WILD HORSES

These looks from local boutiques showcase the best fall has to offer. From prarie dresses to sequins, these outfits combine seasonal must-haves with fashion-foward staples.

Photography by Kelly Moore Clark Hair and Makeup by Meka Bennett Reliford Model Lalaina Wood

DUSTY & COMPANY This cream-colored waffle knit top is paired with black denim distresed pants. Complete the outfit with white booties and a mixed metal cross cuff.

PALETTE HOUSE + PLUME This breezy white cotton dress is the perfect transition piece from summer to fall. Featuring a tiered look and removable tie waist, this dress is an autumn staple.

HERITAGE & GRACE This wraparound rust orange and cream cropped blouse features a high neckline and gathered sleeves. Pair it with distressed denim and accessorize with a black and gold belt and gold hoop earrings.

THE NUDE NOMAD Step out in style in this black and gold sequin mini dress with zebra print. Paired with suede wood block heels and layered gold bracelets, this outfit will make you shine.

Expansion Is Progressing

The Gardens at Georgia Tucker Phase II Opens Soon

ASK MANY OF THE RESIDENTS IN The Gardens at Georgia Tucker how they feel about living in Monroe’s only assisted living facility housed in such a beautiful historic setting. You’ll hear plenty of comments expressing their pleasure for such luxuriously accommodating apartments and social gathering spaces.

Many longtime residents have been part of this community since its opening in 2018, and they continue to enjoy each other’s company during activities, or just simply while visiting. The open atrium area in the center of Phase I is the favorite gathering space that’s easily accessible from their apartments, and the onsite hair salon is probably the second most favorite place to be!

To enhance day-to-day living, shared endeavors can include musical entertainment, movies & games, birthday parties, themed events, church activities, shopping, and other voluntary pastimes coordinated by the Activities Director. Each month’s calendar of events and activities can be viewed online at georgiatucker.com.

For optimal comfort, residents decorate their apartments with their own treasured momentos and furnishings, feeling right at home, while safe and secure. There are onebedroom & two-bedroom apartments in both Phase I and the soon-to-open Phase II buildings, as well as one-bedroom apartments in the Phase II Memory Care building.

The Memory Care services include all the expected amenities along with an individualized plan of care to maximize quality of life for your loved one. This custom-design unit will meet the needs of residents requiring a level of dementia-related assistance that can encompass dining, bathing, and other daily routines for each resident’s comfort and wellbeing. Full accreditation and a certified staff ensure proper attention for residents in this building.

Once Phase II is completed, the complex will cover one entire city block, and will have additional walkways and a peaceful courtyard for relaxing outdoors. Visitors and relatives are welcomed and encouraged to drop by for special companionship which is always appreciated.

Reservations and lease deposits are being accepted now for the Phase II assisted living and memory care apartments. All assisted living apartments include a flat-mounted cable TV, a personal refrigerator & microwave oven, WiFi connections, and a spacious bathroom.

Please call 318-538-0040 to schedule a tour appointment. The administration staff couldn’t be more proud of the offerings, and will be happy to show you around, answer any questions, and provide leasing information for you or for a loved one. Meanwhile, visit GeorgiaTucker.com for more details.

The unparalleled comfort, convenience, and amenities of The Gardens At Georgia Tucker assure new and long-time residents alike of an environment that can truly be called home.

COVID-19 Symptoms of COVID-19 Alpha Variant:

• Muscle or body aches • New loss of taste or smellSymptoms • Congestion or runny nose Can Look Different with Delta • Nausea or vomiting • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

THE ORIGINAL STRAIN OF COVID-19 upended our lives in spring 2020. The virus has continued to mutate, and the significantly more contagious Delta variant is now the dominant strain of COVID in our country and region, making up most cases.

Symptoms that people infected with COVID-19 experience can be different depending on the variant, so it’s important to know what to look for if you’re experiencing any symptoms. When in doubt, get tested when you feel sick even if you are vaccinated.

