BayouLife Magazine April 2018

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APRIL 2018

100 24 / THE RUSTON COMMUNITY In the Midst of a Metamorphosis, Ruston Has Turned Into a Mecca for Arts, Culture and Community

116 / CANCER FOUNDATION LEAGUE The Cancer Foundation League Provides Assistance to Area Cancer Patients And Their Families

88 / DESIGN DETAIL From a Farm in Downsville to the Texas Capital, Mark Ashby is Constantly Inspired by the Nature Around Him

132 / LIFE IN FULL COLOR Kate Lowery’s Career in PR Has Taken Her All Over the World

70 / THINGS ARE ABOUT TO GET A LITTLE GRANARLY Morgan Potts is a Young Entrepreneur Whose Quest to “Go Against the Grain” Helped Launch Her Company, Granarly 100 / BAYOU ARTIST: MEREDITH PARDUE Monroe Native Meredith Pardue is a critically acclaimed Artist with Works in Private and Noteworthy Corporate Collections

178 / A WALK ACROSS SPAIN Sondra Hartt and Lia Cannon Have Explored the World Together 188 / MUSICAL ARTIFACTS Whether Matt Biersmith is Producing ‘Art for Art’s Sake’ or for its Intrisic Value, the Music is for Him First

APRIL 2018

152 / A SOUTHERN SOUL JOURNEY Michelle John, Monroe Native, Now Resides in Austin, TX as a Practicing Art Therapist 160 / THE RAMBLIN’ ROSE COMPANY Paige Plaisance, a Lake St. John Girl, Gradutaed from LSU and Started Her Business in Austin, TX 162 / TALES OF TRAVEL From the Texas Hill Country to the Urban Jungle, These Looks Represent the Season’s Best

200 / L’OVEN LIFE Abby Love, a Ruston Native, is Producting Rustic, Wholesome Breads and Teaching Others How to Do the Same 206 / FANCY THAT From Bold Colors to Soft Hues, This Spring Choose Colors That Strike Your Fancy

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BayouLife

HIS ISSUE HAS REALLY

been one of my favorites to produce. My mom jokingly said that it must be nice to go to work and put together a magazine that is all about your friends. That was definitely true for our travel issue this month in Austin, TX. In January 2002, I moved to Austin, TX, fifteen days after graduating from the University of Louisiana Monroe. My friend, Sky Harrison, and I moved off, not knowing a soul, having no jobs and very little money. We quickly found ourselves in a hub of Louisiana folks living in Austin. I met my husband the first night I went to Austin. He was from Rayville and his roommate was from Start, LA...Clear Lake to be exact.

Kate Lowery was someone I instantly fell in love with – she was beautiful, a little NELA country but could speak fluent Spanish, super smart and was a strong, influential woman whom I immediately looked up to. She’s an amazing person with an awesome story. Read about Kate on page 132.

I remember meeting Candace and Matt Biersmith for the first time at a ULM alumni crawfish boil in Austin. I knew Matt’s mom from working with her through Sylvan, but had never met Matt.

It wasn’t long before he was strumming the guitar on the Guadalupe River at our friend Mark Oliveaux’s house in Canyon Lake. The Biersmiths and their pack of dogs quickly became great friends. See Matt’s article on page 188.

I made the best friends in Austin, TX, and I could write a story on all of them – some we couldn’t publish. But, I do want to give a quick nod to my people who took me in without hesitation. Thank you for always loving me, for including me, for helping me find my voice as a 20-yearold far away from home.

1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185 Fax 318.855.4645

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM PUBLISHER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com

I love you guys: Liz and Sam Smith.

Laurie and Jess Cochran, Erin and Jeff Williams, Rocio and Charles Keeling, Kate Lowery, Candace and Matt Biersmith, Candace Curphey Hicks, Marcia and Jake Christian, Amanda and Scott Sevin, Natalie and Scott Schnitta, Andy Lack, Katie Dwyer-Venckus, Melissa and Chris Moehring, Andy Cooper, Brec Sites and Chris Scull.

Our travel issue-themed fashion shoot was a blast, and by blast I mean it was exhausting. We worked with many of the boutiques involved in this year’s Fashion Fusion. These amazing local businesses are all giving their time and displaying this year’s most fashionable looks on the runway to support the Cancer Foundation League on April 28th. If you haven’t bought your tickets, make sure to log on to eventbrite.com to reserve your spot. The theme for this year’s Fashion Fusion is travel - so we gathered our gear and drove to locations all over Austin to capture the spirit of this great event.

I could write a novel about this month’s issue, because their are so many great stories. Make sure to check out Morgan Potts article on page 70. Meredith Pardue opened up her home studio for us.

This north Louisiana girl has impressed art collectors all over the country. Read about her on page 100. Michelle John is one of the town’s best art therapists. Her career has taken her around the country before settling down in Austin. See her story on page 152. Paige Plaisance and her Airstream boutique was a fun stop for us in the capital city. Read about it on page 160. Abby Love, a Ruston native, is one of Austin’s most recognizable pastry chefs. From a career at Dai Due to her own business, at L’Oven, her fun-loving persona is a hit on its own. Read about her on page 200.

Last month we had a big “oops.”

And, thankfully, our mistake was laughed over by the sweetest people I’ve ever apologized to. Thank you Brad and Cherri Elias at The Fish House in Sterlington for forgiving our mistake.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue of BayouLife Magazine.

Cassie

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EDITOR Maré Brennan mare@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Moffett melanie@bayoulifemag.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER Ashley Hubenthal ashley@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Ali Garriga ali@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Amanda Singley amanda@bayoulifemag.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dr. David Barnes Maré Brennan Dan Chason Kenny Covington Lou Davenport Michael DeVault Marcia Donald Cindy Gist Foust Lori French April Honaker Paul Lipe Erin Sharplin Love

Meredith McKinnie Dr. Timothy Mickel Guy Miller Melanie Moffett Evelyn O’Neal Kay Stothart Rector Vanelis Rivera Cathi French Roberts Delia Simpson P. Allen Smith Beatrice A. Tatem

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brad Arender Kelly Moore Clark Scarlett Garcia Martin G. Meyers ON THE COVER Fashion Fusion benefitting Cancer Foundation League on April 28th. Ellie Jackson models in fashionable attire from Cara’s Boutique on location in Austin, TX. Photography by Martin G Meyers BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC. Circulation: 13,000 copies monthly. Postal subscriptions ($30) can be ordered online at www.bayoulifemag. com. BayouLife Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, manuscripts or other materials. Reproduction of contents without express written permission is prohibited.

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Washington Wine and Spirits Spring Into Wine

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HE WEATHER IS WARMING UP, AND WE HERE AT Washington Wine and Spirits are ready to Spring Into Wine! We have four events on each Thursday in April that will showcase wines from around the world, help you learn about more about tasting and enjoying wine and even meeting an award winning winemaker!

Meet a Winemaker

First up, we have a meet and greet with Jeff Gaffner of Saxon Brown Wines on Thursday, April 5th from 4:30-7:00. With Saxon Brown, Jeff Gaffner has parlayed his longstanding grower relationships, developed as a consulting winemaker, into a line of small, site-driven bottlings that celebrate his favorite vineyard sites.

Jeff began his career at Chateau St. Jean, under the tutelage of renowned vintner Richard Arrowood, who Jeff credits with teaching him the importance of being as passionate about growing the grapes as making the wine. While at Chateau St. Jean, Jeff was part of the winemaking team responsible for the winery’s celebrated 1996 Cinq Cepages, which was named Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine.

Jeff launched Saxon Brown to focus on small single vineyard bottlings reflecting his preference for elegantly structured, well balanced and age worthy wines. Over time, Jeff expanded Saxon Brown’s vineyard-focus with small offerings from both established and emerging vineyard sites, including Durell, Gap’s Crown and Green Acres. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Washington Wine and Spirits.

Tasting and Continuing Education with Carol Dreyfus

Next up, we will be having a sensory class taught by Mrs. Carol Dreyfus on Thursday, April 12th from 6:00-8:30. This is going to be an amazing learning experience to help develop your sense of smell. We will be smelling many different items and then sampling wine with those same aromas to help you pick up the subtle intricacies that make wine such a personal sensory experience.

Mrs. Dreyfus will also be hosting a Wine 101 Rainbow tasting on Thursday, April 26 from 6:00-8:30. This tasting will have some great examples of wines from around the world and many different styles of wine. We will be tasting a rosé, which is created by juicing red grapes and then allowing the juice to soak with the skins for a very short period, usually only two to three days. As soon as the juice begins to 8 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

take on the beautiful pink color the winemaker desires, the skins are removed and the juice is allowed to ferment, creating delicious rosé.

Following that, we will have a Riesling from Mosel in Germany. Mosel is known for their many award winning rieslings that rate as some of the best and most versatile wines in the world. Our next wine will be the Prémices Beaujolais. The Prémices is easy drinking, and the lightness and elegance of this wine is balanced with a healthy dose of minerality and complexity that make this one for serious gamay drinkers. For our fourth wine, we will be sampling the Surh Mosaique Red Blend. This beautiful red blend is a great example of how Napa Valley can produce wines very similar to the incredible wineries on the right bank in Bordeaux, France. This wine begs for some aeration to open up, so you can enjoy it over many hours or better yet over two days! Last but not least, we will be sampling a late harvest Sauvignon Blanc. This amazing wine explodes with apricots, nectarines, apple cider, saffron spice and vanilla. The sweetness is balanced with perfect acidity, and the finish goes on forever.

Ken Wright Wine Sale

Starting on Thursday, April 19th, we will be having an amazing sale featuring nine different single vineyard Oregon Pinot Noirs from Ken Wright Cellars! We will be offering the following vineyards: Bonnie Jean(94 pts), McCrone(94 pts), Savoya(93 pts), Shea(93 pts), Tanager(94 pts), Canary Hill(93 pts), Carter(90 pts), Guadalupe(92 pts), and Freedom Hill(91 pts). Come get a bottle or two while they last!

It’s grilling season, so don’t forget about our Doe’s Eat Place steaks available for purchase right here at the shop! We thank you for all of your continued support for Washington Wine and Spirits and for supporting downtown Monroe!

6 oz Filet - $9.75 14 oz Bone-In Filet - $39.99 20 oz Ribeye - $21.24 1.5 lb T-Bone - $20.99 2.5 lb Porterhouse - $39.98 2-5 lb Sirloin - $9.99/lb

10 oz Filet - $16.24 1.5 lb Bone In Strip - $20.99 2 lb Bone In Ribeye - $35.98 2 lb T-Bone - $27.98 3 lb Porterhouse - $47.97

Life’s A Trip

The psychological Benefits of Travel on Our Lives

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

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HERE IS THE SAYING “WE TRAVEL NOT TO ESCAPE life, but for life not to escape us.” Traveling means different things to many people, how we travel, where we travel, why we travel and when we travel may vary, and yet the results are psychologically beneficial. Traveling is a time to disconnect from the daily hassles and stressors akin to the lives many lead. It is a way to escape the aspects of life that are challenging, while reconnecting with ourselves on a deeper level. For some, travel is a dream that comes true once a year for the annual family vacation. Others regard travel as a much needed break from the demands of work. For me, it is an emotional respite freeing me from day to day expectations, deadlines and evaluations. Traveling is an aspect of life, from my experiences that results in amazing opportunities. Traveling is spiritual, motivating and mood enhancing.

Through travel, many learn about the world and, most importantly, about self. It is exposure and education outside of the classroom; travel in my opinion is the best school. Travel broadens perspectives not only of the world but also of yourself. Paradoxically, traveling helps us to grow; the more we explore the world outside, the more we explore the world within.

Travel is good for many things especially increasing our mental well-being. The effects of traveling are long term and in many instances outlast the trip itself. Traveling is often recommended as self care, as a means of coping, as a release in response to the stress, pressure, weight and emotional junk we carry day to day. In this vein, we can approach life as though it is a trip, a journey, an excursion, a long awaited adventure. If we choose to carry things we encounter every day, we will end up carrying heavy and unnecessary weight, slowing us down and blocking our opportunities to enjoy the goodness in our lives. In essence, just as we can over pack and carry too much baggage on a trip ultimately weighing us down, we can over stuff emotionally. Taking a trip and experiencing a change of scenery helps us to emotionally un-pack. Unpacking our baggage, is a metaphor for unpacking our emotions. Just as we unpack baggage we have to emotionally unpack, let go of some things and create space for new things.

The psychological benefits of travel on our lives are immeasurable.

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every emotion. It allows you to free your emotions and renew your perspectives about life. Traveling stretches the mind and imagination beyond the routine of day to day existence; it serves as a release for the mind. It provides you with the freedom of experiencing and learning the world for yourself and not according to what others see, say and believe. In essence, traveling helps to widen our lenses when experiencing other cultures, places and people. Travel interrupts the stereotypes, assumptions and habitual patterns we may hold in exchange for patience, open mindedness, acceptance, flexibility and awareness. Travel is a great way to rethink how we do things, where we do things and who we do things with. It allows you to transport yourself to places unknown. Travel brings the unfamiliar and the different into our lives and makes it a part of our reality. Traveling enhances creativity, affects your personality and relieves stress. Traveling means reflecting, relaxing and rejuvenating the spirit, the soul and the psyche.

Traveling can be a mood booster before, during and after a trip. The anticipation of traveling followed by the experience can improve our mindset, our perspective on life and overall well-being. Whether you are traveling for business or a family holiday, celebrating a milestone, or embarking on a long awaited trip on your bucket list, traveling can make you a happier, more content and relaxed person. Traveling builds personal skills, such as self-confidence, provides new experiences and memories, breaks routines and allows you to meet people from all over the world. Traveling helps you to experience the goodness in the world, the natural beauty that exist. Travel expands our capacity for joy, wonder and appreciation for life. Traveling illuminates one’s life; it makes ordinary days extraordinary days creating indelible memories to behold. It helps us to see the world through others lens. Witnessing how others live can motivate you to challenge your own assumptions and free your mind in order to experience alternative ways of being.

When traveling the journey of life, always be ready to unpack your ”baggage.“ Go out and see the world, and let the world see you, after all “we travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

For more information contact Dr. Beatrice Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC 1900 North 18th Street, Suite 414, Monroe, La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com.

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article by Kenny Covington

FISHING

With Kenny

The Thrill of Buzzbaits and Buzz Frogs

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t’s one of the most violent strikes I’ve ever had while bass fishing…..

My partner Glynn and I were fishing a team tournament in a small backwater area of Darbonne and the sound of the strike made Glynn’s head snap around to look. There was something about the buzzing of the Zoom Horny Toad over this fish’s head that it didn’t like, and this six pounder made sure we both knew it. I can still see the strike, and I remember the sound to this day. Glynn will tell you the same thing. I also remember…

I was about 13 years old and was on a fishing trip with my father and one of his friends. They had been catching fish up D’arbonne Bayou early in the morning, and I pestered them both until they agreed that I could go. After the morning’s buzzbait action had died down, both my father and Mr. Jack began worm fishing along the deeper banks. But I still wanted to throw my buzzbait.

Still resisting the boring “pause and drag” retrieve that was worm fishing, I began making a few throws along a stump infested slough mouth. I remember my father telling me I was wasting my time as the heat of a noontime sun was bearing down. I made a cast that wasn’t to my liking, and as I hurriedly retrieved my buzzbait back to the boat, the strike that came not only surprised the three of us in the boat, but it caused me to almost lose my rod. That was 40 years ago, and I haven’t had a strike on a buzzbait that vicious since.

In the above examples, my goal was to show you the drawing power and fish catching potential of both a buzzbait and a buzz frog. Both techniques are well documented for their big bass potential, but they seem to have fallen out of style with the newer generation of bass fishermen in the past few years. Tried and true seems to always give way to better lures and newer ideas but not always more fish.

Buzzbaits have been around for decades, but the Lunker Lure by which all buzzbaits are measured was introduced in the early 1970s. It was a bait that you didn’t put your boat in the water, unless 12 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

you had one tied on. The popularity of the lure was unmatched.

Fishermen had a way to catch fish from shallow cover with a lure that was virtually snag proof. For that reason, it was, and still is, deadly for both numbers of bass and big ones too.

The newer, more up to date models of buzzbaits, such as the Cavitron, have taken buzzbait fishing to a new level. The newer design has made the need for a trailer hook almost obsolete due to the way the base of the lure and the hook sets below the water’s surface resulting in more hookups. The blade design makes maintaining a consistent speed much easier as well.

I have never been one to make much of a fuss about the color of my buzzbait. These days, I keep it pretty simple; I throw black 75% of the time and white the other 25%. Regardless of water color or weather conditions, these are my two confidence colors, so I stick with them.

The Zoom Horny Toad was the first swimming frog that I ever used. Introduced back in the early 2000s, the Toad was the ultimate slop, grass, shallow water covering topwater lure. You could throw it as far back in the wilderness that you dare or you could use it for open water applications. If a bass was in the area, a Horny Toad was a great way to make him give up his location. Learning how to catch them took a bit of work though.

When it was first introduced, the hookup ratio for the Toad wasn’t very good. I remember using an offset 5/0 worm hook and blaming my hook choice for lost fish. At the time I didn’t know that wasn’t the issue. The real problem was that the Toad sat very high in the water during the retrieve and when fished in heavier cover, the fish had a tendency to either miss the lure altogether or not get it very well on the strike.

The problem was addressed when weighted hooks were introduced, allowing the Toad to sit lower in the water, resulting in better hookups. My hook of choice is a VMC 4/0 1/16th ounce weighted hook. The advancement in hook technology allowed the Toad to remain a great fish locater but also to become a more deadly fish catcher.

Like a buzzbait, I keep my choice of colors for my Horny Toads pretty basic; I throw black 90% of the time. At times I throw white or green pumpkin, but black has been my choice of color, since I caught that first six pounder with Glynn all those years ago. The “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” logic works for me on this.

As far as equipment, I use both buzzbait and buzz toad on the same rod/reel set up. I like a 7-foot medium/heavy rod with 6:3 to 1 ratio reel spooled with 50 lb. braided line. Both lures have potential to catch the biggest bass in a lake, so there is no sense not preparing your tackle for such an encounter.

Now that spring is in the air and our waters have finally warmed up, the next time you are out on your favorite lake, give these two lures a try. Both are easy, exciting ways to catch fish and are good ways to introduce someone to this great sport.

Well, it looks like I have run out of space again. Please be careful out on the water, as there will be more and more boats as summer approaches. Catch one for me, and I will see you next month!

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Community Matters Choice Brands Gives Back

BY DELIA SIMPSON, CRAFT, SPECIALTY, AND IMPORT MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.

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HOICE BRANDS, INC. (FORMERLY Testa Distributing Company) was originally formed by Frank Elkins, Jr. in 1954 and is still owned by the Elkins Family in Monroe, Louisiana. As a local business, one of their main focuses is helping to expand the culture as well as partner with organizations that strengthen the foundation of our community. Below are just a few of the partnerships and events that are as near and dear as beer itself.

Every May, 22 Dragons descend upon Monroe. If you’re scared, don’t be! The Bayou Desiard Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most fun and unique events in our area.

On May 12, at the corner of Loop Road and Forsythe Avenue, spectators and rowers will gather to support The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana. In the words of Lynn V. Clark, Executive Director, “This is what the Children’s Coalition does best— working at both the ground and system levels, we identify problems, collaborate with partners to come up with solutions, and when a solution or program doesn’t already exist— we work with funders and policy makers to create one. In this way, children and families in our community don’t just survive—they THRIVE!” Choice Brands is proud to partner with such a vital organization for this event. The competition is fierce but always friendly and creates an excellent team building opportunity for all involved. If you’re not on a team, be sure to come out and watch the races. There will be fun activities for children, beer tastings for adults, and much more. For more

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information or to donate to the Children’s Coalition, visit www.childrenscoalition.org.

There is no question that Downtown is the heartbeat of Monroe. That’s why Choice Brands is honored to be the official beverage sponsor of Downtown River Jam, a free concert series presented by Downtown Monroe Alliance. Featuring local musicians as well as traveling and regional acts, Downtown River Jam is a family friendly event that takes place 5-6 times per year.

Past featured bands have included Lost Bayou Ramblers, Cedric Burnside and Nathan and the Zydecho Cha Cha’s, just to name a few. For more information, follow Downtown River Jam on Facebook at www. facebook.com/downtownriverjam.

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” -Thomas Merton. On the first Thursday of every other month, beginning in February, local and visiting artists are featured at the Downtown Gallery Crawl. In its tenth year, “The Crawl” is presented by the Donwtown Arts Alliance. The galleries that line Art Alley in Downtown Monroe and Trenton Street in West Monroe, open their doors to the public and give patrons a chance to browse, buy, and sip as they stroll. There are often artist talks and interactive pieces to check out as well. Choice Brands couldn’t be happier to provide beverages for this showcase of local culture. For more information and a schedule of events, follow them at www. facebook.com/downtowngallerycrawl.

If there is one thing that Louisiana is best known for, it is probably food. We are beyond blessed to have so much culinary talent both locally and in neighboring communities. Nowhere is this more evident than at the North Delta Food and Wine Festival. Each year in October, the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council brings in chefs from all around the state for a grand tasting event. Food and beer are a match made in heaven, so naturally Choice Brands is thrilled to be a part of it. Last year, Brew on the Bridge was added to the fun-filled weekend. With breweries and distributors lining the Endom Bridge, it is the perfect opportunity to try new beers and learn more about the ones you already love. For more information, follow North Delta Food and Wine Festival at www.facebook.com/ northdeltafoodandwinefestival.

These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to local events. There are tons of opportunities to join and/or volunteer for these and other great organizations. It takes lots of support to keep our community going, so get up, get out, and get involved!

Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with local happenings and new product releases. In addition, you’ll find links to beer related articles, fun recipes, and much more! Find us at facebook.com/ choicebrands, twitter.com/choicebrandsinc, and instagram.com/choicebrands.

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Historical Impressions

EVEN AIRPLANES TAKE ROAD TRIPS

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HEN YOU DRIVE TO the Monroe Regional Airport you can’t help but be impressed by the beautifully restored warplanes lined up along Central Avenue. With the airport just a few blocks down the street you might assume these planes flew into Monroe and taxied over to the Chennault Museum.

Unfortunately, it is not that simple.

Most people don’t realize retired American military aircraft (and vehicles and other large war materiel) still belong to the original military branch, regardless of where they may be on display. The U.S. Navy A-7B Corsair II on display at the Museum still belongs to the U.S. Navy.

A potential displaying entity like the Museum must be certified in advance by the military branch that owns the aircraft.

Certification is a separate process for each military branch, and one that is paid for by the applicant. Once approved, a displayer can make a request for a specific aircraft and upon approval arrange to have it moved to the displaying location. If the displayer lets the aircraft deteriorate too much, the military branch gets a bit testy about things. If the aircraft condition is not remedied, the aircraft is taken away from the displayer. The deteriorated aircraft might be destroyed or it might be given to some other requesting displayer.

The Chennault Museum restoration team usually finds out about available military and civilian-owned aircraft through word of mouth. The retrieval process is the same for both military and civilian-owned aircraft but prior branch approval is needed to obtain a military aircraft. The Museum team makes a trip to the aircraft’s current location to assess what is needed to make retrieval. The location could be in south Louisiana or it could be in Arizona.

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Every retrieval is different depending on the type of aircraft and its condition.

Some dismantling of an aircraft is always needed to make it capable of being transported on American roads.

Sometimes the team makes multiple trips to move dismantled parts before the main aircraft body is ready to be moved.

Prior to moving an aircraft, the team must contact a state’s Department of Transportation to be told the route that must be taken and the maximum height and width that will be allowed on the identified roads. Most Air Force and civilian planes have fixed wings that must be removed before road travel.

Many Navy/Marine Corps aircraft have folding wings but the height restrictions for overpasses or overhead utility wires must be considered. If an aircraft is wider than the transportation trailer, a State Police escort must be arranged in advance.

The vertical stabilizer must almost always be removed or shorted to accommodate height restrictions. Folding wings might still be too tall as well.

Aircraft sit on tires and tires deflate and deteriorate over time. You can’t just go to the nearby tire store and purchase tires for a 1950 vintage F-86D Interceptor.

But without tires, the aircraft is not going anywhere in ground display condition. If the landing gear is located in the removed wings, then a transportation cradle for the aircraft body must be built.

On retrieval day the team must show up with everything that might possibly be needed. This includes the transportation trailer, the towing truck, an appropriate mobile crane, air compressors, generators, power tools and hand tools, jacks, cables, wood blocks, tape, tires and anything else that can be imagined. If the process begins and the team needs something they don’t have, they are limited to whatever they

can buy in nearby stores.

In time, the aircraft is ready to be hoisted onto a trailer and the journey to Monroe can begin. During ground transportation a jet capable of flying 700 mph is lucky to move much faster than the speed of a trotting horse when traveling on back roads. If the trip takes more than one day, a place to park the aircraft for the night must be scouted out in advance.

Of course there are also hotel, security, additional meals and multiple-day police escort to factor into the equation.

Once the aircraft arrives at the Museum, there might be some necessary reassembly to be completed before it can be lifted off the trailer and placed on the ground. Finally, the retrieval is over, and it is time to move to the aircraft restoration phase. That, as they say, is another story for another time.

Aircraft retrieval and restoration is very expensive. The Chennault Museum retrieval and restoration crew are all volunteers. As you can see, they are an incredibly capable and dedicated crew; giving of their own time and money for a cause they believe in. If you want to make a tax deductible contribution for something you and your family can enjoy viewing with pride for a lifetime, the Chennault aircraft retrieval and restoration effort is a most worthy cause.

You might be lucky enough to someday to see an aircraft retrieval effort in progress. It is easier, however, to see restoration underway. The crew works every Tuesday at the museum hanger. Stop by and give them your appreciation and support. Or if you have the time, ask how you can help.

BY GUY MILLER Vice Chair-Chennault Aviation and Military Museum

Alumni Spotlight ULM Alum: Mary Cox

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ARY COX IS DEDICATING HER LIFE TO SERVING others. She has chosen nursing to pursue her passion of making a difference, sharing her faith and caring for those at their most vulnerable moments. Mary graduated for West Monroe High School in 2012 and spent one semester at Louisiana College in pre-med before making a shift. She wanted to serve people in a more personal capacity than she could as a medical doctor, so she changed to nursing and transferred to ULM in the spring of 2013. She got involved in a young adult ministry in West Monroe called The Table, a group focused on, “connecting, restoring and empowering young adults across NELA for life and eternity.” She has met athletes, international students, all from ULM and connected in the Monroe area. Mary served as president of the Student Nurses’ Association at ULM for a year. The group meets monthly, hosting local hospital representatives. She learned about mercy shifts, free surgeries for people in Africa, medical missions, nonprofits and international organizations. She learned nursing does not just mean heading straight into a hospital after graduation.

Mary still feels the support of the people at ULM, from the faculty to the Starbucks baristas, whom she still calls friends. Nursing school is hard, and often Mary admits, “feeling like a failure.” She claims the professors, “believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.” Each teacher taught and challenged her in a different way, making her the nurse she is today. She says, “They taught me about their passion and gave me little pieces of the hearts along the way.” Ebony Watson, Kathy Davenport and Wendy Bailes truly impacted Mary’s nursing career. She often thinks, “What would they do in this situation?”

Sherry Peveto made journals for Mary’s mission trips and helped her fundraise. Mary also learned how much more nurses have to know beyond the medicines and diagnoses. Nurses are the last hand that medicine goes through, so they have to be aware of the whole body; it’s truly, “holistic care.” They must consider one’s psychiatric and emotional health, making the job harder, yet more fulfilling. Mary believes, “We, as humans, exist to belong to other people - nursing allows me to be there when mothers die, women find out they’re pregnant, and children are sick. We’re the people standing at the bedside holding you, and it’s an honor.” Enduring the proximity to heartbreak can be trying, but Mary relies on her faith in Jesus, saying, “Some things are too big for humans to bear.” She allows Jesus to 18 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

carry that and finds support in her family and friends at The Table, who encourage her to not lose heart.

Mary graduated from ULM in 2016 and soon left on an 11 month mission trip to 11 different countries: Lesotho, Africa; Swaziland, Africa; South Africa; Vietnam; Cambodia; Thailand; Nicaragua; Costa Rica; Jamaica; Haiti; and the Dominican Republic. She wanted to be challenged and to learn about people who are different. She also wanted to learn more about herself, “why I believe, and why I was created to serve people in nursing.” Mary expected to make a difference in their lives, but was surprised by the profound impact they made on hers. She found rich cultures, a deep sense of community, and was wholly welcomed in to their worlds. The world is not as scary as she previously thought. While working at a school in South Africa, a young boy needed medical attention. Mary was the only person with medical knowledge on campus, and she was able to use those basic nursing skills in an emergency situation. In Haiti, she was involved with The Mission of Hope Street, establishing medical clinics all over the island. It’s the place she faced a lot of her fears, leading teams in different villages. She became an instrumental part of these people’s lives. Mary thinks travel is essential to one’s personal growth: “It gets us out of our comfort zones, and we get welcomed into someone else’s.”

Mary now works at Universal Health Conway and still goes to The Table, where she is in touch with current ULM students and alumni. She knows the saying to be true, “The friends you have in college are the friends you’ll have for a lifetime.” She is thankful for the training and support she received at ULM and is spreading her knowledge, love and faith across the globe.

The ULM Alumni Association reaches, connects and celebrates alumni and friends to build lifelong relationships and commit to the university’s missions of academic freedom, scholarship, diversity, excellence, integrity and service. We represent alumni who honor the traditions of our university and who share a sense of achievement and pride. We create a network of professionals, establish scholarships and advocate for our University through community engagement. Members of the Alumni Association support countless initiatives, and annual memberships are just $35. To learn more or to become a member, please visit our new alumni network at ulm.edu/ alumni.

Bayou Pages NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES America’s Quirkiest City: Three books that explore the culture of Austin, TX

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n 2002, facing the aftermath of a divorce, limited employment prospects and a nagging sense of unfulfilled adventure, I loaded everything I owned into the back of a 1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette and set out on the adventure of a lifetime. With about $800 to my name, I moved to Austin, Texas. Six hours down the road, and with a soft-landing of friends-and-family on the receiving end, I thought Austin might provide me with the oomph I needed.

Boy, was I ever right! You gotta love a city whose official motto for tourism and economic development is “Keep Austin Weird,” and if a stroll down South Congress is any indication, they’re doing a great job living up to it.

Today’s Austin is the product of years of history, rich culinary traditions and a commitment to local live music that borders on fanatical. To understand Austin is to love Austin, and so here are three books that I hope will help you understand the city I call my second home.

Austin Breakfast Tacos: The Story of the Most Important Taco of the Day

By Mando Ryan

The first time you visit Austin, wake up early enough for breakfast. Not that continental thing in the lobby, though.

Instead, walk outside and look for a line.

From one end of the city to the other, chances are you’ll see row after row of people, patiently lined up at carts, food trucks and the odd pickup with an oven in the back, all in search of Austin’s unique contribution to

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REVIEWS BY MICHAEL DEVAULT the American culinary scene.

Tracing the roots of this strange dish – is it a modern Tex-Mex invention or an ancient staple of Latin American cuisine? – Mando Ryan constructs a tale of the breakfast taco while, along the way, tackling some of the more pressing questions about this muchdiscussed breakfast fare. Is corn or flour more authentic? Do breakfast tacos have to have eggs? And what, exactly, makes green chicken green?

Packed with more than 40 try-at-home recipes, Austin Breakfast Tacos is the kind of delightful foodie book that will find you rushing out to Brookshires for a stack of tortillas, a pound of chorizo and at least two dozen eggs.

Austin City Limits: A History

By Tracey E.W. Laird

For millions of Americans, the identity of Austin is synonymous with the weekly PBS show “Austin City Limits.” How this show came about is the stuff of public broadcasting legend, stretching back to 1974 and a fundraiser for the PBS fund drive.

Over the last 40 years, the show has become a cultural phenomenon and one of Austin, Texas’s most well-recognized and beloved exports.

The story behind the music and the drama of the show’s creation and development are just part of the story Tracey E.W. Laird tells in Austin City Limits: A History. The book is as much a history of American roots music, country and rock as it is a story about a fledgling public television broadcast.

From the first episode featuring Willie Nelson through making Emmylou Harris a household name, it’s almost impossible to overstate the cultural significance of “Austin City Limits.” Whether you’re into music, want to learn more about the history of the show or you’re just curious about the quirky show on PBS, Austin City Limits: A History will unpack the show and its equally quirky past.

Weird City: Sense of Place and Creative Resistance in Austin Texas

By Joshua Long When computer companies like Dell began to take hold in the sleepy Texas capital, the city began to experience a population boom. While becoming home to a new member of the Fortune 500 every couple of years may seem like a dream come true, and probably would be for most cities, for Austin, this represented the worst kind of threat.

Over the course of his book, Joshua Long dives into Austin’s history of “creative resistance,” the conscious choices the city’s creative class and, frequently, government officials made to avoid transforming their city into “just another Denver.”

With the passion of a local, Long examines the cultural and political traditions that have made Austin, Texas, one of America’s favorite big little towns.

Through first-hand accounts by some of Austin’s best-loved personalities, he helps paint the picture of the efforts a community went through to “Keep Austin Weird.”

DR. WALTER SARTOR

BEFORE

AFTER

Brittney Loses 160 Pounds!

Louisiana Center for Weight Loss Surgery Transforms Lives

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RITTNEY BARNETT HAS LOST 160 pounds since undergoing the gastric sleeve procedure at Louisiana Center for Weight Loss Surgery in September 2016.

She has battled her weight since childhood.

“I’ve struggled with obesity since I was about 10 years old. I was already a shy person, but dealing with obesity on top of that made me feel ashamed of my appearance. I went through depression and often dealt with mood swings.”

Brittney researched bariatric surgery for “quite some time” before committing to the surgery.

“After I had my second child, I decided I wanted to have the gastric sleeve. Once I talked to my husband about what I wanted, he did everything in his power to make it happen for me, and I am very grateful to him.”

Her weight loss has been the catalyst for several positive changes. She no longer suffers from hypertension, chronic knee pain, or chronic back pain. Prior to her weight loss, physical activities were quite difficult; Brittney struggled to walk, run, and play with her children.

In addition to transforming her personal life, her weight loss has significantly benefitted her professional life.

“I am a nurse. The weight loss has made it much easier to stand and walk for long periods of time. Psychologically, it has made me a much happier and outgoing person. I believe this has made a difference with my patient interactions.”

Her colleagues noticed a difference in Brittney, too.

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“The moment I was most proud after surgery was probably when my coworkers noticed my old badge picture. Everyone talked about how I don’t even look like the same person. It made me feel as if I had accomplished what I set out to do.”

Brittney says she had some misconceptions prior to her weight loss surgery.

“The largest misconception I had was that it was going to be easy. For some reason, I thought once I had the surgery, I wouldn’t have to do anything, and I would lose weight.

Needless to say, this was not the case. It was actually very difficult at first to get used to this lifestyle change. It became easier as I went on, but it was not effortless.”

She remembers her experience immediately after surgery.

“The first two weeks were difficult for me. I remember crying, when I ate cream of chicken soup for the first time after surgery. I had not eaten anything but broth and protein shakes since surgery, but that cream of chicken soup was so good, I actually cried,” she says. “Since then, it has gotten easier and I do not regret making the decision to have the surgery. It has changed my life for the better, and, given what I know now, I would do it again.”

Brittney advises those considering the gastric sleeve surgery to be pragmatic.

“Any lifestyle change is difficult, and bariatric surgery isn’t right for everyone.

Do your research, and if you decide to have surgery, follow the instructions of your surgeon and dietitian carefully.”

Bariatric surgeon Dr. Walter Sartor and Dietitian Marci Parker helped Brittney a great deal, Brittney says.

“Dr. Sartor and his staff were very helpful and kind. They explained everything in detail, and they answered all my questions and my husband’s questions, both before and after surgery.”

Reflecting on her weight loss journey, Brittney recalls a particular interaction with her husband.

“Almost a year after surgery, I walked into the kitchen, where my husband was sitting at our kitchen table. He looked up at me and smiled. I asked him what he was smiling about, and he responded, ‘I love how happy you are now. You’ve always been beautiful to me, but now you are happy, and that makes you even more gorgeous.’”

Brittney describes her life now in one word: “joyful.”

“Before I had surgery, I was very unhappy, and I never felt like doing anything.

I’m much happier now and also more outgoing. I feel much better than before, and I smile a lot more.”

Louisiana Center for Weight Loss Surgery, an accredited bariatric program, is a partnership between Dr. Walter Sartor, P&S Surgical Hospital, and St. Francis Medical Center. Like us at facebook.com/LCWLS, and call us today at 1-866-821-LIVE. Check out our YouTube channel!

EXPERIENCERUSTON

THE RUSTON COMMUNITY

Walking downtown Ruston feels like you’ve stepped into a storybook community. In the midst of a metamorphosis, Ruston has blossomed as a mecca for arts, culture and community.

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estled in the northernmost corner of central Louisiana sits a treasure. Long a sleepy college town, Ruston is in the midst of a metamorphosis, and in just a few short years, this quiet corner of the woods has turned into a mecca for arts, culture and dining.

It’s the result of a conscious, concerted effort undertaken by a dedicated community of citizens, working hand-in-hand with government officials and educators and administrators at Louisiana Tech University, they’re in the process of creating an oasis of culture and entertainment amid the piney woods.

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But Ruston’s transformation isn’t just about a few new businesses, a restaurant or three, or an arts festival. It’s also about a massive infrastructure overhaul coming in at more than $150 million over 20 years, a new, multi-million-dollar sports complex, and attracting waves of new employers to the region.

All in all, it’s about how a community has made the decision to reach its full potential and to bring the rest of northeastern Louisiana along for the journey. This is a look inside Ruston.

Ultimate Luxury 200 Crestview Drive in Squire Creek Subdivision

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XPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE LUXURY OF LIVING ALONG the perfectly manicured fairways of Squire Creek Country Club.

Realtor Jay Melancon of Acres & Avenues/Keller Williams Realty Parishwide Partners is proud to offer just such a grand estate, which overlooks the rolling hills and a scenic lake that epitomizes the allure of Squire Creek Subdivision living. This incredible property is situated on a crest of a hill along the 15th Fairway, offering one of the most commanding views of unspoiled Lincoln Parish topography.

The home, built in 2004 and located at 220 Crestview Drive in Choudrant, features four bedrooms, four and a half baths, in addition to an office and multiple living areas throughout. A brick inlaid driveway, landscaped with mature crepe myrtles, native grasses, live oaks, lush jasmine and flowering shrubs leads to an ample motor court centered around a fountain in the European tradition. Brick laid in a basketweave pattern at the entrance is just the start of the details that take this home to the next level. The front façade of the home is a combination of brick and stucco and features graceful arched windows as well as a decorative floral basket medallion at the roof’s peak and a laurel wreath and ribbon medallion above a trio of arched windows. The columned entryway with an impressive leaded glass door with sidelights is protected from above by a colonnaded Juliet balcony.

The grand foyer is a gleaming entrance point with diagonally laid creamy marble floors inset with black marble diamonds. A chandelier dripping with crystals sets the tone with chic illumination. Ceilings soar to elaborate crown moldings fit for a palace and fluted columns lead into a double height space with floor to ceiling silk drapery. The entire wall is filled with five large windows and a French door which opens onto the back veranda. Three large medallions separate the upper and lower windows.

The formal dining room is a study in restrained opulence with tone on tone striped designer wall coverings and custom window treatments that accentuate three arched windows. Oak hardwood flooring and deep crown moldings provide the backdrop for intimate family holidays and memorable dinners with friends. An elaborate crystal chandelier on a central medallion is a conversation starter.

Conveniently located to the dining room the chef’s kitchen is a culinary dream space. Custom glazed cabinetry with hand carved corbels, built-in appliances and black granite counters create a sleek and stylish gathering space. A central island with a food prep sink is painted

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jet black and features a warming drawer and plenty of undercounter storage. There is no shortage of counterspace and a double height counter provides space perfect for counterstools.

The gourmet kitchen opens directly into a tiled living room and casual dining area. A wall of windows with plantation shutters fills the space with natural light and a French door leads to covered veranda overlooking the golf course and lake. A butler’s pantry with built in storage and glass front upper cabinets makes entertaining and storage effortless.

A half bath downstairs features an oval oculus window with leaded detail and is dressed in a designer wall covering and custom bow-front carved vanity and mirror. Wall sconces provide soft lighting. A wellappointed laundry room is filled with custom cabinetry and features a large stainless sink for soaking delicates.

A tiled hallway with built-in bookcases and storage leads to the master bedroom and en suite master bath. The bedroom floors are wide, hand-scraped planks stained a rich oak color. A bank of four windows in an angled bay configuration are well-dressed in custom drapery with a dvalence of ruched swags embellished with tasseled trim. The master bedroom ceiling is configured in a stepped tray with luscious crown molding. His tiled master bath has a generous vanity topped in black granite, a glass door shower and walk-in closet. Her side of the master bath includes a bidet, large soaking whirlpool tub and dressing space, as well as a walk-in closet with packing island and separate shoe closet.

An elegant staircase ascends to the second floor and features dark stained oak treads. Built-in shell niches and a statement chandelier with nine concentric bands dripping with clear crystal curtains create a memorable transition to the second floor. At the top of the landing is space for a living room with access to the front Juliet balcony.

Upstairs bedrooms are designed with generations of family in mind. Intimate spaces are carved out for the littlest of children, with custom murals to delight and inspire play. Several bedrooms have access to the upstairs balcony with sweeping panoramic views.

If life among nature yet near the heart of wonderful amenities appeals to your senses, call Jay Melancon with Acres & Avenues/ Keller Williams Realty at 318-254-3250 to schedule an appointment to view this incredible property at Squire Creek Development. You may also view more information about this and other properties at www.acresandavenues.com.

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EXPERIENCERUSTON

VISIT HISTORIC RUSTON

Come for the food, or the music, or the art, or the sports.

Stay for everything else. article by MICHAEL DEVAULT photography by MARTIN G MEYERS

IN CASE YOU HAVEN’T HEARD LATELY, there are literally hundreds upon hundreds of reasons to visit Ruston. Just getting word out about all of the cultural, sports and culinary events is a huge job, and that job falls to Travis Napper and the Ruston-Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Spend a few minutes talking to Napper or the staff at the CVB, and it’s clear these guys are excited about Lincoln Parish and everything it has to offer visitors. They have reason to be. In music alone, the month of April has more than two dozen events schedule.

