Features APRIL 2014
28 P. Allen Smith It’s an ideal time to discover the taste and health benefits of farm fresh eggs
66 Hello, Spring The area’s best in children’s Easter finery
76 BayouEats It’s crawfish season in the south and we’ve got the dish on the perfect mudbugs
92 BayouHome 2014 St. Jude’s Dream Home in Frenchman’s Bend
102 Living the Dream Spring training for Zach Kirksey and Raph Rhymes
118 The Second Act Baby boomers find new careers at mid-life
128 Spring in Bloom This Spring photo shoot is about pretty girls in perfect pastels
4 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
S
PRING HAS SPRUNG AND I COULDN’T BE more excited. I love everything about this sea-
son – the colors, smells, time change and weather. But, I could definitely live without the allergies that come along with the blooms and pollen. Trent and I are getting acquainted with our sweet little baby and the new changes that come with having two kids twenty-three months apart. If you’ve visited our office over the last few weeks, you’ve more than likely met little Vivian. Part of the joy of having precious girls is that you get to buy beautiful smocked dresses and outfits with frills and lace. This month we asked the incredibly talented Staci Albritton Mitchell to photograph Lila and Emma Kate in the season’s best little girl’s looks. I talked my uber-crafty art director into painting and illustrating the backgrounds for these playful pages. See page 66. We had a busy social calendar in February and our staff hit the ground running. Scarlett and Tess donned their boas and wigs for Geneva Academy’s Wig and Stache Bash on February 28th. They had a roaring good time and got to visit with our favorite landscape architect, Patrick Trisler, and his lovely wife, Shannon, as well as Geneva Academy principal Ed Lang and his wife, Heidi. We were truly sad to see one of our favorite stores close in December, but in its place now resides the new location of Material Things. We fell in love with Peggy and Joyce during our BayouLife Magazine Designer Showcase and were excited to attend their open house on March 2nd. Among those in attendance were Nick McKinney, Therese Nagem, Cathi French-Roberts and her husband, Joe, Sherri Mowad, Sharon Brown and many more.
SPRING IN BLOOM, PAGE 128
6 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
On Thursday, March 13th we ran over to Genusa’s Italian Restaurant for Pints and Plates, an event organized by Choice Brands and Abita Brewing Company. Hopheads gathered for great food and good drinks. Among those enjoying this special event were Delia Simpson, Frank Elkins, Alan Brockman, Vince Chao and many more. If you are looking for the perfect Easter ensemble, hop on over to page 128 to view great looks from area boutiques. It took a team to pull off this photo shoot and I have a few people to thank! Our whole staff took a jab at making these huge paper flowers under the direction of Melanie Moffett. We were stuck by chicken wire, learned a little about PVC pipe and concrete and discovered that moss makes a pretty center for oversized petals. Our models, Courtnee Crews and Susu Shackelford, were precious to work with. Many thanks to our photographer, Joli Livaudais, and to our talented hair and makeup artist, Meka Bennett. This month we are proud to announce the launch of our new website, www.bayoulifemag.com. We’ve been working on it for several months and can’t wait for our readers to enjoy surfing it. With all my love and thanks, I truly hope that you enjoy reading this month’s issue of BayouLife Magazine.
Cassie Livingston
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 7
Signs of Spring
Celebrate Springtime with Abita’s New Spring Selections
S
PRING IS FINALLY HERE AND THE FOLKS AT ABITA BEER have given us plenty of reasons to celebrate. Abita is Louisiana’s first and largest craft brewery, and things have been very busy this winter in the tiny town of Abita Springs. A building expansion and the addition of solar-powered beer brewing are just part of the springtime story. Abita has also just released their two spring seasonal beers. Abita’s spring selections include the return of a seasonal IPA that was first introduced in 2013 and the annual launch of one of the brewery’s most popular creations, which boasts a loyal, cult-like following. The end of winter at Abita Beer means Spring IPA and Abita Strawberry Harvest lager have returned -- rejoice!
Welcome Back Spring IPA Abita’s Spring IPA, or SIPA, is a West Coast-style IPA, which means it has an up-front intense hop flavor and aroma. Abita uses a blend of Amarillo and Centennial hops to give the brew a rich and resinous flavor of citrus and spice. This bright pale ale has a malt sweetness that gives way to a pleasant bitterness as you savor the brew. It pairs well with Mexican or spicy Szechuan Chinese food. Spring IPA is a nice accompaniment for cheeses with strong flavors, like sharp cheddar or goat cheese. SIPA was introduced last year to great reviews and is a welcome addition to the Abita seasonal line-up. Look for it in six-pack bottles.
First Round Draft Pick: Strawberry Harvest Abita’s Harvest brews are made with real Louisiana ingredients: grapefruit, strawberries, lemons and pecans. Strawberry Harvest was the first of the Harvest line and it’s the most popular of the bunch. The lager is made with real Louisiana strawberry juice, which is added after filtration. It’s a crisp lager with a sweet strawberry flavor, aroma and haze. Because it is available in limited quantities, once stores are sold out for the season, the wonderful strawberry brew won’t return until next spring. The seasonal nature inspires Abita customers to go a little bit crazy over Strawberry Harvest. Six-packs are hoarded, locations with ample supplies are shared in social-media posts and some even consider the first sighting of
8 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
Abita Strawberry as the official beginning of spring. The big news for 2014 is that Strawberry Harvest will be available on draft this year. This means Abita Strawberry admirers can enjoy a cold Strawberry Harvest draft at the bar and still keep their refrigerator well stocked with six-packs to enjoy at home.
Green and Growing Spring is a time for new growth, and there are plenty of new additions happening at Abita’s brewing facility located north of New Orleans. There’s a makeover underway that will boost Abita’s beer-producing capacity and expand the popular and free brewery tours, too. Abita is expanding their brew house (where beer is brewed), the brew cellar (where beer is aged) and making their visitor center larger and more interactive for touring craft beer fans. The free brewery tours are still operating during construction; visit Abita.com for details and directions. The new and improved visitor center should open this summer. And yes, everyone over age 21 is invited to enjoy free samples as a part of the tour. When you take the tour, you’ll learn that Abita Beer has a history of being a “green brewer” with many eco-friendly accomplishments. Last fall Abita added solar power to the ways in which they strive to be a good neighbor and a socially-conscious company. Some 340 solar panels have been installed on the roof of the brewery to generate electricity. It is one of the largest commercial solar systems in the state and Abita is one of only a handful of breweries across the country using solar technology. Abita’s many green initiatives range from high-tech, using their own industrial waste water to generate bio-gas, to old school, feeding the leftover grain from brewing to local cows. Abita’s brewhouse even includes an energy recovery system to capture the steam from the kettle to heat water used in brewing. Learn more about green brewing at Abita.com. Abita’s efforts are inspirational and a very smart use of technology and resources. Make plans this spring to sample Abita’s seasonal creations and perhaps even plan a visit to the place where pure Abita spring water is carefully crafted into Louisiana’s favorite beer.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 9
Live a Happier, Better Life Developing Self-Compassion for a Healthier You
A
BY MELISSA SANDERLIN, LPC-S NCC
RECURRING THEME I SEE WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY AND clients is that most of us struggle with cutting ourselves some slack. It seems that we can typically be empathetic and understanding for everyone else, but when it comes to ourselves, we tend to be extraordinarily critical. But why do we refuse to be kind to ourselves for struggling with the same issues everyone else is? I once read a book written by Dr. Kristin Neff entitled Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind. In it, Dr. Neff stresses the importance of having compassion for ourselves in order to live happier, healthier lives. According to her, when we treat ourselves with kindness and compassion, rather than criticism and judgment, we experience emotional well-being and contentment in our lives.
SELF-COMPASSION VERSUS SELF-ESTEEM We have been told for many years that self-esteem is the key to happiness and all things in life are better if you have high self-esteem. However, as a society we have distorted the idea of self-esteem and turned it into a contest. Whoever “wins” has the higher self-esteem. We see self-esteem as dependent on success and achievement. And we base our worth as humans on our self-esteem. The problem with this is we can never be perfect. There is always someone smarter, better looking, wealthier, funnier, more athletic, and so on, than we are. So our self-esteem and self-worth are on a roller coaster, changing constantly as we navigate life. When we “fail,” we experience feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and self-loathing. And when we “succeed,” we judge others, become narcissistic, prejudice, and self-absorbed. In my opinion, neither end of this spectrum is a place I want to be. Self-compassion, on the other hand, is constant and stable. When we stop judging ourselves and labeling ourselves as “good” or “bad,” we are able to find peace and happiness within ourselves. We can learn to not see ourselves as more or less important, but equally as important as others. Self-compassion does not mean self-pity or self-indulgent. It is not about finding an excuse to stop trying to do better in life. If we
10 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
can let go of self-criticizing behavior and accept ourselves as flawed beings destined to make mistakes, we are able to make changes that lead to better outcomes rather than dwelling on our shortcomings.
DEVELOPING SELF-COMPASSION How do we learn to be compassionate towards ourselves? We must first begin by showing ourselves kindness and understanding, rather than our normal judgment and criticism. Imagine how you would react to a friend in the exact situation with which you are struggling and turn that reaction to yourself. Second, we have to recognize the universal human condition. We are all flawed beings. Therefore, we are all connected and similar. When we judge ourselves, we usually separate ourselves from the rest of the world based on our perceived failure to compare to others. This leads to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Third, we must be mindful of our feelings in order to experience emotional balance. This requires us to accept our feelings and emotions as they are rather then minimizing/ignoring them or exaggerating/dramatizing them. When these three components are combined, we are accepting of ourselves and motivated to improve our lives and find happiness. When we base our self-worth on self-compassion rather than selfesteem, we do not allow mistakes or shortcomings to bog us down and discourage us from goals. Nor do we feel the need to put others down in order to feel better about ourselves. Developing self-compassion allows us to accept and embrace ourselves as we are, rather than where we rank in comparison to others. If you are struggling with your self-worth, consider speaking with a licensed professional counselor. You can contact Melissa and her staff at 318.323.7575 or info@sanderlincounselingservices.com.
Embarrassed by Hearing Loss
H
Audibel Offers a Varitey of Hearing Aids That Are Nearly Invisible to Others
EARING LOSS HAS BEEN THOUGHT OF AS A problem typically affection seniors, but more Americans are experiencing hearing loss at a much earlier age. As many as 15 percent of school-aged children have hearing defects, but the most noticeable segment of the population to report hearing difficulties - sensitivity to loud sounds and incessant buzzing, both indications of hearing loss - are the Baby Boomers in their 40s and 50s. You may wonder why this is happening. Well, we Baby Boomers are the first generation to be born and raised on rock music, gas-powered lawn mowers, traffic gridlock, chain saws and other everyday threats to our hearing. Loud noise does not cause pain until the sound reaches high decibel levels. People generally don't notice the noise as damaging until it is too late. It doesn't take much to start a gradual damaging effect that can lead to partial or even total hearing loss. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that regular exposure to sounds above 70 decibels - that's the everyday sounds we all hear like a hair dryer, vacuum cleaner or gas lawn mower - can begin to damage hearing! Most people experience hearing loss over a period of time, usually a 15 to 20 year period. Repeated and regular noise exposure damages the small hair cells of the inner ear that interprets sound vibrations as words or music or other sounds. The hair cells in the ear cannot grow back because they are highly developed end-stage cells. Once they are destroyed, they are gone for good. Hearing loss is called the hidden disability because it doesn't get the political and financial support that more obvious handicaps receive from government and private organizations. Hearing loss is the number one disability in the world (as well as the number one birth defect among infants). WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE Up to 95 percent of people in America with hearing loss could be successfully treated with hearing aids, but only 22 percent currently 12 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
use them. Why is wearing a hearing aid so hard for people to accept? Is it because it is unfashionable, unreliable, uncool, or expensive? Is it because we've always thought hearing aids are for “old” people? Hearing aids have never been glamorized as glasses have been. We now have designer, big name glasses and people don't mind wearing them anymore. They're accepted and fashionable. This needs to be the case with hearing aids as well. Many hearing aids now fit completely in the ear canal, nearly invisible to others. Designers and ear specialists hope that this will convince hard-of-hearing Boomers to do something about their hearing problems. Now, no one really even has to know you're wearing a hearing aid. ABOUT US Audibel The Hearing Center is Northeast Louisiana’s Audibel dispenser. Cherry Phillips, “The Hearing Lady,” has been serving this area for over 25 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. YOUR HEARING IS OUR CONCERN. HEARING EXCELLENCE IS OUR PASSION. At Audibel we understand the impact that losing your hearing can have on your enjoyment of daily activities as well as relationships. We treat each patient uniquely by offering personalized hearing care that includes diagnostic evaluations, education and rehabilitation tools to ensure the right hearing solutions are provided. We offer the best value on advanced hearing aid technology in Monroe and Ruston, LA.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 13
Great Raft Brewing Company
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER ROBINSON
B
Marsala Beverage Welcomes Local Brewing Company to the Family AYOULIFE MAGAZINE RECENTLY spoke with Lindsay Nations of Great Raft Brewing Company to get the scoop on their growing business.
When did you start the company? Great Raft was founded in January of 2012 when my husband Andrew and I started the first steps in our long journey of creating Great Raft. We sold our first beer in October of 2013, which represented the first sale of a locally crafted beer since before Prohibition. We opened the doors of our tasting room December 20, 2013.
How did you get into the beer-brewing business? While living in DC, Andrew and I were exposed to many new styles and brands of beer. Growing up in Shreveport and remaining in the South for college, we didn't have a wide variety of beers available to try. It was in DC that were first exposed to a variety of new styles and gained a deep appreciation for beer. We began home brewing. Andrew ran a beer blog, focused on the DC beer scene, which evolved into beer education and events. We watched as friends opened breweries in the greater DC area. Everything we did outside of work revolved around brewing, trying new beers, visiting breweries, etc. Even though we were living in DC, we’d visit Shreveport 2-3 times a year to see family.
14 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
During those trips, we became increasingly frustrated with the lack of local options. Over Christmas of 2011, when we were flying back to DC, we made the decision to bring a brewery to our hometown. I was wrapping up my MBA program at George Mason University, and after 7.5 years in DC, we were looking for a change. We spent a few months locked in our house, building the business plan. Just a few short months later, we had sold our home and moved back to Shreveport to turn our idea from a plan to reality.
What makes your beer special/what sets you apart from other breweries? There aren’t many breweries these days – especially breweries of our size – that are making lagers. Lagers take longer to ferment, therefore decreasing turn-around time and profit. These are the styles we love to drink. So leaning towards lagers was an obvious choice for our flagships. We enjoy the popular hoppy styles as well but felt compelled to bring clean, easy-drinking lagers to our market. How many different brews do you offer? Right now, we offer three flagship beers year-around. A pale lager named Southern Drawl™, an American pale ale named Commotion™, and Reasonably Corrupt™, a black lager. We will have seasonal and special release beers available throughout the year, as well.
Which one is your favorite? My favorite flagship is Reasonably Corrupt. Schwarzbier (black lager) is one of my favorite styles. It has rich, dark and roasty flavors but is nice and easy drinking. It’s the best of both worlds.
How did the brewery end up in Shreveport? Andrew and I grew up here, and we wanted to bring our passion for beer back to our hometown. There are plenty of other places with thriving beer communities, but we are working to revitalize the brewing culture in Northwest Louisiana. Simply put, we wanted to create a world-class brewery in our hometown and couldn't imagine building it any where else. When we asked Tyler Flemister at Marsala what they love about Great Raft, he had this to say: “As the beverage business continues to evolve, Marsala Beverage is 100 percent committed to building our craft beer segment by adding new products to our portfolio that are unique to Northeast Louisiana. We are very happy to welcome Great Raft Brewing Company to the Marsala Beverage family, it finally feels great to have something we can actually call ‘Our Local Beer.’”
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 15
Spring is Here!
Good Things Are Happening at Albritton Photography in West Monroe
N
BY STACI ALBRITTON MITCHELL, CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER, ALBRITTON PHOTOGRAPHY
INETEEN YEARS AGO, I STARTED DOING PORTRAITS with live bunnies for Easter. At the time, I was the only one around offering this type of Easter portrait. I remember experimenting with my kids, Calli and Casey. They were 18 months and six months old at the time. My dad and I were working together in the studio, and I would chase the bunnies and the kids and he would take the portraits. It doesn’t seem like that long ago, but Calli and Casey will be 20 and 21 this June. I love all their bunny portraits from throughout the years. A few years ago, I got brave and added a lamb. Now I take the portraits and one of my assistants handles the lamb, bunnies and kids. It’s always an experience and fun time at Albritton Photography during “bunny season.” Lilly the Lamb and the bunnies will join us for portraits this year on March 28 and April 3. On these dates, we offer mini sessions with the lamb and bunnies. You get lots of poses to choose from and order. You can even get digital images from this type of session. On Saturday, April 5, the bunnies will be at A Kid’s Closet in West Monroe for portraits. Join us that day from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for lots of fun. Those packages start at only $40. And then the bunnies will be back at Albritton Photography one last time on Tuesday, April 15. The children are adorable and their reactions to the animals are priceless. Outdoor portraits in the springtime are also one of my favorites. We have been working hard on our portrait gardens and outdoor studio. Every year I try and add something to my outdoor studio. The flowers will be blooming soon. Albritton Photography offers an outdoor special every spring and fall. The portraits can be taken at my outdoor studio, your home, Biedenharn’s El Song Gardens and lots of other places around town. Schedule your out-
16 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
door session before April 25 and your session is 50 percent off. The month of May not only brings graduations but also dance recitals. Albritton Photography is the premier studio for dance portraits. We build several background sets for dancers and offer great packages. Any dancer from any dance studio can visit us for dance recital portraits. We will be offering those specials on May 14, 15 and 16. Just call us to get all the information. As you can see we are busy, busy these next couple of months. That is why I go to the beach in June. Unfortunately I don’t get to rest the entire time. I do offer beach sessions while I am there. A few sunrise or sunset sessions are available in the Navarre/Fort Walton/Destin area June 22 through June 27. Call if you are interested. You can get your entire family or just the kids photographed. I hear people all the time talking about not having a family portrait or a current portrait of the kids. At Albritton Photography, we try to make it as convenient as possible for everyone to have great portraits. Daytime, late evening appointments and some weekend appointments are available. So, don’t wait until it is too late. Just make an appointment and do it. It is not a decision you will regret. I have never had a client that wanted to give me back their portraits. When you want professional portraits, trust only the best and choose a certified professional photographer. Experience makes all the difference in the world. I am proud of my 25 years as a professional photographer. Albritton Photography is located at 406 North 6th in West Monroe, LA. 318-324-9118 www.albrittonphoto.com
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 17
People Change Like the Weather The Impact Weather Has on Our Emotional Well Being
M
BY BEATRICE A. TATEM, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS
ONDAY WAS GLOOMY AND RAINY; TUESDAY WAS sunny and windy; Wednesday was so cold schools were closed; Thursday it was sleeting and the town came to a halt; Friday was cloudy and warmer than Thursday; Saturday there was an overcast with hints that the sun was trying to break through; Sunday there were rolling clouds and an increase in the temperature. There was talk that hopefully the weather would be better. This meant people could go to work and children could return to school on Monday. Does this sound familiar? These days it seems as though everyone everywhere is talking about the weather and the changes that occur. There is hope the weather will be better, and of course better differs for every one. When it is hot we want it cooler and when it is cold we want it warmer. Will the weather ever break…into the weather we each desire? At the close of a recent meeting I watched a colleague painstakingly put on his winter coat, hat and gloves as though each item was an armor of defense to survive the cold. He jokingly stated, “Hey you do therapy. Do you have any counseling tips for a bad attitude? These days it gets so cold it makes me mad. I seldom feel mad. This weather is confusing. It is as though it has a mind of its own. I can not wait for the calm of spring. Being cold is not fun.” I responded to my colleague and said the weather this winter has in deed brought true meaning to the expression “people change like the weather.“ Admittedly, there have been days when I have resented the weather and the disruption that it seemed to have created in my life. After braving the cold of this winter, I am aware of how often the weather changes and the impact the changes in weather had on my personal and professional life. It has also made me wonder about the affect changes in weather has on other people, their 18 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
moods, their attitudes, their behaviors, their lifestyles, their interactions and their over all well-being. How does the weather affect us day to day? How does it influence ones mood? How does weather impact our perspectives on life? How much do people really change because of the weather? I consider the change in weather to be a metaphor of life. For example, weather is unpredictable; so is life. Just as weather is full of changes, so is life. Weather brings about change in our behavior and our actions. Like my colleague, some learn to adapt to weather changes by “dressing for the weather and not for the season“. Others change their activities and day-to-day involvements. Some change their eating habits. Some experience emotional changes. In the mental health world there is discussion about the connection between mood state, one’s thinking, and the weather. It is believed that weather can affect our physical health as well as our emotional health. Knowing how weather affects your mood is important particularly if you are prone to being depressed, stressed or anxious. Know that your emotions can shift and change just like the weather. Spring has just started and we have all sprung forth in time. Soon it will be summer and all of the gloomy cold days we have experienced will be traded off for the sunny bright days of the season. Ahhh at last… the break through of spring. Enjoy the mental high of spring and get ready for the energy of the Summer! For more information about counseling services and outreach programming contact Dr. Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC. 1900 North 18 th Street, Suite 414, Monroe, La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 19
Spinnerbaits for All Reasons by Kenny Covington
O
f all the lures used to
catch bass, a spinnerbait is probably the most versatile but also the most misunderstood of them all. You can fish them shallow, deep and all depths in between. There isn’t a more effective tool in your tackle box for covering our local waters. Before we start our spinnerbait assault, there are a few overlooked aspect of fishing this particular lure that are very vital to the baits’ effectiveness. Let’s start with the equipment we are going to be using. I like a 6’6” medium heavy rod for all of my spinnerbait fishing. I think a longer rod can be cumbersome and a shorter 6’ version doesn’t allow for good hook sets. Once I have settled on the type of rod, I will team this up with a 6:3 gear ratio reel spooled with 15 to 20 lb line depending on the cover being fished. I would be more inclined to use 15 lb. line in more open water lakes like Claiborne or Caney and would go heavier for Darbonne or the Ouachita River and its tributaries. With the stain in our local waters, the color line used doesn’t really come into play but make
20 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
sure you choose a line that can withstand the wear and tear of this technique. Next we need to choose the lure itself. Spinnerbaits come in all varieties, colors, blade combination and sizes. The most common size, blade combination, and color will be a 3/8 once version with a Colorado/willow leaf version and the color is probably chartreuse and white. I have seen this particular lure tied on a rod more times than I care to count. The reason why this is a popular choice: it simply catches fish. Other blade combinations can be just as effective when used properly. A ½ ounce single Colorado blade is “the” standard night bait for summer time bass fishing in our area no matter what body of water you are fishing. This same set up is very effective in extremely muddy water or when the water is cold. When the water warms up and the fish begin feeding on shad heavily, I like throwing a 3/8 ounce double willow leaf version. This combination is also extremely effective when fishing grass flats. Probably one of the most overlooked spinnerbait combinations is the double Colorado set up. I have fished this on a 3/8 ounce version and a ½ ounce lure, I have found that I can catch numbers on the smaller version and bigger fish seem to hit the ½ ounce version better. This combination is really good when fishing
areas with heavy wood cover and stained to muddy water conditions. Color is always a great conversation piece when it comes to spinnerbait fishing. I try to keep my color schemes as simple as possible based on water color and cloud cover. In clear water with bright skies, I like white. In clear water with cloudy skies I like chartreuse/white. In stained or highly stained water with clear skies, I like white and under dark skies, I like chartreuse or chartreuse/blue. Chartreuse/white is a good starting point any time you are fishing water that isn’t clear. For night time bass fishing, I use a black skirt or a variation of black like red/black 100 percent of the time. Spinnerbait fishing is all about vibration of the blades and the speed of the lure. Those two things are critical. You must pay close attention to what is going on with your retrieve that caused the fish to strike. A lot of this technique is trial and error but here are few standard rules that I go by that might help you put more fish in the boat: • The clearer the water, the faster I move my bait. This is only effective in the spring through the fall. • The muddier or dirtier the water, the slower I move my bait and the closer I can get it to cover the better. • I always use a trailer hook on my spinnerbaits. • Windy banks are great spinnerbait opportunities. • Casting accuracy is often overlooked but can be very important. • Experiment, Experiment, Experiment with blades, colors, retrieves and you will find out just how effective of a tool this can be for not just locating bass, but catching them as well. In closing I would like to say that right now is a great time to try this versatile lure and technique. Many people believe that the newer wave of Alabama rig fishermen will make the spinnerbait become obsolete and that it may have lost its effectiveness. This simply isn’t so. Tie one on and give it a try, and I am sure you will agree with me. Please be careful on the water, catch one for me, and I will see you next month.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 21
Before DURAthin Veneers
After DURAthin Veneers
Creating a Smile That You Love Dr. Lane Eddleman Discusses Advances in Cosmetic Denistry
T
BY DR. LANE EDDLEMAN, DDS
HE PAST DECADE HAS BEEN EXCITING IN THE FIELD of Cosmetic Dentistry. Advances have been made that have given real hope to people who always wished their smile was more attractive. The general public has also become more educated and aware of the possibilities available in today's dentistry through shows like Extreme Makeover. As a result, more and more people are looking to change their smiles through the use of porcelain veneers, Invisalign and Zoom bleaching. The DURAthin procedure is reversible, since the natural teeth are left undisturbed underneath the porcelain veneers. The treatment is done with very little discomfort to the patient. In fact, in some cases, the procedure can be done without any numbing! Each DURAthin veneer is custom-designed to specific contours and shades and the extremely thin layer of porcelain is then bonded on top of the natural tooth. Not all people are candidates for prepless veneers, but they do offer a new exciting alternative to many. The BEST candidates for DURAthin veneers are people who: • have worn down their natural tooth structure • have small teeth • have small spaces between their teeth • had teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons when they were young • simply need more presence or brightness in their smile
Invisalign is the clear choice because of the level of comfort, convenience and confidence that you'll find with Invisalign®. No matter what stage you're at in life, you'll appreciate how the cutting-edge approach to treatment has minimal interference in how you live, but has a significant positive impact on how you look and feel about yourself. Invisalign uses a custom-made series of aligners created for you and
22 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
only you. The aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you simply wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements Dr. Eddleman plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You simply pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete and you achieve the confident smile that you've always wanted. The best part about the whole process is that most people won't even know you're straightening your teeth. While every case is unique to each patient, treatment typically takes approximately a year for adults. Professional in-office teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the world today. Unlike home-use whitening systems that incorporate low-dose bleaching agents, in-office whitening takes place under carefully monitored conditions which allow for the safe, controlled, pain-free use of a relatively high concentration of bleaching gel – yielding results that are visible immediately. Widely used throughout the country and the world, the Zoom! Whitening system features a 25 percent hydrogen peroxide gel and the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp, said to accelerate the bleaching process. Generally, the hydrogen peroxide gel is applied three times, each interval lasting 15 minutes. Immediately afterwards, a sensitivity-reducing fluoride paste-gel is applied to the teeth. To help maintain your whitened teeth, you are given a Zoom! home-use touch-up kit, including custom-fitted whitening trays.
If you are interested in more information about any of our smile improving options please call the office of Dr. Lane Eddleman at 322-2013 or visit our website www.eddlemandental.com.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 23
More Than a Racetrack!
R
Revolution Park is a Unique Venue on 55 Versatile Acres for Concerts, Parties and More EVOLUTION PARK RACING AND Entertainment Complex is a regional entertainment hub conviently located on Frontage Road between the Millhaven and Garrett Road Exits. NASCAR has rated Revolution Park as one of the Top 5 Speedways in their Home Track program featuring the Whelen All American Series. As the people in our community are quickly discovering, Revolution Park is more than just a race track. Featuring a beautiful and versatile 60 acre property including the track and pit area, VIP suites, the Midway, and well-lit ample parking, the corporate and community event possibilities are endless. The facilities are the perfect choice for corporate meetings, retreats, birthday parties, festivals, arts and craft fairs, car shows, job fairs, concerts, and so much more. All of the options at Rev Park make it effortless to plan your event. This NASCAR affiliated state-of-the-art threeeighths mile oval asphalt track is a dream come true for the drivers and fans alike. When you attend a race at Revolution Park Racing and Entertainment Complex, you can feel the electricity from the moment you enter the park. The music is blasting from the Burnout Band on the Midway Stage, the drivers are flying around the track during hot laps, and you can smell the Grandstand Nachos being prepared in the Concession Stand. When you make your way into the grand stands and overlook the Rev Park Track, feel the goose bumps as you hear the roar of the engines. As the green flag draws near, make your way onto the world24 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
class speedway for an on-track experience with the drivers and their teams. Taste the grit as the cars race around the track, beating and banging, bumping and grinding. Celebrate your favorite driver’s victory with family and friends as the checkered flag flies. VIP Ticket Holders enjoy the Turn 1 Patio Suites as a luxurious way to enjoy their evening. The comfortable, quiet air conditioned suites complete with televisions, ample seating and a deck overlooking Turn 1 are the perfect way to spend your night out. A wait staff is there to serve you and to ensure you enjoy your racing experience in comfort and luxury. During concerts, your favorite artists are taking the Speed Stage while we provide the atmosphere and the service. Revolution Park is a great affordable entertainment venue for the whole family, with something for everyone. Come experience SpeedFest on April 24-26, 2014. All of the Revolution Park divisions will be flying around the track as we honor our local educators for Education Day on the 26th. Adult Tickets are $10.00, Children and Military/Law Enforcement Tickets are $8, and VIP Tickets are $25. Season Passes are available. Revolution Park Racing and Entertainment Complex is located at 8850 Frontage Rd. Monroe, LA 71202. For all inquires on group and corporate ticket pricing or for more information on how to book Revolution Park for an event, please contact Erica Hales at (318)812-RACE (7223). Join our REV CLUB and get the VIP treatment, ask Erica how. Check out our website at www.revolutionparkentertain-
ment.com for information on upcoming events. Go to NASCAR.com and become a NASCAR Member to play NASCAR Fantasy Live in the Revolution Park Fans League. Bring your family and come experience what all the buzz is about.
