Wednesday, December 2, 2009
What It Took To Put My Media Package Together
To put my package together, I went to different businesses within Old Mandeville and asked to interview the owners. A couple of times the owners weren't present, so I interviewed employees instead. I asked a variety of questions not only about the business, but also about ideas related to Old Mandeville such as community events the businesses participate in.
For my last article, I decided I didn't want to do just a profile on a business like I did with the previous four. I wanted to incorporate the atmosphere that is Old Mandeville in my final story. I decided to make my last article not only about a business, but also about the popular landmarks in the neighborhood. The lakefront and the Tammany Trace are two big things in Old Mandeville, so I did my last article on biking on the trace and lakefront. It's a popular activity in the area. I also took a slideshow of photos to help back the story up. I feel they help the reader capture the essence and beauty of Old Mandeville.
All in all it took time to put the media package together. I had to set aside time to interview people. Then I had to set aside time to write the artice, and then to edit the article. It also took knowledge of not only writing skills, but also of photography and videography. I already know how to take photos so that wasn't an issue, but I had to learn how to work a video camera. I also had to borrow one because I don't own one.
In the future, I would go about putting together a media package mostly the same because I felt I was successful this time. The only changes I would make would be to buy a tripod, because it is hard to hold a video camera still. I hate that my videos seem slightly shaky; I think that looks unprofessional. I would also not procrastinate quite as much. Besides that, I will take the same approach next time when putting together a media package.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Old Mandeville accommodates biking recreation
By Leigh Ann Gutierrez
[MANDEVILLE] – Kickstand Café and Bike Rental is a business located in Old Mandeville that not only sells food, but also rents out bicycles. Kickstand Café is conveniently located along the Tammany Trace, a scenic paved trail that provides a safe place for bicyclists to ride.
Kickstand Café employee Rachel Sawyer says the business brings in a lot of customers because of its location. “Many people take a break from riding the trace to come in for breakfast or lunch,” says Sawyer.
Kickstand Cafe and Bike Rental is a one stop shop for good food and bike rentals.The Tammany Trace serves not only bicyclists but also joggers, pedestrians, roller-bladers and more. The trace consists of a 28-mile radius that goes through Slidell, Lacombe, Mandeville, Abita Springs and Covington.
The trace is often used for recreation and exercise, but it is also a hot spot for nature lovers. Various bayous and rivers can be seen from the trace. Many birds and animals that live nearby can also be spotted, as the trace is a wildlife conservation area.
In addition to being located near the Tammany Trace, Kickstand Café is also located near other local landmarks. Across the street is the Mandeville Trailhead, a park that hosts many events such as concerts and the Saturday Community Market.
“Many customers come and rent bicycles on Saturday mornings after they visit the Trailhead’s community market,” says Sawyer.
Kickstand Cafe and Bike Rental is conveniently located next to the Tammany Trace and Mandeville Trailhead.The Saturday Community Market is a gathering of several vendors who sell a variety of items such as fresh vegetables, handcrafted jewelry and art. There is also live music played on stage during market hours. The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kickstand Café consists of a two-story building with the café located upstairs. The café serves breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, wraps, paninis and more. The downstairs serves frozen treats such as ice cream and sno-balls. Bicycle rentals and bicycle accessories can also be purchased downstairs.
Various bicycles including Schwinns and Huffys are available for rental at Kickstand Cafe and Bike Rental.Accessories available for purchase include gloves, bicycle helmets and seats, chains, tire-tubes, water bottle holders, air pumps and water bottles.
Mandeville sunset on the lakefront during a higher-than-average tide. Fountainbleu State Park can be seen in the distance.
Video by Leigh Ann Gutierrez.
Click to view original story on nola.com
Varsity Sports going big in Old Mandeville
By Leigh Ann Gutierrez
[MANDEVILLE] – Varsity Sports is a specialized athletic store in Old Mandeville that primarily sells comfortable footwear to runners and walkers. Although the store specializes in footwear, Varsity Sports carries a variety of merchandise and serves a wider range of customers than just walkers and runners.
Varsity Sports was established in June 2000 in Baton Rouge. It wasn’t until August 2007 that the second location in Old Mandeville opened.