Symptoms of COVID-19 Delta Variant Can Look Like Allergies:

• Headache • Sore throat • Runny nose • Fever • Fever or chills • Cough • Fatigue • Headache • Diarrhea • Sore throat

Persistent cough and loss of taste and smell are not as prevalent with Delta. Doctors are seeing unvaccinated people get sicker more quickly with Delta, especially younger people. This version of the virus grows more rapidly and to much greater levels in infected respiratory tracts.

VACCINES MAKE OUR COMMUNITY SAFER

Vaccinated people who contract the Delta variant are typically either asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms like those of a common cold. When you get vaccinated, your risk of getting very sick or being hospitalized is significantly lower than someone who has not been vaccinated. You are safer than you were before you got your vaccine.

KEEP MASKING AND KEEP YOUR DISTANCE

The virus can still be spread by vaccinated people infected with the Delta variant, so until our local and regional vaccination rates get higher, we all need to continue to mask up and maintain physical distance as much as possible to curb its spread.

BOOSTER DOSE NOW AVAILABLE.

The State of Louisiana along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that people whose immune systems are moderate to severely compromised and are fully vaccinated with an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine should receive an additional dose of that same mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

The high-risk categories outlined by the CDC include: • Receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood • Received an organ transplant and are currently taking medicine to suppress the immune system • Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are currently taking medicine to suppress the immune system • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome) • Advanced or untreated HIV infection • Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (≥20 mg prednisone or equivalent per day) or other drugs that may suppress your immune response • Other conditions which cause moderate or severe immunosuppression similar to the above conditions

The CDC recommends that people speak with their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate. The CDC does not recommend an additional dose for other populations at this time.

AI at Audibel is Here

Now is the Time to Try These State-of-the-Art Hearing Aids

IF YOU’VE BEEN HOLDING OUT ON getting hearing aids because you were waiting for something that didn’t scream “hearing aid!” while also offering unheard of sound quality and high-tech, life-just-got-wayeasier features, well then you know how the next paragraph begins. Hold out no longer and check out Via Edge AI custom rechargeable hearing aids. Custom hearing aids have been around a long time — and Audibel has always been the undisputed leader in their manufacturing — but these are the first and only smartphone-connected rechargeable custom hearing aids. For many, the fact that there is finally a rechargeable custom hearing aid will be enough to hop off the fence. For others, that they don’t sit behind your ears like traditional hearing aids should make inquiring minds want to know more. For everyone else, here are a dozen reasons why it’s time to finally look into getting hearing aids — or to swap out your old pair for something better.

1. Because sound quality is king — and these are our best sounding hearing aids yet! 2. You can charge them while you sleep and they’re good to go all day. 3. They were named “most tech-forward hearing aids” by Healthline. 4. Your teenage grand/daughter will think they “create a vibe.” (My 19-year old daughter assures me that’s a good thing.) 5. They won’t budge when you wear or remove your mask. 6. You can listen to podcasts (and nature!) while you’re walking your dog (or going for a hike). 7. There are no batteries to worry about, fumble with or buy. 8. They are custom molded to you ear — so they’re snug, comfortable and your kids can’t “borrow” and “misplace” them (like kids are prone to do with cool gadgets). 9. If you don’t like missing out on conversations and social activities, you won’t with these.

10. No one knows they’re hearing aids — they just look like futuristic earpods. 11. You can talk on the phone with them, hands-free, without missing a beat. 12. There’s not another pair out there that’s exactly like yours!

Bonus: They are made for masks. As you know, we are currently under a mask mandate, which combined with social distancing, can make hearing harder than ever. These custom hearing aids won’t tangle with or get pulled off when wearing or removing face masks. Edge Mode for Masks delivers an on-demand boost for speech audibility with just a tap of your hearing aids and they automatically optimize for social distancing and background noise.

