Under the Gaydar Drag Race, Season One

one night only ONGINA, from Ru Paul’s Saturday, February 28 under the gaydar Drag Race, Season One. What an New Orleans Advocates for GLBT amazing way to kick off Mardi Gras Elders is hosting a Coffee Talk from 10 weekend. The event will be hosted by – 11:30am at Fatoush in the new Or- New Orleans Pride Grand Marshal, leans Healing Center. The discussion by Tony Leggio Persana Shoulders from Oz. Music will will focus on The Elder Act. Find out Email: [email protected] be by DJ Dominick Kolb. Admission is more about how this affects you by Photo by: Larry Graham $10 per person or Ongina will also be joining NOAGE. For more information, doing a meet and greet from 9 – 10pm go to www.noagenola.org. The New Bartender of the Month for only $15. Do not miss this incredible Orleans Healing Center is located at Mardi Gras is a special time of the meanor make him a customer favorite. talent. The Four Seasons is located at 2372 St. Claude Avenue. year where chaos and revelry reign He also works mostly with his shirt off 3229 North Causeway in Metairie. supreme in the streets of New Orleans. and he has some awesome tattoos. Party Down Bartenders are at their busiest and it So next time you would like to take a Saturday, February 14 Mardi Gras has gotten off to a takes a professional to maneuver their walk on the wild side, stop by the Grab your best squeeze and join great start and already I have been to way through this hectic period. My Phoenix on Sunday and try one of his the Krewe of Armeinius as they present three gay balls (Queenateenas, Amon- bartender for the month of February is fabulous Bloody Marys. The Phoenix is “If You Build It They Will Come,” their Ra and Satyricon) and a plethora of a perfect choice. Peter at the Phoenix located at 941 Elysian Fields. 47th Annual Bal Masque at the Frederick parties and events. There is a lot to is what I would describe as the bad boy J. Sigur Civic Center (8245 West Judge cover so let’s get started. Just be- next door. He’s good looking and sweet, Hot Happenings Perez Drive in Chalmette). Doors open cause it is Mardi Gras, we have many but with just the right hint of dangerous at 7pm and the tableau starts promptly Throw Me Something Mister! Let’s other cultural things happening that do sex appeal to make him attractive to his at 8pm. Formal attire is strictly en- all have a safe and enjoyable Carnival. not even pertain to this holiday. One is patron. forced. For more information, go to Enjoy the greatest free show on Earth, our ever growing theatre scene. Over I went into the Phoenix one Sunday www.armeinius.org. see you on the parade route. the two weeks, I was able to catch two afternoon and found him making marti- shows one on Thursday called Your nis which I found shocking in this loca- Sunday, February 15 Friday, February 13 Lithopedion at the Shadowbox The- tion. But he created me one helluva of Let Them Entertain You! Join the Reminder one of the most spar- atre now renamed The Old Marquer a dirty martini with extra olives and Lords of Leather as they celebrate 32 kling events of the Carnival season is Theatre and the following week on onions, which he explained was his years of “Leather, Love and Laughter” right around the corner. The Friday Thursday also, Jesus Christ Super- specialty. He just rarely gets the op- at Bal Masque XXXII entitled “THAT’S Night Before Mardi Gras presents their star at Le Petit Theatre. Both were portunity to make them. Peter moved Entertainment!” New Orleans home New Orleans Ball - “PUTTIN’ ON THE completely opposite shows, the former to the city from Chicago in 2011 and “girl” and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season GLITZ.” This prestigious event cel- being a comedy about a woman mar- works at Tulane University in addition to 6 winner Bianca Del Rio will once again ebrates the best New Orleans tradi- ried to a serial killer and the latter being bartending. co-host the evening along with Mobile, tions with costumes, cocktails and rev- Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice’s Alabama TV personality Darwin Single- elry. The Ball supports NO/AIDS Task incredible rock opera. I have to say ton. Doors open at 7pm and the ball Force and other LGBTQ organizations that Le Petit blew me out of the water starts at 8pm. The krewe also made a that do important work in our commu- with this show. The actors playing move this year by having their event