthouse was selected by the State of Louisiana for a new license plate design. Proceeds from the numbered plates are administered by the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum to benefit restoration of the lighthouse and Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage. His love of Aquatic Artistry is evident through Leone’s photos of Madisonville’s Annual
Wooden Boat Festival, including the Maritime Party, held on the night before the weekend festival’s opening. But, it is the Woodworker’s Guild event, The Kid’s Boat Shop, where he has magically captured the enduring expressions of those junior boat builders, just when their creations of miniature wooden boats are being launched to float in large, galvanized tubs.
Leone’s whimsical photographic style is illustrated through his images from the Mardi Paws Annual Parades and the Mardi Paws Halloween Parties held in Mandeville and Covington, benefiting animal rescue programs, along with The Annual Furr Ball, a runway extravaganza held in Baton Rouge which benefits the Companion Animal Alliance.
It is Leone’s fascination with lighthouses which has compelled him to preserve those remaining treasures through photographs he has captured in Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. Combining his passions for auto racing and vintage cars, he has photographed races and shows in Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio and Texas, and was commissioned to create a portfolio of photographs for a private collection of classic automobiles.
As photographer for the 2021 LSU Press
publication Celebrating with St. Joseph Altars, the book is brought to life by his cover design and stunning images of Sicilian foods and pastries.
Leone’s varied interests are evidenced by his photos having been featured in a variety of websites, newspapers and magazines, including: dragracingonline.com; louisiananorthshore.com; forbes.com; Inside New Orleans; Inside Northside; roddersjournal. com; Sophisticated Woman; Southern Traveler; streetrodlife.com; and nola.com/homegarden. The full range of his body of work can be viewed on his website, chopperimages.com Anthony will go to any heights to take a shot from the perfect angle. Whether leaning over the Tchefuncte River bridge to get a flawless close-up of the passing riverboat parade, or dangling his cameras from a helicopter poised over the waters, Anthony “Chopper” Leone has taken thousands of pictures - on land, on sea and in the air. His aerial views are particularly stunning. As he attests, “I just love taking pictures - from any angle!”
Approaching his 87th birthday, Anthony muses, “From my eight decades’ perspective, taking photos is the best way to capture and preserve life’s memories.”
HPV Vaccine: Simple Protection for a Healthier Future
By now, most of us have heard of HPV, short for human papillomavirus. What you may not realize is just how common it is. Almost everyone is exposed at some point in life, and some studies now suggest the virus may spread not just through intimacy but even through close contact like deep kissing. Certain strains of HPV are linked to cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the throat and other areas.
The best news? We have a vaccine that works. The HPV vaccine has been shown to greatly reduce the chances of developing these cancers. It’s most effective when given at ages 11–12, but is now approved for adults up to age 45. Even if you’ve already been exposed to HPV, the vaccine can still protect against strains you haven’t encountered.
Side effects are typically mild, such as a sore arm or a brief fever. For many, that’s a small trade-off for long-term peace of mind.
Dr. Gary Agena Agena Obstetrics and Gynecology 393 Hwy. 21, Suite 525, Madisonville 985-845-7121 • garyagenamd.com
Brushstrokes & Beyond
The Lacombe Art Guild (LAG) is pleased to announce its Fall Art Show to be held at the Abita Springs Town Hall on November 1 and 2, 2025. All are invited to attend. An opening reception will be Saturday, November 1, from 5pm to 8pm, where visitors can meet the artists and show winners will be announced. The show will continue Sunday, November 2, from 11am to 4pm. Artists who are interested in participating in the show should visit www.lacombeartguild.com.
The Guild’s art exhibits are an impressive display of artworks that are worth the visit. These art shows are held annually, every Spring and Fall. The 2025 Spring Art Show was held at Christwood and featured 42 pieces by 42 different artists. In 2024, the Fall Art Show was held at the Abita Springs Town Hall and featured 40 member artists and 104 different artworks.
