march-april 2012 issue of inside northside magazine
DESCRIPTION
March-April 2012 issue of Inside Northside Magazine. Featuring cover artist Marcia Holmes, The Cabildo, Girl Scouts' centennial, Humberto Fontova and vacationing in the Blue Ridge Mountains.TRANSCRIPT
HOT HUSBANDS • THE CABILDO • RUNNING WITH THE BULLS • OUTDOOR LIVING$450 MARCH-APRIL 2012VOL. 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 [email protected]
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Please send items for Inside Scoop to [email protected].
Photos for Inside Peek, with captions, should be sent to [email protected]. Submit items for Inside Input
or Dining Guide to [email protected].––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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 [email protected]
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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.
March-April 2012 Vol. 27, No. 2
find us on facebook
6 InsIde northsIde
March-aprIl 2012 9
table ofcontents
departments
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.
72 Humberto Fontova Nutria, beware!
84 Blue Ridge and Bluegrass North Carolina vacation.
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.
83 Insider Stephanie Swords Fredericks.
93 Flourishes Treasures for your pleasure.
97 Inside Look Lucky charms.
121 Pets and Their People Pompom the duck.
122 IN Love and Marriage Notable northshore weddings.
124 IN the Spotlight The Mystic Krewe of Olympia.
127 IN the Spotlight Krewe of JUNO.
128 Inside Peek
129 IN the Spotlight Geaux Arts Ball.
medical profiles
104 Bamboo Gardens Planting tranquility.
109 Viking Cooking School Outdoors
111 The Tree Doctor Will See You Now St. Tammany’s tree guru.
outdoor living
80 Dr. M. Celeste Lagarde and Dr. Richard Celentano
82 Northlake Periodontics
outdoor living profiles
featurespage 72
page 112
page 93
page 50
page 97
page 121
132 IN the Spotlight Krewe of Bilge.
136 IN the Spotlight Tchefuncte River Foundation Fundraiser.
137 Real Estate Spotlight Up-tick in single-family home building.
140 Inside Dining
145 Ad Directory
146 Last Bite Paul Murphy of Nuvolari’s, Jacmel Inn and Brady’s.
92 EMB Interiors
business profile
117 Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights
118 La Pavers
119 Perino’s Garden Center
10 InsIde northsIde
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.
Happy Birthday, Girl Scouts! And, thank you.
Patchesby Lori Murphy
Megan HillNew 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.
Contributors
Contributors: Ann Gilbert, Poki Hampton and Webb Williams.
Michael GegenheimerMichael 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.
Heather BurbrinkHeather 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.
2602 FLORIDA STREET• MANDEVILLE, LA (985) 674-0007 • WWW.DEBOSCQJEWELRY.COM
Manufacturing & DistributionDirect Importers of Certified Diamonds and Fine Colored Stones.
14 InsIde northsIde
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
(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
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
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 >>
ReflectionsCover Artist Marcia Holmes
by Stephen Faure
p
ho
to:
STEP
HEN
FA
UR
E
March-aprIl 2012 15
Meet cover artist
Marcia Holmesand see some of her
favorite works on display at
EMB Interiors4510 Hwy. 22 Mandeville, LA
Thursday,March 15, 20125:30-7:00 p.m.
For more information, call
626-9684
Everyone’s Invited!
16 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
985.727.2834 OR 1.800.375.0198Fax: 985.727.2894www.wealthplanning4u.com [email protected] 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.
Joseph J. VizziniCPA, CFP®
Registered Principal
Financial Planners • Registered Investment Advisors
1120 N. Causeway Blvd. Suite 4Mandeville, LA 70471
INVEST WELL … SLEEP WELL®
March-aprIl 2012 17
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 well-
established 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.
18 In s I d e no rt h s I d e
INSIDE
the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment
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) 523-4662. 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.
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.
March
Chef Soirée March 18 Youth Service
Bureau fundraiser. Bogue
Falaya Park, Covington.
5-9pm. $125. 893-2570.
chefsoiree.com.
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.
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. 893-6280, 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.
March-aprIl 2012 19
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. >>
20 In s I d e no rt h s I d e
Inside ScoopReservations 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: Tues-Sat, 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; non-members, $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.
March-aprIl 2012 21
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, [email protected]. 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. >>
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.
16-17 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.
16-17 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.
16-18 Strawberry Jam’n Toast to the Arts. Louisiana Renaissance Festival Grounds, 46468 River Rd., Hammond. Ruth Rolling, 974-0630. strawberryjam.org.
16-31 Nunsense. A humorous musical. Cutting Edge Theater, 747 Robert Blvd., Slidell. Fri, Sat, 8pm. $18.50. 640-0333. cuttingedgetheater.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. Noon-2pm. 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.
5-9pm. $125. 893-2570. chefsoiree.com.
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. 898-3988. englishtearoom.com.
21 Emerging Young Professionals. Networking opportunity during Happy Hour. Palmettos, 1901 Bayou Ln., Slidell. 5-7pm. Linda Larkin, [email protected].
21 Women of Infinite Possibilities Evening Meeting. Garden Room at Christwood Retirement Center, Covington. 5:30-7:30pm. Free. womenofwip.org.
Inside Scoop
March-aprIl 2012 23
21-25 Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival. Discussions, interviews, master classes, theater, food, music, literary contests and more. French Quarter. (504) 581-1144. tennesseewilliams.net.
22 Chamber after Hours. Networking. Festival Building, Memorial Park, S. 7th and Beech St., Ponchatoula. 5:30-7pm. Liz, 386-2536.
22, 23 360 Sweater Trunk Show. The Villa, 1281 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. 10am-6pm. 686-9797.
23 Bus Trip: New Orleans Fairgrounds. Day at the races. Bus from Ochsner Health Center, Covington. 9:30am-4:30pm. $52. 875-2799.