at nity. Either costumes or formal is the Jesus, Judas and Mary were some of the Alario Center located at 2000 dress. PUTTIN’ ON THE GLITZ will the most mesmerizing and talented Segnette Boulevard in Westwego. For feature music by DJ Mark Louque, singers on stage in this city. They tickets or more information, go to costume contest, plenty of cocktails nailed their roles giving a powerful and www.lordsofleather.org. and hors d-oeuvres, lots of dancing stunning show. with the Glitz Guys and Gals (scantily On Friday, I attended the NOAGE Saturday, February 21 clad people yeah!) and an auction of fundraiser at the Healing Center (read It is never too early to start thinking incredible items you can bid on. The more about this wonderful organization about another huge gay holiday in New event is form 9pm to midnight at the below). They had a great crowd of Orleans, Southern Decadence. Come Cannery located at 3803 Toulouse supporters for this worthwhile new out for the Purge Sale, touted as not Street. For more information or tick- group. Guests enjoyed food by Fatoush your average yard sale. A group of ets, go to while sipping wine and listening to some fabulous individuals who shop, deco- www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com. great jazz music. Afterwards, I went rate, dumpster dive, roam flea markets with my friend Laura Tennyson to see and garage sales aimlessly are de – Friday, February 13 Anais St. John perform at Richard cluttering. I love these kinds of sales. Keep your pants on, well maybe. Fiskes, the newest martini restaurant/ The bargains will be found from 8am to This is definitely a must see during bar in the city. Located at 301 Dau- 5pm at 1239 Royal Street in front of the Mardi Gras. Join Mr. Rawhide and the phine St. inside the Chateau LeMoyne Bartender of the Month official home of Southern Decadence, NOLA PaH at Mag’s 940 as they host Hotel, this great new restaurant boasts Peter @ The Phoenix the Golden Lantern. The proceeds an event to benefit New Orleans Pride delicious cuisine, the best in live music He has been at the Phoenix for from this sale will benefit Southern with a Pantless Pride Party. There is a and astounding martinis. For nearly about one year, normally during the day Decadence 2015 giving them a little $5 entry fee and a pants check at the two decades Richard Fiske was world- on Sundays and special events. But his jump start. There will be vintage finds door (underwear required please! – renowned as the quintessential New talents are not just behind the bar, he is (rustic farmhouse to modern chic), they actually have this declaimer on the Orleans restauranteur as owner of the also an accomplished musician playing household, arts, rugs, lamps, costumes, invite). Personally I think it is worth $5 Bombay Club. In 2014, Richard Fiske’s jazz, classical and New Orleans tradi- furniture, ex-lovers belongings, home for the show. There will also be a live was opened in his honor. And Anais tional standards. Adding to this a the- accessories, bric a brac, some toys underwear auction, so you can show was just simply divine; she is such an atrical background (which helps as a (wink), books, games, and much more. off your best ASSets (also on the in- excellent performer. Next up after we bartender), Peter can work a crowded Donations are welcome. Your tax de- vite). In addition to a two round Under- got our music fill, we stopped into the bar. He connects with everyone who ductible yard sale donations of all kinds wear Auction, there will also be a Jock- Corner Pocket for New Meat night. enters warmly greeting them and quickly will kindly be accepted Saturday, Feb- strap Auction where the winners get to Friday nights at this club is always a getting the libation of their choice in ruary 21st from 8am-noon at 1239 personally come on stage and take party. You never know what or who to front of them. Royal Street. Just drive by, and they’ll their prizes off the models. The party expect and that is what adds to its The Phoenix has always been a unload you. You don’t even have to get starts at 8pm. charm. It was quite the long night for little on the naughty side and Peter out of your car!! For additional informa- me, but definitely adventurous. brings that allure as he tends bar. He tion or to volunteer, contact Southern Friday, February 13 On Saturday, it was all about cel- has piercing bedroom eyes and a wicked Decadence Grand Marshal Chad Boutte Friday is a very busy night. The ebrating Amon-Ra’s 50 years. Before smile matched with his easy going de- at 504.239.9746. Four Seasons is proud to announce for [continued on 28]

