BayouLife Magazine September 23

BLcontents

30 / PEAR AND PARM TART

This sweet and savory dessert pairs some of our favorite flavors. Fresh crisp pears are combined with Parmigiano cheese and honey for a treat that is too tart to handle.

32 / REBOOT YOUR LOOK

Kick up your fall fashion with these stylish boots from local boutiques. From metallic to rhinestone ankle boots, these styles are timeless.

34 / PERFECT PEAR

This craft cocktail is perfect for ushering in fall. Made with fresh pears, gin and St. Germain, this seasonal drink is an autumnal treat.

36 / BAG IT UP

From compact purses to decorative clutches, these bags are functional and fashionable. Find these and other great pieces at area boutiques.

56 / LUXE LEATHER

Embrace the season with luxurious

leather. From shorts to a classic jacket, leather takes center stage this fall as one of the season’s biggest trends. Find these looks and more at area boutiques.

64 / STRUCTURE OF STYLE

Hang up the linen and bust out perfectly tailored looks for fall. Structured pieces are sure to make a statement this season. Find these looks at area boutiques.

age, but thanks to an attentive mentor he was able to build a skill that would end up being a part of his ministry.

124 / LADY IN RED

APRIL 2018

78 / BAYOU ARTIST

Emily Morris spends the lion’s share of her day at Merrill Lynch. But, after she clocks out and spends the evening with her husband and children, she picks up a paintbrush and lets her creativity flow.

86 / BAYOU EATS

Three years in, Staple Sandwich Co. has proven that sandwiches never go out of style, especially when the bread is made from scratch.

108 / CRUSHING BATTLES

Sam Crawford was arrested at a young

Heat up your wardrobe with our favorite power color. Find these seasonal looks at area boutiques.

126 / JANE MARIE

Janie and Jeff McGehee are a testament to small town values translating to professional success.

134 / AUTUMN REFLECTIONS

From glamorous dresses to tailored looks, we've captured the best of fall fashion. Special thanks to Revival Design & Consign.

144 / TOP 20 UNDER 40

The Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals and BayouLife magazine are pleased to announce this year’s Top 20 Under 40.

September is here and it’s already insanity happening at my house. I forget how much I really love summer...lazy mornings with the girls and nowhere pressing to go. Then, school starts and my life becomes total chaos. My kids have extracurriculars every single day. I get frantic phone calls to bring a piece of paper to the school that they needed signed two weeks ago. Plus, the demands of operating two businesses isn’t exactly easy. But, one of the things that I look forward to the most is football season. As of this column, my Saints are 2-0 in preseason and I can’t wait to gear up in my black and gold and hit up New Orleans. Who Dat!

The nominees from this year’s Top 20 Under 40 were incredible. I’m not sure that we’ve ever had the number of applicants that we had this round. I can’t wait to see what this group of young professionals accomplish in our community. On pages 144-155, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals and BayouLife announce the 88 nominees for the 2023 Top 20 Twenty Under 40 Young Professional Awards, along with the winners. These individuals are advancing in their careers, active in the community and dedicated to making Northeast Louisiana a better place to live and work.

I’m super thankful to Clinton Downing for allowing us to shoot this month’s fashion spread at Revival Design & Consign. You would never know that our beautiful model, Ellie, (who we brought out of retirement) just had a beautiful baby girl. See this season’s best looks on pages 134-142.

Born and raised in Ruston, Janie Sutton and Jeff McGehee met as kids

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attending school and church together. Janie is a woman defined by plans, many conceptualized when she was only 8 years old. When she set her sights on marrying Jeff McGehee, her future husband had no idea what he was in for. Read about this fashionable couple on page 126.

Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Crawford’s life took a sharp turn at a young age. In 1993, at the impressionable age of seventeen, he was sentenced to twenty-five years for armed carjacking. But thanks to an attentive mentor, he was able to build a skill that would end up being a part of his ministry. Read his story on page 108.

Our BayouEats this month is Staple Sandwich Co. in Ruston. This food truck has proven that sandwiches never go out of style, especially when the bread is made from scratch! Read about them on page 86.

We hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue of BayouLife Magazine Thank you for keeping it local.

Cassie

COPY EDITOR Cindy Foust

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nathan Coker nathan@bayoulifemag.com

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ART DIRECTOR Taylor Bennett

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Kelly Moore Clark

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Darian Atkins

Dr. Mohamed Bakeer

Nils Borquist

Dan Chason

Kenny Covington

Shannon Dahlum

Cindy Gist Foust

Starla Gatson

Kerry Heafner

Paul Lipe

Erin Love

Meredith McKinnie

Andrew Patton, MD

Joyce Sims

Delia Simpson

Beatrice A. Tatem

Vanelis Rivera

Judy Wagoner

Guy Miller Rev. Bette Kauffman, PHD

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Darian Atkins

Amanda Myree Photography

ON THE COVER

Ellie Bakeer in The Nude Nomad

Photography by Kelly Moore Clark

On location at Revival Design & Consign

BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC.

subscriptions ($30) can be ordered online at www.bayoulifemag.com. BayouLife Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts, or other materials. Opinion columns do not represent the views of the publisher. Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.

Alumni Spotlight

ULM Alum: Janelle Snellings

ULM FIRST FELT LIKE HOME WHEN JANELLE Snellings visited campus as a young girl with her grandmother, Foye Nolan Smith. One of the self-named ‘Golden Girls,’ Foye worked in the dietician’s office in Coenen Hall and would bring Janelle and her siblings to campus sporadically during the summer months. Janelle remembers feeding the ducks in the bayou and feeling like one of the big college kids. Growing up in the small town of Rocky Branch, Janelle’s trips to Monroe were a big deal. Later, during her senior year at Farmerville High School, Janelle started thinking about enrolling at ULM. Her stepfather Bobby L. Green asked, “Janelle, where do you want to raise a family?” He impressed upon Janelle the importance of making community connections to enhance her future, to bloom where she was planted. Janelle learned early on the value in making solid relationships, a social foundation that would carry her through life’s inevitable hills and valleys.

Taking her stepfather’s advice, Janelle enrolled as a firstgeneration college student at ULM. During her freshman year, Janelle reached back out to her high school teachers for help with English and math. Ms. Kay Adkins read drafts of Janelle’s papers, and Ms. Sue Donahue tutored Janelle on Sunday afternoons. Academic study didn’t come naturally to Janelle, but she remained intellectually curious and devoted herself to each course. At ULM, Janelle was wowed by the stories of economics professor Dr. Bob Eisenstadt and marketing professor Dr. Bruce Walker, as they led classes that never felt like classes. Dr. Paul Dunn, who created the ULM Small Business Development Center, worked with Janelle and her classmates on feasibility studies for local businesses, and Dr. Bill McConkey stressed the importance of marketing teams behind our everyday purchases. Collectively, these mentors filled in the world of business for Janelle and provided practical instruction to enhance her budding business acumen.

On campus, Janelle launched herself into social opportunities, building a network of friends to sustain her beyond her tenure at ULM. She joined Pi Sigma Epsilon, a sales and marketing fraternity that allowed students to work with local businesses to perform secret surveys, construct business plans, and find weaknesses in business models. The students formed business teams of students in marketing, accounting, entrepreneurship etc., and competed in Anaheim, Atlanta,

and Cincinnati. This real-world experience launched some of the state’s esteemed business leaders that continue to enhance Louisiana’s economic growth. Janelle joined the AOII sorority her junior year, making lifelong friends and connections that are the bedrock of her social life. Additionally, the sorority engaged in philanthropy, hosting a 5K for childhood arthritis. Even today, those sorority sisters give back to ULM students via financial and emotional support. Janelle also served on PREP Staff, Homecoming Court, and Union Board.

After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration, took a starter job at State Farm, and then worked in management at Express. She met and married George Snellings IV, then began working as an administrator at Central Security. For the next six years, Janelle handled marketing, sales, and PR before transitioning to Carlisle Collection, a couture clothing line for personal style consulting. She was eventually named regional manager for Carlisle and built clientele through junior leagues. After her third child was born, Janelle focused on community projects with Grace Episcopal School, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Bayou Desiard Country Club, and the Monroe Junior League.

When her husband George passed in June of 2022, Janelle decided to enroll in graduate school at ULM, to go back home. Now with the life experiences behind her, Janelle engaged her studies with a newfound confidence, earning all A’s her first year, while working as a graduate assistant for Lisa Miller, the Vice President of Enrollment Management and University Relations. Janelle leans on those skills acquired during her initial time at ULM, expanding her business and social network. She knows to learn about people, to listen with intention, to focus on identifying and solving problems. She’s learned to delegate, to not try to do it all but to identify the talented people to create a team. Her work experience is enhancing her new academic journey and providing a creative outlet that Janelle is excited about.

Janelle’s three children are growing up fast and witnessing their mother in a new role. Sallie Jane is a 20-year-old college student, Georgia is 17 and a junior at Neville, and Quinn is 13 and attending St. Frederick. As a lifelong northeast Louisiana resident, Janelle is proud to be an alumna and current graduate student at ULM. Taking her stepfather’s advice, Janelle bloomed in her own way, right where she wanted to be, and at ULM, she is still growing.

Join Us for this Special Event

Taught By Our Husqvarna Viking National Educator Karen Charles

WHEN WE OPENED THE Haberdashery in the back left corner of Material Things in the middle of a pandemic in 2020, we knew that we needed to start out with a tried and true, reputable sewing machine line. So, we decided to go with the Husqvarna Viking brand. This brand is under the company SVP which also manufactures Singer and Pfaff. With this brand, we have sewing machines, embroidery machines and sergers as well as accessories, hoops and feet to go along.

Husqvarna Viking has been making history since 1689. Like all projects big and small, the need for change inspired their beginning. In 1689 a royal arms factory was born in Husqvarna, Sweden. Almost two centuries later, facing declining demand for arms, the artisans of the factory were inspired to make a more peaceful productsewing machines. Today, Husqvarna Viking is a worldwide organization that passionately designs high-quality sewing machines in Sweden and shares them with consumers across the globe.

So, we are hosting a very exciting 2-day event on Tuesday September 26th and Wednesday September 27th with Karen Charles. She is an event specialist with SVP and has 25 years of experience in the arts of quilting, embroidery, sewing, heirloom and crafting. She has a unique perspective into what drives success for sewers, having worked in both the retail industry and as an educator for 16 years. Karen is renowned not only for her expansive knowledge of Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines but for her enthusiasm in sharing that knowledge with others. Her teaching

methods make even the most complicated task achievable for all students. Whether you are a novice or experienced sewer, Karen’s event participants always learn new and unique methods to achieve beautiful results. Her exciting quilting and embroidery projects have been published in Quilter’s Newsletter, Craft Ideas, and Designs in Machine Embroidery magazines.

Karen’s specialties include: Continuous machine embroidery techniques, PREMIER+2 Embroidery Software, thread painting, free motion, heirloom sewing and creative serging. If you would like to see more of Karens’s work and videos visit her Facebook page: Karen Loves to Quilt and Sew

For this 2-day event, Karen will be teaching her “Bag of Tricks” where you will be creating a quilted tote bag using embroidery, beautiful decorative stiches and the Exclusive Stitch Techniques on the DESIGNER EPIC 2 sewing and embroidery machine. The techniques featured will be decorative stitches in embroidery, exclusive stitch techniques, applique, ½” quilt binder, and piping. As a 2-day event there is lots of time to learn more about mySewnet embroidery and see a fun and fabulous trunk show presented by our Husqvarna Viking national educator Karen Charles.

This is the perfect time to delve into the world of sewing and embroidery because there has been a huge upswing in the creative world. There’s something to be said for having a creative outlet, and sewing is a great way to exercise and expand your creative abilities. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced sewer, you’ll surely find that

sewing is a fun, great escape-and you have something to show for it! Which leads to the mention of the elements of satisfaction and fulfillment. Who out there hasn’t seen a project (of any kind) through to completion, taken a step back, and smiled? Finishing a sewing/ embroidery project helps you to accomplish a goal, and that’s a great feeling. And, deciding to take the step to purchase a machine like the DESIGNER EPIC 2 is really a no brainer because as any sewer will tell you, there is no worse aggravation than having a machine that does not meet your needs and does not perform like you expect it to.

Not only are we your local sewing machine and fabric shop but we are also highly trained in service, maintenance, repair and instruction after you make your purchase with us. All of these valuable aspects are done totally in house by myself or my husband Robert.

Everything is provided for this workshop including all the supplies needed for the project as well as lunch for both days. The only thing you need to bring is a learning spirit and your favorite cutting tools (scissors, rotary cutter). Each participant will be sewing and embroidering on their own machine and if you decide that you are ready to step into the wonderful world of Husqvarna Viking, then that is the machine that you will be taking home with you at the end of the workshop! We will be offering special pricing, trade ins and financing. If you would like to join us for this event, then call to reserve your spot as soon as possible because space is limited.

How to be Prepared for Anything (Part

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | erinlove@panachebyerin.com

If you have read any of my articles on organizing, you have heard me reiterate the importance of always being prepared. The most satisfying part of getting and staying organized is that feeling of relief and comfort that you will gain with the knowledge that you are prepared for whatever mishap may come your way. Today I want to go a step further and give you specific ideas for creating themed “kits” that will come in handy when the need arises.

Lights Out Kit: The “lights out” kit is for when you may lose electricity and do not have a generator. Our lights out kit is actually on a shelf inside our laundry room cabinet, but you could have yours in a bin under the bed or anywhere else you feel most comfortable with it. Below are some ideas of what to include in your lights out kit:

• Candles

• Lighter/matches

• Flashlights/headlamps

• Glowsticks (for the kids)

• Batteries

• Rechargeable phone charger (these should be charged up during the rainy season in your area)

• Small solar panel

• Small battery-operated fan and/or heater

• Hand-operated can opener

I also suggest keeping your bottled water pretty stocked up as well as canned goods and prepackaged protein bars. I don’t include these items in this kit but they are always good to have in stock.

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FIRST-AID Kit: Most families have some version of a first-aid kit, but I am still going to include it here in case my kit has something that you have forgotten in yours. One thing that I suggest is that you set aside a time every quarter to clean out and reorganize your first-aid kit. I know that our household first-aid kit gets used on a pretty regular basis, so it needs to be restocked periodically. My kids need band-aids for just about anything!

Below is a list of items that I keep in our first-aid kit (which is a basket):

• Waterproof bandaids in various sizes

• Antibiotic ointments

• Alcohol pads

• Tweezers

• Scissors

• Medical Tape

• Gauze

• Butterfly bandaids

• Instant Cold Compress

• Nonlatex Gloves

• Burn cream

• Sting relief

• Cotton swabs

• Sterile eye drops/wash

• Safety pins

• Pain relief medication

Car Kit: I don’t know about you, but I practically live in my vehicle between school, work, and softball/baseball games. Having a car kit is an absolute must! I will preface this list by saying that most of the lists will include bottles of water, but I am not a fan of drinking water after it has been sitting in a vehicle for an extended period of time. Especially during hot weather. So, my

list includes a refillable drink bottle instead. Check out the other items below:

• Refillable drink container/bottle

• Small first-aid kit – Mine includes pain medication, a few band-aids, alcohol wipes, and tweezers.

• Flashlight

• Extra change of clothing for my children.

• Tire gauge

• Emergency flat repair

• Car safety hammer (find on Amazon)

• Paper towels

• Antibacterial wipes

• Travel toothbrush/toothpaste

• Deodorant

• Extra phone charger

• Food – My kids are always hungry right after we leave the house! So, I always keep individually-wrapped snacks like pretzels, granola bars, and goldfish at the ready.

• Lint roller

• Scissors

• Black Sharpie

• Pens/Pencils

• Notebook/Pad of paper

• Umbrella/Rain poncho

• Bungee cords

• Glow stick/flare

Now, I challenge you to create these kits before next month when I will give you at least three more kits that will definitely come in handy!

PAGES

“Lilac Girls”

by Martha Hall Kelly

Kelly’s sweeping historical fiction novel chronicles the Rabbits - the women confined in the Ravensbruck concentration camp who were subjected to experimental surgical procedures that left survivors severely crippled. The story is told in three parts, from unique perspectives of World War II that inevitably converge belatedly in the novel. Caroline, a New York City socialite and volunteer for the French Consulate in Manhattan, fears for her beloved French citizens in Hitler’s path. Her stake in the conflict sharpens when she falls for a French actor who returns to France prior to the invasion. Kasia, a Polish teenager caught in a love triangle, watches as Hitler invades her city, captures her neighbors, and uproots her family.

Embracing a rebellious spirit, Kasia joins the Underground, intent on averting the Nazi invasion at any cost. Herta, a German doctor fresh out of medical school, confronts an environment reticent to let women practice medicine and unknowingly takes a job at Ravensbruck, becoming the surgical lead on the experiments on the Rabbits.

The characters of Caroline and Herta are based on real women’s accounts, though Kelly takes liberties with dialogue. Kelly’s research for this novel is impressive, broad in scope and rich in detail. In the addendum, Kelly admits initially falling for Caroline’s story, the heroine for the Rabbits, though far-removed

from the Nazi conflict abroad. The novel’s heavy emphasis on Caroline submerses the gritty interactions within Ravensbruck. The fictional character of Kasia is most developed, strengthened by intense familial relations and struggles with grief. The Nazi doctor Herta is the most ignored in the novel, though the most compelling - as a reader, I was left wanting more of her story.

The idea for this novel lured me in. I realize historical fiction is often confined by reality, though the trouble stemmed from the story’s construction. Hall writes gripping page turners, a thrill ride through a welldocumented period of history. The reading experience mirrors Caroline’s reaction to the world events, anxious anticipation from a comfortable distance. The highs of the novel are found in the relationships - Caroline’s love affair and Kasia’s devotion to her mother Makta and sister Zuzanna. Rich in female support and love, Kelly channels the necessary reliance on loved ones and close connections for survival. Though the three stories do eventually merge, the culmination happens so late in the novel that the story feels somewhat over. I would recommend this book for anyone who delves into historical fiction, particularly the Holocaust genre. The story is compelling, even if the construction could be improved.

“Somehow the Germans lose every war but win every peace.”

“I guess somewhere in a corner of our hearts, we are always twenty.”

“Vladimir”

by Julia May Jonas

Ihesitate to review novels set in the world of academia, a landscape fraught with mystery and steeped in tradition. As a career resident of this world since graduate school, the inner workings inform my reading in a way that would evade most readers. Nonetheless, I felt this one worthy of an opinion, simply because of the drastic narrative turns and its frank discussion of sexual power in the wake of generational differences. Jonas pulls back the curtain of this relatively small liberal arts institution in upstate New York, where an unnamed narrator and her husband John both sit in the security of academic tenure. The 58-year-old female struggles with body image and self perception, regardless of a confessed devout belief in feminism that demands one shirk such trivial concerns. Quite popular on campus, her world is rocked by a bevy of accusations against her husband from decades before. The female’s reaction is stunning in its dismissal, as she asserts the women were of legal age and the couple enjoyed an open relationship. She resents the victimhood mentality of the MeToo movement - not exactly feminist forward.

John and the narrator have morphed into roommates, easing through the third decade of a marriage of convenience, where familiarity replaces sexual desire. The woman is aware of the lines on her face, the cellulite accumulating on her upper thighs, and she is intent on remaining sexually appealing despite being post-menopausal. When new tenure track hire and successful novelist Vladimir Vladinski lands on campus with a gorgeous young wife and baby in tow, the narrator is struck with a latent sexual desire amplified by a need for vengeance against a husband whose dalliances threaten her job security and reputation. What develops is a battle of who will turn the world upside down first.

Jonas writes with confident awareness, lingering in the narrator’s head, knowing this playground is as alluring as the insidious plot lines. The novel possesses bite, even more intensified when the plot takes a glaring turn and yet settles in an ending signifying the generational division flirted with throughout the novel. Here is one of those books where someone else’s opinion could disrupt mine, as the dust has yet to settle.

“He was happy, I could tell. Happy to be free, happy to be a genius, happy to be a beautiful man with his elbow out the open window, squinting at the sun in the October afternoon.”

“And what was I to say? Most days, these days, I didn’t feel as though I loved him. Most days I thought of him as a problem I would have to solve eventually, when I felt like making the effort.”

St. Francis Medical Group

Meet St. Francis Medical Group’s Newest Physicians

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL GROUP IS

proud to welcome these physicians, Dr. Lance Albin and Dr. Annecie Noel, to its team of providers. Learn more about these physicians and why they chose their paths in patient-focused healthcare.

LANCE TYLER ALBIN, MD General Surgery

Born in the community of Bush in St. Tammany Parish, Dr. Albin completed his undergraduate studies with honors at the University of Southern Mississippi. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and minors in both psychology and chemistry. Dr. Albin earned his medical degree and completed his residency in general surgery at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. During his residency, Dr. Albin served as Chief Resident and was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

Dr. Albin is married to Monroe native Dr. Alexis Guice Albin. They have a three-year old son and are expecting their second child in fall 2023. In his free time, Dr. Albin enjoys hunting whitetail deer, competitive shooting, fishing and golf.

Why did you choose a career in medicine?

Growing up, I was always fascinated by medicine. Being a physician allows me the ability to not only experience the wonders of medicine but also focus on interpersonal skills by fostering healthy relationships with patients in need of medical care. Being a general surgeon offers the privilege of serving the entire community by helping people during their most vulnerable times. Helping them feel better is very rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about general surgery?

The variety it offers keeps it exciting. You never know what is going to come through the door. Whether it be a gunshot wound, thyroid goiter, colon cancer, appendicitis or whatever else, our patients expect us to take care of them — and our training allows us to do so.

In your opinion, what is the most important part of the doctor-patient relationship?

Mutual respect and trust are the keys to having a great relationship.

Are there any medical myths you would like to debunk?

Yes. Vaccinations do NOT cause autism or the flu.

When you aren’t caring for patients, what do you do in your spare time?

When I’m not in the hospital, I enjoy spending time with my family. I’m also an avid outdoorsman who enjoys competitive shooting and hunting.

ANNECIE NOEL, DO Internal Medicine

Annecie Noel, DO, received her bachelor of Art in Psychology from Smith College and completed her Master of Education at City College of New York. Dr. Noel earned her medical degree in Osteopathic Medicine from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Physicians.

Why did you choose a career in medicine, specifically internal medicine?

I wanted a career that would allow me the opportunity to have an impact on people

in a powerful way. Medicine allows me to do that. As an internist, specifically as a primary care doctor, I am able to help people when they are most vulnerable, and I also get to play a major role in helping prevent diseases that can lead to them being so vulnerable. I love collaborating with my patients and discussing how we can get them to their best health.

Why should every adult have a primary care physician?

Primary care doctors are essential to keeping you healthy. They are the ones who are first to detect if something is wrong.

In your opinion, what is the most important part of a doctor-patient relationship?

Trust.

Are there any medical myths you would like to debunk?

Yes. The notion that if you feel fine, you are healthy and don’t really need to follow up with a physician. With many diseases, by the time symptoms start to show, you are already at a progressed stage. If you follow up with your doctor frequently, the chances of catching diseases in the early stages are much more favorable.

When you aren’t caring for patients, what do you do in your spare time?

Family is important to me, so I try to spend as much time enjoying my family as possible.

St. Francis Medical Group is an organization of physicians, mid-level providers, and team members who provide primary and specialty care in Northeast Louisiana. To find out more about St. Francis Medical Group, visit stfran.com or call (318) 966-7364.

Meredith’s Musings

DANCING QUEEN

article by MEREDITH MCKINNIE

Show me a stage, and you’ll get a performance. Growing up, I never feared the spotlight. Mom put me in dance lessons as a child, and I relished those classes. I loved the gracefulness of ballet, the smack of a tap shoe hitting the floor in cadence, the collective shimmy in a jazz routine. Hip hop classes weren’t standard in my early years, but later, on dance teams, I hit that beat as hard as I could. My body craved movement, and music provided a path. In recitals, I could be found on the end of the front row, as height reigned supreme. I remember envying the tall girls who dominated the center - seemed silly to me, as most of them hadn’t even grown into their limbs yet and exhibited little to no control. Nonetheless, the stage and the spotlight called my name, and since then, my coordination has served me well, whether at night clubs in my youth or at the wedding receptions that defined my twenties. I could dance. I may not be able to sing or be a star, but I could hear and respond to a beat. And nothing felt better than moving on a dance floor.

Now 40 years old and the mother of two young daughters, I want the same exposure for my girls. I want them to do what makes them feel good, what makes them feel alive. It is my responsibility to expose them to as much as possible so they can discover their passions. I enrolled Wilder at a well-known local studio in September and gathered the necessary attire. However you slice it, dance lessons are not cheap. We collected ballet shoes, tap shoes, jazz shoes, leotards, and tights. I resisted my

daughter’s request for a “dance bag,” as her old backpack would work just fine. Husband or I dropped her off each Wednesday afternoon and collected her 1.5 hours later. I enjoyed reviewing first through fifth positions with her, as those fundamentals stayed with me for decades. She would often leap across our large bedroom. I resisted the urge to correct her form, as she did the rookie move of up and over as opposed to lifting her legs in tandem. I tried to remain focused on the movement. My daughter was leaping because it felt good. When she asked for instruction, then I could interject. Until then, I would not hinder her joy of feeling her body in motion. In December I took her to see the Twin City ballet. Halfway through the first act, she turned to me, having been mesmerized for the last hour, and insisted, “Mom, you get me on that stage.” My dancer’s heart just exploded. In January, dance lessons turned to recital prep. The theme for this production was Aladdin, and Wilder was ecstatic. She still danced around our bedroom, balking at Alexa “Next!” when she didn’t appreciate the musical selections. She jumped onto the club chair, dove off of the side table, making each piece of furniture a stage prop. And I loved it. Her little sister and I would watch patiently and enthusiastically clap upon completion. I watched Wilder’s face as she took every performance seriously. I saw myself gliding across that floor. She would lock herself in her room to practice her routines, as they were top secret. No one got a hint of choreography before the big show. I loved that she felt like she had a secret, a big moment to reveal to the rest

of us. She guarded it instinctively.

When showtime rolled around in late May, Wilder started a countdown, asking daily how many days were left. Husband and I attended the rehearsal, mesmerized by the level of production that went into a child’s recital. Bravo, Studio! Wilder’s first performance wasn’t until right before intermission, and I nervously anticipated her gliding on stage. I knew she loved to dance, had seen her romp across our hardwood floor, but would she take to choreography? Would she know the dances? Would she freeze under the spotlight? I felt nervous for her and even more nervous for myself. Wilder emerged second from the side curtain, holding her billowing skirt and tilting her chin up as she delicately moved across the floor. I relaxed immediately. I recognized a dancer in my little girl. She knew the head tilt, the relaxed yet firm arm placement, the grace the discipline required. She danced hard but knew never to disclose the hard so as not to distract from the elegance of the sport. And most importantly, her eyes twinkled - she found her place on that stage and took pride in giving it her all.

During the performance and after, friends would say “She is sooo good.” And of course, it felt great to hear, but on reflection, what I cherish most is that I got to witness my daughter feel good, about her body and about herself. She was in full control and she leaned into the responsibility. We dubbed her the Dancing Queen, and she still beams every time she hears it.

Accentuate the Positive in Life

Wearing Happiness, Clothing Choices and Emotional States

BY BEATRICE A. TATEM, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS

LET’S FACE IT,THE CLOTHES WE WEAR ARE POWERFUL. The study of human behavior or psychology suggests the clothing we choose to wear serves as a representation of our present thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Studies reveal there is a strong link between clothing and mood state which suggests we should wear clothing we associate with joy and happiness. According to these studies wearing certain clothing influences our attitude, our posture, body language, motivation, and even affects our emotional state. The clothes we wear and how we assemble them not only reflect our sense of style and what is the best fit for our body type, they impact the way we behave and help to shape what other people think about us as well as demonstrates how we think and feel about ourselves. Wearing the right outfit can enhance our creativity, focus and negotiation skills.

As a psychologist who loves shopping and fashion, I firmly embrace the concept that fashion has an undeniable effect on our mental state as it can alter our mood, boost our confidence, or help us get into the role we are fulfilling. In my opinion clothing is a way to express our personality to the world. For this article, I liken human emotions to pieces of clothing. There is a saying “wearing your emotions on your sleeve.” This expression has been used casually to mean a person is displaying their intimate emotions in an obvious, honest, and candid manner. “Wearing your emotions on your sleeve,” is frequently misconstrued as an individual letting their emotions run out of control. In truth, it means to openly show how you are feeling as opposed to keeping emotions hidden, to be transparent, and most importantly to be true to yourself.

Therapists are often trained to look for congruency in what clients are emoting outwardly through body language, verbalizations, facial expressions, and affect. One of the things assessed is the client’s appearance. In my years of practice, I have learned clients also do their share of assessing the therapist. How people initially perceive me is often different from the therapist they get to know. It is often through my dress that they form opinions of me. When I observe human behavior through “people watching” (an activity I enjoy) or through personal and professional interactions I have found people wear emotions on their faces, in their heart, on their shoulders, through their body language and yes, on their sleeves. I am reminded too often our emotions, feelings and thoughts go unnoticed, and the privilege of self-expression is lost. Imagine If we were to wear emotions as though they were pieces of clothing we select to put on. Consider the emotions you would choose

to wear, the way you would wear them, when and where you would wear these selected emotions.

I have asked myself what feelings are a good fit that represent how I feel in given situations? If I could freely wear emotions on my sleeve, I would choose to wear bliss, love, peace, joy, kindness, gratitude, laughter, openness, vibrant energy, thoughtfulness, pride, and confidence. I would elect to wear the emotions that help me to accentuate the positive in life. I have found accentuating the positive leads to feelings and thoughts of contentment, positive reactions, and healthy fruitful interactions. “The science of happiness has discovered that ‘positive interventions’ can change our mood, and when we deliberately intervene on our happiness by wearing clothing that evoke positive feelings, positive reactions from others, or positive experiences and thoughts, we will likely be happier.

A teen client reminded me of this the other day when I asked her about her readiness for the start of school. She indicated she was not ready for school because she did not have the right shoes to complete her outfit. She continued, “I gotta have the right tennis shoes, I will be new at school, I want to let the other students know who I am.” I acknowledged her sentiments that part of her feeling ready for school emotionally is being dressed physically in a manner she deemed acceptable to herself and others. I told her I observe this each year at the start of school, especially for the students entering a new environment; their clothes represent who they are and how they are, they set a tone.

Often our clothing choices affords us the transformative energy of dressing the part. What we wear has meaning beyond what the outside world sees and perceives; what we wear affects the way we perceive ourselves and elect to show the world. Our emotions are outward expressions of how we feel internally. and our clothing serves as an outward manifestation of our feelings. How we express ourselves through dress sends a message. My suggestion is to choose clothes that bring out the best in you, that elevate and make you feel strong, confident, and content. Never underestimate the power of a great outfit to help you thrive on good days and lift you on tough ones. Accentuate the positive and confidently and willingly wear those feelings that are positively you.

For more information on counseling and outreach services contact Dr. Beatrice Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC, 2485 Tower Drive, Suite 10 Monroe, La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com.

Louisiana Delta Community College

Start Here, Go Anywhere!

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY DARIAN ATKINS

JAMAR BOWIE IS WORKING TO CREATE THE LIFE HE wants, and with strategic planning, it’s coming to fruition one goal at a time.

Bowie is a Neville High School graduate, an LDCC graduate, and now, an LDCC instructor. Bowie thought he might enter the IT field as a career when he graduated high school. However, after participating in the A-HEC Program at Neville, he couldn’t shake the draw he was experiencing to the medical field. The Area Health Education Center (better known as A-HEC) Program is an opportunity for ninth, tenth, and eleventh-grade students with at least a 2.0 GPA, who are interested in pursuing a healthcare career, to explore different medical career opportunities by volunteering.

