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CLÉ SIMON Attorney at Law , Simon Law Offices
Law pulses through Clé Simon ’ s veins . His father , Minos Simon , began the family tradition of providing exceptional legal services 75 years ago . Today , Clé carries it on at Simon Law Offices , based in Lafayette . He is proud of the tradition , but does not take his pedigree for granted . “ My father instilled me with drive , determination , honesty , and dedication , and for that , I ’ m forever grateful ,” said Clé .
His respect for pedigree is also evident in his pet of choice , a beloved National Field Champion Labrador Retriever named Drake . “ He loves to compete in field trials . Nothing excites him more than to retrieve ,” Clé said of the championship line Labrador . “ Drake has been a joy and trusted companion for the kids as they grew up .”
Clé ’ s adoration of black Labradors stems from his childhood , having grown up with brother and sister Labs named Big Foot and Colinda . “ It ’ s the only breed I ’ ve ever had ,” he stated . “ I love them for their sweet disposition , playfulness , and remarkable retrieving ability .” Later came Rifle , another Lab Clé had while attending Louisiana State University .
An avid outdoorsman , Clé is the proud father to Cameryn , a Loyola graduate who competed in the National Collegiate Swim Championships ; Cole , an Ascension Episcopal High School graduate and football and baseball standout ; and , Camille , a national dance champion who attends Ascension Episcopal High School .
Clé is responsible for the highest wrongful death award of its kind in the history of Louisiana — a $ 7.6 million judgment . “ The joy of practicing law is the ability to help others . I have been blessed with the intellect , stamina , and energy to have successfully helped countless clients over the past 32 years ,” he said . st
122 Representative Row , Lafayette | 337-232-2000 ( o ) | 337-849-5551 ( c ) | SimonLawOffices . com how
MARY BONNEY Artist / Owner , Arlo Gallery
Mary Bonney was born in Belgium and has lived in multiple states , but she is a New Orleanian through and through . Mary ’ s passion for NOLA is evident as she charms visitors at her gallery with tales of her adopted city . “ I fell in love with New Orleans while visiting when I was 21 ,” said Mary . “ I spent 24 hours partying and literally cried when I left . I truly adore the free spirit of the people here ,” she added .
Mary , who opened her first gallery on Royal Street in 2001 , always knew that she would be an artist . She describes herself as an “ intuitive artist , who needs to be driven by something that I see or feel . The gallery as more than just a storefront — it ’ s a gathering spot , and there ’ s always someone hanging out here ,” she stated .
Her other passion is helping people and animals . Mary does disaster relief work with NOLA Ready , the Medical Corp , and the National Guard . She founded Neighbors Rise , which collects furniture for homeless people moving into housing .
In addition to her 18-year-old daughter Lilly , who “ is an amazing artist ,” Mary is mom to five rescue fur babies . The gallery ’ s namesake Arlo is a seven-year-old Chihuahua mix . Eighty-pound Lab mix Joe came from Missouri , where “ the neighbors where going to shoot him .” Feline Aunt Helen was adopted from the Louisiana SPCA , and kitty Opal was found in the French Quarter . But the most famous of Mary ’ s animal clan is Georgie , her gregarious terrier mix rescue . “ She comes everywhere with me ,” Mary said . “ She loves greeting guests at the gallery and everyone in the Quarter knows Georgie .” When it comes to saving animals , Mary can ’ t help herself . “ My birthday is the same as St . Francis of Assisi , the patron saint of animals , so I blame it on that !”
807 Royal St | 505.930.1667 | GalleryArlo . com