NORTHSHORE’S FINEST • LACROSSE • ROCK ZERINGUE • FUN IN THE SUN$450 JULY-AUGUST 2012VOL. 27, NO. 4

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 14.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Business Manager Jane Quillin Advertising Account Executives Brenda Breck Poki Hampton Candice Laizer Barbara Roscoe Interns Akila Ananth Jasmine Beard Derric Boudreaux Paige Weber Amanda Winters

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For advertising information

phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 email sales@insidenorthside.com

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Please send items for Inside Scoop to scoop@insidenorthside.com.

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

or Dining Guide to editor@insidenorthside.com.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Contact Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148 Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 website www.insidenorthside.com Subscriptions 1 Year $18 2 Years $30 email subscriptions@insidenorthside.com

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

On the cover Artist Lori Seals––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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.

July-August 2012 Vol. 27, No. 4

July-August 2012 9

departments

features

table ofcontents

16 Practice Makes Imperfect Cover Artist Lori Seals.

32 Beach Reads

36 Northshore’s Finest 2012 Honorees Supporting a cure for cystic fibrosis.

50 INFINITY … and Beyond The new Stennis visitor center and museum.

58 Lacrosse Newcomer to the northshore sporting world.

64 Fun in the Sun There’s no place like home.

70 Birds of a Feather Wildfowl artist Rock Zeringue.

78 Hot Summer Dishes Menu highlights from select area restaurants.

90 Family Fun at Franco’s For an exciting “staycation.”

12 Publisher’s Note

14 Contributors

20 Inside Scoop

34 IN Better Health Mike Perry.

85 Flourishes Treasures for your pleasure.

94 Inside Look See worthy.

101 Book Report Ernie K-Doe: The R&B Emperor of New Orleans, by Ben Sandmel.

102 Insider Archivist Robin Perkins.

104 IN Love and Marriage Notable northshore weddings.

106 IN the Spotlight Hot Summer Blues.

108 Inside Peek

110 IN the Spotlight St. Tammany’s Louisiana Bicentennial Festival.

114 IN the Spotlight Franco’s Ladies Day Out.

120 IN Development Wetlands mitigation.

page 94

page 50

page 78

125 Inside Dining

129 Ad Directory

130 Last Bite Kathy Williams of K. Gee’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar.

page 70

page 58

12 InsIde northsIde

Is 24 miles a world away?

by Lori Murphy

Because I was born and raised in New Orleans, it is naturally

home to many friends and favorites. Living on the northshore for

nearly 20 years, it is almost impossible for me to estimate the number

of times I have crossed the Causeway —definitely thousands. It still

amazes me that despite the fact that so many things make the world

seem a much smaller place, if you ask New Orleanians—and here I

mean southshore residents—the northshore is no closer now than it

was 20 years ago.

I have a friend who visits and spends the night when she has her

hair cut by a stylist who moved to the northshore. I love our time

together and love that she indulges in a little escape when she comes

to the northshore. But there are many weeks when I go across three

or four times, despite the fact that I live and work here. We go for

dinner, for events, for shopping, you name it. To us, the bridge is

just 24 miles of uninterrupted, easy driving—great for singing with

the radio or catching the last chapter of the book on tape. Assuming

you can talk on your cell phone hands free, it’s a good time to check

in with people you never get to talk to, except that the reception is

not very good. In any case, it is no farther than any other 24 miles

of driving–mostly without traffic slowdowns. Does it seem longer

because of the water??

This past weekend, we went across the lake three times. We were

repeatedly asked, “Are you driving all of the way back?” It occurred

to me that the bridge must be quite a bit longer from south to north

than it is vice-versa. What a shame! (See “Fun in the Sun,” pg. 64, for

just a few of our unique northshore treasures.)

To those of us who are lucky enough to live here because we

choose to and still enjoy the excitement and advantages of the city

such a short distance away, it is perfection. It might be the perfect

balance of near and far.

Pat Brister

Parish President Pat Brister and

her husband, Joe, have lived in St.

Tammany Parish for 33 years. Pat

has served in numerous public

offices, including the board of the St.

Tammany Children’s Advocacy Center,

eight years on the Parish Council and

two years as board chairman of St.

Tammany West Habitat for Humanity.

In 2006, President George Bush appointed Pat to head the United States

delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

Contributors

Contributors: Akila Ananth, Derric Boudreaux, Mike Gegenheimer, Poki Hampton, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Eric Suhre.

Alice Riley

Since 1984, Alice Riley

has owned and operated

Fielding Photography

in Mandeville. After

graduating from the

Art Institute of Atlanta,

she worked at the

Louisiana State Museum

for five years as staff

photographer. In 1990,

she served as the

president of St. Tammany

West Chamber of

Commerce. Alice was also

a board member of the

International Association

of Professional Event

Photographers from

2003 to 2006.

Kaley Boudreaux

Originally from the

southshore, Kaley

Boudreaux grew up in

Mandeville. After moving

to Baton Rouge to earn

a degree from Louisiana

State University, she

married her high school

boyfriend and returned

to the northshore. She

now works in human

resources in Covington.

When she isn’t working

or writing, Kaley enjoys

boating and camping

with her family, friends

and dog, Kona.

Sean Keogh

Born in Baton Rouge,

Sean Keogh grew up

in Slidell and attended

North Shore High

School. He earned

a bachelor’s degree

in English from

Southeastern Louisiana

University, where his

fiction and poetry

were published in the

university’s creative

writing journal. Besides

pursuing a writing

career, Sean hopes to

travel abroad to visit

as many countries as

possible.

16 InsIde northsIde

“I WISH I HAD A LITTLE PET EGRET,” laughs artist

Lori Seals as she talks about some of her favorite

subjects. Although she by no means specializes in

avian portraiture, she notes, “People love birds; they’re

something people never seem to tire of.”

In her work, Lori strives to portray the visual

richness provided by southern Louisiana’s vistas, both

natural and architectural. Alert readers may remember

her from our May-June 2008 cover. We’ve caught up

with her since then and learned that as time flew, her

art developed—and her daughters Megan, Amanda

and Ally are developing into artists in their own ways

and into Lori’s most trusted art critics.

“I might paint over work that I’ve spent hours

on, adding a layer, changing something. My girls will

come home and say, ‘What have you changed? You

did something different!’ and it’s usually for the better,

I hope. I have three little art critics. They’re definitely

honest and tell me what they think.”

This issue’s cover piece, a watercolor of Penn’s

Chapel, was shaped in part by the girls’ scrutiny.

Her first go at painting this version of the hidden

northshore gem wasn’t quite right. “I think I tried too

hard the first time. My daughters looked at it, and they

immediately knew that. They said it was too detailed,

that it wasn’t really my style. So I did it

again when I had more time and I was more

relaxed. It’s a better painting.”

Lori got her start in art at LSU, where

she studied interior design with a minor in

art. She worked as a designer for a few years

in Houston and New Orleans. “I loved doing

quick sketches for the layout for furniture

design; I think that’s evident in my artwork. I

do a lot of interior shots, and my work has a

lot of architectural detail in it—I love to focus

on windows.”

But it’s not all buildings and windows

for Lori. She’ll paint just about whatever

appeals to her visually. Landscapes and scenes from

beaches and swamps often catch her eye, as do still-life

subjects and animals—just about everything except

human portraiture, although she gets asked to do that

quite often. “I enjoy doing more of a candid type of

portrait. I’ve done a lot with kids walking on the beach

or playing and looking down—not so much front-on,

formal portraiture.”

She’s also quite good with animals. Her whimsical

dog portraits attract attention and garner the occasional

commission. A painting of a perky Yorkie hangs in her

studio. “That’s my little dog; they seem to come easier

than people sometimes,” she says, laughing.

Getting modernMany of Lori’s paintings start out as photos.

“When I took photography at LSU, my instructor

would tell us to look for the light. For years,

I’ve thought about that—what a difference the

lighting quality makes in your paintings and your

photographs.” (Paying attention in college pays off.)

There’s a very practical reason she likes

photography as a way to gather scenes and subjects

to paint. While she admires artists who work en

plein air, working in the outdoors to paint the scenes >>

Practice Makes ImperfectCover Artist Lori Seals

by Stephen Faure

Meet cover artist

Lori Sealsand see some of her

favorite works on display at

The Lakehouse2025 Lakeshore Dr.

Mandeville

Thursday,July 12, 2012

5:30-7:00 p.m.

For more information, call

626-9684

Everyone’s Invited!

18 InsIde northsIde

before them, “I don’t do a lot. I think in

Louisiana it’s so hot it’s harder for artists

to paint outdoors.”

She hasn’t gone all hog-wild,

digitally speaking. “My daughter does a

lot with Photoshop, but that takes over

everything. I like a little enhancement,

but re-doing things is a completely

different field.” While she keeps up with

her full-size camera gear, Lori’s come

into the space age and is just as likely to

use her iPhone’s camera as anything else

when she spots a potential subject.

Once she’s made a photo or

found a scene that’s ripe for painting,

she has another decision to make—

which medium best fits? Just as she’s

comfortable with a variety of subjects,

Lori often switches from one medium to

another, but says, somewhat wistfully,

“Sometimes I think I should just pick one

medium and stick to it. Then I’d be really

awesome!”

Her proficiency working with

watercolors, pastels and oils comes from

years of experience and learning what

works best with the size of the piece and

how detailed she wants it to be. “When

I see certain things, I picture them as an

oil versus a watercolor or a combination.

Sometimes I’m more inclined to do oil,

because I know it will sell better and it

will be easier to display, where pastels

and watercolors may be my stronger

mediums.”

Some of Lori’s favorite artists,

including Edgar Degas and William

Turner, are known for working in

different mediums as well. She’ll often

consult her substantial collection of art

books when she’s trying to figure out

how to approach a subject, looking to see

how Turner or Degas or Andrew Wyeth,

another favorite, might have done it. She

also considers the Internet a friend. “It’s

wonderful; I can see work from galleries

and museums all over the world.”

July-August 2012 19

Passing it on“My newest development is

teaching art. I’m teaching every grade at

Mary Queen of Peace. It’s very much a

challenge, and it’s really quite rewarding,”

Lori says. “I have some students who’ve

said they’ve never drawn before. When

they pick up a pencil, it’s evident they

have a talent for it. That’s exciting to see.”

Through teaching art, Lori has

developed ideas for her professional art

career. In one exercise, she’s had her

students draw objects stacked one on top

of the other, a concept she translated to a

birthday card design for a friend, with all

of her favorite things stacked together on

the card.

“It really sparks creativity and ideas

for me, too. While it does take time away

from my painting, it seems to make me

more focused on the days I have off from

school. I don’t waste time,” Lori notes.

Her students are getting the benefit

of Lori’s experience and her own hard-

earned personal lessons. “It’s interesting

that what I see in teaching the kids is

what I struggled with for many years,

which is trying to be perfect. It took me

many years to free up and draw loosely

and relax. That’s what I do with them—

try to get them to not be perfect.”

Of course, with teaching kids, it

can’t all be serious. Lori tries to have

fun with them, exploring a world that

never fails to supply subjects to draw and

paint. “I do nature studies with the kids.

We’ll do little bugs. It’s kind of fun when

you think you don’t have anything to

paint and you find you really can paint

anything and make it magical.”

Lori Seals’ work can be seen at Arabella

Fine Gifts & Home Decor, 3902 Hwy. 22 in

Mandeville, 727-9787; Welcome Home and

garden, 214 Lee Lane in Covington, 893-

3933; The Studio Gallery in Grayton Beach,

Fla., and lorisealsart.com.

20 In s I d e no rt h s I d e

INSIDE

the definitive guide to northshore events and entertainment

1-23 Ogden Museum Exhibits. Nine

exhibitions on the beauty and fragility of nature

and the environment. The Ogden Museum

of Southern Art, University of New Orleans,

925 Camp St. Wed-Mon, 10am-5pm. $10;

discounts for seniors, students and children;

Thurs, free to Louisiana residents. (504) 539-

9600. ogdenmuseum.org.

1-31 Discover Summer Fun. Explore the

magic of surface tension through the new “Step

In Bubble” exhibit and enjoy extended hours

Fridays in July. Louisiana Children’s Discovery

Center, 113 N. Cypress St., Hammond.

Tues-Thurs and Sat, 10am-6pm; Fri,

10am-8pm; Sun, 1-5pm. Adults and children,

$5.50; seniors (65+), $4.50. 340-9150.

lcdcofhammond.org.

1-October 14 Ralston Crawford and Jazz

Exhibit. New Orleans Museum of Art, One

Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans. Tues-Sun,

10am-5pm; Fri, 10am-9pm. $10; discounts for

seniors, students, children and members; Wed,

free. (504) 658-4100. noma.org.

2-6 Mommy and Me Camp. Make

playdough, fingerpaint with pudding and

enjoy crafts, music, movement and more.

Culinary Kids, 3441 E. Causeway App., Ste. G,

Mandeville. 10-11am. Reservations required,

727-5553. culinarykidsns.com.

2-13 SSA Summer Camps. Sports, academics,

music, dance, cheerleading and more. St.

Scholastica Academy, Covington. Kristen

Blackburn, 892-2540, ext. 108. ssacad.com.

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2-27 Camp Northlake. Weekly camp for

K-6th grade. Northlake Christian School,

70104 Wolverine Dr., Covington. 8am-3pm,

$175; 8am-5:30pm, $200. campnorthlake.org.

2-30 Cooking Classes for Kids. Weekly

class for ages 6-12. Culinary Kids, 3441 E.

Causeway App., Ste. G, Mandeville. Mon,

5:15-7:15pm. $75/month; one class, $25. 727-

5553. culinarykidsns.com.

2-31 Mandeville City Hall Artist of the

Month. Theresa Dupras. Mandeville City

Hall, 3101 E. Causeway App. Mon-Fri,

9am-4:30pm. Free. Nancy Clark, 626-3144.

3 12th Annual Fireworks Show. 4th of July

fireworks and entertainment. Ponchatoula

August 17 Experience a nice

summer evening with music, art,

food and wine tasting; restaurants

and shops will have extended

hours and special menus.

Downtown Hammond. 6-10pm.

Free. Terry Lynn Smith, 277-5680.

dddhammond.com.

Hot August Night

Recreation Park. 5-9pm. Free. Ponchatoula

Chamber of Commerce, 386-2536.

Y3, 24, 31 Play & Learn. Parents/caregivers

and children 16 months to 4 years. STPH

Parenting Center, 1505 N. Florida St., Ste. B,

Covington. 9:30-10:15am. Members, $15/

month; nonmembers, $24/month. 898-4435.

stph.org.

4 15th Annual Slidell Heritage Festival.

Heritage Park, Slidell. 3-11pm; fireworks, 9pm.

$10; 12 and under, free with adult. 646-0563.

slidellheritagefest.org.

4-8 Mandeville Seafood Festival.

Fontainebleau State Park. Wed, noon-10pm;

Thurs, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5pm-midnight; Sun,

5-10pm. Tickets: early bird special (before

5pm), $5; all-day pass, $15 (online, $10);

weekend pass (online only), $30; seniors

65 and over, active duty military, children

10 and under (with parent), free. 624-9762.

seafoodfest.com.

4-28 Covington Farmers Market. Wed,

Covington Trailhead, 10am-2pm; Sat, 609 N.

Columbia St., 8am-noon. Free. 966-1786.

covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

5-8 Essence Festival. Mary J. Blige, Aretha

Franklin and more. Louisiana Superdome, New

Orleans. $50-$300. essence.com/festival.

Y5, 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/month; members,

$6. 898-4435. stph.org.

6 Screening: The Fantastic Flying

Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. Academy

Award-winning animated short from

Louisiana’s own Moonbot Studios. New

Orleans Museum of Art, One Collins Diboll

Circle, New Orleans. 7pm. Included with

museum admission, $10; discounts for

seniors, students, children and members.

(504) 658-4100. noma.org.

6-7 34th Annual Car Show & Cruise. In

conjunction with Mandeville Seafood Festival.

Fontainebleau State Park. Cruise Night, Friday:

5-10pm, Clarion Inn & Suites, Covington. Car show,

Saturday: 3-7pm; awards, 7pm. Pre-registration,

$25; onsite registration, $30 per vehicle. Mike

Pausina, 966-3165. seafoodfest.com.

6-7, 12-14 Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids. >>

22 In s I d e no rt h s I d e

Inside Scoop

The Swan, 70326 Hwy. 59, Abita. 7/6, 7/12,

5pm; 7/7, 7/13-14, 7pm. $10. Creative Arts of

St. Tammany, 590-3645. dramaandmusic.com.

6-7, 12-14 Kids Say the Darndest Things.

The Swan, 70326 Hwy. 59, Abita. 7/6, 7/12,

7pm; 7/7, 7/14, 2pm; 7/13, 5pm. $10.

Creative Arts of St. Tammany, 590-3645.

dramaandmusic.com.

6, 13, 20, 27 Friday Night, Clay Night!

Ongoing adult class with Laurie Pennison and

Maggie McConnell; bring favorite drink, snacks

and friends. St. Tammany Art Association, 320

N. Columbia St., Covington. 5-7pm. $20; $10

clay fee as needed. Cindy Pulling, 892-8650.

sttamanyartassociation.org.

6, 20 Corks & Cooking for Adults. Cook

up a restaurant-quality dinner; bring your own

beverages. Culinary Kids, 3441 E. Causeway

App., Ste. G, Mandeville. Reservations

required, 727-5553. culinarykidsns.com.

7 Aesop’s Fables. Musical. The Swan, 70326

Hwy. 59, Abita. 11am. $5. Creative Arts of St.

Tammany, 590-3645. dramaandmusic.com.

Y7 Baby Chat for Siblings. Helping children

with questions about babies. Ages 3 and up,

with parent. St. Tammany Parish Hospital, 1202

S. Tyler St., Covington. 10am-noon. Free. 898-

4083. stph.org.

7 FireCracker Fun Run. In conjunction with

Mandeville Seafood Festival; half-mile run and

2-mile walk/run benefiting the Wounded Warrior

Project and other local charities. Fontainebleau

State Park. Registration, 6:30am; run, 7:30am.

845-1948. seafoodfest.com.

7 STAA Garage Sale. Art supplies, art

books, decorations, furniture, building supplies

and more. St. Tammany Art Association,

320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 892-8650.

sttammanyartassociation.org.

7 Summer Aquatic Plant Sale. Behind

Visitor’s Center, The Crosby Arboretum, 370

Ridge Rd., Picayune, Miss. 9am-noon. Free.

(601) 799-2311. crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu.

7-28 Camellia City Market. Robert and Front

Sts., Slidell. Sat, 8am-noon. Free. 285-3599.

camelliacitymarket.org.

7-28 Mandeville Trailhead Community

July-August 2012 23

Market. 675 Lafitte St. Sat, 9am-1pm. Free.

845-4515. mandevilletrailheadmarket.com.

9 15th Annual Culinary Arts Series. Chef

Pat Gallagher. Alack Culinary Equipment

Superstore, 17420 Hwy. 190, Hammond. 6pm.

$60. 542-7113. hammondarts.org.

9 Mother-Daughter Sew Day. Each

completes a summer dress; ages 8 and

up. Precision Sewing Machines, 3997

Hwy. 190 E. Service Rd., Covington.

10am-3pm. $65 per pair. 249-6156.

sewingmachineoutlet.com.