Post-high school, Bowie went to work as a parish firefighter. Because the parish fire department serves the rural areas of our community, they are often on the scene of an emergency first. This birthed the need for firefighters to learn EMT skills. Bowie didn’t hesitate to take advantage of building his skillset. In fact, his mind was already down the road. After completing the EMT Program at LDCC, Bowie enrolled in the Associate of Applied Science in Paramedicine Program.

Bowie says he enjoys the fast pace of the work and the degree of opportunities afforded to those with these skills. “You can work in the emergency room directly beside RNs and physicians. You can go into remote paramedicine (working on offshore rigs) and community paramedicine where you work in ground units doing paramedic house calls,” says Bowie. “You can even be a flight paramedic. The exciting thing about being a flight paramedic is that it allows you to fly on helicopters. Flight paramedics are used to provide emergency medical services to people in difficult-to-access locations. They generally handle situations when an ambulance is out of range or if time is critical to a successful rescue.

Bowie says the most challenging part of his educational journey so far has been adjusting to the roles and responsibilities of a paramedic. During his time in the paramedicine program, Bowie saw the need for assistants in the classroom. After completing the program, he volunteered his services. Bowie’s act of volunteerism turned into an adjunct teaching position starting this fall semester.

Amid all the schooling and now teaching, Bowie still works full-time at the Ouachita Parish Fire Department, standing in as a paramedic on the fire truck. “My kids think I have the coolest job in the world,” Bowie says of his son, Jonas (11), and daughter, Jolee (6). Married to his high school sweetheart of eleven years, Jewelle Miller Bowie is proud to see how far he’s come and knows he will accomplish all his goals. She says, “Jamar’s life example is teaching Jonas and Jolee to work to achieve their dreams in real-time. Obstacles are no excuses.”

EMT/Paramedic Program Director, Kayla Rains, says, “We like to hire former students who have performed well in the program and offer the students more than one track into EMS. We have representation from all aspects of the First Responder Community, such as fire medics, flight medics, swat medics, etc. These classes are challenging, but that hard work pays off in the long run with a rewarding career in Emergency Medical Services.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 7 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 20,000 openings for EMTs and paramedics are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from replacing workers who transfer to different occupations or exiting the labor force, such as to retire. According to ZipRecruiter, EMT salaries currently range between $14.18 (25th percentile) to $18.41 (75th percentile) in Louisiana. While ZipRecruiter sees wages as high as $33.59 and as low as $11.74, most Paramedic salaries currently range between $17.40 (25th percentile) to $24.47 (75th percentile) in Louisiana.

ABOUT LDCC’S PARAMEDIC PROGRAM

The LDCC paramedic program aims to provide quality education for people who want to work in the Emergency Medical Services career field or continue their education. We offer all the levels of First Responder training from EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) up to the Paramedic level. We are bringing in NAEMT classes for the first responder community to fulfill continuing education requirements and are working on expanding these NAEMT classes we offer. For more information, visit www.ladelta.edu.

Doe’s Eat Place

Where History, Flavor, and Craft Cocktails Converge

TUCKED AWAY IN THE HEART OF MONROE, WITHIN THE charming confines of Washington Plaza, lies a culinary gem that has stood the test of time – Doe’s Eat Place. Since its establishment in 1941 by Dominick “Doe” Signa and his wife Mamie, this restaurant has been more than just a place to dine; it’s a living testament to family heritage and culinary excellence. With a rich history that intertwines with the local community and a reputation for crafting exceptional cocktails, Doe’s Eat Place is a destination that tantalizes the senses and captivates the soul.

The origins of Doe’s Eat Place are rooted in Dominick Signa’s father’s journey to Greenville, Mississippi, in 1903. There, he laid the foundation for the Signa family legacy by opening a modest grocery store in the very building that now houses the restaurant. The store, affectionately dubbed “Papa’s Store,” flourished until the unforgiving flood of 1927, which left devastation in its wake. Determined to restore his family’s livelihood, Big Doe Signa turned to bootlegging, a testament to his resourcefulness and devotion.

In a twist of fate, Big Doe’s bootlegging ventures culminated in a pivotal decision – to trade his 40-barrel still for $300.00 and a Model T Ford. It was around 1941 that Mamie Signa’s culinary prowess breathed life into the next chapter of their story. Mamie, armed with a partial recipe for hot tamales, transformed it into a sensation that laid the foundation for Doe’s Eat Place.

The restaurant’s inception was marked by a dichotomy that reflected the social norms of the time. At first, Doe’s was divided into a black-only honky-tonk at the front of the store and a more discrete entry through the back door. This unconventional arrangement paradoxically attracted a diverse clientele, a reversal of segregation’s grip. The scene was set when a local white doctor discovered the honky-tonk’s offerings between his medical rounds. As word spread, the ranks of patrons grew to include doctors, lawyers, and other professionals. Big Doe’s talents in the kitchen, particularly in crafting delectable steaks, led to the emergence of a clandestine yet thriving restaurant at the back of the store.

With the surge in popularity, Doe’s Eat Place underwent a transformation, expanding from honky-tonk to an establishment that catered to a broader spectrum of customers. The honky-tonk days eventually made way for a focus on the evolving eatery, as family and in-laws rallied together to propel the business forward. It was in 1974 that Big Doe Signa passed the torch to his sons, Charles and Little Doe, marking a generational transition that preserved the family’s legacy of

warmth, hospitality, and exceptional dining experiences.

As patrons step into Doe’s Eat Place today, they are greeted by more than just an ambiance of history. The front kitchen, once the nucleus of the honky-tonk, now serves as a hub where Charles and Little Doe continue the tradition of welcoming guests. The patina that time has painted onto the building’s walls enhances the experience, invoking a genuine sense of dining in an authentic 1940s grocery and restaurant.

Amidst the stories of resilience and transformation, there have been moments of heartache. The passing of Mamie Signa on November 5, 1955, and Big Doe Signa, Sr. on April 29, 1987, marked profound losses. However, their legacy endures through the very essence of Doe’s Eat Place, where each dish tells a tale and every corner whispers stories of a family’s journey.

While history and heritage are at the heart of Doe’s, innovation has not taken a back seat. Craft cocktails have become an integral part of the dining experience, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary trends. As patrons raise their glasses to toast life’s moments, the craftsmanship of the cocktails echoes the dedication that has characterized Doe’s Eat Place since its inception.

Doe’s Eat Place, nestled in Washington Plaza in Monroe isn’t merely a restaurant; it’s a living tribute to a family’s unwavering spirit. With a legacy that began over eight decades ago, Doe’s continues to draw diners with its storied past, welcoming ambiance, and the aromas of dishes that have stood the test of time. As the pages of history unfold, the timeless allure of Doe’s Eat Place remains an ode to flavors, stories, and the enduring power of shared experiences.

As football season approaches, the excitement in the air is palpable, and what better way to savor the game than with the sizzle of a grill and the camaraderie of friends and family? As fans gear up to cheer for their favorite teams, the outdoors become a haven for grilling enthusiasts and sports aficionados alike. And in this dynamic blend of passions, Doe’s Eat Place emerges as the ultimate ally.

Doe’s Eat Place embraces the spirit of the season by offering a unique solution for those who want to enjoy the thrill of the game without missing out on quality time with loved ones. Their to-go steaks allow you to take the game-day festivities right into your own backyard. Imagine the joy of grilling up Doe’s delectable steaks while the touchdowns and tackles unfold on the screen. It’s more than a meal; it’s an experience that combines the love for sports with the artistry of grilling.

PEAR & PARM TART

This sweet and savory dessert pairs some of our favorite flavors. Fresh crisp pears are combined with Parmigiano cheese and honey for a treat that is too tart to handle.

WHAT YOU NEED:

Premade pastry dough

1 ½ pounds firm-ripe red Anjou pears cut into wedges

Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

¼ cup honey

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1 tsp grated lemon zest plus 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

3 tbsp cornstarch

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp kosher salt

½ large egg, beaten

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix 1 ounce of Parmigiano cheese into premade pastry dough, and roll out into a 14-inch circle and place on parchment paper lined baking sheet. Toss together pears, honey, butter, and lemon zest and juice in a large bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch, pepper, and salt; stir until well combined. Arrange pear filling in center of chilled pastry dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Press dough edges inward and brush crust lightly with beaten egg. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Drizzle with honey and shaved cheese. (adapted from foodandwine.com)

styled by Taylor Bennett photography by Kelly Moore Clark

REBOOT YOUR LOOK

Kick

up your fall fashion with these stylish boots from local boutiques. From metallic to rhinestone ankle boots, these styles are timeless.

From left to right: HerringStone’s, Bella Trés, Dusty & Company, Hemline Monroe, Ron Alexander Clothiers

styled by Taylor Bennett

photography by Kelly Moore Clark

PERFECT PEAR

This craft cocktail is perfect for ushering in fall. Made with fresh pears, gin and St. Germain, this seasonal drink is an autumnal treat.

WHAT YOU NEED:

1 ounce gin

1/2 ounce St. Germain

3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed 3/4 ounce simple syrup

1 tsp fresh pear puree

Champagne

Pear slice, garnish

Fill shaker with ice and add gin, St. Germain, lemon juice, simple syrup and fresh pear puree. Shake until chilled. Strain into a coupe glass and top with champagne. Garnish with a pear slice.

styled by Taylor Bennett

photography by Kelly Moore Clark

BAG IT UP

From compact purses to decorative clutches, these bags are functional and fashionable. Find these and other great pieces at area boutiques.

Clockwise from top: Hemline Monroe, Palette House & Plume, The Nude Nomad, Dusty & Company, HerringStone’s and Bella Trés

styled by Taylor Bennett

photography by Kelly Moore Clark

The Pursuit

The Pursuit was held on Friday, August 11th at Fant-Ewing Coliseum. This event is the University of Louisiana Monroe’s premier kickoff event for the football season as well as the 2023-24 academic year and is sponsored by Cadence Bank. Guests enjoyed listening to comments from ULM President Dr. Ron Berry and Athletic Director John Hartwell as well as keynote speaker, former ULM quarterback Jesse Blair. All proceeds from the event benefit the Warhawk Athletic Foundation.

On the BayouScene

1 Becky and Tyler Flemister

2 Brian Lowe, Chris Holyfield and Steve Foley

3 Brice and Meghan Jones

4 Chase Regian and Johnny Williams

5 Kris Kelley, Jamie Hanks and Amy Keifenheim

6 Dr. Christine Berry, Jamey and Mary Rhea and Cindy Foust

7 Darryl and Marguerite Dozier

8 Gina White and Cindy Foust

9 Jaimie and Chrissie Autin

10 Joey and Brittany McNamara

11 Johnny Williams, Nirali Patel and Kaleb Williamson

12 Katrina Jackson, Kim J. Fobbs and Gina White

13 Lea Wodach and Molly Fichtner

14 Lisa Miller, Sarah Siereveld and Allen Otts

15 Rodney Alexander, Matt Talbert and Michael Echols

16 Stewart Cathey Jr. and Brittany Cathey and Donna and Stewart Cathey Sr.

17 Toni Bacon and Tag Rome

18 Veronica and Ken Dickey

Open House Event

The Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Group

THE MEDICAL SPA WILL BE HOSTING AN OPEN house, September 28th from 4pm-7pm. Join the team for a one night only beauty event that will feature refreshments, giveaways, and an exclusive look at our newest services. You’ll have the opportunity to speak with ZO skincare representatives, meet and greet with our new nurse practitioner, Megan Gimber, and our amazing staff. The team will be doing live demonstrations of some of the services offered. You’ll also want to take advantage of the amazing discounts that will be offered. These prices won’t come around again! While you’re here, you’ll have opportunity to gain entries into our incredible giveaways, which will include Botox, Juvéderm, Glo2Facials, and ZO Skincare Products.

ZO SKINCARE

There’s nothing like consistently enjoying healthy, radiant skin, to make you look and feel your very best. The Medical Spa has partnered with ZO Skin Health to offer their impressive line of skincare products. If you’re looking to take those first steps to healthy, glowing skin, we’ve got you covered. ZO Skin Health develops and delivers innovative skincare solutions designed to optimize your skin health. ZO Skin Health is only available at authorized providers, which means our team is highly knowledgeable when it comes to addressing a wide range of skin conditions. Reach out and schedule your complimentary consultation today and learn how ZO Skin Health can help you regain that youthful glow.

IV HYDRATION

Experience the ultimate rejuvenation and relaxation with IV therapy at The Medical Spa. Intravenous therapy (IV) is a safe, effective way of administering fluids, electrolytes, and other beneficial fluids and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream. Benefits of IV therapy include increased energy, improved hydration, and boosted immunity. It also improves mental clarity, reduces stress and anxiety, and supports skin health from the inside out. We have a variety of options for you to choose from and can easily customize treatments in order to suit your needs.

DYSPORT

Dysport is an injectable used to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Dysport is similar to Botox, Xeomin, and Jeuveau; however, improvements with Dysport can be seen in as little as 2-3 days, with

optimal results at day 14 and can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. When Dysport is injected into a muscle, the signals from the nerve to the muscle are blocked, meaning the muscle is unable to contract, therefore relaxing the wrinkles and lines. If you’d like to learn more about the injectables offered at The Medical Spa, schedule a complimentary consultation today.

MEET THE TEAM

The Medical Spa by SFMG is excited to welcome Megan Gimber, FNP-C to the team. Megan Gimber, FNP-C, earned her Master of Science in nursing from University of Louisiana, Monroe in 2022. She is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and a member of the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners. Megan has spent the past 17 years prior to graduating as an NP, working as a registered nurse. Her first job as a registered nurse was with St. Francis Medical Center on the OB unit where she spent six years. From there she worked in women’s health, as a school nurse, and was an instructor and coordinator for the LPN program at Louisiana Delta Community College. Megan has been married to Jon Gimber for 20 years and they have two children, Garrett and Hollis Anne. They attend North Monroe Baptist Church and stay involved in marriage ministry. Megan is excited to circle back around in her career with St. Francis where it all began. She loves that St. Francis serves God and lives that out through their mission daily. Megan is looking forward to joining The Medical Spa to pursue her passion in Aesthetic Medicine, in order to assist her patients in looking good and feeling their best!

Be sure to join the team during The Open House Event, September 28th from 4pm-7pm, to get an exclusive look at all the new offerings! We are in the James R. Wolff Building (also known as the P&S Building) in downtown Monroe. Our address is 312 Grammont Street, Suite 406, across from St. Francis Medical Center. Also, be certain to follow The Medical Spa by St. Francis Medical Group on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on all events, promotions and giveaways!

IN THE GARDEN

As I write this in mid-August, it seems a fresh hell has gripped the southern United States. I have never in my life experienced summer temperatures like this. Back home in North Carolina, we thought a high of ninety-two was terrible! Here in the ArkLaMiss, we welcome it! I remember going to a Botanical Society of America conference in Montreal in August of ’97. Lows dropping into the high forties at night in August? I’ll take it! Sleeping with the window raised in a dorm room at McGill University was like taking a week off! There’s just no point. We may not be adapted to temperatures like this. But certain plants are.

Desert plants are especially suited to these temperatures. Leaves are much reduced to conserve water. In cacti, leaves are reduced into spines or even long, silver hairs that not only help to conserve water, but also reflect incident sunlight. Stems are succulent and adapted for both photosynthesis and water storage. The actual metabolic process of photosynthesis is even modified to run some of the light-independent reactions during nighttime hours to conserve energy.

The Gulf prevents us from living in a desert and is the primary source of our impressive humidity. Plants native to our area may not have the same adaptations to heat as desert plants, but they are more acclimated to these types of temperature swings than we might think. For the most part, trees are still lush and green (for now). But, if highs in the low hundreds are prolonged, we might see some deciduous trees move toward an early or premature dormancy. They might start dropping leaves to conserve water. Leaves that hang on through fall with the reduced daylight hours may not exhibit brilliant colors like they normally would under average temperatures and rainfall. Put simply, trees may look worse for wear a bit earlier than usual. You can help trees in your landscape out by watering them at dripline. This is approximately where the feeder roots are located. Simply lay the end of the hose on the ground and let water seep down to the roots.

All of this begs the question, “What WILL survive this heat?” Here are some options.

Seasonals:

• Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). These longtime favorites are different than our native, hardy hibiscus (H. moscheutos, H. coccinea and cultivars), which dies down every year. Tropical Hibiscus is reliable color all summer long, no matter the temperature, and there

> Annual Vinca is seen here as an underplanting with Luna Hibiscus. Annual Vinca is heat and drought tolerant, and will provide color all summer.

Photo: LSU AgCenter.

< Willow oak is a native, deciduous tree with heat and drought tolerance.

are few plants better for attracting hummingbirds to your landscape! Perfectly at home in a container, Tropical Hibiscus requires little effort other than being situated in full sun and keeping the growing medium moist. A slow-release fertilizer application occasionally won’t hurt, either. Tropical Hibiscus is available in a wide array of brilliant colors and as single or double blooms, so you’ll have no problem finding something that suits your landscape.

• Annual Vinca (Catharanthus roseus). Annual Vinca is a summertime workhorse when it comes to maintaining bright color in ornamental beds or containers. Its drought resistance rivals that of Angelonia (keep reading!), and bright color will be abundant until the first major frost. Creeping varieties make great “fillers” and “spillers” in hanging baskets. Upright varieties will make any bed in a sunny location pop. Annual Vinca is at home in most ArkLaMiss soils, preferring a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.0.

• Summer Snap Dragon (Angelonia angustifolia). You’ve probably seen Angelonia planted in beds on commercial and business properties and wondered, “How do those plants survive the hot baking sun?” They do, and they will do the same in your beds all summer. Angelonia is as drought resistant as it gets and doesn’t mind soaring temperatures. The ‘Serena’ series and ‘Serenita Raspberry’ are Louisiana Super Plant selections and will be reliable bright color until you switch them out for fall color.

• Succulents of all kinds are adapted to these hot, dry conditions, and you’ll find no shortage of varieties to choose from at the garden center. Portulacas are succulents that will flower all summer long and withstand these hot temperatures. This includes Purselane (P. oleracea) and Moss Rose (P. grandiflora). Sedums, also, are great choices for hot, dry conditions. Look for the Louisiana Super Plant selection ‘Lemon Ball’ Sedum. Its bright chartreuse green foliage contrasts nicely with yellow flowers. If you’re wondering what the “spiller” in the baskets on Antique Alley is, it’s Dorotheanthus bellidifolius ‘Mezoo.’ Also called Livingstone Daisy, ‘Mezoo’ is extremely tolerant of drought and heat and flowers all season.

It is most certainly not the ideal time to install trees and shrubs into your landscape, but when that time rolls around there are plenty of options to choose from in anticipation of next summer’s inferno. Generally, plants that have leaves with thick, waxy cuticles are more heat and drought tolerant than trees and shrubs with thin, pliable leaves. For superior heat and drought tolerance, natives are the way to go!

• Evergreen species of Magnolia, such as Southern Magnolia (M. grandiflora) and its cultivars like ‘Teddy Bear,’ ‘Little Gem,’ and ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ are all great choices. Sweetbay

Magnolia (M. virginiana) can be either evergreen or deciduous but is also native to our region and is adapted to our climate.

• Evergreen Hollies (Ilex cornuta, I. vomitoria, I. opaca, etc.) also have waxy leaves and will are very heat and drought tolerant. Hollies have the added bonus of being excellent choices for attracting pollinating insects. Both native and honeybees flock to the tiny, white flowers in spring. Garden centers are seldom in short supply of old standards like ‘Needlepoint,’ ‘Nelly R. Stevens,’ or ‘Yaupon’ hollies, and a host of other cultivars.

• Willow oak (Quercus phellos) is a deciduous native and is a Louisiana Super Plant selection. Willow oaks grow fast and will provide a lot of shade at maturity. Wildlife will take advantage of the habitat and the small, pumpkin-fleshed acorns every year. Fallen leaves can be used as mulch in the vegetable garden or in ornamental beds or can be chopped up and added to the compost pile. Willow oak is a bottomland species but is extremely tolerant of high temperatures and dry conditions. They do need plenty of space, so take that into consideration if planning to install one on your property. Other native oaks are also great additions to the landscape if they have enough room to fill out uninhibited.

• Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) is seen often in ArkLaMiss landscapes, but it’s still kind of a “best kept secret.” Though it prefers more arid conditions than we typically have, it will still thrive in our oppressive heat. Install Texas Sage in the sunniest locations in your landscape and basically let it go. This is a plant to keep in mind for a xeriscape. It blooms profusely after a rain or with frequent watering, which isn’t a requirement. And, Texas Sage will attract hummingbirds and pollinators to your garden in droves. I’ve often said Texas Sage is underutilized in our area. This long scorching summer may be a good reason to remedy that.

Folks, be careful out there. Stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and make sure outdoor pets have access to shade and plenty of fresh water. Be sure to join me on Tuesday afternoons at 4:30 on Louisiana Living, and on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:45 on KWCL 96.7 FM for the television and radio installments of In the Garden.

Tune in to Louisiana Living every Tuesday at 4:30 for In the Garden with Kerry Heafner of the LSU AgCenter.

Tropical Hibiscus like ‘Tradewinds’ will provide color all summer long no matter how high the mercury rises!

Photo: LSU AgCenter.

‘Serenita Raspberry’ and other varieties of Angelonia will flower despite high temperatures and humidity.

CONCEALING THE TRUTH

by Guy Miller, Vice Chair Emeritus, Chennault Aviation and Military Museum

In the Sportsman’s Paradise camouflage clothing is worn all the time. Camo is a hunting necessity, a hobby self-identification and a fashion statement all in one. Yet camo for hunting and fashion became popular only within my lifetime and its provenance is found in military camouflage.

The purpose of camouflage is to either mimic something else or to make something difficult to see. The word “camouflage” is derived from the French “camoufler” which is slang for “to disguise.” “Camoufler” is believed to come from “camouflet” which means a “puff of smoke.” It is definitely harder to see something clearly when it is hidden by a puff of smoke.

While most histories of camouflage claim it was invented by the French in WWI; that is true only for patterned camouflage. Animals have used camouflage since the Garden of Eden. The Roman Navy understood a need for concealment when it painted some galleys sea blue and clothed their sailors in the same color. During the French and Indian War of the mid-18th century, Rogers Rangers, a British unit of colonial Americans, wore green to better conceal themselves in our eastern forests. By the 19th century, European armies began switching to brown or khaki combat uniforms to better blend into natural surroundings. Those armies which still had non-earth tone uniforms quickly learned to smear mud on them for concealment.

Naturalist and artist Abbott Thayer wrote the book “Concealing Coloration in the Animal Kingdom” in 1909 which became essential reading for generals and strategists. French academics then studied the effectiveness of camouflage in combat in the 1910s. French artist Lucien-Victor Guirand de Scévola began painting camo patterns on cloth in 1914 and was put in charge of the army’s Section de Camouflage in 1915. That military then drafted other professional artists such as expressionist Paul Klee and surrealist Roland Penrose to

develop new patterns.

Some camouflage was developed for concealment, some, like the ‘dazzle’ patterns used on ships and some aircraft, to make it harder to determine size and speed. Aircraft were also often countershaded; that is they were painted with different schemes above and below to camouflage them against the ground and sky respectively. Camouflage was first used for these big things such as ships, airplanes and also netting to cover machine gun positions and equipment. Eventually, helmets began to be painted in camo patterns.

At this point in time, visual deception was a standard part of military strategy. When World War II began, military organizations worldwide raced to create varieties of concealment and disruptive patterns that could be adaptable to changing environments. Armies developed patterns specific to the natural colors of the combat theaters in which they fought. The German army, for instance, developed and issued no less than ten patterns, some of which were printed on reversible clothing to accommodate differing seasons and terrain.

It was not enough for an army to develop a good pattern for the local combat environment. Combat commanders quickly learned the pattern also had to be easily distinguishable from the enemy’s pattern. The U.S. Marine Corps used a pattern called “frog skin” on helmet covers and some uniforms in the Pacific theater. The U.S. Army began issuing “frog skin” uniforms in Europe but found it was often tragically mistaken for a similar pattern worn by the German Waffen-SS.

As the technology of war-fighting has improved over time, military camouflage has had to adapt. Radar rendered moot any attempt to conceal ship and aircraft size and speed with camouflage. The development of night vision devices necessitated the need for textiles designed to reflect infrared. Practical considerations and cost also limit the essentially endless choices of

method and effort devoted to camouflage techniques. Paint adds drag and weight to aircraft which limits their range and payload capacity. Ground-use camouflage must accommodate both the weather and the need for rapid troop and equipment movement.

How effective a pattern is depends on colors and tonal contrast. No single camouflage pattern can be effective in all terrains. The U.S. Army made an attempt with its UCP pattern in 2004 but it proved insufficient under combat conditions.

Unlike a civilian hunter, military units might need to cross several terrain types such as woodland, farmland and urban within a single day. The photo-realistic depictions of tree bark or leaves found on hunting camo is not acceptable for combat use. Soldiers need patterns designed to work in a range of environments. With uniform costs being a substantial part of an army’s budget, most armies which operate globally have two separate combat uniforms, one for woodland and jungle and another for desert and dry terrain.

Using a 1945 German pattern as the starting point, the US Army developed the ERDL pattern in the late 1940s and it is widely known as the “Vietnam” pattern. But ERDL came in two color patterns- more brown or more green- so it morphed into the single Woodlands pattern by the 1980s. A separate tan and brown pattern was then developed for desert warfare.

Pixilated “digital” and “multicamstyle” patterns with elements of scale invariance are now in wide military use. These were developed to soften the contrast between colors from both afar and near to blend in better with the surroundings. Finally, modern multi-spectral camouflage addresses visibility not only to visible light but also near infrared, short-wave infrared, radar, ultraviolet, and thermal imaging. Knowing all this, I wonder if I should switch from Realtree?

I REMEMBER

FACING POTENTIAL DISASTER

I REMEMBER what could have been a frustrating and a potentially devastating occurrence as Mr. Gene Allen, his wife Nancy, and I were headed to Maybank, Texas, to be part of the celebration of the “surprise” marriage proposal which was to be made to our granddaughter, Anna Katherine Lipe. “AK’s” mother, Mary Linda, is the daughter of the Allens and her father is my son, Jonathan. This proposal was supposed to be sprung upon an unaware maiden and we grandparents were invited to be part of the excitement.

Because of my age, some in the family think (with substantial reason) that the drive from Delhi to east Texas is more than I can handle and more than they are willing to risk. Thankfully, the Allens graciously invited me to make the three-hundred-mile jaunt with them in their motor home, a vehicle with all the comforts of one’s abode. How fortunate can an old grandfather be!?

Everything was going well with good fellowship, delicious snacks, and the coolness produced by the motor home’s air conditioning system. The latter was especially welcomed because the weather outside was HOT! We were about 30 miles east of the I-20 Tyler exit when it happened! The engine in the vehicle, out of the blue, lost most of its “get-up-and-go”. Even though Mr. Allen pushed the accelerator to the floor, the motor responded only about half way. (And remember, it was HOT). What should we do? What if the engine shut down completely? Mr. Allen humorously suggested that Mrs. Nancy and I might have to get out and push! I was confident that he was teasing, because if I am too old to drive, surely I am too old to push!

We finally got to the Tyler exit, and Mr. Allen pulled off I-20, hoping that we might find a mechanic in that area. He drove

into a parking lot and shut the engine down. After a couple of minutes, he observed that the issue could be related to one of the multiple computer systems that controlled the motor home. When a computer “acts up”, we are told that the first thing we should do is to turn it off, wait a little while, and then re-boot the rascal. So, he put that principle into practice, and engine perked up like new. Once again, we realized that God is good! We experienced no more problems in reaching our destination or on the way home!

As we face the challenges and trials of life, sometimes it seems as if our minds are like the motor home engine: we just “hit a wall” and can’t seem to make any progress. When that occurs, perhaps we need to “shut off the engine” and shift our focus to the Lord and His grace. Rather than allowing our lack of strength to frustrate and confound us, we can reflect on how great the Lord is and remember His promise: “My grace is sufficient for you.” (II Corinthians 12:9). Time and again, this approach has worked for me.

I am confident that it will also be effective for anyone who gives it a try. If, for some reason, you are operating on halfpower, try refocusing on the Lord and see if He can’t revive your “motor”.

As we resumed our journey to Maybank, I noticed a little grin on Mrs. Nancy’s face, and I wondered what was going through her mind. I think I might have figured it out. It is my belief that, as she reflected on the problem that had just been resolved, this thought came to her mind: “Can I find a key that will allow me to shut Gene off, and then, when it is convenient, I can just re-boot him?” Should she succeed in such a quest, I suspect that wives everywhere would be willing to invest is such a gadget!

article by PAUL LIPE opinion expressed is that of the writer

IF, FOR SOME REASON, YOU ARE OPERATING ON HALF-POWER, TRY REFOCUSING ON THE LORD AND SEE IF HE CAN’T REVIVE YOUR “MOTOR”.

Fishing with Kenny

Go

Small Before Fall article by

KENNY COVINGTON

As I have noted in many of my Bayou Life “Fishing with Kenny” articles over the years, September is the hardest month in a calendar year to catch bass. In August and September, when most people are in the woods preparing for the upcoming hunting season, I have spent many hours on uncrowded waters trying to figure out the how’s and why’s of the late summer/early fall bass and the difficulty trying to catch them. Even after all these years, it is still quite the challenge.

The reasons why even the best anglers find this time of the year a challenge can be numerous, but I have pinpointed five I believe to be the most important. They are water level, water temperature, oxygen content, the size and abundance of shad, and the mood of the bass. All five have a hand in the successes, as well as the failures, of September bass fishing. Let’s take a closer look at why these are so important.

When I launch my boat on a body of water, the first thing I take into consideration is the lake level. Many times this time of year, due to excessive heat and lack of rain in the previous months, the water levels will be as much as two foot lower than the normal pool stage. This can change the overall complexion of a lake, but it doesn’t have to change your approach when determining the best way to fish it.

The next factor I consider, regardless of the lower water levels, is that a lot of fish on any given body of water will migrate to shallower water, even with water temperatures over 90 degrees, due to the better oxygen content. Anglers often overlook, and have a hard time understanding, the oxygen content in shallow water often being much better than the water found in the deeper areas of the lake due to the lake’s thermocline.

This thermocline, and the abundance of oxygen created in shallow water, is what causes the mass movement of shad to the surface and shallow water areas. Of all the factors, I believe the presence of baitfish to be the #1 factor to catching bass this time of year. The fluctuating water levels, the excessive presence of pleasure boaters, and adjustments required to deal with the higher water temperatures, causes bass to become very finicky and even more difficult to catch. But there are still ways to catch them!

One of the things I do this time of year, I try to make each day on the water equivalent to a six-rod fishing trip. My choice of lures is very simple and based on the fact I am usually targeting bass that are feeding on extremely small shad, I rarely go through a multiple choice of lures. I stick to the ones I have found to be tried and true, and I keep them wet until I can find a concentration of fish. My six

lure choices: a Japanese Shad colored Yellow Magic, a ¼ chrome/blue Rat L Trap, a ¼ white buzzbait, an 1/8 Firecracker colored spinnerbait, a small shad pattern squarebill crankbait and a bitsy flip jig, allow me to thoroughly cover the shallow water depths, from the surface down to about six feet.

My daily plan or my tournament practice day is simple: pick an area of the lake, turn my trolling motor on medium, and cover as much water as I can. To me, this time of year is about covering water until I find shad or run into a concentration of actively feeding fish, making note of any irregularities I may come across as I fish. Simple changes in contour or cover can be bass magnets.

I like to start out each morning with the spinnerbait/buzzbait combination, to get a feel for what might be going on in the part of the lake I am fishing. I like to use the Rat L Trap and Squarebill as complementary lures, especially in areas I may have already covered. I use the Yellow Magic as more of a specific or individual cover type of lure and it is especially effective when fished around grass. My bitsy flip jig is a bream pattern with a matching trailer, and is used as a follow up lure in areas covered by faster moving lures.