That’s in addition to art events, shopping events, sporting events and other community draws, says Napper, president and CEO of the CVB.

“We want to make sure there is stuff happening frequently, with lots of events, and that we can create a bit of density downtown,” Napper explains. That’s what makes Ruston’s live music scene so important, he notes. People have diverse and divergent tastes in music, and offering something for everyone is important. Of those two dozen music performances, there are events with rock, country, classical, jazz, and they’re taking place at bars, restaurants, the Dixie Theatre, in pop-up spaces downtown and at Tech.

This kind of thriving cultural scene draws people to town, and when they’re there, those people spend money. They eat at one of the dozens of new restaurants. They browse the shops. Overall, it’s about creating an experience that people remember when they leave.

“It’s about giving people opportunities for all different kinds of experiences, to plug into an area that interests them,” Napper says.

“Even if they’re coming for a single event – a sports game or a concert, for example – we get to showcase everything else the community has to offer, to make an impression on them and that makes them consider Ruston as somewhere they’d like to visit again.”

The community of businesses and citizens are working to create experiences for their visitors, whether that experience is in a restaurant featuring great food and live music, or a stroll through the new farmers’ market, one of the more innovative markets of its kind in the region. It’s also one of Ruston’s fastest growing attractions.

It began just a few years ago in the corner of a parking lot. By the end of its second year, it had spilled into a larger parking lot.

This year, it opened in a new, permanent facility. Open each Saturday beginning in the spring, with Thursday nights beginning in the summer, the Farmers’ Market is the kind of seasonal offering that people are looking for.

“In such a short time, it’s become a staple, not just for food, but for events,” Napper says. “The Farmers’ Market always features an interactive, social component.”

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ABOVE: A CONCERT IN DOWNTOWN RUSTON’S RAILROAD PARK AT RIGHT: TRAVIS NAPPER OF THE RUSTON-LINCOLN CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Sometimes that component is a music performance.

Other market days feature cooking demonstrations or arts and crafts for the kids. Each event, though, plays into a larger picture.

“Like everything else the community does, they’re creating an atmosphere where you want to be,” he says. All of that attraction means big opportunities for businesses, which may be why Ruston is home to three new hotels in the last year.

A Courtyard opened, as did a Best Western Plus and a Holiday Inn Express. Combined, the three hotels provided 250 new rooms to the city’s offerings, bringing the total to between 650 and 750. That’s a vital component to attracting visitors, whether they’re coming for a cultural event or a game at Tech or Grambling.

“The new rooms definitely help with our capacity, especially when sporting events like football weekends happen,” he says.

“There’s always a demand for rooms.”

In previous years, people coming to town for an event stayed in Monroe, Bossier, even Jonesboro. Now, more people can stay in town. That can mean big business for area retailers.

“On the pure economic side, it’s keeping those dollars in Ruston, instead of going into restaurants and stores in Monroe, Bossier or elsewhere,” Napper says. “And when they’re here, they get to experience everything we have to offer.”

So when the Dixie World Series takes the field later this year, Napper says the families will get to enjoy music performances, arts and entertainment, and so much more. And businesses like Family Fun Arcade, the escape room, a paintball venue and the upcoming trampoline park will be there to fill the time between games and, just maybe, entice the visitors to come back again.

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EXPERIENCERUSTON

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Walpole Tire Ribbon Cutting On March 15, the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony at Walpole Tire & Service’s Ruston location to celebrate their grand re-opening and Open House. The new 6,000 square foot expansion includes a modern showroom, comfortable customer waiting area and state-ofthe-art office space. The ceremony included words of welcome and speeches by Mayor Ronny Walker, Chamber Chair Lee Denny, Chamber Vice Chair Brandon Sutherland and Walpole Tire’s President & CEO Neal Walpole. Special thanks were given to Michael L. Walpole, Lincoln Builders and Woodvale Interiors for their superb performance in the design and construction of the new space.

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Amanda DeMoss and Deanita Hammons Deanna and Jay McCallum Neal and Anita Walpole Bo, Dianna and Sarah Harring K arla Rhoads, Jereme Saia, Steve Morton and Marc Stewart 6 Gary Northen and Bill Hogan 7 Blair and Jay Walpole 8 Ashley Avery and Payal Desai 9R ett Hamby and Luke Madden 10 Randal Murphy and Tom O’Neal 11 M ayor Ronny Walker and J.N. Walpole 12 L indsay Thomlinson, Shannon Davidson and Jessica Hughes 13 Amanda and Todd DeMoss 14 Sadie Flowers and Drew Cruse 15 J.N. and Ruth Walpole 16 Sonja Burris and Patricia Murad 17 Justin Mills and Garrett Pylant 18 Megan and Danny Walpole

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Girlfriends 2

Ruston’s Newest Women’s Boutique Now Open

Girl-friend /gərl-frend/: a female who you love, admire, respect; a woman who makes you laugh, smile and realize what true happiness is; your perfect match; a girl who goes from best friend, to teammate, to partner in crime all in one day; a woman who brings out the best in you; your favorite lady.

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ANY PEOPLE ALWAYS ASK, “WHY A GIRLFRIENDS 2?”

This is our story.

My name is Jeannette Richards, and I am the owner of the original Girlfriends Boutique in Jena, Louisiana. Ten years ago in the small town of Jena, an opportunity presented itself to buy a business from one of our dear friends. I had always wanted to open a boutique, and that is where Girlfriends Boutique was born. We wanted to create a space where women of any age could come shop and find exactly what they were looking for. We have clothing and accessories for women of all ages, and we thrive on friendly service and our faith.

When my daughter Karlee was 16, she attended church camp, and while there was in a zip lining accident, where she fell fifty feet.

This incident has resulted in twenty-seven surgeries and countless infections. Before the accident, she was a full time high school student that led an active social life. Karlee played basketball, and was very active in the youth group at our church, Searcy Baptist Church, in Trout Louisiana. Karlee had planned to go to Louisiana Tech since she was a little girl, she always wanted to be a Bulldog.

Even after she fell, Karlee had planned on attending and graduating from there. However, after her accident she was home bound due to her injuries, and Karlee was devastated. Because she had missed so much school during high school, her new plan was to attend Louisiana Delta Community College online, and get her remedial classes she needed to attend Louisiana Tech the following year.

Karlee’s ultimate goal was to attend Louisiana Tech and pursue a biology degree to eventually become an Orthopedic Surgeon. Due to her unplanned surgeries her recent semester was extremely difficult trying to keep up with the schoolwork and recovering.

Karlee had always talked about opening a shop in her new home, Ruston. The more we thought about it, it seemed as if it was the perfect plan. It gave Karlee the normalcy of a young adult, 32 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

while letting her body heal in a setting that she loved. We didn’t want her to have time to just sit around the house and think of all she couldn’t do. After lots of prayer we decided to open Girlfriends 2, and let Karlee manage it. Karlee has worked in my shop in Jena with me for ten years now and has learned a lot about our family business. Karlee’s passion has always been Jesus and people.

She says without Jesus she couldn’t have made it through this devastating experience and even though she didn’t understand why all these things happened she does know God is faithful and He never once left her side. Karlee’s passion and love for God has driven her to succeed in many things, and we cant wait to see what she does with Girlfriends 2.

Karlee says, “My mom has been my rock. From day one she has laid down her plans and everything else she has wanted to do for the last four years to take care of me. She has always been my biggest cheerleader. She has taught me that every victory counts even the small ones.” Karlee is really excited about sharing her story with new people she meets in the community, and being a living proof that nothing is ever to big for our God.

Girlfriends 2 carries women’s clothing, accessories and shoes!

Here is what people have to say about Girlfriends and Girlfriends 2:

“No matter how old you are, Girlfriends has something to make you look younger, and to feel good about yourself. Experts are there to help you make the best selections; there is absolutely no pressure.” – Patty

“I love how inexpensive and cute their clothes are! Plus Karlee and Jeanette are the sweetest people to work with!” – Ali

“Their clothes are so cute, for any age! My mom and I love to shop here.” – Katee 2313 Commons Court, Suite 2 • Ruston, LA (318) 278-3406 Follow us on Facebook: Girlfriends 2

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EXPERIENCERUSTON

Esma’s Alley will open on Park Avenue, in a space next door to Sundown. This space is collaboration between private property owners and the city, in which a group of three local artists plan to host free-to-attend pop-up cultural events once a month.

EPICENTER FOR THE ARTS

Ruston’s burgeoning community of creatives are elevating the arts and transforming culture in central Louisiana article by MICHAEL DEVAULT photography by MARTIN G MEYERS

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uston is no stranger to a thriving arts scene. For decades, the hamlet in the Louisiana Piney Hills has been home to a nationally-recognized university art program and the nexus of a community of painters, sculptors and crafters. Now the city is in the midst of a new artistic renaissance.

Artists, it seems, are taking to the streets. And the alleys, and boutiques, and libraries, and restaurants. No fewer than three dozen arts-centered events are already set for the year, including pop-up art shows, demonstrations, fundraisers, theatrical performances, concerts, and more. North Central Louisiana Arts Council Director Jessica Slaughter thinks she knows why. “We have a strong community of artists who are associated with the university, both faculty members and students, but we also have a lot of community artists as well,” she tells BayouLife. “It’s been nice to see these groups come together to push the arts in the city.”

When she first joined NCLAC six years ago, Slaughter was aware of the thriving art community at Louisiana Tech, but the community around the university – painters, sculptors, ceramics artists and more – was a pleasant surprise. Moreover, she was also excited at the possibilities of other artistic endeavors with performing arts and music.

Over the past few years, the arts community has grown together to form a tight-knit community of individuals who have joined forces in diverse venues to create creative sensory experiences for themselves, their colleagues, and the community at large. The arts scene in Ruston has also helped create a thriving downtown scene, according to Kortney Keim, who serves on the NCLAC board of directors and works for the city of Ruston.“It’s a really exciting time, in that artists are recognized, they feel supported, and there are a lot of new outlets through which they can express themselves,” Keim says. She points out the publicprivate partnership that’s come together to form the downtown 34 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

KOURTNEY KEIM

JESSICA SLAUGHTER

Cultural District, where artists can sell their works, free from sales tax.

Other endeavors include a competition in which 11 artists will paint bulldog statues to place around the city, further tightening Ruston’s ties to Louisiana Tech. An independent film series will take the Dixie Theatre for the second year in a row. And with events like a holiday arts tour, popup art events and Artober Fest each October.

Slaughter points to events like New Music on the Bayou, an international music competition to which composers submit original compositions. Winners come from around the world to perform these original works – not just in Ruston, but across the region.

Twice a year, in fall and spring, the Plein Air competition finds artists signing up to paint live, outdoors. Over eight hours in a single day, the artists will paint canvasses outside, in the cultural district boundaries, and then those works will be unveiled that evening.

These kinds of events pull people into downtown Ruston, not just locally, but from across northern Louisiana and points beyond. Through established performance and display spaces like the Dixie Theatre and dozens of stores downtown, artists have long had places to display their works. Now, a new wave of growth is spurring creativity.

Esma’s Alley will open on Park Avenue, in a space next door to Sundown. This space is collaboration between private property owners and the city, in which a group of three local artists plan to host free-toattend pop-up cultural events once a month. “This is what’s exciting,” Slaughter says. “It’s not like every creative or cultural event is coming from group. There are so many people doing so many different things.”

Most importantly for Slaughter, she doesn’t see the momentum slowing down. “It’s really fertile right now,” she says. “There’s a lot of variety with different communities doing different things. I don’t think anyone’s going to get burned out.”

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EXPERIENCERUSTON

AT LEFT: MAYOR RONNY WALKER TALKING TO RUSTON CITIZEN. ABOVE: ENTRACE TO ROCK ISLAND GREENWAY AT LEFT: MULTI-USE SPORTS COMPLEX SLATED TO OPEN LATE 2018, JUST IN TIME TO HOST THE 11-STATE DIXIE YOUTH WORLD SERIES.

STATE OF THE CITY

Infrastructure and tourism are just two of the focuses for one of Louisiana’s busiest administrations article by MICHAEL DEVAULT photography by MARTIN G MEYERS In the three years Ronny Walker has served as mayor of Ruston, he has one nagging frustration: he hasn’t gotten as much done as he’d have liked. That’s a bit of a surprise given the near-breakneck speed with which Walker’s administration has moved to fulfill his biggest goals.

Walker’s perspective makes sense when taking into account his background. He spent decades in banking before entering public service, and in the corporate world, things work differently. “I came from the business sector, where you made a decision and moved forward on it quickly,” Walker explains with a laugh. “Baton Rouge and D.C. want to study stuff to death.”

In spite of all the study, the careful planning, the public hearings, and all of the other tedium that can interrupt progress, Walker’s administration ranks as one of the most productive and progressive governments in Louisiana. In fact, over the three years he’s been in office, the city has undertaken the Ruston Municipal Airport’s runway, building a new, state-of-the-art animal shelter, and all in addition to moving projects forward that have been on the books for thirty years – such as a pair of interchanges along I-20 that will improve traffic flow and expand commercial corridors.

That’s a list that any three-year veteran mayor should be proud of, and it’s enough to put Ruston at the forefront of similarly sized cities across the south. But this is Ruston, and Ruston is, well, different.

So Walker’s team has launched a curb-side recycling program.

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and south through town, the city purchased the rights of way, and they’re in the midst of converting it into a greenway. Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Louisiana provided a $1 million grant to construct a similar greenway running east to west. And Walker hints that an additional grant is forthcoming shortly, “but we’ve not announced it yet.”

If this list of projects seems like Ruston is running full-steam ahead, hold that thought. This is the Walker administration, and they’re just getting started.

A $35 million multi-use sports complex is set to open later this year, just in time to host the 11-state Dixie Youth World Series, a first for the state. “Louisiana has never hosted all five age groups,” he says. “But over a two-week period, we’ll bring an additional 10,000 people into our city.”

Those people – players, family members, media, baseball fans, coaches, referees and crews – will spend millions of dollars in the community and in areas beyond. Hotel rooms as far away as Bossier and Monroe-West Monroe are already filling up ahead of the tournament, the first of many. “This is going to bring a tremendous number of people to our city, who’re going to need more hotels, more restaurants, more shops,” Walker said. He adds that it’s the first of many. “We’ll have lots of tournaments there. The facility is going to be a huge economic driver for our city, no doubt about it.”

All of this development comes at a price. Additional residents and visitors mean the need for improved infrastructure. Roads and sewers are in need of repair and expansion, and that’s not something that’s escaped the radar, either. Just a year into his first term, Walker’s administration petitioned voters for a 3/4-cent sales tax, which they called Moving Ruston Forward. Voters approved, resoundingly.

“Because of that, we’re in the midst of $80 million in infrastructure work right now,” Walker says. “We’ll spend over a 20-year period about $150 million total. That $80 million is the first big wave of it.”

As they replace the roads, they’re expanding bicycle access, as well.

When coupled with the greenway project and other bike paths the city has installed around town, Ruston is transforming itself into a bikefriendly city. “When I took over as mayor, we had zero bike trails,” he says. “In the next 16 months, we’ll have built 10 miles of bike trails.”

He calls these projects quality-of-life enhancements, and if progress so far is any indication, the quality of life in Ruston is getting better every day.

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A Local Ruston Sports Bar The Dawg House Sports Grill

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OCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR 20 YEARS, The Dawg House has become known as a Ruston Destination.

Owners Bert, Vicki and Danielle Davis are always ready to ensure your visit is better than expected. We are Tech Alumni and We Bleed Tech Blue, but, our staff is ready to make a visiting teams trip to Ruston an enjoyable one. Just remember, when Tech is playing we are all about Louisiana Tech and supporting our teams… so please don’t get upset when The Bulldogs are on every TV! Our only recommendation is to come with an appetite and put that diet on hold! Our healthy portions will not only wow you in size, but also flavor! This family friendly spot is offering some of the finest food in the area. Voted Best Burgers 3 years in a row!

HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF OUR FAVORITES: • F or an appetizer, we suggest the Crawfish Bread, which is French bread covered in our étouffée and Monterey Jack cheese.

• T he Frodo’s Patty Melt is always a favorite and has pepper jack cheese, bacon, fried jalapeños and fried onions on it, topped with our Boom Boom BBQ sauce, served on white, wheat or jalapeño cheese bread.

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• M att’s Steak House Burger has fried onions, fried jalapeños, pepper jack cheese and bacon topped with our steak sauce!

• The Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla has a fun twist stuffed with the classic paw claws tossed in buffalo sauce. YUM!

Offering our full service menu until close makes The Dawg House the place to cure those late night munchies. Dine in or take out, we want your experience at The Dawg House to be a memorable one. Friendly service in a casual relaxed atmosphere, our staff wants to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

Yes, we accept reservations and can accommodate large groups.

Make The Dawg House your destination for a great meal served with a good time when your are in Ruston.

The Dawg House Sports Grill Located at 102 N Homer St., Ruston, Louisiana. Or call in your order (318) 513-1188. Full menu at dawghousesportsgrill.com

National Jewelry Company Exceeding Your Expectations for Over 40 Years

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OR OVER 40 YEARS, NATIONAL Jewelry Company has been one of the most trusted names in jewelry in the Ruston region. We are a well-established jewelry store that has grown with our community from a small store to a multiple brand jewelry retailer. We have served generations of families as their trusted jeweler for brilliant diamonds, beautiful fine jewelry, elegant watches, treasured gifts, custom made styles and expert jewelry repairs.

National Jewelry Company is committed to make every customer “feel at home” with our personalized service and our classic to cutting edge jewelry designs. Our years of experience and services have built a legacy of integrity and trust with our customers.

At National Jewelry Company, our mission has always been a tradition of trust, high ethical standards, knowledge of our jewelry products and services, fair pricing

and value to our customers. Tom and Kim Phillips still handle day to day operations with Paul McCormack as manager. Paul McCormack and John Terral handle all in house jewelry and watch repair OUR PROMISE Our Promise at National Jewelry Company is to provide our customers with a shopping experience that will exceed their expectations of our store, our merchandise and our service.

National Jewelry will accomplish this by: • Providing you with exceptional attention with every visit to our store.

• Helping you celebrate your life’s special occasions.

• Providing superior value in terms of merchandise quality, price, selection and satisfaction.

• A commitment to conduct ourselves

with integrity and exceed our customer’s expectations in every facet of our business.

We realize that individual taste, styling and design are extremely important to you when you decide to make your jewelry purchase. Our aim is to provide quality services and products with the highest degree of customer satisfaction. Our globally sourced designs help to express your unique personality and suit your lifestyle. We will personally help you to select the exact style and design that will celebrate the important occasions and milestones of your life.

We realize that individual taste, styling and design are extremely important to you when you decide to make your jewelry purchase. Our aim is to provide quality services and products with the highest degree of customer satisfaction. Our globally sourced designs help to express your unique personality and suit your lifestyle. We will personally help you to select the exact style and design that will celebrate the important occasions and milestones of your life.

CONTACT US / LOCATION National Jewelry Company is located at 101 East Reynolds Drive in Ruston. Give them a call today at (318) 255-3906. sales@njconline.com nationaljewelrycompany.com

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EXPERIENCERUSTON

Art Camps NCLAC Art Camps Set for Summer: Music, Visual Arts and Drama

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CLAC’s Summer Arts Camps have been scheduled! The North Central Louisiana Arts Council is thrilled to host a five-day arts camp experience featuring music, visual arts, and drama. Experience the arts with art teachers, professional artists, and local volunteers, who will aid campers in activities like sculpting, painting, improv and the world of percussion! first through sixth graders will participate in three classes held from 9 a.m. to noon. Each NCLAC Arts Camp offers a unique examination of the arts, so students are able to attend each camp and gain something new. The five-day camps are $60, if pre-registered and paid by May 1st. After May 1st, tuition is $65. Camp fee includes all necessary supplies, a daily snack and a tshirt.

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Camp schedule is as follows: Ruston 1, June 25-29 at Presbyterian Church of Ruston Jonesboro, July 9-13 at United Methodist Church, Jonesboro Ruston 2, July 16-20 at Presbyterian Church of Ruston

Space is limited, so check the calendar and register today! Those interested may register by phone at (318)255-1450, or online at nclac.org. Forms and checks should be mailed to NCLAC, PO Box 911 Ruston, LA 71273

NCLAC is supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts

Council, and administered by Shreveport Regional Arts Council. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Walpole Tire & Service Family-Owned and Operated for Over 60 Years

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HE RUSTON-LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE held a ribbon cutting ceremony at Walpole Tire & Service’s Ruston location to celebrate their grand re-opening and Open House on March 15. The new 6,000 square foot expansion includes a modern showroom, comfortable customer waiting area, state-ofthe-art office space and additional parking. Customers and guests were welcomed throughout the day by Walpole’s top suppliers and vendors who provided free giveaways, promotional items and refreshments. Five lucky participants each won a full set of tires that were generously donated by their primary tire suppliers.

Other giveaways included gift cards and various automotive parts provided by their parts suppliers.

As guests toured the showroom and vendor booths, they were able to visit with top vendor and manufacturing representatives, who highlighted the newest and most innovative products on the market. A highlight of the day was the Continental Tire Show Truck that travels the country displaying a walk-through exhibit of its complete line of commercial tires and leading technological advancements.

Walpole Tire & Service has been family-owned and operated for 62 years and has grown from three employees to over 50 employees.

The business was founded by J.N. Walpole in 1956 and is now under the leadership and direction of his son, Neal Walpole. The third generation of leadership includes Neal’s son-in-law Todd DeMoss, nephew J. Walpole, and son Danny Walpole. In many ways, Neal views the new expansion symbolically as a way of passing the baton from one generation to the next.

In addition to the Ruston expansion, Walpole Tire has made other recent strategic investments to better serve its customers.

Perhaps most notable is expanding into West Monroe with the opening of a location on Warren Drive in 2014. The West Monroe location is a full service tire and auto repair center for passenger and light truck vehicles. This location has also expanded into the commercial/medium truck market with the addition of a service truck in 2017. Walpole Tire is proud to be part of West Monroe, Monroe, and Ouachita Parish and is honored to provide the same level of expertise to these communities.

The Walpoles have engrained their strong family values of honesty, integrity and service into the culture of the business and its employees. Through the years, customers have kept returning to Walpole Tire, because they know that they will be given the highest level of service and treated in a fair and honest manner. The Walpole family has a unique passion for serving the people of North Louisiana, and it assures us that such a legacy is sure to stand in our community for generations to come.

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EXPERIENCERUSTON

COME ALIVE More than a decade of careful planning and hard work have paid off for downtown Ruston

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troll the wide, new sidewalks between popping into a boutique for the latest styles and grabbing lunch at a hip, new restaurant. Pause near the park and enjoy the sounds of a live band set up for an outdoor art event. Or maybe just swing through to take in a show at the historic Dixie Theatre.

If you haven’t been downtown in Ruston, lately, these are just a few of the kinds of experiences you’ve missed out on. For the last twelve years or so, businesses located in downtown Ruston have been driving a revitalization effort unmatched in the Bayou State, and now that work is beginning to pay off. Melissa Durrett knows why.

“There’s just something about downtown Ruston that feels special, the buzz down here,” Melissa says. “We spent two years looking for space to find the right one.”

The “right one” turned out to be a longabandoned retail building sandwiched into

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the 200 block of North Vienna, between the Dixie Theatre and Utility Brewing Company.

After much consideration, Durrett’s husband and his brother, B.J. and Andy, purchased the building and began a painstaking restoration.

The result was a year in the making – a centerpiece for the 200 block of Vienna that has quickly become an attraction in its own right, which Durrett finds amusing.

“Most people don’t get excited to come see a law office, but that’s what’s happened,” she says. “To take an eyesore of a building and transform it into something that’s beautiful, that’s something special. People come by all the time to see the space, to find inspiration and to get ideas for how they can do what we’ve done.”

Up the way and over a bit – it’s a small town, and that’s how directions are given – is The Fashion, one of the grand dames of downtown Ruston. First opened in 1955, The Fashion is a clothing store specializing in on-

article by MICHAEL DEVAULT photography by MARTIN G MEYERS

trend apparel and accessories for ladies and women. Over its 60 year history, the store has become a stalwart of the Ruston shopping experience.

When Kelly Hogan purchased the store 14 years ago, she knew it would soon be time to relocate from the aging facility into a more modern, inviting, and better-positioned space.

When the time came four years ago, Hogan chose a location on Park Avenue, near Roma Bistro. The thought of moving to one of the new shopping centers along I-20 didn’t cross her mind.

“I never once considered leaving downtown Ruston,” she says. “I’m crazy passionate about our downtown because, honestly, I’ve lived other places and have seen what it could be. It was easy for us to recognize the potential here.”

Also, she wasn’t much worried about relocating downtown because demand for real estate is so high she knew moving wouldn’t

KELLY HOGAN

“ create a void in the market. “I knew someone would come fill our original space, and so I took a risk a block over.”

The risk paid off. Today, The Fashion shares a smartly restored building with Chartreuse Pear, a company that sells gifts and home décor. The interior spaces are sleek, cool and crisply modern, just the kinds of boutique spaces you’d find in a much larger community. That even a single space such as this exists in a town the size of Ruston would be remarkable, were it not for the presence of dozens more, just like it.

Hogan thinks she knows what attracts people to downtown Ruston in particular, and it’s a bit convenience, a bit nostalgia and a whole lot of unique. Community support plays a huge role in the success or failure of any retail district, and in Ruston, that support goes both ways.

“We’re involved in these peoples’ lives. It’s not just selling clothes,” Hogan says. “We’re consoling them when they lose a family member, looking at baby pictures when they have a grandchild. We really feel that connection, and I don’t get that feeling in a strip mall.”

David Hedgepeth enjoys a slightly more circumspect vision of downtown’s development – its history and its future. He started his career more than thirty years ago, as an interior designer in downtown Ruston, working for Rogers Furniture, a family-owned furniture store.

Situated on the corner of Trenton and Mississippi streets, the Rogers Furniture building is one of the more prominent storefronts in the retail district. When Rogers Furniture closed three years ago, Hedgepeth and his partner, Julie Mays, opened their own store in the space. It is from this corner Hedgepeth has watched Ruston grow and blossom into a thriving, hip retail and lifestyles destination.

“We’ve always been a really strong downtown because there has always been a lot of smaller shops,” Hedgepeth says. “You get a lot of personal service, and there’s more of a boutique shop feel downtown – more so now than even a couple of years ago.”

That boutique feel is what draws shoppers into the area. Extrawide, pedestrian-friendly streets invite strolling from shop to shop.

Restaurants and coffee shops place tables on the sidewalk, lending

THE FASHION OF RUSTON

I’m crazy passionate about our downtown because, honestly, I’ve lived other places and have seen what it could be. It was easy for us to recognize the potential here.”

a continental feel to the area. Hedgepeth says there’s something for everyone in the area.

In addition to owning a business downtown, Hedgepeth has been involved in the planning and development efforts for the retail and business district. In addition to working with the Downtown Merchants Association and Main Street, Hedgepeth served on the Ruston City Council, a position that gave him a bit more perspective on the importance of cooperation and community support. It also afforded him the opportunity to see how other towns and cities had faired.

“If you go to a lot of larger cities, Jackson, Dallas, Baton Rouge, they have big malls with national retailers,” he says. “But those concepts are dying away. What developers are doing now is building shopping centers that look like a downtown – with unique architecture, wide sidewalks, outdoor dining – the kind of place where you can park and walk from store to store.”

In other words, what they’re doing in big cities is copying exactly what already exists Ruston. Though downtown lacks big anchor stores, it’s filled with unique shops and local people running local businesses for a local clientele.

Urban planning has also played a role in the continued health of downtown. In other towns and cities, when major highway developments came through, the practice was to route traffic around downtowns to the outskirts, to spur development there. The result was catastrophic for so many downtown regions, because that traffic is what drove commerce. Ruston avoided that. Drive from Alexandria to El Dorado on Highway 167, and you’ll pass right through downtown Ruston and its timeless charm.

Ruston has an additional resource driving business downtown: a nationally recognized university sits just blocks away. The city government, Louisiana Tech administrators and merchants all recognized the potential the campus represented, so they’ve worked together for decades to strengthen the ties between downtown and the campus, both figuratively and literally.

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EXPERIENCERUSTON

DAVID HEDGEPETH

“

MELISSA DURETT

Everybody’s looking for a space in these old, forgotten buildings. They’re looking for a place to move into, remodel and save.”

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Not only has Louisiana Tech been an active supporter of the downtown development efforts through sponsoring and hosting events, it’s also worked to connect its campus to the downtown district physically, with a broad, well-kept greenway. When Tech decided it wanted to further strengthen ties, it opened Tech Park, a business-university partnership situated between campus and downtown.

The result has been the creation of a truly special downtown environment, one where people come to hang out with friends, shop for school clothes or just grab lunch. Though this is the result of years of planning and effort, it’s nevertheless a singular achievement.

“You don’t usually see that in a little town like this,” Durrett says. Moreover, it’s an achievement that’s not finished. “Everybody’s looking for a space in these old, forgotten buildings. They’re looking for a place to move into, remodel and save.”

To that end, the Downtown Merchants Association, Main Street, and other groups are actively involved in recruiting new businesses into the area. Also, they work with the community at large, both individuals and community organizations, to develop events that bring people downtown. Planning and development meetings take place at least monthly, sometimes more frequently, as often as it takes to help hone the vision for downtown Ruston.

“It’s not for the betterment of one business or one space,” Durrett says. “It’s for the entire community, to try to make people want to come downtown and shop, to park, spend the day and just want to be downtown.”

Their efforts have drawn wide recognition, as well. The Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation awarded downtown Ruston the 2018 Main Street award for its efforts to preserve and beautify downtown. It’s recognition for the building of a community of businesses, artisans and customers. And it’s also something that’s driving new generations of loyal clientele to the area.

Hogan suggests people who haven’t been to Ruston in a few years take the time to make the trip. It’s definitely something she believes is worth the effort to see and experience. Just park your car and take a stroll.

“You get that vision of people being out, sweeping their sidewalks off in the morning,” she says. “It’s more than just shoping.

It’s living and being in a town.”

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EXPERIENCERUSTON

THE CROWN JEWEL

Louisiana Tech University is Ruston’s secret weapon in the fight for progress article by MICHAEL DEVAULT photography by MARTIN G MEYERS

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es Guice has plans for Louisiana Tech University. He wants to see the school’s national star continue to rise in the classroom and on the field, and in that order. He wants the school to foster more of the kinds of publicprivate partnerships that have led to recent growth of the campus. And he wants the campus to be a centerpiece for life in Ruston that the community can be proud of.

Running a university is a delicate balancing act, and Guice is the master of balance. Calm, reassured and always engaged with the people around him, the president of one of Louisiana’s best-kept secrets is the kind of dynamic leader who leaves a mark on the institution, especially a rural college like Tech. “People are amazed when they come here,” Guice says. “They come from all over the country and are just amazed when they get here.”

Tech is a nationally-recognized research university where engineering has taken center stage, carving out niche after niche in increasingly competitive industries. At the same time, administrators at the school have proven incredibly nimble operators, identifying opportunities and trends before they happen and then capitalizing on those opportunities with a blinding clip.

For example, when the U.S. Air Force Strategic Command announced its cybersecurity efforts would be housed in a state-ofthe-art facility in Bossier, Tech moved on the opportunity. Now, the school is one of the nation’s preeminent centers for cybersecurity training and research. “That really positioned us on a national level to government agencies and private enterprises,” Guice says. This kind of dogged pursuit of opportunity reaps real benefits for the community at large, as more attention is drawn not just to the college, but also to the community that houses it. That’s why, twelve years ago, Tech made the conscious decision to begin to focus its attention externally, developing the school’s reputation, its recruitment apparatus and its partnerships with private employers.

Also, Guice notes the school developed a strategic plan, which identified certain key assets the university could leverage for continued growth. One of those assets was its proximity to downtown Ruston – and the relatively underutilized land between the campus and downtown. As researchers examined the relationship, they realized this space could prove vital to the school’s future.

Consequently, two developments materialized from the strategic plan. First, the school’s main campus is now connected to downtown by a greenway, which affords students, staff, faculty and visitors easy access to events and attractions. Second came Tech Pointe, a 40,000-sq. ft. commercial space situated between the university and downtown.

The result of private funds and a partnership with numerous national-caliber employers, Tech Pointe is at once a commercial center

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and business incubator, drawing talent from Tech in the form of student and graduate labor and spurring research and development in numerous industries, while occupants conduct real, impactful commerce in the space. Guice says the university knew the development made sense.

But even they weren’t prepared for the resounding success.

The facility drew CenturyLink, the Fenway Group, Federal Express, Continental Airlines and other major corporate tenants.

It provided students with valuable, on-the-job experience in the fields they were studying. Moreover, it brought hundreds of jobs to Lincoln Parish. And it’s all within a three-minute walk of campus and downtown Ruston. “Now that building is full of companies,” Guice says. “Over 200 employees are working right here, on our campus.”

For every initiative like Tech Pointe, there are dozens more on campus and scattered throughout the community, underscoring the tight bonds between the school and the city it calls home. Artists in the school of art are integral parts of the arts activities in town. Students work in hundreds of local businesses, and the faculty and staff are part of the largest employer in Lincoln Parish. The school has a tradition of strong community support, and that’s what has led Tech’s creation of the Noble Trees project.

Guice says the impetus for Noble Trees came from the school’s alma mater, which states, “By pleasant walks by noble trees.” Through the program, Tech is beautifying its campus, improving the environment, and strengthening ties by forging a generations-long tradition. The goal: Plant 1,000 trees on campus over the next ten years. “We started this year to focus on the Quadrangle and Keeny Circle, two of the most iconic places on our campus,” Guice says. So far, they’ve planted 200 trees, and the community has embraced the project. “We’re very traditional. We focus on traditions, and we focus on values.”

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Great Raft Brewing Company Great Raft Brewing to release 318 Golden Ale

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ARSALA BEVERAGE IS PLEASED to announce that Great Raft Brewing is releasing 318 Golden Ale to Northeast Louisiana. 318 Golden Ale is brewed in Shreveport, LA and is exclusively available within the 318-area code. The beer is 4% Alcohol By Volume (ABV), with availability both on draft and in cans, and it is the brewery’s first-ever 12-pack.

“North Louisiana is the backbone of our business. We wanted to take the opportunity brew something exclusively for the folks who have been supporting us since day one,” says Great Raft Brewing Co-Founder and President Andrew Nations.

318 Golden Ale is brewed with orange peel and locally-made Hummer & Son honey, creating a light and immensely refreshing local beer. #DrinkLikeYouLiveHere and enjoy this balanced, approachable beer – made exclusively for North Louisiana.

The beer will be available on draft at bars and restaurants, as well as in 6-packs and 12-packs of 12 oz cans. Cans will be available at grocery and convenience stores throughout North Louisiana starting April 2018.

To kick off the new beer, Great Raft has partnered with local establishments for a series of events and samplings where guests can sample the beer on tap and get 318 Golden Ale merchandise. For a full list of events and more information about the beer, visit 318beer. com.

Great Raft Brewing is a craft brewery in Shreveport that specializes in world-class beers that complement the lifestyle and culture of Louisiana. The company was founded in 2012 by Andrew and Lindsay Nations – two Shreveport natives with a passion for beer.

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Great Raft Brewing was the first brewery in North Louisiana, helping to create the craft beer culture in our region. Great Raft beers have been available and enjoyed throughout the greater Ruston and Monroe area since 2014. 318 Golden Ale will join a very successful portfolio of year round and seasonal brews from Great Raft: Year Around • Southern Drawl – a dry-hopped pilsner made with Louisiana rice, making it a uniquely Southern beer. Mildly traditional...

Wildly drinkable.

• Commotion – a pale ale with an aggressive fruity aroma and upfront hop bitterness of grapefruit and citrus. This complex but balanced dry-hopped pale ale is faintly sweet with a round and soft finish.

• Reasonably Corrupt – a black lager with dark and roasty malt sweetness. Don’t let the darkness fool you – this is a sweeter, fullerbodied version of the premium lager you know and love. It has a smooth, crisp finish, with depth of color and taste.

• 318 – a light, refreshing Golden Ale made with Louisiana honey and orange peel that is available exclusively in the 318 area code.

Seasonal • Creature of Habit – an imperial coffee brown ale brewed with locally roasted Kambata and Sidamo beans, providing pronounced layers of cocoa and undertones of stone fruit. The beans are added right to the tank elevating a classic brown ale to a coffee lover’s dream.

• At Arm’s Length – an India Pale Lager that is dry-hopped like an IPA with a crisp lager finish creating the best of both worlds.

Specialty • Barrel Aged Old Mad Joy – a Baltic Porter that is aged in different types of bourbon barrels for months to create a bold and complex dark beer. Our finest aged in Kentucky’s finest.

• Grace and Grit – a Double IPA with strong tropical aromas derived from massive amounts of Citra and Amarillo hops. This incredible bitterness is balanced with honey malt creating a soft and slightly sweet hop bomb.

• All My Tomorrows – a modern interpretation of a classic farmhouse ale that celebrates American innovation. We kicked tradition to the curb, adding a generous amount of rye and American Mosaic hops to create a rustic Saison that’s earthy and fruity, with intense aromatics of juicy citrus.

318 Golden Ale is now available alongside these other delicious Great Raft offerings.

Please join us in welcoming the official beer of the 318 to Northeast Louisiana.

Drink Like You Live Here!

Information about 318 Golden Ale availability and events can be found at 318beer. com. Additional information about Great Raft Brewing can be found at GreatRaftBrewing. com Stay connect with Great Raft Brewing Facebook: Great Raft Brewing, Instagram: @greatraftbeer and Twitter: @greatraftbeer Stay connected with Marsala Beverage Facebook: Marsala Beverage , Instagram: @marsalabeverage and Twitter: @marsalabeverag1

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I REMEMBER communicating personally with others and with God a r t i cl e by PAUL L I PE

I REMEMBER when a telephone was a device that allowed one to

Dallas to visit our son and his family. As we travelled, my wife and a speak to a person who was beyond the reach of the caller’s natural voice. friend from our church were working on plans for some event that was You could talk to someone who lived across town, or in another city, in on the horizon. They sent text after text after text. Finally I said to my another state or even in another country. What an amazing contraption dear wife, “Why don’t you just talk to her? We’ll be in Dallas before you all get this thing resolved.” Our journey then proceeded under a Mr. Alexander Graham Bell gave to the world! blanket of silence! My suggestion did

However, I doubt that Mr. Bell not promote conversation between would recognize what his invention me and my sweet wife! has become in our day. That which As I thought about how the was intended to make conversation initial intent of the phone had been possible between people separated changing in our society, I began to by some distance has become see a parallel between that and what an entirely different “creature.” often happens relative to prayer.

Today’s version of Bell’s innovation I believe that prayer is meant to can handle more tasks than a hill of involve fellowship between us and hard-working ants. Unfortunately, our Creator – that it affords us the that for which it was designed has opportunity to talk to Him (despite been, to a large extent, lost in the what Joy Behar, co-host of “The dust. It appears to me that the art “View,” may think). In prayer, we can of conversation, which should have praise Him for Who He is, thank Him been enhanced by the telephone, for what He does, seek His blessings has nearly met its demise because for others and His Church, submit of that very gadget. Rather than ourselves to His will, and petition using the phone to TALK, we use for our own needs. But if we are it for practically everything else not careful, our prayers can become besides. For instance, when I am in “(PRAYER) IS AN OCCASION FOR FELLOWSHIP merely a listing of things we want a restaurant, it is not uncommon to WITH THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE AND and of our telling God what He notice folks at nearby tables who, ought to do – this is not the purpose while waiting for their meals to THE REDEEMER OF HIS PEOPLE. ” God had in mind when He gave us be served, are not talking to one the opportunity, the privilege to pray. another, but are engaged in some

The Lord’s Prayer, the model given to us to teach us how to pray, other use of their cell phones. Is the art of conversation dying away?

I suspect that my exasperation in this matter is largely due to the fact has six petitions (three of which are concerned with God’s glory and that I am just too old to adjust to this awesome advance in technology. the advance of His Kingdom) and several declarations with regard to The current phone has left me and Mr. Bell behind! And my youngest God’s character – it’s mostly about Him. I readily acknowledge that in grandchild, Lilly (a first grader), puts me to shame with her expertise in prayer it is appropriate to ask God to bless and to help us, but it is much utilizing the cell. All that I ever wanted was that the phone enable me to more than that. It is an occasion for fellowship with the Creator of the TALK, though I will confess that I do use that contrivance to check the universe and the Redeemer of His people.

So, let us not let the use we make of the cell phone hinder our weather. Maybe my hesitation to enter the 21st century is waning, but I capacity to communicate personally with others, and may we never let will need Lilly’s help, if I have any hope of succeeding.

Nevertheless, I am perplexed that even when people are using their prayer become less than a blessed privilege of divine fellowship given cell phones to communicate, they often still don’t TALK – they just text us because we are children of the King. back-and-forth. Several months ago, my wife and I were on our way to

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MOTHERHO OD

Meredith’s Musings Memorizing Her |

By Meredith McKinnie

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y best friend since ninth grade was holding my hand during the contractions.

It wasn’t dramatic, more like moderate menstrual cramps. The moving chart showing the intensity of each contraction was more daunting than the tightening in my stomach.

Lea more or less distracted me with casual conversation. I’d had almost eight months to adjust to the idea of becoming a mother, but our conversations carried on as if we’d just found out. The big stuff never seems real until it actually is, until it’s out of my control. Lea was more excited than I was.

She had traded off with Husband who had run home to grab some essentials. I was glad she was there. Sometimes you just need the comfort of the girl who knows you the way only a girl can. I didn’t have to tell her I was scared. She knew I was too proud to say it.

At 11:55 a.m., they wheeled me back.

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They whisked Husband away to get suited up in a mass of green. I was always curious about what goes on behind the surgical double doors, but when I was the focus behind the doors, I wanted time to stop.

The nurses and techs were carrying on casual conversations, just another day for them. The doc would smile when he caught my eye, an effort to make me comfortable.

The anesthesiologist reiterated the high points from our previous conversation. She mentioned there would be two pinches, each lasting about a second or two. My feet were draped over the side of the bed, my entire backside exposed. I’m not one of those modest people, a benefit of being in my thirties. I’m not the best they’ve ever seen, but certainly not the worst either. The pinches were slight, and then I was adjusted onto what felt like a narrow operating table.