Lacombe Art Guild has been a vibrant and thriving part of the artist community for over 20 years.
Its current membership of over 75 artists has come together to build a creative and cohesive environment where artists share and learn. The guild is open to all, and members are not just from Lacombe, but from cities and towns across the region, even as far as Mississippi.
Over the last few years, LAG has broadened its artistic influence and energy more than ever
Lacombe Art Guild's Fall Art Show
before. In the fall of 2024, LAG was awarded the St. Tammany Parish President’s Award for Art because of their participation in the art community and their involvement in art endeavors throughout St. Tammany Parish.
What makes an art community thrive?
Likely, this has to do with three components: people, passion, and talent. In the Lacombe Art Guild, we see all three growing and thriving, year after year. LAG is active in St. Tammany Parish, supports artists working in all types of media, and encourages artists of all levels.
The Guild conducts monthly business meetings that feature socializing, sharing, and learning. Members learn from each other and from art-related educational presentations by its members
WRITTEN BY CARYN LANG
and other prominent artists in the region.
LAG offers a variety of options for personal creative exploration and for giving back to the community by hosting community events and by teaching art and creative expression to children.
Lacombe Art Guild endeavors to inspire children and to support our local communities by bringing art activities to events like the Abita Springs Autism Awareness Day, the Busker Festival, Fall Fest and Trunk or Treat in Abita Springs, to the Native American Heritage Celebration, and to the Scout Pack that meets at the VFW Hall in Lacombe.
Volunteer artists from LAG have worked with Bright House Learning Center, a school for children with learning disabilities, by supporting the art teacher, sending children to a summer art camp, and helping with creative ideas and crafts for a Christmas Bazaar, and hopes to provide
visiting artists in 2025. LAG has also connected with the art teachers at Bayou Lacombe Middle School and Chata Ima Elementary, and LAG volunteers spent three days leading a watercolor project at the middle school.
Group activities are a high priority, and members gather together monthly for sketching at Giddy Up in Folsom and painting at Ryan Perea’s Armbruster Artworks. Every other month, LAG organizes excursions to galleries, museums, and art-related events in the region. LAG has
visited the Monet and the Van Gogh Experiences in New Orleans, the Picasso exhibit in Jackson, MS, the Houmas House with the Degas Pastel Society, the Walter Anderson Museum in Ocean Springs, and the art deco works at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport.
In the Spring of 2025, LAG held a three-day plein air event, the St. Tammany Paint Out, that enlisted 25 participating artists, including four of the top plein air artists in the area.
LAG members’ artworks can be viewed on the ground floor of Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Mandeville and at various area restaurants, festivals, and event venues in St. Tammany Parish, such as Covington's Spring for Art and Fall for Art, and the Abita Springs Sunday Market. LAG is continually seeking opportunities to display its members' works.
LAG is a 501(c)(3) organization created to foster creativity and art excellence through education, exhibitions, and sharing, supporting artists in the visual arts on the St. Tammany Northshore. Artists are encouraged to join LAG and membership information is available at www.lacombeartguild.com.
Heaven Gained An Angel And She Put Them To Work
WRITTEN BY KIM BERGERON
Sophisticated Woman magazine.) Little did I know that this small, soft-spoken, diminutive woman would soon become a dear friend and, ultimately, a co-conspirator to an adventure (and misadventures) of a lifetime that would lead the two of us from Slidell to Louisville, Kentucky, and back home again. It was a six-day escapade fueled by hope, laughter, and song with a touch of insanity, in the best of ways.
“INSPIRE YOURSELF, YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR WORLD.”
The Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build t-shirt that Debbie Crouch wore to a home dedication could easily have been inspired by her. It was the way she lived her life, and how she loved her family, friends, and life mission. Because the East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity Executive Director did not just work for Habitat. She embodied it.