A few other things to keep in mind this time of year: depth change, available cover, and water clarity. Always remember, fish can never be too shallow and if fish are located in a foot of water, two foot of water can be the only depth change they need to hold them. Cover, or a lack there of, is not always a bad thing. Bass this time of year are notorious for moving around in packs, chasing bait and not relating to anything, especially when they are found on vast grass flats. Isolated wood cover can be a big fish magnet and should always be targeted, no matter how isolated it may be.

While it can be important in other times of the year, water clarity is the one variable I seldom consider this time of year. With water levels low, and little fluctuation, the water will usually be more on the clear side. One thing about clearer water is you want to make sure your retrieves are faster than you might normally consider, you don’t want the fish to get too good of a look at your offering. Please note: if I am dealing with highly stained or muddy water, I will adjust my lure colors accordingly, but I will still use the smaller versions.

Well, it looks as though we have run out of space and time for another month. I hope we were able to share with you some information that will help put more fish in your boat the next time you hit the water. Please be mindful of everyone you share the water with and leave your lake better than the way you found it.

Catch one for me and I will see you next month!

Smile Brighter and Healthier

Routine Check-Ups Keep Your Smile Happy and Strong!

DENTAL APPOINTMENTS SHOULDN’T ONLY BE MADE when there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Staying in front of problems before they occur is the key to a long-lasting, healthy smile. Routine dental check-ups can prevent a wide variety of problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. They can also help the pain and cost of each of these problems. At NELA Dental, we pride ourselves on making these routine check ups as comfortable and affordable as possible.

PREVENT THE PROBLEM

Regular dental check-ups are crucial for preventing dental problems. During these visits, we thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and oral tissues to identify any signs of decay, cavities, gum disease, or other dental issues. Early detection allows for prompt intervention and treatment, preventing the problem from escalating into more serious and costly conditions.

Dental check-ups also provide an opportunity for us to perform professional teeth cleaning. Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas, leading to gum disease and cavities. Professional cleaning ensures the removal of these harmful deposits which promotes healthier gums and a cleaner, brighter smile.

These check-ups are also an opportunity for you to address any concerns or questions you may have about your oral health. We can provide personalized solutions to dental problems such as teeth sensitivity, bad breath, or teeth grinding. Addressing these concerns promptly can improve the quality of your life and can also prevent further damage to your oral health.

ORAL CANCER DETECTION

Check-ups also play a significant role in preventing oral cancer. During these routine visits, we carefully examine the oral cavity, including the tongue, gums, and throat, for any signs of abnormalities or suspicious lesions. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment and better outcomes. We can identify potential risk factors and warning signs, such as persistent sores, red or white patches, or unexplained bleeding, which might indicate the presence of oral cancer or precancerous conditions. By detecting these signs early, patients can be referred for further evaluation and timely intervention which greatly increases the chance of successful treatment and reduces the impact of oral cancer on overall health. Regular dental check-ups are vital for

promoting early detection and prevention and helping to safeguard your oral health and well being.

CATCHING PROBLEMS EARLY

Regular check-ups aren’t just important for adults, but for children as well. Regular dental appointments are important for children as they play a crucial role in maintaining their oral health and overall well being. These routine visits offer numerous benefits that contribute to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Early detection of dental issues is one of the primary reasons for regular check-ups. Children are prone to developing dental problems such as cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease due to their developing oral hygiene habits and dietary choices. With regular visits, we can identify these issues in their initial stages, preventing them from escalating into more serious and painful conditions.

Dental check-ups also allow us to monitor the development of the children’s teeth and jaw structures. As their mouths grow and change, potential orthodontic issues may arise. Early detection of such problems enables timely intervention and treatment, minimizing the need for extensive orthodontic procedures later in life.

Routine check-ups also serve as an opportunity for dental education. We use these visits to teach children and their parents about proper oral hygiene practices. Children learn effective brushing and flossing techniques and receive dietary recommendations to maintain healthy teeth and gums. This knowledge empowers children to take responsibility for their oral health, promoting good habits that last a lifetime. Plus, routine visits will build a strong comfort level for the dentist as they get older.

ROUTINE VISITS COVERED WITH OUR MEMBERSHIP PLAN

We accept most major dental insurance plans, third-party payments, and offer flexible financing options. NELA Dental wants to make things financially easier for our patients. That’s why we offer membership plans as an alternative to insurance.

Our membership plans offer no deductibles, no maximums, and no denials. It includes two exams and cleanings and one set of bite-wing x-rays per year and 20% off all other services. While most insurance plans cap payouts each year, there are no limits to the benefits of our membership plans.

Call one of our convenient locations in Farmerville and Monroe to schedule your appointment today!y

LUXE LEATHER

Embrace the season with luxurious leather. From shorts to a classic jacket, leather takes center stage this fall as one of the season’s biggest trends. Find these looks and more at area boutiques.

(LEFT TO RIGHT) THE NUDE NOMAD, HERRINGSTONES, DUSTY & COMPANY, RIVER OUTFITTERS, HEMLINE MONROE, PALETTE HOUSE & PLUME, BELLA TRÉS

MODEL: ELLIE BAKEER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK HAIR AND MAKEUP BY MEKA BENNETT

MWM Restaurant Week

Celebrate MWM Restaurant Week in Monroe-West Monroe this September 11-17

FOOD SHOULDN’T JUST BE FOR THOUGHT – IT SHOULD be for sharing, savoring, and celebrating. Join Discover MonroeWest Monroe in doing just that with our first ever MWM Restaurant Week held September 11th-17th. This week-long culinary celebration is designed to highlight our restaurant culture and local food scene in Ouachita parish!

“We are excited to host our inaugural MWM Restaurant Week this September 11th-17th,” said Sheila Snow, Vice President of Communications for Discover Monroe-West Monroe. “This week is a celebration of all things culinary in Ouachita Parish. It’s a chance for restaurants to showcase their talented chefs and for those dining to indulge in new menu items and classic local favorites.”

So, mark your calendars for a week filled with flavor. This week works by having locally owned restaurants offer fixed price menu options. Lunch options will range from $10, $15, or $20 and dinner options will range from $25, $35, or $50. You may even find new menu specials at these prices! Participating restaurants will offer these specials each day from September 11th through 17th during their normal restaurant hours.

Participating restaurants and their specials include:

Kravins:

• $10 Lunch Special - The Wingbo: 10 piece wing combo with fresh cut fries and a drink

• $15 Lunch Special - The Sampler: Homemade burger, 6 wings, fresh cut fries, and a drink

Waterfront Grill:

• $15 Lunch Special: Chicken Chef Salad with a beverage

• $15 Lunch Special: Chicken Sandwich with chips and a beverage

Jac’s Craft Smokehouse:

• $10 Lunch Special: 6 smoked wings with fries

• $50 Dinner for 2: 1st course of Duck Fat Fried Hoe Cakes with Raspberry Chipotle Jam. 2nd course option of Seasonal

Greens & Buttermilk Dressing or Kale Caesar. 3rd Course option of Duroc Chop with Hoppin John & Ancho Maple Bourbon Glaze, Half Smoked Chicken with Cornbread Dressing & Andoullie Gravy, or Handmade Pappardelle

Pasta with Farm Fresh Squash and Zucchini Ribbons with

a Creamy Primavera Sauce. 4th course of Peach Handpies rolled in Orange Blossom Sugar.

Okaloosa:

• $10 Lunch Special: Choice of Pokaloosa bowl or salad

• $25 Dinner Special: Choice of Two Pokealoosa bowls or salads + two glasses or wine, beer, or cocktails

Aron’s Diner:

• $10 Lunch Special: Cheeseburger, fries, and a shake

Danken Trail:

• $10 Lunch Special: 1/2 chicken plate with 2 sides and toast

• $35 Dinner Special: 3-5 person family chicken meal with 2 family sides and toast

Catfish Charlie’s:

• $10 Lunch OR Dinner Special: Thin & Crispy Catfish Plate with fries and a drink

• $15 Lunch OR Dinner Special: Catfish D’Arbonne (a succulent catfish fillet, fried, grilled or blackened, on a bed of rice with crawfish cream sauce) with a drink.

Restaurant Cotton:

• $15 Lunch Special: Choice of Handheld + tea + choice of dessert

• $50 Dinner Special: A Taste of Cotton Dinner for Two (details to come)

Scott’s Catfish:

• $15 Lunch Special: 1 Catfish Filet Grilled and 2 Fried Catfish Strips over Dirty Rice with choice of side and drink

• $15 Lunch Special: Bite Size Shrimp Salad (Grilled or Fried) with a drink

Additional participating restaurants include Parish Restaurant and Delta Biscuit Company.

“We can’t wait for everyone to get out and visit our participating restaurants for MWM Restaurant Week,” Snow said. “With these lunch specials, dinner for 2 options, and even a family meal, we’ve truly got something for every diner this week.”

To stay up to date on all the things happening for MWM Restaurant Week, visit mwmrestaurantweek.com or follow Discover Monroe-West Monroe on Facebook and Instagram.

Serenity Care Providers

What is Home Care?

HOME CARE SERVICES ENCOMPASS A RANGE OF non-medical personal care services, also called “non-skilled” services. These services are designed to enhance the life of the client, help them remain in their home (age in place), and bring peace of mind to their family and friends.

Home Care services come in all shapes and sizes, and are entirely customizable to a client’s, or their family’s needs. At the most basic level, home care refers to any service that helps keep an individual safe and comfortable in their own home. Home Care services are designed to assist with daily activities and personal care. From companionship to 24/7 assistance or supervision for safety and comfort, home care services are designed to help the client age in place for as long as possible.

WHEN IS IT TIME FOR HOME CARE?

Home care would be an option if someone requires assistance with any of the following:

• Bathing, dressing, toileting, moving safely throughout the house

• Recovering after a recent illness or hospital stay

• Help buying groceries, cooking meals, cleaning the kitchen, doing laundry

• Assistance getting to and from appointments or outings

• Medication reminders

• Companionship

• 24/7 assistance or supervision for safety or comfort

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HOME CARE?

1. Home care maintains dignity. People who receive care in their home have the privilege of establishing trusting relationships with their caregivers and can receive one-on-one care in the privacy of their home. Having care in the home is more direct, and therefore, more personalized. This is far more beneficial than having to split care between multiple patients at the same facility.

2. Home care soothes the soul. I have been told many times “Aging isn’t for sissies!” Aging can come with a variety of challenges and obstacles such as losing friends and loved ones, losing the privilege to drive, and losing independence. Home care allows people to hang on to the things that mean the most to them while still receiving the

assistance and care they need. The familiarity of home, the comfort of their own bed, and all the memories left at the kitchen table can help care recipients achieve better sleep and gain better control of pain and anxiety.

3. Home care provides safety benefits. Aging comes with reductions in vison, hearing, balance, and mobility. Providing assistance in an environment someone knows well can reduce the risk of confusion, surprises, and falls that could lead to debilitating and painful injuries.

4. Home care promotes nurturing relationships. Isolation and lack of social interaction can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and even a decrease in mobility. Home care allows seniors to continue to stay connected to their friends and family, and even offers the opportunity to host social events in their homes if they wish. Caregivers can be helpful in preparing for hosting in advance by assisting in preparing snacks, drinks, or gifts to have on hand.

5. Home care allows seniors a choice and promotes independence. .Home care serves a critical role in the healthcare system by allowing people the opportunity to make decisions about their care while also considering the risks involved. Seniors who age in place can live life on their own terms, with more privacy, even when under the professional care of a hired aide. When aging in place, older adults can exert a greater level of control over their personal lives, choosing their routines, making decisions, and maintaining a sense of stability in their home. This can lead to increased levels of happiness, fulfillment, and personal satisfaction– all critical factors that contribute to better physical function, improved mental health, and a higher quality of life.

Many times, families play a fundamental role in providing care and support to their loved ones. And while care plans are created from a person-centered aspect, they are often created together with the client and family.

6. Home care offers cost savings. Many times, an aging loved one is placed in a nursing facility when they’re no longer able to manage one aspect of their care at home. For example, when a person is unable to bathe or prepare themselves a meal, a family may think a facility is the only solution. By providing only the services people need at home, home care can significantly reduce the cost of care and the burden from patients.

Marsala Beverage

Bud Light is Gearing Up for Football Season

FOOTBALL IS BACK! THE NATION’S largest beer brand is gearing up for another action-packed football season. Whether it is a fantasy football draft, Saturday College Gamedays, NFL Sundays or Monday Night Football, make sure Bud Light is a part of your gameday tradition.

BUD LIGHT

In 1982, Anheuser-Busch introduced Bud Light nationally. Bud Light, the most popular beer in the country, is a light-bodied lager with a fresh, clean and subtle hop aroma. Its delicate malt sweetness and crisp finish provide the ultimate refreshment. Bud Light is brewed using a blend of premium aroma hop varieties, both American-grown and imported, and a combination of barley malts and rice. Its superior drinkability and refreshing flavor make it the world’s favorite light beer. Bud Light contains 4.2 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE

This football season, Bud Light will once again be the official beer of the NFL. As a matter of fact, Bud Light has been the official beer of the NFL since 2011 and has renewed its sponsorship through the 2022 Super Bowl. As the partnership with the NFL continues, Bud Light is also committed to partnering with 28 of the 32 NFL teams. Lucky for us, Bud Light and the New Orleans Saints have had an excellent partnership. This season, be on the lookout for Saints branded Bud Light packaging on Bud Light Suitcases and Bud Light Aluminum Bottles.

Although Bud Light is a massive global brand, with partners like the NFL, a focus of Marsala Beverage is to make sure that Bud Light continues to stay entrenched in the community of Northeast Louisiana. One important reason the Bud Light brand is so successful in this market is the local sports partnerships that we have. Bud Light takes a great amount of pride in being the only malt beverage brand to have partnerships with ULM, Louisiana Tech and LSU. “These universities are the backbone of our communities and it is important to Marsala Beverage that Bud Light supports them,” says VP of Marketing Tyler Flemister.

UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE

ULM and Bud Light have had an excellent partnership for over 50 years. This partnership goes as far back as when Marsala Beverage was Budco Distributing. This partnership is something that has a tremendous value to the Bud Light brand in Northeast Louisiana. Over the past eight years Bud Light has been the exclusive beer sponsor of the ULM Warhawks. As the ULM athletic department rebrands themselves this year, Bud Light has many new assets in the market. Please be on the lookout for them this fall. So, grab some Bud Lights and come on out to the grove to help the Warhawks #DEFENDTHENEST

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Bud Light has been the exclusive beer partner of the LSU Tigers for over 10 years. This year something very exciting is happening. The LSU logo will be placed

on the Bud Light Aluminum bottle for the first time ever! In fact, LSU will be the only school in the country that will have their logo on a Bud Light aluminum bottle this football season. Geaux Tigers!

Locally, Marsala Beverage employs about 100 full-time employees. Marsala Beverage, LP is the largest malt beverage, wine/spirits and non-alcoholic distributor in Northeast Louisiana. Their success is based on the fact that they never lose sight of delivering what is really important –quality products, timely service and a genuine concern for our customers’ needs. Annually, they deliver over 2.4 million cases of beverages to over 700 retail accounts. Please find us at www.marsalabeverage. com or follow us on social media:

Facebook: Marsala Beverage

Twitter: @marsalabeverage1

Instagram: @marsalabeverage

STRUCTURE OF STYLE

Hang up the linen and bust out perfectly tailored looks for fall. Structured pieces are sure to make a statement this season. Find these looks at area boutiques.

photography by Kelly Moore Clark

Left to Right: Lauren is wearing a structured floral dress from The Nude Nomad. Rachel is wearing a cobalt blue dress with asymmetrical hem and neckline from Hemline Monroe.

STRUCTURE OF STYLE

Left to Right: Addison is wearing a structured top and wide legged ivory pants from Palette House and Plume. Emarie looks chic in a fitted black pant, and leopard print shirt worn under a classic knit vest from HerringStone’s. Cait is rocking an ivory leather flounce skirt and black sweater vest from River Outfitters

30 Years of Visionary Excellence

A Legacy of Care and Clarity

AT FAMILY EYE CARE, WE ARE THRILLED TO MARK A significant milestone in our journey- 30 years of dedicated service to our beloved community. As we look back on this incredible milestone, we are reminded of the trust you have placed in us and the privilege of being your partners in maintaining and enhancing your precious gift of sight. For three decades, Dr. William Gordon and their dedicated team have been a beacon of expertise, compassion, and innovation in the field of eye care. As they celebrate this remarkable milestone, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the journey that has shaped he and staff into the trusted institution they are today.

A JOURNEY OF EXPERTISE AND EXCELLENCE

Three decades ago, Dr. William Gordon embarked on a journey to provide exceptional eye care to their community. With a commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in the field, they have earned a reputation for their unwavering dedication to their patients’ visual health. Family Eye Care opened its doors in 1993 with four full time employees and one part time employee. Since 1993, Dr. Gordon has grown his practice by adding two Optometrists, Dr. Lamar and Dr. Polk, along with multiple employees while also expanding his office to meet the demand of growing patients. Diane Gates has worked with Dr. Gordon for 40 years and Cindy Lambert has worked with him for 34 years. Charlene Gordon, Dr. Gordon’s wife, has worked with him for 30 years. These long standing relationships speak volumes about his practice.

ADVANCING TECHNOLOGY, ELEVATING CARE

Throughout the years, Dr. Gordon has embraced cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies, ensuring that their patients receive the best care available. He and his staff take pride in offering the latest innovative instruments to diagnose and help treat patients in not only Northeast Louisiana, but South Arkansas as well. Family Eye Care provides diagnosis and treatment in dry eye disease with advanced procedures including Optilight intense pulse light treatment. Our facility utilizes Optos digital retinal imaging, Zeiss OCT, Visual Field Testing, Oculus Cornell topography and mapping technology and much more advanced ophthalmic instrumentation. Drs Gordon, Lamar & Polk treat Keratoconus, Glaucoma and other eye diseases. The doctors there are utilizing new technology with Prokera amniotic membranes to treat corneal disease and fit the new advanced sclera and hybrid contact lenses. In the workplace we provide staff education and training

to ensure that our staff is professionally trained. Currently, several members of our staff have successfully passed the National Certification test to become certified para optometric technicians. Family Eye Care provides that training and the continuing education hours to support the certification for the para professional program. Dr. Gordon was awarded the Optometrist of the Year 2016 by the Optometry Association of Louisiana. Dr. Gordon has served as the Vice President and President of the Louisiana Optometry Association. From early detection of eye diseases to innovative vision correction procedures, they have truly been pioneers in the pursuit of clearer, healthier vision.

IMPACT BEYOND EYE HEALTH

Beyond their clinical expertise, Dr. Gordon, Dr. Lamar, and Dr. Polk have touched countless lives through their compassionate approach and dedication to patient education. By fostering understanding and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their eye health, they have become more than just a medical practice- they are a trusted partner on the journey to clearer vision.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION AND TRUST

Our 30-year journey is not just about providing medical care; it’s about being an integral part of the community we serve. We’ve participated in health initiative, supported local events, and shared our expertise to promote eye health awareness. One of the hallmarks of Dr. Gordon’s practice is the strong bond they’ve developed with their community. For three decades, they have been a constant presence, a source of support, and a symbol of trust for generations of families seeking exceptional eye care. It’s the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that has made these years truly meaningful.

A CELEBRATION OF GRATITUDE AND FUTURE PROMISE

As Family Eye Care marks their 30th anniversary, they are not only celebrating the past but also looking forward to the future with excitement and gratitude. To honor their patients’ loyalty and trust, they invite you to join them on September 8th from 1-4 p.m. to celebrate with food, drinks and take a walk down memory lane with them. This is not just a celebration but a heartfelt gesture of appreciation for the continued support that has fueled their journey and successful practice.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, Family Eye Care stands as a shining example of dedication, integrity, and patient-centered care. Here’s too many more decades of helping people see the world more clearly, one eye at a time.

Red River Revel Arts Festival

Come Celebrate the Arts at the Largest Outdoor Festival in North Louisiana

CELEBRATING ITS 47TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR, THE Red River Revel Arts Festival returns September 30th – October 8th, 2023. The Red River Revel Arts Festival is the largest outdoor festival in North Louisiana, attracting thousands of locals and visitors to “Celebrate the Arts” together. The Red River Revel Arts Festival brings an extensive array of exciting and unique experiences to the Shreveport Riverfront. This multi-award-winning festival will feature more than 100 juried visual artists from across the country, over 80 musical, theatrical, and performing arts entertainment on three stages, over 100 menu items of delicious food, and an area dedicated to introducing children to the arts. Each day will offer new experiences and memories, so get ready to revel! Here’s your guide to the 47th Annual Red River Revel Arts Festival.

ARTISTS

Artists from across the country and beyond annually make the Red River Revel Arts Festival their home the first week in October. For the first time in more than a decade, the Red River Revel will have over 100 artists showcasing their one-of-a-kind works of art including ceramics/ pottery, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, oil/acrylics, photography, sculpture, watercolor, wood, and more. The wide price range of pieces allows for shopping options to fit any guests’ budget. Stroll down Art Alley to view the varied artworks of established artists, visit the Emerging Artist Tent to see up and coming artists and their work, and support local artisans in the Market Area. Some artists rotate during the week, so guests are encouraged to return to see who is new to these areas.

MUSIC

The Red River Revel Arts Festival is synonymous with bringing in chart-topping names in music from across the country along with your favorite local and regional acts and this year is no different! With over 80 performances on three stages, music will fill Festival Plaza every day of the Revel! Headliners for the 47th Annual Red River Revel Arts Festival includes nationally touring artists such as Paul Cauthen, Eric Gales, Here Come the Mummies, Sophie B. Hawkins, Hulvey, Dee-1, and a Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with a secret roster of national, regional, and local contributing artists.

FOOD

Bring your appetite to the Revel! The Red River Revel Arts Festival is a place where one may find unique menu items such as boudin balls, meat pies, chicken and waffles, funnel cakes and more! Food stations are operated by local nonprofit organizations, booster clubs, schools, and other community groups along with for-profit vendors. Whether you are looking

for something savory or sweet, we have you covered!

KIDS’ ACTIVITIES

The Red River Revel Arts Festival provides an opportunity for children to experience first-hand performing, visual arts, and hands-on art activities. The Red River Revel is expanding the footprint of the festival in 2023, returning the children’s activity area to the parking lot adjacent to Sci-Port Discovery Center, deepening our existing relationship with Sci-Port to offer special discounted admission, new free experiences, and special weekend events. The rebranded “Discovery Maker Zone” (or “DMZ” for short) will feature festival classics along with the addition of new experiences and activities, as well as a third entertainment stage for the DMZ. Children can channel their inner artist at the sand art station, become an archaeologist in the mock geological dig, use their imagination in Shreve Memorial Library Land, shop for the perfect ingredients at the Brookshire’s Mini Grocery Store, and a festival favorite, get their face painted. Many of the kids’ activities are free with admission, while others may be ticketed or have a nominal fee.

ADMISSION

The Red River Revel Arts Festival officially opens Saturday, September 30th and runs through Sunday, October 8, 2023. The festival hours will be 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sundays, Monday through Wednesday; and 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The new Discovery Maker Zone (DMZ) will operate from Monday-Friday from 4:00 pm 8:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Daily admission is $5.00 from 5:00 p.m. to close Monday through Friday and all-day Saturday and Sunday. Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 5:00 p.m. admission is free of charge. A $10.00 Reveler Pass allows guests access into the festival any day/time.

Military, police, firefighters, and EMS with a valid ID are free of charge any day/time of the festival. (Military must show Barksdale Air Force Base issued ID).

Children ages 12 and under are free of charge any day/time of the festival. (Children must be accompanied by an adult.)

Location: Festival Plaza, 101 Crockett Street, Shreveport, Louisiana

Parking: Free parking is available after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends on metered spots in downtown Shreveport. Free parking is available in designated Revel parking lots. Parking map can be found at www.redriverrevel.com.

Come join us for Art, Music, Food, and FUN at the Revel!

Neville Alumni & Friends Assoc.

The Most Progressive and Influential Supporters of Neville High School

IN THE HEARTWARMING TAPESTRY OF NEVILLE HIGH School’s legacy, a vibrant thread weaves together the Neville Alumni and Friends Association, affectionately known as NAFA. This collective is a testament to the enduring bond shared by Neville alumni and steadfast friends who embrace the institution’s ethos with unwavering passion. Beyond the boundaries of graduation years, this association unites individuals who hold a deep-seated commitment to propelling the school’s excellence to new heights.

The inception of NAFA in 1995 heralded a new chapter in Neville’s journey, one defined by collective ambition and shared dedication. Born with a vision to amplify Neville High School’s triumphs, NAFA’s mission resonates with a focus on fostering perpetual achievement among the Tigers. A cornerstone of this endeavor is the unwavering commitment to academic brilliance, although this commitment transcends into a holistic support for all facets of the school experience.

As a harbinger of transformation, NAFA underscores its allegiance through numerous channels, none more profound than the bestowal of scholarships and awards to deserving students each May. The collective generosity of scholarship sponsors and devoted NAFA members materializes into tangible opportunities for graduating seniors. In a heartening display of community support, the Class of 2023 bore witness to over 41 scholarships that collectively eclipsed an impressive sum of $60,000. This testament to communal goodwill speaks volumes about NAFA’s commitment to nurturing the aspirations of young minds.

The illustrious tradition of the Tiger Scramble Golf Tournament echoes the resounding camaraderie that defines the NAFA community. With its 28th iteration held on June 2, 2023, at the picturesque Bayou DeSiard Country Club, the tournament stands as a proud embodiment of unity with purpose. Not merely a golfing affair, the event also carries the noble charge of supporting the Ruple/ Brown Scholarship Fund. The tournament acts as a magnet, drawing Neville alumni and friends together in celebration, bonding, and the shared aspiration to contribute to a greater cause. The tournament, this year graced by 54 2-person teams, crowned Bill Whatley and Brandon Elkins as the triumphant victors, their victory emblematic of the collaborative spirit that permeates NAFA.

An air of excitement and anticipation envelops the NAFA community as the curtains rise on the brand-new NAFA membership platform and website. A digital haven teeming with a treasure trove of resources, publications, event registration avenues, and interactive community forums, the platform transforms membership engagement into an effortless endeavor. Visitors are invited to explore nafa.tradewing.com to unlock the wealth of offerings and seamlessly manage their NAFA membership. The realization of this digital ecosystem was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Chicken Salad Chick, Frank Nettles Automotive, James Machine Works, LLC, Skent N Dent, and New Health Chiropractic – a testament to the support and camaraderie embedded within the NAFA network.

Rooted in unity and fueled by a shared commitment, NAFA’s ultimate aspiration is to envelop every Tiger supporter—whether alumni or friend—within its embrace. It’s a call to action, an invitation to participate in a grand narrative of collective success. With every hand extended in support, NAFA’s reach can be extended further, allowing it to continue its vital role in nurturing Tiger triumphs for generations to come.

In the dynamic realm of education, community, and shared endeavor, the Neville Alumni and Friends Association stands as a beacon of unity. It showcases the remarkable power of individuals coming together under a common banner, all to uplift and celebrate a beloved institution. With every scholarship awarded, golf swing shared, and digital connection made, NAFA reinforces the enduring spirit of Neville, ensuring that the legacy of excellence lives on through the lives it touches.

As the future unfurls its possibilities, NAFA remains an unwavering pillar of support, underlining its commitment to the growth and prosperity of Neville’s students. Join this resounding chorus, become a part of the Neville Alumni and Friends Association, and contribute to a legacy that endures through the passage of time. Let us come together, as Alumni and Friends, and etch the story of Tiger success in the annals of history.

Twin City Lip Sync Battle

Join Twin City Ballet Company on September 21st at the Monroe Civic Center Arena

IF YOU’VE BEEN TO THE TWIN CITY LIP Sync Battle, you know it’s the most fun event of the year – a night filled with laughs, surprises, singing and dancing to some of the best music of the decades. The production gets better every year, and we promise you don’t want to miss this night full of our cities’ best stars and starlets.

Sarah Schlessman, Natalie Jenkins, Stephanie Davis, and Caron Osbon, are the Beautiful ladies of Beautiful Minds Counseling and Wellness, and they are thrilled to bring you the many faces of Christina Aguilera. Come On Over to the Civic Center to find out What a Girl Wants...

Ashley Hubenthal, realtor with John Rea Realty, will be taking the stage as Fancy herself–Reba McEntire. With Reba’s fiery performance, it’s sure to be the Night that the Lights Go Out in Monroe!

Stacy Gibson, Inventory/Pricing Analyst for Choice Brands, Dusty Teer, owner of local boutique, Dusty & Company, and India McCoy, Relationship Manager at Bezou Financial Planning Group, are ready to Push It Real Good as Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella. These three ladies are part of Louisiana LunaChicks, a community-based group of dancing ladies who support our community, and they are ready to Shoop-Shoop-ba-doop on the Lip Sync stage!

Quentin Henry, owner of Hero Fitness Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Boxing Academy and project manager for Armed Forces Roofing and Construction, will be taking the stage as the Man in Black, Johnny Cash. We just hope he escapes Folsom Prison in time.

Lauren Creekmore, real estate agent with The Harrison Lilly Teams (THLT Realty), will be the Dark Horse of the competition, Katy Perry. Don’t dare underestimate the power of her Roar!

She’s Every Woman... Don’t miss Kandice

Hunter, Hospital Medical Nurse Practitioner at Oschsner LSU Health Monroe, take the stage as the iconic Whitney Houston. You’ll Wanna Dance With Somebody!

It’s Getting Hot In Herre. Jon Gimber, Sales Consultant for Sysco Foods, will be taking the stage in his Air Force Ones as rapper, Nelly. Get ready for some schooling on Country Grammar.

Lisa Miller, Vice President, Enrollment Management and University Relations for ULM, is saying goodbye to Sandra Dee. Her performance as Sandy from Grease with a surprise guest artist as Danny is sure to give you chills . . . they’ll be multiplying!

Kimberly Essex, or Ms. Jackson if ya’ nasty, is the Special Events and Project Coordinator for Mayor Friday Ellis and the City of Monroe. Kim is ready to take you on an Escapade as the unforgettable Janet Jackson.

Chris Horrell, District Sales Manager for Sysco Foods, is bringing Jelly Roll to the Monroe Civic Center and will have you throwing up prayers like Hail Marys. You don’t want to miss this Long-Haired Son of a Sinner and his daughter, Madison Corbell, taking the stage with him as a surprise guest artist.

Let’s Get Loud for Kelsea McCrary, Chief Economic and Cultural Development Officer for the City of Monroe, who will be taking the stage as the spicy Jennifer Lopez. J-Lo will see you On The Floor!

Each of these contestants will be joined by the Senior Company dancers of the Twin City Ballet. You are sure to be blown away by these dancers’ talents and stage presence.

Our esteemed judges for this event will include Makenzie Scroggs, Miss Louisiana 2023, Mayor Staci Albritton Mitchell, mayor of the City of West Monroe, and DeRon Talley, CEO of Key Marketing Solutions, pastor of St. Joseph

Missionary Baptist Church, and former Lip Sync Battle performer. With this group of contestants, they will face a tough feat of picking our top three. But have no fear – our crowd will also have a say in picking a Crowd Favorite with dollar votes, and the performer/performing group with the most votes taking home the trophy.

Last but not least, you’ll be entertained through the night by our comical emcees, Cindy Foust, University Development Officer at ULM, Alpha-kidZ author, and contributing writer for BayouLife, and Russell Moore, owner of Rumo’s Barbershop, and a member of the inaugural Lip Sync crew from 2019.