I would describe the numbness washing over me as feeling like someone pouring

cement over the bottom half of my body.

Again, I had no control. I was cemented to that spot. I began to get nauseated, a side effect she had warned me about. I vomited this lime green bile that looked like a magical potion. Having no control over my lower half made coughing a half-ditch effort. I felt out of body, but yet very much attached to my body. I wanted it to be over.

And then it all started moving fast. I heard Husband’s voice in my right ear. I felt his hand on my head. I heard his nervous chuckle. Knowing he is nervous always calms me; my instincts kick in. And then I heard her cry. I would love to say there was a kismet sense of completeness about the universe when I heard the sound. But truth be told, it just sounded like a baby. It didn’t yet feel like mine. She was rushed to the left side of the room, in the direction I had just vomited. Three nurses worked on her, made comments about her lung development, making sure her chest wasn’t concave. I remember telling Husband to take pictures, and then insisting he take more. “Dubs, don’t make me come over there.” Everyone chuckled. Flash. Flash. Flash. I felt calmer knowing he was capturing what I couldn’t see. They were her first moments. I didn’t want to miss it.

And then I was in a recovery corner, still behind the double doors, but out of the operating room. This little bundle of five pounds, ten ounces was laid on my chest in just a diaper. They called it bonding time, insisted I try to feed her. Navigating the mass of flesh and this bundle of human was difficult. I can’t even remember if she latched. I remember stroking her head, thinking she looked like my baby pictures with the dark hair and dark eyes. She has a bright strawberry on the corner of her forehead, shaped like a heart or the US mainland. She has two identical skin tags at the opening of each one of her ears, as if her body made its own set of permanent pearls.

She breathes fast, as if nervous or adjusting, much like her mother does. They call it bonding. I memorized her features, her habits, her movements. I met my daughter in that dark room, and we’re still getting to know one another.

Bon Temps Classical Pilates There is an (App)aratus for That… Meet the Pilates Apparatus

BY MARCIA DONALD, OWNER AND FOUNDER

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OSEPH PILATES WAS A GENIUS ahead of his time. He invented over 500 exercises for the Pilates Method that are performed on a mat or special pieces of equipment in order to strengthen the body and improve posture. The Method stretches, strengthens and aligns the body. Have you ever wondered what all of the strange Pilates equipment is for? To some this equipment looks scary and intimidating. Here is a brief description of the characters you will meet at Bon Temps Classical Pilates. No need to be afraid or intimidated but rather delighted that Northeast Louisiana has such an amazing healing space.

THE UNIVERSAL REFORMER

This is probably the most popular piece of Pilates equipment. It allows the client to experience a smooth, low impact workout and was invented to help people perform their mat work more correctly and efficiently. The Reformer is a versatile piece of apparatus that offers the opportunity to do exercises lying down, seated, kneeling and standing.

THE CADILLAC (TRAPEZE TABLE)

Joseph Pilates likes to call this apparatus the Cadillac, since it is everything and does everything! It is like a jungle gym with metal poles, various wooden bars and springs that challenge length and spinal articulation. It is a versatile piece of equipment that may be used for a gentle or hardcore workout. It is great in rehabilitation programs to assist with difficult movement and can also be used for people who have trouble getting on and off the floor.

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THE WUNDA CHAIR

This is a powerful piece of equipment. The Wunda Chair is small and simple and was originally designed for people to use in their homes. It can also be used in rehabilitation to assist with stepping or stairclimbing or in very challenging core control, spine mobility and balance movements.

THE HIGH CHAIR

This is a Wunda chair with a high back and handles that help offer support and tactile feedback. It is used to strengthen and tone the legs, triceps and abs and assists with climbing motions that are so great for strengthening the glutes and quads.

THE TOWER

The Tower is a Cadillac on the floor minus the trapeze and hanging loops. It has a Push Through Bar, Roll Down Bar and arm and leg springs. The resistance in the springs challenges the core or assists with movements.

THE MAT

Yes, the Mat is considered an apparatus. It includes a strap, weighted bar and rectangular boxes, called “moon boxes,” for feet placement.

During a Mat workout, the client is challenged without the assistance springs and straps.

THE MAGIC CIRCLE

The Magic Circle is a very small apparatus and can be used in standing, sitting, sidelying, prone or supine. It is a flexible ring that teaches the client to hug the midline by working the inner thighs and facilitating the powerhouse.

THE BARRELS

There are different sized barrels to provide the perfect shape over which to bend the spine or provide the perfect stretch. All are good for opening the hips and helping with shoulder flexibility. The spinal bending movements over the barrels are brilliant for facilitating better posture, breathing, chest opening and correction of scoliosis and kyphosis.

PED-O-PULL

This piece has a wooden platform with an upright pole with two handles attached to springs on the pole. Pulling the springs down is amazing for lengthening the spine and correcting posture. This is excellent for giving feedback to the head, midback and sacrum to improve postural awareness.

THE FOOT & TOE CORRECTOR

This foot corrector is a small apparatus that strengthens and lifts the arches of the foot, helps with correction of collapsed arches, pronated feet, hammer-toes and bunions. The toe corrector is an even smaller apparatus that strengthens the feet, improves balance and gait.

As you can see, whatever ails you, the Pilates Method has an “APP” for that! Each piece of equipment can challenge, assist or give feedback. Instead of isolated strengthening of individual body parts, Pilates is more of a whole body practice that teaches coordination of the body, mind and spirit. Stop by Bon Temps Classical Pilates in West Monroe for a formal introduction to the wonderful method called Pilates.

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Louisiana Pain Care Diagnosing the Problem

BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

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OMMY CONDREY HAS LIVED IN East Carroll Parish, in the town of Lake Providence for all of his 68 years.

He says it’s a much smaller community now, only about 4,000 people, and investments in land and farming kept him in the area.

Over the years, he has farmed, operated a cotton gin, and built and designed farm equipment, gin machinery, and agriculture equipment. He has been married to Olivia Baker Condrey for the last 44 years. He enjoys the outdoors, driving tractors, planting trees, coon-hunting with his dog, and staying active. He races horses, and claims, “The first dollar I ever made, I bought a dog and I’ve been feeding dogs and horses my whole life.” But seven years ago, he hurt his back lifting feed or steel in his shop. His son-in-law is a surgeon in Baton Rouge and referred Tommy to Louisiana Pain Care after determining the ruptured disc in his back wasn’t severe enough for surgery. Dr. Hardy Gordon is a board-certified pain management physician at Louisiana Pain Care, and just happens to be married to Tommy’s brother’s daughter.

And after a few injections, Tommy found long-term relief.

Tommy knows dependence on prescription pain medicine is a real problem, and they just mask the pain. People are still hurting; they just don’t know it. When people wake up and have to take a pill, how much is for the pain and how much is for the pill? Quality of life is minimal at best when one is reliant on medication just 56 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

to function. Tommy likes that Louisiana Pain Care tries to minimize the dependency on pain meds. He’s glad for a place where when pain gets bad, the staff at Louisiana Pain Care search for a better method of treatment. They make an effort to administer relief for what you need, not simply prescribe what you want. Steroid shots are more effective at treating the exact spot giving someone a problem.

Tommy has carried his mother, 88, and her boyfriend, Mr. Lee, 92, for the last four years to Louisiana Pain Care for treatment.

Mr Lee had an automobile accident which resulted in shoulder and back pain, and the staff at Louisiana Pain Care has helped him tremendously. The degenerative injuries move up and down your back; fortunately, Tommy didn’t have such injuries. His mother suffers from muscle spasms, and over time, was forced to resort to stronger and stronger pain meds. Her spasms are related to stress, and after a spasm, she is supposed to totally relax. The high dose of pain meds make it where everyone else can tell something is wrong, but she can’t.

At Louisiana Pain Care, they referred his mother for physical therapy, rather than relying on pain medication to address the problem. Tommy’s mother-in-law was experiencing pain in her foot, and the staff also sent her for physical therapy. Tommy likes that Louisiana Pain Care makes an effort to find alternative cures, while least dependent on drugs.

Tommy drives 70 miles one way to Louisiana Pain Care, and once a month he still takes his mother. He made four trips with Mr. Lee, who couldn’t get out of the house before. Now he is moving around better and can rest without pills. While the office is often busy, Tommy sees the need for pain relief in this area. He claims, “You can set your clock. Within one hour of your appointment, you will have seen the doctor and be on your way out.” The staff is efficient, good with time management, and polite. The doctors are present, get good info from the MRIs and identify the source of the problem, rather than just masking the symptoms. While Tommy’s injury was from strain, after the injections, he was back to work within three days and hasn’t missed a day since. Before Louisiana Pain Care, he couldn’t lift anything and wasn’t resting well. He realized time wasn’t going to fix his problem and is glad he sought out Louisiana Pain Care’s services.

In 5th grade, Tommy’s teacher taught him the, “scientific approach to solving a problem.” He learned to look a matters objectively, instead of judging. He feels too many of us form opinions with too little information. Change is slow to come about, and at Louisiana Pain Care, they’re willing to put in the time, even trial and error, with the goal of diagnosing the root of the problem the best they can.

Serving the Needs of Our Community Erik Redd Establishes Mr. Electric of Monroe ARTCILE BY PAUL LIPE

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AMERICA IS STILL THE LAND OF opportunity. For the individual who works hard and who is willing to use his God-given abilities to serve the needs of others, the road to success is open. Given the pro small business attitude and actions of the current Administration in Washington, the American dream is back in play, and the entrepreneurial young man has just thrown his hat in the ring.

This young man is Erik Redd who is pursuing that dream by establishing his own business, Redd Energy Services and Mr. Electric of Monroe and Shreveport. It has long been his goal to create an opportunity to serve the needs of the public and, at the same time, provide for his family.

Redd’s training, experience and aptitude have prepared him for this step of faith. Redd said, “Math and Science seemed to be my strong suit in high school; therefore, I pursued an education in engineering at Louisiana Tech.

My dad graduated from Tech with a degree in Petroleum Engineering, so that seemed to be the right school for me.” The recipient of the Marbury Alumni Scholarship, Redd graduated from the university in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Later, in 2010, he passed the professional engineering test and became a Licensed Professional Electrical Engineer in Louisiana that same year.

Erik began his career by working for Texas New Mexico Power Company as a Distribution Electrical Engineer. In that role, he headed up a group that was responsible for rebuilding the power grid of Gulf Port, Mississippi, during the Katrina Recovery. He was also selected 58 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

to act as the engineering representative for the company safety committee. Following this, he spent three years in Vicksburg, Mississippi, working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the electrical engineering design and operations department. Wanting to come back to his Louisiana roots, he secured employment as Plant Electrical Engineer with Entergy, serving them from 2012-2017. During his tenure with Entergy, he was appointed as compliance lead to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation for generation power plant. This varied work experience has prepared Mr. Redd for his new venture.

Redd Energy Services has two divisions: (1) Redd Engineering, which provides electrical engineering services to power generation and industrial sector, and (2) Mr. Electric of Monroe and Shreveport, which offers electrical contracting services for the residential, faithbased and commercial sectors. Mr. Electric is staffed with professional electricians, who are proficient in their trade. In addition, Erik adds an extra level of technical knowledge that is not available by most electrical contractors in North Louisiana.

The principles, which will govern Redd’s business have been developed by his growing up in a Christian home, attending Christian schools and being active in churches where he lived.

Whatever he has been engaged in has seen him give his very best. An example of this was his key defensive role in the success of the 1997 OCS State Championship football team. As the result of his hard work on the gridiron and in the classroom, Erik was named

to the 1998 Class 2A Academic All-State Football Team. During his four years of high school at OCS, he was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and, as a senior, was chosen as the most outstanding member of that organization. That same commitment and dedication will characterize how he directs his new enterprise.

One of Erik’s wisest and most rewarding actions was the (August 9, 2003) marriage to Lindsey Franklin. The couple met while they were students at OCS and dated during their college years – even though he was at Tech and she attended ULM! The happiness of this union has been multiplied by the arrival of their three children – Eli, Ella and Levi. This young family makes their home in Marion, where they are very active members of the community and their church – both Erik and Lindsey teach Sunday School classes and are strong supporters of their church ministry. In addition, Lindsey is employed by Darbonne Woods Charter School as registrar and serves on the Town Council.

Though the challenges of starting a new business are daunting, Erik Redd is confident that his years of training and experience have prepared him to meet those challenges and that, with God’s help, his new business enterprise will prosper. There is a need for the service his company provides, and Redd is enthusiastic about this opportunity to address these needs.

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The Glory of

ARTICLE BY P. ALLEN SMITH Photos by Mark Fonville and Betty Freeze

SUNFLOWERS

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ach spring, as I stare into a handful of sunflower seeds, it’s exciting to imagine the beauty and joy each one has in store! Sunflowers are simple, bold and ohso-easy to grow. All that’s required are a few seeds, good garden soil, and lots of sun. Nature will do the rest and award you with an abundance of blooms from late spring through fall.

It wasn’t until I spent time knocking around old estates and villages in Tuscany one summer that I fully appreciated the wide range of sunflower varieties. This is where I saw my first ‘Italian White’ and others of an almost mahogany color. Let’s just say they made my head spin.

I usually found these heirloom varieties off the beaten path in the small garden plots of hillside towns, growing among the clipped rosemary parterres, tomatoes, squashes and arugula. The randomness of sunflowers dotted about added to the charm of these gardens.

That experience sent me packing home with zeal to plant every variety I could get my hands on. And, I must admit, a few gathered seed did just happen to find their way into my luggage.

It’s easy to understand how their striking blooms and long, strong stems make sunflowers a flower arranger’s dream. If, like me, you’re prone to cut and bring everything you grow into the house, it’s important to know that some varieties are better suited for the vase than others.

Recent newcomers outperform some of the old heirloom types, charming as they may be. Because of their almost 10-day vase life as a cut flower, I have come to lean heavily on ‘Vincent’s Fresh’ and ‘Vincent’s Choice’ 60 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

for use in the house and for events. I continue to make plenty of room for the heirlooms because of the diversity they bring to the farm, both visually and ecologically.

The sunflower’s range of varieties goes well beyond the color and shape of a flower. Some bloom on single stems, others tend to branch, and then there are those that can stand like a behemoth in the garden. Giant sunflowers, such as ‘Russian Mammoth,’ ‘California Greystripe,’ or the colossal ‘Sunzilla,’ reach heights of 15 feet with 20-inch seed heads. On the other end of the scale are the dwarfs, like the adorable ‘Teddy Bear,’ growing under 24 inches, with soft, pillowy blooms.

If you want to grow the really large sunflowers, note that they need extra support as their heavy heads mature.

Planting them along a fence, wall, or trellis makes them less vulnerable to heavy rain and high winds. We learned this the hard way after a sudden thunderstorm leveled an entire bed of ‘Russian Mammoths,’ knocking their faces flat to the ground. Not to be outdone, we gathered them and hung them upside down in the drying shed for use in autumn arrangements.

We always plant extra sunflowers, since they are beneficial to the bee and pollinator population and support bird life. Over the years I’ve seen an increase of Indigo Buntings, Cardinals, and Red Bellied Wood Peckers and other native birds. These are delightful, yet unintended benefits of growing sunflowers.

These life-giving plants offer so much to the ecosystems around us.

And their radiance delights us whether shining through in the garden or as a bouquet in our homes.

VINCENT’S FRESH

VELVET QUEEN

• S unflowers are not picky about soil type, but the healthier your soil, the better the blooms.

• S unflower seed shells contain a substance that’s toxic to grass. You will need to harvest the sunflower heads before the seeds fall out or plant them in a place where you won’t mind if the grass is stunted or killed.

• T he tall varieties can shade other plants nearby, so be mindful of what flowers you plant around your sunflowers.

P. Allen Smith, an author, television host and conservationist, is one of America’s most recognized gardening experts. His show Garden Home airs on LPB, KLTM, KLPA and AETN. Check your local listings for Garden Style. Smith uses his Arkansas home, Moss Mountain Farm, as an epicenter for promoting the local food movement, organic gardening and the preservation of heritage poultry breeds. He created his farm to serve as a place of inspiration, education and conservation and provides visitors from around the country with tours of his property, which may be booked at pallensmith.com/tours.

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Cathi French Roberts & Lori French

Why do we

collect things?

The most common reasons people collect things and objects are knowledge and learning, as well as relaxation and stress reduction.

Cracker jack toys, man hole covers, baseball cards, stamps. Groups of like objects could be nesting dolls, antique books, baskets, coins, leather goods, fabrics, needlepoint pillows, architectural remnants, earthenware or valuable art.

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onkey renditions for example are a huge collection item. But did you know that monkey renderings are not just an 80’s market trend? It seemed a few decades ago there was a monkey image and accessory saturation of “everything monkey” in home decor. We all loved it. But monkey imagery has always had a place throughout history, from ancient Egypt to 18th Century France and beyond.

The monkey’s role in art has been by turns amusing and serious. Though often criticized, moneys have just as often been celebrated for their playfulness, agility and quirky intelligence. Their natural indifference to the rules and regulations to human society, have allowed them to be seen as miniature alter egos. They appear to be creatures that carry us outside the human world and allow us to laugh from a slightly removed position.

Our friend and designer, Nick McKinney has an incredible collection of extraordinary sock monkeys. Last year, we made a mad dash with our Austin designer friend, Mark Ashby, to his exquisite El Dorado antique shoppe. Before our departure with our treasures in hand, he graciously gifted each of us a one-of-a-kind vintage sock monkey. The best collections are those given out of love!

When looking around your home, you might be surprised that you have unconsciously collected groupings of objects, art elements, dishes, and/or books. Try grouping these together. A great way to showcase them and their importance is by placing them in one room or even one bookshelf. Make a statement with your personal collections and continue to search out these objects during your travels. Nothing has to be extravagant, just maybe something that speaks to you or brings you to a happy place when your eye falls on it.

It has been said that Noah was one of the most famous collectors. After all, he collected every living animal and housed them in one place!

FOR YOUR OWN FRENCH TWIST CONSULTATION, CALL CATHI AND LORI AT 318-355-3041 64 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

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A Night Under the Oaks On Friday, February 16, River Oaks School held their annual auction and fundraiser. The theme was “A Night Under the Oaks,” and the school gym was beautifully decorated with cypress and moss décor.

Silent auction items included LSU baseball and football tickets, gift cards to local restaurants and spirited Mustang themed firepit and cornhole game package. Everyone anxiously awaited the end of the “last man standing” event, where one lucky person went home with the jackpot. After enjoying food from Catfish Charlie’s, patrons hit the dancefloor and dance the night away to the smooth sounds of the Topcats Band from New Orleans. River Oaks School is located on Finks Hideaway in Monroe, serves preschool through 12th grade and always strives for excellence in academics, the arts and athletics.

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On the BayouScene 1D r. Tom Middleton, Donna Ashbrook and Dr. David Nordman 2 Britton and Nicole Leggett 3 Mike and Joanna Traxler 4D eanna and David Shively, and Kristi Zimmerman 5 Bobbi Wiegand, Susan Parrino and Dawn Gonzalez 6 Kim Sherrill and Nancy Miller 7C hris Dewit and Alise Oliver 8 Ellen and Dr. David Nordman 9 Melinda Tannehill and Marie Hannah 10 A dam Ryland and Mary Napoli 11 Paul and Kristin Lensing 12 J eet and Alpa Patel and Shelly and Jonathan Booth 13 S tuart Oliver, Dalton LeBleu and Andrew Hubenthal 14 David McMillan and Dr. Tom Middleton 15 L eslie and Michael Hollingsworth 16 S tan and Laurie Anderson 17 Danielle and Matt Wegner 18 Elizabeth Clack, Megan Holland and Allyson Brooks

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Frozen Fat, Thinner You

New Applicators Make CoolSculpting Faster, Better

BY TIMOTHY J. MICKEL, MD, CERTIFIED, AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY

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OST OF YOU HAVE PROBABLY heard heard of CoolSculpting, an FDA approved, non-invasive fat removal procedure, that is clinically proven to reduce bulges of unwanted fat without needles, without surgery and – most importantly – without downtime. Mickel Plastic Surgery was one of the first practices in this region to offer CoolSculpting, and our results over the past eight years have been impressive. Yet as good as the procedure has been at freezing and reducing unwanted fat, it has just gotten significantly better! We are excited to introduce a new series of CoolSculpting applicators that make treatments quicker, more comfortable and more effective than ever!

The new Coolfit, Coolcore and Coolcurve Advantage applicators allow more precise sculpting of the abdomen and hips, and also allow treatment of several areas that the old applicators couldn’t treat - such as the upper arm, the inner knee and the inner thigh. These

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applicators are significantly more comfortable than the older applicators and have reduced treatment time to only 35 minutes per area – almost 50% faster. In addition, the new Coolsmooth applicator, while not as fast as the others, is a non-suction, surface applicator that can be applied to the outer thigh – enabling treatment of an area that before now could only be reduced with liposuction.

CoolSculpting uses an ingenious concept called cryolipolysis developed by researchers at Harvard Medical School. It works by delivering precise, even cooling to the fat layer causing fat cells to freeze, then slowly die and release their contents. The fatty material is picked up and removed by the lymphatic system and the fat layer that was frozen becomes thinner. Studies of hundreds of patients who have undergone CoolSculpting treatments have shown no ill effects from this fat cell rupture. Improvement is gradual and progressive, peaking at two to three months. Most patients experience a 20 -

25% reduction in the thickness of the fat with the first treatment and a little less with each subsequent treatment.

Only one area can be treated at a time, and as I said, the procedure takes about 35 minutes per area for the Advantage applicators and just over an hour for the Coolsmooth device. No sedation is needed, so you can drive yourself to and from the office. No compression garments are necessary after the treatments, and you can literally return to your normal activities, including exercise, immediately. Our experience over the past eight years indicates that while some improvement is noticeable after one treatment, most patients require three sessions for an optimal result. Because we want every patient to get the best result possible, we no longer offer single sessions. Treatments are sold as a package of three sessions at a significantly discounted rate.

Of course, the procedure is not for everyone. The ideal patient is close to their ideal weight and has relatively small, localized areas of fat without a lot of saggy skin. So if you are reasonably fit and close to your ideal weight but still have areas of unwanted fat, then CoolSculpting may be right for you. Call Mickel Plastic Surgery at 388-2050 today to set up a consultation.

THINGS ARE ABOUT TO GET A L I T T L E G R A N A R LY MORGAN POTTS, A LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY ALUMNI, IS A YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR WHOSE QUEST TO “GO AGAINST THE GRAIN” HELPED LAUNCH HER COMPANY, GRANARLY. ARTICLE BY VANELIS RIVERA AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN G MEYERS

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OU’D BE SURPRISED AT WHAT A DOUBLE-HEADED LLAMA, whiskey and a food truck named Oatis have in common. Morgan Potts, foodie, young entrepreneur and overall visionary has managed to find the common thread through her food-venture Granarly, a food company handcrafting the gnarliest granola blends for those who desire to “go against the grain.”

This Georgia girl chose her father’s home state for college as a shot in the dark. She didn’t expect to last longer than a year at Louisiana Tech University, but she soon found out a place sometimes chooses you. Falling in love with Ruston, she embedded her social life in the university through her membership with the Kappa Delta sorority. Earning a degree in animal science, she was set on pursuing veterinary school for her postgraduate studies and even got accepted to the St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada.

Then she had a dream. Not the whimsical kind that most extraordinary people credit their success to, but an actual dream, the prophetic kind. In the dream, Potts put whiskey in granola and called it ‘granarly.’ When she woke, she thought of it only as a divinely orchestrated power snack, so she made up the recipe on the spot, added the whiskey, threw in some cinnamon, and took the mix on a ski trip in the mountains with Kappa Delta.

When she shared her trail mix with a friend, the response was, “you’re onto something here,” which emboldened her to put some of her mix in jewelry bags and pass them out to people in Colorado, just to see what they thought. Though she humorously recalls that the mini packets looked liked drug bags, these series of events were to be Granarly’s origin story.

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BAG IT UP WITH THESE GNARLY FLAVORS: THE OG The Original Granarly features a perfect blend of raisins, cranberries and whiskey.

CLIFF NOTES This hand-crafted granola features dark chocolate, espresso and whiskey.

THROW ME SOMETHING GNARLY This crowd-pleaser has all the flavors of a Louisiana king cake - cinnamon, cream cheese and whiskey.

SKINNY JEANS This all-vegan blend is nutritious and delicious. This granola is blended with chia seeds and agave.

If you want to “live against the grain” visit Potts’ website www.granarly.com. You can also follow Granarly on Instagram or Facebook.

wakened by her sudden savvy in granola mixing, but still set on veterinary school, she moved to Shreveport, Louisiana in 2015 to fill the interval before her post-graduate semester would start. In Shreveport, she opened up Patton’s, originally a store from Ruston where she worked during college. There, she was able to sell her granola blends. In the middle of “adulting” she became interested in 318LIVE, the city’s young adult ministry. At an internship meeting, she began to discuss her business undertaking with the interviewer.

Overhearing the conversation and intrigued, Daniel Maddry, young adult pastor, offered his support because he had a degree in marketing. He further confirmed that perhaps Granarly was her purpose in life. “This may be a dream from the Lord,” Potts remembers him saying. Still skeptical, she would need one more push.

On October 2015 Potts, accompanied by her father, Frank Potts, visited Granada to make a final decision on veterinary school.

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On the island, all she could focus on was the abundance of island spices, the likes of which she used in her granola mixes, like cinnamon and nutmeg. When she decided to tour the island for spices, her father, intending to support his daughter’s decision, revealed to her “Morgan, your heart is in Granarly. It’s not in vet school.” Since then, she has not looked back, and has amplified her “living against the grain” motto.

After Granada, she was ready to make things happen. Maddry helped her with marketing, and she was soon introduced to Allison Shelton, owner of Oak Alley Farms, a peanut company, who would become the mass producer of Granarly bags. By January 2016, Potts was finding her footing, and then two months later Shark Tank called her out of the blue. They ‘wanted in’ on Granarly.

At that point, Potts was still giving bags to her friends for free and her labels were handwritten. While she sent the Shark Tank producers the stuff they needed, she decided to go against the grain and not go on the show.

Thanks to the show’s interest in her product her trust was solidified-- Granarly was what

she was called to do.

At the beginning of 2017, Potts and Shelton decided they should do some markets. They passed through Atlanta, Denver, and ended up in Hawaii where Potts was inspired by açaí bowls. It was the perfect canvas for her grains. During the spring of 2017, she launched her bowl bar at Ruston’s Railway Festival. The mere experience of making fresh bowls drove her to consider a food truck. She began by just looking at campers to see what was out there. One day she was sitting in a coffee shop in Shreveport and came across Austin’s Texas Trucklandia Fest. Without hesitation, she applied even though didn’t have a food truck, which forced her to expedite her search. With the help of an investor, she found Oatis, her renovated white and periwinkle 1968 Scotsman currently located at 2201 South 1st Street in Austin, Texas. Oatis launched in Trucklandia on October 2017, cementing Potts’ place in Texas’ capital.

Potts’ menu is whimsical, but also straight-to-the-point. She has two bowls. The Açaí, Dude, which begins with a non-diluted

gourmet açaí base, topped with strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and your choice of her now multiple Granarly blends, coconut flakes, honey or agave. The Greek Geek bowl is her Greek yogurt version of the Açaí, Dude. Also, the açaí bowl can be turned into a smoothie, known as Açaí Me Slurpin’, which uses her açaí blend and almond milk. An inventive toast entry is called the Taco Toast-two pieces of toast topped with vegan cream cheese spread, strawberries, your choice of Granarly, coconut flakes, honey or agave. If you’re tempted by the grain, but not planning a trip to Austin any time soon, you’ll want to discover Potts’ granola bags on her website.

She currently has four, just as inventively titled as the items on her menu. The OG blend is her original recipe of raisins, cranberries, and whiskey. The Cliff Notes is made with dark chocolate, espresso, and whiskey.

The Throw Me Something Gnarly, an ode to Louisiana, is her king cake blend, made with cinnamon, cream cheese and whiskey.

And her best seller is her Skinny Jeans, an all vegan blend made with chia seeds and agave.

Sure, Potts admits, her ideas are “kinda’

crazy.” She even went through a rut thinking her ideas were stupid. “Not everyone is going to love what you do or have,” Potts says. She’s learned to be confident in what she’s doing, especially since she funded Granarly with her own money. It’s a brand that has a story and heart, which is the type of thinking that has motivated her to dream beyond her dream. She knows it’s meant to inspire because she doesn’t see herself as having a business; instead, she has a calling.

Granarly is a company that honors passion and perseverance. Through her experience and success, Potts wants to start a movement that encourages others, in whatever area of life their passion may be, to “keep on going against the grain.” Granarly Guru is a phrase coined by Potts that is meant to describe the face of Granarly – a person who is adventurous, passionate, and inspiring.” This social media ambassador program is simple-“Eat Granarly, wear Granarly products, take pictures of Granarly, share Granarly” and most importantly, “just be your amazing self.” Interested parties need only visit the Granarly website, fill out the Granarly Guru

form and “wait patiently” to receive an acceptance email. Already, Granarly Gurus are being established all over the states.

Another feature of the Granarly beyondthe-grain movement is Potts’ #granarlygoes, a fun opportunity for Granarly lovers to be featured on her business’ Instagram page.

Morgan Potts is about to be 25 years old on March 11th, and she is on the cusp of a granola empire. “Through this process, I’ve learned who I am,” she says, specifically crediting her grandmother, Ruston native Ruth Potts, “my angel,” for being encouraging and pushing Potts to always “keep the happy spirit.” Adopting her “grans” mantra, Potts plans to not only keep the “happy,” but also share it-- “I like to encourage people to not give up. If you are passionate, keep going.”

Austin may have become her home, but Northeast Louisiana will always be her launch pad, the place that gave her all she needed in order to grow wherever she landed. She’s traveled all over the world, to places like Madagascar and Peru, but every time she leaves, she always ends up thinking, “I’m so grateful for where I came from.”

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B A Y O U O UT DOOR S

MY CUZ article by DAN CHASON

MOST OF US IN MY AGE BRACKET CAN identify with me on some of my life experiences.

One of these is the word vacation. When I was a kid, a vacation was when you left home and made the loop via various extended family members’ towns to a final destination, which usually meant Grandma’s house. Such was the case for our family.

You see, my parents were from two different states.

My dad was from Bainbridge, Georgia, and my Mom was from Drew, Mississippi. They met and married in Nashville, Tennessee (my birthplace) and embarked on a 57 year marriage where my dad earned his living as a minister. We spent my entire life in the South, including Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Louisiana. Summertime was always the time that we took one week of vacation as a family. I have to let you know that it was not what I consider to be a vacation in the true sense. I only remember staying in a motel one time (because our car broke down) and can rarely remember “eating out” or even stopping for a hamburger. Mom packed sandwiches and “road food” and we made do. It was either 500 miles to Georgia or a shorter trip to the Delta of Mississippi to visit the Partridge clan, my Mom’s maiden name.

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and have far outnumbered my ability to remember names or who they belonged to which carries on to this day. I will never forget a family reunion there, where a lovely blonde headed girl came up to me at the age of 15. I instantly began to envision long walks through the cotton fields around my Granny’s house and the moon light basking through her delicate blonde hair. That was until I learned she was my cousin. So went my summers for most of my pre-teen years. Fishing with my Pop (Dad’s father) and watching my Papaw (Mom’s father) as he took used metal and made amazing things with just a hammer and anvil in his blacksmith shop.

We had two grandmothers. We had skinny granny in Georgia and fat granny in Mississippi.

Mary Nell Partridge, my Mom’s mother was by far the most amazing woman I had ever met. I think that she woke up cooking and went to bed cooking.

Her house always smelled like food. There was always “company” which in her house meant some poor soul who was down on their luck that she had taken in to help along. I remember at her funeral just how many folks of every color, creed and background came to pay respects and to thank her for her kind deeds. She was a great woman with one special feature for her grandkids. She had to have some “sugar” every time you walked by. Her

“sugar” was a bite on the cheek. Most of the other grandkids would avoid it, but I loved it. But I wasn’t her favorite, as I guess my cousin Mark had better sugar.

As a kid on a trip far from home, a young man is always looking for something to get into.

You can imagine how many grandkids were at Granny’s for the reunions. One year, the grandkids got bored. Granny’s house was small, so we were delegated to the yard to play. That year, my uncle Sonny (only 4 years older than me) decided to put on a BB gun war. Long story short, the war ended when my brother caught a round between the eyes.

My Papaw lined up grandsons, and we each had our turn with the razor strap. Gun safety became paramount after that, and I will never forget that day and that strap.

One of the benefactors of that strap was the cousin that became my favorite and best friend.

Mark Yarborough was about my age and just about as mischievous. Mark and I just had a way of finding trouble, or it found us. My brother, Steve and his brothers, Ronnie and Doug, were a little more laid back or were just slicker than Mark and me. That young friendship has lasted for over 50 years and to this day, Mark and I share a lot of common interests. One of these is turkey hunting.

I don’t consider myself to be a turkey expert.

But Mark is to turkeys what I came to be to a bass.

He eats, sleeps and lives to turkey hunt. That is not hard to do when you make your living as he does, managing a Wildlife Management Area for the Mississippi Dept of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

I remember the first time we went turkey hunting. Mark was going to teach me how to use a mouth call. After many tries, I was ready for my audition with Mark. I clucked, I purred and quite honestly, thought I was doing pretty good. Mark’s only reaction was “pretty good, cuz. Sounds like a turkey....just different.” I put the turkey call up and left the calling to Mark. On one trip to West Texas, we awoke early to set up on a roosting bird. The bird gobbled on the roost and I would swear he was two counties away. I looked at Mark and smiled only to hear him say, “Roosting ain’t roasted.” After walking 145 miles, we did harvest the bird. I will have to admit, the next morning I played like I didn’t hear one that was a long way off. I was tired.

Mark may be a big boy, but don’t let size fool you.

He will slap walk you to death.

Mark has spent his life chasing the long beards.

He has always spent his time sharing this gift with friends, family and fellow professionals. I was watching an episode of “Truth” with Will Primos the other day and heard Will give Mark credit for his famous “Roosting” quote. It made me smile. I remembered a healthy young man, with a glint of mischief in his blue eyes, smiling from ear to ear at the sound of a gobbling bird. I didn’t have thoughts of a moonlit night that time, as I knew and know that this man is my cousin but most of all he is my friend.

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BayouTrends Spring is here and with the changing seasons, comes lighter hues. Find inspiration from perfect pastels – everything from Yeti coolers to sexy sandals. These items are available at local retailers.

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1. BUTTER BAKERY 2. MATERIAL THINGS 3. FIESTA NUTRITION CENTER 4. CHANTICLEER’S 5. LOUISIANA PURCHASES 6. FABULOUS FABRIC 7. COBURN’S 8. K-SERA BOUTIQUE 9. DOT DOT’S BOUTIQUE 10. RUSTON FLORIST 11. MR. P’S TEES 12. THE LOFT 13. SLEEPY HOLLOW FURNITURE 14. HEMLINE MONROE 15. THE FASHION OF RUSTON 76 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

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Leaving as the Lenards CAROL-ANNE BARNES AND GRISHAM LENARD MARRY AT THE HISTORICALLY RESTORED VANTAGE STATE BUILDING

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n September 16, 2017, Carol-Anne Barnes and Grisham Nathanial Lenard celebrated their marriage and the memory of loved ones including the groom’s father, Hilton Nathanial, and the bride’s brother, Michael. This day marked what would have been Michael’s 34th birthday. Carol-Anne is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Barnes of West Monroe.

Grisham is the son of Mrs. Malissa Lenard, now residing in Jackson, Miss.

The ceremony took place at 6:30 in the evening in the new historically restored Vantage State Building. During the ceremony, Judge Wilson Rambo shared handpicked vows while Amanda Townley read from the Bible for the couple Ruth 1:16-17. Cousin of the groom, 78 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Emily Lovelady, beautifully sang “To Make You Feel My Love” while Nicole Harris, cousin of the bride, lit the memory candles. The bride was joined on her side by Matron of Honor, Brittany Shambro, bridesmaids Megan Hardy, Emily Cambre, Stacey Thomas, Jessi Henson, and Ashley Crain, and flower girl, Madeline Rawls. On the groom’s side was Best Man, Curtis Rogers, and groomsmen, Jesse Nolan, Will Nolan, Terry Blakeney, Justin Roberts, and J. Walter Stone. Flowers for the day were arranged by Martha, of Brooks Florist, and Sissie Jones.

The bride wore a beaded ivory lace and regency organza Stella York dress with a high neckline and a plunging sweetheart bodice complemented by the groom’s Vera Wang grey

suit and royal purple accents. The newlyweds exited to the groom’s favorite song, “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray Lamontagne.

The lively reception was held on the sixth floor of the State Building in the Rooftop Garden. Guests were entertained

by Josh Madden’s three-piece band, while Thurman’s Food Factory provided the catering. The entire day would not have been possible without Ashley Soeller, Delle Tyler, Courtney Dickerson, Ashley Ales, Shandra Starr, along with countless co-workers and family friends.

The bride’s cake featured five layers decorated with purple flowers, greenery, and gold accents with each layer’s flavor carefully selected for the guests to enjoy, including Italian Cream, Red Velvet, Carrot Cake, Strawberry and Cookies and Cream.

The groom’s cake was a chocolate and peanut butter flavor and skillfully crafted into the shape of Louisiana adorned with peanut butter cups. A buttercream fleur-delis symbolized the area where the couple were both raised.

The couple shared their first dance to “Someone Like You” by Van Morrison. The bride danced with her father to “My Little Girl” by local favorite, Tim McGraw, and the groom with his mother to “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor. Of course, the night would not have been complete without “punny” favors for the guests including “The Perfect Match” matchbooks and “Thanks for ‘Bean’ Here” coffee bean souvenirs.

Every meaningful moment was beautifully captured by Kappa Delta sister, Annie Barnett, of Annie Barnett Photography.

The Lenards took a delayed honeymoon (after football season) and traveled up the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to Napa Valley, California They reside in Monroe along with Dixie, a rescue they adopted, and Captain Morgan, a ferocious feline. Carol-Anne is employed at Vantage Health Plan as the Media/Public Relations Coordinator and Grisham is a Louisiana history teacher and coach at Lee Junior High.

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BayouTrends

1. THE FLEURTY GINGER BOUTIQUE 2. HAVEN 3. WASHINGTON WINE & SPIRITS 4.ELEVEN 26 5. PETALS & PEARLS 6. GIRLFRIENDS 2 7. HERRINGSTONE’S 8. SADIE C’S 9. RODEO BOUTIQUE 10. UPTOWN DOWNTOWN 11. THE NUDE NOMAD 12. THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE 13. NATIONAL JEWELRY COMPANY 14. RON ALEXANDER CLOTHIERS 15. CARA’S BOUTIQUE 80 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

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Brown Bag Concert Series Spring Lineup Announced

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he Northeast Louisiana Arts Council will host its free Brown Bag Lunch Concert Series each Wednesday at noon in April at the Anna Gray Noe Park in downtown Monroe between St. Francis Medical Center and the courthouse.

Performances include: APRIL 4 – JOSH MADDEN When Madden is not hosting KEDM’s “The Set List” or teaching guitar and piano, he’s performing live at venues around town and the region. His musical influences are Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles and Elton John on the piano, and Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Dave Matthews on guitar.

APRIL 11 – LANDRY ALLEN, DANNY ALLEN, BRIAN ALLEN AND JULIAN JONES Joining the Arts Council for an encore at the series, Landry Allen is a junior at West Ouachita High School, where he serves as Choir President. Allen will be accompanied by Danny Allen on bass guitar, Brian Allen on drums and ULM music faculty member Julian Jones on keyboard.

APRIL 18 – ROD PAYNE AND LISA SPANN The series mellows out as Rod Payne and Lisa Spann join the Arts Council at the park.

The duo will perform show tunes, old standards, easy listening and more. These two provide the classic example of how the perfect blend of voice, repertoire and setting can make for an extraordinary experience.

APRIL 25 – MASON GRANADE A long-time series favorite, Mason Granade has performed for over 30 years and is a regular at regional cafés and night spots, as well as Worship Leader at Bethel Baptist Church in West Monroe. Granade finds inspiration from Eagles, America and The Beatles.

All are invited to the free, outdoor concert series, featuring local musicians who will perform a mix of rock, blues, standards and more. Limited seating is available, and picnic blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. The Arts Council’s Brown Bag Lunch Concert Series is sponsored by CenturyLink, Origin Bank and the City of Monroe. Complimentary cookies are provided by Mulhearn Corporation. Lemonade and water are provided by First Baptist Church of Monroe, which is also the rain plan venue.

ABOUT THE NORTHEAST LOUISIANA ARTS COUNCIL

The Arts Council of Northeast Louisiana seeks to nurture a vibrant regional arts culture through support, promotion and education. The Arts Council of Northeast Louisiana strives to be a transformative force for the community by encouraging a passion for the arts, promoting partnerships and collaboration and ensuring access to the arts for all.

For more information or to confirm the show will go on in case of rain, call the Arts Council office at 396-9520. Visit the Arts Council online at www.nelaarts.com or find us on Facebook!

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Cooley House Lecture Series As part of the Cooley House Lecture Series, acclaimed preservationist and leading architect of the restoration of Chicago’s Unity Temple, T. Gunny Harboe spoke to a capacity crowd of architecture professionals and fans at ULM’s Biedenharn Recital Hall.

For much of his for decade career, the Chicago architect has worked on several landmarks designed

by Frank Lloyd Wright, including Taliesin West and Robie House. Harboe recently oversaw the $25 million restoration of Unity Temple, Wright’s 1909 masterpiece located in Chicago’s Oak Park suburb. In addition to Wright, Harboe has worked on National Historic Landmarks, designed by such architects as Mies Van der Rohe, Louis Sullivan and Holabird and Root.

After Harboe’s presentation, lecture-goers were treated to refreshments and wine and an opportunity to talk one-on-one with the renowned preservationist.

Harboe toured the Cooley House earlier in the day and noted that it is our community’s responsibility to leverage the home’s uniqueness and historical significance to preserve it for future generations to study and enjoy. He also noted its similarity to Unity Temple’s construction in its use of concrete and aggregate stone, as well as its unassuming entrance leading to voluminous interior spaces.

