BayouLife Magazine April 2016 by BayouLife Magazine

BLcontents

APRIL 2016

20 / BAYOU KIDZ It Takes A Village 28 / ASK ERIN Tips For the Organized Traveler 32 / FISHING WITH KENNY All About Soft Jerkbaits and Stickbaits 50 / P. ALLEN SMITH Organic Gardening 101 58 / MEREDITH’S MUSINGS Monroe, My Hometown 64 / BAYOU PAGES Words From the Road 74 / BAYOU EATS Domo Arigato, Y’all

82 / WANDERLUST Spring’s Best Looks 100 / BAYOU ICON At Home With Niven Morgan 110 / BAYOU OUTDOORS My Buddy 116 / BAYOU ARTIST Jo Mattison Explores Color Through Painting 128 / THE LONG WALK Three Prime Locations For Your Next Wilderness Trek 148 / GEEK OUT Inspire Your Child To Reach for the Stars at Space Camp

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152 / TOP BILLION Monroe Native Forging Path In Miami Hiphop Scene

BayouLife

HERE ARE NO WORDS

that can adequately convey the emotional roller coaster that this month has brought. I’ve had quite a few people ask me if we were going to make this month a “flood issue,” and while we know firsthand the impact that it has had on our area, I felt it best to do what so many people in North Louisiana have done and continue on with our plans in the best way that we know how. I’ve seen so many friends lose everything to the recent flooding. I’ve seen the community come together to help one another and the resilence of the people of our region as they pick up and try to restore their lives. While I didn’t lose my home, our office was completely flooded. We had no idea six months ago when we bought it that we would be ripping out walls and carpet, and facing a total remodel. It was truly a humbling experience and we had so many friends come and help us, not to mention offer their homes for us to come and work out of. Thankfully, Mr. Eugene Montgomery and the staff at Community Financial are letting us make our home in their building for the next few months. I also need to thank the Junior League of Monroe and Libby Gifford for letting use their space, and contractor Rafael Lara for coming over as quickly as possible to start construction on our office. I often say that our little “neck of the woods” seems so different from the rest of the world. We are such a giving community - to see people from all backgrounds, races and economic statuses coming together and working beside each other for the greater good... it’s truly touching. Before the rain came, we made a trip to Dallas for this month’s travel issue. We had a blast catching up with friends and while the constuction on Woodall Rodgers Freeway made us want to cry, we survived

1201 Royal Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 Phone 318.855.3185 Fax 318.855.4645

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the Big “D” and came out with a lot of funny stories. Our trip started at the home of Jo and Billy Mattison. We were invited to their gorgeous home near Highland Park Village and inside the studio of this month’s BayouArtist. You can read her article on page 116. Next we made our way to Uchi Dallas, where former Ruston resident, Jeramie Robison, welcomed us in for a sushi and sake. This accomplished chef is definitely making a name for himself among Dallas’ finest. See this story on page 74. I remember the first time I ever picked up a bottle of Niven Morgan’s Gold lotion. It was love at first scent. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with quite a few fragrances from this collection. So, it was no surprise that Niven himself was quite swoon worthy. We caught up with the fashionable entreprenuer at his Dallas home. Read about this month’s BayouIcon on page 100. Our trip ended at the home of Michelle Nussbaumer, a dynamic interior designer, who has been featured in national design magazines. Michelle graciously opened her home to us for our April fashion shoot. Read about Michelle’s amazing store, Ceylon et Cie, on page 92. I also want to send out a special thanks to Gavin Smith for helping us coordinate this trip. Our prayers to everyone who has experienced losses in the flood, our thoughts are with you. Peace and happy reading,

Cassie

PUBLISHER Cassie Livingston cassie@bayoulifemag.com EDITOR Maré Brennan mare@bayoulifemag.com STAFF WRITER Michael DeVault michael@bayoulifemag.com ART DIRECTOR Melanie Moffett melanie@bayoulifemag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Gaeb Cardinale gaeb@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Toni Navarro toni@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Ashley Hubenthal ashley@bayoulifemag.com ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Amanda Singley amanda@bayoulifemag.com INTERN Kesha Bowens CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Maré Brennan Dan Chason Kenny Covington Lou Davenport Blair David Michael DeVault Dr. David Finley Cindy Gist Foust Annie Jopling Linda Holyfield Janine Hopkins

Paul Lipe Erin Love Meredith McKinnie Dr. Timothy Mickel Kay Rector Delia Simpson P. Allen Smith Jayme Stokes Beatrice A. Tatem Analeise Thomas

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brad Arender Martin G. Meyers Jonathan Nutt ON THE COVER BayouIcon, Niven Morgan talks scents, page 100 cover photography by Martin G Meyers BayouLife Magazine is published and distributed by Redbird Publishing, LLC. Circulation: 13,000 copies monthly. Postal subscriptions ($20) 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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New Look, Same Great Taste Abita Celebrates 30th Anniversary

016 IS A MILESTONE YEAR FOR ABITA BREWING Company. For one thing, they turn 30! That isn’t all though, because in coordination with that 30th anniversary, they’re unveiling new designs and an overall new look and feel. You can expect to see the new looks on their 7 year-round brews, seasonal and harvest series on shelves soon! Even though the bottles may look different on the outside, your favorite brews on the inside still taste exactly the same! WE REPEAT: NEW LOOK, SAME GREAT TASTE! Through the years, Abita has become a brand synonymous with the state of Louisiana and New Orleans. As one of the largest exporters of Louisiana’s culture nationwide, Abita wanted it’s packaging to reflect that. “Abita Beer is brewed for the way we love to live, “ David Blossman, President and CEO of Abita said. “We are proud of where we came from and wanted to be sure that was evident in every aspect of Abita. There was no better time to embrace who we are than as we celebrate 30 years of continued craft brewing success.” Abita’s new look is inspired by the art, culture, history and colors of Louisiana. The personality of the city is showcased through eccentric new characters and quintessential New Orleans scenes depicted on the packaging. Examples of this include a Voodoo doctor to personify the mystery and magic of Purple Haze, as well as a brass band leading a parade or a second line for Amber’s new look. “There’s a parade for every occasion in New Orleans. Abita Amber leads the parade of our brews, so it was a natural choice to have it lead off our new product designs with a second line,” Blossman added. You may also notice that your favorite bottles of Abita brews are back in basket carriers. The first bottles Abita offered debuted in baskets, making it fitting to return to them after all these years. Abita made these changes after listening to you, their fans, regarding your choice of baskets over wraps. The new baskets allow for ease of use and give you the ability to see more of the product through the packaging. This year Abita also released a new year round offering, Big Easy IPA. The hop flavor’s big, but like life in New Orleans, Abita is taking it easy. This session IPA is brewed with lemon peels and dry

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hopped with Cascade, Amarillo, Centennial and Simcoe for a hoppy aroma of citrus, fruit and pine. It is easy to drink and just right for long hot days, steamy nights, parades or a day on the river with friends. Big Easy IPA is a brilliant gold color and features a 4.5% ABV. In celebration of the release of Big Easy IPA, Abita is kicking off a ‘pop up tour’ throughout seven Southeast states between March 28th and April 30th. David Blossman, President and CEO of Abita said, “We wanted to share the spirit of New Orleans with Abita fans and IPA fans across the Southeast, so we are bringing New Orleans to them.” The states on the tour include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. Local residents along the tour route will be surprised with pop up performances by New Orleans-based Young Stripe Brass Band and second lines (parades). Fans can join the second line and head over to the local venues, which will be among the first to serve the Big Easy IPA beer. For a complete tour schedule visit www.bigeasyipa.com. Haven’t been by the brewery recently? Abita now offers both guided and self-guided tours that offer a behind the scenes look at the working brewery. Inside the French doors of the Tap Room, you can take a seat at their 24-foot, polished mahogany bar and order a pint of your favorite beer or learn and sample exclusive specialty brews. During the great spring weather, enjoy the gas lit courtyard with relaxing fountain. Check the calendar for special events and food truck schedule. Be sure to stop in at the Gift Shop for Abita themed merchandise. In addition to hats and glassware, you can also find one-of-a-kind gift items crafted by local artisans. To find out more about Abita’s new packaging or schedule a tour, visit www.abita.com. Abita is known as the original craft brewery of the Southeast. Proudly sharing Culture on Tap since 1986.

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Hopkins Dermatology What’s Next?

BY JANINE HOPKINS, BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST

S A BOARD CERTIFIED Dermatologist for 20 years, I never ask, “WHAT’S NEW?” I always ask, “WHAT’S NEXT?” Twenty years ago, I began with a vision. I wanted to bring my dedication and emphasis on skin cancer treatment and anti-aging rejuvenation options to Northeast Louisiana. The vision that has become a reality is Hopkins Dermatology and MD Minerals Studio and Spa. Knowing that if every step of the process was under one roof, I could promise and deliver customized care, concierge service and quality without compromise. And so I continue to dream and ask... What’s Next? NEXT ABOUT LASERS! SculpSure is coming soon to Hopkins Dermatology. This is a non-invasive body contouring with the speed of light. SculpSure offers a 25 minute body contouring treatment that is convenient, comfortable and for any body and skin type. This laser will help patients get rid of stubborn fat they can not be addressed with diet and exercise alone. Patients treated with SculpSure experience an average fat reduction of 24% in the treated area. NEXT ABOUT SKIN TOPICALS! Customized Skincare Regimens are essential to anti-aging and when used in

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tandem with lasers and injectables, the results are outstanding. REVISION has introduced the “power of two” in a Vitamin C 30% Lotion for day and Retinol Complete for night. Vitamin C has been around since the 1980s but Revision has a new presentation packed with THD Ascorbate, a highly stabilized, very powerful form of Vitamin C, that brightens dull skin and may be used as a daily antioxidant. Retinol Complete (the game changer) is a revolutionary facial serum that contains the power of five antioxidants and includes a proprietary blend of botanical extracts that enhance the effects of Retinol. It brightens, plumps and smooths skin’s texture. It contains time-released Retinol for maximum efficacy with minimal irritation. NEXT ABOUT INJECTABLES! The jaw line diminishes as we age, but with Sculptra and Voluma injections, bone loss can be restored and collagen growth reactivated. Using the PHI technique, I am able to restore proper balance, ratio and contouring for a more youthful look and avoiding a “done” face. NEXT ABOUT THE SPA! Opening a space for relaxation and specific treatments was the goal for the Spa. In collaboration with international

Caudalie Paris, training for the staff was put in place along with the complete collection of luxurious Caudalie Paris products. Slimming Treatments combined with Therapy Massage are customized to meet the body’s needs. Different facial treatments are available, and a Rugged Man Facial is a wonderful gift for your special friend or husband. CAUDALIE PARIS EVENT – APRIL 21 We will be showcasing the beauty and luxury of this amazing collection with Nikki Galante previewing the latest products, including the new Caudalie Cleansing Oil. Stay tuned for details on this fun and informative event. MD Minerals Cosmetics is a minerals based cosmetic collection created for the perfect finish to enhance skin with natural ingredients. We have the new Contour Kit in stock and are excited about showing the correct way to highlight and accentuate your cheek bones. Along with instant concealers and mineral powders, the beautiful eye shadows and rich lip colors complete every look. And so I will begin every day with the ongoing quest to find What’s Next: Innovative techniques, unique inspiration and surprising possibilities.

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Bayou Trace At Waters Edge. A World Away.

F LIVING IN THE CITY HAS LOST ITS LUSTER, COME TO a place where you can hear the peaceful sounds of frogs chirping and surround yourself with Louisiana’s natural world. Situated just within the city limits of quaint and progressive Sterlington and at the waters edge of Bayou DeSiard, a new way of living, Bayou Trace, awaits. With an eye toward building a new kind of community, managing partner Tommy Grant is teaming up with John Rea Realty to offer residential and commercial opportunities for families and businesses a stone’s throw from CenturyLink and some of Ouachita Parish’s best performing schools. As a basis of reference, the developers of Bayou Trace are taking some of the best practices of the New Urbanism movement and putting them to use here. What’s New Urbanism, you might ask? Think Seaside, Florida. New Urbanism is a community development movement which started in the early 1980s. This kind of development promotes environmentally friendly habits by creating walkable neighborhoods containing a wide range of housing and job types, with opportunities for businesses like grocery stores, dry cleaners, banks, retailers, restaurants and so much more. New Urbanism is strongly influenced by urban design practices that were prominent until the rise of the automobile prior to World War II. Bayou Trace allows for a traditional neighborhood design and is a transit-oriented development. Transit oriented developments like Bayou Trace allow their community’s population to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging bike riding, walking or taking the train (more about this idea later.) These ideas can all be circled back to two concepts: building a sense of community and the development of ecological practices that make sustainability not just talk but a way of life to ensure future generations will be able to enjoy bayou living just as we do. The first phase of Bayou Trace’s residential and commercial properties, which includes 49 lots, is already being sold and will feature convenient underground utilities, Sterlington maintained sewage, AT&T U-verse high speed Internet and water supplied by Ouachita Waterworks. Twenty-four of those lots are located on the bayou and are priced at $95,000. Compared with other bayou lots, Bayou Trace offers tremendous value for the investment, according to John Rea, broker and owner of John Rea Realty. Bayou Trace is offering

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incentives for builders looking for multiple lots as well. Bayou Trace will feature an architectural review committee to keep standards for construction at the highest level. Minimum heated square feet for the residential lots is 2,800. All homes within Bayou Trace will be French design and will have high pitched roofs. All fences and mailboxes will face design restrictions to create continuity throughout the development. The subdivision has just been annexed by Sterlington and is zoned for some of Ouachita Parish’s highest rated schools. Sterlington mayor Vern Breland has been instrumental in the planning stages of the subdivision, as well. A wall between residential and commercial property like that at Louisianne in Monroe will separate the private and public areas of the development. Guy Campbell is developing the retail development which will front Highway 165 and has secured a bank, restaurant and dry cleaner. A generous boulevarded entrance will lead past the retail establishments and take guests and homeowners past community greenspaces, parks and roundabouts to their residential destinations. John Rea, a visionary for Monroe, believes Bayou Trace offers our area a chance to reinvent itself as a modern, forward-thinking community. “We are gaining so much intellectual capital with the growth of CenturyLink, Affinity and others, that I believe conceptual, traditional living communities, like Bayou Trace, are the answer. We are literally going to see a city being birthed and built along 165. It’s exciting times. And I think it’s a winner,” says Rea. Massive residential development north of Monroe and the heavy use of Highway 165 has created so much bottleneck traffic that some have proposed widening the highway at an expense to taxpayers to the tune of a whopping $48 million to create a six-lane road. Rea believes an existing railroad track that runs from the Koch plant at the Ouachita River in Sterlington to Midtown Monroe could create the foundation for a light rail system at very little expense compared to road building. With stops along the track at CenturyLink, St. Francis’ North Monroe Hospital and strategic spots, a train system would be a novel approach to our growing traffic problems. “A light rail system could be just one more thing that makes our area unique. Plus we save time, money and the environment,” explains Rea.

The Sounds of Spring Missing Out Because of Hearing Loss?

PRING HAS FINALLY ARRIVED, and with the new season comes a sense of rejuvenation and palpable joy to get back outside! Spring means new sounds to cherish such as birds chirping, children playing and families spending time outdoors. Yet for many, some sounds that accompany these get-togethers go unheard. For anyone with untreated hearing loss, the ability to hear high frequency sounds like birds’ singing is commonly one of the first things to go. These may be some of the sounds you no longer recognize, or experiences you no longer enjoy. Quite often a person who is suffering from hearing loss struggles to enjoy the situations they once did. This struggle can become frustrating and over time can lead to a lack of participation in once loved events. The average person suffers with hearing loss for roughly seven years before seeking help, but for many, the wait can be much longer. One of the reasons for the delay is hearing is typically a gradual process. Most people don’t experience a sudden event that leads to their hearing loss; instead, it occurs over time. Due to the gradual onset of hearing loss, many people don’t recognize the sounds they are missing. The lack of recognition may lead to decreased enjoyment in the activities they once loved. Individuals who do recognize their hearing loss and begin wearing hearing aids report rediscovering sounds they didn’t realize they had lost. They also find it much easier to enjoy situations they used to love

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but had stopped participating in due to their hearing difficulties. During this time, gradual strains have been put on their abilities and enjoyment in conversing with others including in-person and on the phone. These individuals may also give in to various coping mechanisms in an attempt to manage their hearing loss including turning their head to favor one ear, listening to TV at loud volumes or worst of all – withdrawing from social events. Frustrations typically build for the person with hearing loss as well as their loved ones who wish they would seek proper treatment. However, there is good news and it starts with a complimentary hearing screening and consultation. As a hearing professional, we can determine if you have a hearing loss and what sounds you’re not fully hearing. If we determine that you have a hearing loss, affordable hearing aid solutions are available so you can hear soft and subtle sounds again. Today’s hearing aids are easily programmed to amplify missed sounds and personalized for your specific hearing loss. By seeking a free hearing screening, we can help you re-engage with all those fun family gatherings so you’re not missing one moment. Our specialists take great pride and satisfaction in helping people rediscover sounds and activities that they haven’t enjoyed in years. If you are ready to start experiencing your life again, this time with the help of hearing aids, please don’t

wait! Our specialists eagerly await the opportunity to help you as they have helped so may others. MAKING A DIFFERENCE Our mission is to bring understanding among people through hearing care by focusing on awareness, education, protection and treatment, So the World May Hear! At Audibel The Hearing Center, we care about your well-being and the lives of the less fortunate around the world. As a proud supporter of The Starkey Hearing Foundation’s “So The World May Hear” program, we are changing lives through the gift of hearing. Your support through the purchase of Audibel Instruments and your donation and trade in of any model hearing aids goes to the foundation’s programs to provide hearing instruments to children in the most remote and poverty stricken regions of the world. ABOUT US Audibel The Hearing Center is Northeast Louisiana’s Audibel dispenser. Cherry Phillips “The Hearing Lady” has been serving this area for over 27 years. We offer free hearing screenings, free second opinions, extended warranties and repairs on all makes and brands of hearing aids. You can find out more by visiting our website www.AudibelMonroe.com and you can see more and like us on Facebook.com/ AudibelMonroe.

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Oh, the Places We Should Go The Benefits of Travel on Your Mental and Emotional Health BY BEATRICE TATEM, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS

T THE RISK OF SOUNDING LIKE A TRAVEL AGENT promoting her travel agency and upcoming excursions, this article is for the travel enthusiast, those considering the idea of travel, individuals who question the benefits of travel and, quite frankly, those in need of vacation. It is an article reflecting my professional beliefs about the mental health benefits, as well as my personal fondness for travel. I encourage traveling as an option for leisure and mental wellness, because it stretches the mind and imagination beyond the routine of day-to-day existence. It serves as a release for the mind, while allowing us to replenish, recognize, revalue and rejuvenate ourselves. When was the last time you traveled for the sake of pure pleasure, leisure and relaxation? How do you know when it is time to get away? Spring is officially here as well as the start of the travel season. It is the time of the year associated with growth, renewal, new life; it is a metaphor for the start of better times. In the world of mental health, this is the time of the year when we recognize emotional shifts associated with the change in the weather and day light savings time. It is a time when society seems to be awakened by the occurrences in nature; when people blossom as oppose to the emotional retreat associated with the hibernation of fall. Spring is correlated with longer, warmer, sunnier, leisure filled days. Leisure is an important part of wellness. It can be considered in terms of time, activity and state of mind. Leisure can be linked with traveling and getting away, literally and figuratively, physically and mentally. Consequently, travel for the sake of leisure is a vital part of staying mentally and emotionally well. There are many psychological benefits to traveling. Traveling is more than a destination to a physical place but is an emotional and mental journey stimulating every sense and enriching every emotion. 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, flexibility and awareness. It 16 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

provides a panoramic view of life from others’ perspectives and at the same time allows us to stand back and view our own lives. The more we travel, the more connected we feel to the world. It allows us to rethink how we do things, where we do things and who we do things with. Traveling brings the unfamiliar and the different into our lives and makes it a part of our reality. When traveling, be free and leave the stressors of home behind. Be aware of the time zone you’re in and adjust accordingly. Avoid over packing, over scheduling and “tourist traps.” Alleviate stress and anxiety by getting plenty of rest before traveling, while traveling and following your trip. Know when to take a vacation and do so regularly. Be adventuresome and embark on something new; “seas the day.” Explore your soul while traveling to the farthest place you have ever dared to go. Seek the depth of your spirit while visiting the unknown. Discover the treasures of the place you are visiting. Every place has its own character, fare, lifestyle, culture, beauty and pride...rejoice in it and immerse yourself freely. Relish the differences you discover and the similarities you share. Refresh your mind and body by experiencing new adventures. While you are on vacation, cultivate an interest you can continue when the vacation ends. When traveling, seek connection with yourself, the people you meet and with the friends you have been too busy to call. Leave work and demands of the job at the job. Whether you decide to cruise to a far off island, hike through the mountains, or, take a cross country train ride, or a bus tour of your favorite travel destination, travel with an open mind and the willingness to experience anything. Oh, the places we should go. Spring into better mental health with a trip of a lifetime. Let the world see you, and you see it! For more information about counseling services and outreach programming, contact Dr. Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, 1900 North 18th Street, Suite 414, Monroe, LA 71201, 318-410-1555or at btatem.bt@ gmail.com

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BAYOUBUZZWORTHY WALKERRUN4K

The first annual WalkERrun4K will be held on April 16th, 2016. This 2.5-mile run and one-mile walk will benefit the Walker Children Education Fund. Ryan Walker was a loving husband, father, son and friend to many in our community. Ryan went to be with our Heavenly Father this past June, far too early in life. Ryan left behind a loving, faithful wife Kimmie, 3 adventurous boys and an unborn baby girl due early in 2016. The 4K race and one-mile walk will take place at Family Church located at 320 Laird Street in West Monroe. Plenty of fellowship, food and fun will take place this day. Please join us on this day to help celebrate his life and faith through fellowship while helping provide assistance for his 4 wonderful children’s future education.

MOSS EYECARE

Moss Eyecare held their Groundbreaking Ceremony on February 26, 2016 for their new building on 165 North. The new 5,000 square foot facility will be located at 3300 Sterlington Road. Opening is scheduled for early 2017.

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SARI. SO BEAUTIFULLY SARI.

Sue • Anu is a new lifestyle brand of customizable tunics, shift dresses, kaftans and toppers created by good friends and local fashionistas, Sue Sartor and Anu Lal. After working together to create the Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts, these two realized they had a similar interest in gorgeous textiles and couture clothing. Lal’s lifelong connections with an Indian couturier known for his elegant fabrications and Sartor’s stint in marketing with Calvin Klein was a match made in paradise. The collection is made to order and the swoon-worthy silks, brocades and cottons are the perfect weight for southern living. The tunics, dresses, jackets and caftans transition well from work, play, travel to cocktail and beyond. Custom woven and dyed fabrics-silks, tropical weight brocades and handstamped cottons are transformed into pieces you’ll live in. We love that the company’s walking elephant logo, created by local designer Kristin Brown, has found its way onto the fabrics, too! A website for the company is forthcoming, but you can find information on Facebook to set up your personal showing.

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B AYOUKID Z

IT TAKES A VILLAGE Nobody Can Do Everything, But Everyone Can Do Something article by Cindy G. Foust | photo by Gaeb Cardinale

o, I had this column written two weeks ago on a completely different subject and changed my mind last minute about what I wanted to write about. Well, okay, that’s not entirely true, maybe I didn’t have it written, but I did know what I wanted write about. Sadly, however, I’m starting this month’s column with another heavy heart. Seems like I have had a lot of those lately, but this one, well this one has pretty much affected an entire community’s heart. As I write, this time last week, our quaint Twin Cities, along with some of our closest neighboring friends, had just been inundated with more rain in ten hours that we historically see in a year’s time. The fast and furious torrential downpour caught our sleepy community by surprise and as a result, many of our neighbors have suffered catastrophic losses. There’s a saying I keep in my desk that says “Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.” (Author Unknown) Whoever wrote this sure knew what they were talking about, especially during times like our community has faced these last few weeks. Who could have ever predicted the devastation this area would suffer in what many consider to have been an ambush by Mother Nature? Sure, we have had our share of unpredictable weather forecasts, and just five short years ago this author’s business suffered greatly at the unmerciful hand of Mother Nature when my own office lay in ruins under three feet of water. I’m telling you, it’s a dark time. And such is the case again, five years later, when much of the landscape we love and travel everyday has been demolished and destroyed. Homes, businesses, highways, bridges, wildlife, vegetation, vehicles, churches, schools...the list goes on and on...as the victims ranged from the very young to the elderly. But as the water began to ebb away, and the destruction became a reality, something magical began to happen. This magic had nothing to do with sorcerers and magic wands however, but more to do with ordinary people becoming extraordinary citizens. As quickly as that horrendous rain storm descended on our great community, these extraordinary citizens responded in the same lightening bolt fashion, and unlike the merciless and uncaring winds and rain, these good people went to work with caring hearts and the kindest spirits. And when I say went to work, I mean they began to put the legs back under this community. Clean-up crews were assembled; rescue missions were organized; benevolence funds were tapped into; meals were prepared (for the masses) and delivered; donations were made for everything from cleaning supplies to grooming products; and the list goes on and on. Suddenly, everyone was doing something.

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There were no age limits – from the youngest of citizens to the oldest, from the busiest to the retired, it has truly been a hands-on effort from these extraordinary citizens who initially set out to do what they could to help, but ultimately have began the healing process for a community whose spirit had been destroyed. All you had to do was drive down an affected street or area, and see the carnage lining the streets, carnage that had just hours before, been someone’s bedroom furniture or their family photo albums. But on this same drive, you more than likely would also see neighbors helping neighbors... neighbors who had been spared the personal agony of losing not just their physical residences or their businesses, but their homes, and just wanted to help do something. No, they couldn’t do everything, but they could do something. And as it routinely does, social media also exploded. Pictures of destruction and pictures of storm waters and pictures of washed out bridges...washed out lives. Just as quickly as these pictures made their way to Facebook, they were quickly replaced with pictures of an entire community engaged in sandbagging. Or making sandwich bags. Or hauling off mountains of trash and debris. Or driving boats to rescue citizens or their pets. Or smoking 50 pork butt roasts. Every effort being made was important, newsworthy and critical. My Facebook feed went from recipe, recipe, “Jerry Springer” post about someone’s cheating husband, to pictures of hope and a community of ordinary citizens doing extraordinary deeds. The crusade was large and widespread, and people from all walks of life, in every age window, were part of the movement. You know the saying, “It takes a village,” well, it has taken a village and it will continue to take a village to put these sort of Humpty Dumpty circumstances back together again, but it can and will happen. If you are a parent of young and impressionable children or teenagers, I hope you haven’t missed this opportunity to demonstrate to your kids, through your own efforts and through the efforts and examples of others, what it means to be somebody that “can do something.” We can all have a role to play, because sadly the effects of the destruction are going to be around for a while. But just as long as it takes to put it all back together, it’s abundantly clear that those affected by this unfortunate blow by Mother Nature will not be alone. No, there are plenty of extraordinary neighbors willing to stand in the gap for the victims, for as long as it takes. And hopefully, together, as a community, one that has endured much loss and tragedy in years past, we will continue to stand arm in arm, pork butt roast to pork butt roast, until the lives and property of those affected have been restored. From this columnist and her family, our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this terrible disaster.

Tips for the Organized Traveler by Erin Sharplin Love

hether your spring and summer travels take you to the beaches of Florida or to the vineyards of Napa Valley, being organized when you reach your destination will enhance your get-a-way experience! Only a few extra minutes of preparation can make you a practically stress-free traveler, well on your way to a blissful summer vacation. Please feel free to take full advantage of my tips below: Start early! I suggest that you research typical weather patterns during the time of your trip and begin planning outfits for your entire family at least a month before your departure. You will be able to narrow down your decisions the week you leave. For instance, if wet weather is predicted, you can add a rain jacket and boots to accommodate that chance. On another note, be sure to check all transportation requirements, so you won’t get a surprise when you arrive at the port, for instance. Pre-planning will help to ensure you don’t forget necessary items and that you don’t over pack! Keep It Simple! Over packing is an extremely easy thing to do, especially for women, so during your pre-planning and packing, I suggest that you make a checklist. Your checklist should correspond with your itinerary, so you know exactly what you need, when you need it and for how long. For example, will you need to change clothes at some point during the day? Maybe you are going on an excursion and then need to quickly dress for a nice dinner out. You can 22 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

‘keep it simple” by mixing and matching as much as possible and by packing accessories that can suit different occasions. You can be stylish without packing your entire closet. I promise! I do it all the time! Let Your Neighbors in on the Secret! Be sure to communicate with your neighbors that you will be going out of town and the length of your stay. A good neighbor will look for any suspicious behavior while you are away. If you will be gone for an extended period of time, she might also be nice enough to grab your mail and newspapers for you. If not, you can ask the post office to hold your mail and packages. Treat Your Pets to a Vacay, Too! Arrange for your pets to be boarded with a pet hotel in your area. Many offer online viewing and/ or text messages to keep you updated. Or, if you prefer, hire a pet sitter/house sitter to stay with your pets while you are away. Make sure you leave plenty of food, water, toys, bedding and directions for medications, etc. And You Are Off! Whether you are traveling by air, land or sea, you will need a few things to keep you comfortable. Be sure to pack snacks for yourself and your children. I like to use a small insulated container for water, grapes, carrots and chocolate! I also typically pack crackers and mints, too. If you are traveling with children, may I suggest a quick trip to the dollar store? The dollar store is the perfect spot to find small toys, books and games. You can find a few things to keep yourself busy, too! I have a few more tips that don’t quite

fit into their own category. Check them out below: • Keep all travel information in a central location. Keep everything in a folder and store it in your command center, so you can grab it as you are walking out of the door. • You may find it helpful to pack children day-by-day. For instance, place each day’s outfit, including socks, shoes and other accessories, into a zippered pouch. You can then place the dirty clothes back into the zippered pouch to keep them away from clean clothes. • If you plan on shopping on your trip, consider packing an extra bag. If needed, you can then ship the bag back home. • Contact your credit card company to let them know you will be traveling. This practice reduces the probability that the card company won’t approve purchases from locations not typical for you. • If you are taking a road trip, be sure to take your car in for a tune-up and thorough inspection. You may also want to pack an emergency kit in case of a flat tire or other emergency. • Remember that some hotels offer amenities, such as hair dryers, soap, shampoo, beach towels, etc. I know you are looking forward to your upcoming vacation, and I hope these tips help you to enjoy it even more! Have fun! erinlove@panachebyerin.com

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

What’s Your Vision of Beauty? Haik Humble Eye Center Wants You to Imagine the Possibilities

AIK HUMBLE EYE CENTER offers advanced cosmetic and medical aesthetic services to our practice offerings. Our services are provided in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere utilizing the latest technology and highly qualified professionals to deliver great results. Our goal is to help you achieve healthier and younger-looking skin. We’ve focused our advanced technology on treatments for improving skin’s health and appearance, as well as cosmetic procedures for the eyes and surrounding area. Whatever your vision of beauty, Haik Humble Eye Center makes it remarkably affordable. PHOTOFACIALS Most people seeking skin rejuvenation to restore a smoother, more youthful appearance or to correct certain skin issues will be ideal candidates for photofacials. Photofacial treatment uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to remove skin imperfections and stimulate collagen and elastic fiber production, thus creating healthier and smoother skin. The gentle, non-ablative treatments use broad spectrum light to treat the face, chest, neck and hands—virtually anywhere that sun damage shows. The process is ideal for anyone with active lifestyles because the procedure requires no downtime and has a low risk of side effects. Photofacials can improve the signs of sun damage, rosacea and brown spots on the face, hands and body. It has also been used to reduce the appearance of mild acne scars, dark circles around the eyes and fine lines around the eyes and mouth. At Haik Humble Eye Center, we utilize the Lumenis M22 laser

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for IPL Photofacial treatments, which is the gold standard platform for cosmetic skin treatments. PATIENT SATISFACTION Photofacials have a very high measure of patient satisfaction. Patients are very pleased with treatment results because the process treats the full face, neck, chest or hands, rather than addressing a single isolated area or imperfection. With a series of treatments, IPL technology can help restore a more youthful appearance with no downtime or a prolonged recovery necessary after other types of treatments Several appealing qualities of IPL Photofacials which result in very high levels of patient satisfaction: • IPL treatments are quick, gentle and noninvasive. There is no interruption of routine activities. • By helping to remove the age spots (suninduced freckles) and broken capillaries, the result is overall more even, luminous, younger looking skin. • Patients can see dramatic results within a very short time. WHAT TO EXPECT Each pulse of the laser lasts less than one second and may produce a slight tingling feeling. In particularly sensitive areas, such as the upper lip, it may feel like a quick pinch. After the treatment, a moisturizer is applied with sunscreen. If there is any mild swelling, a cold pack may be applied for five or ten minutes. Commonly, patients can reapply foundation or concealer immediately after treatment.