RACING SCHEDULE • March 28, 29 and 30 – Ricky Pace Chase Weekend* • April 4, 5 and 6 – 2014 CrawFest • April 24 – Get Revved and Ready Practice (Thursday Afternoon) Media Event/Green Flag Meet and Greet • April 26 – SPEEDFEST and Mobil 1 Night, 2014 Season Race #1, "Education Day" honoring our local educators and the RP Bandolero Drivers • May 3 – Thunder and Lightning Event (Saturday Day Race, Thunder and Lightening Carload Pricing) • May 31 – Season Race #3 (Saturday Night Race) • June 14 – (Saturday Day Race) Frank Foster Concert (Saturday Night Event) • June 28 – Firecracker 50 Event for Late Models, Season Race #3 (Saturday Night Race) • August 9 – Whelen, Law Enforcement and Military Night, Season Race #4 (Saturday Night Race) • August 23 – Season Race #5 (Saturday Night Race)
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 25
Balance and Proportion
T
Achieving Beautiful Skin with Laser Skin Resurfacing
HE COLLAGEN IN THE SKIN AND the fat beneath the skin are key elements that provide smooth texture and volume. Over time collagen begins to break down and, as a result wrinkles, shadows and folds gradually appear and worsen with time. By age 40, volume loss and collagen reduction are more obvious especially in the temple area, jaw-line, and cheeks due to weight fluctuation, exercise, or environmental damage. To correct these changes and restore a more youthful appearance, Juvéderm Voluma XC works instantly and lasts up to two years. Filler injections should not be taken lightly. Facial fillings by a skilled cosmetic dermatologist can make a dramatic change in minutes, reversing the sagging, hollow look that slowly descends after 40. Voluma is a favorite because it can fill and lift. If done correctly, patients can expect to see lifting of the face and replenishment of youthful contours such as cheekbones, jawlines, chins and temples. It is thicker than other fillers so it has a “high lifting capacity.” On certain areas you can place the filler under the muscle, which will add volume but also give a more contoured and structural effect. Hello cheekbones! 26 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
• Dr. Hopkin’s advanced training using the “High C” and “Phi” technique enables her to access and restore the proper balance, youthful ratio and contouring for a more youthful look. • An extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and formal training as a cosmetic dermatologist give Dr. Hopkins the expertise to safely and competently provide this advanced procedure. • Juvéderm Voluma XC creates results that can last up to two years. • Voluma XC is an excellent treatment to restore volume and recreate symmetry for a more youthful appearance, while still looking natural, not overdone. • Filler is only part of the equation. The technique in which it’s used is an equally or more important part of the treatment. SMOOTH • HEALTY • AGELESS The new tailoring is Dr. Hopkins philosophy for making sure that everything you do for your skin is creating a brighter, smoother and healthier appearance. An evaluation by Dr. Hopkins and continuous monitoring is at the heart of her approach in helping her patients reach their goals. Medical-grade skin care products for daily use coupled with in-office treatments including facial treatments, microdermabra-
sion, exfoliating masks, and our exclusive micro-planning treatment, are part of the individualized tailoring for optimal results and maintenance. Laser recommendations are used as a continuation or follow-through for diminishing fine lines, melasma, acne, rosacea, scars, or spider veins on face or legs. The Advanced Laser Treatment Center is equipped with the finest lasers, Starlux IPL, Deep IR Laser, Starlux 2940 and Cynergy Laser. With over 17 years of experience and extensive training, the staff at Hopkins Dermatology provides the most skilled diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans. SPRING CLEANING LASER SPECIAL With any package of three laser treatments, you get the 4th treatment FREE! Call to schedule your appointment today to take advantage of this special offer. Hopkins Dermatology Janine Hopkins, MD 2509 Boradmoor Blvd Ste A Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 325-0600 www.hopkinsdermatology.com
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 27
P. Allen Smith
Eggs collected at Moss Mountain Farm
April is inextricably connected to eggs in my mind. Easter is one reason for this because the secular symbol of the holiday is an egg, signifying rebirth and new life. Raising chickens is another reason I associate eggs with this month. At my farm, we can hardly keep up with the number of eggs we’re collecting; spring’s longer days mean my chickens have increased their laying, after slowing down over the winter, and are producing vigorously.
Egg-static About April Spring has sprung and the hens are responding with loads of eggs. It’s an ideal time to discover the taste and health benefits of farm fresh eggs. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANE COLCLASURE AND MARK FONVILLE
28 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
Flavor and Nutrition All those eggs my hens lay make their way to my kitchen where they get turned into quiches, omelets, frittatas and flans. Fresh eggs elevate these dishes to a marvelous level with their rich flavor. These eggs travel from the backyard to the table in the same day they’re laid. Not only do fresh eggs taste great, from a health standpoint, they pack serious benefits, containing less cholesterol, more A, D and E vitamins, and more omega-3s than traditional eggs produced in processing plants.
Backyard or Farmer’s Market If you want to venture into the world of backyard poultry, give Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, White-faced Black Spanish or Buff Orpingtons a try. Leghorns are the best heritage breed for egg production and the other birds listed are also hardy egg-layers and have pleasant dispositions. However, if you’re not interested in raising backyard chickens of your own, don’t fret; you can still enjoy the flavor and health benefits of fresh eggs. Drop by the local CSA and
see what’s available. Farmer’s markets are another good place to find local, fresh eggs. Even some grocery stores are beginning to carry fresh eggs. Check and see.
Gourmet Eggs While chicken eggs are the most popular and traditional eggs in the cooking arena, they do not lack contemporaries. Duck, goose and quail eggs also contribute to the kitchens of the world. Now, I’m a poultry lover, so I also raise ducks and geese, and along the way, I’ve discovered a few differences between their eggs and those of my ^ Many cooks are discovering the chickens. Duck eggs, for instance, have a shell that different types of is thicker and harder than that of a chicken. Addieggs add unique tionally, they possess a somewhat stronger flavor, flavors to dishes firmer texture and a larger, thicker yolk. Duck eggs are higher in albumen and fat, resulting in a creamy texture desirable to chefs who bake with them for fluffier and richer cakes, pastries and custards. Interestingly enough, individuals who are allergic to chicken eggs may find they can eat duck eggs without a problem. Similarly, goose eggs boast a rich flavor, thanks to their diet of foraged foods, and the fistsized, thick-shelled eggs are about 2 to 4 times the size of a chicken egg with a slightly larger yolk, proportionally, and thicker whites. Chefs often use goose eggs to make pasta or in dishes that require a large number of eggs. Hard boiled goose eggs can also be found sliced across salads or served with asparagus and have a very strong “egg” flavor. On the other end of the size spectrum, stands the quail egg, a miniature delicacy. The main draw of quail eggs is their diminutive size; on a small open-face sandwich like a croque madame, the tiny eggs are a novelty. As far as taste goes, quail eggs do not differ much from chicken eggs, so again, they are mostly used in dishes where their bite-sized appeal is showcased best, like in appetizers or a fancy add-on( think a petite egg on a salad, seafood or gourmet pizza), rather than dishes like frittatas.
Tips for selecting and storing fresh eggs Eggs need to be stored properly to preserve their integrity. Now what that entails is the subject of great debate. On one side, proponents of leaving fresh eggs at room temperature rally and on the other, champions of cool-storage techniques assemble. The “warm-eggers” say cool eggs don’t bind as well in baking, lose flavor in the fridge and that fresh, free-range eggs can keep for up to a week at room temperature, especially if they have not been washed. Washing eggs removes a thin membrane called the bloom which prevents bacteria from entering the porous shell. Most cookbooks advocate storing eggs at a temperature under 40 degrees, i.e. the fridge, where they can last up to five weeks. If you’re up to your neck in eggs, you’ll want to learn to pick fresh ones and how to avoid the bad ones, pun intended. There are a few ways to asses an egg’s freshness. One indicator is the yolks, which flatten and spread out more as they age. Another option is the water test. A fresh egg will sink in water, but an older one will float. Most importantly, avoid eating eggs that have cracks in them and to preserve flavor, store eggs away from potent foods like garlic as they can absorb the flavor.
Silver Laced Wyandotte chickens in a nesting box
P. Allen Smith P. Allen Smith is an award-winning designer, gardening and lifestyle expert and host of two public television programs, Garden Home and Garden to Table, and the syndicated 30-minute show P. Allen Smith’s Garden Style. Smith is one of America's most recognized and respected design experts, providing ideas and inspiration through multiple media venues. He is the author of the best-selling Garden Home series of books. Allen is also very active on social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Learn more at www.pallensmith.com.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 29
Balloon Sinuplasty
™
Sinus Sufferers...Relief is Here!
S
INUSITIS IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON CHRONIC health problems in the U.S., afflicting 37 million Americans each year with symptoms like congestion, fatigue, headache and facial pain. About 12 percent of Americans under age 45 have symptoms of chronic sinusitis. Here in Louisiana, the number is exceptionally high due to higher pollen counts and year-round humidity. Living with chronic sinusitis can be a full-time struggle. Sufferers often depend on allergy medications, nasal steroids and overthe-counter pain relievers for sinus headaches to make it through the day. Trouble with sleeping and sleep apnea are common problems because of difficulties with breathing through the nose. Recurring sinus infections, often as many as four per year, cause missed work and significantly impact the ability to enjoy regular activities. Now available at Glenwood Ear, Nose and Throat, Balloon Sinuplasty™ is a clinically proven, minimally invasive procedure for treating chronic sinus inflammation and pain outside of the operating room and without general anesthesia. Performed by Brent Metts, MD, PhD, it delivers all the benefits of conventional sinus surgery without the bleeding, pain and prolonged recovery time. Most patients feel immediate relief following the procedure and are able to walk out of the office and work without restriction the next day. Balloon Sinuplasty™ is designed to open blocked sinuses without removal of tissue or bone from the nasal passages. Dr. Metts passes a small, flexible balloon catheter through the nostril and into the blocked sinus. When the balloon is inflated, it gently reshapes and expands the sinus’s natural drainage pathway to permanently restore normal sinus function. A typical procedure lasts approximately 30 minutes. Following the procedure, patients experience less facial pain and improved sleep, use less antibiotics, and are able to perform day-to-day activities at home and work.
30 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
LEARN MORE AT A FREE SEMINAR The community is invited to attend a Health Education Seminar on Monday, April 7th at 5:30pm at Ouachita Community Hospital, 1275 Glenwood Drive in West Monroe. Featured speaker, Dr. Brent Metts, will explain this breakthrough procedure and help you determine if it could be an option for you. Refreshments will be served and seating is limited. To RSVP, call 318-322-1339.
ABOUT DR. METTS Dr. Metts provides adult and pediatric patients with a full range of ENT services. He is one of the few surgeons in the nation who is fellowship trained in “minimally invasive” and “endoscopic-assisted” thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. For decades, these were inpatient procedures involving large incisions, extensive tissue trauma and scarring. This procedure is now performed by Dr. Metts on an outpatient basis, with a small incision, much less tissue trauma, less pain, a quicker recovery time and little or no noticeable scarring. In addition, Dr. Metts has a Ph.D. in Vestibular Neuroscience. Combined with his medical training in ENT, he specializes in the evaluation of patients with dizziness and equilibrium issues. Dr. Metts also provides treatment of sinus and thyroid disease, hearing loss, voice care, sleep apnea and dysphagia. Glenwood Ear, Nose and Throat is located in the Glenwood Medical Mall at 102 Thomas Road, Suite 202, in West Monroe. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Metts, call 318-329-8458. Most insurance is accepted.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 31
BIG BUCK CONTEST Simmons’ Sporting Goods Announces Winners of Their Annual Big Buck Contest
For the last 25 years, the largest independent sporting goods retail outfitter in the south, Simmons’ Sporting Goods, has organized one of the largest public hunting contests of its kind anywhere in the country. The Simmons’ Sporting Goods Big Buck Contest opens October 1 of each year and continues through January 31 of the following year. It began as a small local contest and has grown into a large regional contest attracting over 5,000 contestants in a single season. The contest accepts legally harvested whitetail bucks and they are measured and recorded under the Boone & Crockett green score parameters. Each entry is placed into its proper category ranging from Spike to Open, Largest Louisiana, Largest Mississippi, and Largest Arkansas buck as well as 21 other categories. All bucks harvested outside of a 200 mile radius of Simmons’ Sporting Goods in Bastrop, LA are entered into the Open category. All entries are entered into a drawing for the grand prize, which is awarded during the prize ceremony and usually takes place on the first Saturday in March each year. In recent years the grand prize has been a loaded Ford F150 4x4 from Hixson Ford in Monroe, LA. The contestant with the largest buck entered within the 200 mile radius is awarded a 2013 4x4 ATV. All others placing in the contest within their respective categories, some of which will have the top five places in their category while others result in the top two places in their respective category, are awarded prize packages made up of store merchandise such as apparel, firearms, archery products, footwear and accessories all worth more than $130,000. Product and media partners compete for the opportunity to co-sponsor the Simmons’ Sporting Goods Big Buck Contest to help promote one of the most exciting contests for the public that the tri-state area has ever seen. 32 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
The winners of this year’s Simmons’ Sporting Goods Big Buck Contest were Joseph Pender, who won the Hixson Ford F150 4x4, and Jason Archer who won the 2013 4x4 ATV from Moeller’s. Contest sponsors capitalize on the buzz and excitement while supporting one of the most traditional and warmly coveted past-times practiced by tens of thousands of Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas residents. Genera-
tions of hunters have enjoyed the Simmons Sporting Goods Big Buck Contest for decades and with the recent success ensured by the increased number of contestants, it will only get better.
River Oaks School Auction
Once again it was an evening of fun, in true southern style, at the River Oaks auction held on February 21. Many of the over 200 supporters who came out wore their cowboy boots to kick off the most successful fundraiser ever imagined! The live and silent auction included class projects, vacations, skeet shoots, beauty and pampering packages, golf outings and a bayou dinner cruise. Guests danced the night away to the Rockin Dopsie Jr. Band and enjoyed melt-in-yourmouth southern cuisine by Catfish Charlie's. As always, our community can count on Marsala Beverage to provide the coldest and best beverages in town! The stylish southern decor was graciously donated by Panzico's Garden Mart and Embellish by Misti. Many beautiful art pieces were donated by our very own River Oaks art teacher, Lou Davenport. Once again, Patty Stewart donated her time and talent to photograph our annual school fundraiser. A sincere thank you to the River Oaks teachers, staff, parents, alumni, grandparents and generous community for making the night an evening of southern tradition and success. Photos courtesy of Patty Stewart and Dawn Burgess.
On the BayouScene
1 Dalton LeBleu and Keisha Avery 2 Janelle Tillman and Alice Middleton 3 Chandler Witherington, Scott Ashbrook, Todd Burgess and Joe Tannehill 4 Bishop Johnston and Jodi Lyle 5 Lisa and G.L. Edwards 6 Stayce Mange and Michelle Moore 7 Alicia Villarreal, Reba Nolan and Ashley Samaras 8 Dr. Tom Middleton, Michelle Bryan and Tommie Jean Peters 9 Mac and Alise Oliver, Carol and Burg Ransom, Michelle and Brian Moore 10 Maxine Moreau, Karen Puckett and Kathy McGregor
7
1
2
3
4
6
5
8
10
9 34 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 35
Downtown Gallery Crawl Downtown Gallery Crawl, Thursday, April 3, 2014: Spring is Here...Go Downtown! 1
7
2
A
FTER A LONG, COLD WINTER, northeast Louisiana folks are ready to get out and GO DOWNTOWN for the Downtown Gallery Crawl on Thursday, April 3, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., produced by the artists of ten Downtown Arts Alliance galleries, their friends and sponsors. The Downtown Gallery Crawl happens on the first Thursday of every other month, when northeast Louisiana has a great opportunity to see and buy high-quality visual art. Further, many of the galleries provide refreshments and live music, along with artists’ talks. Art lovers will also be able to enjoy the music of RIVER JAM at Bry Park on the corner of DeSiard and South Grand. Livaudais Gallery and Studio will host talented photographer Ashley Feagin this month. Feagin will give an artist talk at 6 p.m., followed by Q & A with attendees. Her work seeks to bridge the divide between viewer and artist. The images she created in “Conveyance” were inspired when her “…personal life began a stage of evolution and adaptation, [and she] began wondering photographically.” Feagin received her BA in photography from McNeese State University and her MFA from Louisiana Tech University. The River Gallery will feature Linda SniderWard during the month of April. Ward will be giving an artist’s talk at 6:30 p.m. Her exhibit, Enter Equus, consists of a new series of paintings created in watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media. Ward is a Louisiana artist with degrees from Louisiana Tech and the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Guitarist John Farmer will be the musician during the Gallery Crawl. Along with the DOWNSTAIRS gallery and Arender Studio on Art Alley in Monroe, several
36 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
4
3
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Luna Blue Gallery: Mike Nelson Livaudais Studio: Ashley Feagin River Gallery: Linda Snider Ward The Big Room: Rick Sikes MAD Gallery: Melanie Douthit UPSTAIRS gallery: Victoria Smith Sugar Gallery: Stacy Medaries Luna Blue Gallery: Hillary Clary
5
6
other art galleries will be presenting a variety of original art. Luna Blue, owned by Kim Batteford and curated by Kelsea McCrary, is proud to host the works of six Louisiana Tech students who are helping to restore and improve downtown Monroe by collaborating on a mural on the side of this beautiful building. Art professor Nick Bustamante is heading up the project and guiding the students as they undertake this large-scale project. Exemplifying the talent of our local and upcoming artists are Whitney Causey, Jennifer Nasser, Mike Nelson, Jesse Suggs, Beth Dixon and Hillary Clary. Crawlers will be able to see the work, visit with the students and view progress on the building’s mural. At the UPSTAIRS Gallery on Art Alley, the "featured artist" is actually a duo made up of resident artist Victoria Smith and revisiting artist Betsy Putnam. Their collaborative show, Fragmented Nostalgia, will show works that both artists have had a hand in making while exploring memories. An artist talk for the collaborative show is scheduled for 7 p.m. Come out and hear Victoria and Betsy explain the means behind the madness. Next door in the Big Room, Christen Parker with show her mixed media wonders, as well as Emily Caldwell with her fantastical mixed media works and Amy Ouchley with her nature-inspired jewelry. Art Professor Joey Slaughter’s Louisiana Tech students will also be joining the gallery show with a themed display of the “young collective.” To round out the group, ULM sculpture majors Lacy Mitcham and Ben Bennett will have works for all to see, while Ricky Sikes will show new paintings including his unique portraits. Louisiana Tech painter Nicole Johnson is a newly discovered
8 artist who will also be exhibiting work. At The Palace Gallery, friend- of-the-Gallery Eric Sutherland will present an interactive photography display. Crowd participation will be welcomed and needed. MAD Gallery will present Music and Lyrics-acrylic and mixed media paintings by Melanie Douthit. This is a playful collection of work inspired by music; as Douthit says, “Many times a song lyric will give me a visual image that I feel compelled to put on canvas.” Melanie incorporates this theme in her whimsical style with saturated colors, visual fun, and texture. She is a juried member of the River Gallery in West Monroe and was featured as the Bayou Artist for the July 2013 issue of BayouLife Magazine. MAD music during the Crawl will be provided by crowd favorite Gray Matter. At Sugar Gallery, Burg Ransom will be showing some of his larger, gallery-wrapped, metallic photographs. Stacy Medaries will be showing new works in aluminum colored with alcohol ink, and Leah Smith Reitzell will have new acrylic paintings to show. Mary Thompson will have new works in oil paint, and Dianne Rosenberg will display her beautiful jewelry. Scott and Crystal Stone will be showing new paintings as well. Sponsors, led by presenter Creed and Creed Law Offices, are Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau, Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Sir Speedy, The News-Star, KEDM Public Radio, DeltaStyle, Louisiana Division of the Arts, Restaurant Cotton, BancorpSouth, Heck Law Firm, Rawls DeSigns, Community Trust Bank, Cross Keys Bank, Hollis and Company Jewelers, Atmos Energy Corporation, Lavalle Salomon Law Office, Warehouse Restaurant, Charles Kincade Law Office, and Marsala Beverage.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 37
S
Nightstands and Coffee Tables
Three Must-Reads To Feed Your Mind by Michael DeVault
AY THE WORD “ESSAY” AND YOU’LL watch your friends cringe with painful flashbacks of a ruler-snapping high school English teacher. Yet, avid readers will tell you that the essay is making a comeback in a big way, and chances are some of your favorite authors have turned their attention to the time-honored genre. From Malcolm Gladwell to Ann Patchett, writers are storming the bookshelves with these short-to-long form works that bring a personal perspective and enlightening look at the world around us all. When we were in school, the essay was an assignment we grudgingly undertook to explain the imagery Chekov employs in “The Interlopers” or the theme of Gone With the Wind. But as seasoned readers know, the personal essay is an intimate, usually brief exploration of whatever subject happens to wander across the author’s mind. Often times, essays have more in common with poetry than they do with journalism or memoir. While there are far too many “must reads” among essay collections to list, here are a few that have been following me around. No matter your area of interest, each of these books offers something you’ll find edifying and entertaining. From funny to frank, it’s time to kick back, take a few minutes, and rediscover the art of the personal essay.
38 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
When You Are Engulfed In Flames David Sedaris Listeners to PRI’s This American Life equate the name David Sedaris with brutal hilarity and touching humanity. In When You Are Engulfed In Flames (Back Bay, 2009), Sedaris revisits his transition from American invader to Francophone after he and his partner relocated to a quaint French village. He also recounts the agony, misery, and challenges of quitting smoking in this collection that is sure to keep you up laughing. Of particular note are the portions of this collection focused on his time in college. Part Southern Gothic, part Modern Family, you won’t want to miss When You Are Engulfed In Flames. What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures Malcolm Gladwell Readers familiar with Malcolm Gladwell’s popular Tipping Point and Blink are in for a treat with What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures (Back Bay, 2010), a collection of Gladwell’s pieces that have appeared in The New Yorker, where Gladwell has worked for more than a decade. Gladwell’s essays are equal measures personal narrative and long-form journalism, blending the author’s experiences with historical events ranging from the invention of the
Pill to a prolonged visit with Dog Whisperer star Caesar Milan. If you’ve ever wondered what drove Ron Popeil to epic success with his Showtime Rotisserie (“Set it, and forget it!”), Gladwell’s take on the subject will leave you feeling you’ve met not only the man, but his products as well. Even the mundane world of ketchup becomes the land of spies and intrigue under Gladwell’s pen.
This Is the Story Of a Happy Marriage Ann Patchett When Bel Canto exploded into the popular scene, the novel marked the first exposure of many readers to Ann Patchett’s unique vision of the world around her. With the hand of a skilled surgeon, Patchett lops away the extraneous, the periphery, and exposes the raw, beating pulse of life in all its mystery in her nonfiction collection, This Is the Story Of a Happy Marriage (Harper, 2013). Patchett’s second foray into the literary essay, the book is a collection of journalistic and personal narrative assembled from a long, prolific career as a freelance journalist. Patchett pulls back the curtain and lets readers inside her mind as her first marriage crumbles. She takes us on a journey in an R.V. as she, quite accidentally, rekindles a failed relationship. And she shows us what it is to fall in love with a dog. This Is the Story Of a Happy Marriage proves Patchett is as masterful with the personal essay as she is with the novel. This collection is sure to be shortlisted for every literary prize in the country.
Ballet Under The Stars Friday and Saturday, April 25 & 26, 2014 Kiroli Park Amphitheatre at 7:30 p.m. Friday night tickets are $25. Saturday night tickets are $45 and include a buffet.
Once again, “Ballet Under the Stars” promises to be the signature event for Spring for the 17th year in a row! This year’s performances will be Friday, April 25th and Saturday, April 26th at West Monroe’s beautiful Kiroli Park lakeside amphitheatre. Productions of Ballet Under the Stars are made possible by generous donations and grants from the City of West Monroe, the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, the Plum Creek Foundation, the Monroe/West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Livin’ North; Dreamin’ South,” a suite of dance choreographed by everyone’s favorite dance legend, Joe Istre, is an exploration of how good dance can be. Joe is giving north Louisiana a choreographic taste of his own life as a Southerner-by-birth living in New York and dreaming of warm, Southern days. This a treat not to be missed! Artist-in-Residence Leah Stephens unveils her new choreography “Influentia,” which was performed in March at the Regional Dance America-Southwest Dance Festival in Dallas, Texas. Stephens’ gorgeous movement featuring TCBC Artists and Senior Company members was chosen to be performed on the Emerging Choreography stage at this prestigious dance festival. Former Alvin Ailey soloist and currently in-demand choreographer and GSU faculty member Dianne Maroney-Grigsby has created an inspirational modern dance to Luther Vandross’ powerful “Impossible Dream” that will leave you breathless and wanting more.
Holy Kiroli! It’s a Zoobilation Celebration! Children’s Ballet Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25, 2014 Kiroli Park Bandstand 9:15 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 12:45 a.m. Tickets are $3 per child with walk-in seating available the day of the performances
` What happens when the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo animals meet up with the cuddly critters at Kiroli Park? Schoolchildren will find out who has all the right moves and just who will take home the title of Kiroli Park Animal Idol in this fun, interactive performance based on everyone’s favorite TV competitions, “So You Think You Can Dance” and “American Idol!”
Ballet Under The Sun Sunday, April 27, 2014 Kiroli Park, Admission to festival Free with admission to Kiroli
Park goers will be treated to free performances of “Holy Kiroli: It’s A Zoobilation Celebration” children’s ballet at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Ballet Under the Sun, a free-to-the-public performance of excerpts from Ballet Under the Stars, will take place Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. Audiences are encouraged to bring blankets, picnic lunches and sunscreen to enjoy the show.
Call 318.388.3011 for ticket information or email twincityballet@hotmail.com
Please check our facebook page (www.facebook.com/twincityballet) for information, should our area experience inclement weather.
The Importance of Art in a Community On behalf of The Downtown Arts Alliance of Monroe and West Monroe
I have been asked to write about the importance of art to a community and how, together, we can learn to appreciate and support the fine arts. I would like to share my thoughts with you. We all have special gifts and talents, and it takes both art creators and art appreciators to knit together the fabric of an arts community. Why do we make art? Why do we collect art? Why do we talk about art? Why do we need art? Why is art so important to us? There is no simple answer to any of these questions. But I can offer a few suggestions. Art is, and always has been, a form of communication. Throughout history, man's artistic endeavors have recorded the human condition and given us great insight into our origins. These personal expressions began as observation, transitioned into offerings to some form of a higher power, and evolved into self-expression. Think of the powerful examples of cave paintings, the stone carvings at Easter Island, the monument of Stonehenge or the works of the French Impressionists or German Expressionists. I believe that the makers of these art forms had one single purpose—to leave documentation that said "I was here." Second, art is important to us because it spiritually uplifts us. Consider the beautiful medieval stained glass windows and paintings that embellish European churches, like Chartres, Notre Dame
or the Sistine Chapel that some of you might have seen. Without the ability to read or write the local language, ordinary people moved through these sacred spaces, identifying images of saints by their clothing or symbolic attributes, no matter their country of origin. Today, these same magnificent buildings continue to draw tourists from all over the globe who are uplifted by this ancient art. Further, I believe that all people have an innate quest for beauty, whether they create it or experience it. Many of you who travel spend much of your time seeking beauty in some form, either in nature or in man-made works. In the world's greatest cities, like Paris, Rome or New York, where one might visit the Louvre, the Vatican, or the Museum of Modern Art, people come in droves to view the works of Old World or modern masters like Rembrandt, Michelangelo or Picasso. Likewise, in smaller cities, people come to centers within their local communities to view art produced by local artists, like here in Monroe and West Monroe, where you attend the bi-monthly Downtown Gallery Crawls. Art awakens our spirits and defines us as a society. Yet, sadly, the first cuts in state and federal funding are always to the visual and performing arts. So whether we are creator, promoter, collector or admirer, we share a civic responsibility to keep the arts alive. For it is through art that we leave a legacy of treasures for the next generation.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 41
Glenwood Medical Group Quality Doctors You Expect. Compassionate Care You Deserve.
G
LENWOOD MEDICAL GROUP recruits and employs highly qualified and skilled physicians with diverse medical specialties to support Glenwood Regional Medical Center. Working together, we are making a difference in the lives of our patients, our hospital and our community.
GLENWOOD BRAIN AND SPINE Jorge Alvernia, MD Neurosurgery Dr. Alvernia completed a fellowship in brain tumors in Lyon, France. He specializes in brain conditions, nerve disorders, and spinal conditions.
GLENWOOD CARDIOVASCULAR AND THORACIC SURGERY Harry Donias, MD Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery 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. GLENWOOD EAR, NOSE AND THROAT Brent Metts, MD, PhD Ear, Nose and Throat Dr. Metts is one of the few surgeons in
42 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
the nation who are fellowship trained in minimally invasive and endoscopic assisted thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. His services include sinus disease, balloon sinuplasty, thyroid disease, hearing loss, voice care, sleep apnea, throat problems, tonsillitis, and ear infections.
GLENWOOD FOOT AND ANKLE Danier D. Anderson, DPM David Gardner, DPM Podiatry Drs. Gardner and Anderson specialize in bunions, hammertoes, flatfoot, Achilles tendonitis, toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, heel pain, neuromas, corns, calluses, warts, deformities, geriatric conditions, diabetic foot conditions, and sports injuries of the lower leg and foot. They also provide wound care treatment weekly at Glenwood’s Hyperbaric and Wound Care Center. GLENWOOD GASTROENTEROLOGY Leonel Lacayo, MD Gastroenterology Dr. Lacayo offers a complete range of state-of-the-art clinical services including diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for diseases of the digestive tract, liver and pancreas. GLENWOOD SURGERY ASSOCIATES Frank Sanfiel, MD
General Surgery Dr. Sanfiel specializes in hernia repair, breast surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, skin and soft tissue infections, and other common surgical interventions.