23 SBAC New Member Orientation. St. Tammany West Chamber, 610 Hollycrest Blvd., Covington. 8-9am. Free. Michelle Biggs, 273-3006. 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.
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.
23-25 Annual Jackson Assembly Antiques Show and Sale. Browse through historic antiques. Historic District, Jackson, La. Noon-4pm. $10. felicianatourism.org.
24 An Evening with Pam Tillis. Recording artist, songwriter and Broadway star. 7:30pm. $38-$44. 543-4366. columbiatheatre.org.
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.
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. >>
24 In s I d e no rt h s I d e
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) 439-2543. 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
Inside Scoop
March-aprIl 2012 25
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: 1735-1835. 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. >>
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.
4-28 Covington Farmers Market. Wed, Covington Trailhead, 10am-2pm; Sat, 609 N. Columbia St., 8am-noon. Free. 966-1786. covingtonfarmersmarket.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. 626-5566. 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,
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.
7-28 Camellia City Market. Robert and Front Sts., Slidell. Sat, 8am-noon. Free. 285-3599. camelliacitymarket.org.
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, 898-4141.
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
Inside Scoop
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. 6:30-8:30pm. 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.
14 Traditional Japanese Folk Dancing Lessons. St. Tammany Parish Library, Covington Branch, 310 W. 21st Ave. 3-4:30pm. Free. 893-6280, ext. 120. sttammany.lib.la.us.
14 Why walk? When you can soar! Autism awareness walk and family fun day. North Oak Park, Hammond. 10am-2pm. Adults, $20; 12
and under, $10. 875-0511. soarwithautism.org.
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.
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.
16 Aces Against Aneurysms. Tennis tourney to raise funds for aneurysm awareness. Pelican Athletic Club, Mandeville. 8am-2pm. $40 (registration deadline, 4/9). Rebecca, [email protected].
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.
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.
18 Emerging Young Professionals. Networking. Castaway’s Daiquiri Shop, Pontchartrain Dr., Slidell. 5-7pm. Linda Larkin,
Y19 Annual Patron Party and Auction. Benefiting St. Tammany Cancer Fund.Money Hill Golf and Country Club, Abita Springs. $100. Sharon Landry, 674-6949.
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.
20 Art in April with Champagne. Downtown Hammond. 5-10pm. Terry Lynn Smith, 277-5680. dddhammond.com.
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- >>
28 In s I d e no rt h s I d e
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.
March-aprIl 2012 29
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.
30 InsIde northsIde
“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.
“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
Court Appointed Special AdvocatesWorthy Causes by Katie Montelepre
March-aprIl 2012 31
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.
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.
by Katie Montelepre
32 InsIde northsIde
Chef Soirée Poster Artist 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, night-
blooming 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
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 ExhibitionThe 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 [email protected]. 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
Triple Crown, watercolor
by Jane Brown.
the ArtsIN
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.
p
ho
to:
AB
BY
SA
ND
S M
ILLE
R
ww
w.a
bb
yph
oto
.co
m
March-aprIl 2012 33
34 In s I d e no rt h s I d e
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!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
20
11
Har
vest
Cu
p P
olo
Cla
ssic
po
ster
pai
nti
ng
by
Milo
Ste
ph
ens-
Asc
he
March-aprIl 2012 35
Cultural Explorers ClubChildren 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.
What do you have planned for your future? We can help. We’ll meticulously tailor a long-term plan based solely on your financial well-being and specific goals.
Asset Management for Lifelong IncomeSecurities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC
www.paulsnow.com389 Hwy. 21
Ste. 402BMadisonville
985-792-5232
Paul Snow
Life Well PlannedLife Well Planned
36 InsIde northsIde
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
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
IN Better Health by Katie Montelepre
Health Concern:
Head, neck and shoulder pain due to malocclusion of teeth.
Treatment: Neuromuscular
dentistry full-mouth
reconstruction.
p
ho
to:
HEA
THER
BU
RB
RIN
K
ww
w.k
rist
inan
dh
eath
er.c
om
with Carol Rains
March-aprIl 2012 37
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!”
38 InsIde northsIde
Iggy RosalesSubmitted 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.
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!
p
ho
tos:
TH
OM
AS
B.
GR
OW
DEN
(left to right)
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.
March-aprIl 2012 39
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
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 HabisreitingerSubmitted 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
Iggy Rosales
Rob Habisreitinger
>>
40 InsIde northsIde
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?
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!
Richard PeedSubmitted 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
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
Richard Peed
p
ho
tos:
TH
OM
AS
B.
GR
OW
DEN
March-aprIl 2012 41
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 SeegerSubmitted 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
>>
42 InsIde northsIde
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-in-
law 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
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 fun-
loving 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
Christian Shofstahl
Carroll Dupre
p
ho
tos:
TH
OM
AS
B.
GR
OW
DEN
March-aprIl 2012 43
life, balancing his career as a local
attorney and his family of five—which
includes Erich and Olivia, our 6-year-
old 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 DupreSubmitted 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 45
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 Winn-
Dixie 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
Mark Malkemus
ph
oto
: TH
OM
AS
B.
GR
OW
DEN
>>
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.
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 LoCiceroSubmitted 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
46 InsIde northsIde
James Ober
Duke LoCicero
ph
oto
s: T
HO
MA
S B
. G
RO
WD
EN
March-aprIl 2012 47
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 OberSubmitted 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, >>
17640 Hard Hat Drive in Covington, La.
985-893-1271www.PanAmericanPower.com
Southeast Louisiana’s Largest Premier Generac Dealer!
life is better with power.
Whether you are protecting your home or business, you need reliable electricity– refrigeration to security systems; heating and cooling to cash registers. A Generac automatic standby generator ensures you’ll always have power in the event of a power outage. With sizes ranging from 8-150kW, an affordable solution can be easily installed. Better power. Better options. Life is better with Generac.