For more information about the Cooley House and how you can support its Foundation, go to www.cooleyhouse.org.

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On the BayouScene 1 Brian Davi, John Stubbs and Gretchen Dean 2 F red Bennett and LaVerne Bodron 3 J ana Giles and Rod Werner 4 L inda Taylor, John Michael Yeldell and Fred Huenefeld 5 J ohn Denison, LaVerne Bodron, Mil Bodron, Carol Parsons and Pamela Dupuy 6 Brian Davis and Stacey Pfingsten 7 Mil Bodron and John Denison 8 S cheena Simmons and Andy Ferrell 9 Mil Bodron and Carol Parsons 10 Lillian Coates and Kathryn Hutchinson 11 Johnette Mintz and Lila Strode 12 Karl Puljak, Christie Echols and Doug Breckenridge 13 B rian and Delisa McGuire, Gerri and Robert Ellis 14 L illian Coates, Joanne Williams, Phrose Raphael and Nanette Cohen 15 J ohnette Mintz, Gunny Harboe and Jorenda Stone

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Ladies Night at The Fleurty Ginger Boutique On February 22nd, The Fleurty Ginger Boutique held their first ever Local Ladies Night from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.! Snacks, tea and fresh lemonade were served to guests as they were invited to shop around. The Fleurty Ginger Boutique introduced there brand new spring arrivals and had an entire section designated for other local vendors. These vendors included: Limelight, Monat, Sassy Belle Earrings, Two Mom Bath Bombs and KayJule’s Sweet Scents, Young Living Essential Oils, Macaroni Kid Monroe/ West Monroe, Stake Your Sign, Personal Training

by Nerissa at NK Fitness and CIEE with Caroline.

The Fleurty Ginger Boutique would also like to thank everyone who attended and made the night so successful!

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DESIGN DETAIL

From a farm in Downsville to the Texas capital, Mark Ashby is constantly inspired by the nature around him. He’s an accomplished designer, with a distinguished eye for detail.

AT LEFT: MARK DESIGNED JEFFREY’S NAPOLEON ROOM WITH ITS ADJACENT WINE CELLAR AS AN HOMAGE TO MARIE AND VICTOR CASCIO, FILLING ONE WALL WITH AN INSTALLATION OF ROEBUCK HORNS SOURCED FROM THE CASCIO’S ESTATE. AT RIGHT: IN THE MAIN DINING ROOM, DEEP JEWEL-TONED OCEAN-Y TEAL WALLS OF VENETIAN PLASTER CONTRAST WITH ASHBYDESIGNED, CURVING CARAMEL HUED LEATHER-COVERED BANQUETTES WITH BRONZE TRIMMED BACKS

article by MARÉ BRENNAN and photography by MARTIN G MEYERS

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actile and organic, perceptive and respectful, youthful and sage, accomplished and smart.

These are words that at once could describe Mark Ashby, the man, as well as the designer’s approach to interiors. Mark’s eponymous interior design firm, Mark Ashby Design, is synonymous with chic, thoughtful interiors sought after by the most discerning of clients from Texas and beyond. Specializing in residential projects, Mark Ashby Design, is based in Austin, Texas and has grown to include ten employees.

“We choose to work with clients who are reasonable and kind.

They trust us to help them interpret their style and tastes, and our team is really good at that. We always try to be sensitive, caring and dedicated to our projects,” says the exuberant designer who has just celebrated his twenty-third year in the Texas capital.

Mark grew up on a farm in Downsville, Louisiana, where he has been constantly inspired by the nature around him. Ashby’s roots are still firmly rooted on his family farm, as he has recently renovated (read that as in gutted down to the studs) a onehundred-year-old cookhouse on the property for his own private get-away from the bustle of Austin. The cottage’s façade may look like a humble country outbuilding, but on the inside it speaks the fast paced language of New York, modern and edgy yet naturally so. Mark makes the trek back to his farm cottage every six weeks 88 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

or so, enjoying the leisurely pace of life in Northeast Louisiana and spending time with his mother and sister’s and brother’s families.

“As a kid, I remember bailing hay with my dad, and I would pick up sticks and create an installation. Early on, my sense of composition was inspired by the things I found in nature on the farm. Now, I want my home design to look natural and collected, not self-conscious,” explains Ashby.

Known for his impressive client presentations, Mark credits Cedar Creek School as a formative part of his command of the English language. While attending the Ruston prep school, Ashby took advantage of journalism and yearbook experiences. “I had the same English teacher from 9th through 12th grade. She had us write so many essays,” remembers Mark. “My clients always comment, saying my writing is integral in setting us apart.”

Ashby attended Louisiana Tech for a year, before transferring to Northeast Louisiana University, known now as University of Louisiana-Monroe. Mark attributes his sociology degree in helping him deal with people and understand subtle nuances.

While in college, Ashby began working for the venerable and talented Feather Your Nest owner, the late Sandy Hortman, who loved it, because he could “sell like crazy.” He also worked for the always-polished René Cascio, when she helmed her chic antique and flower shop. Developmentally, this job was a natural extension

of his creative interests as a child, fascinated by the interiors of stylish relatives. Through working with René, Ashby was introduced to more iconic style-setters, including René’s late father-in-law, Victor Cascio, and antiques dealer and floral designer, Nick McKinney. “René and Victor indoctrinated me into the Continental style and influence and exposed me to a higher level of taste and sophistication,” credits the designer.

“At the same time, I was working for Cathi French(-Roberts), helping her disassemble then re-assemble rooms. Cathi is always changing and re-inventing her interiors. Cathi is my muse. I think about her every day. Her approach to life is so stylish – from her bookshelves to her pressed napkins.

Everything she does is done 100 percent.”

“When I moved to Austin in 1995,” adds the youthful designer, “I started working freelance for the nicest shop Austin has ever had. I didn’t know a soul here in Austin, when I moved. Cathi French made it happen for me by introducing me to Patty Hoffpauir, owner of The Garden Room, which featured home furnishings and boutique clothing.” For The Garden Room, Ashby began doing store redesign and fresh merchandising for Hoffpauir, ultimately assisting her with residential decorating projects for her clients. Having Hoffpauir’s connections into West Austin society was like winning the lottery for Austin’s newest, WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2018 89

freshest faced designer. One of Ashby’s first big clients was Gay Gaddis, owner of T3 Advertising, a frequent Forbes contributor and author. For Gaddis and her family, Ashby has completed homes in Austin and St. Maarten, a New York City apartment and a ranch in the Texas Hill Country.

While his company’s client list reads like a Who’s Who in Texan movers and shakers, the new wave of California’s high tech immigrants to the Lone Star State is definitely finding Mark’s concepts of design and responses to homes irresistible. In addition, his firm currently has projects in the works in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Aspen and Montana.

Describing his work flow, Ashby says he always starts with the client and responds to the space. While his firm may have 20 to 25 projects juggling at any given time, some may be an extensive reinvention from top to bottom. Others are simply a revisitation of a past design to freshen it and make sure it continues to meet the needs of the family. When working on renovations, Mark adds, “My goal is to create a dream version of the original, to create a home that stays true to the neighborhood and responds to that neighborhood.”

The designer frequently advises clients when they are house hunting. “I find that aspect very rewarding,” he adds. “Our approach is to design with an eye toward materials that are meant to last – leather, wood, marble, bronze.”

One of Ashby’s favorite early projects was the complete overhaul of the historic Pease Mansion 14 years ago for a young family. “I love working on a historical residence, being sensitive to its history but elevating it to respond to modern living,” says Mark of the antebellum estate which had been a former Texas Governor’s Mansion. “It was a total honor 90 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

to be able to work on this home with this family.” Built in 1853, the Pease Mansion predates the current Governor’s Mansion. Mark had input on everything, from driveway material (he chose dirt) to exterior paint colors of subtle white on cream. The project was chronicled in Traditional Home and can be seen online at www.traditionalhome.com.

Benjamin Moore Paints are his “go-to” hues. Some of his favorite whites include “White Dove” (“If I could only pick one white ever again, I would pick this one. It’s a true crisp white, but it’s not cold.”); Linen White (“A buttery white.”); China White (“A cold, crisp white.”)

Back in 2011, one of Mark’s friends, a bold, young restauranteur named Larry McGuire bought Jeffrey’s, the epitome of Austin fine dining at the heart of the Ashby’s neighborhood. “I’ve been called the Mayor of Clarksville,” laughs Ashby, who lives right around the corner from the restaurant and is a community fixture. Ashby’s design firm was also tasked to design the sister restaurant to Jeffrey’s, Josephine House, which is located in a renovated Clarksville cottage sharing the same block as Jeffrey’s.

Sitting in a custom designed banquette at Josephine House’s outdoor courtyard in a niche carved out of an existing garage space, Ashby explains that his favorite element in this restaurant’s renovation is the all-white, clean reimagination of the space as a country house or casual country club. Instead of sheetrock walls inside of Josephine House, Mark chose to white wash existing shiplap wood walls. A cool marble bar adds to the ambiance that you have gathered at a friend’s for brunch. “I like that it feels country, definitely rural but refined. Humble but sophisticated,” he adds.

ABOVE: CUSTOM-DESIGNED BANQUETTES IN NICHES CARVED INTO EXISTING GARAGE SPACE PROVIDE COVETED SEATING AT JOSEPHINE HOUSE’S COURTYARD. AT LEFT: ASHBY EXPLAINS THAT HIS FAVORITE ELEMENT IN THIS RESTAURANT’S RENOVATION IS THE ALL-WHITE, CLEAN REIMAGINATION OF THE SPACE AS A COUNTRY HOUSE OR CASUAL COUNTRY CLUB. INSTEAD OF SHEETROCK WALLS INSIDE OF JOSEPHINE HOUSE, MARK CHOSE TO WHITE WASH EXISTING SHIPLAP WOOD WALLS. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2018 91

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quick stroll down the block to Jeffrey’s, Ashby reveals his design aesthetic when tasked to renovate the acclaimed restaurant for its new owners.

Jeffrey’s had been open since the 1970s, according to Ashby. “I wanted to reimagine the space, yet remain sensitive to Jeffrey’s history as the first fine dining establishment in Austin.”

Inspired by 1920’s French Art Deco, Ashby knew materials used had to be hard-wearing but luxurious, able to withstand night after night of guests and “just keep livin’,” in the words of famous Austinite Matthew McConaughey.

Jeffrey’s has been described as “The Great Gatsby meets The Royal Tenenbaums,” chic and venerable infused with Austin’s youthful exuberance.

Throughout Jeffrey’s interiors, Mark’s goal was for each seat to become “the most coveted spot, like The Chateau’s draped booths.” In the large dining room, deep jewel-toned ocean-y teal walls of Venetian plaster contrast with Ashbydesigned, curving caramel-hued leather-covered banquettes with bronze trimmed backs. Teal mohair velvet lumbar pillows add an extra layer of comfort. Hans Wegner-designed Wishbone chairs in a natural wood and woven rush seats are timeless additions. Limed sycamore built-in cabinetry holds glassware. Dining guests in this room have a clear view of the busy chefs in the kitchen through an opening.

A central dining room features mohair velvet banquettes with caramel leather dining chairs. A graphic patterned carpet sets the tone for a moderne, 1970’s vibe, along with abstract art by John Chamberlyn, which was sourced from Heritage Auctions, and a herringbone-patterned wood ceiling. Large arrangements of fresh flowers in statement urns are an homage to New York City’s venerable La Grenouille. A large and colorful portrait of Johnny Guffer, a longstanding Jeffrey’s waiter, keeps watch over this section of the restaurant which is known as Johnny’s Room.

Mark, with a deep respect for Jeffrey’s storied past, designed the restaurant’s “Napoleon Room” with its adjacent wine cellar as an homage to Marie and Victor Cascio, filling one wall with an installation of Roebuck antlers sourced from the Cascio’s estate, as well as Saarinen chairs with indigo mohair velvet cushions. Other 1970’s references are walls covered in wood installed in a groovy herringbone pattern. The painting of Napoleon is original to the restaurant.

In the bar area, navy mohair velvet tufted banquettes in the manner of an Art Deco-inspired Chesterfield were customer designed by Ashby, along with Art Deco chairs and petite sofas covered in velvet as well.

Small Saarinen tables with marble tops help delineate conversational groupings, especially near a cozy stone fireplace surround. Custom designed BDDW barstools and chairs in caramel leather beckon for patrons to linger longer at the sleek bar.

Even the restaurant’s restrooms feature sycamore walls which are painted and dyed in a painstakingly, complicated process. Ashby is a designer on whom details are never lost and are meant to unfold like sweet surprises. His spaces are feel seamlessly interconnected, yet remain intimate and familiar.

Mark and Tony Senecal’s own Clarksville neighborhood home was built in 1947 by an Army Corps of Engineer architect and doubles as a bomb shelter, with a 7 foot deep foundation with a unique 2 foot crawl space beneath the floor. Modern, resilient and stacked with style is just part of Ashby’s DNA.

For travelers who make their way to Austin, Mark suggests trips to Town Lake, now known as Lady Bird Lake, hitting one of the many trails around town and taking a dip in Zilker Park’s spring-fed Barton Springs Pool, which stays a constant 68 degrees. Also on Mark’s list 92 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

TOP: IN THE BAR AREA, NAVY MOHAIR VELVET TUFTED BANQUETTES IN THE MANNER OF AN ART DECO-INSPIRED CHESTERFIELD WERE CUSTOMER DESIGNED

BY ASHBY. BOTTOM: A LARGE AND COLORFUL PORTRAIT OF JOHNNY GUFFER, A LONG-STANDING JEFFREY’S WAITER, KEEPS WATCH.

is the new Public Library, designed by Blake Plato, which features exposed catwalks through the whole building, and you can check out 50 books at a time! On the food scene, Mark suggests Guero’s Tacos as it’s so authentically Austin. “Fonda San Miguel has the best interior Mexican food, it’s been open for 35 years, and like Victor Cascio, the owner is there every night,” says Mark. Rounding out the eateries for an authentic Austin foodie experience is Juan in a Million, known for their taco. By George is a high-end designer clothing boutique, also owned by Larry McGuire, that should be part of the Austin experience.

For the design-minded, Ashby suggests the following books to add to your nightstand reading list: “Peggy Guggenheim: The Shock of the Modern” which explores the 20th century’s heroine of modern art and “Loving Frank,” a novel about Frank Lloyd Wright and his illicit love affair with Mamah Borthwick. Ashby, who recently toured Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois with his partner Tony Senecal and son, describes how he is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and his view of the natural world. Although he had toured many other FLW structures, Unity Temple, ranks as his favorite tour. “Unity Temple is a revolutionary building,” says Mark.

For more information about Mark Ashby Design or to see his incredible design portfolio, please go to www.markashbydesign.com.

Moonlight MystĂŠre Gala

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Bayou Desiard Country Club was transformed into the Big Top on Friday, February 23 as Grace Episcopal School celebrated their annual gala. Led by Chair Janelle Snellings, a team of teachers, parents and volunteers worked together to bring all sorts of magic and mystĂŠre to the fundraising events. Guests were greeted with circus performers, a man on stilts and even an interactive champagne table. There were plenty of silent auction items donated by local businesses and individuals and the live auction was a hit with trips, excursions, packages and more. Everyone enjoyed drinks and delicious food while dancing the night away to the sounds of Fly by Radio.

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1 Ginny Montgomery and Laurie Vaszily 2 J osh and Leslie Culp 3B obby Craighead and Satchie Godfrey 4 S helley and Rick Greene 5 Dana DeGravelle, Claire Gordon and Lori Barnidge 6 Heidi and Erik Stoor, Sara Butler 7M ichael and Erica Ryan and Stephanie Bryant 8 T iffany Huffer and Katy Moreland 9 J eremy and Deidra Adair and Deborah Foley 10 Jenny Pastore and Ashley Pittman 11 Beth and Barry Ricks 12 Dustin and Kerri James 13 Cash and Randi Frazier 14 E verett Geis and Laura Weable and Lisa and Courtney Sharp 15 Amanda and Shane Wooten 16 Brian Woodard and Jenifer Johnson 17 Meg and Matt Woods and Katherine and Jason Wilson 18 Circus Performer with Janelle Snellings 19 Krystal Ellis and Tori Krutzer Fisher 20 Elliot and Anna Catherine Nipper

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Kappa Delta Shamrock Run On March 10th the Delta Zeta Chapter of Kappa Delta at ULM hosted their annual 5k Shamrock Run, and it was a huge success. Despite the forecast predicting 100% chance of thunderstorms, the weather held off, and it was beautiful skies and nearly perfect running weather for the participants.

Runners took off at 9 a.m. and ran through the course as they were covered in color powder by Kappa Delta members. The color run went even better than expected, but the best part is knowing the money raised is going to a great cause. An estimated $35,000-$45,000 was raised by the event.

Of this money, 20% will go to Kappa Delta’s national philanthropy, and the other 80% will stay in Monroe with the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. Kappa Delta would like to thank everyone who attended, sponsored and ran in the 5k, and we hope to see everyone again next year!

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Allie Balance and Emily Glasgow H annah Liner, Jordan Cromwell and Adrianna Liner Kellyn Foster and Brooke Fisher A bby Thomas, Daisy Morris, Kaitlin Smith and Caroline Courville 5 Nick Privitor and Jeremiah Horne 6M adelynn Smith, Kellyn Foster and Brooke Fisher 7 Rachel Dolecheck, Kasey McDonald and Hannah Liner 8N ora, Dee and Jana Robinson 9C hristi, Anna, Joey and Sara Naff 10 Will Canteberry, Matthew Santiago and Josh Telifero 11 D evin Coursey, Allison Crotwell and Jessie Coursey 12 Brit McCoy and Steven Hackley 13 Daisy Morris and Julia Boullt 14 Kula and Julia Boullt 15 Tristan Bruce and Sarah Binkley

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Ascend Hospice Care Revolutionizing Hospice Care in North Louisiana

BY DR. DAVID BARNES, MEDICAL DIRECTOR

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HE TERM HOSPICE DATES TO THE 11TH CENTURY when Hospices were not only places that cared for the sick but also places of rest for pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land. Today, the term Hospice refers to a physician-led medical team licensed to care for those in the last months of life. With the aging of your parents and grandparents, physician-led hospice care is something that you need to know about. Why? Because of three factors: demographic changes in society, technological advancements in medicine and unfortunately, changes in how medical care is delivered today.

First, let us look at the changing demographics in our society. In the fall of 2012 the Hippocratist, the journal of the Ouachita Medical Society, was in the middle of a two part series entitled “What’s Killing Ouachita Parish.” An article by Dr. Robert Hendrix showed how everything changed dramatically in the twentieth century with life expectancies, how people died and where people died. In 1900, the top three causes of death were infectious diseases - pneumonia, tuberculosis and diarrhea; the average life expectancy was 47 years and one could expect to die at home with very little disability before death. Fast forward to the year 2000 and heart disease, cancer and strokes were the top three causes of death; the average life expectancy was 75 years and one could expect to die in a hospital with a preceding period of disability lasting two years.

These changes were fueled by advancements in modern medicine.

A top 10 list of medical technological advancements between 1900 and 2000 included the development of vaccines, antibiotics and vitamin supplements, the discovery and production of insulin, the development and use of X-rays, advances in blood typing and transfusions and advances in treatment of cancer and heart disease. As I write, another expansion in medical technology is occurring with advances in gene therapy.

This is certainly a good thing overall, but with all of this comes more treatment options and more complex medical decisions for doctors, patients and families. Unfortunately, there have been some unintended consequences with these advancements, especially pertaining to what is now termed “late life” and “end of life” care, and we have created the “Perfect Storm” for those patients and their families traveling through this continuum. Many patients now get trapped in the ICU before death, something they would have wished to avoid given the opportunity.

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This problem spotlights the need for hospice care, because the majority of the U.S. population would prefer to die at home. A small minority of dying patients use hospice care, and even those are often referred to hospice only in the last weeks of life. Patients receiving earlier hospice care have lower rates of depression and higher quality of life scores. Patients on hospice care receive less aggressive end of life care but surprisingly have significantly longer survival rates. Medicare has established guidelines for hospice admissions, and a conversation with your family member and their personal physician or a call to Ascend Hospice Care may save them from being in and out of the ICU during their last months of life.

WHY IS ASCEND HOSPICE CARE DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE OTHER HOSPICE COMPANIES?

First, we are truly a physician-led medical team of hospice trained Registered Nurses, Social Workers, pharmacists, pastors and volunteers.

Our patients receive face-to-face visits from a physician when indicated, because we feel it is a duty and a privilege to care for those at the end of life with the highest quality of care. We call it just good old fashion medical care, the Western Auto approach, as opposed to the Wal-Mart approach or maybe to you millennials, Best Buy vs. Amazon. This is quite a formidable challenge in this present medical environment, but I have always believed that if you deliver high quality, personalized healthcare to your patients that you can still impact lives even in a Wal-Mart/Amazon world. Secondly, we work closely with several area nursing homes to identify family members in need of more specific late life care. Thirdly, we are locally-owned and familiar with the hospice needs unique to our region.

Sir William Osler, frequently described as the father of modern medicine, is given credit by many for this quote about the practice of Medicine …. simply our complete mission is “to cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always.”

At Ascend Hospice Care, our goal is to create a hospice in north Louisiana like no other. Our “complete mission” is to provide compassionate, loving and transformational care in the last months of life, and in this setting, “to comfort always.”

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A R T I S T

MEREDITH PARDUE CAN’ T REMEMBER A TIME WHEN SHE WASN’ T PAINTING. BORN AND RAISED IN MONROE, SHE MOVED FROM ONE COAST TO ANOTHER AND NOW CALLS AUSTIN HOME. PARDUE IS A CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ARTIST WITH WORKS IN PRIVATE AND NOTEWORTHY CORPORATE COLLECTIONS. ARTICLE BY APRIL CLARK HONAKER AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN G MEYERS

FOR SOME ARTISTS, inspiration must be experienced through the senses. They must touch, see, hear, smell or taste it. Inspiration could come in the layered warmth of a sunset or the vibrant coolness of a moss-covered stone. It could come from anywhere. Although Meredith Pardue finds inspiration in the world around her, the most reliable source of inspiration for her as an artist comes from within. “At the end of the day, I think inspiration is intrinsic.

Making art is a part of what makes me tick.

It’s very natural to me,” she said. “I don’t need motivation to go in my studio, because I belong there. You are who you are.”

Meredith can’t remember a time when she wasn’t painting. “I’ve been interested in art, since I could hold a paintbrush or a pencil,” she said. When she was old enough to begin formal art lessons, her mom signed her up. As she got older, continuing to grow as an artist and taking her skills and knowledge to the highest level were natural choices for her.

Meredith was born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana, but moved to Savannah, Georgia, to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design. Afterward, she spent several years as a self-proclaimed gypsy, living in New York, Portland, Austin and Monroe. In the middle of these gypsy years, she paused in New York City long enough to earn her Master of Fine Arts at Parsons School of Design.

Looking back, one of the things she has noticed about her work is that it’s always been affected by her physical environment.

Not only has she lived in multiple places; she has also spent extensive time in Paris and the Caribbean. While both of these places have strongly influenced the color, light and

movement in her work, the landscapes of the cities she’s lived in have played out in subtle, subconscious ways as well. Meredith said she’s noticed that her color palette was more natural, and her paintings were more organic and loose when she was painting in her courtyard studio in Savannah. When she lived in New York, her work became more grid-like, which reflected the grid-like infrastructure of the cities, and when she lived in Portland, she saw more diagonal movement in her paintings, which reflected the mountains she could see through her window.

Living in Austin is having an effect on her work as well. “One of the reasons I immediately fell in love with Austin is the landscape,” she said. Seeing it for the first time made her feel at home. She said the skies are almost always blue, and the hills are almost always green because of the junipers. She loves the hills, the lakes, the aquifers and the sense of history inherent in the geography. “The nature here just speaks to me,” she said. According to Meredith, there are all sorts of ways an artist can be influenced. “Making art is a fluid and ongoing evolution, and it will continue to be as long as you’re making it. If you’re just living your life, it’s inevitable your work will evolve.”

At the same time, certain elements of her work inevitably reappear. It might be a certain mark, and it might be exactly the same or slightly different than one she made years ago, but these cycles are part of the process. Having one brain filled with unique memories, she expects certain elements to weave in and out of her work over time in various ways. “I would imagine that would be part of the evolution that would remain in place forever,” she said WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2018 101

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WE MET UP WITH MEREDITH AT HER HOME STUDIO IN AUSTIN, TEXAS. THIS INSIDE LOOK OF THE ARTIST’S WORKSPACE SHOWS SOME OF HER LARGE CANVASES ON DISPLAY.

ust as places, memories and personalities can influence an artist, people can as well.

One person that was especially instrumental in Meredith’s development as an artist was the late Pam Baker of Monroe, a woman Meredith called her first mentor. “She was quite a force,” Meredith said. “She was good at engaging and rallying the community to purchase fine art, so she not only educated me but also the community.” After teaching film at New York University, Pam moved back to Monroe where she taught literature at the University of Louisiana, Monroe, and opened the original Levee Gallery in an old home near Forsythe Park. She gave Meredith a solo exhibition there and continued building on the education Meredith had received in Savannah and encouraging her to continue her education at Parsons.

Today, 15 years after completing her M.F.A., Meredith’s work is continually lauded by critics and has become part of numerous private and noteworthy corporate

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collections, including the ExxonMobil Houston Headquarters, J. Crew Corporate Headquarters and The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. However, her success hasn’t come without struggle. Fortunately, she has the tenacity and work ethic to power through the struggles and learn from her failures. “Be prepared to fail and let it go and keep trying new things,” she said, “and really do what you want to do, because the whole purpose is to create what you’re called to create.”

As a successful artist, one thing she has repeatedly faced is pressure to create more of the same type of work, but growth is important to her. As a result, she’s consciously resisted that pressure. “You don’t ask people what they want,” she said.

“You give it to them. You’ve got to go out and do your own thing.” She believes art is all about risk-taking and trying new things, even if the risks lead to failure. “Growth is impossible without failure,” she said. “It’s about pushing yourself.”

Meredith also admits to being a perfectionist, but for her, being a perfectionist doesn’t necessarily mean

having a single, ideal vision that she works toward in each piece. In the moment she begins a piece, it could have multiple perfect endings. “In art, there are infinite ways one could create a problem,” she said.

“The minute you put down marks, you’re creating a problem.” But at the same time, she said, “When you’re creating a problem, there are infinite ways to solve it. It’s about the path you choose to go down.” Like the speaker in Robert Frost’s famous poem “The Road Not Taken,” the artist must continually choose one path over another, even if the paths appear equal. Meredith said her favorite thing about creating art is getting in the zone in the early stages of a painting when those paths lay sprawling before her and anything is possible. This stage is far more fun than the later editing stages when the essence of the painting has been established and tweaks are made to bring the painting closer to perfection.

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“THROUGH MY WORK, I STRIVE TO CREATE THINGS THAT ADD BEAUTY AND PEACE TO THE WORLD WE LIVE IN. I FEEL LIKE I’M DOING MY CALLING.” ~ MEREDITH PARDUE her perfectionist tendencies. Sometimes that change literally means trying to see her work as another person might. A painting she isn’t happy with could be the perfect painting for someone else, which she said has happened plenty of times. Meredith believes her work should be experienced in person and said, “It’s about the relationship between the viewer and the artwork. That is the most important thing. The minute I release a painting into the universe, it’s no longer mine, and different people are going to take away different things.”

Another way Meredith changes her perspective is by looking for the perfection in imperfection. “I find there is a great deal of beauty in imperfection,” she said. “In nature, there’s this perfect expression of beauty with imperfection.” She sees this perfect imperfection everywhere, from the microcosmic scale of a DNA sequence to the macrocosmic scale of the universe as a whole. “When you make a conscious effort to study the aesthetics of things,” she said, “you become hyper aware of beauty.” But one side effect of this aesthetic hyper-awareness is also a sensitivity to things that are visually disturbing or chaotic. For this reason, Meredith said she needs complete clarity in her living space.

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open mind when you’re constantly creating something out of nothing,” she said. “Being an artist keeps me open-minded. It also keeps me from doing what everyone else is doing and allows me to be accustomed to thinking for myself. It enriches my life by allowing me to be open to things that may not be in the mainstream.” Over time, this openness has also shaped Meredith’s internal compass and brought her into sync with her personal values and beliefs.

One of the most important things to her is having the freedom to fully express these and all other aspects of herself, whether it’s by choosing an unconventional path in a particular painting or in life as a whole. “I really hate being constrained or being told what to do,” she said. For this reason, she chooses to work on a large scale, no smaller than 48 by 48 inches, and said the relationship between the size of the canvas and her body makes her feel more free and less selfconscious. According to Meredith, “The most important thing is having freedom, because if you’re painting something with rules attached, the question is, ‘How much are you really creating?’” She is happiest and most productive if she has total freedom—no rules, no deadlines, no expectations. “I enjoy doing work that is calling itself into being,” she said, “that feels destined to be made, and I enjoy the freedom of being able to change

things.” Change also helps Meredith keep her brain busy and her perspective fresh, which is why she chooses to work on multiple pieces at once.

In an ideal world, Meredith imagines that her process might consist of having time to plan her work, having a productive conversation with the canvas and coming back for final editing. In reality, her process is much more fragmented, which she attributes partly to her ADD and partly to the season of life she’s in. “My kids are everywhere,” she said, “so I try to get it done when I can, and there’s a great deal of multitasking.”

Although being a working artist and having a family require effort to maintain a balance, Meredith would never have chosen one over the other. “It’s not a choice,” she said. “It’s just a matter of managing it and making it work.”

Meredith does her best to stick to a schedule and said, “Having the freedom to create whatever I want whenever I want is always a gift, but there are these rare gift moments, and that’s where the magic happens.”

In the end, Meredith hopes to create work that has a positive impact on people’s lives. “Through my work, I strive to create things that add beauty and peace to the world we live in. I feel like I’m doing my calling. I feel like I was created to do this work. This is who I am, and I strive to use it for good.”

Levee Gallery Reception Levee Gallery hosted an opening reception on Thursday, March 8 at their gallery on N. 18th Street in Monroe. Beautiful art was on display that included mostly abstract paintings and landscapes from Catron Wallace, Charles Guess, Jacqueline Ellens, Susan Walker Love, Leigh Buffington, Joni Noble, Ann Currie, Brenda Rowan, Dustin Cody Greer, Tori Applewhite, Bunny Hewitt, Wilma Roy, Jamie Tate and Lacey Stinson. Guests enjoyed light hors d’oeuvres and chilled beverages while they listened to the sounds of Brian Sivils and Kirby Rambin.

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1 Charles Masur, Sylvia Masur and Steve Walker 2M ichelle Thompson, Sarah Cummins and Will Copeland 3 Cliff and Joan Carr, Susan and Jim Lowery 4K ay Shipp and Cissy Ellis 5 Jo Libby Johnston and Travis Breard 6 Marion Zentner and Ann Johnston Currie 7 Gregory Hudgins and Leigh Buffington 8 S teve Walker and Sylvia Masur 9 Kathy Biedenharn and Brooke Cassady 10 Marty Steffenson and Elaine Simpson 11 Kathy Biedenharn, Tish Miller and Robin Hamaker 12 J ohn Michael Yeldell, Linda Taylor, Steve and Johnette Mintz 13 Veda Sivils, Craig and Liz Rambin 14 Georgie Porter and Bunny Hewitt 15 Shiela Dickson and Arie Milner

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Celebrating Excellence

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The United Way of Northeast Louisiana marked the impact in the community with the annual Celebrating Excellence awards luncheon on March 6 at the Monroe Civic Center Conference Hall, and on March 8 at the Lincoln Parish Library Events Center. Celebrating Excellence honors outstanding Workplace/ Employee campaigns and individuals for their extraordinary efforts and unwavering commitment to helping people and improving community. Attendees of Celebrating Excellence included Workplace/Employee Campaign honorees, volunteers, donors, and community leaders, as well as the United Way of Northeast Louisiana Board of Directors, Campaign Cabinet and community partner agencies.

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On the BayouScene 1 Anna Robertson, Ashley Kirk and Shauna Milstead 2 Marisol O’Neal, Melissa Durrett and Jessica Hughes 3 Kacee and Morgan Garrison 4B eth Burkheimer and Elizabeth Turnley 5K enosha Hamilton and Monica Bradley 6 Alaina Guidry and Karley Brymer 7 Adam and Marisol O’Neal 8 Bill Hogan and James Moore 9 Patricia Murad and Angie Biscomb 10 E rin Gotierrez and Kara Rider 11 Richard Raue and Cathi Cox-Boniol 12 Kim Lowery and Charles Jackson 13 Alex Walker and Latechia Pruitt 14 Ann Marie Jills and Judy Brown

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8th Annual Wellspring Meeting and Luncheon The Wellspring held their 8th Annual Meeting and Luncheon Thursday, February 22 at the First United Methodist Church in Monroe. It was a great chance to learn about their organization and the impact they have in their community. The 2017 Annual Report was presented, and an update on future initiatives was given. New board members and officers were elected and outgoing board members were recognized. In addition, volunteers of the year were announced and staff service awards were presented. As always, The Wellspring would like thank you for your support of their local programs and services.

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On the BayouScene 1 Caroline Cascio and Jane Brandon 2 D’Janero Christian and Maggie May 3 Jessica Morrison and Will Varner 4 Nathan Neufang, Rick Guillot and Cody Bauman 5 Jan Hazard, Laura Bishop and Emily Bishop 6 Lonnie Shaw and Kristi Whetstone 7B ill Hendrix and Vincent Butcher 8 Christy Gwin and Mike Ditta 9 Tammy Washington and Mary Barrios 10 L auren Millwee and Kim Staten 11 Brenda Johnson and Nancy Weinel 12 S ierra Foley, Aisha Sharrieff, Florece Staten and Kristen Lairemore 13 M elanie Aycock, Lisa Longeneaugh and Donna George 14 Kinyada Gipson and Leah Tucker 15 V alerie Bowman and Rachel Niblett 16 D eri Gayle and Melanie Clark 17 Angel Coleman and Satrina Miles

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Friendly Farms Pet Retreat Let ‘em Stay While You’re Away

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RIENDLY FARMS PET RETREAT IS A LUXURY DAYCARE and boarding facility for domesticated pets offering stays for the day or overnight. Friendly Farms Pet Retreat services pet owners with busy lifestyles, who need an alternative daycare for new or active pets or overnight stay as a comfortable option for the pets while they are out of town.

Unlike many facilities that offer standard kennel-care and a narrow play or outside time, Friendly Farms offers an alternative option. Their services include kennel-free boarding and customized care. With twenty-two spacious suites available, Friendly Farms Pet Retreat will allow your pet to avoid the stress of travel or the boredom of being home alone. Pets are welcomed and loved here, which is a stark contrast to many hotels. Our services allow owners to have peace of mind and confidence that their extended family members are receiving quality care in soothing accommodations, while they are away from their normal, everyday environment.

The facility combines a loving, relaxing atmosphere and interactive play time that is essential for healthy pets. Suites come in various sizes to meet the need and request of pets and parents. All overnight guests enjoy tv time during inside play and calming music during evening hours for relaxation while resting. There are also addons available, such as a bedtime banana bite or individual ball time.

Or, how about snuggle time or a popsicle treat? Whatever the need of your pet, Friendly Farms has you covered. The individualized care offered at Friendly Farms is unique and one of a kind in the area, making us your go-to facility for pet boarding.

Pets attending daycare are treated to a day of play and socialization.

They are separated into groups of like sizes and temperaments. Fun begins at 9 a.m. and lunch is served at noon. Nap and rest time is from 1 p.m.- 2 p.m. and afternoon games are from 3 p.m.-5 p.m., then back inside to await pick-up by parents. Daycare offers a great alternative for pets that experience separation anxiety or become easily bored when left alone. We also offer add-ons for daycare, such as potty training for our babies or simple command sessions for our teens! Packages are available for multiple days purchased at a reduced rate. Days never expire and are not required to be used consecutively. We work with your schedule for a hassle-free routine.

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Outside play is included for all pets whether boarding overnight or attending daycare. Our small outside play area is divided into four play zones with artificial turf in each area, so pets stay tidy. We also have a larger play area for our bigger guests or those who just want to enjoy stretching their legs with a good run. When weather doesn’t permit extended play time outside, there is a large inside area for play time shenanigans. Pets can enjoy a padded play area with buckets of toys or lounging on the leather sofa watching satellite television.

Our feline friends are not forgotten at Friendly Farms either. There are four spacious, three-tiered condominiums for our cats. Separate levels allow for resting, eating and littering apart from one another, as is preferred for cats. Toys are provided for enjoyment and window box seats in French Provincial decor offer sunning opportunities in style. Each guest is provided 30 minutes of interactive play with staff and one-hour uninterrupted play times for activities of their choosing.

Sounds, such as flowing streams or songbirds, lull our kitties to bed in the evenings.

Friendly Farms Pet Retreat offers a variety of salon services, as well. Whether you’re here as our guest or you scheduled via appointment, there are several spa packages to choose from with exclusive add-ons such as pad and nose moisturizers or essential oil treatments.

There is also a small boutique offering several gift options available for the dog or cat lover in your life! From keychains and magnets to candles and picture frames. We carry Yellow Dog Design collars. Custom tees and spa products are also available. We stock tearless and waterless shampoos, too. We have distinctive gifts sure to bring a smile!

So, whether you need pet care for the day, a weekend getaway or an extended family vacation, Friendly Farms Pet Retreat is a cut above and offers the options necessary for harmony when you and your pet can’t be together. Tours are available with an appointment, so please, come see why you’ll agree to LET ‘EM STAY WHILE YOU’RE AWAY!!

Follow us on FaceBook at FriendlyFarmsPetRetreat or visit our website for more information at www.ffpetretreat.com.

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Flavors of the Bayou

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The University of Louisiana Monroe celebrated the grand opening of the Bayou Pointe Student Event Center with the Flavors of the Bayou event on Friday, March 16. ULM partnered with the Louisiana Seafood Association to showcase speciality dishes from some of the best chefs and restaurants in the region. Patrons enjoyed food from 2 Dudes Brew & Que, Aramark, Bayou Grill, Bayou Landing, Bountiful Foods, Catfish Cabin, Catfish Charlie’s, Chef Anthony Militello, Iron Cactus, The Fieldhouse, Waterfront Grill and Thurman’s. There were plenty of drinks on hand from Choice Brands, Flying Tiger, Landry Vineyards, Marsala Beverage and Ouachita Brewing Company.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser was even on hand to tout the amazing facility and event. Guests enjoyed the beautiful spring night, as they wined and dined on the patio overlooking Bayou DeSiard.

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On the BayouScene 1 J une Poole and Lillie Traxler 2 Julia Letlow and Jessica Pollard 3 Rep. Bubba and Sharon Chaney 4 Dr. Nick Bruno and George Shaver 5R ichard and Susie Lefebvre, Ramona Martin 6 Delia Simpson and Rob Brewer 7 L uke Letlow, Cindy Leadh and Keith Brown 8 Mary Linda McCann, Stacy Weldon and Roger Johnston 9 S cott and Leazel McDonald, Ty Harp and Jo McDonald 10 Lisa Miller, Meredith McKinnie and Jaleesa Harris 11 Carrie Genusa, Will Copeland, Katie Dawson, Brad McGilton and Ramona Martin 12 Claude and Mariera Minor 13 Ann McIntyre with Judge Jimbo and Faith Stephens 14 Carolyn Bolton and Debbie Luffey 15 M arie Powell, Tonya and Dr. Curtis Sanders, Gwendolyn Pittman and Cordie McElroy 16 A lise Oliver, Lexie McGuffie, Cindy Rogers and Mac Oliver 17 Laura Kilpatrick Marchelos and Linda Holyfield 18 Mike and Carolyn Dolecheck 19 Chip and Lila Strode, Cory Crowe and Derle Long 20 Denise Duplechin, Kristin Chandler and Meghan Olinger 17

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CANCER F O U N DAT I O N LEAGUE ARTICLE BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

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he Cancer Foundation League (CFL) is a nonprofit, started in 2002 by Virginia Knickerbocker and Dee Dee Cook. The women who wanted to help their friend who had been recently diagnosed with cancer. At the time, only the American Cancer Society existed, and the ladies wanted to create something by local people, for local people. They received their first significant donation from The Kitty Degree

Foundation; Cindy Rogers, Kitty Degree Foundation president, was the first CFL member and is still a sustainer today. The League’s mission is: “to provide assistance to area cancer patients and their families and to support the Louisiana Cancer Foundation.” The League has grown to 72 members, all volunteering their time and efforts to support cancer patients across Northeast Louisiana. CFL is this year’s recipient of funds from Fashion Fusion, taking place on April 28 at the Monroe Civic Center. Debbie Bourg and the DBK dancers partner with local boutiques to put on the runway show. Debbie is teaching her dancers about the importance of giving back to their community. The emphasis is local. The talent is local, the boutiques are local, and the people benefitting from the event are local, neighbors helping neighbors.

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Leslie Trahan believes in this organization, having seen its reach from both sides.

The Cancer Foundation League is the local connection for those in need.

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FL has raised $1.8 million since 2002 and has served over 4700 patients in the area.

They provide medication and medical supplies, cover household expenses, sometimes house payments. They aid in expenses and transporting patients and their families for treatment at St. Jude or Houston or Shreveport. Sometimes someone in Tensas Parish needs to get to St. Francis; they handle that, too. They also provide nutritional supplements, lodging in some cases, gas cards and Christmas baskets. Last year, the volunteers delivered 105 Christmas baskets

September, prostate cancer.

Fundraisers support CFL, and two primary ones take place each year. The Evening of Southern Elegance Gala happens in January, and The Theresa Marsala Memorial Golf Classic is happening at Frenchman’s Bend May 11. Theresa Marsala was a past president of the League and had the vision for the golf tournament. She passed away nine years ago, and her daughters Leslie Trahan and Catherine Stuckey now co-chair the event.

Leslie insists, the tournament was, “near and dear to Mom’s heart,” and they are living out their Mom’s legacy. Donations come from banks having bake sales with competitions

call themselves the “CFL family” and have formed lifelong friendships. And Alise plans to keep working, until they one day find a cure for cancer and she can turn her attention to helping others elsewhere.