Russell T. Lolley, MD General Surgery, Hyperbaric Therapy and Wound Care Dr. Lolley is the Medical Director of Glenwood’s Hyperbaric & Wound Care Center. The Center offers transcutaneous oxygen monitoring, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, wound debridement, specialty wound dressing and skin grafts, compression therapies, and diabetic foot care.
GLENWOOD INTERNAL MEDICINE Alyce Adams, MD Internal Medicine and Cardiology Dr. Adams has been a certified Diabetes Educator who specializes in diabetes, hypertension, and preventive cardiology. She also offers EKGs, stress tests, and echocardiograms.
Roland Ponarski, MD Internal Medicine and Primary Care Dr. Ponarski specializes in diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. In addition, he offers routine physical exams and CDL license exams.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 116
Visit New Orleans this Spring and Enjoy New Work from a Local Artist
Monroe Artist Joli Livaudais Is Showing Her Latest Work in a Solo Exhibition Titled “Dreams and Replies” at Martine Chaisson Gallery, in the Heart of New Orlean’s’ Burgeoning Arts District
A
LTHOUGH JOLI LIVAUDAIS FIRST ASPIRED TO BE AN artist as a very young teen, she has taken a rather circuitous route to achieve her dreams. Shortly after graduating high school in Baton Rouge, she joined the Army and served four years, including eight months in Saudi Arabia and Iraq during Desert Storm. Joli then returned to earn a Masters degree in Experimental Psychology at the University of Texas at Arlington, intending to earn a Ph.D. and become a research psychologist and university professor. However, timely attendance in a fine art photography elective and serious soul-searching lead her to return to the path of an artist. Settling in Dallas, she began her apprenticeship as a photography assistant in its thriving commercial photography market. As Joli learned the technical expertise in lenses, lighting, and set design essential for the job, she began working as a photographer and was hired by clients that included Neiman Marcus, JC Penney, and Pier One Imports. This experience provided her steady income, but more importantly, it gave her the tools to pursue her artistic expression. In 2004, family ties brought Joli to Monroe, and she continued building on her body of artistic work and shooting commercially. In 2007, she and her husband Jason Grisham restored a 100 year old commercial unit on the Ouachita riverbank in downtown, converting it into her photography studio. They also open it periodically to the public as an art gallery, having participated in the bimonthly Downtown Gallery Crawls since the event’s inception seven years ago. Joli’s artistic development has continued, and she has since received her MFA from Louisiana Tech University in 2013, and is currently an adjunct professor there. 44 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
Joli’s fine art incorporates her interest in psychology and explores the relationships between people and the constructs we use to interpret the world around us, and has been exhibited nationwide. Her newest series “Dreams and Replies” continues this exploration in psychology, symbology and archetypes. This work, featured in a solo show from April 5 to May 31 at Martine Chaisson Gallery in New Orleans, is inspired by her unconscious mind through journaled dreams and free writing. They are meditations on a universe and existence that is exquisitely beautiful, perfectly synchronized, and uncompromisingly merciless. Although the visual themes of her work have a classic, timeless quality, she utilizes contemporary and experimentally combined materials including photographic ink jet prints, resin, various metals from aluminum to brass, and electrical circuits. The concepts explored are primal, but the interpretation and understanding of them are anchored in modernity. Often sculptural and deeply compelling, Joli’s work continues to reward the observer with new insights the longer it is contemplated. Martine Chaisson Gallery is located at 727 Camp Street in New Orleans. Gallery hours are 11a.m. - 5p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, call (504) 302-7942 or visit MartineChaissonGallery.com.
Brown Bag Concert Series Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s Brown Bag Concert Series Starts April 2nd
ot Spring Fever? We've got the sure cure at the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council’s noontime outdoor Brown Bag Concerts Series! On Wednesdays in April, come soak up some sun (filled with Vitamin D!), hang out with your friends (linked to longevity!), and join us for an eclectic mix of live music performances (proven antidote for stress!). The performances are in Anna Gray Noe Park across from St. Francis Medical Center in downtown Monroe. Some seating is provided, though picnic blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. And it’s all FREE, thanks, of course, to the Series’ sponsors, CenturyLink, Community Trust Bank, and the City of Monroe. As an extra treat, fresh-from-the-oven cookies will be provided by TruCare Home Health along with free tea and lemonade courtesy First Baptist Church of Monroe which is also our in-case-of-rain venue! So pack a brown bag lunch (healthy or not!), and we’ll provide the rest! Here’s the schedule:
G
APRIL 2 MASON GRANADE
If you’re a fan of the Eagles, America, and the Beatles, then Mason’s your guy! He’s been performing for over twenty years and is a regular at such diverse venues as regional cafes and night spots and as part of the First Baptist Church West Monroe praise team. You may also have heard his popular album recorded with Matthews-Granade. Treat yourself to a sneak peek online at www.masongranade.com, then come join us as we rock out the Series and usher in Spring!
APRIL 9 PAUL AMY
We continue the series with this popular Eunice, LA native. Paul grew up hearing traditional Cajun French music all throughout the Cajun prairie of south Louisiana. A self-taught guitar player and a child of the 70s, some of his musical influences include the Eagles, Marshall Tucker Band, Jackson Browne, Jimmy Buffet, Neil Young, and James Taylor. Paul can also be found leading worship on Sundays at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Today he brings his own brand of Cajun French/Zydeco, acoustic rock, and Americana to the park for us as we get the Series and Springtime going strong!
46 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
APRIL 16 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 third outing of the Series.
APRIL 23 LAUREN DEVORE
We close the series with a rising star and uplifting repertoire! Lauren is barely in her 20's but already a veteran of stage and TV, performing since age 5! She’s graced commercials and a number of musical venues and remains a popular standout in Strauss Theater productions, with a voice and stage persona as fresh as Spring. She’s planning a great mix from varied genres and eras – an appropriate finish for the series and herald of the summer!
1 3
For this month’s BayouTrends, we searched our local stores for items that included Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2014, Radiant Orchid. We love this haute hue and were inspired by all of the seasonally chic items found on this page.
2 4
7
5
8
6
9 11 10
12
13
15
17
14
16
18
1) Cupcake - i Dream Cake 2) Shirt - Salt & Pepper Accessory Boutique 3) Necklace - Bent Oaks Boutique 4) Children’s Dress - The Children’s Shoppe 5) Wine-A-Rita - Debbie’s Hallmark 6) Necklace - Duck and Dressing 7) Glasses - Haik Humble Eye Center 8) Scarf - The Fashion of Ruston 9) Romper - HerringStone’s 10) Cocktail Napkins - The Paper Market 11) Children’s Swimsuit - The Spotted Giraffe 12) Ring - Hollis & Company Jewelers 13) Fabric Swatch - Material Things 14) Sleeveless Top - Chessy’s Boutique 15) Sachets - Louisiana Purchases 16) Lip Stain Fiesta Nutrition Center 17) Scarf - Cara’s Boutique 18) LSU Poodle - Bob Sale Gift + Camera
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 49
MedCamps on the Greens First Annual Golf Tournament
Two-Man Scramble to Benefit MedCamps of Louisiana to be Held May 19th
F
BY JULIANNE TIPPEN, MISS SHREVEPORT
ROM THE TIME SCHOOL IS OUT IN JUNE UNTIL IT STARTS again in the fall, there is a significant three-month period when children can learn and further develop their value systems. Summer camps provide children with safe environments where they can develop self-confidence, social skills and good work habits, and just have fun being kids. Every child should have the opportunity to experience this American tradition – even those kids who live with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Fortunately, Dr. Michael F. Zambie felt so strongly about this philosophy that he founded MedCamps of Louisiana in 1987. MedCamps of Louisiana holds a series of one-week, fun-filled camps each summer free of charge for children facing physical and mental disabilities. Each camp is designed specifically for a particular type of disability, and it includes appropriate health professionals and specially trained staff. The focus is on what campers can do, and all campers are encouraged to reach their full potential. In the safe environment of MedCamps, surrounded by other children with similar challenges, these special campers discover they are not alone, and they gain a genuine sense of belonging, accomplishment, and self-worth.
50 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
After working with MedCamps for the past two summers, I have seen the benefits of this program first-hand. Because I feel so strongly about the organization and opportunities it provides for over 3,500 Louisiana children, I have implemented MedCamps of Louisiana as my platform for the Miss Louisiana Organization. Silas Beech, the very first camper I met, greatly influenced my commitment to this organization because he truly embodies its philosophies and spirit. Because this young boy won me over with his sense of humor and kindness, I knew that I wanted to share with others how MedCamps has provided a safe, caring environment for Silas and other kids throughout the state. I encourage others to volunteer with this wonderful organization and to donate generously. As Miss Shreveport, I have organized a fundraiser called “MedCamps on the Greens,” which, hopefully, will give more special needs children an opportunity to experience summer camp. The two-man scramble will be held May 19th at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant. For more information, email juliannetippen@gmail.com or visit www.medcampsonthegreens.ezregister.com.
Dental Implants Modern Day Answer To Dental Implants
T
BY DAVID FINLEY, D.D.S
HROUGHOUT HISTORY, THE QUALITY OF A PERSON’S smile has been an indication of a person’s sense of well-being. Our smile is one of our greatest attributes. It sets the tone in business and social settings. People who feel comfortable in how they look feel confident and self-assured. An appealing smile is an important part of the overall impression that a person makes. Many people are unaware of how much of an impact their smile makes when they are introduced to other people, the level of respect they are given by others, or even how their smile can either positively or negatively affect their relationship with their spouse or significant other. Consistently, the number one attribute that people notice when meeting for the first time is your smile. An appealing smile is an important part of the overall impression a person makes. It is a well-known fact that people with an attractive smile tend to me more self-confident, more self-assured, and more successful. Missing one or more teeth can mean you miss out on many things that people take for granted in life, such as unrestrained laughter, biting into a ripe, juicy apple, the confidence of speaking in a group or even kissing your spouse. Many adults want to change their smiles but fear they have no options since they lost many teeth to dental disease over the years and are now “stuck” with having dentals or partials. But these pa-
Before
After
tients do have hope. The art and science of cosmetic dentistry combined with the latest improvements in dental implants
can give anyone a great smile. Full dentures and partials can restrict your diet and even curtail your social activities due to fear of potential embarrassment. Dental implants can eliminate the fear of a slipping denture falling out of the mouth when you laugh or talk. They can give you a more powerful and confident bite. Today, even patients who are missing many teeth can have the beautiful smile that they have always wanted. With the help of dental implants, patients with uncomfortable dentures can have comfort again and patients who are missing teeth can have a beautiful and confident smile they have always wanted. Dental implants are a modern day answer to millions of prayers by denture wearers who want to improve their ability to speak, eat, and smile confidently. Dental implants can be used to replace one missing tooth or a whole set of teeth. Many of us have said, “I wish I could go back- have a second chance- I’d do things differently!” Dental implants and a dentist trained in the latest cosmetic dental techniques give people with missing teeth a “second chance,” the opportunity to regain the comfort and confidence of a beautiful, natural-looking smile. If you would like to know what Dr. Finley can do with your smile, please contact our office at 323-9303.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 51
The Dragons Are Back on the Bayou
2014 Bayou DeSiard Dragon Boat Festival Set For May 17th
T
HE 2014 BAYOU DESIARD DRAGON Boat Festival is a little more than a month away and this year’s festivities look to be the best yet. This year, the festival will be bigger and better with more teams and activities but also with two big announcements and a notable name change, the Progressive Bank Bayou DeSiard Dragon Boat Festival and the recipient of the festival proceeds – PAWS of Northeast Louisiana. “It has always been the plan to rotate non-profits as the recipient of the proceeds from the Dragon Boat Festival,” said Ashley Yeldell, festival organizer. “The whole idea of the Dragon Boat Festival was to have a unique event that could get the entire community involved and be able to give to a dif-
52 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
ferent non-profit organization each year. Last year, the proceeds went to Monroe Renaissance for the revitalization and beautification of downtown Monroe, and we are excited to give to PAWS this year, as they continue to raise money needed for a community spay and neuter clinic.” This is the third year for the festival that centers around the ancient sport of dragon boat racing, which originated in China thousands of years ago. On Saturday, May 17, the dragon boats will return to the bayou at the corner of Loop Road and Forsythe Avenue. Each dragon boat seats 20 paddlers and one drummer, who is in charge of keeping the rhythm of the boat. The top three fastest teams will each receive a medal. Trophies will be given to the teams with the best team
spirit, best-dressed drummer and the best team costume. Last year, The Fitness Ninjas from The Fitness Lodge were able to knock off the returning champion team, The MAC Dragons from the Monroe Athletic Club. With 36 racing this year, the competiveness looks be even fiercer! The Progressive Bank Bayou DeSiard Dragon Boat Festival is also presented by The Radio People and Miller Lite. 22 Dragons, a company specializing in dragon boating events, is traveling from Canada for the event. They supply the boats, the racecourse and the expertise in all things dragon boating. Dragon Boat racing is a unique outdoor activity suitable for all ages, fitness levels and ability. It is popular among corporate groups around the country because it promotes teamwork and camaraderie. The public is invited to watch the teams race throughout the day, starting at 8 a.m. Satellite parking and transportation is available. There will be food and spirits from various food vendors and of course, a wonderful view of the bayou as the dragon boats race down the water!
Calling All Princesses
St. Francis Hosting Special Event to Assist March of Dimes
S
T. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER recognizes how important the March of Dimes is to our local community due to their lifesaving research and programs, as well as their work to end premature births. We are hosting a special event featuring Miss Louisiana Jaden Leach to help raise money for the March of Dimes. Bring your special princess to enjoy storybook time and tea with Miss Louisiana on Saturday, April 12, 2014, 10 a.m. – Noon, at the St. Francis Conference Center. See our ad below for additional information.
St. Francis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Before 1978, critically ill infants born in Northeast Louisiana had to be transported out of the area for care. In June of 1978, Sr. Anne Marie Twohig, Franciscan Missionaries of Our
Dr. Marc de Soler
Dr. Carmen S. Payne
Lady, joined forces with Dr. Terry D. King, Pediatric Cardiologist, and opened the NICU at St. Francis Medical Center. The NICU opened with 15 beds and was staffed 24/7 with Dr. King as Medical Director, RNs, LPNs, respiratory therapists and aides. The average length of stay for most NICU patients at that time was 20 days, and a 90 percent survival rate was maintained during the first year of operation. Dr. Marc de Soler became Medical Director of the NICU in 1989 and Dr. Carmen Payne arrived in 1994 as Co-Medical Director. Dr. de Soler, together with Dr. Payne, transformed the unit into the only Level III NICU in Northeast Louisiana, caring for the tiniest and sickest of babies. Today, the 24/7 unit offers 35 beds, which was increased from 28 in 2008. St. Francis also offers the only Level III Obstetrical Unit in Northeast Louisiana.
The NICU at St. Francis offers a caring environment combined with advanced technology and highly skilled team members to provide specialized care for newborns. The NICU team consists of Dr. Marc de Soler as Chief Neonatologist and Medical Director, Dr. Carmen S. Payne, Neonatologist and Co-Medical Director, neonatal nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory therapists, case managers, lactation consultants, along with speech and occupational therapists. Today’s survival rate for a baby born at 36 weeks is 98 percent, at 28 weeks the survival rate drops to 90 percent, and at 22 weeks or less, the survival rate is at 10 percent. The St. Francis NICU has an average daily census of 24 patients. Babies from throughout Northeast Louisiana are transferred to the NICU at St. Francis for specialized care. Dr. Marc de Soler has been a part of the St. Francis team since 1989 and is Medical Director of the NICU. He received his MD from Autonomous University of Barcelona. His residency was completed at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, with a completed fellowship from Cornell University Medical. Dr. Carmen S. Payne is Co-Medical Director of the NICU and has been at St. Francis since 1994. She received her MD from Autonomous University of CD Juarez. Her residency was completed at Texas Tech. Baylor College of Medicine was where she completed her fellowship.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 53
. IVA
D IN SPRING CLAIRE VANGELISTI IS A LONG WAY FROM HOME. BUT
YOU WOULDN’T KNOW IT TO VISIT HER STUDIO ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF BIEDENHARN HALL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA–MONROE, WHERE VANGELISTI– “DR. V” TO HER STUDENTS–TEACHES VOICE STUDIO AND DIRECTS THE VOCAL PERFORMANCE PROGRAM.
MICHAEL DEVAULT Photographs by JOLI LIVAUDAIS By
For Vangelisti, who is now entering that portion of an academic's journey known as "mid-career," a life in music was always in the cards. Her path began in Kirkland, Washington, where her father was a junior high and high school choir director. He also worked as a church musician, which provided a regimented, weekly exposure to music. "I grew up going to church," Vangelisti told BayouLife. "We were Italian, so of course we were Catholic." Being a part of a Catholic church meant high masses and some of the greatest works of classical music. When coupled with her father's passionate love of opera, Vangelisti and her siblings spent their childhood surrounded by names like Bach and Strauss. Her father had a strong dislike of pop, rock, and pretty much anything that wasn't classical or Broadway, according to Vangelisti, who says the clan relegated
their favorite contemporary performers to the times their father was at work. Yet, it wasn't a bad way to grow up, either. So much of Vangelisti's musical tastes began to develop during her youth, specifically due to her father's musical predilections. "My dad had a really great record collection of opera and mostly symphonic and choral music," says Vangelisti. "So that really was my first impressions. That and hearing his choir at church every week and on special occasions." She remembers hearing Handel's Messiah and Schubert's Mass in G—both of which continue to rank among her favorite pieces. Opera, too, made its first appearance in her life then. "We listened a lot to Carmen, by Bizet," Vangelisti says. At the same time her musical tastes were beginning to form, so too was her creative side. She and her siblings weren't just born performers. They were leaders, too, traits that came to life anytime they
heard Beethoven or Resphigi's "The Pines of Rome." "We'd run around and make up our own little ballet performances to those," Vangelisti says. Looking at her today, it's not hard to see Vangelisti in a very different light. At a shade more than 5'8" tall, with a shock of dark, almost black hair, it's hard not to picture her as a prima ballerina. Yet, dance was not where her artistic abilities manifested. Nor, though, did classical music find Vangelisti first. Instead, like so many other artists before her, Vangelisti's career took a couple of detours along the way. The first detour on her journey started not too far from home. While the Pacific Northwest is renowned for towering forests and pastoral mountain views, it's also home to a thriving jazz community. For the impressionable Vangelisti, this community became a musical oasis. During high school, she took part in the vocal jazz ensemble.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 55
"That exposure (in high school) led me to Central Washington University, which has an excellent jazz program," Vangelisti says. At Central Washington, Vangelisti worked with one of her earliest mentors, John Moawad, a drummer of renown who had played for Buddy Rich's band. By the time Vangelisti arrived at Central Washington, Moawad was a faculty fixture in the region. Vangelisti credits Moawad with instilling much of her appreciation of the genre. "He was a purist," Vangelisti says. "Once I was really exposed to jazz, I fell in love with vocal jazz music, before I truly fell in love with vocal classical music." She and her Central Washington classmates spent vast amounts of time listening to jazz greats. Sarah Vine, Ella Fitzgerald, and June Christy joined names like Dinah Washington and Diane Reeves on their playlists. The devotion to jazz was total, and for Vangelisti, that was in no small part due to Moawad. "As our mentor, he said our best way to learn the style is to list a lot, and to imitate the style until we absorbed it. And then, it would become ours," Vangelisti says. Though Moawad died in 2009, his legacy lives on far and wide—even in Monroe, where those "impressionist" tendencies have found a new avenue for growth. Just ask ULM voice teacher and accompanist Julian Jones, one of Vangelisti's colleagues in the voice department. Jones credits Vangelisti with his decision to study vocal pedagogy—the subset of vocal studies that focuses on anatomy, physiology, and muscle control to shape and perfect sound. Jones studied under Vangelisti during his own masters degree studies at the university. "After the first class, I was wowed," Jones says. "It was more about the body, the physiology, the muscles that are involved in our throat. The kinds of things I'd never been talked to about before." Jones says he models much of his own voice studio on what Vangelisti does in her voice classes. "The things she finds really important, I try to adopt those as well."
56 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
Jones says Vangelisti is, like Moawad, a faculty mentor for him. "That's where I draw the most strength from her. She's one of the most amazing vocal pedagogs I've ever met." It's a well-deserved compliment for a woman with an international reputation. Jones notes Vangelisti is known throughout the Music Education community in the United States, especially through the National Association of Teachers of Singing, or NATS. "She's revered among the members of NATS, with colleagues across the country where she can just pick up a phone," Jones says. "Everywhere we go, somebody is going to know her. It's really amazing for us to have that at ULM." And what about that jazz singing? Today, Vangelisti is a professional, touring soprano that often is compared favorably to big-name stars like Renee Flemming. Does she still sing jazz? Of course, Jones says. And the jazz she sings is just as skilled as the coloratura soprano she tosses out with a seeming effortlessness of only the most seasoned singers. "It's a nice, warm sound," Jones says, of Vangelisti's jazz performances. Her jazz voice has a throaty, soulful sound and the almost mournful tones of lounge singers of days gone by. It's not hard, when she's singing jazz, to picture Vangelisti in a slinky red dress, hugged next to a microphone in a smoke-filled jazz club in the 1940s. Yet, here she is in the concert hall limelight.
F
OR HER PART, VANGELISTI
wilts from the praise, dismissing any mention of talent or gifted. Which is fine, because there are plenty of people in the world of music who are willing to sing her praises. One of those people is Joseph Evans, a professor of music at the University of Houston. Vangelisti studied with Evans when he was at the University of Texas, where Vangelisti received her doctorate. From day one, Evans says Vangelisti's focus was razor sharp and "all business." "She's super smart," Evans says. But at a young age, she showed the signs of someone who is shy in their art, somewhat uncomfortable with the praise for their talent. Evans says a lot has changed, since he's known her. "Over the years, she's become more extroverted in her singing and in her acting, which is what one should do. But not everybody does that," Evans says. He notes she's become a more natural performer with a skill to make singing look easy. "A lot more practice goes into that than people think." What sets Vangelisti apart from so many other singers and from teachers of voice is her dedication to pedagogy, to learning the vocabu-
lary to instruct students of varying ages, experience levels, and vocal types. Evans puts it more bluntly. "Any great singer can be effective as a teacher, so long as the student's voice is just like the teacher—because the student imitates you," Evans says. "Claire is good with any type of voice because she knows what she's listening to, what she's hearing, and how to articulate that to the singer." This skill takes a particular vocabulary and a unique set of talents that, when combined, makes for an effective teacher. Yet, none of the talent, the gifted teacher compliments, the national tours, or face-to-face praise seems to phase Vangelisti. "She's very modest, very humble," Evans says. "She's extraordinarily talented and gifted, but she works very hard." Vangelisti agrees about the hard work part. At any given time, she's teaching up to 20 students in her voice studio at ULM, where she also assists with opera scenes, consults with faculty about various ensemble and musical performances, and takes part in a regular rotation of faculty concerts and ensembles. She also maintains a private voice studio in her home, where she teaches private voice lessons to singers from the community. If that's not enough, Vangelisti continues to sing professionally, and she regularly tours during the summers to sing opera around the world. Oh…and there's Portugal, where she regularly appears as a teacher and performer. The list goes on, yet in the most professional of manner, Vangelisti never breaks a sweat. She never lets on that life is hectic or, in any given moment she's sleep deprived. Instead, she applies to her life the same philosophy that makes her stage presence a force. "Never let the audience know what's really happening up there, that you've made a mistake, or dropped a word or a line, because often, they don't know," Vangelisti says. "They're looking at the overall performance, the beauty of the sound." Through the practice, the double-scheduling, the long hours, and the pressures of life, Vangelisti maintains a professionalism, a calm and quiet demeanor, and always, a smile. She isn't sure she can say the same for the residents of her block, though. "If you were one of my neighbors, you'd probably hear some loud, operatic singing at ten o'clock at night," Vangelisti says. "But no one's complained. Yet." It's all worth it for Vangelisti, who is just beginning to explore the summer portion of a career in which performers routinely continue practice well into their 70s. She doesn't show any signs of slowing down, either. Like so many classical performers, music is her life. "I can't think of anything else I'd rather do," Vangelisti says.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 57
Have Questions? Ask a Therapist
Lyla Corkern Addresses Therapy for More Than One Child BY LYLA CORKERN, LPC MFTI
DEAR LYLA: I placed my eldest daughter in counseling a few months ago after she suffered a trauma. I feel that it was a great decision and has really helped her. She really relates to her therapist and has developed a great trust in her. My question is actually concerning my other child. He is struggling with anger issues towards his sister and I have been unable to resolve it on my own or by seeking counseling myself. I am considering getting him involved in counseling; however, I am concerned that this may damage the relationship my daughter has already established with the counselor. Do you think I should set him up with someone else? – Mother of Many in Monroe
DEAR MOTHER OF MANY: I see no reason for you to seek counseling elsewhere. Firstly, if your daughter is already in counseling and you have sought counseling as well, sending your son to a different person may isolate him and allow him reason to continue to act out. Secondly, if the counselor has set up a good therapeutic relationship, they should be able to help your daughter through the transition. Most importantly, a good therapist should be
58 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
able to have solid rapport with all members of the family, which includes setting everyone’s minds at ease and ensuring that everyone’s needs are being met. It is a therapist’s job to ensure that he/she is on everyone’s side, relating to everyone’s perspective, and watching out for everyone’s best interest. Therapists are held to a high standard of practice – especially rules concerning confidentiality. Your children should not have to be concerned about the therapist sharing personal information without their knowledge or consent. In the event the therapist finds the information would be helpful to present and work through amongst all parties, we are bound to inform and ask permission of the client first. I actually believe that the more you can utilize the same clinician, the better. It allows the clinician additional insight that may be helpful in relieving anxiety, improving communication, or strengthening the family unit.
If you, or someone you know, has questions about therapy or would like to schedule a session, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 318.323.7575 or info@sanderlincounselingservices.com. We would love to help!
New Location, Same Great Service and More
Material Things Opens New Store on Forsythe Avenue
Y
BY JOYCE SIMS AND PEGGY GONZALES
OU DON’T HAVE TO TRAVEL TO Atlanta, Dallas or New Orleans in search of special furnishings or beautiful fabrics. Instead, a simple trip to Monroe and a consultation with either Peggy Gonzales or Joyce Sims are just what you and your pocketbook need. In 2009 we opened our shop at 609 Park Avenue. We opened with 800 square feet of selling space and offered affordable fabric, gifts and custom made pillows, draperies and bedding. Five years later, needing more space, we relocated to a great location on Forsythe Avenue. Our business has evolved into a full service design firm. We have built a strong customer base, not only in Monroe, but
Shreveport and surrounding areas. We work to insure quality results that are both stylish and economical. We are a one stop shop. We measure, design, give fabulous fabric choices and prices, figure total cost, fabricate, supply the hardware and install everything. Our goal is to enhance what our customers already possess. After listening and seeing our clients’ style, ideas and taste, we incorporate our own with theirs to come up with something beautiful, personal, creative, custom and affordable. Our favorite part is seeing the clients’ expression when we are through. We have expanded our gift line and floral department to include baskets, vases,
stemware and urns of all shapes and sizes. Not only do we offer custom bedding and pillows but, we also carry Lili Alessandra ready made bedding and pillows. All of the pieces in this line are washer and dryer safe. They are made of a combination of sensible silk, velvets, and linens. We have something to fit everyone’s taste. From antiques to new and traditional to contemporary. We know that we can help you with anything that you might be looking for. Material Things is now open in our new location, 2305 Forsythe Avenue, Monroe. Our new store hours are Monday-Friday 10-5 and Saturday 11-3.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 59
Spirit Zone: Strange Tales of the Supernatural
Latest Release by Local Author David P. Doughty
A
S A BOY, RAYVILLE ATTORNEY AND AUTHOR DAVID Doughty loved writing. But it wasn’t until his senior year that he really developed his writing potential under the instruction of his English teacher, winning the Louisiana High School Writer’s Contest. Doughty went on to Louisiana Tech and then to Tulane Law School. There he wrote an espionage thriller, but he couldn’t get publishers or literary agents to even look at the manuscript. Then, in 1996, something extraordinary happened to what appeared to his ordinary life. He had his first divine dream. "I knew it was something of God," he said, “but didn't know what to do with it.” He told only a few family members and close friends. The dreams continued, and David began to feel more pressure from God to tell others about them. He eventually wrote a manuscript and with not much effort at all, it was accepted by a publisher. “It was a miracle,” Doughty said. Since that time, David has published five books including
60 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
Visions (1997), Dreams (1999), Spirit (2003), and Prophecy: The Promises of God (2007). His latest release, Spirit Zone: Strange Tales of the Supernatural, is a collection of stories that reveal a vital truth: God moves in mysterious ways." Doughty said he enjoys Twilight Zone twists to his stories which makes them entertaining as well as meaningful, but "they all have a spiritual aspect." These stories are his way to reach people for Christ, especially those who may not listen to a sermon but enjoy reading a good story. "It's not me at all, it's Jesus. If He can use me, He can use anybody. He simply wants us to be obedient." Spirit Zone: Strange Tales of the Supernatural is available as an ebook on iTunes, at davidpdoughty.com as well as local and online bookstores. David also invites everyone to visit and LIKE the Spirit Zone Facebook page where they can share their own Spirit Zone experiences.
We Deliver... Quality Care
Morehouse General Hospital Provides Quality Care and Delivery Services For Mothers and Babies
M
OREHOUSE GENERAL HOSPITAL HAS PROUDLY SERVED residents of Northeast Louisiana and Southeast Arkansas since 1930. Delivering babies is one of the things that we do best. We love bringing new babies into the world at Morehouse General Hospital, and we are committed to providing quality healthcare before, during, and after birth for all of our mothers and their babies.