26 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • Feb. 10-23, 2015 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide© since 1982 • GayMardiGras.com SouthernDecadence.com • Feb. 10-23, 2015 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 27 consin, “What were they thinking when know the difference between a football they named the casino the Ho-Chunk? and a testicle. One he likes, one he trodding the boards It describes everyone there!” doesn’t care about.”), but about the And she gave us the inside scoop, “amount of thought I put into how to f*ck having performed the previous night at with him once a year” when they do a corporate event in New Orleans, of their New Year’s Eve CNN broadcast. by Brian Sands what it was like to face a crowd that This year, after a fortuitous discov- Email: [email protected] was 90% male and 50% Asian, most of ery, she managed to dye his hair red whom had no idea who she was talking and blue to go with his snow white locks Kathy Griffin at IP Casino Resort Spa’s Studio A about. The only enthusiastic response so that he appeared to be a drunken in Biloxi she got was when she cried out “So American at some Olympic event. who you think is gonna win the Super Proud of his impeccable looks, he ”It’s gonna be a rough two hours for straight guys who were dragged here Bowl?” After that, it was a relief for her couldn’t get rid of the stuff till the broad- by your wives,” Kathy Griffin said to the sold-out audience at IP Casino Resort to be in Biloxi. cast was over unless he wanted to be Spa not long after she bounded on stage. In her 90+ minutes on stage, using called “unpatriotic.” (You can see all ”So it’s only fair,” she continued new friends, acts like an older version no cue cards, Griffin may appear to this on YouTube.) Griffin beamed at the addressing the ladies, “that you blow of a high school bad girl (think Heath- ramble but I suspect her routine is recollection. him after the show.” ers). tightly structured. As one tangent led to She also exulted in all the material After the cheers and applause Like other great comedians, words another, she remarked, “We’ll circle being in a Red state gave her. “I love settled down, she topped herself with amuse Griffin whether it’s her mother back to the story. Underneath this big America,” she cried out, wickedly add- “Now the straight guys like me.” If who still uses words from the turn of the hair, there’s something working.” In- ing, “It’s Mississippi—I have to say that anyone got their dates mixed up and century (“icebox”) or how in Hollywood deed there was. every 15 minutes.” thought they were coming to see Paul people don’t go to plastic surgeons, So not only did we hear of her In fact, the only time she bothered Anka, who’ll be at Studio A later this they go to “dentists” for “fillers”. Or affection for and working relationship month, they were in for a rude awaken- having played a gig in Baraboo, Wis- with Anderson Cooper (“He doesn’t [continued on 29] ing. I last saw Griffin in 2007 at Gay Days in Orlando. She was funny then, Wednesday which weirdly both hap- best friends made the night even more for GLBT Elders and has formed an very, but her shtick was mostly put- pened to be at the same location memorable. This is a local’s parade impressive board of directors and com- downs of and riffs on celebrities she Barcadia in the Warehouse District. filled with joy and exuberance that is mittee to tackle issues facing the eld- encountered, largely B-listers and typi- The International Society of Event Spe- fun, satiric and completely politically erly. cal tabloid fodder. cialist (ISES) had their monthly net- incorrect. After, I went home and The organization was created from All that’s still there, outrageously working meeting their and right after- called it a night shortly. a steering committee of concerned resi- so, but her humor has broadened to ward in another one of their private Was everyone ready for some foot- dents and older adult service providers include her 94-year-old mother who event spaces Tales of the Cocktail ball? On Sunday before the big game, to address the challenges facing LGBT may be in a nursing home but, with her threw a little get together for some of I went to a small Parisian style flea older adults