Each treatment session takes about 20 to 45 minutes to perform, depending on the size and location of the targeted area. Usually four to six treatment sessions are recommended to produce optimal results. After the photofacial treatment, patients can return to work and other regular activities the same day. The skin may appear slightly flushed and capillaries may appear more visible, but these changes are often unnoticeable to others. It is important to protect the skin from sun exposure for the first few months after treatment to promote proper healing and long-term results. EXCELLENT RESULTS Most people will experience a disappearance or significant reduction in skin irregularities after a series of treatment sessions spaced several weeks apart, although results depend on the type and severity of the condition being treated. Sun spots and other forms of sun damage tend to darken after treatment and then shed from the skin after one to two weeks. People with rosacea often notice a decrease in redness and a return to a more normal skin tone within a week after treatment. Those with spider veins may experience a full or partial fading of affected vessels after 10 to 14 days. Achieving smoother, more beautiful skin is now easier and more comfortable than ever before. The professionals at Haik Humble Eye Center will develop a customized treatment plan in order to achieve the desired results for each patient’s individual condition. Call us today at (318) 325-2610 to schedule a FREE consultation.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

First South Farm Credit Whatever the Farm Means to You, Let First South Finance it for You

HAT DOES THE FARM mean to you? It could mean many things, depending on whom you ask. Most people are a generation or two removed from our agricultural heritage. The vast majority of us did not wake up early to feed chickens or milk cows before school when we were children. We mostly grew up in cities and suburbs. We rode our bikes on neighborhood streets rather than dirt roads. For us, the farm can be anywhere we can get on a tractor and breathe fresh country air. It can be twenty acres outside the city. It can be a place to raise horses or a few head of cattle. It can be a place where you can go sit in a deer stand and enjoy the solitude. The Farm has always been a rice field in Jeff Davis Parish. But it is also a country home in Moss Bluff. It is a camp in the woods of Mississippi. At First South Farm Credit, we are your rural lender to help finance whatever “The Farm” means to you. We have always been nostalgic about rural America, but lately we have witnessed people beginning to return to a rural lifestyle. A recent USDA study revealed that residential or “lifestyle” farms are the fastest growing segment of the rural population. They surprisingly represent half of all farms in the U.S. Many of these farms are in outlying areas just outside of cities. What are the motivating factors

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driving people back to the country, you ask? The study cited the top three reasons for the increase in this lifestyle. What these people had in common were a general love of the outdoors, a need for privacy, and a desire to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. First South Farm Credit understands all of these needs. This is because we understand rural America. As part of the national Farm Credit System, we have been financing rural America since 1916. We have a long history of supporting farmers and rural communities. “In farming, you don’t see the kind of monthly income that everyone else does, so you need an understanding lender who can help you work through those times when you might be facing crop disease, weather or price swings in the market,” says Ronnie Anderson, President of Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. “First South provides that for our farmers.” Unlike most businesses that return profits to their investors, First South returns profits to our borrowers. When you borrow from First South Farm Credit, you become a member of our cooperative, which entitles you to share in our profits through our patronage refunds. Our members own the business – that is the cooperative way. “This is the 21st consecutive year we’ve paid a patronage refund. Over that period of time, First South has declared

patronage totaling over $299 million to be paid to its member-borrowers through patronage refunds and retirements of allocated surplus,” says Gaston Lanoix, Chairman of the Board of Directors. That is the benefit of the cooperative structure. For our long-time members, it is something they have come to rely on. And it continues to be a strong competitive advantage in the marketplace. “When you can offer a competitive interest rate up front and then follow that up with a check back to the borrower every year, it makes it hard for other banks to compete with that,” says Danny Ardoin, First South’s Regional Lending Manager for the Southwest LA area. With offices in Winnsboro, Tallulah, Lake Providence, Jennings, Crowley, Opelousas and New Iberia, we are uniquely positioned to serve you no matter where you are. Call us at 800-955-1722 or find us online at FirstSouthLand.com. We’re First South Farm Credit, and we’ve been financing rural land since 1916. We’re ready to help you buy that special piece of land.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

BayouTrends

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We love pastels for Spring. From pretty pinks to mint greens, these must-haves for the season are available at local retailers.

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1. FREE BIRDS BOUTIQUE 2. FABULOUS FABRIC 3. BEEHIVE 4. HOLLIS & COMPANY 5. MATERIAL THINGS 6.HAIK HUMBLE EYE CENTER 7. ABSOLUTELY ABIGAILS 8. ELEVEN 26 9. HEMLINE MONROE 10. HOUSE OF CARPETS AND LIGHTING 11. LILYANA’S 12. K-SERA BOUTIQUE 13. M.D. MINERALS 14. PAUL MICHAEL COMPANY 15. THE PAPER MARKET 16. HERRINGSTONE’S 17. CARA’S BOUTIQUE 18. THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY 19. LINCOLN OUTDOOR LIVING 20. THE MUFFIN TIN 21. THE PATIO PLACE 22. TRENTON INTERIORS VIEUX GOURMET 24. TOWNSEND HOUSE GIFTS 25. SUE PAPERIE 26. THE STORK’S NEST 2823. APRIL 2016CARRE | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM 28 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Brown Bag Concert Series

Refresh Yourself Each Wednesday with Brown Bag Concerts!

s the 24/7 world draining you? Spend one of those hours to refresh yourself each Wednesday in April at the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s noontime outdoor Brown Bag Concerts series. Pack a picnic, round up some friends and come down to beautiful Anna Gray Noe Park in downtown Monroe (across from St. Francis Medical Center). You can relax in the beautiful outdoor setting, soak in the soft springtime sun and gentle breezes and enrich your spirit with a different performance each week -- a mix of show tunes, country, rock, blues, old standards and much more! Some seating is provided, though picnic blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. Of course, the performances are FREE, thanks to CenturyLink, Origin Bank and the City of Monroe. But there’s more! Mulhearn Corporation will bring free cookies, tea and lemonade will be provided courtesy First Baptist Church of Monroe, which is also our incase-of-rain venue! Take a look at who’s on and join us!

April 6 • Mason Granade

Like the Eagles, America and the Beatles? Mason’s your guy! He’s been performing for over thirty years and is a regular at such diverse venues as regional cafes and night spots and as Worship Leader at Bethel Baptist Church in West Monroe. You may also have heard his popular album recorded with Matthews-Granade on the radio or in R-Squared movies, “New Hope” and “Flag of My Father,” where he even had a cameo! Sneak a listen online at www.masongranade.com, then join us at the park as our Series gets a rocking start!

April 13 • Becky Carroll

Becky Carroll is a busy mom and grandma, but she also finds fulfillment as pianist for her home church, the Wisner United Methodist Church. This multitalent30 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

ed Franklin Parish resident is also a vocalist who can stir the soul with her gospel – which is featured on two current CDs, Back to My Roots and Blessed, with a Christmas CD due out in the fall. Come on down to the park today – this Series first-timer will lift your spirits!

April 20 • Lisa Lee Phifer and Company Popular local vocalist Lisa Lee is back and bringing a few friends along to help the Series (and us) mellow out! Lisa is known for her rich, honeyed voice. She’ll bring a couple of her favorite musicians along to give us an eclectic, one-of-a-kind performance. Expect easy listening classic country, soft rock, blues, pop and fifties tunes – and probably a few surprises -- at today’s Series outing.

April 27 • Josh Madden

You may know him from his KEDM Public Radio show “The Set List” on Saturday evenings, but today we see this ULM Mass Communications grad’s other passion. When he’s not teaching guitar and piano to budding musicians, 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. Today he brings those flavors and more to us for our final outing of the Series sends us rocking into the busy summer season.

Mason Granade

Becky Carroll

Lisa Lee Phifer

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!

Josh Madden

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

FISH ING WI T H K E N N Y

ALL ABOUT SOFT JERKBAITS AND STICKBAITS article by Kenny Covington

his may be hard for people to believe, but in 1985 there was no such thing as a soft plastic jerkbait or stickbait. There wasn’t a Zoom Fluke or a Yamamoto Senko. No one knew about dead sticking or wacky rigging. These were unheard methods to catch bass. But it didn’t take the bass fishing world long to take notice. When the first soft plastic jerkbait, the Slug-Go, was introduced in the late 1980s, being young and already quite set in my ways, I swore I wouldn’t throw it. I had heard about it and had even been given a couple of packs at a tournament, but I considered them to be a gimmick, so I wasn’t jumping on the bandwagon. My uncle was fishing this new lake at the time called Caney and was catching bass after bass on a Slug-Go copycat he was making at his house. By using a new lure and his own color creations, he was catching fish that were not conditioned to seeing something brand new, so it made fishing fun and catching them quite easy. Now, close to 30 years later, even though many fishermen catch fish on these soft plastics, because the fish are more pressured and smarter, today’s fishermen are tweaking and finding more and more ways to effectively use them. The advantage of the Slug-Go is its unique design as well as the profile and weight of the lure. Diving jerkbaits, such as Smithwick’s Rogue, were effective fish catchers, because the lip of the lure created an erratic action once it was jerked under the water. The idea behind the bait was to create a soft plastic lure that would get the same results as the hard jerk32 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

bait. With the Slug-Go, the fisherman could incorporate the action but yet the lure would respond erratically causing the fish to strike out of impulse and instinct. Over a period of years the Slug-Go slowly began to fall by the way side, being replaced by another soft jerkbait called a Zoom Super Fluke. The Super Fluke is by far and away the most popular choice among soft jerkbait enthusiasts in our part of the country, and it is hard to argue the baits effectiveness. It is one of the few soft plastic jerkbaits that catches just as many fish as it seductively falls vertically through the water column as it does being worked horizontally near the surface. It was only when Gary Yamamoto introduced the fishing world to the Senko did fishermen realize that sometimes the best way to work a bait is to let the bait work itself. Designed after the tracings of a ball point pen the Senko was probably the one bait responsible for the “dead sticking” technique. One thing fishermen need to guard against when using a Senko is overworking the lure. The Senko’s built in shimmering fall means that very little action is needed to be imparted by the fishermen for the lure to be effective. This is where the “dead sticking” term comes from. Allow the lure to work for you, and the results will speak for themselves. One reason why these lures are so popular is that the fisherman can use each one and change very little about the tackle needed. Your rod of choice should be a 6 ½ to 7 foot medium heavy action in either casting or spinning, both are good choices. You want the rod to be heavy enough to set the hook on longer casts but to also handle larger size fish that

each technique is capable of producing. Two of the most overlooked aspects of fishing soft plastic jerkbaits and stickbaits are the choices of line as well as the size and style of hook needed. The best all round size line is a 15 lb test. Many fishermen prefer fluorocarbon because of its sinking qualities but I can’t honestly say it generates more strikes. Line choice is generally the fisherman’s preference, just make sure you use a quality one. The size and style of hook is open to more debate than any other aspect of this type of fishing. Many fishermen like the EWG style of hooks while some argue the offset styles are more effective. Neither are wrong, but make sure the hook you choose is capable of handling the size plastic being used. For instance ,on a Slug-Go you can use up to a 5/0 size hook, where as in a Zoom Super Fluke you may be more effective using a 3/0 hook of the same style and brand. The only constant I have found is that when using a Senko a 4/0 offset thin wire wide gap hook seems to be the best choice. As with most lure choices, the best color is usually determined by the angler’s confidence. Slug-Go colors in Arkansas Shiner and Black/gold seemed to be the better choices here in our area. When it comes to Senko’s and Flukes, the standard shades of watermelon or green pumpkin, as well as junebug, are always good choices, but don’t be afraid to experiment. It might just pay off on the fish of a lifetime! I sure hope we were able to give you some tips that will help fill your livewell this month. As always, please be careful on the water and catch one for me. See you next month!

Marsala Beverage

Introducing Parish Brewing Company Out of Broussard, LA

INCE 2008 PARISH BREWING COMPANY HAS BEEN AT battle against boring, tasteless beer. Located in the heart of Cajun Country in Broussard, Louisiana, our simple goal is to make awesome, craft brewed beer. Brewed locally, Parish beer is always fresh and never pasteurized. If you find a Parish keg tapped and ready to go, you can expect the most fresh and flavorful beer possible. Our beer is brewed right here in Lafayette Parish, so it’s always fresh without preservatives and flavor-killing pasteurization! Enjoy the hop aromas and fine malt undertones, keep the beer mustache, and Drink Dat! Our beers are brewed using old-school techniques with German, Belgian and North American malted barley and other grains and the finest hops from the Pacific Northwest and Europe. Core Brews Canebrake - Louisiana Wheat Ale Canebrake is crisp and smooth with a beautiful golden honey color. This refreshing American wheat style brew highlights sweet remnants of sugarcane with notes of honey, spice and citrus on the finish. A new Louisiana tradition, Canebrake was the first commercial beer in the world brewed with locally-made Steen’s sugarcane syrup! Envie - American Pale Ale Parish Envie is brewed with loads of citrusy American hops to create an assertive, yet balanced American Pale Ale. We’ve used sweet caramel malts to mesh harmoniously with a dominant hop taste and aroma. Take a sip, embrace the hops and repeat. South Coast - Session Amber Ale Parish South Coast is brewed with a variety of toasty caramel malts in harmony with a delicious hop taste and aroma. This session brew can be enjoyed one after another. Slow ya roll and enjoy! Limited Brews Farmhouse IPA- Belgian Style Ale Parish Farmhouse IPA is a unique beer inspired by the traditional farmhouse brewers in the countryside of Europe and re-imagined by our brewers in the countryside of Broussard. Be ready for a boisterous

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bottle of bubbly that brims-over with the aromatics of brash American hops, rustic heirloom grains and a spicy kick courtesy of a French ale yeast. This hazy, straw-colored beer’s tart and dry flavor profile makes it the perfect partner for soft tangy cheeses, ceviche or a mid-day roll in the hay. While our bottle-conditioning process ensures this new Louisiana tradition will continue to evolve in the bottle, we like it best fresh. Santé! Dr. Hoptagon – Black IPA Parish Dr. Hoptagon is a badass Black IPA. Pleasantly offensive, this serum is bursting with bitter hops and black roasted malts. If you prefer weak, yellow beer or rainbow pooping unicorns, slowly back away. Ghost in the Machine - Double IPA Welcome to the future. Our collective human consciousness, or Ghost in the Machine, has gained a tolerance for hops beyond what mankind has ever known before. This double india pale ale is the necessary outcome. Annual Brews Grand Reserve – Barleywine Patience. Grand Reserve should be saved and shared. Brewed only once per year, our Barleywine Ale is characterized by an intensely complex malt, hop and fermentation profile. Naturally carbonated, it will age gracefully when cellared. Imperial Reserve - Imperial Stout Our Imperial Stout is characterized by a dominatingly rich malt profile full of coffee, chocolate and dark fruit qualities. Naturally carbonated, it will age gracefully when cellared. Naturally carbonated and bottle conditioned in our cellar prior to release. Tyler Flemister, VP of Marketing says, “Marsala Beverage is thrilled to welcome Parish Brewery to our portfolio. Andrew and his team make exceptional products, and we are very excited that we get to share them with Northeast Louisiana. Please begin looking for Canebrake, Envie and South Coast Amber Ale mid-April.”

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Glenwood Medical Group Quality Medical Providers You Expect. Compassionate Care You Deserve. CARDIOLOGY P.Thomas Causey, Jr., MD, FACC Dr. Causey, a fellow of the American Board of Cardiology and board certified in cardiovascular disease, specializes in clinical consultative cardiology, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology and preventive cardiology. He also serves as medical director of Glenwood’s Cardiac-Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center. PH: 318-338-3525 CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY Harry Donias, MD Dr. Donias’ services include mitral valve, tricuspid valve and aortic valve repair or replacement, on and off pump coronary artery bypass, proximal aortic and arch pathology, surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation, lung and esophageal cancer, aneurysms, peripheral revascularization and carotid stenosis, as well as minimally invasive and endovascular techniques. PH: 318-329-3475 EAR, NOSE AND THROAT Brent Metts, MD, PhD Dr. Metts, one of the few surgeons in the nation who is fellowship trained in minimally invasive and endoscopic assisted thyroid and parathyroid surgeries, provides treatment for sinus disease, thyroid disease, hearing loss, throat and voice problems, sleep apnea, tonsillitis and ear infections. He also performs minimally invasive balloon sinuplasty. PH: 318-329-8458 FAMILY AND INTERNAL MEDICINE Roland Ponarski, MD Dr. Ponarski specializes in diabetes, 36 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

hypertension and high cholesterol. In addition, he offers routine physical exams and CDL license exams. PH: 318-329-8485

preventive cardiology. She also offers EKGs, stress tests and echocardiograms. PH: 318-322-0458

FOOT AND ANKLE David Gardner, DPM Michael R. Kaye, DPM Drs. Gardner and Kaye specialize in bunions, hammertoes, flat foot, achilles tendonitis, toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, heel pain, neuromas, corns, calluses, warts, deformities, geriatric conditions, diabetic foot conditions and sports injuries of the lower legs and feet. PH: 318-322-5506

NEUROLOGY Cresha Davis, MD Dr. Davis is board certified in neurology and specializes in sleep, neurologic and movement disorders, epilepsy, migraines and chronic headache disorders, stroke, dementia and neuromuscular diseases. PH: 318-807-4611

GENERAL SURGERY Frank Sanfiel, MD Dr. Sanfiel specializes in hernia repair, breast surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, skin and soft tissue infections and other surgical interventions including laparoscopic and robotic surgery. PH: 318-329-8411 GENERAL SURGERY AND WOUND CARE Russell T. Lolley, MD Dr. Lolley is the Medical Director of Glenwood’s Hyperbaric and Wound Care Center. He performs transcutaneous oxygen monitoring, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, wound debridement, specialty wound dressing and skin grafts, compression therapies and diabetic foot care, as well as general surgeries. PH: 318-329-8445 INTERNAL MEDICINE Alyce Adams, MD Dr. Adams is a certified Diabetes Educator who specializes in diabetes, hypertension and

Jenny Guerre, MD Dr. Guerre is board certified in neurology and specializes in Myasthenia gravis, muscle disorders, spasticity, neuropathy, neurologic disorders, epilepsy, movement disorders, migraines and chronic headache disorders, stroke and dementia. PH: 318-807-4611 PSYCHIATRY Michael B. Wright, MD Dr. Wright specializes in psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for adolescents and adults. His services include psychopharmacology and medication management, outpatient consultations, crisis management, acute psychiatric emergency management and referral and consultations for psychiatric problems related to medical illness. PH: 318-329-4419 PULMONARY MEDICINE Ronald Hammett, MD Dr. Hammett specializes in critical care medicine, internal medicine and pulmonology. CONTINUED ON PAGE 97

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

TROPICAL WAVE arrangement by Lisa Lewis, Licensed Master Florist of Lisa Leighâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photograph by Martin Graham Meyers

Lisa created an exotic arrangement comprised of Birds of Paradise, curly willow, a single leaf of dark green aspidistra and fresh cut fatsia leaf from an obliging garden. She then expertly arranged them in a sleek, modern glass cylinder that was perfectly situated in the parlor of the B&B. John Thomasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; eclectic mix of antique and modern in this 112 year old home create the perfect backdrop for this chic and tropical arrangement.

For those traveling through Monroe/West Monroe who would love an unexpected treat in accommodations, try John Thomas Bed and Breakfast located on 3rd Street in West Monroe. Built in 1904 by J. H. Watkins, this Southern Gothic Victorian home has been reborn as the John Thomas Bed & Breakfast, an elegant and enchanting retreat. Special thanks to owner John Thomas for allowing us to photograph these beautiful arrangements at his hidden jewel of a B&B that was booked solid with guests!

FREE FORM

arrangement by Gregory Hudgins photograph by Martin Graham Meyers For a chest top arrangement, Gregory created a free-form arrangement unhindered by the constrictions of a container. Taking cues from a carved wooden sculpture, the designer artfully arranged vibrant tiger lilies, Sunset garden roses, thistle, long stems of flat willow, fatsia leaves and seeded eucalyptus for a more masculine, less structured vibe.

Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Through the Decades

Once again it was an evening of fun, in true southern style, at the River Oaks auction held on February 19th. Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Through the Decades was held in the Harry Bell Memorial Gymnasium and included music, food and live and silent auctions. Guests danced the night away to the Top Cats from New Orleans and enjoyed melt-in-your-mouth southern cuisine by The Fish House. River Oaks School would like to extend a sincere thank you to their teachers, staff, parents, alumni, grandparents and generous community for making the night an evening of southern tradition and success.

On the BayouScene 6

1 Nikki Fuller and Candice Pohlman 2 Wayne and Laura Horton 3W endy Alexander and Lori Tindall 4 Sandy and Kevin Patel, Erin and Joel Turner 5M ark Lindstrom, Donna Ashbrook and Joe Tannehill 6 Sandy Patel and Alpa Patel 7 Chris and Gary DeWitt 8 Jessica and John Ortega 9 Alice and Dr. Tom Middleton 10 A lpa Patel, Donna Ashbrook, Alicia Villarreal and Keisha Avery 11 S hane Stacy, Matt and Alicia Villarreal 12 C hris and Erin Horrell 13 Scott Ashbrook, Dr. John Roberson, John Allred 14 D r. Tahir Qayyum and Dr. Jeet Patel 15 Deina Roberts, Ann Jeselink and Michelle Conti

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WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Caples and Robinson Orthodontics A Great Alternative to Conventional Braces

NVISALIGN … CLEAR ALIGNERS TO STRAIGHTEN YOUR teeth, have become a great alternative to conventional braces. Let us explain how it works: During treatment, patients are asked to wear aligners 20-22 hours per day. Each aligner is typically worn for two weeks. After two weeks, patients are asked to move forward into the next upper and lower aligner in the sequence. Usually at a point very early in treatment, we bond tooth-colored attachments to selected teeth that facilitate certain tooth movements. The attachments are hardly noticeable and are removed when treatment is completed. As patients progress through their aligner sequence, we check them at regular intervals to make sure that the desired tooth movements are being achieved and to alter the treatment course as needed. Wearing aligners is typically a very simple task for patients, and any inconvenience perceived is most definitely outweighed by the excitement that patients have as they watch their smiles transform! Just like all orthodontic cases, every Invisalign case requires a unique treatment plan, so treatment time can range from a six months in cases of minor malalignment to more than 24 months in cases that require complete correction. Remember, teeth respond to the forces that are placed on them. They don’t know whether they are being pushed or pulled by braces and wires or by Invisalign’s plastic. The limiting factor in the speed of orthodontic treatment is the cellular biology that occurs during tooth movement, so treatment with traditional braces and Invisalign typically takes a similar duration of time. To alter treatment time, we would have to alter the biology of the bone, a task that until recently was very invasive. If patients are interested in “accelerated orthodontics” without invasive intervention, we finally have a solution. It’s called “Acceledent,” but accelerated orthodontics is a topic for a whole article by itself. As you might imagine, a large portion of our patients in Invisalign treatment are adults. We have mentioned this statistic in

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more than one of our previous articles, but 20-25% of new patients entering our practice are adults. In many instances, Invisalign has opened the door for patients who desire orthodontic treatment, but are reluctant to wear traditional braces, to achieve the smile that they have always desired. In addition to correcting aesthetic issues in many adults, we treat an ever-increasing number of cases in conjunction with other dentists and dental specialists in a multi-disciplinary manner to enable the dentists and specialists to deliver optimal care that could not be achieved in the absence of orthodontic tooth movement. Our office is proud to offer our New Itero Element intraoral scanner... allowing you to get treatment more accurately and efficiently ... and NO impressions. It’s the latest cutting-edge technology in dentistry and orthodontics. Drs. Caples and Robinson recently attended the Invisalign Master Course in Houston, Texas. This educational seminar was focused on treating tough orthodontic cases that once required braces and wires... but now can be done in clear aligners. Invisalign is where art, science and technology meet to provide you with easy, comfortable and predictable treatment without wearing braces. The path to a straighter smile has never been easier with Invisalign treatment and our new, state-of-the-art iTero® scanner. Start your journey to a straight smile with Dr. Caples and Dr. Robinson, the ONLY Board Certified Orthodontists in Northeast Louisiana and Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. With five convenient locations, Caples and Robinson Orthodontics is here to serve you. Caples and Robinson Orthodontics has five conventient locations to serve you. Contact your area location today in Monroe, West Monroe, Ruston, Bastrop or Mangham.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Dr. Lester Johnson

Dr. Bart Liles is pictured with his children, his father, and his grandfather.

Linda S. Holyfield

Dr. Bart Liles Returns Home Practices His Passion in the Town He Loves BY LAURA CLARK

ART LILES HAS ALWAYS KNOWN his heart belongs to both Monroe and the medical profession. Liles, a fourth-generation physician in Monroe, moved to the area at four years old when his father, Dr. Arthur Liles, opened his urology practice. His grandfather, Dr. Burchall Liles, also practiced urology, and his great grandfather, Dr. N.P. Liles, was a general physician. “I used to accompany my dad and granddad to their offices. It always meant a lot to be around them, and to see what they did.” He completed his medical training in Shreveport, but he knew Monroe was the place to raise his family. He and his wife Leigh, a child psychiatrist, have three children: Mary Blake, 6; William, 4; and Frances, 8 months. He enjoys spending time at his family’s hunting camp and reading. His favorite book is Ferrol Sams’ “Run with the Horsemen,” a story about a boy growing up in the South. “I had to come home. People here are friendly and gracious. Everything I love is here—family, friends and places. I wanted to raise my children near my family in a true community environment. The sun shone brighter the day I moved back to Monroe three years ago.” Liles moved to Monroe after completing a laparoscopic, robotic and bariatric preceptorship at Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport. He then joined Dr. Walter Sartor in practice at Louisiana Center for Weight Loss Surgery, the bariatric

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program at P&S Surgical Hospital, where he was recently named chief of staff. Linda S. Holyfield, president and CEO of P&S Surgical Hospital, said, “Dr. Bart Liles comes from a highly-respected medical family that is known throughout northeast Louisiana. We are excited that he will serve as chief of staff and continue that medical leadership in our community.” While his family encouraged him to work in medicine, Liles ultimately made the decision on his own. He views his profession as his contribution to society. “It is your duty to create something good and lasting in this world; it is the only way you will be remembered,” he said. “Truthfully, there’s nothing more rewarding than comforting families and patients during times of need. When the chips are down, and they look to you for answers, it’s an amazing amount of responsibility.” He has some advice for young people wanting to study medicine. “Don’t just spend time in the books. Talk to people, develop interpersonal relationships with your patients, because that’s the bulk of what you will do,” Liles said. “Develop confidence. When you’re in surgery, things don’t always go according to plan. Learn to adapt and think for yourself, because you won’t always have a mentor.” Liles did have a mentor—quite a few, in fact. He worked at St. Francis Medical Center while a senior at St. Frederick Catholic High School and later while a freshman history major at Millsaps College in Jackson. He

worked with Doctors Walter Sartor, Frank Sartor, Larry Barr, Robert Marshall, Buddy Rizzo, Tommy Lolley and Lester Johnson. “These surgeons had the technical skills and the expertise to fix problems in critically ill patients. Working with them meant a lot.” One of his greatest mentors is Dr. Lester Johnson, LSU Professor and Chief of Surgery at University Health in Monroe. The two worked together for six years while Liles was a surgical resident at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. Liles spent three to four months each year in Monroe, working with Dr. Johnson while training at E.A. Conway Medical Center, now known as University Health. “From an educator’s perspective, you always expect students who you’re mentoring to grow in their knowledge and skills. That’s a given. Most all of them will. Some will become surgeons. What you must have however—to become a great surgeon—is character. Dr. Liles has this in abundance. In order to endure the rigors of a surgical residency, you must be perseverant, because those who are weak of heart need never apply. Dr. Liles’ patients will first and foremost notice a certain, shall we say, constancy of kindness,” Dr. Johnson said. “P&S Surgical Hospital could not have chosen a more measured and reasonable chief of staff; he will guide P&S into the future. I’m so unbelievably proud of him.” P&S Surgical Hospital is a joint venture among physician specialists and St. Francis Medical Center.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School Exceeding Expectations in Private School Education

T JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD, IT IS OUR MISSION to give our students the best academic, spiritual and social environment available in North Louisiana. Our vision is to instill in each child a love of learning and a love of God, self and others. We implement this vision by emphasizing prayer, service, self-discipline, individual self-worth and good moral character in our structured academic curriculum. We are proud to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (S.A.C.S.), which is based on five stringent categories and deliberated by a group of educational leaders and S.A.C.S. officials. In addition to this wonderful privilege, we also offer a small teacher/student class ratio, wonderful enrichment programs including art, Spanish, computer, music and library, Accelerated Reader program, daily bus service north of Monroe, afterschool care, summer camp and outstanding classroom technology with Smart Boards, Elmo projectors, Neo 2 learning laptops and tablets. We are also proud to acknowledge that 50 percent of our teachers have earned a Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree and all of our teachers are certified in the state of Louisiana. We are extremely blessed at Jesus the Good Shepherd School to have an outstanding faculty with high teacher retention and an atmosphere of love and camaraderie. To complement our comprehensive academic curriculum, we also offer a wide variety of sports activities at JGS. Football (tackle 1 and tackle 2), baseball and softball are available to our 3rd-6th grade students. Basketball is available to 4th-6th grade, tennis is available to 2nd-6th grade students and cross-country running is available to K-6th grade. We believe that offering a diverse variety of sports activities gives our students the ability to find a sport they love. Research shows that children who are physically active are more likely to be academically motivated and alert in school. Our newly implemented Mighty Miler Program has also become a tremendous success. Mighty Milers, a program sponsored by the New York Road Runners, is a running program for kids of all fitness levels. It is designed to get students moving, prevent obesity and illness and help build self-esteem all while teaching realistic goal setting strategies. We have six students including Brooke Pohlman, Mitchell Spence, Nicholas Gault, Anna Montgomery, 48 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Henry High and Scout Turner, who have run over 50 miles since the implementation of the program. Twice a week, between 80 and 100 students can be seen running in the Mighty Miler Program at JGS. We wish to thank our teachers Kathy Terracina, Katherine High, Kathy Hewitt and Jodi Pipes, who show up early on run days to document student mileage and offer support and encouragement for our runners. We will kick-off our annual Travel Raffle this month, where the winner will have their choice between an $8,000 travel package that includes a $6,000 travel voucher to Monroe Travel Company to be used toward the trip of their choice, plus $2,000 in spending money or an $8,000 cash option, which means the lucky winner will have $8,000 cash in their pockets. Raffle tickets will go on sale April 19th. Tickets can be purchased from any JGS student or at our school office located at 900 Good Shepherd Lane. All proceeds from this fundraiser will directly benefit Jesus the Good Shepherd School. The proceeds from last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Travel Raffle were used to create a more secure school environment by purchasing a video surveillance system with 33 security cameras throughout our school buildings along with bullet-resistant glass in the main school entry and remote panic buttons strategically placed throughout our school. The safety and security of the students and teachers at JGS is one of our main priorities. In the aftermath of the recent catastrophic flooding in our area, we continue to have many school families, parishioners and community members who are displaced and struggling to put their homes and lives back together. We will continue to pray for and help families recover from this devastating flood. We are so proud to be a part of such a caring, committed and selfless community. May God continue to show his kindness, grace and mercy to all of those affected by this disastrous flood. We invite you to find out more about Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School by taking a tour of the school or visiting our website at www.jesusgoodshepherd.org. School tours are given every Tuesday at 9:00a.m. or by appointment with our principal, Lisa Patrick.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

P. Allen Smith Organic Gardening 101

Go Green in Your Garden

love spending time in the garden, and one thing that makes my time there even more enjoyable is knowing that everything I bring to the dinner table is safe for my friends and family to eat. Organic gardening is a trend that is catching on and for good reason. It’s the practice of recognizing that your garden is part of the natural ecosystem, and working with only natural elements to produce the best foods from it. It focuses on leaving behind all the chemicals that can do harm to the environment and our bodies. Organic horticulture takes a little more work that commercial garden practices, but once you establish your organic garden it’s easy to tend if you just keep a few tenants of organic gardening in mind. Soil This may be one of the most important elements to organic gardening. You must start with good, nutrient-rich soil to feed your plants thus eliminating the need for commercial fertilizer. To boost the nutrients in your soil, amend it with organic materials such as composted manure or kitchen compost, which you can make using scraps from your refrigerator. Adding these organic materials to your soil will create a solid, healthy base that will allow your plants to absorb what they need to grow all season long. Fertilizer Composting is a great way to build a foundation of nutrient-rich soil, but sometimes your garden will need a little boost. There are many great organic fertilizers on the market, but you can also use a few items from your own yard for that extra kick. Grass clippings are an excellent organic fertilizer due to their high nitrogen content. Just reserve a bag the next time you mow your yard (be sure the yard isn’t treated with herbicides or other chemicals) and sprinkle an inch or so on top of your garden. This will give your growing plants a boost and help with weed prevention. Other great options include fish emulsion, blood meal, worm castings and composted herbivore manure. 50 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Pest Control Though some insects can be damaging to your crops, others can also be helpful and a major asset for pest control. It’s important first to understand which insects are beneficial to your garden and do your best to encourage their survival amongst your flowers and vegetables. Try as many avenues as you can before resorting to the use of harsh insecticides. Repeated use of these chemicals encourages the development of resistant insects and plants, and they just aren’t good for the environment or our bodies. There are many ways to encourage natural pest control, like learning which plants repel the unwanted insects and which ones attract the helpful ones. Also some bugs, like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, eat destructive aphids, which is a great thing, so it’s important to refrain from spraying so the good guys can thrive and do their work. Helpful critters like frogs, lizards and snakes also help balance your garden and minimize insect infestations. Barriers and row covers are helpful to keep out unwanted pests. There are tons of organic pest control options, however, it’s best to get in the mindset that with organic gardening your harvest will not be pristine. Bugs are all part of this amazing ecosystem, and they’ll be part of your garden as well. Just be sure to monitor insect damage and try to keep it under control. If all else fails, there are organic pesticides available to help. And whether you spray or not, always remember to wash your veggies twice before consuming. Crop Rotation Retain soil nutrients and cut down on disease by moving your crop’s location each season. This practice helps to amend the soil evenly across the entire garden, as different plants affect the soil in different ways. Moving vegetables around the garden each season will retain valuable nutrients in the soil and prevent disease from spreading since organisms that can infect one

Mark Fonville

B Ladybugs are helpful for keeping pests like aphids in control. You can purchase them

online from beneficial insect retailers. photo -

Kelly Quinn

C Saving seeds reduces costs and helps gardeners be more self-sustaining. Three easy seed-saving plants are carrots, cilantro, green peas. photo - Jane Colclasure D Zinnias add beauty to the vegetable

plant usually have no effect on a different plant. Water Water conservation is a major element of practicing good organic horticulture. Sprinkler systems can be wasteful as large amounts of water easily evaporate into the air, or are wasted by unmonitored overwatering. Use methods like drip hoses, rain collection barrels and lots of mulch to help your crop retain moisture naturally. Water plants early in the morning to prevent evaporation. Weeds Harsh weed killers have no place in an organic garden. Utilizing natural tactics like planning your garden so that plants are close together is a good way to cut down on weeds. If plants are close, then their leaves will branch out and block the sun from the ground. But be careful, too close and it will promote disease. Mulch is also another great way to cut back on weeds, and help the ground retain moisture and nutrients. However, if you do see some weeds popping up, it’s best to get down on your hands and knees and pull them up the old fashioned way. Seeds The ultimate goal of organic gardening is sustainability. Saving seeds is a great way to become self-sustaining and save money at the nursery. When you save seeds from your own crop you know exactly what you are getting. If you find a variety you love, then save the seeds and grow it again next year, and you’ll have no surprises. To keep the purity of your varieties, avoid cross-pollination by keeping different varieties of the same plants far away—especially if you are growing prized heritage varieties. Organic gardening is a great way to not only ensure that what you are eating is healthy and chemical-free, but it’s also a better practice for the environment. It may take a little more elbow grease to get your organic garden started, but the results will be endlessly satisfying— and Mother Nature will be there to help you along the way if you’ll heed her advice.

garden and attract pollinating insects, which many vegetables and fruits need to produce. E Whether you garden organically or not, compost is an excellent amendment for soil. It increases friability and the amount of nutrients and beneficial organisms.