Dr. Martin Young graduated from the University of London in London, England. He completed a fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at Children’s Hospital of Boston and in 1992 was appointed Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Tulane University Medical School. He is a member of the Endocrine Society and the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Young has practiced for more than 30 years and in 2012 joined the medical staff at Morehouse General Hospital. He is accepting new patients at his practice in Bastrop, located at 420 South Vine Street. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 283-3032.
Dr. Janos Guoth graduated medical school in Hungary and relocated to the U.S. in 1986. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Guoth has practiced in the U.S. for more than 25 years and has been a valued member of the Morehouse General Hospital medical staff for the last six years. He is board certified with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is currently accepting new patients at his practice in Bastrop, located at 425 South Vine Street. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 281-8555. Dr. Curtis Sanders earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas, School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport in 2000. He practiced at EA Conway in Monroe for 12 years before joining the medical staff at Morehouse General Hospital. Dr. Sanders is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He is accepting new patients at his practice in Bastrop, located at 618 South Washington. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 281-5035.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 61
BayouBuzzworthy
On Friday, May 2, Louisiana Tech University will host the opening reception for the 2014 BFA Photography Exhibition at the Enterprise Center at the university. The reception is free and open to the public. Students featured are: Whitney Caskey, Austin Elgin, Morgan Kee, Hannah Merritt, Caleb Rhea, Kevin Reddic, Shradha Sharma-Bhandari and Cecily A. Stevenson. The exhibition will be on display from May 2 - Friday, May 23 from 6 - 8 p.m. For more information call 318.257.3890 or email dorene@latech.edu. The Enterprise Center is located at 509 West Alabama Avenue in Ruston, LA.
>
“Fire Flight” by Cecily A. Stevenson
Lefebvre Celebrates A Decade
In 2004, Lefebvre Veterinary Clinic opened the doors on a state-of-the-art animal hospital in the heart of north Monroe. Located at the corner of Duvall Street and Broadmoor Avenue in Monroe, the clinic boasted more bed space, kennels, and surgery center to allow the popular practice to continue to grow and serve its clients better. Lefebvre Veterinary celebrated its 10th Anniversary March 1 with an open house. The day-long event featured fun for all ages, including door prizes, give-aways, and games. Also, artists were on hand for face painting, photographers took photos of families and pets, and spent time visiting with other pet owners. Lefebvre also held raffles for a host of prizes for everything from free nights in the luxury pet suites to a multi-tiered cat house. Proceeds from the raffles were donated to the Delta Humane Society and the River Cities Humane Society for Cats. Pets and their families spent the entire day at Lefebvre doing what they do: enjoying time with friends, playing around, and having a great time. Here's to another ten great years for Lefebvre Veterinary Clinic.
>
LA Tech BFA Photography Exhibition
62 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 63
PA S S I N G I T O N
Dan Chason pictured with Andy Chason and his son, Cooper, on his first fishing trip.
Bayou Outdoors I am rarely at a loss for words. There aren't a whole lot of things that really hit me in my core, but this past weekend I experienced that feeling. My son, Andy called me and asked me what I was doing on the following weekend. His son, COOPER JUST TURNED ONE and he wanted to take him on his FIRST FISHING TRIP with me. by DAN CHASON
64 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
eedless to say, everything else on my plate was pushed aside as I don't want to miss any opportunity to be with my family, especially when it comes to sharing my love of fishing. That love was born many years ago, when my father, an avid fisherman, used to insist on taking me as even as a baby on trips fishing. I am told my first fishing trip resulted in my stroller rolling into the water. It probably had something to do with my wanting to be closer to the fish. Many trips later, I could soon be found on my own, pedaling my bicycle down a country road with my rod and reel strapped on the handlebars. I didn't know what I was doing, I just knew I loved to fish. Fishing was the catalyst to get me to work at all of my chores. If you wanted to go fishing, there was a chore that had to be completed so you could go. That passion never left me and I still have the same drive and passion for some unknown reason. There is something about taking an artificial lure and making a fish bite it that creates a challenge for me. There aren't many things that give me as much pleasure as that feeling when I catch a fish. Well into my teen years, everything took second place to fishing. I bought my own truck at age 15 and my first boat at age 16. Work was the necessity to finance my fishing. I would go to high school, drive my little sister home from school, return to work at McDonald's until late at night, then leave there for my nightly trip to Bayou DeSiard. It was there that my fishing skills were honed. When you have only a trolling motor and an aluminum boat with no depth finders/fish finders or any other
N
My prayer is that, 31 years from now, Cooper Reid Chason will sit on that same pier with his son and talk about the first trip he took fishing with his Dad...and his grateful Pop.
way to locate fish, you learn to rely on other issues. Learning weather patterns, fish patterns, bait fish, cover and all of the things that give an angler the advantage are learned when you are forced to learn them. Probably the best learning tool there is comes when you fish with multiple partners. Every person I have ever fished with taught me something. That is still true today. I believe that when you think you have learned it all, you have stopped growing. My desire since day one was always to be the best I could be. I am not saying I have ever come close to being the best, but it is a repeated challenge every time I get on the water. So, when Andy called my first statement was probably not well received. I think it has something to do with my son's confidence in my abilities on the water. The boy thinks I can catch a fish in a bathtub. I told him that the water temperature wasn't right and we would be fishing on a high barometer. I think my exact words were, "It's gonna be a miracle if we get a bite.� On this particular Sunday afternoon, Andy, Cooper and my daughter-in-law arrived for a short visit with my wife, Michele, and me at our home. You could tell that Andy was excited, but to be quite honest I was wishing it was a lot warmer and that the Spring time pattern was in bloom.
We rode down to the pier on my UTV and took my youngest grandson, Cooper on what would be a very slow afternoon of fishing. He was using the Spiderman rod and reel I had bought him for his birthday and I sat back to let my son lead the way. That is when it happened. When I saw the patience, the love and the act of giving my grandson the fishing experience that he was receiving from my son, it literally brought a tear to my eye. I remembered that same big footed, blue eyed boy that followed my every step growing up. I remembered one time when my neighbor told me he came home from lunch to see 5 year old Andy squatted on my driveway, pole in hand, watching a cork attached to the line of his pole, intently waiting for it to move. Problem was he was "fishing" in a mud puddle created when I would miss the driveway pulling into my house, which created a rut that would fill with rain water. My neighbor said he went in, ate lunch and came out only to see Andy still intently watching the cork. He asked Andy a very important question: "You catching anything, Andy?" His response was classic as Andy looked up and only replied, "Not yet.� Andy returned to his "fishing" and that memory came back to me as I knew my son, too had been bitten by the fishing bug. To see it repeat 31 years later made me grateful. Grateful to D.C. Chason, my Pop and to Robert L. Chason, my Dad and to all the great men I have met fishing. They made a lasting impression on me that carries on until this day. My prayer is that 31 years from now, Cooper Reid Chason will sit on that same pier with his son and talk about the first trip he took fishing with his Dad.....and his grateful Pop.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 65
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, butterflies, bubbles and beautiful eyelashes – these are a few of our favorite things. Hop on over to our local children’s boutiques for gorgeous Easter finery and much more this Spring.
photography by STACI ALBRITTON MITCHELL illustrations by MELANIE MOFFETT
THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE Lila looks like a princess in this precious blush dress with ruffled accent from The Children’s Shoppe in Ruston. 66 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
THE SPOTTED GIRAFFE Emma Kate is cute as a button in this tw0-piece outfit from the Spotted Giraffe. We adore the tropical colors and bold print. APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 67
THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE This little bunny is an Easter dream in this precious smocked dress. Pair a simple sandal and custom bow for a complete look. 68 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
THE SPOTTED GIRAFFE Emma Kate is a ray of sunshine in this polkadot and floral romper. Magenta sandals and a bow complete the Easter ensemble. APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 69
The Little Old Lady From Pasadena BY MARLEN WATERS
W
hen you get to celebrate your 100th birthday, you get birthday wishes from places you never dreamed of! Like the President of the United States and his wife, Willard Scott on the Today show, and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade among others. What? The Tournament of Roses? Margaret Anita Glascock Shadow of Ruston turned 100 years young in March and her life was celebrated at a party in her honor with more than 200 friends and family. “Miss Margaret” as she is affectionately known in Ruston is originally from Alhambra, CA. Her grandparents were good friends with General George Patton’s parents and the four of them were some of the founders of the famous Tournament of Roses Parade that we now watch on television each New Year’s Day. A few years ago her daughter, Loretta Shadow Owens, and several friends went back to Pasadena and participated in decorating one of the parade floats. Now the Tournament of Roses Committee has issued Margaret a special invitation to come to Pasadena next New Year’s Day and RIDE on one of the floats! While studying at Woodbury College in Burbank, a prestigious school of business, she met her future husband, the late Hale Shadow. He graduated and came to Louisiana to work for his older brother Glen Shadow, in the Coca Cola Bottling industry in 1935. Unable to do without Miss Margaret, he sent her a telegram and went back to California, married her and put her on a train for Ruston, Louisiana. When Hale died in 1999, they had been married for 65 years. Margaret and Hale had two daughters, Loretta Shadow Owens (now of Ruston and married to James Owens) and Anita Frances Shadow Lawson (now of North Carolina and married to Phillip Lawson). There are five grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. 70 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
Margaret has been an active member of the Ruston community from the beginning. She worked alongside her husband at the Ruston Coca-Cola Bottling Plant off and on for many years. She was an active member of the Women’s Department Club, the Arts Club, the Lincoln Council on Aging and a Bridge Club that has been meeting for over 50 years. She and her family are active members of Trinity United Methodist Church where she served on numerous committees. One of her proudest achievements was her involvement with the Girl Scouts of America Troop 45. Over the years she had fifteen girls achieve the “Curved Bar Award” which is the equivalent of the Boy Scouts’ “Eagle Merit Badge.” Her wonderful party was attended by friends and family from all over the United States and was held at her daughter Loretta’s art studio, where the decorations included her daughter’s and friends’ paintings and a fantastic, huge floral arrangement of 100 pink and red roses. The refreshments included a purple polka dot threetiered cake complete with candles and food that represented California as well as Louisiana. Family and friends filled a large basket with many cards and good wishes. The favor for all attendees was a refrigerator magnet of a painting her daughter did of “Miss Margaret” holding flags. Margaret has always said, “It is not what you go through, but rather how you go through it.”
Ruth Judd and Cathy Judd
Anita Lawson, Margaret Shadow, Nancy Garrison and Loretta Owens
Patricia Flournoy and grandchildren with Miss Margaret
Miss Margaret blowing out her candles
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 71
25
ESSENTIALS FROM JANELLE SNELLINGS BY RHEAGAN SUTTON
White Crisp Shirt French Manicure Fringe Cocktail Shorts Gold Hoop Earrings Highlighting Powder by Too Faced Yoga Pants by Lululemon Versace Sunglasses Gucci Flora Perfume BB Cream by Tarte Moisturizer by Skin Medica Laura Mercier Powder Revlon Balm Stain Ankle Boots Rigaud Candle: Reine de Nuit Festive Cocktail Napkins Citrus Squeezer for Salads, Fish or Lemonade Tassel Necklace/Jewelry Fedora White Skinny Jeans Spray Tan or Sally Hansen’s Airbrush Legs Turquoise Clutch Sundresses Mojo Accent Pillow Frayed Shorts
72 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 73
KEDM Director’s Gala Mark Your Calendar for KEDM Public Radio Director’s Gala at ULM on April 5, 2014
A
N EVENING OF WISHES, DREAMS AND THE PATH to fulfilling them begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday April 5 with the KEDM Public Radio Director’s Gala for Into the Woods, at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The ULM Sculpture Garden will be transformed into a garden of magic before the Saturday performance at 7:30 p.m. of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical. “Stuart Scalia and Karen Bennett are casting their spell on the garden to make this a truly unforgettable night.” says Lila Strode, KEDM development director and event chair. “It’s such a fun and creative atmosphere!” KEDM Community Advisory Board member Jorenda Stone says, “The Gala is a terrific way to spend an evening, knowing you’re supporting the mission of local public radio and the ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts. It’s just the thing to get ready for the abundance of talent on stage.” The cast of Into the Woods, with Director Robin Stephens and Musical Director Dr. Jason Rinehart, will be on hand to meet and mingle with guests. The magical evening also features live music by ULM student guitarist John Farmer. The forest-inspired menu with “roast beast” and other fare from local restaurants highlights Chef Eric Johnson & Company, Chef Pat Nolan Catering, iDream Cake, Chow Baby Catering, and others. “Happily Ever After” is the specialty beverage of the night, sponsored by Leigh Ann and Stacey Goff and concocted by Chip Strode. Beer and wine, including “Once Upon a Vine” wines will also be served. “KEDM is again thrilled to partner with VAPA at ULM. Into the Woods tells familiar fairy tales with a depth of human experience that only Sondheim can offer,” says General Manager Jay Curtis. “Year after year, the VAPA creative team puts in hundreds of hours to bring a show to life for local audiences. I’m sure this will be yet another huge success.” The event is sponsored by Fiesta Nutrition Center, the Northeast Louisiana Arts Council, Marsala Beverage, BayouLife Magazine, Sir Speedy, CARS Charitable Auto Resources, Choice Brands, Snellings, Breard, Inabnett, Sartor & Trascher, and Richard and Jean Harrison. With Gala tickets, guests also receive preferred seating at Into the Woods on Saturday. The full run of performances are April 3-5 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit ulmtickets.com or call 318-342-1414. Gala tickets are available online at www.kedm.org or by calling 318-342-5556. 74 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
Commitment to Excellence
P&S Surgical Hospital Designated a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology
BY LINDA HOLYFIELD, PRESIDENT AND CEO, P&S SURGICAL HOSPITAL
P
&S SURGICAL HOSPITAL HAS BEEN DESIGNATED A Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology—one of the first 100 hospitals in the country to earn the distinction. This honor—given by the AAGL and Surgical Review Corporation—recognizes the efforts of both our surgeons and our hospital in delivering safe, effective, evidence-based care to our patients. Local gynecology surgeons have been performing these procedures laparoscopically (a minimally invasive approach) since 1990. A few of those include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and hysterectomies. This new designation embodies our hospital’s commitment to patient safety and excellent surgical outcomes. We strive to provide our patients with the highest quality of care. Minimally invasive procedures often result in fewer complications, faster recovery and lower costs for our patients, and we have worked hard to improve these options for our female patients. The COEMIG designation process entails an extensive analysis and on-site evaluation of the hospital’s surgical facilities, operations, and surgical outcomes. The program is also structured to help providers continue to improve care quality and patient safety through training and education. Surgical facilities and surgeons must meet several requirements to be approved for the COEMIG designation. A few of those stipulations include: surgeons who possess significant, ongoing experience performing minimally invasive gynecologic procedures; a successful process for educating patients regarding procedure options; and a commitment to ongoing in-service education programs. For more information about the COEMIG designation requirements, visit: http://www.surgicalreview.org/coemig/requirements/ Meeting the requirements to be a Center of Excellence is an honor. I am so proud of our staff and our gynecology surgeons for their hard work in earning this distinction. To learn more about minimally invasive surgery offered at our hospital, call 388-4040.
P&S Surgical Hospital is a joint venture between St. Francis Medical Center and 50 specialists.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 75
BAYOUEATS Crawfish
[ARTICLE BY MICHAEL DEVAULT]
IT’S CRAWFISH SEASON IN THE SOUTH
When the hot summer months start to stare Louisiana down and Spring begins to coax the green back onto the trees, it’s time to slip on down to your favorite watering hole, juke joint, or seafood restaurant for a touch of Louisiana class, compliments of the men and women who spend their days purging, seasoning, and boiling up crawfish. That’s right, it’s crawfish season. And whether you want your crawfish spicy or mild, crab boiled or seasoned-on-the-shell, BayouLife is there to help you find that perfect mudbug. Photograph at Cormier’s
photography by Joli Livaudais 76 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
Crawfish are one of the most recognizable symbols of Louisiana, and people from around the world associate the arthropod with backyard crawfish boils, community gatherings, and fun-filled parties at local eateries. But like so many other Louisiana fine dining experiences, crawfish have a season. You can only get this delicacy from late November until Independence Day--if your lucky. So you won’t want to wait too long before you dive into a few pounds. Spicy or mild, steamed or boiled, seasoned in the water or on the shell, we've made the rounds to help you pick the perfect place to get your mudbug fix.
W
LARRY CORMIER, OWNER
[CORMIER’S] 1205 FORSYTHE AVENUE IN MONROE
hen it comes to crawfish restaurants in Monroe, there has to be a first. That title belongs to Larry Cormier and Cormier's, on Forsythe Avenue in Monroe. Larry brought an original south Louisiana recipe to the Twin Cities almost by accident. He never intended to open a restaurant. "I moved to Monroe to manage a rice farm," Larry says. "I started serving crawfish to some of the duck hunters who came to the farm to hunt." When farming took a turn for the worse, Larry knew he needed to do something to provide for his family. A few months later, Cormier's was born in a converted gas station and the rest is history. "I really didn't think this thing would get as big as it is." From late November through the end of June, Cormier's opens its doors--and its patio, and the parking lot--to patrons from around the state, who crowd in around picnic tables to consume pounds of Larry's secret recipe-which has evolved very little since he first came to Monroe. "The basics of how we do things, ain't nothing changed," Larry says. Over the years,
Larry's family have all gotten hands-on with the business. His son Jamie was running the kitchen the day BayouLife visited. Larry's other children are involved in the operation, though, as are his grandchildren when they're not away at school. It's all part of the family atmosphere at Cormier's, which includes the ubiquitous space jumper in the parking lot for the kids. Larry notes that this is how he grew up eating crawfish as a kid, and Cormier's crawfish have become a north Monroe tradition. The Cormier's recipe calls for crab boil in the water, which gives the crawfish a bit of a kick. Also, there's lemon, other seasonings, and even a little salt. But the cooking method is what sets Cormier's apart from other vendors. Where most chefs boil the crawfish "until they're done," Cormier's method stops short of that. The crawfish are then "shocked"-dumped into colder water, seasoned, and then put into a steamer trunk. The finishing cooking time is done in the steamer--a 100gallon Igloo Ice Chest, where master cooks douse the crawfish in Cormier's secret blend of spices. The steam, Larry says, forces those
spices into the crawfish. The result of this method is firmer tail meat, a fast, crisp peel time, and a subtle spice that doesn't overwhelm the taste of the crawfish. That's a good thing, too, because Larry says Cormier's uses only the best crawfish he can find. Seasoning the crawfish after cooking, Larry adds, provides more control over what the end product tastes like. And what about that taste? "All I can tell you is we've been voted the best crawfish for 25 years in a row," Larry says. His crawfish speak for themselves. They're mild at first, but they get hotter pretty quick, so you'll want to keep something cold handy to wash them down with. Before Cormier's shuts down, be sure to drop by for lunch, too, where you can chow down on a Pig Sandwich, a dripping, spicy slab of deliciousness on New Orleans Gambino bread. The sandwich developed as Cormier's began offering fresh Boudin, which involves cooking rice with a hog butt. "Dad thought it'd be good on a sandwich," says Jamie. "He tried it and now it's our best selling sandwich."
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 77
[CATFISH CHARLIE’S]
DOUG WOOD
2329 LOUISVILLE AVENUE IN MONROE
W
hen Doug Wood bought Catfish Charlie's seven years ago, he knew he wanted to expand the menu options and grow the business. Three years in, he found his stride when he added a crawfish season. Doug is comfortable, though, with his relative newcomer status in the world of Monroe Crawfish. "I love crawfish," Doug says. "I love cooking 'em." He's mastered Catfish Charlie's technique, too. Immediately after removing the crawfish from heavily seasoned boiling water, chefs dump a bus tub of ice on top of them to "shock" them. Before the ice, though, comes what Doug calls their secret weapon: soak time. "We leave the crawfish in the pot for five to seven minutes," he says. "Then we put it in the ice chest."
78 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
The ice bath causes the shells to rapidly contract and loosen, easing the peeling process and allowing more flavor in. That flavor is different from other restaurants because of a unique twist on the traditional crab boil recipe, according to Doug, who says he's worked to perfect the Catfish Charlie's recipe. "We feel like we have a totally different flavor profile, because of our preparation," he says. For a bonus, each serving of crawfish comes with the traditional potatoes and corn. But Catfish Charlie's also adds a serving of smoked sausage to the tray. Doug says he was surprised how quickly people took to the idea. "If we forget to put it on the tray, they'll come back and ask for it," he says. Between the sausage and the crawfish, you're in for a flavor explosion. The sausage is smoky and rich, the crawfish fluffy and fla-
vorful. Well-seasoned crawfish offer plenty of spice but not too much heat. You'll notice they're spicy, but your lips won't burn off. And for those brave souls who like it hotter, there's a big box of Tony C's on every table. What sets Catfish Charlie's apart from the other crawfish vendors is that the restaurant does not offer beer, wine, or spirits, a holdover from the restaurant's earliest days as a family eatery. "This is the only crawfish environment in town without alcohol or beer," Doug says. His crawfish colleagues questioned the logic at first, but for Catfish Charlie's, which has never served alcohol, the lack of beer hasn't hindered. They still sell plenty mudbugs every season. While you're waiting on thosefirst five pounds to make it to the table, be sure to order the fried cheese sticks. Unlike many restaurants, who use pre-breaded mozzarella sticks, Catfish Charlie's fried cheese is lightly coated in a homemade batter and deep fried. The result is striking. A crispy, airy batter gives way to hot, melted cheese. Whether dunked in marinara sauce or ranch dressing, fried cheese at Catfish Charlie's is a must-try. Also, for those non-crawfish eaters, Doug recommends the Thin and Crispy basket, a selection of wafer thin catfish fillets deep fried to perfection. "We were the first to bring the thin catfish to Monroe," Doug says. "It's our best seller." Served with hush puppies and french fries, the Thin and Crispy is a good alternative to the spicy critters, and it's available year-round.
T
om Hardy opened Riverside Coney Island as a small hotdog and burger stand in 1988. With seating for thirty or so inside, the diner was all he was aspiring to with his wife, who helps run the business. Two years later, though, he dropped his first crawfish into a pot of boiling water and changed his future. Today, Riverside Coney Island is by far the largest seller of crawfish in northeast Louisiana. Today, Riverside Coney Island occupies half a city block under tents, canopies and awnings. In the massive outdoor kitchen, Tom's crew will prepare and serve tons of mudbugs each week. To supply this massive operation, Tom "buys from everyone." If a farm has crawfish, chances are he's already cooking them. "I run my trucks back and forth every day," Tom says. Riverside Coney Island's crawfish are the perfect blend of all the elements of a crawfish. They're spicy, flavorful, easy to peel. Served with corn and potatoes, Tom sells them by the pound. If you need an endorsement of Tom's product, look no further than the seating area, where some 300 seats are available, cafeteria style, which Tom says is a throwback to the way they do things in south Louisiana. On any given night the place is packed to the gills. "We get so busy sometimes we have to put tables almost to the road. And then we fill them all up." In addition to crawfish, patrons dine on hotdogs, gourmet hamburgers, and a half dozen other popular dishes that keep Riverside Coney Island busy year round. Tom is always there, too, smiling from beneath the rim of his black fedora. Sometimes he's on the floor, running his signature buckets of beer from table to table. At others, you'll find him in the hut, dishing out orders to go by the bag full. Every once in a while, you'll find him on the stage, talking to the band or to the Karaoke emcee. Throughout the season, Riverside Coney Island has live music. There are also games for the kids, so that everyone has something to do. "Dad can drink a beer and mama doesn't have to hire a baby sitter," says Tom. It's an interesting place to find a man who moved to Monroe after getting married in 1976. He says his success shouldn't be a surprise, though, because he comes from Canada, "where the real Cajuns came from."
TOM HARDY
[RIVERSIDE CONEY ISLAND] CORNER OF WALNUT AND LOUISVILLE AVENUE IN MONROE
M
[CRAWFISH CITY]
onroe hardly has the market cornered on delicious crawfish delicacies. Now in it's 12th crawfish season, Jeff Jarrell and John Hopper Jr.'s West Monroe enterprise has become an institution. And at this institution, the name says it all. Crawfish City. "We are a seasonal business," says Jarrell. So don't wait too long to visit, because Crawfish City is only open during crawfish season, when they'll serve up hundreds of pounds of crawfish to thousands of patrons who pack the restaurant from open til close, every day of the week. "We have our own way of doing it," Jarrell says. That way includes a unique, rustic atmosphere and an enclosed play area for children complete with a party jumper. Over the years, they've become a different kind of family tradition, too, as the same employees return season after season. Eventually, though, even the best employees grow up and move on.
80 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
3426 CYPRESS STREET IN WEST MONROE "Then their little sisters and brothers come to work for us," says Jarrell, who hires the same students each year from West Monroe and West Ouachita High School and ULM. When you turn up at Crawfish City, chances are you'll see the familiar faces you saw last year and the year before. They'll bring you a cold Bud, a few pounds of crawfish, and maybe some of their famous boiled shrimp if you ask for them. While they offer a great quality product, Jarrell says Crawfish City's crawfish are "middle of the road" when it comes to the spice. That's by design. "Everybody's tastes are different," Jarrell says. "So we try to hit it in the middle, not too spicy, but not too bland." The goal is to give each customer a satisfying experience with every bite. All things being equal, though, all that brave soul need do is ask, and Crawfish City will "turn it up a notch." "We'll heat 'em up for the people who ask," Jarrell says.
Business is booming, in spite of a changing market. Since Jarrell and Hopper opened Crawfish City in 2002, the market for crawfish has expanded from just Louisiana and parts of Alabama, to a more national profile. "They're taking crawfish to Houston and Dallas, Birmingham, all over the place," Jarrell says. That means locals have to compete harder for the same crawfish that are produced at home. In fact, the proprietors of each of the restaurants BayouLife visited noted the changing nature of the crawfish industry. In the last ten years, the season has gotten much longer, often extending to well past July 4, but the supply has grown tighter due to the popularity of Louisiana cuisine throughout the country. The quality of crawfish has improved, too, according to Jarrell. So while patrons pay a bit more for crawfish than they did in days past, Jarrell says they're still getting a great Louisiana product for a great value.
[CYPRESS INN ON THE BAYOU] 7805 DESIARD STREET IN MONROE
I
82 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
f you have a desire to relax over the water in the shade of a towering cypress tree while plowing through ten pounds of crawfish, your destination is Cypress Inn On the Bayou, where Vic Hendricks and crew will keep you well served throughout your visit. Between the service and the crawfish, you're sure to be satisfied, but when a gentle breeze comes across the deck from the bayou, you'll think you've arrived in paradise, or at least Louisiana's version of it. Vic says it's designed that VIC HENDRICKS way. "This restaurant is literally built on top of the water," he says. The restaurant has seating for at least fifty with direct views of Bayou DeSiard. A deck outside seats another forty. Atmosphere aside, from November to July, Cypress Inn On the Bayou is all about the crawfish. "We're the only restaurant in town that serves All You Can Eat crawfish," Vic says. As a matter of pride and friendly competition, Vic says he tries to beat the competition to market every year. "I like to have the first crawfish served in Monroe every year, and I like to be the guy who sells the last one, too." Cypress Inn's crawfish are hotter on the front end than some of the others in town, so be prepared for the heat. But the hotness quickly gives way to a flavor journey down the palette that includes lemon, white pepper, red pepper, crab boil and something else, too. Wait. Is that garlic? While almost every crawfish recipe calls for garlic in some form, those recipes moderate the garlic with salt and pepper, lemon juice, or other flavors. But not Cypress Inn On the Bayou. They revel in the pungent spice. "We use a ton of garlic," Vic says. There's minced garlic, powdered garlic, whole cloves in the water. Even the powdered seasoning that added after the crawfish are boiled includes garlic. Don't panic, though, because the garlic doesn't overpower the crawfish. It adds a unique burst of flavor, opens up the other spices, and allows you to enjoy all the other flavors on the plate. During those moments when that garlic combines with the heat, kick back with a cold mug of draft beer and watch ducks and geese paddle by. Wander over to the rail and look down, where you'll see dozens of turtles milling about, fish schooling around the posts, and even a few squirrels in the trees. Wildlife are everywhere. And it seems they're all waiting on something. Look no further than the center of the deck, where a friendly sign reveals what it is the wildlife are looking for. The "Bayou Feeder" dispenses a helping of nutritional pellets that pretty much every animal on the bayou seems to enjoy. It's a good way to spend a family evening, letting the kids feed the animals while the parents enjoy adult company. And it's all built around the crawfish. If you want to try something a little different, consider adding a salad bar trip to your meal. Or, dig into a Cypress Inn Special--a fried or grilled catfish fillet served over rice and topped with crawfish étouffée. Whatever you do, make sure to try the fresh oysters on the half shell, a cold, icy finish to the perfect meal.