“The owners searched about three years for a new location for the second store. They finally decided on Old Mandeville because they liked the area. Like the first store, the building was originally an old home. They also liked that it is near Lake Pontchartrain,” says Turena Johnsonlane, Varsity Sports employee.
Prior to being Varsity Sports, the location was a residence for many years. Built in the 1800s, the building required some renovations by the current owners. Walls were ripped out, and the kitchen was remodeled to give the building a business atmosphere. The original ceiling and staircase still remain, keeping an old ambience within the store.
Varsity Sports employees say they enjoy working at the Old Mandeville location. “We’re currently in a growing period, but we love it here. The owners and managers are involved in the community. Once people find us and experience the service, they always come back,” says Johnsonlane.
One way Varsity Sports stays active in the community is by organizing group runs. Every Thursday at 6 p.m. a group meets at the store to run along the Lakefront. Anyone is welcome to come by the store and participate.
In addition to their group run, the store is also active in other local events. “Keeping Up With Jones” is a road race that will benefit The Methodist Home for Children and The Boy Scouts of Istrouma Council. The race will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21 at Madisonville Ball Park in Madisonville. Those interested can pre-register in person at Varsity Sports.
St. Paul’s Cross Country Christmas Run is another upcoming event in which Varsity Sports participates. The event will be on Saturday, Dec. 5 at St. Paul’s School in Covington. Those interested in participating in this race can pre-register in person at Varsity Sports.
Varsity Sports provides a large selection of athletic wear.In addition to walking and running shoes, Varsity Sports sells clothing, swimwear, nutritional supplements and accessories. The store strives to provide personal assistance to those with specific needs.“We specialize in fitting people for shoes. We look at the arches in their feet and the way they walk. The bio-mechanics help determine what shoe is best for each particular person,” says employee Tyler Detiege.
“In addition to athletes, we also have business-people who come in searching for comfortable shoes because they’re on their feet all day. We can help people find shoes that relieve various types of ailments,” says Johnsonlane.
Varsity Sports is located right off Girod Street at 2021 Claiborne St. The store is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.varsityrunning.com.
Click to view original story on nola.com
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Family-owned restaurant gains national recognition
By Leigh Ann Gutierrez
[MANDEVILLE] – Louie and the Redhead Lady is a family-owned and operated restaurant located in Old Mandeville. Chef Louie Finnan is known worldwide for serving traditional Louisiana cuisine that would make any Cajun proud.
Louie Finnan began his culinary career many years ago with his mother, the original redhead lady. In 2005 a new Louie and the Redhead Lady restaurant opened its doors at its current location at 1851 Florida St. This time, Louie owns and works in the restaurant with his wife Ginger Finnan, who is also a redhead lady.
Ginger designs a line of jewelry called The Redhead Lady Collection. Her jewelry has a local flair to it with elaborate colors and blends of jewels. She has her own area inside the restaurant called “The Shoppe Around the Corner,” in which she sells her jewelry.
Louie and Ginger take pride in their southern hospitality and friendly atmosphere. “We are a family-oriented business,” says Ginger. “My husband is the chef, and my son is the manager. If anyone works here who isn’t in our family, it’s because they are like family to us.”
“We also enjoy not only getting to know our customers, but becoming friends with them too,” says Ginger.
Although Louie and the Redhead Lady is a tight-knit family business, Louie’s talents have reached audiences much farther than just those in Louisiana.
Louie traveled out of the country and took part in a show sponsored by the Food Network this past May. He represented the state of Louisiana on the World Culinary Stage at EAT! Vancouver in Canada.
Louie also traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., to take part in Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. He was picked to be one of nine chefs to represent Louisiana. Ginger also had the opportunity to travel to Epcot and sell her jewelry as a featured artist.
“It was a great experience to be in Disney World as a part of the Food and Wine Festival. We were there for nine days total,” Ginger says.
Although active in different events not only nationwide but also in the world, Louie and Ginger participate in many local events. The restaurant took part in Chef Soiree, a gourmet party hosted by the Youth Service Bureau of St. Tammany. The event took place in March at Bouge Falaya Park in Covington.
Ginger also has a booth where she will be selling her jewelry at the Wooden Boat Festival. The festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11, by the Tchefuncte River in Madisonville.