9 Tangipahoa Autism Group. Second

Monday of every month. Hammond Health

Unit, 15481 W. Club Deluxe Rd. 7-9pm. 875-

0511. fhfnorthshore.org.

9-13 Kids Theater Camp. 5-day camp with

final performance of Snow White and the Seven

Dwarfs. Mandeville Trailhead, 675 Lafitte St.

Non-members, $185; STAA members, $175;

includes two tickets to performance. Cindy,

892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

9-20 Native American Exhibit. Tangipahoa

Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau, 13143

Wardline Rd., Hammond. 10am-noon. Dana

Short, 542-7520. tangitourism.com.

9-30 Culinary Kids Summer Camp.

Weeklong camps for ages 6-12. Culinary Kids,

3441 E. Causeway App., Ste. G, Mandeville.

9am-3pm; extended hours available. $275;

includes all meals and beverages. 727-5553.

culinarykidsns.com.

9-13, 16-20 Creative Kid’s Summer Camps.

Ages 5 to 12; acrylic painting, jewelry making,

cooking, charcoal and pencil sketching, mixed

media. DuBuisson Gallery, 300 Robert St., Olde

Towne Slidell. Mon-Fri, 9am-noon. $150 per

week (light breakfast and supplies included).

649-0555. dubuissongallery.com.

10 Slidell Art League Meeting. Christ

Episcopal Church, Olde Towne Slidell.

7pm. Free. slidellartsleague@yahoo.com.

slidellartleague.info.

11 A Yankee Doodle Luncheon. Women’s

networking event. Mandeville-Covington

Christian Women’s Connection. Benedict’s

Restaurant, Mandeville. 11am-2pm. $18.

674-5093. >>

11 St. Tammany Autism Group. Second

Wednesday of every month. Slidell Memorial

Hospital Parenting Center, SMH Wellness

Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd., Slidell. 9-11am.

875-0511. fhfnorthshore.org.

11-15 Jared Montz Pro Soccer Camps.

Ages 5-13. Pelican Park, Mandeville.

9am-noon. $180. Robin Montz, 705-1770.

onlinesocceracademy.com.

12 10th Les Comédiens Français Lecture:

“Julien Poydras: Planter, Statesman,

Poet.” Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres

St., New Orleans. 6:30pm. Free. (504) 523-

4662. hnoc.org.

12 St. Tammany Photographic Society

Meeting. St. Tammany Art Association, 320

N. Columbia St., Covington. 7pm. 892-8650.

stphotosociety.org.

12, 19, 26 Theology on Tap. Summer series

for young adults ages 21 to 35. The Abita

Brewery Visitor’s Center, 21084 Hwy. 36, Abita

Springs. 6:30pm. $5 donation appreciated.

Michelle Seghers, 373-2656. stpeterparish.com.

13 Christian Serpas Acoustic Show.

K. Gee’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, 2534

Florida St., Mandeville. 6pm. 626-0530.

kgeesrestaurant.com.

13 Little Red Riding Hood. The Swan, 70326

Hwy. 59, Abita. 11am. $5. Creative Arts of St.

Tammany, 590-3645. dramaandmusic.com.

13-29 Little Shop of Horrors. Musical.

Playmakers Theater, Covington. Thurs-Sat,

8pm; Sun, 2pm. Adults, $25; students, $15.

Ellen O’Connell, 893-1671. playmakersinc.com.

14 Annual Bastille Day Celebration.

Celebrate Louisiana’s French heritage. Cajun

French music and food. Folsom Branch Library,

82393 Railroad Ave. Noon-2pm. Free. 796-

9728.

14 Madisonville Art Market. Water Street in

Old Madisonville. 10am-4pm. Free. 643-5340.

madisonvilleartmarket.com.

14-15 Christmas in July Sale. Downtown

Ponchatoula. Individual store hours vary. Free.

Ponchatoula Chamber of Commerce, 386-2536.

14-August 11 The Summer Show: 47th

National Juried Artists Exhibition. 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.,

Hammond. 9am-3pm. Terry Lynn Smith, 277-

5680. dddhammond.com.

15 Martin Wine Cellar’s Tour de Vin Event.

Casual reception-style tasting of more than

100 wines and culinary creations. Juban’s

Restaurant, 3739 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge.

4-7pm. $60 (includes $10 Martin Wine Cellar

gift card). Tickets at all Martin Wine Cellar

locations. martinwine.com.

16-27 CAST Summer Camp and Show.

Robin Hood; ages 7-14. The Swan, 70326

Hwy. 59, Abita. Camp, Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm;

show, 7/27, 7pm. Camp, $225; show, $5.

Creative Arts of St. Tammany, 590-3645.

dramaandmusic.com.

Inside Scoop

July-August 2012 25

16, 30 Adult Beginning Sewing. Precision

Sewing Machines, 3997 Hwy. 190 E. Service

Rd., Covington. 10:30am-1:30pm. $35. 249-

6156. sewingmachineoutlet.com.

Y18 Cancer Connection Support Group.

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, St. Tammany

Parish Hospital, 1203 S. Tyler St., Covington.

7pm. 875-2234.

19 Ponchatoula Chamber After Hours.

Gabriel Building Supply, 510 W. Pine St.,

Ponchatoula. 5:30-7pm. Free. 386-2536.

ponchatoulachamber.com.

19 Preparing for Childbirth. Lakeview

Regional Medical Center, 95 Judge Tanner

Blvd., Covington. 6:30-9:30pm. Free.

1-866-4LAKEVIEW. lakeviewregional.com.

19 Smart Women. Third Annual Women’s

Day Out presented by Women of Infinite

Possibilities. Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 N.

Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. 9am-3:30pm.

$40. Sandra Slifer, 875-9388.

20 Chris Duhon Stand Tall Scholarship

Dinner. Food, entertainment, silent auction and

cash bar. Northshore Harbor Center, Slidell.

7pm. $30. 774-7449. chrisduhonstandtall.org.

20 Embroidery Club. Precision Sewing

Machines, 3997 Hwy. 190 E. Service Rd.,

Covington. 10:30am-1:30pm. $10. 249-6156.

sewingmachineoutlet.com.

20 Sunset at the Landing Concert.

Columbia Street Landing, Covington. 6-9pm.

Free. 892-1873. cityofcovingtonla.com.

20-21 Swamp Pop Music Festival.

Unique genre of Louisiana music along

with Cajun, zydeco and blues. Trademart

Building, The Lamar Dixon Expo Center,

9039 St. Landry Rd., Gonzales. Gates open

Fri, 5pm; Sat, 10:30am. Fri, $10; Sat, $15.

swamppopmusicfest.com.

21 5th Annual Jewel of Madisonville

Gala and Auction. Benefiting St. Anselm

Church. Food, drinks, live and silent

auctions, music by Bobby Cure and

the Summertime Blues. Castine Center,

Mandeville. Patron party, 6pm; gala,

7-11pm. Gala only, $50; Patron Party and

Gala, $125; sponsorships available. 845-

7342. stanselm-jewelofmadisonville.org.

21 Amite Community Market. Catha Park,

corner of Hwys. 16 and 51. 8am-2pm. Ashley

Adamson, 748-5537. amitechamber.org.

21 Bastille Day Celebration. St. Tammany

Art Association. Downtown Covington. 6-9pm.

Free. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

21 Pan Am Flight 759 Screening. The

Boeing 727 crash in Kenner. Causeway

Branch Library, 3457 Hiwy. 190, Mandeville.

11am-1pm. Free. To register, 626-9779.

sttammanylibrary.org.

21 Understanding Ruby-throated

Hummingbirds. The Crosby Arboretum,

370 Ridge Rd., Picayune, Miss. 10-11am.

Members, free; non-members, $5; non-

members’ children, $2. Register by 7/20. (601)

799-2311. crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu.

21 Zydeco Breakfast. Brunch menu

available. K. Gee’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar,

2534 Florida St., Mandeville. 7:30-11:30am.

626-0530. kgeesrestaurant.com.

>>

26 In s I d e no rt h s I d e

22 11th Annual Senior Resource Festival.

Council of Aging St. Tammany. The Castine

Center, Mandeville. 8:30am-1:30pm. Mary Toti,

892-0377.

23-27 CAST Bitty Camp. Country Mouse

and City Mouse; ages 5-6. The Swan,

70326 Hwy. 59, Abita. 9:30-11:30am. $75.

Creative Arts of St. Tammany, 590-3645.

dramaandmusic.com.

23-27 Chris Duhon Basketball Camp. Ages

7-15. Fritchie Park Gym, Slidell. Mon-Thurs,

8:30am-4pm; Fri, 8:30am-1pm. $150 (lunch

included). chrisduhonstandtall.org.

Y23, 30 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 series: non-members, $35/

person or $45/couple; members, $30/person

or $40/couple. Children’s series: $10/child

(max $20/family). 898-4435. stph.org.

Y24 Breast Cancer Screening. Provided by

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, St. Tammany

Parish Hospital. Winn Dixie, 731 Washington

St., Franklinton. 9-11am and noon-2pm.

Appointment required, (888) 616-4687.

24 Something Old, Something New:

Collecting in the 21st Century. Significant

acquisitions since 2000. Historic New Orleans

Collection, 533 Royal St., New Orleans. Tues-

Sat 9:30am-4:30pm; Sun 10:30am-4:30pm.

Free. hnoc.org.

24 Summer Series Brown Bag Luncheon.

Speakers are local officials. Rotary Hut,

Memorial Park, Ponchatoula. Noon. Free.

chamber@ponchatoulachamber.com.

24 Wine Tasting Series. Adam

Acquistapace. St. Tammany Art Association,

320 N. Columbia St., Covington. 6-8:30pm.

$20. 892-8650. sttammanyartassociation.org.

25 Happy Hour Networking. Emerging

Young Professionals. Young’s Restaurant, 850

Robert Blvd., Slidell. 5-7pm. Linda, 847-0557.

25 Louisiana Irises. Patrick O’Connor.

Slidell Branch Library, 555 Robert Blvd., Slidell.

6-7:30pm. Free. sttammanylibrary.org.

25-27 Brighten Up Your Room Mini Camp.

Inside Scoop

985.727.2834 OR 1.800.375.0198Fax: 985.727.2894www.wealthplanning4u.com joevizzini@assetonellc.comSecurities 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®

3-day workshop; ages 10-18.

Precision Sewing Machines, 3997 Hwy.

190 E. Service Rd., Covington. 1-5pm.

$110; some materials included. 249-6156.

sewingmachineoutlet.com.

25-27, 30-August 1 Art Dayz: Daily Kids

Art Workshops. Ages 6-12; bring morning

snack and bag lunch. St. Tammany Art

Association, 320 N. Columbia St., Covington.

9am-3pm. Daily, $50; members, $45.

3-day, $140; members, $120. 892-8650.

sttammanyartassociation.org.

25-29 Tales of the Cocktail. The world’s

premier cocktail festival. Hotel Monteleone,

214 Royal St., New Orleans. $40-$100.

talesofthecocktail.com.

26 Newborn Care Class. Lakeview Regional

Medical Center, Covington. 10am-noon. Free.

Registration, 866-4LAKEVIEW. lakeviewregional.com.

26-28 Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo. Oldest

fishing tournament in the country. Grand Isle

State Park Pavilion; weigh-ins at the Sand

Dollar Marina. Registration, $40; $100 package.

tarponrodeo.com.

Y27 Breast Cancer Screening. Provided

by Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, St.

Tammany Parish Hospital. Lowe’s, 1280 N.

Hwy. 190, Covington. 9-11am and noon-2pm.

Appointment required, (888) 616-4687.

27 Columbia Street Block Party. Block

Party and classic car show in downtown

Covington. Columbia Street, Covington. 6:30-

9:30pm. Free. 892-1873. covla.com.

27 Cystic Fibrosis Leadership Luncheon.

Tchefuncta Country Club, 2 Country Club Park,

Covington. Ashley Mills, (504) 455-5194.

louisiana.cff.org.

27-28 Feliciana Hummingbird

Celebration. Rosedown Plantation, 12501

Hwy. 10, St. Francisville; the home of Carlyle

Rogillio, 15736 Tunica Trace (Hwy. 66); and

the home of Murrell Butler, 9485 Oak Hill Rd.

Reception at Rosedown, Fri, 6pm; Saturday,

7am-3pm. Free. audubonbirdfest.com.

27-28 Promises, Promises. A ’60s love

story. Cutting Edge Theater, 747 Robert

Blvd., Slidell. 8pm. $18.50. 649-3727.

cuttingedgetheater.com.>>

28 In s I d e no rt h s I d e

August1-11 The Summer Show: 47th Juried

Exhibition. St. Tammany Art Association,

320 N. Columbia St., Covington. Tues-Fri,

10am-4pm; Sat, 11am-4pm. Free. 892-8650.

sttammanyartassociation.org.

1-29 Covington Farmers Market. Wed,

Covington Trailhead, 10am-2pm; Sat, 609 N.

Columbia St., 8am-noon. Free. 966-1786.

covingtonfarmersmarket.org.

1-31 Mandeville City Hall Artist of the

Month. Louisiana Junior Duck Stamp winners.

Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway App.

Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm. Free. Nancy Clark, 626-

3144.

1-October 14 Ralston Crawford and Jazz

Exhibit. New Orleans Museum of Art, One

Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans. Tues-Sun,

10am-5pm; Fri, 10am-9pm. $10; discounts for

seniors, students, children and members; Wed,

free. (504) 658-4100. noma.org.

1, 2, 4 Growing Fall Vegetables: Cooler

Temps and Extended Harvests. St.

Tammany Parish Library: 8/1, Folsom,

2-3:30pm; 8/2, Covington, 6-7:30pm; 8/4,

Slidell, 10:30am-noon. Free. Registration

required. Mimi Nothacker, 893-6280, ext. 120.

sttammany.lib.la.us.

2-3, 10-11 The Miracle Worker. The story of

Helen Keller. The Swan, 70326 Hwy. 59, Abita.

7pm. Creative Arts of St. Tammany, 590-3645.

dramaandmusic.com.

2-5 2012 New Orleans Antiques Forum:

Circa 1812. Celebrate the bicentennials of

Louisiana statehood and the War of 1812.

Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St.,

New Orleans. Registration starts at $100. hnoc.

org/antiques.html.

3-4 Louisiana State Sales Tax Holiday.

Shop your small-business merchants and pay

no state sales tax on the first $2,500 of each

item. revenue.louisiana.gov/taxholiday.

3-4, 10-11, 17-18 Promises, Promises.

A ’60s love story. Cutting Edge Theater, 747

Robert Blvd., Slidell. 8pm. $18.50. 649-3727.

cuttingedgetheater.com.

3-5 Satchmo SummerFest. Life, legacy and

music of Louis Armstrong. LA State Museum’s

Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave., New

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

3-September 22 Optical Illusions: In 3D!

The Slidell Cultural Center, 2055 Second St.

Wed-Fri, noon-4pm; Sat, 9am-noon. Free.

646-4375. slidell.la.us.

3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Friday Night, Clay Night!

Ongoing adult class with Laurie Pennison and

Maggie McConnell; bring favorite drink, snacks

and friends. St. Tammany Art Association, 320

N. Columbia St., Covington. 5-7pm. $20; $10

clay fee as needed. Cindy Pulling, 892-8650.

sttamanyartassociation.org.

4 NORDC/NOBA Center for Dance

Summer Intensive Performance.

Choreography created and learned by the

students. New Orleans Center for the Creative

Arts, Lupin Hall, 2800 Chartres St., New

Orleans. 7pm. Tickets, (504) 522-0996.

Inside Scoop

4-25 Camellia City Market. Robert and Front

Sts., Slidell. Sat, 8am-noon. Free. 285-3599.

camelliacitymarket.org.

4-25 Mandeville Trailhead Community

Market. 675 Lafitte St. Sat, 9am-1pm. Free.

845-4515. mandevilletrailheadmarket.com.

6 8th Annual East St. Tammany Red

Beans ‘N Rice Cook-Off. All-you-can-eat

red beans and rice; United Way fundraiser

benefiting the St. Tammany Parish Suicide

Prevention Support Program and children

and youth projects in the parish. Knights of

Columbus Hall, 1578 W. Hall Ave., Slidell.

11am-2pm. $8. 778-0815.

6-27 Kid’s Cooking Classes. Weekly

class for ages 6-12. Culinary Kids, 3441 E.

Causeway App., Ste. G, Mandeville. Mon,

5:15-7:15pm. $75/month; one class, $25. 727-

5553. culinarykidsns.com.

8 St. Tammany Autism Group. Second

Wednesday of every month. Slidell Memorial

Hospital Parenting Center, SMH Wellness

Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd., Slidell. 9-11am.

875-0511. fhfnorthshore.org.

9 St. Tammany Photographic Society

Meeting. St. Tammany Art Association, 320

N. Columbia St., Covington. 7pm. 892-8650.

stphotosociety.org.

10 Embroidery Club. Precision Sewing

Machines, 3997 Hwy. 190 E. Service Rd.,

Covington. 10:30am-1:30pm. $10. 249-6156.

sewingmachineoutlet.com.

11 Field Walk and Clay Class for Kids.

The Crosby Arboretum, 370 Ridge Rd.,

Picayune, Miss. 10-11:30am. Members’

children, $5; non-member’s children,

$7. Register by 8/10. (601) 799-2311.

crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu.

11 Madisonville Art Market. Water Street in

Old Madisonville. 10am-4pm. Free. 643-5340.

madisonvilleartmarket.com.

11, 25 Hammond Farmer’s/Crafts Market.

W. Thomas St. and S.W. Railroad Ave.,

Hammond. 9am-3pm. Terry Lynn Smith, 277-

5680. dddhammond.com.

13 Tangipahoa Autism Group. Second

Monday of every month. Hammond Health

Unit, 15481 W. Club Deluxe Rd. 7-9pm. 875-

0511. fhfnorthshore.org.

13, 20, 27 Adult Beginning Sewing.

Precision Sewing Machines, 3997 Hwy. 190 E.

Service Rd., Covington. 10:30am-1:30pm. $35.

249-6156. sewingmachineoutlet.com.

14 Ponchatoula Business Expo.

Chesterton Square, 143 Northwest Railroad

Ave., Ponchatoula. 5-8pm. 386-2536.

ponchatoulachamber.com.

14 Slidell Art League Meeting. Christ

Episcopal Church, Olde Towne Slidell.

7pm. Free. slidellartsleague@yahoo.com.

slidellartleague.info.

14-16 Drawing from Life. All levels

welcome; live models and still life with

instructor Carol Ordogne. St. Tammany

Art Association, 320 N. Columbia St.,

Covington. 9:30am-12:30pm. $140; >>

30 In s I d e no rt h s I d e

members, $120; daily, $45. 892-8650.

sttammanyartassociation.org.

Y14, 21, 28 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.

Members, $15 per month; nonmembers, $24

per month. 898-4435. stph.org.

Y15 Cancer Connection Support Group.

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, St. Tammany

Parish Hospital, 1203 S. Tyler St., Covington.

7pm. 875-2234.

Y16, 23, 30 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. stph.org.

17 Hot August Night. Music, art, food

and wine tasting. Downtown Hammond.

6-10pm. Free. Terry Lynn Smith, 277-5680.

dddhammond.com.

17 Sunset at the Landing Concert.

Columbia Street Landing, Covington. 6-9pm.

Free. 892-1873. cityofcovingtonla.com.