in the New Orleans area. their staff both past and present. In market at Fraques, a very chic urban LGBT older adults often face discrimi- under the gaydar ...from 26 case you are not familiar with Barcadia, outfitter located at 821 Baronne Street nation when seeking medical treatment, it is a sports bar-esque watering hole in the Warehouse District. There was have a higher rate of poverty, are some- heading to the Sigur Center, I stopped with great video games and an incred- king cakes and wine for guests as they times isolated after the loss of a signifi- by Elizabeth Bouvier’s Chalmansion ible amount of beers on tap. It is a sipped and shopped. I found some cant other, and often feel the need to go which is conveniently located across great place for food, to hang out with great deals; you need to check out this back into the closet when living in a long the street for a few pre-ball cocktails. friends or host a private event in one of store. Then I met a friend for a quick term care facility. Modeled after SAGE The venue was packed as friends and their three main rooms. cocktail at the Phoenix near my house New York, NOAGE partners with exist- supporters of the krewe gathered to The weekend began with the before having people over for the game. ing organizations that currently provide toast this milestone year. I have been Satyricon Ball on Friday, also at the If you have never been to the Phoenix support and services and helps tailor to many Amon-Ra Balls and this one Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. Their in the afternoon, it is a whole different existing programs to meet the needs of exceeded everything I had ever seen theme was Satyricon Makes Scents, a vibe transforming into an edgy neigh- LGBT older adults. NOAGE also works before. Kudos should go to the entire ball focused on fragrances. Todd borhood bar. They even had martinis, to increase the cultural competency of krewe for showing what a beautiful art Shaeffer’s Axe number and Ted nice. Then I ran home, whipped up a providers through trainings and work- form Gay Mardi Gras truly is. And to Jeansonne’s Polo were among my fa- great dinner and had friends over for a shops facilitated by NOAGE volunteers. Queen Opal Masters and King Darwin vorites. And Queen Becky Allen never gourmet three course meal on TV tables As advocates on behalf of the LGBT Reed, your green feathered master- looked so radiant alongside King so we did not miss any of the game older adult community, NOAGE is com- pieces made the entire audience green Marshall Harris. We followed the ball (actually commercials). Now that is mitted to ensuring that all LGBT older with envy. with another post-party gathering at how to see a game. And didn’t Katy adults can live their best lives with the The next day I was up and early at the Chalmansion. I think Bouvier hit on Perry nail her half-time performance. dignity and respect that they deserve. the King Cake Festival. My company something when she purchased this God, I want to make an entrance on a In a youth driven society, the eld- helped with the logistics, so I was Suburbia Tara. gold tiger and fly above the audience on erly in general tends to be forgotten by working hard making this event spec- The first parade Krewe du Vieux a rainbow. many. Those in the LGBT community tacular. In its sophomore year, this (followed by Krewe DeLusion) rolled As my two weeks end and Mardi face a unique set of challenges, such festival managed to attract over 12 on Saturday which meant the first pa- Gras creeps up on us, I wish everyone as a lack of retirement facilities that are thousand attendees who sampled king rade parties and there were plenty a safe and festive Carnival whether you gay friendly or having no biological cakes from all over the city as well as along the route. I attended Laura spend it on Bourbon Street, St. Charles family to help out with informal care- a large variety of other king caked Tennyson’s soiree on Mandeville Street Avenue, the Fairgrounds or on your giving, either through estrangement or themed items such as cocktails, dough- in the Marigny beforehand. She and couch. Make it a wonderful day. being childless. nuts, cupcakes and my favorite the her husband Gary had some of the best King Cake Hamburger from the Food tacos I had ever tasted as well as an In Other Gay News There are some private retirement Drunk truck. There was great live array of craft cocktails for guests to try. There