Leslie Trahan knows cancer up close. Her husband Andy was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer at only 33 years of age, having never smoked. Andy’s cancer was caused from a genomic mutation, a common case in many, otherwise healthy, cancer patients all over the world. Within 30 minutes of the diagnosis, someone from CFL called Leslie to help. Leslie admits she didn’t know what she needed yet, but CFL was there to provide.

filled with: ham, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, green beans, sweet potatoes, crossword puzzles, pens, toothbrushes and hand lotions.

The baskets are distributed between the 6th and the 10th of December. Sometimes the patients have already passed away, but family members usually know someone else in need.

Some patients aren’t blessed with someone to care for them, and the volunteers provide support. Their stretch is deep and widespread in the community. They currently have 214 patients in Caldwell Parish, 340 in Franklin, 316 in Richland, 351 in Lincoln, and 212 in Jackson, just to name a few. Every day, a new patient is referred from doctor’s offices and by word of mouth. The League’s motto is: “Seldom seen, but strongly felt.”

The League also offers medical services with free screenings: They partner with Oncology Associates to offer breast and cervical exams in January. Oncology Associates opens their doors on a Saturday with local doctors volunteering their time.

This year, ten women received abnormal paps and were referred to doctors for treatment.

These women would have never known they were at risk without the free screenings.

March is colon and rectal awareness month, and the volunteers give out free take-home kits. In May, the focus is skin cancer, and in

between branches, kids collecting canned goods, quiz bowls, all called Angel Wings projects. In June, CFL hosts the annual cancer survivors’ celebration dinner at the West Monroe Convention Center.

Current president of The Cancer Foundation League is Alise Oliver. She lost her best friend Paula Woodman to cancer seven years ago, and another friend suggested she join the League. At the first meeting, Alise could feel the excitement, which she calls, “the contagious light,” of women on a mission. Every volunteer has a story of why they’re there. They’ve all been affected by cancer. Ironically, three months after joining, Alise’s mother-in-law was diagnosed with oral cancer, followed by her stepdad with a tumor, and then her cousin’s child with a brain tumor. It became her mission to help them and people like them. Having been a PTA president, a Girl Scout leader and a room mother, Alise calls her work with the League, “the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”

She feels blessed to interact with patients, insisting they’re all so positive. She admits we often take the little stuff for granted. And while their contributions may seem small, they mean a lot to those suffering. It makes Alise feel good giving back to others.

The exceptional group of volunteers

Leslie says, “the world stopped moving,” when she got the news. She and her family went through weeks of shock, wondering, “How do we get through this?” She walked around in a daze. And for awhile, they lived in fear. She remembers resting her hand on Andy’s chest at night, feeling for the rise and fall, wondering if it would be last time.

The doctors gave Andy 3-6 months, but that was five years ago. He’s responded well to treatment.

Leslie says the hardest part is their three children, wondering, “How much do they need to know?” She doesn’t want them live in fear, but she doesn’t want them blindsided by the loss of their father either. As for herself, Leslie has to live knowing one day she will be without her person, and she finds it hard to imagine. She says, “We were supposed to grow old together.” She’s learned life’s plans get altered, and she has to change with them.

They travel more now, making an attempt to live life like they did before cancer and make as many memories as they can. Leslie believes in this organization, having seen its reach from both sides. The Cancer Foundation League is the local connection for those in need. We’ve all been touched or know someone affected by cancer.

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2018 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway Open House Now Through April 15th

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OME ON IN! THE DOOR IS open. Stop by the St. Jude Dream Giveaway Home Open House from March 15 – April 15. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® will host open houses showcasing the 2018 St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway house in Monroe, LA. The industrial farmhouse style home built by BRACO Construction is estimated to be valued at $345,000. Located in the Bayou Trace subdivision, the approximately 2,300 square-foot home features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open floor plan with gourmet kitchen, split floor plan with private master suite, flexible study or bedroom space and so much more.

After visiting the prestigious neighborhood and walking the floor plan to see its custom design, guests may reserve a $100 ticket for the chance to win the dream home or other prizes. Guests can also register for free when touring the home to win the Open House Prize: custom design services and furniture, valued at $10,000, courtesy of Sleepy Hollow Furniture!

Proceeds from ticket sales for the 2018 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway will help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital continue to lead the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other deadly diseases. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent, and we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.

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all a family should worry about is helping their child live. In addition, St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.

This year’s sponsors include BRACO Construction, KTVE/KARD, K-104, Bayou Trace, Sleepy Hollow Furniture, Lee Edwards Mazda, Dream Day Foundation, BayouLife Magazine, as well as national sponsors Brizo, Bosch, Shaw Floors and Trane, among others. Last month was the annual Floor Signing event where donors, subcontractors and volunteers all came out to the home and signed the garage floor sending good wishes to St. Jude families and the future home owner. Make sure to take a peek in the garage to see all the amazing people and businesses from the Monroe community who helped make this project possible.

The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway has become one of the largest singleevent fundraisers for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital nationwide. This is the 16th house to be built by Brian Allen and BRACO Construction. Each year BRACO Construction works with a local designer to bring the house to life. Jan Strickland of Strickland Interiors is the lead designer on this year’s St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway house and has incorporated local St. Jude patients in a very special way. St. Jude patients Dylan, Sam, Asher, Ava and Cason all have a special piece of art in the home.

Jan has worked with Jo Tiffany Faulk of Sleepy Hollow Furniture to beautifully

stage the home. Jan’s design work, along with Shawn Brazzell, Will Copeland, Emily Byrd and Taylor Bennett will be featured throughout the space.

To date, over 460 houses have been awarded throughout the country and the program has raised more than $380 million for St. Jude since it began. Because a majority of St. Jude funding comes from individual contributors through programs like this one, St. Jude has the freedom to focus on what matters most – saving kids regardless of their financial situation.

The house will be open for tours every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Ticket buyers can reserve a ticket in person by visiting the home, at any D&D Cleaners and Regions Bank location, dreamhome.org, or by calling 1-800-726-9874. Epsilon Sigma Alpha, the international service organization, have chapter members in Monroe that graciously give of their time and talents to host guests at the Open Houses each weekend and work tirelessly to process all 7,500 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway tickets. ESA is a great group of dedicated volunteers who have a huge heart for St. Jude. If you are interested in volunteering or becoming involved with ESA, please contact Maggie Dalessio at Maggie.dalessio@stjude.org for more information!

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Croswell’s Boutique 139 Spring Fling On Saturday, March 17th St. Patrick’s Day, Croswell’s Boutique 139 had their 4th Annual Spring Fling/Open House Event. An EGG-stra Easter Egg Bonus of 10-40% off, for every customer, was given right at the door. Croswell’s Boutique 139 appreciates your business and would like to thank everyone who came out and supported this fun event. The support of their customers continues to make this event bigger and better each year. They are so blessed to have such amazing customers.

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1 Kim Book and Tami Wright 2 Lynda Croswell and Anna Beth Daniels 3 Anna Deblieux and Sarah Daniels 4 Norma Jean Evans and Dot Parker 5 Vicki Wycoff and Sandra Dement 6 Macie Ogden and Kathie Walker 7 L iz White and Brianna Jacobs 8A mber and Sadie Hall 9 Jimmy Girod and Cheryl McLaughlin 10 Kimberly and Emerson Ferraro 11 Grace Welshans and Katie Simmons 12 Caron Johnson and Miranda Allen 13 Mallory Hammonds and Sherryl Harris 14 Andrea and Shelby Courson 15 Becky Kelley and Bailey Ryder 16 Miranda Riles and Kristy Tilbury 17 Makenzie Burtram, Caron Johnson and Amery Clarks

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KEDM Unveils Byway Blues

On Friday, March 2 90.3 KEDM unveiled Byway Blues: A Guide to Northeast Louisiana’s Blues History, a travel guide to blues history in Northeast Louisiana.

Byway Blues introduces 20 significant regional contributions to the Blues. The travel brochure celebrates the deep roots of folklore and the musical heritage embedded in Louisiana’s rich soil. The guide spotlights musicians and venues that have a direct link to northeast Louisiana.

Byway Blues, the storytelling segment on 90.3 KEDM, shares the lives and musical accomplishments of local artists, such as Blind Joe Reynolds, Mable John, Doug Duffey and more.

Together, the brochure and the audio segment offer tourists a reason to experience the land, the culture and the influences that led young talents to become legends of today.

Byway Blues is sponsored by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Entergy Charitable Corporation, Studio 9017 and the University of Louisiana Monroe School of Humanities in the College of Arts, Education and Sciences.

On the BayouScene 1 Mason Howard and Jay Curtis 2 Dr. Mike Camille and Cory Crowe 3 Elizabeth King and Don French 4 Vanelis Rivera and Dr. Nick Bruno 5 Kirby Rambin and Dexter Jackson 6 Lila Strode and Doug Duffey 7 Camile Currier, Alana Cooper and Jerrica Bennett 1

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MY TOP 20 TRAVEL HACKS

by Erin Sharplin Love erinlove@panachebyerin.com

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ave you already made your spring and summer travel plans? My family and I are still in the process of deciding where we will go this year. Right now, we are debating on the typical road trips to a beach or to Branson. I will keep you updated! In the meantime, although I love to travel, I tend to procrastinate when it comes to packing and then unpacking .

But thankfully, I discovered a few travel and packing secrets that make the tasks so much easier! Now I am a packing queen and often get asked to help clients, too. I would love to share these time-saving tips with you: • Utilize packing cubes. In any and every organizing job I do, my main goal is to compartmentalize. Not only does it make finding a particular item easier, it is also aesthetically pleasing. Use this same trick by compartmentalizing your suitcase. I like to use packing cubes (varying sizes of zip-top bags) for this purpose. You can compartmentalize by item, by day, by outfit, etc.

• Shoes are prime real estate! Don’t neglect to take advantage of the storage space INSIDE you shoes. I like to put items that are breakable-like perfume-- into shoes, but you can put absolutely anything inside of them to save space – socks, underwear, sunglasses, etc.

•P revent bottles from leaking their contents. Take the top off of each bottle, cut a small piece of Saran Wrap, place it over the hole, and put the top back on. The Saran Wrap provides a barrier, so the liquid will not leak out. This tip is especially helpful when it comes to air travel, because the changes in air pressure often cause liquid to expand and leak all over our suitcases!! Ugh! • Stick to a color scheme. When you are deciding what clothing to bring on your trip, I suggest that you stick to a color scheme that mixes and matches well together. For instance, instead of packing both black and brown boots or silver and gold jewelry, choose outfits that will work with one or the other. This will reduce the number of items in your suitcase immensely!

• Roll instead of folding. I am sure you have heard this before, but it actually works, if it is done correctly. The trick is to roll and placenot roll and squish – and layer properly. Place items in your suitcase with heaviest items on the bottom and lightest toward the top. For instance, you wouldn’t roll a blouse and then place a pair of jeans on

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top of it. The jean will go first. If you have thin or delicate pieces that wrinkle fairly easily, lay a few sheets of tissue paper on top of the item and roll the tissue up into it.

• Preplanning is a necessity. How many times have you packed too many shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, etc., because you had no idea what you were going to want to wear? That is a BAD way to pack. Not only are you using up valuable packing space needlessly, but if you are not planning your outfits based on your itinerary, you will undoubtedly leave something out.

• What does the hotel provide? Check to see what the hotel provides before you leave. Most often they provide more than you think – hairdryer, lotion, beach towels, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, etc. You can then leave those items at home and save room for purchases you make during your get-away!

• Bring a pop-up laundry bin if you are on a driving trip and have room. These come in so handy for keeping the hotel room straight and for keeping your clean clothes separate from your dirty clothes. Plus when you get home, you will easily be able to place the dirty laundry near your washer and dryer.

• Bring reusable bags. I love the ones that roll up into a little ball and take up very little space inside of your suitcase or purse. These reusable bags are great for shopping, etc.

• Ditch the large shoulder bag. Get a smaller cross-body bag, so your valuables will be close and your shoulders will be happy.

• Don’t forget disinfecting wipes. I like to wipe down most of the hotel room with disinfecting wipes, as soon as I arrive. Carry them also for anything else that you will be touching throughout your trip. Become intentional about protecting your health, as well as that of your family.

• Use an oven mitt for protection from your styling tools. Instead of waiting for your iron to cool before packing it, just insert it into an oven mitt and finish packing early!

• A pill box can be used for so much more than just pills. Use these space-savers for earrings, hair bands, snacks, mints, etc.

• Separate outfits into Ziploc baggies. This is especially helpful for traveling with kids! I suggest pulling together everything that constitutes an outfit (top, bottom, socks, shoes, hat, jewelry, hair accessories, underwear, etc.) and packing it all together into one CONTINUED ON PAGE 196

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B AYOUKID Z

OH THE PLACES YOU WILL GO Planning a Memorable Vacation for You and Your Family article by Cindy G. Foust

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would like to start this month’s column by sharing some recent news with my readers, that Scott and I received just last week.

It seems, friends, that I’ve been diagnosed with an ailment that will take 9 months to get over…that’s right, you guessed it, I’m expecting. Can you say surprised? I don’t even know where to start, except by saying that this has come as a total and complete shock to us and we are doing our best to absorb the enormity of having another child at our age.

For crying out loud, we have a 20-year old. I mean, I will be 70 when they graduate from high school!

By electing to share this news with you, I would also like to say that this is an April Fool’s joke and well, I’m hoping I had you going for just a minute.

I’m sure some of your first thoughts had to include the fact that you would actually know someone on the cover of the National Enquirer for being the oldest living pregnant person.

Boy, that would be a claim to fame, and one I am glad to pass on to someone else. Just a little random factoid for you, on the outside chance you are wondering, the oldest living woman to have a baby was 70, back in 2008 (well, if you don’t count the Bible days, that is.)

Can you just say bless her heart?

They should build a national monument in her honor, but that’s just my opinion, and I’m just happy it’s not me having a baby at 51.

Now that you are recovering from your near fainting spell, I hope this month’s column finds each of you doing well and enjoying the glorious weather we are having. My azaleas are in a bit of April Fool’s mode as well, because they think the cold weather has passed and it’s okay for them to bloom. Well, the joke is on them, and I just hope any cool snap we might have in the next few weeks will be mild.

Yes, spring is springing all around, the grass is “greening” up and the redbuds are blooming. It certainly makes you want to get outside and start gardening or at least getting those beds ready for spring. Last spring, my daughter and I decided to go all Fannie Farmer and plant 128 APRIL 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

an herb garden. I wish I could show you a before and after picture, because the before looked like a little patch of heaven, all green and lush and vibrant. Fast forward a few weeks later, and well, everything looked like it had been eaten up in a weed eater…a very angry weed eater. I swear to you, when I walked outside one morning to check the progress, I caught a tomato plant sticking its tongue out at me. That was probably because we planted 12 plants within six inches of each other, and well, based on my “post-garden” research, that was just a bit close. Who knew?

This year, we are already planning our next gardening adventure, and we might even have our soil checked, especially since the piece of property we built our house on was probably created on the third day when God created the land, and the pH levels haven’t been checked since. So, maybe I’ll do a future article on the newfound success we are enjoying in our herb garden and maybe my tomato plants will be a little happier to have some growing room and actually produce a tomato.

Okay, so this month’s magazine isn’t about gardening at all, I just decided to share some of my gardening prowess with you, but instead, this month’s magazine is on travel.

“Oh the Places You Will Go” is definitely one of my favorite books, and I certainly wish that book title was applicable to my life. I have traveled before, certainly I have, and if I had my way, my suitcase would stay packed. I have managed to have two children who are the exact same way. Scott, on the other hand, considers his toes in the sand or a really good hunting trip as his ideal vacations. Oh, but there are so many more places that I want to travel to. I’ve shared with my readers my number one bucket list trip is to Italy. I am constantly studying their culture, their culinary experiences and the architectural history of their country.

I’m even thinking of getting a Rosetta Stone and brushing up on my Italian…just so I can be bi-lingual and translate with my cab driver once I get there.

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education outreach programs in the schools about opioid and other prescription drug abuse.

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OPIOIDS 101

BY THE CHILDREN’S COALITION FOR NORTHEAST LOUISIANA

pioids are a class of drugs that are used to treat acute pain, specifically by minimizing the body’s perception of pain by binding to the opioid receptor. They include prescription medications, like morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, hydromorphone and fentanyl, and illegal drugs, such as heroin. In addition to masking pain, these drugs also produce feelings of euphoria and well-being as they act on the brain’s reward system. Opioids, when taken over an extended period of time, cause a person to require higher and higher doses of the medication to achieve the desired effect.

This is called tolerance. The combined effect of euphoria and tolerance leads individuals to become addicted to these medications, especially if taken for an extended period of time or in higher doses than prescribed.

The other effect seen when an individual consumes, either on purpose or by accident, too much opioids is the slowing and then the eventual stopping of breathing that can lead to death, if not reversed.

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4th year pharmacy students on site, and teaching and mentoring pharmacy students and participating in research at the school. Born and raised in Monroe and graduated from Neville High School in 2001, Dr. Hill Graduated from ULM College of Pharmacy in 2008 and completed a one-year postgraduate

In 2016 there were over 42,000 deaths nationwide from opioid overdoses, with almost 1,000 deaths in Louisiana. pharmacy practice residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2009. He worked as an inpatient clinical pharmacist for 5 years at Methodist Dallas Medical Center in Dallas, TX. and moved back to Monroe 3 ½ years ago to take his current job with the ULM College of Pharmacy. Dr. Hill currently works with Pharmacy students, the Children’s Coalition and other partners in Prescription Drug Take Back Day, April 28, as well as other

Q: Why is it important for teens and their parents to know about opiods?

A: I want to start by saying the disease of addiction knows no boundaries and affects individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, profession or socioeconomic status.

The opioid crisis is currently having a devastating effect on our country, as well as locally on a state and regional level. In 2016, there were over 42,000 deaths nationwide from overdoses on opioids, with almost 1,000 deaths in Louisiana. As we have started to curb the use of prescription opioids to address this crisis, opioid users were left to find illegal drugs, like heroin, to meet their cravings and make their withdrawal symptoms better. This had led to an increase in heroin overdoses, as well as an increase in serious diseases, such as HIV or Hepatitis C, that can be transmitted via the sharing of needles.

Q: What can we do as a community to address the opioid crisis?

A: As community members, we need to take the disease of addiction out of the shadows, remove the stigma associated with the word addict, and educate our children on the dangers of both legal and illegal opioids. Everyone can help by participating in local events like National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which occurs next in our community on April 28th at participating Brookshire’s stores. This is an event that allows you to get rid of any unused prescription drugs and provides an easy way to keep them out of someone else’s hands.

Q: What can I do as a parent to help keep my children safe?

A: If someone in your household is taking opioids legally, inquire about purchasing the medication naloxone and receive education on CONTINUED ON PAGE 197

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KATE LOWERY BEGAN HER CHILDHOOD ON THE BANKS OF CLEAR LAKE WHERE HER GREATEST INFLUENCES WERE THE STRONG WOMEN SURROUNDING HER. THIS SMALL TOWN GIRL GRADUATED FROM LSU AND MOVED TO MEXICO CITY, BEGINNING A CAREER IN PR THAT WOULD EVENTUALLY TAKE HER ALL OVER THE WORLD. ARTICLE BY MARÉ BRENNAN AND PORTRAIT BY MARTIN G MEYERS

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ate Lowery’s home in Austin’s Pemberton Heights neighborhood is filled with the world-beat sounds of traditional salsa music.

She pours her signature Sangria, crafted with the freshest Texas citrus, into hand-blown glassware collected from the part of her life spent south of the border.

Colorful and creative artwork by Kate’s talented high school freshmen son, Townes, is hung in gallery frames and represents his prodigious talent from a very young age.

Her kitty, Stella Beans and Rice, is, like Kate, a transplant to Austin from little Clear Lake, Louisiana.

Throughout Kate’s home, reminders of her previous lives abound. Traditional crafted objects from Oaxaca, intricately embroidered textiles and extraordinary art fill bookshelves and walls. Kate’s is a life spent developing public relations campaigns that deliver the stories that turn companies into household, trusted names. Her communications skills have also paved the way for numerous successes for non-profits such as Austin’s Trail Foundation and The Hispanic Alliance, which she cofounded to help underserved populations have access to life-changing artistic opportunities.

In Mexico, she works with the Puente a la Salud Comunitaria, which contributes to food sovereignty and advances the health and

well-being of rural communities in Mexico by promoting the consumption, production and commercialization of amaranth.

Kate’s journey began as a child on the banks of Clear Lake, a community that practically splits the difference between Rayville and Logtown. Her parents, Nancy and the late Bud Lowery, and her late grandmother, Helene, shaped Kate’s world view instilling her with a daring sense of adventure and a love of Southern hospitality and storytelling, which was bolstered by an agrarian work ethic that anything is possible with hard work.

After graduating from Rayville’s Riverfield Academy, Kate attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where she received a BA degree in Advertising from the Manship School of Journalism and a gained a command of the Spanish language that would prove to be invaluable her life’s work. While in school she traveled abroad with LSU Paris and LSU Oaxaca, deepening her desire to push herself beyond comfort zones.

After graduation, “I made a bet with one of my best friends that we should go to Austin and do graduate school. My goal was to get a dual masters in Latin American studies and communications,” says Kate with her million watt smile. Kate recounts telling her daddy that she really wanted to go to Mexico. Then she walked over to her grandmother’s house for advice. Her “Nana” wholeheartedly encouraged her to go, even offering to accompany her south of the border.

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direct flight from New Orleans to Mexico City found Kate and a few intrepid sorority sisters in the largest city in the world. While staying in a hostel, Kate was fortuitously introduced by Mr. Gonzalez, the hostel host, to guests from Shreveport. With that, Kate landed her first job, serving as an interpreter for the couple and a nanny for their two children.

When time came to make the permanent move to Mexico City, Kate’s grandmother went along for the ride, dropping Kate off at the family’s home. At a newcomer’s club of American ex-pats living in Mexico City, Kate happened to meet the wife of a man who was opening a branch of the esteemed Public Relations firm, Burson-Marstellar.

Not long after, Jorge Ortega called Kate into his office to interview for a position at the newly-founded branch. “He told me to write a press release about the invention of scissors,” explains Kate, shaking her head.

She was almost finished writing about a fictitious inventor Eduardi Scissori, when he asked her to ride with him to the airport. He had a time sensitive document that needed to get to the USDA Rice Council. Now in the days pre-9/11, pre-Internet, pre-cell phones and before international UPS and FedEx services, businesses in foreign countries often sent proposals and critical documents with complete strangers who would take envelopes from Mexico City to an airport in Houston.

Once they arrived in Houston, they would be met at the airport by a representative of the company who would take the package to its final destination. “So here I am at the huge Mexico City airport, Mr. Ortega jumps out to find a passenger who will act as our courier, and I am double parked in his car,” describes Kate. “My job was to move the car in case the authorities tried to tow it. In that year model of vehicle, the seatbelt had to be attached in order for the car to start.” A fact that was completely lost on Kate. When she couldn’t start the vehicle due to a disconnected seat belt, it was quickly towed. “So there I was. I hadn’t even been hired for the job yet with Burson-Marstellar, and I had already gotten my almost boss’ car towed. No car. No cell phone. Can you imagine? As luck would have it, I met a guy at the airport who happened to be from New Orleans, and he helped me retrieve Jorge’s car from the impound lot.”

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four formative years creating public relations magic for a myriad of multicultural clients in Mexico.

While in Mexico City, Kate was fortunate to meet John Bruton, the head of the American Chamber of Commerce. His wife was also a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, like Kate. The couple Kate Lowery in introduced her to a Laura Scotland at Duns Kelso, a new transplant to Castle - ste of Mexico City and straight HomeAway’s 2017 from Brown University. The Global Beauty and two became fast friends and ended up rooming together. the Beast campaign.

“We were super young and Lowery dressed as naive. I had come from the Frida Kahlo. smallest little town to the largest city in the world. But we got to do a lot of things.

I like to think it’s a universe thing – being at the right place at the right time.” Kate became known as the fearless girl and credits her spunky nature to her Clear Lake grandma. “I grew up with two amazing, widowed grandmothers – Helene Lowery and Frances Albright. My role models were strong, independent women.”

At the ripe age of 22, one of Kate’s mammoth in the public relations industry, earliest successes was a fashion show held Fleishman-Hillard, jumping on the chance at a beautiful museum for fashion forward to move closer to home and leveraging and ethically conscious brand, United Colors her experience within Spanish-speaking of Benetton. “Every media outlet showed communities. As Vice President for the firm, up; everyone was there from television and Kate served as the Spanish spokesperson for print,” says Kate, And Luciana Benetton a telecom powerhouse in the booming Texas kissed her hand for her efforts. market, providing diversity and inclusion

An opportunity to open offices of public relations for the client. The turn of the Burson-Marstellar in Santiago, Chile, as well century was an interesting time to be working as Argentina, took Kate to South America, in Texas with an explosion of Dot Com and where she began to feel the effects of being far high tech clients, says Kate. One of her tastiest removed from the fields of Richland Parish. publicity stunts was for the opening of Krispy She recalls that because of an outbreak in Kreme doughnuts, because she laughs, “Let’s cholera, the government had banned the face it. Who doesn’t love fried masses of use of lettuce on sandwiches. Kate worked sweet carbs?” with the Chilean government in filtering

In 2001, Austin-based Whole Foods, the crop water in order to restore lettuce back on flagship purveyor of organic and ethically the Big Mac for her client. During her South sourced foods from around the globe, was American years, she worked for corporate in rapid expansion mode. Kate made the giants, building brands for the likes of Proctor leap to the client side of public relations, and Gamble, Ford Motor Company, 3M, becoming Whole Food’s Global Head of Motorola, IBM and Unilever among many Public Relations and Communications. One others. of her first projects for the brand was to open

In 1997, Kate took the call from another London and New York City stores. Early

“We were super young and naive. I had come from the smallest little town to the largest city in the world. But we got to do a lot of things. I like to think it’s a universe thing – being at the right place at the right time.” on, Kate helped launch the Whole Planet Foundation. “I got to travel to Madagascar to learn about how cacao beans make the journey to become bar chocolate. It was one of the best trips of my entire life.”

After fifteen years as head of Global PR for Whole Foods, Kate decided to stretch herself and make the move to another Austin start up, HomeAway, where she has led their global team since the end of 2015.

“Leaving Whole Foods was the hardest thing I have ever done,” says Kate. “but I thought capping off my career with a Dot Com experience would be the icing on the cake. I also love that it’s a truly global job, but I didn’t have to leave Austin.” Her communications team is spread across five continents with the goal to increase brand visibility through public relations.

Home Away is an Expedia brand and is the world’s leader in vacation rentals with sites representing more than 2 million unique places to stay across the globe. Represented in the HomeAway portfolio are HomeAway. com, VRBO.com, VacationRentals.com in the United States, and many vacation rental websites in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Brazil, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, as well as BedandBreakfast. com. Kate shares that one of her goals is to experience one new country each year. Her trip this year entails a tour of Bali, Singapore and Thailand. While there, Kate will take part in HomeAway leadership meetings and participating in a fun Thai food cooking school.

Known for her ability to take a big idea and turn it into reality, Kate’s time with HomeAway has been nothing short of spectacular, if not slightly miraculous. Kate and her team created content driven public relations events that no amount of paid advertising could touch. Seizing on the fact that HomeAway was a sponsor the EUFA EURO Soccer Tournament, which was held in Paris, France, Kate and her team created the “Eiffel Tower All Yours” campaign to capitalize on the brand’s sponsorship in the City of Light. A temporary apartment, created in partnership with a French interior designer, was built out in an existing conference room within the tower.

Winning entries were chosen based on their answer to HomeAway’s question: What would you do in the Eiffel Tower, if you had it all to yourself for one night?

Winning families came from the United States, France, the United Kingdom and Japan. Post terrorism, Parisian authorities were trying to encourage travel to France.

The “two bedroom apartment” was built out in 48 hours wth the same stipulations for returning the space to its original state as a conference room. HomeAway secured different curated experiences for each family based on their answers to the contest.

Needless to say, Kate’s Eiffel Tower give-away generated enormous amounts of positive media exposure from Good Morning America, The Today Show, BBC, NPR, Reuters and more, resulting in double the amount of impressions for HomeAway, year over year.

How does one top such an impressive public relations feat? If you are Kate Lowery, you dream like a Disney princess! HomeAway, partnering with Disney’s during the release of their blockbuster movie Beauty and the Beast in 2017, created a “Be Our Guest Sweepstakes” to win a 5-night stay in Duns Castle in Scotland for twenty friends. The media response to this experience was over the top with NBC’s Today Show allocating multiple days of coverage with both Al Roker and European correspondent Kir Simmons, diving deep into the story with live feeds from the 14th century castle.

Kate and her team brought in bloggers and influencers to help promote the event and giveaway on social media outlets as well.

Says Kate, “Nothing could top Al Roker sitting on the castle’s throne, and we hated it when he had to cut his time in Scotland short due to an impending winter storm in New York.”

With a new promotion about to drop for HomeAway in April of 2018, one can only wonder what authentically wonderful idea Kate has in store for those who want to wander.

In Austin and in Mexico, Kate has put her expertise in public relations and business acumen to work for non-profits that are making a difference in people’s quality of life.

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As a Founding Board Member of The Hispanic Alliance in 2011, Kate helped create and guide this non-profit that builds participation in the performing arts in Austin’s growing Hispanic community, focusing primarily on underserved youth and their families. “We use music as a catalyst to help students get ahead. Austin Sound Waves, a program of The Hispanic Alliance, has just graduated its first class with all of its participants receiving letters of college acceptance,” says Kate proudly.

Sadly, after this interview Kate learned that one of the program’s success stories, Draylen Mason, was murdered in a package bomb explosion. He was accepted into the selective Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin and was to begin classes there in the fall of 2018.

The walking trails around Austin’s Lady Bird Lake are in good hands with Kate, serving currently on The Trail Foundation’s Development Committee. Kate has also served as this non-profit’s Board President, Vice-President, Secretary and Communications Chair.

The Trail Foundation is celebrating its 15th anniversary of connection people, pets and the environment.

Fifteen years ago, Kate’s friend started a non-profit in Oaxaca, Mexico to create Puente a la Salud Comunitaria (Bridge to Community Health), which contributes to food sovereignty and advances the health and well-being of rural communities in Mexico. This non-profit promotes the consumption, production and commercialization of amaranth, which is a natural, sustainable and nutrient-dense solution to many of the health problems faced in developing countries. Ever resourceful, Kate asked friends through social media to give $15 in honor of this non-profit’s 15th anniversary. She, in turn, matched her friends’ donations and HomeAway matched her donations as well.

Within minutes she had surpassed her goal. “It is heartwarming and validating proof that the biggest hearts are in Northeast Louisiana. My 1980’s high school friends gave to help my Mexican friends,” says Kate, flashing her movie star smile.

Kate’s advice on success? “Find your passion, then give it your all.”

AUSTIN TO-DO LIST: KATE’S MUST SEE PLACES IN AUSTIN: The Trail is a must, and a hike to the top of Mount Bonnell provides gorgeous views of the eastern shores of the Lake Austin portion of the Colorado River.

KATE’S TOP RESTAURANTS TO EXPERIENCE IN AUSTIN: There are so many great restaurants, in no certain order: Taste of Texas for approachable fun Lambert’s for delicious fish and BBQ! Kimuri Tatsuya is a departure for Austin and is a fusion of Texas meets Japan in an Izacaya style with slow-smoked fish that literally pulls apart in a casual atmosphere Fonda San Miguel - Brunch here is an Old Austin tradition not to be missed Tacodeli for breakfast tacos Jeffrey’s for Happy Hour and burgers by the fireplace Launderette Mattie’s BEST PLACE FOR LIVE MUSIC? The Continental Club is an authentic Austin experience

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OH THE PLACES YOU WILL GO Continued From Page 128

For you see, when I was a child, way back during the same days that God was creating the land and the property that I live on, my family moved to Rome, Italy. My dad worked overseas in Africa, and my parents decided to move to an “American compound” for two years and put us closer to my dad who would fly in and out every few weeks. What an experience, and perhaps that’s where I cultivated my love affair with this country. Imagine a young, beautiful blonde mother (my mom) travelling all over the country with three blonde little girls (clearly, not Italian), and you can also imagine that those memories have stayed with me my entire life. We sub-let a townhome in the American village, and it had its own wine cellar and floor-to-ceiling library.

I would sit for hours and look through books I didn’t understand, and I will never forget the smells and the hundreds of books that were at my disposal. Now the wine cellar, well, I hope my mom doesn’t read my column this month, but me and my sisters spent a little time in there as well. Don’t go getting any wrong ideas, we didn’t drink any of it, well, except for that one time I picked up a bottle that had already been opened and put it to my lips, just for a fourth grade swig, and let me tell you what, that experience has certainly stayed with me, as well. It’s the real reason I lost part of my tongue (that’s an April Fool’s joke, too, I still have my tongue, it just ate some of my brain cells.) Let’s just say no one

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had to worry about my fourth grade self (with my two little sidekicks) experimenting in the wine cellar again, because I am convinced that if you were to drink straight gasoline from the pump nozzle, that’s what it would taste like.

Now, where was I? Oh yes, on a sort of virtual vacation. Well, I think that’s where I’m at, I vaguely remember starting this column by telling you I was pregnant, and now I’m sharing with you my fourth grade drinking experiences…talk about the places you will go.

So, where do you want to go, readers? More importantly, where have your travels taken you? Traveling takes you on adventures that turn you into wonderful storytellers. My children and I are planning our summer vacation as I write this column, and I am certain my readers will benefit at some point, from the experiences we enjoy.

So get busy readers, planning your next great adventure, especially when your children are young. It doesn’t have to be to Rome, Italy to create memories that will stay with your children, the world is full of sights and sounds and experiences to relish in. Make it your goal to plan something memorable, even if it’s just over to Six Flags, and I hope your travels will take you places that create memories that will last a lifetime.

Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School Technology in the Classroom

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T JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD School, we continually strive to maintain a technology-infused curriculum to promote a meaningful and engaging learning experience for our students. Recently, upper and lower grade teachers have attended LaCue and NICERC (National Integrated Cyber Education Research Center) professional development conferences to broaden their knowledge in S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, Nearpod implementation and other current technology advancements. During the summer months, JGS teachers are required to attend at least 10 hours of professional development aimed at technology advancement and improved teaching methods.

JGS teachers are currently implementing modules based on the STEM EDA (explore, discover, apply) course progression method created by NICERC. Teachers have immediate access to STEM lesson plans ranging from Kindergarten through 12th grade. STEM

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modules are project-driven, applicationbased and cross-curricular encompassing subjects including, but not limited to, math, writing, social studies, history and science.

This three-course series begins by exploring STEM concepts, progressing to discovering fundamental concepts, followed by application. Each course is designed to build upon the next by using the engineering design process. This process guides students through the design and implementation of the projects by using a seven-step process beginning with identifying the problem, researching the problem, brainstorming solutions, choosing a solution, creating and developing a prototype, testing and evaluating the prototype, and finally improving and redesigning. These defining steps are meant to provide iteration, communication, teamwork, creativity and imagination.

The recent implementation of Nearpod to the classroom has created an exciting and interactive learning experience for the

students. The program, easily accessible from the web or Nearpod app, is inclusive and immersive, allowing students to actively participate in every lesson with interactive features, such as virtual field trips, interactive drawing boards, 3D objects and real-time quizzes and polls. The program allows the teacher to control lessons across all student devices simultaneously, generating an allinclusive, one-to-one lesson. The program also allows student-paced interaction, which can be accessed from home to study or if the student has been out sick during the week.

The addition of this new technology to our campus is a wonderful enhancement to the already excellent academic atmosphere at JGS. Our teachers and students are excited about the new technology being introduced, and we have seen a wonderful response in participation and interaction. Our students are excited about learning, and that’s the way we intend to keep it.

Open enrollment is in progress at JGS. Families interested in finding out more about Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School are encouraged to contact the school office directly at 318-325-8569 or visit our website, www.jesusgoodshepherd.org.

Tours are given every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. and by appointment with our principal, Mrs. Lisa Patrick.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Wine Over Water

Spirit of The Warhawk Endowed Scholarship

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HE ULM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AND THE OUACHITA Parish Alumni Chapter will host the thirteenth annual Wine Over Water on the beautiful ULM campus bridge. Proceeds from the night benefit the Spirit of The Warhawk Endowed Scholarship, which is instrumental in attracting local scholars to ULM. The celebration will be held on Thursday, April 5 on the Northeast Drive Bridge and will overlook the beautiful Bayou DeSiard.

Tickets include a commemorative wine glass, wine from Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits and beer from Marsala Beverage. Sunset boat rides on the bayou will be provided by B & L Marine and entertainment

by Flashback 5 is sponsored by Land 3 Architect, Inc. Tickets for the bridge party are only $60.

Guests will enjoy food from nearly 30 restaurants including Aramark Catering at ULM, Bakery Boutique, Bayou Roux, CC’s Coffee House, Catfish Cabin, Catfish Charlie’s, Champions Bistro, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Copeland’s of New Orleans, Enoch’s Irish Pub, Fieldhouse, Hooters of West Monroe, Jo-el’s, Logan’s Roadhouse, LongHorn Steakhouse, Newk’s Eatery, Olive Garden, Pie Works Pizza, Podnuh’s BBQ, Red Lobster, Ronin Hibachi and Sushi, Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery, Texas Roadhouse, The Fat Pelican, The Kitchen Restaurant, The Pickle Barrel, Thurman’s Food Factory & Gifts, Trapp’s on the River and Waterfront Grill.

This event would not be possible without the generosity of local businesses. Our Merlot Sponsor is Johnny’s Pizza House.

Our Pinot Noir Sponsors include Automated Imaging Systems, Inc., Centric Federal Credit Union, Cross Keys Bank, First National Bank, Homeland Bank, Lincoln Builders, Little and Associates, LKQ Corporation, P&S Surgical Hospital, Progressive Bank, Regions Bank, Scott Powerline and Utility Equipment, Strauss Interest and the Debbie & John Luffey Family.

Zinfandel Sponsors for the evening are BancorpSouth, Holyfield Construction, Iberia Bank, Origin Bank, Richland State Bank, Thomas & Mayme Scott Foundation, Thomas and Farr and Waste Connections. The Radio People, KEDM and Sunquest Properties all supported the event with a gift in kind.

The Tonore’s Cork Pull will be sure to excite - with 50 bottles of wine up for grabs, corks can be purchased for $25 and guests can take home a mystery bottle of wine. No bottles are valued less than $25, and you have a chance to win higher valued wine and support ULM.

In addition, a Patron Party, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, will be held prior to Wine Over Water. This event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and last until 7:30 p.m in the ULM Conference Center, on the seventh floor. This will give you the best view of campus, and allow you to begin enjoying the celebration prior to the bridge opening. Patron Party tickets include heavy hors-d'oeuvres, specially selected wines for sampling for Patron guests only along with an event wine glass and attendance to the Wine Over Water Bridge Party. These tickets are $125 each, and entertainment will be provided by the LA Jazz Quartet.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ulm.edu/wine, call 318-342-5420, or stop in and see the Alumni Association staff, now located at 3601 DeSiard Street. Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Friday, 7:30am-11:30am.

To learn more about the ULM Alumni Association, please visit ulm.edu/ alumni.

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Material Things

Hit the Road with These Unique Finds

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PRING IS (FINALLY) HERE WHICH MEANS ROAD TRIPS, beach trips and all things travel. At Material Things, we have plenty of fun finds and road trip essentials to get you on the road. Check out this list that has everything you need for whatever trip you have planned.

1. TRAVEL HAT: Tula Hats are the perfect travel accessory. Not only are they UPF50 but stylish, and they make it so easy to deal with your hair. They are handmade by artisans from sustainable natural palm leaf fibers for this Austin, TX based company.

2. BOOKS: Any book makes the best gift for your away hostess or the most relaxing way to spend your down time at home or a faraway place. I have titles that can fulfill all tastes and genres.

3. SCENT: Don’t we all enjoy a familiar scent that reminds us of home when we are away? Archipelago’s Black Forest in their travel sized tin is one of the best. It is made of soy and a blend of Douglas Fir and Ebony Wood with the subtle hint of Black Currant.

4. PERSONAL SPRAY: I am totally obsessed with this new product for Material Things…mosquito repellant from Coqui Coqui. Made from citronella oil, it goes on so nice, never leaving a sticky residue.

It’s packaged in a small, stylish bottle. Just drop it in your tote, and use when necessary.

5. INSULATED TUMBLER: The utmost in style, luxury and practicality are my array of Sovaro insulated tumblers, infuser bottles and travel mugs. They keep your drinks cold or hot all day long.

6. BATH TIME: French bath products from Lothantique make wonderful travel luxuries or hostess gifts. I offer three scents that are sure to please everyone- Milk, Verbena or Grapefruit.

7. LIP BALM: Whether you are on the beach or in the mountains, you’re always in need of a great lip balm. The Lip Macaron by MOR is fabulous and comes in many flavors.

8. THANK YOU GIFT: You should always bring a small token of appreciation to your hostess when you travel-these agate coasters are an excellent choice, not only useful but beautiful as well.

9. PERSONAL PILLOW: You will wake refreshed when you nap on a silk pillowcase made especially for your travel size pillow. (Not pictured)

10. DETERGENT: I offer three divine scents, Lavender, Bamboo and Into the Woods in travel sized laundry detergent, made for those times when you need to rinse and refresh a garment when traveling.

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Greek Easter Celebration Trio's Third Annual Event Set for April 8th

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PA! TRIO’S 3RD ANNUAL GREEK EASTER CELEBRATION will be held on April 8th beginning at 11:00! Traditional Greek food will be served along with traditional Greek music and libations! Make your reservations early, as this event is a very popular one!

HOLY THURSDAY

Easter preparations begin on Holy Thursday when the traditional Easter bread, tsoureki, is baked, and eggs are dyed red, representing the blood of Christ. From ancient times, the egg has been a symbol of the renewal of life, and the message of the red eggs is victory over death. In times gone by, superstitions grew into customs that included placing the first dyed red egg in the home to ward off evil, and marking the heads and backs of small lambs with the red dye to protect them.

HOLY FRIDAY

The holiest day of Holy Week is Holy Friday. It is a day of mourning, not of work (including cooking). It is also the only day during the year when the Divine Liturgy is not read. Many devout do not cook on Holy Friday, but if they do, traditional foods are simple.