• Free In-Home Estimates• Residential & Commercial• Sales, Service, Installation• Maintenance Agreements
AUTOMATIC STANDBY GENERATORS
Mention this ad and receive a free wireless
remote monitor with complete installation.
48 InsIde northsIde
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
March-aprIl 2012 49
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 CookmeyerSubmitted 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-at-
home 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!
Perry Cookmeyer
p
ho
to:
THO
MA
S B
. G
RO
WD
EN
50 InsIde northsIde
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
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.
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
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 TodayThe 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.
The Cabildo200 years of Louisiana history
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.
im
ages
co
urt
esy
of:
LO
UIS
IAN
A S
TATE
MU
SEU
M
by Stephen Faure
March-aprIl 2012 51
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 >>
p
ho
to:
THO
MA
S B
. G
RO
WD
EN
52 InsIde northsIde
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-great-
great-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
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: STEPHEN FAURE
March-aprIl 2012 53
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 Creole-
style 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.
p
ho
to c
ou
rtes
y o
f: L
OU
ISIA
NA
STA
TE M
USE
UM
54 InsIde northsIde
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
Above: The
Cabildo’s second-
floor 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.
p
ho
to c
ou
rtes
y o
f: L
OU
ISIA
NA
STA
TE M
USE
UM
p
ho
to:
STEP
HEN
FA
UR
E
March-aprIl 2012 55
War of 1812 Bicentennial Make way for the Blue Angels and Tall Ships!
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 Star-
Spangled 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.
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 pre-
Civil 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.
>>
p
ho
to c
ou
rtes
y o
f: G
OV
ERN
MEN
T O
F IN
DO
NES
IA
p
ho
to c
ou
rtes
y o
f: N
OLA
NA
VY
WEE
K.C
OM
56 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
R E G I S T E R F O R A L I F E S T Y L EBridal Registry • Kitchen Boutique • Entertaining Essentials • Cooking Classes
Pelican Landing, Covington, LA • (985) 892-8370
VIKING • MACKENZIE-CHILDS • ROSLE • TRUDEAU • SCREWPULL • STAUB •TERVIS
BR
EVIL
LE •
LE
CR
EUSE
T
GA
IL PITTMA
N •
YETI
Camp Bow Wow® Covington14279 Highway 1085, Covington, LA 70433
Kim Reagan, CPAPartner
Joseph Reagan, CPAPartner
Ronald A. Gitz II, CPAPartner
512 S. Tyler St., Suite C, Covington985-809-6505 • 985-809-6507 fax • www.randrcpa.com
March-aprIl 2012 57
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 HistoryAn 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.
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.
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.
Left: Reward notice
for pirate Pierre
Lafitte, who escaped
from the Cabildo’s
jail, the Calaboose.
p
ho
to:
STEP
HEN
FA
UR
E
imag
e co
urt
esy
of:
LO
UIS
IAN
A S
TATE
MU
SEU
M
58 InsIde northsIde
Michael and
his father in
Ayuntamiento
Square just
before the run.
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!)
“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.
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.”
Running with the Bullsby Michael Gegenheimer
p
ho
to:
cou
rtes
y o
f M
ICH
AEL
GEG
ENH
EIM
ER
March-aprIl 2012 59
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 >>
60 InsIde northsIde
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.
PamplonaThe 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
café-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
March-aprIl 2012 61
Above: The local Penas
celebrate through the
streets of Pamplona.
Left: The old church in
Ayuntamiento Square.
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
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
p
ho
tos:
MIC
HA
EL G
EGEN
HEI
MER
>>
62 InsIde northsIde
A monument
honoring the
annual Encierro.
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
p
ho
tos:
MIC
HA
EL G
EGEN
HEI
MER
March-aprIl 2012 63
Per tradition,
spectators hold up
their handkerchiefs
and candles at the
closing ceremonies.
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. >>
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
p
ho
to:
MIC
HA
EL G
EGEN
HEI
MER
The matador shows bravery
while performing the famous
(or infamous) passes.
March-aprIl 2012 65
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.”
985-246-1224215 E. Gibson St., Covington
Interests include: Laparoscopic surgery, pregnancy management, difficult
menopausal transitions, management of significant pre-menstrual syndrome
66 InsIde northsIde
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.
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.
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
by Katie Montelepre
photo: courtesy of GIRL SCOUTS NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION CENTER
photo: courtesy of GIRL SCOUTS LOUISIANA EAST
100 Years ofGirl Scouts!
March-aprIl 2012 67
Left: Juliette Gordon
Low’s birthplace
in Savannah, Ga.
Below: The Jamboree
at Camp Whispering
Pines in 1984.
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 …”
“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 CookingMany 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
construction because individual
civic groups each designed a cabin
and supplied the material and labor.
Actress Dorothy Lamour camped
there in 1929, breaking her toe and >>
p
ho
to c
ou
rtes
y o
f: B
UD
DY
AN
DER
SON
68 InsIde northsIde
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 Chahta-
Ima 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
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
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.
Mary Jane BeckerLeaving a legacy
p
ho
to:
THO
MA
S B
. G
RO
WD
EN
March-aprIl 2012 69
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 DayIn 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, >>
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, decision-
making 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 CommitmentThough 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.
72 InsIde northsIde
Above: Humberto Fontova and his faithful boxer, Hunter.
Below: Humberto’s books have been translated
and published in several languages.
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,
Humberto Fontova by Stephen Faure
p
ho
tos:
STE
PHEN
FA
UR
E
March-aprIl 2012 73
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 Middle-
Aged Lunatics Who Refuse to Grow Up (published in 2003, and
which we’ll call Hellpig).
Swamp ManWhen 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 >>
To say that much of Humberto’s schedule during duck season
revolves around trips to the marsh is not much of an exaggeration.
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!”
Helldivers and HellpigAfter 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
74 InsIde northsIde
p
ho
to:
cou
rtes
y o
f H
UM
BER
TO F
ON
TOV
A
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 bell-
bottoms 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.>>
76 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 meat-
containing 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
The Fontova family poses for a portrait in Havana before fleeing the Cuban revolution.