is an incredible new organi- facilities targeted at the gay community music like The Bucktown Allstars and Then we were off to the parade which zation formed in the Crescent City for but such residences are very expen- Cowboy Mouth as well as retail ven- was wonderfully done this year. My our gay seniors. NOAGE (noted in my sive. So I am excited about this NOAGE, dors, a kid’s area and mouth-watering favorite group/float was 50 States of article above) had its launch party in I for one will not only volunteer my time sweets. If you have not been before, Gay, gotta love it. Then we were back January and is poised to make much but be an avid supporter. It is our put it on your must attend list for next to Laura’s for the after dance party. needed strides dealing with issues fac- community; we need to take care of year. We were even dressed in Prince themed ing us as we grown older. NOAGE everyone in it. For more information, The following week started with attire to commemorate the occasion. stands for the New Orleans Advocates go to www.noagenola.org. some industry hospitality events on Catching this parade with some of my 28 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • Feb. 10-23, 2015 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide© since 1982 • GayMardiGras.com trodding the boards Feb. 14, and while this may be an ...from 28 interesting way to spend Valentine’s Day, if you want to avoid parade traffic, with notes was to recall all the “crazy” you can catch the rebroadcast on Ash things she saw as she drove east from Wednesday, Feb. 18. Sounds like it New Orleans and what came up when could be just the thing for a Mardi Gras she googled “Biloxi”. Like “Mayor A.J. hangover. Holloway Checks Himself into Rehab.” Next up is Rossini’s La Donna del Which prompted her to comment, “Re- Lago with bel canto superstars Joyce hab at 75? Just give him a drink.” I love DiDonato and Juan Diego Flórez. Set in a gal who does her homework. the medieval Scottish highlands and Griffin only got serious when she based on the novel by Sir Walter Scott, offered a touching tribute to her friend DiDonato, one of the nicest divas and mentor Joan Rivers whom I had around, is the “lady of the lake” of the seen on the same stage eight months title, and Flórez, one of the cutest, is earlier. Claiming that she’s “a nun com- always funny. I especially liked her paths that loop around scenic vistas the king who relentlessly pursues her. pared to Joan,” Griffin feels that “when comment about Ms. Spears, “Britney’s before returning to the main road. In an You can attend La Donna’s live doing comedy, you should get the Joan eyes are like Michele Bachmann pin- extended tale involving Tom Hanks, an broadcast Saturday afternoon, Mar. Rivers pass” to say whatever you want. wheels.” Still, to fully enjoy Griffin you Eagles concert, and a blissed out Harry 14, or the encore on Wednesday, Mar. I suspect one day Griffin will do as Joan need to be up to date on pop culture. Styles (from One Direction), she 18. did (walk down the red carpet wearing Was I the only one who didn’t know who proved to be not only a fine mimic but a Last will be opera’s most enduring fur and screaming “I’m old, it’s real, f*ck the Duggars are? wise comic guide for whom the humor- tragic double bill Cavalleria Rusticana But occasionally ous journey was just as important as and Pagliacci on Saturday, Apr. 25, Griffin lades her ob- the wise pay-off one-liner at the final and Wednesday, Apr. 29. Tenor Marcelo servations with true destination. Álvarez will lead the cast in both pro- insight as when she Here’s to the Everywoman from ductions while Eva-Maria Westbroek remarked “Keeping Illinois who’s on the A-list now. and Patricia Racette will sing the re- Up with the Other shows coming up at the IP spective doomed heroines in the same Kardashians Casino Resort Spa include KC and Sicilian village but set in two different started out as a The Sunshine Band (Feb. 21), Paul time periods. show about a bunch Anka (Feb. 28), Willie Nelson and Closer to the Quarter, literally and of chicks shopping. Family (Mar. 6-7), The Temptations figuratively, will be Shel Silverstein’s Now that it’s about and The Four Tops (Mar. 13), and the The Devil and Billy Markham at The Bruce becoming a great Loretta Lynn (Mar. 20). Having Old Marquer Theatre (formerly The chick, it’s actually sat in the orchestra and the balcony, in Shadowbox) for two performances news.” the