Via Edge AI gives you an edge over other hearing aids with powerful artificial intelligence in every device. Our gamechanging sound with AI technology improves speech understanding for those with significant hearing loss and helps in the most difficult listening environments.

Jeff Leaumont State Farm Open House

On Thursday July 29th, Jeff Leaumont State Farm Insurance Agent, celebrated Open House with his closest friends, family and beloved customers. This exciting day was filled with fun games, catered food and lots of fun. The Jeff Leaumont State Farm Insurance office is proud to serve Monroe, Louisiana. Located at 4161 Sterlington Road, be sure to give him a call for all of your insurance needs!

On the BayouScene

1 Jeff Leaumont and Rick Greene 2 Hollie Porter-Giroux, Jeff and Amanda Leaumont with Shawn Jenkins 3 Ainsley Leaumont, Monica and Bob Jones, and Stephanie Mannina 4 Addy, Luke and Ainsley Leaumont 5 Rebecca and Ainsley Leaumont 6 Ainsley Leaumont with Molly and Pat Leaumont

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XTND Boutique

Opens in Downtown Monroe

IN RECENT YEARS, DOWNTOWN MONROE HAS SEEN a revitalization and experienced tremendous growth. There has been new restaurants, salons and stores. And now, there is one more business to add to the mix. XTND Boutique opened on June 26, 2021 and is already becoming a place for the community to shop, gather and socialize. The store is owned by a mother-daughter pair, Misty Jenkins and Chelzee Matthews. They each ran their own online clothing boutiques, selling clothes on Facebook and websites. Mom Misty catered to older, professional women while daughter Chelzee reached a younger demographic, closer to her own age. The two had the opportunity to open a brick and mortar location and combine their businesses, reaching a broader market.

XTND provides luxury looks with premium fabrics and silhouettes without a luxe price tag. Chelzee’s philosophy on style and fashion is, “Confidence, not just in your clothing but how you feel is just as essential as making sure we provide a shopping experience you won’t find anywhere else.” And that is what XTND is all about.

In the store you will find an array of denim from jeans, shorts and tops. The long flowy dress vibe is in and there are plenty to choose from in a variety of fabrics. XTND is quickly becoming well known for their hat collection. Wide brim hats adorn the wall, and you can choose from a number of colors, textures and details. For the younger crowd, there are some edgier pieces like cut out dresses and mid-drift tops. In the back of the boutique, Chelzee offers eyelash services, something she has been doing for four years. Katrina Gibson is on hand to do facials and waxing as well.

When discussing a name for the store, Misty and Chelzee tossed around several ideas. They landed on XTND because it enveloped everything they wanted to represent. It reflects the variety of sizes the boutique offers, the eyelash extension services Chelzee offers but it means even more. It represents women’s empowerment and allowing them to reach their fullest potential. They believe that how you feel, starts with how you look. And that when you feel good, you can conquer the day. In addition to offering clothes and beauty services, XTND offers a place for the community to gather. They love being in the heart of downtown and have already hosted events. They recently held a Wine Down Wednesday event with pillars of the community - local artist Frank Kelly Jr., local chiropractor Dr. Talitha Elliott, local attorney Jasmyne McConnell and local Realtor Ashley Ambrew. The community was invited to join them as they mixed and mingled, socializing and shopping. There were charcuterie cones and cheesecake bites to munch on and a bartender on hand with libations. They are also looking forward to being able to support the community in whatever way they can. Misty has another daughter, Lauren Jenkins, who is a freshman cheerleader at Neville High School, so the boutique donated items for a recent auction. They also plan to participate in an upcoming fashion show, hosted by Robert Wright.