Moss Mountain Farm

LUNCH TOURS EVERY THURS & FRI End of April - Until June $90 per person day in may at the garden home and “Beautiful farm. Toured p Allen’s home and gardens. He was

there for lunch and book signing. A fun and funny talk by p Allen whose personality shines as he tells his story. I plan to return for a different season and to see the exotic chickens and other farm animals.

“

A The One Acre Vegetable Garden at Moss Mountain Farm is a spray-free zone. We use organic fertilizer and don’t use any commercial herbicides or pesticides. photo -

-P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home, tripadvisor.com, May 2013

Grab your friends and come visit us. Tour the opulent gardens and Allen’s private home. Then sit down to a garden-to-table dining experience selected from Allen’s best-selling cookbook. Space is limited. Visit www.PAllenSmith.com, email gardenhome@pallensmith.com

or call Joyce at 501.519.5793 to make your reservation!

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

I R E M E M BE R

REMEMBER standing outside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, with my wife Linda, my sister and her husband – it was a beautiful Friday morning in April of 2001. We had just come from inside the cathedral where we had heard a concert presented by a high school choir from San Francisco and were commenting on how well we thought they had done, when a man approached me and asked, “Are you a Presbyterian?” Now I shall readily acknowledge that we Presbyterians can look a little different, but I was not aware that we were that easy to spot. How could this man, almost half way around the world, know that I was a Christian, much less know what particular brand of Christianity I embraced. So, I asked him, “What makes you think that I am a Presbyterian?” When he answered me, it was clear that one did not have to be Sherlock Holmes to make such an assumption. You see, even though it was a beautiful day, the weather was a bit nippy, and I was wearing a light jacket to ward off the chill. It was a red jacket with the name of my alma mater, Davidson College, emblazoned in black letters across my heart. As many of you may well know, Davidson was founded by and is governed by Presbyterians. Hence, his deduction – elementary, my dear Watson! 52 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

article by Paul Lipe

When I confessed that he was right, that I was, indeed, a Presbyterian, he told me that he, too, was a Presbyterian and that he had been converted by a minister from that denomination. I asked the name of that pastor, and when he revealed the name, I was surprised to note that I had attended graduate school with that same preacher. What a small, small world! And was I glad that my meeting with this stranger took place outside a church and not at some less reputable spot in Paris! It would not have been good for a Presbyterian, and a preacher, to boot, to have been seen in an unseemly location. Well, are there lessons to be learned from this experience? A thing or two come to mind. What would one think of a minister whose auto has a clergy parking sticker on his rear window, but who drives like he is at the Darlington Speedway? His behavior is not consistent with the way he had identified himself — a clergyman ought not to be driving like a madman! And would you be positively impressed with a man whose invitation is pictured in the front license-plate holder of his automobile and reads, “Worship with us at _______ Church,” but who is parked outside an XXX video store? If we were looking for a place to worship, most of us would not

be inclined to accept the offer from that individual. And what is our opinion of the man who wears a wedding ring but who flirts with every pretty woman in the room? One who takes his marriage vows so lightly is not one for whom we hold much esteem. As I see it, a major problem with our society, and perhaps even with many of us who are patrons of this magazine, is that what we profess is often at odds with what we practice. We may say one thing but then do just the opposite. Perhaps we wear a cross around our necks, but then our conduct does not reflect the character of the One that cross represents. The message this sends is an unclear one. Many of us find fault with those politicians who promise so much but who produce so little. But don’t we admire and respect the person who lives in harmony with the tenets he promotes. I am fortunate to have friends and associates whose word is reliable, people in whom I can posit my trust. And I want to be the kind of person in whom others can place their faith. Surely there will be times when we fail to measure up, but may we all endeavor to do our best to be what we say we are. May we be remembered as those who strive to practice what they profess.

Annual Photo Contest Submissions Requested CVB and BayouLife Accepting Entries For Annual Photo Contest

HE MONROE-WEST MONROE CONVENTION AND Industry Luncheon, featuring Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser on May 5. Visitors Bureau (MWMCVB) and BayouLife Magazine are The MWMCVB will begin accepting submissions on March 1. partnering once again to host their 9th Annual Photo Contest. The deadline to enter is April 18 at 5:00 p.m. Please submit photos Prizes for the contest total $875, but perhaps the most exciting prize is in digital format, along with the registration form, to Jerrica Bennett that this year’s Best of Show winner will be featured at jbennett@monroe-westmonroe.org. Photos must on the cover of the July Issue of BayouLife Magazine. be taken within the past two years and in Ouachita The theme is “From Where I Stand.” Show us Parish to be eligible. Images that include people must your unique perspectives of our beautiful parish. be accompanied by a signed Model Release Form that Whether you are sitting by the bayou or hanging out is included in the Registration Packet. with your friends on Antique Alley, we want to see For more information, call the Communications what you see. Submitted images could also include Department of the MWMCVB at (318)3875691 or your favorite restaurant or menu item, favorite local visit www.monroe-westmonroe.org to download the shop, art gallery, architecture, event, or anything that registration packet. Registration information will be describes life in Monroe-West Monroe. available on March 1. Last year, the MWMCVB received over 90 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 Last year’s photo contest Monroe area. winner featured on the cover First, Second and Third Prizes will be awarded. of BayouLife Magazine Winners will be announced at a special Tourism

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WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Excellence in All Things

Neville High School Celebrates Top Twenty Tigers and Their Teachers

OR FIFTEEN YEARS, NEVILLE ALUMNI AND FRIENDS Association has hosted the Educators’ and Students’ Excellence Award Banquet, an event designed to recognize and reward the long tradition of academic excellence at Neville High School. The top twenty graduating seniors select the teacher most integral to their achievement. This year’s banquet, held at Bayou DeSiard Country Club on February 18, brought together these stellar students, their families, their teachers and Neville alumni for an evening of celebration of scholarly achievement. Top 20 graduates and their honored teachers included Emily Coenen honoring band director Chelsea King; Angel Dixon honoring speech director Patricia Turner; Elizabeth Hancock honoring English teacher Jennifer Etzel; Annelies Hayward honoring soccer director Kathy Rasco; Takia Hill honoring biology teacher Angie Nicholson; Chika Ifediora honoring GT English teacher and publications sponsor Beth Cummings; Mary Snellings Inabnett honoring AP English and government teacher Katherine Sandifer; Tyler Johnson honoring French teacher Jacinta Asale; Kayleigh Keyes honoring calculus teacher James Rogers; Emilee McGuire honoring English teacher and Bengal Belles coach Jessica Smith; Adelaide Musgrove honoring special services lead teacher and Interact sponsor Caron McPherson; Katherine Patrick honoring Grace Episcopal School teacher Judy Riley; Allison Payne honoring English teacher Mary Tucker; Parker Reneau honoring AP chemistry teacher Karari Hanks; Hayley Scott honoring Mr. Hanks; Sallie Sherman honoring English teacher and tennis coach Kathryn Waters; Sara Morgan Sivils honoring Spanish teacher Nancy Anderson; Carlie Smith honoring talented art teacher Karen Medley; Claire Sumlin honoring Latin teacher Bryan Butler; and Spencer Williams honoring Ms. Rasco. Banquet chairpersons Leigh Ann Goff, Kathy Hart ’66, Dana Jefferson ’66, and Maggie Zentner coordinated the event at which Emmy award-winning journalist Heath Allen ’68 delivered the keynote address. His reminiscing of his beginnings on local television in the 1970s and the course of his globe-spanning career enlightened and entertained young and old alike. One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the coveted Ouida McGee Educator Excellence Award. Mrs. McGee was

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a long-time mathematics teacher at Lee Junior High School. When Tom McDade ’51 proposed to be the benefactor of an annual award to a Neville teacher nominated by students, colleagues or parents, Mike McGee ’64 volunteered to help underwrite the cost. Now, along with James Machine Works’ Susan Weaver ’69, the patrons have generously awarded fifteen of the prestigious awards. 2015 Ouida McGee Educator Excellence Award winner, Sandy Savage ’75, presented this year’s award to Eric Herndon. According to Ms. Savage, she knew from the time he was assigned to her as a student teacher that Coach Herndon would become an excellent teacher. The banquet committee, NAFA, Neville High School, the Top 20 graduates and their teachers gratefully acknowledge everyone who contributed to our evening of excellence. Table sponsors: Amy and Trey Sherman, Ann and Bob Brown, Delisa and Brian McGuire, CenturyLink, Cherry and Randy Morris, Dr. and Mrs. Mike Hayward, Dr. and Mrs. Norman Williams, Dr. and Mrs. Justin Tarver, D.D.S., Dr. Larry Danna, Frank Nettles Automotive, Grace Episcopal School, Graduate Sales, Holly and Zachary Dixon, Jan and Ken Hancock, Summit Financial GroupJennifer and Kevin Sumlin, Jamie Sumlin and Allen Bratton, Patrick Electric Service, LLC, Progressive Bank, Raymond Stewart Insurance Agency, Inc., Renal Associates of NELA and the Ifediora Family, Dorothy and Ronnie Davidson, Shaw Oxygen, and Stephanie and Nat Smith. Centerpiece Donors: Aspirations Spa, Daily Harvest, Daily Press and Doug Cookston, DAQ’s Wings and Grill, DOE’s, Eskamoe’s, Fiesta Nutrition Center, Genusa’s, Happy Days Car Wash and Lube, Haven, Herringstones, Mary Dawson Photography, Sampo Contracting and Inspections, LLC, Muffin Tin, Orange Leaf, Paper Market, Parterre, River Grill, River Outfitters, Rustico, Spa Nouvelle, Thurman’s, Tonore’s, Trios, ULM and Dr. Eric Pani, Vee’s Flowers and Gifts, Woodstock, Starbucks and PieWorks Pictured above: Chairpersons Leigh Ann Goff, Dana Jefferson, Kathy Hart and Maggie Zentner; Sandy Savage and Eric Herndon; and Guest Speaker Heath Allen with his wife Janet Gross.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Meredith’s Musings Monroe, My Hometown |

By Meredith McKinnie

ixteen years ago, I made the decision to not attend a popular college four hours south and instead stayed home and went to ULM, an institution only one year removed from its former name as Northeast Louisiana University. My best friend made the same decision. And admittedly there was a comfort in making the life transition from high school to college in the familiar surroundings of the place and people I knew. I never questioned it then, but I have since. This friend and I agree that the one thing we regret the most is not going away to school, both of us believing it easier to leave the nest when we are transitioning anyway, before life gets in the way. And I’ve stuck with this logic and often used it to encourage students who are struggling to adjust to life miles from home. And then one day, as we were driving into Fort Worth for a visit to Boyfriend’s hometown, he

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said, “I left home at 18, and I never found my way back.” And there was sadness in his face, a longing. He loves going home; he loves Texas. He sometimes gets giddy as we cross the state border, an anxious anticipation of the familiarity I couldn’t leave sixteen years ago. And it got me thinking, what did I gain by not leaving? My family is engrained in me, and not in the negative way portrayed on TV or loathed in books, but in the roots kind of way; I exist as a result of these people and their choices. I see them in myself, and I’m most myself around them. I read in The New York Times the other day that on average, Americans live only 18 miles from their mothers. I live six miles from mine. In fact, the house I bought last year had a lot to do with proximity to my parents. I like that closeness; I need that convenience. Some may see that as a negative, but I see it as choosing to invest time in my family, valuing the people God gave me.

FAMILY

Friends that have long left and return sporadically all seem frustrated by the same inconvenience, balancing friends and family on the short visits to Monroe they’re afforded. One college friend, who was so excited to leave seven years ago, now would do anything to get back to Monroe. She said, “I’ve learned it’s more about the people than the place.” She craves those connections she built back home and sees how distance makes those relationships more difficult to foster. When I asked some who have moved away, whether recently or twenty plus years ago, what they miss, I heard the same response over and over: “I miss running into people I know at the grocery store. I hated it then, but I miss it now.” And again, that familiarity creeps in. The small town feel of a place where you have history and a name and a family tree, it all makes up the fabric of home. It’s a word with a definition that evolves as we grow older, but yet stays the same, like a warm quilt or a comforting embrace. I’ve come to terms with the choice I made well before I was mature enough to do so. The possibilities are endless for the future and who knows how the path may twist and turn. I’m open to the bends in the road that make us wake up and pay attention. I immerse myself in travel, love exploring the culture and the energy of a new city and sometimes the quiet, almost still, peace in other spaces. It broadens my knowledge, fosters my humanity and forces me to examine my space from a different angle, a kinder one. I have a good life here, surrounded by a revolving door of people who inspire me, center me and attempt to keep me humble. Monroe, my hometown, provides an immediate bond with those who also grew up here and a familiarity that continues to keep me warm.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Ballet Under the Stars

Twin City Ballet Company Presents The Bayou Princess and the Frog

THE EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING FOR TWIN CITY Ballet Company, as final preparations are being made for our annual spring performance, Ballet Under the Stars. This performance will be at Kiroli Park’s Amphitheatre April 14-17th, under the direction of celebrated choreographer Joe Istre. Join Twin City Ballet for the hilarious “southern” adventure “The Bayou Princess and the Frog” and watch with delight as the Kiroli Park stage is transformed with the sights and sounds of New Orleans. This classic tale is perfect for the entire family as they watch Tiana and the frog prince travel the mystical bayous of Louisiana. This year, for the first time, Twin City Ballet will be performing our children’s production during the Friday and Saturday night performance at 7:00 p.m., in hopes that we can create an event that will capture the eye of both young and old. Joe Istre once again waves his magic wand with the retelling of this classic story and delights the crowds as Tiana and Naveen race to break the spell and fulfill their dreams. On-hand to enhance the family atmosphere will be local food trucks for both Friday and Saturday night performances serving delicious Louisiana cuisine starting at 6 p.m. Families are also encouraged to bring picnics and enjoy a wonderful evening on the “bayou.” Light cocktails will be provided by the Twin City Ballet Company Board of Directors. In addition to “The Bayou Princess and the Frog,” Twin City Ballet is thrilled to bring back Jason E. Bernard, tap dancer extraordinaire, from New York City. Jason completely wowed and dazzled all those who watched him perform in Monroe during our summer intensive workshop. Jason was so amazing that we just had to have him back to perform at Ballet Under the Stars both Friday and Saturday night, as well as Sunday afternoon. Dan Sumner, Assistant Professor of the School of Visual and Performing Arts at ULM, will be also on-hand to provide a jazz trio of entertainment during our Friday night performance. The icing on the cake for Twin City Ballet’s annual event at Kiroli Park will be a new piece produced by Joe Istre called “Woman.” This piece was inspired by Grammy award winner, Joy Williams of The Civil Wars. The Twin City Ballet dancers will take

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to the stage to perform this electrifying and moving piece that explores the complexities and three dimensional aspects of being a woman. With usual Joe Istre flair, audiences young and old will be riveted to their seat during this magical performance. A big thank you to Tommy Usrey, president of the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, for his generous support and helping to make this possible. Audiences will be captivated with this enchanted evening, and Twin City Ballet is pleased to announce special performance prices, $25 for adults, children 18 and under $10, and children three and under will be admitted free. School performances of “The Bayou Princess and the Frog” will be held Thursday, April 14th and Friday, April 15th with limited seating still available for the 12:45 performance each day. A day in the park makes for a wonderful field trip! Kiroli Park’s Amphitheatre seating is limited; therefore, the Ballet Company must require that schools make definite reservations and be prepaid by April 8th. Please email us at twincityballet@hotmail. com with any questions, attention Marsha. The cost for school performances is $4 per students and teachers, with one chaperone free for every 12 students. In addition, park visitors can enjoy a free* matinee performance of “The Bayou Princess and the Frog” at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday (*Free with park admission.) Twin City Ballet is an Honor Member of Regional Dance America/Southwest, an organization of dance companies from five states. Our dancers also participate in four days of classes, workshops and performances each spring hosted by different members of RDA/SW. In 1989 and 2002, Twin City Ballet hosted RDA/SW Festival in Monroe. In 1990 and 2002, Twin City Ballet was the recipient of the Stream Award, a silver bowl and tray awarded annual to outstanding directors in recognition of excellence in growth and cooperation with other regional companies. Twin City Ballet Company takes pride in our talented, passionate, dedicated dancers, and your support makes it all possible.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Advance Your Education eULM Fulfills Education Goals

HE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE HAS always offered a wide range of quality and affordable online-only graduate degree programs. Reflecting our ongoing commitment to identifying high demand job fields and to providing quality degrees for these high demand job fields, the university recently began offering an online-only Master in Public Administration (MPA) degree. Through the MPA program, you will learn how to lead different types of agencies and organizations, and you will develop advanced skills in leadership and management. Today’s economy demands these advanced leadership skills learned in a graduate program. Labor projections indicate that occupations requiring a master’s degree will be the fastest growing, 18.4%, over the next two decades. This means more and more entry level jobs will require study past the undergraduate level; however, virtually all senior management and senior professional positions already require a master’s. A ULM MPA degree will allow individuals to access more jobs and to advance to higher management positions in their current field. Individuals with an MPA are not only in high demand, but they are well paid, making ULM’s MPA degree an affordable and sound financial investment. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, recipients of an MPA can expect an average starting salary of $68,000 and will typically raise their average salary by more than $18,000 a year. ULM graduate degree programs are already frequently ranked among the nation’s most affordable degree programs, meaning ULM MPA graduates can expect to recoup the cost of their degree in a year or two. Other than cost, time is one of our students’ highest priorities. At ULM we understand that people are busy, so our MPA program offers courses in an 8-week format. This allows individuals to graduate as early as 12 months, to focus on fewer classes at a time, and to enter the program at any time during the academic year. Your time is a valuable and precious commodity, so we do not want to waste it. We know that one size does not fit all. ULM offers individuals the chance to tailor their MPA degree to suit their professional interests and needs. Our specializations include

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health, environment, education, management and criminal justice policy, among others. This will unlock opportunities in the private and public sectors, including local, state and federal governments as well as charities, non-profits and not-for-profits. Alexandra Holland, an MPA candidate, had this to say about the program, “Thanks to the MPA program with ULM, I was able to get a job with the Delta Regional Authority as a policy analyst in Washington, D.C.” Whether you are a recent college graduate struggling to find work or an experienced professional looking to advance your career, getting an MPA sets you apart from the pack in a crowded job market. An MPA tells prospective employers that you have a strong foundation in human resources, budgeting, leadership, communications, grant writing, program evaluation and knowing how to adjust quickly when necessary. All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; however, a GRE score is not automatically required depending on prior work experience and existing degrees. A limited number of graduate assistantships are available for qualified candidates. More specific information about the Master in Public Administration can be found on our website, ulm.edu/eulm. If you have any questions, feel free to email program coordinators Dr. Joshua Stockley (stockley@ulm.edu) or Dr. John Sutherlin (Sutherlin@ulm.edu) for more information. To find out more information about other online graduate programs, please contact Deborah Beaver (beaver@ulm.edu), Manager of Operation and Marketing for the ULM Graduate School. If you need any assistance or would like information about eULM online undergraduate programs, please contact Michelle Williams (williams@ulm.edu), Recruiter for eULM. It’s time to invest in your future; let eULM help you get started. Photo: Dr. John Sutherlin (left) and Dr. John Stockley (right), professors of Political Science at ULM and coordinators of the MPA program.

Bayou Pages

NIGHTSTANDS & COFFEE TABLES Words From the Road

REVIEWS BY MICHAEL DEVAULT Every summer, millions of Americans will take to the roads, the tracks or the skies in search of that special memory, the trip of a lifetime or maybe just a little break from their normal world. Some paths begin with a story shared by friends over dinner, while other journeys are inspired from that deep, often unconscious, and mysterious urge to wander. For some travels, though, the impetus isn’t that difficult to find, and the next vacation starts on the pages of a book. Whether it’s Under the Tuscan Sun and a month-long residency in Tuscany or A Walk in the Woods and hiking the Appalachian Trail, books about travel feed our own wanderlust. Memoirs illuminated the shared experience, novels road map what might come to be and travel guides help get us there safely—wherever “there” is. From the backwoods of East Texas to the foothills of the Himalayas, these three books are all you’ll need to propel you down the roads untraveled. So settle into your favorite reading chair and bon voyage! Unexpected Texas by Tui Snider To call Texas big is an understatement. The state is huge, stretching at its widest point more than 730 miles and comprising virtually every possible climate and pretty much every leisure activity imaginable. In Unexpected Texas, Tui Snider takes the exploration of the Lone Star State’s unique culture to a whole different level. You just thought you understood that Texas was like a whole other country. Weaving together anecdotes, first hand explorations and copious research, Snider 64 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

outlines a series of off-the-beaten-path destinations in an Encyclopedia Texanica style. Sorted by the nearest cities—there are entries on more than a hundred tiny hamlets and burgs—Snider provides a nuts-andbolts guide to things to do and sites to see. If you’re traveling in Spring, take your good camera and make some roadside memories in the Texas Blue Bonnets— courtesy of former First Lady Ladybird Johnson, who lobbied a bill through to protect the demure blue flower and reseed Texas’s thousands of miles of highway medians. If you’re down in Archer City, be sure to stop by Larry McMurtry’s “book town”—a book store stretching over city blocks. And if fish are your thing, maybe catch the dive and fishing demo at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer In 1939, Austrian alpinist Heinrich Harrer and three mountaineering companions were detained in India by British soldiers and interned in a camp near the border. After several failed attempts, the group eventually slipped away from the camp and Harrer made his way into the primitive nation of Tibet, where his skills with languages secured him a position with the government, a time he would recount in his memoir, Seven Years in Tibet. Before long, he found himself instructing a young 13-year-old boy in English, geography and science. These tutoring sessions began what would become one of the most famous--and unlikely-friendships in the life of the 14th Dalai

Lama. For the remainder of Harrer’s life, he and the Dalai Lama would remain friends. With the gentle hand of a gifted and skillful storyteller, Harrer takes readers on a journey through the mystical lands of Tibet and into the inner circle of one of the world’s most beguiling and beloved spiritual leaders. Within just a few pages, it’ll show you why it’s been made into a motion picture twice. The Mother Road by Meghan Quinn Though she’s been out of the country for four years, Marley’s still a country girl at heart. So when her father and brother show up unexpectedly on the doorstep of her adopted California home, she’s not all together against their proposal: taking a used Winnebago on an epic journey along Route 66--the Mother Road. What she doesn’t expect is that they’re going to invite her brother’s long-time best friend, a man who had once been and will again become the object of Marley’s affections. With equal doses of heart-wrenching pain and Animal House humor, Meghan Quinn recounts this family’s zany adventures. Quinn’s The Mother Road takes readers on the long road home and into the deepest reaches of the experience of family. Not for the faint of heart, Quinn’s humor can sometimes border on the ghastly. Yet, there is a heartfelt truth at the center of the work, and Quinn’s novel is sure to take an appropriate place in the deep lexicon that is Route 66.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

READING, ROAD TRIPS AND RAMBLINGS B Y K AY S T O T H A R T R E C T O R

I GREW UP IN LOUISIANA BUT, due to a series of somewhat dubious decisions, ended up in Mississippi for a while, practicing law. My work would often take me up through the Mississippi Delta to the courthouses of Sharkey and Issaquena Counties, occasionally farther north to Greenville, or east to Greenwood. Though much of it is desolate and povertystricken, I am still drawn to that part of Mississippi. For me, the allure of the Delta stems mainly from reading--Ellen Gilchrist, Eudora Welty, Willie Morris--and from my own romanticism of what I have seen and remember. In my earlier travels, I used to pass an old plantation that, at least in my mind, fit descriptions penned by Ellen Gilchrist of the home she called “Esperanza” in her debut novel, The Annunciation. Renewed interest in the Mississippi Delta as a destination is due in part to the efforts of natives, such as Morgan Freeman, who have worked to revitalize the area and share its history and their affinity for it with monied travelers. Much of the culture and history of the Delta is centered around the Blues. Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club is a tribute to that musical genre and the place from which it grew, a region rich in alluvial soil, folklore and legend. It is said that the Mississippi Delta begins at Catfish Row in Vicksburg and ends in the 66 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

lobby of the Peabody Hotel in Memphis. Both are historic, soulful places, but I believe that the best of the Delta lies in obscure spots in between. Po’ Monkeys Lounge sits in a cotton field near Merigold, south of Clarksdale, a true “juke joint” with beer and live music. Though I have not been there (yet), I’m told it has not lost its original vibe despite becoming a tourist attraction. Several miles south down Highway 61 is the Onward Store, home of the world’s best hot tamales and the spot where Teddy Roosevelt famously refused to shoot a bear without a sporting chance, unwittingly inventing the toy known as the Teddy Bear. The Alluvian Hotel in downtown Greenwood offers accommodations that rival urban luxury hotels, a full service spa and a gourmet restaurant. You can enjoy a private booth and great food at Giardina’s and attend class at the Viking Cooking School across the street to learn about serving up your own delicious fare. One of my very favorite places, TurnRow Book Company, is just a few steps from the Alluvian’s lobby, an independent bookstore with bonus café and art gallery upstairs. The most authentic Delta experience can be found just a few miles away at Tallahatchie Flats. Developed from the same concept as the Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Tallahatchie Flats consists of a row of restored

tenant houses. These shacks, complete with tin roofs, bare bulb lights and sparse original furnishings from the 1930s and 40s, are situated between a cotton field and the Tallahatchie River. Assuming availability, you can take your pick. Stay in an actual plantation outbuilding like “Nellie’s Place,” once home to the woman who served as cook to a wealthy white family. Or, if you’re feeling brave, choose the shanty where blues legend Robert Johnson is rumored to have died. Either way, the unique accommodations provide a glimpse into life here in the not-so-distant past. For the tourist’s comfort, these shacks have been upgraded with hot and cold running water, air conditioning and modern appliances. These modern amenities are not always found in the similar dwellings that still dot the surrounding landscape. What you see along the roadways as you travel is home to real Delta residents. Real people, subsisting on meager wages or government assistance, natives who may know, but aren’t so much interested in, where Robert Johnson expired. Tallahatchie Flats is an escape and an adventure, a way for folks to immerse themselves in this rich and interesting culture for a few days before returning to the world of wi-fi and granite countertops. So, hit the road. Roll down the windows, listen to some blues and enjoy the Delta. Take a look at life through a different lens.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Ouachita Christian School Dedicated to Giving Back to Our Community BY JAYME STOKES, PRINCIPAL

UACHITA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL WAS ESTABLISHED 40 years ago and has continued to grow into the largest private Christian school in northern Louisiana. Our community is proud of the 30+ state championships we have brought home to Ouachita Parish. Our graduates average a 25 on the ACT and attend colleges all over the nation. Our alumni are spread out all over the nation, state and our local parishes, serving in many professional capacities as vital members of their communities. But if you asked us what we are most proud of, it would be our SERVICE. EVERY student from ages 4-19 participates in service activities. We allot time from our school day so that each child learns the value of giving and serving. Our society often laments about the “entitlement” and “affluenza” generation we often see portrayed. We at OCS combat the “selfie” mentality with a “service” mentality. OCS students give over 8,000 hours back to our churches, service organizations, charities and worthy endeavors. The Northeast Louisiana Food Bank receives 2,500 manpower hours a year; our students donate over 23,000 pounds of can goods to the Food Bank and in return, give award incentives back to the Food Bank, provide a water well in Africa and built a second floor for a Haitian orphanage. The LifeShare bus comes three times a year to our Bible class for blood donations from the majority of students 16 and up. Our varsity football players volunteer with special needs students from Union Parish and GB Cooley. Twenty special needs children with wheelchairs and other mobility issues were taken to the ArkLaMiss fair to ride all the rides with our football players. Our art department has adopted a PreK class in an inner city neighborhood. Face painting, school supplies, storytime, crafts and art have been contributed by the art classes. 90 children a year from the CASA program are provided Christmas by OCS families. From 1st grade and up, the students get on a school bus with their “list,” ride to Wal-Mart and spend their own money to purchase presents. It is truly “the most wonderful time of the year” to see the smiles of kids shopping for others. 602 shoeboxes were made for Samaritan’s Purse to send overseas this year alone with gifts for children in Third World countries. OCS cafeteria ladies 68 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

and students work to feed those in need monthly at the DeSiard Street Homeless Shelter. Our students also feed regularly and make hygiene bags for the Simple Project for homeless in Ouachita Parish. Over 100 pairs of shoes were created by students for Sole Hope from donated jeans. Our high school students collected 300 pairs of pajamas for Ouachita Youth Summitt for youth in foster care. OCS also provides service hours to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society, Angel Ministries, Life Choices, Sole Hope, Humane Society, Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, Benjamin Watson Foundation, Northeast Louisiana Veteran’s Home, Meals on Wheels, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Junior League, Camp Ch-Yo-Ca, Wounded Warrior Project and countless other local church projects. Countless letters, blessing bags and blankets have been created and sent to those in need. OCS students are also well represented in global and national works. Guatemala, Philippines, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Hungary, Ukraine, and Peru all have passport stamps from our students in the past few years doing mission work through their local churches. New Orleans, Alexandria and New Jersey have all been served by our teens. We truly believe the words of Albert Schweitzer at OCS, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” Our mission at Ouachita Christian School is to educate for time and eternity. We believe that service in the here and now will affect eternity in the hearts of our students and those they serve. Since I began writing this article, our beautiful area was inundated by 24 inches or more of rain. Everyone in our parish was affected. Our students along with many of the other students in the multi-parish area built levees, filled sandbags, made lunches, tore out carpet and sheetrock and tens of other strenuous tasks. The students in our area learned a valuable lesson for life that will carry with them into adulthood. “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” — Mister Rogers. Our area sure had thousands of helpers in the trenches.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

The Artist’s Approach Smile Design at Its Best BY DAVID FINLEY, D.D.S

BEFORE

AFTER

N ARTIST MUST BE ABLE TO IMAGINE AND visualize his finished work of art in his mind as it will appear on its canvas. A dentist must also be able to do the same thing to design and create as beautiful a smile as possible for his patient. The dentist’s ultimate cosmetic objective is to create a beautiful smile, not just beautiful teeth. However, creating a beautiful smile requires the evaluation and analysis of the smile, lips and gingival tissues in addition to the teeth. Successful creation of a beautiful smile requires artistic skills, as well as technical skills. Artistic skills involve training the eye to see the smile’s unseen or overlooked aspects and improving them to make the smile appear even better, cosmetic dentists artistically analyze the relationships of the teeth, gums, lips and facial tones of the patient. From this analysis, they are able to create balance and symmetry between the structures that make up the smile. TREATMENT OPTIONS People with stained or dull teeth will benefit from professional whitening. In-office and supervised at home whitening systems are available. People with chipped, cracked or worn teeth can consider either veneers or bonding. Long-lasting veneers are ultra-thin, specially-made laminates that are bonded to the teeth. Bonding is a process in which enamel-like material is applied to a tooth’s surface, sculpted to an ideal shape, hardened and then polished for an improved smile. Veneers are stronger and have a longer life than bonding. Crowns and bridges are best for correcting major functional or structural problems with individual teeth, missing teeth or general bite dysfunction. Implants are being used to successfully replace teeth for people in all age groups - with esthetic and predictable results. The latest porcelain technology allows us to replace missing teeth or crown teeth in a way so that no one can tell the replacements are not real. Whatever your individual problem, a qualified experienced dentist can select the right cosmetic treatment to enhance your smile.