HOLY SATURDAY On the morning of Holy Saturday, preparations begin for the next day’s Easter feast. The midnight Service of the Resurrection is an occasion attended by everyone who is able, including children, where each person holds a white candle. Special candles made for Easter are called labatha and are often given as gifts to children from their parents or Godparents. These candles are only used for one Easter midnight service.When the clock passes midnight, the Priest calls out "Christos Anesti" ("Christ is risen"), and passes the flame, the light of the Resurrection, to those nearest him. The flame is then passed from person to person, and it isn't long before the church and courtyard are glowing with flickering candlelight.

EASTER SUNDAY

The main focus on Sunday is the traditional Greek Easter foods.

At dawn (or earlier), the spits are set to work and grills are fired up.

The customary main attraction of the day is whole roasted lamb or goat (kid) to represent the Lamb of God; however, many prefer oven and stovetop lamb or kid dishes. Appetizers, such as Greek olives and tzatziki (yogurt dip) are served for guests to enjoy while watching the lamb cook on the spit. Ovens are filled with traditional accompaniments and all the trimmings, such as patates fournou (potatoes roasted with citrus and oregano) and spanakotyropita (spinach and cheese pie).

Great Greek wines, ouzo, and other drinks flow freely, and preparations for the meal turn into festive celebrations!

EASTER MONDAY

Another national holiday, Easter Monday is a day to take things slowly, and certainly a day filled with delicious leftovers!

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Making Life Happen

Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency Donor Process

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OPA, LOUISIANA ORGAN PROCUREMENT AGENCY, is Louisiana’s federally designated Organ Procurement Organization, or OPO. LOPA is tasked with recovering donor organs and tissue for transplantation, along with housing and maintaining Louisiana’s Donor Registry. LOPA works strenuously to educate Louisiana’s population about the necessity of registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor. LOPA’s Core Purpose is “Making Life Happen.”

LOPA is part of a statewide initiative named Donate Life Louisiana. Donate Life Louisiana is a collaboration of LOPA, eye banks, transplant centers and others committed to donation and transplantation. Donate Life Louisiana’s collective mission and call to action is to create trust, save and enhance lives, and positively impact the number of Louisiana citizens in the donor registry through education, awareness and leadership. The team works together to accomplish this through various education, outreach and advocacy programs throughout the State of Louisiana.

Currently, more than 114,000 individuals are awaiting an organ transplant in the United States. In Louisiana alone, more than 2,000 people are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. A single donor has the potential to save nine lives, give two people sight through cornea donation, and heal the lives of 50 or more people through tissue donation.

To register as a donor, visit http://www.donatelifela.org, or for more information about LOPA, please visit http://www.lopa.org.

You can say YES to donation when asked at your local Office of Motor Vehicles, or you can register by phone by calling LOPA Metairie headquarters at 800.521.GIVE (4483).

Listen to LOPA’s informative and entertaining biweekly podcast, The Gifted Life, at: www.lopa.org/podcast, or search for The Gifted Life on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Follow Donate Life Louisiana on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on our statewide drive to register more organ, eye and tissue donors!

St. Francis Medical Center is proud to celebrate and honor its heroes – those who gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation – through recognition on the Wall of Heroes located at the downtown campus. The Wall of Heroes includes the stories and pictures of people in our region who made the choice to help someone continue their life. The Wall of Heroes was established in 2014 in an effort for St. Francis to partner with LOPA and pay special tribute to “heroes” who will live on in others, because they gave the ultimate gift – the gift of life.

On April 4, 2018, St. Francis Medical Center will recognize additional heroes who chose to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.

Following this special recognition with donor families, the group will proceed to outside the ER to observe a special moment of silence during which a LOPA Donate Life Month flag will be raised. The LOPA flag will fly beneath the American flag during the month of April to help bring attention to the importance of organ donation.

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Simply Lou Those Fabulous Flamingos article and illustration by Lou Davenport original drawing, prismacolor on paper

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inally, there are a few signs of Spring showing themselves!

The tom cats are serenading all the “ladies.” I’ve seen some daffodils, quince and forsythia beginning to bloom. It gets me in a “work in my yard” mood, and hopefully, this is my year to finally get it all back in shape before the heat and the mosquitoes run me back into the house!

Flower catalogs have been coming in for the past two months. All I can do is drool over all the pretty pictures of the luscious looking plants. None of them would last a month in my yard. Too much shade and not enough dirt. Too many trees with their never ending roots. So, I settle for what works for me. Hostas, ivy and lirope. I do have some Calla Lilly corms to plant. I’ve had one that has made it for years, through ice and snow!

We’ll have to see.

In the front, I have a rose bush that just refuses to give up on me, and my red trumpet honeysuckle that has bloomed all year. But

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mainly, dewberry vines are determined to take over and I cuss them every year as I get all scratched up from pulling them up. (and I do wear my leather gloves!)

Since I can’t grow a lot of the plants I wish I could grow, I “fill in” with yard art! I absolutely love those pink plastic flamingos and have for years! Right now, I have two that are down....that is they have “bent legs” from a tree falling on them. I just ordered four new ones, and while I was ordering I found out they make “replacement” legs for them! Now, I can have six in my flock!

Those funny plastic flamingos were first designed in 1957 by a young art student, Don Featherstone. He was commissioned

by Union Plastics, in the small town of Leominster, Massachusetts, “the plastic capital of the world,” to design a mold that could be used to mass produce the wonderful birds. He didn’t have a live model so he used pictures from National Geographic for his source. Who knew they would become such a cultural icon?! Union Plastics

has since gone out of business, but the iconic “Featherstone” flamingo is still being made.

It turns out Don Featherstone was a real character himself. He and his wife dressed alike, always in some flamingo related prints, and of course, he had plenty of pink pants! He even gave his “new species” a full scientific name, phoenicopteris ruber plasticus.

He also said he made it possible for all America to enjoy having “bad taste!” There’s a book he wrote, “Flamingos: Splendor on the Grass” that I had to order a while back.

His sense of humor made me love my little flamingos even more!

When Featherstone died in 1979, USA Today wrote “rivaled only by the gnome and tiki torch, the pink flamingos are the ubiquitous lawn ornament of choice for homeowners seeking a vintage, kitschy, ironically tacky splash of summer Americana in the yard.” All I know is I just liked them then, and I like them now! Thank you, Mr. Featherstone!

The pink flamingos came out at a time when the building boom of post World War II was going strong. Most of the houses in those subdivisions looked alike, so to make their homes stand out from the rest, a lady just needed to go pick up a couple of the birds, stick them in her yard and TADA! Instant Mid-Century cool!

Along came the ecology movement and proponents were wanting to rid the planet of all things plastic. The little pink flamingos fell from favor, and Sears even stopped selling them. People looked at the flamingos as “tacky,” and they suddenly became “endangered.”

But, thanks to the 70s, the “lowly, tacky” flamingo began to make a comeback. Once again, things that weren’t “cool” were “cool” again! The little plastic flamingo went from low brow and tacky to a revered place in popular culture.

Did you know that the city of Madison, Wisconsin named the plastic pink flamingo its “city bird” in 2009? Some college kids played a prank using about 1,000 flamingos on the front lawn of the Dean’s Office at the University of Wisconsin in 2001. The prank has been remembered fondly through the years and the city council decided to vote that little plastic bird as their very own “city bird!”

The Smithsonian Institute even has two flamingos! They “live” in their display of “Great American Popular Kitsch!”

One of the most wonderful things I have ever seen was when I was in Austin, Texas several years ago. There was a very nice lawn and garden store on the side on a busy intersection. It had covered it’s front with about 1,000 or so flamingos! I learned

that they paint them for different occasions.

Before Lance Armstrong got busted, they painted them all yellow for the Tour de France! Just one of the great things that helped “Keep Austin Weird!” I sadly found out that the lawn and garden center with it’s flamingos is now gone. I wonder where the flock flew?

Real flamingos are most interesting themselves. There are six species living around the world, although none of them live in the United States. Our zoo right here in Monroe has, according to Gary Meirs, two kinds, “Great American Flamingo” and the “Chilean Flamingo” for a total of six. I admit besides the monkeys, the flamingos are my favorites to go see. It is said that flamingos have a long life span, 20 – 30 years and even up to 50 years old in captivity!

The flamingo is from one of the oldest avian families on earth. Fossils show their ancestors lived millions of years ago. Cave paintings of flamingos have been found in caves in Spain that were dated to over 5,000 years old.

Flamingos are monogamous and mate for life. Both the male and female build a mud nest for the one egg that will be laid that year. Both parents take turns sitting on the egg. Both parents feed the baby when it hatches, a special “crop milk” which is made

in their digestive systems. They regurgitate the food into the baby. The “special baby food” is also red and it’s pigment is stored in the baby’s liver until it’s feathers begin to turn color when they are 2 – 3 years old.

When the baby flamingo is born, it’s “downy like” feathers are a grayish-white. Their bills are straight and do not start to curve until they are about two years old. The same goes for their feathers, they begin turning color about the same time.

The habitats for flamingo are usually marshy mud flats that offer protection from predators. They live together in groups that are called flocks, stands, or my favorite, flamboyance’s. The birds do not migrate and only leave an area when the food has dwindled or there are too many predators.

Luckily, for flamingos their natural habitat is not too enticing to predators.

Their curved bills serve a special purpose for “fishing for their supper.” They use their feet to stir up the muddy water, then, plunge their head into the water, twist their head upside down so the beak can be used like a shovel. The beak siphons out the water and what’s left is food such as small shrimp, shellfish, plants and plankton.

“Carotenoids” in the flamingo’s diet are what gives the feathers their color. Their color also gave them their name, the Spanish word,

flamenco, which means fire! Interestingly, when a flamingo looses a feather, the feather gradually returns to it’s original color of white!

The Flamingo has long legs and webbed feet that serve their purpose of letting the bird wade to find food. But, those webbed feet have another purpose as well.

Flamingo’s can “walk on water” with those webbed feet to gain speed to help it fly! They don’t fly often but can reach up to 35 miles an hour! We might think of the joints on the flamingo’s long legs are “knees,” but they are really the ankles. The knee is under the feathers!

Flamingos are definitely fun to watch.

When a tightly packed group walks together and then abruptly changes direction, it is said they are “marching.” They are very talkative to each other and seem to enjoy each others company. Flamingos even group the young chicks together in groups called a creche. It’s a bit like “flamingo day care!”

For me, the flamingo, real or plastic, is just something that makes me smile. I’ll have my new “flamboyance” out soon, and my back yard will be happy to see more have landed. Go buy yourself a few, and keep them off the “endangered” list!

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Morehouse May Madness New Fun and Exciting Additions to Street Festival for 2018

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ITH THE HUGE SUCCESS OF THEIR FIRST Morehouse May Madness Street Festival (MMM) and so much to celebrate in Morehouse Parish, event organizers thought why not expand the event with more entertainment and activities. Local law enforcement shared the enthusiasm for a larger festival and agreed to block more streets off in downtown Bastrop.

The Rose Theatre will kick the street festival off on Friday night, May 4 at 7 p.m. with an acoustic show by Barrett Pepper and Chad Thomas which should be a great performance. Tickets are $20 each.

Since Morehouse Parish has many acres of farm land and their roots are in agriculture, an antique tractor exhibit seemed a natural fit for the festival. As many as 30 antique tractors are expected to be on display across from the Morehouse Parish Farmers Market.

Many people that appreciate art have requested that the event include an art show. So supporters of the Snyder Museum and Art Center, located at 1620 E. Madison in Bastrop, have joined together with the MMM organizers to provide an art show in downtown Bastrop. Additionally, local artists will be freshening up a mural located near the Visitor Center at 124 North Washington.

Motorcycles of all types are popular in the northeast Louisiana region and local motorcycle enthusiasts were happy to put on their calendar a motorcycle exhibit. This exhibit will clearly enhance the festival and the classic car exhibit which will be located in the same area of the street festival.

From the parents of travel ball baseball players came a request for a baseball tournament to celebrate the popular sport. From as far back as 1950 when semi-pro teams played at Baron Ballpark in Bastrop, Morehouse Parish has loved baseball. So what better way to celebrate Morehouse Parish than with a baseball tournament which will be held at Carter Park in Bastrop?

These new additions will clearly provide more fun for everyone and enhance the original festival activities which included a classic car exhibit, a kid zone, music, the Morehouse Parish Farmers Market program and activities, food and merchant vendors, the Morehouse Country Club golf tournament (1729 Gladney Drive) and a quilt show.

Wanting to provide festival information and an easy registration for food and merchant vendors, the organizers and Northeast Tel, which is located in Collinston, LA; joined forces to create a website, morehousemaymadness.com. The website is user friendly and shares the vendors that are registered for Morehouse May Madness as well as photos from the 2017 fesival.

For more information on this exciting event, please see the advertisement at left. See you there!

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Chicken Salad Chick

Decadent Local Dining and Catering in Monroe

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TACY BROWN,THE FOUNDER OF CHICKEN SALAD CHICK, Chicken Salad Chick is a dine-in restaurant that serves homemade chicken salad, side salads, desserts and refreshing beverages. We also offer full-service catering options for your next party or event.

Whether you want to dine-in with us at our restaurant or order our food for your next party, be sure and try the best chicken salad in the South!

EAT IN OR PICK UP YOUR ORDER

Chicken Salad Chick is the perfect place for a meal with the whole family or for a quick lunch on the go! All of our chicken salad and side salads are prepared fresh daily, and we strive to offer excellent service and a world-class dining experience. For guests who cannot stay, all of our menu items are also available for takeout, or you can even take home one-pound containers of your favorite Chick! We invite you to stop by and experience why everyone is talking about Chicken Salad Chick!

ENJOY HOMEMADE FLAVORS ATYOUR NEXT CATERED EVENT

Consider calling our caterers for your next big event to order custom sandwich trays and side dishes. With 15 different chicken salad flavors and a full deli, our food is sure to please all of your guests’ taste buds. The next time you have a party planned, remember to call ahead and order from the Chick for an easy and delicious catering experience!

ORDERING TIPS:

1. Select Your Preferred Serving Option: Choose between custom platters or boxed lunches! Our platters are perfect for large parties and buffet tables, and our box lunches make the perfect lunch for business meetings or even school field trips.

2. Select the Right Chicks: When you order custom sandwich trays, choose from your favorite flavor or mix it up with a variety! You can keep it sweet, make it spicy, or stick with traditional. For guests who may want something other than chicken salad, we do create traditional deli meat sandwiches as well!

3. Stock Up on Sides: Our fresh side salads are the perfect way to round out your meal. Choose from broccoli, pasta, fruit and grape salads.

4. Sweeten the Deal: Do not complete your order without choosing from one of our freshly baked cookie trays or scrumptious fresh strawberries with homemade fruit dip.

5. Refreshing Drinks: Complete your order by choosing from gallons of sweet tea, unsweet tea, lemonade or bottled water.

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Photo the ‘Roe 11th Annual Photo Contest Annouced

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t’s photo contest time. The MonroeWest Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau and BayouLife Magazine are partnering once again to host their photo contest for the 11th year in a row.

First, second and third places in both the student and adult category will receive prize money starting at $150, but the Best of Show winner receives $200 and the photo will be featured on the July cover of BayouLife Magazine.

This year’s theme is Photo the ‘Roe, inspired by the growing downtown areas, new local business, and the local community committed to making the area even better than it is. To adhere to the theme, submit photos from anywhere in Ouachita Parish. Use popular Monroe-West Monroe settings like

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Antique Alley, Landry Vineyards, Downtown Monroe, local restaurants, Kiroli Park, and Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, just to name a few.

Last year, the MWMCVB received over 100 entries in the photo contest. Many of those entries, as well as past entries, have been featured in national advertisements and other materials, including the popular Visitors Guide, to promote the Monroe-West Monroe area.

The winners of the contest will be announced at the Downtown Gallery Crawl in June.

The MWMCVB will begin accepting submissions on April 1. The deadline to enter is May 18 at 5:00 p.m. Please submit photos in digital format, along with the registration

form, to Jerrica Bennett at jbennett@monroewestmonroe.org. Photos must be taken within the past two years and in Ouachita Parish to be eligible. Images that include people must be accompanied by a signed Model Release Form that is included in the Registration Packet.

For more information, call the Communications Department of the MWMCVB at (318) 387-5691 or visit www. monroe-westmonroe.org/phototheroe to download the registration packet. Registration information will be available on April 1.

Southern Bath & Kitchen Your Partner in Creating your Dream Home

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AKE A MOMENT. TAKE A PAUSE WITH US. RELAX. Our lives can sometimes be hectic (in some cases, frequently!).

We’re prone to scheduling nightmares, endless errands, shuttling kids around and entertaining guests. What’s your escape from all this activity? For those of us at Southern Bath & Kitchen, it’s a haven in your home – a place where you can unwind, be yourself and enjoy your surroundings. And like so many of us, we spend a lot of time in our kitchen and bathrooms. Making these rooms fantastic is a critical part of building your dream home.

Now, as you take a breather with us, envision what your dream bath or kitchen looks like. Imagine the curves of the bathtub and faucet. That delightful kitchen sink. Gleaming appliances. Helping you take that dream home, this idea, and making it a reality is what we do, every single day!

As you’re dreaming about what that bath or kitchen looks like, take a moment and browse through our website at southernbathandkitchen. com. You’ll find great inspiration on design, materials and more. And with details on each of our 40-plus locations in the Southeast right at your fingertips, you’ll be able to find a stunning showroom near you.

When it comes time to find that exact piece for the kitchen and bath, you’ll spend time with our superb showroom consultants.

Schedule a one-on-one appointment to talk through your design project or remodel, and let our team find the products and brands that can help make that concept a reality.

While you’re with our knowledgeable showroom consultants, you’ll get to touch and feel the wide selection of products in stock.

Whether it’s a farmhouse sink, a free-standing tub, a touch-sensor kitchen faucet, steam units for your personal luxury bathroom, all the way down to knobs and hardware, Southern Bath & Kitchen has everything you need.

Whether you’re getting ready to break ground on a new home, knocking down walls in a remodel or maybe just thinking about a future project, come visit us at Southern Bath & Kitchen. Our lowpressure, no-hassle team is ready to help you take that dream kitchen and make it a reality.

With fantastic personalized service and unparalleled industry expertise, Southern Bath & Kitchen is here to help. Give them a call at (318) 387-9184 or visit them online at southernbathandkitchen.com.

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AUSTIN PROFILE

A Southern Soul Journey Michelle John, Monroe native, now resides in Austin, TX as a practicing art therapist

BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN G MEYERS

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ichelle John, a native of Monroe, is a mixed media artist currently living in Austin, Texas. She is also a licensed psychotherapist who never stays in one place for too long. She is not afraid of chance, change or circumstance. She believes in art, expression and is constantly discovering new paths, mediums and forms of healing. Michelle is an artist, in every sense of the word, and is consistently evolving her craft and, in a sense, her approach to life. In order to view the world in a, “different lens,” Michelle felt she had to get out of Monroe to learn about other cultures and see people up close. She went to River Oaks High School, and then attended Ole Miss receiving a BFA in visual communication. She traveled to Memphis where she freelanced and worked for clients like Frito Lay as a computer artist. While waiting tables at BB King’s Blues Club, she carded the man himself when he walked up to the door with his two big bodyguards. He wasn’t recognizable with his sunglasses on, but she still had a job the next day. After Memphis, she moved first to Shreveport to do PR for Russian Ministries then moved to Baton Rouge and worked for a printing house then a retail outlet - United Apparel Liquidators that transferred her to New Orleans; while there, she sold artwork on Jackson Square and waited tables at the Cafe Masperós on Decatur and Palace Cafe before taking a job on The American Queen, a steamboat that traveled up and down the Mississippi River. She isn’t afraid of uprooting everything for the sake of a soul’s journey, quoting Tolkien,“Not all who wander are lost.”

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Onto the next adventure, Michelle’s 1972 Super Beetle VW with a rubber band engine gave out, and she decided to “lay low for a minute” and conserve money. She lived for a month at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and moved to Santa Fe to wait tables at La Fonda. While in Santa Fe, she decided to get her Master’s in art therapy at Southwestern College. She found her passion. Art for therapy came naturally, but she didn’t realize she could get a degree doing it. At Ole Miss she had met a man creating, “huge spiky sculptures,” who said they were representations of his seizures.

It was the first Michelle heard of creating art for healing therapy, and she decided to make it her life’s work. While in Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Gallup, New Mexico, Michelle had the opportunity to work with populations in an acute psychiatric hospital, several outpatient clinics, adoption agency, court-ordered family mediation, domestic violence shelter and children’s treatment centers.

After a very short move to Gallup, she finally made it to Alaska where she worked in the bush for 5 years. Flying in and out on a single-engine aircraft they called a, “puddle-jumper,” Michelle served as the only Masters level counselor for eight villages totaling 2500 people based out of McGrath, Alaska. Eventually, she was promoted to executive director. Alaska experiences daylight for 20 hours per day in summer, and nighttime for 20 hours per day in the winter.

At 2 am one night, Michelle received a call that a wild animal was sniffing her bike. A bear cub was loose in the village and had sniffed out the juice from the dogfish Michelle had brought home for her

cats. It was bright outside, but Michelle didn’t see the animal at first.

He had climbed up a tree, so she hopped on a four-wheeler she used to get to work and found the bear cub up a tree no more than a car length away from her. This wasn’t the only animal encounter - far from it - she has lots of these experiences. Moose were common in the bush; Michelle used trees to dodge them, insisting, “Moose don’t corner well.” Lynx, wolverines, bears (brown and black mostly) were everywhere. She could see wolves from the air on her flights in and out. She worked mainly with the Athabascans, a native Alaskan population, along with the Yupik Eskimo, Tlingit and other tribes.

The villages were located along four main river systems: Kuskokwim, Takotna, Yukon and Innoko. The agency where she worked was called Four Rivers Counseling Services, a nonprofit, state-funded. Living in Alaska is expensive: a jar of peanut butter being $12, a frozen T Bone steak being $18, and a bag of Oreos ranging from $6-$8. She would go into Anchorage monthly to shop for food; it was cheaper to box it up and ship it. During that time Michelle was also flying out to Santa Barbara monthly working on her PhD in clinical psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.

She was living in Anchorage working for Southcentral Foundation as a Clinical Supervisor for four years when her last summer in Alaska was grey and dark, and she couldn’t stomach the prospect of another dark winter. It was time to come back South.

Michelle insists, “It all came down to the darkness.” She adds, you can take the girl outta the South but not the South outta the girl.” Dating in Alaska was tough, as Michelle puts it, “The odds are good, but the goods are odd.”

Her friend, Jana Brockman, told her to come stay at her lake house in Austin, and Michelle landed a job within the month at The Art Institute of Austin. Michelle claims, “Austin was like coming home to the mothership.” She taught basic psychology classes: general psychology, career development and human sexuality. Michelle says, “I still run into my students all the time.” She used to show at EAST (East Austin Studio Tour) and may show at WEST (West Austin Studio Tour) in the future.

Her garage in Austin has become her studio. She loves doing interior design, and she comes by it honest, as her mother was well-known for her interior design skill. Her mother, Sandra John, had her own design business and is well known by many of the families in the Monroe area. Michelle notes that her mother helping people with their environment is not unlike therapy.

In Alaska, Michelle found she liked quilting and layering of fabrics or fiber arts. She’s not choosy, when it comes to media used in her own works of art and art therapy. She’s known to melt crayons, incorporate pastels, acrylics, beadwork, feathers, watercolors, whatever strikes her fancy. She dabbles in lots of media, lets the materials speak for themselves.

In art therapy, for example when working with over-anxious kids or adults, she might use black and white coloring sheets to help mirror back, “containment and boundaries.” Watercolor is harder to contain, a more emotional medium, loose and unrestrained. Teens tend to harbor lots of self-judgment and prefer working with pencils and erasers, lots of sketching. They prefer a harder, more contained medium. Sometimes she just gives her clients a craft for a sense of accomplishment; it’s a step in the right direction.

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Her home is filled with art. Her living room has a distinct botanical, undersea vibe with large undersea prints. She has a bust of Poseidon she found in Memphis with her late mother. She has since begun beading it, using it as personal therapy in the grieving process. Michelle says “anything can become therapeutic, for example, playing golf - where you are definitely playing against yourself on those greens - you can work out a lot of emotion...like screaming at the ball - so getting frustrated with beads popping off a sculpture is also therapeutic.” Crafting becomes an, “outer manifestation of the inner process; it gives emotions expression.” A suncatcher collection she began in Alaska fills a sunny window. She makes voodoo dolls from found objects like: wood, symbols, jewelry pieces, feathers and beads. Voodoo dolls are a different cultural expression that may have gotten a bad rap. It can harness beautiful sentiments of, “prosperity, love and cleansing.” She claims one can, “empower anything with intention for good or protection, much like a cross around someone’s neck.” She dabbles in feng shui, paints rocks and crafts beaded eggs that she gives out to friends. Michelle is willing to try anything that makes her happy, that infuses the soul with a sense of knowing. She created a series of pastels based on New Orleans Mardi Gras krewes. She is getting more into abstracts, colors and metallics. She has done portraits of jazz musicians and Native Americans, moose paintings and trees. She has art in various stages of completion and is still working with Poseidon.

Moving forward, Michelle has a few books in her head that need to be written. She may go back to teaching, and is currently practicing somatic experiencing, using the body to facilitate recovery for anxiety, depression and trauma in her private practice out of her home. She is a member of the Jung Society which engages in dialogues like Soul and Food, using food as a means of understanding soul and what we “feed” ourselves. Michelle is also interested in how cinema informs the collective culture with movies like Wonder Woman and Black Panther and how these stories might be significant for our time. She hopes to one day return to Alaska to teach other counselors about incorporating the body in their trauma work - maybe in a conference format. Michelle will continue to write, paint and counsel her clients always “barefoot in her living room” with her two Shih Tzu - Jacomo and Roux. She uses her creativity to enrich her own life and enhance the lives of the souls within her reach.

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What We're Cooking

Lemongrass Mango Louisiana Shrimp with Vermicelli Rice Noodles

This bright, flavorful shrimp dish features sautéed shrimp with lemongrass-infused coconut milk over a bed of vermicelli.

Cooking/Prep Time: 15 minutes, Serves 8 INGREDIENTS • 3 lbs. Louisiana shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail off • 1/4 cup peanut oil • 1/2 cup shallot, minced • 1/4 cup ginger, minced • 1/2 Tbsp. garlic, minced • 1/4 cup Jalapeño, no seeds, minced • 3 sticks lemongrass, split in half • 1 1/2 cups carrot, julienne • 2 1/4 cups coconut milk • 2 Tbsp. red curry paste • 1/2 cup lime juice • 3/4 cup mango, diced • 24 oz. rice vermicelli noodles, cooked according to directions on package • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped • 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped DIRECTIONS 1. Heat medium sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add peanut oil, shallots, ginger, garlic, jalapeño and lemongrass stalk. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add carrot julienne and Louisiana shrimp and sauté an additional minute. Add coconut milk, curry paste, lime juice and diced mango. Cook for 2-3 more minutes.

Remove lemongrass stalk.

2. Add rice noodles, basil, cilantro and mint to pan and toss. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

3. Serve in bowls, dividing shrimp, noodles and broth evenly.

More than just miles separate domestic seafood from the imports. Before your next trip to a grocery store, fish counter or restaurant, learn a little about what sets domestic seafood apart. For more information and where to buy, visit LouisianaSeafood.com

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St. Frederick “Warriors Wear It Well” St. Frederick High School presents the 14th Annual Style Show and Luncheon

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HE SENIOR CLASS WILL BE MODELING FASHIONS AND trends from local businesses. The Style Show and luncheon is a fun, family-friendly event that is the seniors’ last showcase before graduation. This year’s show will feature not only a fashion aspect but will incorporate each student’s personality and a look into their future education plans. As the show comes to close, the SFHS alumni walk will celebrate the tradition and continual support of the St. Frederick Family.

The future 2019 seniors will be introduced to conclude the Style Show.

St. Frederick is a Catholic school with a diverse student body from many religious backgrounds and walks of life. St. Frederick is a college preparatory school with a rigorous educational curriculum.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for anyone who is interested. Sponsorship levels: Sapphire Level for $1,500 with three tables, seating 8 per table and lunch; Platinum Level: $1,000 with two tables, seating 8 per table and lunch: Gold Level: $500 includes one table, seating for 8 and lunch: and Silver Level for $250 with 4 tickets and lunch. General admission tickets are available for $25 each. Please contact the school to purchase sponsorships and tickets 318-323-9636.

St. Frederick would like to thank our retail sponsors: Buckle, The Camouflage Shop, Cara’s, Cavender’s, Eleven 26, Fleet Feet, Hemline, HerringStone’s, J & H Boots, Jos A Bank, King of Hearts, K-Sera, The Nude Nomad, River Outfitters, Ron Alexander and Sue Anu.

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S T. F RE DE RICK PRE S E NTS TH E GRADUATING CLAS S OF 2 0 1 8 Morgan Boudreaux Dawson Bowes Sarah Breithaupt Ethan Brister Caroline Brown Brianna Clingan Demarco Collins Tyler Cook Kylie Embanato Callie Ezell Samantha Frusha Jaylen Giesbrecht Grayson Gilbert Noa Gonzalez Devin Gordon Adam Gremillion Cale Guillory

Hallie Gurba John Hand Clare Haney Leon Harvey IV Tyler Harris Ashlyn Hilburn Bailee Howard Grant Johnson Ashton Lowery Gareth Maddox Madison Mascagni Jacob Mayo Daniel O’Leary Christopher Pankey Kristy Pham James Randels Ashton Rocconi

Jonathan Roy Madison Russell Mason Ryan Jackson Ryder Sophee Sanderson Mem Smelser John Spence Thomas Stodghill IV Weston Swanner Gabrielle Tramontana Seth Trezise Nick Turrentine Madisyn Underwood Mackenzie Weston Robert White Jack Wier Madison Williams

St. Francis Urgent Care Clearing the Air: How to Distinguish Allergies from a Cold

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PRING IN LOUISIANA MEANS A BURST OF GREEN, crawfish, festivals and, for many, itchy eyes and a runny nose. Yes, along with all of the goodness of spring, many of us experience allergic rhinitis, which is a fancy name for seasonal allergies. But wait! The common cold exhibits many of the same symptoms and is treated differently. So how can you tell which is which?

A cold is an infection caused by a virus. Allergies are your immune system’s reaction to a substance like pollen from plants or pet dander. The two conditions cause similar symptoms and knowing the difference between the two can help you get the right treatment, and feel better faster.

Allergies are prevalent at this time of year and cause your nose to run with mucus that is clear or watery. Your eyes will be itchy and water, and if you have these symptoms for more than a week, it’s probably allergies as a cold usually clears up after a week to 10 days. Finally, allergies may often only show up in certain situations.

Do you find yourself sneezing only in the spring or fall? Are you miserable after being outside in the back yard or a house with cats?

Colds exhibit some of the same symptoms of allergies, but also come with a cough, low-grade fever, headache, or mild body aches.

With a cold, your symptoms may not be consistent and your mucus will be yellow, green or thick, as immune cells fight back against the cold virus.

“Many people think they have to suffer through a cold or put up with allergies by taking random medicine to fight it off,” says, Dr. Nahid Islam with St. Francis Urgent Care. “Unfortunately, you do have to let a cold run its course, but urgent care facilities can offer direction on the proper medications and treatments to help ease the symptoms of a cold and also provide quicker, temporary relief of allergies.”

St. Francis Urgent Care provides walk-in care and online checkin 7 days a week for colds and allergies, as well as minor illnesses and injuries, treating patients age 3 months and older at 2020 Tower Drive in Monroe. Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit www.StFrancisUrgentCare.net.

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Junior League of Monroe

Inaugural Tennis Tournament Set for April 27-29

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HE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF MONROE IS EXCITED TO HOST their inaugural charity fundraiser tennis tournament April 27-29 at the Monroe Athletic Club. Junior League members Tori Krutzer Fisher and Samantha Combs are the leaders of the committee that is overseeing the event and have been working the past few months to obtain sponsors and confirm details. “We are excited to be able to offer a healthy activity to the community, all while having fun and raising money for a good cause,” said Tori Fisher. The tournament is open to all levels and ages of players. In addition to the tournament itself, there will be games and fun activities like a radar gun to clock the speed of your serve. Lunch will be provided to all players, and you can even purchase some delicious baked goods, all made from Junior League cookbooks’ recipes. Entry forms are available at the Junior League house, online at jlmonroe.org or at the Monroe Athletic Club.

You can also contact Samantha and Tori for more information.

The money raised from the tournament will help the Junior League of Monroe help fund their projects and mission. Since 1930, members of the Junior League of Monroe have devoted countless volunteer hours to meet the needs of the people and organizations of our community. Community leaders have always looked to the Junior League of Monroe for leadership in starting new community programs. As a result, the JLM has often been the catalyst that turned an idea into a success that benefited many in our area. Some of those

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worthwhile endeavors include mini-grants for local teachers, ACT workshops for area students, Kids in the Kitchen, Shots for Tots, Star Lab, CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocate, Zoo Docent Program and many more.

Other fundraisers throughout the year include a sporting clay tournament in the fall and the annual Spring Market, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary.

This year’s President, Melissa Kiper has spent this past league year dedicated to her theme, “Mission Possible.” “I chose this theme after careful thought as to what the Junior League is all about…our mission,” said Melissa Kiper. “We are an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.” The entire Junior League board and members have worked tirelessly throughout this year to promote the mission and improve the community. The 2017-2018 board includes Melissa Kiper, Cydni Hanks, Meghan Sharp, Kelli Cole, Cherry Coon, Allison Earl, Kathryn Bagley, Loretta Lemoine, Joann Powell, Lauren Voorhees, Mary Francis Siggers, Heather Guillot and Jenny Pankey.

Haven: Interiors, Fine Paper and Gifts Monroe’s Premier Shopping Destination

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AVEN IS A GREAT DESIGN SHOP that offers luxurious bedding, elegant accessories to complete your home and a wonderful selection of distinctive gifts.

BEACH READY!

Haven just received a collection of swim suit cover-ups from Roller Rabbit. This amazing company makes each piece by hand in collaboration with artisans in over twenty countries around the world. Their tunics and beach bags are hand stamped, so each one is slightly different. All the tassels and trims are hand knotted for that extra detail. Be sure to check out the brightly colored necklaces in this new collection, which are a must to go with any swimsuit coverup! This summer you will be heading out to the beach in style thanks to this new collection.

HORN JEWELRY Another new arrival at Haven is an amazing line of natural buffalo horn jewelry.

Some pieces have painted details that provide a pop of color which makes a statement, while keeping the organic allure of the natural horn.

Beautifully crafted with a modern flair, this collection offers one-of-a-kind horn pendant necklaces, stylish lightweight earrings, bangle bracelets and cuffs. Casual, classic and perfect for summer!

TRAVEL NECESSITIES Keep everything organized while traveling with Stephanie Johnson’s luxurious travel accessories. Subtle neutral colorways, solids with textures and bold patterns in gray tones are a few of your choices. Each piece is not only beautifully created but durable. From cosmetic bags to travel jewelry organizers, you are sure to find the perfect travel accessory for your taste! The smaller pieces are practical yet stunning enough to carry and wear as a standalone handbag or accessory.

For the world and everyday traveler – Prevent your credit card information from

being stolen! Travel easier and safer with RFID blocking wallets and organizers. Also, make packing and unpacking a breeze by keeping your items organized with our see-through mesh packing cubes.

NEW NEST FRAGRANCES Crisp and Clean. Stop by to check out Nest Fragrances’ brand-new Linen collection.

Notes of apple blossom and white orchid give a fresh scent to any room.

We also just received a shipment of Cedar Leaf and Lavender, which is already a hit with a lot of the Nest shoppers. This herbal scent may help you relax after a long day.

Locals know that Haven has wonderful gifts for all ages. With a friendly staff and complimentary gift wrapping, their customer service can’t be beat. So be sure to visit Haven: A shopping destination you won’t want to miss!

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AUSTIN PROFILE

The Ramblin’ Rose Company Paige Plaisance, a Lake St. John girl, graduated from LSU in fashion merchandising and started her business in Austin, TX.

BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE & PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN G MEYERS

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aige Plaisance was born a smalltown girl with big town dreams.

She attended Tensas Academy with only 13 classmates and spent the weekends and summers on the water: Lake St. John, where her parents live; Lake Bruin; and Lake Concordia, where she spotted her dream on retro wheels. After graduating in May 2014 from LSU in fashion merchandising, Paige moved to Austin, Texas. She had visited two friends the previous December and fell in love with the city, particularly the music scene. Paige sings and plays piano and appreciated being able to walk into any bar on the street in downtown Austin and hear live music. She claims, “The music playing draws you in, just like in New Orleans.” The music excited her, along with the food truck craze. So many restaurants in Austin start in a food truck; it’s a low risk way to test a product.

She also noticed all the retail trailers and decided she needed to open a boutique, but not just in any trailer.

Paige wanted an airstream.

She calls it the “Silver Bullet.” It’s an old 1972 aluminum trailer with rounded edges. She spotted it on Lake Concordia on one of her trips home for Thanksgiving. She saw the owner’s daughter at a birthday party that weekend on Lake Bruin, and said she had to have it. Paige’s dad redid the trailer, ripping out the old interior. The inside was painted white, and clothing racks and shelves were constructed. Her dad was remodeling the Silver Bullet in Louisiana while Paige was getting the business together in Austin, finding clothing and local jewelry makers. She features Station 19 Designs by her friend Mickey, Luster by her friend Liz, and other local artisans. Paige’s dad drove the trailer from Waterproof, Louisiana, to Austin, Texas, only breaking down once. Paige says, “Stuff fell out of the bottom, and a kind soldier stopped and helped dad saw it off.”

Paige found a spot on Barton Springs Road.

It’s a popular food truck lot in the heart of Austin with other retail trailers. She hosts events where her friends come play music while the mobile boutique is open. The Marshall Hood Band is a favorite, and sometimes Paige sings along. She hosts The Barton Springs Artists & Makers Market featuring all types of local makers including jewelry designers, candlemakers and live painters. She encourages other creative entrepreneurs to share her space. She is able to help other people start their own businesses while also attracting people to the area. Paige does do pop up shops around town to spread the word, sometimes in sorority houses and even at South by Southwest. Austin hosts an unlimited number of events where people can showcase their talents.

Paige knew she loved retail, having worked at Hemline in Baton Rouge and then in Austin and she was always thinking, “What would I do if I had my own store?” She’s a creative person who recognized her clothes gave her confidence when she would play music on stage. She wants to share that experience

with others. And her boutique trailer allows her to share her passion with her clientele. She loves meeting new people and making others feel good. She encourages her customers to step out of their comfort zones and try things they might not normally wear.

She met her friend, Mickey, working in Austin, and they bonded over their love of the same music. Paige wanted a name for her business, and Mickey suggested Ramblin’ Rose from one of their favorite Grateful Dead songs, the concept being a, “traveling trailer rambling on.” It fits Paige’s bohemian style. She focuses mainly on women’s clothing, a mixture of simple and practical pieces, while also bringing in bright colors and a mixture of different materials, velvet and satin being some of Paige’s favorites. The style of the clothing is casual, as well as the shoes. She sells huaraches, made in Mexico. They’re colorful hand-woven loafers made by Fiesta Feet.

She has hats, shirts, dresses, jeans, flares being her favorite, and tons of jewelry. She highlights band T shirts. Some popular ones now are: Waylon Jennings, Tom Petty, The Band and of course, the Grateful Dead. Paige picks a wide variety of pieces she likes for the store, and it all seems to come together. She’s not afraid of wild, colorful pieces, insisting, “If I love it, I want it in my store.”

Paige knew her dreams were bigger than Waterproof, Louisiana, and she isn’t afraid to follow those dreams. She loves where she’s from, and someday could find her way back there. She credits her parents for always having faith in her, for their encouragement. It was her mom who encouraged Paige to change her major from business to fashion merchandising, recognizing her daughter’s talent and passion early on. And that comfort of having people who love her behind her makes diving into the unknown easier. Paige knows she can always go home. But she recognized that her hometown was small, and she ventured out to experience something new. She is taking that small town relatable personality and making a name for herself in Austin.

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THE LOFT This breezy floral one-piece features wide bell sleeves and a keyhole cut-out taking front and center! The elastic waistline holds high-rise shorts that flutter down to a cheeky silhouette. Accessorize with an iconic platform wedge and gunmetal hoops.

STICKWORK AT PEASE PARK

TALES OF TRAVEL From the Texas Hill Country to the urban jungle, these looks represent the season’s best. Model: Ellie Jackson, MUAH by Meka Bennett, Photography by Martin G Meyers

This fashion shoot is a promotion for “Fashion Fusion – Where Dance Meets Design,” a presentation with DBK Dance and Performing Arts to benefit Cancer Foundation League. Join us for Fashion Fusion on April 28th at the Monroe Civic Center Arena. All of the boutiques featured have donated their time and best runway looks for this event.

THE NUDE NOMAD This jacket is boho glamour at its best. It features a clever compilation of crinkled chiffon, mirror dots, beading, embroidery and fringing that combines to form a statement piece. Pair with a simple, chic black crop pant and these open toe, heels with wrap around ankle tie glitter ribbon. Accessorize with a Rolling Stones record purse, and chokers in varying lengths. THE MEAN EYED CAT IN AUSTIN, TX

CARA’S BOUTIQUE We adore this flirty flounce top in this bold green hue with matching culotte pants with tie front. This outfit is perfect for spring or summer - making it a great set for your wardrobe. Accessorize with gold and white tassel earrings, beaded bracelets and these fabulous strappy block heels.

HOPE OUTDOOR GALLERY

CHANTICLEER’S Ready for date night? This stylish gray romper is the perfect fit. Flattering for many body types, it features a criss-cross front and tie at the waist. Accessorize with a leather cross body with a hand-burnished finish, and leather sandals with a distressed, vintage feel. Add a choker and long gold necklace, beaded bracelets, round sunglasses and a straw hat for fun in the sun. PETER PAN MINI-GOLF

DOT DOT’S BOUTIQUE This striped button-down top in white and black is classically a chic piece for your wardrobe. This boxy button down top features striped long sleeves and small side slits. Pair it with these mid-rise skinny stretch jeans and gray faux leather ankle boots with side cutout. Accessorize with a calf hair purse, gold necklace and gold/gray earrings.