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!
Call the Louisiana Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
at 504-455-5194 or visit http://louisiana.cff.org for nomination applications or
information on sponsoring the event.
p
ho
to:
cou
rtes
y o
f H
UM
BER
TO F
ON
TOV
A
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 BountyFor 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
78 InsIde northsIde
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.”
The DebunkerHumberto’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
Rabid Rolling Stones fan Humberto and his wife
Shirley celebrate LSU’s November 2011 victory
over Alabama—in full Keith Richards-style.
p
ho
to:
cou
rtes
y o
f H
UM
BER
TO F
ON
TOV
A
March-aprIl 2012 79
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 CovingtonWhen 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?”
80 InsIde northsIde
KNOWING YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT HANDS and receiving the
right guidance can provide a large measure of comfort during
trying times. That’s what Dr. M. Celeste Lagarde and Dr.
Richard Celentano offer patients in their Covington practice.
They’re a husband-and-wife team of skilled physicians, with
Dr. Lagarde, a general surgeon, specializing in breast cancer
diagnosis and oncologic surgery. Dr. Celentano is a board
certified plastic surgeon—and one of the area’s few certified
hand specialists—who performs breast reconstructive surgery
for many of Dr. Lagarde’s patients.
Drs. Lagarde and Celentano can provide needed
surgical treatment, lumpectomy or mastectomy, followed up
by immediate or delayed reconstructive procedures. “We
don’t just perform the surgeries,” says Dr. Lagarde. “Not only
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.”
While not every mass is cancerous, “If we diagnose
a patient with a breast cancer, then we can guide her on
her journey,” Dr. Lagarde says. She tells her patients, “Not
every breast cancer is created equal.” Finding out exactly
what type of breast cancer a patient has is the first step
in planning treatment. “We now actually do the genetics
on the breast cancer. We look at hormonal receptors;
estrogen, progesterone and herceptin. We look at the size
of the tumor. We do MRIs and PET scans. We gather all
that information and help the patient decide her treatment
plan.” Her patients also consult medical and radiation
oncologists, who plan appropriate chemotherapy and/or
radiation treatments, if needed.
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
care in the country. Nobody’s going to believe that, but it’s
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-of-
the-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
p
hoto
s: A
BB
Y S
AN
DS
MIL
LER
ww
w.a
bb
ypho
to.c
om
Dr. M. Celeste Lagarde and Dr. Richard Celentano
Guiding patients from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.
March-aprIl 2012 81
M E D I C A L P R O F I L E
specializes in implant reconstructive surgery, Dr. Lagarde is
also associated with the St. Charles Surgical Hospital and the
Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans; plastic
surgeons there also perform perforator flap procedures,
using the patient’s own tissue to reconstruct the breast.
“It used to be that having a mastectomy was a really
deforming procedure. But now, in most cases, patients
can leave an operating room after a total mastectomy
that preserved the nipple and areola complexes, followed
by a complete silicon implant or a perforator flap
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.
The Hand Doctor
Dr. Celentano became a certified hand specialist by
a somewhat circuitous route. Early in their careers, Drs.
Lagarde and Celentano were general surgeons practicing in
Columbia, Miss. Their mastectomy patients had to travel to
Jackson for their breast reconstructions. “When they’d come
back, I’d look at them and say, ‘I know I’m just a general
surgeon, but I think I can do better than this if I just had the
opportunity,’” he recalls.
Both were LSU medical school graduates, and he wanted
to return and do a residency in plastic surgery. The school
admitted him and asked that he help establish a hand and
microsurgery program. “So instead of going back for two
years of plastic surgery, I was actually volunteering for three
years, which meant another year out of the practice.”
The couple moved to the northshore and began their
Covington practice in 1992. In 2000, Dr. Lagarde was
diagnosed with colon cancer and, although a general
surgeon, began focusing on breast surgery after a hiatus
while successfully undergoing treatment.
Dr. Celentano’s practice, he estimates, is split 50-50
between doing breast reconstruction for about half of Dr.
Lagarde’s patients, and treating hand patients. Like hand and
microsurgery, breast reconstruction involves sewing a lot of
tiny blood vessels and nerves together. He says, “Amputation
of a finger would require you to sew vessels that size.” Much
of the hand practice consists of elective procedures, and he is
assisted in the office by nurse practitioner Ashley Steinhauer.
He is often called on for emergencies, however, and has
performed the difficult task, using his microsurgery skills,
of re-attaching severed fingers. Dr. Celentano has an X-ray
machine in the office that saves patients from having to go
elsewhere for the diagnostic procedure.
Hand patients often require physical therapy after
surgery, whether as severe as a finger reattachment or
more commonly, carpal tunnel surgery. One of the local
therapy providers Dr. Celentano refers patients to is
Advanced Hand Specialists in Mandeville. “I’m very grateful
to the owner for the fact that they have certified hand
therapists. It’s important that they use certified therapists
in the care of our hand patients.” Dr. Celentano does see
patients from all over the northshore, however, and tries to
send patients to a facility near where they live. “Often times,
a hand-therapy patient may go three or five times a week,
and if they have to travel great distances they’re either not
going to do it or it’s going to be prohibitively expensive for
them. The post-operative care by a certified hand therapist
is paramount in obtaining the maximum benefit for hand
surgery patients.”
Drs. Lagarde and Celentano’s office is located at 110
Lakeview Lane, Ste. 200, in Covington. 985-898-0589.
82 InsIde northsIde
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
high-end imaging, she can see the smallest
details that normal dental X-rays are not
capable of capturing. This technology
eliminates the guess work that is common
with the antiquated approach.
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.
Dr. LaSalle is one of approximately 500
periodontists in the United States certified
to deliver LANAP (Laser Assisted New
Attachment Procedure).