front and the back, in the center and only on Friday and Saturday, February Griffin is no Joan on the side, I can guarantee you there’s 20-21. Rivers (who could not a bad seat in the house! First appearing as a six-part epic be?). Rivers’ 60 poem in Playboy and subsequently as minute routine actu- Coming Soon a one-act play at Lincoln Center, The ally felt comedically If you’re more the opera-type than Devil and Billy Markham tells the denser than Griffin’s the four-letter-word-comedienne-type, story of Markham, who never met a bet 90. And unlike the plan to head to the AMC Elmwood he didn’t take, including that of his very very physical Rivers Palace 20 or one of the other local own soul. Billy journeys from Nashville’s who at age 80 still cinemas showing The Met: Live In HD Music Row down into the fiery pits of climbed atop a pi- this season for any or all of the three hell and back again as he matches wits ano, marched remaining broadcasts. with God, the Devil and everyone in across the stage, First up is the Metropolitan between. Jonah Weston stars in this and then lay down Opera’s premiere of Tchaikovsky’s one- sixty minute show on it, this new Fash- act Iolanta with Anna Netrebko as a If The Devil and Billy Markham ion Police host beautiful blind girl who experiences love is as deliciously off-kilter as some of you!”), but she doesn’t appear ready to planted herself in front of the micro- for the first time. Iolanta is paired with Silverstein’s best known songs like A go that far...yet. phone and stayed there the entire time. Bartók’s erotic psychological thriller Boy Named Sue, Loretta Lynn’s One’s There may have been some pre- But Griffin is more of a storyteller Bluebeard’s Castle. on the Way or the Oscar-nominated dictable stuff about Cher and Renée who draws you in and takes you on The live broadcast is on Saturday, I’m Checkin’ Out from Postcards from Zellweger and Taylor Swift, but it was mini-adventures that have wondrous the Edge, we should be in for a treat.

by Johnny Joseph Delgadillo, Johnny Love Email: [email protected] The Four Seasons: Stepping the Drag Show Game up... With Show Queens moving to the forefront because of television shows like RuPaul's Drag Race one LGBT neighborhood bar in Metairie is stepping the game up and bringing in show queens like Pussy Hertz last Saturday and on February 13th the one and only Ongina from RuPaul's Drag Race. Both of which come from Los Angeles. What bar might you ask? The Four Seasons bar located at 3229 N. Causeway Blvd. Dominique DeLorean I have been going to The Four tripled. One night only. One night only. Seasons Bar for the past few months As the song states. being that I have moved to Metairie. I The children came running out to have been sitting back and watching see what this Los Angeles/Las Vegas things progress. A little tweek here and show queen had to offer. I, being the a little tweek there. From one week to one who got her booked, wanted to another you can always spot one little see also being that I hadn’t seen her change that makes the bar look even perform in years. Well well well. Can Tip, aka Electra City, better every time you visit. The main we say spot on lip sink, wonderful song & Guest Star Pussy Hertz change that I am noticing that is WIN- selections, and very put together cos- NING is the quality of the shows. I am tumes which I got to watch him make a hell of a show bar. WOW! What a not saying that what is happening in couple at my home. Pussy Hertz did not show. New Orleans as far as shows is not disappoint at all. Along with Pussy Hertz Now fasten your seat belts be- great. I am seeing that by introducing we got to see the fabulously gorgeous cause this coming weekend the one guest performers the Four Seasons is Dominique DeLorean, who actually and only “Fabulously Diva ONGINA” stepping the game up. Seeing the same stepped her game up for the evening from RuPaul's Drag Race will be the faces on a constant basis is fun but let’s performing numbers I have never seen guest STARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR be honest. It does get a little old after her do getting the crowd to clap and and hunties she is going to WERK OUR a few shows and to bring in one fresh sing along to her Madonna choices, SHOW NERVES to the last Diva nano- face really brings the crowds out. and the one and only and always color- second. I am so excited about this For instance the shows at The ful Countess C. Alice who Co-Hosted show and yes Taze-Ya-Ballz will be in Four Seasons are normally inside now with Tip (Electra). Might I add Count- attendance serving her own brand of Countess C. Alice due to weather. Well you mention guest ess C. looked fabulous and was truly fierceness. performer PUSSY HERTZ from Los funny on the mic adding to the show. ONGINA’s show is Saturday the greet from 9-10pm with happy hour Angeles and the show had to be moved The show quality was amazing. 