I first met Debbie when we were classmates in the Leadership Northshore Class of 2012, along with Barbara Doyle (the latter of whom is now the publisher of
That is just who she was – a perpetual optimist with an unshakeable demeanor and unbreakable spirit. I fondly recall the time when we were headed home after grabbing a quick bite but could not find the parking lot exit—only the signage marked “Enter.” After circling the lot a few times, she shook her head in frustration and exclaimed, “God bless America!” That was Debbie’s version of cursing. Or was it a prayer?
I have no doubt that based on the way she lived her life, God blessed Debbie. And He also blessed the many people whose lives were touched just by knowing her. She treated everyone with kindness and respect and made every single person feel valued, whether they were her board members, the Habitat homeowners benefiting from her dedication, or the many in the community who volunteered alongside her for Louisiana Veterans’ Festival, the Olde Towne Pumpkin Festival, or an array of Habitat fundraising events. As a result, she was deeply respected in the same way that she extended such to others.
Debbie’s Assistant Director (now Executive Director) Kentrell Jones says that one of the most invaluable assets Debbie gifted her was confidence. Through constructive feedback, encouragement, and opportunities to take on challenges, Kentrell developed belief in her own abilities. She also praised Debbie’s support of local artists and vendors and the never-ending quest toward building a better community.
Habitat board member Kelly Rodriguez describes Debbie as loyal, dependable, and reliable, and always up for adventure. She had nicknamed Debbie “McGyver,”
because no matter what was needed, Debbie either had it or figured out an alternative option. Kelly smiles as she recalls a Habitat home dedication ceremony for which the team had forgotten to bring a knife to cut the traditional housewarming cake. On that day, Kelly said, Debbie cut the cake with string. Her ingenuity was inspirational.
Recently, I had shared on social media a link to a story from Nola.com about its former writer, Pulitzer Prize winning Chris Rose. When I commented about his anthemic “Open Letter to America,” (more commonly referred to as the “Dear America” letter) that he penned just days after Hurricane Katrina, Debbie responded that she kept a copy of that powerful prose and read it to volunteers who traveled from around the U.S. to help build Habitat homes in Slidell. She proudly shared that Chris had autographed her copy of his book in which that letter was included. Just a few days later, I was stunned to learn of her passing.
In contemplating how to best honor my friend, my inspiration, the person I greatly admired, I could think of no better way than to reimagine a touch of that iconic Chris Rose piece that she found so endearing as Debbie’s self-introduction into Heaven:
Dear Angels,
I suppose I should introduce myself. I am Debbie Crouch.
I have arrived at Heaven’s Gates much sooner than anticipated, and apologize for the short notice, but hey, let’s make the most of this, shall we?
It appears I’ll be staying around a while— forever, it seems—so I hope it’s okay if I share a little bit about myself.
Though I may appear small and meek, I’ve been told my spirit is larger than life. In my time on Earth, I was known as coach and a cheerleader, a dedicated public servant and a humble recipient of gratitude and grace, and last, but not least, a big dreamer. I believed in the improbable and embraced the potential of the impossible
with childlike wonder and enthusiasm.
Every single day, I awoke with gratitude, for my husband of more than half a century, Gary, my sons, Jay and Jody, their spouses, my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren, and the joy that each of them brought into my life. I was grateful for a career that was, in reality, much more of a calling than a duty, an opportunity to help turn others’ dreams of affordable home ownership into reality.
It was always a privilege to welcome with open arms the many volunteers who arrived as strangers and quickly became part of our Habitat family. I enjoyed learning about their culture as they explored ours, and we promised to laugh with them, never at them, even when they attempted to master the art of eating hot, boiled crawfish served atop newspaper spread out on picnic tables. (Truth be told, we laughed a little, but never let them catch us in the act.) Together, we created families’ futures, one nail, one stud, one shingle and one paver at a time.
I just love creating magic with a touch of mischief, don’t you?
Now, don’t be fooled into thinking that my arrival marks the end of my volunteering and
community service. After all, long after retiring from East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity, I kept returning to the office, week after week, to help with whatever needed to be done. I guess you could say my calling kept calling. And I responded accordingly.