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Quitting Smoking Isn’t Easy But Getting Started Is (And It Might Be Free!)

OBACCO USERS WHO WANT TO BREAK THE HOLD tobacco has on their lives now have a proven way of tackling the addiction right here in Northeast Louisiana – St. Francis Medical Center’s Tobacco Cessation Program. Located at St. Francis North in Monroe, the comprehensive program begins with an intake session and features group and individual counseling for up to a year, with ongoing contact as needed. “When we started this program last year, we had no idea how many lives would be changed,” Rebecca Mixon, program manager, said. “We’re always amazed that no matter how long people have smoked or how many times they’ve tried to quit, they leave their intake session telling us that this is the first time they’ve ever had the hope that they’ll be able to quit and stay quit.” The average cost of a pack of cigarettes is now $5.44, which means someone who smokes a pack a day spends nearly $2,000 a year. When smokers try to quit, they often use over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications known to help with quitting; however, these medications are costly, even if the person has insurance. To cover the cost of these medications, as well as the costs of counseling, the St. Francis Tobacco Cessation Program connects participants who qualify with the Smoking Cessation Trust. The Trust was created from funding set aside in 2011 from a 14-year class action lawsuit which ordered certain tobacco companies to fund a statewide 10year smoking cessation program to benefit more than 200,000 Louisiana smokers. TO QUALIFY TO RECEIVE FREE CESSATION BENEFITS FROM THE SMOKING CESSATION TRUST: 1. You must be a resident of Louisiana. 2. You must have had your first cigarette before September 1, 1988. Roxanne McCormick, Tobacco Cessation Coordinator, explains that the process of signing up to receive benefits from the Smoking Cessation Trust is simple. “Our team will help you sign up and understand your benefits, so there’s no confusion about what to expect,” she said. “It’s truly a wonderful blessing that so many people don’t even know is available. We need to make sure we’re connecting as many smokers as possible with this valuable resource to help break their addiction.” Marie Easterling, RRT, and Teresa Daniel, RN, are the program’s Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialists. They work individually and in group settings with participants to explain the science of addiction and to monitor their progress throughout their cessation journey. For Marie, the program is more than just helping the participant. “There is a generation upon generation effect taking place. When a person stops smoking, they are improving their own health, but they are also improving the health of the people with whom they share their lives, as well as the lives of their pets. Quitting smoking can also help prevent future generations from ever beginning smoking because when children and grandchildren see you quit, they are far less likely to ever start. We may not see the full impact of the success these folks are having for many years to come.” Anyone who wants to quit using tobacco products can call (318) 966-QUIT to schedule an appointment. Evening and morning sessions are offered, and the team works with each participant to create an individualized plan to fit their needs. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Azure Pools and Spas Your Local Pool Professionals

ZURE POOLS AND SPAS HAS BEEN YOUR LOCAL pool professionals since 2006. In addition to selling liners, above-ground and in-ground pools, they offer a great selection of products and supplies to help take care of your pool all season long. Fully-stocked with reliable brands for your convenience, their knowledgeable staff can help answer all your pool-related questions. As a member of The Backyard Place, they provide quality products and dependable service to all of their customers. Azure’s has a reputation for excellence and continuous service to the community with high-quality pool supplies and service. There are so many products and technological advances in pool care these days, it can often be difficult to decide exactly what your pool requires. You can trust Azure Pools, to help you sort through unnecessary products and select exactly what you need. Their experienced sales staff can help you by offering sound advice and assist you in making selections from their inventory of highquality items. Azure Pools is the only exclusive Graphex Vinyl Pool Builder in Central Louisiana. Graphex Pools won’t rust, corrode, warp, dent or chip. A Graphex Pool stays strong and flexible for decades. This pool carries a lifetime-transferrable warranty. Other exclusive lines that Azure carries are Hot Springs Spas and Jacuzzi, and they are the only authorized dealer in the Ark-La-Miss region! As your Backyard Place, they carry a full line of reliable namebrand products, including Hayward, Polaris, Pentair and ProTeam, just to name a few. But it isn’t just pools and pool products that Azure specializes in. They also feature Primo Ceramic Grills, one of the most versatile outdoor cookers in the world and the only ceramic grills made in the USA. You can use it as a grill, an oven, a roaster or a smoker with a simple adjustment to the air flow and cooking configuration. In addition to offering products and service, Azure’s offers convenience with two locations! Serving North Louisiana and South Arkansas, Azure’s is located on Hwy 165 North in Monroe, as well as on Willow Glen in Ruston. Azure’s is locally owned and operated and is your one stop shop to get your backyard ready for warmer weather ahead! 72 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

European Meets Louisianne 2520 Oak Alley in Monroe

HIS EUROPEAN STYLE HOME, LOCATED ON THE corner of Oak Alley and Rosedown, is the definition of elegance. Imagine yourself sitting on the balcony and listening to the bubbling fountain while sipping on a frosty cool drink. You can entertain guests in the grand dining room area connected to the courtyard outside and serve them from the open window to the wet bar. Exquisite hardwood floors flow throughout the living area, dining room, kitchen and master bedroom. Ceilings on the first and second floor are 10 feet tall. The kitchen is adorned with a large island, a triple sink, six burner stove-top with griddle, and breathtaking granite countertops. Its open floor plan makes it ideal when serving guests and entertaining friends or family. Doors to the courtyard line the wall in the dining area, letting natural light flood the home with a warmth that has to be seen to be believed. Double brick walls and slate floors furnish privacy and elegance for the courtyard. The master suiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grand beauty will sweep you off your feet. Adjoining the expansive master bedroom is the master bath. An incredible master steam shower with 8 heads stands beautifully next to a magnificent jetted bath tub, perfect for nights that follow those long hard days. There is no shortage of closet space in this home. Next to the master bathroom is large walk-in closet with enough space for a vanity and desk. Every detail in this home complements the other and creates a seamless flow throughout. The stairwell is decorated with custom designed ironwork. At the top of the the second floor of the home is a space to showcase artwork with a directional spotlight. There is a second den upstairs plus office space. Each bedroom in the home hosts its own private bathroom and storage space. A walkin attic is where luxury meets practicality, giving the home owner extra space for keeping memories. In the upstairs den stands beautiful double doors which lead out to the balcony, catering to the perfect view of the fountain. A home this exquisite deserves someone that can truly appreciate its beauty and how special this home really is. Call Nancy Inabnett at 318-537-2698 or feel free to email her at inabnett@centurytel.net and this one-of-kind home can be yours.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Domo Arigato, Y’all! Jeramie Robison Fuses East, West and South as Chef de Cuisine at Dallas’ Newest Hotspot, Uchi. article by MARÉ BRENNAN photography by MARTIN G MEYERS

THE BUZZ IS REAL. Uchi, the stylish purveyor of modern Japanese cuisine which got its illustrious start in Austin by James Beard Award-winning Executive Chef Tyson Cole, has arrived in Big D and is already garnering high praise. UchiDallas, open less than a year, has already made Zagat’s Best Seafood Restaurants and Trendiest Restaurant lists for Dallas and is up for a Dallas Tastemaker Award, given by Culture Map. All of this is made even more impressive for us north Louisiana folks when we learned that Uchi’s Chef de Cuisine who makes all these awards happen is Jeramie Robison, a native of Ruston, Louisiana. BayouLife recently caught up with this brilliant, young star of the Dallas food 74 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

scene to learn more about his journey from the Piney Hills of Ruston to the hottest new restaurant under the bright lights of downtown Dallas. Before the interview starts, Robison gives a quick set of instructions to his sous chef as they get ready for the evening’s crowd. “I tend to take a more Zen approach to training and mentoring my chefs. They inspire me as much as I do them. Dallas is seeing an influx of talent and energy, and I am lucky to have so much of that talent in my kitchen, here at Uchi,” explains Robison regarding his approach. “I was brought up in an Old School French way, in a French brigade kitchen,” he says of his first job out of Denver culinary school, quickly working his way up the line

under noted bad boy chef John Tesar at Dallas’ venerable Mansion on Turtle Creek. What did it take to land a job of that caliber fresh out of school? “I was very enthusiastic when I interviewed, and,” he pauses, “I worked my freaking butt off. That and taking chances will pay off, plus you have to stay humble and push through the hard times” that come from a life spent in the fire of the kitchen. From the Mansion, Robison headed to New York City to work for David Burke at Fishtail in what he describes as a “very intense” phase of his training. Says Robison, “I sold my car and everything in my apartment and moved to New York with two bags. I learned a lot and paid my dues and came out of there with a stronger

foundation.” When Tesar opened a restaurant in the Woodlands, Robison headed back to Texas again. After a year, the then-26-yearold chef got an opportunity to revitalize the restaurant at the chi-chi Columbe d’Or boutique hotel in Houston’s Arts District. Restaurant Cinq was Robison’s time to shine and where he came into his own as an executive chef. “The core menu and seasonal specials I developed were farm focused. I cooked and expo’d every dish along with two kids.” remembers Robison. Then word got out about the great things going on at Cinq, and soon they went from 8 tables a night to 60 or 70 a night. Robison received a Rising Star Chef award for his prowess and his first 4 out of 5 star reviews. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

“To stay healthy and focused, I was running 4 miles a day to keep my energy levels up, but I was getting tired of the grind. As luck would have it, the president of Austin’s Uchi came to stay at one of the villas at Columbe d’Or, and I cooked him a 10 course dinner.” Obviously Robison impressed the Uchi exec and was offered a sous chef job at the original Uchi in Austin. Within six months, Robison was promoted to chef de cuisine. “I’ve learned not to get caught up in labels. I’ll take a job if it’s going to better myself. As a chef, I never want to find myself complacent,” says Robison matter-of-factly. His three years at Uchi in Austin were “like getting a minor in Asian cuisine.” “The Dallas food scene has blown up recently. Texas in general is thriving. My job is to inspire my chefs and that’s 76 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

what makes my job so enjoyable – to train and mentor,” says Robison of his passion to bring young chefs up in the business. Robison incorporates Asian component and adds layers of Asian flavors to Uchi’s dishes but sticks to the French foundation that has served him so well.

NOW AND ZEN

Growing up in Ruston was idyllic for Robison, who loves the outdoors and visits at least three or four times a year. “Ruston is a great city. We could hunt and fish in our own backyard in Ruston. We have deer stands at my parents’ home that backs up to the woods; I even killed an 8 point with a bow when I lived at home.” Maybe that’s one of the reasons why “farm to table” and the use of seasonal ingredients resonates so

strongly in this young chef and every menu he creates. He got his early start cooking at local Ruston eateries, like Anthony’s Seafood and Pasta and the Cajun Café in Ruston. Once he graduated from Ruston High School, Robison headed to Denver to pursue the culinary arts. “Culinary school was so different from what I had experienced to that point. You learn things, like how to cut carrots perfectly and why that matters, and the pace is very fast,” he says. Robison met his wife while in Austin, and they married in the Texas Hill Country. Robison’s mornings are spent with the couple’s one-year-old daughter, Anise Lucille, a little redhead like her daddy. Robison’s love of fitness never left and crossfit training clears his mind for the busy

Pork belly embellished with mint, cilantro and Thai basil with watermelon radish and mandarin orange

day ahead that will see an average of 400 patrons nightly on the weekends. “God’s got a plan cause everything is falling into place. And we are really in a really happy place right now,” says the chef with a smile. The Robisons recently bought a 1928 Tudor in the South Dallas neighborhood of Oak Cliff just minutes from Uchi. “I could literally spend 14 hours in the yard working, and there is a greenbelt right by our home, perfect for our dog, Boudreaux.” Keeping the work/home balance is key for this young family. Cooking at the Robison’s home is very veggie focused. “My mom made a cookbook with everything I grew up eating in it, and my wife uses it at home,” says Robison. “My dad and his brothers are all great cooks, too.” What would be

Filet of cod marinated in soy, drizzled with dill oil and rice wine vinegar reduction and caramel fish sauce garnished with radish and dill

Robison’s ideal “last meal?” “Salisbury steak with smothered cabbage, jasmine rice, creamer peas from Yak’s [Produce in Ruston], cornbread and sweet tea. Good old soul food,” he says with a big smile peaking out from his beard.

UNFORGETTABLE UCHI

Thanks to the designers at Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, the decor at Uchi Dallas is not dissimilar from its counterparts in Austin and now Houston. Noguchi-inspired booths with walls filled with modernist art or covered in vibrant red wallpaper with a bold Japanese blossom inspire the Japanese Zen palette. There is a blend of earthiness from the wide-plank wooden flooring reminiscent of a Japanese tea house and glamour of a

sleek, contemporary chandelier that creates a yen/yang vibe that is undeniable. The Dallas location is perfectly sited in the high-end, Uptown neighborhood on tony Maple Avenue, a stone’s throw from Stanley Korshak and the Crescent. As if atmosphere were not enough, the chef’s offerings are like beautiful pieces of couture – and Dallas is a town known for it’s love of the exquisitely handmade. Robison brings out what he calls his “Asian nachos,” a starter plate of yucca chips topped with smoked baby yellowtail, Marcona almonds, garlic chips and golden raisins. Bursting with flavor, this dish barely makes it through the photo session before it’s gobbled up with only a trace of yucca crumbs left. Uchi’s perfectly broiled filet of cod comes out next. This light and WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Apple miso sorbet with a golden raisin puree and peanut butter brittle with apple chip rings

Asian Nachos - Yucca chips with smoked baby yellowtail, Marcona almonds, garlic chips and golden raisins

in soy, drizzled with dill oil and rice wine vinegar reduction and caramel fish sauce then garnished with a punctuation of radish and dill. Robison ups the ante with a deliciously-prepared pork belly embellished with mint, cilantro and Thai basil with watermelon radish and mandarin orange to brighten the palate. Dessert is no less spectacular and as visually appealing as it is delicious. Robison prepared an apple miso sorbet with a golden raisin 78 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

puree and peanut butter brittle with apple chip rings – a tart and sweet ending to an epicurean experience to remember. To fellow Louisianians who are headed to Dallas, Robison invites all to “please come see me. I’ll show you my Southern hospitality and our modern, simplistic approach to Asian cuisine.” Domo arigato, Mr. Robison. Uchi Dallas is located at 2817 Maple Ave in Dallas. Reservations are available by calling

214-855-5454 or online at opentable.com. Uchi is open from 5pm-11pm on Fri and Sat nights and from 5pm-10pm Sun - Thurs. With the recent opening upstairs of Top Knot, a more laid-back version of Uchi awaits diners who want to hop in for drinks and a quick bite featuring flavors from Southeast Asia, Latin America and Japan. And unlike Uchi, reservations are not required.

Screen Prints

The North Central Louisiana Arts Council Announces An Exhibition of Screen Printed Works By Louisiana Tech School of Design Students The North Central Louisiana Arts Council is pleased to announce an exhibition of screen printed works on paper of former and current Louisiana Tech School of Design students. The course, taught by Associate Professor Todd Maggio and graduate student Christian Dunn, assigns the annual Student Show and Ruston Peach Festival as poster projects with the top selection chosen as each year’s official promotional piece. The following students highlighted in this exhibit are Sarah Chenevert, Anne Crawford, Logan Dugard, Christian Dunn, Rosalynne Fluty, Jesse Gresham, Aimee Louvierre, Meredith McGregor, David Reid, Rebekah Schlehuber, Caleb Sylvest and Allison Vestal. The show opened March 2 and will be on display until May 16. To find out more info about NCLAC and its programming, visit nclarts.org or call (318)255-1450. In partnership with Parish Press, NCLAC presents art exhibitions that feature work by

regional artists. Works are available for purchase by calling the NCLAC office at 318.255.1450. Parish Press, located at 1007 North Trenton Street in Ruston, offers a full-service coffee bar, as well as an assortment of baked goods. NCLAC is supported by its members, as well as 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.

< “Tough Nut,” screen print

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Downtown Gallery Crawl Spring Fever Is Art! – Thursday, April 7

s nature springs forth with color and variety this April, the Downtown Arts Alliance celebrates the ever-brightening burst of local artistic talents displayed in eight downtown galleries this April 7, 5-9 pm. Accompanied by live music and good food and drink, the galleries will present residents and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy the visual arts. Springtime seems particularly appropriate for this sort of colorful party! On the first Thursday of even-numbered months, visual artists generously share their works with artlovers of all ages during the Downtown Gallery Crawls. Thursday, April 7, 5-9 pm, is again time to enjoy art in the cultural districts of downtown Monroe and West Monroe. Totally free, the evening includes wonderful art of all kinds. Downtown River Jam will also present live music at Bry Park, downtown Monroe, during the Crawl. Spring Fever has hit Sugar Gallery on Art Alley in Monroe! Sugar has three guest artists this month as well as regulars Leah Reitzell, who will be debuting a new series of Bohemian pieces with a fresh spring palette; Burg Ransom, who has new metallic prints; as well as Mary Thompson and Stacey Thomas Medaries, who have mixed media, oil paintings and drawings. Illustrator Callie White, aka “Hoop,” joins Sugar’s ceramic artist Alyssa G. Posey on the landing for a collaboration called “Hoop Girls,” a representation of a conversation between two artists from completely different backgrounds, united in their passion for art and being beautifully female. Mixed media glass artist Lisa Duchesne has mosaic and stained glass pieces. Finally, Jeff Douthit debuts his photography in “A Different Kind of Exposure.” Taking images is nothing new for Jeff, who has been a radiologic technologist for over twenty years, but this is his first time

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showing something other than x-rays. UPSTAIRS is featuring two artists for the April Crawl in a show called “An Evocative Juxtaposition.” Patricia Tait Jones, from Ruston, is exhibiting her mixed media paintings of various sizes influenced by her travels to Italy, along with a group of 12”x12” travel-inspired collages. And sculptor Bill Ayers, from Mandeville, is traveling to Monroe to show his metal sculptures, ranging from small tabletop pieces to almost seven-foot-tall pieces. Also upstairs on Art Alley is the Big Room Gallery, where curator Rick Sikes displays his own art along with other resident artists Emily Caldwell, Anna Schriefer, Amy Ouchley and Jason Byron Nelson. At this Crawl, guests will be delighted with a special spring treat—a show of paintings by well-known local artist Sue Sartor—as well as music by her husband Dr. Walter Sartor. Rounding out the offerings on Art Alley is an exhibit at Arender Studio and Gallery called “Half Full,” curated by Brooke Foy and including Emery Thibodeaux, Amy Freeman, and Jessica Slaughter. This show will be an interesting reflection of the lives of these four women. Each member of this pseudo-collaborative show was given a suggestion of a starting point from which to make her art, and many discussions resulted, revolving around home life, daily routines, rites of passage, comfort, obligations and descriptions of domestication. Their artworks include mixed media paintings, sculptures and possibly installation art. Also in Monroe, on DeSiard Street, the Crawler finds the Palace Gallery, where the amazing and popular local artist Caroline Youngblood is showing “Riverton 1937: Part II.” She describes this collection: “I opened a time capsule four years ago when I first viewed an 8mm family film shot on my family’s farm in 1937. I got to peer into the lives of our ancestors enjoying their lives in a way that before I had only heard about.

Then, down by the River on South Grand Street, Monroe’s newest gallery, the Garrett House, presents “The Heavens Declare,” an exhibit of artworks by Geneva Academy’s K-12th grade students. This very special showcase promises to be a fun-filled spring evening filled with kids, art, music and food. Moving to the west side of the Ouachita River, art lovers find Rumo’s Gallery, where curator Austin Bantel presents Katie Minyard, a photographer who is doing a portrait series called “Eat Dessert First.” She describes the show as “perceptions of people through portraiture and patterning. The people…have similar characteristics of choosing to live off the beaten path and in some way having molded my own personality.” Ouachita River Art Gallery (The River Gallery), also located on Trenton Street in West Monroe, is Louisiana’s oldest artists’ cooperative, featuring original artwork from 20-30 artists working in painting, photography, woodwork, pottery, sculpture and jewelry. During the April Gallery Crawl, Rachael Hudnall is the featured artist. She has a successful history in graphic design and only recently discovered her new passion of painting. Additionally, the gallery will proudly exhibit paintings, drawings and photography of its five newest members: Billy Albritton (photography), Allison Dollar (pen and ink, pencil and acrylic), Rachael Hudnall (acrylic), Mary May (water color and acrylic) and Staci Albritton Mitchell (photography). The artists invite you to view and discuss their work, enjoy refreshments, and listen to the live music of singer/songwriter Amanda McDowell. Sponsorships are still available. For information on levels of support and benefits, see the organization’s website at www.downtowngallerycrawl.com and Facebook page (search Downtown Gallery Crawl).

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

WA N D E R LU S T Luxurious linens, colorful prints and haute hues are the must-haves for the season. This Spring palette is all about harmony and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gathered the perfect pairing of bright and light, classic and new.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN G MEYERS

Model: Melissa Brown Hair & Makeup: Meka Reliford Special Thanks: Gavin Smith Find this look at: ELEVEN 26 formerly Salt & Pepper

HEMLINE MONROE

HERRINGSTONE’S

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Facial Fillers Have We Gone Too Far?

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

“Give a small boy a hammer, and he will find that everything he encounters needs pounding.” Abraham Kaplan, American Philosopher

HE OTHER NIGHT I DREAMED I was from a planet where everyone had disproportionately full lips and round, ping-pong ball fullness in their cheeks. Then I woke up and realized it wasn’t a dream. Overuse of facial fillers – relying on them to do more than they were intended to do – not only is rampant in this “anything goes” era of aesthetic medicine, but it creates an unnecessarily alien appearance that you can spot from across the room, or the airport terminal or the aisle in the sanctuary. The most commonly used fillers are composed of natural substances found in the body – either hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm, Belotero) or hydroxyapetite (Radiesse). They are used to fill wrinkles, creases or areas of volume deficiency. They do not take away extra skin.

Injectable fillers add volume, and in properly selected patients have been a significant advance in the treatment of facial aging. However, as patients approach 50 yrs of age, some of these issues are best addressed by surgical intervention, with periodic injection of small amounts of filler over the subsequent years to maintain the surgical correction. Older patients, especially those over 60 are always better served by having a facelift, a browlift or eyelid surgery. If you go to a non-plastic surgeon with typical changes of the aging face they generally don’t say, “Mrs. Jones, the best treatment for you is a facelift, a browlift or a blepharoplasty, but if you are not ready for surgery, or you have decided you will never have plastic surgery, we can give you a little bit of improvement with fillers. But the results are not as good as surgery, so the decision to have fillers instead of surgery is an aesthetic compromise. And if we inject too much filler, you won’t look better, you’ll look altered.” The ethical practice of aesthetic medicine demands this

kind of honest exchange as part of the patient education process. And while it probably occurs sometimes, I see two or three patients a month who were told that fillers would solve their aging issues. They are unhappy, because they spent a lot of money on fillers over the years with minimal improvement, only to face the prospect of spending a lot more on surgery to finally give them the result they wanted in the first place. If all you have is a hammer, everything is a nail. A board-certified Plastic surgeon has more than just a hammer in his toolbox. He provides the full spectrum of aesthetic services, from fillers and botox, to peels and laser treatments to cosmetic facial surgery. He has taken the face apart and put it back together again and he has intimate knowledge of facial anatomy and the progressive effects of the aging process on the skin, fat and muscle of the face. He understands that fillers are just one of many tools, and he won’t try to make them do more than they were meant to do. If you are considering facial fillers, or any type of aesthetic facial rejuvenation, call Mickel Plastic Surgery at (318) 388-2050 for an honest opinion on which procedure is right for you.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

CEYLON ET CIE

TOP IMAGE: An overview of Ceylon Et Cie, located in the Dallas Design District. Middle image: Michelle Nussbaumer at home. Bottom image: A sample of Nussbaumer’s lust-worthy “Rock Candy” jewelry, hand-cast bronze bangles dipped in 24 carat gold.

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Michelle Nussbaumer’s Ceylon et Cie is layered with European antiques, tribal headdresses, Murano glass chandeliers and all of Nussbaumer’s personal collections. BY MARÉ BRENNAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN G MEYERS

WANDERLUST IS DEFINED AS the irresistibly strong desire to travel or wander. And wanderlust and the quest for intriguing objects is what drives Michelle Nussbaumer, the dynamic designer behind so many covetable interiors that have been featured in literally every top home and garden magazine and the owner of Dallas Design District’s incredible shopping experience, Ceylon et Cie. Currently the designer is finalizing a coffee table tome of her fabulous residential interiors which is slated for release this fall through Rizzoli. Readers will travel with Michelle throughout the bazaars and markets of Africa, China, India, Morocco, Turkey, Paris, Switzerland, Mexico and more on the hunt for the objects that bring each project to life. Nussbaumer, a native Texan with a flair for designing spaces that set a dramatic tone and a beauty that would make you swear she was a Miss Texas, came by her theatricality honestly. Gavin Smith, one of Nussbaumer’s long time friends, describes her as the perfect combination of Elizabeth Taylor and Zsa Zsa Gabor, glamorous and worldly, beautiful and whip smart. “She may have been from a small town in Texas but she is the most intrepid and savvy traveler I know,” he allows. While studying drama at SMU, as luck would have it, Michelle was required to take a course in set design and a star was born. “I fell in love with it,” says Nussbaumer. Nature and travel among different cultures are the designer’s biggest inspirations for her

design projects as well as her store. “I love finding less obvious color combinations and nature is the best source for that,” explains Nussbaumer, who is known for her signature style that layers unconventional color palettes, exquisite textiles and well-curated antiques and fine art. “I’d be hard pressed to find a color I don’t like, but I think red would have to be my favorite. Any color of red. It’s such a statement color and so passionate,” she adds as she fills an antique cache pot with vermillion-hued tulips and cantaloupe-colored English roses. “Color takes courage and faith to use. It can be daunting. I find in the South, people are more attracted to color. We love flowers, don’t we?” Nussbaumer adds, “I love a touch of black in every room. It’s like eyeliner and adds sophistication.” In the early 1980s, a newly-married Nussbaumer and her Swiss-born, film producer husband Bernard, moved to Rome. “I was decorating our home there, and everything was so reasonable. Well, I overbought,” she sighs and smiles, “and soon I started selling to my friends.” From Italy, the Nussbaumers relocated to Los Angeles then back to Dallas where they have spent the last 24 years with their four children and a menagerie of rescued animals. All the while the designer amassed a list of impressive commissions and cemented her place among the top designers in the world, continually featured in Architectural Digest, Veranda and Elle Décor, among others. In addition to her interiors, Nussbaumer is responsible for a lust-worthy collection of jewelry, including earrings,

necklaces and bangle bracelets of hand-cast bronze dipped in 24 carat gold and studded with precious and semi-precious stones. The complete line, which also includes boxes and vessels, is available through Nussbaumer’s store. When the resourceful Nussbaumer couldn’t find the fabrics or furnishings she needed for a job, she was able to produce her own line of textiles of her own design, inspired by exotic locales in brilliant colorways and a 32-piece line of furniture, including “the perfect side table and headboard” to suit her clients’ interiors. Her US-produced fabrics and custom furnishings are also available through Ceylon et Cie. Even Nussbaumer’s flare-side Ford work truck gets the Ceylon et Cie treatment with a vinyl wrap of her signature Red Ikat fabric on the outside and custom kilim upholstered seats. For those in the know, Nussbaumer was one of the first designers to embrace One Kings Lane, an Internet design resource known for its top designer curated Tastemaker Tag Sales, and helped them launch the site in Dallas. It’s just one way the designer says of “tracking down items for your home” as One Kings Lane and 1st Dibs are great resources. Her own website, ceylonetcie.com, is scheduled to be shoppable online by August.

Ceylon et Cie is a dreamy amalgam of the what makes Nussbaumer tick. At least one of her beloved Great Danes is with her at the store at all times. Not unlike a Tony Duquette interior, the store is layered with European antiques, tribal headdresses, Murano glass chandeliers and all of Nussbaumer’s personal collections of home furnishings, textiles, jewelry and home decor. Nussbaumer, inspired by her home in San Miguel de Allende, has recently released a blue and white china in her design, which she calls “Mexican Delft,” which is available at the store. Beautifully crafted vignettes of bold, colorfilled layers feature Nussbaumer’s prowess as the ultimate curator on display. “I love the hunt for these objects and to see them have a new life is thrilling,” she says. To visit Ceylon et Cie is like condensing a trip around the world into a two hour treasure hunt. Allow yourself plenty of time to savor what’s in store and enjoy. Ceylon et Cie is located at 1319 Dragon Street in the Dallas Design District and is open Monday-Friday from 9 to 5. Closed Saturday andSunday. www.ceylonetcie Michelle Nussbaumer’s upcoming book, Wanderlust, is scheduled for release in September 2016 from Rizzoli.

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Open the Door to Luxury 3344 Deborah Drive in Monroe

HIS PROPERTY HAS A LUXURIOUS FEEL, BUT AT THE same time, it is warm and comfortable. The house has an open floor plan yet there are enough rooms so each family member has their own space. Every detail of the house is perfectly laid out and the home is located on the 14th hole of the Bayou DeSiard Golf Course. The current sellers have loved having late afternoon walks on the cart paths! The home features 5 bedrooms (two true master bedrooms), 6 full baths, 1 half bath, 2 offices (one overlooking the golf course), a media room, an exercise room, a beautiful outdoor living area and a gated gunite pool redone by Oasis Pools of Shreveport in 2014. The pool equipment was also replaced in the Spring of 2015 by Dolphin Pools of Monroe. The outdoor living area was constructed by Joe Holyfield. It features KitchenAid appliances, including a grill, a double gas burner cooktop, a dishwasher, a warming drawer and a disposal and sink. The home includes a covered porch and patio and the yard is surrounded by a brick privacy fence. The kitchen was remodeled by Robbie Smith and is a gourmet chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delight, featuring granite countertops, a SubZero built-in refrigerator, a 6 burner gas range, oven, warming drawer and microwave by Wolf, a KitchenAid ice machine, 2 KitchenAid Superba dishwashers, two Franco sinks and under cabinet lighting. At the same time the kitchen was remodeled, the owners added an approximately 2100 sf addition which included the exercise room, the media room, the second office and the second master bedroom. This home is just perfect for entertaining and can easily handle a large number of people. The flow of the home is truly beautiful, and the outdoor living area adds an entire other room in which the owners use for entertaining. The parking is very adequate for guests since there is a circular driveway and also a two-car parking court. Other amenities include CAT 5 wiring throughout, a Buzz Off Mosquito system, a security system, outdoor lighting, a brick and iron fence, a sprinkler system and a 148 bottle Subzero wine refrigerator. What are you waiting for? This home is immaculate and in move-in condition!

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Townsend House Gifts

Master Chef Comes to North Louisiana

OUTHERN FAMILY TRADITIONS ARE CREATED AROUND the dinner table. The gathering place for good meals and telling stories is where memories are made that last for generations. And nothing draws the family around like a beautifully set table and delicious food from special family recipes. Townsend House Gifts in Ruston knows all about Southern traditions and setting a beautiful table. Each room in the historic home features inspiration for gracious table settings and centerpieces. On April 9, Townsend House Gifts will host a Spring Open House, bringing together an elegant trunk show of Skyros tableware, presented, in person, by the owner of Skyros Designs, Kathy Pitts, and a cookbook signing of a new cookbook by Whitney Miller, winner of the first U. S. MasterChef on Fox TV. Skyros Designs, headquartered in Memphis, shares a passion for life, laughter, family and hard work. Throughout the years, their goals and values have remained the same. They are committed to beautiful design and unsurpassed quality. Their stoneware, crafted in Portugal, is extremely durable and chip resistant. Their dinnerware and accessories go from freezer to 500 degree preheated oven and are microwave and dishwasher safe. It is perfect when dressed up with silver and crystal for an elegant dinner, yet durable enough to be stacked in the kitchen and used everyday. Whitney Miller will be signing her new cookbook, Whitney Miller’s New Southern Table. Inspired by the hospitality of her 97-year-old great grandmother and the creativity of her mother, Whitney’s passion for the art of cooking began at an early age. At twenty-two, she won the reality cooking show, MasterChef. Soon after, she earned her degree, with emphasis on nutrition, from the University of Southern Mississippi. Since then, she has been featured across the globe in Southern cuisine cooking promotions and developed recipes for companies and magazines, including Southern Living, Big Green Egg and Tervis, to name a few. She has also collaborated with chefs at various restaurants, and authored another cookbook. Townsend House Gifts will serve samples from recipes in Whitney Miller’s cookbook, using beautiful pieces from Skyros Designs during the trunk show and cookbook signing April 9, from 11:00 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Imagine giving her a beautiful new set of dishes or a signed cookbook filled with favorite family recipes from Whitney Miller. At Townsend House Gifts, they make it easy with free gift wrapping and lots and lots of ideas to please mothers and grandmothers. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

Artwork of Children The NCLAC is Pleased To Present The Artwork of Children at The Dixie Center for the Arts

he NCLAC is pleased to present the artwork of children in Lauren Dixon’s art classes from Dubach School. The work was created by kindergartners through eighth graders and includes paintings as well as small sculptures. Visitors can see paper mache chickens, Picasso-inspired self-portrait sculptures and one large class collaboration piece. Artists included in this exhibition are: Alley Brazzel, Annabell Dotson, Trenton Givens, Annalise Gouedy, Kaden Gurganus, Amarrie Heard, Keylie Manning, Nickolas Martin, Trinity Dies, Jaden Dotson, Haley Ingram, Brianna Jackson, Kitty Nordan, Maggie Thompson, Aleyla Anderson, Braxton Colvin, Makynzee Daniel, Natalie Hernandez, Nick Hernandez, Evan Holland, Kaleb Holstead, Amberly Humble, Dolly Garcia, Trinity Neal, Emmanuel Escobedo, Jenasia Powell, Hailey Jennings, Sue Howell, Kimberly Kieltyka, Brayden Luginbill, Emma Pilgreen, Saul Salazar, Mariah Sims,

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Jahanee Phillips, Charity Willis, Jaylan Brimer, Jonathan Anderson, Jayda Armstrong, Jacob Owens, McKenzie Sims, Beau Vowels, LaPrecious Banks, Reid Jennings, Noah Chris Holland, Deanjnae Nelson, Cady Noble, Azlynn Miller, Tristian Cunningham, Marques Hendricks, Gracie Belle Jones, Keith Kieltyka, Kim Kieltyka, Gavin Martin, Julissa Rushing, A.J. Sibley, Madeline Smith, Nikki Thompson, Liliana Valle, Kesler Wright, Jayden Harper, Leah Flowers, Autumn Theiss, Garrett Dotson,

Addison Dean, Colbie Thompson, Jakourion Key, Skylar Ellis, Zaiden Turner, Makynzee Daniel, Marisela Escobedo and Narencia Banks. In partnership with the Dixie Center for the Arts, NCLAC presents art exhibitions that feature work by regional artists. Works are available for purchase by calling the NCLAC office at 318.255.1450. The Dixie Center for the Arts, located at 212 N. Vienna in Ruston, has been a part of Ruston’s historic downtown since 1928 and provides the city a full season of entertainment and the arts.   NCLAC is supported by its members, as well as 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.