18 Amite Community Market. Catha Park,

corner of Hwys. 16 and 51. 8am-2pm. Ashley

Adamson, 748-5537. amitechamber.org.

18-31 DIVA Exhibition & Fundraiser.

Benefiting breast cancer awareness and

STAA. St. Tammany Art Association, 320

N. Columbia St., Covington. 892-8650.

sttammanyartassociation.org.

Y20, 27 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 series: non-members, $35/

person or $45/couple; members, $30/person

or $40/couple. Children’s series: $10/child (max

$20/family). 898-4435. stph.org.

23 2012 Benefits of Home Summer Gala.

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Fundraising

Gala featuring great food, entertainment, a live

auction and a raffle for tickets to the Super

Bowl. Franco’s Athletic Club, 100 Bon Temps

Roule, Mandeville. 7-10pm. Gala, $125; raffle

tickets, $100. 792-0200.

Inside Scoop

July-August 2012 31

23 Ponchatoula Chamber After Hours.

Florida Parishes Bank, 490 Barringer Dr.,

Ponchatoula. 5:30-7pm. Free. 386-2536.

ponchatoulachamber.com.

23 Summer Series Brown Bag Luncheon.

Speakers are local officials. Rotary Hut,

Memorial Park, Ponchatoula. Noon. Free.

chamber@ponchatoulachamber.com.

24 Corks & Cooking for Adults. Cook up

a restaurant-quality dinner; bring your own

beverages. Culinary Kids, 3441 E. Causeway

App., Ste. G, Mandeville. Reservations

required, 727-5553. culinarykidsns.com.

24 Grapes & Grain. Wine and craft beer

tasting benefiting the Louisiana Chapter of

the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Benedict’s

Plantation, 1144 N. Causeway Blvd, Mandeville.

7pm-midnight. $50 individual; $1,000 VIP Table

of 10. (504) 455-5194.

25 2nd Annual Ultimate Tailgate Party.

Watch the Saints game while enjoying a BBQ

contest, drinks, music by Four Unplugged and

live and silent auctions; hosted by the West St.

Tammany Exchange Club to benefit Danielle Inn.

Tchefuncta Country Club, Covington. 7-11pm.

$50. 898-1481. sttammanyexchange.org.

25 Sibling Class. Topics include jealousy,

delivery of new baby, hospital care

and newborn care. Lakeview Regional

Medical Center, Judge Tanner Blvd.,

Covington. 10am-noon. Free. Registration,

866-4LAKEVIEW. lakeviewregional.com.

25 Summer Arboretum Field Walk. The

Crosby Arboretum, 370 Ridge Rd., Picayune,

Miss. 10-11am. Member, free; non-members,

$5. Register by 8/24. (601) 799-2311.

crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu.

Y29 Breast Cancer Screening. Provided by

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, St. Tammany

Parish Hospital. Walmart, 880 N. Hwy. 190,

Covington. 9-11am and noon-2pm.

Appointment required, (888) 616-4687.

29 Business After Hours. East St. Tammany

Chamber, 118 W. Hall Ave., Slidell. 5-7pm. $29;

members, free. 643-5678. estchamber.com.

31 Columbia Street Block Party. Block

Party and classic car show in Downtown

Covington. Columbia Street, Covington. 6:30-

9:30pm. Free. 892-1873. covla.com.

32 InsIde northsIde

You’re staying. No, you’re going. You’re staying

and then you’re going.

The truth is that it’s a nice long summer, so you

can do what you want to do. One thing’s for sure,

though: you want to do it with a book. So here are

some great new summer releases …

Available NowIf you like thrillers, you’re in luck! There are

new heart-thumpers by Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum,

Clive Cussler, James Rollins and Eric Van Lustbader.

If you’re looking for something a little gentler,

you’ll find novels by Mary Kay Andrews as well

as Dorothea Benton Frank, Emma McLaughlin &

Nicola Kraus, Ridley Pearson, Janet Evanovich and

Alexander McColl Smith.

Prefer non-fiction? There’s something new

from James Carville, a book of devotions by Billy

Graham, two books about the Obamas, plus a new

Rachel Ray cookbook.

For the kids, enjoy a new Splat the Cat book, a

new release by Rosemary Wells and a delightful new

young adult book by Jodi Picoult and her teenage

daughter (and it’s not just for teens, either!).

Slated for July ReleaseLove biographies? Then look for new ones about

Freddie Mercury, Marco Rubio, Marilyn Monroe,

Abraham Lincoln and Daniel Smith.

James Patterson fans will be happy because he

has a new book out in July. So do Andrew Gross,

Meg Cabot, Karin Slaughter, Iris Johansen, James Lee

Burke, J.A. Jance, Danielle Steel, Emily Giffin, Kay

Hooper, Catherine Coulter and Dean Koontz.

The kids will be happy to find a new Geronimo

Stilton, a new R.L. Stine, several new Disney

by Terri SchlichenmeyerBeach Reads

July-August 2012 33

books—and I can’t wait to get my hands on

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.

Coming in AugustThere’s a W.E.B. Griffin novel coming out, as well as

new releases from Wanda Brunstetter, Stuart Woods, P.J.

Tracy and William Kent Krueger.

Also, a Sneaky Pie Brown from Rita Mae Brown. A novel

from Kathy Reichs. A Star Wars novel. A bio of Julia Child.

And before the kids go back to school, they’ll be happy with a

new Nevermore book by James Patterson. They’ll want the new Bill

Reilly book, the new Kevin Henkes picture book, the latest Marley book by

John Grogan, a new Captain Underpants book and one last release from Stan

& Jan Berenstain.

Keep in mind that release dates are approximate and can be changed. Books

can also be postponed indefinitely. Ask your bookseller or librarian for the final word

because they’ll know. They’re smart like that.

So now, go. Book a great summer!

34 InsIde northsIde

MANDEVILLE RESIDENT MIKE PERRY has

suffered with allergies and sinus problems most of

his adult life. After years of infections and throbbing

headaches, Perry was referred to Dr. Jeffrey LaCour,

one of only three fellowship-trained sinus surgery

specialists in the state of Louisiana.

“Antibiotics weren’t working for me anymore,”

Perry says. “I was suffering with bad headaches, and

I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t go to work. I was at the

end of my rope.”

Perry’s chronic sinus infections caused face pain

and severe nasal blockage. “My sinus passages were

blocked. I didn’t have a drain path. I constantly felt

ill, and I had trouble staying focused at work.” He

battled fatigue, insomnia and even depression.

Perry’s internist introduced him to Dr. LaCour

at North Oaks ENT & Allergy Clinic earlier this

year. Dr. LaCour soon learned Perry suffered from a

deviated nasal septum on his right side and severely

blocked drainage paths.

With hopes of improving his health and overall

well-being, Perry underwent two procedures to

correct his sinuses. Dr. LaCour was able to surgically

straighten his right septum with a septoplasty.

Additionally, Perry’s drainage cavities were opened

with a new, minimally invasive procedure called a

balloon sinuplasty.

During a balloon sinuplasty, a small balloon

catheter is inserted into the blocked sinus path and

then gently inflated, causing the sinus cavity to expand.

“The balloon dilates the opening of the sinus so that it

can drain; then you deflate the balloon and remove it,”

Dr. LaCour says. Unlike the septoplasty, this procedure

IN Better Health by Kaley Boudreaux

with Mike Perry

Health Concern:

Chronic sinus infections.Treatment: Septoplasty

and balloon sinuplasty.

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July-August 2012 35

is quick and requires little recovery time.

It lasts from 15 to 30 minutes, and most

patients are able to return to normal

activity the following day.

“The procedures worked well for

Mike,” Dr. LaCour says. “The process

went exactly as planned.”

Perry says his life has changed

dramatically since his treatment.

Although his allergies will continue,

his sinus infections and face pain have

significantly diminished. He can now

spend time outdoors without worrying

what his allergies will lead to later.

Perry is able to sleep better, work more

productively and enjoy life without

constant pain.

“I can deal with the allergies. It’s

the other stuff I couldn’t deal with. I feel

much better now that I finally have a path

to breathe. I am just ecstatic about it,”

Perry says. “Dr. LaCour’s bedside manner

is unlike any other surgeon I’ve ever

met. He took his time, did the procedure

correctly, and I couldn’t be happier.”

36 InsIde northsIde

Northshore’s

FinestIn 2010, Inside Northside Magazine and Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc. (NYSE:HOS) launched the

Northshore’s Finest event with the dual goal of supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and celebrating

young northshore professionals who have given their time and talent to their communities.

The 17 young professionals highlighted in the following pages were each asked to raise a minimum of

$3,000. During the three-month campaign, each honoree was paired with a CF Ambassador—a child living

with CF. The Ambassador families, all living on the northshore, helped the honorees understand what it is

like to live with the disease, who the money they raise will benefit and the urgency to find a control for this

disease. In the effort to make CF stand for cure found, nearly 90 cents of every dollar raised supports vital CF

research and educational programs.

Join the honorees at a CF Leadership Luncheon July 27 at Tchefuncta Country Club, presented by

Inside Northside and Hornbeck Offshore. Call Ashley Mills at (504) 455-5194 for more information or visit

louisiana.cff.org.

Inside Northside and Hornbeck Offshore proudly present the

FOUNDED IN 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic

fibrosis. This life-threatening genetic disease affects 30,000 children and adults in the United States and 70,000

people worldwide. When the Foundation was created, most CF patients did not live to attend kindergarten.

Today, the Foundation’s financial support for life-saving research and access to quality care and effective

therapies has increased the predicted median age of survival for those with CF to be the late-30s.

The latest development in CF research is the FDA’s approval of Kalydeco™ for people with the G551D

mutation of CF, ages 6 and older. This drug, which is the first to address the underlying cause of CF, opens

new doors to research and development in the search for a cure for all those living with CF.

July-August 2012 37

Northshore’s

>>

Honorees2012

Young professionals giving back.

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IC S

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38 InsIde northsIde

Mickey Gallagher,

Cystal Cook Ferris

and Craig Vezina.

Mickey GallagherA New Orleans native, Mickey now resides in

Mandeville and practices general dentistry with his father

in Metairie.

Mickey enjoys sharing all that the northshore has

to offer with his friends and family from out of town.

“It feels like I am going to my ‘summer home’ every

day as I come home from work,” he adds.

Mickey’s father, Richard, has inspired him

professionally. “Having grown up around dentistry,

I was exposed to it early on and realized it was

something I could really enjoy,” he says.

For Mickey, the search for a cure for CF is close

to his heart. “Being married to someone with CF for

nearly 12 years, I’ve learned to enjoy today and not

take tomorrow for granted,” he adds.

During his free time, Mickey enjoys working

around his house and yard and fixing up family

property in the Springfield area. His other interests

include baseball, fishing and woodworking.

“Professionally, try to do something you enjoy, and

if dealing with others, try to treat them as if they were

family. Philanthropically, every little bit helps, and you

never know who will help out unless you ask.”

Crystal Cook FerrisCrystal moved from Richmond, Va., to Mandeville

when she was starting third grade; she is now a physical

therapist and co-owner of Rehab Dynamics Physical

Therapy.

Crystal loves the northshore’s strong family

atmosphere and the community support for locally

owned businesses. “I always knew I would come

back here to raise a family,” she says. “There’s always

something to do and be involved in.”

Crystal is involved in the Junior League of

Greater Covington and serves on the Harvest Cup

Polo Classic committee. She is also the president of

the Covington/Mandeville Phi Mu Alumnae Chapter,

which she reorganized.

With the love and support of her parents, Crystal

has been able to reach her goals. “They have helped

me through every step of my journey to get to where

I am today. My partner, Susan Blanchard, has been a

mentor in helping me blossom and continue to grow

professionally and in the community.”

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July-August 2012 39

Angelica Brookshire

and Boyd Kitchen.

A member of a USTA tennis team, Crystal loves

to shop and spend time with her family and friends.

Her free time is also spent preparing for a baby in

October!

“Set bigger and better goals each year and push

yourself and your team to meet them.”

Craig VezinaBorn in New Orleans, Craig now resides in

Mandeville; he works as a pilot for Southwest Airlines and

is also the owner of Vezfly Aircraft Brokerage.

Craig says his favorite part about living and

working on the northshore is “the awesome family

atmosphere” and the variety of outdoor community

events.

During high school, Craig served as a counselor

at the annual CF camp for children in Deridder,

La. “It was at this time I realized what a challenging

disease this is,” he says. “I believe with funding and

the advancements in the medical field achieved to

date, we can continue to positively affect the quality

of life of those diagnosed with CF.”

Craig’s father has been the biggest inspiration in

his life, especially his selflessness in helping others

while never expecting anything in return.

In his spare time, Craig enjoys boating on the

Tchefuncte River with his family or playing tennis

with his wife and friends. “Being a father of two girls

and husband to a phenomenal wife is the greatest joy

in the world.”

“Aspire to never give up and always be prepared,

whether it is personally or professionally.”

Angelica BrookshireOriginally from New Orleans, Angelica and her

family moved to Mandeville in 2008; she is an RN in the

ER at Lakeview Regional Medical Center.

More than anything else, Angelica enjoys the

peaceful nature of life on the northshore. “I love

working on the northshore because everyone seems

like family,” she says. “I have the opportunity to see

the impact I have in people’s lives.”

Angelica doesn’t remember a time that she didn’t

want to be a nurse, and her job today presents many

opportunities to help her community. “I enjoy getting

involved in any way that I can to promote injury

prevention, health and wellness.”

Angelica believes that God gives her strength and

desire, and she says that her husband is her “biggest

fan.” She also credits her parents for who she is

today—“My dad instilled my best qualities: honesty,

loyalty and integrity. My mom has encouraged me

and spiritually guides me.”

Much of her free time is spent with her

grandsons and youngest daughter. She enjoys live

music, festivals, baseball and, of course, Saints

football.

“You can make a difference—nothing is too small.”

Boyd KitchenA New Orleans native, Boyd resides in Covington

with his family and is the Director of Financial Reporting

for Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc. His table is sponsored

by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home and Cemeteries.

Boyd’s favorite part about living and working on

the northshore is being able to spend time with his >>

40 InsIde northsIde

Kristen Prestenbach,

Lance Vitter and

Michelle Boudreaux.

family in a relaxed environment.

Tom and Connie Kitchen, Boyd’s parents, have

been the biggest inspiration to him professionally and

philanthropically. “They have always been very giving

of their time to various organizations in the New

Orleans area,” he says. “Despite my mom and dad

working to raise three kids, they always found time

to be involved, volunteering at our schools or with

charities that they were passionate about.”

In his free time, Boyd enjoys jogging, spending

time with family and friends and coaching his oldest

son’s athletic teams. “Playing team sports has been

an important part of my life,” he says. “I played

college football for Ole Miss, where I was a four-

year letterman. Athletics has shown me that you can

accomplish more as a team than as an individual, and

I have always been interested in the development of a

team over each season.”

“There is no substitute for hard work.”

Kristen PrestenbachA New Orleans native, Kristen has lived on the

northshore since 2004; she currently works as an office

assistant for Cornerstone Consulting, Inc. Her table is

sponsored by Fleurt Boutique, VooDoo BBQ & Grill,

WOW, PJ’s and New Orleans Roast Coffee.

Kristen has fallen in love with the family-friendly

atmosphere found on the northshore. “Whether it’s

concerts at the Trailheads or Bogue Falaya Park or

one of the many festivals or community events, there

is something for everyone to participate in,” she says.

Kristen has a passion for helping others and

giving back to her community. She is a co-chair

for the Northshore Rising Professionals and a

member of the Fund Development Committee for

Children’s Advocacy Center/Hope House.

Kristen’s aunt, Linda Russo, inspires her

professionally. “Her knowledge, charisma, work ethic

and genuineness motivate me to follow her example

and make the right decisions.” Her philanthropic

inspiration is Dr. Charles Stanley, and she tries to

follow one of his Life Principles—“God blesses us so

that we might bless others.”

Kristen spends most of her free time with her

family and friends, especially with her 4-year-old son,

Mason, in the parks and play areas of the northshore.

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July-August 2012 41

She also enjoys volunteering for

events that benefit local non-profit

organizations.

“The best advice I could give is to get

involved—both with networking groups

and community events.”

Lance VitterBorn in Hammond, Lance has called

Mandeville home for 12 years; he is the

sergeant supervising the Persons Crimes

Division for the St. Tammany Parish

Sheriff’s Office. His table is sponsored by

the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Lance feels fortunate to have

been able to work and live in both

Tangipahoa and St. Tammany parishes,

where “there are some of the best

people in the world.” He has enjoyed

bringing justice to the victims of crimes

and helping make the northshore a safe

place to live and work.

Lance says, “My late brother, Chief

David Vitter, who passed away in 2007

while he was the active Ponchatoula police

chief, has been the most inspirational

professional person in my life. He gave a

lot to the community he loved.”

Lance enjoys spending time

with his wife, Nathalie, and their two

daughters. “As a father of a child with

disabilities, I understand the trials and

difficulties that are associated with such.

When presented with an opportunity, I

try to pay it forward, because my family

has been blessed by many organizations

that have enabled my daughter to live a

wonderful life.”

“There is no more rewarding

accomplishment than doing whatever it

takes to put smiles on the faces of people

who feel that they do not have the strength

to do so.”

Michelle BoudreauxOriginally from New Orleans,

Michelle now lives in Mandeville, where >>

42 InsIde northsIde

she is a clinic coordinator at Premier

Chiropractic. Michelle is also president of

Mary Payton’s Miracle Foundation. Her

table is sponsored by Keta Construction

Company.

Michelle’s favorite part of living

on the northshore is the community.

“I am constantly overwhelmed

with the outreach of support our

community gives to those in need in

our area. It truly makes me proud to

live here.”

Michelle says many people have

inspired her throughout her life. “I

am so lucky to have grown up with a

family with so much to look up to. I am

surrounded even now by family, friends

and co-workers who continuously

amaze me with their strength and

endurance.”

In her spare time, Michelle enjoys

spending time with friends and family,

tending to her organic vegetable garden

with her children, attending local

concerts and watching Saints football.

“If football season was year round,

I would spend all of my time in the

Dome. I love the Saints!”

“When you find something you are

passionate about, make a move—make a

change! Passion will make you someone

you never thought you could be and make

you comfortable doing things you never

dreamed of!”

Kyle BeerbohmOriginally from Hayward, Calif., Kyle

currently resides in Covington. He is a

licensed agent for New York Life Insurance

Company. His table is sponsored by K.

Gee’s Restaurant, Geaux Title and New

York Life.

Kyle enjoys the northshore’s

plethora of opportunities to eat and

shop locally and to volunteer with

local non-profit organizations. He is

actively involved in the community

July-August 2012 43

Kyle Beerbohm,

Jane Higgins and

Alex Duplechin.

as co-chair of the Northshore Rising Professionals

and as an ambassador with the St. Tammany West

Chamber of Commerce. “I love helping others,

whether it is in a professional setting or a personal/

friend setting.”

Kyle’s father has influenced him professionally.

“He taught me hard work and how to work with

people and treat them the right way.” His friends

who work with him at non-profits also inspire

him because he sees the impact they have on the

community.

In his spare time, Kyle enjoys relaxing and

spending time with friends. Some of his interests

include economic development, community

involvement, youth and adult recreation and tourism.

“Become involved in the community but don’t

overextend yourself. Pick the organizations through which

you can make the most difference and focus on those.”