So let’s get to it, shall we? I’m going to create a volunteer sign-up sheet so we can get to work bringing more joy and happiness to those who greatly deserve it. Ideas are welcome and encouraged.
Lastly, is it too much to ask for a pair of those lovely angel wings? I’d love an opportunity to learn how to fly, and to eventually let a feather or two drift down to Earth to let my people know I’m thinking about them and to remind them that I will always be with them in spirit. By the way, thank you for that lovely song welcoming me upon my arrival. The Angel’s Choir is—pardon the cliché—quite heavenly.
Wishing all of you tremendous love and grand adventures to come, Debbie
In loving memory
Deborah DuCharme Crouch
August 29, 1952 - August 1, 2025
Ribbon Cuttings
St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce Limitless Chiropractic, Mandeville
St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce Clearview Title, Mandeville
Tangipahoa Chamber of Commerce Willow Pharmacy, Hammond
St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce Side Yard BBQ and Beer Garden at Palmettos, Slidell
St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce Pelican Urgent Care, Mandeville
St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce Dynamic Physical Therapy, Slidell
Lizette Avarado with Thomas Foret at Havana Nights at the Southern Hotel
The Williams and Notos at Nicholas' Journey Fundraiser
Pam and Peter Egan at Havana Nights at the Southern Hotel
The Eirich family at Nicholas' Journey Fundraiser
Gina Cherry and the Bionic Babes at Havana Nights at the Southern Hotel
ESTBA After Hours at Coastal Waste Management
Juju, Bitty Bionic Babe, at the Courageous Kids Walk for Hope
Tiffany King, Christina Rusca and Kati LeBreton at the Palette Grand Opening in Covington
Mike Detillier and Silver Slipper crew sponsors of the St. Tammany Chamber Fan-up Luncheon at the Sadie Jane
Matt Preuett, Sarah Federer, Marty Mayer, Amanda Delaup, Rory Gallardo and Bradley Cook at the Palette Grand Opening in Covington
Elisa Smith, Stephanie Shank, Jamie Clouatre at the Palette Grand Opening in Covington
Chris Masingill’s send off held at the St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation in Covington
12th
September Calendar
Northlake Newcomer’s Annual Brunch
11am Admission: $20 Benedict’s Plantation, Mandeville Reservations Required Call: 504-228-3101
18th
EmpowerHERLifeSummit Day at Palette Northshore
9am-3:pm Admission: $55-$75. Palette Northshore, 201 Holiday Blvd., Covington
19th
Downtown Abbey Dinner
6:30pm Tickets: $60. The English Tea Room & Eatery, 734 Rutlland St.,Covington
20th
Real Superheroes of Safe Harbor Gala
7pm-11pm Advanced tickets $100 @ the door $125 The Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell
20th
Canvas & Chords Art Stroll
4:30pm-8:30pm Admission: Free 111 Terrbella Blvd., Covington
21th
United We Jam, Concert for Cancer
3pm-6pm Admission: $55 Daiquiris & Creams,1737 Florida St., Mandeville
21st
Lago Fest Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
11am Admission: Free. Mandeville Trailhead Amphitheater, 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville, LA
23rd
Butterfly Migration Art Exhibit by Joshua Wichterich
5pm. St. Tammany Children's Museum 813 Florida Street, Suit A, Mandeville, LA.
26th
BOOtique Spooktacular
11am-2pm VIP access: 9am-11am. Admission: Free. Southern Hotel, 428 E. Boston St.