Twenty years of periodontal experience
combined with state-of-the-art technology
allows Dr. LaSalle to provide exceptional
care through personalized service and
education for each patient.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. LaSalle
at Northlake Periodontics, L.L.C., please call
(985) 727-1133. She is located at 1580 West
Causeway Approach, Suite 5 in Mandeville.
State-of-the-Art Periodontal Technology
Dr. Marija LaSalle
M E D I C A L P R O F I L E
March-aprIl 2012 83
State-of-the-Art Periodontal Technology
p
ho
to:
HEA
THER
BU
RB
RIN
K
ww
w.k
rist
inan
dh
eath
er.c
om
siderINONCOLOGY 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
Stephanie Swords Fredericks, Massage Therapist by Katie Montelepre
84 InsIde northsIde
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
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.
Blue Ridge and Bluegrassby Ann Gilbert
p
ho
to:
AN
N G
ILB
ERT
March-aprIl 2012 85
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 >>
86 InsIde northsIde
March-aprIl 2012 87
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.
preferred Antiques on Beaver Creek and its eye-
catching 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
session in a turn-of-
the-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 >>
p
ho
to:
THO
MA
S B
. G
RO
WD
EN
ph
oto
: A
NN
GIL
BER
T
p
ho
to:
AN
N G
ILB
ERT
88 InsIde northsIde
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
p
ho
tos:
AN
N G
ILB
ERT
March-aprIl 2012 89
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 >>
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
and Grandfather mountains. We passed on zip-
lining 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.
N A N C Y R O B B I N SFINE FURNITURE • ACCESSORIES • ART • LIGHTING • PLANTATION
SHUTTERS • DESIGN SERVICES • ORIENTAL RUGS • CUSTOM DRAPERIES RENOVATIONS • LIGHTING PLANS • FURNITURE FLOOR PLANS
DESIGN SERVICES AVAILABLE IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES
OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY BY APPOINTMENT816 ASBURY DR., SUITE A • MANDEVILLE
(985) 727-4565 • (985) 789-5770 NANCYROBBINSINTERIORS.COM
90 InsIde northsIde
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.
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.
For more information on the local effort to paint our back roads with barn quilts,
call Kim Zabbia at 974-2079.
p
ho
to:
AN
N G
ILB
ERT
“We want our customers to see, touch and feel the
quality we offer,” says Ellen Bajon, owner of EMB Interiors.
Open to the public, EMB Interiors’ furniture showroom is
one of the best-kept secrets on the northshore. It is filled with
upholstery, case goods and accessories from the furniture
and design industries’ leading manufacturers. The variety of
merchandise on the retail floor from vendors showcases the
quality, finishes and collections available.
The design team attends the largest international
furniture market twice a year to view the latest design
concepts. By seeing what is new at market, they are further
educated and can better assist their customers and clients in
making the correct purchases for their home.
EMB Interiors’ design team strives to meet the
requirements of each customer with choices that will be
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
members pride themselves
on providing a personalized
shopping experience to help
each of their customers feel
confident with their selections.
The accessories displayed
in the store are both trendy and
timeless. A few carefully chosen
accessories can give a room
a new and exciting feeling.
Quality lamps, new and antique rugs, fine art and decorative
pieces can make a tired room look fresh and new again.
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.
EMB Interiors is located at 4510 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville,
985-626-1522. embinteriors.com.
Simply Elegant EMB Interiors
B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E
92 InsIde northsIde
1
2
3
8
7
4
6
5
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.
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,
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
on canvas, by portrait artist Terry Sita, $350.
Louisiana Artists Gallery, Mandeville, 624-7903.
March-aprIl 2012 93
94 InsIde northsIde
1
2
3
5
6
7
4
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.
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.
follow us on
LakesideShopping
Center7543 Jefferson
Highway
M e t a i r i e B a t o n r o u g e
Mall of Lousiana
B a t o n r o u g e
Mall of Acadiana
L a f a y e t t e
| | |
March-aprIl 2012 95
96 InsIde northsIde
March-aprIl 2012 97
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
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
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
gathered detail at straps, $69. Shoefflé,
Covington, 898-6465; Baton Rouge,
(225) 761-1105.
7
LUCKY CHARMS
2
3
4
5
6
7
1. Susan Shaw gold necklace
with dragonfly pendant, $71.
Accents & Things, Slidell,
649-4273. 2. Ladies
emerald green amethyst
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
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.
8
1
LUCKY CHARMS
98 InsIde northsIde
March-aprIl 2012 99
Janome • Brother • Pfaff • Fabric • Notions • Patterns Classes • Repairs • Sewing Cabinets • Industrial Machines
3997 Hwy. 190 E. Service Rd., Covington • 985.249.6156www.sewingmachineoutlet.com
100 InsIde northsIde
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
LUCKY CHARMS1. GEO green skinny jeans by geovanny,
$56. All About Me, Mandeville, 845-
2424. 2. Emerald pendant with .41cttw
diamond and .57cttw emerald in white gold
on white gold rope chain: pendant, $2,757;
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, 727-
7649. 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.
8
March-aprIl 2012 101
March-april 2012 103
2012outdoor
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.
He who plants a garden, plants happiness.– Chinese proverb
104 inside northside
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
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.
outdoor living
Bamboo Gardensby Megan Hill
March-april 2012 105
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 post-
chicken. 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 101Berry’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 >>
106 inside northside
[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
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.”
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.
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.
March-april 2012 107
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 faster-
growing bamboo.
The Zen of BambooOne 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.
March-april 2012 109
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.
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.
outdoor living
by Poki Hampton, with Akila Ananth
Viking Cooking School Outdoors
p
ho
tos
cou
rtes
y o
f: V
IKIN
G C
OO
KIN
G S
CH
OO
L O
UTD
OO
RS
March-april 2012 111
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
outdoor living
by Webb Williams
“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
>>
p
ho
to:
HEA
THER
BU
RB
RIN
K
ww
w.k
rist
inan
dh
eath
er.c
om
112 inside northside
Seven Sisters by
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.