Jane HigginsBorn in New Orleans, Jane has made her home in

Abita Springs and is an insurance agent for All Phase

Insurance.

Growing up in the city has made Jane appreciate

the northshore’s laidback atmosphere. “Safe,”

“friendly” and “peaceful” are just a few of the words

she uses to describe life on the northshore.

Jane’s parents have been huge inspirations

in her life, showing her the importance of setting

realistic goals and achieving them. Kevin Miller

and Bob Buras have guided Jane through her

professional journey. Another inspiration is her

friend Heather Bourgeois, who finds ways to help

every person she comes into contact with.

In her free time, Jane loves spending time with

her husband and two daughters. She can also be

found working with women in need, speaking at >>

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44 InsIde northsIde

April Vanek and

Sarah Lyons.

Southeast Mental Hospital, St. Tammany Parish

courtrooms and the St. Tammany Parish jail. “These

women are going through difficult times in their

lives. I speak about changing their decisions, their

goals in life and how to enjoy all the moments that

God has given to us.”

“Life throws us some curveballs, but if we make good

decisions that are both supporting to ourselves and others,

we will grow on a personal and professional level.”

Alex DuplechinBorn in Lake Charles, Alex resides in Mandeville

and works at Priority Energy Services, LLC, where he

manages the financial reporting. His table is sponsored by

Priority Energy Services, LLC, and Pipe Pros, Inc.

Since moving to the northshore two years ago,

Alex and his wife have fallen in love with the area

and the abundance of activities, festivals and outdoor

sporting opportunities available. “We participate in

local events and are always looking for new ways to

improve our community,” he says.

Though there have been many people who

have made an impact in his life philanthropically,

Alex gives much of the credit to his mother. “Almost

every week in the summer, she would sign my sister

and I up to volunteer at St. Vincent De Paul’s soup

kitchen in Baton Rouge.” Professionally, Alex says

his father’s work ethic has always been a source of

encouragement. “I recall him working until two or

three in the morning, trying to make a comfortable

living for his family.”

Alex’s free time in the fall is reserved for LSU

football and duck hunting. In the summer, he nurses

his green thumb and sneaks out to fish when he gets

the chance.

“Be involved—it is a great way to meet people.”

April VanekBorn in New Orleans and raised in Lacombe, April

now lives in Slidell; she is an administrator for Ochsner

Health System in East St. Tammany Parish.

April has maintained strong friendships in the

northshore community and has created many fond

memories that have kept her rooted here. She also

enjoys being close to her family. Dedicated to her

community, April is passionate about providing the

area with excellent, quality healthcare.

She was introduced to Cystic Fibrosis by Lani

Fast, a Northshore’s Finest 2011 Honoree. “Lani

has an in-depth knowledge of the northshore

community and continues to serve through

work and personal endeavors, despite her busy

schedule,” April says. “I am excited to be working

with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as it marches

toward the cure.”

April enjoys spending time with her 4-year-old

son and her friends and family. A supporter of area

non-profit organizations, she also raises funds for

charities and local families by playing softball.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for contributions. People love

to help other people with their time or financial donations

and often don’t know how to, or who to contact. It’s never

44 InsIde northsIde

>>

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July-August 2012 45

Grapes & Grain 2012: Wining and Dining

Toward a Cure

In 2010, CF mom Verna Patron

Bieber wanted to create a high-end food

and wine event to benefit the Louisiana

Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

With the help of family and friends, Verna

launched the first annual Grapes & Grain

with much success in August 2011. Giving

the event a twist, craft beer tasting was

added to the sparkling wines.

On Friday, August 24, Grapes & Grain

will be returning to Benedict’s Plantation

in Mandeville from 7 p.m. until midnight.

In addition to fine wines and craft beers,

guests will enjoy music, dancing and food

from some of the northshore’s favorite

restaurants. A silent auction will offer

restaurant gift certificates, jewelry, local

artwork, a pair of Southwest Airline tickets

and fabulous hotel stays in Las Vegas, New

York City, San Juan, Chicago and Key West.

“We were amazed that over 250

guests attended the inaugural Grapes &

Grain in 2011,” Verna says. “The 2012

event promises to be bigger and better,

raising even more funds for the exciting

drugs being funded by the Cystic Fibrosis

Foundation.”

Tickets, $50; VIP table for 10 guests,

$1,000. For more information, call (504)

455-5194 or visit louisiana.cff.org/

grapesgrain.

46 InsIde northsIde

too late to get involved. Giving back builds

character—just dive in!”

Sarah LyonsBorn in Alexandria, Sarah grew up

in Slidell and lives in Mandeville; she is the

head of Vendor Relations at myPhoneMD.

Her table is sponsored by myPhoneMD.

Sarah appreciates that the northshore

community is committed to helping local

businesses grow. “Our first myPhoneMD

store in Mandeville is such a testament

to the kind of community we have here,”

she says. “Our business grew so quickly,

especially by word of mouth. People were

so happy to see us succeed and helped in

any way they could.”

Her father, Jeff Lyons Sr., has

been her “go-to” professionally.

“Management is an art in my opinion,

and he’s the DaVinci of management.”

Philanthropically, she is inspired

by Made By Survivors, a group that

attempts to empower victims of human

trafficking and slavery by teaching them

a trade and helping them to become

economically stable.

Sarah attends CrossFit in

Mandeville five days a week and enjoys

biking on the St. Tammany Trace. She

also attends festivals and local farmers

markets as often as possible.

“Don’t allow your own insecurities to

stop you from putting yourself out there

and jumping head first into what you want.

All you need to do is ask how to be of

service, and you’ll be on your way.”

Conrad GreenBorn in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and

raised in Baton Rouge, Conrad now calls

Mandeville home. He is the co-founder

of myPhoneMD, a chain of urgent repair

centers for smart phones. His table is

sponsored by myPhoneMD.

“Mandeville is one of the most

genuine and unique areas that I have

July-August 2012 47

Conrad Green,

T. C. Ford, Vanessa

Gomes and Bob

Hancock.

ever lived in,” Conrad says. “The variation of business

professionals and personalities in Mandeville makes it

not only a fun place to work and live, but also a great

place to establish new relationships and passions.”

Following Jesus’ message of loving others has

positively impacted Conrad’s personal life as well

as his business relationships. “I’ve found that being

honest and respecting others allows for a smooth

path to success,” he says.

In his free time, Conrad and his wife enjoy the

local shops and restaurants in Old Mandeville as well

as the outdoor activities that Mandeville’s natural

resources provide. “I find myself drawn to the water.

I’ve recently taken up kite boarding and have a strong

passion for sailing.”

“Avoid placing limitations on yourself and your

vision. Allowing yourself to be teachable opens up new

learning experiences that require you to humble yourself

and be a good listener and better communicator.”

T. C. FordBorn in Covington and now a resident of Mandeville,

T. C. is a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch.

T. C. loves living in a community where “the

people are great, the lake is beautiful and the golf

courses are plentiful—and it is the perfect place to

raise a family.”

He and his wife, Mikaela, are involved with

local charitable organizations, working with

others toward missions they are passionate about.

“It is wonderful living in a community where

people are hardworking, generous and know how

to have a good time—I think this is a recipe for

success,” T. C. says.

His wife has been an inspiration to him since

they met when they were 16 years old. “We make a

great team and she always keeps me focused on the

truly important things in life instead of all the clutter

that too often tries to sneak in—this keeps working

hard and helping others top priorities.”

T. C. enjoys riding bikes on the trace, running

on the lakefront, sailing in the lake and playing plenty

of golf and tennis—and he rarely misses a happy

hour or dance party.

“Find something you are passionate about and do it

passionately.” >>

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48 InsIde northsIde

Vanessa GomesBorn in New Orleans, Vanessa now lives in

Mandeville, where she is the Operating Manager and

Director of Marketing and Social Media at The Barley

Oak. Her table is sponsored by The Barley Oak.

Vanessa takes pride in living on the northshore

because of the community’s diversity and culture.

(A first-generation American, she speaks German,

English, Portuguese and Spanish.) “I love the

picturesque quality of Old Mandeville,” she says.

“Whether you are riding your bike on the Trace

or walking around, you feel like you are in an old

movie.”

Nick Powers has been an inspiration to

Vanessa both professionally and philanthropically.

“Professionally, he has been an excellent educator

regarding our craft. Philanthropically, we share

a vision of giving back to our community by

spending the majority of our marketing budget on

philanthropic efforts.”

When Vanessa has free time, she enjoys being

with her family and walking on the lakefront. “I truly

love beer,” she adds. “I love everything about it, from

the smell of the boil to the final masterpiece in the

glass. I love the passion behind the craft—it is truly

an art form, but the medium is in liquid form!”

“Love what you do, and always remember that love

with gratitude and give back.”

Bob Hancock

Born in New Orleans, Bob Hancock calls Algiers

home but has lived on the northshore for 25 years; he is

the owner of South Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists.

His table is sponsored by Connector Specialists, Inc., South

Paws Veterinary Surgical Specialists, Power Dynamics,

LLC, and the Hancock Family.

Bob appreciates the small-community feel and

the big-city amenities available on the northshore.

“I really enjoy taking part in the local community

events,” he says. “I want to be a leader in the

community and do my best for the people who

support our businesses.”

Bob’s mother is his inspiration. “She did a good

job of making sure I worked hard to get where

I wanted to be. She instilled a good work ethic

that started in kindergarten. Philanthropically, she

brought it home for me how much giving can fulfill

your life and ‘be good food for your soul.’”

In his free time, Bob attends many animal-related

activities with his family, dines at local restaurants

with his wife and helps coach his daughter’s soccer

team. Bob and his family are avid Saints supporters

and season ticket holders.

“Be thankful for all the blessings in your life. Giving

back to the community comes back to you so many

ways, but most importantly, it gives your life a sense of

fulfillment.”

Call for Art: “65 Roses” Art Auction

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is accepting submissions from both professional and

emerging artists for its “65 Roses” art auction. All mediums are acceptable, but artwork should

be inspired by “65 Roses,” which is what some children with cystic fibrosis learn to call their

disease because it is much easier for them to pronounce.

The auction will take place at the Foundation’s fifth annual Uncork the Cure champagne-

tasting fundraiser on November 8 at the New Orleans Fairgrounds. Proceeds from the auction

will benefit the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The deadline for submissions is October 8. For more information on the art auction and the

full “65 Roses” story, please contact Kira McAllister at (504) 455-5195 or kmcallister@cff.org.

50 InsIde northsIde

RISING FROM THE SMOKE and

flames of the latest rocket engine test is the

INFINITY Science Center, the Gulf Coast’s newest

attraction and learning experience. Located at the first exit

in Mississippi going east on I-10, the center replaces the

StenniSphere as the Stennis Space Center’s visitor center

and museum.

INFINITY brings the best of three generations together.

First, the engineers and astronauts of the 1960s and ’70s

who paved the way for space exploration, fulfilling in less

than 10 years President Kennedy’s 1961 promise of putting

a man on the moon and bringing him safely back to earth.

Then there’s the generation who were gape-mouthed kids

planted firmly in front of the nation’s TV sets as they

watched those

American pioneers begin their

giant leaps into space. And now their children, who grew up

during the era of a hundred-plus Space Shuttle launches, as

the miracle of freeing ourselves from the bounds of earth’s

relentless gravity became almost routine.

With the final launch of the Space Shuttle in 2011,

and the next planned U.S. human space launch system

tests set for 2016, it’s imperative that this current

generation have something that will help keep them

INFINITY...

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July-August 2012 51

connected to space and

the opportunities it offers.

That’s where INFINITY comes in. In the works

for more than seven years, the center opened April 11,

2012—not an insignificant date. It’s the anniversary of

astronaut (and INFINITY board vice chairman) Fred Haise’s

memorable Apollo 13 launch in 1970. Though he was slated

to pilot the lunar module and become the sixth man to

walk on the moon, an oxygen tank explosion scuttled the

mission. The heroic actions taken by the crew and ground-

control personnel to bring

Haise and his fellow astronauts

safely home were dramatized in Ron

Howard’s film Apollo 13.

Haise, a Biloxi native, has been involved with

INFINITY’s development since its inception. He explains

that after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001,

security at Stennis was tightened, making it more difficult

for the public to access the StenniSphere at its location deep

within the campus. Visitors could not drive directly to the

StenniSphere, but had to board buses at the Mississippi

welcome center and rest area to tour Stennis’ rocket-testing

facilities and visit the StenniSphere.

“The actual brainstorming on the new center was

initially done by Leo Seal, who was head of Hancock

Bank,” says Haise. “His father had a lot to do with the

acquisition of land to build the Mississippi Test Center,

and beyond.by Stephen Faure

>>

Examples of U.S. Naval,

NOAA and NASA

technology on display

at the entrance of the

INFINITY Science Center.

Nearby Stennis Space

Center is home to the

agencies and their

supporting commercial

contractors.

52 InsIde northsIde

which became Stennis Space Center.”

Roy Estess, who was the director of

Stennis for many years, and Myron

Webb, who was head of public affairs,

were also involved from INFINITY’s

beginning, as was Tommy Munro of

Munro Petroleum.

Haise continues, “NASA took the

first steps and acquired the land. We

have a 30-year land-use agreement with

NASA for the property. It’s very similar

to the arrangement made for Space

Center Houston at the Johnson Space

Center. From there, under the leadership

of Mr. Seal, a not-for-profit board was

set up, of which I’m vice chairman. This

board’s mission was to raise the money

to build it and to operate it, which is

where we are today.”

Visiting INFINITYThe first thing visitors see is a

large sculpture of an eagle, carved

from a single tree and incorporating

metal used in the test stands at Stennis

and in rocket engines used to propel

the space shuttle into orbit around

the earth. Soaring over the walkway

leading from the parking lot to the

center, the sculpture, by artist Marlon

Miller, features a plaque with Haise’s

likeness and text recounting his

accomplishments.

While Stennis is mainly known for

its spaceflight connection, the 125,000-

acre federal facility is also home to

several agencies and contractors,

including the Naval Meteorology and

Oceanography Command and the

Navy’s Special Boat Team TWENTY-

TWO. Exhibits at INFINITY’s entrance

reflect that, mingling with two massive

rocket engines used in the Apollo

program, equally massive buoys used by

Stennis’ oceanographers and one of the

riverine patrol boats used by the special

ops naval team.

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July-August 2012 53

Top: INFINITY’s

entrance hall.

Above: Apollo 13

astronaut and INFINITY

board member Fred

Haise with his space

suit, on loan from the

Smithsonian.

One of the rocket engines is an example of the

most powerful ever built, an F1 engine designed by

NASA’s Wernher von Braun. Five of these engines,

each 18 feet tall and 12 feet in diameter, powered the

first stage of the Saturn V moon rockets. Altogether,

they burned 15 tons of fuel per second while driving

the almost-seven-million pound vehicle to a speed of

6,000 miles an hour and an altitude of 36 miles.

Haise, via a video presentation, greets visitors

as they enter the center. While the exhibits are

geared toward “science” in general, the main goal

is to inspire the next generation of scientists,

engineers and, hopefully, Mars-bound astronauts.

The first exhibit, Great Nations Dare to Explore,

helps accomplish that by leading visitors on a

maze-like tour featuring interactive displays that

examine how different cultures have set about

exploring the world around them.

Starting with the Egyptians, visitors wind their way

through passages containing displays of artifacts and

dioramas, sometimes dead-ending as the culture being

examined (the Vikings, for example) either ceased to

exist or stopped sending out explorers into the world.

Linda McCarthy, of the Hancock

Chamber of Commerce, which

markets and manages the center, says,

“The coolest thing about the exhibit

is that you can touch, hear and even

smell things that will throw you back

in time through the experience. Each

one of the areas has at least one of

these features. A display box contains

replicas of artifacts.”

Following the exploration of

Egypt, China and beyond, the visitor

continues into the development of

flight, from the Wright brothers to

our first forays into space. “We’re

examining where humans have gone, where

we’d like to go and the possible future of space

exploration. While we have been exploring space,

there is still a long way to go,” says McCarthy,

adding, “Mars is the ultimate goal.”

Next up are demonstrations of Stennis’ multi-

tasking place in NASA’s Applied Sciences Program.

Using the latest technology, a multimedia touch >>

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Top: An F1 rocket

engine. Five were

used in the first

stage of the Saturn V

moon rocket.

Middle: A sample

of moon rock on

display at INFINITY.

Bottom: Visitors in

the reproduction of

the United States ISS

laboratory module.

screen showcases the National Oceanic

and Atmospheric Administration’s

Nation Coastal Data Development

Center and its Gulf of Mexico project.

Exhibits closely examine the effect of

weather and changing sea levels on the

coastline and coastal marshes. “Visitors

can come through and explore what

it is NOAA does and how the information they’ve

developed is being used. They can see different

sea creatures, the variety of life in the ocean and

how scientists explore the undersea world,” says

McCarthy. “It’s really a great system because for

any age it’s both educational and entertaining. The

8-year-olds play with sea creatures, and teenagers get

engrossed by the sea exploration presentations.”

A theater that’s very much “in the round”

features Science on a Sphere, a giant sphere

suspended in the middle of the space that serves as

a projection screen for any number of presentations.

“It’s actually the first spherical movie screen in

the country,” McCarthy says. “It had been at the

StenniSphere for a couple of years, and we’re lucky

to have it; it’s probably one of our most popular

exhibits. We can do a number of different things with

the unique screen, and we can actually control it with

an iPad or a Wii control system.”

Up Into SpaceScale-model Apollo rockets tower over an atrium

with a curving staircase and elevator leading to the

second-floor exhibits. It is here that the exciting

early days of human space exploration are celebrated

side-by-side with present-day technologies and some

glimpses into future plans.

Greeting visitors is a wall of more than 100

mission patches donated by the individuals who

reproduced them in needlepoint, one from almost

every U.S. spaceflight mission. “To have dedicated

all of that time and effort and then donate them is

incredible. My favorite is the Apollo 13 mission,”

McCarthy notes. “It’s exceptional work.”

Adults who as kids watched the Mercury,

Gemini, Apollo and early Space Shuttle missions will

get a kick from seeing Wernher von Braun’s office

re-created at INFINITY. McCarthy says, “Dr. von

Braun had an office at Stennis Space Center. The

tower that’s at the old visitor’s center was

actually his office. He could easily see the

test stands from the viewing windows

there. We call him the father of the

modern rocket engine. He was responsible

for the F1 engines for the Saturn

program—that huge engine on display

outside. If it weren’t for his engine design,

it could have taken a lot longer to get to the moon,

and maybe we would not have met our goals.”

A space suit worn by Fred Haise, on loan

from the Smithsonian, is displayed next to a video

presentation on Apollo 13. Visitors unfamiliar with

the mission’s harrowing tale can learn about it

through the presentation, told in part through TV

news clips from 1970.

A reproduction of the first rocket of the modern

age, Robert Goddard’s liquid-fueled invention, stands

near a sample from the farthest reaches of human

spaceflight to date: a sample of rock from the moon

brought back from one of the Apollo missions.

Rounding out the spaceflight exhibit are displays

which show the evolution of food brought into space, >>

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from inedible-looking freeze-dried,

vacuum-packed packets and MRE-type

entrees to what scientists and engineers

hope will be the future for any moon base

or Mars mission explorers: aeroponically

grown produce nurtured by precise

artificial light with water and nutrients

delivered to the plants by a spray of

fine mist. The stacks of different butter

lettuce varieties grown at INFINITY are

periodically harvested—they grow fast;

from seed to harvest in a matter of three

to four weeks—and served to visitors.