Besides being known for serving genuine Cajun cuisine, Louie and the Redhead Lady is also known for having a delicious breakfast menu. The restaurant was voted number four “Best Breakfast in the New Orleans Metro Area” by Tom Fitzmorris, a New Orleans food critic.
Some items available on the breakfast menu are Louie’s Specials, which include the fiesta scramble, shrimp and spinach scramble, jambalaya scramble and the two eggs, bacon, ham or sausage meal. Also available are gourmet pancakes, omelettes, New Orleans specialties and various side items.
The restaurant serves numerous lunch dishes including sandwiches and po-boys, salads, house specialties such as soup and crab cake, eggplant parmesan and fried oyster platters. All-you-can-eat fried shrimp and catfish platters are also available.
For dinner, appetizers such as crab cakes, fried green tomatoes and onion rings are available. Salads, soups and entrées such as seafood platters, pasta and filets are also on hand.
Louie and the Redhead Lady is open Tuesdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Visit their website for more information.
Click to view original story on nola.com
Good Earth provides Mandeville with healthy options
By Leigh Ann Gutierrez
[MANDEVILLE] – Good Earth Market and Café is a health food store and restaurant located in historic Old Mandeville. Whether dining in at the café or buying groceries from the market, Good Earth makes it easy for everyone to eat healthy by providing a large selection of organic options.
Good Earth stands on a total of three lots on Girod Street. The land once housed a dance studio. The dance studio was demolished, and the current structure was built shortly before Hurricane Katrina in July 2005.
Paul Brent Williamson, owner and manager of Good Earth, says he chose Old Mandeville to locate his business for a number of reasons. “I’ve always loved the feeling of Old Mandeville. It’s a beautiful community with very nice people. I love the quaintness and small town feel of it.”
Customers purchasing lunch at the cafe.
Photos by Leigh Ann Gutierrez
Williamson decided to open a health food store because of the double-digit growth in the natural organic industry. He says the industry has grown in recent years because more people are becoming conscious of their health. However Williamson doesn’t want his market and café known solely for being organic.
“I don’t want my business perceived as just a health market; I want it to also be known as gourmet,” Williamson says.
Customers can buy groceries in the market.
Photo by Leigh Ann Gutierrez
The best-selling market items are the supplements and the wheat free, gluten free products. The organic beers and wines also sell well. In addition to these items, the store also sells Louisiana-themed art by local artist Amelia “Sissy” Coghlan, who is Williamson’s aunt. She also painted the murals on the walls.
The best-selling items on the café’s menu include the mung bean salad, coast sandwich, chicken salad and the cochon de lait po-boy. Cochon de lait is roasted pork with pickles and mayonnaise. It is such a big hit at Good Earth that Williamson says he has sold it over 250,000 times.
Good Earth is active in various events and fundraisers in the community. The Empty Bowl Project is an upcoming fundraiser in which local restaurants sell soup to raise money for The Samaritan Center,also located on Girod Street. The Samaritan Center helps families in need within the community. The Empty Bowl Project will be held Nov. 8 at the Mandeville Trailhead on Lafite Street.
Williamson says there are a few cons to having his business located in Old Mandeville. One con is busy traffic due to area growth in recent years. The growing pains have resulted in larger streets and highways, bringing in heavier traffic throughout the community.
Unlike many businesses in the area, floodwaters from hurricanes are not a worry for Good Earth. The building is located farther inland from Lake Pontchartrain and received no flooding from Hurricane Katrina. The building itself received very little damage.
Williamson says there are many pros to having his business located in Old Mandeville. “Community response has been wonderful. I’ve made great friends and have regular customers.”
The store motto relates very well to the employees of Good Earths’ feelings. It is written on the exterior sign so all visitors know what to expect when they enter. “Good food, good health, good friends” is the motto the business stands behind.
The exterior sign states Good Earth’s motto.
Photo by Leigh Ann Gutierrez
Good Earth Market and Café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are a wide variety of items available in the café including po-boys, wraps, soups and salads, burger platters and sandwiches. There is also a kid section on the menu and a vegetarian section that can also accommodate vegans.
Good Earth is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Custom catering is also available. For more information, visit the location at 821 Girod St. or call 674-4397.
Click to view original story on nola.com
Southeastern student Courtney McDuff talks about her favorite tea at Good Earth.