Stop by XTND located on Desiard Street, across from Rain Salon and Standard Coffee. In addition to Misty and Chelzee, you can visit with Amber Sellers, their marketing coordinator. And if you are really into fashion, XTND is hiring so inquire about job opportunities! You can experience shopping at XTND Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 10am-3pm. Visit their website at your convenience at xtndmonroe.com and Facebook page: XTND Monroe and Instagram: XTND__

IN THE GARDEN

VEGETABLES As spring and summer crops play out for the season, pull up their remains and add them to the compost pile. Consider planting a cover crop if there are no plans for the space they occupied until next spring. Cover crops enrich the soil by acting as “green manures” that are turned under just before they flower. Members of the legume family make excellent cover crops or green manures because they will give weary soil a boost of nitrogen. The roots of many legumes are colonized by bacteria that have the capability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrate compounds which are useable to the plants. In other words, many legumes make their own fertilizer! Suitable legumes for cover crops include clovers, field peas, and vetch. Nonlegume plants, such as oats, winter rye, annual ryegrass, wheat, or buckwheat, also make good green manures.

What vegetables can be planted now? Beets, carrots, collards, mustard greens, snap beans, and turnips can be seeded directly into beds or rows. Thinning seedlings will maximize productivity. Get ahead of cabbage worms by early applications of Bt, a biological insecticide. Make sure to follow instructions on the bottle. Bulb onions can be started from seeds now through October for transplanting in February. Short-day or day-neutral onions are best suited for our region. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, and other cole crops should be widely available as transplants from garden centers and can be planted now. Other leaf vegetables that make good fall crops are Swiss chard and lettuce. Chard may survive the winter if adequately mulched with leaves, grass clippings, or hay. LAWNSMowing is an ongoing task this month. But, as the number of daylight hours decreases, our southern turfgrasses are gearing up to go dormant for the oncoming winter. Adjusting the lawn fertilizer regimen will help them make this transition safely. Using fertilizers that are lower in nitrogen and higher in potassium (K) will promote healthy root formation going into cool weather whereas high nitrogen fertilizers will increase above ground blade production and open lawns up to pests and cold susceptibility. Apply 1 to 2 pounds of muriate of potash (0-0-60) per 1,000 square feet of lawn.

< ‘Intenz Classic’ celosia // What a work horse! Brilliant magenta flowers attract pollinators and add a soft texture to any sunny area.

> Sorbet Viola

Cool weather plants designated as Louisiana Super Plants include the ‘Swan’ series of columbine .

Brown patch or large patch is a fungal disease that can show up now. Yellow, circular areas increase in diameter and eventually turn brown. This fungus, Rhizoctonia solani, will be especially evident in St. Augustinegrass and centipedegrass. A variety of lawn fungicides are available from local garden centers that will help control brown patch. Look for products that have either myclobutanil, propiconazole, or triadimefon as the active ingredient and follow the manufacturer’s application recommendations. Armyworm (Pseudaletia unipuncta) is an insect pest that may affect lawns this time of year. Caterpillars are visible and easily identified by their yellow or greenish-brown stripes on a pale green body. Armyworm damage may resemble brown patch. Broad spectrum insecticides containing either carbaryl, spinosad, or malathion will control armyworm per manufacturer’s recommendations on the label. ANNUALSAs summer annuals play out, relegate them to the compost pile and refresh beds with finished compost. Let the beds rest until cooler temperatures allow for planting fall and winter annuals. If a soil test performed, look for a pH between 5.5 and 6.0 for most bedding plants.

Some warm weather annuals will persist until frost, however. Leave them! Many times, they looks great combined with cool season annuals. For example, ‘Intenz Classic’ celosia looks good until either it’s pulled up or frost kills it. What a work horse! Brilliant magenta flowers attract pollinators and add a soft texture to any sunny area.