Glenwood Medical Group Continued From Page 36 His services include treatment of disease and infection of the respiratory tract including cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema and chest infections. PH: 318-329-8479 UROLOGY Edward Rutland, M.D. Dr. Edward Rutland is a board certified urology specialist and is one of the only robotically trained urologists in Northeast Louisiana. His services include the evaluation and treatment of bladder, kidney and prostate cancer, kidney stones, male and female urinary incontinence, enlarged prostate, vasectomy and erectile dysfunction. PH: 318-329-8517 PRIMARY CARE CLINICS GLENWOOD FAMILY CARE CLINIC Rita Zuber, NP Ellen Gentile, NP Pediatric, adult and geriatric care including minor illness and emergencies, sports physicals, vaccinations, specialist referrals, medication management and DOT/CDL physicals. PH: 318-644-2573 GLENWOOD INTERNAL MEDICINE AND PEDIATRICS Billy G. Branch, MD Now open at 9052 Hwy 165N in Sterlington. Internal medicine, pediatrics, KidMed vaccinations, chronic disease diagnosis and

management and minor illness/emergency care for the whole family. PH: 318-665-0170 GLENWOOD MEDICINE CLINIC Janet Morvant, FNP Christene Wooden, ANP Chronic disease management, diabetes and minor illness, as well as medical testing for CDL license exams, in-house labs and EKG. PH: 318-388-1400 GLENWOOD STAT CARE Daniel Trejo, MD Lynne Talley, NP Slade Dykes, NP Ann Gray, FNP Kim Kornegay, NP Pediatric, adult and geriatric care for minor illness and emergency including in-office labs, X-rays and EKGs. Primary care includes chronic disease and medication management, physicals and wellness exams, Kidmed vaccinations and skin condition treatment. Open 7AM to 7PM, Monday through Saturday. Walk-ins welcome. PH: 318-396-3800 Glenwood Medical Group administrative offices are located at 503 McMillan Road, in Glenwood Regional Medical Center, West Monroe. For more information, call (318) 329-4200 or visit www.glenwoodmedicalgroup.com.

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Car Wash West Detail Department Protect Your Investment

INCE 1991, CAR WASH WEST HAS PROVIDED NORTH Louisiana with the finest wash and service available for your automobiles. Their state-of-the-art facility provides the best wash around with premium solutions and machinery. In addition to the wash services offered, Car Wash West is unmatched in their detail services. Whether you are looking to get rid of a coffee stain or are preparing for a car show, they are here to help you “protect your investment.” Services are tailored to the individual’s needs and expectations, from small to large and everything in-between. Car Wash West’s detailing department offers the latest in technology, sealants and polishes to have your car looking like new. Problems you’ve had in the past such as swirl marks from a previous detailing job are no match for their technicians. They can remove them completely. Minor scratches, scuffs, water spots and paint dullness all can be addressed with their state of the art techniques, polishes and equipment. They can remove paint overspray as well, returning your car to showroom quality. From an express detailing to a 4-step degree of polishing, they can handle the job. The price depends on the size and condition of the vehicle and the extent of service you want. For an express service, no appointment is necessary. It can take less than one hour and can include tar removal, paint overspray removal, Carnauba hand wax, paint sealant, Max Wax and window polishing.

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For interior services, they offer carpet shampoo, seat shampoo and leather seat conditioning. If you are looking for a more extensive detailing job, they offer a complete detail, an exterior detail and an interior detail. Please call for an appointment for the regular detail services. Prices listed below will vary depending on the condition and amount of time taken to complete the job. The complete detail starts at $200. It includes exterior wash, clean wheels and tires, tar removal, polish paint, Carnauba wax or sealant, exterior rubber/vinyl dressings, interior/exterior window cleaning, carpet/upholstery shampoo, trunk cleaning and shampoo, interior vinyl/leather dressings, and interior deodorizing. If exterior detailing is all you need, they offer services starting at $150. This includes an exterior wash, clean wheels and tires, interior vacuum, polish paint, Carnauba wax or sealant, exterior rubber/vinyl dressings, interior/exterior window cleaning and tar removal. For an interior detailing job, they offer services starting at $85. This includes an exterior wash interior deodorizing, interior vinyl/leather dressings, leather cleaning, interior/exterior window cleaning and carpet/upholstery shampoo. For a detailed list of prices or questions, contact them at 388-0626 or visit their website at www.carwashwestmonroe.com.

House of Carpets and Lighting Well Worth the Drive!

ELLO! ALL OF US AT HOUSE OF Carpets and Lighting in Shreveport are excited to showcase our products to Northeast and North Central Louisiana, and hope you will make the short drive to see us. We promise you will not be disappointed! Remodeling your home? Building a new home? Looking to update a couple of areas in your home? House of Carpets and Lighting has what it takes to make your home look its best. We carry quality flooring, from beautiful hardwood to durable ceramic and porcelain tile, to plush carpet, and so much more! We also have a huge selection of backsplash and tumbled stone. House of Carpets and Lighting is the only Shaw Design Center in the area, and we have other top name brands as well. When it comes to lighting, House of Carpets and Lighting combines quality and

selection. We offer a wide range of lighting products that provide the perfect blend of beauty and utility. From beautiful crystal chandeliers, to decorative kitchen and bedroom lighting, to under-counter and LED lighting, you will find the perfect lights for your taste, style and budget! Whether you are looking to update your entire house, or just one room, we’ve got you covered! Let us make your home the gem of your street with the perfect exterior lighting solution to highlight the beauty of your home. From subtle lighting accents to landscape lighting and gas lanterns, House of Carpets and Lighting can help you enhance your home’s exterior to match the level of style and beauty of the interior. Accessories are the “cherry on top,” and you will find plenty of treasures at House of Carpets and Lighting. Artwork, lamps, home accessories, mirrors, accent furniture and

vanities – everything to update your beautiful home. However, what sets apart House of Carpets and Lighting is our customer service. Family-owned and operated, House of Carpets and Lighting’s staff is knowledgeable about all of our products. In addition, our design team can guide you when it comes to selecting the best look for your home. We look forward to serving you! We can’t wait for you to visit our showroom at 4344 Youree Drive. Take the Market Street exit off I-20. Market St. becomes Youree Drive, so you will be here in no time! Open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. House of Carpets and Lighting— Well Worth the Drive!

WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

at home with

NIVEN MORGAN

ARTICLE BY MARÉ BRENNAN AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN G MEYERS North Louisiana native Niven Morgan may be a Dallas boy now, but he has left his mark, or should we say, his signature scents and velvety lotions on the wrists of those in the know all over the world. When BayouLife caught up with the jetsetting entrepreneur at his University Park home, a tanned and radiant Morgan, just back from a retreat to sunny St. Barts in the Caribbean, greeted us with open arms sporting a wristful of colorful prayer beads and bare feet. His precious, 17-yearold dappled dachsund, Greta, never left his side, teetering around like an elderly society matron in too high a heel and basking in her owner’s attention and praise. One only has to attend a Niven Morgan trunk show event at a local retailer like The Fashion of Ruston, The Muffin Tin, Louisiana Purchases (or Signatures by Linda Reeves before her store closed) to understand the magic that a one-on-one session with Morgan allows. With a daring fashion sense and good looks befitting a Calvin Klein model and a personality that could stop an eight day clock, Morgan and his boundless source of raw energy create the ultimate pitchman for his products.

PICTURED AT RIGHT: North Louisiana native, Niven Morgan, at his Dallas home talks about the sweet scent of success.

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Not that they need a pitch. Niven Morgan’s eponymous line of luxurious soaps, bath salts, perfumes and lotions to aromatic candles and home scents as well as shaving products for men and spa products, need no introduction. One spritz has the driest of hands feeling silky smooth, loved and scented to perfection. Sold. Throw in a chance to meet THE Niven Morgan, and we’re over the moon. Born and raised in Shreveport, Niven Morgan attended Loyola College Prep. The Morgan family spent all their free time at their family farm in Minden, where Niven loved to ride horses with his sisters, who now live in Ruston, Monroe and Baton Rouge. After a brief stint as a member of DKE fraternity at LSU, Morgan transferred to Louisiana Tech, from which he graduated in 1989. Although he wasn’t sure what he really wanted to do when he arrived in Dallas in 1990, one thing Morgan knew for certain – “I wanted to do my own thing.” As luck would have it, Morgan’s cousin, Dee Wyly and her husband Charles (as in Louisiana Tech’s Wyly Tower of Learning) were owners of Michael’s craft stores at that time. Remembers Morgan, “I had been painting a bunch of vases with an interesting patina. One day I was stuck in Dallas traffic and realized I needed something to put in those vases to be able to sell them to a retailer like the one my cousin owned. I thought, ‘What if I could sell bath salts in these vases?’ For the past 11 years I’ve been having fun and love being able to control my own path in life. And this line of products has led me down lots of new paths.” The Niven Morgan line of bath and body products, as well as men’s shaving and spa products are featured in luxury and boutique hotels around the world. In addition, Morgan has developed private label and co-branded products for companies including Rolls Royce, Maserati, Waldorf Astoria and Ritz Carlton hotels and spas. Even the island of Mustique has its own signature Niven Morgan scent and line of products. A master at reinventing the look of his products’ packaging, Morgan explains, “I love starting over. To let the past go and move forward is good for any brand. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve redesigned packaging and marketing materials for Niven Morgan Gold,” his original scent.

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ow does Morgan develop each of his intoxicating fragrances and restorative products? Simple. It begins with a story. “I might read about an ingredient I’d like to use. Then I describe the consistency or feel of the product, especially how it will compare with similar products from other brands,” explains Morgan. For the scent, Morgan will set the tone with a detailed imagining of the origins of the scent. He will send photos as well for inspiration and to set the tone. For example, for the line of products he designed for the island of Mustique, Morgans says this: The allure of a Caribbean breeze trailing notes of sweet bergamot, sparkling citrus and pure orange flower lifted by verdant citron leaves and aromatic herbs embraced by lasting musks, amber, moss and blonde woods. Niven Morgan’s Mustique 1958 is the namesake of its inspiration, a small, remote, private island in the south Caribbean. Mustique is an unspoiled paradise characterized by a perfect climate, seas of melted sapphire and turquoise, secluded crescents of white sand beaches, breezes whispering in palms and tortoises roaming free. A true fantasy island! This is truly wording to set the tone for a fragrance worthy of one of the most beautiful island paradises on earth. Morgan adds that passion behind the product is key to success as is timing. Morgan’s advice to new entrepreneurs: “Stick to it and do it! We are only going to learn how to do something by actually getting out there and trying. And remember, You don’t have to start big, you just have to start.” Morgan adds, “All it takes is one idea and a little bit of risk. But you never get the reward without the risk.” Morgan’s newest scent, Green Tea and Peonies is one of his favorites. “It reminds me of Spring and is so fresh,” he adds. New to Niven Morgan’s line of spa products is the new Black Volcanic Sand, Charcoal Powder and Mineral Rich Mud Mask, which gives you the power to detoxify your skin, while giving you a healthy glow. Massage oils, essential oils, body butters, body washes and men’s shaving products, as well as bath salts, round out the Niven Morgan spa products. “I would love to create a spa,” says Morgan of his growing wish list of things to do. Morgan can cross opening his first Niven Morgan showroom off that to do list as it opens in Atlanta this year. He adds, “I love that so many people have been so good to me. My company has come a long way since my friend and fellow Louisiana Tech graduate Gavin Smith allowed me to show my bath salts in his Dallas showroom 18 years ago. And in eighteen years, we have been able to keep our prices from going up with maybe a $5 increase since we began.” One of Morgan’s favorite pasttimes is to travel to exotic locales. Mustique is obviously one of his favorites, but adds Cape Town, South Africa, Istanbul and St. Tropez. Another pasttime is to amass a loyal following of celebrities who love his amazing products. Throughout his career he has been lucky enough to count Brittney Spears and Mick Jagger as fans of his candles and soaps. Thankful for his own good fortune, Morgan is known for his generous giving to and dedicated fundraising for children’s charities like the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital and the Clayton Dabney Foundation for Terminally Ill Children.

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WHERE TO BUY NIVEN MORGAN’S PRODUCTS LOCALLY: The Fashion of Ruston The Muffin Tin - Monroe The Trenton House - West Monroe Louisiana Purchases - Monroe Lewis’ Gifts - Shreveport Past Perfect Antiques - Bastrop Delhi Drugs - Delhi K & K’s Giving Tree Lagniappe - Oak Ridge Southern Creations - Rayville

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Kid Biz and The Biz

Janet and Jay Finegold Celebrate 20 Years of Fashion at Preston Center in Dallas

anet Schendle Finegold’s stores, Kid Biz and The Biz, in Dallas’ venerable The Plaza at Preston Center shopping mecca are celebrating 20 years of providing well-dressed children, teens and now their moms with chic and stylish clothing and the best gifts for birthdays and special occasions. Janet, who was born and raised in Bastrop, LA, and her husband Jay expanded their store 12 years ago from its original concept of clothing for girls and boys, infants to teens to include a whole new section dedicated to fashion savvy women as well. The couple’s philosophy for their store is simple. They want to provide their customers with the newest and most fun fashions, gifts and accessories with personal service. Kid Biz is chock-a-block full of adorable and modern children’s clothing. Bright colors with cute fresh styles are sure to please! A whole section is dedicated to swimwear for

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boys and girls with even a cute rack full of “mermaid tail” skirts that would be so cute for a swim party. Speaking of parties, Kid Biz is known for carrying the latest and greatest gifts for birthdays from educational puzzles to games and swim noodles covered in adorable fabrics. Known for their ability to monogram at the store and their quick turnarounds, it’s

no wonder that Kid Biz is the biggest single Jon Hart luggage dealer in Dallas. Another great item they carry are S’well stainless steel drink bottles that keep cold drinks cold for 24 hours and hot drinks hot for 12 hours - and keep plastic bottles out of the landfill. The Biz, geared to older teens and adults, carries great brands like L Space swimwear and casual lifestle brands like Free People, Hudson, Ella Moss, Paige and Splendid to name just a few. In addition, they have great shoes, jewelry and accessories to complete any outfit. Kid Biz and The Biz are located in The Plaza at Preston Center, which is on the southeast corner of Preston Road and Northwest Highway. Sprinkles Cupcakes and Taco Diner and just across the way and make for a fun day of shopping with little people.

Desserts and Parties Vieux Carré Market Offers Delicious Desserts and Unique Parties for All Ages

ESSERTS MAKE LIFE A LITTLE MORE ENJOYABLE. But the desserts that are made with love and care, the ones that make your taste buds explode, the type of desserts that have a sense of life, those desserts help make life spectacular. At Vieux Carré Market, we take great pride in the fact that we craft many of our products completely from scratch, and our desserts are no exception. We know how to make dessert the right way, because we love creating inspiring foods. Let’s observe some of Vieux Carré Market’s edible creations. The Red Velvet Cake is a decadent tour de force of flavor. Our made-from-scratch cream cheese icing perfectly complements the dramatic beauty of the red velvet. The 3-day Coconut Cake creates a creamy finish with that ever so slight bite of coconut. It will send your taste buds over the moon. The Hummingbird Cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s made with traditional ingredients and decorated with a modern flair. We also offer Italian cream, carrot, and anything else you can dream up. Remember these cakes go quickly, and if you need a whole cake, place an order ahead of time. Vieux Carré Market is proud to announce that they are now hosting kids’ parties! There are multiple party packages offering

fun and exciting ways to entertain and teach kids. Some of our parties include “Learning How to Bake and Decorate Cupcakes,” “Create Your Own Pizza,” and “Custom Tea Parties.” It’s a unique experience that kids love, and it’s hassle free for the parents. We also take into consideration any allergies, including gluten and peanut allergies. Call us today to find out what party works best for your child. Don’t worry parents, we offer parties for adults, too, including cooking and wine demonstrations or classes. It’s a truly great environment for all types of get-togethers. We would love to have you try our extraordinary desserts or plan a unique party with us. Call or stop by Vieux Carré Market today! Lunch Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Dinner Hours: Thursday – Saturday 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

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New Autism Center

The University of Louisiana Monroe Has Opened a New Autism Center

he AC-ULM is a cooperative program between the SpeechLanguage Pathology and Occupational Therapy Programs at ULM, both of which have been part of the College of Health and Pharmaceutical Sciences for over 40 years. “I am extremely grateful for the support from the ULM administration, faculty and students, as well as the Board of Directors for the Living Well Foundation, to address a need for these services in this region and continue the mission of ULM,” said Dr. David Irwin, Professor and Director of the Speech-Language Pathology and the AC-ULM programs at ULM. The Living Well Foundation is a public nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the health, wellness and quality of life in northeast Louisiana. Founded in 2007, the organization serves residents of Caldwell, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland and Union Parishes. The organization awarded ULM a one-year $14,000 startup grant, which comes with the possibility of renewal. According to its mission statement, the

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AC-ULM seeks “to serve as a comprehensive resource that will enhance the quality of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” “The AC-ULM will impact this region by providing high quality services to the residents of northeast Louisiana, supporting professionals and parents needing education and training regarding evidence-based evaluation and treatment methods, and enhance the education/training of students while at ULM which they can use in future

employment,” said Dr. Irwin. The regional impact is already evidenced through the AC-ULM’s growing list of partners throughout the state. The Center has established partnerships with local community organizations, agencies, and businesses, such as Families Helping Families of Northeast Louisiana, United Way of Northeast Louisiana, Chamber of Commerce in all parishes served by the Living Well Foundation, the Department of Health and Hospitals, clinics, public and private hospitals, schools, universities, among many others. Dr. Irwin indicated that he anticipates beginning evaluations in early April. Referrals are being accepted at this time. Those interested in evaluations, seminars/classes or consultations will find more information, including information about fees, at the Center’s website (ulm.edu/autismcenter). For further information, please contact Dr. David Irwin, CCC-SLP, Professor and Director of the AC-ULM at 318-342-3190 or irwin@ulm. edu.

Call For Entries

NCLAC in Partnership with Pelican Realty of North Louisiana Announce a Call for Entries for a Mural Design

CLAC in partnership with Pelican Realty of North Louisiana announce a Call for Entries for a Mural Design. The winning designer will receive $500 and the design will be painted on a residential building by mural team, Heirloom Designs. The top entries received will be displayed in an exhibition in Summer 2016 (location to be determined). The deadline for digital entries is May 1. The theme for the mural is Louisiana Wildlife: Air, Land and Water. The call is open to any two-dimensional media, and is for artists living in Louisiana. The dimensions and entry form can be found online at www.nclarts.org. The entry fee for the Mural Design Call is $20 for non-NCLAC members, and $10 for NCLAC members. Design considerations 1) avoid compositions that use a lot of yellow, as it’s hard to compete with light from the sun 2) avoid figures for reasons of scale and legibility from street view 3) this will be painted on a

isn’t completely set, but most likely it will be mid-June in downtown Ruston. Pelican Realty of North Louisiana will provide shipping costs to and from the exhibition. Thanks to Becky and Jay Strickler, and Pelican Realty of North Louisiana for their support of the arts.

residential building 4) this is a celebration of north central Louisiana and its natural environment. The location of the mural is 400 Kennon Lane in Ruston, on the corner of Maple and Alabama, which is near Louisiana Tech University’s Joe Aillet Stadium. The completed mural will see heavy traffic. As mentioned before, the top entries received will be displayed in a public exhibition in Summer 2016. The exact date and location

In order to submit your design, email 1. a completed Mural Entry Form, 2. your entry fee, and 3. your design to nclac5@gmail.com, subject line Mural Contest. Jpeg entries only, a minimum of 300 dpi. Entry fees can be sent via paypal at www. nclarts.org, or by mail to NCLAC Po Box 911 Ruston, LA 71270 Contact the North Central Louisiana Arts Council office with any questions at nclac5@ gmail.com, or (318)255-1450.

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On the Corner of a Happy Home 2500 Oak Alley in Monroe

OCATED ON THE CORNER OF Oak Alley and Destrehan, this outstanding custom home by Joe Holyfield has a handsome exterior design with plantation style shutters. This house is a modern size of 2,820 sq. ft., with 3 bedrooms and 2 and a half baths. Being on the corner gives the home an open feel and makes it just right for all types of gatherings and family visits. The floors in the living room and dining room are a beautiful Australian Cedar wood. This cedar flows throughout the first floor connecting each room as it frames the doorway into the dining room and kitchen where it is used for the cabinets, as well as large beams separating the rooms. Slate floors in the kitchen complement the wood floors while also setting the two rooms apart from one another.

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The kitchen has beautiful granite on the counters and on the spacious island. There is an eating bar that matches the cabinets in the center of the room, providing a wine rack at the end. The pantry is extra large, as well as is the oversized laundry room. The half bathroom is located in between the kitchen and laundry making it convenient. Just outside the kitchen is a doorway to a courtyard with a built-in grill creating the perfect, cozy outdoor space. There is also a large closet located under the staircase. This is an easily accessible space to store a vacuum, suitcases, decorations, etc. Through the dining room you enter into the spacious master bedroom. Adjoined to the bedroom is a custom designed bathroom that will take your breath away with its warm tones and

beautiful wood finishes. The walk-in shower is a luxurious double size, shower giving you extra needed space. Upstairs are two bedrooms, Jack and Jill bathrooms and a large den for TV, games or an office. Large closets, extra storage in the walk-in attic shows how well the space has been laid out. Louisianne is a very popular neighborhood, surrounded by brick privacy fence. There is a beautiful gazebo where residents may sit or have parties. With the home favorably located on the corner, the two-car garage is located in the rear of the home providing extra space and also privacy. The neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restrictions keep Louisianne looking pristine and architecturally balanced making it one of the most beautiful locations in Monroe, LA.

Coburn’s Kitchen and Bath Showroom DXV By American Standard

HROUGHOUT TIME, PEOPLE HAVE designed things that they need with looks they can’t live without. DXV delivers timeless design in time for today. DXV is a brand by American Standard that delivers style and substance from a range of design influences spanning over 150 years. DXV converges the most influential design movements, curating them into an exclusive offering today. These design movements consists of: • The Classic Era where timeless luxury and fine craftsmanship merge. • The Golden Era where subtlety and simplicity are discovered. • The Modern Era consists of playful and stoic pieces. • The Contemporary Movement has imagination moving forward. American Standard has merged the highest

level of performance with designs that refuse to let you blink. DXV is made for you, to outlast you. An exclusive spectrum of timely statements, DXV represents eras of craftsmanship that has never gone out of style. DXV reimagines notable triumphs of design from the classic to the contemporary. DXV by American Standard is sold exclusively through select plumbing design showrooms and is available at Coburn Supply Company. They provide innovative products for the kitchen and bath, residential and commercial plumbing, heating and air conditioning, electrical, builder/contractor and waterworks projects. When you visit a Coburn’s Kitchen and Bath Showroom, you’ll find inspiration at every turn, from time-tested classics to all

the hot new styles, shapes and features. They are ready to show you products that you won’t find in the big-box stores, from some of the best manufacturers of kitchen and bath fixtures, appliances, lighting, hardware, cabinetry and accessories in the business. Visit their website for a list of the manufacturers they work with and find a full description of the products they carry. Coburn’s product specialists are ready to answer your questions and share their experience with the building process, guiding your selections. So, if you’re building a new home, updating, remodeling or just want a single replacement faucet, great ideas start at a Coburn’s Kitchen and Bath Showroom. Visit Coburn’s soon… and see what’s new.

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MY BUDDY DAN CHASON

have been fortunate to have had some very memorable dogs. From my first yellow beagle named Goldie to a pair of remarkable labs, Anna and Ranger. Dogs and men, especially those who hunt, are a natural combination. As I related in my article about Eli Haydel, Ranger, my, lab was old. Grey in the muzzle but he was my number one dog for many years. I remember one year, a friend of mine (who will remain anonymous– Pat Wright) invited me to go on a Arkansas duck hunt at his lease. At that time, I had three working labs. Hand signals, whistle-trained and just good hunting dogs made for many invites from friends as a good dog always makes the hunt easier. On this hunt, Pat called and I offered to bring my lab. “No, Dan. I’ve got my lab back from retriever school, and we are gonna hunt with a REAL dog.” Famous last words. NEVER, and I mean never, brag on two things: your dog or your kids. They will show you up every time. Such was the case this duck hunt as this “real dog” brought back every decoy in the spread and not one duck. To this day, I always gig Pat about hunting with a “real dog.” Then there are duck hunters who are hard on their dogs. I have literally left a hunt after seeing how some guys treat their dogs. Ranger would sit in the blind, hang his head over for his honey bun and then perk right up in mid bite if he saw a duck. You didn’t have to look for ducks. All you had to do was watch Ranger. He was slow and methodical, but man could he retrieve. I remember one of his last hunts in Little Missouri, north of Mer Rouge, Louisiana. We were on my lease and had knocked down two crippled mallards who were swimming near the next levee over. I sent Ranger out, and I promise (you can ask my son) this happened: I guess to not overexert himself, Ranger picked up the first duck, went to the second, dropped number one and put his foot on it. He then grabbed the second duck, let the

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first float up and came back to the blind with two necks in his mouth. I took a picture of it. I guess he had learned that one trip was better than one. Then there was Anna. Anna was a good mama to her pups. She was all of 95 pounds and was a big, block headed lab. She was an absolutely beautiful dog. When I hunted Anna, I would always warn anyone with me to not approach her in the truck or wheeler if she was by the ducks we had taken. She was very protective of “her ducks” and only my son or I could get them from her. We were back in Mer Rouge with one of the very hunters I had seen abuse his lab on another hunt. As we packed up to leave the hunt, I loaded Anna in my truck bed. I was putting my gear inside my truck, when I heard Anna squeal and then this guy grab his face and scream. According to my son, he had reached into the truck and Anna growled at him. This guy then slapped her and she bit a chunk out of his face. Not only did he now have a dog bite, I left him there. You slap my dog? Might as well slap my wife or kid. That’s a big no-no, but it was pure justice. Rule number one when I married my wife Michele was “no Labs.” It was an un-written agreement, and I abided by it for about 9 years. She had previous bad experiences with the breed. I missed having my labs, and even though my wife has a Boston Bull Terrier that is like a child to us, it just wasn’t the same. I was searching through Craigslist one day looking for collectible decoys, when I saw the ad: “Beautiful Lab... free to good home.” Those two words usually mean trouble. Free and lab. That usually means he isn’t a full blooded Lab or he bit the preacher or the previous owner’s motherin-law. Curiosity got the best of me and without going into much detail, I drove to the duck camp where he stayed and met Buddy. Buddy is a chocolate Lab. Deep green eyes and a beautiful coat. I brought him home and introduced him to my frowning wife. I had

concreted my kennel and had the perfect place for him to stay. I was going to see if Mama would let him stay permanently. I got my answer about a week later, when I came in from fishing and went into the house. When I looked outside, I saw Buddy’s head in Michele’s lap, and she was stroking his head. Looks like Buddy has a new home. But it didn’t come without problems. Buddy was a chewing fanatic. He chewed the seat off of my Gator... twice. I don’t mean a little bit. Half the whole seat. When I would leave to go hunting or fishing, Buddy would chew up something that belonged to me. My gas can, my boots, fishing equipment or anything else left out. I really liked this animal but he was putting me in the poor house. Finally, Michele figured it out. “Honey, he misses you,” she explained. All he does is howl when you leave. Since then, if I leave for the camp, Buddy goes with me. Problem solved. He just wants to be with me. Fishing, riding the UTV, walking in the woods or anything I do, this animal wants my company. As I write this, Buddy is doing what he does best. He is treeing a squirrel. I noticed that Buddy would sit on my carport and look out over the numerous oaks in our yard and watch the squirrels. He eventually, with encouragement would tree the squirrel. But he would not bark. That is until the day that he treed a squirrel on a hunt. I shot the squirrel who kindly bailed out of the tree and landed on Buddy’s head. One scar and one dead squirrel later, Buddy is now my all around hunting dog. He will bark and even pull the vines on the tree to make the squirrel move. He will tree a squirrel and will do so from daylight to dark. He hates them. He fishes with me as well. If I don’t put him in the boat, he will follow me on the bank and wait by my truck until I return. Where I go he wants to go. Just a loyal animal that stole my heart and is a natural nightmare for squirrels. What else could you ask from a friend... or a lifelong friend named Buddy?

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Copeland Electrical Contractors Residential and Commercial Electrical Services

INCE 1971 COPELAND ELECTRIC has been considered the cornerstone of the electrical service industry in our area. They take pride in delivering a culture of excellence throughout northeast Louisiana through knowledge, quality and integrity to their customers and community. Copeland Electric’s standard of becoming a technician is a grueling process. It requires a minimum of serving five years in the field as an apprentice while successfully completing over 900 classroom hours. Lastly the tech must demonstrate competent troubleshooting skills and the ability to perform efficiently before entering the workforce. Copeland provides its service technicians with the most advanced technological resources in the industry. This allows their customers to experience the most knowledgeable and qualified service available.

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Copeland offers the top benefits of LED Technology to their customers: • Long Life- Long life time stands out as the number one benefit of LED lights. LED bulbs and diodes have an outstanding operational life time expectation of up to 100,000 hours. This is 11 years of continuous operation, or 22 years of 50% operation. If you leave on the LED fixture for 8h per day it would take around 20 years before you’d have to replace the LED bulb. LEDs are different than standard lighting: They don’t really burn out and stop working like a standard bulb, moreover the lighting diodes emit lower output levels over a very long period of time and become less bright. • Energy Efficiency - Efficiency of 80%-90% when compared to traditional lighting and conventional light bulbs. • Ecologically Friendly - Free of toxic

chemicals. 100% recyclable, and will help you to reduce your carbon footprint by up to a third. • Durable Quality - LEDs are extremely durable and built with sturdy components that are highly rugged and can withstand even the roughest conditions.   • Instant Lighting and Frequent Switching - LED lights brighten up immediately when powered on. • Low-Voltage - A low-voltage power supply is sufficient for LED illumination. This makes it easy to use LED lighting also in outdoor settings, by connecting an external solar-energy source and is a big advantage when it comes to using LED technology in remote or rural areas. Over the next few months, we will take an in-depth look at different trends and services in the industry such as: Generator Installations, Landscape Lighting, Parking Lot and Security Lighting, Home Inspections, Service Upgrades and Power Monitoring. Stay tuned for tips for your home and business! We would like to thank the community, our customers and most importantly past and present employees for 45 years of setting a standard of excellence.

Free Birds Boutique on Antique Alley A Free Spirit Style

ETTING DRESSED EVERY morning should be an adventure. If you don’t get excited when you look into your closet, then maybe it’s time to go shopping. Deciding what to wear should be exciting, easy and fun, and with a closet from Free Birds Boutique, that’s what you’ll get. One of the best feelings in the world is getting a compliment on what you are wearing. Think about it! You spent the time shopping throughout the store, deciding which items to buy, and which items make you feel good. Then, you put in an effort styling yourself and your outfit so that you can walk out of your door with confidence. Finally, it all hits home and gets you right in the feels when someone says those three little words “Love your outfit!” And you will feel reassured when you say “I shop at Free Birds.”