Why Trees FailSince 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
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-foot-
plus 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
p
ho
to:
HA
RR
IET
BLU
M
>>
114 inside northside
March-april 2012 115
Cat Island Cypress
by Harriet Blum.
in structural failure of a tree, especially when a tree is
asymmetrical, with heavier branches on one side.”
Planting TreesLate 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 long-
term 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 PatientsSome 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
p
ho
to:
HA
RR
IET
BLU
M
>>
116 inside northside
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 hand-
colored 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.”
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 clear-
cut 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.
“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.”
p
ho
to:
HEA
THER
BU
RB
RIN
K
ww
w.k
rist
inan
dh
eath
er.c
om
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
to enhance your poolside décor. The lanterns are
beautifully handcrafted and hand-riveted together
to weather any environment. Made of copper,
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
offer exquisite ambient lighting for many
applications. They are perfect for arbors,
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
complimentary. Each light is specifically crafted
for your home or business—just as Andrew
Bevolo Sr. did 67 years ago.
Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights
is located at 68467 Hwy. 59 in
Mandeville, (985) 249-6040; and 318
Royal St. and 521 Conti St. in New
Orleans, (504) 522-9485. bevolo.com
O U T D O O R L I V I N G P R O F I L E
Making Life Brighter
Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights
LA PAVERS HAS THE ANSWER to bringing your indoor
living outdoors—award-winning and individually designed
paved environments.
Rod Trahan, owner of La Pavers, began his career
by working with his father in the concrete business. Rod’s
eyes were opened to the possibility of pavers, so he went
to work for the international paving installation company,
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
Champion Square, where many a tailgater has enjoyed the
new addition to the Superdome experience.
Rod personalizes each job by drawing out a plan
expressly for that project. He says to every client, “Let’s
dream something.” And whether that dream is a waterfall,
fire pit, planters or special lighting, La Pavers will make your
dream come true.
La Pavers offers 18 months free financing and accepts
projects that can be completed over a period of time.
La Pavers is located at 901 Edwards Ave., Suite 300, in
Harahan. (504) 731-8755. lapavers.com and facebook.
O U T D O O R L I V I N G P R O F I L E
La PaversWhere Dreamscapes Come True!
118 InsIde northsIde
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
of the annuals and perennials and many of the trees
and shrubs it sells. Loads of fresh plants are shipped in
daily from its Covington greenhouses to serve customers,
many of whom come from the northshore, Baton Rouge
and Mississippi.
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
unique gifts and accessories for the
home. Patio sets from Woodward,
Summer Classics and Meadowcraft
are surrounded by lamps, chandeliers and creations from
many local artists. There is even a baby department.
Perino’s manager, Tucker Bantom, says, “Our goal is
to provide the best customer service and the best value in a
warm, inviting atmosphere.”
Perino’s Garden Center is located at 3100 Veterans
Blvd. in Metairie. (504) 834-7888. perinos.com.
O U T D O O R L I V I N G P R O F I L E
Perino’s Garden Center
March-aprIl 2012 119
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
LONG-TERM SESSSIONS 1st Session: June 10-June 22 2nd Session: June 24-July 63rd Session: July 8-July 204th Session: July 22-August 3
SHORT-TERM SESSIONS M Session: June 3-June 8A Session: June 10-June 15B Session: June 17-June 22C Session: June 24-June 29D Session: July 1-July 6E Session: July 22- July 27F Session: July 29-August 3
RIVERVIEW CAMP COMES TO YOU!
March 10 - 10am-4pmLakeside Shopping Center
March 17 - 10am-4pmKids Day and Family ExpoCastine Center
March 20 - 3:30pm-5:30pmFranco’s Conference Room
March 21 - 5:30pm-7:30pmTchefuncta Country Club
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.
AT A SMALL NURSERY on Lee Lane in
downtown Covington, there is a larger-than-
life 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.
“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.” ph
oto
s: A
SHLE
IGH
SPA
RK
S A
ND
JA
CK
MU
RPH
Y
by Jack MurphyPets Peopleandtheir Pompom the duck
March-aprIl 2012 121
122 InsIde northsIde
IN
LO
VE
AN
D
M
AR
RI
AG
E
Jones-BrewerJessica Jones and Brandon Brewer were
married at Vintage Court at sunset. The bride’s pearl-
colored 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.
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.
McDaniel-HayesMcCade 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, sequin-
studded 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.
Miltenberger-HaunCackey 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.
ph
oto
: JA
SON
& M
IA C
REA
TIV
E PH
OTO
GR
APH
Y
ph
oto
: ST
UD
IO T
RA
N P
HO
TOG
RA
PHER
S
ph
oto
: M
AR
C P
AG
AN
I PH
OTO
GR
APH
Y
ph
oto
: K
RIS
TIN
AN
D H
EATH
ER P
HO
TOG
RA
PHY
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.
Stryker-Hustad 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.
ph
oto
: B
RIT
TAN
YA
NN
PH
OTO
GR
APH
Y
ph
oto
: TY
LER
VA
NC
E PH
OTO
GR
APH
Y
March-aprIl 2012 123
the SpotlightIN
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.
Mystic Krewe of Olympia
124 InsIde northsIde
p
hoto
: JO
EY
MIC
HEL
PH
OTO
GRA
PHY
January-February 2012 125
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.
March-aprIl 2012 127
the SpotlightINKrewe of JUNO
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.
p
hoto
: A
BBY
SA
ND
S M
ILLE
R w
ww
.abb
ypho
to.c
om
side PeekIN
Send your submissions to [email protected].
Bobbi Chassaignac, January-February
IN Cover Artist Ryan Perea and
Christina Bodenheimer.