Revision Breast Augmentation
Dr. Timothy Mickel Discusses Surgical Revision
I
BY TIMOTHY J. MICKEL, MD, FACS, BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
“ F AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED,TRY, try, again,” “never give up,“ and “third time’s a charm” are all phrases that speak to our belief in the importance of persistence and perseverance. And certainly, being willing to accept failure on the path to success is a core American ideal. But one realm in which most people agree it’s better to get it right the first time is medical care – particularly surgery. Yet many people choose a doctor based on factors like price, not on results, which can lead to the need to visit the operating room a second time. Since I started my practice in 1990, I have done over 1,600 breast augmentations. It is one of the most common procedures I perform. While things go very smoothly and the results are predictably good in the vast major-
ity of my patients, occasionally issues arise that require surgical revision. Usually these issues are minor – elevating one breast for better symmetry or, perhaps, a change in implant size. My revision rate for breast augmentation is less than five percent. Although revision of my own cases is relatively rare, patients are frequently referred to me for revision of breast augmentations done elsewhere. Many of these patients do not have minor issues. Over the past 24 years, patients have come to me with problems ranging from implant malposition, to hard, deformed breasts, to dramatic asymmetry, to ruptured implants. Fixing these problems could require switching to a cohesive gel implant (“gummi bear”), using an implant with a different size or shape, moving the implant
to a new pocket above or below the muscle, removing excess skin, performing a breast lift, or all of the above. Each patient ‘s situation presents a unique surgical challenge requiring flexibility, creativity, and judgment – all of which a surgeon develops over time, with experience. The vast majority of my breast revision cases are in patients who had their initial surgery somewhere else. While some surgeons wince at the idea of fixing a problem they didn’t create, I find these cases both challenging and satisfying. A major revision is always more difficult than the initial procedure. Giving the patient an honest assessment of the situation and a realistic idea of what can be accomplished is paramount, and being able to provide that reality check as well as a custom solution is also the product of years of experience. It has been my privilege over the past 24 years to earn the confidence of countless satisfied patients and the respect of scores of referring physicians who entrust me with their friends, relatives, and patients in need of surgical revision of breast procedures done elsewhere. Of course, I would rather do their initial procedure – nothing works as well as CONTINUED ON PAGE 109
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 83
BayouKidZ
Role Models How Trey Altick’s Character Continues Shaping Young Lives by Cindy G. Foust
I
’m wondering if anybody in the BayouLife nation is ready for spring besides me? I am tired of cold, depressing days with little sunshine and dreary moods. To further the dreariness, just last week I had to attend the funeral of a dear family friend who was a role model to not only me, but countless others throughout his entire life. I suppose in this day and time, I should use the word “role model” loosely, because there seems to be less and less of those around anymore. By way of definition, dictionary.com defines role model as “a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people.” Hmmmmm (long drawn out expression), let’s see…do I want my children emulating someone that licks a wrecking ball, someone that resists arrest after he gets a DUI while driving his yellow Lamborghini in a drunken stupor at high rates of speed (because that’s an automobile commonly driven by 19-year olds), or someone that beats up his girlfriend after he’s nominated for a Grammy? No, I think I would rather have my children emulate someone like the late Rodney Cannon, whose funeral I attended last week. “Mr. Rodney” was a giant among men, literally and figuratively – tall, strong and deeply devoted to God and his family. No, he didn’t leave behind a Grammy in his trophy case or a television show on the Disney channel; rather, he left something much more valuable…a life well-lived with integrity, with loyalty and with a sense of humor that 84 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
was unmatched. He was truly an inspiration and his legacy will be treasured for years to come. Speaking of inspirations, I am quite confident the way I jump around with my column topics, that some readers may wonder where I come up with my ideas. Quite frankly, they usually come from some event or instance in my life, i.e. a funeral. No, really. I won’t say a funeral was my inspiration for this month, but rather, an event that got me to thinking about who my role models actually were…who has actually influenced me…and since my children are never far from my thoughts, who are their role models? All of this thought seemed to coincide with a local high school baseball tournament named for someone who I think many thought of as a role model, Trey Altick. Now, I want to say that I never met Trey, but after my interview with his former coach, Tim O’Neal, I wish that I had. During Coach O’Neal’s first year as head coach at Neville High School, he had the privilege of coaching the young Trey Altick, then a high school freshman. Coach O’Neal described Trey as the “kid” that everyone liked and looked up to, and a coach’s dream because he was so coachable. Tim also called him the “somebody” because he was constantly saying “somebody, go get those balls,” or “somebody, rake this field” and Trey was always the “somebody” that would get it done. Coach O’Neal told a funny story of a time
when he teased Trey because his lips were really chapped and he knew Trey’s dad, being a dermatologist, would probably have some top-of-the-line chapstick. He told Trey after practice that he would have to run five miles if he didn’t get him the chapstick back the next day…as a joke of course, but in true Trey fashion, he called his mom and they had Coach his chapstick back within a few hours. What a priceless memory. Even though his young life was cut short at the end of his tenth grade year in a tragic accident, it was apparent that Trey in fact had many friends who loved and admired him, as evidenced by the crowd at the hospital the night that he passed away. On that fateful night, Coach O’Neal said, “I looked up at the hospital, and I swear, all of Neville High School was there. It was amazing to see the support.” Adding to Tim’s amazement, was the strength demonstrated by Trey’s parents, Jay and Helena Altick, who “were actually comforting other people, rather than allowing themselves to be comforted. I have never seen anything like it in my life.” I am sure the sadness I feel for this tragic loss will come through the words of this col-
umn, but I hope it will be overshadowed by the admiration I feel for both this fine, young man and the strength this family has exhibited since Trey’s passing. I am sure there were many difficult days ahead of them subsequent to Trey’s death, none of which could have been any harder than when Coach O’Neal, his staff and team retired Trey’s jersey for the two years following his accident, framed it, and had Garrett Reno carry it with them to every game. Or when his parents attended the baseball team’s “senior night” the year Trey would have been a senior, and stood on the field to represent their beloved son. Or perhaps when they were approached about renaming the former Bayou State Prep Classic, a statewide baseball tournament, to the Trey Altick Louisiana Prep Classic. When asked about how the renaming of the tournament came about, Tim’s answer was simple, “When Catherine and Collins Coon and I approached the other coaches involved in the tournament about renaming it, they all thought it was a great idea and were all for it. It was interesting because there are many schools involved in the organization of the tournament, but no one even considered or cared that Trey was a Neville student…he was someone’s son, brother and friend. The fact that Trey loved baseball and that he emulated the
type of kid that we all want our sons to be, made the decision a nobrainer.” This tournament has now grown into one of the largest high school baseball tournaments in the country, and this year it hosted 49 teams, which included last year’s 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A state champions. This year, the Alticks went to 11 different fields to throw out the first pitch, and each team gave Helena a bouquet of flowers and Jay a baseball. The lump in my throat just gets bigger. Why? Because I am not sure if the young men that play in the Trey Altick Tournament every year realize the “role model” they are playing for, but hopefully the readers of this column will realize, and appreciate, that role models are all around us, at every age, in every walk of life. Trey Altick was one of those role models. He may not have had the length in years that my dear friend Mr. Rodney had, but Trey too carried himself with the same devotion to his family, with the same integrity and with the same behavior that should be emulated, both by the young and the old. Trey’s legacy will also continue to stretch far beyond his years due to Hope7, the foundation started in his memory by his parents, which is another example of the grace and strength exemplified by his family. It sounds like good “role models” run in the family to me.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 85
Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice
T
HAT’S WHAT MY MOTHER TOLD us in an old nursery rhyme about girls and boys. And since she was so sweet and made the best of everything, how could we not think otherwise? Kool-aid and bologna sandwiches were our feasts in the summer. Her biscuits with honey in the morning kept us going ‘til lunch. We played outside all day and after school. We liked it that way, and she did, too. Yes, girls were wonderful, and our mother was the best. For the most part, Mom was right about girls. They sure smelled better than our friends, especially when we were about fourteen or so. And they started looking a lot better, too. So, fast forward to medical school, and we all had to "learn how to deliver a baby." I delivered my first baby after hours of instruction and very intense supervision in the
86 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
Charity Hospital in New Orleans. I will never forget that day. It changed me. People do this for a living? I was hooked. I did a detour in surgery before I came to my senses. My surgical experience lent a discipline in thinking and acting that I am very thankful for. After residency in obstetrics and gynecology, I have practiced in the Twin Cities ever since. Delivering babies and taking care of the mothers has been a privilege for me. Time marches on, as it has a way of doing, and my practice has changed. Missing my families' birthdays and holidays takes its toll, so I started concentrating on taking care of the mothers that I delivered and the other women that needed specialized gynecologic care. A glaring hole in the medical care in this area that I noticed was varicose vein care. We took care of venous problems in our surgical
training, so it was surprising that most of the folks here sought varicose vein treatments elsewhere. Women are more prone to this problem than men. What needed to be done was obvious, make contact with experts in this field and get training. It was there for the taking. After joining the American Phlebology Society, I made contact with experts in the field. I learned how veins worked and how they don't work. Part of my training was in Germany and Italy. There was opportunity to participate in missionary work in Latin America. The first vein clinic in Northeast Louisiana was established. Modern care of veins in this area began, and it was amazing to see how well the patients responded and felt! Women are especially prone to varicose veins, and they have more symptoms from these veins. Even though varicose vein problems affect men and women, by far women suffer more from this malady. Pregnancy places tremendous pressure on the leg veins. The predominate hormone in pregnancy affects veins. The same hormone in the latter CONTINUED ON PAGE 109
New Owner at Bob Moss Carpet One
Fresh Face Brings Same Great Quality and Service to the Next Level
S
INCE 1946,YOU’VE COME TO BOB Moss Carpet One for all your flooring, bath and countertop needs. And today you can still go to Bob Moss Carpet One and find that same great service. Now under new ownership, Bob Moss Carpet One is ready to meet your flooring, bath and countertop needs head-on. Lew Hubbard became owner on January 1, 2013 and is taking the flooring world by storm. “Of course we kept all current employees at Bob Moss,” says Lew. “They are a fantastic group to work with. I feel very fortunate. Forrest ‘Tree’ Erwin is our General Manager and has over 25 years flooring and tile expertise himself.” Your experience with Bob Moss Carpet One starts with one of our knowledgeable Interior Decorators, Nancy Shutt and Jamie Pit-
man. They can help turn your living area into a showplace, and at no extra cost! Frank Heyl, also in sales, will work with you on your commercial and residential needs including churches and businesses. Measuring and bringing samples to you is no problem at all! We want to help you in any way we can! In addition, we offer the Beautiful Guarantee on specific merchandise. If after we install your flooring, and you don’t like the color or style, we will replace it, at no cost. That’s right. No cost! This takes the guesswork out of your buying decision! Our crew of friendly, courteous and competent installers will make sure the job is done right. We even move furniture. With over 82 years combined experience in the flooring industry, you are sure to get a quality
Lew Hubbard, Owner of Bob Moss Carpet One
product and service that far surpasses your expectations. Bob Moss Carpet One is also your place to go for custom area rugs. We can order any rug you can dream up or have any carpet bound into any pattern you like. We also offer sports rugs with your favorite team’s logo or doormats with your business logo or family name. Bob Moss also has tremendous buying power through the national co-op, Carpet One. We also offer 12 months no interest financing. Bob Moss Carpet One—Beautiful Made Affordable!
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 87
CARE Auction
Go Care celebrated its first annual CARE Auction March 7, in West Monroe. Go Care volunteers organized the auction to raise funds for the organization, which provides HIV supportive and prevention services throughout northeast Louisiana. The first event of its kind, the CARE Auction was hosted at the Hilton Garden Inn. Guests enjoyed heavy hors d'oeuvres and specialty drinks while taking in the sounds of live music, visiting with friends, and bidding on the items donated for the cause. Among the items up for grabs during the auction were fine artworks by local artists, autographed sports memorabilia and music memorabilia, decorative items, and a vacation package. Two of the hottest items of the night were a New Orleans Saints Jersey bearing the name and number of Drew Brees, and a #18 Denver Broncos Jersey signed by quarterback Peyton Manning. Go Care board president Davy Norris said the community turned out to provide "tremendous support" at the CARE Auction. "We not only raised awareness of the the cause and raised some money, but people had a great time, as well," Norris said. If you missed this year's event, take heart. Go Care's board has already begun discussions about the 2015 auction. "There's no doubt we'll be doing this next year, and we're going to do it bigger and better," Norris said.
1
2
3
4
On the BayouScene
1 Dan Sumner and Mark McCleery 2 Davy Norris Jr. with Jim and Mary Lou Rountree 3 Elisabeth Grant-Gibson and Holly Casey 4 Je Johnson, Anthony Perkins, Jordan Mercer, Judy Gaddy, Kevin Caston and John Denison 5 Jo Ann Alley, Vickie Remillard and Judy Gaddy 6 Davy Norris Jr. 7 Fr. Whit Stodghill III, Judy Gaddy and Davy Norris Jr. 8 David Culp, Mark Windham, D.H. Clark, Anthony Perkins and Craig Henry 9 Patti Pate, Robin Hamaker and Beth Ingram 10 John Denison and Jorenda Stone 11 Robin Hamaker and Richard Womack 12 Judy Gaddy and John Denison
9
10
6
5
8
7
11 88 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
12
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 89
Landscaping and Lawn Experts
Northpro Landscaping and Lawn Care - North Louisiana’s Property Preservation Professionals
S
INCE 2009, NORHTPRO LANDSCAPING and Lawn Care has been serving the northeast Louisiana area and striving to keep their customers happy. Owner Tommy Neck has expanded his business to include seven crews, over thirty employees, and currently serves customers all over northeast Louisiana. No job is too big or too small for NorthPro, whether you are looking for help with design or maintenance. North Louisiana residents agree, as Northpro has been voted Best Lawn Care service of the Delta over the past few years. NorthPro Landscaping and Lawncare is one of the leading full-service landscaping companies in the Monroe/West Monroe area. Our services include landscape design, landscape maintenance, lawn care, hardscapes,
90 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
water features, outdoor lighting and debris removal. We have experienced landscapers and guarantee clean, prompt and reliable service. Tommy Neck has always loved the outdoors. At the age of sixteen he began mowing lawns for extra money. By the time he was out of high school he had employees to help him maintain his large customer base. Tommy has a landscape horticulture license (#3747) and an irrigator contractor license (#0442). Now a family man with a wife and three boys, he balances his work life with his family life working hard to promote his business and spend time with his kids. Tommy’s creativity and business sense are assets in his thriving business. He manages Northpro Landscaping and Lawn Care while keeping the same core values that the business was founded upon – clean, prompt, reliable
service the first time and every time. Northpro’s services include landscape design, landscape maintenance, lawn care, hardscapes, water features, outdoor lighting and debris removal. They employ experienced landscapers and guarantee clean, prompt and reliable service. “We started with a large empty yard and not much else. Tommy Neck and the crew at NorthPro helped us develop a plan to turn our blank yard into a beautiful outdoor retreat full of inviting places to relax, play and even birdwatch! Our yard now has several interesting shady spaces we use every day. His creative mix of flowers, trees, shrubs and hardscapes transformed the way we spend our time outdoors. His crew was always professional, on time, and kept us up to date with the project. Tommy called several times to inform me of the progress and ask my preferences on plants and colors. The hardscape he designed turned out better than I imagined and the budget was exactly what he estimated. Now that the project is complete we spend more time outside than we ever have before. I get compliments on my yard at least once a week! It’s like we added on to our home because we have so much more useful space outside. Thank you Tommy Neck and your crew for making our yard nicer than we dreamed it could be!” – Rebecca Frye
The Perfect Combination of Style, Comfort and Affordability
E
Burney’s Furniture Features the Nolan Sectional, by Catnapper
VERY ONCE IN A GREAT WHILE, casual contemporary design meets comfort in a way that is satisfying beyond measure. Burney’s Furniture offers to you this 3-Piece Nolan Bonded Leather Reclining Sectional, by Catnapper. Time and again, the Nolan brings tremendous satisfaction to its owners, not only because of the neutral look that compliments almost any living area, but because of the tremendous comfort and versatility you’ll get when it’s time to relax. Notice the strength and durability of the padded bonded leather cover, one of the most popular choices among today’s customers. There is extra-wide seating and reclining, along with extra-wide storage. As an added bonus, there are inset cupholders.
The sectional is made of a solid, hardwood frame with a steel spring seat box and base.
THE COLLECTION OF RECLINING AND POWER FURNITURE OPTIONS AT BURNEY’S One of the fastest growing categories in furniture is power. That means with the push of a button, the furniture reclines on its own. Most reclining/motion furniture also has a power option, and the additional cost is nominal considering the great function you are receiving. Burney’s not only has a large selection of the ever-popular Catnapper brand (made even more famous by our own Duck Dynasty) but is the area’s only La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio, which means that anything made by La-Z-Boy is
available to you. Burney’s carries a large inventory of La-Z-Boy furniture, and with our own in-house design team, we make it easy to custom order La-Z-Boy pieces with very reasonable turn around times. Serving you for decades, Burney’s wants to make sure it is easy and fun to update your home with the perfect combination of style, comfort and affordability! That’s Burney’s Furniture, 3111 Louisville Avenue in Monroe. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and by appointment.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 91
The Dream Home ARTICLE BY MARÉ BRENNAN
P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y J O L I L I VA U D A I S
At left: The dining area, designed by local decorator Clint Downing, chose a muted toned Oushak from Paul Michael to anchor the space. Downing artfully arranged table linens, china, goblets and flatware to create an Easter table fit for royalty. Bottom: Sited to take advantage of beautiful golf course views, the double French doors from Russell Moore lead into the spacious foyer where a large crystal and iron chandelier hangs.
Our community is coming together to raise funds for St. Jude Hospital by building a St. Jude Dream Home in sought-after Frenchman’s Bend in Monroe. APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 93
The façade of the Acadian French brick and stucco home employs generous eyebrow arched windows and double French doors. Ask any parent of a child with a life-threatening illness what it’s like to have St. Jude Hospital in your corner and to have the burden of the cost of your child’s treatment lifted in your time of crisis and you will know what a relief really means. Once again, our community is coming together to raise funds for St. Jude Hospital by building a St. Jude Dream Home in sought after Frenchman’s Bend in Monroe. Under the leadership of BRACO Construction, Brian and Christine Allen have been the contractors for the last four years’ St. Jude Dream Houses. This year, designer Misty Cordell was brought in to add her unique flair to the interiors of this incredible home. Of course, she enlisted many of her good friends to get this home, located on a quiet cul-de-sac and backing up to Hole #11 on Frenchman’s Bend Golf Course, in showplace-worthy shape. Tickets to win the home can be purchased locally at Regions Bank, Paul Michael Company and D&D Cleaners, or you can buy your ticket online at www.stjude.org. The home will be open for viewing every Saturday and Sunday from now until the winner is drawn on Sunday, April 27, 2014, on KARD FOX 14. Recalls Cordell of the process that took the empty lot to a home that’s ready for move-in day, “The house plan was our first step, and we began working on it in late September/early October of last year. We worked with Ray Bendily to layout the house. I conceded a garage on the front only if we could get a pretty garage door. We called Overhead Doors, and on the spot they donated the gorgeous wooden 94 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
door that you see on the garage.” Donors and sponsors are the key to making the Dream House work, maximizing the money that goes to help sick children recover and get back to being kids again. All in all, this year’s Dream House totaled approximately $60,000 in expenses with most of the cost of the home’s building supplies and labor being donated by national and local manufacturers and businesses including Shaw Flooring, Trane, Custom Carpets, Twin City Granite, Tempco Insulation, Hemphill’s Nursery, Rucker’s Custom Cabinets, LCR-The Plumbing Warehouse, Brizo, SEC Lighting, Barrett’s Appliances, Frenchman’s Bend, Custom Carpet, Elliott Lighting, Roofing Supply Group, Gilley’s Heating and Cooling, Hart Lighting, Decorative Concrete, Roy Wiggins Plumbing, Maxwell’s Hardware and Lumber, Russell Moore, Sherwin Williams, Arkansas Stone and Danny Fontenot Vinyl Siding. Mike McGee, whose own son fought a courageous battle at St. Jude, donated money from his son’s foundation which bought knobs for cabinetry and bathroom mirrors for the Dream House. While the furnishings for the most part do not stay with the home, they can be purchased from area retailers. Sited to take advantage of beautiful golf course views, the façade of the Acadian French brick and stucco home employs generous eyebrow arched windows from Maxwell’s Hardware and Lumber and double French doors from Russell Moore at the entry. A copper gas light by Hart Lighting illuminates the entryway. Landscaping was designed by
landscape architect Laurie Schween and installed by Trey Town’s Landcaping. Says Misty, “Trey came in with his crew and they had the entire gardens done in two days.” Cordell and her crew of designing friends called on area boutiques and home furnishing retailers when gathering the décor that brings the St. Jude Dream Home’s rooms to life. Anyone walking through the Open Houses will be able to realize the possibilities for how they too could decorate if they hear their name called on April 27. Light spills into the spacious foyer through French doors and from a crystal and iron chandelier above. A large abstract painting by local artist Polly Spence provides a dramatic focal point opposite double doors which lead to the home’s office/study which was decorated by Cordell. Twin bookcases with glass doors, a find from Paul Michael Company, are filled with objects such as duck decoys from The Muffin Tin. The antique desk and tapestry-upholstered arm chair are from Traditions. Hank Cordell, the designer’s son, provided the European mounted deer antlers that along with leather and chenille upholstered side chairs from the Gingerbread House add masculinity to the room. Paintings by Lissy Compton in mustard and black hues and grouse and pheasant mounts from Louisiana Purchases are outstanding decorative touches. Through an arched opening, the foyer opens into the home’s well-appointed den with a bank of French doors and windows that look out a covered outdoor living area and the golf course beyond. Rustique donated the mantel beam above the brick fireplace, as well as the antique beams that cross the extra height ceiling. Furnishings for the den were coordinated by local designer Chris Allums, pulling together traditional elements like a neutral linen sofa and rug from Paul Michael with a quirky coffee table made of a large tree root and abstract art from Polly Spence above an iron console table from Gingerbread House. Side chairs and pillows beside the fireplace are from Louisiana Purchases. The outdoor living space is certainly an extension of the St. Jude Dream Home that will be well loved and well lived for the future homeowner. Lincoln Outdoor Living donated an amazing stainless Viking outdoor grill that is the centerpiece for the area. Decorative Concrete Coatings put their artistry to work turning a simple concrete floor into a “slate” floor that is hard to distinguish from the real thing. Designer Amy Peters Simmermaker gathered metal butterfly chairs from Paul Michael, plants from Hemphill’s Nursery, including a geranium that smells like lemon verbena and repels mosquitos, and a pretty French basket from Louisiana Purchases to enliven the space. The ceiling of the space gets an outdoorsy treatment with cedar paneling provided by Rustique. The heart of this very open-concept home is the pièce de résistance kitchen. It is easy to imagine family and friends gathering around the island, seated at counter stools like the ones here which are sourced from Paul Michael and feature comfy upholstered seats in contrasting tones of grey and natural linen accented with a nailhead trim. Cordell enlisted Rucker’s Custom Cabinets to build the cabinetry throughout the home. Amy
Above: The well-appointed den has a mantel beam donated by Rustique above the brick fireplace. Furnishings for the den were coordinated by local designer Chris Allums, who pulled together traditional and quirky elements. Bottom: The outdoor living space was designed by Amy Peters who used a donated grill from Lincoln Outdoor Living as well as cedar paneling on the ceiling provided by Rustique.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 95
Peters Simmermaker faux finished the kitchen’s cabinetry, adding depth and character with each layer and wash. The kitchen, designed around a central island of natural wood topped with New Venetian Gold granite donated by Custom Carpet and Twin City Granite, features an Elkay sink of composite granite and resin and an incomparable Brizo faucet that spouts water with just a touch. Pendant task lighting by Elliott Lighting hangs above the island. Appliances throughout the kitchen are GE Café series and were provided by Barrett’s in Shreveport. Out of sight, but not out of mind, the refrigerator is hidden behind custom cabinetry panels that slip into its doors, and Cordell designed an appliance caddy cabinet just to the right of the oven that keeps small appliances like toasters and coffee machines tidily out of view when not in use. The architect and Cordell made sure storage options were at a maximum. Even the pantry off the kitchen gets a full set of drawers along with ample shelf space. A built-in chalkboard/magnet board beside the pantry will help any family stay organized. Helping to add continuity throughout the home is the use of Shaw’s Saddle 96 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
Maple flooring and Sherwin Williams’ paints in elusive neutral tones like Oyster Bay and Relaxed Khaki, which seamlessly connect each room. he dining area just beyond the kitchen was designed by local decorator Clint Downing. Beginning with a neutral palette, Downing chose a muted toned Oushak from Paul Michael to anchor the space. The panel drapery are from Fabulous Fabrics and the pendant light above the dining table is from Elliott Lighting. The antique French table, chairs, carved buffet and mirror were found at Traditions. Aiden Gray lamps are sourced from Paul Michael, as are the natural linen upholstered wingback chairs. Downing has artfully arranged table linens, china, goblets and flatware from The Muffin Tin to create an Easter table fit for royalty. The split bedroom plan features three bedrooms and two baths on one side of the home and a master bedroom and en suite on the other. Beyond the den through an archway are two children’s
T
Above: The heart of this very open-concept home is the pièce de résistance kitchen. Cordell enlisted Rucker’s Custom Cabinets to build cabinetry throughout the home. Amy Peters Simmermaker faux-finished the kitchen’s cabinetry. The kitchen, designed around a central island of natural wood topped with New Venetian Gold granite donated by Custom Carpet and Twin City Granite, features an Elkay sink of composite granite and resin and an incomparable Brizo faucet that spouts water with just a touch. Top Right: The little girl’s room is a study in tropical brights like tangerine and turquoise pillows that pop against white bedding, all from Coco’s inside Brazell Co. Bottom: The boy’s bedroom, also decorated by Cordell, is all-boy with unfinished, lodge pole pine bunkbeds from Brazell Co. and bandana inspired bedding from Coco’s.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 97
Win a house, help save kids' lives Get your $100 ticket for a chance to win a house with an estimated value of $340,000 or another great prize while helping St. Jude save the lives of children. The winner will be drawn on Sunday, April 27, 2014, on KARD FOX 14. The 4 bedroom/3 bath house, located at 208 Maison Drive in Monroe’s Frenchman’s Bend, will be open for the free tours every weekend through April 20. On Saturdays the home will be open from 9a.m. til 5p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5p.m. Register for free at the house to win the Open House Prize: a $5,000 gift card to Paul Michael Company. Prizes: Grand Prize: Monroe St. Jude Dream Home house, built by BRACO Construction, with an estimated value of $340,000. Early Bird Prize: Get your ticket by February 28 to be eligible to win the Early Bird Prize: groceries for one year (valued at $4,000), courtesy of Brookshire's. Open House Prize: Tour the home and register free to win the Open House Prize: a $5,000 gift card to Paul Michael Company. Tickets on Sale Prize: If you purchased your ticket by January 31, you are eligible to win a $5,000 Visa gift card. Other prizes: • laptop, courtesy of FSC Securities Corporation Member FINRA/SIPC, Douglas T Farr and Sandy R. Duplissey • Flair Jewelers gift certificate (valued at $4,000) • family portrait session with a 20" X 24" framed canvas and portrait package, courtesy of Patty Stewart Photography • dry cleaning for one year, courtesy of D&D Cleaners • flowers for one year, courtesy of Mulhearn Flowers • evening dinner package (valued at $1,000), courtesy of Waterfront Grill • original painting, courtesy of Polly Spence 98 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
rooms, a spacious guest bedroom and baths. The little girl’s room is a study in tropical brights like tangerine and turquoise pillows that pop against white bedding, all from Coco’s inside Brazell Co. Coco’s double gourd lamps in tangerine with crisp white barrel shades rest on iron and marble bedside tables in a unique clover-shape from Louisiana Purchases. The walls are dressed in artwork by Rhenda Saporito, an artist who is featured in the Masur’s current Juried Show. Herringbone patterned panel curtains and rods are from Hobby Lobby. Local artist Andrea May lent a colorful, shaggy dog portrait for the space as well. The Jack-and-Jill bathroom which connects the
two children’s rooms features Shaw Flooring’s Rockwood tile with a basketweave mosaic pattern on the floors and horizontal, linear Rockwood tiles that line the shower walls. LCR Plumbing donated jetted tubs, sinks and toilets throughout the home. The boy’s bedroom, also decorated by Cordell, is all-boy with unfinished, lodge pole pine bunkbeds from Brazell Co. and bandana inspired bedding from Coco’s. A striped, flatweave rug in denim blue and white stripes, also from Coco’s, lies beneath an antique steamer trunk from Traditions. To add a touch of whimsy, Cordell scoured Traditions and found an adorable antique arm chair upholstered to look like an old English wool suit,
Such an incredible project for such a worthy cause is deserving of your support. complete with leather elbow patches. Beneath an Andrea May painting of a hunting dog is a blue painted chest, also from Traditions. Just down the hall, Cordell imagines the guest bedroom as a relaxing get-away for overnight guests. Starting with a rug from Louisiana Purchases in muted shades of creams, greys, blues and browns, the designer used a wood frame, upholstered bed with nailhead trim at the foot and headboards from Brazell Co. and accented with duvets, Euro shams and throws from Coco’s. Bedside tables from Traditions are topped with gold lamps from Paul Michael. A large canvas by local designer and artist Margaret Moses in soothing shades reminiscent of a St. Barth’s lagoon is echoed in the turquoise velvet accent pillow from Louisiana Purchases. The windows that look out onto the 11th hole tee box of Frenchman’s Bend are covered with ready-made panels from Fabulous Fabrics. The guest bathroom also features Rockwood by Shaw Flooring linear tiles on the
shower walls. LCR Plumbing donated the carved wood vanity for the bathroom. Extra details make this master suite spectacular. Cordell had BRACO Construction craftsmen Bradley and Shane install Rustique’s gorgeous wood, recycled from pressed wine barrels, to cover the entire gabled ceiling of the master bedroom. A built-in window seat covered in accent pillows from Louisiana Purchases runs the length of the window which overlooks the fairway. Cordell uses a king-size bed from Brazell Co. with impeccable linens from Coco’s, including a romantic skirted coverlet and luxurious throws in shades of blue and sand. A cowhide upholstered bench is placed at the foot of the bed. Metal cage bedside tables and console from Woodstock lend a masculine feel to the room. A triptych by artist Polly Spence is placed on a long wall. In the master bath, Shaw Flooring donated a linear tile, “Madagascar,” which tile artisan Chris Docherty laid in a straight herringbone
pattern. In the walk-in shower with a frameless glass door, Cordell used glass subway tile by Shaw’s Glass Expressions line and a mosaic glass tile by Shaw called “Mixed Up” to create an incredible high-end look. Above the Jason jetted tub, provided by LCR Plumbing, is an Elliott Lighting crystal chandelier which coordinate with the mirror-mounted sconces over the his and hers vanities. Unusual, square Kohler vessel sinks from LCR are accented with Brizo tall “Charlotte” faucets. Vanity accessories like the mother of pearl trays were found at Woodstock. A walk-in closet is located between the two vanities through double doors. Such an incredible project for such a worthy cause is deserving of your support. And who knows? It only takes one ticket to be eligible to win this gorgeous house, but your ticket means so much more to the families who make those trips to Memphis and St. Jude Hospital. Don’t miss out on a chance to help save a life.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 99
Come Meet Our Builder
Jonathan Hill and Randy Shultz Build 21st Century Farm House for Fletcher Family
M
BY KEN FLETCHER
Y STORY IS ABOUT JONATHAN HILL and RANDY SHULTZ, the two men who brought to life my wife’s dream of building a new home that looked and felt old, but “smelled” new! But before Jonathan and Randy could start their magic in 2013... let’s go back to 1981. We bought one of the first acreage tracts offered for sale on Windlake Court in West Monroe. Underground electricity, small quaint lanes through tree-studded acreage leading to one of the most beautiful and mature lakes in our region were just a few of the lures. After purchasing our “dream lot,” and knowing that we could not yet build what this land deserved, we purchased a very modest home on a street with 12 little girls, assuming this would be our
100 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
home only a few years before building our “dreamer!” Then along came our daughter, and responsibilities and the “Windlake Home” was quietly put on hold... for 30 years! There is more, but that story is for another time. Remember, this story is about Jonathan Hill and Randy Shultz. Randy exhibited an unbelievable amount of patience as he drew this new old farmhouse from Karen’s 30-year collection of thoughts, pictures and imaginations! Now Jonathan Hill has breathed life into those plans and our life will never be the same! Jonathan and Randy fly below radar and quietly use their gifts to build others’ dreams! These men have character! One example... Jonathan quietly made a huge decision early on
that could have cost him much of his profit - and he didn’t blink an eye! That ONE decision confirmed what my heart already knew... that he would handle Karen’s dream with the respect it deserved and I could now go back to work and trust them to build her dream. (I did have a couple of opinions, but they were minor ones) “Reputation is what other people think about you – Character is what GOD KNOWS about you!” Jonathan and Randy have character! Join us SUNDAY, APRIL 13TH, 1-4 p.m. and see “THE HOUSE THAT JONATHAN BUILT” (with a lot of help from Karen, Randy and craftsmen!)