Getting a feel for what it would

be like to live and work aboard the

International Space Station is possible

when touring a reproduction of the

Destiny module, the U.S. laboratory that

also serves as a control station for the

ISS’s robot arm.

Other AttractionsThough the center’s INFINITY Café

has a permanent presence by Domino’s

to assure a steady supply of pizza for the

kids, it is the serving area set up to feature

different regional restaurants that brings

a unique and appetizing offering. “Five of

our local restaurants take turns presenting

menu favorites, a different one each day.

This brings a sampling of the best of

our local cuisine to visitors and staffers

alike,” says McCarthy. In the brief time

the center has been opened, it’s become a

favorite for workers at Stennis looking for

a quick lunch getaway.

McCarthy notes that INFINITY

is intended to be more than an

educational destination. It’s also a

corporate meeting place and an event

facility capable of hosting large crowds

for receptions. “In addition to the

five classrooms downstairs, we have

four meeting rooms on the second

floor that we rent. Response has been

tremendous. Companies based at

Stennis can hold meetings here offsite,

July-August 2012 57

which makes sense as their guests won’t

have to drive from the interstate to the

security checkpoints.”

Future PlansMore exhibits are in the works,

and fundraising efforts continue. Haise

is very excited about INFINITY’s next

phase, called the Earth Gallery, which

is highly interactive. He explains,

“Visiting children will come on field-trip

missions tailored by their teachers to fit

their current class curricula. Originally

designed by engineers and scientists

at Stennis, the missions can be fine-

tuned by teachers with the assistance of

outreach training from NASA staffers. It

will be a capstone to what they’ve been

doing in the classroom.” Haise adds,

“I think that’s very exciting. There’s no

other museum in the country that’s

orchestrated this way—directed to

science learning to enhance what they

get in the classrooms.”

That INFINITY offers opportunities

to learn about earth sciences such as

oceanography and meteorology and

combines this with a celebration of

NASA’s 50 years in space is important

to Haise. “Here are magnificent things

that have been done in all fields that

can put a spark in children’s heads—

‘maybe I can do some exciting things.’

Not necessarily in space, because not

everyone can be an engineer or scientist,

but to take advantage of what talent they

have in a field that is best for them.”

INFINITY Science Center is open

from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Located right

off I-10, at Miss. Exit 2 (South), next to

the Mississippi Welcome Center near the

Miss.-La. border. (228) 533-9025. Adults

(18-54), $8; seniors (55+), military and

children (6-17), $6; 5 and under, free.

Ticket price includes a free bus tour of

NASA Stennis Space Center.

58 InsIde northsIde

EVER SINCE THE DAYS of Covington High School’s

legendary coach, Jack Salter, football has monopolized

the attention of the northshore’s sporting world.

However, a new sport has begun to make waves in

the long-established status quo in which the gridiron

reigned supreme.

In the early 17th century, Jesuit priests first

documented a primitive Native American sport dedicated

to “The Creator” that involved anywhere from 100

to 1,000 players on a 3-kilometer-long field. John de

July-August 2012 59

L A*

*Lacrosseby Mike Gegenheimer

>>

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High school players

from the Northshore

Lacrosse League.

Brebeuf would be the first European to write of the

sport when he watched the Iroquois tribe compete in

1636. Almost four centuries later, lacrosse has become

one of America’s fastest-growing sports and is beginning

to creep its way into the fields of the northshore.

Austin Speni, St. Paul’s coach and owner of the

northshore’s Quick Stick Lacrosse shop, says that

the explosion of lacrosse interest comes from the

very foundation of the sport. “Lacrosse has a little bit

of everything. It’s fast, it’s physical, it’s full contact.

Lacrosse is more of a suburban sport. Access to fields

and space is not an issue like it is in a city.”

He adds, “There’s a whole culture to it. It’s almost

a counterculture that’s different from any other team

sport. These kids always have a stick in their hands;

they’re always together. It’s like a fraternity.”

Modern-day lacrosse has 10 men on each side—

three attackers, three midfielders, three defenders and

a goalkeeper. They play on a 110-yard-by-60-yard

field with a 6-foot goal at either end located within an

18-foot diameter circle called the “crease.” The goals are

set 15 yards off the end lines so that players may freely

roam behind the net.

Lacrosse is a fast-paced game, similar to hockey,

where players (or “laxers”) are fully padded from the

waist up, including a helmet and gloves. They use a long

stick with a net on the end, more commonly known as

the “crosse,” (French word for “stick”) to pass and shoot

the ball as opposed to hockey’s curved stick and puck.

The basic outline of the game has both teams

starting in a face-off at the center of the field. Once

one team gains possession, the objective becomes

to move the ball up the field by either running or

passing the ball through a slinging-like motion that

propels the ball out of the crosse’s net. Each goal is

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worth one point (in professional levels

there is a two-point line), and after each

goal, both sides compete in another face-

off. The team that scores can earn back

immediate possession of the ball in the

resulting face-off.

“[Lacrosse] is a great combination of

hand-eye coordination, much like what

you see in baseball,” Mandeville High

School assistant coach Dean Barr says. “It

involves the thought process of basketball

through zone defenses and setting picks,

and it has the physicality of football. It’s a

good combination of all the major sports.”

In 2007, Mandeville High became

the first group to bring lacrosse to

the northshore. Five years later, the

northshore has two 5-A schools

represented in the boys Louisiana High

School Lacrosse League, one 5-A girls

team, another boys team not affiliated

with any school and an up-and-coming

youth program that sets high hopes for

the future of northshore lacrosse.

Speni and St. Paul’s Wolves have

taken the lead in northshore lacrosse,

making the state finals in the team’s fourth

year in a 7-5 loss to the Jesuit Blue Jays.

Lacrosse has had a bumpy start to

life in Louisiana. With most schools,

sports such as football and basketball

control athletic departments, and many

local athletic directors were not overly

supportive of taking on an unfamiliar

sport. Lacrosse had no fan base and, more

importantly, no player or financial base.

Six separate groups approached

St. Paul’s with aspirations of creating a

program before the school was able to field

a team. One local athletic director told the

person who would become his school’s

first lacrosse coach that he did not think

the program would ever play a game.

Even today, the 13 varsity-level

programs are not recognized by

the Louisiana High School Athletic

Association, with teams acting as clubs >>

July-August 2012 63

St. Scholastica

Academy beat

Caddo Magnet

in the JaxJam

Tournament in

Jackson, Miss., this

past March.

for their respective schools. While the 13-team league is

capable of having a full season, concluding with a state

tournament, programs are still forced to look out of state

for competition.

Some schools take it as far as preventing their

athletes from competing in both football and lacrosse,

forcing students to choose their loyalties, with lacrosse

often coming up short. Lacrosse programs also typically

receive little to no funding from their schools, leaving

teams to rely on player dues and fundraising in

order to buy uniforms and pay referees. Many of the

northshore’s coaches are former collegiate players who

have brought the sport to Louisiana from northern

schools where the sport is an established staple of the

sporting community; they work on a volunteer basis.

According to some northshore coaches, one of the

main things holding the sport back is the lack of an

established youth program in the area. Major sports such

as football and soccer start youth teams as early as age

6. The North Shore Lacrosse League is a community-

based program with five teams representing five

different age groups (U-11, U-14, U-15, Junior Varsity

and Varsity) open to athletes from any school. The

program is currently one of the only youth lacrosse

programs in the area; the varsity program competes

against school-affiliated teams.

Former Colgate midfielder—or “middie” as it is

commonly referred to in the sport—Scott Avanzino was

the head coach for the NSLL last season. Chris Condon

will be the coach during the coming year. (Avanzino

succeeded Gregg Spyridon, who helped start the NSLL

as well as the Mandeville program before losing his

battle with cancer.)

Mandeville High School is currently working with

Darren Bell, commissioner for the LHSLL, to start a

program at Mandeville Junior High. Programs like St.

Paul’s and the NSLL already have teams for non-Varsity

or Junior Varsity level teams. Offering such youth teams

gives a varsity team a distinct advantage in the early

development of players.

However, youth teams are not the only way the

sport is expanding on the northshore. St. Scholastica

Academy just completed its first season in the growing

sport. The 24-girl team went 8-8 in the inaugural

season, competing in the four-team girls league. The

Doves’ head coach, Kevin Power, was part of the

original interest group with Louie Dubuc that started

lacrosse at St. Paul’s.

Fontainebleau High School has also begun showing

interest in starting its own team, which would join the

LHSLL. Christ Episcopal has a program that continues to

grow with the newly established high school.

While football may still reign supreme over the

athletes of the northshore, the rapid expansion of

lacrosse may soon produce more athletes to pick up a

lacrosse stick instead of a helmet and shoulder pads.

The advancement of youth programs and the fun-

natured culture that surrounds lacrosse may put the

sport in position to one day challenge the status quo of

the northshore sporting world.

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Fontainebleau State

Park’s splash park

(above) and beach

area (right) are fun

places to cool off

with your family this

summer.

SWIMSUITS, BEACHES, BARBECUES, bike rides

and fishing trips all say “Summer!”—a time to

kick back and relax a little bit. On the northshore,

you don’t have to look very far for fun things to

do. From shopping in the downtown districts

to nature trails and swimming at the area’s state

parks, you can expect to find your fancy when it

comes to fun. And there is more to do these days

than ever before.

Ponchatoula, Hammond, Covington, Mandeville

and Slidell boast of downtown areas with all sorts of

interesting shops for people looking for a hometown

shopping experience. Clothing and other retail stores,

coffee shops and restaurants line the streets, offering

a great way to support local businesses. In addition

to farmers markets and art markets (check our Scoop

calendar for times and locations), the downtown

areas boast many opportunities for food, music and

entertainment.

Hammond’s annual Hot August Night celebration

takes place August 17 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The

evening includes music, food and plenty of fun,

especially since most of the shops stay open late

and many restaurants provide special meals for the

occasion. At the Oak Street Gallery, enjoy the wine

tasting while viewing the exhibit, which includes

bronze sculptures by William Ludwig and new works

by a number of northshore artists. Wander through

Discoveries Furniture and Finds for unique items,

and stop in at Bra la Vie! for special offers. Live music

can be found just about everywhere, with the main

in the SunFun

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July-August 2012 65

stage in front of La Carreta hosting the

headliners.

The last Friday of each month

brings the Columbia Street Block Party

to Covington. From 6:30 p.m. to 9:30

p.m., enjoy your pick of restaurants

and live music along Columbia Street,

stopping in to visit deCouer, Shoefflé

and Columbia Street Mercantile. To

see their latest exhibits, visit Henry

Hood Gallery and the St. Tammany

Art Association. On the third Friday

of the month, the Columbia Street

Landing hosts the Sunset at the Landing

concerts. There, along the banks of the

Bogue Falaya River, live music and good

company make for a great evening.

Stroll along Lee Lane and visit Laurier,

the french mix, Bella Cucina and

Welcome Home and garden, stopping

for a refreshing spot of tea at The

English Tea Room.

The Mandeville Seafood Festival

at Fontainebleau State Park offers five

days of fun July 4-8. Enjoy carnival

rides and games, great food and drinks,

arts and crafts, a fireworks extravaganza

and live entertainment from bands,

including Four Unplugged, Christian

Serpas & Ghost Town, Chee Wheez,

Bobby Cure and Poppa Stoppa Band, the

Bernie Cyrus Jazz Combo and 5 Finger

Discount. The 34th Annual Car Show &

Cruise will be held July 6-7. And before

all the festivities, the FireCracker Fun

Run July 7 will benefit Trafficking Hope

and other local charities.

In Slidell, the 15th Annual Slidell

Heritage Festival celebrates the Fourth

of July from 3 p.m. until 11 p.m.

at Heritage Park. Enjoy fireworks, a

children’s area and live entertainment

from Mike “Soul Man” Batiste, Christian

Serpas & Ghost Town, T Graham

Brown and Category 6. Walk to nearby

Old Towne, where you can select a

chic summer outfit at Izabella’s Villa or >>

66 InsIde northsIde

prepare for the fall football season at the

Who Dat Shoppe. From August 3 to

September 22, the Slidell Cultural Center

Gallery will feature Optical Illusions:

In 3D!, a contemporary exhibit where

things aren’t as they seem. 

Long known as the “Antique City,”

Ponchatoula is experiencing a bit of a

rebirth with new shops, art galleries and

restaurants. Located in the downtown

area, Honey Hive has beautiful antiques,

home décor, items of architectural

interest and garden accents to please the

most discriminating shopper. The Red

Dot Gallery features artist Connie Kittock

as well as works by owners Nancy and

John Perilloux and other local artists.

Trendy clothing, accessories, shoes

and luxury perfumes and soaps are all

available at the new shops. And there are

still “old time” antique stores for treasure

hunters, including CJ’s, where bargains

abound.

Downtown Ponchatoula will host

the 12th Annual Fireworks Show July 3

at Ponchatoula Recreation Park, and the

annual Christmas in July Sale July 14-15

offers holiday pricing for early shoppers.

Rockefeller’s is a great spot for lunch or

dinner, offering fresh, vibrant, upscale

cuisine. Stroll down Thomas Street and

try the mango cheesecake bites at The

Chocolate Vine for dessert. Also, be sure

to check out the town alligator, Old

Blue Eyes, who doubles as town mascot

and newspaper columnist. Because of

his location, he is privy to much of the

local gossip. Pay him a visit the next time

you are in the neighborhood. And don’t

worry—he won’t bite!

If nature is more your thing,

look at some of the local state parks.

Fontainebleau State Park was completely

renovated after Hurricane Katrina, and

the change is remarkable. Now with a

new pier, beach area and a splash park

for kids, it is a great place to enjoy the

July-August 2012 67

Above: The St.

Tammany Fishing

Pier in Slidell

has welcomed

thousands of visitors

since it opened

in May. Left: The

giraffes are among

the most popular

animals at Global

Wildlife.

beautiful weather and explore nature. Nature walks

through the beautiful scenery provide an opportunity

for light exercise. While at the park, take advantage

of some of the year-round activities. Try your hand

at some primitive woodworking or just watch as

craftsmen work their trade. If you prefer nature hikes,

a site ranger is available on Saturdays and is more

than willing to answer any of your nature questions.

The park also features cabins for those who want to

vacation at the park as well as piers for fishing.

The St. Tammany Trace passes through

Fontainebleau. With 28 miles of track for pedestrians

and bikers alike, it’s great for exercising. The trail

passes through Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville,

Lacombe and Slidell. Be sure to check it out!

The newest of our great local state parks is Bogue

Chitto State Park, which opened in 2010 with a huge

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on a sandy beach by the river? Look no

further, because Bogue Chitto has chairs

and umbrellas for guests to rent. Also

available are sandy volleyball courts, a

playground and a small water park area.

On the river, guests can take their pick

of tubing or canoeing, as the park offers

rentals for both. Also, there are 20 fishing

ponds and seven miles of walking trails

throughout the park.

Fairview-Riverside State Park in

Madisonville offers both history and

the beauty of nature. The Otis House,

located near the entrance of the park,

was originally built in the 1880s as the

family home for sawmill owner William

Theodore Jay. Renovated in the 1930s

by Frank Otis, the house was placed on

the National Register of Historic Places in

1999 and is open for tours Wednesday

through Sunday. Across from the house,

visit the steam-powered sawmill to learn

how trees were made into lumber. Fishing

and crabbing as well as an elevated

swamp trail and kids’ playground offer

plenty to do outdoors. Picnic tables,

barbecue pits and fire rings are great for a

party or even an overnight camping trip.

Antiques and art abound on Pine Street in

Downtown Ponchatoula.

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Guests also have access to the Tchefuncte

River from the park’s boat launch.

One of the northshore’s newest fun

venues is the St. Tammany Fishing Pier

on E. Howze Beach Road in Slidell, which

has proved to be extremely popular since

its opening in May. Hours are 6 a.m. to 8

p.m. during the summer. The cost is $3

to fish or $1 to sightsee without fishing.

Children under 12 are free.

If you are looking for something

a little more structured, how about a

swamp tour? Honey Island Swamp offers

guided nature tours. With more than

250 square miles of swamp, you can

expect to see all sorts of wildlife in the

area, undisturbed by human activity. The

swamp’s natural beauty is something you

aren’t likely to find anywhere else.

Global Wildlife is unique to the

northshore. With a huge expense of land,

it provides a place to call home for all

sorts of endangered species. This summer

will be special, as two baby giraffes will be

joining the herds. With any luck, you will

be able to see them roaming the preserve.

On beautiful summer days, there is

nothing quite like feeding a giraffe while

enjoying the warm breeze.

Maybe you want to find some way

to get your kids a little more active

this summer? Camps teaching the

fundamentals of football, basketball

and soccer are available throughout the

northshore. Also, be sure to check out

the local fitness clubs, which provide a

variety of sports leagues for members and

classes for non-members.

One of the best things about living

on the northshore is that there is always

an abundance of ways to have fun! There

is no better way to make sure that where

we live stays great than by supporting

our local businesses and enjoying the

area’s natural resources.

Make this summer at home one to

remember!

70 InsIde northsIde

Above: Sandpiper

carving.

Right: Rock

Zeringue works on

a duck body.

SAYING THAT HUNTERS and fishermen appreciate

both the beauty of nature and the creatures they

harvest isn’t necessarily a contradiction. It’s quite

common, especially here on the northshore, where

we are surrounded by some of the most picturesque

and productive marshes in the world.

Wildlife artist Rock Zeringue has combined a

passion for hunting with his passion for meticulous

woodworking in his award-winning waterfowl

carvings. What’s astonishing is that many of his

creations—dead ringers, if you will, for sky-borne

pintails, mallards and poule d’eau—wind up floating

in the water, beckoning their live-action counterparts

to come on down, join the party—and be blasted.

(For the uninitiated, poule d’eau is the Louisiana

name for the American coot, and it’s a favorite of the

Cajun gumbo pot.)

At first glance, they may seem more suited for

the mantelpiece than the marsh. In fact, much of his

work is destined for a treasured spot in a collector’s

nook. But as proud as he is of his decorative birds,

he’s equally as happy with the birds—“gunning

Story and photography by Stephen Faure

of a FeatherBirdsW i l d f o w l A r t i s t

R o c k Z e r i n g u e

July-August 2012 71

birds,” as he calls them—that are put to

work as decoys in the area’s duck ponds.

It’s really how he got his start. Rock,

a retired New Orleans Public Service

shift supervisor, carved his first bird

more than 40 years ago. “I used to help

an old man who liked to duck hunt,”

he recalls. “I put out the decoys for him

and stuff like that. There weren’t a lot

of retrieving dogs back then, so I was

basically his retriever.

“He was a distributer of plastic

decoys in Louisiana for the Victor

Majestic Decoy and Trap Co., and his

company did not build poule d’eau,

which I felt was really an essential bird

for decoy rigs. I got a hold of some

balsa wood and made some poule d’eau

decoys. That’s how I got started.”

Rock became an avid hunter himself

and, as it turned out, liked his own

work. “I liked hunting over something

that I made. That’s when I began carving

blue-wing teal. From there, I just started

carving birds now and then.”

Later, he turned pro. “In the

1970s, a fellow said he wanted to buy

a few, and it went from there,” Rock

remembers. He began entering his work

in various shows and winning awards.