Video by Leigh Ann Gutierrez
New pet store opens in Old Mandeville
By Leigh Ann Gutierrez
[MANDEVILLE] - Zorro’s Cool Stuff for Pets and People is one of many stores to recently open in Old Mandeville. Called Zorro’s for short, it sells a wide variety of items for pets and pet owners alike.
Zorro’s is located in the historical St. Tammany Bank Building at 201 Carroll St. Although originally a bank, the building has been many different places in the past including an antique shop and a residence.
Zorro’s is located in the historical St. Tammany Bank Building at 201 Carroll St. Although originally a bank, the building has been many different places in the past including an antique shop and a residence.
Zorro’s is located in the old St. Tammany Bank Building.
Photo by Leigh Ann Gutierrez
Trina Pullig, owner of Zorro’s, says her business was originally located in Covington until she decided to relocate to Old Mandeville last July. Pullig says the reason for the relocation is because of the friendly atmosphere in the area.
“Community response has been fabulous. I can’t ask for better neighbors. People come in to introduce themselves all the time,” says Pullig.
Pullig also says she noticed the large amount of people visiting Old Mandeville, especially those who visit the Lakefront with their pets, and felt she would have more customers in such an active location. Old Mandeville has become increasingly popular since Hurricane Katrina with the opening of new restaurants, coffeehouses and shops like Zorro’s.
“I am a little scared about hurricane season and the possibility of flooding. Besides that I don’t think there are any cons to having my business in Old Mandeville. I can’t even think of one,” Pullig says.
The St. Tammany Bank Building is only one block from Lake Pontchartrain and took about four feet of water during Hurricane Katrina, but Pullig is prepared for any flood possibilities. She says she is ready to put all her belongings upstairs to avoid flood damage if another hurricane comes towards the area.
Zorro’s carries an extensive variety of products for both pets and pet lovers. Collars, leashes, licensed sports jerseys, toys and treats are only a few items that can be found for pets, while jewelry, green bags and original pet portraits by a local artist are items for pet owners to enjoy.
Pullig says she decided to open a shop that sells pet items after she had trouble finding unique products for herself and her dogs. “My inspiration to open Zorro’s was a dog shirt I found that said ‘I bark for the hell of it.’ That shirt was the first thing I purchased to sell at my store, and it sold out very fast.”
Rocky, the Pulligs’ pet schnauzer, painted by local artist Ted Pullig.
Photo by Leigh Ann Gutierrez.
Ted Pullig, Trina’s husband and owner of Zorro’s, is the local artist that creates special pet portraits for pet owners. Ted even created a large portrait of Rocky, the Pulligs’ pet schnauzer, that hangs above the counter at Zorro’s. His work is displayed in the store and can also be viewed on his website at www.artbyted.com.
Besides supplying Old Mandeville with the latest pet items, Zorro’s makes an effort to stay active in the community by participating in local events. The store will be hosting its own 1st annual Dog Walk later this month.
The Dog Walk will start at Zorro’s on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 3 p.m. Participants will walk west on the lakefront and back to Zorro’s where a tent will be set up with free food, drinks and dog treats.
The event is free to the public, and everyone is invited to come. There will be contests and prizes for participants to enjoy. A basket will also be raffled to raise money for a local animal shelter.
Mardi Paws and Oktoberfest are two other local events in which Zorro’s participates.
Mardi Paws is a dog parade that goes down Lakeshore Drive in Old Mandeville. It is held on the Sunday after Fat Tuesday. The Pulligs’ dog Chuy is a member of royalty in the parade, and Ted designed the Mardi Paws 2009 shirts, posters and trophies. More information about the parade can be found at www.mardipaws.com.
The 1st annual Oktoberfest is another local event that Zorro’s will be participating in. Oktoberfest will be held on Lafitte Street at the Mandeville Trailhead on Friday, Oct. 16 and Saturday, Oct. 17.
There will be a Little Miss Wiener Schnitzel Contest 2009 for dachshunds to compete in, and the winner will receive a basket from Zorro’s. For more information on Oktoberfest, visit www.mandevilletrailhead.blogspot.com.
Zorro’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The store is closed on Monday. To stay up to date on all the latest information about Zorro’s, stop by the store or visitwww.zorroscoolstuffforpetsandpeople.blogspot.com.
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