New Season Brings New Merchandise
F
Parterre Re-opens with Summer Classics, Sunbrella fabrics and More OR THE SPRING AND SUMMER seasons, Parterre is reopening with an exclusive line of outdoor furniture. Summer Classics, an Alabama-based company, is a premier manufacturer of quality resin wicker, cast aluminum, teak and wrought iron patio furniture. Their line of outdoor Sunbrella fabrics enables customers to personalize the look they want while withstanding all the elements of summer. Summer Classics outdoor furniture is exciting and unexpected, timeless yet fashionable. Offered a la carte or in sets, the line blends perfectly with what has always been available at Parterre. Our elegant concrete tables work beautifully with Summer Classics dining chairs and will complement our fountains, containers and statuary lines. Dining
chairs are available as side or arm chairs, and with or without cushions. Some are even stackable! The aluminum spring back lounge chair is not only comfortable, but lightweight. During the month of April, we are offering a 20 percent discount on any Summer Classics item in stock or by special order. Market in January was exciting! Lots of fresh new looks were found in our favorite showrooms! The latest in decorative accessories, lamps, garden products, art and gift items are coming in daily! Don’t forget that we also carry Wesley Hall Furniture, a custom upholstery line. The latest from High Point can be yours with a personal consultation. Our plant deliveries arrive weekly with new, beautiful and unique foliage. Easter and Mother’s Day are fast approaching and a
beautiful orchid makes both occasions extra special. Our bromeliad and Bird of Paradise plants are spectacular this Spring. The Kimberly Queen and Macho ferns are as big as we have seen! Ivy and ivy topiaries can be special ordered to arrive weekly, specifically the size and quantity needed. Consultations are available in your home or garden where we can assist you in selecting the perfect container or designing your complete outdoor area. Check out our Facebook page or come to the store for a visit. We are open Tuesday through Friday, 10-5 and Saturday 11-3 or anytime by appointment. We thank you for shopping locally and for your continued support.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 101
hen you hear your name called and step out onto the grass, the crowd cheers. The sun beats down mercilessly and, as you flex your fingers in your glove, the tight leather squeaks. Your teammates remove their caps and cover their hearts. The pop star is about to sing "The Star Spangled Banner." When she's done, you file out to your place on the field. An umpire steps behind the plate and shouts, "Play ball!" Then, you wake up. It's the dream of every American boy to play professional baseball, to spend a summer or ten on the mound or at first base for the Yankees or the Red Sox, the house that Babe Ruth built or the field made famous by Ted Williams. Maybe that dream is to walk in the footsteps of more recent heroes, men with names like Finley and Ryan, to play for the A's or the Rangers. As a rule, for most hopefuls the dream fades and ultimately is replaced by visions of pharmacy school or an MBA. Local boys Zach Kirksey and Raph Rhymes are proving the exception to that rule. Earlier this month, the pair traveled to Lakeland, FL, where they reported for Spring training with the Detroit Tigers. The 2014 spring training sessions are the first year for Rhymes, a standout from Neville
W
102 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
High School who drew national attention for Louisiana's own Tiger squad at LSU. For Kirksey, this isn't his first trip to Lakeland, so he mostly knew what to expect. Still, he's aware that he's worlds away from where he started. "This is my second Spring training," Kirksey told BayouLife Magazine. "So I kind of had an idea of what I'd be getting into. Knowing what I was in for made a lot easier transition this year. But it's definitely different from college." It's the first time for Rhymes, who was drafted in the 15th round. Because this is Rhymes's first trip to Lakeland, he's tring to take it all in, to appreciate the experience, and to learn the ropes. "This is a learning process for me," Rhymes said. "It's something new and I'm trying to learn from the older guys how things work. I'm focused on getting better at my craft." One of the biggest differences for both Kirksey and Rhymes is the sheer magnitude of Spring training. In college ball, as well as in high school, most teams top out at 35 players. Practices involve plenty of batting practice, fielding, and base runs, all in the comfort and familiarity of home field. Things are a bit different in Tiger Town, the sprawling facility the Tigers have called home each Spring since 1953.
Built on the side of Lodwick Field, a former Army Air Corps installation left behind after World War II, Tiger Town boasts five full-sized diamonds, practice facilities for pitching, for batting, for running. The camp is also home to gyms for workouts, tracks for running, and stands for the more than 100,000 spectators that will take in the intraorganization exhibitions as well as the preseason games between the Tigers and other Major League organizations. All the while, coaching staffs from the numerous Class A, Double A and Triple A Detroit organization "farm teams" work with some 180 players to hone skills and keep an eye out for the best talent. Their days start early. The players are up and out the door by 6:45 every morning. They meet in the locker room, have a brief workout, then eat breakfast before getting into the meat of their day. Batting cages give way to defensive drills, which yields to bunting practice and base running. Fortyfive minutes of relaxation time speeds by quickly before the players are put through a full-team stretch. Then, the players are split into groups just before lunch. After they grab a quick lunch, the fun begins. "We come out of lunch and get ready to play a full game," Kirksey said. "So we're playing baseball from 7:30 to 4:30 every day."
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 103
photo courtesy of the Detroit Tigers
Perhaps there is no more convoluted system of development and advancement than professional baseball. From the lowest levels through to the Big Leagues, players can work their way up. To help you navigate the waters of minor league baseball, here's a quick overview of each of the divisions. Rookie League The "entry level" league for young ball players hoping to hone their skills. Players take part in a shorter season with fewer games. Audiences pay no admission to attend and no concessions are sold. Class A-Shortened Season A step up from the Rookie League, players are age-limited and take part in 75 games in a shortened system. Class A-Short Season is divided into two divisions, The New York-Penn League and the Northwest League. Games are played in summers to allow college players to take part. Class A Staffed with skilled young players from the rookie level up to advanced, Class A is divided into two groups: Class A and Class A-Advanced. Players engage in a full, 140-game season, in which players hone skills and iron out problems in their personal play. Also, injured players from the Majors frequently take part in Class A ball as a form of rehab before returning to the Major Leagues.
Double-A With three leagues playing across the country, these ball clubs frequently produces players who get plucked out for a slot in the Major Leagues. It's rare for first-year players or younger players to get slots in the Double-A teams. However, it's not unheard of.
Triple-A Triple-A teams include players who may have been selected for a Major League team but, for a number of reasons, won't see play during the regular season. Players at the Triple-A level give their organizations a fresh crop of baseball players in time for the playoffs and, any time after the season's roster expansion, players from a Triple-A team can be transferred to their big brother teams in the Majors.
The Major Leagues The American League and the National League. With team names like Cardinals and Braves, this is the big show and, ultimately, the dream of every baseball player to ever set foot on a diamond. But it's an elusive dream, as few of the thousands of professional players in the various minor leagues will ever set foot on a Major League field during a game.
104 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
Players come from around the world to take part in these Spring training sessions. Each of the 30 teams in the Major Leagues conducts similar Spring training sessions to prepare their organizations for the business of baseball. And while other sports conduct similar training meets, only baseball operates the extensive farm teams system, with multiple semi-professional and professional leagues, each filled with teams competing for pennants. As part of a crop of much younger players, Rhymes and Kirksey interface very little with the stars of the Detroit Tigers. Instead, they work in groups of pros from the A, Double A and Triple A ball teams. The Detroit organization includes teams in each of the three divisions of semiprofessional baseball. Also, Detroit operates teams in the Venezuela League, the Dominican League, and other international baseball organizations. "There's also an academy for Detroit Academy Australia," Kirksey said. While dreams of the Big League are there in the back of his mind, like all of those players from all of those teams in all of those countries, both Rhymes and Kirksey really have just one goal: to make a team and then move up from there. But it's still to early to see where they'll land. For two men, though the boys' futures were never in doubt. Tim O'Neal and Mark Sims
remember both players from their high school careers. O'Neal coached Rhymes during his Junior and Senior years at Neville High School. O'Neal said he always knew where Rhymes was headed and recalled a hard worker, dedicated team member, and overall "great kid," who had the raw talent necessary to succeed in a competitive game filled with players of a high caliber. "He just had it from the beginning and then worked to refine it," O'Neal said. Rhymes spent plenty of time working to hone his skills and to better his performance on the field, which helped propel the Tigers to numerous wins over his years in high school. More than anything, according to O'Neal, Rhymes's drive for perfection was apparent. "He had one of the purest, best swings I've ever seen," O'Neal said. Zach's high school coach remembers a similarly gifted player, who worked tirelessly to improve his skills on the field. Mark Sims coached Kirksey at West Monroe, where they made numerous trips to the playoffs, including a 2007 championship. "He worked and worked and worked," Sims said. "Where he's at now is the payoff." Sims is proud of Kirksey's continued success and said he tracked the player's career from LSU-Eunice to Ole Miss, where Kirksey came to the attention of the Detroit
Tigers. Sims said he never doubted Kirksey would succeed at baseball beyond high school. "Zach had some of the most intense power I've seen in high school. He had tremendous bat speed," Sims said. "You could tell that Zach really wanted to be a ball player." After spending two years at LSU-Eunice, he was drafted in the 41st round by the Toronto Bluejays. "I decided not to go," Kirksey said, opting instead to spend another two years at Ole Miss. When the Tigers drafted him in the 27th round, he decided to take his shot. Now, he's having the time of his life. "This is still fun," he said. "It's still baseball." Rhymes enjoyed a similar trajectory. After graduating from Neville, Rhymes spent a season with LSU-Eunice before moving over to the LSU Tigers squad. During that transition of schools, Rhymes also transitioned from infield to outfield. After he graduated from LSU, Detroit drafted Rhymes in the 15th round. So far, Rhymes has enjoyed the ride. "I think it's going well so far," Rhymes said. "You can't really tell what's going to happen, where you're going to end up at this point. You just go out, have fun, and keep working hard."
The caliber of the players frequently surprises both men. Also, according to Kirksey, the reactions and interactions with coaching staff are different. In high school and college, coaches frequently reached out to players to commend them on a job well done. If a player nailed a solid hit, the coaches commented. When they fielded a ball for a double play, a round of congratulations followed. That's not so in professional baseball, where the feedback model is different. "You're a baseball player," Kirksey said. "In pro ball, it's kind of expected you're going to do it right." Spring training is designed to pull the best possible plays from the best players available. Surrounded by professionals, some of whom have been playing for more than ten years, Rhymes's own game is improving. "You're with the best of the best out here," Rhymes said. "When you surround yourself with guys who can play, you only better yourself." That benefit brings with it a certain responsibility, to push that much harder, to reach farther, and to not let your teammates down. "You've got to make sure you're doing your
part to keep up with them," Rhymes said. Meanwhile, as the 2014 Spring Training sessions come to a close, Rhymes and Kirksey continue to live the sport they've played now for almost all of their lives. Rhymes called it a tremendous honor. "It's a dream come true," Rhymes said. "I think everybody who grows up playing baseball has a dream to play in the pros." Kirksey dismissed talk of the future and said he's not thinking beyond the next game. Instead, he's focused solely on improving his performance on the field, working to stand out as a ball player, and to enjoy the game to its fullest. "We don't know where we'll go until the end of Spring training," Kirksey said. Spring training ends March 31. Of the 180 players on hand, some will be selected for farm teams throughout the Tigers organization. Some won't be selected and will go home with memories and a jersey or two. For a few lucky ones, though, they'll don a Tigers uniform when the regular season begins in April. For every one of them, however, this is the Spring of a lifetime.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 105
The Right Choice for Your Family
Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School Provides an Excellent Enviroment for Your Child
A
S PARENTS,YOU WANT THE BEST for your children. It is because you wish them success in all of life's challenges that Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School is the right choice. JGS provides an education program based on religious beliefs and values, enabling your children to grow in their understanding of themselves, their relationship with God and their relationship with others. At JGS, students acquire knowledge and develop the skills necessary for success in junior high, high school, college and beyond. Attending a school with an environment in which your children can discuss and live out the values upon which their education is based encourages them to contribute to society and assume leadership roles in their future. At Jesus the Good Shepherd, students
106 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
learn to question, to establish confidence in their own good choices in life and to experience the sense of accomplishment stemming from individual achievement and responsibility. “By sending our children to JGS, we know that what they are learning at school reinforces what we were taught and what we are teaching them at home. The teachings of Jesus Christ are part of their everyday curriculum. Prayer and open discussion about their religious beliefs are part of their regular day and, as parents, that is invaluable. The friendships they have made and the guidance they have been given will follow them the rest of their lives. Certainly with today’s troubling economy, it can be a strain financially, but to hear them praise God in song and prayer, not only
These JGS 5th and 6th graders qualified to compete at the regional science fair held recently at ULM.
in church but at home as well, makes it worth the sacrifice. At JGS, our children are able to grow in an environment where dependence on God and prayer are encouraged and academic excellence is the norm.” – Missy and Mark McKenzie
The sense of family is evident at JGS. The bond that is created between teachers, administration, classmates and families remains strong throughout our students’ lives. We invite families to explore the difference that a JGS education makes in the lives of our students by taking a tour of our campus or simply visiting our website, www.jesusgoodshepherd.org.
The Children’s Shoppe
A
What a Specialty Shop Should Be
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THAT “SOMETHING SPECIAL?” Then the Children’s Shoppe, voted Best of the Delta for six years, is the place for you. Warm weather clothes are arriving daily, with us having exclusives on Malley & Co., Magnolia Baby, Lemon Loves Lime, and Mulberry Street. We also have a large selection by Mustard Pie. Be sure to visit for any last minute Easter needs! In addition, Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags, Madame Alexander dolls, Plasma cars, hair bows in various sizes and multitudes of colors and even matching clothing for girls and their 18” dolls are to be found here. Are you planning a trip to the beach this year? We are your onestop shop for swimwear, cover-ups, hats, and totes. And of course we have Sun and Sand sandals in a wide array of colors, styles, and sizes. Patricia Willis, the owner and a former educator, keeps a wellstocked array of educational toys and books on-hand. She has signed copies of Shirley’s Story, about the retired circus elephant that was once at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. Also in stock are
books about the state of Louisiana as well as Little Golden Books, board books for small hands and much more. OTHER BENEFITS PROVIDED INCLUDE: • Baby registry • Free gift wrap • Lay-a-way • Monogramming • Play area for children while you shop
Like us on Facebook to be in the know about new arrivals and specials and come see us at 109 North Trenton Street, Suite A, in beautiful, historic downtown Ruston. Questions? If in Ruston, call us at (318) 251-9599; if in Monroe call (318) 323-7223. The Children’s Shoppe is open Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Children’s Shoppe – where children can be children.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 107
Krewe of Allegro Mardi Gras Ball BY MARLEN WATERS
T
his was the first year for the non-profit arts organizations housed in the Dixie Center for the Arts to work together as the Krewe of Allegro: Dixie Center for the Arts, North Central Louisiana Arts Council, Ruston Civic Symphony Society, Ruston Community Theatre and Troupe Dixie. This year, funds raised from the 15th Annual Mardi Gras Ball established a “Sustaining Building Fund” to maintain the historic 1928 Dixie Theatre building and its adjacent properties. The Dixie Center for the Arts has served a pivotal role in the Ruston community over the years by providing a prominent place to promote the arts, and by safeguarding a piece of Ruston’s architectural and cultural history. Collaborating on the Mardi Gras Ball Committee and giving the Ball a fabulous “facelift” was Grace Tirado (Ball Committee Chairperson), Sandra Hart, Libby English and John Emory, Jr. The Title Sponsor for the ball this year was Bank of Ruston. Marsala Beverage was the Drink Sponsor, and National Jewelry Company Inc. was the Coronation Sponsor. The music for the evening was provided by celebrated local band, the Buddy Terzia Band. Buddy and his 10-piece show band provided tunes that spanned several decades. They also provided the traditional Second Line featuring the band’s horn section. Food for the evening was a variety of delectable Louisiana-inspired dishes. Crowned as King and Queen was Lou Charles Napper and Elizabeth (Libby) English. They represented Ruston Civic Symphony Society. The rest of the Royal Party consisted of: Troupe Dixie- Duke Estevan Garcia and Duchess Stephanie Smith; Dixie Center for the Arts- Duke John Emory, Jr. and Duchess Mary Ann Woods; North Central Louisiana Arts Council- Duke Richard Lewis and Duchess Janine Lewis; Ruston Community Theatre- Duke Saul Zalesch and Duchess Dianne Douglas One of the highlights of the event each year is the Silent Auction held by North Central Louisiana Arts Council. The Silent Auction Committee was chaired by Nancy Wallace, with Catherine McVea as Co-Chair. Amanda Simoneaux, a NCLAC intern from Louisiana Tech, worked with Nancy and Catherine, and these ladies did a wonderful job. NCLAC Executive Assistant Laura Hunt Miller’s brainstorming played a pivotal part in the planning as well. The Silent Auction is an important NCLAC fundraiser that goes towards funding NCLAC’s programming, like Summer Art Camps for Kids; held in Ruston, and in various locations within Bienville, Claiborne, Jackson, and Union Parishes, and Holiday Arts Tour; a premier local economy-boosting event for local artists, craftspersons, and business owners. Auction items included prized local artworks, high-quality items donated by local merchants and individuals and entertaining “experience packages” and much more.
108 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
1
3
2
5
4
7
6
8
9
On the BayouScene at Ruston’s Krewe of Allegro Mardi Gras Ball: 1 April and Chris Honaker 2 Libby English and Lue Charles Napper 3 Janine and Richard Lewis 4 Mary Ann Woods and John Emory Jr. 5 Fred and Tonika Blake 6 Steele Moegle and Dianna Grigsby 7 Meg and Heath Allen 8 Yvette and John Emory, Sr. 9 Jim and Loretta Owens 10 Peggy Fallin and Janie Cherry 11 Jean and Monique Gourd 12 Stephanie Smith and Estevan Garcia 13 Josh and Leigh Chambers, Meg Allen 14 Dianne Douglas and Saul Zalesch
10
11
12
13
14
Revision Breast Augmentation
Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice
getting it right the first time. But if this isn’t the case, I will do my best to work with their unique circumstances to give them the result they desire. My new website will have an entire section on revision breast surgery. I invite you to visit www.mickelplasticsurgery.com and see for yourself the dramatic effect revision can have on properly selected patients. If you or someone you know would like to discuss revision of a previously done breast procedure, call Mickel Plastic Surgery at (318) 388-2050 to arrange a consultation.
of the female cycle also affects these bothersome veins. Well, you don't have to be bothered with these veins any longer. Make a visit, and let's get started! The modern, in-office, minimally invasive treatment of these veins is available in our area! You will be glad you did.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 83
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 86
William B. Belsom M.D.,R.V.T. Specially Qualified in Venous Problems The Woman's Clinic Director of the Vein Center of Northeast Louisiana
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 109
Does Class Size Really Matter?
Cedar Creek School Explains the Importance of Smaller Class Sizes
P
ARENTS AND FACULTY AT SCHOOLS that make sure class sizes stay small can definitely tell you it makes a difference with their students. But, the question might also be why does it matter? Smaller class sizes translate into all kinds of measurable benefits, including higher scores on standardized tests, better grades, fewer discipline problems and improved attendance. Research also shows that smaller classes can mean a greater likelihood students will attend college and earn higher wages upon graduation. Any experienced teacher will tell you that fewer students in a classroom mean a better quality of interaction between the students and his or her teacher. Students then feel more comfortable delv-
110 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
ing deeper into subjects or asking more questions. This translates to a greater mastery of a subject and greater achievement overall. What does this mean for your child? Can you say “college scholarship?” Teachers are able to identify potential gaps in learning earlier. Larger classes can result in students “falling between the cracks.” When teachers can focus on fewer students, they can identify potential problems faster and more effectively. Smaller classes also mean that teachers can use a greater variety of teaching strategies, which means they can create more opportunities for students to use those much-coveted higher-order thinking skills. With schools across the region suffering from economic woes and corresponding school closures, these institutions cannot help but be
faced with forcing more students into a classroom. Look for a school that offers a smaller teacher-to-student ratio (no greater than 20:1 in the elementary) for the academic results you want for your child. Read more about the subject at: • http://www.classsizematters.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Reducing-Class-SizeWhat-do-we-Know.pdf • http://parentsacrossamerica.org/what-webelieve-2/why-class-size-matters/
Cedar Creek School seeks to provide a superior college preparatory educational experience to students in North Central Louisiana based on the highest standards of academic excellence and personal conduct.
LOUISIANA DELTA BALLET PRESENTS “CINDERELLA”
LDB Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary With This Timeless Family Classic on March 29th at the Jack Howard Theatre
In celebration of its 10th Anniversary season, the Louisiana Delta Ballet Company proudly presents the timeless family classic, Cinderella. Be transported back to your childhood as this heartwarming fairytale comes to life in the form of classical ballet on the stage of the Monroe Civic Center’s Jack Howard Theatre, Saturday evening, March 29th at 7:30 p.m. Choreographed and staged by LDB Artistic Director Missy Crain and assistants El Marie Wessels and Shawnee Chason, this lush production features all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some extravagantly detailed tutus and tiaras sponsored by HerringStone’s, K-Sera, Pearl Pumphrey’s, Finley Construction and Dan Holt, D.C. Sea-
son sponsors include CenturyLink, “Hixson Has It” and The Costume Shop. Dancing the principal role of Cinderella is Kelley Davis with the Prince danced by professional dancer, Michael Levine. Joining them are Eva Edinger in the role of the Fairy Godmothe, El Marie Wessels as the Evil Stepmother, and Courtney Crain and Karen Lacaze as Cinderella’s Stepsisters. Cast in the roles of the Seasonal Fairies are Mary Lusk, Kaitlyn Hutson, Parker Finley and Meredith Kolb. The remainder of the cast includes Louisiana Delta Ballet Company dancers. As an added treat prior to the gala performance, LDB will host a “Glass Slipper Ball” at 6:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Jack Howard Theatre. All little princesses and princes are
encouraged to dress in their favorite “fairytale attire” and enjoy refreshments while meeting and having their photographs made with Cinderella and the Prince. It will truly be a magical night for the entire family! Tickets for the gala performance are $20 each and can be purchased at the Monroe Civic Center Box Office. Tickets for the “Glass Slipper Ball” are $15 each and can be purchased at the Monroe and Ruston locations of Missy Crain School of Dance, or by calling 318-345-1155. Direct from the pages of the enduring tale, Cinderella delights audiences with the beauty and majesty of classical ballet, wrapped in the promise of “happily ever after,” and generously sprinkled with a wonderful dose of humor. Complete with a Fairy Godmother, a handsome prince and an unforgettable ball, the magnificent staging, music and costumes make this production a delight for all ages. So put on your glass slippers and join us for a magical evening - the perfect ballet for families or a romantic date night with your own Cinderella or Prince Charming!
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 111
1
PAWS Pet Parade
Pets from around northeast Louisiana strutted their stuff on Trenton Street in West Monroe February 15, as part of the 8th Annual Krewe of PAWS Pet Parade. The annual event has become one of the most popular pet-centric events in the region and is organized annually to raise money for PAWS of Northeast Louisiana. "We raised over $16,000 this year," said PAWS Marketing Director Julie Lewis. The money raised will be used in the four core programs of PAWS, including their two most expensive initiatives: the low-cost spay/neuter program and the animal shelter rescue program. Last year, the shelter rescue program saved 122 dogs from Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter. Those animals could have faced euthanasia without the program.
2
3
5
6
On the BayouScene
1 Jimmie Hyatt 2 Toni and Chevy Navarro with Emmett and Pico 3 Shelia and Myah Floyd 4 Adron and Sarah Miller with Rumor 5 JoAnn Duplechin and Mary Catherine Williams 6 Mary and Jim Jones 7 Jessica and Kaleb Plata 8 Eric and Chelsie Watson 9 Betsy Havens 10 Adron Miller and Chevy Navarro 11 Will and Charlize Richardson
7
4
8
9
10
112
11
Celebrating One Year in Ruston
Chessy’s Boutique and Tanning Celebrates First Anniversary at New Store
C
HESSY’S BOUTIQUE AND Tanning is celebrating their one year anniversary in their Ruston location. The boutique is a family owned small business located in the new North Village Plaza in Ruston, LA. The plaza is located off Farmerville Highway. After almost two years in their original location in Arcadia, owners Shelia and Hilary Branch decided it was time for a change. They were apprehensive at first about the move. But since opening the new location last March the boutique has flourished and they have never looked back! Chessy’s new location has allowed the boutique to grow in ways the owners never imagined. They are now able to offer an
even wider variety of women’s clothing, carrying the latest trends in fashion. From tops and skinny jeans to tribal and floral print to designer jeans and party dresses, their clothing selection is something to see. They also have chic shoes, boots, sandals, great jewelry and accessories. From special occasions to everyday fashion, every girl can find something fabulous to add to her wardrobe. Chessy's has something for all ages. Whether you need an entire outfit for one of those holiday parties or just the perfect accessory, you can find it there. Shelia and Hilary have worked tirelessly to provide their customers with the latest, most affordable clothing and accessories on the market. In addition to their great selection of
fashion, Chessy's also offers tanning services, with no contracts required. Customers are able to choose from several different packages that include sessions, minutes, or an unlimited month of tanning. They offer two 15 minute beds that include facial tanners and cooling fans. Spring has sprung! Let the friendly staff at Chessy's Boutique and Tanning help you find the perfect warm weather essentials. Make sure to follow Chessy's on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on all the latest arrivals and specials!
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 113
Shamrock Shuffle
It was time to get the Green On, as pubcrawlers came out in force to take part in the Shamrock Shuffle, a tour-de-force of seven downtown and midtown establishments. The Shamrock Shuffle Pub Crawl was the most recent of Monroe Renaissance pub crawl events. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 6, pubcrawlers checked in at Bry Park in downtown Monroe to receive their passports before traveling to popular nightspots along their path. Along the way, each participant visited Restaurant Cotton, River and Rail Cantina, Shananigans Bar, The Corner Bar, Don Tomas, and Live Oaks Bar and Ballroom before ending their nights at the home of all things green, Enoch's Irish Pub and CafĂŠ. Monroe Renaissance partners with Choice Brands, Glazer's, and Marsala Beverage to host the bi-monthly Pub Crawls. Previous Pub Crawl events included the Pub Crawl Pilgrimage in November, the Pigskin Pub Crawl in September, and the Red, White and Brew Pub Crawl in July. The next pub crawl will take place in May. The events are organized as part of Monroe Renaissance's efforts to the revitalization and growth of Downtown Monroe.
1
2
4
3
On the BayouScene
1 Andrew Hubenthal, Ashley Yeldell, Kevin Caston and Stuart Scalia 2 Mollea Foust and Hannah Ridings 3 Sierra Gosch, Tyler Cilligam, Sarah Cucullu, Katie Cucullu and Beau Brunnhoelzl 4 Delia Simpson and Kurt McEnery 5 Thomas Tugwell, Matthew Garcia, Walt Smith and Ben Rogers 6 Morgan Decelle 7 Lynda Telano, Will Thompson, Kim Parker, Victor 7 Che, Victoria Wilder, Heath Parker and Barbera Smich 8 Christen Parker, Jon Aiken, Emily Gaurtreaux and Callie White 9 Stephanie Michot and Kate Hollenshead 10 Jace Berudt and Bryan Netherland 11 Fawn Hutto and Brooke Nyiri 12 Renata and Donald Rushing
5
6
8
7
9
10
11
12
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 115
Glenwood Medical Group CONTINUED FROM PAGE 42
GLENWOOD NEUROLOGY SPECIALISTS Michael Boykin, MD Neurology Dr. Boykin completed his residency at the Medical College of Virginia and attended Loyola School of Medicine for Neurology. Dr. Boykin’s services include: EEG, NVC/EMG studies, Parkinson’s Disease, headache disorders, strokes, tremors, epilepsy, sleep disorders, myasthenia gravis, ALS, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathy. GLENWOOD PSYCHIATRY Michael B. Wright, MD Psychiatrist Dr. Wright specializes in psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for adolescents and adults. His services include psychopharmacology and medication management, outpatient consultations, crisis management, psychiatric emergency management and referral, and consultations for psychiatric problems related to medical illness.