We would love to share this feeling with everyone. That’s why Free Birds Boutique supplies a comfy style all its own. It’s basically your future wardrobe. We want you to be happy with what you wear and the way you look, so we have a few tips to help: • Z Supply Plain White Tee’s are a good place to start. These simple shirts can be worn with jeans for a fun casual look or wear it over a maxi dress and tie it at the bottom for a more feminine style. • Jersey Maxi Dresses are literally the easiest, most stylish way to get dressed. Throw on one of these beauties with some hand made jewelry, and you are good to go. We have them in all different colors so pick which looks best on you.

• A VWL color blend ombré plaid shirt tied around your waist is a cute way to pump up your style. Simple tricks like these help make getting dressed everyday a little less stressful and a little more fun. Take some time for yourself each morning while getting dressed, because we all know that self-confident feeling you get when you really like what your wearing. And don’t let the weather affect your look, you can still look great even if the weather isn’t. You can find us on Instagram at freebirds_boutique, Facebook, Pinterest and our website, www.shopfreebirdsboutique. com. We are adding new products every day, so check back often to see what’s new. When in doubt with what to wear, just wing it with Free Birds!

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90.3 KEDM Public Radio Celebrates 25 Years

Making a Significant Contribution to the Cultural Richness of Our Region

OR TWENTY-FIVE YEARS, 90.3FM KEDM Public Radio has captivated the region, growing listeners, fans and members who consider the station part of their identity. It was back in 1985 that efforts first began to bring a public radio station to northeast Louisiana. Northeast Louisiana University already had a student-run station, KNLU, started in 1973. This was different, though – early supporters hoped a public radio station would bring news from National Public Radio, classical music and arts and culture to the airwaves. “We were so excited to get public radio in Monroe” says founding member Helen Ledbetter. “My husband Roy and I listened to public stations when we traveled, and knew it was something we could bring home.” A steering committee formed, led

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by Fred Westrom, that included such notable public figures as Monroe Mayor Bob Powell, Dr. Roy Ledbetter, Dr. Warren Coleman, Donald Walter, Dr. Glen Powers and then-Northeast Louisiana University President Dwight Vines. Under the guidance of the committee, fundraising began for the local dollars to qualify for a federal grant from the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program. When local and federal dollars came together, construction began in an old biology lab in Stubbs Hall, and the station first signed on the air on April 23, 1991, just days before heavy rains caused widespread flooding in northeast Louisiana. Today, KEDM makes a unique and significant contribution to the cultural richness of the region. The station is dedicated to national, state and local news along with diverse music, celebrating

all that the community has to offer. The station features more than 250 nonprofit organizations annually through Lagniappe and other public affairs programming. “KEDM promotes the kind of unique, authentic culture that makes people love where they live” says General Manager Jay Curtis. KEDM is poised to address changes in technology, changes in the role of radio in today’s culture and ready to address the future needs of the listening community. “We’re always looking to get people involved with KEDM,” explains Ben Hickey, a member of KEDM’s Community Advisory Board. “Very quickly, we find that we share a mutual love for the station, and are working to keep it strong and vibrant into the future.”

The Patio Place Spotlights Lloyd Flanders

20 Percent Off All Lloyd Flanders Special Orders Until May 2nd

HE LLOYD FLANDERS NAME has been synonymous with heirloom quality outdoor wicker furniture for over 100 years. Their motto of “Woven for Life” is the goal in manufacturing each piece for the consumer market. Started in 1906, the furniture is still proudly crafted out of their original factory in Menominee, Michigan. We all love American made products. Lloyd has two signature weave collections of Lloyd Loom and Lloyd Vinyl, which include about 24 individual styles between them. With both products, loom and vinyl, the weave is applied to a welded all-aluminum frame that is corrosionresistant and extremely durable. Lloyd Loom is all-weather wicker made of traditional spun fibers. With their years of experience and advanced technology, Lloyd has produced a

continuous strand that will not burr, crack or peel. Each strand is reinforced with aluminum wire for strength and completely submerged in resin for protection from moisture. Lloyd’s Loom has become the most sought-after allweather wicker in outdoor furniture market, because it couples upscale design and comfort with material that stands the test of time. Lloyd’s Vinyl collections offer a unique array of textures and finishes in vinyl allweather wicker. The vinyl weave is made of 100 percent virgin vinyl exclusively manufactured for Lloyd Flanders and has added UV inhibitors to prevent excessive fading. With the loom and vinyl, you can create a custom furniture grouping to fit any space with the wide variety of finishes and fabrics available. The Patio Place loves this American-

made brand, and is thrilled to promote the Lloyd Flanders “Anything Goes” Spring Special now through May 2nd on all custom orders. This is an unbelievable savings offer to our customers that we hope you will take advantage of. With The Patio Place already discounting Lloyd Flanders’ MSRP 25 percent, this additional 20 percent savings will really help you get the deal of the season! So stop in soon, and we’ll show you how great design, craftsmanship and life-long durability are all intertwined in every Lloyd Flanders piece. We look forward to your visit Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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FIELD THEORIES ARTICLE BY MICHAEL DEVAULT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN G MEYERS

Using palette knives and trowels, Mangham native Jo Mattison explores color and the myriad of ways color transforms itself. In the hands of this month’s gifted BayouArtist, color transforms the world around us.

o Mattison is hard at work in the kitchen of her home in the heart of Dallas’ Highland Park. The the painter who is originally from Mangham, has company coming over, and that means she has cooking to do, in true Louisiana fashion.“We’re the Louisiana neighbors that all our friends love, because we make crawfish every year, just the way we learned to do it back home,” Mattison said, though at the moment the object of her culinary aspirations wasn’t a mess of crawfish but was, instead, a pair of pies. One of the creations, a brown sugar pie, involves more brown sugar than most home chefs use in a year and a heart attack’s worth of butter. It’s almost as if “going large” is the central thread that drives all of Mattison’s creative output. To call her canvases large is an understatement. Working out of a 900 square foot studio that she describes as very long, Mattison routinely works on pieces up to seven feet across. She’s completed numerous diptychs and triptychs that dwarf even those sizes. With a master’s hand, she’s able to transform a blank canvas into the kind of inviting, vibrant movement of color that’s at once reminiscent of Rothko and wholly Mattison. She lists among other artistic influences a string of post-World War II masters, including Hans Hofmann and Robert Motherwell. She’s particularly connected to Helen Frankenthaller, and places herself in the school of art those individuals were responsible for pioneering, the Abstract Color Field Subset of the Abstract Expressionist Era.

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“That’s the art I love, what excites me, so that’s what I wanted to do,” she said, a hint of authority befitting an artist of her caliber, tenure and status. How she arrived here, in Dallas, painting on such a grand scale isn’t quite so forthright. After graduating from Mangham High School in 1972, Mattison attended LSU, where she had an inkling she wanted to be an artist. But like so many young creatives, family and friends tried to steer her into a field where she could make a living or build a business. So she settled into interior design, which she studied for two years, pushing the thoughts of becoming a painter out of her mind--at least so far as her family was concerned. “I painted in the closet for ten years while I was focused on interior design,” she said. But the universe seemed to have a plan for Mattison’s career, and that plan had little to do with pairing draperies and upholstery. In the mid-1980s, Mattison began to transition into an area of home décor that fell quite close to her heart. Decorative wall finishes were becoming popular, and Mattison saw opportunity. “I went to New York, went back to school, and studied to learn all these different paint techniques,” she said. She perfected techniques for faux finishes, color gradations, Venetian Plaster, and she became a master of tromp l’oeil, the “deceitful eye” technique of hyper-realistic mural painting. “I did all kinds of things to walls, my favorite being murals,” she said. The 1990s were the heyday for skilled painters, so she rode the wave. “It was kind of fun at times, and it was very hard work.”

“I wasn’t totally conscious of when it happened,” she said. “Inside, I was yearning for it, trying to find it, but when I did...” JO MATTISON -

on when she found her voice as an artist.

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ut she was doing something she loved, finally, and she was doing it with trowels and palettes, mud knives and colors. She recalls the days returning home caked in mud, covered in smatterings of color like a Jackson Pollock painting. By the early 2000s, the developing tastes that had led her to master decorative wall finishes were evolving away, and she was finding herself less and less busy. It didn’t take too much effort for her to convince herself that the time was right to switch gears and begin applying her techniques to canvas. “And that’s where I’ve been for the last 15 years or so,” she said. Dividing Mattison’s work into those earliest days, a second, early middle period, a middle period, and the late contemporary period, viewers see a ready and plain evolution of the artist as she finds her voice. The earliest works are masterful in technique but are clearly derivative of her influences. In 2001’s “Verde,” Mattison’s creation is signature Rothko. By the time she created 2009’s blue study “deep waters,” she has discarded any notions of aping the masters and is, herself, a master. It’s a stunning pace of growth for an artist, and as with so many creative types, Mattison is unsure of when she found her own voice. “I wasn’t totally conscious of when it happened,” she said. “Inside, I was yearning for it, trying to find it, but when I did...” She trails off, and whether she’s trying to remember a moment or underscoring the indeterminacy of her memories of that moment is left to wonder, the point being that her voice came, it came quickly, and it came with the force that drives prodigious and prolific output. Since 2001, she’s painted nearly non-stop, and along the way her creative process has become nearly a science. Her works begin as a little voice, an idea, maybe a dream or an impression of a color. For days or weeks, she’ll mull over this notion or that, turning over details in her mind’s eye until, at last, the Eureka moment is almost at hand. “Then it happens, and I think ‘Bam! That’s it!’ I rush to the drawing table and grab my pastels.” Whether she’s working on a series of color blocks-20x20 color studies painted in series of ten--or a 70x70 megalith, her creative process begins at the table, with those pastels. She’ll draw sketch after sketch, mocking up paintings and moving color. The pastels, she says,

Painting on opening page - “Red Square” 42x42, Painting on page 118 - “Mediterranean Sea,” Painting on top left of page 119 - “Sunset Beach,” Painting on bottom right of page 119 - “Aegean Sea.”

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Study of a triptych in progress

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are a good analog to the paints she’ll eventually work with. Once she has the study done, she takes the rough draft of her painting to the studio. “Most of the time, I stay pretty close to that study I’ve done on paper,” she said. “But sometimes, it just goes off in another direction and a new creation happens.” Too many times, casual viewers of art think the kinds of abstract expressionist creations Mattison and other artists in her vein create happen quickly and with little effort. What those individuals fail to see is that these works are the task of dilettantes. On the contrary, creating masterful color field studies requires inordinate amounts of time and energy. It’s a quite a kinetic process. That’s where her studio space comes in. From the moment she begins painting, Mattison is in a state of near constant motion. Even stepping back from the canvas is an effort, because with canvases this size, viewing means standing back--far back-and taking in the entire picture. She’ll flip canvases on their sides or completely over, studying the interaction of color and light. Then, sometimes, she’ll take a photograph--”It’s amazing what you can see in a photograph that you couldn’t see standing there looking at it,” she says--before deciding where or not a painting is working.

“It’s also mentally exhausting,” she said. “You think you’ve got it, that everything is working and you’re loving it. Then you step back, you take a photograph, and suddenly--I don’t love it.” More times than not, she finds herself in the unenviable position of starting over. Other times, the issue is correctable. What it isn’t is an automatic process. It’s active, vital, and engaged. “It keeps me pretty fit. It’s also why I like working big. It’s physical.” Home is never far from her mind. There are numerous pictures throughout her career that she could have produced as studies from Louisiana. In an early work, a dragonfly perches near the corner of a canvas. Lately, she’s turned her attention to blues and greens, culminating in the masterpiece “Blue Bayou,” which conjures images of those primal waterways of her home state. These days, she’s busy too with a series of commissioned pieces, including another study of the color blocks, her third. She recently completed a massive triptych of paintings and is working on another new series, this one impressionistic visions of seascapes. Perhaps, after years of hard, diligent work, it’s okay if her artist’s mind strays to thoughts of the beach. A vacation is certainly well deserved.

High Quality Travel Goods and More Jon Hart Trunk Show April 4th at The Muffin Tin

OR MORE THAN 35 YEARS, JON Hart Design has produced high quality custom and personalized bags, totes and various travel goods & accessories right here in America. Our products are produced in the fine state of Texas. We are proud to have never taken our production overseas and thus, there is currently no need for us to bring it back home. Through leadership and per customers’ requests Jon Hart has experienced consistent growth by adding new colors in its most popular materials of coated canvas and leather. There are now well more than a dozen choices of each material from which to choose in a plethora of styles. Most recently Jon Hart Designs has produced quite popular clear plastic products as required for various security purposes. Each product carries their iconic

“Jon Hart Design” logo and proud owner’s name or initials. No matter who or where you are in life or your particular lifestyle, JHD has a product appropriate for you or your loved one. Whether you are interested in Men’s, women’s, kids, gifts, sports and outdoor or a particular Season, we have a product that will stand the test of time for you. Our products include accessories, backpacks, computer/briefcases, crossbodies/wristlets, duffles, food and beverage bags, garment bags, gun and ammo cases, organizers, overnight bags, refills, shoe bags, toiletry kits for men and women, totes and wheeled bags. We offer Greek items, a kids’ line, something for men and women, items for the office, bags for sports and outdoors, travel bags and university must-haves.

For more information on our guarantee, products or orders please contact The Muffin Tin in Monroe or Trenton House in West Monroe. The Muffin Tin will be hosting a Jon Hart Trunk Show on April 4 in Monroe, LA. Stop by to experience the color, touch and feel of our various durable materials. Our annual Graduation Sales Event will be going on, and we will be offering special prices on products that are great for grads! Free monogramming will be available during the show, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to give a quality gift at a great price. Check out jonhartdesigns.com for available items and to see what’s new for 2016!

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Spring Sports Headquarters

Magic Grill West Monroe and Magic Grill Chicken

T IS FINALLY SPRING, AND THE ball fields are full! Whether your kids are playing baseball, softball or soccer, you know that schedules can get a bit hectic this time of year. That is why Magic Grill West Monroe and Magic Chicken are the place to feed your family! With options from po-boys, burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips and fish, there is certainly something for everyone. The Magic Grill Chicken location offers Mr. Ray’s famous fried chicken and gravy! “One thing I was striving for was to also become known for a magical bread product to serve along with the delicious chicken and popping gravy!” said Jada Ali, owner. Well, she has succeeded because they have become home of the magical rolls! They are similar to a school cafeteria roll and are

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nearly perfect when paired with the fried chicken and gravy! If the kiddos knocked it out of the park…literally…you can reward them by letting them pick up some candy by the pound from the wall of candy inside J-Mart Too. Before or after the game, Magic Grill West Monroe and Magic Grill Chicken are the perfect pit stop. Being a pit stop for people for local flavor and the tradition of po-boys and gravy is something that Mr. Ray Pierce started over 50 years ago. At the Magic Grill on Arkansas Road, they have even started a tradition of their own. The restaurant features a map, where visitors can pin where they came from to enjoy the delicious food. They are hoping to continue that magic down the hill at Magic Chicken

inside J-Mart Too. Another tradition they know will become a favorite is their $5 plate lunches, available at Magic Chicken inside J-Mart Too. The lunches are offered Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and customers can choose from a breast, side and roll, leg/thigh, side and roll or sliders and a side. What a great way to grab a delicious, balanced lunch on the go! Magic Grill West Monroe is located on Arkansas Road and Magic Chicken is right down the hill. Both are conveniently located and owners Faisal and Jada Ali look forward to seeing familiar faces and new customers during the busy spring season!

Healthy Smile, Healthy You… It’s Not Just A Cliché Get Started Today on that Smile You’ve Always Wanted at NELA Dental

T’S PLAQUE, NOT A PLAGUE A lot of people avoid the dentist like the plague, but it is plaque and other oral complications you should really be worrying about. Dental care and oral hygiene are extremely important to your overall health, not to mention it can prevent bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. Like A Warm Blanket Personal comfort is essential to our patients, so it’s essential to us as well. One of the most important things to consider when you choose a dentist is whether you feel comfortable with that person. Are you able to explain symptoms and ask questions? Do you feel like the dentist hears and understands your concerns? Would you feel comfortable expressing your fear or anxiety, or asking questions

about a procedure? We work very hard to provide our patients with the comfort they deserve. Have No Fear NELA Dental offers a variety of sedation methods to help calm your nerves, including IV Sedation, Nitrous Oxide and Oral Sedation. NELA Dental is one of few practices in the area licensed to perform IV Sedation. IV Sedation is a great option for those patients who are especially fearful and have anxiety about a dental treatment. Speak with our dentists to see which method is right for you. The Right Stuff At NELA Dental, great pride is taken in providing all of your dental needs under one roof. We’re a team of professionals

dedicated to providing you with the best dental care possible. Dr. Vance Costello and Dr. Daniel Raymond, both graduates of LSU’s School of Dentistry, have helped countless patients with everything from root canals and extractions to implants and cosmetic procedures since opening in 2007. Dr. Emily Wilhite, another LSU graduate, joined the team in 2015. Who You Gonna Call? With offices in Monroe, Farmerville and Oak Grove, we are sure that we can provide you and your family with the highest quality dental care available. Call one of our offices or visit our website to schedule a free consultation. Get started today on that smile you’ve always wanted!

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The Perfect Southern Wedding Introducing North Louisiana’s Premier Wedding Venue

SOUTHERN PLANTATION WEDDING IS NO LONGER just a vision from your childhood dreams. Just up the road in Bastrop, LA, Park Manor is catering to brides and giving them the wedding they never could have imagined. On the property, one will find the plantation farmhouse, a bridal cottage, rolling hills of open pasture, rustic woodlands and a spacious pavilion. All of these features provide not only practical uses, but make beautiful backdrops for photos. There are many events that Park Manor caters to: • Weddings • Receptions • Family Reunions • Proms • Parties • Events • Photo Sessions There is a certain allure to plantation homes. Whether it’s the history behind it or the grandeur of the house itself, Park Manor’s plantation farmhouse provides a perfect background for vows or photos. With its magnificent columns, balcony, and grand doorway, it would be hard not to imagine getting married in this location. The Bridal Cottage is truly a sight to behold. Luxury doesn’t even begin to describe the pure beauty that is held in this dream cottage. Wispy lace and rustic, chic décor embellish the changing room, living area and bathroom. The cottage has a kitchen included and enough space to comfortably fit all the females in the bridal party, so you can all be together. A vintage, elegant bath tub rests beautifully in a private area and can also be used for photos. Park Manor’s 2700 sq. ft. pavilion is ideal for creating memories with loved ones. There is room for dancing the night away, having food served to guests, and tables and chairs where everyone can sit and visit. Curtains, fans, heaters and a fireplace are provided to accommodate whichever season it is. An updated sound system, HD television (perfect for slide-shows) and an open deck overlooking the field help create the perfect place for hosting a party. These are just a few of the amenities that Park Manor provides guests. So call to book a tour of the property, and let Tammy help you plan your dream wedding. 124 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

Beehive

Great Gift Ideas for Everyone!

EEHIVE OPENED THEIR DOORS IN 2002 AND quickly became a popular landmark in Ruston, Louisiana for jewelry and handbags! Now, 13 years later, Beehive has evolved into a shopping mecca where you can find the latest fashion trends, the perfect shoes, monogrammed gifts for any occasion, children’s clothing, home décor, a variety of furniture styles and so much more! Beehive can monogram, add vinyl lettering, make personalized gifts, hand stamped jewelry and an assortment of items perfect for everyone! Debbie Gay is the creative genius behind hand stamped jewelry and engraving at Beehive. She has worked at the store for 9 years as the jewelry department specialist. Debbie has introduced many great brands to the jewelry department like DaVinci Beads and Charms, Jane Marie, Ginger Snaps and Crave. Hand stamped jewelry is an artistic item with a unique process that makes absolutely great gifts. From Mother’s Day to graduation to birthdays, they are a no-fail item that pleases every time. Debbie can stamp a variety of texts from a beautiful quote to names and numbers of sentimental value. She can then add charms and birthstones to add an even more personalized touch. She can layer different metal pieces or stamp a simple initial. Debbie is there to help the customer design the perfect necklace, bracelet or ring for any occasion. Beehive lets the customer choose from a selection of silver, bronze, copper, and gold metal pieces in different shapes and sizes for their custom piece. The customer can either pick their design from an existing one or create an entirely new look. The next step is to pick one of the eight fabulous fonts for stamping. Beehive offers a box chain, ball chain or leather cord in a variety of sizes and lengths for a necklace or bracelet. Debbie can add texture to any piece to have a vintage and rustic look! Come see Debbie Gay at Beehive for the perfect customized jewelry for that special someone! Stay up-to-date on Beehive news and events by checking out facebook.com/BestofBeehive. Follow us on our new Instagram page for our latest arrivals and fashion trends: instagram.com/beehiveoutletruston. Beehive is located at 213 North Service Rd in Ruston. Drop by and view their enormous selection of home décor, clothing, shoes and more!

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Chocolate and Wine Under the Stars Benefit Postponed Due to Recent Flooding

UOTA INTERNATIONAL IS A NON-PROFIT organization empowering women, children, the deaf, hardof-hearing and speech-impaired in local communities around the world. Founded in 1919, Quota International is one of the oldest international service organizations for women. Today, more than 5,600 men, women, and youth in North America, South America, the Caribbean, South Pacific, Southeast Asia and Europe are changing lives in 269 communities in 12 countries. The Quota Club of Monroe has been in the area for 67 years. Quota’s motto, “We Share,” empowers members to develop friendships, encourage others and promote international understanding. Quota is known especially for service empowering women and children and to people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing and speech-impaired.

We Care Hundreds of thousands of hours and over $1 million every year are donated by members to local and international service. Quota’s award-winning We Share Foundation supports Quota’s 21 world service club projects and provides tools and information for members to make the most of their service and humanitarian aid.

We Share Quota members form life-long friendships, working to serve others through their local clubs giving back through outreach and fellowship opportunities. Members connect at regional and international meetings and the biennial convention as well as through Quota’s online communications; Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

For tickets and information call 318-329-8405 or 318-325-7541. Both Quota International, Inc. and the We Share Foundation are 501(c)3 organizations. Donations in the U.S. are tax deductible in accordance with the law.

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The Quota Club of Monroe’s annual fundraiser, “Chocolate and Wine Under the Stars” will be postponed due to the recent flooding in the north Louisiana area. We hope to reschedule as soon as possible for the venue at Bayou Landing on DeSiard Street in Monroe. We wish a speedy recovery to our area families. Look for a new date coming soon. The proceeds for the event will benefit MedCamps, as well as other community projects.

Traditional Greek Easter Gathering

Trio’s to Host Celebration on Sunday, May 1st

HRISTOS ANESTI, TRANSLATED to “Christ is Risen!” means Easter is here. While some people in the area have celebrated the holiday on March 27, many in our community will gather on May 1 to celebrate “Pascha” or Greek Easter. Easter is the holiday that celebrates and commemorates the central event of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his death by crucifixion. Easter is the oldest Christian holiday and the most important day of the church year. In the Greek culture, Easter is especially sacred and is considered a great celebration. The Eastern churches base the holiday on the Julian calendar. Some years it falls on the same day as the Western holiday, but this year Greeks will be celebrating Orthodox Easter on May 1 of 2016.

Trio’s is excited to announce that they are holding a celebration of their own this year. This event will offer the community a chance to experience a traditional Greek Easter gathering. There will be staples of the traditional Greek fare, music, flowers, games and more. Owner Jenifer Johnson remembers the holiday from her childhood fondly as a massive celebration of life and wants to give the people of the area a place to experience that for themselves. Some of the traditional dishes that will be served during the day are Greek salad, Spanakopita (spinach pie), Domaldes (grape leaves), Pastitsio (Greek lasagna), Lemon Potatoes, Lamb Chops, Greek Chicken and more. Instead of the colorful Easter eggs that we all know, there will be red Easter eggs, traditional of the Greek culture, which are dyed red to represent the crucifixion

of Jesus Christ. A game is played with the eggs called tsougrisma. Each player holds a red egg, and one taps the end of her/his egg lightly against the end of another player’s egg. The goal is to crack the opponent’s egg. When one end is cracked, the winner uses the same end of her/his egg to try to crack the other end of the opponent’s egg. The player who successfully cracks the eggs of the other players is declared the winner and, it is said, will have good luck during the year. Stop by from 10-3 on Sunday, May 1 to witness and participate in the event of the year for the Greek culture with bottomless champagne, music and fun!

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“The walking of which I speak has nothing in it akin to taking exercise, as it is called, as the sick take medicine at stated hours …but it is itself the enterprise and adventure of the day.” –Henry David Thoreau

Article by Michael DeVault Within a day, you’ve forgotten the cell phone, the distractions of home, and here, amidst the trees and the skies, the latest episodes of The Blacklist evaporate from your consciousness. This is hiking, that activity somewhere far beyond travel and well short of tourism, and when you stop, your senses are inundated with the aromas of the wilderness, the cacophonous blend of birdsong and wind, and you begin to understand why Thoreau spent so many years of his life taking part in what he called walking. In the confines of modern life, cars and airplanes make it far too easy for us to abandon one of our primary evolutionary forms. We are, after all, designed to be walkers, not sitters, and with every step following a narrow dirt path, we distance ourselves from the confines of civilized society and retreat further into that primal realm of our brains, almost as if, in the deepest recesses of our minds, we arrive at a conclusion: this is what we were meant to do. Hiking of this sort is a days-long endeavor, and it takes 128 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

planning, practice, equipment and skill. Yet this pastime isn’t at all unapproachable. After all, you already have the main tool you’ll need to take part, a set of legs, and everything else, from tents to packs to compasses are just a few quick minutes at the sporting goods store away. But where can you go hiking to find for yourself the inspiration Bill Bryson talks about in A Walk in the Woods? Not everyone can take a year off from work and walk the Appalachian Trail. Yet, the longing is there. Deciding where to go depends largely on how much time you have to spend when you get there. Planning those trips, from choosing the right footwear to determining how much water you pack, is as accessible as Google, where you’ll find hiking communities, web sites and more than a few travel blogs dedicated to this most satisfying of vacations. And, in order to instill just a bit of the peripatetic wilderness, we’ve selected three prime locations for your next wilderness trek.

Southwest Texas

Destination Big Bend National Park Location Chihuahuan Desert, Southwest Texas Features: Situated in the extreme southwestern portion of the state of Texas, Big Bend National Park comprises some 800,000 acres of wilderness nestled along a thousand mile stretch of the Rio Grande River. Owning in part to its geography and in part to its geology, Big Bend is one of the nation’s premier wilderness areas, offering hikes and camping for all ages and all skill levels. With altitudes ranging from near sea level to an excess of 8,000 feet, Big Bend can be challenging, if only in selecting what you hope to see. Wildlife ranges from jack rabbits to black bears, and the armchair botanists can take in everything from blue bonnets to towering hardwoods. One particularly unique facet of the park is the near horizon-to-horizon views. During the day, the blue skies overhead and all around can feel free and open. But it’s at night when the skies come alive. Big Bend ranks as the nation’s least visited national park due to its remoteness. But being more than 900 miles from the nearest major city certainly has its benefits, as the park earned its certified

Dark Skies designation in 2012. The dry, light air of the Chihuahua Desert, means that trillions of stars put on a show every night, making Big Bend a premier spot for star gazers and hikers alike. Trail experiences range from Chimney Trail to Marufa Vega Trail. Take a walk along the banks of the Rio Grand, and before you know it, you find yourself surrounded by steep canyon walls, traveling through eons of geologic time. A host of guidebooks will provide you with the perfect times of year to visit for the experience you’re seeking, and the park is open year-round, though the weather is not always cooperative. If you go in fall or early spring, take an extra blanket and a couple of pairs of thermals, as the nights in Big Bend can get nippy. Getting There: The nearest airport to Big Bend is located between Midland and Odessa, where Southwest Airlines offers a number of daily nonstop flights from Dallas-Love Field. From Midland, you’ll need a car, as it’s still 240 miles to the park entrance. Or you can drive, if you think you’re up for a 13-hour drive, most of it in west Texas. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

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Tennessee

Destination Big South Fork National Recreation Area Location Northeastern Tennessee Features: In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the Cumberland and Big South Fork Rivers flow alongside one another for miles before they at last converge, merging into one. Along the way, these two scenic and historic waterways have carved paths through the mountains, and along these rivers, hikers have carved paths. Here you can hike the dozens of trails along the riverbanks or through the hilly terrain around them. In more than a half-dozen locations, the river refused to yield to the rock and, instead, cut through it, making Big South Fork home to more natural bridges than anywhere else in the eastern United States. Oak and pine nestle close to the gravel banks of the river, and more than a dozen mining communities dot the landscape, harkening back to a bygone era. Before setting off on your big hike, be sure to visit historic Rugby, an English-American settlement that dates to just after the American Civil War. Residents and historians have painstakingly 130 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

restored and maintained the village’s rustic roots while installing miles of walking paths through the village. A trio of bed and breakfast inns provide lodging and a few creature comforts as you prepare for your big hike. Once in country, designated camp sites dot the paths, and guidebooks outline the many sites you’ll want to see. If overnighting in a tent isn’t your strong suit, book several days in Rugby and use the village as home base for the more than a dozen day hikes available. The best seasons to visit are Spring and early Summer for flora and fauna, and early Fall for leaf peeping. Getting There: Big South Fork National Recreation Area lies at the crossroads of Middle and Eastern Tennessee. With easy access from Nashville and Knoxville--it’s about a 2-hour drive from both-the region makes a perfect jaunt for a long weekend or an extended stay. Driving is also an option, as Big South Fork is just four hours north of Birmingham, making this scenic area an approachable 8-hour drive away.

Louisiana photo by Jonathan Nutt

Location Louisiana Destination The Caroline Dormon Trail Features: The Kisatchie National Forest is home to a dozen species of hardwood and softwood trees, the Kisatchie River and millions of deer, birds, rabbits and squirrels. Along the banks of the river, you’re just as likely to share a campsite with a beaver as you are a bear. This is, after all, one of Louisiana’s only designated wilderness areas. And it’s the only designated wilderness area that’s not surrounded at least in part by water. This is the area that inspired naturalist and historian Caroline Dormon to write Flowers Native to the Deep South and a further five books on flora and fauna of the region. Her efforts culminated with an epic journey up the ridge of one of the Kisatchie’s toughest hills, a journey that has been immortalized with permanence and her name, the Caroline Dormon Trail. Marking some 10.5 miles one-way, this trail is not a loop, meaning that you’ll arrive at the end, make camp and hike back out the next day. Because of this trail’s unique, one-way feature, it makes the Caroline Dormon the perfect weekender and a nearly ideal way to practice those

hiking skills before you set off on your grand adventure. Towering pines brush the skies and spacious vistas open up along the narrow river, where wide sand beaches hug the turns. Accessing the trail is as simple as walking to the end of a paved parking lot and passing the reserved, developed campsites. Don’t fall into this trap, as camping at any point along the trail is permitted, so long as you respect the rules of the wilderness zone. Unlike some other day-hikes into the wilderness, the Caroline Dormon Trail follows a gentle and manageable rise. But the rise is almost continuous to the trail’s end. So you best come prepared to spend a day walking up hill. Reaching the top of the trail, you’re rewarded with vista views of the Kisatchie Forest and western Louisiana hill country. And, if only for a moment, you’ll feel like Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, forging a path through the Louisiana Purchase and seeing with first eyes the lands that stretch beyond. Getting There: Kisatchie National Forest and the Caroline Dormon Trail are located in western Louisiana, near Natchitoches, which makes this beautiful part of Louisiana history easily accessible and close to home. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

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Final Notes A few final notes about hiking. Wilderness hiking is a potentially dangerous activity. So you’ll want to do some preparation. Make sure you have the proper equipment for the terrain you’ll encounter. Not all hiking shoes are created equally, after all. A good backpack is only as good as it is appropriate to your journey. For a day hike, you might be able to forego a fullframe model. But for anything more than a day or two in country, you’ll want to invest in a high-end model. These are easily located at local sporting goods outfitters as well as a host of online retailers. REI makes a particularly good model. Hiking is not like other forms of tourism, either, in that you have to plan to take your meals and your water with you. That 132 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

means taking everything you plan on consuming in and not leaving behind your trash. A three-day hike with a tent and gear, food and water, and a couple of changes of clothes means you could be packing in excess of 30 pounds. Finally, hikers are an affable, friendly and encouraging bunch. They also are eager to share both their experiences and their knowledge. No guidebook or web investigation comes close to getting involved in a local hiking community or an online discussion group, where you’ll find the kinds of first-hand knowledge that will make your great outdoor adventure your first and not your last. Happy trails, and good hiking! Now, go take a walk.

Great Graduation Gifts and More Sue Paperie is Your Graduation Headquarters

UE PAPERIE SPECIALIZES IN all things custom and one-of-akind, including their stylish and coordinating line from Jon Hart Design. This line features personalized, handcrafted items, including luggage, travel accessories, handbags, sporting goods, and business and executive gifts all of which come in a variety of contemporary coated canvas, leather or Texas Mink fabrics. On April 4, Sue Paperie will host a Jon Hart Trunk show, where shoppers can view and purchase new items in their spring line. They have new bags, including a chic leather tote option, a must have diaper bag and luggage with wheels that offer 360 degree handling. Jon Hart Design is debuting their newest color - mint â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as well as their new Spring Break travel collection. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for that perfect gift,

unique holiday present, lifestyle accessory, or special sports and hunting season musthaves, there is something to complement your lifestyle. Certain bags will be discounted the week of the trunk show and there will be free monogramming available! Sue Paperie is known for having an extensive line of stationery that makes the shop graduation headquarters. If you have a senior needing thank you notes for those graduation gifts, there are plenty of custom and in-stock lines to choose from. Come in now to order personalized or monogrammed note cards, thank you cards, note pads, party invitations and more. There are several classic graduation gifts to choose from as well. Lilly Pulitzer offers cups, totes, mugs and coolers in their distinct bright patterns. Sue Paperie is excited about their

new shipment of Kate Spade items that would make for great graduation gifts, too. Just in are sets of erasers and pencils that feature the signature Kate Spade dots and stripes, packs of brightly colored pens, paper clips shaped like bow ties, folio sets, note holders, a spiral notebook with fun floral designs and several brightly colored journals and notebooks. Whether you are looking for a gift or just need a fun pop of color to start your spring off, Sue Paperie is the place to shop for stationery, desk accessories and the entire line of Jon Hart Designs!