26th
Louisiana Heart Association
Go Red for Women Luncheon 11am-3pm Admission: Free, Covington Country Club, Covington. (985)898-0515
27th
Folsom Fall Fest
Admission: Free. Moise Park (behind Town Hall) 82357 June St., Folsom
27th
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
9am-12pm Admission: Free. Lakeview Hospital 95 Judge Tanner Blvd., Covington. (985) 641-4538
October Calendar
1st-5th
St. Tammany Parish Fair
9am-12pm Admission: Free St. Tammany Fairgrounds Columbia St., Covington
1st-5th
Tangipahoa Parish Fair
9am-12pm Admission: Free Tangipahoa Fairgrounds 12614 Arena Dr., Amite City, LA
2nd
The Gala 2025 by Hub International 7pm. Benefitting the St. Tammany Cancer Center. The Greenwood, 75082 LA-25, Covington
Please
4th
Olde Towne Pumpkin Fest
11am-4pm, Admission: Free First United Methodist Church 433 Erlanger St.,Slidell,LA
4th
Unleashed! Rescue Me Gala
7pm-10pm, Admission: $175 Covington Country Club, Covington www.northshorehumane.org
9th
Bras for a Cause Fundraiser 6pm-9pm, Tickets: $60 Advance, $70. The Harbor Center, 100 Harbor Center Blvd., Slidell
10th
Abita Fall Fest
10am-9pm. Abita Springs Trailhead Plaza and Park, 22044 Main St., Abita Springs (985)773-8539
12th
2nd Annual Northshore Beer Festival by Gnarly Barley Brewing 12am-3pm, Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville
18-19th
Louisiana Wooden Boat Festival
6pm Admission: Free. Maritime Museum, 133 Mabel Dr., Madisonvillle
18th
You Night Class of 2025 Runway Show & Celebration
5:30pm11pm- Admission: $85-$105 Jefferson Performing Arts Center 6400 Airline Dr., Metairie, LA
18th
Monster Mash presented by St Tammany Hospital Foundation
10am-2pm, Bogue Falaya Chevron Federal Credit Union 100 Park Dr., Covington
23rd
Phenomenal Woman’s Retreat: We Are the Now
Professional Women of St. Tammany 8:30am-13pm Admission: $90 Castine Center, Mandeville
25th
2025 Boo Fest
Gates open at 9am-3pm. Admission: $2 Lakeview Hospital, 95 Judge Tanner Dr.,Covington
25th
Slidell Street Fair
5pm, Admission: Free. Olde Towne, Slidell
Every Wednesday
Weekly Markets
Covington Farmers Market 10am–2pm, Covington Trailhead, 419 N. New Hampshire Street, Covington, CovingtonFarmersMarket.net
Every Thursday & Saturday
Lafitte Street Market 4–8pm Thursdays, 9am-1pm Saturdays, 698 Lafitte Street, Mandeville, facebook.com/LafitteStreetMarket
First & Third Saturday
Pearl River’s Honey Island Art & Farmers Market 10am–6pm, year round. 64378 Highway 41, Pearl River, 985-640-5482 LouisianaLandCan.com
Every Saturday
The Giddy Up Market 10am–2pm (weather permitting) Giddy Up Folsom, Live Music from 10am-1pm 82292 LA-25, Folsom, 985- 705-1091, GiddyUpGrounds.com
Camellia City Market 8am–Noon, rain or shine. 2055 2nd St. in City Hall Complex Garage, Slidell, 985-640-7112, facebook. com/CamelliaCityMarket
Covington Farmers Market 8am–Noon, 609 N. Columbia Street on side lawn of the Covington Police Department, CovingtonFarmersMarket.net
Hammond Farmers Market 8am–Noon, corner of #2 W. Thomas Street and 106 N.W. Railroad Avenue, Downtown Hammond, 985-277-5683, dddhammond.com
Mandeville Trailhead Community Market 9am–1pm, Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville, 985-624-3147, CityofMandeville.com
Every Sunday
Abita Springs Art & Farmers Market 11am–3pm, Abita Trailhead, Drive-thru and pedestrian service, 985-892-0711 ext. 7, market@abitaspringsla.gov
Claiborne Place Makers Market 10am–2pm, Claiborne Place, 1000 US-190, Covington, facebook.com/ ClaibornePlaceMakersMarket