Anna Papp, Bill Bennett and Charley Strickland at the Inside Northside Meet the Artist Party at Martin Wine Cellar.
Cedric Martin, Hope Martin, Paul Riley, Kevin
Raborn, Delia Schilling and Will Fauquier.
Ellen Bajon and Charlotte Knight.
Jonathan Wong, Saul Rubio and
Jason Wong at the grand opening
of Rockefeller’s Restaurant.
Queen Elizabeth Hughs at the Athenians Ball with her parents, Julie and Semmes Hughs.
the SpotlightINGeaux 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.
p
ho
tos:
MA
RK
ST.
JA
MES
130 InsIde northsIde
side PeekIN
Send your submissions to [email protected].
Angel Hernandez, Tina Paretti and Kathy Williams at the West Chamber 2012 Installation and Awards Banquet.
Queen Claudia Melinda Norwood
of the Krewe of Claude.
St. Tammany West Chamber award
winners Kenny LaCour of Dakota
Restaurant, Dick Knight of Resource
Bank and Stuart Ethridge and Will
Boudreaux of Netchex.
Alberta Alley, Beau Thompson and Mary Wilson enjoy a Mardi Gras celebration at the Windsor Senior Center.
March-aprIl 2012 131
LSU’s Homecoming
King Zach Corbin
of Slidell and
Queen Mo Isom.
Mad Men star, local designer and author Bryan Batt celebrates the completion of two designer houses in Tchefuncta Club Estates with Colleen Hawley and Sharon Drucker.Kelli Binnings, Patrice
Senac and Tanya Everett at the Arabella 10th anniversary event. 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.
Tad Dowd was one of more than 30 participants in Franco’s Annual Ice Man Dip & Dash, a 4-mile run and a 100-yard swim across the Tchefuncte River that benefits ALS research.
the SpotlightIN
132 InsIde northsIde
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.
Krewe of Bilge
134 InsIde northsIde
side PeekIN
Send your submissions to [email protected].
March-aprIl 2012 135
The cast of Louisiana Center for Theatrical
Arts’ benefit performance of “Some
Enchanted Evening—The Songs of Rodgers
and Hammerstein”: Weston Twardowski,
Jan Gardner, Ashley Smetherman Lemmler,
Melissa Marshall and Chris Carey.
Archbishop Hannan High School senior Lauren Voelker was selected to be on the Louisiana Composite All-State Soccer team; pictured with Assistant Principal Dr. Donalyn Hassenboehler.
Mary Queen of Peace Pastor Fr. Ronnie Caulkins and Office of Catholic Schools Associate Superintendent Dr. Lisa Taylor along with Hannan parents Deanna Hollander, Tonya Booksh and Darlene Sens.
Campus Minister Leila Benoit, Kent Bossier
and Special Events Coordinator Jill Hogan at
the reception following the memorial Mass
for Archbishop Hannan.
With the help of SSA teacher Patrice Cedor, seniors Katie Carey, Katie Magee, Alexis Welliver and Nicole Cerniglia prepare for their tributes to their dads.
Michael Froeba, Shelby Guinot, Gail Benson, Mason Caillouet, Shelby Rase and Jake Doran at the reception following the memorial Mass.
Philip and Chandler Mangrum at
the SSA Father-Daughter dance.
Lakeshore juniors Caitlyn Carroll and Lindsay Chaix showing off
their new “One Book One School” novel, You Don’t Know Me.
Sami Tabor and her dad, Brent, enjoy the SSA Sports Spectacular Father-Daughter dinner dance.
SSA senior Hadley
Modeen and her
dad, Dan, were
ready to score a
touchdown.
136 InsIde northsIde
the SpotlightIN
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.
ph
oto
s: J
OH
N J
AY
STU
DIO
Tchefuncte River Foundation Fundraiser
n o r t h s h o r e l i v i n g
March-aprIl 2012 137
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.
Real Estate Spotlight
Up-tick in single-family home building
n o r t h s h o r e l i v i n g
138 InsIde northsIde
n o r t h s h o r e l i v i n g
i n s i d e d i n i n g
140 InsIde northsIde
MCC: Major credit cards acceptedME: Menu Express deliveryRR: Reservations recommended
ABITA SPRINGSAbita Barbecue, 69399 Hwy. 59, 892-0205. Ribs, brisket, chicken, pulled pork and boudin. MCC.
Abita Brew Pub, 72011 Holly St., 892-5837. On the Trace. Good food, great beer. Lunch, dinner. MCC.
Abita Springs Café, 22132 Level St., 867-9950. 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, 809-6313. 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.
COVINGTON407 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., 892-2373. 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., 809-3880. 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., 892-5396. 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.
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, 892-3712. 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, 327-7111. 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., 892-9992. 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., 892-4992.
Mattina Bella, 421 E. Gibson St., 892-0708. 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.
side DiningIN
i n s i d e d i n i n g
March-aprIl 2012 141
Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery and Caffè, 2033 N. Hwy. 190, Ste. 5, 893-1488. 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., 898-2166. 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., 327-0520. Inspired American food. MCC.
HAMMONDAdobe 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.
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., 542-8888. First Japanese sushi restaurant in Hammond! Dragon roll, Kirin roll, sake. MCC.
La Carreta Authentic Mexican Cuisine, 108 N.W Railroad Ave., 419-9990. 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.
LACOMBEJanie 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 Tues-Fri, dinner. MCC.
Morton’s Boiled Seafood & Bar, 702 Water St., 845-4970. Relaxed atmosphere, seafood, daily specials.
i n s i d e d i n i n g
142 InsIde northsIde
Lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.
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., 624-3388. 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, 727-2771. Fajitas and the Awesome Blossom. Lunch, dinner. MCC, ME.
Coffee Rani, 3517 Hwy. 190, 674-0560. Soup and salad specialists.
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.
Country Kitchen, 2109 Florida St., 626-5375.