LITTLE LUCY’S MINI DONUT TRUCK ON RAINEY STREET

K-SERA BOUTIQUE This shorts suit has all the makings of a sleek and stylish power suit but with a truncated hem for maximum ventilation. We love the the combination of navy and tan pinstripes, paired with this metallic navy top. Ellie looks fierce in these white ankle strapped heels with adjustable strap. Accessorize with a hammered cuff, silver choker and earrings.

MURAL AT WALTER SEAHOLM DRIVE

SADIE C’S This rusty rose lace dress is fun and flirty. The flounce hem and ruffled sleeves add distinct detailing for a look that is perfectly tailored. Add these simple gold bangles with stone accents and gold tear drop earrings.

SOUTH CONGRESS AT SAN JOSÉ HOTEL

HERRINGSTONE’S For breezy spring nights, this lightweight and semi-sheer cotton buttondown has an oversized slouchy fit with a raw, unfinished trim. Layer with a printed kimono featuring side vents that convert into a front tie detail and these white pull-on flare jeans. Add a leopard print open toe shoe, feather earrings and a gold and gunmetal chain necklace.

MOUNT BONNELL, AUSTIN, TX

THE FLEURTY GINGER BOUTIQUE This jumpsuit is set to wow at parties and evenings on the town thanks to a sexy deep v-neck, trendy stripes and flattering fit. Accessorize with a turquoise and gold tassel necklace, a turquoise beaded choker and gold earrings. SWAN PEDAL BOAT AT CAPITAL CRUISES ON LADY BIRD LAKE

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RON ALEXANDER CLOTHIERS Made from soft premium linen for comfort in warmer weather, this pigment printed shirt has a solid color for an incredible look that gets better over time. A front pocket provides the perfect spot for your Havana or wraparound shades. Pair it with a yellow luxurious laid-back tee, and Tommy Bahama plaid shorts.

BOARDWALK AT LADY BIRD LAKE

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ELEVEN 26 This cold-shoulder mini dress features a sweetheart neckline and a flirty ruffled bodice with straight skirt. Accessorize with a tortoise shell bracelet, necklace and earrings. Finish the look with a simple, sophisticated black pump.

TEXAS STATE CAPITOL

HEMLINE MONROE Meet the perfect combination of sexy, supportive and stylish. The bralette-style Greenhouse Top features triangle cups, front tie and closure detail finished with removable pads for an eye-catchingly flattering fit against the chest. Add a floral kimono coverup, fringed slides accented with braided rope trim, the beach weekend bag with tassel detail, a gray agate ring, beaded bracelets and half moon necklace.

MCKINNEY FALLS STATE PARK

Chick Chick Coop

Your Very Own Backyard Chicken Coop

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EARS AGO THERE WERE chickens on most every homestead.

Since then we have traded our chickens in for a box store variety bag of packaged meals. But, like many things in life, we are coming full circle back to our roots! Many families are reverting back to an agrarian culture, and they are accomplishing this even in the midst of populated metropolitan areas. Because of America’s chicken craze, chickens are leaving the farm and making their way not only to our rural communities, but also to the hustle and bustle of the city and suburbs. Chickens are not just for farmers anymore. People from all different walks of life are taking control of the foods they are eating, and like the days of old, are getting back to a more natural, organic lifestyle by having their own backyard chickens.

If you have ever spoken with someone

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who owns chickens, you would quickly realize how much they enjoy doting over their flock of egg-laying “ladies.” Backyard chicken owners are very passionate about this new found hobby. There is something exhilarating about sending your young children, or grandchildren, out back to gather eggs for a Saturday morning brunch.

Nothing is better than scrambling up fresh, organic eggs with bright yellow yolks. The children also become educated about what it takes to get food from the farm to the table. In addition to the fact that chickens are great pets that can even help with breakfast, chickens are also easy to care for. They eat bugs and weeds in the yard, and they produce appreciable fertilizer.

Having one’s own backyard chickens is fast becoming a growing obsession. The family that lives out of town on a few acres; the millennial who lives in the hub of the

city; or the suburban family, whose lives are busy with baseball and ballet, are all jumping on the chicken mania bandwagon.

It is also becoming a lifestyle for the rich and famous. According to a March 2018 article in the Washington Post, raising backyard chickens is the Silicon Valley elite’s latest status symbol. There was a time that you would arrive to a dinner party with a nice bottle of wine for the hostess, now we may consider giving something more impressive perhaps a dozen home-grown, fresh eggs.

In the fast pace, computer tech life that we most now live, the experience of owning chickens fulfills a longing to get back to nature. Chick Chick Coop can help you get on your way to a more natural and rewarding lifestyle. We provide a quality chicken coop that is child friendly, easy to clean, designed for mobility and built to last! A chicken coop is not only the home for your fanciful flock, it will also become part of your backyard landscape. Our coops are attractive and have as much personality as our customers. We can easily create a classy home for your chicks!

Let us help you begin your journey of a lifetime....raising your very own backyard chickens! To order your new chicken residence, contact us at 318-789-9450.

Retirement Plans for the Self-Employed

Argent Advisors in Monroe Explains

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T IS ESTIMATED THAT OVER 15 million Americans are self-employed.

Self-employment brings many rewards and challenges, but one item that should be considered is a tax deferred retirement plan.

Below is a brief overview of retirement plans a self-employed person should consider.

DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN:

A defined benefit plan (DBP) is a traditional pension plan which provides specific dollar benefit during retirement.

The benefit during retirement is calculated based on salary and years of service. Since you can contribute up to $220,000 annually to fund a DBP, this type of plan is perfect for older and higher compensated individuals.

The downside is that these plans are more expensive. This is because you must have an actuary calculate contributions needed each year to fund that benefit.

401(K):

The next option is a solo-401(k). A 401(k) is a qualified profit-sharing plan that allows employees to contribute a portion of wages to their account. Just like a normal employer 401(k), you can defer up to $18,500 of your compensation (if 50 or older $24,500). You can also contribute an additional 25% of your net earnings from self-employment for a total contribution limit of $55,000.

SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION (SEP IRA):

You can contribute as much as 25% of your net earnings from self-employment, up to $55,000. SEP IRAs are very easy to establish and can be set up as late as your tax due date, including extensions. Keep in mind that if you have employees, they must be covered at the same percentage rate.

SIMPLE IRA:

This plan allows you to put away $12,500 plus a 3% matching contribution (if 50 or older, $15,500). SIMPLE IRAs are very easy to establish and to maintain; however, they have lower contribution limits than the above plans.

WHY CHOOSE ARGENT ADVISORS IN MONROE?

Our mission is to help establish, manage and protect our clients’ financial plans, and we take that very seriously. The Argent Advisors team in Monroe has over 60 years of combined financial planning experience. No matter where one’s objectives fall, we help our clients establish a definitive goal-oriented plan for current needs and for the future.

Argent Advisors in Monroe is a fee-based Registered Investment Advisor firm. We agree on an annual management fee, and then we work for YOU. We do not make money on account activity or have proprietary products.

Our independent process assures you that we are acting in your best interest, not in ours! If you have any question about your financial planning needs, please contact our office at 318.324.8000.

Source: www.irs.gov

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Eagle Bank Mortgage Opens in Monroe Susie Dartlon Named as Senior Vice President Loan Officer

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AGLE BANK MORTGAGE WOULD like to welcome Susie Dartlon as Senior Vice President Loan Officer along with her staff- Lindsey Dartlon, Patience Jones, Erika Breen, Dianne Allen and Stacie Rice.

Susie brings 35 years of banking experience with 20 of those years in mortgage lending. Susie has been the top producer in mortgage lending in the state of Louisiana for the past nine years and plans on continuing her success with Eagle Bank Mortgage.

Susie and her staff will continue to process, underwrite and close their loans in-house while providing the best customer service. They will offer low bank fees and competitive rates and will continue to originate a variety of loans. These loans include: CONVENTIONAL FIXED RATE

Loans that have a fixed rate and monthly payment for the entire life of the loan. It’s

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easy to budget for this type of loan because your payments will always be the same.

VA

Loans that are guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. They provide 100% financing on the purchase of a home and 90% for refinancing. You will need normal closing costs to move in, but there is little or no down payment.

FHA

Loans that are insured through Federal Housing Administration. They require a relatively small down payment.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Loans provided in designated rural counties or areas that provide 100% financing. These loans are limited by income of the borrower or borrowers.

If you already own your home, call or

stop by to see about refinancing. Benefits to refinancing might include a lower rate, lower monthly payments or a shorter term!

With decades of experience, Susie and her staff know that purchasing a home is an important and sometimes overwhelming financial decision. Eagle Bank Mortgage is dedicated to helping their customers every step of the way. Their goal is to make the dream of buying a home as simple and stress free as possible by being honest with every client from the beginning. The staff will listen to your needs and provide a suitable product to help you achieve home ownership.

Susie is excited to grow her business and be able to serve her customers even better. She is thankful for the partnerships and relationships she has built over the years and looks forward to growing even more.

Stop by to visit Susie and her staff at the new location of Eagle Bank Mortgage on Tower Drive in Monroe!

Recent Milestones of Dr. Janine Hopkins The Next Level of Non-Surgical Anti-Aging Skin Care

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N THE PAST YEAR, OF HER 22 YEAR career as a Board Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Hopkins’ has pushed her practice to the next level of professionalism. She has mastered and developed several non-surgical treatments to tighten skin, rejuvenate the skin both medically and cosmetically, and enhance results with anti-aging and contouring procedures for the face and body!

Dr. Hopkins was rigorous in keeping up with Fotona’s newest laser and quickly realized the importance of this expansive technology. Only four months after the laser launched, in October, 2014, Dr. Hopkins had it up and running in her office. As a result, she was one of the first in her field to specialize in using it and has been named a Fotona Laser Medical Advisor and Consultant!

Dr. Hopkins has been invited to speak at numerous medical forums, including: the Foundation for Facial Aesthetic Surgery

in New Orleans for her facial injection techniques; the American Academy of Dermatology in San Diego as a guest speaker for updates in Fotona Laser science technology; the Music City Scale Aesthetics symposium in Nashville as a keynote speaker for the Fotona Laser System and for her signature Needle-free, B3 Companion Serum.

While mastering the practical use and knowledge of laser technology Dr. Hopkins has simultaneously been expanding the field of non-surgical liquid face-lifts! Her latest development in anti-aging is the “Sub-Cision Technique” used to break up fibers in the face and thigh area, reducing vertical lip lines lines and cellulite bumps even before filler is injected!

For those patients needing a “full correction” Dr. Hopkins performs her signature “HD Facial Contouring Treatment” to restore youthful volume symmetry and

phi to the face for both men and women.

She tailors each product to meet the patient’s needs and never works by a cookie-cutter template.

Dr. Hopkins has instructed her colleagues in cosmetic Dermatology as well as Facial Plastic Surgeons. She is honorably referred to as an “expert injector” and “leader in her field” and been given the title of Fotona Laser Medical Advisor and Consultant. Lastly, she has developed her own signature skin care collection, Hopkins Dermatology Rx, made with Polyphenol an antioxidant derived from Green Tea. If you are curious about the ways Dr. Hopkins can help you, her next seminar event, “Mommy Makeover,” is April 21st at the Bayou DeSiard Country Club and will focus on body and skin tightening, stretch marks, booty lift and non-surgical breast lift! You may also schedule a private consultation with Dr. Janine Hopkins at Hopkins Dermatology (318) 325-0600.

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A WALK ACROSS SPAIN SONDRA HARTT AND LIA CANNON HAVE EXPLORED THE WORLD TOGETHER. THIS EXPEDITION TOOK THEM TO THE PYRENEES MOUNTAINS TO THE CAPE FINISTERRE IN SPAIN. ARTICLE BY MEREDITH MCKINNIE

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ondra Hartt and Lia Cannon explore the world together. Both seek adventure and embrace active lifestyles. They’ve found kindred spirits in each other, exploring the globe, meeting people from all walks of life, embracing new cultures and living out loud.

Sondra has always combined her love of travel and activity, and even more so since retiring as an RN at St. Francis Hospital. She has run marathons; biked from Mobile, Alabama, to Niagara Falls; hiked Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states; and then hiked half the Appalachian Trail (1,200 miles). Her honeymoon with her husband Mike was to the Tour de France. She craves exertion in new spaces. It was prepping for the Marine Corps marathon when she met Lia Cannon in a spin class. They did a triathlon together, Lia being forced to cover two parts when a third member dropped out. But Lia hung in there, and it impressed Sondra. And in 2011 on a bike ride, Lia asked, “What’s your next adventure?”

Sondra’s next adventure was simple really, to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. Sondra sent her plan via text, and when Lia sent back a picture of hiking boots, Sondra knew she had a partner. And in 2012, they summited at 19,340 feet. In 2013, Lia climbed Machu Picchu. Sondra and Lia also traveled to Nepal and climbed to the Mount Everest base camp in 2014, then traveled to Banff and Glacier National Park in Montana in 2015.

They hiked five days in the Lofoten Islands of Norway above the Arctic Circle, where Lia took a Polar Plunge in the North Sea in 2016. The more exotic the location, the more luring the trip. The women are fearless and curious, so it came as no surprise when they decided to walk across Spain last year.

The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of Saint James, is a Catholic pilgrimage dating back to the Middle Ages. The Apostle Saint James took the path from the Saint Jean Pied de Port in France at the border of the Pyrenees Mountains to Galicia in Northwestern Spain when he Christianized the country. His relics are buried in The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the final location on the journey. Catholics would walk the 570 miles across Spain, sometimes because a priest had sentenced them for penance; some would do it, just because they could.

During the Middle Ages, the trek was dangerous. Pilgrims were often robbed, and as a result, the Knights of Templar would protect the pilgrims along the way. The popularity died down in the 20th century, but then Shirley MacLaine made the walk in the early 2000s and wrote a book called The Camino: A Journey of the Spirit. A movie came out, called The Way, with Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez, and the journey became even more popular.

Current walkers do so for many reasons. Some just want to walk across the country; others want to experience a pilgrimage; some do it for fitness. It takes an average of 30-35 days. It took Sondra, Lia and their friends, Carolyn Brown Fuller from West Monroe and Donna Guidry, from Lafayette 34 days, though they spent seven weeks in the country, road tripping after the trek. Along the way they picked blackberries and crossed the Pyrenees mountains from France into Spain, picked grapes in vineyards, and sampled wine from the famous La Rioja winegrowing region. They traveled through forests and fields of sunflowers as far as they could see. They saw windmills and wheat fields and eucalyptus forests and ended at the Atlantic Ocean. They watched bull runs, ate chocolate, fell in love with tapas and saw several beautiful, uninterrupted sunrises. Sondra was bothered by the graffiti all over the landscape but fell in love with all the flowers. They noticed a strong Celtic influence and

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The Camino de Santiago “Buen Camino” is the universal phrase on this ancient footpath, and they used it dozens of times, “to greet each other, to wish each other well, and to share in passing this unique path that had brought us together,” says Sondra.

caught festivals full of native dress. Storks’ nests were everywhere, and they crossed the longest bridge in the country, the same one the knights protected centuries ago. The ladies traversed long winding roads and then would happen upon a breathtaking view; they would pass castles and manor houses. Chickens littered the streets, cats roamed the small villages, and churches are the center of the country. They happened upon an Elvis Bar, with a sign that read, “We spak Englis.” Old men would play ball in the street in the evenings, and sometimes they would stumble upon weddings.

They lived the culture of Spain as only one can over a long trip.

Prayer became a cornerstone of the journey. Lia and Sondra walked from August to October of 2017, the same time the hurricanes were ravaging the US, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

Lia is Catholic, and Sondra is Baptist, but prayer is universal. Lia insists they attended Mass every chance they could, with at least seven churches having Mass just for the pilgrims. Every town had a church, some big and some small. Sondra notes churches are the, “seat of their communities.” What began as a bucket list trip for Sondra, became her own personal pilgrimage, as it did for Lia. The walks allowed time to reflect and the opportunity to meet people with a common goal, though from different backgrounds.

The ladies gravitated toward Americans to avoid the language barrier, but fell in love with hikers from Germany, Ireland and Brazil. Sondra says, “Some we met like ships passing in the night, and some we still talk to.” When they’re total strangers, there are no preconceptions and they can talk about anything. The walls fall down. They met a couple, both gynecologists from Vancouver, British Columbia, who had just returned from a mission trip in Uganda spreading knowledge of fetal medicine and women’s health. Due to lack of education, if a woman experiences difficulty during childbirth, she’s often left to die in Uganda. The doctors were trying to change that. One Mormon girl from Utah was running her way across Spain. All the hikers have a common goal, and it bonds them, regardless of their cultural differences.

Lia’s priest at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church blessed the ladies before their journey. On a Wednesday night in an obscure town on the journey, they were blessed again. This time, the priest called all the the pilgrims down to the front, divided them by their native tongues, placed his hands on them and individually blessed each one. It was a moving experience.

They ended the journey with another blessing in The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The pilgrims must arrive on a Friday by noon. Eight monks pull the ropes swinging the botafumeiro, a giant incense burner down the aisles of the cathedral. The incense in the Catholic faith represents prayers going into heaven.

The final blessing is the highlight of the pilgrimage. And many pilgrims stop there, though Sondra and Lia continued for another 70 miles to Cape Finisterre on the Atlantic Ocean. The pilgrims of the Middle Ages called it the “end of the Earth” or “the end of the world” before Columbus.

Cafes are called bars in Spain, and they all have the same pilgrim’s menu. For 10 euros, travelers receive: a choice of chicken, fish or beef; veggie, soup or salad; a dessert like canned flan or an ice cream cone; a water bottle; and always a bottle of wine.

Lia and Sondra would start hiking on empty stomachs and then stop at the first bar in the next town. Breakfast was often a tortilla, made like a frittata with onions and potatoes, and cafe con leche (coffee with milk). Towns are scattered about every 3-5 miles.

Food for purchase was plentiful along the Camino, and they often stopped in villages or towns and ate their share of bocadillos, or sandwiches. Sondra and Lia lost about 6-8 pounds on the trip.

Sondra noticed, “Something happens to your body; you’re not as hungry.” And whatever you eat, you have to carry. Their packs weighed 12-15 pounds, and they learned how little they actually needed. The longer they walked, the more weight became an issue. Sondra created a chart mapping their trip with each town’s elevation; “when we began it would stretch across this room,” Sondra insisted. But each day she would tear off what they no longer needed, as each bit of weight had to be discarded.

The pilgrimage location is parallel with Tennessee and the Carolinas, so the weather is comparable. Each year, 250,000 people walk across Spain. Lia insists, “It wasn’t a threatening environment. The whole economy in that part of Spain is based on WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2018 181

that pilgrimage. They want you safe and happy.” The first night, Lia and Sondra stayed in the traditional hostel, a cubicle with four bunk beds. It was a converted 12th century monastery. Carolyn and Donna stayed in hostels for the duration of the trip. Sondra notes, “There was a charm to walking the same halls as the pilgrims of the Middle Ages.”

The ladies stayed in hotels the rest of the trip, all old Spanish buildings turned into hotels, some with exquisite courtyards and fountains. They did treat themselves in Santiago by staying in a parador, a luxury hotel.

Spain converts many of their ancient castles, monasteries, etc. into 4-5star hotels, called paradors. One was a converted butter factory with old rock walls and low ceilings. They collected the history of each building along the way. Many villagers open their homes to pilgrims.

Lia and Sondra’s takeaway was the bond with the people. “Buen Camino” is the universal phrase on this ancient footpath, and they used it dozens of times, “to greet each other, to wish each other well, and to share in passing this unique path that had brought us together,”

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says Sondra. The walkers all have the same determined mindset, only possible on a long-distance hike. Sondra claims, “We laughed our way from one town to the next.” Lia says, “It was the first time in my life that all I had to do each day was gather my belongings and walk to the next town.” She didn’t have to worry about anyone else but herself.

They learned stuff is not important, and less of it makes life simpler.

Sondra has been purging her home ever since the trip; she feels lighter.

Food, shelter, people are what’s important, “not a lot else you have to have.” Not having to answer a phone or watch TV or listen to a radio, they could soak up the silence and reflect. They now understand the beauty of “no noise.” They respect nature and space and culture.

They crave more adventures and new spaces. They “collect people as they travel.” The ladies are not afraid to escape their comfort zones, in fact, reveling in the challenges. Seeing remote corners of the world has enriched them spiritually, emotionally, and made them more aware and appreciative of others.

Monroe Jumpers

Inflatables, Sliders and Bouncers!

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OR FIVE YEARS, MONROE JUMPERS has provided this community with the biggest and best inflatables, sliders and bouncers. With over 20 inflatable options to choose from, customers are guaranteed a fantastic time with the best entertainment equipment available in the market. Monroe Jumpers are proud to call themselves a small local business with strong ties to the community around them.

Brought directly to your school event, birthday party, church function or family gathering, Monroe Jumpers strives to make set-up as easy as possible. Included in the price is delivery (for Ouachita Parish), set-up and take down. Their friendly staff aims to make the transaction as easy as possible and worry-free. For those living outside Ouachita Parish, delivery is still available along with a small delivery fee. Monroe Jumpers are also insured!

DON’T FORGET YOUR LAST MINUTE EASTER RENTALS! A huge selection of inflatables are available to rent for the day for any event. They have 11 different water slides just in time for warmer weather. Some of their favorite and most fun inflatables include the two obstacle courses, the boxing ring and the jousting ring. Castles, Disney Princess themes, a Who Dat slide and the Green Hulk are huge customer favorites. Most of our slides are made safe and secure with lite n strong™, fire-resistant vinyl making it safer, portable and more durable.

Monroe Jumpers’ impressive Double Splash Slide is a dual wet or dry slide guaranteed to add tons of excitement and acceleration to any event. Great for promoting friendly competition or group challenges, kids can climb together up the center climb, and then choose a left- or right-sided slick slide, for a fast-track ride to the water pool at

bottom with a safety stop. Hooded safety on top makes sure riders slide down properly.

The Double Splash Slide can be used as dry slide or as a water slide, and it is a great way to promote enjoyable and healthy activity, and adding excitement and value to any indoor or outdoor event!

An extra 50% off discount is provided for schools and churches year round. Be sure to make plans for end of the year parties at your child’s school! Also, there are military, police and fireman discounts available.

But enough about Monroe Jumpers.

Why don’t you send them an email at sales@ MonroeJumpers.com or, even better, call them at 318.405.1600 and let them know what you will like to see in your next party? And if you will, drop them a comment on Facebook (MonroeJumpers, LLC). Until then, see you at your next party!

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Here’s What You May Not Know About Your NELA Dental Dentists The Wrestling Dad

VANCE COSTELLO, D.D.S. is an Oak Grove native and NLU alumnus. He and his wife, Carla, have two sons, Connor and Ethan.

Vance loves Louisiana’s tradition of hunting and fishing and shares that passion with his sons. When he’s not enjoying the outdoors, Vance is yelling from the bleachers of his sons’ wrestling tournaments.

Dr. Costello received his doctorate from LSU School of Dentistry and is a member of American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association and Northeast Louisiana Dental Association. In 2011, he was awarded board certification and Associate Fellowship in Implant Dentistry by the AAID. He is one of the few general dentists in Northeast Louisiana certified in IV Sedation. Also, he is an instructor for “Implant Know-How’s” advanced surgery clinic in Puebla, Mexico.

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Ducks, Dogs, and Dentistry DANIEL RAYMOND, D.D.S. grew up in Monroe and attended St. Frederick High School. Later he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

While attending ULM, he was a member of the Warhawk Baseball team. Daniel and his wife Sarah have three children, Caroline, William and Lizzie Jane. Daniel is an avid duck hunter.

As every great duck hunter knows, it takes more than just a lucky shot! That’s why Daniel enjoys training his two Labrador retrievers.

Dr. Raymond is a graduate of the LSU School of Dentistry, a member of the American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, Northeast Louisiana Dental Association and a Fellow of the American and International Dental Implant Association.

West Monroe Bulldog EMILY WILHITE, D.D.S. graduated as valedictorian from West Monroe High School

and later obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana Tech University, graduating with summa cum laude honors.

Emily and her husband, Blake, have two children, Olivia and Andrew. As an avid reader, she’s always ready to dive into a new book.

Dr. Wilhite received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from LSU School of Dentistry. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, and Northeast Louisiana Dental Association.

Family of Dentists

RYAN RACHAL, D.D.S. grew up in Monroe where he graduated from Neville High School. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a major in biological sciences and a minor in chemistry. Dr. Rachal went on to graduate from the LSU School of Dentistry with his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree in 2017. Dr. Rachal is a member of the American Dental Association and the Louisiana Dental Association.

Dr. Rachal is married to Dr. Mary Webster Rachal, who is also a dentist with a doctorate from LSU School of Dentistry. Together they have two children, May Carlyle and Marshall.

Dr. Rachal loves spending time with his family, fishing, reading, and watching football.

CPS Pools and Spas

Family-Owned and Operated for Over Six Decades

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PS POOLS AND SPAS OPENED IT’S DOORS IN 1957 as a family business, specializing as a commercial gunite pool builder. The market for Federal and State funded commercial pool projects began to taper off and the company then diversified into the residential pool business.

Today, CPS continues to be a family business, owned and operated

by Shane and Tommy Draughn. They are both actively involved in the construction processes from start to finish and have over seven decades of collective experience. The business concentrates on: vinyl liner pool construction, gunite pool/spa construction, renovations, service and repairs.

Unlike many pool builders, CPS is not a mass production builder.

We customize each and every project in some way, to achieve a balance in: customer’s taste and style, terrain considerations, functionality, backyard and house geometry, drainage and budget. CPS Pools and Spas is committed to offering all of our customers the best value available by providing superior construction, top quality materials and excellent customer service at an affordable price.

CPS is a trusted builder, with over six decades of proven methods and happy customers. Capable of designing and constructing any project conceivable, from simple, traditional projects to modern

concepts, as well as, the projects that require “out of the box” thinking.

No matter what you have in mind for your backyard dream, we can bring it to life and make it a reality for you. Our dedication to building your pool to your vision and budget, is what makes us the #1 familyowned and family-managed choice to transform your backyard into a summer sanctuary.

Our commitment to customer satisfaction and quality projects is the number one reason why nearly all of our customers are referred to us by either professionals in the industry who respect our work or extremely satisfied CPS pool owners. CPS builds all projects from A-Z completely in-house, this assures the highest level of quality control. We are here to help; our experienced owners and staff are ready to develop and design your vision with you. Building a swimming pool is an investment in quality, the quality of your health, the quality of your home, the quality of your social life and the overall quality of your family’s life. Choosing a quality builder is your first step. Call today to schedule your in-home consultation, we look forward to meeting you!

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Excellent Service at Carwash West You Are in Good Hands at Carwash West

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ASTROL PREMIUM LUBE EXPRESS at Carwash West is one of Castrol’s select privately-owned quick lubes.

Castrol evaluates their select quick lubes on a regular basis to ensure that the highest standards are met. Their AOCA certified lube techs have the knowledge and expertise to keep your vehicle performing at factory recommended specifications. Castrol Premium Lube Express services foreign and domestic vehicles alike. You can trust their lube techs to let you know what services are due for your vehicle by mileage and from visual inspection.

Their techs will alert you to which services are critical, from a nail in your tire to an extremely worn belt. They price the services they offer, so you can compare with other shops. They do not pressure sell; they just give you the information you need to make a decision.

Carwash West’s services are reported to CarFax, which offers a free smart phone app.

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This app allows CarFax to notify you when services are due for each of your cars. They even will let you know when your registration is due.

Carwash West is a state inspection station and also provides windshield crack repair on site. On rainy days when the carwash is closed, they provide a wash raincheck for their lube customers.

Carwash West offers lube packages for people on-the-go, whether you need the bare minimum or the works.

Carwash West also provides a variety of wash options which includes full service, hand washes, detail services and exterior express. “We guarantee you a clean car that meets your expectations. If there is an area of your vehicle that needs special attention, let us know and we will take care of it for you,” comments Ross Thompson. Their professional and courteous car wash attendants are ready

to make your car look its best. They are here to pamper you and your vehicle with the award winning service you deserve, just relax inside at Café ExpressO. Carwash West has a VIP Rewards Club that offers a 48-hour clean car guarantee, (exterior wash in the event of rain, bird droppings, etc.), every 10th wash free, 15% discount when returning within 15 days, and FREE birthday wash. They can also customize a monthly or yearly plan for your vehicle.

Mrs. Salina has been the greeter for Carwash West for close to 20 years. She is well-known in the community for her positive attitude and her very accurate memory. After you have driven through Carwash West once, she is likely to remember you and what your preferences are.

Carwash West is unique in that where most automotive businesses can be intimidating to women, they provide a comfortable, nonthreatening atmosphere a. Every Wednesday is Ladies Day with substantial discounts on all wash packages. Their main objective is to spoil you. It is like a spa service for your car. Their goal is to meet your needs and give you a great place to relax while you wait. Gift Cards Available! Perfect gift for moms, dads and grads!

For pricing or more information, check out www.carwashwestmonroe.com. It’s all about You at Carwash West!

Butter: A Louisiana Bakery Local Bakery Expands Menu to Include Lunch

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UTTER BAKERY HAS BEEN serving up gluten free goodness, since it opened just a few months ago. And while all of their muffins, cookies, cupcakes and sweet treats are completely gluten free, Butter has gained some new fans that don’t even know the gluten is missing! “Some of our most popular items are our blueberry muffins, éclairs and homemade greek yogurt parfaits,” said Charity Jones, owner. “I have had customers tell me they can’t believe everything is gluten free and so delicious!”

Located on the first floor of the Vantage building on DeSiard Street in the heart of downtown Monroe, Butter opened in February of this year. But for the past few years, Charity has been baking breads, cakes, cookies and more out of her home. After seeing a need for a completely gluten free bakery, she jumped at the chance move her business out of her home. Along with her

husband Adam, she oversees all aspects of the bakery, from creating recipes to managing employees and ordering ingredients.

And since the breakfast pastries have been so popular, Butter is expanding and offering lunch options starting this month!

In April, the bakery will expand their hours and be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and offer a small lunch menu. “We will start small and offer some soups and sandwiches and just grow organically,” said Charity. Some of the lunch items will include a guacamole sandwich with fresh guacamole, bacon, red onions on homemade French bread, twice baked potatoes with a Tex-Mex twist and fresh daily soups. Charity has even been experimenting with a homemade ham and cheese hot pocket and toying around with the idea of a savory poptart. “I am always testing new recipes, so you may see some of those pop up on the menu every once in awhile,”

said Charity. Butter Bakery is available to make pastries and cakes to order as well.

You can call ahead and place an order for Mother’s Day, a graduation party, birthday or wedding.

And while starting a business with two little ones has been hard and exhausting, Charity relishes in the fact that she is providing gluten free food while helping grow downtown Monroe and be a part of the local business community. “When traveling, we always try to seek out the local businesses, small coffee shops, cute boutiques,” said Charity. “Local businesses are the heart of our community, and we are excited to be in downtown Monroe along with people like RoeLA Roaster, Rain Salon, Restaurant Cotton and more!”

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MUSICAL A R T I FA C T S Whether Matt Biersmith is producing ‘art for art’s sake’ or for its intrisic value, the music is for him first. It’s a passion and form of expression where the “gut wrenching” elements of his life have been meticulously sculpted into song. article by VANELIS RIVERA and photography by MARTIN G MEYERS

THE BIERSMITH FAMILY

Matt, Kasper “Kas,” and Candace Biersmith at their home in Austin, TX.

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round the age of eight, Matt Biersmith walked out of a piano lesson while his teacher was taking a bathroom break.

From the house, off of North 18th in Monroe, he walked to Zeagler Music to play the drums. “I just split,” he casually recalls, “because sitting down was torture.” This unapologetic bravado has spearheaded Biersmith’s music and become a staple of his albums since his first in 1999. He has since become a resident of Austin, Texas, but that Louisiana boy that chose percussion over keys, is still making the calls when it comes to music.

It’s 72 degrees in south Austin. The sun has finally come out, and Matt answers the phone as he feeds his chickens mealworms. He lives in Austin with his wife, Candace Biersmith, also from Monroe, and their 5-year-old Kaspar “Kas” Biersmith. “We are full-blooded, hillbilly, Waffle House people, I guess,” Biersmith wittingly adds. A full-time pharmacist and part-time time musician, Biersmith is a self-proclaimed “jack of all trades.” He dabbles in drums, piano, guitar, mandolin, bass, harmonica and the Appalachian dulcimer. As a kid, he was always “banging pots and pans.” He grew up listening to his father, Dr. Edward Louis Biersmith, play the guitar and his mother, Barbara Crow Biersmith, play the piano. Both of his grandmothers, Bertha Crow and Helen Kramer Biersmith, were also piano enthusiasts. He still has his grandmothers’ pianos, one of which is a rare Mason & Hamlin grand piano that is over a hundred years old. Both instruments will show up in his new album.

Matt was the first Biersmith to be born in Louisiana, when his father moved to work as a chemistry professor at, then, North Louisiana University (NLU). It was at NLU that 12-year-old Matt honed his drumming skills, taking class from a drum instructor. His music style, however, finessed during junior high school.

“Badass” drum legends such as Neil Peart of Rush, John Bonham of Led Zepplin, and Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction were initial influences. “I’m all over the place,” says Matt. “There’s not a style of music that I dislike.” Admittedly a “sucker for melody,” he vibes to a plethora of sounds and artists. Notable sways include The King of Latin Music, Ernesto “Tito” Puente, “all the jazz greats,” and heavy metal favorite, Pantera. “Any percussion stuff,” is enough to peak his interest, like his current go-to, American rapper NF. “I swear to you I can write a hip hop song,” Matt chuckles.

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att’s contribution to music has predominantly been through one word-- Hardlucy, the name of his band. Birthed from a need to escape the mundane, Hardlucy was a group effort. When Matt lived in Dallas, Texas, his buddy Albert Elias pitched him the idea of starting a band. Elias, interested in managing, encouraged Matt to invite some of his music consorts to Dallas in order to write and record some music. Matt got one friend to join, and it only took them seven days to record a full album, which was when Matt realized, “Oh shit, we might need a band.” Acknowledging that, “basically we started a business and a band without a band,” they held drum auditions and Matt called Vince Chao, music friend and current collaborator, and “forced him to be a bass player.” Touring began with Elias ingeniously booking gigs in the locations of LSU football away-games, allowing the band a built-in audience while expanding their fan-base. But working as a pharmacist and driving back and forth between gigs took a toll after a while. The band stopped touring around their second album, but that did not mean the music stopped.

Since their “eponymous” first album, Hardlucy Hardlucy debuted in 1999, Matt has released two other albums. It’s One Word (a reaction to venues writing the band’s name as two words) was released in 2003.

After an 11-year hiatus, Matt, just wanting to see if he could, released Misanthropy in 2014. The album became a tribute to Albert Elias, who passed in 2012 and whom Matt considers a co-founder of the band.

Currently, Matt is working on his fourth album, untitled for now. “It always seems like I’m writing an album,” Matt says. When he has five to six tracks “in the tank” that are pretty good, it's hard to stop there. He started recording songs for the new venture a year ago and has managed to bang out 14 songs and 3 other tracks that need lyrics.

Matt’s new album promises to continue his penchant for musical pastiche and personal, socially-conscious songs. Fans should expect a song about Syrian refugees, a song about a white boy raised as a Comanche and a WWII-inspired song, all of which he has conducted immersion research on, a process he has delved in for other records.

“It’s tough to say what our music is always about. I like that it’s tough to classify us,” says Matt. The singer-songwriter style of Hardlucy can be classified as Americana, an amalgam of varied traditions of acoustic roots music. When he started to become a better guitar player, Matt got into “tearing your heart out with words” country music, what he claims is “real country.” His stylistic and lyrical influences depend on the instrument he’s playing. His guitar heroes, Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt, have molded his folksy poetics. When on the piano, he celebrates his most influential songwriter, Randy Newman, for his brave lyrics. “I could never play piano like him,” Matt says.

The melodies that stream from Matt’s varied sound-bank “are all over the place,” but most prominently he is a “sucker for a heartbreaking melody.” He’s a hopeless misanthrope that claims to get the “gene” from his father. The “sturm und drang and peaks and troughs of life”

have made their way into his songs particularly his last album, which is akin to an open journal, ridden with dark and introspective topics.

Now that he’s away from the “concrete jungle” that was Dallas, he frequents the hill country, particularly the Pedernales River, “out where Comanche Indians roam,” or fly fishing in the Guadalupe River. As a Louisiana-raised boy, he’s “rural at heart.” Nature’s ability to open his headspace and be “one with the universe” allows him to write better music. Most of Matt’s lyrical content gets written in the car while traveling. “I’ll record my melodies and then play them in the car.” On his drives out in the hill country, he “spits out words” trying to “harmonize out loud.” Some of his traveling for songs is done through books, in order to get into the mind of his content. Going through a place like Mississippi, he claims he can hear the bottle-neck slide on a guitar.

GET TO KNOW MATT THROUGH SOME OF HIS GO-TO SONGS:

Kevin Gordon “Picolia’s Stars”

NF “Dreams”

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Pantera “I’m Broken”

Nina Simone “Strange Fruit”

Townes Van Zandt “To Live is to Fly”

Thanks to his Austin move, he’s made impressive connections like linking up with Grammy-nominated Steve Chadie, chief music engineer to Willie Nelson at Pedernales Studios.

“He’s got platinum records. I’m lucky to get time with him,” says Matt.

The last two Hardlucy albums were recorded in Steve’s house, because “these days you don’t really need a studio,” recalls Matt. The music recording process for Matt usually begins at his home, where he’ll record “scratch parts” that he’ll take to Steve, where they’ll then “start decorating [the music] like a Christmas tree.”

While Matt has the discography to constantly play live, he’s found it “painful to do and a hassle.” For him, creating music is not a “moneymaking venture.” Selling his music has never been more important than the creative process. In fact, he’s toyed with not selling his songs, and giving them away instead. “I just want to create art. Whatever happens to it, I’m not really interested. I don’t even have a band,” claims Matt. He envisions himself as more of a painter, putting everything he can into his songs and constructing albums from a concept, so that the piece speaks as a whole.

He finds the process of creating his art cathartic. “Art is inherently selfish. I feel guilty about it. I struggle with that. But it’s something that if I don’t do, I’m unhappy with my life,” he says.

Regardless of whether Matt is producing art for art’s sake’ or for its intrinsic value, he affirms that the music is for him first. At some level, the “gut wrenching” elements of his life have been meticulously sculpted into song. He recognizes that with songwriting there is nowhere to hide. But one thing is for sure, Matt’s songs are cultural artifacts that he hopes “will live in history... in eternity.”

Download Hardlucy on iTunes or on Amazon Music. Look for the new album on Hardlucy’s Facebook page.

DISCOVER HARDLUCY

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Your Perfect Summer Smile

Dr. Patrick McGee Offers Comprehensive General Dentistry and More

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PRING IS HERE, SUMMER IS JUST around the corner, and we all have personal goals for this new season of fun, sun, pools and vacations. Here at Patrick L. McGee, DDS we are ready to help you get started on your perfect summer smile!

Whether you and your family need a routine cleaning while you are on a break or more involved work, we are here for you!

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

At the office of Dr. Patrick McGee, our number one goal is for you to be happy with the way your smile looks and functions. We offer numerous cosmetic dental services including: tooth whitening, cosmetic crowns and veneers, Invisalign®, Six Month Smiles® Orthodontics, and natural white restorative fillings. Cosmetic dentistry not only improves the way you look and feel about yourself, but it also dramatically increases how well your teeth function. Severely worn or decayed

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teeth can significantly decrease how well you speak and chew as well as make you age prematurely.

DENTAL IMPLANTS Dental implant services are the cornerstone of our practice. Providing comprehensive oral implantology services is something in which we take great pride.

Dental implants are the gold standard in replacing missing teeth. Whether you are replacing a single missing tooth or looking for an alternative to complete or partial dentures, dental implants can help improve your quality of life by helping you chew and function more efficiently. Dr. McGee has extensive training in the area of oral implantology to help his patients improve their life with dental implants.

SYSTEMIC HEALTH AND ORAL HEALTH

An often overlooked aspect to systemic health is oral health. The mouth is the entry point to the body; therefore, a clean, healthy mouth helps maintain a healthier you. For example, periodontal (gum) disease has long been shown to have negative outcomes to a person’s general health by increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other systemic diseases. At every check-up, Dr. McGee accesses the health of your gums to ensure that they are healthy and disease free.

Dr. McGee also completes head/neck cancer exams and TMJ evaluations at every check-up.

All of which he believes is vital to your overall health.

Whether you want a straighter, whiter smile or are in need of complex restorative and surgical treatment, let us help you take a small step to help better your smile so you can better your life.

Portico Bar and Grill Monroe

Local Establishment Gets New Owners

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OR OVER A DECADE, PORTICO BAR AND GRILL HAS been a staple in Monroe and the place to go before or after a football game, grab drinks after work or just relax on the patio.

The new owners of the local establishment are hoping to continue that tradition. In November of 2017, Portico Monroe changed hands and Joey Trappey, Roy Arthur and Lindsay Leavitt took over and have been working together ever since. Joey Trappey is the owner of local establishments including The Fieldhouse and Trapp’s, and co-owner of Crawfish City. He has over a decade of restaurant experience. Roy Arthur is well known in the community and got his start in the early 80s at Johnny’s Pizza, as a part of the expansion and growth of the popular pizza chain. Lindsay Leavitt is the acting general manager and has almost 30 years in the restaurant business in several full service establishments, including Raising Cane’s, Chili’s and more.

“The previous owner was looking to change careers and wanted to see that the restaurant stay in the hands of local owners and see it continue to do well and be successful,” said Joey Trappey. “We are excited about this new venture, and we have the dream team to make it a success!” When asked about their vision for the “new” Portico, Lindsay said, “We have been working to make sure we are consistent on food quality, and that it is affordable. We haven’t really taken things away, but we have added some items.” And the items they have added have been a hit! Portico has expanded their burger options, adding a jalapeño breakfast burger, BBQ bacon and a jalapeño cream cheese option. All of the burgers are still served with a double patty on an aloha bun. Po-boys have been added to the menu with roast beef, catfish, shrimp, fried oyster and philly to choose from. Patrons can even get muffalettas piled high with provolone, salami, ham and olive mix. There are also a variety of pizzas to choose from. Depending on if you want to share, you can choose from a 7 inch or 14 inch brick oven pizza. Varieties include all meat, deluxe, garden, sierra chicken alfredo and margherita.