The event will take place on Thursday, September 21 at the Monroe Civic Center Arena. Doors open at 6:15, and the show will begin at 7:00 p.m. Sponsor tables and general admission tickets may be purchased at twincityballet.org/ performances. Tables are selling fast, so reserve yours asap. Some perks of the sponsor tables include hors d’oeuvres, drink tickets and access to a VIP bar provided by Marsala Beverage. And we won’t sell general admission tickets short –any ticket to this event is a good one.

All proceeds of the Twin City Lip Sync Battle benefit the Twin City Ballet. The Twin City Ballet Company is a nonprofit organization established in 1979 to enrich the cultural environment of Northeast Louisiana and the surrounding areas. Under the artistic direction of Linda Lavender Ford, the dual aims of the company are to create an exciting dance experience in the community and an opportunity for training and stage experience to talented young dancers.

photos by Sam Bourland

BAYOU ARTIST

Emily Morris

EMILY MORRIS SPENDS THE LION’S SHARE OF HER DAY AT MERRILL LYNCH. BUT, AFTER SHE CLOCKS OUT AND SPENDS THE EVENING WITH HER HUSBAND AND CHILDREN, SHE PICKS UP A PAINTBRUSH AND SPENDS THE NEXT FEW HOURS LETTING HER CREATIVE JUICES FLOW.

ARTICLE BY STARLA GATSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

The moon is high in the sky, the kids are tucked in, and the dishes from dinner have been washed and put away. For many, these things signal bedtime, especially if putting in hours at work preceded them. But for Emily Morris, they mean it’s time to paint.

Morris spends the lion’s share of her day at Merrill Lynch, where she has worked as a financial advisor for nearly six years. She explains, “I oversee finances for families in the area and all over the country. We have clients anywhere from California to New York to Tennessee to right here in Monroe.”

Financial advising is her day job, she says, and after she clocks out and spends the evening with her husband and children, she picks up a paintbrush and spends the next few hours letting her creative juices flow. Painting is the Monroe resident’s escape, something she feels she needs to do after spending her day crunching numbers.

“It can be difficult at the end of the day to have the energy to devote to painting,” Morris admits. “But I just get up there and do it. I go upstairs and paint until I’m too tired to stay up anymore.”

Art has held Morris’s interest ever since she was a little girl oohing and aahing over her grandfather’s paintings. Her passion for art and creativity led her to Louisiana Tech University’s graphic design department in 2012. Despite loving to draw and paint, the then-freshman quickly discovered that graphic design wasn’t right for her — “I didn’t like doing art on a computer,” she explains.

At the end of her first year of college, Morris switched her major to speech communication, the field in which she would earn her degree a few years later. After graduation, she put art on the back burner.

“I graduated, got married, had two kids, and was moving all across North Louisiana,” she recalls. “It was a crazy four years.”

But when things began to settle down for the Morrises, the mother of two decided it was time to reconnect with her creative side.

“I always wanted to get back into some form of [art],” Morris says. “I was always trying to do a craft or something with my kids, and finally, in August 2021, I decided I needed to do this for myself. It’s how I keep myself grounded.”

So, for the last two years, Morris has allowed herself that release and settled into a routine of heading upstairs to her studio — “I just use my spare bedroom,” she shares — and swiping brightly colored heavy-body acrylic paint onto canvases. She sells her finished products and takes on commissions occasionally, but going into business wasn’t her intention when she first began this practice.

“I wrote my goals down for 2022, and one of [them] was to maybe sell a painting,” she recalls. “I didn’t think anyone would buy anything; I was just painting stuff to hang on the walls at my house. But almost all of my paintings sold.”

The bright colors Morris often uses certainly call attention to her work — she loves color and has since the color theory class she took

IF YOU WANT TO PAINT OR DRAW, I BELIEVE YOUR ART NEEDS TO BE IN THIS WORLD.”

PAINTING PROGRESS

“This is something a lot of people don’t realize: you have to build up stamina as an artist,” she advises. “You can’t just go in and paint for four hours. Start small and build from there, and eventually, you become quicker and able to get more done.”

with Joey Slaughter her freshman year — but the subject matter of her paintings more than likely draws people in. She makes a point to spend most of her time painting images of ordinary, everyday things. A hand hovering over a cup of coffee, rows of Jeni’s Ice Cream on display in the Whole Foods freezer section, a tube of NARS limited-edition lipstick — these are the types of things Morris puts onto canvases.

“I love a beautiful flower or sunset, and I like to paint those,” she says. “But I’m very inspired by the mundane. I look at my unmade bed, and I could make the scene so much more colorful than it is and bring life to the ordinary.”

She goes on to say that her inspiration can come from anything, and it isn’t unusual for her to spot something she’d like to paint while doing things as simple as driving down the road or making a meal.

“I’m like, ‘OK, that’s a gas station. But how could I paint that with such color and vibrancy that you see it in a new light?’” she explains. “I have this one painting that’s a breakfast scene. It’s of things you use every single day and don’t even pay attention to. I want to draw attention to the fact that little things can be extraordinary.”

Not everyone will understand Morris’s fascination with such seemingly unspecial things, but it makes perfect sense to her. She views the world through a lens of beauty and wants her work to inspire others to do the same.

“I think there are things in life that are inherently beautiful, like springtime when all the flowers are blooming or when the leaves change in the fall,” she states. “But those only happen at certain points of the year. This ordinary day in August when it’s extremely hot outside is just as amazing as that stunning day in May when all the flowers are in full bloom. That’s the point I want to get across. You see this [object] every day, and it becomes normal to you, but it’s not. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Morris enjoys the hours she gets to spend in the evenings appreciating the beauty right in front of her through painting but make no mistake: she has no plans to abandon her nine-to-five for the pursuit of art full-time. Her clients depend on her, and the work she does is a challenge she enjoys.

“I am just trying to get better every single day,” she tells BayouLife when asked about her painting goals and plans. “I don’t want to paint full-time until I retire. I love my job; it stimulates me. I love my clients, I enjoy the people I work with. My goal is to hone my craft and be so efficient that by the time I’m ready to retire, I can have my style nailed down and know what I’m doing.”

Morris is more than content starting small and working up to bigger — perhaps that’s a side effect of the eternal optimism her husband always tells her she has — and that’s the advice she offers anyone who wants to pursue art, whether part- or full-time.

“This is something a lot of people don’t realize: you have to build up stamina as an artist,” she advises. “You can’t just go in and paint for four hours. Start small and build from there, and eventually, you become quicker and able to get more done.”

Even though she’s been consistently working on her art for the past two years, Morris admits she hasn’t quite built the creative stamina she’d like to have. She shares, “I’m not an artist who can crank out paintings every single day. Paintings will take me months.”

This used to bother her, she says, but she’s giving herself permission to travel her artistic journey at her own pace and rest as needed, especially on days when the motivation to paint isn’t there. “It takes me a little bit longer; I’m learning that’s OK,” she says before adding that what matters most is that she’s making art at all.

“If you want to paint or draw, I believe your art needs to be in this world,” she declares.

Morris urges anyone who feels the urge to create to do it. It might be difficult to balance it with other responsibilities, she goes on, and you might not have the ideal studio space. But those shouldn’t be hindrances; if you want to make art, find a way to make art.

“One of the artists that I absolutely love lives in Austin, Texas, and started out in her living room; she taped off a square and it was her art square,” she shares. “You don’t have to have this perfectly lit space; you can make it work for you. You just have to figure out what you like and what’s going to get you motivated to practice your art.”

ARE THE GOOD TIMES REALLY OVER?

ARTICLE BY DAN CHASON

Iremember the first LCG (Liquid Chrystal Graph) that I ever saw. I was a young, aggressive angler who cut my teeth on the massive waters in East Texas named Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend. Back then, my rig consisted of a 18 1/2-foot Skeeter boat with a 150 GT Johnson. It would run all of about 50 mph and you were lucky to go two tournaments without blowing some component of the motor. It was old and I thought I was in heaven after having won my first tournament in a 14-foot jon boat with no outboard motor. All I had was a foot-controlled trolling motor and a flasher. Now some of you don’t understand the concept of a flasher. The reader only showed the depth but when that is all you have you learned to read not only grass, but could read structure and fish if you knew how to set it. On my Skeeter, I had a flasher on the front and an old Eagle graph on the dash that worked when it felt compelled to do so. That was about it. But if you gave me a hydrilla bed of grass, I could pick it apart by reading that old flasher and I was confident and very successful with it.

I decided I had experienced enough success in East Texas to play with the big boys. I did pretty good on the Angler’s Choice Circuit as well as other smaller circuits and thought it was time to step up my game. I set out to pursue my dream of being a BASS pro but decided to spend one year fishing the same lakes they did and hone my skills. Boy, was it time for an eye-opener. I will never forget one tournament on Toledo Bend. It was an Angler’s Choice Team tournament and my partner was R.D. Lewis from south Texas. R.D. was a jig fisherman. He would fish a jig and when he got done with his jig, he would throw a jig. At that time, he fished for Ranger boats and had the best and latest rig. A 20-foot jewel powered by a 200 Mercury; this thing would fly. I had arrived at the lake to prefish and spent a couple of days doing a lot of looking. It was early February and the lake was in its prime. Most creeks were edged by beautiful hydrilla and I found an area where the hydrilla fell

from a 7-foot ledge into the creek. I caught several nice fish and was pretty confident that I could catch a limit. I met up with R.D. and we discussed a game plan. Ironically, he had found some fish close to the area I was fishing and we got prepared for the morning. At blast off that morning, the temperature was a blazing 21 degrees and there was ice on the deck of his boat and on the ramp. The 31 mile run was not going to be fun and it wasn’t. I have never been so cold in my life. All the eyelets in my rods were frozen and I was as well. R. D. is not a big guy and as usual, he grabbed his jig rod and made his first pitch into the hydrilla. I had not even made a cast when he hollared, “Net!” and I saw his rod bow up. His first and only fish weighed 8.3 pounds.

Having the latest and greatest bass boat, he had a Lowrance LCG on the console. I was fishing from the back of the boat and throwing a 3/4 ounce Bulldog spinner bait and they were loving it. Long story short, we checked our time and at 2:00 we had a heavy limit. Having a 40-minute return boat ride, we really wanted to push the time as we needed one more kicker. I had told R.D. that there was a lone cypress tree in the middle of the flat and that I had shook off a good one in practice. R.D. idled to the tree and we never dropped the trolling motor. I made one cast with the spinnerbait and a 7.12 pounder nailed it. We came to the scales with five fish weighing 25.02. There were over 100 teams in the tournament and I could not have been more proud. This culminated in my future when I stepped off the stage to a handshake from a bearded guy with a shirt that said “Champion Boats” and “National Sales Director.” I eventually penned a deal with Champion and fished for them for almost 9 years. I was ready....or so I thought I was ready to play with the big boys.

I entered a tournament that mirrored BASS with the same lakes but on alternate days. My bubble was burst on day one of competition as I came back in with a good stringer to the ramp. I pulled up and beached my boat and saw a Nitro Bass rig with a gentleman sitting on the front of the rig. A taxi cab pulled up that said “Houston Airport” on the side and a well known BASS pro stepped out. It was day one of practice for BASS. The guy on the front of the Nitro handed him a sheet of paper and the pro took off. This pro won that BASS tournament. It was my trial by fire as I learned two things: You aren’t competing against another fisherman only. You are fishing against money, contacts and a team of anglers. I will go into depth next month as to the direction that both BASS and MLF have affected professional fishing. I saw this scenario played out over and over but there are more challenges today for anyone wanting to be a competitive fisherman. Much of this has been set in time over the years and nothing has affected fishing more than the new technology, rigs and behind the scenes actions by a few that to me, have affected where this sport will go in the long run. Tune in next month and I’ll elaborate.

Where’s My Mojo?

Addressing Sexual Wellness Together

BY JUDY WAGONER

WHEN LONG-TERM COUPLES approach an end to their hormonal honeymoon, and the phases of menopause and andropause begin to have a negative impact on sexual function and intimacy, the combined disruption can have a significant effect on the health of the relationship. Some couples believe the decline in their quality of life is inevitable. Others feel hopeless, thinking their partner no longer desires the connection they once shared. Clouded by misinformation, they tend to shoulder the burden of aging alone.

It doesn’t have to be this way. At Professional Laser Center, we can take a coupleoriented approach to these developments. Couplepause is a novel way of addressing menopause and andropause symptoms together, by familiarizing our patients about the normalcy of their journey, and show them how to revive their energy and MOJO for each other.

Women are not strangers to hormonal fluctuations, but when their hormone levels

begin plummeting in their early 50’s or before, their lives can change overnight as they cope with night sweats, ballooning weight, aching joints, low libido, and fuzzy thinking.

While not as disruptive as menopause, men’s sex hormones are also declining at midlife. It’s called “andropause.” The difference is their decline in hormones is not as sharp and sudden as a woman’s. They may feel small dips in their energy level, stamina, mental function, libido, and sense of well-being.

The good news is you, nor your partner, have to suffer and resign yourself to the infirmities of advancing age. The solution is to replace your lost hormones with human identical hormones, which are available to both men and women.

Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as those produced by the body. They are identical to your own hormones; estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, growth hormone, and insulin. They’re taken

from natural sources, such as soybeans or yams, and are more easily absorbed by the body than other types of hormone replacement.

They come in the form of creams, pellets, pills, injections, and patches. Professional Laser Center has been prescribing bioidentical hormone replacement for over 10 years now and our clients love it. Pellets are one of the most popular forms of hormone replacement for both women and men. The tiny pellets are placed just under the skin in the upper quadrant of the hip, where they slowly release a stable, steady dose of testosterone and/ or estrogen over the course of three to six months. Our Nurse Practitioner has advanced hormone training through the A4M, the world’s largest Integrative Medicine organization, which focuses on the proper dosing of these hormones. “The dose makes the poison.” If not properly dosed, your hormones will not be balanced. When our levels are unbalanced, the communication between our cells is interrupted and major, negative changes can occur in the body.

Human identical hormones can change your life and your relationship. It is your most powerful weapon in the war on aging. What are you waiting for?

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 318-361-9066. For a list all of our services, please visit our website at www. professionallaser.com.

Your Hometown Urologist

Dr. Robert Marx Specializes in Vasectomies

AS SCHOOL

SESSIONS RETURNS,

you may be questioning if it’s time to retire your swimmers. Don’t hesitate, now is the perfect time to schedule that procedure you have been putting off through the busy summer months.

A vasectomy is a medical procedure in which two tubes (the vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles to the urinary tract are tied and sealed. This prevents sperm from passing into the seminal stream and fertilizing a woman’s egg. Although it is permanent, it is surgically reversible in most cases. Reversibility is dependent upon time elapsed since the vasectomy. When it comes to forms of permanent male birth control, a vasectomy is the ideal permanent surgical procedure available to men. The procedure carries a very low risk of complications and is available to be performed as an outpatient procedure with localized anesthesia. Dr. Marx performs a nocut technique, which is the least invasive. The

patient is sedated and local anesthesia is used in order to achieve a painless procedure.

THE VASECTOMY PROCEDURE IS NEARLY 100% EFFECTIVE

Prior to a vasectomy, patients may be asked to prepare by:

• Washing the scrotum to prevent infection

• Not shaving the area

• Bringing a pair of tight-fitting underwear or athletic support to the surgery to support the scrotum and minimize swelling

• Arranging for transportation home to prevent extraneous movement

• Avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs prior to and following the procedure, which thins the blood and can cause excessive bleeding

AFTER THE VASECTOMY

After the vasectomy is completed, patients are advised to rest for two days in order to reduce swelling and allow the vas deferens

to heal. Discomfort may last for up to a week after the procedure, with patients often being prescribed anti-inflammatory or painkillers for pain. Patients are encouraged to avoid heavy lifting, straining or squatting for 1 week. If you do any of these activities for work, you may need to take off work or arrange for light duty. Dr. Marx can give you an excuse. Also, keep the area dry for a week as well.

If you are considering a vasectomy, call today to discuss your options with Dr. Marx.

Robert D. Marx, M.D. is this community’s hometown urologist. He was born and raised right here in Monroe, Louisiana. He graduated from NLU, now ULM, and graduated from medical school and completed his residency at LSU Shreveport. Dr. Marx has traveled extensively working with the leaders of the field in order to keep up with the latest and most successful techniques in incontinence. He has been in practice for over thirty years and conveniently operates at Glenwood, Monroe Surgical and P&S.

ARTICLE BY VANELIS RIVERA AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

Staple Sandwich Co.

In 2018, Desi Bourgeois opened two unique food trucks in historic downtown Ruston. Grown and Grazed, which features a menu of dishes made from locally sourced produce and meats, and Yolo Nitro, an “ice dreamery” making creative, liquid nitrogen ice cream blends. Since then, the food park grew from three food trucks to six, all offering unique and savory foods made to order. Unfortunately, with the spike in nitrogen prices and pandemic-induced supply chain issues, Yolo Nitro shut down its candied operation. But as the old adage goes, when one food truck door closes, another opens; at least, that was what Zach Webb believed. Webb had been following in the culinary footsteps of his stepfather, Bourgeois, for a few years, so naturally Bourgeois turned to him for ideas on transitioning the ice cream operation into something feasible but with staying power. Three years in, Staple Sandwich Co. has proven that sandwiches never go out of style, especially when the bread is made from scratch!

Originally from Lafourche Parish, Bourgeois’ ties to Ruston come by way of Louisiana Tech University where he was originally studying architecture. During that time, he sharpened his culinary chops at Trenton Street Cafe. Realizing his natural talent and growing interest in the kitchen, he left

architecture to attend the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont. Post-grad, his career was a whirlwind of fine dining and catering experiences. By the time he returned to Ruston, he was ready to make things happen. Inspired by his stepfather, Webb turned to Bourgeois when considering attending culinary school. Knowing the throws of the highintensity career, Bourgeois had him work alongside his team. Webb was hooked and ended up attending Bourgeois’ alma mater. “It was nice to get out of the South and see another part of the country,” says Webb, who ended up working at the famed Gramercy Tavern in New York City for a couple of years. From there, he moved on to Maine, where he learned to make focaccia bread sandwiches. His last move before the pandemic was to Austin, Texas where he helped run a catering company. When that “crashed and burned,” he decided to return to Ruston and rejoin Bourgeois’ operation, which is when he was asked to brainstorm another direction for the empty food truck. “We wanted to create an opportunity that didn’t require us to spend a lot of money to transition from an ice cream scenario to something else,” says Bourgeois. Keeping in consideration that the space did not have a hood system, they readily embraced the sandwich direction. “We could flip this

THREE YEARS IN, STAPLE SANDWICH CO. HAS PROVEN THAT SANDWICHES NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE BREAD IS MADE FROM SCRATCH

BAYOU EATS

CAPRESE SANDWICH

A favorite is the Caprese, a vegetarian sandwich made with housemade pecan pesto and preserved lemons, mozzarella, fresh greens, and tomato. “I’d say it’s our signature sandwich,” says Webb whose pecan pesto is a welcome twist on the classic. Bourgeois adds, “It’s a flavor bomb. It’s a flavor I don’t think most people see anywhere else.”

easily,” says Bourgeois, explaining that all that was needed to complete their vision was to grab a slicer, countertop panini press, and remove the ice cream equipment. Recipe tasting began around October, and a few weeks later they were established.

Webb thoroughly tackled the menu, starting, of course, with the focaccia bread, perhaps one of the most important components made in their kitchen. “Nobody’s doing it, so it made sense for us to lean in and do that,” says Bourgeois, who relied on Webb’s baking skills to expedite the operation. “We tried probably four or five solid recipes that we baked over and over and over again, and we finally resolved ourselves to make our own Italian mix,” says Bourgeois who buys the raw ingredients for the specially ratioed blend. Baked daily and toasted golden on their panini press, start your sandwich journey with “the best muffuletta north of I-10,” made with a housemade olive mix, mortadella, ham,

salami, mozzarella, and provolone. Another familiar sandwich is the Italian Turkey Club, another savory option made with aioli, turkey, pancetta, provolone, fresh greens, and tomato. Initially, the pair wanted to keep with a “pseudo-Italian sandwich scenario,” as Bourgeois calls it. However, Webb tends to create dishes to the beat of his own food cravings. Drawn to some pulled pork made for a Grown and Grazed special, he approached Bourgeois with the off-genre idea of a Cuban sandwich. At first, Bourgeois was skeptical, unsure of how well it would match up to their “Italian superstars,” but he fully supported the idea. Now, the Cuban is their most popular seller— chili braised pulled pork, ham, mustard, housemade pickles, and Swiss cheese. Another spontaneous favorite is the Caprese, a vegetarian sandwich made with housemade pecan pesto and preserved lemons, mozzarella, fresh greens, and tomato. “I’d say it’s our signature sandwich,” says Webb whose pecan pesto is

a welcome twist on the classic. Bourgeois adds, “It’s a flavor bomb. It’s a flavor I don’t think most people see anywhere else.” He emphasizes the intense process of preserving the lemons. “We do a minimum of two to three weeks of preserve on it,” says Webb, who likes to keep ahead of all his prep work.

Like most of their ingredients, the preserved lemons are multipurpose and also shine in the Mediterranean Pasta Salad, a refreshing mix of spiral pasta, preserved lemon, cucumbers, red onion, olive mix, parsley with aioli, and lemon juice. Though listed as a side dish, it stands alone with some customers buying it by the quart. In fact, sometimes Bourgeois takes some home and adds any readily available protein like chicken. Two other sides are available for giving your sandwich selection some extra oomph. The Spicy Chickpea Salad (chickpeas, green onion, red onion, parsley, chili peppers, lemon juice, and honey) and a South Louisiana-style Potato Salad, the kind that Bourgeois grew up with (Yukon Gold potatoes, green onions, red onions,

pickle juice, parsley, tossed with may and mustard). For a hardier side, opt for their soup specials, often made from regionally sourced ingredients. When they’re not getting veggies from Estes Farm, Gibson’s Fresh Grocer provides some of their organic products. The soup combinations range from brothy to creamy to hearty. Their most recent special, the Coconut Carrot Soup, features all-natural ingredients and is vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Another crowd-pleaser is their Peri Peri Chicken Soup, a medley of carrots, mushrooms, cabbage, onion, garlic, and ginger. All of their soups can also be bought by the quart.

Clearly, it’s easy to linger on the savory side of the menu, but at this meal on wheels, you won’t want to sleep on Ruston’s favorite cookies. These thick, chewy delights are almost a full meal. And with close to 1000 cookies a month flying off their display shelf, you’ll want to grab a gallon of milk and take a few back to your home. Their staple cookies are chocolate chip, cane syrup pecan, lemon, and red velvet. But every month expect a special flavor based on the season or Webb’s whimsy. Some of their summerinspired cookies have included lime coconut, oatmeal rum raisin, peach, and cinnamon toffee. “We used to do sweet potato ice cream with candied pecans and marshmallows, so we’ve just kept rolling with those flavors,” says Bourgois who is a big proponent of reincorporating flavors from past menus.

Ultimately, Bourgeois credits Webb’s talent, skill, and consistency with the food truck’s success. “We’re fortunate to have him,” he says. “The whole goal of this place was to be able to be nimble and be quick about changing things,” emphasizes Bourgois who takes pride in Webb’s ability to take an ice cream shop and flip it in just thirty days. Now, gracing the ample outdoor space of Heard Freighthouse Food Park stands a sandwich shop with an innovative menu, and a team dedicated to supporting other local businesses, as well as the growth of Ruston’s culinary offerings.

The Kids Are Back to School

Finally Time For Some “Me” Time

AS THE SUMMER SUN BEGINS TO set and the days grow a bit shorter, a collective sigh of relief can be heard from parents all around. The end of summer marks the return of a familiar routine – the school year. While the long, sunny days of vacation might have been fun, the return to school presents parents with an opportunity they’ve been eagerly awaiting – some muchneeded “me” time.

With the kids back in the classroom and the house a bit quieter, parents can finally take a moment to focus on themselves. This is where a visit to the Spa Nouvelle becomes a perfect treat. They offer a sanctuary for relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-care. It’s a place where the worries of the world can be left at the door, and you can step into an oasis of calm.

Stepping into Spa Nouvelle after the hustle and bustle of summer can feel like a breath of fresh air. Treat yourself to a soothing massage that melts away tension, or indulge

in a rejuvenating facial to revitalize your skin after days spent under the hot sun. Summer adventures often bring with them the joy of sun-kissed skin, but they can also bring about unwanted effects like sunburn, uneven pigmentation, and increased dryness. Spa Nouvelle carries SkinCeuticals products offering a range of products specifically formulated to address these concerns. From gentle cleansers that remove impurities without stripping the skin, to serums packed with antioxidants that help combat environmental damage, their line is a powerful ally in recovering from the summer’s toll on your skin.

As the seasons transition from summer to fall, it’s the perfect time to embark on your own journey of renewal. Embrace the opportunity to focus on yourself and your well-being. Whether you’re seeking a moment of relaxation, a skincare overhaul, or a combination of both, Spa Nouvelle has you covered.

As you settle into the rhythm of the school year, remember that taking care of yourself is not a luxury – it’s an essential investment in your overall well-being. So why not make this season about rejuvenation, relaxation, and embracing the beauty of self-care? The kids are back to school, and it’s finally time for some “me” time.

As the last days of summer give way to the crisp air of fall, seize the opportunity to prioritize your well-being. Spa Nouvelle, offering a haven where you can unwind, recharge, and give your skin the attention it deserves. With the SkinCeuticals line by your side, post-summer recovery becomes a journey towards healthier, more radiant skin. Embrace the new season with confidence, knowing that you’ve reclaimed a moment of tranquility and self-care amidst the busyness of life.

Gardens of Somerset

Celebrating A Year In Northeast Louisiana

IN JULY THE GARDENS OF SOMERSET celebrated a year of being a part of this wonderful community. They welcomed dignitaries, family members, residents and guest to commemorate this momentous occasion. “The generous support that we’ve received from this community has been overwhelmingly positive. We are so thankful for our residents, their families, our staff, and the people of Northeast Louisiana for trusting and believing that we would build and establish a community that would benefit older adults in this region,” said Ashley Kirk.

We are dedicated to providing a comfortable and enriching environment for our residents, and we are proud to offer the following four things that make our community stand out:

A Variety of Living Options

We offer a variety of living options to fit your needs, including independent living cottages, independent living apartments, assisted living

accommodations, and memory care apartments. It’s important to us that you feel comfortable and at home in your living space, and we will work with you to find the perfect fit, no matter where you are in your healthcare journey.

A Vibrant Community & On-site Amenities

Gardens of Somerset has everything you need right here on our 18-acre property, so you don’t have to go far to enjoy the things you love most. We know the importance of convenience, and we do everything in our power to make your life as comfortable as possible. Gardens of Somerset offers on-site physical therapy and nurse practitioner clinic, hair salon, fitness center, pool and more. There’s simply no need to leave the community to get the things you need, and you can take advantage of our amenities at your leisure.

A Dedicated Staff

Our caring and professional staff is here to

serve you and make sure that your needs are met. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with anything you need. We understand that the transition to a new living situation can be difficult, and we are here to help make it as smooth and seamless as possible. We create individualized plans that reduce stress and confusion, helping each community member enjoy a happier, more purposeful life.

A Pet-Friendly Community

We know that pets are family too, and we are proud to be a pet-friendly community. We welcome small pets, and we have plenty of curated outdoor spaces for them to run and play to their heart’s content. Spending time with pets has shown to be beneficial for seniors in a number of ways. They can help reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness, and they provide companionship and unconditional love.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a better living community that offers everything you need to live a comfortable and fulfilling life, look no further than the Gardens of Somerset. Our vibrant community, variety of living options, on-site amenities and activities, and dedicated staff set us apart from the rest. Contact us today to schedule a tour. We can’t wait to show you everything that the Gardens of Somerset has to offer!

Navigating Weight Loss & Management

The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset

AS WE JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE’S stages, maintaining a healthy weight becomes increasingly essential, especially for older adults. Weight management isn’t just about aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in overall health, vitality, and quality of life in our golden years. Age-related changes, such as decreased metabolism, muscle loss, and hormonal shifts, can make weight management more challenging for seniors. Excess weight can contribute to various health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, joint pain, and reduced mobility. Conversely, underweight seniors might face weakened immunity and a higher risk of fractures. Here are some general guidelines:

Embrace a Balanced Diet and Portion Control

Choosing nutrient-dense foods is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. Opt for whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Adequate protein intake helps preserve muscle mass, while fiber aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Due to a slower metabolism, older adults may require fewer calories. Practicing portion control

can help prevent overeating and support weight management. Listen to your body’s signals of hunger and fullness. Prioritizing protein in your diet can also help combat muscle loss associated with aging, include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans and legumes.

Physical Activity and Hydration

Engaging in regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and metabolism. Consult a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise routine, and consider activities like walking, swimming, and gentle strength training. Drinking enough water is often overlooked but is essential for overall health. Proper hydration aids in digestion, metabolism, and can even help control appetite.

Mindful Eating and Adequate Sleep

Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite, eating slowly, and paying attention to hunger and fullness cues. Avoid distractions like screens during meals. Sleep plays a vital role in weight management. Poor sleep can disrupt hunger hormones, leading to over eating and

weight gain. Strive for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.

Seek Professional Guidance

Consulting with a healthcare provider, registered dietitian, or nutritionist is essential before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine. They can provide personalized guidance tailored to your health needs and goals.

Geriatric weight management for older adults goes beyond the number on the scale. It involves tailored approaches to help older adults achieve and maintain healthy weight. Its about nurturing your body’s health and well-being as you embrace the later stages of life. It involves a balanced diet, physical activity, and professional guidance, you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight that allows you to lead a vibrant and active life well into your golden years.

The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset is here to assist with those suffering with weight management. Similar to the mission of Gardens of Somerset, their goal is to offer integrated care to the residents while also inviting the community onto the campus for primary care services. For more information on the services offered at The Clinic at Gardens of Somerset from Integrated Care Professionals, or to schedule an appointment with Elizabeth, call (318) 306-2389. The clinic is located at 340 Lonewa Road in Monroe.

Munchkin Market Offers Options For Local Moms

Local Consignment Returns for the Fall 2023 Event

FALL IS ON ITS WAY AND THAT CAN ONLY MEAN one thing... The Monroe Munchkin Market Fall 2023 Event is just around the corner! From September 12th through the 16th, the fall/winter event will once again be held at Pine Grove Church Gym, located at 4300 Loop Road in Monroe. There will be new and gently used children’s clothing (girl’s: newborn to junior; boys: newborn to 18), toys, books, baby equipment, furniture and gear, shoes and much more.

Monroe Munchkin Market is a small business started by longtime friends and moms, India Gregg and Amie Smith, both of Monroe. “We are moms and know the expense of trying to keep your children clothed. At Munchkin Market, You can buy your child’s whole season wardrobe…it’s a one-stop-shop! We help a huge number of families in our community clothe their kids for less and also donate after the sale to help out even more families!,” says India.

The sale is open to the public Tuesday, September 12th, from 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 13th, from 10:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 14th, from 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 15th, from 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., and Saturday, September 16th, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00p.m. Shopping days Thursday - Saturday, everything marked in RED will be ½ price. There is no charge to shop during the public sale! Don’t want to wait? An Early Bird Presale is

available for eager patrons from 10:00 a.m.- 3:00p.m. on Monday, September 11th for $10. Are you a new mom or mom-to-be? Or a grandparent? Simply register online at www.monroemunchkinmarket. com and you can shop at 4 p.m. on Monday, September 11th.

Ever wanted to consign? There are so many perks to consigning with Munchkin Market… now is your chance! With 400+ consignors, our consignors make on average $300-$350. Also, you will make more at Munchkin Market than selling at the local children’s resale store! And last but not least, if you consign and volunteer, you get to shop FIRST! What are you waiting for? Sign up to consign NOW at www. monroemunchkinmarket.com.

You don’t want to miss out on this event. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to get in on their awesome contests and much more.