Life in the MarshRock and his wife, Sheila, lived

most of their lives in Kenner, but

enjoyed a fishing camp in the Rigolets

area for many years. About 30 years ago,

they decided to build a home on some

land Rock owned just across the state

line in Pearlington, Miss. “We weren’t

happy with the situation in Kenner,”

Rock says. One day, he asked himself,

“‘So what if I build a house?’ and stupid

me says, ‘Oh yeah! What a good idea!’”

For five years, Rock applied his

penchant for meticulous craftsmanship

to building the home. “Sheila and I

drove every nail in this house. I’d go to >>

72 InsIde northsIde

Above: A duck takes

shape under Rock’s

guidance while

rough-cut birds await

detailing in the rear.

Right: A Rock

Zeringue decoy ready

for the water.

Below: The white

swan is a showpiece

in the Zeringues’

home.

the lumber yard, buy the lumber and bring it home

to Kenner. Then I’d pre-fab what I could, bring it out

to Pearlington and put it up.”

They enjoy a nice compound at the end of a

canal that leads into the marsh surrounding the East

Pearl River. It’s easy access to bird watching and

fishing and also to Rock’s raw materials.

For his waterfowl carvings, Rock relies on two

types of wood, both of which he can usually find

within a boat ride of his home. “I primarily use

cypress root and tupelo gum. Cypress root, I pick up

on the East and West Pearl Rivers every few months.

When we have a rise in the water, it usually uproots

cypress trees. I’ll patrol the river until I see a toppled-

over cypress tree, and then I’ll cut the roots from it.

That’s actually underground; you usually can’t get to

it unless the tree has been toppled over.”

Rock says the tupelo gum tree grows along with

the cypress in the swamp. “It has a swollen butt at the

bottom, and I only use the first three feet of the butt.

It’s relatively light, and that’s what carvers look for.”

He’ll often look for tupelo as it’s being cut and says,

“Usually, they don’t use that swollen part, so they

either cut it above that in the swamp, or if you talk

them into it, they’ll cut it low for you and cut off the

butt before they load it up.”

CarvingOnce he’s gathered his raw materials, Rock

begins by cutting the wood into manageably sized >>

74 InsIde northsIde

blocks and rough-cutting the pieces

into bird-like shapes with a band saw

after drawing a pattern for the top and

sides of the bird on the block. Then the

hand work begins. “I’ll start rounding it

with a draw knife and spoke shavers. I

use a pocket knife for more detail and

then sand it,” Rock says. “From there, I

seal it, prime it and then start painting.

I generally use artists’ oils to paint, but

I’ve used almost anything.”

Rock’s decoys are a bit more

detailed and lifelike than you’d expect.

It’s OK for him to take some license with

them that he wouldn’t take with finer-

detailed reproductions that are destined

for a collector’s display. “For example,

the pintail has a long neck, so you can

exaggerate the neck on the decoy.”

He actually makes three grades of

birds, the gunning birds, what he calls

“shelf birds” and decorative birds. The

shelf birds are decorative, but not as

detailed as the decorative birds. “The

birds I know are going to be used as a

decoy, I usually put a dowel through the

head and neck, because the head has a

tendency to break,” says Rock. “I’ll also

put a skewer through the bill because

they also have a tendency to break. The

shelf birds aren’t reinforced and are

painted with the same type of paint, but

are painted a little bit finer. Of course,

the decorative birds are painted with a

lot of detail.”

This level of craftsmanship takes

time; about two eight-hour days to

rough a bird out and about the same

time to paint. But, Rock notes, “You

know, a lot of people can carve them

faster, and a lot of people can paint them

faster, but I really enjoy doing them.”

Branching OutBesides the band saw, chop saw,

planer, vices and other tools of the

woodcarver’s trade, there were two

MAy-June 2012 75

things that almost seemed out of place in

Rock’s workshop: a board on an artist’s

easel and a sideboard. They weren’t

out of place at all, he explained, but

extensions of Rock’s primary interests,

woodworking and waterfowl. The

board on the easel was in the beginning

stages of becoming a beautiful hunting

painting. “I’ve done about 20 paintings

so far,” Rock says. His works are in the

style of George Viavant, a local artist

whose work often depicted harvested

wild game, usually hanging by a string.

Viavant died in 1925; his original

watercolors sell for tens of thousands of

dollars. Rock did his first painting on a

dare.

“I have a really good customer

who’s fairly wealthy. He said, ‘Do a

Viavant for me. I’ll buy it. If I like it,

I’ll put it in my big house in Natchez.

If I don’t, I’ll put it in the bathroom of

my fish camp.’” Of course, Rock’s client

liked it. “It’s now the centerpiece of his

home in Natchez.”

Making a hanging dead duck come

to life is a challenge for Rock, but in

the end, it parallels the satisfaction he

gets from completing a carved bird. “It’s

kind of like doing a portrait of someone.

Usually, my clients are people who

know birds really well. To do something

like that, a hanging bird still life, I focus

constantly on roundness, to get the

dimensionality of it. It takes about two

and a half weeks just drawing it. Then

I start painting and keep lightening

or darkening things to get where I am

comfortable.”

The stately sideboard in his >>

Above: A duck head takes

shape in Rock’s shop.

Below: Rock’s latest Viavant-

style pintail duck painting.

im

age:

RO

CK

ZER

ING

UE

workshop was a project he began as a

gift for his wife. While the rich color of

the wood appears to be a finish or stain

applied to it, it’s actually the natural

color of the sinker cypress used in its

construction, which, it turns out, was a

tricky business.

“Cypress has a tendency to move,

so you have to build it in panels so it

can expand and contract. When you

bring it into someone’s house, the

air conditioner hits it, and it starts to

contract. Cypress is also soft, so I glue

a piece of mahogany in here for the

stringers to run on so they won’t wear

out. The stringers themselves are teak;

teak is a self-lubricating wood, so the

drawers slide evenly.”

Well DoneA couple of things become obvious

when Rock talks about his work,

whether it’s his bird carvings, his

paintings or furniture: he loves what he

does and takes pride in a job well done.

While he doesn’t participate in

too many shows, his work was part

of a retrospective at the Historic New

Above: Sinker-cypress

sideboard Rock crafted

for his wife, Sheila.

Below: A pintail duck

display bird.

July-August 2012 77

Orleans Collection in 2008 titled Birds of

a Feather: Wildfowl Carving in Southeast

Louisiana.

“When I put a knife to something,

I want it to come out the best it

possibly can. I want it to be better

than the last one I did. I keep trying to

do that. A lot of my customers like to

hunt over them, so I build those birds

a little more sturdy than most. It gives

me a lot of pride when someone can

hunt over my birds for six years and

they’ll still be in good shape.”

His clients get more than just birds

to hunt over—they’re getting works

of art that he’s sure will stand the test

of time. Hand-carved decoys are in

great demand, especially the antiques.

“Basically, after a bird’s 100 years old—

I’m hoping some of my birds are around

for that long—it’s nothing for one to

auction off for $17,000, and some will

auction off for a lot more than that.”

It’s also the case with the home

he and Sheila took so long to build.

“It’s a good feeling to know you built

this place yourself. And it was a real

good feeling when we came back from

Katrina and this was still standing just

as strong as ever.”

As for the hunt, Rock’s not as game

as he used to be for the trip out to place

decoys in the marsh at a chilly 3 o’clock

in the morning. Besides, he’s really

gotten to like the birds too much.

“I’ll go hunting, but I seldom shoot

anything. To me, the most important part

is after the hunt. It’s the best time. You

can put your gun away and watch the

birds and their habits. It’s marvelous to

watch these creatures. You love them and

don’t want to shoot them anymore.”

Rock Zeringue’s work is available at

The Crabnet in New Orleans and at The

Louisiana Artists Gallery, 813 Florida St. in

Mandeville, 624-7903.

Hot

IF YOU CAN’T STAND THE HEAT, get out of the kitchen!

That’s never truer than in South Louisiana, where the summer heat and

humidity combine to make even the thought of cooking unbearable.

Don’t fight it. Head out to one of the area’s fine restaurants and treat

yourself (and the family) to one of their culinary delights. If you need further

persuasion, just look over our suggestions for a few great dishes from some

of our favorite eateries.

Mouth watering yet?

78 InsIde northsIde

July-August 2012 79

DishesSummerCafé GiovanniSautéed Lemon Fish—sautéed and

baked lemon fish with jumbo lump crab

meat cooked in vermouth and topped

with a heavy cream tomato sauce.

Bananas Foster—ice cream topped with

bananas sautéed in brown sugar, butter,

banana liqueur and brandy; topped with

whipped cream and hot fudge.

7 Voodoo Grits and Shrimp—sautéed

shrimp in a sweet-and-spicy sauce with

grilled portabella mushrooms, southern

cheese grits and a mango salad.

117 Rue Decatur, New Orleans, (504)

529-2154. Italian fine dining. Dinner. Live

music, Wed.-Fri.

PardosShrimp, Crab and Crawfish Cheesecake—baked with

goat cheese, Gouda and cream cheese and topped with

roasted Creole tomato sauce.

Cochon de Lait Flat Bread—with caramelized onions and

Muenster cheese and finished with barbeque sauce.

7 Berkshire Double-Cut Pork Chop—served with an

ancho chili/Steen’s syrup glaze with chili-roasted pecans

and mashed sweet potatoes.

69305 Hwy. 21, Covington, 893-3603. An American bistro.

Lunch, Tues.-Fri.; dinner, Tues.-Sun.

Menu highlights from select area restaurants

>>

80 InsIde northsIde

Café Lynn7 A Panaché of Fresh

Fish—chef selections of local,

fresh-market seafood pan-

seared and served with fresh

vegetables and potatoes.

Steak Au Poivre—eight-ounce

filet mignon pan-roasted with a

brandy-and-green-peppercorn

sauce.

Braised Beef Short Rib

Lasagna—layered with

homemade pasta, house-made

ricotta cheese and garlic-

spinach; individually baked.

3051 E. Causeway Approach,

Mandeville, 624-9007. Lunch,

Tues.-Fri.; dinner, Tues.-Sun.;

Sunday champagne brunch.

July-August 2012 81

The LakehouseLakehouse BBQ Shrimp—seasoned to perfection

and served with cheddar grits and rosemary.

8 Ruby Red Trout—topped with fresh crab

salad, avocado accents and brown butter sauce.

Crispy Shrimp Lafourche—lump crabmeat-

stuffed shrimp topped with crawfish sauce and

served with green bean salad.

2025 Lakeshore Dr., Mandeville, 626-3006. Simple

elegance. Dinner, Fri.-Sat.; Sunday brunch. >>

George’s Mexican Restaurant Ceviche—fresh tilapia filet marinated

overnight in freshly squeezed lime

juice with green bell pepper, red

onion, chopped cilantro and a hint of

freshly sliced jalapeño; served over

two crispy tostado shells and topped

with avocado slices.

7 Tableside Guacamole—two

large avocados, chopped purple

onion, lime halves, diced tomatoes,

diced cilantro, olive oil and water

and George’s secret spices, with

optional freshly diced jalapeño; all

mixed fresh at your table.

Fajitas—seasoned beef or chicken,

broiled and served sizzling with

guacamole, pico de gallo and flour

tortillas.

1461 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville,

626-4342. Happy hour, Mon.-Fri.

Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch.

K. Gee’s Restaurant and Oyster BarCrawfish Bread—Leidenheimer’s

French bread topped with a rich creamy

sauce with local crawfish and pepper

jack cheese and baked until melted.

Seared Tuna Salad—seared fresh

tuna served on top of mixed greens,

tomatoes and boiled eggs; topped with

house-made charred tomato vinaigrette

dressing and house-made croutons.

Pecan Encrusted Redfish—dipped

in pecan batter, lightly fried and served

with meunière sauce.

2534 Florida St., Mandeville, 626-0530.

Specials for lunch and weeknights.

Lunch, dinner Mon.-Sat. continued on page 124

7

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1. Coo-coo. Handmade copper and wood birdhouse by John Kidd, $45.

Louisiana Artists Gallery, Mandeville, 624-7903. 2. Bon Appetit lunch box

by Stephanie Dawn, made in USA, $28. The Grapevine, Covington, 893-

2766. 3. Gone fishing! Fossilized fish, $185. Honey Hive, Ponchatoula,

386-9338. 4. Cheers! Champagne glasses with ceramic acanthus leaves

and fleur-de-lis, $18 each. Izabella’s Villa, Slidell, 649-5060. 5. Fashion and

function. Home accents of cut-and-polished agate by RabLabs; frame, $58;

clock, $100. Arabella, Mandeville, 727-9787. 6. Gumbo ya-ya. Handcrafted

gumbo or dip bowl by Connie Mickle from Pensacola, Fla., $36. Accents &

Things, Slidell, 649-4273.

July-August 2012 85

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1. Real or faux, only you will know. Silk orchid, $109.95. Florist of Covington, 892-7701.

2. Lili Alessandra Jackie Jacquard blue/silver tencel Euro pillow, $191. Hestia Luxury in

Linens, Covington, 893-0490. 3. Summer sippy-cup! 13-oz. double-wall plastic wine glass with

straw and lid, $14.99. Mandeville Party Company, 674-1605. 4. A rug for all seasons. Indoor-

outdoor rugs of superheroic polypropylene; scrubbable, bleachable and UV-treated, $38-$514.

the french mix, Covington, 809-3152. 5. Catch of the day! Pad of 48 paper placemats with

assorted designs, $25. deCoeur Gifts & Home Accessories, Covington, 809-3244. 6. Illuminate

your room with this Country French hand-forged iron chandelier with six lights, $1,150; available

in a variety of sizes. Bevolo Gas & Electric Co., Mandeville, 249-6040.

6

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July-August 2012 87

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1. Experience the revolution! Rotating foldout camping

chair; includes built-in speakers, beverage holder,

audio player pouch, amplifier and connector, $69.95.

Steve’s RV, Lacombe, 882-9911. 2. Chill out! 20-gallon

rolling cooler cart with bottle opener, $299. Outdoor Living

Center, Covington, 893-8008. 3. For the cook in your life.

Learn to embroider from thousands of designs available.

Precision Sewing Machines, Covington, 249-6156. 4. Handle

it with style. Fine Italian handmade ceramic Harvest Bowl with

brown belted handles by Fortunata, $375. Rug Chic, Mandeville,

674-1070. 5. There’s your sign. Handcrafted Evacuation Route

night light, $28. Simply Southern, Covington, 871-1466. 6. Inspire!

Wooden wall hanging, $155. Mélange by KP, Mandeville, 807-7652.

July-August 2012 89

124 InsIde northsIde

Carreta’s GrillMonterrey Shrimp—select jumbo

shrimp served with Carreta’s cheese

dip, rice and steamed vegetables.

Mayan Tacos—Baja-style hand-

battered fried shrimp tacos served on

soft corn tortillas topped with thinly

chopped cabbage, pico de gallo and

chipotlé dressing.

7 Tres Leches Cake—Carreta’s

signature three-milk cake with moist,

traditional Mexican flavors.

70380 Hwy. 21, Covington, 871-

6674. Authentic Mexican cuisine.

Lunch, dinner.

Frozen Coffee—made with fresh-

brewed cold drip and blended to order

with any of many flavors, including

mocha, vanilla bean, caramel and white

chocolate.

Muffaletta—fresh-baked bread

piled high with salami, ham, mortadella,

provolone and olive salad; traditional

style, panini or Italian loaf.

Stuffed Cupcakes—stuffed with

cream filling and topped with garnishes.

2033 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, 893-1488.

7am-7pm, Tues.-Sat.; 7am-2pm, Sun.

Lunch 11am-2pm, Tues.-Sat. Some items

ready to “grab and go” from case.

Nonna Randazzo’s Italian Bakery and Caffé

7

continued from page 83

90 InsIde northsIde

Family fun and

games are available

at the Franco’s

waterslide.

VACATION OVER? “Staycation” becoming just a drag?

It’s time for the family to head to Franco’s Athletic Club.

In addition to the 122 regular classes, plus swimming

pools, tennis courts, a waterslide and summer camps

with exciting field trips, a number of creative new

classes offer fun and/or an intensive workout.

Adults Only!If you’re ready for something a little crazy, try

practicing yoga mid-air in a cloth net-like structure!

Aerial Silk is dancing in the air, Cirque de Soleil

style. An intensely physical art form, developing

strength, flexibility and focus, Aerial Silk uses upper

and lower body strength as well as anaerobic body

systems to perform climbs, wraps and drops while

suspended from streams of silk. Talk about different!

Seeking a more rigorous workout? The TRX

class, created by Navy seals and advocated by Drew

Brees, uses suspension training to increase balance,

flexibility and core stability. This is a definite win for

the men of the family!

Other high-energy classes are Yee Cheun Do

and Fencing. Yee Cheun Do, a martial arts self-

defense program, brings together age-old, graceful

Chinese movements for healing and extensive

strengthening of the body. The Fencing class teaches

the fundamentals of the classic sport while providing

a unique opportunity to release built-up emotion.

The popular Barre classes, used by celebrities,

create a workout with only a ballet bar. This

by Poki Hampton and Akila Ananth at Franco’sFamily Fun

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July-August 2012 91July-August 2012 91

innovative class has become a national craze.

Through the use of a simple ballet bar, Barre

fuses the techniques of classical ballet, Pilates,

yoga and weights to burn fat and tone muscle.

If you have a taste for more adventure,

the Scuba Diving class is an opportunity to

discover the beauty of the sport in a controlled

environment. Available to both members and

non-members, the class is held in a Franco’s

pool and led by a member of the Professional

Association of Diving Instructors. (For a unique

family fun experience, try Scuba Diving Classes

with the Family, in which the young ones learn

to dive with a PADI Bubblemaker and discover

the joy of breathing underwater.)

Just For Kids!Franco’s all-day Summer Camps offer a

wide variety of activities that includes swimming,

tennis and arts and crafts. In addition, there

are awesome field trips to places such as the

Aquarium of the Americas, Rolling Video &

Laser Tag, the Insectarium and the New Orleans

Children’s Museum.

If given the opportunity, many children

would probably move their beds poolside and

live there all summer long! But if you want

something a little more active for your 8- to

14-year-olds, consider the Junior Fitness

Instruction Camp. JFI includes access to

the weight and cardio rooms plus lessons

on a proper workout, club etiquette and the

development of diet.

For middle-school, junior-high or high-

school athletes, the Brandt Quick Sports

Performance helps them to step up their

Top right: Learn

climbs, swings

and wraps while

building stamina

in this Cirque de

Soleil aerial silk yoga

class. Mid-right:

Learn to scuba

dive—in the safety

of the pool—with

the whole family.

Bottom right: More

than just tennis

lessons…learn

the classic art of

fencing at Franco’s

this summer. Far

left: The Grill has

sumptuous new

salads, smoothies

and take-out items

to satisfy any

appetite.>>

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game for the next school year. Don’t forget that Brandt

Quick offers nutritional supplement products (BQuick

Nutrition) at Franco’s.

It’s never too early! The Scooby Doo Tennis Class for

ages 4 and up uses tennis for essential motor development.

(Note to parents: Watch the lessons from the newly renovated

tennis gazebo—complete with bar service.)

YOLO boarding! This new rage puts a twist on surfing—

the rider stands on the board and uses a very long paddle to

move around.