Popular cool season bedding plants include pansies (Viola × whittrockiana), alyssum (Lobularia maritima), annual phlox (Phlox drummondii) and dusty miller (Jacobaea maritima and related species), snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus), and ornamental cabbages and kale. Cool weather plants designated as Louisiana Super Plants include the ‘Swan’ series of columbine (Aquilegia sp.), ‘Redbor’ kale (Brassica oleracea Acephala Group), the ‘Camelot’ series of foxglove (Digitalis sp. and hybrids), and the ‘Sorbet’ series of viola (Viola cornuta). In addition to fall annuals, preparations can be made now for planting bulbs in October. Louisiana iris and calla lily can be divided this month as well.

Purchase varieties that are appropriate for the north region. Impulsive plant purchases, with little to no information regarding cultural requirements, is risky. Always research and know a plant’s growth habit, pest susceptibility, maintenance requirements, and preferred growing conditions before buying. PERRENIALSSeptember is an ideal time to order and start planting bulbs for flowers in spring. Also, divide and transplant irises now, especially Louisiana irises. Uncover the old plants and carefully remove new rhizomes. Plant the new tender rhizomes in a bed that has been wellamended with organic matter and a complete fertilizer (2 to 4 pounds per 100 square feet). Cover the roots but leave the tops of the rhizomes barely visible. Mulch with a 2-inch layer of well-aged bark chips or other mulch, and water in.

Finally, early September is the best time for late summer rose care. Hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, and shrub roses can all be pruned this month by removing approximately one third of the height and removing cans that give plants and unshapely appearance. Keep monitoring for insect pests such as aphids, spider mites, and chilli thrips. Black spot is a fungal issue that is prevalent this time of year. Susceptible varieties should be treated with either a spray or systemic fungicide according to the manufacturer’s directions. An application of a slow-release fertilizer after pruning will ensure blooms into fall. Refresh mulch, too. Pine straw is recommended.

For advice on how to make your garden thrive, click on the Louisiana Living link under News at www.myarklamiss.com and submit your questions. I’ll answer them every Tuesday on Louisiana Living!

LET’S CHECK THE CALENDAR!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 6th! The Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners will hold their annual fall bulb and plant sale at the Pavilion at Seventh Square (West Monroe Farmers Market)! A huge selection of fall bulbs for spring blooms, as well as annuals and woody perennials will be available.

Also mark Saturday, January 15th, 2022, as our Master Gardeners welcome keynote speaker Dr. Susan Pell for their annual January gardening seminar. Dr. Pell is Deputy Executive Director of the U.S. Botanical Garden in Washington, D.C.

For both events, the Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners will observe whatever COVID-19 restrictions are in place at the time of each event. As of this writing, there is no plan to cancel either event. Follow Northeast Louisiana Master Gardeners on Facebook.

Be the Peacekeeper

As We Continue to Live in Unprecedented Times

article by Cindy G. Foust

Anybody ever play dominoes at their house? Like the Mexican Train kind, with colored dominoes that start with the double 12 and go down to the double zero? Gosh, my family does and let me tell you… it can get heated. I don’t mean like hot versus cold, but heated like cutthroat, won’t start each other a train and name calling domino antics? Asking for a friend.

We really have “enjoyed” some of these games this summer, especially while my brother was in town from Maryland. We love hanging out around my parent’s pool, cooking on the grill, making homemade ice cream and playing dominoes. Oh, and this summer, watching the Olympics. We are a sports-minded family, and I think I have written about my years as a collegiate softball player. Just kidding. I did play in high school, though, and I played basketball, too. Those were kind of the glory years of my athletic career but I could shoot a 3-pointer, you know, before they even had 3-pointers.

My son followed in my footsteps (and his dads) and continues playing sports to this day. My daughter on the other hand, loves ballet. Like loves it, studies it loves it. What. In. The. World? Whose kid is she anyway? Thank the good Lord she is mine! Back to sports though… and the Olympics. Oh, and dominoes.

Imagine the scenario, my family is gathered around the domino table in my parent’s dining room, the Olympic games are on the television and there we all were, cheering for people we didn’t even know who are playing sports we don’t even understand. Come on, now, admit it with me… you have no idea how they get the scores for ANY of those sports any more than we do.