Portico continues to offer daily lunch specials Monday through Friday, as well as their ever-popular Sunday brunch with a Bloody Mary bar and bottomless mimosas. Just recently, they added bigger and better TVs. With eight 65” televisions, it is the perfect place to watch any game. And now that spring is here, the Portico patio is the perfect place to enjoy the new menu items, drink specials and hear local music. So stop by Portico on Tower Drive in Monroe and say hello to the new owners, while you catch up with old friends!

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ASK ERIN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 126

TRAVEL AUSTIN

Ziploc bag. Then all you have to do is grab and go for a quick and easy way to make it out of the door on time.

• Always wear your bulkiest items. Instead of packing your heavy boots, jeans and sweater, wear them during the traveling process.

• Utilize a carabiner clip. I like to use a carabiner clip to attach items to my suitcase or carryon, such as an umbrella, small bag, toy, phone, etc. – obviously do this only on bags that will be with you at all times or ones that will be not be loaded in the belly of the airplane.

• Bring snacks and drinks. To save myself money on room service or expensive restaurants for breakfast, I always pack granola bars and small bottles of water. Then I enjoy a quick, inexpensive breakfast before heading out the door to sightsee or shop. You can also slip in a few small bags of nuts, Chex Mix, or some other small snack to derail yourself from purchasing the expensive items from the snack bar in your hotel room • Keep bad odors at bay by using dryer sheets. I love the scent of freshly laundered sheets, clothes, etc., so I add dryer sheets or sachets to my suitcase when traveling. You can also add dryer sheets under the covers of your hotel bed and between the towels. Just remove them when used and replace when not in use.

• Place shoes heel to toe. I’m sure you have noticed that this is the way companies fill shoe boxes, and I often place shoes heel to toe when I am organizing a closet. This tip is a space-saving one!

• Stuff your hats. If you are bringing a hat with you, stuff it with an item of clothing or a small bag and make sure to place it at the top of the suitcase. This will help retain its shape.

So, where are you going this summer? Please share your packing tips and tricks with me! Send them to erinlove@panachebyerin.com.

When planning your next trip to Austin, TX, we’ve helped narrow down some of the best places local Austinites recommend.

Eating good in Austin is not hard, you can stumble into almost any restaurant and get a great meal. For those with glutenintolerances, check out VIA 313 for delicious deep dish pizza or Picnik, a totally gluten-free restaurant which is also known for their delicious Butter Coffee. Mark Ashby suggests stopping into Guero’s Tacos or Fonda San Miguel - for the best Meican interior food. Meredith Pardue insists on visiting Fabi and Rossi – a neighborhood gem – that serves French and German fusion.

Amanda Sevin and Laurie Cochran recommend Josephine House, Eberly, Launderette and Olamaie for unique Austin foodie experiences.

Looking for outdoor fun in the Capital? Everyone BayouLife asked unanimously recommended a trip to Lady Bird Lake for paddle boarding, canoeing or hiking around the lake on one of the many scenic trails. Also, a trip to Barton Springs Pool is a must.

This natural spring-fed pool stays a constant 68 degrees, making it local favorite for hot summer days.

Austin has a fun nightlife and great adult beverages. For the best margaritas, Polvos Mexican Restaurant and Matt’s El Rancho are Cassie Livingston’s favorites. But, you can’t beat the sunset views at The Oasis on Lake Travis or Hula Hut on Lake Austin.

Austin has so much to offer vacationers. The newly constructed Austin Central Library is beautiful and visitors can enjoy great views of downtown. And, make sure to visit the Blanton Museum of Art, and the many other galleries unique to the city.

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LOCAL AUSTINITES FAVORITE PLACES

A TIME TO TALK

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 130

its use. This medication reverses the effects of opioids, and can save someone’s life during accidental or intentional overdose. Naloxone is available in Louisiana either with or without a prescription and you can talk to a physician or pharmacist to help decide if keeping this medication in your household would be beneficial.

Q: How can I talk to my teen about opioid abuse?

A: One of the most important areas we can impact the opioid epidemic is in the prevention of someone becoming addicted to opioids. That starts with teaching our children the proper use of prescription and over the counter medications, and the dangers and consequences of prescription medication when misused or abused. It continues in training prescribers on the cautious use of these medications, and when used, to use them in the lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time.

Q: What are some of the symptoms of opioid abuse?

A: If someone is abusing opioids you might see symptoms, such as drowsiness, confusion, constricted pupils, slowed breathing, constipation, dramatic shifts in mood and social withdrawal among others.

Q: What can I do to help someone who is addicted to opioids or other drugs?

A: As a community, we need to allocate resources and help those struggling with addiction get the help they need. Interventions and inpatient treatment options to help people overcome their addiction only work if we are aware of them and have the means for everyone to get the proper care they need. Remembering that addiction is a disease just like high blood pressure or diabetes helps put it into better context. You would not stop loving someone, because they have high blood pressure, and the same should be true with addiction. If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction or substance abuse, please call 1-800-662-HELP or visit www.samhsa. gov/find-help/national-helpline.

RESOURCES

“My Generation Rx” includes (https://www.generationrx.org/take-action/teen/) includes resources designed to educate teens about the importance of using medications safely, as well as teaching teens key skills to turn down invitation to misuse and positive alternatives to cope with the demands of life.

The downloadable Parent Talk Kit: Tips for Talking and What to say to Prevent Drug and Alcohol Abuse (http://medicineabuseproject.org/assets/documents/parent_talk_kit. pdf ) provides age-by-age scripts will help you get conversations going with your child whether he or she is in preschool, grade school, middle school, high school or post-highschool/college.

Mary Barrios, Healthy Living Coordinator at the Children’s Coalition, works with local agencies and experts to provide information and events that educate youth about substance abuse. Call Mary at (318) 323-8775 or go to www.childrenscoalition. org to learn more about upcoming programs like Prescription Take Back Day, April 28.

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Kappa Delta Leadership Award Tech Kappa Deltas Win the Sorority’s Top Leadership Award

Winners of Kappa Delta’s Corre Anding Stegall National Collegiate Leadership Awards from Louisiana Tech are (left) Madison Kaufman, Ruston, and Lizzie Hummel, Madisonville. They’re shown with Corre Stegall, Former National President, who presented the awards at the sorority’s recent Academy.

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wo members of Alpha Chi Chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority at Louisiana Tech University recently received the national sorority’s top collegiate honor as winners of the Corre Anding Stegall National Collegiate Leadership Award.

Madison Kaufman of Ruston and Lizzie Hummel of Mandeville were recognized at the sorority’s National Collegiate Training Academy in Orlando with more than 1,100 attendees from all Kappa Delta collegiate chapters. Among the distinguished speakers at the Academy was Cara Mund, current Miss America, who won the award in 2014 as president of the Kappa Delta chapter at Brown University.

Established in 1989 and named for former National President Corre Anding Stegall, the sorority’s highest collegiate honor is presented each year to the top echelon of Kappa Delta’s student leaders based on high academic performance and exemplary leadership in the chapter, on campus and in the community. The winners are selected by a national panel of judges from nominations by the sorority’s 166 collegiate chapters; this year, there are over 24,000 collegiate members nationally.

Seventeen collegians were named winners of the honor for 2018. Recipients receive a $3,000 scholarship from the Kappa Delta Foundation and a commemorative medallion. This marks the second year the Tech chapter has had two winners of this prestigious award, and since 1989, 18 Tech chapter members have received the honor.

Lizzie Hummel of Mandeville serves as the chapter’s president and previously served as the Vice President of Community Service and a SET leader. She is a junior majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a 3.6 grade point average. On campus, she is a student worker in the university’s president’s office, volunteer of Louisiana Tech’s sports medicine program and member of Order of Omega. She recently has served as director of student affairs for the Student Government Association.

Madison Kaufman of Ruston is a junior Communications major minoring in Sports Marketing with a 3.9 grade point average. She serves the chapter as Vice President of Public Relations and has previously been Vice President of Member Education and Shamrock Project assistant. She is a student worker in the College of Education and a member of numerous campus organizations including Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Order of Omega, ESPN street crew and formerly served on the executive council for Bulldog Belles & Beaux.

Chapter member Erika Aamodt of Friendswood, Texas, received the Mary Atkins Hanna Scholarship from the Kappa Delta Foundation; the scholarship honors the first president of the Tech chapter.

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Monroe Crossroads Garden Club

On February 20, the Monroe Crossroads Garden Club hosted a book signing and dinner meeting at Levee Gallery in Monroe. The club enjoyed a presentation from John Grady Burns, owner and designer of The Nest in Natchez, Mississippi, and well-known floral designer.

John also signed copies of his book, Personally Yours, a beautiful compilation of photographs documenting his work with flowers from weddings, parties, Mardi Gras balls and various other special events. Levee Gallery is a local art gallery that exhibits rotating, monthly shows of established and emerging contemporary, local and regional art owned by Kathy Biedenharn. Brooke Cassady recently joined the gallery as the marketing director and curator.

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On the BayouScene 1 Annetta Hill, Sharon Brown and I.V. Tanguis 2 Brooke Cassady, Kathy Biedenharn and Pam Stratton 3 Kathy Biedenharn, John Grady Burns and Billie Knox Rosenfield 4 Marianne Jones, Mary Anne Dunn, Kathy Schendle and Susan Crawford 5 Sharon Brown and Martha Jane Anderson 6 Beverly Sivils and Rosemary Harrison

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L’ O V E N L I F E ABBY LOVE, A RUSTON NATIVE, IS PRODUCING RUSTIC, WHOLESOME BREADS AND TEACHING OTHERS HOW TO DO THE SAME. ARTICLE BY MICHAEL DEVAULT & PORTRAITS BY MARTIN G MEYERS

bby Love knows food. But her journey from Ruston, Louisiana to one of Austin, Texas’s most beloved young chefs has followed a uniquely circuitous path, and it’s one that she’s enjoying being on. But Abby didn’t start out with the goal of becoming a player in the world of cuisine.

“I didn’t really have any goals, in that privileged, liberal arts student sort of way,” says Abby, who owns and operates L’Oven a working bakery and food studio in Austin.

“It was get a degree, and then everything will go right from there.”

Much like the breads she carefully kneads from wheat ground in a local mill and slow-fermented, Abby’s path to master baker was long, careful and almost completely accidental. That’s because Abby didn’t have plans on being a baker. Instead, her first career was in editing and archival studies at museums.

She graduated sugma cum laude from William and Mary College before getting a master’s in textual editing from Boston University. She also got married, had a

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baby, and started a second degree. During the second masters program, she knew the family could use some extra money, so she took a job in a bakery.

“I loved it so much that, when I finished my second semester, I never returned,” she says. A few years later, divorced and looking to start over, Abby started weighing her options. Almost immediately, she settled on Austin, a city close enough to home to visit family and large enough to have the culinary bona fides she needed to continue her career.

“I just gave it a whirl, and it stuck,” she says. “I came not knowing if I would stay, but one job led to another and, in the meantime, I’d built a little community that I love.”

Her culinary star truly rose when she joined the staff of Dai Due, a hip Austin eatery that serves exclusively in-season, locally-sourced products. Named one of the Bon Appetite’s Top 10 new restaurants, Dai Due took off. Abby learned a valuable lesson in those months.

“There is a certain kind of strain, a public expectation, that comes with that kind of notoriety,” she says. Customers come in, and they are watching for everything, almost demanding perfection. A simple slip, and

the customer’s experience can be ruined.

“It’s hard, dare I say impossible, to live up to those kinds of expectations when people come in.”

Not long after, Abby was on vacation in San Francisco. While there, she made pilgrimage to Tartine, the world-famous bakery. She stood in line, ordered her pastries, and took that first bite. That’s when it hit her.

“I had this sort of ‘a-ha’ moment,” she says. For so long, she had idolized Tartine and the work they did, but there on the street, holding her spectacular pastry – and she’s quick to point out that it was nothing short of spectacular – it struck her. “You realize in that moment this is nothing you couldn’t do.

That’s the secret to success. It’s an excellent product, and it’s always excellent.”

It was also something that she knew she could achieve. So that’s what she’s set out to do with L’Oven. Blending fresh milled, heritage grains with long-ferment processes, Abby and her staff are producing rustic, wholesome loaves and teaching others how to do the same.

L’Oven is as much a product of her “little community” as it is of her effort. When Abby set out to build the bakery, she turned

to a GoFundMe campaign. The goal was to raise $5,000 over several weeks. Within the first week, she’d raised $6,500 and closed the fundraiser. L’Oven ws born.

“I’ve been surprised at how much interest there is in baking classes,” Abby

says. “I left Dai Due without a plan. I knew I wanted bread and people and to be a fulltime commitment.”

But that was about it. She set out first sourcing local ingredients – heritage grains, wild yeasts and other local products.

Also, she started offering her classes. In a traditionally male-dominated bread baking world, kneading and mixing and working dough can be hard, demanding work. And it takes skill.

In her open-concept kitchen, Abby walks a group of six students through the techniques necessary to make a great bread.

That includes the squish technique, in which the students squeeze the dough between their fingers to ensure it’s completely hydrated.

Then there’s the slap and fold technique and at least a half-dozen others.

“A super-slack dough should be treated like hot lava. Don’t touch it too much,” she tells her students. A few minutes later, she stretches a piece of dough out and holds it up to the light. “Take a piece of dough in your fingers and stretch it out. You should get a nice, translucent look before it breaks.”

She calls it the “window” test. She also has a new goal, and one that may be surprising to hear from the former pastry chef at a Bon Appetite Top 10.

“I don’t care about being the best bakery in Austin or the top ten of anything. I’d like

to have regular customers who enjoy my product. I’d like to provide my community with something that is delicious and nutritious,” she says. “Obviously, I want a superior product. But it’s going to be one that comes from a particular angle. It won’t be fussy, it won’t be unapproachable.”

She’s an avowed locavore, but not for the typical reasons some pick. She definitely appreciates local produce, and she’s committed to using as many as she can. At L’Oven, it’s all about the effects of yeast – both in the bread and in the community that buys it.

“It’s not just about being a locavore and eating nearby, being healthy or smart,” she says. “For me, it’s about lifting up the people who I feel have shared values, and I want to support what they’re doing. Slowing down food as a whole is a great way for all of us to connect a little bit better.”

Great food, made with great ingredients, sourced from reliable, local producers makes a great product that customers love. And it’s just better for you, she believes.

“Nature puts the right things together,” Abby says. “The foods that are complementary grow in the same places and at the same time.”

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BAYOU BUZZWORTHY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Linda Lavender Ford, founder and Artistic Director of Twin City Ballet Company and owner of Linda Lavender School of Dance, was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Regional Dance America’s Southwest Festival in Richardson, TX. RDA is an association of ballet companies with memberships reaching across the country.

MATERIAL THINGS SIP AND SEE

Material Things hosted a sip and see on March 1 at their store on Forsythe Avenue in Monroe. Owner Joyce Simms debuted fresh spring furnishings and décor after her return from market. Shoppers enjoyed browsing the shop while sipping and noshing on light refreshments. Material Things is filled with all sorts of furnishings and items including candles, gifts, furniture, lamps and antiques. They even offer custom home décor and upholstery.

CINDERELLA PROJECT OF MONROE

ADDY AWARDS The Advertising Club of Northeast Louisiana hosted the 52nd American Advertising Awards on Thursday, March 1st at the Strauss Theatre Center.

BayouLife was thrilled to take home Best of Show honors, in addition to four Gold Addys, two Silver Addys and the Member’s Choice award. We’d like to thank our advertisers, writers, photographers, staff and readers for their continued support of our locally-owned magazine.

UNIVERSITY HEALTH CONWAY University Health Conway recently received a donation of funds from the Living Well Foundation to purchase two AccuVein vein visualization devices. This technology will help increase the success rate in intravenous therapy in what is sometimes the most fragile patients. It is University Health Conway’s responsibility to try to always provide the highest quality of care and patient satisfaction while also reducing cost when possible. This technology has proven to accomplish all of those measures.

The device is portable, lightweight and will help shorten the time to treatment and diagnosis. The Living Well Foundation is a non-profit organization established to enhance the quality of life and health of the citizens of Ouachita Parish and the surrounding areas.

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The Cinderella Project of Monroe celebrated its eighth annual prom dress giveaway on Saturday, March 10 at the Monroe Civic Center. High school juniors and seniors from around the area lined up to check in and get paired up with a personal shopper to pick out a prom dress for free. The event is made possible by title sponsors Raising Canes and Cross Keys Bank, as well as community partners Rain the Salon, Hemline, Heather Guillot with Vanguard Realty and Louisiana Purchases. Once they had picked out the perfect dress, each girl picked out shoes donated by K-Sera and jewelry. The Cinderella Project collects dresses in the months leading up to the giveaway, with drop off points at Raising Canes, Cross Keys Bank, Herringstone’s Boutique, Eleven 26, K-Sera, Rodéo Boutique and D&D Dry Cleaners. The Cinderella Project was founded in Baton Rouge in 2008 and has since branched out to be statewide, with chapters in Lafayette, Shreveport, New Orleans and Monroe.

LAYNE STRODE

Layne Strode, a native of West Monroe, will graduate in May from the University of Louisiana Lafayette with a Bachelors in Fine Arts and a minor in Psychology and has been accepted into Bellhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi to begin a Masters in Fine Arts. Layne danced with the Linda Lavender School of Dance, as a West Monroe High School Rebel Raider and with Twin City Ballet Company. She is the daughter of Lila and Chip Strode.

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RODÉO BOUTIQUE

This flirty black set is a must-have this spring. This top features a back zipper, ruffle straps and a shear eyelet detail in front with matching shorts. Add this alluring nude sandal to any outfit for an updated look. Accessorize with beaded statement earrings, cat-eye sunglasses and a black bamboo purse.

FA N C Y T H AT

FROM BOLD COLORS TO SOFT HUES, THIS SPRING CHOOSE COLORS THAT STRIKE YOUR FANCY. WE LOVE EYELET DRESSES, FLOWY FABRICS AND STRAPPY SANDALS AND THIS IS THE SEASON TO WEAR IT ALL. MODEL: MALLORY LYNN, HAIR AND MAKEUP BY VIXEN SALON - VICTORIA ALEXANDER AND JANSEN HINTON, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN G MEYERS

GIRLFRIENDS 2

This fun floral top is the perfect transition piece. We love the multi-pattern mix of polka-dots, florals and stripes. For a relaxed day, add a pair of distressed skinny jeans with frayed hem. Kick up your feet in these sandals that feature super trendy fringe with attractive metal hardware. Accessorize with a multistrand pearl necklace and earrings.

THE FASHION OF RUSTON

In white latticed lace, the top has a contrasting vertical stripe along the body of broderie anglais, while a small square of floral lace creates a patchwork effect along one side of the body. For a sporty edge, striped hems add a touch of color. Layer with this petal pink utility-inspired jacket finished with a draw cord hem and white cropped jeans with anke-tie at the hem.

Finish the look with rose gold slides and fringe hoop earrings.

MR P’S TEES

Celebrate your ‘queen’ bee in this handrawn design by Mr. P’s Tees. This original design is printed on a high quality striped t-shirt featuring the words “Long Live The Queen.” FInd your Mr. P’s Tee online or at area retailers.

RUSTON FLORIST & BELLE DE FLEUR BOUTIQUE

Elevate your look with this gorgeous cold-shoulder top in the season’s hottest hue. This red top features a tie at the wrist and scoop neck. Pair it with a floral and polka dot crop pant for a look that is an ode to spring.

Accessorize with Brighton earrings, bracelet and necklace and a simple black bag.

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Calendar of Events For a full list of event happenings in Northeast Louisiana, see our website at www.bayoulifemag.com April 3 ULM Warhawks VS Southeastern

The ULM Warhawks take on Southeastern.

ULM Softball Field Warhawk Way, Monroe Hours: 6:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-342-4295 Theology on Tuesdays

Join a lively discussion of contemporary topics from a Christian perspective. Come by for a drink, fellowship and conversation.

Flying Tiger Brewery 506 North 2nd Street, Monroe Hours: 6:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-547-1738 April 4 Brown Bag Concert Series: Josh Madden

When Madden is not hosting KEDM’s “The Set List” or teaching guitar and piano, he’s performing live at venues around town and the region. His musical influences are Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Charles and Elton John on the piano and Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Dave Matthews on guitar.

Anna Gray Noe Park in downtown Monroe (between St. Francis Medical Center and the courthouse) Hours: 12:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-397-6717 April 5 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, “An Evening with David Toms”

“An Evening with David Toms” is an exclusive opportunity for fans to come out and meet the most decorated golfer in Louisiana history. The evening is presented by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the David Toms Foundation and Monroe’s Bayou DeSiard Country Club. Patrons will enjoy an evening of food, fun and tales of Louisiana sports history, as well as complimentary wine and beer, passed hors-d’oeuvres, a silent and live auction and a three-course dinner.

Bayou DeSiard Country Club 3501 Forsythe Avenue, Monroe Hours: 6:00 - 9p.m.

Cost: $150 Phone: 318-554-9020

Wine Over Water

Wine Over Water will be held on the beautiful ULM Bridge, overlooking the bayou. The event, hosted by the Ouachita Parish Alumni Chapter, benefits the Spirit of the Warhawk Scholarship.

University of Louisiana at Monroe 700 University Avenue, Monroe Hours: 7:00- 10:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-342-5420 April 6 Do Good Date Night

Join us for Do Good Date Night, a chance to combine date night with volunteering, have fun and meet some stellar new people, PLUS make a difference in our community.

Complete a fun service project, then enjoy delicious food from RoeLA Roaster and sip wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages while we play trivia! This event is open to couples and non-couples alike! Age 21+ only.

Time: 6-8:00 p.m.

Cost:$15 per person – includes food and drink Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, 4600 Central Ave., Monroe, LA Contact: https:// dogooddatenightnela.eventbrite. com or 318-322-3567 April 6-7 28th Annual Garden Symposium and Plant Sale

The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens is pleased to welcome a distinguished panel of guests for the 28th Annual Biedenharn Garden

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Symposium and Plant Sale. Speakers will include Gary Bachman, Jill Forrester and Elizabeth and Kayla Jobe. Symposium participants will enjoy lunch and be the first to choose from the plant sale.

Biedenharn Museum and Gardens 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe Hours: The Garden Symposium will take place Fri., April 6th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the Annual Plant Sale will take place Sat., April 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-387-5281 Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale

Annual spring plant sale of the NELA Master Gardeners Association with varieties of ornamentals, vegetables, and herbs that will do well in North Louisiana! Master Gardeners are on hand for expert advice as well as the Louisiana Super Plant/Pollinator Garden to walk through! Programs in the bandstand, too!

Farmer’s Market at Seventh Square 1700 N 7th St, West Monroe Hours: April 6th- 12:00 p.m.- 6:00 PM, April 7th- 9:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-323-2251 April 6-8 Kingdom Collectives Film Festival

The Kingdom Collectives Film Festival is partnering with Railroad Fest this year for a weekend full of short films, live music, food trucks and local art! The film festival will consist of 14 Christian-themed short films that have been submitted from all over the globe. The event will also include worship time, voting for films, guests speakers and a chance to learn about local ministries.

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Admission: $5/$3 for students Location: The Depot Coffee ShopRuston Contact: 318-255-1008 ULM Warhawks VS Texas State

The ULM Warhawks baseball team takes on Texas State.

ULM Warhawk Field, Warhawk Way,

Monroe Hours: April 6th at 6:00 p.m., April 7th at 2:00 p.m., April 8th at 1:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-342-4295 April 7 Fruit Tree Grafting Clinic at the Master Gardeners Spring Sale

Hosted by Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners. Apple tree grafting clinic at the NELA Master Gardeners spring plant sale with Larry Stephenson of Southern Cultured Orchards and Nursery.

Graft your own ($5.00 per rootstock; limit 3 or get a custom bench graft $10.00; limit 4).

The Pavilion at Seventh Square 1700 North 7th Street, West Monroe Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $5-$10 Phone: 318-323-2251 Coffee and Tea Festival: A Love Your Community Event

Find your new favorite pickme-up at the second annual Coffee and Tea Festival at the Origin Bank RiverMarket! Ticket Holders will enjoy sampling the best coffee, espresso and teas that participants from across Louisiana have to offer.

Shopping and other activities are also available to the public.

RiverMarket 316 South Grand, Monroe Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $10 online and $20 at door Phone: 318-807-1735 Hops and Props

A unique collaboration between the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum and the Southern Heritage Air Foundation.

Free Admission, $5.00 wristband for beer tasting (1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.), Plane rides available in a WWII At-6 Texan and a Vintage WACO Classic Bi-plane (from 10 am - 6 pm), food trucks, kid zone, raffle prizes and more! All proceeds will benefit both organizations.

Pilots for Patients Hangar

5110 Operations Road, Monroe Hours: 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Cost: Free Admission Phone: (318) 322-5112

wellspringalliance.org).

University of Louisiana at Monroe 700 University Avenue, Monroe Hours: 3:30 p.m.

Railroad Festival

Experience a full day of celebrating the of the area’s rich arts and music culture in downtown Ruston. Kicking off the event is the makers fair with works from local makers and artists, demos, live music, food trucks and more at the Historic Fire Station. In the evening, make your way to Railroad Park for the concerts, more delicious Louisiana cuisine and drinks!

Entertainment line-up to come.

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Location: Downtown Ruston

Beer and Bards

Beer and Bards takes place on the 2nd Thursday of every month at Enoch’s Irish Cafe and Pub. Enoch’s asks for readers from all walks of life whether they be students, teachers, published authors or just the casual connoisseur of short fiction and/or poetry from within the community, the state or anywhere in the world!

Enoch’s Irish Pub 507 Louisville Ave, Monroe Hours: 7:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-388-3662

Roe City Rollers vs. Acadiana Roller Girls

Roe City Rollers is Monroe’s original roller derby league. Roller Derby is a contact sport played by two teams of five members roller skating in the same direction around a track.

Monroe Civic Center 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Hours: Doors open at 6:00 p.m., games start at 7:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-329-2225 Bingo on the Delta Fundraiser

Bingo on the Delta is a dinner fundraiser featuring bingo, raffle prizes and more! Local priests and nuns from the Monroe area will serve as bingo callers and prizes will be gift certificates from area restaurants. All proceeds will benefit Catholic Charities programs in Northeast Louisiana. Each ticket includes dinner and two bingo cards. For ages 21 and older.

West Monroe Convention Center 901 Ridge Avenue, West Monroe Hours: 6:00 - 9:00 PM Cost: $50 Phone: 318-865-0200 Apri 7-8 ULM Warhawks VS UT Arlington

The ULM Warhawks take on UT Arlington.

ULM Softball Field Warhawk Way, Monroe Hours: April 7th at 1:00 p.m. and April 8th at 12:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-342-4295

Miss Louisiana’s Outstanding Teen Pageant

Twenty-four beautiful young ladies from across the state will be competing for the title of Miss Louisiana’s Outstanding Teen 2018. Come cheer on your favorite contestant!

University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Brown Auditorium 700 University Avenue, Monroe Hours: Preliminary Competition Saturday 6 p.m., Finals - Sunday 2 p.m.

Phone: 318-348-7594

Chonda Pierce: Getting Back to

April 11 Brown Bag Concert Series: Landry Allen, Danny Allen, Brian Allen and Julian Jones

Joining the Arts Council for an encore at the series, Landry Allen is a junior at West Ouachita High School where he serves as Choir President. Allen’s talent has been recognized by his selection as first chair Tenor 1 at the District 1 Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) auditions as well as performances in the LMEA All-State Mixed choir and American Choral Directors Association AllState Men’s Choir. Allen will be accompanied by Danny Allen on bass guitar, Brian Allen on drums and ULM music faculty member Julian Jones on keyboard.

Anna Gray Noe Park in downtown Monroe (between St. Francis Medical Center and the courthouse) Hours: 12:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-397-6717

Funny Tour with special guest Karyn Williams

Emmy nominated and bestselling comedian Chonda Pierce, or “the country comic” as Billboard Magazine dubbed her, has been making audiences laugh for more than two decades with her winning combination of fierce wit and southern charm. A stand-up comedian, television hostess, author and actress, Pierce has channeled her life experiences into positivity, bringing laughter to audiences around the country!

Monroe Civic Center 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Hours: 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Cost: $24- $49.50 Phone: 318-329-2225

Apri 12 Walk-a-Mile in Her Shoes 2018

This event is sponsored by the ULM Femhawks and the Sexual Assault Response Team of Ouachita Parish. The Walk brings awareness to sexual assault and domestic violence while creating gender solidarity. If you or your organization would like to participate, please contact Jaleesa Harris (jharris@ulm. edu) or Melanie Clark (mclark@

April 13-14 The Trading Post

Enjoy pre-race activities for the upcoming “Ouachita 49er” and “Logtown 28” kayak races on the Ouachita as part of the Tour De Teche racing series. The “Trading Post” will center around the theme of the race with “early explorer” expedition activities held at Lazarre Point in West Monroe. Their special attraction, sponsored by Louisiana

Delta Adventures, is the historical re-enactors of the Hunter/Dunbar expedition of 1802. The keelboat “Aux Arc” and crew of the Early Arkansaw Re-enactors Association, will share with the general public and students about the 1802 Thomas Jefferson commissioned expedition of William Dunbar and Dr. George Hunter.

Louisiana Delta Adventures S Riverfront St, West Monroe Hours: 10:00 a.m.

Phone: 318-927-9654 April 13 Off The Wall 2018

This party features live music, great food, and the region’s premier art auction.

Masur Museum of Art 1400 South Grand, Monroe Hours: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-329-2237 Wig and Stache Bash

Mark your calendars for The Wig and Stache Bash, hosted by Geneva Academy at the Vantage Building’s Rooftop Garden! Also in the works is a FANTASTIC raffle with amazing incentives!

Vantage State Building 122 St John St, Monroe Hours: 7:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-805-0116 April 14 Lazarre Springfest Disc Golf

This is a SANCTIONED Fundraiser Tournament for The Southern Nationals Pro Championships. Registration from 7:00 -8:45 a.m. Players meeting at 9:00 a.m. with Tee Off at 9:30.

Second Round 1 hour after last card is turned in from first round. Get those Southern National’s Points!

Lazarre Park Corner of Hamilton and Thompson Streets, West Monroe Hours: 7:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Cost: Pro: $40, Advanced: $35, Intermediate: $30, Rec/Nov: $25 Jr: $20 Race 2 Grace 5K, 10K and Fun Run 2018

This annual event helps fund projects for the Children’s Ministry at Fair Park Baptist Church.

Fair Park Baptist Church 4412 White’s Ferry Rd, West Monroe

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Hours: 8:00 a.m.

Cost: Prices vary, visit www. fairparkwm.com for more info Phone: 318-396-6306 Ouachita River 49er

Ouachita River 49er is a 49 mile (79 kilometer) kayak race from West Monroe to Columbia. The race starts at Lazarre Park in West Monroe and ends at the Riverton Recreation Area just above the Columbia Lock and Dam. Racers have 15 hours to finish the race.

Lazarre Park Corner of Hamilton and Thompson Streets, West Monroe Hours: 10:00 a.m.

Cost: $75 Registration Fee; Event entry fee increases after March 12, 2018 to $100 Summer Camp and Kids Activities Expo

Plan your entire summer in one day at the Summer Camp & Kids Activities Expo! The Expo will feature day camps, overnight camps, specialty camps, VBS, summer programs, travel planning and yearround activities such as dance, art, sports, martial arts, music, tutoring, etc. FREE admission! Giveaways, free activities, and more!

Pecanland Mall 4700 Millhaven Road, Monroe Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Cost: free Phone: 318-321-3639 Landry Vineyards Concert - Code Blue and the Flatliners

Landry Vineyards Outdoor Music Concert will feature Code Blue and the Flatliners. Code Blue will play a variety of country, rock and dance music. Jambalaya, cheese trays, boudin, wine bellinis and drinks will be offered for purchase.

Landry Vineyards 5699 New Natchitoches Road, West Monroe Hours: 4:00- 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $10.00 adults; young adults 13-18 years $5.00; children 12 and under are free.

Phone: 318-557-9051 April 17 ULM Warhawks VS Mississippi Valley State The ULM Warhawks take on Mississippi Valley State.

ULM Softball Field

Warhawk Way, Monroe Hours: 6:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-342-4295 April 18 Brown Bag Concert Series: Rod Payne and Lisa Spann

The series mellows out as Rod Payne and Lisa Spann join the Arts Council at the park. The duo will perform show tunes old standards, easy listening, and more. These two provide the classic example of how the perfect blend of voice, repertoire, and setting can make for an extraordinary experience. This will be a must-see feature of the series that promises a great way to spend lunch on a beautiful spring midday.

Anna Gray Noe Park in downtown Monroe (between St. Francis Medical Center and the courthouse) Hours: 12:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-397-6717 April 19 NCLAC presents “Look and See: A Portrait of Wendell Berry”

A portrait of the world as lensed through the works of a farmer, writer and activist Wendell Berry, this indie film revolves around the divergent stories of several residents of Henry County, Kentucky who each face difficult choices that will dramatically reshape their relationship with the land and their community Time: 7:00 p.m.

Admission: $5/$3 for students Location: Dixie Center for the Arts Contact: 318-255-1450 April 19-22, 26-28 Sister Act

Deloris Van Cartier, the singer with more sass than sense who ends up hiding at a convent when her married club-owning crimeboss boyfriend, Curtis finds out she’s snitched to the cops about his murdering an associate. Deloris brings passion and hip attitude to her rescuers, while they teach her about community and help her find a much-needed dash of self-control.

Strauss Theatre Center 1300 Lamy Lane, Monroe Hours: April 19-22: 7:00 p.m.

Thursday - Saturday and Sunday 2:00 p.m.

Cost: $30 for Adults/ $10 for Students plus tax

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Phone: 318-323-6681 April 20-22 ULM Warhawks VS Appalachian State

The ULM Warhawks baseball team will be versing Appalachian State.

ULM Warhawk Field Warhawk Way, Monroe Hours: April 20th at 6:00 p.m., April 21st at 2:00 p.m., April 22nd 1:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-342-4295 April 20-21 The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby production will be performed by CA Studio at the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens in Monroe.

Biedenharn Museum and Gardens 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe Hours: Fri., Apr. 20, 7:00 p.m. and Sat., Apr. 21, 7:00 p.m.

Cost: General Public, Reservations, $20 plus tax Phone: 318-387-5281

April 20-22 Ballet Under the Stars

Spring is in the air and so is the joy of dance! The public is invited to join Twin City Ballet Company for Ballet Under the Stars, North Louisiana’s signature spring arts event. This two-act concert offers something for everyone. Act I, Once Upon a Time, embodies everything we love about children’s stories!

All woven together with music and dance, this ballet is filled with themes we all know and love – from a native Louisiana girl being turned into a frog to a lost girl falling down the rabbit hole. Encompassing everything fresh, light and beautiful about Spring, Act II, The Wonders of Spring, will feature new works by choreographers Leaia Alsup, Joe Istre and Madelyne Clark. With music from classic to folk to blue grass...a range of sounds and color will feast the eyes and the ears!

Local food trucks will be on-hand

with food and drinks both Friday Saturday nights during the gala performances Kiroli Park 820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe Hours: Gala performances: Friday and Saturday 6:00 p.m. – Food and Fun, 7:00 p.m. – Performance Begins; Cost: Gala tickets $25 - Adults • $10 - Students 18 and Under • Children Under 3 Free Free performances*: Saturday, April 2ist, 2:00 p.m., Once Upon a Time; Sunday, April 22nd, 2:00 p.m. Once Upon a Time and The Wonders of Spring (*Free with Park Admission) Phone: 318-388-3011 April 21 OPSO Top Gun Steel Challenge

We will be shooting 5 different Steel Challenge Stages to raise funds for Suitcases for New Places. Registration 7:15 – 8:15 a.m., Opening Ceremonies and Mandatory Safety Meeting 8:30 a.m., First Shot 9:00 a.m. To compete for the Top Gun Prize, you will shoot a Centerfire and Rimfire.

OPSO Rifle Range 357 Richard Fewell Rd., West Monroe Hours: 7:15 a.m.

Cost: $35-$50 Phone: 318-410-2436 Plein Air Art Juror Competition

Experience Ruston’s first open air or “plein air” juror competition!

Artists will pick up canvases and paint buildings, scenes and landscapes out in the open air. All paintings will be done within the Ruston Cultural District and will be judged and sold at the reception that evening.

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: Downtown Ruston Contact: 318-548-3015 Earth Day Celebration

Come celebrate Earth Day with the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. You will not want to miss this free family friendly event!

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge 480 Richland Pl Drive, Monroe Hours: 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Cost: Free Phone: 318-387-1114

Zumbathon Charity Event Benefiting The ULM Autism Center

It’s the 2nd Annual Zumbathon for Autism Awareness benefiting the ULM Autism Center and 100% of proceeds will go to this charity.

This event is Disney themed, so bring the kiddos decked out in their costumes! There will be some of the best Zumba Instructors there! Water and refreshments will be available.

Local vendors will be set up.

ULM Intramural Center 700 University Avenue, Monroe Hours: 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Cost: Adults-$10, Children-Free, ULM students, Military and Senior Citizens (with proper ID)- $5 Phone: 318-342-5388 Ritas on the River

Back by popular demand is ‘Ritas on the River! For the third annual event, the competition will be stiff as participating local bars and restaurants battle it out for the title of Best Margarita. All ticket holders must be of legal drinking age and have a valid I.D. Downtown Monroe Hours: 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Tickets for this event are $25 when purchased online and $35 at the door Downtown Cinema Presents: The Little Rascals

Join Downtown Cinema as they kick off their 2018 season with The Little Rascals! They’ll have free popcorn and water, just bring your own seating. The movie starts at dark.

Palace Park 220 DeSiard Street, Monroe Hours: 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

April 24 ULM Warhawks VS Mcneese State

The ULM Warhawks baseball team take on Mcneese State.

ULM Warhawk Field Warhawk Way, Monroe Hours: 6:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-342-4295 Loren and Mark Present: Classical Guitar and Song

Loren and Mark are classically trained guitarists accomplished in the Chet Atkins style of playing.

Come spend the evening singing along as they perform the classics!

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Admission: $20 Location: Dixie Center for the Arts, Ruston Contact: 318-255-1450

April 25 Brown Bag Concert Series: Mason Granade

A long-time series favorite, Maso Granade has performed for over 30 years and is a regular at regional cafés and night spots, as well as Worship Leader at Bethel Baptist Church in West Monroe.

Granade finds inspiration from Eagles, America and The Beatles.

He has recorded an album with Matthews-Granade, and his songs were featured in R-Squared movies “New Hope” and “Flag of My Father,” where he had a cameo.

Anna Gray Noe Park in downtown Monroe (between St. Francis Medical Center and the courthouse) Hours: 12:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-397-6717 ULM Warhawks VS Lamar

The ULM Warhawks take on Lamar.

ULM Softball Field Warhawk Way, Monroe Hours: 6:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-342-4295 April 27-29 Treasure Island

An old and menacing sea captain, Billy Bones, tells young Jim Hawkins to keep an eye out for a man with one leg who’s looking for the treasure map of Captain John Flint. When that man finally appears, Bones entrusts the map to Jim’s safekeeping before collapsing.

Jim shows the map to Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, and they excitedly decide to put together a pirate crew to collect Captain Flint’s haul from Skeleton Island. Join Jim and his crew for adventure on the high seas and find out if dead men really do tell no tales.

Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts 1300 1/2 Lamy Lane, Monroe

Hours: April 27 at 7:00 p.m.; April 28 at 2:00 p.m.; Apr. 29 at 3:00 p.m.

Cost: Students & Kids- $10 Adults- $14 Phone: 318-812-7922 April 28 Celebrate Your Heroes 5k and 1Mile Fun Run

Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care is hosting the first Hospice Promise Fundraiser “Celebrate Your Heroes” 5k and 1-mile Fun Run/ Walk! All money raised at this event will benefit Hospice patients and families in our community. Dress up as your favorite hero! Awards will be given for teams with the best team name, best costume and largest team. Individuals in costume will be eligible for door prizes. Celebrate your favorite hero on our Hero Wall.

Chennault Park and Golf Course 8475 Millhaven Road, Monroe Hours: 1-mile fun run at 8:00 a.m., 5k at 8:45 a.m.

Cost: $20 (1mile), $25 (5k) includes race t-shirt Phone: 318-322-2235 Superheroes For Autism 5k Run / Walk

The 4th Annual Superheroes for Autism 5K is set for April 28, 2018 at Kiroli Park! Come out and help celebrate and raise awareness for all of the superheroes in our community! All proceeds will benefit Families Helping Families of NELA! Kiroli Park 820 Kiroli Road, West Monroe Hours: 10:00 a.m.

Phone: Phone: 318-342-4295 Mozart in Monroe

The season finale will end on a high note from this concert of allMozart repertoire. Come hear Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Horn Concerto No. 3 featuring the MSO’s own principal hornist, James Boldin, and Symphony No. 41, also called the “Jupiter” symphony.

ULM Brown Theatre 4001 DeSiard Street, Monroe Hours: 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Cost: $25 Phone: 318-812-6761

you. This show will be held to raise money for the Cancer Foundation League of Northeast Louisiana.

Monroe Civic Center 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expressway, Monroe Hours: 7:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-966-1953 21st Annual Monroe BASH

The American Red Cross BASH returns to Monroe on Saturday, April 28, 2018! This will be the 21st year for this amazing event. Come enjoy great food, great friends and the chance to go home with great auction items!

AV Flight, Hangar 9 5400 Operations Rd, Monroe Hours: 7:30 - 11:30 p.m.

Phone: (318) 865-9545 April 28-29 ULM Warhawks VS Georgia State The ULM Warhawks take on Georgia State.

ULM Softball Field Warhawk Way, Monroe Hours: April 28th at 1:00 p.m. and April 29th at 12:00 p.m.

Phone: 318-342-4295 Enjoy your stay in MonroeWest Monroe!

We at the Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitor’s Bureau hope you have a great stay here!

Please feel free to call us at 800-843-1872 if you have any questions. You may also stop by our offices at 601 Constitution Drive, West Monroe for brochures, coupons and additional information.

Visit www.monroe-westmonroe. org for information about events in Ouachita Parish and visit www.rustonlincoln.com for events in Lincoln Parish.

Fashion Fusion 2018

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