Ah-h-h, OSpa!After a workout, while the kids are in a class or just because

you deserve it—anytime is the right time for pampering. Dr.

Michelle Cooper is the news at OSpa. She brings the Exilis

procedure, a revolutionary non-invasive treatment for the

reshaping of targeted fat deposits and the reduction of wrinkles.

Of course, massages, facials and a myriad of treatments are

also available, as well as beauty and skin-enhancing products.

And OSpa’s newly enlarged and exciting Lifestyle Store has

wonderful gifts, home accents and trendy fashions for workouts

and hot summer nights.

And don’t Forget…For a healthy bite while at Franco’s, check out the

exciting new menu options at the grill. A customized low-

calorie smoothie selection includes a variety of enhancers

to fit your needs. New chopped salads and vegetable

sandwiches are all the rage. All summer, a poolside grill

offers hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches with

that backyard barbeque taste for the kids. And mom, when

you don’t feel like cooking, take a healthy meal home from

the grill on Tuesdays and Thursdays. How great is that?

Let Franco’s exciting summer lineup turn ordinary days

into a fun “staycation” for every member of the family!

Relax with a massage or facial at the

OSpa while the kids are in a class.

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SEE WORTHY1. Ring in 18K white gold with 5.87ct aquamarine

and 1.19cttw diamond, $6,990. Boudreaux’s Fine

Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-1666. 2. Use this linen

and cotton French fouta for a beach towel, sarong

or throw for the sofa, $62. Welcome Home and

garden, Covington, 893-3933. 3. One-shoulder

dress by Alice & Trixie in aqua feather design,

$325. The Mix, Mandeville, 727-7649. 4. Aqua

strapless satin dress with ruffle detail from London

Times, $92. Columbia Street Mercantile, Covington,

809-1789. 5. Silk-and-lace camisole and boy shorts

by Mary Green, $150. Bra la Vie!, Hammond, 662-

5065. 6. Sterling silver bracelet with embossed

leather and aqua Swarovski crystals, $250. Fleurt,

Covington, 809-8844. 7. Blue Flower Ring by

Trollbeads with silver stems and three bright blue

flowers caught in a drop of dew, $91. Purple Armadillo

Again, Slidell, 643-2004. 8. Ledbetter golf shirt

in aqua, $115. Jos. A. Bank, Mandeville, 624-

4067.5

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SEE WORTHY1. Ladies yellow vermeil matte drop earrings with pear-shaped

turquoise stone, $165. Champagne Jewelers, Slidell, 643-

2599. 2. Checkerboard cushion-cut blue topaz ring set in

14K white gold and accented with .50cttw diamonds, $1,544.

Moseley’s Jewelers, Mandeville, 626-5098. 3. 14K yellow gold

pendant with chalcedony and moonstone round stones and

chain, $995. DeLuca’s Expressions in Gold, Covington, 892-

2317. 4. Aqua pleat dress by Jessica Simpson, $128. Posh

Boutique, Covington, 898-2639. 5. Cowl-neck sleeveless knit

dress by Three Dots, $84. The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797.

6. One-shoulder, multi-color print dress by Mud Pie, $46. OSpa

Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0270.

7. Volatile Rio Grande boot, $89. Shoefflé, Covington, 898-

6465; Baton Rouge, (225) 761-1105.

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1. Ring with 5.9ct oval blue zircon accented by round brilliant cut

diamonds set in 18K white gold, $3,910; De Boscq, Mandeville,

674-0007. 2. After 6 aqua dress: long, $210; short, $190. Olivier

Couture, Mandeville, 674-6994. 3. Breathable reversible racer

back in teal by luon, $42. Pure Barre, Mandeville, 674-7577. 4.

Supreme Satin bridesmaid dress featuring a modified sweetheart

neckline, corset-style bodice with lace and knee-length skirt,

$223. Southern Bridal, Mandeville, 727-2993. 5. Terry shower

wrap in assorted colors, $19.95; monogram, $7.50. EmbroidMe,

Slidell, 649-5055; Mandeville, 624-9718.

SEE WORTHY

6. Colors-of-the-sea beach bag, $26.

Perino’s Garden Center, Metairie,

(504) 834-7888. 7. Danielle earrings

by Kendra Scott, available in different

sizes and colors, $50-$58. Paisley,

Mandeville, 727-7880.

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July-August 2012 101

THEY SAY “TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION.”

In the story of New Orleans R&B musician Ernie

K-Doe, truth is certainly more entertaining than fiction.

The life of anyone who would title himself “Emperor

of the Universe” without any hint of self-doubt has to

be worth a read.

It would take a legion of writers working

overtime to invent K-Doe, plot out his life and write

the words that would come out of his mouth over

his lifetime. Luckily for author Ben Sandmel, he

didn’t have to do any inventing in putting together

the biography Ernie K-Doe: The R&B Emperor of New

Orleans, published by the Historic New Orleans

Collection.

K-Doe often and loudly exclaimed he was “a

Charity Hospital baby,” and, just as often, he would

follow that up with a rambling description of the day

he was born: “Charity Hospital went to rumblin’ and

a-grumblin’! The building started to bendin’, the walls

started shakin’…”

“I’m cocky, but I’m good” was a K-Doe motto.

His big hit was the 1961 best-selling song Mother-

in-Law, which was written and produced by Allen

Toussaint. K-Doe declared, “There ain’t but two songs

that will stand the test of time, until the end of the

world. One of them is The Star-Spangled Banner. The

other is Mother-in-Law.”

K-Doe rode Mother-in-Law for the rest of his

life, performing the song in his live appearances. The

club he opened with his second wife, Antoinette, was

named “Ernie K-Doe’s Mother-in-Law Lounge.”

Sandmel’s book is also a great history of New

Orleans culture during the rhythm and blues

heyday of the early 1960s. Mother-in-Law came

out at a time when K-Doe and his New Orleans

contemporaries, including Fats Domino, Lloyd

Price, Art Neville and Irma Thomas, were getting

national recognition and cranking out records for

the New Orleans market.

K-Doe’s story is illustrated through quotes from

those who knew and worked with him, plus photos

and vintage concert posters. Standouts are a 1962

poster from a Municipal Auditorium “Battle of the

Blues” between K-Doe and James Brown and 1970s

photos of K-Doe with Paul and Linda McCartney and

Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. (Plant,

we learn from the book, played his 45 of “Mother-

in-Law” so often as a youngster that his mother

unplugged the family record player.)

Sadly, K-Doe died a few months after having

performed at Jazz Fest and making his last appearance

at a benefit show for, coincidentally, Charity

Hospital—where he had been so gloriously born June

10, 1936, and where he died July 5, 2001.

Antoinette kept K-Doe’s memory alive, not only by

keeping the Mother-in-Law Lounge open but also by

commissioning a life-size statue of K-Doe that surreally

and serenely held court at the lounge and accompanied

Antoinette to various functions around town.

Antoinette passed away on Mardi Gras day in

2009, but the Mother-in-Law Lounge remained open

for some time afterward. It’s now closed, although

covered in murals in tribute to the couple.

Sandmel includes a quote from artist Willie Birch

that pretty much sums up what the book, and K-Doe,

are all about. Birch observed that Ernie K-Doe “was

someone who not only said, ‘I’m king for a day,’ but

he went and lived it every day.”

Book Reportby Stephen Faure

Ernie K-Doe:

The R&B Emperor

of New Orleans

by Ben Sandmel

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Archivist Robin Perkins by Sean Keogh

THE PAST IS ALWAYS PRESENT in the Archives Department of the St. Tammany Parish

Clerk of Court’s Office—and no one knows that better than archivist Robin Perkins.

However, Robin considers herself to be more an involved member of her community

than a history buff.

You don’t have to be a historian or an archivist to learn more about the parish’s

past. Like Robin, a native of Chicago, you don’t even have to be born and raised in

Louisiana to find something that appeals to you. “Our collection here is of interest

to everybody,” she says.

The St. Tammany Archives Department is known as the largest and best-

preserved document source in the state, besides Orleans Parish. The parish

courthouse has never burned or flooded; most of the document series date back

to 1810. They provide information for researching the history of St. Tammany

and its citizens. Genealogists can obtain data such as names, addresses,

occupations, marital and family status, citizenship and property holdings

of their ancestors. 

The archives show that

St. Tammany has always been

a hard-working, industrial

parish. Bricks were made,

sugar was grown and rice was

produced—all right here. Early

Revolutionary War veterans who

settled in the area brought their

work ethic and entrepreneurial

vision with them. Robin says,

“We’re keeping their memory alive

by making people aware of all their

contributions. It’s definitely a heritage

to be proud of.

“History always surprises us and delights us with

the things you can find out,” Robin says. For example, during the 19th century, it was possible

to ride a horse from Mandeville to Covington and be in the shade throughout the duration of the

trip because of the amount of forestation.

Robin enjoys speaking to the community about the history she cares so much about. She

credits Clerk of Court Malise Prieto with providing the opportunity for her to do so. Malise says,

“We are most fortunate to have Robin on our staff. She loves what she does, and it shows. She

looks at history in a different way. She can entertain you with history.”

Robin engages children who come to see her on field trips by researching their last names.

What at first may seem like any other school trip turns into a trip back in time where students

learn about their personal ancestry.

We cannot forget about our past. Robin and the archives help us to remember.

The Archives Department is located in the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center, Basement Level, in

Covington, (985) 809-8700. Appointments as well as walk-ins are welcome. Copies can be mailed.

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July-August 2012 103

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Summer Faile and Dustin Hughes celebrated their marriage with the Southern wedding of

their dreams at Annadele’s Plantation in Covington. Burdette Thomas presided over the nuptials,

and the bride’s sister soloed while accompanied by pianist Duwayne Blake and ELD. The bride’s

ring, from DeLuca’s Expressions in Gold, was a half-carat princess-cut diamond in an antique

setting surrounded by diamonds. Wearing a Maggie Sottero ball gown with a sweetheart

neckline embellished in lace and crystals, the bride celebrated with her groom and their guests by

dancing the night away. After a honeymoon in Florida, the couple made their home in Covington.

Faile-Hughes

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Maggie Lynch, daughter of

Jim Lynch and Annette Pucheu

Lynch of Covington, and Jason

Gray, son of Larry and Cherie

Gray of Metairie, celebrated their

wedding at Mater Dolorosa Church.

The bride wore a lace-over-satin

sheath gown, and special-guest

vocalist Dana Arthur provided the

music for the ceremony as well as

the father-daughter dance. After

the wedding, the bridal party rode

a decorated streetcar to The Van

Benthuysen-Elms Mansion, where

guests enjoyed music from The

Flavors of New Orleans Band and

the Joe Simon Jazz Trio. The couple

honeymooned in Europe and will

reside in Texas during Jason’s

orthopedic residency program.

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DiCrispino-MezeraStacy DiCrispino and Aron Mezera

exchanged their vows at Zion Lutheran Church

in New Orleans. Since the couple met two years

ago, they have made many lasting memories,

including traveling across the United States. The

bride, carrying a Duchesse rose bouquet, wore

a strapless white taffeta gown from Southern

Bridal featuring a pleated V-neckline and a

ruched, asymmetrical drop waist with a full

skirt of taffeta and chiffon flowers embellished

with rhinestones, crystals and beading. The

bride and groom celebrated with friends and

family at The Balcony. The newlyweds spent

their honeymoon in Montego Bay, Jamaica,

and now reside in Covington.

July-August 2012 105

Jennifer Anne Hunt and John Curran O’Day shared their vows under

an ancient live oak tree at dusk in Olde Towne Slidell. Candle jars hanging

among cotton boll swags in the tree and hurricane lanterns along the

center aisle provided light for the ceremony. The bride wore a vintage

wedding gown that was first worn by her grandmother in 1958 and then

by her mother in 1984.

The Bayou Liberty Jazz

Band played during

the ceremony and led

a second line, complete

with flambeaux, through

the streets of Olde

Towne to Dubuisson

Gallery, where guests

danced to the sounds

of The Smooth Dudes.

The couple will spend

several months in India

this fall as an extended

honeymoon.

Lauren Hopkins and Andrew Dart were united in marriage at St. Louis

Cathedral in New Orleans. The bride’s customized Winnie Couture gown

from Olivier Couture was made of Alençon lace and featured a mermaid

silhouette, sweetheart neckline, beaded waistband and organza ruffles

at the hem. The wedding party and guests were led by the Big Fun Brass

Band in a second line to the Riverview Room where they continued the

celebration with live music from Groovy7. The couple honeymooned in

Riviera Maya, Mexico.

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106 InsIde northsIde

the SpotlightINHot Summer Blues

The House of Blues rocked with “Hot Summer Blues”

as families and friends celebrated Maggie Stewart, Victoria

Ellinghausen and Maggie Murphy at one of the first deb parties

of the 2012-2013 season.

The honorees and guests enthusiastically danced the night

away to the lively music of Four Unplugged. Adding to the fun

was the popular photo booth, where a variety of props made for

memorable snapshots. Highlights of the dessert spread included

custom-designed cookies from Sugar Mama’s and homemade

pralines. Blues-Brother Dads hit the stage for a

rousing rendition of Soul Man to the delight of their

daughters and everyone else.

The party was hosted by Ann and Gordon

Stewart, John Ellinghausen and Lori and Rick Murphy.

side PeekIN Sarah Clifton and Audrey Ulfers.

Friends gathered at Covington’s Tap Room to celebrate Becky Schoen’s 50th birthday.

Angie Perrin, Michelle Acosta, Dr. Catherine Laborde, Chanta Bryant and Deborah Robert welcome patients to the new North Oaks Walk-In Clinic in Ponchatoula.

Quentin Dastugue, Seanna

Bruno and Steve Kragthorpe at

Stone Creek Club & Spa’s 3rd

Annual Twilight Run benefitting

the Michael J. Fox Foundation

for Parkinson’s Research.

Ellie and Becky

Schoen.

Cedric Richmond, Steve Scalise, Leah Chase and Greg Reggio celebrate Taste Buds Management, founder of Zea and Semolina restaurants, which earned the “Restaurant Neighbor Award” from the National Restaurant Association.

Send your submissions to peek@insidenorthside.com.

American Red Cross Tiffany Circle members Rita Benson LeBlanc, Heidi Redmond Raines and Kacie Kelly at the national summit in Washington, D.C.

Patricia Robertson, eighth

grader Ashley Elsensohn

and Vance Robertson enjoy

Grandparents Day at SSA.

Eighth grader Adlai Gavel shows her grandparents, Ceal and Ron Harrist, around SSA’s campus.

SSA students Rebecca Beatty

and Hadley Modeen enjoy

the SSA/SPS Challenge.

Sally Hoffstadt, Ryan Pearce and

Jesse Hartley at the “Darkness

to Light” meeting hosted by the

Northshore Rising Professionals.

110 InsIde northsIde

the SpotlightINSt. Tammany’s Louisiana Bicentennial Festival

An estimated crowd of 1,500

people came out to Slidell’s Heritage Park on Saturday, May

19, to celebrate St. Tammany’s Louisiana Bicentennial Festival

with special guest Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne. Headliners

LeRoux, Christian Serpas and Ghost Town, the Dynamic

Smooth Family Gospel Choir and Bayou Liberty Jazz Band

provided musical entertainment. Cajun storyteller/musician

Papillion enthralled the children, who also enjoyed an

opportunity to pet live alligators courtesy of Howard McCrae,

“The Gator Relocator.”

The event included a First Responders Showcase,

a Community Organization Showcase and a variety of

historians sharing tales of the many facets of Louisiana’s

history and heritage. Limited-edition commemorative

coins, the official Bicentennial Louisiana Music Hall of

Fame CD and festival posters featuring the artwork of

artist Randy Caminita were available.

The Leadership Northshore Bicentennial Team,

which included Kim Bergeron, Will Hart, Scott Garrett

and Pastor Barb Simmers, produced the festival. The

project will culminate in July with the dedication

of a Perpetual Time Capsule and library, both of

which will be housed in the

Slidell Museum. The capsule

will include the works of

students who participated in St.

Tammany’s Louisiana Bicentennial

Art and Literary Competition,

plus mementos contributed by the

festival sponsors.

July-August 2012 111

side PeekIN

2012 Swingfest Champion, Gary Hemphill, with 2011 Swingfest Champion, Mason Rudolph.

Scott Stumpff, Ed Carlisle and Ted Elliot with Rebecca Pierce (second from left), winner of the Swingfest Putting Contest.

Sandy Brasher, Tommy Discon, Doug

Cristina and Tim Kilgore wait out the

rain at Tchefuncta Country Club’s

Swingfest Golf Tournament.

Ed Murphy (right), president of Kiwanis of Greater

Covington, with speaker Doug Hall of South Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services and The Methodist Home for

Abused Children.

Sarah Bergeron,

Nicole Allison with

daughter Liberty

and Tracy Kendrick

with son Larson at

Laurier’s Mother’s

Day event.

Gene Bellisario, Jennifer Messina, Gary

Bonnano, Jessica Hester and Heather Gervais.

Cindy and Steve Bordelon

celebrate Inside Northside’s cover

artist at the HBA Raffle House

built by Integrity Builders.

Shanna Cole, Kenny and Dody Adams, IN cover artist Dr. Bob and Bruce Wainer.

Susan Blanchard and Dr. Gary Agena.

Dr. Steve D. Gill, Kathy Foster and Robert Trahan, LOTR, at Low Vision Technology Day held at Vision Optique in Covington.

side PeekIN

Send your submissions to peek@insidenorthside.com.

Scott Fritscher, Ian Growden, Jason Phillpott, Bruce

Growden and Scot Sundquist were the Inside Northside

boiling team at the first annual Crawfish Mambo crawfish

cook-off benefitting the UNO Alumni Association.

Steve Malley, Jody Waltz, Jeff Waltz, Crawfish Mambo event chairman Brian Glorioso and Tommy Fertel.

Mandeville’s Christian Serpas with Jo-El Sonnier before their performance at Rockin’ the Rails in Covington.

Artist Russell Whiting with Pat and Ron Macaluso of The Oak Street Gallery, who

commissioned Hammond’s

first sculpture, “Ulysses,” on private property.

Bobbie Chassaignac, Diane

Winston, Tanya Dischler and Peg

Usner enjoy an art show for Tanya

Dischler at Louisiana Artist Gallery.

July-August 2012 113

The Lakeview Regional Medical Center team—Dr. Brandee Simon Davis, Kim Melvin and Laurie Spurlin—hits the road for the Crescent City Classic.

Karena Anderson and Margaret Mashburn.

Three generations of LSU fans: Chuck LeBlanc,

Charley LeBlanc, Diane LeBlanc, Olivia Redman,

Chaz LeBlanc, Eli McCurly, Sarah McCurly, Audrey

LeBlanc and Beth LeBlanc.Loretta Miner and David Cook celebrate

recent awards given to the Christwood

Retirement Community.

Joan Hyatt, David Jones, Camille Schwandt and Moe Schwandt

were awarded Most Romantic Presentation at Some Enchanted

Evening with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in Slidell.

114 InsIde northsIde

the SpotlightIN

The threat of rain did not dampen the fun of

150 northshore women who attended Franco’s

Annual Ladies Day Out, which benefited the Mary

Bird Perkins Cancer Center. The event was held

in honor of Franco’s Group Exercise Director Patti

McHugh, who was diagnosed last December with

Stage 3 breast cancer and is currently fighting—and

winning—the battle.

