Get ready to ride with YEP, the Youth Empowerment Project, on March 11, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Thanks so much to our cover models: Event Chairs Julie Livaudais George, Semmes Walmsley and Erica Woodley; Executive Director Melissa Sawyer; and Board Event Liaison Suzanne Rusovich. They promise a fabulous “YEP Fest” at 1600 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., and the best part is, it’s free – but donations are appreciated!
“YEP Fest” is a community street festival that features a series of pedicab races between local businesses, and you’ll be treated to music, food and fun! Since 2004, YEP has designed innovative programs that meet the needs of out-of-school and disconnected youth. Through 11 programs at six sites, YEP provides young people 7 to 24 years old, with mentoring, adult education, high school equivalency preparation and job training. They served 1,252 people in 2017! Put this event on your calendar, sign up to be in the pedicab races and come out to support this amazing organization!
Can you believe Mardi Gras is so early this year? Do not despair, we’ve got What’s Hot for Mardi Gras with everything from clothing to clutches.
Now that the holidays are behind us, catch up on taking care of yourself. Check out our feature on health, beauty and wellness with tips from eight local experts.
I have three friends who have recently written two books that you have to have: Holly and Blaine Kern and Maurice LeGardeur.
Blaine and Holly’s book, A Tree in the Sea, is delightful and a must-have for this season and for all times! It is colorful, bright and engaging, with world-renowned float designer Blaine Kern’s illustrations that capture the whimsy and fun of his wife Holly’s fanciful story about overcoming differences and the joys of friendship. It is available on Amazon, but also locally at Mardi Gras World and Hazelnut. If you’re lucky enough to have Blaine sign a copy for you, he includes a drawing for you right on the spot! He is wonderful at 90 years young!
Maurice LeGardeur’s new book, Mona’s Cruisin’ the Coast, the latest Mona book illustrated by 96-year-old Roy Robinson, has gotten rave reviews from Writer’s Digest – a five out of five! Maurice’s book is entertaining with fabulous wit, humor and delectable sarcasm. It is available at LeGardeur’s office in Covington at 335 E. Boston St., or online at BardsPress.com.
I hope you can keep all of your New Year’s resolutions! Welcome to 2018!
Beverly Reese Church
Blaine and Holly Kern are pictured with Bryan Batt at the Kerns’ book signing at Hazelnut. Holly’s book with Blaine’s unbelievable illustrations is a book for all ages! It doesn’t matter how old you are – you’ve got to have it. It really is a collector’s item!