GLENWOOD PULMONARY Ronald Hammett, MD Pulmonary Medicine Dr. Hammett specializes in critical care medicine, internal medicine and pulmonology. His services include treatment of disease and infection of the respiratory tract including cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema and chest infections. Askin Uysal, MD Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Dr. Uysal is board certified in critical care medicine, internal medicine and pulmonology. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary (lung) conditions and diseases including COPD, chronic cough, asthma, bronchitis, and obstructive sleep apnea. GLENWOOD UROLOGY Edward Rutland, M.D. Urology Dr. Edward Rutland is a board certified urology specialist & the only robotically trained urologist in Northeast Louisiana. His services include the evaluation and treatment of bladder, kidney and prostate cancer, kidney stones, urinary incontinence, vasectomy and erectile dysfunction.
116 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
The Risk of Convenience
Tips to Protect Your Personal Financial Information
W
BY AMANDA P. TAUNTON, DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, BANK OF RUSTON
ITH TODAY’S MODERN TECHNOLOGY, WE ENJOY the incredible conveniences provided by electronic devices to give us instant access to information and services. Cell phones are no longer just phones, but hand-held computers that perform an array of functions such as calling, texting, web browsing, taking and sharing photos, banking, and more. The use of debit cards has replaced most check writing, and paying for groceries at the local grocery store is as simple as a swipe of a card. Technology has continued to make day-to-day functions easier and communication faster than ever. However, with these conveniences comes the higher risk of fraud and identity theft. Scanning devices can be placed by thieves on ATMs or gas pumps to record your card information and use it to access funds in your bank account. Computer hackers can intrude on payment systems, as was the case with the recent Target data breach. Identity thieves steal personal information and use it to create fraudulent accounts and ruin credit files for unsuspecting individuals. What can you do to protect yourself? Here are a few tips that you can use to protect your personal information: Strong Passwords: Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid passwords that are easily guessed, such as birthdays or addresses. Change your password regularly, and never share it with anyone. Mobile Device Safety: Protect your cell phone or tablet with a password, and report a lost or stolen device to your carrier and your bank immediately. Email Safety: Avoid sending personal information, such as account numbers, through email. Be wary of any email asking for personal information. Monitor Accounts: Check your accounts regularly, and immediately report anything that doesn’t seem right. Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware: Install and update anti-virus software on your personal computer. Make sure it protects against “spy-ware,” programs that can give criminals access to your computer. Pop-Ups: Don’t click on pop-ups that claim your computer is infected or that offer you a discount. These will likely install malicious software or “malware” on your computer. Log Off: When you are finished with your online banking, be sure to sign off from your bank’s secured area. Shredding: Before discarding, shred financial documents and paperwork that contain personal information. Credit Reports: Inspect your credit report annually. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to order your free credit report each year. APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 117
THE SECOND ACT
BABY BOOMERS FIND NEW CAREERS AT MID-LIFE
BY ANGELA GENUSA
118 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
Former school teacher Lauren Lancaster of West Monroe had always imagined what retirement would be like. “I thought that I would go to the luncheons at the church, do some volunteer work, read and clean up my house, maybe work in my yard, and have a leisurely quiet time.” However, Lancaster’s vision was not meant to be. One day three years ago, after she had put in more than three decades as a teacher, she received a phone call from a friend who invited her to help launch a learning service company now called Learning Rx. The job offer turned out to be not only a prescription for success for the company, which she co-founded with her friend, but also a second career for Lancaster, who is busier and more active than ever at 57. “I love it like this,” she says. Lancaster is not alone. As many as 9 million people ages 44 to 70 are in encore careers—and 31 million more are interested in joining them, according to 2012 research from MetLife Foundation and Encore.org. Thousands of Baby Boomers in Northeast Louisiana like Lancaster are working in second careers in fields of all types. “You’re never too old to start again,” says Rosalynn Pogue, director of the Office of Career Connections at the University of Louisiana – Monroe. “If you do it correctly, it will be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.” An increasing number of older students at local colleges and universities illustrates this trend. At ULM, more than 330 students (4 percent of the student body) age 35 and older returned to the classroom in 2013 to earn degrees or certifications in a new field. At Louisiana Delta Community College, 511 students (13 percent of the student body) between 35 and 50 years old are seeking new degrees or certifications. And these figures do not include the thousands of others who are currently working in encore careers who did not return to college or receive additional certifications to take up a second career at mid-life. Nell Calloway, 63, is someone who made a mid-life transition from being an OB/GYN nurse to becoming executive director of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe. She is now in her sixth year at the museum. “Retirement is not a word in my vocabulary,” she says. Calloway spent nearly 17 years working as an OB/GYN nurse before she was appointed as director of the museum. There are many reasons for renewed interest and participation in second careers by Baby Boomers, including the economic downturn of recent years, longer working lives, personal financial necessity and goals, an interest in helping younger generations, and a desire to contribute to the community. According to a study by Encore.org, those who are not already retired say they plan to work to an average of 65.8 years old, 2.1 years longer than they thought they
would before the downturn. People currently in encore careers expect to work even longer, to 66.5 years old on average. Those interested in second careers expect to work until 66.2 years on average and plan on working 23.4 hours per week for 8.5 years in their encore careers. Understanding the benefits of postponing Social Security changes people’s views about working longer. Just 14 percent of people interested in encore careers indicated that they plan to wait until age 70 to start collecting Social Security benefits. But once they learned that postponing their claims would result in larger monthly benefit checks for life, three in five (62 percent) said they would consider working longer. Another study by Encore.org and Participant Media, found that people 50 and older are interested in helping younger generations. Pogue says that most of the time, the people that she sees in her office at ULM for career counseling at mid-life have spent many years in one position or career that they earned a degree in at a young age and are now ready for a change. “At some some point, you feel like ‘I’ve reached my goal.’ There are some people at that point in and they’re like ‘Now what?’ They find no joy in their career anymore because they’ve achieved their goals and now they’re looking to do something different.” Lancaster cites a love of learning as one of the reasons for starting a second career. “If you don’t accept being a learner and a life-long learner, you’re going to be left behind,” she says. “Your frustrations will be great if you don’t keep up with technology to a certain point.” She also made the choice to become an entrepreneur in mid-life for financial reasons. “It’s nice to have an extra income on top of the retirement (pay).” Robert Kemp, 59, has been an associate professor of Pharmacy Administration at ULM for the last four years. He chose to return to academics after many years of working in the pharmaceutical industry. “I had been through so many changes in terms of having a number of bosses and being
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 119
120 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
moved from product to product that I just needed to get off the corporate treadmill for a while. And I had this longing to get back to teaching.” Unlike many other Boomers, though, Kemp has never made any longterm commitment to any particular career because of the nature of the pharmaceutical industry. He will be making another move soon because the program he works in at ULM is being discontinued as of this summer. This is nothing new for Kemp, however. “What makes me different from other people is from the beginning of my career, I was on term-limited projects. When I went into the pharmaceutical industry, I worked on projects that had a beginning, a middle, and an end. What most people, especially around here, expect is to go to a job and hold it for a long period of time. They find moving amongst jobs to be rather traumatic, whereas for me, that’s normal. Until I came to Monroe, I never had a job that was going to be a long-term commitment. Even though I worked in pharmaceutical companies, I assumed what I did was going to change within the next couple of years and I would have to leave one job or the next.” Headhunters call Kemp all the time. “I get three or four every day asking me if I’m interested in a position, because once you’ve been willing to move from one position to the next, the word gets out. It’s a fluid industry and they need people who can adapt.” Kemp’s only concern at the age of 59 is that employers might think that someone of his age is unwilling or unable to adapt and move. “I don’t think like I’m 59. I’ve been on the move for quite a while.” For people interested in pursuing second careers, Pogue says the biggest thing to be aware of is that doing so can take a lot of legwork, time, patience, research, networking, and money to find the right place. ULM’s Office of Career Connections works with employers, both locally and nationally, to help people find the internship or full-time job best suited to their capabilities and schedules. The department works with students and alumni on resume preparation, interview skills, and job search resources. The Office of Career Connections hosts career fairs, workshops, and other career events that offer students and alumni networking and interviewing opportunities with regional and major corporations. It also publicizes internships and full-time job positions on its web site that students and alumni can review at any time. The Office of Career Connections offers current and former students a job assessment tool called Focus, an online career and education and planning system. “One of the things you need to assess is your likes and dislikes,” Pogue says. “A great way to research careers and network is to volunteer, moonlight or ‘job shadow’ someone in a career that you think you might enjoy going into.” Networking is a daily activity, she says. “If you’re interesting in a certain career and know someone who knows someone, talk to them and ask them what are the challenge, rewards, work climate, pay, additional educational training you might need.” Also look at fields where there is healthy job growth, Pogue says, by reading the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. The most sought-after second degrees and certifications at ULM with high rates of job growth are in education, computer technology, business, and health care. “Yes, look at going back to school,” Pogue says. “You will have to check your finances, and work your budget and your time. But if you make those sacrifices and stick with it, you can do this, you can get that degree.” Again—patience, she advises. “If you do the legwork, and take the time to do it correctly, it can be most rewarding.” Career fulfillment knows no age, says Baby Boomers like Calloway. She finds inspiration in a line from a letter her grandfather, General Claire Chennault, wrote to his brother when he himself was changing careers in his 40s: “Life finds its purpose in accomplishment.” She says, “I feel like as long as I can accomplish things, my life has a lot of purpose.”
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 121
1
Go Red for Women
Each year, heart disease impacts the lives of millions of women throughout the country. Yet, in many cases, a little prevention could go a long way to curtailing the disease. That's why the American Heart Association holds its annual Go Red for Women event, which took place February 13 at the West Monroe Convention Center. The event was chaired by Alvina Thomas, who led an executive leadership team that included Darian Atkins, LaRhae Brown, Linda Carter, Zelda Clark, Neta Ford, Glen Gibson, Alberta Green, Ann Hayward, Sharon McClain, Katherine Roberts, Patty Stewart, Brenda Tarver and Janet White. The annual event is just one part of the Go Red for Women movement, which encourages women to pay attention to heart health by making it a top priority. The mission of the organization is to educate the community about the silent and deadly disease. Each year, cardiovascular disease cuts short the lives of more than half a million women Attendees at this year's event took part in the "Chance to Win" raffle, enjoyed a fashion show featuring heart disease survivors, and took in numerous educational offerings. Photos courtesy of Patty Stewart Photography.
On the BayouScene
1 Jennifer Weilhausen and Eddie Craddieth 2 Alvina Thomas and Toni Wild 3 Cassidy Riley and Onna Gallagher 4 Sharon McClain, Alberta Green, Alvina Thomas, Kathy Roberts, Darian Atkins and Patty Stewart 5 Jackie Neal, Kindra Beard, Sharon McClain, Clark Smith, Vicki Gilbert and Stephanie Dunn 6 Front row: Melissa Ducote, Dr. Barbara M. Hanson, Back row: Margie Mixon, Lena Brown, Darian Atkins, Bernadine Adams and Connie Carr 7 Elizabeth Pierre, Jackie Slack, Alvina Thomas, Carmen Wright and Carolyn Jackson 8 Dawne and Mike Walsworth with Onna Gallagher 9 Miss Louisiana Jaden Leach and Onna Gallagher 10 Toni Wild 11 Cherie and Dr. Harry Donias
9
122 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
7
2
3
5
4
6
8
12
10
11
2
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 123
BAYOUTUNES
MUSIC TO OUR EARS New Orleans-based Tipitina’s Foundation has a new outpost in Monroe by MICHAEL DEVAULT
L
ive music in northeast Louisiana has a new champion with an old name, now that New Orleans-based Tipitina's Foundation has a permanent outpost in Monroe. Tipitina's held its first event, a Sunday Music Workshop, in March at Harvey's Dance Hall. The one-day
124 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
event was geared toward student musicians, and for one area stalwart of the live music scene, it represented a hopeful future. "Anybody who's been around for a while can see the decline in interest in live music," said professional musician Toby Traylor, who recalls when Louisville Avenue was home to more than 15 live-music venues. Over the years, Traylor has watched those venues close or transition to recorded
music. "Now, I can think of only two regular venues." Fostering live music throughout Louisiana strikes right to the core of Tipitina's Foundation's mission--to preserve Louisiana's music culture. That vision began 36 years ago, when Tipitina's Music Club was founded. A change in ownership inspired the formation of a non-profit organization dedicated to live music in all of its forms. Tipitina's programs manager Emily Menard was on hand for the March workshop, the first Tipitina's event in northeastern Louisiana. "As the foundation has grown over the years, we've tried to branch out more and more. So we're really starting to fulfill the mition of the foundation, which is to go out into the whole state and not just New Orleans,"
PARTICIPANTS IN THE TIPITINA’S FOUNDATION MUSIC WORKSHOP
Menard said. Each month, Tipitina's will partner with professional musicians to hold the workshops. During the workshops, student musicians from around the area will be given the opportunity to play in a professional setting, to gain experience in a "real world" setting versus in a music classroom. The first event was small by design and drew just a handful of student musicians. But Traylor says they got a lot out of the experience. "For the kids who showed up, it made a huge impact," Traylor said. "They were booklearned musicians and this was all about improvisation." In other words, the students took part in playing music not from a sheet before them, but based on what they were hearing from the other musicians. In live performance, many times it's about reading cues. "For them to join a session about making
up music as you go, it was a real eye opener," Traylor said. "For someone who is interested in music, this has the potential to really grab them." That's kind of the point, according to Monroe musician Tyler Faulk, who organized the Sunday workshop. Live music performance is an interest student musicians usually develop young. That's what happened to Faulk, at least, who grew up playing in a band in high school. Today, things are different. "When I was in high school, there was the coffee house, there were venues where we could go and play live music," Faulk said. "There aren't venues like that now." Faulk decided to get involved with the Sunday Music Workshops after seeing one of
the events while on a trip. "I went down to New Orleans to see one of their workshops there and fell in love with the program. So, I wanted to bring it up here, get it going and rocking." Faulk expects the programs will continue to mushroom as word travels through the local music community. Not only will more students take part, but professionals are reaching out, too. "We're in for the long haul. We'll do this until they tell us to leave," Faulk said. Right now, the future of Tipitina's in the area looks pretty bright. The foundation recently opened a music co-op on Olive Street in Monroe. Co-op mannager Jimmie Bryant II has been working to secure musician-members and to raise awareness of the Tipitina's facility in the heart of Monroe. For $15 a month, members gain access to the facility, to recording equipment and state-of-the-art software, and even support services. "They have access to our legal aid program, the Ella Project, to help with contract review, to help our members with legal matters," Bryant said. Currently, he's overseeing the completion of the facility, which at over 20,000 square feet affords ample space for performers to work. Two single-room studios are equipped with iMac computers. Also, one of the studios includes a video workstation. Plans ultimately call for a third recording studio and rehearsal space. Bryant is hopeful the facility will spur the development of more musical talent in the region. "Also, it's about working with community officials to provide local musicians with opportunities to play and to genuinely enrich the local music scene wherever there's a co-op," Bryant said. Menard added that Tipitina's presence in Monroe was a necessary component in a growing arsenal of facilities statewide. "We realized to really cover the state, we needed to be in northeast Louisiana," Menard said. "Monroe came to mind. We're in seven cities now." For more information about the Tipitina's Foundation co-op or the Sunday music workshops, drop a line to monroe@tipitinas.com. APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 125
Heritage Banquet
The National Wild Turkey Federation Hunting Heritage Banquet, held by the Richland Redneck Gobblers on February 20th in Delhi, was a tremendous success. The “Conserve, Hunt, Share” philosophy of the NWTF brought out hundreds to focus on the Share portion of the motto. After pledge and prayer, attendees enjoyed a delicious meal while sharing stories of the past with anticipation of the upcoming turkey season. Terrific silent auction items were bid upon while others placed their raffle tickets on chances to win larger items. Raffle and auction items included several guns, hunting supplies packages, portraits, and pictures among many others, and were given away with intent on raising more money to support further projects, including habitat enhancement, education, youth, hunting heritage, hunter safety, turkey restoration, women’s programs, reward programs, land purchase, research, wheelin’ sportsmen and more.
On the BayouScene
1 Leslie Moore 2 Ryan Rawls, Joe Scott and Austin Jackson 3 Debbie Wilbanks and Cynthia Warner 4 Kaitlyn Johnson, Corey Dunn and Sydney Williams 5 Dennis and Rhonda Valentine 6 Larry Pickett
1
2 4
3 5
126 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
6
RIVER GALLERY PRESENTS LINDA SNIDER-WARD Linda’s Exhibit Enter Equus Will Be On Display In April
Linda Snider-Ward is the Featured Artist at the River Gallery for April 2014. Linda’s exhibit Enter Equus consists of a new series of paintings created in watercolor, acrylic, and mixed watermedia. The River Gallery will be open till 9pm for the April 3 Downtown Gallery Crawl. Linda will be giving an artist’s talk at 6:30pm at the River Gallery. Guitarist, John Farmer will be the musician during the Gallery Crawl. As the title indicates, the exhibition is collection of works with the equine as subject matter. Linda states “This new series of paintings is about the spirit of the horse, not the actual physical appearance of the horse. I want my art to reach out to viewer and help the viewer feel the beauty of horses. As a horse owner, I am always amazed at the intuitiveness of horses. There is a language between my horses and my-
self, a quiet language without words where we converse with each other through movement and thought. Their beauty, grace, and intelligence inspire me, and through my art, I hope to share my love and connection with them." Linda Kay Thomas (Snider-Ward) is a Louisiana artist. She holds a Master of Arts (drawing and painting) from Louisiana Tech University and a Master of Art (English/creative writing) from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Linda is a member of the Colored Pencil Society of America, the International Equine Artists, and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. You can also meet the artist Saturday, April 5 at the River Gallery 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and there will be an artist reception that same day 2:004:00 p.m. More of Linda's artwork can be seen on her blog http://art-pony.com and her web-
site www.lindakaythomas.artspan.com. Additionally, Linda’s artwork can often be seen at the New Orleans Arts Market, a juried venue, sponsored by the Arts Council of New Orleans. Ouachita River Art Gallery is the oldest and largest co-op gallery in the state. We are grateful to the local community for the continued support of the arts in our area. The gallery is at 308 Trenton Street, West Monroe, and is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free. Gallery members’ work can also be seen at the Ouachita River Art Gallery’s extension gallery located in the lobby of Ouachita Independent Bank/Bankers Mortgage Plaza at 18th and Louisville in Monroe. Call 322-2380 for more information or visit www.ouachitariverartgallery.com.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 127
ROSE BOUTIQUE
Flower power is the theme of this pretty little white dress and cream overlay from Rose Boutique in Rayville.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 129
PEARL PUMPHREY’S
Susu is a pastel dream in this fitted and ribbed dress from Pearl Pumphrey’s. Pair with a long, beaded Chan Luu necklace and neutral pump for an Easter look.
130 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
SALT & PEPPER ACCESSORY BOUTIQUE Courtnee is pretty in pink in this sweet dress from Salt & Pepper Accessory Boutique. Layer bracelets and a statement necklace for a chic look.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 131
HERRINGSTONE’S
This stunning, crisscross back dress has a knee-length skirt for a classic look. Pair with a Kendra Scott bracelet, turquoise ring and little white clutch for a night on the town.
DUCK AND DRESSING
This gorgeous, floor-length pleated skirt is a must-have for Spring. Add a floral, sleeveless top and layers of beaded and leather bracelets for an updated outfit that can transition from Spring to Summer.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 133
CARA’S BOUTIQUE
Susu looks lovely in this lavender two-tiered dress from Cara’s in West Monroe. These white wedges are perfectly paired for a Spring look.
CHESSY’S BOUTIQUE
Courtnee looks gorgeous in this two-toned dress from Chessy’s Boutique in Ruston. The top has a beautiful cut-out neckline with metallic accents with a dreamy, seafoam floor-length skirt.
THE FASHION OF RUSTON
This bohemian, Kendra Scott necklace features a stone pendant suspending a tassel of silvery-gold chains and is a great focal point for this neutral silk dress and cream-colored leather jacket from The Fashion in Ruston.
136 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
BENT OAKS BOUTIQUE
We love the mix of Italian linen and knit in this easyto-wear powder blue dress with a large ruffled neckline. The skirt is perfectly draped and features pockets and a fluted bottom.
FUR BABIES
G
Springtime is Time for Awareness of Animal Welfare BY ANGELA GENUSA
ravel crunches under my tires as I slowly approach the Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter in West Monroe, off the Well Road exit on I-20. I ease into a parking spot, and a black cat begins padding toward my car. As I step out near the shelter’s wooden sign and look around, the cat meows and stretches out before me and rolls on the ground, yellow grass clippings sticking to her black fur. On this overcast, chilly morning in late February, all seems deserted here, but the uproar of dogs barking lets me know right away I’m not alone. In fact, hidden from sight, are pens and cages that today contain exactly 79 dogs and 11 cats. The black cat, named Jinx, is the only one who roams free. Her bowls of food and water sit atop a table, underneath which is a tall stack of dog and cat food bags. A black and white City of West Monroe Animal Control pickup truck is backed into the entrance, and Officer Markus Stevenson shows me the way to the shelter office. I’ve caught Shelter Manager Roger Laird only one day before what he jokingly calls “the beginning of open season on cats.” “Beginning March 1, we take in about 300-400 cats and kittens per month until November. Last year, for every cat we adopted out, we had 20 people dropping off cats, some people dropping off entire litters of kittens. One man dropped off 60 cats at one time. They all came from inside his mother’s house.” I open a metal gate past the office and approach two rows of pens on either side of me. The sound of dogs barking for joy at the sight of a human being is deafening. The dogs jump and bark frenetically for attention as I
138 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
stroll along the first aisle of cages looking at each of them, all available for adoption. Some have been brought in by the Monroe, West Monroe, or parish animal control units; others were surrendered by owners or people who found them wandering and lost. The shelter takes in 30 or more animals on any given day. Leaping as high as her tiny legs will allow and yipping at me from the first cage on the left is “Fifi,” an adorable, approximately 2-year-old, brown Yorkie mix, wearing a purple sweater. “Fifi was just adopted by a woman from Rayville who saw her picture on our Web site,” Laird says. Two other women had also been vying to adopt Fifi. Across the aisle from Fifi, there’s a big Basset Hound mix named Gilmore; Willow, a Rottweiler mix; a Jack Russell terrier mix; an Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) mix; and at the end of the row is a 1½-year-old Boston Terrier mix named “Mimi,” who lies halfasleep on her bed. Mimi stretches her legs out, shivers, and yawns, and then slowly walks up to the fence to lick my outstretched hand. Earlier this morning, Mimi was featured on the Adopt-A-Pet segment on KNOE-TV8. Mimi and any of her fellow shelter pals—whether purebred or all-American “mutt”—can be adopted for only $60, a very inexpensive fee, which includes a first round of immunizations and a certificate for spaying or neutering (a procedure that alone can cost $150-$200) by a veterinarian. “We get purebreds all the time,” Laird says. “Yorkies, Jack Russell terriers, Rottweilers, Labradors, shih tzus, chihuahuas, miniature schnauzers—these are dogs that belong to somebody. A King Charles Spaniel sells for $1,500 and $2,000. But 80 percent of these animals go unclaimed, and we have to euthanize them.” The numbers of animals that go through the shelter are staggering. Last year, the shelter took in a total of 7,270 animals. Of those, 1,584 were adopted; 559 were claimed by their owners; 195 went to rescue organizations, escaped, or died. More than 4,860 animals had
to be euthanized. And that’s only the number of animals that are actually captured by area animal control officials. “If only people would spay and neuter their pets,” Laird laments. Many of the estimated 42,725 pet-owning households* in Ouachita Parish are run by responsible animal owners, who spay and neuter their pets; however, there are many who do not. And as a result, the animal population in Northeast Louisiana is exploding. In northeast Louisiana alone, the euthanasia rate is 7,000-10,000 animals every year, says Jo Traylor, president of PAWS. “Every spring and summer, a lot of puppies and kittens are put down at shelters,” she says. “There are just not enough homes for them. Right now, the animals are coming into heat and starting to mate. This is the time of the year to really get those animals neutered or spayed.” The South has typically has not embraced spaying and neutering communitywide, Traylor says. “There are many benefits to spaying and neutering. There are no unwanted puppies and kittens, all of which are a terrible burden on taxpayers and municipal shelters. Your tax dollars are being used to euthanize and care for those animals they can’t keep.” As large a problem as overpopulation but less visible to the public are the thousands of other unwanted animals in Northeast Louisiana that are neglected, abused, mistreated, and killed by people each year. These animals are hidden in backyards chained to trees, dumped in remote spots or dumpsters, left to roam rural areas where they are eaten by coyotes or city streets where they are hit by cars, and sometimes left in hot, locked cars. Researchers have found a strong correlation between high rates of poverty and crime and the neglect, abuse, and mistreatment of animals. Louisiana has the second highest poverty rate in the nation. In Ouachita Parish, about 23 percent of the population was below the poverty line, according to 2008-2012 census figures. Domestic violence and child abuse has also been linked to animal abuse. The good news, however, is that animal welfare has become a topic of huge importance locally, regionally and nationally. Tina An-
Thousands of unwanted animals are neglected, abused, mistreated and killed by people each year
* according to the Pet Ownership Calculator by the American Veterinary Association
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 139
911: Your city police department or sheriff’s office (to report crimes against animals) Animal Emergency Clinic (after hours/weekends): (318) 410-0555 Humane Society of the United States: 877-TIP-HSUS (877-847-4787) (to report animal fighting events such as dog fighting) Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter: (318) 323-4032 PAWS of NELA: (318) 397-0007 Thomas Mobile Veterinary Clinic: (318) 614-3050 4 PAWS Rescue Inc (Ruston): 290 Rodeo Rd, Ruston, LA 71270 • (318) 251-3647 Adopt a Pet: http://www.adoptapet.com/ Bayou Bully Rescue (Pit Bull Terriers): bayoubullyrescue@yahoo.com, P.O. Box 2843, West Monroe, LA 71294 All Hounds on Deck (medium and large dogs, Monroe): (318) 680-1319, (318) 450-8242, http://www.allhoundsondeck.com The Delta Humane Society of Louisiana: help@thedeltahumanesociety.com, http://www.thedeltahumanesociety.com/ Franklin Animal Rescue (Winnsboro): (318) 435-6471, http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/LA257.html Havilah’s Animal Rescue (Great Danes): (318) 387-0920, http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/LA86.html Humane Society Adoption Center of Monroe: 920 Freight Dr, Monroe, LA 71203 • (318) 387-9553, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Humane-SocietyAdoption-Center-Monroe/177045365655964 Louisiana Bayou Bullies (English Bulldogs): louisianabayoubullies@yahoo.com, http://www.louisianabayoubullies.com/ Morehouse Parish Humane Society: (318) 283-0288 http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/morehousepets.html North Louisiana Weimaraner Rescue: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/LA122.html Ouachita Parish Animal Shelter: www.petfinder.com/shelters/parishpets.html PAWS of Northeast Louisiana: http://www.pawsnela.org/ Paws of the Pines Humane Society (Jonesboro): (318) 259-9178 Passion for Pups (Ruston): (318) 777-0784 River Cities Humane Society for Cats: (318) 343-3031, 5302 Desiard St., Monroe, 71203, http://www.rivercitiescats.org/ Rockin Weenie Dogs Dachshund Rescue: MandeJos24@att.net, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rockin-WeenieDogs-Dachshund-Rescue/676236889060279 Tina Anzalone’s Saving Lives of Abused and Neglected Animals (Fund-raising campaign): http://www.gofundme.com/4v8zfs Winnsboro Dog Pound: winnsborodogpound@yahoo.com 140 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
zalone, chief code enforcement officer for the now, she’s just so happy and loved.” Volunteer animal advocate Casey LatCity of Monroe, says there is a new city animal welfare ordinance in place to help pro- timer, president of co-founder of The Delta tect animals. She also cites a Farm Bill that Humane Society of Louisiana, which covers President Barack Obama just signed in Feb- all the parishes in Northeast Louisiana other ruary with a provision making it a federal than Ouachita, says her organization rescues crime for a juvenile under age of 16 to be at and often transfers animals to northern an animal fighting event. “This issue has states, where there are people on waiting reached The White House,” she says. “Ani- lists, “waiting for animals like the ones that mal welfare is a big concern and people are dumped off here,” she says. “They tell us, aren’t playing anymore about these babies ‘We don’t have enough puppies.’” “This is a mostly rural community that being hurt.” A huge network of hundreds of animal has no resources, and we're trying to let peolovers, pet owners, rescuers, and other vol- ple know that there are alternatives out unteers also works to save the lives of ani- there,” Lattimer says. “We are very selective mals in Northeast Louisiana every day. about whom we allow to adopt our animals. Sometimes, when we say Many of these animal that we want an animal to advocates do everybe a member of your famthing they can to ily, some people look at me make sure that anilike I have two heads. By mals they help do not and large, the people of go to shelters where this area think of animals they will be euthaas property, that they are nized. They run nohere for your use.” She kill shelters like River cites Genesis 1:26-28 of the Cities Humane SociBible, which says that God ety for Cats in Mongave man dominion over roe and rescue animals. “I interpret that to organizations like – TINA ANZALONE mean that they're here for Bayou Bully Rescue (for pit bulls, which must, by law, be put me to care for in the most compassionate and down after seven business days if they are kind way there is." Another animal welfare volunteer and brought to the Ouachita Parish Animals Shelter). Before allowing someone to adopt a pet, advocate, Ginger Hubenthal Padgett of West most local rescue organizations carefully Monroe, runs a Facebook page “Lost and Found Dogs of Ouachita Parish,” which has screen potential pet owners. Anzalone also uses her own personal more than 4,500 followers. Since she cofunds and time to advocate for animal wel- founded page in 2011, Padgett has helped refare. She is running an ongoing campaign on turn 2,500 animals to their homes or found gofundme.com to raise money to pay for the them another one, and helped keep them out medical expenses of abused and neglected of the shelter where they might be euthapets in Ouachita Parish. She cites “Liberty,” nized. “Facebook has opened a tremendous a pit bull dog rescued on the Monroe’s south- avenue for us,” Padgett says. “We encourage side. “She was found at the first and only pit people to take pictures and post them when bull fighting pit I have ever seen in my 28 they’ve either found or lost an animal (not years at the City,” Anzalone says. “The pit just dogs) and their contact information. I was inactive, and this dog wasn’t a fighter. upload the photo and then share it on the She was probably a pet of the family that Lost and Found Dogs page, as well on my lived in the house in front of the rental prop- personal page. People then repost it, and it erty. That dog was discovered by neighbors goes viral.” To help locate and find lost animals, because neighborhood kids walking by were throwing sticks and bottles at her. She was however, Padgett recommends that people emaciated, covered in fleas.” Animal welfare take other measures than just using Faceofficers were called to pick up Liberty and book. “Not everybody has a Facebook page, another dog, she was treated, and a foster or even the internet or a computer,” she says. family that took her in named her Liberty “We encourage everybody to go out to the “because she was now free,” Anzalone says. shelters in person and let them know you’ve “That’s pretty much the worse case I’ve ever found or lost a dog. We also encourage them seen. She was close to death. And you see her to put it in the newspaper, post flyers with
“We are charging owners and taking them to court because they’ve neglected their animals.”
the animals’ picture on telephone poles and businesses in the area where the animal was found and at veterinarian offices.” If someone finds an animal, Padgett recommends first taking them to a humane society shelter or vet to see if they are microchipped with an implanted ID which identifies an animal and its owner. “And I can’t emphasize this enough: Every pet must have a collar with tags, even if it’s microchipped. “We need stricter laws, we need to have laws where every animal has to be spayed or neutered, and we need the ability to enforce them,” Padgett says. Anzalone, Laird and others at area animal welfare agencies are passionate about their jobs protecting animals. “The last thing we want to do is put dogs and cats to sleep,” Anzalone says. “This is the Animal Welfare Division now. We’re not ‘dogcatchers’—that’s what people used to call them. We’re all about the welfare of animals, and we are charging owners and taking them to court because they’ve neglected their animals, whether unintentionally or intentionally.” Some animal welfare officials and rescue volunteers say they sometimes suffer from “compassion burnout,” but saving just the life of one animal keeps them going. “We opened today at 10 a.m.,” Laird says the morning after I toured the parish shelter in West Monroe. “By 11, we had one adoption and 14 surrenders. That gets frustrating when people keep dropping them off, dropping them off, dropping them off.” “The first thing you realize, though, is that you can’t find homes for all of the animals that need them,” he says. “I kind of relate to ‘The Little Boy and Big Storm in the Gulf’ story… Hundreds and hundreds of starfish washed up on the shore. A young boy started picking them up and throwing them back into the ocean. A guy came by and saw what he was doing and said, ‘What you’re doing isn’t going to make any difference; there are too many to save.’ The boy picked up another starfish and threw it out into the water and said, ‘It made a difference for that one.’”