Once you experience the Monroe Munchkin Market, you will keep it on your calendar for years to come. For more information about the sale visit www.monroemunchkinmarket.com, follow Monroe Munchkin Market on Facebook and Instagram or send an email to info@monroemunchkinmarket.com.

The Thyroid Gland: Small, But Mighty

“Thyroid cancer is not as heavily promoted as other cancers, but it should be,” says Dr. Bakeer

BY DR. MOHAMED BAKEER

SEPTEMBER IS THYROID CANCER

Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to check your neck.

Thyroid cancer is not as heavily promoted as other cancers, but here’s why it should be: thyroid cancer is the most common cancer in women ages 15 to 30 and the second most common cancer in women under 50.

While the thyroid is small, its functions are significant. The butterfly-shaped organ—located at the neck’s base, below the Adam’s apple— produces hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight.

Thyroid cancer, which is usually slowgrowing, often has no symptoms. That’s why regular wellness screenings are so important. If there are any symptoms, they will include one or more of the following:

• Fatigue

• A lump (nodule) in your neck

• Changes in your voice

• Difficulty swallowing

• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck

• Pain in your neck or throat

• Persistent cough

The root cause of most thyroid cancers is unknown. Risk factors include gender, high radiation exposure, certain inherited genetic conditions, and race.

Let’s Dispel Two Common Myths:

Myth: Thyroid cancer is considered the “good cancer.”

Fact: People often say this because the survival rate is high when detected early; however, it is essential to take this disease seriously. Thyroid cancer can result in the removal of the thyroid gland, requiring lifelong hormone replacements and monitoring.

Myth: A lump in your neck means you have thyroid cancer.

Fact: The common cold or flu can also cause lumps, but it is still important to have them checked by a medical professional. More than 95 percent of thyroid nodules (lumps) are

noncancerous. An ultrasound can help evaluate a thyroid nodule and determine the need for a biopsy.

Our physicians at the Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana perform many general surgeries using minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic procedures, including partial or complete thyroid removals.

The benefits of our minimally invasive techniques are:

• Reduced pain due to smaller incisions

• Quicker recovery

• Smaller scars

• Reduced risk of infection

• Less time away from work

Call us today to learn about our services, including general surgery such as thyroidectomies, weight loss surgeries, and vein procedures.

The Surgery Clinic of Northeast Louisiana, home of Delta Vein Care, houses surgeons Dr. Walter Sartor, Dr. Bart Liles, Dr. Patrick Smith, and Dr. Mohamed Bakeer.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company

From Scrappy Startup to One of America’s Top Independent Craft Breweries

BY DELIA SIMPSON, BRAND MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.

THOUGH SIERRA NEVADA IS NOW A HOUSEHOLD name among beer drinkers, it was once a one-man operation run by founder Ken Grossman. When Grossman founded the brand in the early 80’s, small-scale brewing equipment was hard to come by. So, he did what many craft brewers would come to do in the following years. He retrofitted unused dairy equipment to make a functioning brewhouse. With these recycled parts and machinery, he brewed the first batch of Sierra Nevada’s flagship Pale Ale. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale would go on to rocket the brewery to the top of the craft brewing industry.

Shortly after perfecting the recipe for Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada’s popularity took off, and Grossman found himself unable to fulfill demand with the equipment he had at his disposal. That’s why, in 1983, he sought out a higher-quality, copper brewhouse. The brewhouse in question, however, was all the way in Germany. So, Grossman embarked across the Atlantic in pursuit of the handmade kettle, which he then disassembled and shipped back to California. Because of the immense cost of transportation, the kettle had to sit in storage for four years until there was enough money to make use of it. Today, the company produces over 1 million barrels of beer per year at its two locations. It is a true story of American ingenuity.

Sustainability has always been a core value at Sierra Nevada. According to the brand, “reduce, reuse, recycle” is more than just a catchy phrase. The brewery began its carbon footprint-erasing path to clean energy in 2004 when it installed four hydrogen fuel cells at its Chico brewery, which are used to generate clean electricity. Three years later, the company implemented the use of solar panels to generate more electricity. Today, nearly 11,000 solar panels have been installed and generate enough electricity to power 20 percent of the brewery’s operations. With its Mill River offshoot, which has approximately 2,200 solar panels, Sierra Nevada maintains the U.S.’s largest private solar array. Perhaps one of the brewery’s highest honors was bestowed in 2016, when the Mill River location became the very first brewery in the nation to be awarded with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certification — the world’s most prestigious green-building rating system.

Sierra Nevada rolls out more than a dozen year-round releases, five of which are now included in the company’s staple “Little Thing” lineup. Additionally, the brewery produces four seasonal brews per year: Powder Day IPA, Summerfest, Oktoberfest, and Celebration IPA. Look for the following selections locally at retail and in select bars and restaurants.

SIERRA NEVADA OKTOBERFEST

This collab is 20 years in the making, back when our brewmasters

were classmates in Berlin. Today, Kehrwieder is turning German craft beer on its head — just like we did stateside — and our mutual passion is fused in this Festbier that’s bright like polished copper, rich with biscuity malt, and balanced by a punchy blend of German and American hops. Style: Festbier, ABV*: 6%, IBU*: 30

Available in limited quantities through September.

SIERRA NEVADA PALE ALE

No one was ready for Pale Ale in 1980, and no one can fathom a fridge without it today. Its bold hoppiness and smooth malt flavor shocked taste buds — right before sparking the American craft beer revolution. Pale Ale is still the one hopped to perfection, and still the one you’re proud to share. Pale Ale put Cascade hops on the map, their intense aromas of citrus and pine finding balance with the subtle sweetness of caramelized malt. Style: Pale Ale, ABV: 5.6%, IBU: 38

Available year round.

SIERRA NEVADA TROPICAL LITTLE THING

Ditch the mainland with Tropical Little Thing, a hazy island getaway hopped for ripe aromas and flavors of mango, papaya, and passion fruit. Savor this tropical escape before the next hazy IPA rotator hits. Style: IPA, ABV: 7%, IBU: 39

Available in limited quantities through September.

SIERRA NEVADA TORPEDO

Taste explosive hops with Torpedo’s powerful notes of citrus, tropical fruit, and pine. Our custom dry-hopping device, the Hop Torpedo, cranks aroma and flavor to full blast. Open this iconic IPA and hold on tight: Damn the Torpedoes, Full Hops Ahead!

Style: IPA, ABV: 7.2%, IBU: 65

Available year round.

SIERRA NEVADA HAZY LITTLE THING

Juicy hops and silky malt meet in a Hazy Little Thing with fruitforward flavor, modest bitterness, and a smooth finish. Also look for the Little Things Party Pack, which includes 4 unique styles.

Style: IPA, ABV: 6.7%, IBU: 35

Available year round.

*ABV = Alcohol by Volume, IBU = International Bitterness Units

Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with new product releases. Feel free to message us for information on where to find your favorite brands. Find us at facebook.com/ choicebrands, twitter.com/choicebrandsinc, and instagram.com/choicebrands.

Does a Hormone Imbalance Have You Out of Balance?

Louisiana Center for Women’s Health Can Help

EXPERIENCING HORMONE FLUCTUATIONS AND A general drop in estrogen, progesterone and testosterone production with age can have major consequences for your sexual health and wellness. These menopausal occurrences are also responsible for the inconvenient or downright irritating symptoms you experience as your body stops its menstrual cycle for good. Hormone replacement therapy offers a way to replenish the hormones within your body so they can better regulate certain processes. As a result, you’ll experience fewer menopausal symptoms and relief from any resulting sexual dysfunction or pain. Furthermore, hormone replacement therapy can lower your risk for bone density issues that can come as a result of a drop in hormones during menopause. The team at Louisiana Center for Women’s Health tailors your treatment to suit your needs, and uses the lowest dosage of hormones possible to achieve results safely.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY?

Hormone replacement therapy has the potential to ease many of the symptoms and complications that arise as you approach menopause. The symptoms are so diverse that you might not even link many of them to menopause at first. The Louisiana Center for Women’s Health team might recommend hormone replacement therapy if you have moderate-tosevere symptoms of menopause like: hot flashes, night sweats, frequent

bone fractures or bone density loss, vaginal dryness, vaginal itching, painful sex, insomnia, weight gain, mood changes or early menopause or an estrogen deficiency.

You might still get periods as you approach menopause, but they don’t come as regularly or consistently as before. You’ll know you’ve reached menopause when you stop getting menstrual periods altogether.

HOW WILL I TAKE MY HORMONES?

Louisiana Center for Women’s Health works with you to decide on the best way to take your hormones. If the team has decided that taking hormones will benefit your health and wellness, they may recommend: Low-dose hormonal vaginal products like vaginal estrogen creams or tablets can improve some vaginal or vulvar symptoms of menopause, like vaginal dryness or painful sex.

SYSTEMIC HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Systemic hormone therapy is available in several of its own forms, like skin patches, pills, or implanted pellets placed under your skin. These contain higher doses of estrogen than low-dose products and are absorbed throughout the body instead of just in the vaginal tissues.

If you’re interested in learning more about hormone replacement therapy or finding out if it can relieve your symptoms, call Louisiana Center for Women’s Health for a consultation or book online today.

BAYOU KIDZ

Back to School

Five Life Lessons to Help Navigate The Next Year

article by Cindy G. Foust

Well, here we all are again readers, at the start of another school year, except for me, dear friends, this one sits a little bit different. You see, my girl is starting her senior year of high school. Another milestone for Scott and me that I am not quite ready for. But here we are just the same. I didn’t think I would be ready when my son got married last year, but I made it through that to tell about it, so I know I will when my daughter graduates, as well. What I wouldn’t give though, to flash back to her kindergarten days…smocked dresses with school buses on them…playing school on a daily basis with her Build-A-Bears…learning to skip in dance class. The truth it, it goes by in flash. I get in my feels sometimes (I think this is what the young kids say but the translation is I am going down memory lane) and I think about all the years I spent worrying about a lot of things that just don’t matter. Anybody feel me? All those years I spent worrying if I worked in their classroom enough; if the color of the cupcake icing was okay; whether anybody was going to play with my kids on the playground; was anybody going to make fun of my kid on the playground; all has finally culminated to this one moment of our parenting life that is closing. It still doesn’t keep me from wishing I could get a pair of red ruby slippers, tap the heels together and end right smack dab back at kindergarten round-up. Take.Me.Back. It also brings to mind the years I spent as a high-

schooler and the “talks” my dad, aka Big Daddy, always gave to me and my sisters. There were a few years age difference between the three of us, but Daddy never failed to line us up on the couch at the start of a school year and give us “the talk.” Before anyone wigs out that it’s the “birds and the bees” talk, (that would be an absolutely not; not anything remotely close), but somewhere circa 1981, in the living room of 246 Ollie Caples Road, with the orange shag carpet under our feet, Big Daddy gave us the annual “back to school talk.” Now, I contemplated all sorts of columns this month…what fall outfits are trending; what hiking trails to take your kids on in the fall (you know, because we have so many mountains); or what songs to sing around the campfire (because we are all camping out in this 108 degree weather we are having), but instead I decided that there isn’t a more relevant or current topic for our kids these days, than a little parenting reminder, not from me, but from the man himself, Big Daddy.

If memory serves me right, it started something like this...”Sister, here’s a few things I want you to remember over the next few years...” (way back then, high school started in 10th grade if that truly antiquates me), and away he went.

First, remember to always treat others as you would like to be treated...the cardinal rule. We all know society today is laced with bullying and name calling, it’s one of the most sensitive topics

in the educational climate. As a gangly, rather unfortunate looking tween, I too, remember the sting of name calling with these size 10 platform shoes I have had since the 6th grade. Treating others with respect and kindness is one thing I want my children to adhere to throughout all of their lives, not just at school. This should actually be a on a t-shirt somewhere, or perhaps wall-papered down the hallway of the schools. But I digress.

Second, always tell the truth. I can’t really expound on that one too much, other than, it’s a principle that follows most of us our entire lives. Plus, it’s a commandment! Honesty is truly the best policy and is something we should practice at any age, right?

Third, stay humble. I have to admit, I had to look that word up as a pre-tenth grader...but I also have to admit, that my dad’s philosophy of being “too big for your britches” might go a long way with some society folks these days. Being humble also lines up with being kind, which really touches each one of these.

Fourth, gossiping makes you no friends, no matter how good it sounds

when it’s coming out of your mouth. Plus, we all know how it feels to be “talked about” and it certainly puts things in perspective when we are the ones being “discussed.” I’ve been talked about and in the spirt of transparency, I have also “done the talking.” It’s not something I am proud of either, and I have tried my best to make sure my children understand how hurtful gossiping and talking about others can be. Finally, always give your best effort at whatever you are doing. It doesn’t matter if it’s your homework, a dance class, a sporting event, a band practice or your friendships. Always let others see your best attempts, even if you don’t always win. We’ve had multiple lessons over the years at not getting something we really wanted, it’s hard to parent through that. And even harder to bounce back and try harder the next time. But life is full of disappointments and we simply fall short sometimes. Pushing through that disappointment is a life lesson we need all of our lives, not just during our school age years.

I know my dad had many other life lessons for me as we navigated those teen

years together, and now as I lean on he and my mother to help me co-parent my children (even my grown, married one), I treasure their sage advice even more. I may not have thought my dad knew what he was talking about when he set my curfew at 11:00 p.m. (“nothing good is going on after 10:00 p.m. anyway, so get yourself on home, I don’t care what your other friends parents let their kids do”) but these days, I have come to value my parents input and I hope to impart these same values to my children, not just during their school years, but for the rest of their lives.

Cindy G. Foust is a wife, mom, author and blogger. You can find her blog at the alphabetmom.com for weekly columns about home life, parenting, small business stories and insight with a smidgen of literacy. Give her a like or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Achieve Your Dream Body

With DermaMediQ on Lamy Lane in Monroe

DR. BAKEER, A DISTINGUISHED FIGURE PROUDLY affiliated with prestigious medical institutions, including the Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Medical Association. While excelling in his medical pursuits, Dr. Bakeer finds immense joy in spending time with his wife, Monroe native Ellie Jackson, and their shared moments of travel and family bonding. Embracing his role as a devoted father, he relishes the time spent with his daughter. With a bubbling enthusiasm, he embarks on a thrilling new chapter at DermaMediQ. In this exciting venture, he will be applying his expertise in performing Liposuction and Emsculpt procedures, enhancing the office’s range of services.

Liposuction: Sculpting Your Body, Boosting Your Confidence

Liposuction, a time-tested cosmetic procedure, remains one of the most effective ways to target and remove localized fat deposits. DermaMediQ’s skilled medical professionals along with Dr.Bakeer, utilize state-of-the-art techniques to gently suction away excess fat from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, and more.

One of the primary advantages of liposuction is its versatility. It can be tailored to address specific trouble spots, allowing you to achieve the body contours you’ve always desired. Whether you’re struggling with love handles, a double chin, or a stubborn belly pouch, liposuction can provide targeted results that diet and exercise alone may not achieve.

BodyTite: The Future of Body Contouring

While liposuction is a fantastic option for fat removal, BodyTite takes body contouring to a whole new level. This innovative procedure, also performed by Dr.Bakeer, utilizes advanced radiofrequencyassisted lipolysis technology to simultaneously melt fat and tighten skin. By employing controlled energy delivery, BodyTite stimulates collagen production, resulting in smoother, firmer, and more youthfullooking skin.

DermaMediQ’s BodyTite procedure offers a non-surgical alternative to traditional surgical skin tightening methods. This means reduced downtime, minimal scarring, and quicker recovery compared to invasive surgical procedures.

Timing is crucial when considering cosmetic procedures, and the present moment offers several reasons why getting liposuction and BodyTite is a great idea:

• Seasonal Advantage: With summer fading into fall, now is the perfect time to undergo these procedures. Cooler temperatures mean you can comfortably recover without missing out on outdoor activities or social events.

• Pre-Holiday Transformation: By undergoing liposuction and BodyTite now, you can unveil your transformed body just in time for the holiday season. Feel confident and radiant during gatherings and celebrations.

• Maximize Results: Starting these procedures now ensures that you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired results by the time swimsuit season rolls around again.

• Confidence Boost: Enhancing your body and self-esteem before the new year can provide a positive boost as you enter a fresh chapter in your life.

Elevating Insurance Excellence in Monroe

With Joe Montgomery at McGriff Insurance Services

BORN AND RAISED IN MONROE, LA, JOE MONTGOMERY’S journey through the insurance industry has been marked by dedication, growth, and a commitment to exceptional service. A proud graduate of Neville High School and Louisiana Tech University, Joe’s story is one of continuous learning, adaptation, and a passion for helping others protect what matters most.

In 2009, Joe’s insurance career commenced as a licensed claims adjuster. Over time, he transitioned to the production side of the industry, showcasing his adaptability and determination to thrive in a dynamic field. In 2011, he embarked on a pivotal chapter by joining a prominent independent agency. Here, he had the privilege of collaborating with some of the industry’s most talented agents. Through their guidance and mentorship, Joe blossomed into a respected insurance professional, earning recognition throughout his community.

In early 2023, Joe was presented with an exciting opportunity that perfectly aligned with his expertise and aspirations. McGriff Insurance Services, the fifth-largest broker in the U.S., offered him the chance to establish a new office in his hometown of Monroe. The appeal of partnering with a nationally recognized broker while maintaining a local focus was undeniable. After thorough research and meaningful interactions with McGriff’s leadership, Joe made the decision to join their esteemed team.

McGriff has consistently delivered personalized insurance, risk

management, and employee benefit solutions. As a subsidiary of Truist Insurance Holdings, LLC, the fifth-largest insurance broker in the U.S., McGriff is underpinned by the strength and stability of Truist Bank – one of the nation’s most esteemed financial institutions.

McGriff’s experienced professionals adopt a proactive and proprietary approach known as Client Focused Risk Solutions. Collaborating with top insurance companies across the nation, McGriff provides tailored risk management and insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes, as well as personal insurance needs. Their offerings encompass a wide spectrum, including commercial property and casualty, small business, employee benefits, management liability, and personal lines coverage.

With a presence in over 120 agencies spanning across several states, including Louisiana, McGriff boasts global reach extending to more than 120 countries. This unique blend of global scale, regional focus, and local service embodies the company’s commitment to holistic coverage and accessible expertise.

The driving force behind McGriff’s operations is the principle of “Client First.” This core value underscores every action, decision, and interaction. Clients who engage with McGriff notice the dedication and enthusiasm of their team members, which fuels their passion to protect assets and secure futures. Joe Montgomery’s partnership with McGriff exemplifies their mission to empower clients, one tailored insurance solution at a time.

Deck The Halls!

What Do You Know About This Fine Holiday Tradition?

BY THE REV. BETTE J. KAUFFMAN, PH.D.

“DECK THE HALLS WITH BOUGHS OF holly / Fa la la la la la la la la / ‘Tis the season to be jolly / Fa la la la la la la la la.”

Can you hear the tune in your head? I’ll bet you can. But what do you know about the history of this tradition?

I’m a bit of a word nerd, so let’s begin with the word “deck.” According to the Grammerist website, it comes from the Dutch dekken, meaning “to cover.” We English speakers use it not only to talk about preparing for Christmas, but to talk about ourselves getting “all decked out” for a night on the town.

The melody for Deck the Halls comes from the Welsh air, Nos Galan, which means New Year’s Eve. This little bit of cultural borrowing happened back in the 1500s, and in 1862 a Scottish musician by the name of Thomas Oliphant wrote the lyrics we sing today. Who knew that little ditty has such a multi-cultural history!

As is true with many Christmas traditions, decking the halls with boughs of holly and other evergreens has both pagan and Christian origins. Pagans decorated their homes with branches of evergreen to remind themselves in the midst of winter that spring was coming. Christians have long used evergreens to symbolize the eternal life promised to believers by Jesus the Christ.

The myths, legends, uses and meanings of holly are far too many to discuss here. A most intriguing one takes off from the fact that the early Romans gave gifts of holly during Saturnalia, a multi-day festival in December to celebrate their god Saturn. Early Christians began decorating their homes with holly for Christmas, very possibly to fool the Roman authorities looking to persecute them.

Christians also connect the prickly leaves of holly with Jesus’ crown of thorns and the brilliant red berries born by the female holly plant with drops of his blood. Yes, indeed,

holly shrubs are male and female, that is “dioecious,” so if yours doesn’t have berries, don’t be upset. It’s probably a boy!

Another tradition in this community is that Grace Episcopal School has been selling evergreens as an annual fundraiser since at least the mid-1990s, which is as far back as we have computerized records! Grace Episcopal Day School and Nursery continues the tradition today. We partner with Sherwood Forest Farms, which provides high quality evergreens.

Sherwood is located in the Pacific Northwest at high elevations where boughs grow hearty. I have been astonished at their staying power. Moreover, the Farms uses sustainable harvesting practices, never cutting down trees or using old-growth materials.

This year as usual we will offer wreaths in several sizes/styles, a door swag, garland in 10-foot lengths, a centerpiece with or without LED candle, and, new this year, a 19-inch tall reindeer crafted from metal. You can order items to be picked up at Grace after Thanksgiving for your own use or to deliver to friends and family, or you can order from the gift catalog and have gifts delivered directly to family, friends or clients and customers. Call us or speak to any Grace church or school family.

You Are What You Eat I

6-Year-Old Rodeo Enthusiast Sheds 26 Pounds

N AN INSPIRING JOURNEY OF DETERMINATION AND resilience, a 6-year-old boy, known for his enthusiasm for rodeos and martial arts, has lost an impressive 26 pounds under the expert guidance of Andi Holyfield, a licensed nutritionist and registered dietitian. This young man demonstrated that age is no barrier when it comes to embracing a healthier lifestyle.

Grayson recently earned a new stripe on his white martial arts belt. His parents showed their commitment to his health and wellness by signing him up for Andi’s custom-tailored nutritional plan. From the get-go, Andi’s approach was to make the nutritional changes enjoyable and sustainable for Grayson, promoting healthier choices rather than enforcing restrictions.

Andi understands the unique nutritional needs of children, especially those who are physically active in pursuits like martial arts and rodeo. She made sure the diet was not just healthy, but also fun and interesting.

Andi managed to incorporate the boy’s preferences into his diet plan, building meals around lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. She even made room for the occasional treat, reinforcing the concept of moderation rather than elimination.

Andi also incorporated his love for rodeo and martial arts into the program. “Rodeo and martial arts are both demanding physical activities. It’s crucial to fuel the body with the right nutrients to ensure optimal performance and recovery,” Andi said.

One of the central elements of Grayson’s success was education. Andi explained to him the connection between food, energy, and performance in his beloved activities, using terms and concepts that a six-year-old could understand. He learned why certain foods helped him become faster and stronger while others made him feel sluggish or tired. Six-year-old Grayson said, “At first I was scared to change my diet. Now I feel strong and healthy and never want to quit because I can run so much faster and look like a real rodeo guy!”

The result? An inspiring 26-pound weight loss, with Grayson maintaining his love for rodeo and martial arts while developing a newfound appreciation for nutritious food.

The journey wasn’t just about weight loss but also about establishing a healthy relationship with food from an early age. Andi’s intervention has set this six-year-old up with healthy habits and an understanding of nutrition that can benefit him for the rest of his life.

In conclusion, the story of this young boy and his impressive weight loss journey is a testament to the power of personalized nutrition and the incredible work of Andi Holyfield. It shows that with the right guidance and a bit of determination, even the youngest among us can take charge of their health in a meaningful way.

Peach Lemonade

Ruston’s Newest Tween Boutique

IN THE CHARMING TOWN OF RUSTON, A DELIGHTFUL addition to the shopping scene has taken root – Peach Lemonade, a brand-new tween boutique that promises to be the ultimate fashion destination for girls who are blossoming into their unique styles. With its recent opening, Peach Lemonade has quickly become a hub of excitement, offering an array of cute and trendy clothing options tailored to the needs of 13 and 14-year-olds who have outgrown the offerings at The Children’s Shoppe and find themselves in a fashion limbo between childhood and adolescence.

Nestled along the quaint streets of Mississippi Avenue, Peach Lemonade stands as a beacon of fashion-forward choices for tweens who are seeking to express their individuality. The boutique understands the specific needs of this age group, who often face the dilemma of no longer fitting into children’s sizes yet not fully comfortable in traditional teen sizes. The owner, Patricia Willis, of Peach Lemonade recognized this gap in the market and decided to create a haven where these young girls can discover cute styles that cater to their unique requirements.

The cornerstone of Peach Lemonade’s appeal lies in its carefully curated selection of clothing, showcasing the cutest and must-have brands that resonate with the tweens. From vibrant and playful dresses to comfortable yet stylish separates, the boutique offers a diverse range of options that empower young girls to embrace their evolving identities. Whether it’s a casual day at school or game day, Peach Lemonade ensures that each piece celebrates the tween’s personality and budding sense of fashion.

One of the standout features of Peach Lemonade is its commitment to embracing diversity and inclusivity. The boutique firmly believes that every tween deserves to feel confident and stylish, irrespective of their body shape or size. As such, Peach Lemonade provides an assortment of sizes that cater to a wide spectrum of body types, ensuring that no girl is left behind. This dedication to inclusivity not only sets the boutique apart but also fosters a positive and welcoming environment that resonates with both the young shoppers and their parents.

In addition to its stellar collection, Peach Lemonade offers a personalized shopping experience that goes beyond just purchasing clothes. The attentive and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to assist the tweens in navigating the latest trends, finding the perfect fit, and putting together ensembles that reflect their unique personalities. This interactive approach not only enhances the shopping experience but also encourages the girls to explore their creativity and develop a deeper understanding of fashion.

As Peach Lemonade continues to establish itself as Ruston’s go-to tween boutique, it is clear that the boutique is more than just a place to shop – it’s a destination where young girls can discover their sense of self through fashion. By catering to those who have outgrown The Children’s Shoppe and are seeking alternatives to traditional teen sizes, Peach Lemonade has captured the hearts of both tweens and their parents. With its dedication to cute styles, inclusivity, and personalized shopping experiences, Peach Lemonade is poised to make a lasting mark on the world of tween fashion, inspiring confidence and self-expression in every girl who walks through its doors.

Orthodontics Redefined

Damon Ultima Braces and Spark Clear Aligners

ANEW REVOLUTION IN orthodontic treatment is on the horizon. The all new Damon Ultima Braces and Spark Clear Aligners are changing orthodontics treatment like never before.

In days of old — the orthodontist would place a wire, tie it in as tightly as possible … and require a visit every 4 weeks or so. This was uncomfortable and inefficient, requiring many more frequent visits.

Damon Ultima is a new self-ligating brace. It has a simple “door”that opens allowing the wire to be inserted easily and comfortably. Once in place, the door is closed leaving the wire PASSIVE in the brace slot which is much more comfortable. The exact placement of each tooth is built into the bracket (brace) slot alleviating the need for uncomfortable bends in the wire.

NEW AGE WIRES: The wires for the Damon Ultima Braces are smarter then ever. They are “thermally activated” meaning they slowly release their force as they warm to

your body temperature. They are made of nitinol alloy infused with copper, giving them amazing flexability upon insertion …and they NEVER QUIT WORKING. This allows appointment intervals to go to 8-12 week visits. Not only is treatment more efficient and comfortable, it puts valuable time back into the patients and parents day.

Another benefit of these amazing wires is their flexibility and memory. This technology has decreased the need for tooth extraction prior to braces drastically. It affords the patient with a pleasant orthodontic experience, and leaving them with a balanced lip and face and a big, beautiful smile!

SPARK CLEAR ALIGNERS: Clear aligner treatment has gained popularity in the last 10 - 15 years. First popular with adults, the trend now includes all ages from pre-teen, adolescent to the young and lively seniors. Most aligner systems were the same - UNTIL NOW!

Spark Clear Aligners are made of the clearest, most durable and comfortable polymer

material available. The journey begins with a digital scan of your teeth (no impressions!) and then the necessary movements are done on the computer. Once the perfect treatment plan is in place, the orthodontist approves the manufacturing of the aligners. Spark aligners are usually worn 7 days each. Many times a re-scan for refinement aligners is needed to get things perfect. The result are amazing and the patients’ smile is beautiful …all without wearing braces.

Spark provides the best ever options in clear aligner treatment …aesthetics, clarity and comfort to deliver the smile you’ve always wanted. And cost varies.

The need for fewer aligners with minor corrections makes the “touch-up”movement of a few teeth very affordable.

Caples and Robinson are proud to be Exclusive Providers for Damon Ultima Braces and Premier Provider s of Spark Clear Aligners. Call today (318) 325-9655 to schedule your consultation. The options for that perfect smile have never been more comfortable, efficient and aesthetic.

We would like to say a heartfelt “THANK YOU”to all of our patients - past and presentfor making us a leader in orthodontics in Northeast Louisiana.

We simply couldn’t do it without you and your family. We appreciate you!

- Ricky, Chris & Girls

Louisiana Tech Dean Honored

Dr. Keith-Vincent Appointed to LEEC

LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY’S COLLEGE OF education and Human Sciences has made a significant announcement regarding the appointment of Dr. Lindsey KeithVincent, who holds the position of Associate Dean for Research, Outreach, and Innovation. Governor John Bel Edwards has chosen her to serve as a distinguished member of the Louisiana Environmental Education Commission (LEEC). This new role exemplifies Dr. Vincent’s commitment to education and her dedication to promoting environmental awareness and sustainability throughout the state.

Dr. Keith-Vincent expressed her appreciation for Governor Edwards’ confidence in her abilities, stating, “I am thankful for Governor John Bel Edwards’ faith in my capacity to contribute to this important dialogue at the state level.” Being a lifelong resident of Louisiana, she has a deep understanding of the state’s unique environmental context and the necessity of safeguarding it for future generations.

Having been established in 1993, the LEEC has played a pivotal role in fostering initiatives related to environmental education across Louisiana. Dr. Vincent’s appointment coincides with the commission’s 30th anniversary, highlighting her involvement during this significant milestone.

In her words, “This commission holds a storied history of advocating for environmental education. I am enthusiastic about collaborating with leaders from diverse sectors to generate materials and resources that will benefit our upcoming cohort of environmental custodians.”

As a member of the LEEC, Dr. Keith-Vincent’s primary objectives revolve around partnering with leaders representing various domains to craft educational materials and resources that will empower the forthcoming generation of environmental stewards.

She emphasized, “Our focus must encompass addressing critical concerns, optimizing resource utilization, disseminating public awareness about engagement opportunities, and striving to meet the requisites of our stakeholders united in the shared mission of preserving and elevating our state and its inhabitants.”

Dr. Keith-Vincent envisions her role as a platform to foster transparent and open discussions among stakeholders. Her vision involves conserving Louisiana’s diverse environmental heritage while embracing a future filled with possibilities. She remains dedicated to listening to the perspectives and needs of educators, industry collaborators, government officials, and community leaders. By doing so, she seeks to ensure that the development of policies, materials, and resources is informed by a wide array of voices.

Don Schillinger, the Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences, lauded the appointment, saying, “Dr. Keith-Vincent’s selection for this crucial educational commission dedicated to promoting environmental literacy and the responsible management of our vital natural resources is a source of pride for the College of Education and Human Sciences.”

Dr. Keith-Vincent’s inclusion in the LEEC stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to education, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. With a resolute focus on fostering positive change, her contributions are poised to effect a meaningful and constructive transformation within Louisiana’s landscape of environmental education.

CRUSHING BATTLES

SAM CRAWFORD WAS ARRESTED AT A YOUNG AGE, BUT THANKS TO AN ATTENTIVE MENTOR HE WAS ABLE TO BUILD A SKILL THAT WOULD END UP BEING A PART OF HIS MINISTRY

ARTICLE BY VANELIS RIVERA AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

“SO, DO YOUR INTERVIEWS USUALLY BE THIS HIGH INTENSITY?”