Fat Spoon Café, 68480 Hwy. 59., 809-2929. Breakfast, lunch Sun.-Fri. MCC.
Fazzio’s Seafood & Steakhouse, 1841 N. Causeway Blvd., 624-9704. 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.
Pizza, salads, pasta, sandwiches. Dine in or carry out. MCC, checks.
Izumi, 2660 Florida St., 624-8664. Sushi, Japanese specialties. MCC.
Juniper, 301 Lafitte St., 624-5330. Progressive Creole cuisine. Lunch, dinner, brunch. MCC, checks.
K. Gee’s, 2534 Florida St., 626-0530. 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, 727-1998. Penne rustica, pasta Milano, other Italian favorites. Lunch, dinner. MCC, ME.
Mande’s, 340 N. Causeway App., 626-9047. Serving breakfast and lunch, daily specials.
Mandina’s, 4240 Hwy. 22 in Azalea Square Shopping Center, 674-9883. Seafood, Creole and Italian. Lunch, dinner Mon-Sat.
Maw Maw’s, 1461 N. Causeway Blvd., Ste. 11, 727-7727. Soups, salads, stuffed potatoes, sandwiches, po-boys.
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, 674-3436.
i n s i d e d i n i n g
March-aprIl 2012 143
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, 626-1534. 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., 626-0208. Pulled pork, brisket and ribs. MCC, ME.
Taqueria Noria, 1931 Hwy. 59, 727-7917. 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., 231-7314. 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.
PONCHATOULAMiddendorf’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, 386-3634. Charming Bavarian bungalow, European-style breakfast, German-style
lunch. MCC, checks.
SLIDELLA Touch of Italy Café, 134 Pennsylvania Ave., 645-0084. Seafood, veal, steaks, daily specials. Lunch, dinner. MCC, checks.
Assunta’s, 2631 Hwy. 190 W., 649-9768. 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., 288-4166. 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 family-friendly atmosphere for lunch and dinner. MCC.
Eddie D’s, 39510 Hwy. 190 E., 847-1000.
Java Jungle, 1071 Robert Blvd., 649-0380. 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 Ahhhfull-waffles, 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., 641-4969. Lunch, dinner and late-night.
Times Bar & Grill, 1827 Front St. 639-3335. 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.
m a r k e t p l a c e
http://janapond.myrandf.com
JANA LAIRD POND985-966-6475
•Anti-Aging•SensitiveSkin•Acne/Scarring•SunDamage•60DayMoney-backGuarantee!
Transform Your SkinUniqueskinproductsbackedby
thecreatorsofProactiv®Solution.
144 InsIde northsIde
March-aprIl 2012 145
10/12 Properties .......................985-626-8200 85
Accents & Things .......................985-649-4273 96
Air Blow Dry Bar & Salon ...........985-626-1402 22
All About Me .............................985-845-2424 95
Alora Cleanse, Dr. Parke .............985-845-1111 129
Al’s Plumbing Co. ......................985-845-9390 28
American Factory Direct .............985-871-0300 26
Angelo’s Lawn-Scape of Louisiana
.....................................angeloslawnscape.com 114
Apricot Lane .............................504-849-0900 95
Arabella Fine Gifts .....................985-727-9787 6
Artisan Kitchen and Bath ...........504-891-8884 86
Artistry of Light .........................225-247-8963 108
Askhimbooks.com ................ askhimbooks.com 43
Asset One .................................985-727-2834 16
Authentic Air LLC ......................504-421-2647 144
B Imports & Domestic Collision Center
.................................................985-626-7572 144
Bamboo Gardens ............bambogardensla.com 110
Ban Soleil ..................................985-875-9109 27
Bar Method Covington, The .......985-871-1131 86
Bedico Creek Preserve ...............985-845-4200 139
Bella Cucina ..............................985-626-7886 119
Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights ......504-522-9485 117
Billiot Pest Control .....................866-365-0075 29
Blue Williams LLP ......................985-626-0058 24
Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers .........985-626-1666 8
CafÈ Lynn ..................................985-624-9007 141
Campus Connection ..................504-866-8552 86
Cardiovascular Associates ..........985-871-0735 48
Carreta’s Grill ...........985-871-6674, 847-0020 133
Cedarwood School ....................985-845-7111 90
Champagne Jewelers.................985-643-2599 20
Christwood Retirement Community
.............................................christwoodrc.com 15
Columbia Street Mercantile .......985-809-1789 96
Compounding Corner ................985-792-5041 128
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation .........504-455-5194 76
De Boscq Jewelry ......................985-674-0007 13
deCoeur .........................................decoeur.net 99
DeLuca’s Expressions in Gold .....985-892-2317 95
Designs in Windows ..................985-209-1689 144
Discoveries Furniture and Finds ..985-345-2577 78
Eduardo Jenkins Landscape Architect and Planner
.................................................225-343-0571 107
EMB Interiors ............................985-626-1522 92
English Tea Room, The ...............985-898-3988 143
Etan Enterprises ........................985-966-7042 113
Fairway Medical Surgical Hospital
......................................... fairwaymedical.com 78
Fat Spoon Café ..........................985-809-2929 141
Fitness Expo ..............................985-624-9990 64
Fleurt ........................................985-809-8844 96
Florist of Covington ...................985-892-7701 35
Fly by Knight ..............................flybyknight.biz 43
Franco’s Athletic Club ................985-792-0200 BC
Freedom Boat Club ....................985-792-5115 114
French Mix, The .........................985-809-3152 86
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
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
ADVERTISER ..............................CONTACT INFO PAGE ADVERTISER ..............................CONTACT INFO PAGE ADVERTISER ..............................CONTACT INFO PAGE
Directory of Advertisers
146 InsIde northsIde
Last Bite
p
ho
to:
THO
MA
S B
. G
RO
WD
EN
Paul Murphy of Nuvolari’s, Jacmel Inn and Brady’s
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.
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
by Stephen Faure