Franco’s trainers modeled the latest fashions

from the OSpa Lifestyle store, and tented boutiques

displayed jewelry, home décor, beauty products

and more. Garcia’s provided a scrumptious Mexican

buffet; Glazer’s Distributing offered Skinny Girl

margaritas and piña coladas; and dessert was a

variety of frozen yogurts from PinkBerry. While

dining and shopping, guests enjoyed live music by

Island of Rhythm.

Franco’s Ladies Day Out

July-August 2012 115

side PeekIN

Charley Strickland, Chryl Corrizo, KC Dinhofer, Suzy O’Mahoney and Nicole Suhre at the St. Tammany Hospital

Foundation’s annual leadership recognition celebration.

Diane Winston

and Randy and

Yvonne Kinchen.

Jeannie Emory (center) with staff at the grand

re-opening of the expanded Bra Genie.

Helen, Cathy, Webb, and Lauren-Rita Williams enjoy the pre-Fest celebrations across from the main entrance of Jazz Fest.

side PeekIN

Paul Riley, Hope Martin and Jim Wallace

enjoy Martin Wine Cellar’s Once Upon a

Vine event at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters.

Ashley Mills of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

with Kathy Williams and Katie Rushe, sponsors

of Northshore’s Finest honoree Kyle Beerbohm

(back), at a CF fundraiser at K. Gee’s.

Heart of Fashion committee members Jeté Crosby, Annette Dowdle and Jeanine Reicke with Carolyn Elder (center) and Steven Putt (far right) of Saks Fifth Avenue at the Art in Bloom fashion show.

Fr. Charles Latour, Zack Castelluccio, Kyle Sewald and Msgr. Frank Giroir at a reception at Archbishop Hannan High School following a special Mass during which the boys received their First Holy Communion.

Send your submissions to peek@insidenorthside.com.

Will and Kimberly Hatcher enjoy Cinco de Mayo at Carreta’s Grill in Slidell.

Deborah Freda, Jean Lotz and local

author Erica Spindler after a presentation

and private book signing at Café Lynn.

Owner Carlos Valencia with his

wife, Daisy, and his son, Carlos Jr.,

at Carreta’s Grill in Covington.

Molly Smith, artist

James Michalopoulis,

Beth Falkenstein, Bruce

Falkenstein and Rick Smith

at Spring for Art.

Jim Gordon, Pizzie Romano, Jackie Romano

and Trisha Gordon celebrate Cinco de Mayo

at La Carreta in Mandeville.

118 InsIde northsIde

side PeekIN

Julie and Semmes Hughs.

Mimi and Matt Voelkel with Suzy and Rick Kessenich enjoy the hospitality of the Captain of Olympia at the Seiler Bar.

Tim Williams and Lange Gambel.

Mason and Kelly Rudolph with

Mark and Susan Blanchard.

Hossana Lutheran Church in Mandeville

celebrated the confirmation class of 2012.

Marie Hammons and Jennifer Gitz at the St. Tammany Hospital Foundation’s Get Lucky! Golf Tournament.

Dr. Brian and Jennifer Comeaux

with Dr. Rock and Janice Hontas.

Ryan Bourgeois, Steve

Brouillette and Jon Van Steenis

from Daigle Fisse & Kessenich.

STPH CEO Patti Ellish, COO Sharon Toups and CMO Dr. Bob Capitelli with Laurie McCants.

July-August 2012 119

>>

COASTAL WETLAND PRESERVATION is one of

Louisiana’s most vital issues. For decades, Louisiana

has lost about 40 square miles each year to erosion.

Given this statistic, it seems out of place for citizens of

Louisiana to question what is a supposed tightening

of the wetlands mitigation process.

Mitigation fees are the stipend paid by anyone

developing land that has been determined to be

‘wetlands’ by the Army Corps of Engineers. The

Corps process for defining wetlands is complex, and

a substantial amount of property in St. Tammany is

considered wetlands.

The Corps recently announced that it is

changing the method used to determine the amount

of mitigation fees that must be paid per acre of

impacted wetlands. This new method may increase

costs as much as four times. The Cypress Bayou

drainage project, which will be returned to wetlands

when complete, cost taxpayers about $1.2 million in

wetland mitigation fees. Under the new method, the

price could have exceeded $4 million.

Many citizens are under the assumption that

wetlands mitigation fees are used for coastal wetlands

restorations. That is not necessarily the case.

Mitigation fees must be paid in the same ‘basin’ as

the road or project being built. These fees are paid to

mitigation banks located in the basin.

A mitigation bank is a piece of property that has

Development

120 InsIde northsIde

by Pat BristerIN

What is the highest and best use of mitigation dollars?Wetlands

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July-August 2012 121

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What’s in YOUR Attic?As we prepare to celebrate the bicentennial of the

City of Covington, we are gathering family histories and

photographs to be shared with historians Sally Reeves

and C. Howard Nichols. The celebration will include

the publication of a hardcover book, lectures and tours

emphasizing Covington’s early history.

Contributions and submissions can be sent to covbicentennial@insidenorthside.com.

been determined to be wetlands by the

Army Corps of Engineers and approved

as land that will be held in its natural

state. Each ‘mitigation bank’ is assigned

a number of credits it can sell to pay for

the property and its upkeep. The bank

owners then set the price for credits in

his or her bank.

On the other side, the Army Corps

of Engineers reviews each new building

project, from a road or drainage

retention pond to an entire subdivision,

and determines the amount of credits

that the developer, including local

governments, must pay in fees.

The only mitigation bank in

St. Tammany Parish at this time is

Mossy Hill, owned by a private equity

firm. You can learn about this bank

at mossyhillbank.com. When St.

Tammany Parish is developing a road,

or any other infrastructure project that

involves wetlands, this is currently our

only option to buy ‘credits.’

The potential tripling of mitigation

fees will not restore our marshes or

improve our drainage. We believe that

there is a better solution.

To reduce costs to citizens and

to protect priority wetlands in St.

Tammany, parish officials went to

Washington to discuss the creation

of a parish-owned mitigation bank

that would reduce costs and retain or

restore wetlands we consider critical for

drainage or storm protection.

Wetlands preservation and restoration

is vital to our future. The parish is asking

for the ability to preserve and restore our

own parish with our own funds. This

will help meet our most crucial wetlands

needs, save tax dollars and keep future

development costs in check.

St. Tammany Parish President Pat

Brister can be reached at 898-2362 or

askpat@stpgov.org.

http://janapond.myrandf.com

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July-August 2012 123

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July-August 2012 125

side DiningINMCC: 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.

COVINGTONAcme 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.

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.

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, 70437 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.

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

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126 InsIde northsIde

Dr., 871-6975.

Osaka 21 Japanese Restaurant, 70340 Hwy. 21, 809-2640.

Osaka West Japanese Restaurant, 804 N. Hwy. 190, 871-8199.

Pardos, 69305 Hwy. 21, 893-3603. An American bistro with a blend of multi-cultural cuisine with local flair. Lunch, Tues-Fri; dinner, Tues-Sun; happy hour, Tues-Fri, 4-7pm. MCC. pardosbistro.com.

Pat’s Seafood Market and Cajun Deli, 1248 N. 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.

Renaissance Antiques & Gifts 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.

Sage Café, 501 N. Hwy. 190, 801-0092. 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, 1581 N. Hwy. 190, 809-6483.

Thai Taste, 1005 N. Collins Blvd., 809-7886.

Thai Thai, 1536 N. Hwy. 190, 809-8905.

Tony Bosco’s at TerraBella, 141 TerraBella Blvd., 612-7250. Authentic Italian cuisine. Lunch, dinner, private meeting room, catering. tonyboscos.com.

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.

Jacmel Inn, 903 E. Morris St., 542-0043. Casual fine dining. Dinner, Tues-Sun; lunch, Wed-Fri; Sunday Brunch; closed Mondays. jacmelinn.com. MCC, checks.

Kirin Sushi, 221 E. 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 on Thomas, 216 W. Thomas St., 350-6100. 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, 27491 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.

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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. 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, Tues-Sun. 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., 370-8713. 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.

Lakehouse, The, 2025 Lakeshore Dr., 626-3006, events 807-5014. Restaurant and special events venue open 7 days for private events. Dinner, Fri-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. nuvolaris.com.

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128 InsIde northsIde

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.

PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co., 2963 Hwy. 190, 674-1565. Catch your morning buzz at this convenient drive-thru! Catering. 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.

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.

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., 639-0600. 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.

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., 288-5286. 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, 1st St., 641-4969. 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.

Dining Guide

July-August 2012 129

10/12 Properties ................... 985-626-8200 121

Accents & Things ................... 985-649-4273 87

Advanced Hand Specialists .... 985-674-4170 26

Agena, Dr. Gary M. - OBGYN ... 985-845-7121 46

Al’s Plumbing Co. .................. 985-845-9390 57

American Factory Direct ......... 985-871-0300 112

Arabella Fine Gifts ................. 985-727-9787 93, 100

Armbruster Artworks Studio ... 985-630-6295 41

Askhimbooks.com .............askhimbooks.com 75

Asset One ............................. 985-727-2834 26

Ban Soleil .............................. 985-875-9109 108

Bedico Creek Preserve ........... 985-845-4200 119

Bella Cucina .......................... 985-626-7886 84

Benchmark Investment Group .. 985-635-0770 29

Berger Home ......................... 985-624-3433 109

Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights .........................

..................... 985-249-6040, 504-522-9485 17

Billiot Pest Control ................. 985-893-5083 68

Blossom Girl .......................... 985-662-5065 87

Boudreaux’s Fine Jewelers ..... 985-626-1666 7

Bra la Vie ............................. 985-662-5065 105

Broussard’s Pianos ................ 504-621-1749 71

Brown Family Orthodontics .... 985-626-8297 65

Café Giovanni ....................... 504-529-2164 128

Café Lynn .............................. 985-624-9007 125

Carreta’s Grill ....... 985-871-6674, 847-0020 4

Champagne Beverage Co..............................

............................. champagnebeverage.com 10

Champagne Jewelers............. 985-643-2599 30

Chris Whitty Construction, LLC .. 985-847-9417 103

Christwood Retirement Community ..............

......................................... christwoodrc.com 18

Columbia Street Mercantile ... 985-809-1789 93

Compounding Corner ............ 985-792-5041 82

Creating You ......................... 985-796-1818 24

Culinary Kids ......................... 985-727-5553 45

De Boscq Jewelry .................. 985-674-0007 62

deCoeur ..................................... decoeur.net 99

DeLuca’s Expressions in Gold . 985-892-2317 99

Designs in Windows .............. 985-209-1689 123

Dimitri Dermatology .............. 985-892-5497 56

Dr. C. M. Berry III ................... 985-345-2555 13

Eduardo Jenkins Landscape

Architect and Planner ........ 225-343-0571 23

Embroidme ...985-649-5055, 985-624-9718 99

Etan Enterprises .................... 985-966-7042 42

Eye Care Surgery Center ........ 985-892-4858 6

Fairway Medical Surgical Hospital .................

......................................fairwaymedical.com 65

Fitness Expo .......................... 985-624-9990 66

Fleurt .................................... 985-809-8844 99

Florist of Covington ............... 985-892-7701 61

Franco’s Athletic Club ............ 985-792-0200 BC

French Mix, The ..................... 985-809-3152 76

George’s Mexican Restaurant ... 985-626-4342 126

GNO Property Management .. 504-525-2985 121

Grapevine ........grapevinegiftsandgallery.com 84

Hammond Air Center ............. 985-345-3030 55

Henry Hood Gallery ............... 985-789-1832 75

Hestia Luxury in Linens .......... 985-893-0490 123

Historic New Orleans Collection .. 504-598-7170 35

Home Bank ...................... home24bank.com 113

Honda of Covington .............. 985-892-0001 IFC

Honey Hive ........................... 985-662-6029 123

Hotel Monteleone ................. 866-338-4675 28

Huntington Learning Center .. 985-727-0000 66

Integrity Builders Inc. ............. 985-626-3479 22

Istre Hearing Care ................. 985-845-3509 74

Izabella’s Villa ....................... 985-649-5060 3

Jim Stone Co. ........................ 985-882-5907 87

Jos. A. Bank ........................... 985-624-4067 23

K. Gee’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar .. 985-626-0530 128

KentJacob Color Salon ........... 985-845-8011 95

Kevin M. Plaisance MD, LLC ... 985-893-3777 69

La Pavers .............................. 504-731-8755 103

Lake After Hours .................... 985-375-9979 52

Lakehouse, The ...................... 985-626-3006 92

Lakeview Regional Medical Center ................

............................................. 985-867-3800 21, IBC

L’auberge Casino & Hotel ... lbatonrouge.com 19

Laurier .................................. 985-875-0823 100

LCI Workers Comp ................. 985-612-1230 81

Louisiana Artists Gallery, The .. 985-624-7903 84

Louisiana Heart Center .......... 985-649-2700 31

Louisiana Heart Hospital ...............................

............................ louisianahearhospital.com 5

Lynn Stirling Antiques ............ 985-626-7704 27

M. Celeste Lagarde, MD ........ 985-898-0589 22

Mandeville Party Co. .............. 985-674-1605 88

Martin Wine Cellar ...............martinwine.com 25

Mary Bird Perkins ..............marybird.org/stph 80

Mélange by KP ...................... 985-807-7652 123

Mix, The ................................ 985-727-7649 95

Money Hill Golf and Country Club.................

............................................. 985-871-6963 116

MoreSmiles-Dr. Jim Moreau .. 985-809-7645 117

Moseley’s Fine Jewelers ......... 985-626-5098 68

NOLA Lending Group, LLC ..... 985-951-8479 11

Nonna Randazzo’s Bakery...... 985-893-1488 126

North American Insurance Agency

............................................. 985-871-5480 83

NORTH Institute, The ............. 985-871-4114 8

North Oaks Health System .......northoaks.org 45

North Shore Square Mall ....... 985-646-0664 73

Northshore Dermatology ...... 985-792-5959 74

Oak Street Gallery, The .......... 985-345-0251 115

Ochsner Medical Center - Northshore ...........

.................................................. ochsner.org 15

Olivier Couture, A Bridal Boutique .. 985-674-6994 95

Outdoor Living Center ........... 985-893-8008 30

Paisley .................................. 985-727-7880 96

Pan American Power .............. 985-893-1271 52

Pardos .................................. 985-893-3603 127

Paretti Jaguar .. 866-751-0237, 504-456-7558 77

Perino’s Garden Center .......... 504-834-7888 42

Pig Charity, The ....................... pigcharity.org 33

Pine Grove Lighting & Electrical Supply .........

............................................. 985-893-4003 103

Pinnacle Mortgage Group, LLC .. 985-727-0755 121

Play and Learn Northshore Academy .............

............................................. 985-674-7744 119

Posh Boutique ....................... 985-898-2639 96

Precision Sewing Machines .... 985-249-6156 100

Pure Barre ............................. 985-674-7577 88

Purple Armadillo Again ... purplearmadillo.net 41

Rab, Dr. Tahseen .................... 985-340-7868 115

Rehab Dynamics ................... 985-871-7878 19

Resource Bank ..............bankonresource.com 56

R’evolution ........................... 504-553-2277 12

Rodan & Fields Dermatologists .. 985-966-6475 123

Ruffino Custom Closets ......... 985-809-7623 57

Rug Chic ............................... 985-674-1070 88

Sala Thai ............................... 985-249-6990 125

St. Joseph Abbey ........ saintjosephabbey.com 35

St. Tammany Parish Hospital .. 985-898-4000 49

St. Tammany West Chamber ......................... 107

Secure Access ........................ 225-206-4366 123

Seven Wonders...................... 985-674-1447 46

Shoefflé ....................................shoeffle.com 96

Shofstahl Law Firm ................ 985-674-1801 123

Simply Southern .................... 985-871-1466 119

Slidell Memorial Hospital ....... 985-643-2200 71

Southern Bridal ..................... 985-727-2993 105

Southern Pain Center............. 985-727-7275 100

Southland Plumbing Supply, Inc. .. 985-893-8883 32

State Farm Insurance, CJ Ladner .. 985-892-5030 93

Steve’s RV ............................. 985-882-9911 61

Stone Source ......................... 985-892-0695 103

Studio MV ............................. 985-867-5601 68

United Way .................................................. 77

Venous & Arterial Surgery Clinic .. 985-893-5958 93

Villa, The ............................... 985-626-9797 96

Village Executive Office Suites, The ................

............................................. 985-727-6700 84

Vision Optique ...................... 985-727-9948 69

Welcome Home and garden .. 985-893-3933 87

Witt, Dr. Victoria .................... 985-643-5145 14

ADVERTISER ..........................CONTACT INFO PAGE ADVERTISER ..........................CONTACT INFO PAGE ADVERTISER ..........................CONTACT INFO PAGE

Directory of Advertisers

FOR KATHY WILLIAMS, owner of K. Gee’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar in Mandeville,

it all started with an Easy Bake Oven—plus countless hours spent in Bozo’s

Restaurant, her family’s business. “It’s basically where I grew up, and I worked there

through high school and college,” she says. “Everybody in the family helped out.”

K. Gee’s, which opened two years ago, is also a family-run business, as even

the name indicates: the “K” is for Kathy; “Gee” is what everyone calls her husband,

Grant, who has a fulltime job but helps out when he can; and the “apostrophe ‘s’”

honors her 20-year-old daughter, Shelby.

Although she grew up on the West Bank, Kathy says her roots are on

the northshore, where she has lived for 30 years. Twenty years before

opening K. Gee’s, she owned and operated Hungry House Café in

Mandeville for five years. And as both her food choices and her

community involvements indicate, Kathy is “all about the local.”

“We try to use everything that we can locally,” she says—

from Cousins Creole Tomato Salad Dressing to fresh potato salad

and homemade tarter sauce. All of the seafood is local, and the

hamburger meat is ground daily at Saia’s. “It doesn’t come out of a

pre-package. That’s important to people. Everything is cooked per

order. That’s what sets us apart.” She adds, “It’s got that old New

Orleans feel. The place is casual, but the food isn’t.”

In addition to the much-acclaimed oysters, customer favorites

include stuffed eggplant, tasso beignets and Creole étouffée, plus

many of the specials that are not listed on the menu. A popular

dessert, made in-house, is the Italian Cream Cake—“After

they taste a piece, they order the whole thing!”

Kathy, who does a lot of the cooking herself

each morning, says her recipes are the result of

experience, creativity and watching her mom

cook. “I make all the gumbos and sauces and

shrimp Creole and stuffed crabs. And I love to bake.”

Besides daily, nightly and weekly specials, K. Gee’s

offers live entertainment once a month as well as Zydeco

breakfasts and evening dance lessons with authentic

Zydeco bands. (Christian Serpas will perform July 13, and

the next Zydeco breakfast is July 21.)

An active member of her community and the West St.

Tammany Chamber of Commerce, Kathy supports many local

businesses and donates food and services to local fundraisers

through her restaurant. She hosts weekly breakfasts for many

of the women’s groups and networking organizations she belongs to.

Although Kathy also handles the catering side of her business, you can

usually find her at K. Gee’s, cooking, waiting tables or welcoming her guests.

“I’m always here,” she says. “This is home.”

K. Gee’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar is located at 2534 Florida St. in Mandeville;

626-0530. kgeesrestaurant.com.

Last Bite

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Kathy Williams of K. Gee’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar by Katie Montelepre

130 InsIde northsIde