Sam Crawford asked me with a sly grin as we both stood outside his gym’s red and black boxing ring. As I leaned on the rope dividers pressing record on my phone, the beads of sweat that had been running down my face began to evaporate, steadily cooling me. The answer to his question was no, I have not had an interview in my six years of writing that began at 7 AM and entailed five minutes on an elliptical, a series of mobility exercises, a breakdown of boxing fundamentals, and nonstop boxing drills that left my muscles sore two days after the workout. I could deal with the pre-workout, but wrapping my hands and putting on bulbous gloves was a little more intimidating. Not to mention, Crawford’s direct coaching style leaves little room for overthinking. This is to say, he challenged me to give my all, a character trait Crawford clearly values, as his story is ultimately a testimony to the immense power of defying the odds.

Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Crawford’s life took a sharp turn at a young age. In 1993, at the impressionable age of seventeen, he was sentenced to twenty-five years for armed carjacking. The harsh reality of prison life took a toll on his emotional well-being, as he was often put in isolation. The tense environment led to an increase in his aggression, and he was often caught in brawls. “But only by the grace of God and many prayers that I was able to skip around some of the more serious offenses,” he says. Thanks to an

attentive mentor, he could channel his aggression into building a skill that would end up being a part of his ministry.

Crawford was put in one of the six Louisiana state prisons that participate in the Louisiana Institutional Boxing Association (LIBA). One of the trainers, most likely seeing himself in the young Crawford, took him aside and told him, “If you’re going to fight so much you might as well learn to box.” With nothing to lose, he took the offer, but it didn’t come without its challenges, especially those tied to his ego. Going in, he had an attitude of disrespect and quickly learned that with boxing the greatest skill to learn is discipline. “I can go play basketball at the park with no referees or I can try to take it all the way to the NBA, which would require me to learn how to work with others,” he says, adding, “Boxing is about why you fight.” During his time fighting with LIBA, he earned the nickname “Bone Crusher” as well as the title of LIBA Light Heavyweight Champion in 1997 and between 2001 to 2006. His Champion belt, intricately crafted by inmates involved in the hobby craft program, is mounted on a wall. Another piece celebrating his victorious boxing legacy sits on his desk, a masterful paper mache figurine of Crawford in boxing regalia made from toilet paper, another superb creation from an artistic inmate.

Some may consider such an aggressive sport to increase violent behavior, but for Crawford, it improved his chances of reentering society. “Number one, it’s a sport. It’s got rules. It’s got an order you have to follow,” he says, mentioning the craft of having to keep emotions in check. After twenty-two years of

From the outside looking in, BoneKrusher Boxing may seem like a rugged man’s playground, but Crawford’s intense focus on community building indicates that this faith-based institution cares more about results than revenue.

serving time, he was released in 2015. It was a date he had already begun planning for years prior. In addition to boxing, he was part of the culinary arts program in prison, and inspired by an article in the New York Times informing of the substantial salary personal trainers can make, he began to create a plan for his transition. Two weeks after his release, he landed his first job with Chef Cory Bahr at Restaurant Cotton working as their sauté chef, quickly refining his culinary chops for the fine dining kitchen. “When you know food, it doesn’t take you that long to learn how to prepare it how they want you to prepare it,” he says. As his expertise grew, so did his confidence, and six months later he was able to get a part-time job at the former Pickel Barrel. There, he was promoted to kitchen manager.

In addition to his culinary endeavors, he kept with his plan of personal training, taking in clients early in the morning at a local gym. This impressive diligence and dedication paid off, when a gym member, noting the vigor of his training, began to encourage him to consider opening up a boxing gym in Monroe. Crawford didn’t know this at the time, but that man would end up being the owner of the property he had found just for that purpose. The day that he met with the building manager to sign the lease, the same man called him and asked him if he was in the process of leasing 3307 on Renwick Street. Confirming that he was, the man replied, “Yeah, I own

that building.” Recognizing the divine intervention, Crawford is still in awe of and full of gratitude for the doors that kept opening for him after he straightened out his life.

In 2018, BoneKrusher Boxing Program opened its doors. But for Crawford, the gym wasn’t merely a business. He envisioned a space where people’s lives could change for the better, particularly those of children and young adults. So, he began a youth outreach program which he recently turned into a nonprofit organization titled BK Mentoring. As far as the gym, even the name (his boxing namesake) has gained new meaning. The logo, which is a boxing glove breaking a bone, coincides with his tagline “Off the streets and into the gym.” In other words, sometimes the toughest bone to crush is your mentality. “You want to see the opportunity to educate yourself on how to transform your whole way of thinking,” he emphasizes. Many of the kids in his program come from one-parent households, are dealing with behavioral issues, or require more outdoor activities. He considered his hands-on mentoring as one of the key factors of change in his kids, a recipe of attention, guidance, and honesty.

The interior of BoneKrusher Boxing not only demands attention but acts as a source of pride and encouragement. Keeping community in mind, the red and yellow walls are strewn with posters featuring Muhammad Ali, “Iron” Mike

MENTORING YOUTH

Sam Crawford envisioned a space where people’s lives could change for the better, particularly those of children and young adults. So, he began a youth outreach program which he recently turned into a nonprofit organization titled BK Mentoring.

Tyson, Michelle and Barack Obama, “T-Rex” Claressa Shields, and Laila Ali. A painted mural honors Crawford’s faith—three crosses surrounded by sunlit clouds with the phrase Trinity of Triumph” at the base, and the words “decide, commit, succeed” bordering the top. And another painted dedication framing the front door, a quote from Proverbs 22:6, establishes the gym’s central principle: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Though a few of Crawford’s clients are college-bound students hoping to improve their boxing skills and stay on the straight and narrow, most of his clients are women. At his gym, they have found a place where they feel comfortable, and where they don’t have to be hypervigilant of being harassed during their workout. While some of his female clients opt for fitness training, those who opt for boxing tend to reap even more substantial benefits, as yours truly can attest. One of Crawford’s recent clients, Katrina

Branson, appreciates his focus on safety and proper instruction. She remembers him always telling her, “This ain’t no Jenny Craig workout over here.” Which to her translates to, “When you come to the BoneKrusher boxing gym, you’re going to work hard and sweat, and there’s no stopping or quitting on ourselves.” Without a doubt, the high-intensity movements of boxing drills burn fat, build lean muscle, help develop endurance, and can improve balance and coordination. Just one round of a three-minute circuit felt like I had run half a mile. As I caught on to the drill jargon—jab (“one”), right cross (“two”), lead hook (“three”)—I felt more confident in maintaining momentum. And though I confused the numbers now and then, Crawford kept me motivated.

From the outside looking in, BoneKrusher Boxing may seem like a rugged man’s playground, but Crawford’s intense focus on community building indicates that this faith-based institution cares more about results than revenue. And his efforts have not gone unnoticed. This year, Black Business Owners United awarded Crawford with the “Best Mentoring Program” and “Best Fitness Instructor.” Certainly, Crawford—a man who believes that his God is bigger than the stigma that follows the incarcerated—has crushed through his battles to help others crush their own.

City of West Monroe

Wins LMA Community Achievement Award

THE CITY OF WEST MONROE WAS recently recognized by the Louisiana Municipal Association as a winner in the annual Community Achievement Awards for the City’s efforts to develop Highland Park.

West Monroe was presented with the award at the LMA Annual Convention recently held in Alexandria. The Community Achievement Awards recognize the achievements of municipalities over the past year in four main categories – Community Development, Economic Development, Basic Services and Technology and Connectivity.

The City of West Monroe received the LMA Community Achievement Award in the category of Economic Development for cities with a population between 10,000 and 25,000.

The City of West Monroe was recognized for its efforts to develop Highland Park, a

property located in the heart of the city limits that was previously used as a golf course. The City of West Monroe has leveraged partnerships and funding opportunities to develop the property that includes a stormwater detention project, recreational trails system for pedestrians and bicyclists, residential development on one end and commercial development on the other end. The residential development is known as Trenton Bend, which is being developed by ARCO Builders. The first home is currently under construction. More information can be found at www.trentonbend.com

The first parcel on the commercial end of the development has been sold to Marion State Bank. Construction is set to begin this week.

West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell thanked the Louisiana Municipal Association for recognizing the Highland Park project

and the partners that have helped make the project a reality.

For more information about the Highland Park property, contact the West Monroe Mayor’s Office at (318) 396-2600 or mayorsoffice@westmonroe.la.gov

Prepare For The Fall

At Haven in Monroe

IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE SUMMER HAS ended and fall is here. We are all awaiting that first cool snap but, in the meantime, you can come shop in the cool at Haven and see some refreshing fall arrivals.

The Velvet Pumpkins and acorns are here! Those that know – know! These pumpkins are “The Original Velvet Pumpkins with the real stems.” A stunning array of velvet colors to usher in the fall, including those special velvet patterns by Kevin O’Brien.

Haven just restocked NEST and LAFCO and so that means NEST’s popular Pumpkin Chai and Autumn Plum candles are ready for you! Those scents always signal the beginning of fall. Haven sells out of Pumpkin Chai every year, so be sure to get yours soon.

Football season is in full swing. Haven has styrofoam cups for LSU and ULM, with new Tech cups on the way! Gold tiger cups

are in-stock for Neville as well! They have plenty of fun cookbooks full of dips and appetizers to serve at any Tailgate. Haven’s LSU shirts will have you ready for the game. And fun college earrings are on the way, which will be a fashion-must for game day!

Haven’s staff just put out some great new merchandise. Several bath products with amazing packaging and scents, a stylish line of leather purses, two LAFCO candle scents that are new to Haven, and some exciting adds to the men’s section. The religious area of the shop just received books and has expanded areas.

On the design side, Haven has been busy unpacking lamps, design accessories from High Point, and four deliveries of pillows, doubling Haven’s selection. Every price point is covered with these new offerings. Haven also received a shipment of original abstracts from artist Jennifer Poe. A wide variety of color combinations in varying

sizes can provide the inspiration you need for your space.

Haven has a dedicated in-store sales associate that has great knowledge of the vendors Haven offers and can help with any of your in-store design needs. Jade Parker is a ULM graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Jade has been such an asset to Haven’s design team and can help customers select bedding, lamps, design accessories, rugs, and pillows. Jade can also assist you with in-store furniture orders for Sherrill Furniture.

As always, an excellent selection awaits you at Haven. With new product introductions and a helpful staff, Haven is a destination shop in Monroe for all your gift giving. Haven is open Monday through Friday 10-5 and Saturdays 10-3. On a side note, Haven will have some exciting shop news next month. Stay tuned and look for their Bayou Life Article to be in the know!

Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup

New Prize Amounts And Creation Of Student Innovation Fund

THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP PELICAN Cup, Louisiana’s premier business plan competition, announced plans to increase prize amounts as well as the creation of the Student Innovation Fund, which will provide up to $200,000 annually to support new businesses grown from the competition. The announcement was made at a press conference on Monday, August 14, 2023, on the campus of the University of Louisiana Monroe, which hosts the annual competition.

“This is really quite a moment,” said ULM President Dr. Ron Berry. “It’s one of those moments in our history that’s going to send a strong message to the world that we truly are serious about changing lives on the Bayou. We’re serious about reaching out and working with partners, bringing people to campus and to Monroe, Louisiana, to make a difference, not only in our students’ lives but the lives of our faculty and the community at large,” he added.

When the Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup

enters its third year in 2024, the first-place prize amount will increase to $50,000, up from $25,000, while the second-place prize will increase to $25,000, up from $15,000. The thirdplace prize will remain at $10,000, with the pitch competition winner receiving $2,000, and the first through third-place faculty advisors receiving $3,000 each. This brings the total amount awarded each year to $96,000.

The newly created Student Innovation Fund offers Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup finalists the opportunity to apply for additional funding if they choose to take the next step and pursue their business. The fund will award a total of $200,000 per year over the next five years. Priority will be given to first through thirdplace teams, but any finalist team is eligible to apply. The fund will help foster the growth of ideas while providing guidance and resources along the way. The Student Innovation Fund is made possible by anonymous donations.

“With their investment in the

Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup and Student Innovation Fund, these donors have provided the opportunity for complete and total trajectory changes in the lives of students, that will benefit and transform our community, the region, the state of Louisiana, and perhaps the world,” said Dr. Michelle McEacharn, Dean of the ULM College of Business and Social Sciences.

The Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup was founded by distinguished ULM alumnus Dhu Thompson, who is also the premier sponsor of the event. His increase of the prize money puts this competition among the top of its kind in the nation.

Cathi Hemed, Director of External Initiatives at ULM, is the organizer of the competition. “With this incredible competition, ULM is leading the way in changing the future for higher education students and making a statement of dedication to Louisiana business development,” said Hemed.

Kitty DeGree Foundation Gifts The Children’s Museum

Kitty Degree’s ”Love For Our Community” Continues With Generous Gift

THE NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

Children’s Museum received a major boost towards the construction and educational programming of a new museum from one of this area’s most respected philanthropic organizations.

The donation of $400,000 was made on July 28, 2023, by the Remembering HerThe Kitty DeGree Foundation. “Today’s donation is going to make a positive difference in the lives and educational experiences of thousands of children now, and for many years to come,” said Children’s Museum Director Melissa Saye. “It is also an investment in our community and shows that our area understands the importance of expanding learning opportunities for our children.”

The Foundation was established approximately 20 years ago by local businesswoman Kitty DeGree and the Kitty

DeGree Foundation board of directors has continued her legacy of helping community programs and services. Currently John Cameron and Anne Lockhart represent the board, with specific gratitude and recognition for the caring and dedication of its former president and vice president, Cindy Rogers and Scottie Traylor, who both recently passed away.

“Cindy, John, Scottie, and I have been so very excited to represent Kitty DeGree’s love of our community in a project of this magnitude and importance—especially because this museum plays such an important part in the lives of children and families in this region,” said Anne Lockhart.

Fundraising for the new educational anchor is a key focus in the upcoming months. Development Director Dawn Landry said “Our children are our most

precious commodity. This facility is going to be such a source of pride for our community. Opportunities for businesses and families to also participate and donate to the museum can be found at nelcm.org or by contacting Dawn Landry at nelcm3@gmail. com or 318-361-9611.

Biedenharn Museum & Gardens Unveils Library

The Little Free Library Invites Visitors to Take a Book, and Share a Book

ON AUGUST 12TH,THE BIEDENHARN Museum and Gardens will unveiled its Little Free Library. The celebration included a ribbon cutting, cookies, and Cokes. A Little Free Library is a “take a book, share a book” free book exchange. The shelves are stocked with donated books, and visitors are invited to participate in a free “take a book, share a book” exchange. Volunteers monitor the inventory regularly to ensure the content is appropriate for patrons.

Museum Director Ralph Calhoun remembers seeing an LFL for the first time in FareHarbor, Alabama. “Part of the appeal is each Little Free Library has its own personality, which will develop over time. Who knows what patrons of the Biedenharn’s library will contribute? I can imagine gardening, history books, and children’s books. The hope ispeople will

share their favorite books and authors with the community. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share.”

The wooden library is located on Speed Street, near the intersection of Speed and Riverside. Calhoun feels the location is “Great for Garden District residents who are walking or biking over the Levee to the parkland beside the Ouachita River or are heading to Forsythe Park. They can grab a book, find a bench or soft spot and enjoy reading. I also expect out-of-town visitors to the Museum to pick out a book or two they can read while traveling.”

There are more than 150,000 registered Little Free Library book-sharing boxes in 120 countries worldwide. And the Biedenharn’s is not the first Little Free Library in Ouachita Parish. Other locations in Monroe include the Children’s Coalition on Hall Street in Bernstein Park. West Monroe has Little Free

Libraries in Kiroli Park.

About the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens of Monroe:

The Biedenharn Museum, featuring the Coke Museum, Bible Museum, and Biedenharn Home and Gardens, is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 – 5:00. Admission is $10 for adults and $5.00 for children. The Museum is located at 2000 Riverside Drive, Monroe, LA.

ULM Pi Kappa Alpha Continue Strong

Pi Kappa Alpha Secure Fourth Consecutive Robert A. Smythe Award

MEMBERS OF THE PI KAPPA

Alpha fraternity from the University of Louisiana Monroe have recently returned from the 155th Summer leadership event known as the Thomas C. Tillar Leadership Academy. During this event, the fraternity achieved a significant accomplishment by securing their fourth consecutive Robert A. Smythe Award. This award is bestowed upon the top 10 percent of Pi Kappa Alpha chapters annually. Remarkably, this victory marks the 28th time that the ULM Pike chapter has earned the Smythe Award in the past 32 years.

The criteria for the Smythe Award is based on excelling across 16 key aspects of chapter operations, encompassing academics, community service, campus engagement, athletic involvement, management, health and safety, new member education, accountability, and alumni relationships.

Accompanied by Jeron Medaries, a

member of Pike Alumni Advisory Board, and Tommy Walpole, the Delta Region president of Pike, five ULM students participated in the four-day event held in Memphis.

At the Leadership Academy, the group received recognition for maintaining a grade point average exceeding 3.0 for the thirteenth consecutive year.

Among the noteworthy achievements during their trip, the ULM chapter was honored with the Raymond L. Orians Award for Chapter Excellence. This award celebrates the overall performance of the chapter in the preceding year. Impressively, the ULM Pikes have received the Orians award for 36 consecutive years.

Furthermore, the fraternity was acknowledged for their exceptional performance in areas such as Financial Management, Recruitment, support of the Fraternity’s Leadership program, Excellent House Management, 100% support of the

International Undergraduate donor club, and participation in the International Work Day.

Landon Trahan achieved Garnet status for his participation in his third Pike University Leadership event, while Cody Ponthieux, the Internal Vice-President, attained Gold status for attending his fifth Pike University Leadership event.

The ULM Pi Kappa Alpha Alumni Association added to the accolades by securing their 12th consecutive William R. Nester Outstanding Alumni Association award. This recognition underscores the association’s consistent excellence and its place among the organization’s top alumni associations in North America. This award has been achieved 24 times within the past 29 years.

Pi Kappa Alpha operates with 200 chapters across North America, and its headquarters is located in Memphis, Tennessee.

Christmas on the River Gets a New Look

New Brand for Discover Monroe-West Monroe

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY THIS year! Christmas on the River has a new look for the upcoming holiday season. The new brand showcases different holiday elements to bring excitement and awareness to all the holiday events happening in Ouachita Parish.

“We are excited to present this new brand for our Christmas on the River. This new logo mark and additional brand illustrations such as the whimsical tree and Santa Heron convey the fun and magic of our holiday celebrations. It also works well with our current branding for Discover Monroe-West Monroe,” said Sheila Snow, Discover Monroe-West Monroe Vice President of Communications.

Christmas on the River begins November 11th through December 31st. Activities during this season include the Freedom Trees at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, followed by Santa’s Christmas Village at the Northeast Louisiana Children’s

Museum, holiday outdoor movies, Christmas at Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, and Candy Cane Lane, a drive-through light park in Calhoun.

And don’t forget to add Festival Weekend, December 1st – 3rd, to your holiday calendar! Festival weekend is packed full of holiday cheer with two parades, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ouachita Christmas Parade and the Bawcomville Redneck Parade. This unique holiday parade features such throws as toilet paper, packs of noodles, hot

dogs, and the occasional turnip. Additional events this weekend include a Downtown Gallery Crawl, a 5K, live entertainment, and fireworks.

Christmas on the River is one the many exciting Christmas events you can find on the Holiday Trail of Lights. The Holiday Trail of Lights consists of Alexandria/Pineville, Minden, Monroe-West Monroe, Natchitoches, Shreveport – Bossier, Logansport, and Ruston. Experience holiday lights, fireworks, shopping, and many other exciting events in ten of our most festive cities along I-20 and I-49.

For more information about Christmas on the River and upcoming holiday events, please visit christmasontheriver.org or call 318-387-5691.

Louisiana Tech Dean Honored

Dr. Keith-Vincent Appointed to LEEC

SARAH RYAN, A GRADUATE FROM THE COLLEGE OF Education and Human Sciences in 2020 with a specialization in elementary education and mild/moderate elementary (grades 1-5), has recently authored a captivating book titled “Inch by Inch – Unveiling the Bookworm Within!”

Co-authored alongside her father, Greg Ryan, the book delves into the journey of an inchworm who holds a deep fondness for school but encounters obstacles on the path to reading proficiency. Through unwavering support from loved ones, the inchworm discovers the gradual yet transformative nature of improving reading skills, one step at a time.

The genesis of “Inch by Inch – Unveiling the Bookworm Within!” arose from the shared ardor for education between Sarah and her father. Their joint belief in the profound impact of reading as a catalyst for imagination and knowledge fueled their creative endeavor.

Drawing upon Sarah’s firsthand experiences as an elementary school educator, she recognized the common challenge students face in maintaining engagement and excitement throughout their reading expeditions. With this insight, Sarah and her father aimed to craft an immersive, entertaining, and educational narrative that would resonate with young readers.

The character of Ian, the endearing inchworm, symbolizes the philosophy of consistent, incremental progress leading to significant accomplishments. This principle, paramount in the journey of acquiring reading skills and fostering a love for literature, inspired the heart of the story.

Sarah attributes a substantial influence to Louisiana Tech University in shaping her book. The comprehensive education she received from the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership illuminated the intricacies of children’s learning processes. This enlightenment redirected her focus towards elevating children’s reading proficiencies, ultimately culminating in the birth of her book.

Sarah extends her heartfelt gratitude to the Louisiana Tech community, singling out Dr. Libby Manning as a cherished mentor. Dr. Manning’s guidance illuminated the potency of imparting essential standards through illustrated books, presenting diverse educational avenues, and providing unwavering encouragement. Sarah’s enduring loyalty to her alma mater is a testament to these invaluable experiences.

The College of Education and Human Sciences takes pride in its role within Sarah and her father’s book creation voyage. Dr. Libby Manning commends Sarah’s fervor for education, highlighting her evolution from a teacher candidate to a burgeoning author. Sarah’s propensity to glean insights from established authors mirrors her dedication to the art of both reading and writing.

Monroe Symphony League Mid-Summer Luncheon

Kay Kellogg Katz was named as the new president for the Monroe Symphony League. Carol Ann Tubbs, the Leagues past president presented Kay with the Leagues President’s Gavel while members enjoyed their lunch at the Bayou Desiard Country Club.

New directors are Fran Winters, Jane Shurley, Anne Lockhart, and Jane Cooper with past president Carol Ann Tubbs.

New officers include President Kay Kellogg Katz, vice president Bobbye Legan, treasurer Anita Breen, recording secretary Diane Rizzo, corresponding secretary Billie Barringer, and Directors Carol Ann Tubbs, Carolyn Seegers, Kathryn Hutchinson, Beverly Jarrell, Beulah Shakir, Linda Taylor, Marilyn Decker, Mary Ann Dunn, Sue Nawas, Barbara Thompson, and Debbie Sawyer.

Rotating off the Board are Lu Jones, Lynn Hodge, Carolyn Gates, and Dorothy Williams.

On the BayouScene

1 Debbie Sawyer and Sherrie McCraw

2 Fran Winters, Jane Shurley, Anne Lockhart, and Jane Cooper with Past President Carol Ann Tubbs

3 Kay Kellogg Katz and Carol Ann Tubbs

4 Kay Kellogg Katz

5 Laverne Bodron

Our favorite jeans from Dusty & Company are available in this red haute hue.

You’ll be too hot to handle in this red dress with puff sleeves and pearl neckline. Find this a t The Nude Nomad

Your new favorite tee is at Palette House and Plume. The exaggerated puff sleeve and scoop neck elevate this top.

Strut your stuff in this sassy ruffled dress from River Outfitters

This wine-colored velvet top is a great choice for autumn days. Find this and more at Bella Trés

LADY IN RED

Heat up your wardrobe with our favorite power color. Find these seasonal looks at area boutiques.

photography by Kelly Moore Clark

corduroy mini dress breaks all the rules. Find this and more at Hemline Monroe.

For work or play, this tweed jacket from HerringStone’s is perfect for fall.

This

BAYOU PROFILE

JANE MARIE

JANIE AND JEFF MCGEHEE ARE A TESTAMENT TO SMALL TOWN VALUES TRANSLATING TO PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS.

ARTICLE BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

Born and raised in Ruston, Janie Sutton and Jeff McGehee met as kids attending school and church together. Janie is a woman defined by plans, many conceptualized when she was only 8 years old. When she set her sights on marrying Jeff McGehee, her future husband had no idea what he was in for. Not only would the vivacious and confident hometown girl become his wife, but together they would launch a national lifestyle brand that marketed small town living on a large scale.

The youngest of four children, Janie Sutton was no fashion icon. In fact, her friends frequently mocked her fashion choices. In their defense, 7th grade Janie dressed in Looney Tune T-shirts, Esprit shorts, and braided belts. Janie didn’t care about fashion trends or name brands. She wore what was comfortable, her confidence radiating from the inside. She knew who she was and what she wanted. Janie ran track and cross country and spent most of her extracurricular time at Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston. Though social and vibrant, no one would have predicted Janie would build a fashion company from scratch. Meanwhile, Jeff was one of 5 children and on Sundays, could be found at his grandmother’s house for lunch alongside 40-50 family members. Jeff’s father was a CPA and entrepreneur. Success was impressed upon Jeff at a young age. While Janie was idealizing Jeff, Jeff desired opening his own business. In 2nd grade, Jeff voiced wanting to own his own outdoor store. He wanted to accomplish something, to put his stamp on a contribution rather than simply working for someone else.

When Jeff and Janie were 14, Jeff’s brother would come home saying how Janie Sutton kept asking about him. Freshman year, Jeff asked Janie to the Ruston High School Homecoming dance. Elated, Janie immediately composed a letter to Jeff. She detailed how and when the couple would marry, how many kids they would have and what their names would be, how they would continue to live in Ruston, and that she knew he was the person for her. Janie wrote the proposed wedding date on her school binder and on her school locker. Jeff was amused, but not quite sold. After a twoyear gap of seeing other people, Janie posed the question: “Jeff, when are we gonna get married?” Jeff, per usual, hadn’t given it much thought, but he knew he liked Janie and they began dating. In 1993, Jeff had no idea how accurate Janie’s proposed wedding date of May 2003 would be.

Jeff enrolled at LA Tech in 1999. Janie initially went to college out of state on a track scholarship, but missed home and

transferred to Tech as well. Janie majored in secondary education and planned to become a history teacher at her alma mater, along with coaching track and cross country. Meanwhile, Jeff majored in forestry, led by his love of all things outdoors, though after reconsidering his dream of owning a business, he switched to Business Administration. While in his business classes, Jeff identified his need for a specific skill, something to accentuate his budding business acumen. He finally settled on Computer Information Systems. Outside of classes, Jeff participated in track and pole vaulting, eventually landing a scholarship. He stayed active in a fraternity and spent 3-4 hours a day at sports practice. Then right on time (as Janie predicted) the couple graduated from Tech in May of 2003, and the very

their own company.

In 2006, Janie and Jeff launched Running Wild. They traveled all over the country, still attending trade shows, selling fashion-forward jewelry items in bulk. The name came from Janie’s love of running. She picked up a pair of flip-flops, mimed running in the air, and suggested the moniker. The lifestyle kept the couple busy for the next five years, and when Janie was about to turn 30, she knew she better get started on having those four kids. Their first child Millie Marie was born in the midst of the Running Wild madness, and she molded right into life on the road. Janie would set Millie Marie’s carrier under the table at the booth; the infant was present at a trade show in Las Vegas at only six months old. She traveled the country with her parents, and while adapting

next weekend, they got married. A few weeks before graduation, life threw the McGehees a curveball when Jeff didn’t get into law school. They had planned on moving to Baton Rouge and beginning a life there. Then, a family friend offered Jeff a job as a sales manager for children’s fashion jewelry. It required traveling to trade shows and depended upon commission sales. In a college marketing class, Jeff remembers the professor asking how many people would take a 100% commission job. Jeff put up his hand and quickly realized he was the only one in the room who would. Jeff didn’t hesitate accepting the friend’s offer, and since Janie always wanted more time with Jeff, she agreed to come along. Suddenly Janie and Jeff were together 24/7, often sitting long hours in a 10/10 booth at the trade shows. They traveled together on the road pulling the trailer of merchandise, ate every meal together, and slept side by side away from home. Being so young, customers often assumed Janie and Jeff were brother and sister and that the booth belonged to their parents. Janie got 100% of Jeff’s time and learned the business, namely their customer base. For the next 2.5 years, the newlyweds embraced life on the road and identified an opportunity to start

a baby into any routine is difficult, this lifestyle was one the McGehee’s had come to understand. Two years later, Maddie Lu was born, and navigating two kids on the road proved more difficult. Janie started hanging back, building a traditional home life with the girls. By this time, the McGehees had launched a second company called Cheap Chic Jewelry. The merchandise sold itself, as jewelry is easy to carry after bulk purchases. Janie and Jeff invented the $5 gimmick - everything on the table sold for $5. The concept was new to the trade shows, and the McGehees could barely keep up with the demand.

In 2014, and contrary to Janie’s wishes, the couple started Jane Marie, a lifestyle brand suited to the customers they discovered on the road. At the time, Janie was pregnant with the couple’s third child Jack. While they had customers nationwide, their largest customer base was concentrated in the southeastern U.S. Those small-town values inspired Janie to create religious and inspirational pieces, targeting women buyers from 3545, much like herself. In 2013, Janie had created a necklace where the charms could be changed out; they gradually added more charm options, and the necklace was a hit at the trade shows.

Alongside a design team of 5 people, they produce 6000 lifestyle products every year including: pajamas, T-shirts, bags, shoes, jewelry, and accessories.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

In the future, Jeff hopes to grow the business, to firmly establish a legacy. What the last 20 years have taught the McGehees, apart from how to grow a business, is the importance of investing in people. They now work with 25 individuals and are responsible for their livelihoods. It’s a big responsibility and one they don’t take lightly.

Jeff remembers telling Janie, “This has legs.” At the time, Janie only thought about all the little legs she was chasing at home and resisted Jeff’s idea to expand. But then an investor at a New Orleans trade show spotted the McGehee’s line and called Jeff about opening Jane Marie. The McGehees embraced the opportunity and Jane Marie, the company, was born. Jeff always wanted to build a brand the people would know and recognize, and he finally had a product aesthetic that people responded to.

Now the McGehees design and manufacture all of Jane Marie merchandise. Alongside a design team of 5 people, they produce 6000 lifestyle products every year including: pajamas, T-shirts, bags, shoes, jewelry, and accessories. As the couple was in the trenches of parenting, they decided to introduce children’s merchandise. Inspired by her own interest, Janie designed for women like her in the same stage of life. Now Jane Marie features men’s products. The company focuses on adding new twists to conventional styles, centered on inspirational messages of family and tradition. Mostly, the brand promotes fun and positivity. Early on, Janie would stash pearls in the bathroom cabinets, finding any place to store her products during the design phases. The couple eventually purchased a warehouse in Dubach and then the Arcadia mall. Now Jane Marie has showrooms in Atlanta and Dallas. For the last 20 years, the McGehees have reaped the benefits of self-employment, just as Jeff desired all those years ago. And their family has expanded as well, just as Janie predicted in that letter written at 14.

For the first 9 years of married life,

Janie and Jeff solidified their bond, both personally and professionally. They found a routine that worked for them and adjusted when necessary. When Janie wanted to be home, she stayed back. And when the business could afford Jeff’s absence, he joined her in Ruston, returning to those familial roots that launched the whole enterprise. As a dad, Jeff is handson, intentional with his time, and full of energy. They play softball, baseball, ride bikes, and enjoy the outdoors. Janie is the glue that keeps the family together. Her relaxed, go-with-the-flow attitude allows her to balance a design team and a home team. The couple is dedicated to one another and the growth of their family. Janie appreciates Jeff’s patience and presence in their busy life. Though with the business the couple could live anywhere, they still live in Ruston, just as Janie predicted.