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A Gumbo Bowl and So Much More History of Hole-NDa-Bowl

OME 30 YEARS AGO CARLISA BARGAS WENT TO work for a restaurant group by the name of Ralph and Kacoo’s. R&K’s, as Carlisa refers to the company, was founded by Ralph and Catherine (Kacoo) Olinde. The small family restaurant expanded to locations in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. One key to R&K’s success was Kacoo’s father, Mr. Richard Glynn, who was born with a passion for the Gulf of Mexico and the bounty the gulf produced. His passion and R&K’s need for a supply of fresh fish from the gulf led Mr. Glynn to be the leading purveyor for the restaurant, where he caught and purchased fresh seafood. At R&K’s, Bargas got to be great friends with Mr. Glynn. One Christmas, Mr. Glynn presented Carlisa with a uniquely crafted bowl. The crude bowl was made with a bottom sloping to one side. At the bottom of the slope, was a sump in the shape of a table spoon. The slope directed liquids in the bowl down to the sump where a swipe of the spoon would get the “last drop” of soup or gumbo. In short order, the Bargas boys were fighting over the bowl to use for cereal and milk. Carlisa and her husband joked about having the bowl produced for gifts, as everyone who saw the bowl asked how to get one, and nobody could answer that question. After much talking Carlisa developed an improved bowl with a sump. The bowls are now available for purchase at local fairs and over the Internet at http://holendabowl.com. If you visit the website you will see hole-NDa-bowl can be used for casual dining or dressed for an elegant table setting. The bowl is a novelty and conversation piece when guests are eating soup and realize the bottom of the bowl is not flat – it has a “hole.” The Hole-NDabowl reat for soups, gumbos and sushi and soy sauce. Television sports fans love it when the “hole” is filled with dipping sauce for their favorite wing recipe. Made of restaurant quality stoneware, hole-NDa-bowl is microwave and dishwasher safe. Hole-NDabowl is a unique and practical gift for you and your family.

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MonaLisa Touch Now Available “Life-Changing” Treatment at Ovation BY ANNIE JOPLING, WHNP

VATION WOMEN’S WELLNESS IS PROUD TO welcome to Monroe the area’s first and only fellowship trained and board certified Urogynecologists. Dr. Robert Harris and Dr. Steven Speights are double board certified in OB/ GYN and in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology). These doctors have been in private practice at Southeast Urogyn in Jackson, MS for the past 17 years. They now will be coming to Monroe to provide specialty care for women in our area. They treat women with bladder and bowel control issues, vaginal support loss, interstitial cystitis and sexual issues. The physicians are now accepting referrals to be seen in our beautiful Ovation facility at 1401 N. 18th St in Monroe. One of the most exciting new services offered is Mona Lisa Touch, an FDA approved fractional CO2 laser procedure for vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. This is indicated for vaginal atrophy, a condition many women experience after menopause or after treatment for breast cancer. Atrophy is thinning, wasting and subsequent dryness of the vaginal walls, often causing painful sex. This is particularly problematic for breast cancer survivors who many times cannot use estrogen. More than 50% of postmenopausal women and nearly all women who have been treated for breast cancer experience this problem. This office based laser procedure is painless, takes about two minutes and does NOT require anesthesia. Three treatments done in a twelve week time period stimulate a healing response and enhance moisture levels in the vagina. Thereafter, a single treatment annually is recommended to maintain results. Most women notice improvement after the first treatment! Ovation is the only clinic in North Louisiana offering this service for women. If you would like to refer a patient or schedule your own appointment, please call our office at 800-696-7059. Ovation Women’s Wellness offers focused care for women’s health issues, urogynecologic issues and menopause hormone therapy in a safe, relaxing, compassionate environment. Our women’s health certified nurse practitioner, Annie Jopling, is in clinic every day, and the doctors at Southeast Urogyn will be here twice monthly. We look forward to providing these services to the women of North Louisiana.

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St. Frederick Plans STREAM Facility

Only Program of Its Kind in North Louisiana

“

E ARE VERY EXCITED TO BE IN THE PROCESS OF building a new STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) building. This will be the only program of its kind in North Louisiana and makes St. Frederick High unique in their approach to the learning process,” said Blair David, STREAM Director. The addition of Religion and the Arts build on traditional STEM concepts allowing students to broaden the learning experience. The concept of the STREAM program involves creating an environment where students and teachers are allowed to collaborate for the purpose of creating a tangible product while using interdisciplinary topics. An example of a unique experience was an early morning viewing of the movie “Risen” at Tinseltown in West Monroe on Thursday, March 3, 2016. Senior Rachel Augurson said, “Being able to take a field trip to watch a spiritually oriented movie with not only the senior class but the entire school was an experience that brought us closer together as a student body.” Tristan LaFleur, senior, said “It was a great opportunity for us

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BLAIR DAVID, STREAM DIRECTOR

to be together as a whole to explore our Christian beliefs.” “Risen was a great movie that we are able to reflect on and discuss in our classes. Being able to go to the movie together as a whole school was an experience I will not forget,” said Kane Chunn, 7th grader. St. Frederick is the optimum size (overall 12:1 student/teacher ratio) where teachers know all of the students by name, adding to the family atmosphere of the school. This year’s graduating class has an average of 31 college credit hours. You can find tuition assistance information on the school website. St. Frederick is a Christian school where students have the freedom to pray anywhere. “St. Frederick is a college preparatory school open to nonCatholic students with a student body comprised of 50 percent Catholic and 50 percent non-Catholic students. You can still enroll for the upcoming year. Just contact me at 318-323-9636 or at www. stfrederickhigh.org,” said Shere May, Admissions Director.

Lilyana’s Boutique and Salon Combining Fashion and Faith

HILE LILYANA’S FEATURES a variety of ladies’ fashions from lace to leggings and dresses to denim, the shop is much more than a boutique. Owner Denise Balsamo Burroughs opened the location in Keystone Plaza in January of 2015 and views Lilyana’s as a ministry. “This is truly a healing place for women,” said Denise. “They feel comfortable here. No matter their size or age, there is something for everyone.” In fact, the business started on faith alone. Denise had recently sold a business and was looking to start something new. “I simply prayed about it and asked for an encourager. Shortly there after, the Lord sent me Karen Lewis. She encouraged me to start the business, and still helps me to this day in so many ways.” Since then, Denise has been blessed to find other people to help her along the way, like Jill Brown. “Jill helps at the store, but is more than sales,” said Denise. “She definitely has a

love of people.” On the day she had to turn in the business paperwork, she still hadn’t chosen a name. After logging into Facebook, an old friend appeared on her screen. “My friend Lilyana is a missionary in Europe and she is a classy and stylish woman. So I thought it was a perfect fit. We started out at The RiverMarket and did really well, and then this location opened up and it was perfect,” said Denise. “I truly love building relationships with people and customers that come in to shop,” said Denise. “I had one lady that I met when she was visiting a business next door. She had been depressed for three years and rarely left her house. We became friends and she gradually started opening up to me and telling more about her family. She told me that her son was in a bad place and hadn’t communicated with her in several months. We have a prayer box and she put her name

in there, and we prayed over it. Within a matter of days, her son called her out of the blue.” This is just one example that Denise uses when telling of things that have taken place in the shop. Denise’s love for people draws people into Lilyana’s which features both trendy and classic designs for teens to mature women, from small to plus sizes, all at affordable prices. “One of my favorite lines is Escapada,” said Denise. “It is machine washable and features bright colors and classic pieces.” They even feature some lines that are exclusive to the entire state, like Lizzy James, a handmade jewelry line from California. Lilyana’s also includes a salon, where stylists Jennifer Wallace, Brittany Martin, Wendy Thompson and Lauren Halley specialize in cuts and color. Denise invites you to visit her and Lilyana’s, whether to shop her fun fashion or just enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation.

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Gillikin and Greenwood

yler Rae Greenwood and Stephen Blake Gillikin, both of Monroe, were joined in Holy Matrimony October 17, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in Monroe. The double ring ceremony was officiated by Chris Winterman and Charles Fricke, grandfather of the bride. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Bart Greenwood III, of Bastrop. Maternal grandparents are Linda Johnston and the late Ranny Johnston, of Bastrop. Paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fricke and the late William Bart Greenwood II, all of Bastrop. Maternal great grandmother is Helen McCormack of Bastrop. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Carlos Gillikin of Monroe. Maternal

grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Robert Coats, of Bastrop. The paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Gillikin, of Monroe. Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore an exquisite ivory Allure ball gown featuring a sheet illusion neckline. The sleeveless bodice was encrusted with Swarovski crystals and lace, while a crystal belt accented the waistline. The sheer illusion continued to an elegant back with a gathered tulle skirt edged with lace. A blue fabric heart, made from the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s late grandfatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shirt was sewn on the underside of her skirt. Tyler carried a bouquet of pink roses, white hydrangeas, white roses, pink and white alstromeria lilies and dusty miller.

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Kristen Reppond and Anna Grace Greer served as maids of honor. Bridesmaids were Abigayle Reed, Alyssa Akers, Lara Harris, Rachel Anzalone, Hannah Ponder, Kacie Hobson, Karoline Murry and Amanda Cook. Jacqueline Price served as a junior bridesmaid. Flower girls were Alexis Price and Wendi Price. Serving the groom as best man was his brother, Brice Gillikin. Groomsmen were Matthew Kennedy, Jacob Davis, Micah Heckford, Morgan Livingston, McClendon Williams, Ryan Johnson, Daniel Vanderburg, Hunter Vanderburg, and Glen Marshall. Ridge Coats served as junior groomsmen. Serving as ring bearer was Rylan Coats. Ushers were William Greenwood IV, Justin Coats, Charles LeDoux,

James LeDoux and William Spillers. Music for the ceremony was provided by Hunt Neely, organist and Chris Dupont, pianist. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Bayou DeSiard Country Club. The CC Players Band provided the entertainment. The bride will graduate from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in May with a degree in education/biology. The groom is a graduate of University of Louisiana at Monroe with a degree in construction management. He is employed with Rimcor, Inc. in Bastrop. Following a honeymoon to Aspen, the couple will reside in Monroe. Photography by Unveiled Radiance.

3B Outdoor Equipment The Equipment You Need and the Service You Deserve

PRING IS IN THE AIR AND THAT MEANS YOU ARE probably in your yard! This is the time that the grass begins to grow again, flowerbeds require some rejuvenation, trees need trimming and leaves have to be blown. If you are just cranking up some of your equipment for the first time in a few months, it’s important to make sure everything is ready for the upcoming busy months. At 3B Outdoor Equipment, they have an extensive service department that can perform tune-ups, as well as order any parts that need replacing. If you are looking to add to your equipment line up, 3B Outdoor Equipment has several lines to choose from. They are the only eXmark dealer and distributor in Monroe, with an extensive selection of top of the line mowers. From walk behinds to stand ons, Zero Turn to Propane, eXmark is ideal for the man that is serious about his yard. Whether you are starting from scratch or just need to do some maintenance, Echo has a variety of chain saws, edgers, blowers and trimmers. For the past 30 years, Echo has been a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of professional-grade hand-held outdoor power equipment. They continue to produce hand-held landscaping equipment for both the commercial and residential homeowner markets. Echo prides itself on setting the industry standard with its dedication to new technology, quality products and its strong distribution infrastructure. Another line 3B Outdoor Equipment offers is the RedMax brand of commercial land care products that includes Trimmers, Brushcutters, hand-held and backpack blowers, stick-edgers, short and long reach hedge trimmers, Maxtreme™split boom trimmer, top handle and rear handle chain saws, pole chain saws and an exclusive 4-in-1 tool, the Reciprocator™. Shindaiwa is available at 3B Outdoor Equipment and has given outdoor power equipment users the optimum performance and durability they deserve. Shindaiwa equipment includes blowers, chain saws, edgers, multi tools and trimmers that are researched, developed and tested by skilled engineers and then manufactured using the highest quality components available. 3B Outdoor Equipment is your home for all things Honda. They offer a full line including walk behind mowers, generators and water pumps. They also carry all Honda small engine parts. Owners Matt Bridges and Andrew Brown invite you to join them at their Spring Open House on Thursday, April 21, when you check out all of the equipment they have to offer and take advantage of special rebates and offers. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

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A. ALDEN’S MEMO

HONEYMOON DIARY

[ ITALY - SWITZERLAND - FRANCE ]

Dallas and Atlanta based fashion sales representative for Reeves & Company, Analeise Thomas, gives us an exclusive look into her European honeymoon last fall.

Travel Agent Jane Gunn - The Travel Company of Monroe Airline Delta Travel Time 10 hours to Europe; 13 hours returning Mode of Transport The EuroRail; A trusty rental car for our stay at Lake Garda Trip Length Two weeks: three nights in Florence, two in Venice, three in Lake Garda/Verona, two in Bern and three in Paris FLORENCE, ITALY We started our honeymoon vacation here and everything about our first stop was beyond wonderful. We stayed at the Hotel Brunellschi www.florence-hotelbrunelleschi.com and were treated like royalty. Upon arrival we were told that a special visitor was coming to the city the following day and that it might be a bit difficult to get around- that special guest happened to be Pope Francis. Everywhere we went crowds had formed

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for just a glimpse of the Catholic Church patriarch. Our best meal was at Ristorante Natalino, a five minute walk from our hotel. John enjoyed the ossobuco and I inhaled the lasagna after we shared the homemade burrata mozzarella with shaved white truffle. Sampling prosciutto quickly became a favorite pastime for us. John said it was unlike any he’d ever tasted before- melt-in-your-mouth delicious! We of course saw the David but our favorite stop was the Uffizi Gallery. VENICE, ITALY With gorgeous ancient buildings built entirely on water, this city is a breathtaking architectural experience. We were here for two days, staying at the Hotel Danieli www.danielihotelvenice.com, and realized early on that this was the city to get lost in and but not to eat in (we had less than memorable meals for twice the price of the other Italian cities we visited). We so enjoyed our visit to the

Burrata with shaved truffle at Natalino Restaurant in Florence.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection taking in masterpieces from Picasso, Warhol, Dalí, and Picabia to name a few. One of the most memorable nights for us was attending a Vivaldi “Four Seasons” strings concert by the San Marco Chamber Orchestra at the church of Santa Maria della Pietà. Share a quiet candlelit meal on Campo Santa Margherita Square, then take a long, meandering walk back to your hotel and end the night with a bottle of inexpensive red wine and cichetti (small bites) at any of the tiny bàcaros along every street for a perfect Venetian evening. LAKE GARDA/VERONA, ITALY Dear family friends and owners of the Italian brand Dismero, Andy and JaDon D’Auria, opened there lovely home in Lake Garda to us for our first weekend abroad. And to get there, we had to rent a car, but that is an entire article unto itself- let’s just say there was a lot of yelling coupled with sweating going on. We took a day

Venice, Italy

The gorgeous view of Lake Garda from the D’Auria home

Cichetti and multiple glasses of red wine in Venice all for around 30€

Juliet’s Balcony in Verona- by this point John was completely over the selfie-stick

BERN, SWITZERLAND When we arrived in Switzerland, we knew it- it’s as though the landscape changes instantly when you cross the country line. It’s by far the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen and pictures can’t do it justice. Bern is the definition of an Old-World city and is named as such- Old City of Bern. The 13th century clock towers are on every corner reminding you of the hour. Our first night we enjoyed traditional fare,

PARIS, FRANCE Our final destination was my beloved city, The City of Love, The City of Light, just days after the attacks. It was very sobering to be there at such a uneasy and solemn time. After spending a full year studying and teaching in Paris and Versailles respectively, I had my list of must-see’s and must-do’s. Unfortunately, it rained for the majority of the trip, so Versailles was out of the question, but what we were able to experience was more

than special. We stayed at the Westin Paris Vendome www.westinparis.com which is centrally located, just a walk from the Opéra, and adjacent to 2 metro stops. The first place I took John was a favorite midafternoon stop of mine, Hotel Costes. We enjoyed the best cheesecake in the world, period, a very dense chocolate chaud, and of course two glasses of Chablis. That night, we went to my favorite restaurant, Chez Dumonet. Eating the duck confit again was so nostalgic and brought back such wonderful memories. John feasted on the chateaubriand with Béarnaise, crisp potatoes and frisée salad- we finished our meal with a house made mille-feuille with fresh warm custard. Angelina croissants and croque-madames in the morning and steak tartare and escargot in the afternoon, we ate our way through the city. My top places to visit: Musée Rodin, the Denon wing of the Louvre, Printemps department store, Colette boutique on Rue St. Honoré, and Pierre Hermé for exotic macarons.

Bern, Switzerland

L’Arc de Triomphe

Enjoying our favorite meal at Chez Dumonet

trip to Verona to see the Coliseum and Juliet’s balcony- we searched the wall for the heart with “Analeise &” that I wrote when I was 15 but that was a lost cause, obviously. Back in Lake Garda, Andy made us breakfast, lunch and dinner with local ingredients and olive oil made from the olives in his yard. If you ever make it to the Lake Garda area make sure you visit the small village of Malcesine- it sits directly on the water and is stuck in treasured decades long past.

wiener schnitzel, fondue and beer. We took in the Autumn light show each night at the Capital building and enjoyed Swiss chocolate throughout the day. My advice if you’re planning on visiting Switzerland is to go in the Spring or Summer; the locals say that when the flowers are blooming; it’ll take your breath away. We absolutely loved where we stayed in Bern. Bellevue Palace is definitely worth looking into. www.bellevue-palace.ch

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BIG EASY LOVE A well-traveled fashionista and her rugged and spirited beau head to their favorite city, New Orleans, to tie the knot and revel in a traditional celebration filled with love, joy and Louisiana flavor. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARROQUIN PHOTOGRAPHY A N D JAC Q U E L I N E DA L L I M O R E P H O T O G R A P H Y V I D E O G R A P H Y B Y PA L M E R P R O D U C T I O N S

Analeise Reeves & John Thomas November 7, 2015, New Orleans, LA

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John, in a tuxedo from Perlis Clothiers in New Oreans, stole Analeiseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heart when he jumped from across the table to put on her coat as she was leaving a group dinner the weekend they met. Analeise wore a gown from Town & Country in New Orleans and carried a shield-shaped bouquet of lily-of-the-valley, myrtle, hyacinth and stephanotis.

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onnected by close mutual friends at a fateful LSU football game, Analeise Reeves and John Thomas found love in Baton Rouge, in 2010. Analeise sold her ticket to the highly anticipated Alabama game knowing John indeed was not attending, and the rest is history. The duo grew to be inseparable and formed an unbreakable bond filled with love, travel and a mutual thirst for adventure in their personal and professional lives. John is a self-employed appraiser, and Analeise is a fashion sales-representative and a freelance writer for our very own, BayouLife. Four years later, John chose to solidify their love just before Thanksgiving when he proposed beside the fire in his Oak Ridge home with an engagement ring from Hollis & Company of Monroe. After a year long engagement, the couple exchanged their vows five years to the day they met at a destination wedding in New Orleans. Over 200 of their dearest loved ones ventured to The Big Easy and braved a torrential downpour to witness the couple say, “I do.” The ceremony was officiated by Delhi’s Rev. Paul Lipe at St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church. Afterwards, guests were escorted to the reception located at the oldest French-

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Creole fine dining restaurant in New Orleans, Antoine’s Restaurant. Analeise was inspired by the city itself, opting for jazz-era elegance and traditional touches. The simplicity of the church, all white blooms, antique décor, and a 1940s jazz band all contributed to Analeise and John’s timeless celebration. Analeise, her mother, Amanda Reeves, and now mother-in-law, Barbara Thomas, all wanted the music to be the focal point and most important element of the ceremony. Traditional baroque and classical selections, were performed by a Monroe brass quintet, and a New Orleans vocal ensemble- a surprise gift from the couple to their mothers. Julian Jones of Monroe served as the soloist and cantor. The mothers and grandmothers entered to the haunting voices of the vocalists’ a cappella performance of Duruflé’s “Ubi Caritas” and the trumpets and organ sounded ushering in the bride to Walton’s “Crown Imperial.” Before feasting on crabmeat ravigote, oysters Rockefeller, drum amandine and sliced chateaubriand, celebrants leisurely enjoyed passed champagne and hors d’œuvres during the cocktail hour at the reception. The soothing riffs of the Equinox Jazz Orchestra’s saxophone filled the room and set the mood. After the toasts, the father-of-the-bride, Donald

Reeves, surprised his daughter and guests by performing “Annabel” by Don Henley in which he changed the lyric “Annabel” to “Analeise” throughout the number. He added a verse at the end featuring his own lyrics leaving many of the guests in tears. Guests mingled from room to room taking in the history of the speakeasy-era memorabilia throughout the restaurant and watched as the couple cut the cake in the historic Rex Room. To this day, this room serves and perpetuates one of New Orleans’ great institutions- Mardi Gras. The emerald walls are adorned with photos of royalty and relics, including crowns and scepters of many years long past. After a first dance to Frank Sinatra’s “Always,” the bride removed her lace bolero and danced the night away with her new husband. Revelers formed a dance line when the band began to play “When the Saints Go Marching In” in true Big Easy form. John surprised Analeise with the song, “That’s Amore” as a sendoff to their honeymoon, and guests tossed ivory rose petals as they left. The couple spent the next two weeks in Europe staying with family friends in Italy and traveling from Switzerland to France. The couple now resides in Oak Ridge, LA.

At Left: Much like every detail in the couple’s wedding day, Analeise’s dress was a return to old-world elegance. The custom, A-line ball gown by Spanish fashion house, Pronovias, was made of silk dupioni and featured a diagonally layered bodice, silk covered buttons along the back and a sweeping chapel length train. Accentuating the dress was an off-theshoulder, three-quarter sleeve, French Alençon lace bolero with a beautifully scalloped hem along the décolleté and waist. Her entire look was completed with a cathedral length silk tulle veil that featured French lace appliqués throughout.

1 The bride’s parents and brother smile for a post-ceremony family photo. 2 Analeise designed the cohesive stationary suite and chose Crane & Company’s hand engraved ecruwhite “Royalty Wedding” invitation for the formal invite which featured the same black script and format as her parents’ invitation from over 25 years ago. 3 Analeise wore Dolce & Gabbana heels made of Italian ivory lace that featured crystal brooches on the straps. 4 The fondant and buttercream frosted lemon chiffon cake with lemon curd filling from Maple Street Patisserie featured fresh peonies and roses by Meade Wenzel; The couple cut the first piece with a Francis I (the bride’s mother and both grandmothers’ sterling pattern) cake knife engraved with their married name and wedding date; They toasted each other with their Baccarat “Harcourt Eve” champagne flutes. 5 John’s only wedding request was that the groom’s cake be Antoine’s signature Baked Alaska with hot chocolate ganache, and it was the hit of the night! 6 John toasting his now wife.

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1 The bride and groom with his parents, siblings, nephews and nieces, four of whom served as flower girls. 2 Analeise receives last minute advice from two of her flower girls and future nieces before walking down the aisle. 3 On the wedding day, Analeise and John exchanged gold bands—hers a simple band that had belonged to her paternal great-grandmother who took it off her finger to give to Analeise when they announced the engagement; and his a 19th century British antique etched band from Royal Antiques in New Orleans. 4 A special moment for the bride with both her grandmothers and great-grandmother as they help her into her gown. 5 The couple shares a kiss after running up to the balcony to hide post-ceremony. 6 Analeise’s blonde tresses pulled up into an intricately braided updo accented by petite ivory roses and lily-of-the-valley blooms. 7 The bride and her mother, Amanda, enjoying Jeremy Davis’ Equinox Jazz Orchestra from Atlanta. 8 Oysters Foch- fried oysters on toast points with paté and a rich Colbert sauce.

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Summer camps aren’t just for the outdoorsy. Kids who like science and technology have a place to go, too, and it’s not as far away as parents might think. Inspire your child to reach for the stars at Space Camp. This gateway to imagination is little more than a car ride away. by Michael DeVault

It’s 90 sweltering degrees, and with a relative humidity nearing 80 percent, people are seeking shade anywhere they can find it. For one group, gathered in fluorescent yellow shirts, relief comes courtesy of a Saturn 1-b rocket standing in the center of a paved courtyard in the Rocket Garden. The rocket rises above them for more than ten stories, and the funnels of the massive machine’s engines lend a peculiar echo to the orientation talk being delivered by a camp counselor. A full-size mockup of the Saturn 1-b’s younger sibling, the Saturn V, dwarfs the rocket, soaring more than 30 stories over the verdant Alabama landscape surrounding Huntsville. If rockets and Alabama seem like an odd pairing, you can thank a group of German rocket scientists who settled the area after World War II and singlehandedly created Rocket City U.S.A. “Most people think of Alabama as cotton fields, and that’s what it was before Wernher von Braun came here,” said Margie Phillips, public relations manager for the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. The region’s topography reminded the scientists of their Bavarian homeland, so von Braun and his colleagues colonized this remote corner of Alabama on behalf of a fledging U.S. rocketry program. Eventually, their efforts gave rise to NASA. In a very real way, the rockets in the center’s Rocket Garden grew up from the same Alabama dirt as the cotton fields they replaced. Operated by the state of Alabama, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is the state-funded, 148 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

public facility that serves as the official visitor’s center for the Marshall Space Flight Center. It also serves a second and perhaps more critical role: it’s the home of U.S. Space Camp, the nation’s premier STEM camp for aspiring astronauts and scientists. It seems parents and students just can’t escape that tiny, four-letter word that has become all the rage in education today. No matter where you look in the world of education, STEM is everywhere, and if you’re the parent of a school aged kid, chances are you’ve encountered the STEM problem. Everyone tells you your kids need more STEM exposure, but you’re just not sure where they can get it. The acronym stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, and these fields of study build just the kinds of skills colleges and employers are looking for. Children seem to eat it up, too, especially enjoying their time with computers and robotics. Schools are offering additional courses in STEM, and many school systems have undertaken major construction projects to provide them with state-of-the-art spaces in which to consolidate the STEM programs at their schools. But the school year ends in May, and from the point students go home until classes start again in August, the STEM-minded parent is left to fret over how they can continue to encourage focus in this high-demand field. If your kid spends more time with a computer than with a catcher’s mitt, a summer in

Huntsville may be just what you’ve been looking for. “Whether they end up in the space program or not, our students go on to bigger and better things,” Phillips said. “The camping experience builds teamwork and leadership.” The Space and Rocket Center offers three different camps for the STEM-minded, with each camp divided into age groups. There’s the site’s most famous camp, Space Camp, an aviation camp called Aviation Challenge, and a new camp focused on advanced work in robotics. The campers are divided into teams of 16 and paired with a crew leader, a highly trained and motivational guide who will help steer their team, or crew, through the week’s activities. Each camper is assigned a role based on the team’s needs and the particular camper’s interests. Campers are then presented with a series of tasks and activities they’ll complete in order to graduate at the end of the week. For the robotics camp, for example, they might be presented with a particular problem to solve using a robot. “They start off in teams, and for each team member, they work off of strengths,” Phillips said. Campers will design the robot and, working with the tools and materials on hand, build their robot. At the end of the week, they will present their creation for assessment. Robotics camp activities begin simply, with students working on Lego robot kids. By week’s end, though, they’ll have moved up to increasingly advanced and complex machines. Response to

the robotics camp has been positive. “This program is growing quickly.” Campers collaborate to solve a series of challenges for air, land and sea robots, and they work together to design and build their team’s solutions from the chassis up. After building the robot, they learn how to program their design to perform the tasks, including learning binary--the most basic of machine languages for programing. That students are working to build real robots utilizing actual computer programming underscores the kinds of skills that campers are learning. For Space Camp Robotics, the center offers activities for ages 9-11, roughly grades 4-6. The Robotics Academy offers a more advanced curriculum for ages 12-14, accepting students up to the 9th Grade. In Robotics Academy, campers learn to fly quadcopters, satellite communications and electronic sensor arrays. From the moment campers arrive until graduation at the end of the week, they’ll be busy. “They have a full day of missions, teambuilding activities and having fun. It’s not all work. There’s a lot of play built in there, too,” Phillips said. The Space and Rocket Center’s aviation camps are similarly divided, providing campers with ever-increasing levels of advanced aviation-related activities. As with the robotics camps and Space Camp itself, Aviation Challenge is divided among age groups, or Mach levels, with the youngest campers between 9-11. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

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Space Camp provides campers of all ages and skill levels the kinds of real-world, hands-on NASA training that astronauts experience.

A second level, Mach II, spans ages 12-14, and the final age group, designation Mach III, carries students through their senior years. As part of the Aviation Challenge, campers age 9-11 work to master the basics of flight with a host of hands-on activities. They test patrolling, teamwork and outdoor training in a SEAL operation. Additionally, campers in all levels explore flight from the controls of a state-of-the-art F-18 Super Hornet simulator. Working in teams, the campers build missions, fly the missions and complete tasks in mission support. Beginning at Mach II, complexity of the challenges increase. So, too, does the intensity of the training. At Mach II, campers get their first taste of G-Force training with the military-grade centrifuge. Skilled professionals also provide instruction in land and water survival. By the time students reach the Mach III level, missions are run almost completely by the campers, which requires adept thinking and maneuverability in all three axes of motion. Field training focuses on discipline and attention to detail. And, for an added thrill, Mach III campers experience simulated parachute water landings on the camp’s zipline, which at 300 feet provides campers with a lifetime memory. At the heart of the Space and Rocket Center’s activities, though, is the camp that made it famous: Space Camp. Designed around concurrent mission activities at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Space Camp provides campers of all ages and skill levels the kinds of real-world, hands-on NASA training that astronauts experience. For the Space Camp’s introductory level, campers up to age 11 experience the Multi-Axis Trainer, microgravity chair and the Five Degrees of Freedom Chair. These are the same tools that were made famous in the 1989 film, SpaceCamp. Additionally, campers at this level will build and launch model rockets and take in movies in the facility’s two state-of-the-art cinemas, including the SpaceDome IMAX theatre. Space Academy begins at age 12, and in addition to the activities 150 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

outlined for campers from the Space Camp, academy attendees will experience the thrill of crewing manned simulated space missions to the Space Station and beyond. In keeping with the Space Camp tradition, the center designs new missions based on NASA’s current and future needs. “We are always looking toward the future, just like NASA,” said Phillips. In keeping with that vision, Space Camp plans to introduce a manned mission to Mars later this year. Additionally, the center includes real-time simulated mission controls for a host of payload activities aboard the International Space Station and other rocket launches. Marshall, after all, is the home of payload control. It’s only fitting that Space Campers experience those efforts hands-on. Campers in all three camps--Space Camp, Aviation Challenge and Robotics Academy--will spend time with NASA-trained scientists, touring the center’s more than 1,000 space-related artifacts. They’ll view real Gemini and Apollo capsules, including the Apollo 16 crew return module, which has been preserved in the museum alongside one of the largest segments of moon rock on display. Many of the museum docents are volunteers who either work at Marshall or have retired from the space program. Phillips said the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is one of the few places visitors get this hands-on with the space program, and the docents are a big part of that experience. “They talk to our guests and students about their involvement, the things they’ve built and invented,” Phillips said. “Just the pride they have behind the work they did is so evident.” It’s hard to escape the influence the space program has had on the Huntsville area. Driving into the Space and Rocket Center, travelers are greeted for more than three miles by the sight of the Saturn V rocket towering above the facility. Other

rockets on hand include vehicles from the Mercury and Gemini missions, military ordinance rockets and missiles, and even a model of the V-2 rocket that started it all. But the showpiece of the museum is housed in the Davidson Center for Space Exploration. Housed alongside the crew capsule from Apollo and Gemini, near the moon rocks and displays of Mars missions, is a full-size, authentic Saturn V rocket--all three stages, suspended from the roof, which provides visitors with a unique view of the nation’s largest flying machine. No matter where you look, you’re bound to find inspiration to head to the heavens. And with the help of Space Camp, you just may one day get there. But even for those kids who never pursue a career in space, the camp offers many worthwhile and fun activities. An added benefit is the one-on-one time with real American heros, the astronauts who fly the missions. Every week of the year, an astronaut is on hand to dine with the students, visit their missions and give talks. So in a very real way, Space Camp is an active part of the space program, which adds to the campers’ experiences and memories. It’s one thing to read about and study astronauts. It’s another thing all together to spend time with one. “The biggest benefit is the experience,” Phillips said. At Space Camp, space is an active, living thing. And that’s the core of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s mission. “For so many people, when they hear of NASA and the space program, they put it in the past.” But here, space isn’t in the past – it’s now and the future. Building on the “mission” mode of instruction, students are housed in habitats in groups composed of individuals with similar interests. Pods of up to 7 and communal living in groups of up to 20 are offered in well-staffed, supervised and secure

housing facilities. From the moment the campers arrive until their parents pick them up, they’re under the watchful eyes of skilled, caring personnel. And get this, Mom and Dad. Space Camp isn’t just for the kids. With a series of adult space camps and family camps, you can open up this experience for the whole family. That’s just what an engineer from New Jersey was doing on this particular, balmy Alabama day in early spring. Her name is Seyhun, and she’s come to the camp to spend time with her nieces and nephews. The reason she chose Space Camp? It’s simple, Seyhun said. “I think this is a great opportunity for kids. It gives them a passion for all this, to see and learn,” she said. The U.S. Space and Rocket Center has been at the forefront of camping experiences for summer campers since its founding. Parents rest assured knowing their children are in good hands. From a world-class educational experience to a comfortable, safe and positive community, the Space and Rocket Center is there. Even restricted diets are accommodated. The commissary offers a number of food choices, and fresh fruit is always available. Phillips also notes that the camp is a peanut-free facility. “If you have special needs, just let us know, and our dietitians will accommodate those needs,” she said. Space Camp is unlike any experience your camper is likely to find anywhere else. From the earth to the stars, they’ll find friendship, edification and inspiration. And with packages starting at just $599, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s camps are affordable. For more information about the camps offered by the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, visit www.spacecamp.com. Or call: (800) 637-7223.