I mean, when those divers do a handstand and then a double back hand triple tuck upside down flip over their back and land in the water with barely a splash… I would give them a 10. Primarily because even if I did a Cannon Ball into the pool from that high up, I would likely drown from all the water that rushed up my nose. But then, the scores would pop up on the bottom of the screen and they would get a 6.4. Huh? And the commentary would be like “yeah, that score should have been even lower because their head turned to the right when they hit the water.” Yeah. I saw that, too. At any rate, we had lots of fun watching the two weeks of games, cheering so loud for anything and anyone American. It was like, for a brief moment, we were cheering for our own, like our own children or our best friend’s kid. For a brief moment, it felt like the country stepped out the political, COVIDfilled, messy, unpredictable world we are living in and cheered for the same team. Our team. I totally get that people will always have differing opinions and that there will always be disagreements and discord. I mean, this great country was founded on the freedom of

being able to stand up for what you believe in. I’m truly okay with that, but don’t you think we have gone way past that respectability?

Why can’t we find a way to carry this perfect harmony that we found during these two weeks, two weeks when not even spouses or family members could travel to cheer their Olympian on by the way, and bring some of that teamwork into our real lives?

I mean, was anyone in America cheering for a Russian? A Romanian? Of course not, for one split second, or two-week second, we were all on the same team, cheering for the same athletes and as hard as it is to believe, the entire country agreed on one thing: we wanted the gold.

As I sat around the domino table, I quietly observed our children, whose ages range from 23 to 3. First, don’t even say it, I know what you’re thinking, “Cindy was quiet?” Yes, I am capable when I have to be.

Second, I watched with interest as our kids immersed themselves in this rich Olympic tradition that dates back to the 1800s, which involved cheering on their country’s Olympians. Not one time did anyone ask… ”I wonder what that gymnast thinks about masks in classrooms?” Not one time did they ask, “I wonder if that 400-meter runner got vaccinated?” I don’t mean to hit a nerve, readers, or incite political debate…Cassie would fire me.

The nerve I want to hit is how we can use moments like this to remind our children that there is indeed opportunities to step outside of disagreement and dissension and find a common ground. We have that opportunity every day, in our homes, in our work, in our politics.

Our children, and I can say this because mine are old enough to be influenced by the news, need to see that opposition doesn’t always have to exist in every corner of their lives. It’s a parenting moment that lets us share the nature of teamwork, of unity and of coming together for a common purpose. We continue to live in unprecedented times and our overseas presence is being threatened at this very minute.

As a result, the United States seems to have left the coherence we felt just last week and taken to the mats again for arguing and finger pointing. Quite simply: it’s a hard time to parent through. Even for our grown children and grandchildren, we are battling discord like never before.

I’m just a simple columnist from small town America but I also have a vote. I have a voice and my voice is using my platform this month to encourage our children, no matter their ages, to seek peace. As Hallmark card as that may sound, be the peacekeeper.

I fail sometimes, like when my children have been hurt (probably the biggest cause of incite in a parent’s life) to seek the peace. It’s hard. And they react to how they see you react. But it’s important to keep them focused on things they can control, and at this time in our country’s history, it’s not world peace.

It is however, peace in their lives, with their friends, with their family. And for us parents? It’s never been a more critical time for us to give them that peacemaking foundation, to remind them they have the tools to be the “one” who cheers for the “team,” rather than against it; even in situations where they have been hurt or wronged. Who knows? If we start a grass root effort to embrace rather than settle a score, perhaps the ones who are in charge of world peace could be influenced by those of us who just want to live in a quiet, respectable place full of peaceful times. Including when we are around the domino table. Cindy G. Foust is a wife, mom, author and blogger. You can find her blog at the alphabetmom.com for weekly columns about home life, parenting, small business stories and insight with a smidgen of literacy. Give her a like or follow on Facebook and Instagram.