The four McGehee children are wellrounded, displaying their own unique personalities that complement the family dynamic. Millie Marie, the oldest, is engaged in the arts and possesses a passion for writing stories. She’s the observer who sits back and lets others lead. Maddy Lu is athletic and has a passion for gymnastics. She alternates between a playful and intense nature. Jack, like his father, lives outdoors. He loves cross country, baseball, and fact-finding missions. He loves collecting information, alongside hunting and fishing. And finally, Mollie Jean, whom everyone knows as Butter, is feisty and opinionated in the best way. She’s into sports and gymnastics. Her name evolved from Mollie Jean, to Butter Bean, and finally just Butter. All four children

are accomplished pianists, a practice Janie encouraged for its promotion of discipline. In the future, Jeff hopes to grow the business, to firmly establish a legacy. What the last 20 years have taught the McGehees, apart from how to grow a business, is the importance of investing in people. They now work with 25 individuals and are responsible for their livelihoods. It’s a big responsibility and one they don’t take lightly. Janie and Jeff model the possibility of merging a professional and personal life. It takes commitment, it takes dedication, and it takes love. It means working as a team, and notably, having a lot of fun along the way. These two individuals devoted themselves to making a full life, and they love growing it every day.

EXERCISING YOUR SENSE OF SMELL TO SUPPORT YOUR COGNITIVE HEALTH

BY SHANNON DAHLUM, FDN-P

As you age, it’s expected that you’ll eventually begin to experience a decline in the quality of your senses. You may have your vision checked annually and have prescriptions for eyeglasses or contacts adjusted to ensure you continue to see well. At some point you’ll likely notice you have trouble understanding the conversations going on around you, and may rely on hearing aids to improve your sense of hearing. One sense that you may not expect to diminish, but that may have even greater implications in your wellness, is your sense of smell.

The brain circuitry involved in your olfactory sense (your sense of smell) is directly connected to your brain’s memory circuitry. You’ve probably experienced the effect of this many times yourself; you’re exposed to a smell that’s associated to a memory and are immediately transported back to that memory before you even have a moment to think about it. For me, every time I smell roses, I immediately feel the loving presence of my grandmother, who always wore the scent of roses.

Because olfaction and memory share the same circuitry, the loss of smell can be predictive of the development of neurological and psychiatric diseases. Some estimates have associated the loss of olfactory capacity with 70 different neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and schizophrenia. Perhaps supporting your sense of smell as you age is even more important than supporting your vision and hearing. This isn’t something your doctor checks at your wellness visits, though, so how can you work on maintaining a healthy olfactory sense, and possibly, healthy neurological function?

Research has shown that using aromatherapy improves memory, language skills and depression symptoms in patients with moderate dementia. One recent study

found significant improvements in the cognitive function of older adults who didn’t even have previous signs of cognitive impairment. In this study, performed at the University of California, 60-85 year olds were exposed to the scent of essential oils in a diffuser for 2 hours per night while they slept.

Seven different pure essential oils were rotated in an essential diffuser each night for six months. Results after the six months showed a whopping 226% increase in memory performance compared to controls. The study participants also reported improved sleep, which may have played a role in the improved memory, as well.

The researchers who conducted the study say that this finding transforms the long known tie of olfaction and memory into an easy to apply, non-invasive technique for strengthening memory and potentially deterring dementia. Not only did the participants experience memory improvements, but imaging revealed better integrity in the brain pathway called the left uncinate fasciculus. This pathway, which connects the medial temporal lobe in the brain (which is crucial for memory) to the decision- making prefrontal cortex, typically diminishes with age.

While your doctor may not have much to offer you for improving a declining sense of smell, you now have a simple tool you can apply yourself for improving and maintaining your olfaction and cognitive function. Another great perk is how it may

also improve your sleep! All you need is an essential oil diffuser that will run for 2 hours and some pure essential oils. The study utilized oils of rose, orange, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, rosemary and lavender, but it may not be necessary to use all seven in a rotating fashion as they did in the study. Of those, choose what you like and just start with that! You can add more scents to your rotation over time.

There don’t appear to be any studies to determine if smelling artificial fragrances provide the same beneficial effect, but it has been shown that many of the chemicals in them negatively impact other aspects of health, especially hormonal health. Shopping for pure essential oils can be tricky because the labeling can be misleading; the word “pure” can be used on a bottle of oil that only contains a few drops of pure essential oil in a bottle mostly full of artificially fragranced oil. It’s best to do your research on the the brand of oil you find in stores and find out where they’re sourced from before you purchase them. I personally trust all of the oils sold at Fiesta on Eighteenth, and they carry essential oil diffusers, as well.

Strength training is important as you age for maintaining your metabolic health, and now it seems as though training your sense of smell can be a simple way to support your cognitive health. Luckily, your sense of smell is one thing you can actually train while you’re asleep, so it’ll be tough to come up with an excuse to avoid it!

Corbin's shirt features a simple pocket configuration so you won't have to go hunting for your gear even when it's close at hand, a button-down collar to keep everything calm when the wind gets angry, roll-up sleeve tabs and a vented rear yoke for air flow.

AUTUMN REFLECTIONS

From glamorous dresses to tailored looks, we've captured the best of fall fashion. Special thanks to Revival Design & Consign

photography by Kelly Moore Clark

Hair and makeup by Meka Bennett

Models: Ellie Bakeer and Corbin Caldwell

MAX PORTER PROVISIONS

THE NUDE NOMAD

Ellie looks like a goddess in this green dress with cut-out detailing and flowy sleeves. Accessorize with this fully beaded globe-shaped handbag, black heels, pearl earrings and bracelet.

PALETTE HOUSE & PLUME

Ellie is wearing a blue blouse that features black lace insets and careful finishing details that is paired with trousers that boast a full length and flattering wide leg fit. Accessorize with a woven clutch with sparkle band.

RIVER OUTFITTERS

Corbin wears a printed polo crafted from moisturewicking stretch knit and paired with Mavi jeans and slip-on shoes. Ellie is wearing an ivory ribbed top under an olive jacket with star accents and distressed jeans. Gold earrings and a chain necklace complement this white wide-rimmed hat.

DUSTY & COMPANY

This jewel-toned top is perfect for transitional weather. Wear it with wide leg jeans and white croc boots with a square toe. Accessorize with large pearl hoops and a pearl and chain necklace.

RON ALEXANDER CLOTHIERS

Corbin is wearing a classic fit sport shirt with a refined floral pattern under a quilted stitched vest. Perfectly fitted jeans are paired with a lightweight and flexible sneaker.

HEMLINE MONROE

This dress features a cozy high neckline and long sleeves, while its fresh mini length brings a playful charm. Wear it with strappy block heel sandals and large gold hoop earrrings.

HERRINGSTONES

A white, fitted top is worn with an olive cinched sleeve blazer with single button closure. Wear with these paperbag, high-waisted faux leather shorts. Complete the look with a rust-colored fedora and gold weave booties.

BELLA TRÉS

Ellie looks trés chic in faux leather bell bottom pants that are paired with a multicolored geometric print shirt. Complete the look with fuschia suede flats and hoop earrings.

THE MONROE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE NORTHEAST LOUISIANA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND BAYOULIFE MAGAZINE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THIS YEAR’S TOP 20 UNDER 40. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

The Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the Northeast Louisiana Young Professionals and BayouLife Magazine are pleased to announce the 88 nominations for the 2023 Top 20 Twenty Under 40 Young Professional Awards. The Awards Reception was held Tuesday, August 29th at 5:30 pm at the Monroe Civic Center Conference Hall. These individuals are advancing in their careers, active in the community and dedicated to making Northeast Louisiana a better place to live and work.

Those nominated are: Joseph Armstrong, Delta Fiber; Kellie Ballard, Mac’s Fresh Market; Sophie Barksdale, Cummins & Fitts; Jessica Bostic, Food Bank of NELA; Cameron Brister, SquarePlan IT; Lakeysha Bullock, City of Monroe; Philip Carpenter, Robertson Produce; Whitney Carpenter, Grace Episcopal Church; Josh Carroll, SnapMe Creative; Kevin Carroll, Underscore; Bucky Chandler, Sterlington HS/OPSB; Ian Clark, Graphic Packaging/Caldwell Banker; Lyla Corkern, Finding Solace; Lauren Creekmore, The Harrison Lilly Team; Breshatta Davis, The B Law Firm; Matthew Debnam, Lumen Technology; Julie Dickson, Alli Management Solutions; Ryan Dickson, River Oaks School; Marissa Dorris, IBM; Ashley Dowling, WMWO Chamber of Commerce; Jessica Duncan, The Woman’s Clinic; Landon Durr, Landon Taylor Designs & High Tide Rise; Jana Elkins, Northeast Imaging; Mashi Epting, Mashi Epting LLC; Lee Michael Estes, Homeland Bank; Josh Etheridge, Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit; Josh Faciane, Eagle Bank Mortgage; Ryan Felder, Rayville Recovery; Daryl Fortenberry, City of Monroe; Jessica Fortune, J & Fortune Consulting; Scott Franklin, Holly Ridge Rice & Grain Terminal, Attorney; Lisa Govan, Govan 1 Enterprise; April Hammett, McNew, King Landry; Michael Hildebrand, M3 Physio; Harmony Hixon, Origin Bank; Taylor Hoffman, Cross Keys Bank; Haley Holley, Junior League of Monroe; Mya Hudgins, KARD; Latetao Hutchinson, JPMorgan Chase bank; Caleb Johnson, New York Life Insurance Co; Jude

Johnston, Edwards Jones; Landon Joiner, Cross Keys Bank; Devin Jones, E Orum Young Law; Emily Jones, The Center for Children & Families; Meghan Jones, United Way of NELA; Shelby Kelmell, Drax; Lindsay Lanclos, The Woman’s Clinic; Brittany Liner, Origin Bank; Kayleigh Mailhes, Newcomer, Morris & Young; Amber Marshall, Berry Global; Anna Martin, Bank of Oak Ridge; Keith McFarland, GiGi’s Kountry Kitchen; Melanie Moffett, Centric Federal Credit Union; Cynthia Nyquist, Senator Stewart Cathey’s Office; Nirali Patel, City of Monroe; Quanishian Pendleton, Coast Professional; Jessie Phillips, Ouachita Valley FCU; MaKray Phillips, Curly’s Top Dog; Henry “Hank” Pipes, Guaranty Bank and Trust; Megan Proffer, Monroe Overhead Door; Monohn Prud’homme, NOVA Workforce; Meghan Risinger, City of Monroe; Alicia Rollins, VCOM; Sawyer Ryder, Kinetix; Allyson Sager, United Way of NELA; Ty Sanderson, Durrett Title; Steven Schwab, Geaux Physical Therapy; Sarah O’Connor Siereveld, ULM; Shelby Sims, Thomas and Farr; Mark Sisk, Remax Realty; Whitney Sivils-Sawyer, Louisiana Tech University; Jessica Smith, Neville High School; Keisha Sparks, Acadian Ambulance; Tyler Sparrow, IBM; James Stephens, Reeves, Coon & Funderburg; Dr. Alana Stevenson, ULM; Abby Tingle, Discover Monroe West Monroe; Desirae Trappey, Desirae Gooding Photography; Nicholas Trappey, Pelican Wealth Management; Rachel Verucchi, Keller Williams Parishwide Partners; Jonathan Washam, The Washam Agency; Brandon Welch, Brookshires Grocery; Trandon Welch, WELCHinc; Daniel Wheat, Cross Keys Bank; Elisha Wilkinson, Queens of Tomorrow; Johnny Williams, Cross Keys Bank; Chelsea Wyatt, Community Rehab Center; Joshua Zeagler, Atmos Energy.

Presenting sponsors is Origin Bank, Thomas & Farr, Reeves, Coon & Funderburg and BayouLife Magazine. Additional sponsors are City of Monroe, Drax, Etheridge Pipeline, NAI Faulk and Foster, Progressive Bank, KTVE, Stephens Media Group, and The Radio People.

JOSH ETHERIDGE Owner and Director of Business Development for Etheridge Pipeline and Conduit

Sophie was born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana where she graduated from Neville High School. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Monroe and her Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College School of Law. Sophie’s legal career brought her back to Monroe where she worked as a Law Clerk for the Fourth Judicial District Court. Now, Sophie is an Associate Attorney at Cummins and Fitts Law Firm where she has been specializing in adoptions and juvenile matters for 3 ½ years. She has been a member of the Junior League of Monroe for where she has served in multiple leadership roles and is currently serving as vice president of Communications. She serves on the Board of Directors for PAWS of Northeast Louisiana as the Director of Communications and Events. She also currently serves as the chairwoman of the Chapter Advisory Board for the Delta Zeta Chapter of Kappa Delta at ULM. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her two French Bulldogs, Pickles and Olive.

BL: What do you hope to accomplish by age 50? Sophie: By age 50, I hope I am continuing to make a positive impact on the families within Northeast Louisiana. I hope to make positive changes in legislation affecting adoptions; therefore, making adoption more accessible

to all families. I would like to become a fellow in The Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA), an organization dedicated to the competent and ethical practice of adoption and ART law. I hope to have finalized over 1,000 adoptions by age 50!

BL: Tell us something about you most people don’t know.

Sophie: After my first year of law school, I studied abroad in Berlin, Germany for the summer. I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture and to visit many beautiful countries including Belgium, England, Italy, and Poland.

I was adopted by my step-father when I was 6 years old. He is my best friend and the reason that I am so passionate about adoptions.

BL: What advice would you give someone in a new leadership position?

Sophie: Make sure you take the time to celebrate successes along the way – even the small ones! Don’t take credit for the success personally. Give credit where credit is due. When the team wins, you win. You are only as good and as strong as your team.

Josh is the owner and director of business development for Etheridge Pipeline and Conduit and the Etheridge family of companies. Josh graduated from LA Delta Community College in Electronic Instrumentation in 2010. He is the husband to Amber Etheridge, a family nurse practitioner and father to his two boys Kason (8) and Kastor (6). Josh is a Monroe Chamber of Commerce board member where he serves on the technology committee. He was a Leadership Ouachita 2021 graduate and Leadership Lincoln 2023 graduate. Josh is a member of North Monroe Baptist Church where he is involved in the retreat ministry, men’s morning Bible studies, and the FCA. He gives his time by serving on many boards, committees, and cabinets. Josh is a recent recipient of the TH Scott award, The LCTCS Impact award, and is Internationally known as “The Godfather” from his work with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce membership event in 2023.

BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Josh: We have had 187% growth year over year for 6 years.

BL: What is your advice to recent graduates? Josh: Grind, grind, grind. Find a mentor, find peers that are successful and that you respect,

and discuss your issues and listen with intent. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, but when you do, learn from them the first time. Never stop learning, and remember success takes action... loads and loads of action!

BL: What do you do to give back to your community?

Josh: I serve on many boards, committees, and cabinets for United Way, Boy Scouts of America, and three local Chambers of Commerce. We are contributors to St Jude, mission trips, ULM athletics, NOVA, LDCC, United Way, and several other philanthropies and charities.

BL: What do you do to ensure your growth and development as a leader?

Josh: I surround myself with awesome people! I listen to many books about business, personal development, and great historical leaders. I am also part of several peer groups with people that I respect and admire.

BL: What advice would you give someone in a new leadership position?

Josh: Know your “why.” There are going to be ups and downs...everyday, every week, every month, and every year! Take a second and enjoy the wins and know where you get your energy from. You’re going to need it when the going gets rough.

SOPHIE BARKSDALE

Associate Attorney

Cummins and Fitts Law Firm

Marissa is a Data Analyst at IBM focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Project Management. She received her undergraduate education from Liberty University and her technical training from the United States Department of Labor as a certified Application Developer. She serves the Go Care Community Health Center Board of Directors as a twoterm director, aiding in developing a $6M new facility in West Monroe and expanding affordable, comprehensive healthcare in an inclusive and affirming environment. Marissa also serves as treasurer and sponsorship chair of NELA PRIDE, raising over $13K in five weeks. In July, Marissa received IBM’s Client and Partner Success Award for her commitment to her clients. Marissa enjoys playing percussion, cheering on The Golden State Warriors, spending time with her family and friends, and planning her upcoming wedding in Cabo, MX, in her spare time.

BL: What do you do to give back to your community?

Marissa: To give back to my community, I serve as an active mentor to early professionals in the IBM New Collar Initiative Apprenticeship program and have successfully aided in three conversions from apprentice to full-time application developers to increase Monroe’s

technology presence and also partnered with the Human Rights Campaign Generate Youth Advocates Building a Generation Free of HIV and Stigma. I’ve assisted and am featured in the video production of “End HIV and Stigma for LGBTQIA+ people” on YouTube to address HIV stigma in Northeast Louisiana. I serve the Go Care Community Health Center Board of Directors as a two-term director. And was recently appointed to serve as treasurer and sponsorship chair for NELA PRIDE.

BL: What is your motivation?

Marissa: My motivation is faith and family. My faith motivates me because I understand that being a created being comes with a purpose. As I execute that purpose, I am fulfilled beyond material pleasures. My family motivates me through their unwavering commitment to thrive. I’ve watched my mother, Marilyn, conquer breast cancer twice; my father, Vincent Sr., worked two full-time careers majority of my life; my brother, Vincent Jr, won his battle with leukemia before he was 30; and my grandmother, Diane, worked mass transportation in IL for over 20 years before retirement and I’ve never heard her complain, and my fiancé Ashley, continues to show me the power of reinventing yourself. My lineage is full of people who have refused to give up.

Daryl (DJ) was born and raised in the river parishes region of Louisiana. He grew up in Lutcher, moved to St. Amant when he was 10 and attended high school at Riverside Academy in Reserve. DJ came to ULM to play baseball and majored in Marketing early on but wanted to concentrate on the advertising and design side of marketing. He switched to General Business with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Fine Arts to stay eligible on the baseball field. DJ utilized his degree while working in the NewsStar’s advertising department. After a few years there, he bought The Pickle Barrel, then opened Neat (a night club), and Ghost-Tactical (a clothing brand). After Covid, the next phase of his life started with working for the LSBDC and then eventually joining Mayor Friday Ellis as the Community Relations Liaison on his staff.

BL: How do you balance being a successful young professional and having a family?

DJ: One of the biggest mistakes in my early career was to not be home when I was home and to not be at work when I was at work. It is very easy to let both parts blend together. But, one thing I would absolutely recommend is to be at home when you’re home. Be in the moment because 75% of the time we spend with our kids in our lifetime will be spent with them by the time they are 12-years-old.

BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

DJ: We just hosted a Medical IRT at the Civic Center and West Monroe Convention Center where we were able to provide free medical care to anyone that came to either facility. In this event we were able to keep almost $1 million dollars in the pockets of our citizens. To see the smiling faces of our community and to know that we were able to help people by hosting this event will be something I’ll never forget.

BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent?

DJ: Lean into downtown development. Communities across the country are trying to recruit new young professional talent to their areas. Downtown redevelopment is one of the ways they are succeeding because the infrastructure is already there and it was initially built to be the center of commerce and community for a reason. It’s walkable, bikeable, and full of potential that screams culture, creativity, and opportunity!

BL: What advice would you give someone in a new leadership position?

DJ: You are going to fail. Learn from it and find a mentor that will give you constructive criticism. Wisdom is all around you and willing to help if you are willing to receive that coaching.

MARISSA DORRIS

Data Analyst at IBM focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Project Management

DARYL (DJ) FORTENBERRY Community Relations Liaison Executive Department

Scott Franklin is the owner/operator of Holly Ridge Rice, a commercial rice dryer and sales office in Richland Parish. He is also an attorney and a real estate agent. Scott received a bachelor’s degree in Finance at LSU and a Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College School of Law. Scott was the first elected chairman of the Richland Parish Chamber of Commerce and served three consecutive terms. He is the president of the Northeast Louisiana Rice Growers Association and serves on the board of directors for USA Rice. Scott serves on the board of directors and is the chairman of the Ag Committee at Cross Keys Bank. He proudly served on the campaign finance board of Ralph Abraham’s campaign for Governor and was the campaign chairman for the late CongressmanElect Luke Letlow. Scott and his wife Courtney have two sons, Fred Scott and George, ages 5 and 1.

BL: What do you do to give back to your community?

Scott: I spend a lot of time advocating for our farming industry. Unfair international trade and overly burdensome regulations in agriculture can decimate a community like Richland Parish, so I have long been an advisor to our Congressional Representatives. Through my work at USA Rice, I try to stay ahead of what

seems to be an every day battle for commercial fairness in Agriculture

BL: What is your motivation?

Scott: My great grandfather was an orphan, who jumped off of a train in Holly Ridge, Louisiana to find his place in the world. That is like the beginning of a Hollywood movie script. I have benefited so much from his struggles in life. I cannot imagine being a child faced with those unfavorable odds, certainly want to do everything I can to give my sons all of the love that he never received.

Tell us something about you most people don’t know.

Scott: We love to garden at my house. My oldest son Fred Scott has loved to play in the dirt since he could walk, so he and I have always spent a lot of time growing vegetables year-round. It is our hobby that we share together.

BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Scott: Being one of the founders and the first elected Chairman of the Richland Chamber will always define me. I took my job to heart and gave everything I had to my home. We needed a hero, and I sincerely hope that I gave that to my community.

Meghan Jones, a South Georgia native, is the Director of Marketing & Communications and serves on the Leadership Team at United Way of Northeast Louisiana. Meghan plans and oversees annual marketing and communication strategies, ensures brand identity and awareness, manages digital content and organizational messaging, and communicates and streamlines the organization’s mission, values, and community aspirations. An alumna of Lee University, Meghan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and is passionate about reading, writing, and telling people’s stories. She is a member and volunteer at First West, a READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. volunteer reader, a volunteer at her children’s schools, Chair of the Appreciation Committee at George Welch Elementary School, and a member of United Way’s Steamboat Society and Young Leaders UNITED. Meghan is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Ouachita. She is married to Dr. Brice Jones (ULM), and they are proud parents of Hadley (11), Leighton (9), and Carter (7).

BL: How do you balance being a successful young professional and having a family? Meghan: I am fortunate to work for an organization that values people and their families – I could not do what I do without that level of understanding, compassion, and flexibility. (Special shout-out to my boss, Janet

Durden, for being the biggest champion for my family.) However, I’ll be the first to admit that the balance is rarely graceful. For the people out there who think I have my life together, please know that I’ve walked into church with shoeless children, I’ve missed important activities, I’ve leaned on others at work when I had a sick kid at home, and I’m affectionately known as the “store-bought cupcake lady” at my kids’ schools. The key is to keep showing up, no matter what. I hope that my kids can grow up and say, “Our mom wasn’t perfect, but she always tried her best.”

BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent?

Meghan: I was in my 20s when I moved to Northeast Louisiana and entered the workforce. When I arrived, I didn’t know a single person here. I’m so grateful that this community, which initially knew nothing about me, welcomed me and offered a seat at the table. It most definitely influenced my family’s decision to put down roots in Ouachita Parish. I think we do ourselves a disservice when we fail to include young voices in the collaborative process. Include, listen, learn – we may have different opinions or approaches to tackling community issues, but our goals are more aligned than we realize.

SCOTT FRANKLIN Owner/Operator of Holly Ridge Rice

MEGHAN JONES

Director of Marketing and Communications

United Way of Northeast Louisiana

SHELBY KELMELL Project Analyst for Drax

Latetao Hutchinson is a Vice-President of Communications & Community Engagement with Chase Home Lending at 780 Kansas Lane, Monroe. She has been with the firm for over 13 years and has worked as a banker, a branch manager and has supported all branches in North Louisiana with Community Engagement. She has two Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Louisiana Monroe. She is a 2022 Leadership Ouachita graduate, a member of Business & Professional Women Monroe/West Monroe, is on the Monroe Chamber Diversity Committee, serves on the board of the Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, is a member of Keep Morehouse Beautiful, VBS Director for Williams Drive Church of Christ, been a member of the Junior League, and is the President/Executive Director of her own nonprofit, Morehouse Community Development. She has one daughter, Jozlynn Hutchinson, and a spouse, Marcus Hutchinson, and has been married for over 20 years.

BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Latetao: I am really proud that I was able to found my own nonprofit organization, Morehouse Community Development.

BL: What do you do to ensure your growth and development as a leader?

Latetao: I stay true to myself and my passion and purpose. I lean into my strengths, and I benchmark with stronger leaders and other young professionals.

BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent?

Latetao: Give them a leg up to stand on the shoulders of our hometown heroes so they can be empowered and encouraged to lead.

BL: What was your first job?

Latetao: My first job was working as a carhop at Sonic Drive-In in Bastrop. I loved it!

BL: How do you balance being a successful young professional and having a family?

Latetao: We work as a team. If a ball gets dropped, we dropped it. We pick it back up and keep moving forward.

BL: What is your motivation?

Latetao: Whether at work, at home or in the community, I do everything as unto the Lord.

Shelby Kelmell serves as the Project Analyst for Drax in Monroe, LA. Since her start with the company, she has had multiple opportunities for growth and was awarded the OneDrax award for outstanding performance. She was born and raised in Northeast Louisiana, where she still resides with her husband Scott, and their two children, Addy (7) and Sawyer (3). She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Shelby currently serves on the board of the Junior League of Monroe as the Fund Development Vice President. She has a passion for volunteerism and is heavily involved in many local community organizations. Shelby and her family attend North Church Bastrop and she thanks God every day for the many blessings in her life.

BL: What do you do to give back to your community?

Shelby: I have been a member of the Junior League of Monroe since 2019. It has given me the opportunity to impact our community in many ways. I also served as a United Way Community Investment Group Lead this year, as well as volunteered with many other local non-profits. I also have the pleasure of serving with and through North Church Bastrop in children’s ministry.

BL: What advice would you give someone in a new leadership position?

Shelby: First and foremost is to ensure you are empowering your employees and actively communicating. Communication is vital to success in a new role. They are all looking to you to set the tone of how to present themselves in the business. Use your position to give them every tool needed reach their goals.

BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Shelby: I am most proud of the moments I have had to recruit and mentor young talent in our community. I have been given the opportunities to recognize these individuals and guide them to success. Our young leaders are our future and I find joy in knowing I was able to be one step in their path to success.

BL: What do you do to ensure your growth and development as a leader?

Shelby: I take every opportunity to learn new things and I am always the first to raise my hand to take on new projects. With doing so, I am able to continuously further my knowledge and development different skills.

LATETAO HUTCHINSON

Vice-President of Communications and Community Engagement

Chase Home Lending

Amber is a customer care supervisor at Berry Global. She serves on the company’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Global Council and is a member of the DEI advisory board for the Society of Plastic Engineers. Amber is a Chamber ambassador, member of the Chamber’s Diversity Committee and active with the NELA Young Processionals. She is also a member of the Junior League of Monroe and the United Way’s Young Leaders United. Amber is a proud US Navy Veteran and a graduate of the University of Louisiana Monroe. She graduated high school from St. Frederick where she played varsity soccer and was the team’s captain her senior year. Amber has two children and loves that her life has evolved from being a soccer player to being a soccer mom. She loves traveling and creating lifelong memories with her children.

BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Amber: I am most proud of earning a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

BL: Tell us something about you most people don’t know.

Amber: During my enlistment I was an aviation electrician. I worked on C-40A aircraft and HH60H helicopters.

Cynthia is a Monroe native who’s happy to raise her family in her hometown. Cynthia graduated from St. Frederick High School and received her bachelor’s degree from LSU. After college, she moved to NYC to work in the sports marketing and advertising industry. Four years later, she decided to move closer to home and switch career fields. She always had a passion for helping children, so she enrolled in the Early Childhood Education master’s program at the University of New Orleans. She taught kindergarten and enjoyed making an impact at Hynes Charter School. After having her two children, Arthur and Madeline, she decided to return home to be with family. She is currently working as a legislative assistant for Senator Stewart Cathey and serves on the Parent Teacher Organization at her kids’ school. Her fundraising and community engagement efforts have contributed to many entities in the Monroe area.

BL: Tell us something about you most people don’t know.

Cynthia: My favorite thing is Broadway! Growing up, my favorite family vacations involved getting to go to New York and choosing which shows to attend. Because of that, I picked up after college and decided to move to the city. After going to a variety of job interviews and seeing Broadway shows in my downtime, I got a job in the city in sports

BL: What do you hope to accomplish by age 50?

Amber: Personally, by age 50 I would like to accomplish getting my children through their educational pursuits and started on their career paths. Professionally, I hope to continue preparing my direct reports for leadership roles; I would love to see them blossom into supervisory positions.

BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent?

Amber: More educational and training opportunities, starting in elementary through college, so students are prepared for the workforce. In addition, companies can use their resources to train and develop talent inhouse in order to promote within instead of using recruiters to attract personnel to our area.

BL: What is your advice to recent graduates?

Amber: My advice for recent graduates is to network. People like to hire and work with people who are like them or who they have made connections with. These contacts could be beneficial to the depth and longevity of your career.

marketing. While working at Van Wagner Advertising, a leading full-service sports advertising and entertainment agency, I was able to assist the sales and marketing team with signage for the NBA, MLB, NCAA, US Figure Skating, and UFC. In fact, the AllState field goal netting is a Van Wagner production. When I would visit LSU after graduation, I would always snap pictures of the field goal netting and kicks to bring back to work for use in marketing pitches.

BL: How do you balance being a successful young professional and having a family?

Cynthia: Life as a single mom is difficult, and that’s why my priorities are my touchstone. Above all, my children come first; however, making oneself happy and fulfilled is also important. It fills me with joy to know that I am able to positively impact those around me. It’s impossible to “pour from an empty cup,” so I strive to take care of myself by doing things I love. Luckily, my job as a Legislative Assistant for Stewart Cathey strikes that balance of work and family. Sen. Cathey also sees the importance of family, and my work schedule allows me to be present for my children. It’s not uncommon for my friends and family to help out during busy weeks, but that’s what makes Monroe so special. We have an awesome sense of community, and it’s how I’m able to be the best version of myself.

AMBER MARSHALL Customer Care Supervisor Berry Global

CYNTHIA NYQUIST Legislative Assistant for Senator Stewart Cathey

Melanie is the Marketing Coordinator for Centric Federal Credit Union. She is a native of West Monroe and holds a bachelor degree in Communication Design from Louisiana Tech. This fall, Melanie will be completing her second year of CUNA’s Marketing and Business Development School to earn her designation as a Credit Union Certified Marketing Executive™. Melanie currently serves on the Board of Directors for Twin City Ballet Company where she is the VP of Marketing and a past president. Additionally, she is a member of the Kiroli Foundation board, the Monroe Chamber’s Young Professionals Planning Committee and Ouachita Parish Schools’ Adopt-A-School Committee. She and her husband Andrew have two daughters, Georgia and Sydney. In her not-so-spare time, Melanie enjoys painting and graphic design. She has participated as an artist in Herons on the Bayou, Ruston’s Bulldog Project, and will be a part of Biedenharn Museum’s ‘Scripture Through Many Eyes’ exhibit.

BL: What advice would you give someone in a new leadership position?

Melanie: Give yourself grace. Everyone has a different learning and communication styles and it can be challenging trying to fit all of the pieces of the puzzle together.

Dr. Monohn Prud’homme is a young catalyst and native of Monroe. As an employee of NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana, she serves as the Support Services Coordinator. She recently obtained her Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University. Furthermore, she’s also earned a Bachelor’s of Social Work from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Masters in Criminal Justice from Grambling State University. She diligently works to educate and equip the disenfranchised and marginalized individuals in her community with the requisite skills to become employable. Monohn exemplifies a love for God and has a passion for serving young women in her community. Monohn volunteers and serves in a number of organizations including: ULM Women’s Symposium Board Member, Life Choices Board Member, Leadership Ouachita 2021, McCann School of Business & Technology Advisory Board, Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and City of Monroe Quality of Life Transitional Team. Moreover, her passion is workforce development and higher education policy. Presently, Monohn’s goal is to enhance her community through workforce development as well as transition into a seniorleadership role in post-secondary academia impacting the operations of institutions of higher learning. Dr. Monohn lives by “some plant, some water, but God gets the increase.”