For information on how to promote kindness and prevent cruelty to animals, visit the ASPCA’s web site at http://www.aspca.org/.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 141
Salt & Pepper Spring Fashion Event On Saturday, March 15, Salt & Pepper Accessory Boutique held their Spring 2014 Fashion Event, a night of fashion, fun, and food. The weather that night called for a change of plans. The show was held inside of the boutique instead of outside on the front walk. Owner Jessica Pollard and Amy Pogue coordinated the event that highlighted the newest in spring attire. Guests were invited to enjoy the food, mingle with the staff and models, and shop the looks from the show.
On the BayouScene
1 Jessica Pollard and Amy Pogue 2 Lana Russell, Rhonda and Tracy McMorris 3 Jaelin and Jade White 4 Jennifer Shamblin and Amy Grassi 5 Debbie and Lawrence Bourg 6 Emily Buttitta and Katie Welch 7 Sydney and Abby Mayo 8 Belle Cerda and Macie Prudhomme 9 Amanda Prudhomme, Kallie Bible and Kristan Goss 10 Michelle Crow, Holly Hall and Lindsey Murray 11 Jessica Pollard and Josh Goldman 12 Connie Andrews and Meghan Woods 13 Laura Daniel and Erin Weaver 14 Susan Aulds and Lynn Roy
11
1
2
4
3
6
12
8
7
9
10
12
13
14 142 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
5
2
CCA Banquet
Preserving, promoting and enhancing Louisiana’s diverse marine life and coastal ecosystem took center stage at the Monroe Civic Center March 13, as the Monroe Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association held its annual live banquet and live auction. Following dinner, a live auction was held to raise money in support of CCA’s core mission. Among the items auctioned were wildlife prints and sculptures, fresh- and saltwater fishing trips, and sporting equipment for catching everything from crappie to marlin. Also, bidders vied for one of several coveted international hunting and fishing trips, with destinations ranging from Argentina to Africa. CCA’s Mitchell Nerren served as event chair with assistance from current CCA president Jason Ewing. Event sponsors included Faulk & Foster Realty, Hixson Autoplex, Academy Sports, Coca-Cola Bottling and Marsala Beverage.
On the BayouScene
1 Austin Hughes and James Stephens 2 Candace Flores, Kacie Hillsman and Lidia Bruckbauer 3 Jason Ewing and Mark Booth 4 Todd Colvin and Layne Weeks 5 Logan Nolan, Jonathan Perry, Robby Kelly, JW Perry, Brandon Stewart, Josh Creel and John Skeeles 6 Timi Poole, Kathryn Harvey, Kelly Norris, Annamaria Hutson, Ember Carmichael, Emily Petrus and Sydnee Davidson
1
2
4
3
5
6
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 143
1
Pints and Plates
2
Hopheads from around the corner and around the area turned out Thursday, March 13 for Pints and Plates, March 13 at Genusa’s Italian Restaurant. The event was organized by Choice Brands and Abita Brewing Company to celebrate a special cask of Amarillo Hopped Restoration Pale Ale. The Restoration Pale Ale paired perfectly with Rachel and Cherry Genusa’s handmade pizza and ravioli, which beer lovers called divine. The homey, inviting atmosphere at Genusa’s served as the perfect backdrop to the event and added a touch of old-world flair to the classically inspired brew. Local music man Josh Madden donned his crooner hat for the evening and entertained the crowd with an old fashioned piano singalong, featuring some of the most popular songs everyone knows.
On the BayouScene
1 Chad and Christa Matheny 2 Ashley Grubbs and Heather Quick 3 Tapping the Keg 4 Lamar and Merry Thompson 5 Peter and Adam Stamey 6 Lark Brothers, Melanie Dye and Cheryl Richardson 7 Alan Brockman, Frank Elkins, Vince Chao and Delia Simpson 8 Paul Gullette and Phil Walters 9 Jamie Halley, Jenny Hastings and Minett Grubbs 10 Richard and Mary Drew Breiten 11 Van Edwards, Megan Davenport and Lee Edwards 12 Alan Brockman, Vince Chao and Caroline Brockman
7
8
11 10
3
5
4
6
9
12
NAFA Excellence Banquet
The Neville Alumni and Friends Association (NAFA) hosted the 13th Annual Educators’ and Students’ Education Excellence Award Banquet Thursday, February 20 at Bayou DeSiard Country Club. More than 180 friends, family, and colleagues joined this year’s honorees to celebrate the 2014 Top Tigers. As a special treat for this year’s honorees, University of Louisiana-Monroe’s own Linda Bruno was on hand with Lisa Miller to recognize the top students with a special medal. Chairs for this year’s event were Maggie Zentner, Kathy Shaver Hart and Dana Tucker Jefferson. Neville Class of 1964 graduate Mike McGee delivered the evening’s keynote address, which underscored the importance a good education has played in his life.
On the BayouScene
1 Dana Jefferson, Maggie Zentner and Kathy Hart 2 Katie Trettin and James Rogers 3 Lisa Miller, Kaici Gordon and Linda Bruno 4 Jessica Smith and Susu Shackleford 5 Lynh Ho and Karen Medley 6 Brent Vidrine and Wally McMakin
1
2
4
3 5
6
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 145
Material Things Grand Re-opening
1
2
The baton has been passed from one style icon to another. Where Linda Reeves' Signatures once reigned as Monroe's fashionista heaven, Peggy Gonzales and Joyce Sims have moved their incredibly stylish home furnishings boutique. Such was the occasion to celebrate Material Things' Grand Re-opening. Seen in the crowd were Cathi French-Roberts and her husband Joe, Sharon Brown, Jennifer Brown, Billie Berry, Bunny Hewitt, Jeanette Emerel, Therese Nagem, Frances Cox and many more just like them.
On the BayouScene
1 Vada Montgomery and Nick McKinney 2 Robert and Joyce Sims, Peggy and Al Gonzales 3 Joe Roberts and Cathi French-Roberts 4 Shanna Marlowe and Sherri Mowad 5 Joyce Sims and Jeanette Emerel 6 Jane Maxwell and Frances Cox 7 Billie Berry and Sharon Brown 8 Holly Ratcli and Merry Thompson 9 Ann Williams and Melanie Liles 10 Therese Nagem and Margie Godwin 11 Bunny Hewitt and Sharon Brown 12 Dixie Bishop and Joyce Sims
3
5
7
8
10
146
11
4
6
9
12
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 147
BORN ON THE BAYOU article by MARY NAPOLI | illustration by AUSTIN BANTEL
"Hey there, you must be Ann," I said to the small, lovely woman standing in front of the Acadian style building on the grounds of the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Ann Smith smiled back at me. She is Vice President of the "Friends of Black Bayou" and was kind enough to offer to take me exploring one sunny Saturday morning in March. Ann has been a volunteer at the Refuge for several years, and I was excited to spend the day soaking up her knowledge of the area. Black Bayou consists of 4,500 acres of nature at its most fascinating. The Refuge includes a 1,700 acre lake and wetlands brimming with wildlife of all kinds. In 1997, the area became an official National Refuge with the ingenuity and selfless patronage of local volunteers who saw the value in adopting and protecting the region. The group established a Visitor's Center, which was originally a planter's home in the 1880's, to provide information for the public, as well as interactive displays and a gift shop. The Conservation Learning Center opened in 2005 and offers an impressive classroom and exhibits of live, native wildlife, such as snakes, small alligators, turtles, and freshwater fish. In addition to its natural beauty, the Refuge offers a birdwatching/photography blind, a 1,200 foot wildlife observation pier, a mile-long nature trail and boardwalk through the wetlands, an observation deck, and arboretum, amphitheater, wildflower and prairie area with concrete 148 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
walkways, and opportunities to fish and hunt. The "Friends of Black Bayou" also offer events and celebrations that the public is invited to participate in several times a year. I knew Black Bayou existed and had been before, but had not made the time to experience it fully. In fact, the last time I set foot on the refuge, I had come with my brothers and their families. I was seven months pregnant with my first child, and my full, round belly could have very well scared away animals in every direction in fear that I might eat them. This trip, I appeared much less threatening and was in a much better physical state to explore the Refuge. I had never met Ann before, but I already knew we had several things in common. We had both spent countless hours teaching English to university students, both had two children, and we shared a passion for the arts and the outdoors. Ann was my kind of girl, and she was ready for an adventure. With the generous help of another "Friend," Bob Eisenstadt, Ann and I soon had on our canoe in the water. Bob remained on the shore as we set forth. The early spring weather was perfect, and the warming sun rays promised that the wildlife would likely be out and about. Even on the edge of the lake, there was already so much to see. Waterfowl were abundant, and Ann expertly pointed out each species and informed me of their eccentricities.
Gorgeous bald cypress trees appeared in every direction with their limbs draped in soft Spanish Moss. After only a minute or two of paddling, Ann pointed out a mid-sized alligator, around nine feet long, that was resting in the thick vegetation near the bank. My eyes had to search for him for a moment, but there he washis eyes just above the surface and his long, bumpy tail visible above the water line. I had never seen an alligator this close before, and I wondered if we were a strange sight to him. Today, Ann promised to take me to view the bald eagle's nest, and I was excited to observe it. I paddled in the front of the canoe, and Ann acted as guide in the back. She explained to me how the lake was divided up into different sections and that they all connected to form the large Refuge. It was still early, and the sun cast its glow on the foliage and dark water all around us. As I listened to Ann, I took in the beauty of the lake. These surroundings appear familiar to those of us who live in Louisiana, but to people from outside of the South, it must look like another world. Soon, we were in an area so thick with cypress and tupelo gum trees, we had to maneuver the canoe around them slowly to avoid hitting them. At any point, I could reach out and touch the rough bark and tendrils of moss that hung like curtains from the branches above our heads. My fingers grazed the pointed, knobby knees of the cypress trees, protruding from the water that surrounded us. The knees are actually a root
system that help to keep the trees grounded in the marshy waters. This grove of trees was like a magical gateway to another area of the lake, where the gentle breeze and the songs of winged residents provided a earthy soundtrack. "There is the nest," said Ann. It was unmistakable and a sight to behold. I paddled toward it with my mouth gaping. Perched next to it was a huge, majestic bald eagle. "The nest itself is six to seven feet wide," explained Ann. The giant nest was carefully crafted, and my guide noted that the birds continually add to it add repair any damage that may come its way. Last year, the nest was full of eggs and had somehow made it through the bitter winter. The adult eagle perched on a branch overseeing its home and looked out over the bayou ready for what may come its way. Gazing up at the eagle's nest, we began to talk and lost all track of time. We shared stories of common experiences, overcoming adversity, and said things that we normally don't talk about with someone we just met. It may have been the wide open sky above, or that only the majestic eagles were around to hear us, but that raw, tender part our hearts were wide open that day. Like the eagles, we had both weathered some significant storms in our lifetimes and managed to make it through, with ourselves and our young stronger for the experience. APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 149
AS WE TALKED,
we listened to the eagle call out to the bayou. It wasn't a song, but more of a confident declaration of its presence. We noticed a small, dark head peeking up from the depth of the nest. Slowly, the bird revealed itself. It was much smaller than the adult and covered in black feathers. Ann explained that it was a juvenile eagle that would not develop the white feathers on its head that would signify its maturity until later. This bird, we would learn several days later, was one of the baby eagles born in the previous season. Suddenly, we heard another cry similar to the one the adult had made. In the distance, another adult bald eagle was approaching. The one on the tree took flight, and made its way toward its mate. The two flew away together with their impressive wings open wide and began soaring in circles around each other as they traveled farther away. Watching this, we reasoned that they must have been calling out to each other and communicating in their own special way. "That must be its mate," Ann said. "They must be going to hunt together." Ann recalled watching the mother eagle bringing food to the nest last season and feeding her babies. The smaller eagle made its way to the edge of the nest and appeared to look in the direction that the older eagles had gone. We wondered if it was minding the nest or waiting for a meal--the wildlife version of room service. It was a simple scene, but incredible nonetheless. These beautiful creatures must tend to their homes and make the necessary efforts to ensure their survival as any species, and we are no different. Watching them, I felt a part of their world. As complicated as life gets, the simple things never change. We often forget that we are as much creatures of this world as much as the animals. Our homes and our children are our top priorities, whether we have feathers, scales, or smartphones and bank accounts. Our homes aren't as far apart as they may seem, and our basic needs are no different from each other's. There is nothing like immersing yourself in nature to quiet the mind and remember what truly matters. It was over an hour before we looked at the clock and realized that it was time to head back to the dock and to our lives outside of the murky water. Grateful for the experience, we turned our canoe around and began to paddle back. As we moved the boat forward, I held on to every serene image of the lake and wished that my mind could take photographs. I felt thankful to be a Louisiana girl and proud that my hometown had such an incredibly gorgeous landscape that we all have access to. In my heart, I felt admiration for and gratitude to the "Friends" of this breathtaking place, the diverse group of people who care for Black Bayou and give selflessly of themselves to not only ensure its safety but to encourage others to experience the beauty it has to offer. Places like Black Bayou aren't something we should take for granted. They are blessings that we should recognize, enjoy, and glorify our creator for providing. They are a special part of our natural habitat as residents of North Louisiana. 150 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
I was lost in thought when I heard Ann softly whisper, "Whoa!" I turned my head toward the bank just in time to see an enormous, dark, scaly tail slap the water with a large splash and sink below the surface. It was a giant alligator, and we were only about 20 feet from it. "Keep paddling," said Ann calmly. "He was sunning himself, and we got too close and disturbed him. We should keep moving." “That one looked really big!" I said, still processing how close we were to the creature. "He was very big, the biggest I have seen in a while," said Ann. "I would guess between twelve to thirteen feet long. I noticed him right before he began to move and went under." Twelve to thirteen feet?! That is nothing to play around with! Alligators often avoid humans unless they feel threatened, like much of the wildlife here. They rarely attack, but mother alligators are known to do so if they feel as though their nests are in danger. These formidable animals are scary looking for a reason. If you happen to find yourself close to an alligator nest, you better move quickly and pray that Mama isn't close enough to catch you. If Mama Gator ain't happy, you soon won't be either. I didn't realize how far we had traveled until we got closer to the area that we had started from. Beyond the area thickly populated with cypress and tupelo gum trees, there were at least a dozen boats filled with fishermen and women enjoying the cool air and bright sunshine and hoping to entice perch and bream to bite the ends of their lines. Each group of boaters we passed smiled, nodded, or waved a congenial greeting. Nearing the dock, we crossed paths with an older gentleman with a kind smile and a fishing pole. “You ladies look like you had a good time," he said. "Its a beautiful day to be here!" It certainly was. It was a beautiful day, and a memorable one. It brought to mind that I had entered Black Bayou with a woman I barely knew, and I was leaving with a friend that I admired and respected. "I'm starting to see that this place is as much of a refuge for people as it is for wildlife," I said to Ann. She replied, "You know, I say the exact same thing all the time."
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is seven miles north of I-20, about 1.5 miles north of CenturyLink Headquarters. For more information, go to www.friendsofblackbayou.org, or look for Friends of Black Bayou on Facebook.
APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 151
Calendar of Events April 3 Downtown Gallery Crawl Time: 5:00 pm-9:00 pm Start visiting nine galleries hosting the Downtown Gallery Crawl on either side of the Ouachita River. On Antique Alley in West Monroe, you can peruse the works of over 30 artists, all part of the Ouachita River Art Gallery. Then, crossing the Endom Bridge and turning right on South Grand, you can visit Livaudais Gallery, which always generously hosts guest artists. Backtracking a bit to DeSiard Street, you might then stroll down to the Palace Gallery, housed in the historic, now renovated Palace Department Store. Finally, almost directly across DeSiard, you will hit the mother lode—UPSTAIRS, the Big Room, the new Downstairs Gallery + Studio, Arender Gallery, Sugar Gallery, and MAD Gallery—all located on Art Alley (formerly known as North 2nd Street). Downtown Monroe and West Monroe www.downtowngallerycrawl.com April 4-6 Twin City Crawfest Time: Friday-3:00 p.m.-Midnight; Saturday-10:00 a.m.-Midnight; Sunday10:00 am-6:00 pm SAVE THE DATE! Crawfest is happening April 4, 5, and 6 and will be THE largest crawfish festival this area has ever seen. This isn't just mudbugs either. There will be live music, an inflatable theme park for the kids and an arts and crafts area. It will be food and fun for the whole family! Revolution Park Race Track 318-812-7223 revolutionparkentertainment.com April 5 RiverMarket Days: Outdoor Living Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm Enjoy this destination to shop and gather on the picturesque Ouachita River. This French-style market has a variety of culture, education and entertainment. The RiverMarket offers produce, artisan handmade items, food, 152 BayouLife Magazine APRIL 2014
and entertainment in a “town square” setting. Don't miss out on all the fun! RiverMarket 318-807-9985 www.downtownrivermarket.com The Children's Coalition and The Debbie Bourg Dancers Present: Fashion Fusion Time: 7:30 pm The Children's Coalition and The Debbie Bourg Dancers Present Fashion Fusion--Where Dance Meets Design. Fashion Fusion will feature performances by the talented Debbie Bourg Dancers fused with a high energy runway-type style show. Many area boutiques, salons and local artists will be showcased. Mark your calendars for an exciting night of dance, fashion and entertainment! West Monroe Convention Center (318) 323-8775 Poverty Point State Historic Site Presents: Earth Oven Cooking Time: 12:00 pm A demonstration on the unique Poverty Point Objects, and how these clay balls were used to cook food, will take place. Poverty Point State Historic Site 888-926-5492
www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ipvertypt.aspx
Master Gardener Sixth Annual Spring Plant Sale Time: 9:00 am-3:00 pm This year's Spring Fest will include, vegetables and herbs, flowering vines, flowering trees, tropical and houseplants, hanging baskets and many others. This will be an opportunity to find Louisiana Super Plants and other varieties not usually found locally. Butterfly garden tours will also be held throughout the day. Local Master Gardeners will be available to help you select the best plants for your yard and garden. They also will be available to answer questions, provide gardening tips and help you load your car. West Monroe Farmer's Market
(318) 322-2203 www.westmonroe.com/departments/f armers-market.php April 11 5th Annual Off the Wall Fundraiser hosted by the Masur Museum Time: 6:30 pm-9:30 pm The Twin City Art Foundation hosts the 5th 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 and the always popular Bon Voyage Trip Raffle. Proceeds from the fundraiser support exhibitions and educational programs at the Masur Museum of Art. Masur Museum of Art (318) 329-2237 www.masurmuseum.org April 11 The Rickey Smiley Comedy Show Time: Doors open-7:00 pm; Show begins-8:00 pm Get a good laugh at the Rickey Smiley Comedy show on April 11. Last year's show was a huge success and this year is going to be even better. Don't miss your chance to buy tickets now! Monroe Civic Center (318) 329-2338 www.ci.monroe.la.us/monroe-civiccenter.php April 11-13 Tennessee Walking Horse Show Time: Starts at 9:00 am Tennessee Walking Horses have long been known for a naturally smooth gait and their running-walk flair, and they will be in West Monroe for their show at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center Ike Hamilton Expo Center Arena (318) 325-9160 www.westmonroe.com/departments/ ike-hamilton-expo-center.php April 12 Poverty Point State Historic Site presents: Nature Based Hike Time: Dusk A ranger will guide visitors along the paths of Poverty Point at dusk to observe and discuss nature and local animals. The hike will conclude with storytelling around a campfire. Poverty Point State Historic Site 888-926-5492
www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ipvertypt.aspx
RiverMarket Days: Earth Day featur-
ing Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm Enjoy this destination to shop and gather on the picturesque Ouachita River. This French-style market has a variety of culture, education and entertainment. The RiverMarket offers produce, artisan handmade items, food, and entertainment in a “town square” setting. Don't miss out on all the fun! RiverMarket 318-807-9985 www.downtownrivermarket.com The Monroe Symphony Orchestra Time: 7:00 pm Join the Monroe Symphony Orchestra as we close the 2013-2014 season with Four Dances from Estancia and excerpts from La Damnation de Faust paired with the world premiere of Mel Mobley’s Labored Breath. Virtuosic pianist Chu-Fang Huang will perform Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor. Neville High School 318-812-6761 www.monroesymphonyorchestra.com April 15 Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge presents: Full Moon Walk at Black Bayou Lake Time: 7:00 pm Enjoy a full moon walk at Black Bayou Lake, and take advantage of your tax dollars at work. A relaxing evening under the stars is fun for all! Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge (318) 387-1114 www.fws.gov/northlouisiana/blackbayoulake April 19 Poverty Point State Historic Site presents: Full-Moon Hike Time: Dusk A site ranger will lead a moonlit hike through the ancient mound of Poverty Point State Historic Site while looking for wildlife and stargazing. Poverty Point State Historic Site 888-926-5492 www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ipvertypt.as px April 19 RiverMarket Days: Fashion Week Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm Enjoy this destination to shop and gather on the picturesque Ouachita River. This French-style market has a variety of culture, education and entertainment. The RiverMarket offers produce, artisan handmade items, food, and entertainment in a “town square”
setting. Don't miss out on all the fun! RiverMarket 318-807-9985 www.downtownrivermarket.com Landry Vineyards presents: The Tim Free Band Time: 4:00 pm-7:30 pm Landry Vineyards winery outdoor concert featuring The Tim Free Band. A mix of Blues and Classic Rock will have you, family & friends dancing all night. Make sure you pack your lawn chair, blanket and picnic dinner and enjoy the outdoor show. Landry's Vineyard (318) 557-9051 www.landryvineyards.com April 24 Wine Over Water Time: 7:00 pm-10:00 pm The 9th Annual and award winning Wine over Water is planned for Thursday April 24, 2014. Not only has this premier event grown and expanded over the past eight years, attracting over 1000 attendees, it has become the university's signature community affair. Hosted by ULM's Ouachita Parish Alumni Chapter, Wine over Water has been recognized as an exemplary alumni event in the country by the council for the Advancement and Support of Education. Do not miss this opportunity to support our local university, to raise scholarship funding, and to enjoy a very memorable evening on the delightful University of Louisiana Monroe campus. University of Louisiana at Monroe 318-342-5420 www.ulm.edu April 25 Rayville United Methodist Men’s Fish Fry Time: 11:00 am-2:00 pm Join the Methodist Men on April 25th for a taste of Louisiana cooking. Each plate will come with cole slaw, potato salad, hush puppies and dessert. Plates: $8 www.rayvilleumc.org 905 Louisa Street, Rayville, LA April 25-26 Biedenharn and Museums and Gardens presents: Garden Symposium and Plant Sale Time: 9:00 am-5:00 pm Friday's Symposium features three programs and early access to the Plant Sale. There will also be a Saturday lecture along with the Second Annual Plant Sale. Biedenharn Museum and Gardens is excited to offer a vari-
ety of unusual and hard to get plants from last year's supplier Heidi Sheesley of Treesearch Farms, Houston, TX. These include Bletilla strata the ground orchid , Stokesia laevis 'Peachie's Pick,' Hiromi Cherry, Byzantine Gladiolas and the much requested Peggy Martin Rose. The Biedenharn Museum will offer Staghorn Ferns, Walking Iris, night blooming ceres, bromeliads and more from cuttings and plants from ELsong Garden. Biedenharn Museum and Gardens (318) 387-5281 www.bmuseum.org
Time: Participants begin cooking-6:00 am; Gates open to public-11:00 am; Judging-4:00 pm The Monroe Jaycees invite you to come out to the 10th Annual Smokin' on the Bayou Rib Cookoff. The cookoff will be held behind Warhawk Stadium at ULM. From a first place prize, people's choice, and dessert competition you can win big! ULM Malone Stadium (318) 355-6195 www.monroejuniorchamber.org/Rib_C ook-off.html
April 28 Downtown Monroe Alliance presents: Downtown Monroe Virtual Tour Time: 11:30 am-1:00 pm The Downtown Monroe Alliance is excited to present to you; Downtown Monroe Virtual Tour. Larry Foreman of the Ouachita Parish Public Library will talk about the history of the Downtown Monroe area. Registration deadline is Friday, April 17, 2014. To make reservations call: (318) 329-4947 Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant (318) 329-4947
April 25-27 Ballet Under the Stars The annual Ballet Under the Stars is set to take stage at the Ballet Amphitheatre in beautiful Kiroli Park in West Monroe. This unique venue and ballet will offer new, original choreography in popular venues of dance created by some of your favorite choreographers. Also featured for area school children will be the continuing insights to the antics of the fun inhabitants of Holy Kiroli! It’s a Zoobilation Celebration. The Sunday, April 27th is a “Gift Back to the City” with only the park entrance fee per car. Kiroli Park (318) 388-3011 www.twincityballet.org April 26 Poverty Point State Historic Site presents: Edible Wild Plants Time: 10:00 am & 1:00 pm This program consists of a onemile hike around the site to show visitors some of the native plants that the Poverty Point people would have likely used for food. Poverty Point State Historic Site 888-926-5492 www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ipvertypt.aspx
RiverMarket Days: Home & Garden Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm Enjoy this destination to shop and gather on the picturesque Ouachita River. This French-style market has a variety of culture, education and entertainment. The RiverMarket offers produce, artisan handmade items, food, and entertainment in a “town square” setting. Don't miss out on all the fun! RiverMarket 318-807-9985 www.downtownrivermarket.com April 27 The Monroe Jaycees presents: The 10th Annual Smokin' on the Bayou Rib Cookoff APRIL 2014 BayouLife Magazine 153
3
Wig and Stache Bash
The Roaring Twenties returned in high fashion February 28, when Geneva Academy threw the 2nd Annual Wig & Stache Bash. Dressed in a style befitting The Great Gatsby, patrons enjoyed tunes by Code Blue and the Flatliners while dining on a scrumptious spread from The Waterfront Grille and drinks from Marsala Beverage. Also on tap for the bash, a live auction, photo both, and a dessert dash--which proved to be the highlight of many a sweet tooth's evening. Meanwhile, each guest received a commemorative stemware glass. The night of festivities was organized to raise money for Geneva Academy, a Monroe Christian school that seeks to provide a rigorous Classical education to each of its students.
On the BayouScene
1 Haylee and Ryan Ray 2 Kelsea McCrary and Brad Arender 3 Aleta and Aaron Eley 4 Scott and Kelly Bonner 5 Patrick and Shannon Trisler 6 Jill and Rodney Ray 7 Ed and Heidi Lang 8 Eddie and Dawn Bailey 9 Cirely and Bill Lofton 10 Kaiylyn Bryan, James Rocket, Anna Pryor and Jennifer Lizenby 11 Stacey Gibson and Christie Bonvillaie 12 Amy and Steven Myers 13 Maggie and Stephen Rockett 14 Kristina and Grayson Zeagler 15 Libby Giord
12
1
4
7
2
13
5
8
10
6
9
11
10
12
14
15