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How one Monroe native is forging his own path while taking on the Miami hiphop scene, one battle at a time. In a single breath, he talks about Lil Wayne and Huey P. Newton, peppering his conversation with references from history, pop culture and the current state of politics. Whether he’s discussing some contemporary theme in stump speeches or busting out a few quick lines of rhyming verse, Miami rapper Top Billion has a singular thought in his mind: music. Still growing in both audience and listeners, Top Billion’s work is far deeper than it first seems, thanks in no small part to the influence of his parents, Monroe residents Franz Hill and Dr. Ellen Noguera-Hill. The story of Top Billion’s path to the world of hiphop begins long before he walked across the stage at Neville High School, and he understands just the level of impact his parents have had, crediting his mother’s political science background with instilling in him the drive to be aware in the world. “To this day, I’m into politics and into understanding the world around me,” he says. “I listen to NPR. I read the newspaper. I follow the news.” These influences are apparent in the lyrics to any number of his songs, works that delve into the complex world of race, gender, politics and what it means to be black in today’s America. But be forewarned. Judging this book by it’s cover would be a mistake. What this young rapper lacks in age, he more than makes up for in confidence, as evidenced by the opening lines of the title song from his 2015 album Noillib Pot, a song in which he proclaims, “My name is Top Billion, and I’ve got nothing to prove.” With what some might say is a touch of hubris, he goes on to outline just how highly he regards his skills on a microphone. Some might say it’s ego, but only if they don’t listen to the rest of the album. Spanning a trilogy’s worth of songs, Noillib Pot takes listeners on a journey through Top Billion’s life, from the streets of Monroe where he spent time in the Booker T community to the pinnacle of the Miami battle rap scene. YouTube videos featuring his performances at numerous rap challenges are nothing short of epic, and his talent with words is on full display on the album, too, in songs such as “The Whole World’s Mine,” which includes a lyric proclaiming his “New York dreams and an L.A. state of mind, Detroit hustle and Atlanta Grind,” a wordplay on not one but four well-worn tropes in music. No sooner does he incorporate these kinds of recognizable metaphors into his work, he turns them on their ear, putting his spin on a thought, an image, an idea, making them his own and, in the end, underscoring a talent that is at once raw and refined. Monroe is never far from his words, either, as he frequently discusses life in the Twin Cities, growing up in the sometimes confined, sometimes stifling, but always supportive atmosphere in Monroe. He graduated from Neville High School in 2009, a turbulent year in the Hill household that saw his father’s business expanding and his mother serving not once, but twice as an interim councilman on the Monroe City Council. All the while, he knew where he was headed, what he wanted to be doing, and he was pretty sure he knew the path that would take him there. “Growing up there, you always have this feeling that you want to do something that will make your hometown proud, that I’m going to be remembered for it,” he said of his work and of what WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

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motivates him. “When I write my music, I’m thinking about that constantly.” Listening to “Life is Crazy,” it quickly becomes apparent that he lives his life to the pace of his music. “It doesn’t take long for me to finish a song,” he says. The song goes on to underscore how crazy life is and how quickly situations can change. “Don’t want people stepping on your toes? Be careful where you put your shoes,” he suggests. “Growing up in Monroe, you get this sense that you’re constrained and confined. But you also feel like you grew up in a place where everybody has your best interests out there, from your teachers to the police,” he said. Whether he would have been able to create the songs that he’s becoming known for while still being in Monroe is an open question, though he speculated that his career was always going to take him away from home. “It’s a tight knit community, but it also is a community that feels like you can only go so far in it.” But it’s not like he took a direct flight to Miami Beach the week he graduated. Like the words in his songs, his path to music was just as surprising. He graduated from Loyola before relocating, a testament as much to his commitment to knowledge as to his parents’ strong influence. His mother emigrated from Belize when she was a teen, going on to earn a Master’s Degree in political science before beginning her career in education. “I guess I look at myself as a first generation American, to a certain extent,” he said, noting that his father was born and raised in Alabama. If he takes a sense of the importance of knowledge and learning from his mother, from his father he draws his independence. “He owns his own company and he hasn’t worked for anybody else in over twenty years.” Top Billion seems to be following in those footsteps. He is the founder and owner of Cipher Music Group, the label through which he released his previous albums. He also has operated his own recording studio. And he continues to promote his work through numerous 154 APRIL 2016 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM

appearances in the battle rap community, the challenging, sometimes daunting world in which rappers meet and freestyle in competitions at open mics. Though his music is not for the faint of heart and it certainly earns an age-appropriate warning in places, Top Billion’s songs aren’t what one might consider typical rapper fare. There are mentions of women, but absent are the largely misogynist undertones so prevalent in other contemporary hiphop. Throughout his works, he talks of law enforcement with respect and courtesy, and he has at least two songs that extol the virtues of hard work and consistent drive as tools for achieving success. But he insists these messages, which seem contradictory to contemporary hiphop culture, are good fits with his rapping colleagues. The ideas of overcoming otherness, pursuit of success, and the trappings that go along with achieving it are all there. But there’s something...different. “The history in this country has always pitted authority--police--against the minority community,” he said. “It’s that type of history playing out within the music. It’s a larger conversation going on within the song.” That animosity doesn’t come across in his music. For his part, Top Billion takes a decidedly different approach, one in which he praises hard work and respect for authority. For him, it’s a different vision of the world around him. “I’m approaching them in a different way, from a different perspective. I think hiphop overall is about the little man and the aspirational side,” Top Billion said. “I relate to people who don’t have it yet. I think current hiphop talks to the people who went through the struggle and then got it--mainstream hiphop that is. But I like to talk to the people who are working for it and will get it.” He counts among his influences Tupac, Jay-Z and Biggie, and he even credits Lil Wayne for inspiring his own path into the music business, adding quickly, “I think Lil Wayne is one of the greatest artists of all time.”

In fact, a 2007 appearance by Lil Wayne is what started his journey into the world of hiphop. The rapper appeared as the headliner of DeltaFest that year, and Top Billion was in the audience. “That’s when he was on fire. He was the biggest artist in the world. You’d never think he would do a concert there. But there he was.” The message stuck, and if Lil Wayne can come to tiny Monroe for a concert, Top Billion won’t forget home, either. He’s returned numerous times to host Cipher Music, a battle-style open mic event. He also returns regularly to perform concerts for his home communities when time allows. And he’s looking forward to more opportunities as his career continues to develop. When pressed to explain why he thinks other artists don’t spend more time focused on their roots, he takes a moment. “Maybe they didn’t grow up there, didn’t go to school there, didn’t go to prom there,” he said. He referenced Huey P. Newton, who was born in Monroe but who grew up in California. Monroe was a part of their past, but perhaps not a large part. “I don’t think most people try to hide it, but maybe that it’s not as big a part of them.” For Top Billion, though, Monroe is a huge part of who he is, and it’s a lesson he’s not likely to forget anytime soon. “A lot of people forget about these small towns,” he said, though he insists he won’t be one of them. Working through his label and through the numerous battle efforts, he’s steadily growing an audience, which is good considering the body of work he’s already produced. “I have so much music out there that I feel like the world needs to catch up to it,” Top Billion said. Only recently have his songs started to climb in play counts on Spotify and other streaming sites. He’s optimistic. “I really feel like the world is starting to come around.” Meanwhile, if his message doesn’t quite jib with the rest of what people are hearing in contemporary hiphop, he’s not making any excuses and, instead, refuses to make apologies for the influences in his life. After all, he doesn’t see his message as any different than the rest of hiphop. He’s just coming at it from a different angle. “Being a ‘black person in America,’ you can’t help but feel that influence coming through in your song,” he said, though he points out his music doesn’t glorify violence or racial discord. “I am about peace, justice and authority and advocate for it in my music.” WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

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Essential DALLAS Jeramie Robison

Uchi’s chef de cuisine and native son of Ruston.

Food

Cibo Divino for wood fired pizza and a terrific wine bar with a very authentic Italian market atmosphere, plus a great open grassy area for children to play. Offsite Kitchen for chef-driven food & great hamburgers.

Ann Jane Cox Draper

Monroe native, Big D transplant, mother of 2-year-old twins and director of Global Public Relations for Dallas-based fashion and accessory powerhouse Fossil.

Dinner

La Duni Tenured travelers to Dallas know La Duni is a tried and true favorite. Each location has a slightly different menu. The Cuatro Leches (4 milks) cake is heavenly.

Northpark Center shopping can’t be beat. From Gucci and Neiman Marcus to J Crew and Dillards. It’s EVERYTHING and then some. Swoozies is a fun little gifty type store in Preston Center. You can buy house warming gifts, birthday presents, etc.

Niven Morgan

Luxury scent and spa product designer and manufacturer, perennially best dressed and Shreveport native.

Restaurants/Nightlife

Le Bilboquet- love this restaurant! Cafe Pacifica Make sure you get a bar table. It’s the only way I like to dine at Cafe Pacificia. The Americano at the Joule Hotel This is a great place to meet as is the Midnight Rambler Bar.

Louie’s on Henderson A hole in the wall pizza place. Bring your cash or American Express as they don’t take anything else. Also, expect beer in a can and the best pizza in Dallas.

Carbone’s. Mr. Masero’s for authentic Latin food. Cissy’s for delicious Fried Chicken. MontlakeCut for the freshest fish in the whole city. Offsite Kitchen for Dallas’ best burgers

Savor for a romantic night out, which overlooks Klyde Warren Park, is gorgeous.

The Nasher Sculpture Garden is the ultimate cool Dallas outdoor space. Trammell Crow’s Old Parkland.

Uchi If you want to be on the pulse of the in-crowd and want a guaranteed culinary experience, Uchi is a MUST. It is everything people talk about and more. The brussel sprouts are appetizer, dinner and dessert worthy.

Shopping

Lunch

Believe it or not, the Bistro at Nordstrom, recently renamed Bazille, is an unexpected treasure for a yummy lunch. Nosh on the lemon and shrimp risotto or the crab stack! I love Taco Diner in Preston Center. You have a lovely mix of people watching and yummy Tex Mex. Owned by the same family as Mi Cocina fame, they offer a slightly simpler and cleaner Tex Mex. Splurge on the brisket tacos. Play with Kids The park at Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital is the best park in town. We recently discovered it. The Perot Museum is amazing as well.

Shopping

On Consignment on Fairmount in Uptown for furniture. Mecox Gardens crazy expensive and dreamy, furniture. Blue Print amazing art, gorgeous antiques mixed with contemporary pieces. Furniture, art, home décor.

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Forty Five Ten. Grange Hall. Stanley Korshak Incredibly curated shopping experience within The Crescent. St. Michael’s Women’s Exchange Highland Park Village’s hotspot where generations of Dallas shoppers have found lovely and original gifts. Custom stationery, inspirational and specialty food items round out the well curated merchandise mix in Highland Park Village Nicholson-Hardie is always a delight! A must for unusual plants and gardening items.

Sarah Beth McAdams Collins

Independent Consultant for Hospitality Industry Clients, mom of 2, and Mer Rouge native.

Restaurants

The restaurants at Trinity Grove. Mi Cocina in Highland Park: authentic dallas experience. first outdoor shopping village in US and great Tex-Mex. The 3rd floor bar is a local secret. Cibo Divino has a great pizza and wine selection and kids can play

outside on the lawn. Eatzi’s is also a favorite and within walking distance of my home. ST33 is our favorite new restaurant. We take all our family and friends there when they come to visit. The ST33 chef, Nat McAllister, also just opened a second restaurant in Deep Ellum called Filament. Klyde Warren Park and The Perot Museum lots of hands-on stuff for kids. Dallas Arboretum Spring concerts on Thursday nights and the many tulips at Dallas Blooms in April. Bishop Arts District is a great area for food and shopping. I love The Frontiers of Flight Museum by Love Field.

Shopping

Highland Park Village and NorthPark Mall are iconic.

Places to take Kids:

Celebration on Lovers Lane is family style food and has been around forever and really good

Michelle Nussbaumer’s Picks

World-renown interior, textile, jewelry and home furnishings designer, owner of Ceylon et Cie, and soon to release her first book, Wanderlust.

Restaurants

For a real Dallas experience, I like to take people to Mi Cocina for fun Tex-Mex or Avila’s for an authentic Mexican food experience. For BBQ there is no other place than Sonny Bryan’s on Inwood. Utaka is an amazing Japaneze experience - It’s tiny with only 6 tables. SMU Oyster Bar has a very New Orleans vibe and great for oysters. For health food options, Buda Juice offers a green, organic cleanse.

Shopping

I love the riverfront antique malls like Lula B’s and the White Elephant (where you need to dig for hidden treasures!) For home furnishings, I love The Mews and NorthPark Mall’s Pirch for high end fixtures. For an escape to the exotic when she’s feeling the need to trade the bustle of Dallas for the Spice Roads of India I head to Richardson, just north on I-75, to the Indian Markets for a henna tattoo. When out-of-towners want to get their Texas on, the designer and crew will head to the Fort Worth Rodeo and Stockyards. If art and culture are on the menu, I say you can’t beat any of the Fort Worth museums, or Dallas’ DMA, the Contemporary or The Nasher. But for something really special, I love SMU’s Meadows Museum and its collection of Spanish art. WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM | APRIL 2016

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Quota International Night of Cakes

Loyal supporters of Quota International of West Monroe braved the storm Tuesday, March 8, for the annual Night of the Cakes fundraising event. And they weren’t disappointed. Beautiful cakes, incredibly decorated by some of our community’s best bakers, along with wonderful merchandise packages from area retailers, were available for auction. Linda Peevy provided delicious hors d’oevres for all to enjoy, and her presentation was amazing! Dr. Dennis Swanberg entertained the crowd with his usual hilarity, while the Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Mark Fenn, used his wit to keep the auction increasing and the bidders engaged. The evening proved to be great fun and raised funds for the hearing impaired in our community. The needs are great in our community and QI of West Monroe seeks to fulfill their mission of helping to improve lives in Ouachita Parish.

On the BayouScene 1 Joellen Freeman and Melinda Adams 2 Eddie Barnes and Verda Gates 3P aula Hebert and Kathy Ray 4B obby and Jayne Smith Green, Dennis Swanberg 5Q uota International of West Monroe 6 Debbie Shaw and Ricky Davis 7W endy Newsom, Dawne Smith, Gayle Shephard, Patty Fuller and Linda Norred 8 Susan Nerren and Lisa Griggs 9 Julie Pace and Carlene Durham 10 J ackie Neal and Stephanie Dunn 11 Mark Fenn and Greg Futch 12 Jayne Smith Green and Bobby Green, Dawne Smith 13 L aura Muckleroy, Shirley Pilcher, Sandy Henderson, Judy Foster, Lisa Crawford 14 B etty Stimac, Tammy Slavant, Janet Hollis 15 P at and Dr. Jerry Edmonson

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Annual St. Paddy’s Day Fundraiser

Enoch’s Irish Pub celebrated in style at their 37th Annual St. Paddy’s Day Fundraiser to benefit St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy. Everyone was decked out in their best green garb for the holiday. As always, Doyle Jeter cooked up some true Irish grub for all to enjoy. Shepherd’s pie and Irish stew were among the tasty treats. Every year, Enoch’s donates 10% of their sales, as well as the proceeds from t-shirts and raffle tickets. Before the headliner, Ireland’s own Tony Davoren, guests were treated to the musical stylings of several local musicians. The list included James Simpson, Jesse Grinter, Dan Phillips and Mary Simpson, just to name a few.

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On the BayouScene 1 Amy and Joey Grassi 2 Ray Allen, Mike Brown, John Jeter and Patrick Horstkamp 3M ark Smith and Heather Quick 4 Debbie and Bill Elliott 5 Ryan and Cayce Sartor 6 Holly Allen and Cristy Alford 7 Jean Anne Black and Denise Duplechin 8 Bronson Quin and Scott Stone 9 Russell Wise and Zack Middleton 10 J erry and Katharine Wall, Yvette Jeter 11 Morgan Decelle and Kelli McEnery 12 Lacey Merritt and Hope Antommaria 13 Molly Jeter McCullar and Jim Shannon 14 Dave Fontaine and John Massey 15 Delia Simpson and Kurt McEnery 16 Blake and Lynne LeBlanc

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Annual Wig and Stache Bash Geneva Academy’s annual “Wig and Stache Bash” proved to be a roaring good time with festive costumes, a spirited auction and delectable fare. Patrons enjoyed the night in the historic Vantage Banquet Hall in downtown Monroe. The Smile Moore photo booth captured all the gaiety while the Rod Allen Payne Trio had part-goers moving to the music. The after party featured decadent indulgences from the Ouachita Brewing Company, Castor and Chicory, Union Mill Coffee and Governor’s Cigar and Pipe under the stars. Revelers were treated to a smashing evening all while benefiting Monroe’s premier classical Christian school.

On the BayouScene 1 Valerie and Chris Ramsey 2 Katharine and Daven Spires 3K ellie Cable and Susan Causey 4 Brad Arender and Kelsea McCrary 5 Ashley and Friday Ellis 6 Ed Lang and Steve Wilkins 7 Andrew Dodson and Joe McNair 8G ayle and Scott Frick 9 Michael Echols and Adam Jones 10 S arah Richey and Heidi Lang 11 Glenn and Katie Miers 12 Aleta and Aaron Eley 13 K elly Moore Clark and Kelly Clark, Amy and Steven Myers 14 M iranda and Trevor Kitchingham Harry Donias 15 Jennifer and Aaron Branch 16 Tara and Rob Maddox 17 Caleb and Priscilla Tess Wilkins, Charity Jones 18 Maddie McBroom and Denise Futch

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ULM Women’s Symposium The inaugural Women’s Symposium at the University of Louisiana Monroe was held on March 1 on the campus of ULM. Guests came to listen to panelists speak on the topics of education and careers, transitioning and adapting, and health and lifestyles. The keynote speaker for the event was Lynnel Ruckert, the former chief of staff for House Majority Whip, Representative Steve Scalise. The symposium was open to anyone who might be interested in women-related topics and was a great success. Make plans for the 2017 Women’s Symposium by contacting Kristin Chandler at morris@ulm.edu

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On the BayouScene 1 Kay Shipp and Elizabeth Yielding 2 Denise Evans, Kristen Chandler and Dorothy Roark 3A shley Hart and Jami Baker 4 Laura Jennings and Shanette Washington 5 Mandy Green and Christy Flanigen 6 Lynell Ruckert and Melody Olsen 7 Jamie Hilburn, Megan Jefcoat and Laura Clark 8A shley West, Jodee Bruyninckx and Lindsey Nadler 9 Melissa Reffel and Heather Lee 10 S andi Lemoine and Amy Weems 11 Linda Bruno and Dr. Donna Luse 12 Rebecca Walters and Jessica Huddleston 13 Alaina Johnson, Karissa Smith and Sara Lambert 14 Angela Hedrick and Sushma Krishnamustny 15 Aimee Kane, Lisa Miller and Kristen Chandler 16 Julia and Luke Letlow 17 Odenesha Tyson and Brianna King 18 Anna Gasperecz and Rosalynn Pogue

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An Evening at the Oscars The Cancer Foundation League had a starstudded evening at their annual gala – “An Evening at the Oscars.” The event was held at the West Monroe Convention Center on Saturday, February 27. Guests enjoyed the sounds of the Streta Band all the way from Nashville and the chance to win fabulous prizes and packages during the auction. Andy and Leslie Trahan were on hand to speak about their personal experience with cancer and how important the CFL is to helping patients right here in our community. The CFL provides services to area cancer patients by helping with costs such as medication, transportation, utility bills, medical equipment and more. Since the start of the foundation, CFL has given over $1.5 million to help 4,234 Northeast Louisiana cancer patients.

On the BayouScene 1 Kim Adams and Karen Mulhearn 2 Elizabeth Hummel and Rebecca Doucet 3N ancy and Mike Sutton 4 Veronica Wood, Alice Oliver and Johnette Sellar 5 Sonia Lynch, Lisa and Eric Vige 6 Lance Bamburg and Donna Davidson 7 Annette and Robbie McDonald 8 Dr. Lauren and Gus Campbell 9 Cathy Hutto, Toni Malone and Jessica Gasca 10 D eeDee Cook, Sabrina Hogan and Colby Webb 11 Andy and Leslie Trahan 12 Faisal and Jada Ali 13 Kathy and Scott Sillis 14 E lizabeth and Dr. Robert Ebeling with Sissy and Ron Ellis 15 A utumn Fuller, Ashley Wilkinson, Jenifer Smith and Lori Middlebrooks 16 Amanda McMullen and Donna Nolan

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Mansion at Red Hill Friends, family and community members all came out to Mansion at Red Hill to celebrate their first Open House on Saturday, March 12th. Guest were given tours of the extravagant pink mansion and then invited to enjoy food and beverages served in the dining room. The new Bed and Breakfast and wedding venue in Delhi, LA would like to thank everyone that contributed in making this a wonderful event.

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Billie and Ellis Auttonberry Janie Maxwell and Sally Calvert S am and Shearon Henry D r. Butch and Irma Enriquez, Mimi Pham and Joseph Enriquez A nnabelle, Bonnie and Whitley Maxwell Martha Young, Carolyn Coon and Maggie Huey Brandy Wilson, Eva Dawson and Amanda Martin C ynthia Warner, Brittany and Crystal Peters and Shellie Walker Lou Dean Stroud, Glenda Cash and Cheryl McPherson

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First Pitch Baseball Banquet

The annual First Pitch Baseball Banquet and Auction was held Friday, February 19 to benefit the Neville baseball team. The event was held at the Monroe Civic Center, with catering by Catfish Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Alumni, faculty and supporters came out to benefit the team and raise funds for the upcoming season. A live and silent auction was held with prizes donated by area businesses. Guests had a wonderful time for a great cause. 6

On the BayouScene

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Gordon and Susan Markle Bill Willson and Scott Wolleson M argaret Moses and Emily Lane E ric Herndon, James Stephens and Chelsea Humphries 5 J ulie Kicey, Harrison Travis, Cynthia Travis 6 Lisa Lodgen and Anna Claire Herndon 7 Wendy Marsh and Ellen Plummer 8 Daniel and Lyndsey Best 9 Carrie and Rick Siudy, Michelle Wolleson 10 L yndsey Ewing, Dana Mullins, Stacey Guillory 11 H olly Reichardt, Toni McCarty and Anna Claire Herndon 12 A my and David Moses, Matt Dickerson 13 Carolyn and Paul Guerriero 14 Sarah Addie Bagwell and Nici Hanks 15 Peyton and Meryl Farr

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Spring Wine Tasting Tonore’s Wine Cellar held a Spring Wine Tasting event, March 3rd, 2016 to benefit Family Promise of Ouachita. Wine was provided by Glazer’s of Louisiana, Republic National, Southern Beverage, Marsala Beverage and Purveyor of Fine Wines. Food was provided by Crumbs Catering. All money raised by this event was to help Family Promise of Ouachita cover day to day operating expenses to run their day center. Family Promise is a transitional shelter that partners with faith based organizations to give homeless families with children, shelter, meals and the resources needed to thrive in life.

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BJ Mitchell, Lisa McGehee and Julie Rodgers Carol Anne Barnes, Vickie Barnes and Russell Kicey L aurie and Britt Hamilton with Fount and Tami Smith A my O’Quinn and David Hankins J ohn and Gayle Shepard with John Bruscato T ommy and Julie Lewis, Megan Lebeouf and David Lewis 7 Shawn and Samantha Keyser 8 Henry and Roblean Harris 9 Emily and Johnathan Willard

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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 1 7th Annual Off the Wall Fundraiser hosted by the Masur Museum Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. The Twin City Art Foundation hosts the 7th annual Off the Wall fundraiser for the Masur Museum of Art. This fabulous event features a silent auction of wonderful art by local, national, and sometimes international artists! The evening will also include great live music, catering by Chef Pat Nolan and the always popular Bon Voyage Trip Raffle. Proceeds from the fundraiser support exhibitions and educational programs at the Masur Museum of Art. Venue: Masur Museum of Art Admission Cost: $50 Each Phone: 318-329-2237 Web: www.masurmuseum.org April 1 and 3 “Tosca” Time: Friday 7:00 p.m.; Sunday 2:00 p.m. The Louisiana Opera will present its first full production of the season, the exciting and passionate Tosca, by Giacomo Puccini. The opera will be fully costumed and staged and will be sung in Italian with English translated titles above the singers onstage. Tickets can be purchased at Fiesta Nutrition Center. Venue: ULM Emy-Lou Biedenharn Recital Hall Admission Cost: $25 per person Phone: 318-342-1568 April 2 ‘Ritas on the River Time: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Downtown Monroe’s first Margarita Festival will feature tastings from 10 different restaurants and bars from the area as they compete for best margarita. Tickets for this event are $20 for 12 tastings from each restaurant and bar. The tastings will be from 1:00pm to 4:00 pm. There will also be live music from Roses and Revolvers, Josh Ezell, Early Ray and a Mariachi Band. Venue: RiverMarket Phone: 318-807-9985

Web: downtownrivermarket.com April 7 Downtown Gallery Crawl Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Presented by the Downtown Arts Alliance, eleven art galleries in downtown Monroe and West Monroe are open all evening for the public to enjoy great art, food, drink and music. Original art is for sale, tax free. Admission is free. Venue: Downtown Monroe and West Monroe Admission Cost: free Phone: 318-503-5125 First Thursday Downtown Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. On the first Thursday of every month join Antique Alley for extended shopping hours. Enjoy sips, nibbles and store specials during extended shopping hours at participating merchants Venue: Antique Alley Admission Cost: Free Web: www.antiquealleyshops.org Downtown River Jam’s Tribute to Elton John featuring Josh Madden Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Jim Taylor Auto Group presents the Downtown River Jam! Josh Madden and crew will present their tribute to Elton John on the Skent N Dent stage in Bry Park. Enjoy food, spirits and beer tastings provided by Choice Brands. Venue: Bry Park Admission Cost: Free Phone: 318-817-1737 Spring Ruston Makers Fair Time: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. After a successful event in the fall, the Ruston Makers Fair is back for a spring event! There will be live music, food and games for everyone to enjoy, as well as 60 local artists, creatives and crafters displaying and selling their work to the community. More information at facebook.com/ rustonmakersfair. Cost: Free Location: Downtown Ruston

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My Mini Masur Drop In Activity Time: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Come and do an awesome art activity with your child! This free event is normally on first Saturdays at the Masur, but this one is re-scheduled for the 9th due to Off The Wall! It will be at the Masur. Venue: Masur Museum of Art Admission Cost: Free Phone: 318-329-2237 Web: www.masurmuseum.org Dinner and a Movie Time: 4:30 p.m., the movie will start at dusk The Junior Auxiliary of Ruston’s annual Dinner and a Movie is fun event for the entire family! Come enjoy a family-friendly movie, food, fun booths, entertainment and activities for the kids. More information at experienceruston.com. Cost: Free Location: City of Ruston/RPAR Softball Complex on 167 South Joe Woods’ Wildwood Express Showcase Time: 6:00 p.m. This annual tribute show is one of the Dixie’s most popular events of the year. The Joe Woods’ Wildwood Express Showcase benefits the Dixie Center for the Arts and features music from some of the best artists in the area. This is an event for the whole family that offers laughter, entertainment and fun while sharing memories of Joe Woods, who was beloved by Ruston locals. More information at http://dixiecenter.org/. Cost: $15 Location: Dixie Center for the Arts April 14 for KING & COUNTRY Time: 7:00 p.m. Two-time Grammy Award Winning for KING & COUNTRY will be performing live in Ruston to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Louisiana. Three of the band members are natives of Ruston, so you will not want to miss the opportunity to watch these amazing artists perform in their hometown! Ticket

information at Costs: Ticket prices vary Location: Thomas Assembly Center, LA Tech Campus Web: www.theunionboard.com April 15-16 Ballet Under the Stars Time: Food and Fun - 6:00 p.m. Performance -7:00 p.m. Bring the whole family to this year’s Ballet Under the Stars and enjoy the exciting production of “The Bayou Princess and the Frog” performed by the talented Twin City Ballet dancers. TCB will also be bringing back the very talented Jason Bernard from New York City who will delight the audience with his unique tap dance style. Guest choreographer, Joe Istre will also be debuting his new piece “Woman.” For more information, see page 60. Venue:Kiroli Park Admission Cost: $25 for adults; $10 18 and under; 3 and under free Phone: 318-388-3011 Web: www.twincityballet.org April 15 Relay for Life of Ouachita Parish Time: 6:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. This annual event is held on by the American Cancer Society and is free and open to the public. Come and enjoy a night of games, food, laughing and celebration as we honor our local cancer survivors and remember those we lost to this disease. Venue:West Monroe High School Auditorium Admission Cost: Free Phone: 318-398-9603 Web: www.relayforlife.org/OuachitaLA Delta Fest presents Scotty McCreery Time: 7:00 p.m. Join Delta Fest as they welcome country music super star Scotty Mccreery to Monroe. There will also be performances by Casey Muessigmann from the voice, Jordan Davis, and more. Venue: Monroe Civic Center Admission Cost: $30 Phone: 318-329-2225 Web: www.ci.monroe.la.us/monroe-civic-center.php April 16 Delta Fest R&B Concert Time: 7:00pm Join Delta Fest as they welcome

R&B legends Mystikal, En Vogue, Silk, Doug E. Fresh, and Ginuwine all to one stage. Venue: Monroe Civic Center Admission Cost: $20 - $50 Phone: 318-329-2225 Web: www.ci.monroe.la.us/monroe-civic-center.php April 19 Masur Museum Curator’s Tour Time: 5:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m. Join Masur Museum of Art and learn about their exhibitions first hand from Ben Hickey, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions. Venue: Masur Museum of Art Admission Cost: Free Phone: 318-329-2237 Web: www.masurmuseum.org April 21-24 “Monday Always Leads to Murder” Times: April 21-23 at 7:00 p.m., April 24 at 2:00 p.m. Ruston Community Theatre (RCT) presents this a fun and interactive mystery play for the whole family to solve. Directed by Satish Bharadvaj and sponsored by the Lewis Family. More information at www.rct.org Costs: Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for students. Location: Dixie Center for the Arts April 22-24 26th Annual Crawfish Classic Tennis Tournament Join the Monroe Athletic Club as they host their 26th Annual Crawfish Classic Tennis Tournament. Entry fees vary. Crawfish and sandwiches are included in the entry fee. Contact the Monroe Athletic club for more information. Venue: Monroe Athletic Club Admission Cost: Prices vary Phone: 318-387-2352 April 23 Plant Sale Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Join the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens as they host The Plant Sale. The plant sale will feature a number of vendors, including, Treesearch and Louisiana Tech. Venue: Biedenharn Museum and Gardens Phone: 318-387-5281 Web: www.bmuseum.org

This high energy, runway-style fashion show is infused with dance performed by the Debbie Bourg School of Dance and is a benefit event for the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana. The show features local fashion boutiques from the Monroe area and promotes shopping local, while promoting the work of the Children’s Coalition. Venue: Monroe Civic Center Arena Admission Cost: Ticket prices vary Phone: 318-396-5000 Web: www.childrenscoalition.org/ fashion-fusion April 30 5k Run for Stroke Awareness Time: 8:00 a.m. Join Glenwood Regional Medical Center as they host a 5k run for stroke awareness. The course of this run is a hilly terrain on paved roads, with mile splits and aid stations. Prerace registration starts at 7:00 a.m. and the 5k starts at 8:00 a.m. Come out and run for a great cause. Register online now at www.eventbrite. com/e/5k-run-for-stroke-awarenesstickets-20619540601 Venue: Glenwood Medical Mall Admission Cost: $25 Phone: 877-726-9355 13th Annual Smokin’ on the Bayou Rib Cook-Off Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Come out to ULM’s The Grove for the 13th Annual Smokin’ on the Bayou Rib Cook-Off. This event open to the public will have people’s choice tickets for sale, drinks, t-shirts. Enjoy finger licking good ribs and live entertainment. Venue: ULM The Grove Phone: 318-342-1000 Web: www.ulmwarhawks.com Visit www.monroe-westmonroe.org for information about events in Ouachita Parish and visit www.rustonlincoln.com for events in Lincoln Parish.

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