13th at the Four Seasons in Metairie prices and admission is $15 which in- outside to accommodate the crowd Two hometown divas and One out of located at 3229 N. Causeway Blvd. at cludes the show also. Let me school size which was at least doubled if not town guest star. The makings of one 11pm. There is a fabulous meet and you all. BE THERE! It is going to be worth the education in performance levels and styling and a fabulous show 50:1 for operations costs of $250,000. a community within communities in general. The list of performers has That is good business and it is good been held captive until this issue I be- Christianity. This work creates a sense lieve so I can’t help you there but it is of empowerment and independence ONGINA for God’s sake. by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, rather than medical dependency. This See you all there. Remember to New Orleans work is Biblical and drawn directly out bring the fierceness out. Also remem- Email: [email protected] of Matthew 25. ber we are all one family so leave the As for the Anna’s Arts piece: it shade at the door. Why Anna’s Arts? Why Anna’s Place? tends to the needs of children ages 4- Remember that peace, love and First, let’s be clear. Anna’s Arts was started about five years ago and the 15 as its target population. It seems to happiness will always win. Love you all. Medical Mission was started about 9 years ago. The two combined creates me that in order to break cycles of Anna’s Place. But why Anna’s Place? What is the urgency? poverty and violence a few things must Anna’s Place is a mission of St. Anna’s Church and it is located in the Tremé. be done. First children need to be – they thought that she was not going to The Tremé and Lafitte neighborhoods are largely in zip code 70116. Why is this equipped with reasoning skills, educa- make it. A loving couple, husband and location important to know? Because an in depth study of Health factors in New tion fundamentals, and imaginations. wife, wanted to adopt her but the father Orleans called Place Matters has determined that people who live in zip code Next, that same population must obtain died. Not deterred the mother still 70116 live 20 years less than those in neighboring Gentilly or in the rest of the city a sense of achievement, empower- adopted this sickly child and fought for that matter. Let me be clear that is a 20 year shorter life expectancy. That ment, and independence (not depen- hard to keep her. In time the child expectancy extends to children and adults alike. It is not the result of violence per dence), and dignity. That is what Anna’s stabilized and became healthy. Her se, but several combined factors. Arts does. I won’t give you the empiri- birth mother wanted her back “for the For those that are fiscally conser- ceptions to healthy living, medical edu- cal data on this part of the story. For check.” By the grace of God she stayed vative this costs tax payers dearly. The cation, and preventative care. It can be this I will tell you a story. with her adoptive mother. medical practice norm for this popula- done. To remind the reader Harvard A young woman approached This young child had a gift. That gift tion is critical care and emergency University has already done a study on Anna’s Arts to sing. She was just enter- was recognized when she met Darryl care. There is a lack of understanding the downstream health care SAVINGS ing High School. Her step mother had Durham and The Treme Community of healthy lifestyles, care, or medical afforded by the Medical Mission aka heard about the program and enrolled Choir. Her vocals are operatic. She navigation. Prenatal care is almost non- Anna’s Place. In 2008 alone it saved her. spent many hours of study with both existent. Anna’s Place seeks to edu- taxpayers and providers over As a baby her birth mother aban- cate and shift the neighborhood per- $12,000,000! The return on investment doned her because she was a frail child [continued on 33]