BL: Tell us something about you most people don’t know.

Melanie: I’ve illustrated eight children’s books with local author Cindy Foust.

BL: What do you hope to accomplish by age 50?

Melanie: I hope to have raised two beautiful little girls into amazing young women. I also hope that I have inspired those around me to go out and be involved and make a difference in our community.

BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Melanie: At Centric, I’ve had the honor of being a part of a team that has brought home numerous marketing awards at not only a state level, but on a national level, as well.

BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent?

Melanie: I think bringing more awareness to what we have in our own community is invaluable. We have so many great businesses and organizations right here in our area that often get overlooked. I’ll be the first to say I had plans to leave as soon as I graduated. God had other plans and I landed a job before graduation at an amazing local business.

BL: If you could go back in time, what would you tell your college self?

Monohn: If I could go back in time, I would tell my college self not to cram in some of my college courses, because most of the information will be useful later. I would also tell the young Monohn, the prerequisite to successful relationships is only having reciprocal relationships.

BL: What is your motivation?

Monohn: As a workforce development catalyst, I work closely with our local housing authority. I’m motivated when I can pour into individuals who have not been privileged with certain opportunities and in return, they earn the hiset, college degree or acquire a skillset.

BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Monohn: I recently became a Doctor of Higher Education from Jackson State University in Mississippi. On April 4, 2023, which was also my 29th birthday; I successfully defended my dissertation. My topic is “Impact of Mentorship on African American Women in Mid-level Administration in Higher Education.” Lastly, I’m set to graduate in December 2023.

MELANIE MOFFETT

Marketing Coordinator

Centric Federal Credit Union

DR. MONOHN PRUD’HOMME Support Services Coordinator NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana

Dr. Alicia Rollins is a higher educational professional, scientist, and literacy and arts advocate. She received her bachelor’s degree from Southern University in Biology in 2012. She obtained her second degree and ASCP medical lab scientist certification at Our Lady of the Lake College in 2014. After moving to Monroe in 2016, she worked as a lab scientist at Glenwood and then obtained a master’s degree in Biology from University of Louisiana-Monroe. Dr. Rollins completed her education at ULM in 2022 by obtaining an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. After working as a K-12 educator, Dr. Rollins transitioned to ULM as a career services professional and eventually to Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine as the anatomy lab supervisor. Dr. Rollins is a proud mother of one daughter, Brave, and a member of the Zeta Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Alicia: Definitely launching the Monroe Literacy and Art Bus. Even after leaving K-12, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more for me to do in that space. It was incredibly difficult to finally get launched but I’m grateful for all of the help from the community members and donations. It was a community-wide effort and

I’m so happy it was launched and we could leave a legacy that will live beyond us.

BL: What do you do to give back to your community?

Alicia: My biggest avenues to give back are the Monroe Literacy and Art bus and the work through my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The art bus allows students to get free tutoring and arts classes every Saturday through the months of Feb-Oct. It is my role as Director of Curriculum to ensure that the marketing of the classes are done, the bus is clean and has the materials, teachers are hired and paid, among other things. It is incredibly rewarding to see the growth of the students from week to week. It is one of the greatest honors of my life to work with it. My AKA chapter, Zeta Phi Omega, also has a strong footprint in the Monroe community through scholarships and community efforts.

BL: What do you do to ensure your growth and development as a leader?

Alicia: I read a lot and surround myself with leaders who have walked my path. I love networking with people who are more accomplished than I and usually a lot smarter as well. It is wisdom to walk with wisdom.

Mark has been a Realtor for 16 years and part owner of Remax Premier Realty. He has consistently ranked in the top 1% of Realtors in Northeast Louisiana and the top <1% in the state of Louisiana. Mark attended Prairie View Academy, Sterlington High School, Delta Community College, and University of Louisiana Monroe. Mark is on the Monroe Chamber Board, a director of the board for Northeast Louisiana Association of Realtors and has served on numerous committees. When Mark is not working he enjoys spending time with his 3 daughters (Madeline 12, Amelia 9, and Caroline 7) and playing music.

BL: What was your first job?

Mark: Besides burning CDs? I was a maintenance/janitor/whatever they told me to do at Morehouse Country Club. I think my dad was actually paying me out his pocket but it felt like a real job.

BL: If you could go back in time, what would you tell your college self?

Mark: Don’t be intimidated by what others may think. You have just as much of a right to be here as anybody. We are all seriously just winging it.

BL: What do you hope to accomplish by age 50?

Mark: I hope to be entirely in a position to focus on helping others in real estate sales, real estate

investing, and entrepreneurship.

BL: What do you do to ensure your growth and development as a leader?

Mark: I have attended Leadership Ouachita, serve as a Director for Northeast Louisiana Association of Realtors, and serve on the Monroe Chamber board. I love to connect with people I respect in my industry and others to get their perspective as leaders.

BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent?

Mark: Northeast Louisiana is a great place to live, work, and have a family. I think the Monroe Chamber has really stepped up to the plate with their efforts in Leadership Ouachita and the Northeast Louisiana Young Professional .

BL: What is your advice to recent graduates?

Mark: Get in there and do it. Whatever it is, do it. Opportunity is everywhere and sometimes in the least suspected places.

BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Mark: I don’t really focus on awards and accomplishments. I’m very grateful for anything I’ve received and everything I’ve accomplished.

DR. ALICIA ROLLINS

Program Director for the Medical Laboratory Technician Program Louisiana Delta Community College

MARK SISK

Realtor and part owner of Remax Premier Realty

Born and raised in New Jersey, Sarah relocated to Monroe in 2019 with her husband Eric, who is the Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Band Director at ULM. Sarah recently transitioned roles at ULM to Advancement Officer, after 2.5 years as the Director of Alumni Affairs. Both roles serve alumni and advocates alike with common goals of getting involved and giving back. Sarah has served the arts community as Assistant Choreographer and performer for the recent musical “The Wedding Singer” at Strauss Theatre Center, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, New Music on the Bayou Summer Festival, and Monroe Symphony Orchestra.

Sarah holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University and an MBA from ULM. While at ULM she performed research for the current Dean of the College of Business & Social Sciences, Michelle McEacharn, which received accolades from 2020 KPMG Outstanding Published Manuscript Award. While work and community are important, her most favorite job is being a mom to her 2-year-old son, William.

BL: Tell us something about you most people don’t know. Sarah: My “first” career was acting professionally. Right out of college I booked the

national tour of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein the Musical. I met my husband on this tour! He was playing in the orchestra that traveled with us, and I was in the show. My performing career took me around the country, working with some of the best directors/choreographers and working at notable theatres like Paper Mill Playhouse (40 minutes from my hometown) which often sends shows to Broadway.

BL: What do you do to ensure your growth and development as a leader?

Sarah: I love learning and I love a challenge! I seek out ways to challenge myself and learn more about my job role, through goal-setting, innovative projects and partnerships.

BL: What advice would you give someone in a new leadership position?

Sarah: Remain curious and open, lead by example, and learn the difference between giving feedback and coaching. While there are tons of leadership quotes, “People work for people” is my favorite because it reminds me we are humans first.

James Stephens is an insurance producer at Reeves, Coon & Funderburg where he has been since 2008. He attended ULM on a baseball scholarship and graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Insurance and Risk Management. He always tells people he was born in Monroe, raised in Monroe and has never left, because he loves this community. James is married to Chelsea Humphries Stephens and they have a four-year-old son, Shaw, and a oneyear-old daughter, Estelle. James loves being involved in this community and looks forward to giving back and helping to continue making it a better place for the future generations.

BL: How do you balance being a successful young professional and having a family?

James: I was given some good advice from a good friend of mine’s dad when I first started. He told me to leave work at work and never let it spill over into your personal life. I have tried my best to live by those words and when I am home with my family focus on being a good husband and father. Work will always be there tomorrow.

BL: Tell us something most people don’t know about you?

James: I am color blind, so my wife has to pick out my clothes or double check what I am wearing every morning before I head to work.

BL: What do you do to give back to your community?

James: I have found that serving is one of the most rewarding things a person can do and this community and Monroe mean the world to me. I am involved with our Monroe Youth Baseball Program, the Chamber of Commerce, the United Way and the Men’s retreat ministry at our church, North Monroe Baptist Church.

BL: What advice would you give someone in a new leadership position? James: I would tell them that actions speaker louder than words so lead by example and others will follow. Keep an open mind and don’t be scared of change.

BL: If you could go back in time, what would you tell your college self? James: I think I would tell my college self to relax and enjoy the ride. Soak up every moment in the moment.

BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent?

James: I think it is important for us as a community to continue to build up Monroe and the surrounding areas as this is a wonderful place to raise a family. We also need to continue to work to bring more industry here but also work with our area high schools and universities to recruit young talent and not let them move off for work.

SARAH SIEREVELD Advancement Officer University of Louisiana Monroe

JAMES STEPHENS Insurance Producer Reeves, Coon & Funderburg

Hailing from Monroe, LA, is Dr. Alana Stevenson is an educator with a twist of entrepreneurial flair. Armed with a Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education and an MBA, she’s a learning enthusiast by day and a skincare maven by night as the CEO of Skincode Wax and Beauty Bar. She has even donned the capes of Collegiate Chapter President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and crowned as the 2018 Regional Miss Black and Gold. Fancy titles aside, she channels her scholarly side at ULM as the youngest person to ever serve as the Director of Career Development. From research to skincare, & from mentoring to community upliftment, Dr. Alana Stevenson is on a mission – to make education engaging and inner beauty shine outwards, all while empowering the next generation.

BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Alana: Picture me, metaphorically beaming, the moment I saw my research paper titled “The Perceived Impact of Online Course Design on the Persistence of Students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities” published in the Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal. Watching my work make its mark in the academic realm felt like witnessing my academic baby taking its first steps. This accomplishment, a culmination of dedication,

Store Director for Brookshires Grocery Company and Incoming Chairman at the WMWO Chamber of Commerce, Brandon is a long term resident of the Monroe-West Monroe area. Brandon is a graduate of Neville High School and has attended both University of Louisiana Monroe as well as the Ecomonic Development insitiution at Southern Univesity of Baton Rouge. Brandon enters his 17th year with Brookshires and has managed to align himself as not only one of Brookshires top SDs in the company but also one of our nation’s best leaders in the retail grocery industry. “The limitless opportunity of being able to do anything at the highest level is daunting, but its also the most rewarding. I’m having the time of my life”- Kody Chamberlain.

BL: How do you balance being a successful young professional and having a family?

Brandon: I would definitely say you have to be intentional. I started my family early and I have been intentional since day one. It does help having a supportive spouse. I believe in order to achieve that balance its vital that you both support each other on both career and personal decisions. You have to make time.

BL: What do you do to give back to your community?

Brandon: I believe the most impactful way that I

hard work, and the cornerstone of my Doctoral journey, holds a special place in my professional career, reminding me of the impact rigorous research can have on educational practices.

BL: What advice would you give someone in a new leadership position?

Alana: Embrace the opportunity to lead with humility and authenticity. Listen to your team, value their input, and create an inclusive environment where everyone’s contributions are recognized. Be adaptable, open to feedback, and committed to ongoing self-improvement.

BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent?

Alana: Northeast Louisiana has the potential to retain young talent through a carefully nurtured environment that thrives on growth, innovation, and inclusiveness. By offering avenues for professional development, networking, and community engagement, we can make this region irresistible to emerging professionals. But let’s not stop there! Collaborations between educational institutions, local businesses, and community organizations can serve as the launchpad for a dynamic ecosystem that not only retains but also empowers and celebrates our young talent, fueling Northeast Louisiana’s progressive journey.

give back to the Twin City’s is by being a servent with my time. We have a saying in Brookshires, “We are actually a company that’s in the people business but we just happen to sell groceries.” I currently serve on some of the most impactful boards in the area. I believe that all the boards that I serve from The Foundation at Delta, The Living Well Foundation, campaigning for the UW of NELA for TEAM WELCH, and as incoming chair for WMWO Chamber share one common goal. That goal is we serve and most importantly we serve the community.

BL: What was your first job?

Brandon: My first job was at a summer camp in Texas...by accident. True story, I attended the camp while on summer vacation and the next day they hired me. I was 15.

BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent?

Brandon: I believe increasing opportunities and programs. I believe most of our talent in NELA relocate due to fear of no available opportunities in the area. This is where we must become more accessible for them as leaders. I believe we can change this narrative.

DR. ALANA STEVENSON CEO of Skincode Wax and Beauty Bar Director of Career Development at University of Louisiana Monroe

BRANDON WELCH

Store Director

Brookshires Grocery Company

Nic is a founding partner at Pelican Wealth Management and has been a financial planner for 15 years. He is a native of New Iberia, but has lived in Monroe for 18 years and received his Bachelor Degree from the University of Louisiana Monroe. He is a ULM L-Club and Alumni Association member. He is also a member of the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society, NELA Arts Council, and a past president of the Greater Ouachita Lions Club. Nic currently serves on the NELA Young Professionals committee, helping ensure that our area fosters a welcoming and supportive environment for future generations of business leadership. Nic enjoys biking, sports and spending time with his wife Desirae and their children, Creed and Ruby.

BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Nic: When I became a CFP Professional, I was one of only a handful in the area. I was also the youngest in the area at that time.

BL: What do you do to ensure your growth and development as a leader?

Nic: Studying. Constantly. I never pass up an article, white paper, webinar, you name it. There will always be new developments and schools of thought that I need to be familiar with. Even

if I ultimately decide not to implement a new idea, I still have to be aware of its potential relevancy.

BL: What do you do to give back to your community?

Nic: As a member of the Young Professionals committee, I am fully invested in the success of our community. Especially in the future of business leadership. We are avid supporters of multiple local organizations such as The NELA Children’s Museum, Louisiana Purchase Zoo and Pilots for Patients among others.

BL: What was your first job?

Nic: I was an equipment manager for the ULM football team.

BL: How do you balance being a successful young professional and having a family?

Nic: My wife is also a business owner (and fellow Top 20 Nominee), and having a spouse with the same mentality and work ethic is critical for me. We could not have the success we’ve had without the total buy-in of the other to jointly pursue our family and career goals.

Trandon, better known as “WELCH” is the the founder of WELCHinc LLC, where he serves every client through love and truth and leads his team with a standard of excellence. Trandon was born in West Monroe and before serving in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, graduated from Carroll High School. He started his company from the ground up in 2017. From consulting with some of your favorite entertainers to being the brains and creativity behind your favorite brands, many people consider him a “Jack of all Trades” and personally makes his mission to leave none unmastered.

BL: Tell us something about you most people don’t know.

Trandon: I am a US Navy Veteran and musician with the ability to play four instruments.

BL: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Trandon: I would have to say partnering with Grammy award winning record label, Reach Records on a 22-city international tour.

BL: What do you do to ensure your growth and development as a leader?

Trandon: I never stop learning, investing in my craft, and listening to the youth.

BL: What do you hope to accomplish by age 50?

Trandon: My hope is that by the age of 50, I would have created a beautiful family that understands the value of showing love to others.

BL: What do you do to give back to your community?

Trandon: I often partner with non-profits, religious organizations and community involvement groups to offer my company’s services free of charge or at a discounted rates.

BL: What was your first job?

Trandon: Technically, my first job was being a drummer at various churches starting at the age of nine.

BL: What can Northeast Louisiana do to retain young talent?

Trandon: Invest in entertainment and technology.

BL: What is your advice to recent graduates?

Trandon: Don’t settle for what’s typical in your area. Dream big and chase that dream even if you’re the only one that believes.

NIC TRAPPEY

Founding Partner

Pelican Wealth Management

TRANDON WELCH Founder of WELCHinc, LLC

Doc, I Heard a POP

ACL Tears in Young Athletes

BY ANDREW PATTON, MD

YOUNG ATHLETES... I WAS ONE AND AS AN ORTHOPEDIC surgeon specializing in sports medicine, I treat a lot them. With an increase of sports participation in young adults, we have consequently seen an increase in sports injuries in these young athletes. Of those injuries, there seems to be a greater incidence of ACL tears. According to recent studies at UCLA Health, about a third of preteen and teen soccer players will sustain an ACL tear and girls are twice as likely to have an ACL injury as boys.

WHAT IS THE ACL?

• ACL stands for ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT

• Anterior means that it attaches in the front part of the knee on the front part of the chin bone

• Cruciate means that it is a crossing-type ligament- it crosses over the knee.

• Ligament is a type of tissue that holds the joint together or connects bone to bone.

• The ACL is one of the major ligaments of the knee and stabilizes the knee during front-to-back motions.

Young adults who participate in high demand sports like soccer, football, and basketball are more likely to injure their ACL. Most commonly, ACL tears are the result of sports that require sudden stops or changes in direction, jumping and landing. Less common, but still possible, an ACL tear is the result of a direct impact to the knee, like a tackle or direct hit. Common symptoms associated with an ACL tear include:

• Sudden knee pain

• A “popping” in the knee at the time of the injury

• Limited knee movement

• A feeling of looseness or instability in the knee

Many young athletes may walk off the field unaware of the injury, only feeling mild weakness in the knee. Parents and coaches need to be on the lookout for knee swelling and dull, aching pain that is exacerbated by twisting motions in sports and noticeable when getting in and out of the car. If pain and swelling are present, it’s probably a good idea to consult with and orthopedic specialist sooner versus later.

Diagnosing an ACL tear will involve your orthopedist ordering an X-ray and completing a physical examination of the knee which will determine whether the ACL is loose or torn. Ligaments or cartilage

cannot be viewed on an X-ray, so an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be ordered. An MRI is the best way to confirm a torn ACL diagnosis and will give the physician a better view of the child’s growth plates and will be a better determinate of whether a surgical or nonsurgical approach is best.

Non-operative and operative options for managing the care and treatment of ACL tears in a young athletes is improving. The most important factor in treatment is to create a team approach to their care including the patient, orthopedist, parent(s) and coach(s). Before beginning any treatment, the patient’s swelling and inflammation must be controlled to ensure the best possible recovery. Although, the patient may not want to move, non-weight bearing motion is key to keeping fluid from accumulating on the knee. Additionally, icing the knee for 15-20 minutes, every one to two hours is highly recommended. Once swelling has subsided, a treatment plan can begin. Non-surgical treatment options include:

• Modifying sports and physical activity

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises

• Use of knee brace

Young athletes may delay surgery for an ACL tear to allow bones to finish growing or to reduce the risk of damage to the growth platelets. There are new surgeries that do not disrupt the growth plate and can be performed safely without endangering the young patient’s growth. Following surgery, the patient will participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises. Although return to sports varies, most young athletes can return to active play in 6-9 months.

With the recognition of the increase in ACL injuries in young athletes, several prevention programs have been developed. These programs include strengthening exercises, proper technique training, balance exercises, recognizing signs of fatigue, and allowing time for recovery in between seasons for yearlong athletes. Playing sports is a great way for our youth to maintain and accelerate their mental and physical wellbeing. Let’s keep them healthy, safe and playing!

Andrew Patton, MD is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine at Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana in Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. Patton sees patients of all ages and all activity levels. To schedule an evaluation or to learn more about Dr. Patton and Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana, please call or visit: (318)543-BONE (2663) or orthopedicspecialistsla.com.

Bayou Buzzworthy

Happy 1st year to Card My Yard Monroe! They have had an amazing year celebrating all of life’s celebrations across NELA. So many celebrations in one year that Card My Yard Monroe owner Camille Whittington received the Rookie of the Year award for 2022 out of all the Card My Yard franchisees!

Take advantage of the free Tech Trolley shuttle service, offered by Experience Ruston and the City of Ruston. Park in Downtown Ruston and catch the shuttle in Railroad Park (101 W. Park Ave.). The shuttle drops fans off at the south side of Joe Aillet Stadium and runs continuously starting 2 hours prior to kickoff and up until 1 hour after the game.

New inclusive playground equipment coming to Benoit Rec Center. The parking lot is on track to be completed soon, and an accessible sidewalk will be installed to connect the playground, parking, and rec center. Mayor Friday Ellis and Councilwoman Kema Dawson are just a few minds behind this project.

The Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup, Louisiana’s premier business plan competition, announced plans to increase prize amounts as well as the creation of the Student Innovation Fund, which will provide up to $200,000 annually to support new businesses grown from the competition. The announcement was made at a press conference on Monday, August 14, 2023, on the campus of the University of Louisiana Monroe, which hosts the annual competition.

Sam Neitz, hailing from Monroe, secured a remarkable victory at the Wakeboard National Championship held in Georgia. Set to showcase his prowess, he is now geared up for the upcoming World Championship in Portugal on August 31st. With his eyes on international victory, Sam Neitz is determined to make his mark and elevate his status as a world-class wakeboarder.

Sweetwater’s baseball prowess shone brightly in the Dixie Youth World Series championships held in Ruston,La. With a notable 6-1 record in the 2023 Division II AAA (10 years old and under) and an undefeated 4-0 streak in the Division II “O” Zone (12 years old and under), their achievements underscore their skill and dedication. Hosted at the Ruston Sports Complex late July, early August, the series witnessed passionate support from friends and family, amplifying the thrill of standout teams like Tennessee and Texas.

Calendar of Events

September 2

ULM Football vs. Army Cheer on the ULM Football team as they tackle Army at Malone Stadium! The game begins at 6:00 PM.

Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary

Address: ULM Malone Stadium | 514 Warhawk Way, Monroe

September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Ruston Farmers Market

Every Saturday morning you will find locally grown food, handmade items, baked goods, and so much more!

Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Ruston Farmers Market | 220 E. Mississippi Ave. Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: (318) 957-1305

September 3-10

2023 Cotton Stakes Cutting

Cotton Stakes Cutting is back at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center September 3rd10th! Each day kicks off at 8:00 AM. Round up your horses!

Time: 8:00 AM

Address: Ike Hamilton Expo Center 501 Mane Street, West Monroe Phone: (318) 574-0960

September 3-4

Flying Heart Local Music Festival

Flying Heart presents the Local Music Festival featuring The Gin Mobsters, Clayton Maza, Kirby Rambin, Carlos Tenorio, Jon Brakefield, and Albert Moore. This is a 2-day festival happening at Flying Heart Brewing & Pub. Don't miss out on great live music, delicious food, and a fun time with friends!

Time: Live music on September 3rd is 6:00 PM until. September 4th is from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Cost: General $15.00. VIP Tables w/ 4 Wristbands $50.00.

Address: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub 204 Commerce Street, West Monroe Phone: (318) 367-0888

September 5

Creative Meetups

Gather with other artists to inspire and be creative with each other during this open studio event.

Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Creative Exchange 301 N Trenton St #1, Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: (318) 202-3202

September 8-9

Live Original Sister Conference 2023

Sadie Robertson's Live Original Sister Conference 2023 is inviting all sisters and friends to join them for a 2-day conference at the Monroe Civic Center. This event will be full of great speakers and leaders. You do not want to miss this!

Time: 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary

Address: Monroe Civic Center

401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Phone: (318) 732-8835

September 8-10

Big Creek Trade Days

Big Creek Trade Days are held monthly, with over 100 indoor and outdoor vendors, food trucks, and fun for all ages!

Time: Fri. & Sat. 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sun. 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Cost: $5.00

Address: Big Creek Trade Days

Grounds | 327 California Plant Rd, Dubach, LA 71235 Phone: (318) 680-1304

September 9

The Narrow Road 5K/10K

The Narrow Road 5K/10K is a road race sponsored by First Methodist Monroe. The goal of The Narrow Road is to foster a spirit of community and philanthropy while helping those who are less fortunate in our community. Proceeds from this race will help provide socks and shoes to kids in need in our area.

Time: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Cost: $30.00

Address: First Methodist Monroe

3900 Loop Road, Monroe Phone: (318) 325-7335

September 9

The River Market

Every second Saturday from August to November the RiverMarket will be hosting Monroe's finest growers, makers, and bakers. All items will be locally grown or handcrafted, so come out and support our locals!

Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Downtown River Market

316 South Grand Street, Monroe

September 9

Landry Vineyards Concert- Grape Stomp Celebration

The Landry Vineyards Grape Stomp Celebration is back! Rock out to Lisa Spann & Company while sipping on Landry Vineyards wine! Ladies and children can stomp in the grapes for free! Wine tastings, peach bellinis, and meals from local food trucks will be available. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and relax!

Time: 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Cost: $10.00 Adults. $5.00 13-18

Years. Free 12 & Under.

Address: Landry Vineyards | 5699 New Natchitoches Road, West Monroe Phone: (318) 557-9050

September 9

ULM Football vs. Lamar Cheer on the ULM Football team as they tackle Lamar at Malone Stadium! The game begins at 7:00 PM.

Time: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary

Address: ULM Malone Stadium

514 Warhawk Way, Monroe

September 9, 16

Louisiana Tech Football Home Game

Come out to Joe Aillet Stadium for tailgating, football, and supporting those Bulldogs!

Time: Kick off @ 6:00 PM

Address: Joe Aillet Stadium

1450 W Alabama Ave, Ruston

September 10, 17, 24

Live Music at Flying Heart

Enjoy live music at Flying Heart every Sunday! This month’s live music lineup includes Will Maranto & The Usual Suspects, Zane Anderson, and Matthew Looney. The show starts at 6:00 PM.

Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Cost: No Cover Charge

Address: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub

204 Commerce Street, West Monroe Phone: (318) 367-0888

September 11-17

MWM Restaurant Week

Your taste buds are in for a treat on September 11th-17th during the inaugural MWM Restaurant Week! This is a week to celebrate the great food and chefs of MonroeWest Monroe. Our locally owned restaurants will offer fixed price menu options. Lunch specials will range for $10, $15, or $20 and dinner specials will range from $25, $35, or $50. Restaurants will also have new menu options or offer a specialty price for regular menu options. Visit monroewestmonroe.org/mwm-restaurantweek for more information.

Address: Monroe and West Monroe Phone: (318) 387-5691

September 13-15

2023 Destination Downtown Conference

Destination Downtown is a regional conference that attracts over 200 professionals in preservation-based commercial district revitalization. Includes networking, public art walk, historic tour, breakout sessions and more. Learn more by visiting their website.

Cost: $150.00

Address: Downtown Monroe and West Monroe Phone: (225) 342-8162

September 13

Arts on the Bayou

ULM's School of Visual and Performing Arts is hosting their annual Arts on the Bayou event on September 13th. This is an immersive arts experience for 9th-12th grade students that will allow them to get a feel for what it's like to be a VAPA student. They will tour the VAPA facilities, work with applied art and music faculty, and get to meet some amazing VAPA students. Let your creativity take flight!

Time: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Address: University of Louisiana

Monroe

700 University Avenue, Monroe Phone: (318) 342-3248

September 14-24

Steel Magnolias

The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are anybody come to have their hair done. The sudden

For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com

realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength and love which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.

Time: Patron night: September 14, 7:00 p.m. Other Show Dates: September 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24. Thursday - Saturday 7:00 p.m. Sunday 2:00 p.m.

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary

Address: Strauss Theatre Center | 1300 1/2 Lamy Lane, Monroe Phone: (318) 323-6681

September 15-17

The Southern RC Classic

Make a pit stop by the Ike Hamilton Expo Center September 15th-17th. The Southern RC Classic is a brandnew event with memories of the original southern national's events of the past! This is an action-packed remote controlled indoor/off-road car racing show. Raffle prizes will be given away too!

Address: Ike Hamilton Expo Center 501 Mane Street, West Monroe Phone: (469) 515-6202

September 16

Harvest Under The Stars

Get a taste of the garden at Harvest Under The Stars! The Children's Coalition will host this garden event featuring farm to table inspired cuisines prepared by regional chefs. Listen to live music by Josh Love and the Cal Presley Band.

Time: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Cost: Garden Party $50.00. VIP Patron Party & Garden Party $100.00.

Address: Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana 117 Hall Street, Monroe Phone: (318) 323-8775

September 16, 23

Grambling State Football Home Game

Come out and support your Gram Fam at these exciting sporting events, Go Tigers!

Time: Kick off @ 2:00 PM

Address: Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium Ballock St, Grambling, LA 71245

September 21

Twin City Lip Sync Battle

Enjoy a night of syncin' lips & shakin' hips to benefit the Twin City Ballet company! Your favorite local celebrities will go head-to-head as they sing and dance to popular songs.

Who will take the stage this year?

Grab your friends, get your tickets, and catch one of the best shows in the Twin Cities!

Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Cost: $25.00

Address: Monroe Civic Center | 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Phone: (318) 388-3011

September 23

JD Simo

Enjoy a performance from an artist who has mastered every genre he’s explored! Featuring local talent Trey Gauthreaux.

Time: 7:00 PM

Cost: $30.00

Address: Dixie Center for the Arts

212 N Vienna St, Ruston, LA 71270 Phone: (318) 255-1450

September 23-24

Fire It Up Productions Team Roping Championship Fire It Up Productions presents the Team Roping Championship

September 23rd-24th at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center. Don't miss this exciting event!

Address: Ike Hamilton Expo Center 501 Mane Street, West Monroe Phone: (903) 721-0303

September 29-October 8

Ark-La-Miss Fair

It's fall fair fun time! The annual Ark-La-Miss Fair is back in town at the Monroe Civic Center September 29th-October 8th. Bring the whole family for carnival rides, snack booths, livestock shows, and much more!

Address: Monroe Civic Center

401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe

Phone: (318) 396-8700

September 29

Ouachita Live Concert Featuring ORBS Blues Challenge Winners

Join Downtown West Monroe at Ouachita Live for a free concert on the last Friday of the month through October. With delicious local food trucks and lively music, it's sure to be a great time! This concert features the winning artists of the first 2023 Ouachita River Blues Society challenge.

Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Cost: Free

Address: Alley Park | 250 Trenton Street, West Monroe

September 29-30

34th Annual Louisiana Chicken Festival

A fun-filled weekend for the whole family. Join the festivities all weekend, and the annual parade on the 30th.

Cost: Free

Address: Dubach, LA Phone: (318) 224-1698

September 30

ULM Football vs. App State Cheer on the ULM Football team as they tackle App State at Malone Stadium on September 30th!

Cost: Ticket Prices Vary

Address: ULM Malone Stadium

514 Warhawk Way, Monroe

September 30

Mushroom March

Mushroom season is here and they have taken over the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge! Join an interpreter and two local members of the Louisiana Master Naturalists - Northeast for a 4-mile hike along Edgewater Trail and the photo blind pond. See the wide variety of mushrooms that are growing on the refuge. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes.

Time: 8:00 AM 9:00 AM

Cost: Free

Address: Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

480 Richland Place Drive, Monroe Phone: (318) 387-1114

September 30

River Rat Paddle Challenge

Life is better on the river! The Annual River Rat Paddle Challenge is on the scenic Ouachita River. The race is 7.7 miles long and has divisions for paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks for men, women, and children. Wear

your best costume or decorate with a theme. You may just win the "I Smell a Rat" reward! This year's race benefits

Horse Assisted Therapy Services of North Louisiana. Ready, set, paddle!

Time: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM

Address: Lazarre Park

703 South Riverfront, West Monroe Phone: (318) 243-1211

September 30

West Monroe's Birthday Bash

Celebrate West Monroe's 140th anniversary with a grand event! Jive to live music from Grammy-winning Cajun artist, Wayne Toups, the band No Good Horses, and Monty Russell & Friends. The night will end with an exciting firework finale. Tickets will go on sale August 1st.

Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Cost: General $25.00. Reserved Table $350.00. VIP Table $750.00.

Address: Ike Hamilton Expo Center | 501 Mane Street, West Monroe